All of this is a first for me, so I'll start out with my expectations, hopes, and plan:
We agreed that this would be a test and fun way to try and still play the game even though life is crazy and we can't seem to schedule things properly. That being said, I certainly hope all of us can contribute to this at least once a week to keep it moving! I would like for us to keep a steady weekly pace with larger battles being announced and we can all hop online around the same time to get through combat without huge hangups. (If not, it's not the end of the real world, but it seems like it would be easier in my opinion.) A quick suggestion would be to read the PbP FAQ and Intro post (it's stickied at the beginning of the forum) just to familiarize ourselves and make use of the tools available! Another suggestion is to check out some of the other PbP threads in here because for one they're really cool! And they could give us an idea of how things ought to go.
This is a campaign I've written and I've got no clue how far that will take us or how long what I have will last! To start, please use the character creator in D&D Beyond and link them in your post so I can have access to them. (Not positive if that's how it'll work, but hey, we'll try!) Barring any holdups there we can use Google Docs or something so I can see your sheets and know what I'm working with. In your first post please introduce yourself and give your public backstory right in the post for all of us to read. If you'd like me to know something specifically just use the PM function on this site! (A.K.A.: any rules questions or things you think may be against my wishes run by me there.) All the characters will start at level 1 with any connections you make given the basic world info below and I would like each character to have one minor wondrous item to start! That way everyone is terrible at life as a lvl 1 char, but hey! At least you have a cool shiny thing! Please no psionic abilities and if you have a HUGE or OVERLY COMPLICATED backstory... Will Wheaton that and PM me.
I'll do everything to the best of my ability and have most of the books at home available. If we feel the need we could pitch in and pay for the content available on D&DB, but we'll deal with that later. Without further ado, please enter the Land of Altinus! (Next post to separate business from pleasure)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!" DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen" Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Our story takes place in the Land of Altinus. A region somewhere near the Sword Coast, maybe not far from the same planes that other famous heroes have walked, but little known and full of adventures untold. It is a coastal region in its own right. A long expanse that runs North to South (more or less) separates the land from the sea. All manner of creature inhabit this region, the dwarfs and giants in the northern foothills by Cloverdown, elves in the northeast forests, desert dwellers to the far east (the city of Oresstia still further than that) , and all sorts of humanoids to the southern kingdom of Ptolemos. The Sea of Tears lies to the West of all this, and our adventure starts in the hub of Ibben, a budding city built upon the cliffs above the sea.
Map of Altinus (hand-drawn, far from perfect):
Ibben is not a port town, despite its proximity to the waters. No, it is simply a crossroads. A gathering place for all manner of being seeking a place to stay in their travels. The streets are clean and there are barely any beggars or peddlers. It consists of mostly rough-hewn stone buildings lining the dirt streets in the town square. Some shops have cloth awnings and most buildings have large bay windows with semi-dirty glass. Most hours of the day the town is bustling with traders coming through, new adventurers passing by and checking the local shops, and townsfolk going about their business. It’s a merry place, a place someone would want to settle down. A place folks seem happy to be.
There aren’t many buildings constructed from wood; stone seems to be a popular material. The streets are lined in a grid, 90 degree corners and almost perfectly spaced blocks are the norm. The roadways are wide enough for two caravan wagons to pass side by side and still allow room for people to walk close to the shops. (Picture medieval Europe version of NYC). The bedrock is stable enough to allow for multiple story construction, so most shopkeepers bed above their stores and the Inns stand out as the tallest structures around at 3 and sometimes 4 stories! A castle dominates the Western view, towering on the hillside and casting shadows in the early morning when the star rises. (Yes, the star rises in the West and sets in the East.) It’s clear it is a budding city because of the trade routes, but the wealth is new to the castle and hasn’t made as much of an impact building city walls yet.
The town has a local guard regiment that patrol lazily day by day. There doesn’t appear to be much crime in the town and what small crimes are committed (usually theft) are dealt with swiftly. The jail is empty and it is rumored that the mine within the castle walls is run by those who would normally be jailed. The guard are distinct by the hard leathers they wear, shortswords at their sides and crossbows slung to their backs. They all appear lackadaisical, though if provoked do not hesitate to draw weapons. The hard leather armor all sport a golden crest on the left breast with a small symbol emblazoned on it. This crest is for Goldenrock, with the same symbol emblazoned on all the heraldry of the Duke. The sigil is a perfectly orthogonal gold cube (2D) with a calligraphy ‘A’ on the front face.
