In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 89):

Jaheira looks Brychan with a scowl, "I would have expected nothing else from my husband have failed in diplomacy and instead would be in need to compensate you...Alas, it would take a sailor to untie the knot that is my husband's tongue", she turns around ignoring the wood elf now.

Looking around the area and studying the group she talks to self, "Good be worse, I 'spose...". When hearing Rhen inquiring about the camp she shakes her head, "This would not be ideal. These forests are not safe, the gibberlings are worse than they have ever been. Friendly Arms Inn was our meeting point. The call you all received was not for my rescue, but for a bigger job we require of you. What say you?", she stops talking awaiting reaction.

In reply to Rak-Norag (msg # 92):

Brick really likes Rak-Norags pets. It headbutts barbarian's thigh and continues trotting next to him.

Rhen is unsure how to respond to Jaheira's request. Her pause after posing the question makes him somewhat uncomfortable, as he is being asked to commit to something before knowing the extent of the demand. He takes a few moments to put together his answer.

"I shall do what I can to help," he says after a few seconds. "Although I cannot be sure how much help I will be without knowing what is expected of me. At the very least, I can at least guide us safely back to the Friendly Arms Inn."

In reply to Rhen Daggerleaf (msg # 95):

"I understand the hesitation, I am unsure how much Khalid have told you. Him and I are part of the group called Harpers. We are sword to protect people of Faerun of any dangers and keeping it in balance", her voice becomes low and already thick Tethyrian accent even thicker. "When we were attacked by these creatures, Khalid and I were summoned to Baldur's Gate by our close friend and fellow Harper. She has strong suspiscious of a growing threat in the city. We needed somebody new, but headstrong, and good. Your task for why you were summoned to the tavern was not to rescue me, but to help us unravel this mystery. I am unsure what my husband have promised, but I am willing to pay 100 gold pieces a person in order to hire you again".

She motions at Khalid and pats her waist. Khalid gets up from underneath the tree, he takes his bag slung over the shoulder and rummages through it. Than he walks up to every member of the party producing a small purse of what sounds like coin to each of you.


OOC: +50 gps to each person.

The old man looks back and forth as the group discusses their business. He coughs, "I...uh. If you decide to travel to Baldur's Gate I hope you won't mind me tagging along. My name is Jorvan Strider and I am a merchant from Amn. Was 'spose to be an easy job, the two fellows in the dirt were my fellow merchants...I do not have money on me at this moment, but I will find a way to repay you, if you are kind enough to let me get with you to the city".

"Harpers, are you? All about 'balance' right? I figure that means you get pretty wide discretion about whose face you decide to kick sand into. Good rep for that, though, gotta say!

"And don't be all hard up about your guy; Khalid did just fine getting us to come along. But really, what did you expect? When you're offering mercenary work you tend to get mercenary types, eh?"

Brychan picked up a handfull of stones and began juggling them. "Now it's double the fee for some mysterious errand your ladyfriend co-worker has suspicions about? Not bad not bad. Alright. Room and board and travel expenses - doesn't have to be Blushin' Mermaid, just clean and dry - and on top of that 100gp gets you a solid tenday of Brychan. Can't promise much more than that; manager says I gotta keep my schedule clear for engagements, see?"

He looked at Strider. "A merchant from Amn?" He looked around theatrically. "Not much merchandise. Gibberlings eat your cart? What were ye hauling?" Narrowing his eyes he said, "... Or are you one of them paper merchants, selling nothing but promises about stuff delivered in the future?"

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 98):

Jaheira raises her eyebrow at the elf, then looks at Khalid,"Did you hire a court jester perchance, husband? If you did, that this one is a failed one for sure,..", she walks away from Brychan ignoring his further remarks.

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 98):

The merchant looks startled, "I am indeed a merchant from the city of Amn. My cart was waylaid by the gibberlings, knowing Baldur's Gate and the areas around it, I have no doubt my cart was already looted and burnt, as for my friends...I will have to be speaking to their families of their terrible fates. If you object, I guess I will have to find my way there some other way".

Rak-Norag nods in response to receiving the coin purse. "Fair enough," he says to Jaheira. "You paid your debt quickly. I will work for you again--gladly."

He sighs audibly at Brychan's stream of words and their employer's not unreasonable reaction. Moving away from the pack animal, shouldering additional gear, Rak-Norag nods and smiles at the verbose wood elf. "Do not worry. I am not so sure you are a failed jester."

He looks to the merchant. "I care not if you join us."

“No objections here either, merchant. And if you’ve no cart, find a sleigh: just be sure to follow in the sheet of ice laid by our matron’s passage.”

Brychan winked at Rak-Norag. “Alas, northman, I am indeed a failed jester!” he said with mock lament. “Every ribald told at the Matron’s Mound laid my audience dead, but nary a laugh among them!”

Temperance nods as she walks along beside Brick. "Don't you worry - once you're healed up if we don't take you there someone will, but I'm happy to help you get there. I gather it's not far from here?"

