Waterdeep!Greatest city in all the Forgotten Realms!
In these fabled streets, heroes are forged, and adventures begun. Tonight, you gather at the Yawning Portal to hear tales of glory from a troupe of traveling performers.
Crowded tables line the taproom of the Yawning Portal.Clearly, you are not the only one to get wind of Rusty Bighat’s traveling spectacle.To your left, a ruddy faced hafling engages a half-elf in animated conversation in front of a makeshift stage.You cannot tell if the halfling’s ruddy face comes is his natural shade, or a result of his entreating. Elsewhere in the room, patrons of all colors, sizes, and races litter the tavern, some quite literally, others by drinking, singing, or playing games of chance.Directly in front of you is the building’s namesake — a pit 30, no, 40 feet across, smack dab in the middle of the pub, with no rails or warnings, just a rope-and-pulley mechanism towering above it.A second story overlooks the Portal, and two sets of staircases lead above it.As you notice a group of what you presume must be adventurers standing near the Portal, a wiry man with mutton chops finishes drawing ale from a tap.
“Oi! Don’t stand there leavin’ the door open -find a seat, the lot o’ ye!Take the big one in the corner!”He tosses an exasperated glance at a redheaded human hustling from table to table. “Bonnie, when they figure out how to sit down, see what they want.”
This is your big entrance, and your in-character introduction to the world, and, unless some number of you weave intertwining backstories, each other!Describe in detail how you enter — who you are, what you say and do, and how you got here.If you get stuck, some thoughts:
What even led/force you to become an adventurer?
What idea/bond/flaw best represents your character?
What would your character think would be the perfect start to their story?
Going back and forth amongst each others is not only allowed -- it's encouraged.
And there is an out-of-character task, as well.The adventure goal here is for you to help craft YOUR story.So, send me, in a private messages, what elements would be best for your character.
Describe your preferred antagonist.Use examples in D&D or other fiction, if it helps.Does your character seek to oppose a direct villain, one where you know where you stand, but whose power means you do not want to be standing there?Or perhaps a behind-the-scenes type, where you might not even know there is a bad guy, but events are manipulated around you.Or perhaps a supposed friend, who, through intent or circumstances, ends up opposing you?
Somebody to meet in the tavern.Maybe the villain, maybe not.This could be a rival, after the same goals as you, or, since you are all starting out, a friend, patron, or ally.Beginners or not, this person could instead be a victim, in need of assistance from adventurers like yourselves.
Role-play challenge. Pick a character other than you own.What would be a moment of character development between your character and that one, one that your characters might not even expect, but which would be interesting moment to work towards? (You may want to wait on this until after character introductions)
We may even have some votes to settle ties in the OOC thread, but these choices will definitely impact the flow of the story, and make it different from another running of the same adventure, so give them some thought!
Orynn, following behind a few others entering the Yawning Portal, and keeping his head down, grimaces at mutton chops's bellow. He immediately peels off from the others, hugging the wall and moving as quickly as he can without drawing attention to himself. He circles around to the table indicated — the "big one" — and slinks into a seat. Slouching a little to continue to keep his head down, he crosses one arm across his body to rest the elbow of his other arm in its palm, and covers his mouth and chin with his other hand. His fingers scratch at his new beard uncomfortably. He looks around the room to make sure no one is paying him too much attention. At any kind of distance more than 10 feet, Orynn appears to be human. His copper skin and short, black hair are reminiscent of the Shou lineage. Up close, however, the slight point to his ears, the blade-like shape of his nose, and his vivid green eyes give some indication to his elf maternity. He is average height and weight and garbed in unremarkable clothing underneath leather armor. A longbow and quiver are slung over one shoulder and two daggers are attached to his breastplate. As he waits for the entertainment to begin, Orynn pulls a small silver snuffbox out of a pocket and admires it like someone who's done this too many times to count.
Aerys steps inside the Yawning Portal as soon as the big man bellows. He gives "finger guns" to the bellowing man and makes his way to the big table. He is of average height (around 5'10"), his skin is lightly tanned and you can definitely tell he has an elven heritage. He has very blue eyes with jet black hair kept in a small ponytail. He is currently wearing leathers with some pretty boring clothes underneath. He has a longbow slung on his back with a quiver hung on the small of his back, a long with two scimitars at both of his sides.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arvel pauses before entering the taproom. He takes a deep breath to center himself and as he passes through the doorway, he is "on".
He flashes his bright, winning smile at the Tapmaster and gives a courtly bow with a flourish of his cap.
