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17:23, 28th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Bowshot.

Posted by Dungeon MasterFor group 0
Tol
Hoondatha, 362 posts
25/36 HP
AC 22
Fri 10 Apr 2020
at 23:10
  • msg #18

Re: Bowshot

((ooc: You don't know Tolantra is a woman. She's disguised and traveling as a man.))
Dungeon Master
GM, 396 posts
25/25
Sat 11 Apr 2020
at 20:10
  • msg #19

Re: Bowshot

The evening at the Bowshot Inn unfolds like many others you've experienced before.  Comrades take turns in the copper tub scraping muck and grime from sore bodies.  They take their turns sitting for stitching skins, clothes, and armor alike while sipping wine (watered or not) and beer (a bit too foamy and simultaneously stale?) and eating trenchers of the much maligned stew.  Hunger, of course, is the best sauce and even Garth holds his criticism tonight.

The locals take their meals on the porch to give you a wide berth.  The common room of the inn has the look of an infirmary.  Doubtless Rewis will be by after awhile to see to the more grievous wounds, but for now it is just you and the goodwives of Bowshot.

Alfonse looks up and around, and says loud enough to be heard, "We want to thank you again for our rescue.  You're good friends, and true.  That final fight... I wasn't sure if we were going to make it." He gives a low laugh and slaps Gonzalo's thigh. "Whatever evil was there that drew in the beasts that captured us.  I think it is gone now."

Gonzalo nodded and added, "We've avenged ourselves, and made an accounting of our manhood."

Alfonse continued, "...but we're no crazed 'venturers to wander through dark caverns and lost tombs.  We think it's time we moved on.  To sell our spears in service to some lord and earn fame and fortune on the field of battle."

Gonzalo muttered, "...or standing against a wall."

Alfonse continued, "How can shield-friends best be parted without grievance?  How shall we take our leave of the company of Tol Hardhammer?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:13, Sat 11 Apr 2020.
Heluvianal Oakseer
player, 13 posts
Elven Male
Sat 11 Apr 2020
at 20:17
  • msg #20

Re: Bowshot

Dungeon Master:
The evening at the Bowshot Inn unfolds like many others you've experienced before.  Comrades take turns in the copper tub scraping muck and grime from sore bodies.  They take their turns sitting for stitching skins, clothes, and armor alike while sipping wine (watered or not) and beer (a bit too foamy and simultaneously stale?) and eating trenchers of the much maligned stew.  Hunger, of course, is the best sauce and even Garth holds his criticism tonight.

Heluvianal sees the winces as these brave aventurers, rescuers tuck into their food, so decides to make it take a little better using a trick her learnt with Cantrips.

(ooc: Use a Cantrip to give a nice flavour to the food to hopefully hide the bad for a while at least.  Standard usage.  If need to pass Prof check to cast, it didn't work)
Dungeon Master
GM, 397 posts
25/25
Sat 11 Apr 2020
at 20:28
  • msg #21

Re: Bowshot

Celadhel's warder steps forward from the shadow he had been standing in.  "Well said, Southron."  Casting back his cowl, he reveals the angular features and tanned skin of the wild elves of the Laughing Hollow.  Dhalcun, Heluvianal recognizes him as, of the house of Melandrach the King of the Woods.  Long ago he had been sent to the manor of Elorfindar Floshin to safeguard relations between the the remnants of the high-elves and their woodland kin. "We too shall take our leave.  How does the warband divide its spoils among your people?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:28, Sat 11 Apr 2020.
Dungeon Master
GM, 398 posts
25/25
Sat 11 Apr 2020
at 20:31
  • msg #22

