It’s the eve of the big winter holiday, and you are all stranded in the middle of a blizzard. Due to the storm, the roads have cut off for the night, it being dangerous to travel in this weather. Suddenly, a small light shows through the blustering snow, the gentle fire of a small, rustic inn. It's hard to make out, but it seems the sign says "Stahlbaum." From outside, it is clear to see a family tending to their home, and the sound of merrymaking faintly billows out the door.
Suddenly, the wife turns to the window, seeing you all shivering. "You poor dears!' She cries, quickly getting up and inviting you all in. "Good heavens you all didn't freeze. Welcome to the Stahlbaum inn." She says with a pleasant smile. "Quickly now, get out of the cold and we’ll get you sorted!"
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"Where do these guys get all their ideas?" - TommoBoi, to WOTC
Making quick eye contact with each of the others, Rez indicates that he means to accept the woman's hospitality. "Warmed and sorted we shall be, eh?" he remarks to them in his baritone.
With the snow crunching beneath his heavy bootsteps, the ranger steps toward the inn. "Thank you," he says to the woman. "And may your kindness be repaid threefold."
A slim Eladrin, skin a stark red against the white of the swirling blizzard, quickly follows suit. She steps into the inn with a little shake, dusting off the pillowed snow in her hair, before turning toward the woman who had opened the door.
"Thank you kindly for your hospitality ma'am," she flourishes a quaint bow, "your graciousness is much appreciated."
Even from a distance, Calamus cannot be confused with any “normal living” humanoid creature. Obviously made entirely of metal, he looks like an animated suit of armour, with flexible limb joints and inbuilt protective plating. Calamus is small for a Warforged, standing only 5’ tall but still weighing a hefty 150 lbs. He usually has a shield strapped on his left arm, and a spear across his back, both made from the same base metallic components that he is.
He often unnerves other “living” humanoids, as he has a very expressive face, unusual for his kind. This is due to his role in his squad, which was more “supportive”; with investigative, perceptive, healing and defensive abilities built in, rather than the usual “warrior” build. Loquitur, his spherical steel companion is usually near him.
Calamus is highly inquisitive on the workings of all things, biological & mechanical. He will not engage in combat unless attacked, and will usually try and get some form of binding order or directive prior to engaging in a complex activity.
Loquitur
Beside him “rolls” an automaton of simple design; . A sphere ~2’ in diameter, with several tentacles, each 3’ long from ordinal points on the sphere, and weighing 150 lbs. Several lenses and grills adorn its body, giving it exceptional visual and auditory acuity. Little else marks its smooth metallic surface, and it uses it’s tentacles to “walk & roll” along the ground. It follows Calmus unerringly, never resting, always alert. In combat is provides both offensive and defensive support. It has a few compartments built in that can have various items stowed inside it.
Calamus had not known the others for long, meeting them on the road earlier, their attention probably drawn to the brightly glowing tip of his spear as he forged through the thickening blizzard. He saw the looks of surprise from the others towards him and his companion due to his unusual appearance; a walking suit of armour and a metal land octopus. Whilst he did not need a bed or food, his metal joints were certainly starting to freeze up, and he could tell Loquitur was getting uncomfortable having to roll through the snow, the slushy ground impeding its motion.
Noticing Rez’s apparent acceptance, and always thinking tactically, Calamus decided to analyze the words of the humanoid woman who had offered them shelter, trying to discern any mall intent or deception (DM, Insight roll ?). “In what order will you sort us” Calamus asks, wondering if it would be in height, weight, or some other “order” he was unaware of that fleshy beings “sorted” things in.
"I'll take you up on that offer, miss," a tall, burly earth genasi replies. Slate had been hoping to get out of the cold soon as his armour was starting to ache in the freezing temperatures. He holds the door open for the others to enter before promptly closing it behind them.
Silhouetted against the peak of a silver hill, a dark stallion brays. His great thighs bore into the snowdrift, maned head thrashing defiantly against the waxing blizzard. The figure astride - a proud tabaxi of Bombay coloration - allows his gaze to pan across the town. Though much has changed during his years in the East, a pang of familiarity assures Ryfus Merland that he has not yet become wholly estranged to the Stahlbaum estate.
