Roll Call.
What ye be needin' laddie?
It wasn't that he was lawless, or even that he refused to pay the toll at the gates; Hedgerow simply liked to exercise the freedom to do as he pleased - and sneaking into town was fun, which was a worthy pursuit in and of itself.
This crevice just north of the south gate had become his favorite point of entry, mainly because of the cover provided by the thicket which allowed him to slip into the cracked stonework wall that surrounded the great city. In this diminutive form, the perimeter wall's formidable defenses were utterly ignored. The furry brown rodent hurried through the breach, eager to emerge onto the other side where he was to meet a friend for a mead. He had made the trip many times before, but this time upon emergence from the inner wall he came face to face with a towering monster replete with vicious claws and teeth - an alley cat!
The horrible beast pounced with a hiss, swinging a paw armed with a row of unsheathed claws. Pulling back into the hole in the nick of time, the druid avoided the blow but managed to infuriate the feline. From the darkness he could see the daylight being blotted out repeatedly by the flailing claws of the cat, thrusting over and over again in an attempt to fish out a hot meal.
He thought to himself, "Oi, I may 'ave to wait awhile for that drink."
I answer the call
The dragonborn sat , holding a piece of parchment, occasionally leaning to dip a quill into a waiting bottle of ink, then scratching a note on the margin of the text.
Most engrossed was she that the entrance of the other was not immediately noticed. Her head, covered in glossy, silver scales, turned suddenly. Beautiful golden eyes transfixed the individual that had inturrupted her work.
The fierceness of her gaze softened as she recognized the Obervator of the Temple of Selune.
Rising smoothly, her large powerful body moving with a grace that told of her impressive heritage.
Bowing her head, in a deep rumble, she said, "Is it time? I am ready. "
Okay folks, if your character has not yet been posted to gameplay it is not too late. We have not yet reached capacity there is still time to jump in.
We will be starting very soon, however, probably tomorrow. First I need to settle something. Please go to this link and vote in this survey.
Then roll a 1d12 and PM it to me.
Thank you.
Torith passes through the gates, as he breathlessly observes the grand city of Waterdeep. One hand on his battleaxe, Torith wanders over to the nearest tavern
The Halls of Justice are the primary temple of Tyr in Waterdeep. They are equal parts fortress, temple and court of law. Your presence has been requested by a deacon of Tyr. After being ushered into a hallway where several offices of temple officials are found a tall Tian man with greying hair and an upright demeanor greets you. "Well met, my name is Rimmardo Huang. Please follow me to the courtyard where we may speak."
You follow him to a nearby open-aired courtyard where several people can be seen strolling or enjoying their lunch in the neat gardens. "I have asked you here today to aid the temple of Tyr in an undertaking. You might be aware that this spring has brought unpredictable weather and strange occurrences to the hinterlands beyond the city. There have been flash floods, earthquakes, windstorms and even wildfires. These trying circumstances have brought brigands and other villainous characters out of hiding to take advantage of those poor people beset by these events. Even wild beasts are not immune to these conditions and have come out of hiding in search of food or been emboldened by the lack of hunters and other guardians."
"For this reason the temple of Tyr sent and expedition of knights and judges into the Dessarin valley, to the north, to assist the people and calm their fears. The expedition was provided with a suite of holy relics to bless their journey and grant the common folk proof that Tyr is with them. The expedition was supposed to spend a few tendays visiting the local settlements, check in at Summit Hall and then return. There has been no sign of them at Summit Hall and for this reason I have been asked to commision you to follow after them and discover their fate. The temple will outfit you with all materials required for such an expedition and offer whatever information and guidance it can, but hopes you can find the members of the expedition alive and return the holy relics here."
"Some of you have personal reasons to embark on this journey, but I hope you will all be willing to take it up. Do you have any questions I can answer about your task?"
Celephix inclines her head, "By your command, I will attend to this."
Celephix looks to the others gathered, before continuing. "I doubt we will know more until we can question the locals as to expedition's activities, were they given any secondary orders?"
Hedgerow never felt fully at ease here, though he trusted that the priests and acolytes of Tyr would do him no harm. The grounds were too clean and ordered for his tastes. He preferred a rough tavern or an untamed wilderness to almost anything else within the city walls, though he couldn't deny the wonder that was this city, especially when one had a good view.