This will be a milestone style leveling system (simply because I find it easier and have settings in mind for you to level up with.)
Please use the point-buy system to create your character (the character builder on this site gives you 27 points with every stat starting at 8)
Your hit points can be manual or fixed if you'd like the randomization or not. Up to you.
I'll allow just about any race character with sufficient notice. Just... no frost giant or bugbear (or owlbear) or chaotically evil characters. I just don't think they'll fit.
I think that covers what I missed. I'll give you guys a week to digest, respond, and come up with a party!
Tharin Enderin (Thah-rinn End-er-inn) has recently come to town with a massive wound to the back, below the ribcage, pleading for assistance. He had been guarding a caravan going by the Duskwater Swamp when a group of bandits ambushed them. The bandits left everyone for dead and took the caravan back in an unseen direction. Tharin was able to patch what he could and make his way to Ibben for assistance. He described the bandits to the town guards who made their way to the swamp, accompanied by Tharin, but could only catch a glimpse of the discarded bodies before they sunk down into the depths. With no employer to report back to, Tharin wandered about town, clutching reflexively at his back, looking for more work.
Tharin Enderin (Thah-rinn End-er-inn) has recently come to town with a massive wound to the back, below the ribcage, pleading for assistance. He had been guarding a caravan going by the Duskwater Swamp when a group of bandits ambushed them. The bandits left everyone for dead and took the caravan back in an unseen direction. Tharin was able to patch what he could and make his way to Ibben for assistance. He described the bandits to the town guards who made their way to the swamp, accompanied by Tharin, but could only catch a glimpse of the discarded bodies before they sunk down into the depths. With no employer to report back to, Tharin wandered about town, clutching reflexively at his back, looking for more work.
For Tharin:
The town guard declined to search through the swamp, muttering something about 'the evil' that resides there... They did, however, agree to watch for bandits and warn travelers to the south about them.
As you make your way about Ibben you notice a throng of people in the center of town where the road comes to a 't'. Here, at the aptly named "Crossroads Inn", townsfolk and travelers are milling about excitedly. A plump, happy halfling is beaming from person to person. He has a dish towel over his shoulder and looks to be the Inn-keep. I recommend pausing here and we'll wait for the rest of the party.
It was just past noon as the sun peaked in the sky overhead, when the caravan rolled in through the South Gates of Ibben. Aracynth (Ayr-ah-sinth) stopped to the side of the crowded street as his steel grey eyes, flecked with gold and sapphire, roamed from beneath his ornate helm to take in the expanse of the city. The strong breeze barrelling down the busy thoroughfare whipped at his stained cloak, allowing the sun to easily glint off his silver scales beneath. He strode a few blocks towards an Inn, and passersby gave the well armed draconian a wide berth. As he passed the 4th row, he spied down the street a ways an Elf wandering a bit listlessly, clutching at his back. He paused a moment and adjusted his course to intercept.
"Good Morrow, Sir. My name is Aracynth and I am new here in Ibben, only recently arrived you see, but you appear to be injured. I have some modest skill at healing, if you would like some help? I assure you, I mean you no harm or other ill will."
He gestured with both his claws splayed open, showing bare palms.
Fizzbang Grogsnout Heathcliff Moldywart knew many things. In fact, he'd made it his job to know as many things as possible. For instance, he knew how to move (mostly) undetected through the city of Ibben, or how to use magic to change some poor saps card when he wasn't looking. Fizzbang also knew (as any Rock Gnome with half a brain would know) that a Draconian usually spelled trouble. Scaly palms out in a supplicating gesture or not, that damned fool elf was bound to get more than he bargained for.
Unfortunately, this sight left the gnome rather distracted, and he bumped into a large man standing directly in his path. Fizzbang looked up, grumbling something about the man's mother, until he realized just whom he had bumped into.
"Ah, Jalud! It's ah...erm, well, fancy meeting you here!"
Fizzbang desperately hoped that Jalud, one of the more notorious members of Ibben's criminal society, had forgotten the rather embarrassing debt Fizzbang had accrued last week after one too many cups of dandelion mead and far too many unlucky throws of the dice. Tricky things dice. Vindictive, fickle, thoughtless things really. And devilishly hard to bewitch with illusion.
The fat man lifted the gnome in one meaty fist and readied the other for a blow.
