Morg bows to Bram and Dweeble, and then asks the glyphscribe if it would be possible to buy Bruldenthar's book from him.

To the too thin elf, he says "My name is Morg, from the Danforge clan."

"Oh!" Savra half-giggles at the top of the stairs, "I suppose I should know all your names, if I'm planning to introduce you! I'm Savra Belabranta." She makes a strange half-curtsy to the group.

After learning everyone's name she opens the double doors to the second floor and a cacophony of noise floods the stairwell.

Fully half of the diameter of the second floor is comprised of a great hall. A long, curved table set for a feast stretches between the hall's twin hearths, and it is fully populated by a mix of leather- and metal-armor clad men and women loudly conversing with each other, raucously laughing, singing, and shouting stories of their most recent exploits.

Between the overlarge windows, tapestries depict scenes of gallant knights on flying hippogriffs, fighting dragons and jousting with one another among the clouds. High on the walls are the mounted heads of griffons, wyverns, owlbears, and manticores.

Savra leads the new arrivals to a nearby group of knights, conversing animatedly with a pink-haired gnome.

---

Map updated.

This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Thu 12 Oct 2017.

Mayon had been listening, looking around in quiet awe while trying to comprehend his brief episode earlier. He murmured his name absently while requested as he examined the statues of flying creatures with interest. Nobility seeking thrills, eh? That explains the way of speech.

He then turns his gaze around the room, immediately drawn to the unusual shade of hair belonging to the gnome, blinking a few times to figure out if that was real...yep, it was real. Curious.

"...like I said before, Candlekeep has a fairly steep admission.  I was never able to afford it, and I don't that I ever will.  A tome worth at least a thousand gold pieces, preferably one that they don't already possess, isn't exactly easy to find.  Especially when you don't have a catalog of their inventory!  At any rate..." The gnome seems to be in the middle of engaging in small talk.  From the recent bits of conversation, its apparent that she has just recently arrived from Candlekeep or at least its surrounding areas.  Occasionally, the gnome breaks off a bit of cracker or bread or fruit to pass upward to the grey owl perched on her shoulder, and the two of them occasionally twitter back and forth at each other.

The gnome notices the new arrivals and quirks an eyebrow in their direction.  After a few moments, she makes a point of including the new arrivals into the group.  "Ah, new guests?  Allow me to introduce myself.  I'm Tessa Greenwater of Hardbuckler.  I'm a researcher fond of animals, and I'm here to get some first hand accounts on the training techniques that the handlers here are using.  It's not so easy to tame some of the beasts that they have, and I'm hoping that they're willing to share some of their knowledge."  Tessa takes a quick sip of the drink in her hand and waves a hand invitingly to the newcomers.

Morg relaxes and quickly forgets about Summit Hall, Bruldenthar, and Womford when he sees several casks of ale near some singing knights. He fills a stein and walks around looking to see if anyone's playing cards or dice.

Asano chats amiably with the roomful of knights, listening attentively to their boasts and jokes. He tries to get a feel for the organization's mission and intent. He describes the party's adventures since forming in Red Larch, though he keeps details of the various organizations to himself. He also watches Savra carefully, waiting for an opportunity to speak with her relatively alone.

OOC:
Persuasion- 6
Insight- 21
Perception- 20

Jak gave a small nod to Savra's reply. Sure. That was possible, maybe even reasonable, he supposed. He tried to push his paranoia away. He flashed her a smile. "Adventure an' excitement are two o'my favorite things." Waterdeep. He'd visited it, though it was even larger than his own home 'town' and it overwhelmed him at first. "I can only imagine that flyin' is a wonderful thing."

He did notice the tension or something from the past between her and Asano. It was almost awkward but it looked like they were both trying to move on from...whatever it was. Jak could certainly sympathize with past 'issues', regrets, etc.

When she asked he gave her a flourishing bow and spoke in a very theatrical tone and inflection of voice for once. "Jakrynn Redgate, Bard Extraordinaire, at your service! It is an honor and a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Savra!"

He looked around at the great hall when they arrived, restraining the urge to let out a low whistle. It was large and impressive, well-decorated and well-stuffed full of people. He did see an oddity - a pink-haired gnome, with an owl on her shoulder to boot! He thought of Dweeble but she was alright so he put her out of his mind for the moment.

Jak gave a bow to the group and flashed the gnome a smile before he sat down. He'd been announced by Savra so didn't introduce himself again. He got settled in to the meal, "I can understand that. Being able to fly around would be pretty awesome."

Morg and Asano mingle around the room, while Jak, Tessa, and Mayon exchange pleasantries with Savra and the other Society members.

Morg finds a group of knights trading stories of successful hunts in the nearby Sighing Valley over mugs of ale and throws of dice. They welcome him heartily and ask for his stories as well.

Asano listens carefully to the boasting knights' stories, which tell of airborne sorties against gnolls and manticores, along with the occasional sighting of aarakocra. Savra seems engaged in speaking with the others, but glances frequently in Asano's direction.