Re: Bowshot

Garth Delimbyr, more sodden with drink than the rest, chimes in.  "We've our skins and treasures a plenty.  Enough for me to buy this blasted rat hole and hang my blade over that door!" He gestures for emphasis.  "I care not for what other death may await in the remainder of those caves.  If it stays there, I'll stay here.  And if it strays too close..." he slams his hand on the table rattling many drinks. "Let us divide what we've claimed and be done."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:34, Sat 11 Apr 2020.
Celadhel Floshin
NPC, 3 posts
AC 16
18/18
Sat 11 Apr 2020
at 20:32
  • msg #23

Re: Bowshot

Dungeon Master:
Celadhel's warder steps forward from the shadow he had been standing in.  "Well said, Southron."  Casting back his cowl, he reveals the angular features and tanned skin of the wild elves of the Laughing Hollow.  Dhalcun, Heluvianal recognizes him as, of the house of Melandrach the King of the Woods.  Long ago he had been sent to the manor of Elorfindar Floshin to safeguard relations between the the remnants of the high-elves and their woodland kin. "We too shall take our leave.  How does the warband divide its spoils among your people?"


Celadhel raises an eyebrow quizzically at this proclamation where her companion could not see, but did not interrupt him.
Heluvianal Oakseer
player, 14 posts
Elven Male
Sat 11 Apr 2020
at 20:38
  • msg #24

Re: Bowshot

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 21):

As the warder steps out of the shadows, Heluvianal's jaw drops, his mouth opens and closes a few times and his eyes seem to sparkle.  Then his hand rises... "B-b-b-b. But you went away ages ago, people thought you may have perished.  You're Alive, really, you are alive and well.

It's very nice to meet you, I always said to dad that you would return, I told them all you would.
  He speaks as though one of his hero's had just walked up to him and said "Hi" directly to his face.

He then looks at the faces around him, realises that he is hogging his hero's time and steps backwards, bowing his head some.
Dungeon Master
GM, 399 posts
25/25
Wed 15 Apr 2020
at 00:15
  • msg #25

Re: Bowshot

Heluvianal Oakseer:
In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 21):

As the warder steps out of the shadows, Heluvianal's jaw drops, his mouth opens and closes a few times and his eyes seem to sparkle.  Then his hand rises... "B-b-b-b. But you went away ages ago, people thought you may have perished.  You're Alive, really, you are alive and well.

It's very nice to meet you, I always said to dad that you would return, I told them all you would.
  He speaks as though one of his hero's had just walked up to him and said "Hi" directly to his face.

He then looks at the faces around him, realises that he is hogging his hero's time and steps backwards, bowing his head some.


Dhalcun, seeming perturbed, either by the situation or by the recognition--or both--nods curtly. "The People thrive no matter their circumstance, Heluvianal Oakseer." He regards Tol again and reiterates his request.  "Well?"

Tol--According to the module, none of the NPCs you rescued necessarily want or demand any kind of compensation for their assistance. How you decide to end your association with these NPCs now could influence how they interact with you in the future.
Dungeon Master
GM, 402 posts
25/25
Sat 25 Apr 2020
at 16:33
  • msg #26

Re: Bowshot

The members of the party lay out their winnings on a long table. Gems, gold, silver, and swords shine and skitter along the wood planks.  Two other tables are pushed together to lend more space for the division. Gonzalo and Alfonse immediately begin to get nervous and start intimidating the other patrons out of the questionable inn.

In a ritual as old as wealth, Tol begins the division before the eyes of all those that had placed their lives of the hands of one another.  Piles start small, but swell as the division goes on.  Tol dutifully consults the notes she's made over each day's activities, and adjusts the shares in some cases by length of tenure.

Some eyes brighten, and others dim.

