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The Stretching Goat is the tavern in the Keep. This can be used for out-of-character discussion, as well as RPing until the players are chosen. Role-playing will not have any effect on my decisions, but you are welcome to do so.
While I'm here, this seems as good a place as any to put my rules.
RULES
- It is one thing to play in character, it is another entirely to be a jerk. Don't be a jerk.
- If something is in a spoiler that doesn't apply to you, please don't read it. If you don't speak that language, don't read the spoiler. You may read the Dice Rolls spoiler, as I will put all rolls there.
- Likewise, you may not, under any circumstances, read the GM Screen spoilers. These contain notes to me about the encounter or other pertinent GM info.
- I know that there are ways to cheat the dice roller. If I catch you doing it, you will be blacklisted from all of my games. This goes for all other forms of cheating. Play fair and have fun!
- Please don't metagame. I don't mind that you may have played these classic adventures, but your characters haven't. Please keep that in mind.
That's it. Pretty simple, yes?
An excitable looking halfling enters the tavern, somehow managing to look good despite being unshaven and having slept in his armour.
This looks like my kind of place!. The halfling claps his hands and ambles up to the bar.
Two halves of your finest mead, barkeep, he beams as he looks around for someone to drink with.
A lumbering tiefling enters the tavern and shuffles over to the bar. He drops his heavy pack to the floor with a sigh of relief. "Greetings friend. I'll take one of whatever drink you recommend for the travel weary, if you please." He says setting his money one the counter.
The door opens to the Stretching Goat, allowing a short but wide figure to meander his way in. With a big inhale through his nose, the dwarf's face breaks into a grin.
"Aye, now this...this be a proper tavern." The heavy chainmail rattles, a fiery anvil indicating one of Moradin's faithful swaying with every step as he approached the bar and looked over the stools for a moment. Choosing the sturdiest one, he lifted himself and nodded to the barkeep. "Get me something delicious to eat and something to wash away the troubles of the road, friend." Reaching into his pouch, a glittering coin was placed upon the table to prove the newcomer could pay.
Baern looked to his right, looking at the odd fellows that sat beside him. A halfling with a smile upon his face and a somber giant of a tiefling dressed in heavy armor. Baern's hair was shorn close to the side of his head, a muddy red beard matching the top of his head that was pulled back into a knot. Silver-blue eyes seemed to shine in merriment as he nodded towards the both of them.
"Blessings of the All-Father be upon both of you, it seems you arrived with the same caravan as me." He spoke in a strong, proud voice despite the dry scratchiness that itched his throat. "My name is Baern Holderhek of Clan Holderhek. Have you come for adventure, wealth, and glory as well?"
Right now I've just come for a drink or two Garret jokes, raising his mead to his lips and taking a hearty gulp.
After that though, I was hoping to find a place to stay for a while. Adventure and glory weren't exactly high on my to do list, but wealth? That could certainly solve a few problems...
Garret looks thoughtful for a minute, then the smile returns to his face.
Anyway. I'm sure whatever happens out here, it'll make for a fine tale one day.
There is a snort that comes from the dwarf at the halfling's responses, a sly grin appearing underneath the red beard and mustache. He leaned in, taking a large mouthful from the flagon of ale that the barkeep brought, and gave a small nod to Garret.
"Aye, wealth can ease most of a troubled life but remember; you cannot sell a blade before you light the hearth. Hard work will give you the reward you deserve, hard work is what refines you from a lump of iron into a true blade."
At the mention of fine tales, Baern's grin would grow and he'd turn in his seat towards the young man.
"Do you know any fine tales? I've yet to hear any new tales on my journey. Would you share one?"
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A wide eye Gnome walks in looking around for a place to sit.
He walks over to a bench seat, sits down and places his pack on the bench next to him. Pulling out a book and dragging a candle closer he opens his book and looks around.
"Oh bar keep, bar keep. Could I have a glass of wine and perhaps a bread and cheese plate please"
With the gnome entering into the tavern, Baern would raise his flagon in silent salutations before setting it down once more upon the worn wood.
"With all these little folk around..." He thought to himself. "I might actually be the tallest one for once!"
The thought gave the dwarf some mild amusement as he sipped upon his ale.
A sudden bustling at the bar, followed by consecutive calls for drink and food, jarred Theo out of his haze. It had been a slow night and he'd nearly fallen asleep in the middle of skinning a spud.
"Theo! Customers!" the owner called from the bar "Crack upon an extra cask while you're back there. A caravan just arrived, looks like we'll fill up tonight."