Why, that must be the Mistress now... he purrs to himself, trying to make out the other figures congregated at the inn's doorway. "Let's give her a little surprise, eh Casioto?"
With a flick of the reins, the companions spur on down the hillside as fast as they can - for a substantial layer of frost is beginning to gather in Ryfus' hood, and it is quite uncomfortable.
Not one for many words, Quin nods his head and offers a quiet thank you as he slips inside. The chill in his bones draws the half-elf immediately to the roaring hearth. As the heat starts to melt the ice in his veins he looks about the establishment. Habit has him locating possible exits, sizing up the proprietors, and the potential size of their coffers. Quin gives his head a shake to dispel that last thought. He decides in that moment that he would not steal from people who had so openly taken in a group of strangers.
"What a group of strangers indeed!" the seemingly ever present voice of his childhood friend and mentor exclaimed in his head. Quin flashes a quick grimace at Diego's mental intrusion as he looks at each party member in turn. He had only fell in with them because that same voice had reminded him that it would be harder to spot him in a group than as a solo traveler.
The inside of the inn was jovial, and smelled rather exotic, compared to the ghastly winter storm outside. The room consists of two large, circular tables, some other explorers drinking cider as they waited for the storm to pass. These other explorers were Hans Holzzähne, an apprentice blacksmith, Dorf Coalbrace, a traveling merchant, and Layla Hollymion, an elven cleric. By the fireplace, laid the family's cat, Pavlova.
The woman shook her head, chuckling at all of the different personalities inside of her home. "My goodness, it's going to be a full house tonight, hm?" She laughed, before walking near her family. The rest of the family looked rather pleased to see the new guests. "I am Ingrid Stahlbaum, this is my husband, Karl." The tall man would nod in approval. "These are my three children, Fritz, Clara, and Louise."
The youngest child, upon looking at Calamus, looked ecstatic. "Woah!" He yelled. "Are you a big toy soldier?" He asked, walking over and flicking his metal body, Karl sending a glare towards Fritz as he did so.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Where do these guys get all their ideas?" - TommoBoi, to WOTC
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Ingrid and Karl, greetings. I am Rez, and I thank you."
A look of mild amusement crosses the half-orc's face as Fritz ponders the "toy soldier." Rez then makes his way toward an empty chair near the other explorers (Hans, Dorf, and Layla), passing by the cat as he does so. After making a brief attempt to befriend the cat* with a quick scratch on the head, Rez asks the elf cleric, "Been here long?"
Whatever response the elf offers, Rez attempts to sift it.**
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The Eladrin flashes the lady another grin, a pointed tooth gleaming under the light of the fire, before inclining her head in a half-bow toward Karl.
"Lovely home you have here. One of the coziest places I've been in for a while!" Her voice is awfully chipper, and she sticks out a hand, "Name's Narisoa. Though most folks just call me Nari."
She casts a look around the inn before smiling back over at the couple, "Say, your family wouldn't happen to be celebrating some sort of winter holiday right now would ya?"
Sensing little from Ingrid, Calamus cautiously enters the inn, taking in the seven other humanoids and observing tactical options for combat or escape. The cat looked like the most dangerous creature in the room, given Felis Catus are known to be erratic and untrainable beasts, prone to ”scratching & biting” at the slightest upset. He marked it for avoidance and quietly told Loquitur to do likewise.
Caught off guard by the small humanoid child designated as “Fritz” Calamus looked down at it and smiled, a known way to put most humanoids at ease. Not as dangerous as the cat, but he knew a “bad word” could lead to something called “crying”, the strange biological process of leaking fluids and making lots of unintelligible noise, which would lead to its commanding units getting upset. Not a good idea!
Behind him, Loquitur’s tentacles writhed and his three tinkered lights flashed red, white and green. Was that jealousy? A warning? Or just happiness at being out of the snow. Hard to know, he hadn’t managed to get the speech synthesizer to work yet.