Adorellan--as he presented himself to the party, but Dhalcun as known by Heluvianal--spits on the floor and utters a curse.  "Now we see why the old treaties were broken.  The esteem of the dwarves for us is as low as their stature! Keep your coins, dirt-child.  Come Celadhel!  We leave for your father's house."
Celadhel Floshin
NPC, 4 posts
AC 16
18/18
Sat 25 Apr 2020
at 16:37
  • msg #27

Re: Bowshot

The elegant heiress of the Floshin manor rolls her eyes derisively at Adorellan's outburst.  "Please go to my father's house.  Tell him how rude you have been tonight.  Do not return until you are called for."  Her eyes now cut to him, "Perhaps I'll whistle as for a dog and you can come panting.  A dog would show better gratitude for rescue and camaraderie. I should not like to insult them by confusing you for one.  Go forest-child.  Pout in my father's house."

Celadhel returns her attention to the division.  Acting as if Adorellaln had already left.
Dungeon Master
GM, 403 posts
25/25
Sat 25 Apr 2020
at 16:48
  • msg #28

Re: Bowshot

Adorellan fumes, slaps his pile back into the center, and grits his teeth. Regarding Heluvianal he invokes, "So suffer I by my father's will.  You will speak nothing of this among the fires for the sake of the King of the Forest."

Wary of insulting his liege lady further though, he storms out of the room and disappears into the night and the division continues.

Alfonse and Gonzalo are awed by their share, "With this, we won't have to hire out.  We can make our own company!  They hug each other fiercely and then the Tol as well.  "Sweet Tol! If ever you have need of our shield again--call and we shall come!"

Cork stands, regards his pile, and holds up his shield.  Looking at it, and then at the Amnian pair, he lifts it towards them.  "An axe I can use. A good tool.  But these shields, they're matched, like you're matched.  You should have it."  He regards the pile of coin before him.  "I wouldn't have to farm with all this.  But farming is what I know.  Sheep.  Fields. Hills."

Alfonse flings his hand at his pile, "Do you own your own hill?  You could now, silly sheep-herder!"

"My own..."  Cork begins to understand more fully the possibilities.

"Tol--you've changed my family's life.  I'm glad I trusted you."

Cork, Alfonse, and Gonzalo start talking over future plans.
Heluvianal Oakseer
player, 16 posts
Elven Male
Sat 25 Apr 2020
at 19:16
  • msg #29

Re: Bowshot

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 28):

Not knowing what to make of the outburst of one of his childhood hero's, he now felt slightly cheated, he was young and inexperienced but that was just rude. "You will speak nothing of this"..., just for uttering these words had Heluvianal wondering if he should do just that, but he held his tongue, watched the piles rise then dwindle once more, he kept filling the goblets and tankards of those at the combined tables, not once was he tempted to help himself.  These people must have earned what they have been given and to say such words to this Tol, honourable words by the sounds of it, took his mind away from the antics from the hero of his youth.
Dungeon Master
GM, 404 posts
25/25
Fri 1 May 2020
at 04:17
  • msg #30

Re: Bowshot

Garth Delimbyr, the wine-soaked scion of one of the oldest non-noble human families in the region looks at his share and grimaces.  "Yeah.  Okay."    But his eyes don't really seem 'okay'.   "I'll catch the rooms.  My parting gift." He flips a coin, catches it, and looks eye to eye with the head emblazoned thereon.  "When you comeback should I give you a discount because you're my friends, or should you spend more because I'm yours?"

He ties his share up in a cloth, forming a bag and abandons the tables to talk to the proprietresses.
Tol
Hoondatha, 364 posts
36/36 HP
AC 24
Tue 5 May 2020
at 21:36
  • msg #31

Re: Bowshot

Tolantra grins at Garth. "Depends entirely on how well we've done in the meantime. With even a little of Tymora's luck, I'll be happy to rent out your best room."

She glanced at the door where Adorellan had stormed off, shaking her head. She supposed it was good to know that self-destructive arrogance was not the sole province of dwarven longbeards, but it was still painful to encounter. She wondered whether there was any possible set of circumstances where he didn't flounce off in a huff, but she was fairly certain she wasn't interested in feeding his ego enough to make that happen.