Theo did as he was told and hurried out front to help take orders and greet the patrons. When he got out to the bar, Theo found the owner facing a line of at least a dozen would-be guests.
"A half each for the Dwarf and the Halfing chatting at the bar. And a "Dragon's Belch" for our Tiefling friend at the far end." said the owner, gesturing lazily around the room as he spoke.
Theo quickly made his way from patron to patron; filling orders and offering civil greetings with an honest smile.
"Well met, little Master.", Theo said, placing two mugs in front of the Halfling.
Theo then turned his attention to the Dwarf. He poured the man his mead and fetched a plate of dried pork and bread from the pantry.
"And, of course, it's a pleasure to meet a fellow man of the cloth.", Theo added with a slight bow; taking his leave.
A moment later a call for wine, bread, and cheese came from a small a voice across the room. Theo nodded to the young Gnome who had just entered the tavern before he hustled back into the pantry to fill the request.
A few minutes went by before Theo emerged balancing a plate of bread and cheese on one hand and carrying a bottle of wine in the other.
"Well met, sir Gnome." Theo greeted the man with a smile.
Theo set the plate and bottle down on the bench next to the Gnome - a wizard by the looks of his robes and gilded tome. As the man reached for the newly delivered refreshments, his arm grazed Theo's ever so slightly. The contact didn't seem to register for the wizard but it sent a light pulse through Theo's chest. It emanated from his Mistress' sigil that he wore about his neck. "Another follower of the Lost Goddess", Theo thinks to himself.
The dwarf looked up cheerfully as the half-elf came out from the back with food and drink in hand. The sloshing of mead made his throat itch for relief and a grin came to his face as both food and drink were brought before him. The Dwarvish leaving the elf's lips brought a delighted and surprised look to Baern's face, who nodded back in turn.
When he mentions being another member of the cloth, it is then that he noticed the blue-white star that the half-elf wore.
"In wild places like this, people will need our guidance. It is good to see another priest here, especially one carrying the wisdom of Our Lady of Spells."
Taking a strip of dried pork, he bite down and tear it into his mouth. The dwarf's eyes would roll back for a moment, a purr leaving him as he nodded.
"This...this is good pork." He would take a bite of bread next, looking down the line of the bar towards the robed gnome who sat there. Baern's eyebrows furrowed for a moment as he heard the strange tongue leave him, nodding towards Ya'Bo.
"'Ey, what tongue is that? I've not heard it before." Baern asked curiously before taking a large gulp of the flagon of mead.
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After taking a sip of wine, Ya'Bo turns to the dwarf
It's called Draconic, sir. Many writings in the arcane arts are written and spoken in it. Some arcane spell casters only speak it, thinking that it gives extra power to their spells. I personaly don't believe this is the case. Also it is the language of Dragons and Dragonborns, obviously.
Smiling Ya'Bo takes a bite of bread and cheese.
"The speech of dragons? Hmm, I've heard some of the wizards back in Mithral Hall talk in such a manner. I did not have much time to speak with others, the Steelspire Fortress was very strict on schedules." Baern said, murmuring near the end more to himself than to the others.
"So what brings you here to the Borderlands? I am Baern Holderhek, Priest of Moradin."
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"Greetings Priest Holderhek, you may call me Ya'Bo. I am a Abjurer I deal with mostly abjuration magic, you know protection magic. I am here because my mentor wanted me to deliver a letter to a colleague of his here at the keep. What bring you to these parts?"
Ya'Bo breaks of a piece of cheese and feeds it to mouse that ran down his arm and sat in Ya'Bo's hand.
After taking a sip of wine, Ya'Bo turns to the dwarf
It's called Draconic, sir. Many writings in the arcane arts are written and spoken in it. Some arcane spellcasters only speak it, thinking that it gives extra power to their spells. I personally don't believe this is the case. Also, it is the language of Dragons and Dragonborns, obviously.
Smiling Ya'Bo takes a bite of bread and cheese.
"Well said, sir Wizard. Well said."
Theo's heart had skipped at the chance to engage in enlightened conversation. The owner of the Tavern wasn't dim, but he was a simple man. A far cry from the sages, scholars, and otherworldly entities Theo's mistress had led him to these last 10 years.
This was, of course, why his mistress had brought him here and bade him work for his keep. After a decade of non-stop scholarly endeavors, it was time learn real-world skills. It wasn't enough to know and understand. Theo needs to find a way to apply these gifts from his mistress in a positive way.
"My former Master", Theo continues. "A ripe old Gnome of some 300 summers; he claims to have adapted Draconic Puritism for the better part of a century. He reports that early-on his spells, in fact, lost potency. Not notable in practice, mind you, but detectable if studied.", Theo explains; mindlessly scrubbing a perfectly clean square of counter-top.