Kynortas returned to the inn after his morning training. The innkeep, Roderick Pip was surprised at his very early entrance. His surprise disappeared when he realized it was his guest from the past couple of days. Kynortas wandered upstairs, donned his armor, his shield and his sword. He made his way out of the inn. He wandered into town and began looking for a caravan or some people who maybe needed a strong arm and a swift sword. He had exhausted his funds and if his journey was to continue he would require gold. He wandered around town until just after noon. He headed back to the square where he could watch the caravans come in. As he did, he saw a dragon born speaking with an elf who appeared to be wounded. He watched the interaction with interest. Where there were wounds the would be danger, and someone in danger needed protection.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A rising clamor from behind caught Aracynth's attention, as he turned to see a throng of people gathering in front of the Crossroads Inn. When had it become so crowded? After months of travelling across the Sea of Tears (as he had recently learned it was called), Aracynth found the bustle of city life distracting and frantic to say the least. He surveyed the scene unfolding before him, and saw on the edge of the crowd a burly character hoist a small Gnome aloft. The man's ill intent was clearly visible as he cocked a beefy arm back in greeting. Shit! If this crowd begins brawling, it could easily escalate into a frenzy.. The distracted Elf would have to wait.
Donning a smile, Aracynth approached the burly man who, though tall enough for a human, still stood nearly a foot shorter than Aracynth himself. "Pardon me Friend," Aracynth addressed the aggressor loudly and amicably as he approached, hoping to bring some attention to the growing altercation. "My name is Aracynth, and I am new here in Ibben, and wondered if I might get a minute of your time?" He read the scene as he strode forward.
"Ah, Jalud!"the Gnome had been stammering, signifying that among other things, these two were at least acquaintances. The man's serious countenance, with fist still poised to strike, shifted towards Aracynth slightly.
"You seem to be a man who knows things, so before you and your small friend here continue your 'discussion', I had hoped you might enlighten me as to the purpose of this gathering today?" Aracynth gestured towards the surrounding crowd, as he tried to distract the man and point out the large number of witnesses.
Tharin looked on at the growing crowd. He paused before following Aracynth. After a moment becoming accustomed to the situation, he started to make his way around to the back of this "Jalud". If he made a move to attack this dragonborn, Tharin might be able to help. And also get that help in return.
For DM:
"Loitering. Disturbing the Peace. Public Nuisance" tallied Tharin as he looked on at the growing crowd, before even noticing the dragonborn had left. If he was ever going to follow the trail back to the crime lord, he'll have to start with the crimes in front of him. He'd also need that healing. Either way, he needed to help. So surpressing his instinct to arrest all in the square, he moved to join in.
Jalud, having had enough of this greasy gnome making excuses, hefted him to get a better view.
"Fancy, eh? Does I look fancy to you? You owe me, shorty... what are we up to now? With interest... lessee... let's call it 500 gold. Yea. That sounds good. Your debt plus your excuses increased the price." He menaced.
Jalud caught sight of a very large silver Dragonborn walking to him with teeth bared and glanced that direction to hear him ask for 'enlightenment'. He also noticed a fully armored human watching with interest off to the side, and could have swore he saw someone slip in behind him...
"Brought friends today, eh? That's cute. You know I have more than 2 friends..." he whispered to Fizzbang
Jalud turned his attention to the Dragonborn, his arm still cocked to relieve Fizzbang of his smirk: "Enlighten you, eh? Did you miss the posters on the Crossroads walls? Everyone's here to get information about the tournament. Now if you'll 'scuse me, me and my business partner here was having a meeting," and turned his attention back to Fizzbang. "You're lucky again today, runt. But don't expect me to forget just because you brought muscle for once," he grunted quietly, and dropped the gnome back to the ground, only slightly relaxing his other fist. Hands still clenched, he shrugged at the Dragonborn and began to walk back into the crowd.
Fizzbang dropped free of the fat man’s grip. He breathed a sigh of relief and unconsciously checked his pockets to ensure his valuables were still in place. A further survey of his vital parts, head, check, shoulders, check, knees and toes, check-check.
”Wait...did he say greasy? That bastard!”
Fizzbang turned to his impromptu rescuers. “Can’t say I’ve been glad to see a Dragonborn before, but considering my face is more-or-less how I prefer it, I suppose I owe you some degree of gratitude.” He peered closely at the imposing reptilian. “Say, I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before? What brings a strapping lad like you to humble Ibben?”