((ooc: Did he leave his share behind?))
Balarba
player, 3 posts
24/24 HP
AC 17
Tue 5 May 2020
at 21:40
  • msg #32

Re: Bowshot

Balarba smiled as she stowed her portion of the loot in a number of hidden pockets and pouches, and filled her pack with the remainder. "Well, cousin, it was a good adventure. Worthy foes, a few nice traps, and a pile of coin to lay by at the end. But now I'm afraid I need to say farewell. Some friends of mine are planning an expedition up in Waterdeep, and if I don't set out soon I'm likely to miss them." She grins. "And I wouldn't give them much chance to survive without my steady hand on the rudder."
Tol
Hoondatha, 365 posts
36/36 HP
AC 24
Tue 5 May 2020
at 21:42
  • msg #33

Re: Bowshot

Tolantra sighed, and bowed in her seat to her cousin. "I'm sorry to see you go. I had hoped we might travel together for at least a season or two. It's been too long since we fought together. But I thank Moradin and Marthammor for the time we had, and wish you Vergadain's luck on your next adventure."
Dungeon Master
GM, 405 posts
25/25
Wed 6 May 2020
at 05:01
  • msg #34

Re: Bowshot

Gonzalo and Alfonse are making plans to return to Daggerford to raise an armed host and train them in spear formations to be hired either as auxiliaries for Daggerford or hire themselves out as caravan guards as before.  Cork will head back to his fields north of Daggerford. The wild elf prince, Adorellan, will theoretically return to Floshin manor, but none can say for certain. Garth intends to remain in Bowshot to make something of this waystop.  Rewis feels an obligation to help the drow females thrive but is uncertain of his ability to remain and sets about writing a formal request to pass on to Olaf so that he can remain and cultivate this community.  Though they've not yet left, there is created some distance between the former companions. Their time in the company of Tol Hardhammer has drawn to a close, and those that remain gather together and take counsel with one another.

There are many paths branching out before the informal company, but their feet can walk but one at a time.

For one their coin and assets have grown beyond the ability to carry with them and will soon require deposit or investment. Either Daggerford or the Way Inn ought to suffice for such a task.

Then there is the issue of Meldar's map to Illefarn--though what is meant by that name is unclear.  The map alludes to dwarf custodianship of that place, but more traditionally that name belongs to a fallen kingdom of the elves. What could it be?

Then too there is the issue of the cavernous box canyon.  There were rooms left unexplored, some bearing treasure, and a cavern yet left unexplored.  What of the rumors of silver from that canyon?

Other, more personal matters, press as well.  Olaf has an official missive to bear to the masters of his faith on behalf of Rewis, and the clear cutting of the forest here in Bowshot sits ill with the Chauntean.

Edie's master seems interested in her return, though to what end, no one knows.

And what of Celadhel?  She has made no suggestion to her personal business, nor her further concern with the company.  Will the aloof Bladesinger remain?

Heluvianal too seems to abide and yet his intents remain unstated.  It could be that the informality of the company requires the introduction of some degree of formality.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:02, Wed 06 May 2020.
Dungeon Master
GM, 406 posts
25/25
Wed 6 May 2020
at 05:09
  • msg #35

Re: Bowshot

Tol:
((ooc: Did he leave his share behind?))


Yes.
Heluvianal Oakseer
player, 17 posts
Elven Male
Wed 6 May 2020
at 10:13
  • msg #36

Re: Bowshot

Heluvianal enjoys the tales being told and the joyous banter, he listens, standing just enough out of the way to be separate but just close enough to be included and seen to be present.

With knowing Edrie from before she left the 'comforts' of the tower in Daggerford, the Wood Elf look to her as she had invited him into this select group but with it being a mix of peoples, he wasn't overly confident in getting closer, this was unusual for him with his forwardness.

Edrie, if you and this group go out again, Master Ondabarl said I should ask that I go with you to learn, will you teach me some things before we go out though?  You know I'm a good listener even if I don't always grasp spell work.