After a few minutes, four very thin, leather-clad attendants arrive from the floor below with steaming plates of food, piled high with different varieties of meats. The assembled quickly take their seats, inviting their guests to follow suit.

A tall armored knight strides in behind them, and a hearty "Hurrah!" rises from the assembled. The man is a well-built male human with grey hair at his temples, in perhaps his early thirties. Embossed feather patterns ornament the plates of his armor, and his kingly cloak boasts a feathered mantle. He smooths his white-blond hair into place, as if disheveled from being in the elements, and raises his arms for quiet.

"Gathered Knights and guests, tonight we celebrate - our grand Society," the man begins with a booming voice and a pompous flourish. A cheer erupts from the room. "Eat, drink, be merry, and I'll have more to say later. But for now, enjoy yourselves and the company of the assembled!" With a majestic sweep of his cloak, he strides toward the head of the table and motions for food and ale.

Tessa raises an eyebrow at the announcement and takes a couple of steps towards the table.  She pauses momentarily to address the new arrivals.  "You're welcome to sit with me.  I'd be happy to hear some news of the area and what's going on."  The Gnome smiles genuinely and then moves to the nearest group of open seats.  Tessa takes her seat in one and waits to see what sort of fare will be put on display.

Morg walks over to Jak and Mayon while drinking from two steins. "Gie's some of that chow there Jakker." he says.

"Them's some hospitable folk biding here. They don't sing as nice as you, but with good ale that dinnae matter."

Mayon nods, looking around the room quietly.  "It is pretty nice, though I'm surprised a large group of wealthy and powerful folk like this aren't that well-known." He remarks, taking a seat near the pink-haired gnome from earlier and offering a polite smile, having been introduced already by the elf from earlier. "And it's a pleasure to meet you as well, Miss Tessa."

The knights continue their boisterous boasting throughout the meal. The cool night air blows through the large windows of the hall, giving a must needed respite from the heat of the food and diners packed at the table.

After a time, it's clear there's yet another guest at the table, seated farther away from Tessa and the four guests that had arrived just before the feast.

Savra finishes her food quickly and stands by a window, still glancing occasionally at Asano.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:25, Sat 14 Oct 2017.

Asano finishes his own meal, excusing himself from the small talk around the table. He joins Savra at the window, bringing her a small cup of wine. He sips his own, letting the silence between them stretch comfortably, letting his old friend broach the conversation that seems to be on her mind.

The Society members continue to call out stories of past hunts to anyone nearby willing to listen. More food arrives from the kitches as the meal stretches on. Lord Commander Merosska calls upon some to tell and retell some of his favorites.

Savra nods as Asano joins her, then looks out the window at the deepening night. "I'm glad to see you Asano," she says without looking at him. "I imagine you did hear about Triarbor? But since you haven't made your way back home either, I imagine you're not quite sure what to do about it."

"I did hear of Triarbor," Asano replies. "My family sent a letter with some scant details. Do you know what happened?" He catches her gaze, his own holding the fondness of an old friendship.


OOC:
Persuasion- 24
Insight- 14

Savra turns away, hiding her eyes. "That aggressive murderer, Bastian Thermandar, took a torch to Triarbor. It burned to the ground. I'm sure the letter told you."

She turns back, her eyes brimming with tears. "I don't know if the letter told you this though. Elessina was in the village at the time. I'm not sure the letter would have mentioned that. She hasn't been seen since that day." She wipes her eyes, composing herself. "Nobody in the elven community seemed too distraught about her loss. She was consorting with half-breeds, after all," Savra says bitterly.

"You know," she says quietly, glancing at the Lord Commander, "our Society here is dedicated to the eradication of those who have wronged us, among other things. It may be that you can exact your revenge upon him, if you ally yourself with the Society." Savra looks at Asano with hopeful eyes, brimming with tears in her too-pallid face.

Abruptly the Lord Commander stands at the head of the table and addresses the full assemblage. "Hail, heroes of the Feathergale Society, and all invited guests," he declaims. A hearty hurrah erupts from the gathered knights. "It has been a full ten years since our storied dedication in this hallowed tower, and we have made a full impact upon this land in our brief but glorious tenure!" Another cheer from the dinner guests. "The hunt has been fruitful! The triumphs have been multiple! The airborne artistry has been masterful! And the enemies have been running away!" This one engenders a roar from the assembled.

"Our stories are legend, our triumphs many, and our continued success is assured," he continues, surveying the crowd. "And our admirers are sure to grow. Welcome, welcome, honored guests! We invite you now to share in our good natured boasting and tell us what brought you here. What are your exploits? Your trials, tribulations, and especially your trophies! Please, share with us your story." He looks expectantly in the direction of Mayon, Morg, Tessa, and Jak. He then takes in Asano standing next to Savra, and a tall, dark haired woman seated away from the others clad in chainmail.

