Mitchell Cloudkeep's page

Greetings all. Unfortunately I've come to the unfortunate conclusion that it is time for me to step away from these boards for a while. Life keeps throwing darts, and I don't have the concentration or motivation to continue at this time. Thanks for the opportunity, and I apologize for any inconvenience this might cause. Hopefully if like settles down I can return someday... but if not Happy Gaming to you all and best wishes.

Mitchell observes the others eating with gusto. After an indeterminate amount of time he observes.

"Just like important people. Push you to get here as soon as possible, then leave you waiting forever".

Mitchell helps himself to the offered refreshments, but continues to stand.

I'll be out of the country on a business trip next week, and am not sure what my posting availability will be. Just FYI so you won't think I've deserted you. Feel free to DMPC

"But of course my good man. I am Sir Mitchell Cloudkeep, and we have been summoned to attend promptly by the Blackstaff. Here is the missive if you need to verify".

I posted yesterday... but it got sucked into the Cyber Void.

"Yeah. What he said... hurry".

"Aye! I think you have the jest of it. Anyway I know it's a position of power, and if magic is involved probably not patient. I say we start that way, and hopefully we'll run into Talliree on the way. Regardless I'll leave a note for her".

Mitchell hastily writes down a note to Talliree designating where they have gone, and when they left, then heads for the door.

Mitchell paces in front of the fireplace as first Jasper and then Kurgan on his heels enter the room.

"Maybe, and perhaps". He answers looking in turn at each of the individuals.

"I just received an urgent summons from Vajra Safahr, the Blackstaff, to come to Blackstaff Tower in the Castle Ward at once and Bring my friends. I think he means you... This is a big deal. Let's give Taliree another few minutes to return while we dress a bit for the meeting, then we'll just have to hope we meet her along the way".

Dang that girl for wandering off without saying anything.

In Mitchell's mind he is scurrying. To everyone else it appears a purposeful stride.

Mitchell Thunders back down the stairs calling for his friends. Meeting in the Lobby... Now"!

Dang it where is Talliree.

Mitchell

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23 Attempt to look dangerous and mean.

Mitchell

@ The Manor

Mitchell stands beside Mirt and glances at the area as well. "That's a fine idea... though it might be difficult finding a Dragon to give up his head easily. Perhaps we could hire an artist to paint a fierce picture of a Dragon"?

He then looks down at Mirt. "That is unless you have a spare one you would give up"?

Mitchell holds up one finger to slow Kurgan's questions down, then finishes the line of numbers he was checking and looks up at his partner.

"No idea. I'm sure she'll show back up. I believe the tiresome of all this renovation and paperwork bores her".

He then looks to where Kurgan is pointing, and smiles as he sees the figure of Mirt in the doorway. He rises to his feet, and heads over to shake the man's hand speaking with Kurgan as he goes.

"He's the man who sold us this fine establishment, and none other than the Esteemed Mirt".

He vigorously shakes the man's hand, and turns to introduce Kurgan, and Jasper if he's nearby.

"As you can see we're making progress. What brings you here"?

I think everybody is here except the DM

Mitchell asks around the workers if anyone has seen Talliree, then decides that he has too much to do to wonder where she has gotten off to, and goes about his duties.

Is there something we're supposed to do before advancing things?

Business associates in town this week. Probably be Thursday PM at the earliest before I can post... so feel free to DMPC.

Mitchell is one of my favorite characters... so I'm ready to roll when you are.

Mitchell passes by the bar area in his rounds in time to catch the end of Kurgan's tirade.

"There, there now Calm down. Rules are in place to protect everyone's interest, and keep the playing field level... in theory. Of course where there is power there is the potential for corruption, and that is what the Church of Waukeen tries to enforce. Don't worry I'll take care of the business end of things... and we can add a small surcharge to our final prices to offset any guild fees we might incur. You just concentrate on what you're good at. Making sure our product is both serviceable and profitable.".

Mitchell decides it's time to pay the Vintners, Distillers, and Brewers Guild a visit... just to stay on the right side of things.

"I'm going out for a bit to take care of some business. You haven't seen Talliree around have you"?

Mitchell seems to be harried, and unable to concentrate on one thing as he scurries back and forth between the upstairs rooms, the basement under renovation, the kitchen the bar and everywhere else making sure there is nothing out of sorts... too bad. He acknowledges the others as he rushes by, but doesn't pause to engage in conversation... too busy!