Calamus carefully reached down and patted the small child on the head. Best to say nothing, he was not eloquent with words. Not needing to sit, Calamus stepped to the side of the room, waiting for his companions to find suitable resting places.
Upon arriving the tavern, Ryfus dismounts Casioto and tethers his reins to a nearby post... does the inn have a sheltered tie stall?
The tabaxi shakes off the snow caking his boots and fur, and raps on the door three times. "Dear Ingrid, perhaps you'll remember me by my voice... open the door so I may embrace you and Master Karl!"
The family welcomed the last two unexpected guests, Slate and Quin. "We're all strange in a way, hm?" Ingrid laughed, before rushing to bring Dorf another cup of mead.
@Azathool - The boy was still fascinated with the warforged, having never seen such a thing before in his life, but Loquitur freaked him out just a small bit. "Have you faught any monsters? Are you guys all adventurers? Ever been in a war before?" He asked these incessant questions, Karl quick to hush him. "Hush! It is rude to ask such questions!" Karl sighed.
@Man_of_Dust - The cat took a little bit to warm up to the half-orc, growling a small bit, but subsiding once she was pet. Pavlova very much liked this attention, purring and rubbing against his hand. Meanwhile, the elf sipped some tea, looking utterly depressed. "I'm just staying here for the night." She sighs, taking another sip of the tea, rubbing her head. Something was clearly up with her.
@goldenpridez - Karl smiled, crossing his arms. "Thank you, Narisoa." He nods. "We take pleasure in making this place as comfortable as possible. Just like home." He would wak over, stepping on one of Fritz's toy soldiers. Ingrid would walk to the door, turning to face the Eladrin. "Indeed we are! The holiday's tomorrow, but it's tradition to celebrate the night before." She opened the door, a huge grin on her face to see who it was.
@badbovine - She knew exactly who that voice was at the door, swinging it open with happiness. "Speak of the devil! Ryfus, dear!" She would hug him, alerting Karl over to see their guest. "It has been some time since you've came for one of our gatherings!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Where do these guys get all their ideas?" - TommoBoi, to WOTC
Sensing something is slightly off with the elf, Rez risks engaging her in a bit more conversation. "Well, a night within these walls is surely better than a night in the cold outside. Let us hope both of us can continue our journeys tomorrow, wherever they may lead, yes?"
Calamus listened to the barrage of questions; “He may ask, knowledge expands the mind. Your offspring shows an inquisitive and direct, almost fearless demeanor which should be encouraged.”
Looking at the child directly with a smile; ”All creatures can be monsters, it depends on your view. If you see me as a Big Toy Solider, so be it. Better than being a monster. I am Calamus, I was Forged and given life specifically for War, which is now over, so I am a soldier no more.”
Turning to the metal octopus, Calamus says “Loquitur, calm down, play nicely with the small human”. The tentacles stop writhing, and they reach up, plucking two small glowing ball bearings, one green, and one red from its metal chassis, gently rolling them toward the boy.
Looking towards the door at the new patron, Calamus now counted five others who had recently entered from the cold… an interesting bunch it seemed. He was reminded of some mandatory tactical knowledge, the story of Gransel and Hetel, and how one should be wary of houses with good food.
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The night is cold and bleak.
It’s the eve of the big winter holiday, and you are all stranded in the middle of a blizzard. Due to the storm, the roads have cut off for the night, it being dangerous to travel in this weather. Suddenly, a small light shows through the blustering snow, the gentle fire of a small, rustic inn. It's hard to make out, but it seems the sign says "Stahlbaum." From outside, it is clear to see a family tending to their home, and the sound of merrymaking faintly billows out the door.
Suddenly, the wife turns to the window, seeing you all shivering. "You poor dears!' She cries, quickly getting up and inviting you all in. "Good heavens you all didn't freeze. Welcome to the Stahlbaum inn." She says with a pleasant smile. "Quickly now, get out of the cold and we’ll get you sorted!"