A Tournament? Aracynth thought, as the burly man vanished into the crowd. “Well, that would explain why this crowd seems so excitable.” He glanced around and caught the gaze of a well armed man standing off to one side, at ease in his full armor, and Aracynth nodded. “And why so many of them look prepared for combat.” A wry smile stole over Aracynth's face as he considered his own appearance. I must seem to fit right in.
He peered back down towards the Gnome. Once more firmly afoot, the small being patted himself down in an amusing fashion. The Gnome began addressing him, so Aracynth crouched down to ease the conversation, adjusting his greatsword and the lance strapped across his back so they wouldn’t impede his motion. “Fizzbang, wasn’t it? I too am grateful that you are not injured, friend. Your brutish business partner seemed intent on harming you, though; Thanks be to Bahamut that he saw Reason in the end.” Aracynth paused, looking into his own silver claws, “I also understand your hesitance to think well of me; Dragonborn are often mistaken as miniature versions of greater and more destructive beasts, for we are just as capable of great and terrible things.” he lamented. “As for what brings me here,” Aracynth’s voice began to trail and his eyes lost focus, looking at Fizzbang, but seeing something else entirely, “I suppose it is my past that brought me here.” he mumbled softly. Aracynth blinked his eyes clear, and regained himself after a moment.
“That, and an injured Elf!” he suddenly remembered. He rose quickly and turned around, searching for the Elf where he had last stood. How did I lose an injured Elf? He turned and scanned the crowd again, spying the Halfling at the center, beaming widely from the Inn. “Say Fizzbang,” he called down, “What more can you tell me about this Tournament? And who is that Halfling?”
Tharin moves to intercept Jalud, but reconsiders as the wound in his back flares in pain. He drops to the ground as the dragonborn scans the dispersing crowd. "A little help, please?" The mud on the wound stopping the bleeding has almost completely dried up, leaving crumbling dirt and leaves to staunch the bleeding.
“The tournament?” Replied Fizzbang, “nothing more than a glorified excuse for over-muscled brutes and thugs to whallop each other senseless in an indulgent display of physical prowess.”
He eyed the Dragonborn’s claws, armor, and physique.
”actually, you might be perfectly suited for such an endeavor. As for your halfling admirer over there, he’s Roderick Pip, s local inkeeper. Bit of an odd duck that one, if you catch my drift, but earnest enough.”
Fizzbang spared a glimpse at the wounded elf. “Say, I think your pet elf is staining the street with his blood.”
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Good morrow, folks!
All of this is a first for me, so I'll start out with my expectations, hopes, and plan:
We agreed that this would be a test and fun way to try and still play the game even though life is crazy and we can't seem to schedule things properly. That being said, I certainly hope all of us can contribute to this at least once a week to keep it moving! I would like for us to keep a steady weekly pace with larger battles being announced and we can all hop online around the same time to get through combat without huge hangups. (If not, it's not the end of the real world, but it seems like it would be easier in my opinion.) A quick suggestion would be to read the PbP FAQ and Intro post (it's stickied at the beginning of the forum) just to familiarize ourselves and make use of the tools available! Another suggestion is to check out some of the other PbP threads in here because for one they're really cool! And they could give us an idea of how things ought to go.
This is a campaign I've written and I've got no clue how far that will take us or how long what I have will last! To start, please use the character creator in D&D Beyond and link them in your post so I can have access to them. (Not positive if that's how it'll work, but hey, we'll try!) Barring any holdups there we can use Google Docs or something so I can see your sheets and know what I'm working with. In your first post please introduce yourself and give your public backstory right in the post for all of us to read. If you'd like me to know something specifically just use the PM function on this site! (A.K.A.: any rules questions or things you think may be against my wishes run by me there.) All the characters will start at level 1 with any connections you make given the basic world info below and I would like each character to have one minor wondrous item to start! That way everyone is terrible at life as a lvl 1 char, but hey! At least you have a cool shiny thing! Please no psionic abilities and if you have a HUGE or OVERLY COMPLICATED backstory... Will Wheaton that and PM me.