Mitchell notices the interaction from their invisible host/guest, as he goes over some sketches and plans with Jasper, expressing his astonishment at the cost of some of the upgrades.

"You are welcome to pick out a room to stay in during the renovations. I've reserved the Attic suite, but there are plenty of other empty rooms. Especially now with the others leaving".

Mitchell is not so much a prude. He understands the value of commerce, and is willing to turn a blind eye to some of the less savory occupations, as long as it doesn't upset the order of things.

@Kurgen>>: "Oh. So you are not here to drink Sorry for my mistake. Your skills would certainly be welcome, and if Talliree trusts you then so do I". The big noble then walks forward and extends his hand in welcome to the Dwarf, before showing him the bar, and where the storage areas for supplies were.

Mitchell starts as much as Kurgen when he hears another knock at the door, then rushes forward eagerly as he recognizes both the tone, and volume of the speaker. Before he even gets to the door he begins speaking as he knocks over a barstool, and dislodges a chair in his rush to greet his old friend. "Jasper"? He then slings open the door automatically adjusting his gaze to the proper level. "Jasper Silvereye. As I live and breathe. It is so good to see you old friend... and you bring not only gifts, but a friend as well". Mitchell then smiles at the elf carrying some of Jaspers goods.

He is a bit confused by the presence of the lamplighters guild, but he had actually spoken to this one a few times in the past due to his unusual background for a lamplighter.

"Please come in. I know the place is a bit rundown... but we've dealt with some unfortunate circumstances, and now everything is ready to move forward... with the right partners that is". Come on in and I'll introduce you".

Mitchell motions to Talliree. "This is Talliree my friend and partner in ownership". He then gestures towards the Dwarf scrubbing down things behind the bar. "This gentleman is Kurgan. He's recently been hired on as our brewmaster and barkeep, and is already proving himself a hard worker".

"Let's sit and catch up for a moment, before we discuss business, perhaps you could introduce me to your helper"?

Not long after the message was sent out, Kurgan entered the tavern. The door flew up, having been pushed harder than was intended, revealing the smiling face of a dwarf. Kurgan looked around, and spotting Talliree, he bellowed "Oi! There's me bonny lass, eh? Ye remember old Kurgan, aye?"

As an outsider in Waterdeep, Kurgan had operated out of the poorer quarters for city, seeking work where he could. Unfortunately this put him in the territory of the Crimson Breakers. While he never ran with them, he was victimized by the group, with their enforcers demanding a tithe of his product. Something they would do in large enough groups for the dwarf to know better than to be obstinate about. Of the Breakers, the only one who ever struck him as being a good sort was Talliree.

"Heard ye *broke* away from the Crimsons, eh? S'true that this 'ere place is yers?" He asked. Then, noticing Mitchell for the first time, he said "Oh! Sorry there, lad. S'cuse me manners. Name's Kurgan! Brewer by trade, drinker by birth." Seeing his noble bearing he hesitated to extend his hand, not wanting hurt Talliree's business by offending a nobleman.

Mitchell starts as the door to the tavern slams open, his hands automatically reaching for his sword. He quickly looks to Talliree to see what her reaction to the Dwarf's appearance might be. "Uh... Hello.... He then looks back and forth between his partner and the loud dwarf. "Umm we're not open for business yet, might I suggest another tavern to wet your whistle"?

Mitchell watches Talliree with a mixture of horror, and sympathy. He's not sure what to do wondering if he consoles her will she get angry and break off his arm, and if he doesn't will she ever stop.

He chooses to stand a few feet away and offer her encouragement. "There, there now. I'm still hear am I not. And I'm sure there are others who will cross our paths who might help us out. And Hob and Himo are still our friends... they're just not going to be present physically. I'm sure if we reached out to them they'd still do what they could to help".

He then reaches for a nearby linen napkin to hand the burly barbarian. Just as he reaches out a paper bird flies in through the open window, and hits him in the forehead barely missing his eye. "Ouch"! he reflexively shouts as the bird unfolds into a piece of parchment, and gently wafts to the ground.