"Where do these guys get all their ideas?" - TommoBoi, to WOTC
DM of Night of the Nutcracker.
Making quick eye contact with each of the others, Rez indicates that he means to accept the woman's hospitality. "Warmed and sorted we shall be, eh?" he remarks to them in his baritone.
With the snow crunching beneath his heavy bootsteps, the ranger steps toward the inn. "Thank you," he says to the woman. "And may your kindness be repaid threefold."
A slim Eladrin, skin a stark red against the white of the swirling blizzard, quickly follows suit. She steps into the inn with a little shake, dusting off the pillowed snow in her hair, before turning toward the woman who had opened the door.
"Thank you kindly for your hospitality ma'am," she flourishes a quaint bow, "your graciousness is much appreciated."
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
Calamus
Even from a distance, Calamus cannot be confused with any “normal living” humanoid creature. Obviously made entirely of metal, he looks like an animated suit of armour, with flexible limb joints and inbuilt protective plating. Calamus is small for a Warforged, standing only 5’ tall but still weighing a hefty 150 lbs. He usually has a shield strapped on his left arm, and a spear across his back, both made from the same base metallic components that he is.
He often unnerves other “living” humanoids, as he has a very expressive face, unusual for his kind. This is due to his role in his squad, which was more “supportive”; with investigative, perceptive, healing and defensive abilities built in, rather than the usual “warrior” build. Loquitur, his spherical steel companion is usually near him.
Calamus is highly inquisitive on the workings of all things, biological & mechanical. He will not engage in combat unless attacked, and will usually try and get some form of binding order or directive prior to engaging in a complex activity.
Loquitur
Beside him “rolls” an automaton of simple design; . A sphere ~2’ in diameter, with several tentacles, each 3’ long from ordinal points on the sphere, and weighing 150 lbs. Several lenses and grills adorn its body, giving it exceptional visual and auditory acuity. Little else marks its smooth metallic surface, and it uses it’s tentacles to “walk & roll” along the ground. It follows Calmus unerringly, never resting, always alert. In combat is provides both offensive and defensive support. It has a few compartments built in that can have various items stowed inside it.
Calamus had not known the others for long, meeting them on the road earlier, their attention probably drawn to the brightly glowing tip of his spear as he forged through the thickening blizzard. He saw the looks of surprise from the others towards him and his companion due to his unusual appearance; a walking suit of armour and a metal land octopus. Whilst he did not need a bed or food, his metal joints were certainly starting to freeze up, and he could tell Loquitur was getting uncomfortable having to roll through the snow, the slushy ground impeding its motion.
Noticing Rez’s apparent acceptance, and always thinking tactically, Calamus decided to analyze the words of the humanoid woman who had offered them shelter, trying to discern any mall intent or deception (DM, Insight roll ?). “In what order will you sort us” Calamus asks, wondering if it would be in height, weight, or some other “order” he was unaware of that fleshy beings “sorted” things in.
"All metal. All literal, " muses Rez aloud, but good-naturedly, upon hearing Calamus's query.
"I'll take you up on that offer, miss," a tall, burly earth genasi replies. Slate had been hoping to get out of the cold soon as his armour was starting to ache in the freezing temperatures. He holds the door open for the others to enter before promptly closing it behind them.
Silhouetted against the peak of a silver hill, a dark stallion brays. His great thighs bore into the snowdrift, maned head thrashing defiantly against the waxing blizzard. The figure astride - a proud tabaxi of Bombay coloration - allows his gaze to pan across the town. Though much has changed during his years in the East, a pang of familiarity assures Ryfus Merland that he has not yet become wholly estranged to the Stahlbaum estate.
Why, that must be the Mistress now... he purrs to himself, trying to make out the other figures congregated at the inn's doorway. "Let's give her a little surprise, eh Casioto?"
With a flick of the reins, the companions spur on down the hillside as fast as they can - for a substantial layer of frost is beginning to gather in Ryfus' hood, and it is quite uncomfortable.