I'll do everything to the best of my ability and have most of the books at home available. If we feel the need we could pitch in and pay for the content available on D&DB, but we'll deal with that later. Without further ado, please enter the Land of Altinus! (Next post to separate business from pleasure)
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Our story takes place in the Land of Altinus. A region somewhere near the Sword Coast, maybe not far from the same planes that other famous heroes have walked, but little known and full of adventures untold. It is a coastal region in its own right. A long expanse that runs North to South (more or less) separates the land from the sea. All manner of creature inhabit this region, the dwarfs and giants in the northern foothills by Cloverdown, elves in the northeast forests, desert dwellers to the far east (the city of Oresstia still further than that) , and all sorts of humanoids to the southern kingdom of Ptolemos. The Sea of Tears lies to the West of all this, and our adventure starts in the hub of Ibben, a budding city built upon the cliffs above the sea.
Map of Altinus (hand-drawn, far from perfect):
Ibben is not a port town, despite its proximity to the waters. No, it is simply a crossroads. A gathering place for all manner of being seeking a place to stay in their travels. The streets are clean and there are barely any beggars or peddlers. It consists of mostly rough-hewn stone buildings lining the dirt streets in the town square. Some shops have cloth awnings and most buildings have large bay windows with semi-dirty glass. Most hours of the day the town is bustling with traders coming through, new adventurers passing by and checking the local shops, and townsfolk going about their business. It’s a merry place, a place someone would want to settle down. A place folks seem happy to be.
There aren’t many buildings constructed from wood; stone seems to be a popular material. The streets are lined in a grid, 90 degree corners and almost perfectly spaced blocks are the norm. The roadways are wide enough for two caravan wagons to pass side by side and still allow room for people to walk close to the shops. (Picture medieval Europe version of NYC). The bedrock is stable enough to allow for multiple story construction, so most shopkeepers bed above their stores and the Inns stand out as the tallest structures around at 3 and sometimes 4 stories! A castle dominates the Western view, towering on the hillside and casting shadows in the early morning when the star rises. (Yes, the star rises in the West and sets in the East.) It’s clear it is a budding city because of the trade routes, but the wealth is new to the castle and hasn’t made as much of an impact building city walls yet.
The town has a local guard regiment that patrol lazily day by day. There doesn’t appear to be much crime in the town and what small crimes are committed (usually theft) are dealt with swiftly. The jail is empty and it is rumored that the mine within the castle walls is run by those who would normally be jailed. The guard are distinct by the hard leathers they wear, shortswords at their sides and crossbows slung to their backs. They all appear lackadaisical, though if provoked do not hesitate to draw weapons. The hard leather armor all sport a golden crest on the left breast with a small symbol emblazoned on it. This crest is for Goldenrock, with the same symbol emblazoned on all the heraldry of the Duke. The sigil is a perfectly orthogonal gold cube (2D) with a calligraphy ‘A’ on the front face.
The town of Ibben:
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Pat signing in.
Here I am... as Dave... for now...
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
To business - things I forgot to mention!
I think that covers what I missed. I'll give you guys a week to digest, respond, and come up with a party!
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
I am here and online.
But who are you, 3dge? Who are you really?
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
AND MY AXE
Tharin Enderin (Thah-rinn End-er-inn) has recently come to town with a massive wound to the back, below the ribcage, pleading for assistance. He had been guarding a caravan going by the Duskwater Swamp when a group of bandits ambushed them. The bandits left everyone for dead and took the caravan back in an unseen direction. Tharin was able to patch what he could and make his way to Ibben for assistance. He described the bandits to the town guards who made their way to the swamp, accompanied by Tharin, but could only catch a glimpse of the discarded bodies before they sunk down into the depths. With no employer to report back to, Tharin wandered about town, clutching reflexively at his back, looking for more work.
For Tharin:
The town guard declined to search through the swamp, muttering something about 'the evil' that resides there... They did, however, agree to watch for bandits and warn travelers to the south about them.
As you make your way about Ibben you notice a throng of people in the center of town where the road comes to a 't'. Here, at the aptly named "Crossroads Inn", townsfolk and travelers are milling about excitedly. A plump, happy halfling is beaming from person to person. He has a dish towel over his shoulder and looks to be the Inn-keep. I recommend pausing here and we'll wait for the rest of the party.
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
It was just past noon as the sun peaked in the sky overhead, when the caravan rolled in through the South Gates of Ibben. Aracynth (Ayr-ah-sinth) stopped to the side of the crowded street as his steel grey eyes, flecked with gold and sapphire, roamed from beneath his ornate helm to take in the expanse of the city. The strong breeze barrelling down the busy thoroughfare whipped at his stained cloak, allowing the sun to easily glint off his silver scales beneath. He strode a few blocks towards an Inn, and passersby gave the well armed draconian a wide berth. As he passed the 4th row, he spied down the street a ways an Elf wandering a bit listlessly, clutching at his back. He paused a moment and adjusted his course to intercept.