Asano's eyes widen at Savra's information. "She was in the village?" he repeats. "Of course, she would be. Well, that offers an explanation to one question, but presents another. Do you know anything of the name Oreioth?" He pulls the locket from under his shirt, opening it for Savra to see Elessina's image inside. "We found her locket within the lair of a necromancer by that name. He intimated that there was a conflict brewing, a conflict he was positioned to profit from." Asano looks up suddenly as the commander calls out to the assemblage, wincing at the roars of the knights.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 01:20, Wed 18 Oct 2017.

Morg climbs up on to his table. "Awrite!" he says and takes out a black dagger, careful not to spill any ale. "A got this here wee dirk off a goblin A killed. A'd gotten ma sawed off bec de corbin stuck inside the armor of the gob, and in trying to get it out instead lifted up the whole gob and accidentally crushed another one standing behind me."

"A also found a letter the goblin wrote to its wife. Her name was Reta..." he says, the smile on his face suddenly disappearing as he climbs off the table.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:13, Sat 28 Oct 2017.

Some of the assembled laugh at Morg's story, other nods appreciatively and bang mugs on the tables. The Lord Commander nods thoughtfully, and looks around at the other guests expectantly.

Savra examines the locket carefully, then shakes her head. "I'm not sure where a necromancer would have come across this - but I've seen it before. I know Elessina carried it with her most everywhere. I think it's one of her ancestors, one she bears a striking resemblance to."

Savra brightens. "If a necromancer acquired this somehow, maybe there's a chance she's still alive somewhere. It wouldn't surprise me if she was held captive by the arsonists. We're tracking several groups in the Valley here that traffic in captives."

Asano nods thoughtfully. "Do your friends have any information regarding Thermander?" he asks, his tone grim. "I mean to bring him to justice, but have found little to information regarding his whereabouts." He watches Morg descend from the tabletop, waiting for someone else to fill the expectant silence.

"Perhaps," Savra says quietly to Asano's question. "Some information is held tight to the vest in the Society, at Commander Merosska's discretion. Bastian Thermander may be known to him."

The Lord Commander continues to scan the room, inviting guests to speak of their adventures.

Jak gratefully sat near the gnome. She seemed pleasant enough thus far. He didn't monopolize her time, as there were many conversations going on around them and the food and drink was very good!

When the Lord Commander asked about the boasting and adventures of the guests, Jak took this as his cue. He stood up and cleared his throat lightly. He then began to sing. He'd been working on putting together their various adventures for a time now, but hadn't been able to finish anything. He'd been too busy!

Working under pressure, sometimes, brought out the best in him though. He sang strongly but made it humorous. He wanted people to have a good time, not bore them to death!


OOC: In the interest of not repeating everything we've already done in the threads, lol, I'll leave it imagination. Also, dealing with a headache, sadly.

The tall dark woman in chain stood up after morg's story and jakrynn's song. She had long dark flowing hair, thick and wild like a dark cloud streaming down her shoulders. Her eyes were dark pools, that flashed in the torch light of the room like lightning. It was difficult to determine much about her build under the chain mail, aside from looking strong and more than a little intimidating. The shield leaning near her is adorned with a holy symbol, a cloud with three lightning bolts.

"I am Zora." she announced to the room, her voice deep and melodious with the hint of an odd accent.

She continued, "I minister to sailors and spread the word of Valkur. A few months ago, I served on a ship sailing the Sword Coast.  A powerful storm came from nowhere on a clear day with no sign of weather. It destroyed the ship, and all but I were lost in the wreck. But it was no natural storm.  I clearly remember the last thing I saw before the storm fell us was another ship on the horizon. It was flying a flag I will always remember. The flag marked the ship as belonging to a Captain I've since learned goes by the name Gar Shatterkeel."

She paused for a minute, clearly emotional recounting the tragedy. Her eyes shone with murderous intent when she continued.

"I've looked for information on Captain Gar and it had lead me here to the Desserin valley. I lost many good friends that day. I will find him and have my revenge."

She sat down quietly and returned to her meal.

Mayon listened quietly to the various stories, giving a polite nod to Zora and applauding Jak's song as it finished. When attention turned to him, though, he offered a sheepish smile.

"I'm just a scholar, for the most part, and not one for long speeches or interesting tales." He says in a hoarse voice, remembering his vision from earlier...probably best not to mention his patron, and Jak told the tale of their recent ventures with much more flair than he could. "I took to traveling to find the truth behind some interesting dreams, but other than that I'm afraid I'm the least interesting of my companions when it comes to stories and songs."

Morg looks over at Zora, and says "Awright, ship lass - A'm Morg. Do you ken any keelboat skippers in Womford? One may have some books nicked from someone we're looking for."

"Och, also, do you ken if it's safe to sail from Boulder's Gate to the isle of Mintarn? Generally like."

---

When Morg's been drinking, he uses some of the following words:
A = I
awright = hi
dirk = dagger
ken = know, understand
lad = a young man
lass = a young woman
ma = my
nae = no
nicked = stolen
och = oh
wee = small

If that's too confusing, I'll have him quit drinking for good.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 06:10, Fri 20 Oct 2017.