He intercepts Bonnie on her way to the table. Engaging her as he would an old flame, they dance together to the music for a moment while he whispers a few sweet nothings into her ear before he dips her and sends her spinning, giggling like a schoolgirl, off towards the taps and the kitchen.
"I know you are busy, mon cher. But could you bring a round of ale and some food to me and my friends?"
He moves around the room, greeting stangers as acquaintances and acquaintances as old friends. He pauses in front of a minstrel strumming a folktune and sings a few verses for the crowd, waving away with a smile the minstrel's offer to share the few coins that come in during the performance.
Having made a full lap of the room, Arvel finally approaches the proffered table and his companions just as Bonnie returns with the round of drinks and food Arvel ordered during their exchange.
"Life, she is good no? A toast, mon ami! To zee Duc du Champris!"
And, with that, he sits.
Arvel is devilishly handsome. Blonde haired and fair skinned, with a bright white smile. He wears a blue cape and cap over his leathers, the cape held in place by an unidentifiable family crest. The only aspect of him that seems "off" are his golden eyes.
Dekket is already sitting at the big table when the newcomers are directed to it. He just smiles to the new ones that sit and share the table with him and the can see his vivid red skin, and his two horns that goes back along his head. There is a black hat laying at the side of his ale in the table, a three-point hat with a long red feather from an unknown bird. He wears a white shirt and a black leather armor over it. Trousers and a couple of long worn boots complement his vestments. A rapier rest on his hip. Despite his relaxed demeneaor those who look to his red eyes can see that he is constantly checking the room, as if he was waiting for someone to appear.
“ Well met, well met “ he says as the others finally reach the table “ full house today I guess,right? Please, sit down, let’s share the table and the fun tonight...”
"Ah! Zat, mon ami, is zee Yawning Portal zee tavern is named aftair. It is a well that leads to Undermountain! Once a dwarven mine, it is now a dungeon filled with monstairs and adventure! A single gold coin is all it takes to be lowered to your destiny. Your life could be lost, but your fortunes could be made!"
Arvel leans in.
"Just be sure to have anozzer gold coin ready to pay to be hauled out when you are finis, no?"
He leans back again.
"As for me? It is I, Arvel Du Champris! Your friend and confidante for the evening! S'il vous plait, eat! Bonnie will be so sad if her cooking goes to waste!"
“ Fun for me? Well, some drinks, some good music, and perhaps a good dance with a lovely woman... “ he winks to Argel and takes a sip of his ale.
” You are really new around here, aren’t you? “ he says to Aerys “ everyone in Waterdeep and in some leagues around knows that from there you go down to the dungeons of undermountain. A lot of adventurers wannabe go down trying to uncover its misteries. Most of them come back empty handed. Some others barely escape with their lifes, telling that all kind of monsters attacked them, a few come back with riches and powerful magic objects.. most of them.. never come back “ he takes another sip of his ale. “ This one is almost empty, would you mind to ask for one more drink when you order yours? There we can save some work to lovely Bonnie in this busy night”
He makes a little bow when he finish “ Name’s Dekket “ nice to meet you..”
“Careful careful my new friend” Dekket tries to contain him from taking out his money. “ Too many people here tonight and you never know who could be a friend of your coins instead of you... “ he tries to sit Arvel back to their table.
At that moment, a woman arrives and sets down a foaming mug in front of each person.
"Names' Bonnie, and you all look new to the area. Have one on the house - like Durnan says, for fresh meat, the first hit's free." She resembles the woman Arvel stopped earlier, but is not the same person -- perhaps an older sister? "Speaking of which, mon ami," she winks at Arvel, "make sure you are talking to who you think you are -- you talk to the right girl, you'll win a heart , but you talk to the wrong girl around here, you're as like to find yourself short a kidney."
"I see some empty chairs here - we'll deal with them as they come. Now, what can I do for you?"
"My heart, she breaks for my mistake! Please tell zis poor supplicant 'ow he can escape zis seventh hell of embarrassment and once again bask in the sunlight of your smile, mon amor?"
"Well, this is the place," Cassandra says with a bit of a sigh as she glances back at her unexpected companion. Even from the street outside, she can tell that the Yawning Portal is busier than she expected it to be. Apparently some sort of event must be happening that she isn't aware of.
For a moment, she hesitates, unsure if she should really be going in there with that many people around.
Jun looks about the place indicated by his traveling companion.
"Looks to be a rather rowdy place."
Jun steps inside the door and looks about for an open table. He is a shorter than average human with dark hair, and wears VERY travel worn clothing that some might wonder how it stays together. Over the outfit he wears a tattered cloak that does little to protect against the elements. At his belt is a long curved sword in a dark wooden sheath.