"Good Morrow, Sir. My name is Aracynth and I am new here in Ibben, only recently arrived you see, but you appear to be injured. I have some modest skill at healing, if you would like some help? I assure you, I mean you no harm or other ill will."
He gestured with both his claws splayed open, showing bare palms.
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Fizzbang Grogsnout Heathcliff Moldywart knew many things. In fact, he'd made it his job to know as many things as possible. For instance, he knew how to move (mostly) undetected through the city of Ibben, or how to use magic to change some poor saps card when he wasn't looking. Fizzbang also knew (as any Rock Gnome with half a brain would know) that a Draconian usually spelled trouble. Scaly palms out in a supplicating gesture or not, that damned fool elf was bound to get more than he bargained for.
Unfortunately, this sight left the gnome rather distracted, and he bumped into a large man standing directly in his path. Fizzbang looked up, grumbling something about the man's mother, until he realized just whom he had bumped into.
"Ah, Jalud! It's ah...erm, well, fancy meeting you here!"
Fizzbang desperately hoped that Jalud, one of the more notorious members of Ibben's criminal society, had forgotten the rather embarrassing debt Fizzbang had accrued last week after one too many cups of dandelion mead and far too many unlucky throws of the dice. Tricky things dice. Vindictive, fickle, thoughtless things really. And devilishly hard to bewitch with illusion.
The fat man lifted the gnome in one meaty fist and readied the other for a blow.
Kynortas returned to the inn after his morning training. The innkeep, Roderick Pip was surprised at his very early entrance. His surprise disappeared when he realized it was his guest from the past couple of days. Kynortas wandered upstairs, donned his armor, his shield and his sword. He made his way out of the inn. He wandered into town and began looking for a caravan or some people who maybe needed a strong arm and a swift sword. He had exhausted his funds and if his journey was to continue he would require gold. He wandered around town until just after noon. He headed back to the square where he could watch the caravans come in. As he did, he saw a dragon born speaking with an elf who appeared to be wounded. He watched the interaction with interest. Where there were wounds the would be danger, and someone in danger needed protection.
A rising clamor from behind caught Aracynth's attention, as he turned to see a throng of people gathering in front of the Crossroads Inn. When had it become so crowded? After months of travelling across the Sea of Tears (as he had recently learned it was called), Aracynth found the bustle of city life distracting and frantic to say the least. He surveyed the scene unfolding before him, and saw on the edge of the crowd a burly character hoist a small Gnome aloft. The man's ill intent was clearly visible as he cocked a beefy arm back in greeting. Shit! If this crowd begins brawling, it could easily escalate into a frenzy.. The distracted Elf would have to wait.
Donning a smile, Aracynth approached the burly man who, though tall enough for a human, still stood nearly a foot shorter than Aracynth himself. "Pardon me Friend," Aracynth addressed the aggressor loudly and amicably as he approached, hoping to bring some attention to the growing altercation. "My name is Aracynth, and I am new here in Ibben, and wondered if I might get a minute of your time?" He read the scene as he strode forward.
"Ah, Jalud!" the Gnome had been stammering, signifying that among other things, these two were at least acquaintances. The man's serious countenance, with fist still poised to strike, shifted towards Aracynth slightly.
"You seem to be a man who knows things, so before you and your small friend here continue your 'discussion', I had hoped you might enlighten me as to the purpose of this gathering today?" Aracynth gestured towards the surrounding crowd, as he tried to distract the man and point out the large number of witnesses.
Persuasion: 20 + 4 = 16
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Tharin looked on at the growing crowd. He paused before following Aracynth. After a moment becoming accustomed to the situation, he started to make his way around to the back of this "Jalud". If he made a move to attack this dragonborn, Tharin might be able to help. And also get that help in return.
For DM:
"Loitering. Disturbing the Peace. Public Nuisance" tallied Tharin as he looked on at the growing crowd, before even noticing the dragonborn had left. If he was ever going to follow the trail back to the crime lord, he'll have to start with the crimes in front of him. He'd also need that healing. Either way, he needed to help. So surpressing his instinct to arrest all in the square, he moved to join in.
