While the elf remains engaged with the blonde at the bar, you see the two halflings furtively peek around the tavern, and then attempt to make their way toward your table with exaggerated sly movements.  One, wearing a felt overcoat barely covering a shortsword makes his way toward the fire, pausing a bit to stare into it, before casually approaching your table.

The other bumbles out of the booth, and disappears in the direction of the bar.  His head reappears at waist level, headed blithely past the table full of dour war-clerics.

They circle in opposite paths through the tavern to your table.

For a moment, they both pause just off your table, clearly attempting to be unaffiliated before they both close and nearly shout “Well met, adventurers!”

An awkward moment as they look at each other, and collect themselves.

The one with the overcoat shakes his head and says flatly “Again, well met. Traynin Stoutfellow, at your service.  How do you like the meat and cheese?”

He waits a moment, and the other quickly pipes up “Did you kill the cambion?  Did you find the summons?  Where is it?”

His companion, barely tall enough to meet the table with his chin, holds his forehead in his hand.

“Dammit, Delbar.  Your tongue will catch the trap before we can even find the cave.”  Looking up, he says “We have questions about your recent accomplishments, and possibly further rewards if you are interested.”

To the 1/2lings:

"Rewards be my concern all times of day or night, no matter the month or year. but you'll have to remind me of what adventures I might have concluded in your behalf of interest my dire-midged shin licking friends."

Traynin and Delbar look at each other, momentarily confused.  Then they begin almost as one to talk atop each other…

“Illayin told us you were the heroes of Waymeet, who had killed the fallen Initiate Malcho after…”  Delbar picks up  “…succumbed to the infernal cambion Prenych, who had corrupted him and was using him to control and amass a group….”  Traynin steps back in “To control trade along the southern shores of the Moonsea…”  now lowering his voice “And unearth the magical treasures of Cormanthor.”  Both halflings shake with tremulous body language invoking the name of the fallen Elven forest to the south.

Pausing for a moment to reflect on the importance of what they stated, Traynin continues “We all know it takes powerful magic to summon a demon.  Illayin figures there is likely still powerful magic in the location this beast was summoned….”  “Magic that either needs to be destroyed,  or SEIZED FOR THOSE WHO HARP!”  Delbar clearly cannot modulate his voice, although the volume of the bar doesn’t appear to change a whit at his exclamation.  Only the old graybeard in the far corner appears to remain interested, although it is doubtful he can hear over the din.

“Illayin knows others have been dispatched to investigate as well.  That contingent from Hillsfar..”  Traynin jabs a thumb over his shoulder to the Helmites at the table “…Are also on the hunt, for glory…  and the power of Hillsfar.”  Both halflings look even more troubled, as Delbar nearly whispers “And you know what they are doing to elves in Hillsfar.”

Allowing a moment for you all to digest, Traynin unrolls a map of the southern Moonsea reachs.  It displays the area from Teshwave to Eleventree, and denotes the ruined barrow and druidic hold south of Waymeet.  “We propose a return to the fallen Druids summoning site, to collect what magic remains, and better understand what if any evil remains in the area.  The Harpers would like to beat the Helmites there, so time is of the essence.  In addition to a portion of what you might find,”  he taps a fat purse tied under his rotund belly “Many a platinum from the coffers upon your return.”

To the 1/2ling:

"How much platinum?"

To Kailute in orcish:

 "Could ya do me a favor friend and take one of these ankle biters over to the bar and gather up my Pole-proportioned dendrophile of an elf compatriot. tell him i said it's shitsville in Hillsfar for his pointy kind of fairy folk and i gots us a line on a new source of revenue for big willy'n the Shaggin' wagon, but he needs to stop playin' finger bang Barla for a few minutes and return for meetin of the minds o'er here. and get some ale, put it on my tab."

In reply to El DonBrappo Bartholomew McJurgin (msg # 24):

"I don't know much about the collectin' of magic, but removin' from the wild -- or even better destroying it -- seems like a bit of good that could be done."

Kailute quaffs what is left of his beer in a single gulp and stands.

"If business is to be discussed, it seems that we need some liquid to make it go down easy.  Come little one, I'll need an extra set of hands for carrying."

Kailute grabs the back of Delbar's cloak and pulls him towards the bar and Quilro.  Muscling aside whomever is next to Quilro and the server, he orders one more of whatever the halflings, Don Brapp and Quilro are having.  He then turns to Quilro, "Your salty friend over there has been approached about some business from this one (with one arm, Kailute hauls Delbar up to Quilro's eye level lifting from the back of his cloak) and his friend.  He requests that you come over to hear what they have to say.  His version was a bit more colorful, but he seemed quite emphatic."

To Traynin:

"Tell me more 'bout yer Harpy mission and what you may be knowin' b'bout the entity in the barrow."

Q will leave the wench and head over to mystery staring man in corner.


well met stranger mind if I join you?