"Think we'll be able to find this friend of yours in the crowd?"
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Playing in: Shepherds of Truth - Thomas Roth, Shepherd of Mystra Aerovail, Cities in the Sky - Aidan Burke, Smuggler The Missing Schema - Trigger, Morgrave Trap-Breaker Echoes of the Past - Einar Barruk, Fight Club Brawler Once in Waterdeep - Nagao Jun, Windwise Wanderer
Cassie takes a breath to steady her nerves and walks in after Jun.
"I certainly hope so," she responds with a bit of a shrug as her eyes wander about the taproom. "Last I'd heard they had just started working here, but that was several months back. Hopefully they're still around."
Her eyes latch onto the open seats at a nearby table, and she beckons Jun to follow her in that direction.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Of course."
Jun follows Cassie over to the empty seats, his eyes spinning all over the crowded room, taking in as much as he can.
Perception Check: 15
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Playing in: Shepherds of Truth - Thomas Roth, Shepherd of Mystra Aerovail, Cities in the Sky - Aidan Burke, Smuggler The Missing Schema - Trigger, Morgrave Trap-Breaker Echoes of the Past - Einar Barruk, Fight Club Brawler Once in Waterdeep - Nagao Jun, Windwise Wanderer
"Allo, allo and welcome new tablemates! Please make yourself comfortable while Bonnie here serves us. Zis is Dekket, Aerys, Orynn and I am Arvel Du Champris! Since we are to be thrown togezzer by fate, 'ow can I make your evenings more enjoyable?"
Cassandra hesitates for the slightest moment at the enthusiastic greeting, but quickly cracks a smile as she comes up to the table.
"Well, I was about to ask if these seats were taken, but I guess ye've already answered that for me."
She quickly pulls out one of the seats and plops down into it a bit unceremoniously, motioning for Jun to take the seat next to her.
"Evening to ye' all then, lads. Name's Cassie, and my companion here is Jun."
As those at the table see her approach, they would see that Cassandra is dressed in fairly typical sailor's garb of common quality, and she's only visibly armed with a small knife strapped to the side of her left boot. Her flame-red hair is long and straight, hanging down over her shoulders, but rather unkempt at the moment. She has a smattering of freckles visible on her face.
Reference Image:
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Waterdeep! Greatest city in all the Forgotten Realms!
In these fabled streets, heroes are forged, and adventures begun. Tonight, you gather at the Yawning Portal to hear tales of glory from a troupe of traveling performers.
Crowded tables line the taproom of the Yawning Portal. Clearly, you are not the only one to get wind of Rusty Bighat’s traveling spectacle. To your left, a ruddy faced hafling engages a half-elf in animated conversation in front of a makeshift stage. You cannot tell if the halfling’s ruddy face comes is his natural shade, or a result of his entreating. Elsewhere in the room, patrons of all colors, sizes, and races litter the tavern, some quite literally, others by drinking, singing, or playing games of chance. Directly in front of you is the building’s namesake — a pit 30, no, 40 feet across, smack dab in the middle of the pub, with no rails or warnings, just a rope-and-pulley mechanism towering above it. A second story overlooks the Portal, and two sets of staircases lead above it. As you notice a group of what you presume must be adventurers standing near the Portal, a wiry man with mutton chops finishes drawing ale from a tap.
“Oi! Don’t stand there leavin’ the door open - find a seat, the lot o’ ye! Take the big one in the corner!” He tosses an exasperated glance at a redheaded human hustling from table to table. “Bonnie, when they figure out how to sit down, see what they want.”
This is your big entrance, and your in-character introduction to the world, and, unless some number of you weave intertwining backstories, each other! Describe in detail how you enter — who you are, what you say and do, and how you got here. If you get stuck, some thoughts:
Going back and forth amongst each others is not only allowed -- it's encouraged.
And there is an out-of-character task, as well. The adventure goal here is for you to help craft YOUR story. So, send me, in a private messages, what elements would be best for your character.
We may even have some votes to settle ties in the OOC thread, but these choices will definitely impact the flow of the story, and make it different from another running of the same adventure, so give them some thought!
Orynn, following behind a few others entering the Yawning Portal, and keeping his head down, grimaces at mutton chops's bellow. He immediately peels off from the others, hugging the wall and moving as quickly as he can without drawing attention to himself. He circles around to the table indicated — the "big one" — and slinks into a seat. Slouching a little to continue to keep his head down, he crosses one arm across his body to rest the elbow of his other arm in its palm, and covers his mouth and chin with his other hand. His fingers scratch at his new beard uncomfortably. He looks around the room to make sure no one is paying him too much attention. At any kind of distance more than 10 feet, Orynn appears to be human. His copper skin and short, black hair are reminiscent of the Shou lineage. Up close, however, the slight point to his ears, the blade-like shape of his nose, and his vivid green eyes give some indication to his elf maternity. He is average height and weight and garbed in unremarkable clothing underneath leather armor. A longbow and quiver are slung over one shoulder and two daggers are attached to his breastplate. As he waits for the entertainment to begin, Orynn pulls a small silver snuffbox out of a pocket and admires it like someone who's done this too many times to count.