Not one for many words, Quin nods his head and offers a quiet thank you as he slips inside. The chill in his bones draws the half-elf immediately to the roaring hearth. As the heat starts to melt the ice in his veins he looks about the establishment. Habit has him locating possible exits, sizing up the proprietors, and the potential size of their coffers. Quin gives his head a shake to dispel that last thought. He decides in that moment that he would not steal from people who had so openly taken in a group of strangers.
"What a group of strangers indeed!" the seemingly ever present voice of his childhood friend and mentor exclaimed in his head. Quin flashes a quick grimace at Diego's mental intrusion as he looks at each party member in turn. He had only fell in with them because that same voice had reminded him that it would be harder to spot him in a group than as a solo traveler.
Rogue Quin Oberon /Mercer's Tavern
Ranger Rigel Foresyth /LMOP
Fighter Barnabus Ironheel /North lands campaign
Fighter Flynt McGraw /Stormraider
(@Azathool, Insight is fine.)
The inside of the inn was jovial, and smelled rather exotic, compared to the ghastly winter storm outside. The room consists of two large, circular tables, some other explorers drinking cider as they waited for the storm to pass. These other explorers were Hans Holzzähne, an apprentice blacksmith, Dorf Coalbrace, a traveling merchant, and Layla Hollymion, an elven cleric. By the fireplace, laid the family's cat, Pavlova.
The woman shook her head, chuckling at all of the different personalities inside of her home. "My goodness, it's going to be a full house tonight, hm?" She laughed, before walking near her family. The rest of the family looked rather pleased to see the new guests. "I am Ingrid Stahlbaum, this is my husband, Karl." The tall man would nod in approval. "These are my three children, Fritz, Clara, and Louise."
The youngest child, upon looking at Calamus, looked ecstatic. "Woah!" He yelled. "Are you a big toy soldier?" He asked, walking over and flicking his metal body, Karl sending a glare towards Fritz as he did so.
"Where do these guys get all their ideas?" - TommoBoi, to WOTC
DM of Night of the Nutcracker.
Calamus analyses the words, demeanour and posture of Ingrid the Innkeeper, trying to see if there is any deception or ill intent; Insight check = 10
(Calamus is stuck in his suspicion, unable to tell if the innkeeper meant well or not. He might want to stay cautious.)
"Where do these guys get all their ideas?" - TommoBoi, to WOTC
DM of Night of the Nutcracker.
"Ingrid and Karl, greetings. I am Rez, and I thank you."
A look of mild amusement crosses the half-orc's face as Fritz ponders the "toy soldier." Rez then makes his way toward an empty chair near the other explorers (Hans, Dorf, and Layla), passing by the cat as he does so. After making a brief attempt to befriend the cat* with a quick scratch on the head, Rez asks the elf cleric, "Been here long?"
Whatever response the elf offers, Rez attempts to sift it.**
*Animal Handling: 10
** Insight: 18
The Eladrin flashes the lady another grin, a pointed tooth gleaming under the light of the fire, before inclining her head in a half-bow toward Karl.
"Lovely home you have here. One of the coziest places I've been in for a while!" Her voice is awfully chipper, and she sticks out a hand, "Name's Narisoa. Though most folks just call me Nari."
She casts a look around the inn before smiling back over at the couple, "Say, your family wouldn't happen to be celebrating some sort of winter holiday right now would ya?"
(Perception: 21)
Noire Havensong | Harengon Archfey Warlock 6/Lore Bard 4 | Westmarch - Guild of the Phoenix (Discord)
Tanatari Crelieu | Kalashtar Druid 2 | Damian_May's Sleeping Gods
Jynx Starrkeep | Changling GOO Warlock 2 | Astien's Tyranny of Dragons
DM | Eberron Eternal (Discord)
Sensing little from Ingrid, Calamus cautiously enters the inn, taking in the seven other humanoids and observing tactical options for combat or escape. The cat looked like the most dangerous creature in the room, given Felis Catus are known to be erratic and untrainable beasts, prone to ”scratching & biting” at the slightest upset. He marked it for avoidance and quietly told Loquitur to do likewise.