In reply to El DonBrappo Bartholomew McJurgin (msg # 26):

Traynin collects himself, pulling on the lapels of his worn felt coat.  “Eherm.”  Gesturing again toward the map, he indicates “Malcho’s Grove was known to be in the plains just north of the elven woods.  This area has also been reported suffering increased caravan attacks.  No ransom, no claims of booty.  Just gone.”  The location Traynin points to is about 30 miles southwest of Waymeet, in the general area of the barrow your party raided in the previous months.  And you all have heard the reports of increased danger, and larger caravan parties.  This spring, only one in four of the usual wagons between the Dales and the Moonsea appear to be making it through.

“Thirty platinum each, for a successful reconnaissance of Malcho’s grove, and a report of any, eh, irregularities.  Any magics, foul or otherwise shall be yours for the danger.  However, any items specific to the woods, the grove, or of particular interest of those who Harp we may ask you to surrender, or negotiate a price.”  He pauses there, to gauge the reaction of the dwarf.  “Another twenty atop that, if ye beat them to the location.”  He again shoots a quick glance to the Helmites, now deep in their cups and brooding at the Zhents.

“Ehhhh!  Put me down!  Tanglefoots are not toys for orc-men!”  Delbar states frustrated, wiggling his way down at the bar.  His frustration subsides immediately when Belgar puts another pitcher of beer and a bottle of elven wine down in front him.

In reply to Quilro (msg # 27):

The silver haired warrior looks up at the elf, and grunts an even “Well met.  You and your friends over there quite the recent folk here.  Waiting for your Dwarf friend to declare he’s running for Boyar.”  Flatly stated, it occurs to Quilro it is probably intended to be a joke.

Quilro glides over to the booth with the older warrior, and sits down.

Kailute and Delbar collect the next round, and head back toward the table where the dwarf is nodding agreement to something Traynin has said.

"What'd the Priest of Helm's daughter say when she's shagged her first nacker?"  Shouted one of the burly men-at-arms from the Zhent table.

"I dunno, Mern.  What's that?"  the blond one at the head of the table responded.

"GET OFF ME, PA!  YER CRUSHIN' ME MOKES!"  Uproarious laughter from the Zhents is met by steely eyed fury from the Helmites.  Kailute and Delbar attempt to move swiftly and courteously through the rising tension back to their booth.

Anyone looking notices two of the Helmites at the far end of the table (closest to the bar) conducting incantations and invoking their holy symbols, as if preparing to cast spells.

The lithe human with a bastard sword tenses slightly, and his hand casually moves toward the peace knot binding his weapon.

Most of the other patrons are relatively oblivious, but the grizzled old man nods to Quilro and says flatly  "Trouble's here."

Kailute and Delbar arrive back at the table with more beer and wine, as Traynin finishes explaining that his role in this escapade is purely administrative.

In reply to Harticus (msg # 31):

Kailute casually stands next to the table holding a flagon in one hand and the other on the back of a throwable chair.  He seems to be watching the whole thing, but is prepared to huck a chair into the Zhents if the opportunity presents itself.

well met couldn't help but notice you noticing my friends surely you mean us no harm we are kind of a big deal around here right now.

turning to motion to the room do I notice the spell casters?

scus me sir things are moving

I say as I begin to circle behind the zent not directly behind but out of eye line

Near simultaneously, odd magical effects shower the open room.

One of the Helmites shouts, “SIT DOWN!” and immediately the three Zhents along the uppermost table look confusedly, but comply by sitting straight down.  At the same time, utter silence seems to descend upon their table, while the remaining dark cloaked ruffians appear to shout and wail, their surprise and impotence appears almost complete.

The three warriors directly opposite turn to fight, nobody yet grabbing a weapon but each having one in ready reach, while the other three leap atop the table with apparent intent to dive forward in attack.  All of the Helmites seem animated and blessed with apparent favor of their patron diety.

The grizzled old warrior and the younger dark haired human both grip their drinks and their weapons, while waiting to see what transpires further.

Thus far, onlookers and bar staff have yet to react.

[Table talk] Zhents are surprised.

DonBrapp, Kailute, and halflings roll separate initiative from Quilro due to distance and separation.  The dwarf has already got a spell off.  Silence 15’ radius indicated by gray circles.


Declare actions (Kailute, free chair hucking prior to initiative unless you declare otherwise), roll D10 for initiative applying modifiers.

[Yarn, I know that is 2E initiative.  If you want, we can fight outside next time I am home.]


This message was last edited by the GM at 02:52, Wed 22 Apr 2020.

I will slide down north wall about four squares I doubt there is enough shade to hide in shadows but if by smaller table I can blow out candle and crouch under table I will

08:25, Today: Quilro rolled 9 using 1d10.  +2 DEX = 7 initiative.

09:15, Today: Harticus rolled 10 using 1d10.  Helmites initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:24, Wed 22 Apr 2020.

Cast prayer:

Affects all friendlies to me:

6 rounds

+1 to hit +1 Dmg  +1 Saving throws

09:19, Today: DonBrappo rolled 2 using 1d10.  initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:24, Wed 22 Apr 2020.

In reply to El DonBrappo Bartholomew McJurgin (msg # 37):

Kailute, not really giving a shit about propriety throws a chair at one of the zhents.