If Jalud runs: Intercept
If Jalud figts: unarmed attack
Jalud, having had enough of this greasy gnome making excuses, hefted him to get a better view.
"Fancy, eh? Does I look fancy to you? You owe me, shorty... what are we up to now? With interest... lessee... let's call it 500 gold. Yea. That sounds good. Your debt plus your excuses increased the price." He menaced.
Jalud caught sight of a very large silver Dragonborn walking to him with teeth bared and glanced that direction to hear him ask for 'enlightenment'. He also noticed a fully armored human watching with interest off to the side, and could have swore he saw someone slip in behind him...
"Brought friends today, eh? That's cute. You know I have more than 2 friends..." he whispered to Fizzbang
Jalud turned his attention to the Dragonborn, his arm still cocked to relieve Fizzbang of his smirk: "Enlighten you, eh? Did you miss the posters on the Crossroads walls? Everyone's here to get information about the tournament. Now if you'll 'scuse me, me and my business partner here was having a meeting," and turned his attention back to Fizzbang.
"You're lucky again today, runt. But don't expect me to forget just because you brought muscle for once," he grunted quietly, and dropped the gnome back to the ground, only slightly relaxing his other fist. Hands still clenched, he shrugged at the Dragonborn and began to walk back into the crowd.
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Fizzbang dropped free of the fat man’s grip. He breathed a sigh of relief and unconsciously checked his pockets to ensure his valuables were still in place. A further survey of his vital parts, head, check, shoulders, check, knees and toes, check-check.
”Wait...did he say greasy? That bastard!”
Fizzbang turned to his impromptu rescuers. “Can’t say I’ve been glad to see a Dragonborn before, but considering my face is more-or-less how I prefer it, I suppose I owe you some degree of gratitude.” He peered closely at the imposing reptilian. “Say, I don’t believe I’ve seen you around before? What brings a strapping lad like you to humble Ibben?”
A Tournament? Aracynth thought, as the burly man vanished into the crowd. “Well, that would explain why this crowd seems so excitable.” He glanced around and caught the gaze of a well armed man standing off to one side, at ease in his full armor, and Aracynth nodded. “And why so many of them look prepared for combat.” A wry smile stole over Aracynth's face as he considered his own appearance. I must seem to fit right in.
He peered back down towards the Gnome. Once more firmly afoot, the small being patted himself down in an amusing fashion. The Gnome began addressing him, so Aracynth crouched down to ease the conversation, adjusting his greatsword and the lance strapped across his back so they wouldn’t impede his motion. “Fizzbang, wasn’t it? I too am grateful that you are not injured, friend. Your brutish business partner seemed intent on harming you, though; Thanks be to Bahamut that he saw Reason in the end.” Aracynth paused, looking into his own silver claws, “I also understand your hesitance to think well of me; Dragonborn are often mistaken as miniature versions of greater and more destructive beasts, for we are just as capable of great and terrible things.” he lamented. “As for what brings me here,” Aracynth’s voice began to trail and his eyes lost focus, looking at Fizzbang, but seeing something else entirely, “I suppose it is my past that brought me here.” he mumbled softly. Aracynth blinked his eyes clear, and regained himself after a moment.
“That, and an injured Elf!” he suddenly remembered. He rose quickly and turned around, searching for the Elf where he had last stood. How did I lose an injured Elf? He turned and scanned the crowd again, spying the Halfling at the center, beaming widely from the Inn. “Say Fizzbang,” he called down, “What more can you tell me about this Tournament? And who is that Halfling?”
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Tharin moves to intercept Jalud, but reconsiders as the wound in his back flares in pain. He drops to the ground as the dragonborn scans the dispersing crowd. "A little help, please?" The mud on the wound stopping the bleeding has almost completely dried up, leaving crumbling dirt and leaves to staunch the bleeding.
“The tournament?” Replied Fizzbang, “nothing more than a glorified excuse for over-muscled brutes and thugs to whallop each other senseless in an indulgent display of physical prowess.”
He eyed the Dragonborn’s claws, armor, and physique.
”actually, you might be perfectly suited for such an endeavor. As for your halfling admirer over there, he’s Roderick Pip, s local inkeeper. Bit of an odd duck that one, if you catch my drift, but earnest enough.”
Fizzbang spared a glimpse at the wounded elf. “Say, I think your pet elf is staining the street with his blood.”