Seeing the owner finally step-out, Theo gives up on his faux work and leans against the bar. He scans the room, making sure plates and mugs are still full before throwing the towel over his shoulder continuing on with his impromptu linguistics lecture.
"You see, Draconic is a guttural language spoken by giant creatures that literally bellow acid and flame. Us mundane folk simply aren't built to make some of these kinds of noises. This means that the subtle mispronunciation and incorrect inflections can lead to an overall negative effect on the vocal components of spells that don't require the dragon tongue to function."
Theo considers asking the Gnome if he had done any linguistic experiments of his own. But his prolonged silence is quickly filled with idle chatter.
The man is clearly an exceptional mage. The Lady's energy crackles around him. Not visibly or audibly, of course. But to anyone who has "seen" beyond the physical plane, the man's skill in the arcane is clear as day. "Come to think of it..."; Theo says to himself as he listens to the Dwarf priest, master Baern Holderhek, exchange introductions with the young gnome; an Abjurer by the name of YaBo. "we seem to be full of exceptionally competent people this evening,"
Theo takes a step back and surveys the room. His gaze falls first upon the devout Dwarf. A smokey aroma hangs about the man's clothes and calluses cover his palms; testaments to his dedication to the craft. His casually confident demeanor and divine inspiration of Moradin tell Theo all he needs to know regarding the man's natural talent.
Theo found the Hafling rather enigmatic. Outgoing and pleasant, but ultimately hard to read from afar. He also got the feeling that this was intentional. A showman, perhaps? "He certainly is able to match sir Holderhek's enthusiasm.", Theo thinks to himself. "Or maybe his people skills are derived from something...less reputable." Theo pushed the latter thought aside. He sensed a kind spirit in the little person, and he wasn't one to shun people simply for falling on the wrong side of the law now and again.
As Theo's attention comes around to the Tiefling from earlier, he begins to re-assess his definition of the word enigmatic (in all 6 of his known languages}. He quickly comes the conclusion that the term is extremely relative, regardless of how you say it. The man presents a perfect facade of poise and serenity.
"These certainly aren't your everyday travelers.". Theo had served his mistress long enough to see the signs of a higher power at work. "Not everyone is here by chance, I think. The winds of destiny have plans for some. I wonder. Are our paths set to align? Or do you have other plans for me, M'lady?"
The Tiefling shambles over to the growing cluster of adventurers as they talk and get a feel for one another. He nods to the Half-Elf Priest. "My thanks for the fine drink friend." He says visibly stiff in the ever more crowded bar.
Morgan turns his attention back to the group as a whole. "They call me Morgan McWright, and it's my pleasure to make your acquaintance." He says giving the group a brief once over.
Theo was pleased to the see the solitary Tiefling - Morgan, as he would introduce himself - move to join in the comradery. Though his face maintained the same stone-like facade Theo saw earlier, Morgan's body language hinted at some mild discomfort. A slight stiffness in his movements and brevity to his speech. Sore from a long ride, maybe? Theo had never been fond of horseback nor carriage seats. All kinds of pains in all the wrong places.
"It's my pleasure to serve. Do let me know if you need anything else" Theo says with a smile. "I haven't met many of the Infernal-kin in my travels."
Theo grinned, clearly tickled by his comment. "I hope you'll be staying long enough for us to have a proper chat."
He could now see the owner through the window. He was helping unload the last few guest's bags off the caravan. Only a minute or two before Theo would be sent skittering up and down the stairs; seeing everybody's things to the proper rooms.
Theo excused himself from the group. Offering native salutations where he could. He then made the rounds one last time, removing soiled plates and filling empty mugs before heading out to trade places with the owner.
Entering the tavern, a dwarf with stark white hair pulled back in a braid and a clean shaven face strides cautiously through the door, pausing briefly as if to get his bearings. Wearing strange and tarnished that marks him as a stranger. With grunt and furrowed brow he approaches the bar, setting his pack on the ground and once more looking around. "Water, if you would be so kind," he requests with a sigh and rubbing his face with his hands, "Also, where am I?"
An abjurer was quite the useful asset, one who could break the spells of their enemies and protect their allies as powerfully as a suit of full plate.
"Whomever allies with such a man has a great ally indeed." Baern thought to himself, having learned the lessons that a fine defense leads to a great offense. The finest axe in all the lands won't keep an arrow out of your heart.