I'll be useful, I promise.
  He was sure that he sounded as genuine as he felt, yet he had a niggle, one that started at the finger tips and went down to his feet.  He was excited.
Tol
Hoondatha, 366 posts
36/36 HP
AC 24
Wed 6 May 2020
at 13:09
  • msg #37

Re: Bowshot

Tolantra stared down at the share Adorellan had left behind and sighed. "More for the rest of us, I suppose. Though I would propose that we give half of his share to Rewis, to help the refugees get on their feet."

When Heluvianal spoke, she turned and gave her full attention to the elf. To this point, she had thought he was just another of the tavern's staff, and had been wondering how long he would last before the horrible food drove him to find a better place to work. But if he was an acquaintance of Edie's...

She looked around at the group. "Alright. We've come to a branch of the tunnel. There are still things to do back in the caves. We haven't answered the question of whether there is silver to be mined, for one. But this is a decent time to pause. We need to sell off these treasures. Both Olaf and Edie have business in Daggerford, and if we wish to remain in the town's good graces we have militia duty. I would suggest therefore that we go back to Daggerford. Once our days of militia work are over, we can return here and finish exploring."

She bowed to Celadhel. "We would be honored if you would continue to adventure with us. I saw your bladework in the caverns; very impressive. I think we'll be able to find some good causes for your blade to champion." She twisted around to look at Heluvianal. "And you are welcome to come with us as well. Edie has been a valuable and skilled member of this group. I'm sure another of Master Ondabarl's students will do well as well."
Heluvianal Oakseer
player, 18 posts
Elven Male
Wed 6 May 2020
at 16:37
  • msg #38

Re: Bowshot

In reply to Tol (msg # 37):

He heard the Captains words but wasn't sure he had for a moment, the it dawned on him, he'd been asked to join them, not just tag along with Edrie.
Errm, thank you Captain Tol, this is an erm, thank you I mean.  Edrie, did you hear, oh of course you did, here have some stew   He handed out more stew to hide his awkwardness, meeting new people and then being invited to join them, he was a bit overcome.
Edrie Graf
NPC, 4 posts
10
14/14
Wed 6 May 2020
at 19:20
  • msg #39

Re: Bowshot

Heluvianal Oakseer:
In reply to Tol (msg # 37):

He heard the Captains words but wasn't sure he had for a moment, the it dawned on him, he'd been asked to join them, not just tag along with Edrie.
Errm, thank you Captain Tol, this is an erm, thank you I mean.  Edrie, did you hear, oh of course you did, here have some stew   He handed out more stew to hide his awkwardness, meeting new people and then being invited to join them, he was a bit overcome.


Edrie starts a bit at being addressed.  She is frequently lost in thought, and calling her name ever seems to summon her from another world.

"Ah. Um, no thank you. I think I've had my fill." Her stomach turns audibly at the suggestion. "So we're to head back to Daggerford then? I admit, I don't think I'll be continuing in the service of the Yellowknife.  I've learned so much on the road, and I may be able to afford my own laboratory now.  But we should return if only to make a proper end to things.  He may have something further to offer."  She brushes a brunette lock behind her ear and takes up a clay cup of wine. "Heluvianal, I don't think in all the years I've seen you combined that I've heard so many words as this night.  Does the master swear you to silent service in the tower?"
Celadhel Floshin
NPC, 5 posts
AC 16
18/18
Wed 6 May 2020
at 19:23
  • msg #40

Re: Bowshot

Tol:
She bowed to Celadhel. "We would be honored if you would continue to adventure with us. I saw your bladework in the caverns; very impressive. I think we'll be able to find some good causes for your blade to champion."