The temple's agents had sought him out before. They'd heard of his abilities out in the wild, both in tracking, hunting, and use of druidic magicks -- all of which made him an ideal guide for city-dwelling folk who needed a helping hand in the hinterlands.
"Aye, I'll help ye again. Got me own interests 'ere too, don't ye doubt. The land is cryin' out for help. It's outta whack, and I can feel it in me bones. Could ye spare a potion er two? An antitoxin or a healing draught would come in 'andy out on the road."
The dwarf looked around at the gathered adventurers to see if they had anything to add.
"When do we leave?"
"Well met Dame Celephix," says Rimmardo seemingly used to the presence of the tall tiefling.
"The expedition was to travel to Amphail, and then on to Red Larch. They were to settle any local disputes and tend to the needs of the common folk as best they could. They were to display the relics to the faithful and dispense whatever blessings were appropriate. From there the leader of the expedition would determine their best route of travel based on the local conditions. They would as best they could travel on to westbridge, Triboar, Yartar, Beliard, Summit Hall, Bargewright Inn, Womford then Goldenfields and back to Waterdeep. Anything beyond that was as best determined by the expedition's leader and head of the guards."
"You will of course be provided with a map of the area," he adds.
"I have no questions" Tortih answers, then observes the grand temple
A rather rough dwarf walks into the room looking at a sheet of parchment and absent mindedly shouts to Huang
Aye, les see then. We got all O the rations an' water supplies ready there rimmy? Oh, an' hows that requisition for some sturdy plate or scale armor coming along? he looks over to see another dwarf. He offers a hand.
Oy, perhaps this'll be easier than I thought. Names Thorin, I'm to be overseein' this expedition. That don't make me the boss or the leader, just means I'm the one that takes the blame ifin' it fails. I'd like to take stock O' the different talents we'll be 'avin in our group and assign any duties accordingly. before really waiting for a response he shouts
Ah! and turns back to Huang. Rimmy, ye don't think ye could spare a long pole, an some extra rope and a grappling hook, just incase do ye? O! An a barrel or three of ye finest ale ifin' ye can spare it. He goes on like this for a bit before notcing the dragonborn, and the tiefling.
Aye, a dragonkin then? And uh, a teifling, Well, subtlety was never me strong point anyway. He offers a rough hand shake, and then gives a nod towards Celephix
Names Thorrin. Thorin Ironmug at yer service.
In a low grumble, Torith speaks. Torith Norixin. My names Torith
"Well met master Ironmug," says Rimmardo.
"I have convinced the abbot to part with a few suits of scale mail. I shall ensure that a sufficient supply of poles, ropes and grapnels are sent along."
"Well met master Norixin, we are pleased that you could attend to us in this task," he says to Torith.
A tall, silver scaled dragonborn walks up to the Halls of Justice, parchment clutched in her taloned hand.
She bore only one of her handaxes, not expecting a bloody melee in Tyr's temple.
Striding confidently down the Temple's main aisle, she spies a likely gathering for her purpose here.
She hears the dward Thorin's loud commands and comments, as well as the other dragonborn and human's reply.
Arriving at the edge of the group, she inclines her head, "Greetings and well met." she says in the local custom, "I am Ashifenagrisonbenabenisonnia. You may call me Ashi, if my true name is too tasking. "
Holding up the parchment, she says ,"I have been delivered here by portent and augury. There are tasks terrible and great that lie ahead for this expedition. I must accompany it. " she finishes simply, raising her head to meet the eyes of all assembled, lingering a bit longer on Torith.
Celephix nods towards Thorin
"I am Celephix, Wizard and devotee of our Lord Tyr. I can offer arcane advice and assistance to the cause" she speaks with a measured tone and upper-class inflection.
"Well met Master Hedgerow, thank you for coming to the temple's aid. I will see to it that each of you is provided a healing tonic," says Rimmardo. "You may leave as soon as you feel confident you are prepared to go. Everything you need; mounts, food, water, and traveling supplies, are all waiting for you at the Northgate of the city."