"What's this now"? The holy warrior begins to read the document, and a smile begins to cross his handsome face. "See right here. A friend of mine Jasper Silvereye... you might have heard me mention our name, has reached out to me and is interested in new opportunities. He's just the sort we need to make a go of this thing. I'll go find a messenger, and fetch him here at first opportunity, so you'll have a chance at a new friend".

Mitchell dashes from the room, and grabs the first messenger he sees with instructions to find Jasper and ask him to attend.

Mitchell addresses his former partners.

"I certainly understand gentlemen. The pressure of owning and running a successful business... especially a formerly haunted one is not for everyone. I wish you luck, and you'll always have a house discount here if you return to visit".

Mitchell puts on a stolid face as he pulls forth the documents to be sighed over, but you can tell he is a bit confused why anyone would give up the safe profitable income for an unsure life of adventure.

Mitchell looks upon his companion with horror. "That's terrible. That was no friend. I can promise you that any beating to a pulp I do will be by your side, not aimed at you".

Though Mitchell then looks at Talliree with a bit of a grin... "Though I would think he somehow had you at a disadvantage at the time or you were much younger".

"So do you think we should find some help with this place. it's a lot of work, but hopefully it should be safer now"?

@Adam: Good question chief. Tullowvaen is a driven creature - by day a perfectionist who crafts fantastical candles for his Guild, at night he is a dogged maintainer of the lamps and lights that provide the denizen's of Waterdeep illumination...

Talliree I see as someone whose either targeted the Lamplighters (or those they guide) during her criminal days running with the Crimson Breakers... Perhaps she admired his stubborn determination to fix vandalised street lamps in the gang's territory and they have struck up an unlikely acquaintance as he undertook his shift.

Mitchell is somewhat easier (in principal) as the Lamplighter's often come into direct contact with the city's nobles. I see the Guild as fashioning bespoke candles to noble or ranking patrons. Likewise the Lamplighters illuminations provide less opportunity for larceny and shadowy nefariousness, so I'm hoping a Paladin of Waukeen would see merit in their work.

Definitely. And in his rounds of morning worship, Mitchell might have met up with and had repeated "Top of the Day" conversations with one particular Lamplighter.

I don't think it's necessary for the chosen characters to have ties to both Mitchell and Talliree. Perhaps either is good for integration. After all they have always moved in different circles anyway.

NOTE: I'm moving my office this week, so posting will probably be spotty. I'll do my best to keep things current.

Welcome aboard BD...

Awesome. You are a hero and a champion.

I am considering a Halfling Rogue and am going with the "City Watch" background; my character was a detective for Waterdeep that enjoyed unraveling crimes and conspiracies. The monotony of the work has gotten to him and he craves bigger challenges and bigger ideas.

I took a quick look at both characters and I have some ideas for both of them

Talliree Connection: I am thinking that my character and Talliree met each other after she had already parted way with the Crimson Breakers. While she is a criminal, she does well by the common folk and my guy isn't really interested in pickpockets and minor thefts. They may have worked together to eliminate the worst offenders from the neighborhoods; serial killers, super violent gangs, the occasional monster. Having heard she had come into ownership of an old tavern under some strange circumstances and wanting a change of career, he makes his way to offer his services and skills as a detective.

Mitchell Connection: I think, with my guy's skills, we likely would've met paths beforehand. Maybe he helped cover up the scandal than can ruin House Cloudkeep for the greater good? We can build on it if you want. He'd come by for the same reason as Talliree; a chance to start a new venture, help a friend, and challenge himself.

Another possible angle is that in the past he did work for the Church of Waukeen, and Mitchell met him in that capacity. Waukeen has been known to have a fondness for valuables, and the guard would certainly be helping keep an eye on them.

Mitchell stiffens at Talliree's passionate embrace... then slowly melts into the embrace. It had been years... since his Grammy died since he'd been hugged with true feeling.

"I...I... Thank you as well. I... Mitchell seems about to say more but then returns to business.

"I've read about this kind of haunt before. I think that since we've released the souls that creature used for energy she is no more. Still we're going to need some help getting this place back where it should be. Got any friends needing work"?

Mitchell looks at the young half elf with true sympathy in his eyes.

"The true sign of bravery is facing your fears, not hiding from them, and you certainly do that. Just being here in this haunted place is proof that you are bigger than your fears".