Caught off guard by the small humanoid child designated as “Fritz” Calamus looked down at it and smiled, a known way to put most humanoids at ease. Not as dangerous as the cat, but he knew a “bad word” could lead to something called “crying”, the strange biological process of leaking fluids and making lots of unintelligible noise, which would lead to its commanding units getting upset. Not a good idea!
Behind him, Loquitur’s tentacles writhed and his three tinkered lights flashed red, white and green. Was that jealousy? A warning? Or just happiness at being out of the snow. Hard to know, he hadn’t managed to get the speech synthesizer to work yet.
Calamus carefully reached down and patted the small child on the head. Best to say nothing, he was not eloquent with words. Not needing to sit, Calamus stepped to the side of the room, waiting for his companions to find suitable resting places.
Upon arriving the tavern, Ryfus dismounts Casioto and tethers his reins to a nearby post... does the inn have a sheltered tie stall?
The tabaxi shakes off the snow caking his boots and fur, and raps on the door three times. "Dear Ingrid, perhaps you'll remember me by my voice... open the door so I may embrace you and Master Karl!"
The family welcomed the last two unexpected guests, Slate and Quin. "We're all strange in a way, hm?" Ingrid laughed, before rushing to bring Dorf another cup of mead.
@Azathool - The boy was still fascinated with the warforged, having never seen such a thing before in his life, but Loquitur freaked him out just a small bit. "Have you faught any monsters? Are you guys all adventurers? Ever been in a war before?" He asked these incessant questions, Karl quick to hush him. "Hush! It is rude to ask such questions!" Karl sighed.
@Man_of_Dust - The cat took a little bit to warm up to the half-orc, growling a small bit, but subsiding once she was pet. Pavlova very much liked this attention, purring and rubbing against his hand. Meanwhile, the elf sipped some tea, looking utterly depressed. "I'm just staying here for the night." She sighs, taking another sip of the tea, rubbing her head. Something was clearly up with her.
@goldenpridez - Karl smiled, crossing his arms. "Thank you, Narisoa." He nods. "We take pleasure in making this place as comfortable as possible. Just like home." He would wak over, stepping on one of Fritz's toy soldiers. Ingrid would walk to the door, turning to face the Eladrin. "Indeed we are! The holiday's tomorrow, but it's tradition to celebrate the night before." She opened the door, a huge grin on her face to see who it was.
@badbovine - She knew exactly who that voice was at the door, swinging it open with happiness. "Speak of the devil! Ryfus, dear!" She would hug him, alerting Karl over to see their guest. "It has been some time since you've came for one of our gatherings!"
"Where do these guys get all their ideas?" - TommoBoi, to WOTC
DM of Night of the Nutcracker.
Sensing something is slightly off with the elf, Rez risks engaging her in a bit more conversation. "Well, a night within these walls is surely better than a night in the cold outside. Let us hope both of us can continue our journeys tomorrow, wherever they may lead, yes?"
Ryfus tips his beret, with a nobleman's grace. "My dears..." he purrs, "...you've hardly changed since last we spoke!"
Feline eyes darting from Narisoa to Calamus, he adds cordially: "Who might your guests be tonight?"
Calamus listened to the barrage of questions; “He may ask, knowledge expands the mind. Your offspring shows an inquisitive and direct, almost fearless demeanor which should be encouraged.”
Looking at the child directly with a smile; ”All creatures can be monsters, it depends on your view. If you see me as a Big Toy Solider, so be it. Better than being a monster. I am Calamus, I was Forged and given life specifically for War, which is now over, so I am a soldier no more.”
Turning to the metal octopus, Calamus says “Loquitur, calm down, play nicely with the small human”. The tentacles stop writhing, and they reach up, plucking two small glowing ball bearings, one green, and one red from its metal chassis, gently rolling them toward the boy.
Looking towards the door at the new patron, Calamus now counted five others who had recently entered from the cold… an interesting bunch it seemed. He was reminded of some mandatory tactical knowledge, the story of Gransel and Hetel, and how one should be wary of houses with good food.