"Well met mistress..." and Rimmardo pauses for a moment. "...Ashifenagrisonbenabenisonnia. We were told of your impending arrival and we grateful to have you in our company for this task."
"The members of the expedition are Teresiel Meliamne, a senior judge advocate of Tyr. Adrik of clan Loderr, a legal scholar. Ilde of clan Ironmug," he nods sympathetically to Thorin, "a skilled clerk and Adrik's protege. "Rhudorth of clan Fireforge, a battle-smith. Desenya Norvael, a noble diplomat. Alethra Starag is the head of the guard, leading a dozen soldiers."
"The expedition was carrying four sacred relics with them. The golden hammer of Saint Crispus. A feather of the archon Tordammus. The censer of Respite and the bowl of Saint Alla."
A man wearing rather posh clothing and a top hat walks in. His voice is not as loud as it is pronounced, and it holds a large measure of nobility and gravity to it.
Good evening lords and ladies! I am sure that you will all be happy to hear that I, Vazenic of the house of Amcathra will be joining your expedition. Of my own violation of course.
he moves to the teifling, gentle takes her hand and places a small kiss on it as he bows. Surely a race with ones as beautiful as yourself cannot be worthy of the reputation it bears. I forsee great things from you my lady. he gives a small smile before turning to inspect the others present.
Ah! noble dragonkin, yours is a powerful heritage, always striving to better yourself and those around you. I will feel much safer on this journey knowing that two of your strength are around. He gives a deep bow to the dragonborn.
And stalwart and noble dwarves. Surely our expedition will not falter if lead by thee. and he gives a dwarven salute to them.
he then addresses the entire lot.
I am looking forward to getting to know you all. I'm sure that my services will ease the burden of this task for all.
he then makes his way to stand next to Celephix, giving a small nod as he does so.
Rimmardo bows to the young noble. "Well met Lord Amcathra." To everyone else he says. "Lord Amcathra has offered to help defray the costs of this expedition in exchange for the opportunity to visit the Dessarin Valley, where many of his House's wishes to expand their holdings."
"That should be the last of you. Unless you have anything further to ask, please feel free to depart when you feel you are sufficiently prepared."
Torith turns to Ashi and speaks "Well met Ashifenagrisonbenabenisonnia, and to you as well, Lord Amcathra
Ashi inclines her head to each as they introduce themselves, then addresses Rimmardo, "I overheard Master Ironmug mention a requisition for armor. Might I inquire if there might be some of a size that would suit me?"
ah yes.. I believe I'd like some stusded leather, fitted, you will be repaid of course.
Without any further ceremony you head to Northgate, where a Tyrran quartermaster has arranged everything you have requested. If you have any further questions or comments just let me know and we can slip them in, otherwise you are ready to depart for Amphail and then beyond to the Dessarin Valley.
It's a three day ride to Amphail, half that if you push your mounts and rife through the night. You've been told that there is an tavernmaster in amphail named Krivvin Shamblestar. He will provide you with fresh horses should you desire them. He also keeps an ear out for local happenings on behalf of the temple of Tyr, so he can answer many of your questions. His establishment is called the Stag-Horned Flagon.
Filthy mountain dwarf --
Wait... that be yer father talking. Best to be fair and give the old goat a chance.
The druid hadn't encountered that many dwarves since the days of his boyhood where he traveled with his dwarven merchant family. He was separated from them at a young age during a giant raid upon their caravan, and he never saw his parents again, unsure of their fate. Though he was only a boy when he lost them, he was raised with hill dwarf values and hill dwarves mistrusted their mountain-cavern-dwelling kin. Hedgerow had mostly outgrown many of those ingrained prejudices but it appears some of their foundation remained, if his gut reaction to the mountain dwarf was any indication.
When each of his new road companions introduced themselves he nodded politely and shook their hands. He did the same with Ironmug, doing his best to keep a kind look in his eyes. He was a dwarf, after all.
"Ye can call me 'edgerow. Nothin' fancy 'bout me or me name. Hopin' we make a good team!"
----------
As they left the city walls behind, Hedgerow rode his shaggy pony toward the front of the line, keeping an eye out for luck both good or bad. It would be unlikely to meet monsters or bandits this close to the city's border, but it was better to be cautious, especially when there were lives on the line.