Aerys steps inside the Yawning Portal as soon as the big man bellows. He gives "finger guns" to the bellowing man and makes his way to the big table. He is of average height (around 5'10"), his skin is lightly tanned and you can definitely tell he has an elven heritage. He has very blue eyes with jet black hair kept in a small ponytail. He is currently wearing leathers with some pretty boring clothes underneath. He has a longbow slung on his back with a quiver hung on the small of his back, a long with two scimitars at both of his sides.
Kandalou Dle'tan - Level 9 Githyanki Fighter (Champion) - Rrakkma PbP
Arvel pauses before entering the taproom. He takes a deep breath to center himself and as he passes through the doorway, he is "on".
He flashes his bright, winning smile at the Tapmaster and gives a courtly bow with a flourish of his cap.
He intercepts Bonnie on her way to the table. Engaging her as he would an old flame, they dance together to the music for a moment while he whispers a few sweet nothings into her ear before he dips her and sends her spinning, giggling like a schoolgirl, off towards the taps and the kitchen.
Persuasion: 14
"I know you are busy, mon cher. But could you bring a round of ale and some food to me and my friends?"
He moves around the room, greeting stangers as acquaintances and acquaintances as old friends. He pauses in front of a minstrel strumming a folktune and sings a few verses for the crowd, waving away with a smile the minstrel's offer to share the few coins that come in during the performance.
Performance: 8
Having made a full lap of the room, Arvel finally approaches the proffered table and his companions just as Bonnie returns with the round of drinks and food Arvel ordered during their exchange.
"Life, she is good no? A toast, mon ami! To zee Duc du Champris!"
And, with that, he sits.
Arvel is devilishly handsome. Blonde haired and fair skinned, with a bright white smile. He wears a blue cape and cap over his leathers, the cape held in place by an unidentifiable family crest. The only aspect of him that seems "off" are his golden eyes.
DCI: 3319125026
Dekket is already sitting at the big table when the newcomers are directed to it. He just smiles to the new ones that sit and share the table with him and the can see his vivid red skin, and his two horns that goes back along his head. There is a black hat laying at the side of his ale in the table, a three-point hat with a long red feather from an unknown bird. He wears a white shirt and a black leather armor over it. Trousers and a couple of long worn boots complement his vestments. A rapier rest on his hip. Despite his relaxed demeneaor those who look to his red eyes can see that he is constantly checking the room, as if he was waiting for someone to appear.
“ Well met, well met “ he says as the others finally reach the table “ full house today I guess,right? Please, sit down, let’s share the table and the fun tonight...”
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Fun? Now zere is a great idea!"
Arvel glances casually around the table at each of you, his demeanor and accent attempting to put you at ease.
"What would be fun for you, mon ami? I shall endeavor to see it happens."
DCI: 3319125026
Aerys' glances at this charming individual, "What's in the pit over there? It's my first time in Waterdeep. Name's Aerys, by the way, what is yours?"
Kandalou Dle'tan - Level 9 Githyanki Fighter (Champion) - Rrakkma PbP
"Ah! Zat, mon ami, is zee Yawning Portal zee tavern is named aftair. It is a well that leads to Undermountain! Once a dwarven mine, it is now a dungeon filled with monstairs and adventure! A single gold coin is all it takes to be lowered to your destiny. Your life could be lost, but your fortunes could be made!"
Arvel leans in.
"Just be sure to have anozzer gold coin ready to pay to be hauled out when you are finis, no?"
He leans back again.
"As for me? It is I, Arvel Du Champris! Your friend and confidante for the evening! S'il vous plait, eat! Bonnie will be so sad if her cooking goes to waste!"
DCI: 3319125026
“ Fun for me? Well, some drinks, some good music, and perhaps a good dance with a lovely woman... “ he winks to Argel and takes a sip of his ale.