The porcelain goddess inclines her head in acceptance of the invitation.  "Books cannot teach the lessons of life.  Endless sword forms and theorems did not shelter me from captivity.  I embrace the invitation, Tol."
Olaf Stoutsheaf
NPC, 4 posts
Wed 6 May 2020
at 19:30
  • msg #41

Re: Bowshot

Tol:
Tolantra stared down at the share Adorellan had left behind and sighed. "More for the rest of us, I suppose. Though I would propose that we give half of his share to Rewis, to help the refugees get on their feet."

When Heluvianal spoke, she turned and gave her full attention to the elf. To this point, she had thought he was just another of the tavern's staff, and had been wondering how long he would last before the horrible food drove him to find a better place to work. But if he was an acquaintance of Edie's...

She looked around at the group. "Alright. We've come to a branch of the tunnel. There are still things to do back in the caves. We haven't answered the question of whether there is silver to be mined, for one. But this is a decent time to pause. We need to sell off these treasures. Both Olaf and Edie have business in Daggerford, and if we wish to remain in the town's good graces we have militia duty. I would suggest therefore that we go back to Daggerford. Once our days of militia work are over, we can return here and finish exploring."


The robust priest laughs with a deep and rumbling voice.  "What will the militia make of us now!  Standing a watch on the walls will seem a quiet respite.  But there is much that needs doing, and people that need tending."  His rich bass voice and thick golden beard give him a lordly aspect, but he always maintains the humility and ethic of a farmer.  Where Rewis ruminates on the many theories and philosophies of the cosmos, the meaning of and nature of life, Olaf remains ever grounded.  Whether a flock of the faithful or his companions Olaf cares for those around him, and takes pleasure in their care.
Dungeon Master
GM, 407 posts
25/25
Sat 9 May 2020
at 04:22
  • msg #42

Re: Bowshot

Okay--this is where I'm going to try out some of my new location oriented threading to help keep campaign notes in tighter order.  So each 'place' you pass through is going to have its own thread, and things you do in that place will happen in that thread.  In this case there are several way stops between Bowshot and Daggerford, so I'll be opening a few new threads.  If we hit a random encounter on the road, I'll start a road thread.  I'll include a campaign date for each entry as we go. Narration incoming as soon as I can ascertain the current date and travel times involved..


Uktar 01, 1357


Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Temperature:
Low: 15
High: 40

Winds: From Arctic at 40 mph.

Precipitation: Moderate snow becoming rain or sleet

Relative Humidity:
Morning: Moderate
Evening: High

Dawn is at: 7:00

Number of daylight hours: 10.00

Selûne: 3rd Qtr



The newly minted party of adventurers are greeted in the pre-dawn hours by Olaf Stoutsheaf.  "The sun will soon rise, and we who must work the day through must rise earlier to meet it.  With tools and skills and hearty appetites filled, we must rise to meet the day of labor."  Edrie groans--her academic life and artificial sources of light cause her studies to be seldom bound by celestial phenomena.  Her snarled brunette locks are in stark contrast with her roomate's seeming immaculate awakening. Celadhel thanks the agrarian priest for his care, but her gratitude is formal rather than authentic.

The North wind fairly roars against the rafters as the goodwives of Bowshot prepare tasteless pottage for the workmen and their guests.  Your mild hopes of Garth having already claimed ownership are revised the serving board appropriately are dashed as you pass the familiar deep snores rumbling from his room rivaling the howling wind. Ever deep in his cups, the evenings' celebration clearly has bested the brash warrior.  The highlight of the morning is hot tea, which not even the goodwives of Bowshot can botch too badly.

The tea is all the more valuable as you pass the line of workmen and exit the door to find that the howling wind has borne snow to the doors of Bowshot.  Olaf ruminates a moment and after testing the wind declares that the snow will give out by mid morning yielding sleet, or perhaps merely a light rain.

Celadhel appears unperturbed, Edrie as if she would rather be back in the caves, and Olaf merely accepting the circumstance.  To him, this is merely the day's work, and there's no use having an opinion about it.

Your boots and horses face North.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:47, Sat 09 May 2020.
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