"I'm not a fan of pushing the beasts harder than we need te', but time may well be a factor. A day and a 'alf and we be there, if'n we ride hard through the night. What say you all?"
"I agree. Riding through the night would be best. What say you?" Torith asks, glancing at the rest of the party
An ifn' we came across something when we get there, an we're all to tired or fatigued to deal with it? No, look, me sister be on the original expedition an not a one O' ye wants to be getting their sooner than me. However we gotta be ready to face whatever, if indeed their be anythin', thats there. So, we ride half the night, get a lite sleep an a small meal, an' make it in two days time. That's what I be thinkin we should do.
Thorin crosses his arms, apparently having already thought about this.
"I can ride through the night, or rest - just because my talents rest with the mind, do not feel you must rest on my account."
I was a noble, born as an embarrassment to my parents. I joined the Knights of Samular, a more experienced tutor thought I may fare better tutored by an Arcane expert rather than a warrior - and he was correct in his assessment.
My faith and devotion is equal of any martial Knight and I will live and die by the tenets of Tyr.
"My thanks, Ser Ironmug, these will be use with gratitude." Ashi intones as the items are give over to her.
-----
Turning on her own sturdy mount, Ashi nods to Thorin, "A sensible plan, Ser Ironmug, flying unheeding into danger is folly. Taking the time for rest is as important as the journey itself. "
yes, I also agree that we should make sure we are in fighting condition upon arrival. Lest what befell the first group, befall us. Oh, I'd like a potion if you would dear.
no need to say anything, I can hear anything you think if you wish me to. You said you were sent here by augury and portent. Would you care to tell me just what you meant by that? And what was told to you?
"Hmmm... you are right" With that Torith turns his gaze to the road, one hand palming his battle axe
Not feeling strongly either way about this decision, the dusty dwarf held his hands out, palms up, and bowed his head in deference to the mountain dwarf's notion. Hearing that he had a sister missing made the situation more real somehow. The stakes here were high.
He turned back toward the road and resumed their steady pace.
"Daylight's burnin'."
It's decided, you head out a steady pace. You keep feeling like you should rush but cooler heads prevail. You exit the Northgate and head out on the High Road. The road is among the finest on the Sword Coast and is regularly patrolled by guards from Waterdeep and frequently plied by merchant caravans. As a result you are able to set a pace of 4 miles per hour.
Three hours later you turn North-northeast onto the Long Road, the Long Road starts here and ends in cold Mirabar. First you pass by a hamlet named Rassalantar. It consists of nothing more than half a dozen walled farms with an inn called the Sleeping Dragon.
Behind the inn is a barracks where sixty Waterdeep guards are stationed, ensuring the peace and protection of this caravan watering stop. You pass Rassalantar and the warm, dry beds of the sleeping dragon by. You ride into the evening and eventually stop a little of the road, dragonborn and humans having no darkvision makes riding too late a risk of losing a horse.
A few miles north of your camp a bare, high peak sits alone. Someone recalls is it named Maiden's Tomb Tor for some reason. aside form the cries of night birds and the occasional yip of a coyote or some other animal the night passes quietly and without event.
The next day you are eager to see your destination and as the sun draws to its highest point and your appetites start to get their strongest you see the town of Amphail draw into view.
The beautiful village has stands of duskwood and spruce clustered along the road as you ride up. Though summer is not yet begun you can already smell the stench of horse manure that pervades village in the warm months. You ride into the center of town where a large open space where caravans would normally meet is located. You notice a magnificent black stone statue of a rearing warhorse, a horse pond a rowan tree as large as a cottage and the burnt ruins of some building.
Then you see what you are looking for, the Stag-horned flagon tavern. You tie up your horses and head inside. This wood and stone tavern is dark and cozy, better appointed than many you have seen in Waterdeep itself. The clientele appears to be well-moneyed and mostly respectable. Many of them are in here now for a drink and a midday meal. There’s a pleasant buzz of conversation in the air as well as the smell of fine food.
Overtop of the bar hangs a stag horned helm, upside down so as to act as a giant mug. On the wall there is a carefully lettered sign which says “A safe place to get blind drink in. –Mirt” Everyone hear seems to be enjoying their conversations, drinks and meals. Despite most of them being humans, with a few elves and halflings, no one seems to take much notice of your party as you enter.
There was something instinctual about sturdy wood and stone motifs that set a dwarf's heart at ease, and so Hedgerow was always happy to pop in for a drink when he traveled up this way. The wild dwarf druid wasn't the most social of types, and typically preferred his drinks in a private corner of whatever establishment he happened upon. Because of this tendency he didn't recognize the name of the contact they were given - the barkeep Krivvin Shamblestar - though he had been here before.
Content that their mounts were probably safe outside for the moment, he walked up to the bar and found a seat. When the bartender walked nearby, he called out in his gruff dwarfy tones,
"Oi, good-day to ye. We be lookin' for a good drink and some news, if'n ye have some."
He left his query ambiguous to fish for what was on the barkeep's mind, with hopes of getting information about the missing expedition without having to explicitly ask. Also he was certain there were more personable speakers among his road companions, and so opted for a minimalist approach for starters.
The bartender wordlessly pours a line of ales with practiced precision. Then he points to a quiet corner of the tavern where a middle-aged Illuskan man sits alone quietly watching the assembled crowd in the tavern.
Celephix sits with Hedgerow, content to let him speak for now, she smiles and takes a look at the Illuskan when the barkeep nods towards him.
Valik walks in and up to the bar, not far behind hedgerow.
Hmm. Do you have anything of fine make? A type of wine perhaps?
The young man behind the bar brightens a bit. "Certainly sir, We have all the finest local vintages. Horseshoe Gold, Dancing Maiden, Ardeep Emerald, Manycherries Bold, Pulass, and Waterdhavian Field's Finest. If there's anything else you might like we may have a few extra bottles lying around somewhere."
yes, I've heard great things of this establishment and I must say, you do not disappoint. Hmm if you could I'd like a bottle of each, er well, except the Pulass I'm sure this writ of pay will be accepted? Oh, and a cup for each of my companions my good sir. he points to the members of the group.
Torith walks over to the bar, glances and Valik, then turns his gaze over to the bartender. I'd rather have water Torith nods to both men, hands the bartender a gold piece, and walks away
The gold piece disappears so fast you'd think it was fey gold. The bartender hands over a cup of fruit-water, with ice in it.
Celephix frowns at Valik, Is he showing off for a reason? she touches a hand to her horn, a gesture she adopted long since to remind herself of her own flaws and not to judge others so quickly.
Celephix leans close to Valik and speaks quietly "Perhaps Valik, it would be wise to maintain our state of sensibility, especially as the hour is still early."
The older man in the corner gestures for you to join him at his table.
Torith, sipping on his water, walks up to the man. "Hello"
The druid raised an eyebrow at Torith's extravagant tip and wondered how wealthy the half-dragon was, though it was none of his business, he furthered wondered if that wealth might play a role in the adventures to come.
Hedgerow thanked the barkeep and headed over to the middle-aged man sitting alone at his table, answering the beckon.
A slender tiefling walks in. Heads to the bar and retrieves a drink, then finds a seat alone, with few people around. He says nothing, but seems very interested in the travelers.
He thinks to himself, "Perhaps these visitors will provide a reason and means to leave this place?"
you here a voice that sounds just like celephix in your mind.
no need to say anything, I can hear anything you think if you wish me to. You said you were sent here by augury and portent. Would you care to tell me just what you meant by that? And what was told to you?
At hearing the voice in her head, Ashi lifts her head and listens thoughtfully. She the replies in kind, "Your questions are impertinent to say the least. That I am here is enough answer. You may in time learn more, should you deserve so."
Ahsi enters the tavern, pausing a moment for her eyes to adjust to the sudden dimness. She accepts one of the mugs of beer put forth at Hedgerows request, quaffing the brew in one big appreciative gulp.
With a grateful incline of her head to the rough dwarf, she turns to look at the man indicated by the barkeep.
Following Hedgerow, Ashi looks about for an appropriately sized seat, positions it and sits, looking expectantly at the Illuskan.