The big warrior then reaches into his belt pouch and pulls forth a small cloth for Talliree to wipe her tears. He looks ready to offer a hug, but awkwardly hesitates, as physiical affection is not something he is well practiced with.

"There, there now. I won't make promises I can't keep, but I will do everything I can to be a family member to you. I can't go back and experience what you have, and feel for your past... but I can offer support and hope for the future".

He then grabs her shoulders, and looks her in the eye.

"I'm not going to preach to you, but tell you that I have another family in my worship of Waukeen, and he always welcomes any who call. Even if he is not one you feel faith with, there are other gods out there who might offer you comfort, and a sense of family as well. I am willing to discuss this, and help you with your search when you ask".

"For now we need to determine what to do next now that we've taken care of... hopefully the current threat. Perhaps we should try to find if there are any more bodies, or what happened to that hag's body, and try to keep this from recurring".

1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18 Religion (Trying to determine if the threat is truly ended or just temporarily).

Mitchell re-sheaths his sword, and stops to say a quick prayer of thanks to Waukeen.

"Well. I guess I had it much better than most. Growing up in a noble household as the 2nd son, and 5th child has it's perks. My older siblings were mostly held responsible for learning to rule, and I was left to choose my own path. I had trouble deciding between a martial role, and a more divine path, till our local Chaplin showed me a path where I could do both".

He then steps away for a minute before returning his attention to Talliree, not comfortable talking about himself.

"I was fortunate that my calling from Waukeen was met with open arms, and my faith is strong enough to confirm that he will provide as long as I follow his tenants and try to spread his faith. I guess Waterdeep is suitable for this purpose, no?

"I find it strange that fate has thrown two such differing personalities together, but I welcome your friendship. Would you like to talk about your past? I've got a good ear for listening".

"It seems to be. It looks as though that vile hag's hold on the souls of many innocents seems to have been released due to the might of Waukeen. For now we are safe... and the Manor is... well better"?

Great! Glad to hear, and glad this game is going to keep going.

Hi DM. This is a great game, but I believe the people leaving, and erratic posting has caused many to leave. I don't want this one to end, as I really like Mitchell. Is it time to try and recruit some replacement players, and reach out to Hob and Talliree to see if they're still on board???

"You're reign of terror ends today...NOW"!

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14 Swinging Longsword with holy radiant backing.

1d8 + 3 + 1d4 ⇒ (6) + 3 + (3) = 12 Slashing + Radiant. If this hits then another 1d8 ⇒ 7 Radiant from Divine Smite.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I've got business associates in town from tomorrow through Friday... so posting may be spotty. I'll try to keep up, but please DMPC to keep things from lagging.

"Oh no you don't!"

Mitchell double moves back up the stairs.

"Must protect the children".

As a bonus action he casts "divine Favor".

Attic

Attic:

Mitchell stops and thinks for a moment. "I'll tell you what. Why don't you tell me where you think she is, and I'll go give her a stern talking to. I promise I won't mention anything about talking to you".

GM

GM

GM:

Mitchell stirs from his sleep and sits up. He slowly creeps to the door, grabbing up his sword as he goes. He listens at the door for a moment before slinging it open hoping to catch the pranksters off guard.

"Ha Ha! Poke who?"

Mitchell plans on taking his nightly roost in his penthouse suite as usual.

Well. It seems as though we have a problem. Perhaps we could consult some experts on the matter of ghosts and how to rid ourselves of them. I'm sure if it spooks the workers it will spook any guests as well... unless we sell the ghostly experience as a benefit... they don't seem to harm anyone"?

Who do we have still playing? Should we recruit a couple more?

Mitchell is ecstatic to see his friends return, and runs to give them a welcome... just in time to keep Talliree from tumbling unconscious to the ground.

"Talliree! What is wrong? Are you Okay! Mitchell shouts gently lowering her to the ground with hobs assistance. 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7 Medicine

"Come on. Let's get her inside, and we can discuss the next step. Sounds like we have some serious spirit appeasing to attend to before opening this place up to the public".

BTW Mitchell is still here, he just had different things to do. Still following along, and will react when we're moving on.

Mitchell returns just before dark almost glowing with the effects of spending a day devoted to Waukeen, and socializing with those of similar beliefs.

"So What's for dinner? Looks like some progress was made today. What did everybody else do?"