15:40, Today: Kailute Crashhawk rolled 3 using 1d20 ((3)).

I'm not sure if we are adding strength or dex to that sort of throw.  With a 3 it doesn't matter.  Upon missing, assuming the chair hits someone else, Kailute will shrug apologetically.

Initiative:

15:38, Today: Kailute Crashhawk rolled 7 using 1d10 ((7)).

On his turn, Kailute will pick up another chair and move in to try to knock down a zhent, preferably pinning him under the legs.

In the ensuing chaos, Traynin and Delbar dive beneath your table.  Traynin scurries between Kailutes massive legs, while Delbar shivers next to the main table leg.
Off to the east, the dark haired human steps up from the table, and assumes a read position, but remains just outside melee range.

The various patrons begin to realize a violent ruckus is upon them Flagon, and move with some experience away from the various corners.

Quilro moves furtively along the north wall, seeking shadows and positions himself within striking range behind the Zhent leader.

09:19, Today: Harticus, on behalf of Quilro, rolled 74 using 1d100 ((74)).

Kailute’s tossed chair sails over both tables, and explodes with force against the far wall between Quilro and the grizzled veteran.  The gray-haired warrior makes a sidelong look at the chair, and continues to calmly quaff his mug of ale.

The Zhents attempt to begin to prepare for battle, but their spellcasters are stymied by the apparent magical blockade on their vocal casting, and the three to the north appears compelled to remain in their seats.  Those remaining in control of their faculties twist to find the Helmites either rising directly behind them to engage with their melee weapons, or leaping atop the table to dive directly into the fray.

cast aid on Kailute:

in addition to the prayer bonuses of +1 to hit/dmg and +1 ST for 6 rounds

it gives him 1-8 additional hp + an additional +1 to hit for 7 rounds

In reply to El DonBrappo Bartholomew McJurgin (msg # 40):

Kailute gives a nod of appreciation to Don Brappo.  Having little use for spell casters or Zhents, Kailute will try to clobber whichever caster is closest with the chair.  Sure, strategically it makes more sense to go after the big guys, but that's just not the way of the Barb.  Also, he read an article about fireballs and is against them.

Their attention focused on the Helmites, the Zhents don’t observe either DonBrapp’s spellcasting, or Quilro’s movement to the far side of the common room.

Three burly clerics turn on the disadvantaged Zhents.  One throws a straight jab into the chest of his opponent, but his punch is absorbed by leather armor. The surprised thug stumbles back into the table.  The priest to his right jams the butt of his mace into the throat of the dark armored fighter behind him, and the victim stumbles back, choking for air.

Kailute raises the chair behind the head of the blond human at the west end of the table, and brings it crashing down on his head and shoulders.  He recoils in pain, half turning to face the large brute behind him in a scowl of anger and fear.

The halflings remain under the table, and Delbar attempts to slyly recover the foaming mug of ale from the table without attracting attention.

The last priest on the eastern end of the table has freed his morning star from his belt, and takes a full arcing swing, which misses his opponent and catches and splinters the end of the Zhent’s table.  The remaining three priests are readying weapons and attempting to get atop their table. The leader of the Helmites spins to face the lead Zhent, flinching in appreciation of the half-orc’s handy support.  He appears unarmed, but a footman’s mace is looped to his belt.

[OOC]  Quilro is unobserved, but no hidden.  Kailute has a temporary increase of 3 HP for the next 7 rounds.

6:27, Today: Harticus, for the NPC Helmite, rolled 8 using 1d20.  To hit morningstar.

16:25, Today: Harticus, on behalf of Kailute Crashhawk, rolled 7 using 1d6+5.  Chair damage +4 STR +1 Aid.

16:23, Today: Harticus, on behalf of Kailute Crashhawk, rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  To hit Zhent: +2 STR/+1 Aid.

16:21, Today: Harticus, for the NPC Helmite, rolled 5 using 1d8+1.  Mace damage.

16:15, Today: Harticus, for the NPC Helmite, rolled 16 using 1d20.  To hit.

16:14, Today: Harticus, for the NPC Helmite to hit., rolled 3 using 1d20+1.  To hit fist.

16:11, Today: Harticus, for the NPC Helmites, rolled 6 using 1d10.  Initiative.


This message was last edited by the GM at 20:39, Thu 23 Apr 2020.

In reply to Harticus (msg # 42):

D&D doesn't really specialize in good h2h combat rules, so if this is going to be a straight up HP battle, doing something cute like a sleeper hold is probably a bad idea.  So, Kailute will either a) attempt to choke out the guy he hit with the chair, b) smash his face into the table, or c) use the broken leg as a club to strike the guy.   Those are basically in order of preference based upon how we are handling maneuvers in combat.

whistles at kailute and waves wooden club as if to say i'll toss it to if ya' want it.

while the zhents are distracted by battle I will move silently toward the most available back pack or sack that is unattended and snatch it covering with cloak.

looking for intel more than treasure so if I notebook or scroll is available to grab off top may just do that instead