” You are really new around here, aren’t you? “ he says to Aerys “ everyone in Waterdeep and in some leagues around knows that from there you go down to the dungeons of undermountain. A lot of adventurers wannabe go down trying to uncover its misteries. Most of them come back empty handed. Some others barely escape with their lifes, telling that all kind of monsters attacked them, a few come back with riches and powerful magic objects.. most of them.. never come back “ he takes another sip of his ale. “ This one is almost empty, would you mind to ask for one more drink when you order yours? There we can save some work to lovely Bonnie in this busy night”
He makes a little bow when he finish “ Name’s Dekket “ nice to meet you..”
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Bien sur! (of course) Anozzer drink for my new friend Dekket! Is anyone else ready for anozzer?"
Arvel stands and begins patting his pockets while waiting for others to push their glasses forward.
DCI: 3319125026
“Careful careful my new friend” Dekket tries to contain him from taking out his money. “ Too many people here tonight and you never know who could be a friend of your coins instead of you... “ he tries to sit Arvel back to their table.
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Merci. I cannot tell you 'ow many times my eagerness to please has gotten me into trouble."
DCI: 3319125026
At that moment, a woman arrives and sets down a foaming mug in front of each person.
"Names' Bonnie, and you all look new to the area. Have one on the house - like Durnan says, for fresh meat, the first hit's free." She resembles the woman Arvel stopped earlier, but is not the same person -- perhaps an older sister? "Speaking of which, mon ami," she winks at Arvel, "make sure you are talking to who you think you are -- you talk to the right girl, you'll win a heart , but you talk to the wrong girl around here, you're as like to find yourself short a kidney."
"I see some empty chairs here - we'll deal with them as they come. Now, what can I do for you?"
"My heart, she breaks for my mistake! Please tell zis poor supplicant 'ow he can escape zis seventh hell of embarrassment and once again bask in the sunlight of your smile, mon amor?"
DCI: 3319125026
"Well, this is the place," Cassandra says with a bit of a sigh as she glances back at her unexpected companion. Even from the street outside, she can tell that the Yawning Portal is busier than she expected it to be. Apparently some sort of event must be happening that she isn't aware of.
For a moment, she hesitates, unsure if she should really be going in there with that many people around.
Jun looks about the place indicated by his traveling companion.
"Looks to be a rather rowdy place."
Jun steps inside the door and looks about for an open table. He is a shorter than average human with dark hair, and wears VERY travel worn clothing that some might wonder how it stays together. Over the outfit he wears a tattered cloak that does little to protect against the elements. At his belt is a long curved sword in a dark wooden sheath.
"Think we'll be able to find this friend of yours in the crowd?"
Playing in:
Shepherds of Truth - Thomas Roth, Shepherd of Mystra
Aerovail, Cities in the Sky - Aidan Burke, Smuggler
The Missing Schema - Trigger, Morgrave Trap-Breaker
Echoes of the Past - Einar Barruk, Fight Club Brawler
Once in Waterdeep - Nagao Jun, Windwise Wanderer
Cassie takes a breath to steady her nerves and walks in after Jun.
"I certainly hope so," she responds with a bit of a shrug as her eyes wander about the taproom. "Last I'd heard they had just started working here, but that was several months back. Hopefully they're still around."
Her eyes latch onto the open seats at a nearby table, and she beckons Jun to follow her in that direction.
"For now though, I guess we should take a seat."
"Of course."
Jun follows Cassie over to the empty seats, his eyes spinning all over the crowded room, taking in as much as he can.
Perception Check: 15
Playing in:
Shepherds of Truth - Thomas Roth, Shepherd of Mystra
Aerovail, Cities in the Sky - Aidan Burke, Smuggler
The Missing Schema - Trigger, Morgrave Trap-Breaker
Echoes of the Past - Einar Barruk, Fight Club Brawler
Once in Waterdeep - Nagao Jun, Windwise Wanderer
"Allo, allo and welcome new tablemates! Please make yourself comfortable while Bonnie here serves us. Zis is Dekket, Aerys, Orynn and I am Arvel Du Champris! Since we are to be thrown togezzer by fate, 'ow can I make your evenings more enjoyable?"
DCI: 3319125026
Cassandra hesitates for the slightest moment at the enthusiastic greeting, but quickly cracks a smile as she comes up to the table.
"Well, I was about to ask if these seats were taken, but I guess ye've already answered that for me."
She quickly pulls out one of the seats and plops down into it a bit unceremoniously, motioning for Jun to take the seat next to her.
"Evening to ye' all then, lads. Name's Cassie, and my companion here is Jun."
As those at the table see her approach, they would see that Cassandra is dressed in fairly typical sailor's garb of common quality, and she's only visibly armed with a small knife strapped to the side of her left boot. Her flame-red hair is long and straight, hanging down over her shoulders, but rather unkempt at the moment. She has a smattering of freckles visible on her face.
Reference Image: