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The Yawning Portal inn in Waterdeep is well-known as a gathering place for adventurers, and your group is no different. Each of you has come separately to this place, drawn by the lure of adventure. The Yawning Portal is managed by Durnan, a retired adventurer, and is a draw for people of all races and beliefs. If adventure is to be found, then it will be found here.
Jaynie slowly wipes down the same table she has been working on for the last 10 minutes. The tavern is slow right now, and once again she has withdrawn into the voices inside her head...well voice actually. If she listens really hard, sometimes she can almost make out what it is saying, but for the most part, it is just a constant mumbling.
It takes the patron a few tries to finally get her attention, and she jumps when he finally places his hand on her shoulder. Words to a rather nasty curse bubble up from within, and the voice begins to become slightly clearer, but she gets ahold of herself and heads to the bar to get the group's order. Durnan gives her a hard look, having watched the exchange, but says nothing. In her heart, she knows he cares about her welfare, but she cannot stay in this place forever.
Something...anything has to come along and get her out of here...before she does something ...bad!
The Dwarf entered the bar, and at least one patron murmured his Gladiator name: The Beast.
Walking like someone who is famous and knows it, the Dwarf was heavily scarred, yet appeared completely solid, like a boulder that someone had used for target practice.
As he moved towards a table, he unhinged the truly massive greataxe that sat on his back and leaned it's handle against the table next to him; so massive was this axe (that appeared to be sized for a giant and not a Dwarf) that when it's weight was placed on the table, the table scooted forward a couple of feet.
Sighing, the Dwarf hauled the table back with one hand, then turned to the bar and said aloud "Give me a mug of the finest pisswater you Humans call ale."
The elven scout walks into the crowded common room. So this is the famous Yawning Portal... Doesn't seem that different from a hundred other taverns I've entered.
He stops the first obvious employee he comes across, and leaning in inquires...
"I'm looking for a man named Turnay. Do you know who he is"?
He'll keep asking until he finds the man he is looking for, but remains discreet in doing so.
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The common room is dominated by a huge well surrounded by a waist-high wall. The well is roughly 40 feet in diameter and descends into the darkness below. A rope hangs in the center. A sign indicates that the cost of a trip into or out of the well is one gold piece each way.
Balconies on the tavern's second and third floors overlook the well, with those floors accessed by way of wooden stairs that rise up from the taproom. Guests sitting at the tables on the balconies have an excellent view of the well and the action below.
A staggering variety of curios and oddities adorn the taproom. Traditionally, adventurers who recover a strange relic from Undermountain present it to Durnan as a trophy of their success. Other adventurers leave such curio to mark their visits to the tavern, or relinquish them after losing a bet with Durnan, who likes to wager on the fate of adventuring bands that enter the dungeon. Occasionally, something that strikes Durnan's fancy can be used to pay a bar tab.
The door to the Inn opens and a wiry, thin man walks in a shortened black staff topped with an iron cast elven motif. a small red gem at its top.
he wears an overcoat, black with red highlights, black trousers and boots. His skin as a grayish tone almost ashen. and the slightest sign elven ears protrudes under his black hair and a pencil thin mustache completes the ensemble.
he grips his staff with both hands nervously as he scans the interior as though looking for something, or someone.
His gaze stops at the dwarf, but unsure how to proceed, he moves to find a table as close to the dwarf as possible.
he tries numerous times to hail the waitress, but it would seem to no avail. he seems a bit too nervous to speak louder.
Delicate chain links jingle as an exotic looking elf pushes open the door. His silver hair frame the bronze features of his face sharply. His golden eyes darts round the famous tavern. A smile comes across his face as he heads to the bar. “Greatings, I’ve heard many stories of this place. I’m glad to have the chance to visit.” He rests his hand easily in the hilt of his curved elven long sword and calls for a glass of wine.
Receiving his wine he slowly wanders through the great meeting room enjoying the decorations and items of interest. From time to time stopping to consider something while sipping the wine comfortably.
The elf is prepared for travel. His backpack nestled over the shoulder sharing back space with his shield. The symbol emblazoned on the shield being a quarter moon over starbursts and styled to match his lightly made chainmail.
As more of the tavern reveals itself, Fyird revises his opinion... Well except for that big inter-dimensional hole in the floor, and all this weird stuff on the walls.
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Drinks are delivered as requested. The elven scout who asked the barmaid a question receives a response, punctuated by the woman pointing to a table across the taproom where sits a portly merchant.
Eventually the skinny wizard finds his voice, leaning over to the dwarf that he chose to sit near, he speaks to him in dwarven,
I am looking for some traveling companions to locate some missing people. you interested?
though the words are correct, the tone is a little off, it is apparent that this part elf, has studied dwarven but has a long way to go.
Fyird walks up to the man she pointed out, and doffs his cap with a bow. "Symond Turney" I am told. I am Fyird, and I believe you are expecting me"?
"Depends; what caused them to go missing?"
Fargus takes a drink, then grimaces like he tasted something disgusting, before upending the contents of the entire tankard into his mouth.
Hearing an elvish accent, Aren turns and scans the room, still sipping his wine. Seeing the wood elf, he wonders to himself ”A local! Perhaps he would be willing to help me aclimate to this area. I know approximately where Neverwinter is, but a guide would not hurt. A local may actually know where this “Oakhurst” actually is.”
Noticing that his the elf has began speaking with someone else, Arendyl keeps a non threatening eye on his quarry. Watching for signs of trustworthiness and to make sure he doesn’t disappear befor Aren can speak with him.
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The portly merchant speaks to the elf at length before indicating a young woman sitting beside him and handing over a pouch that looks to be fairly heavy.
Joxi has kept quiet and too herself for awhile watching the interactions and trying to garner who among them are capable.As she does she ends up heading to the bar.
"So whats everyone drinking, Names Joxi by the way Please too meet you" She says with a smile
Jaynie realizes that she has been standing and listening to the voices, or was it just one voice...well whatever...she has been standing and not paying any attention to what was going on around her. Hearing someone asking what people were drinking, the barmaid heads over to the group.
"What can I get for you?" she asks eyeing the strange gathering of elves, dwarves, humans and halflings.
"Well hello there maid, I must ask what do you recommend, anything bubbly? I do love a drink with bubbles as it tickles the nose along with the tongue! You should try it"She says with a merry smile and warm cheeks. Which was always a great cover for a gnome.
"What say you fine sirs, any recommendations?Wait are you not drinking drinks with bubbles? You should have bubbles!" She says cheerfully. Which was always her default setting
"Given how weak it is, bring me 3 more pints of this swill." says Fargus "Oh, and a haunch of whatever meat you cooked up today."
Well if I had intended on taking this task on alone, that's kind of out the window. This heavy purse openly displayed might make it imperative to find some trustworthy companions quickly.
"So buy the apple, find out where it comes from, and bring both the apple and the origin back here to you"?
Fyird takes a look around the room, looking for any potential capable companions.
Investigation or Insight.
"Right, 3 ales and some meat, something bubbly for the gnome...anything else?"
Jayne makes a note of who ordered what and stays just long enough to see if anyone else wants something before heading off to the bar with her order.
Fyird takes a look around the room, looking for any potential capable companions.
1d20+1 Investigation or Insight.
Fyird catches the eye of another elf in the room. He nods and smiles then continues examining the Portal’s decorations. Fyird, you think he may have something more to say to you. He seems to be trying to be subtle.
pulling up a chair now at the same table as the dwarf, he switches back to common.
they went missing investigating some place called the sunless citadel, near Oakhurst. I hope to go there and investigate this place.
Fyird catches the Eladrin...Well don't see a whole lot of those around in taverns... looking at him, and decides to approach.
"Greetings friend. I noticed that you seemed to be interested in my business. Is there something I can help you out with? Do I know you? Don't mean to seem unfriendly, but I'm a big fan of showing my cards".
On the way to speak with the Eladrin, he overhears the Dwarf and the Is that a Drow blood... strange night indeed... speak the name of Oakhurst as well.
"Sounds like a Drow fortress. What rumors have you heard about it? anything about the monsters that guard it?"
Hearing Oakhurst she walks over to the table and smiles.
"Oakhurst eh? I am heading there myself for a special mission. If you want I can help you by tagging along?" She says cheerfully
On Fyrid’s approach, Arendyl offers the wood elf a traditional elven greeting. Very formal, probably something Fyrid has not seen in a very long time. After hearing him out Aren seems a little taken back at first and then seems to realize he is the stranger here. ”I assure you friend that I was not intruding on your conversation. I was merely trying to get your attention. I was hoping you may be able direct me to a reputable guide. I am traveling north toward the small town of of Oakhurst. I’m looking for a local that may be able to help me get there. “
On Fyrid’s approach, Arendyl offers the wood elf a traditional elven greeting. Very formal, probably something Fyrid has not seen in a very long time. After hearing him out Aren seems a little taken back at first and then seems to realize he is the stranger here. ”I assure you friend that I was not intruding on your conversation. I was merely trying to get your attention. I was hoping you may be able direct me to a reputable guide. I am traveling north toward the small town of of Oakhurst. I’m looking for a local that may be able to help me get there. “
Fyird is a bit surprised, and pleased by the old traditional greeting, and returns it in kind.
"Well it just so happens that I'm that guide you might be seeking, and if my pointy ears don't deceive me, that table full of capable appearing adventurers, seem to be headed the same way. Shall we make our introductions"?
Tairdo looks a little intimidated at the gathering group. he starts wringing his hands together, and seems very frigidity.
I am going to find some acquaintances, I believe that they went to someplace called the sunless citadel. I don't know if there are drow there, but there won't be any when we leave.
"Hi the names Fyird, and I couldn't help but overhear that you were headed towards Oakhurst. I have traveled that path before, and would like to have company for the next journey, as it is not one without danger. What say you that we travel together... for safety".
"Well seems we are heading the same direction and who doesn't love travel companions, Am I right. I mean the road is boring when you have no one to talk to or swap stories, Right?" She says with a smile from below the lip of the table.
"I don't know if you heard but the names Joxi, I am a teller of tales and singer of songs! A walking gnomicipedia of weird and esoteric knowledge. At least that is what I will become with a little more experience." She says earnestly
"Well, lessee here..." says Fargus between polishing off tankards in a single go "...We got us 3 to 5 adventurers, just like in the Human stories, and we're all in a tavern-like place. Now all we need is..." Fargus looks up and points at Jaynie "The plucky tavern wench who tries. Come join us, lass, and we'll have us a grand ole' adventure." subconsciously, Fargus pats his axe as he mentions the word adventure.
Jaynie returns to the table with the food and drinks. She lingers close by, listening to the group talk.
Oakhurst it said...yesss...you must go...you go lass....
"...lass, and we'll have us a grand ole' adventure."
Jaynie shakes herself like a wet dog, as the voice in her head suddenly changes to that of the dwarf she had just served.
"Yes...yes I wish to come!"
"Good, then have a seat and we'll discuss our travel plans." Says Fargus right after downing another tankard of ale.
Aren joins Fyrid, standing quietly while he asks the others to join. Smiling when they begin to agree and seem to have pleasant demeanors.
Joxi eyes the girl strangely then shakes it off. She notes the odd behavior but smiles anyways knowing that she has to have aid in this endeavor.
"So to those who are more familiar with this trek from here to Oakhurst, pray tell what sorts of dangers may we encounter?" She asks curiously seeking to get as much information as possible so she can be prepared.
With a blank look on her face and a monotone voice, Jaynie begins to speak.
"A darkness like none have ever encountered awaits those who..."
SHUT UP GIRL..SHUT UP!!
Again the girl suddenly look like she has just woke up from a dream.
"...ummm goblins maybe?" she finishes rather lamely before hurrying off to take more orders.
Fyird looks at Jaynie a bit puzzled by her speech, then turn to the subject at hand.
Anything he might know using his background if he knows what they might encounter on the trail. (Calling on Outlander background)
Tairdo is silent as the others migrate to the table, seems this may be easier than I had expected he ponders.
Well, I am unsure what to expect. but I am sure that the group of us can most likely handle most of it. He adds, trying to be sociable and positive.
I recommend we stick to the min roads between here and Oakhurst. Once there we can get our fill of the local cuisine and earn more about this citadel.
"It'll be fine. Not much round these parts wants to mess with me, and with you lot, that should be guaranteed."
"But perhaps we should discuss why you folk want to head to this Drow fortress?"
says Fargus between gulps of this third beer in as many minutes, although it would appear that the legends of Dwarven fortitude are correct, as he does not appear to be the slightest bit drunk.
"I'd prefer to make sure who all is taking on this quest before I make my intentions known. Suffice it to say that I've been tasked with finding something, and there is gold enough for all should we take on this task and succeed".
Is this game still on. DM has not posted in two weeks.
"Well I'll be leaving at first light. I've got some limited funds if any of that plan on coming need anything, I suggest you ask now, cause I'll be hitting the road pronto. So who all is in"?
With a fierce stare that seems to be looking through him, the young barmaid steps forward.
"I will join your group"
She just stands there for a few moments until she blinks a few time, looks around, smiles nervously and quietly slips back with the others.
"Ooo..OOo..Me I'll come, I have what it takes to fight drow!" She says waving her hand as if in some formal classroom and yet shifting and fidgeting like she was a mere child.
"A Stonecleaver never backs down from a fight."
Tairdo answers, though a little nervously. I will be going as well, I do have business to look into at Oakhurst as you may already know.