"I come from far in the North, near the Sword Coast, guided by Moradin's hand. There may be hidden caves and mines that need liberation, perhaps even a good place for a new stronghold to be built." Baern mused for a moment, running a calloused hand through his beard before nodding. "I should not get ahead of myself though. For now; good company, glory, and adventure. Too long my kind stays hidden behind their stone walls while the world passes by, after all."
Baern wisely listened as Theo began to speak, his eyebrows furrowed not in concern but rather in the most intense of listening. As Moradin had taught, each person was their own unique tool. They refined themselves, dedicated themselves to their craft, and became the purest form of themselves. The half-elf was learned and wise, as would befit a priest of Mystra. The gnome had the clever spark of intelligence within his eyes, the sharpest blade for wizard. The halfling had a cunning and mirthful nature, one that drew the suspicion of the dwarf but little else. As for the tiefling, he walked with the gait of a soldier. Baern had seen many with a heavy step like his, conditioned to violence and violent work. Each of them had been purified in their own fires and made into better tools for it.
"You are well-taught, Theo. Moreso than your current standing would have you be." The man seemed to begin dismiss himself after the solemn tiefling introduced himself to the others, earning the rising of the dwarf's flagon into the air.
"Hail Morgan, it is good to see someone who is skilled with their blade and has embraced the protection of the heaviest of armors." Few things brought a smile to Baern's face outside of a set of armor, a well-made blade. Such a thing spoke of their wielder's personality as well as the crafter's. "If you don't mind me saying, you're a big one! I ain't seen such a tall and strong breed of your kind since...well..ever." Awkward was a way to describe Morgan as he spoke but he didn't have the usual flightiness of other tieflings. Maybe he was raised by a good, well-meaning dwarf.
The door outside would open and entering in would be another of his own kind, though peculiar in his own way. He looked like one of his shield kin but his appearance and demeanor were all wrong. He was no gold dwarf either, which earned Baern's curiosity even moreso.
"You don't know where you are? Hell, you've might quite a detour to have gotten lost here. You're at the Borderlands, the last bit of civilization before the wilderness takes all!" Finishing his bread and meat, Baern would wash it all down with the last of the mead before nodding towards the newcomer. Dwarvish quickly left his lips, a look of concern on the priest's face.
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After feeding scamps, his pet mouse. Ya'Bo takes a drink of wine as a white haired Dwarf walks and asks where is he.
Ya'Bo cocks his head to the side That's a peculiar thing to ask, how do you not know where you are? I wonder if he is from the Underdark and just came up from some hole in the ground.
Sir Dwarf, how is it that you have arrived at this location and you have no knowledge of where you were traveling to? Did you make a miscalculation in you travels?
Ya'bo puts down his glass and remembers a something is mentor once told him.
Underdark, where everything tries to kill you!
Taking a drink of his water then setting the cup on the bar, Eddrikk pauses for a long moment, motionless cause some to question if he is still breathing, then with a sign he answers, "I... I remember a battle, a battle in the Underdark... Our out post was being harassed by a creature of darkness... I remember striking a stone... a gem... some sort of power source for the creature. The last thing I remember was an explosion of white and black flames then nothing but cold darkness. Then I found myself before this keep and my feet lead me here..." Eddrikk voice trails off as he looks around the room.
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Extra luck to our Smith-Priest. I'm no expert on party composition (or on anything), but I'd be surprised to find two clergymen on this quest. *insert Highlander meme*
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Seriously though, this was great everyone. Good luck to you all! <3
Roll 20 name is "Moonscar"
Roll20 display name should be "FCastor". Now to actually fill out the profile/alias for the character.
Also, I think Isandril's initiative should be +3, not +2.
r20 name is:
Jemss
Second one. Weird. I thought I changed it. Ah, well... :-)
@GM: My init is -2, my status bar was in error earlier but it's since been fixed.
> Create failed wizard turned Cleric of arcana goddess
> Don't notice arcana cleric domain
Missed lore opportunity. :'(
To be fair to me; Theo did start as a scholar-priest and evolved into a failed wizard. Still.
Hey guys, had a medical emergency. Any chance you could bot me for a few days? Sorry for the inconvenience, hope to be back by the end of the week.
Hey guys, I'm working my way back and should be able to resume normal posting rates in the next couple days (but I am back on the boards now). An 'annoying' (to say the least) incident last week with my contact lenses ended up scratching both corneas pretty badly, and I couldn't open either eye for about ~4 days. Thanks for the well-wishing and the patience. Happy to be back.
Fine by me.
Seems fine.
Of course! Let's do some spelunking!
Yap.
Did something change-up the initiative order, or did Morgan cut in line? Should be Ore next, no?