She thanks Jaheira when she pays her, before splitting the contents of the coin pouch into two piles and placing them in separate pouches.

Rhen listens carefully to Jaheira and the others. He gratefully accepts the gold, tucking it into a hand-sewn leather pouch at his belt.

"I know the name 'Harper,'" the young Wood Elf says, "but little more than that. The exchange is fair, and I shall contribute however I can."

Rhen stays out of the back-and-forth involving Brychan and Jaheira. He simply watches the exchange, puzzled by their interaction. He shrugs, and turns his attention to the merchant.

"I am happy to have you travel with us. It always helps to have an extra set of hands to forage, and another pair of eyes for watch."

Jaheira nods, "Good, good. Looks like everyone is almost in agreement. Our friend is Imoen, a fellow harper and a close friend. She is in her 20s, however may look younger. Light brown hair, green eyes, visible scar over her right eye. She usually wears leather armor with a green cloak. She is expecting us in Elfsong Tavern. The tavern is located on the East, Lower City portion of Baldur's Gate. If you are near Wyrm's Crossing you are there. Khalid and I need to speak to return to Friendly Arms Inn, we will catch you in Baldur's Gate in 10 days. If any correspondence need to be exchanged, then speak to Imoen. She will relay information to us. Oh and if she asks for a secret word use Shadowdale".

She holds a long pause, "If we are in agreement, then I suggest we set out right away. These forests are not safe".

Rak-Norag looks to his newfound comrades as he realizes that Jaheira is suggesting they go their separate ways, with the group not returning to the Friendly Arms but heading for Baldur's Gate.

"Maybe we get out of these woods and find a place to camp," he says. "Or maybe we just go as hard as we can, make it to the next inn. No matter. I can find us food wherever we end up."

Ellerie takes time to clean her blade and listens to those that were freed, "Personally, I would like to continue as far as we can, to put as much distance between us and the mound as possible. I am happy to help and willing to head towards Baldur's Gate, regardless of its infamy."

Brychan nods at Jaheria's description and laughs at Ellerie's opinion of Baldur's Gate. "Infamous? Well, I suppose it has its share of villains. There was that one B'spawn making trouble there a few years ago, but really, can you blame him for wanting to take over one of the jewels of the Sword Coast? Not that anything happened of it. I heard tell the Flaming Fist got their gauntlets caved in trying to kill the bugger, so they wound up collapsing a building on top of him. Omelets and eggs, eh?

"Besides, good work there, for those willing to take it, Imoen's job besides."

[Private to GM: Sorry if I'm wrecking timelines; are we between Baldur's Gate I and II? Or after II?]

Rhen listens quietly as the others speak. He notes the group's preference for distance over rest, and Rak-Norag's mentioning of being able to forage. The young Elf nods silently before turning his attention to the sky.

"During this season, the Proud Hart stands in the sky," he murmurs to himself as he reads the stars. "It's Antlers point toward the North, while the Shy Hare runs to the East. Based on the stars, Baldur's Gate should lie in that direction." Rhen points toward the North.

"I should be able to lead us quickly through these woods, and keep our direction true across the grasslands. I am unfamiliar with the city layout, but my Tribe teaches each Daggerleaf how to learn the signs and ways in any new land we happen to find."

He places his hands over his chest and bows toward Khalid and Jaheira in what appears to be a sign of respect.

"May Gentle Suns and Pleasant Moons light your way, and lead our paths to cross at the Elfsong."

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 108):

Jaheira's eyes narrow, nostrils seem to flare a little, "Ain't we an informed fellow? He got what he deserved, the city itself is a blight on the nature itself, if you ask me! Khalid, we need to go, now."

Khalid looks at Brychan with a puzzled and concerned look, as he passes he whispers quietly, "Y-y-you really shouldn't be bringing this up with her..."

Before leaving, Jaheira gives party one more look. Her features a little softer now, "This may be a dangerous quest you are undertaking, Take care of yourselves and take care of Imoen", she nods at Rhen and starts walking deeper into the woods with Khalid at her side.

OOC: Rhen, it is about a day away of walking from where you are to Baldur's Gate. Give me 3 survival rolls please, one after another.

Rhen takes point in trying to guide the group. He is visibly excited at having the chance to contribute to the group, and that anxious energy does detract a bit from his natural skill...

OOC:

22:01, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Survival 1. (Add +2 if we're still in the Forest for a total of 11, but still eeeecchhh)
22:02, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Survival 2.
22:03, Today: Rhen Daggerleaf rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Survival 3.

I'M SORRY!!! >_<

In reply to Rhen Daggerleaf (msg # 111):

It would have taken about a day to get to Baldur's Gate, however Rhen was either nervous or the unfamiliar woods filled with nasty creatures were putting him off. It takes a day and a half of walking to finally make it to the front entrance of Baldur's Gate.

First the forest recedes followed by smaller farms, then larger buildings. As you go around the corner you notice walls of Baldur's Gate starting to get closer and higher. Several more minutes and you approach the entrance.

It is blocked by from what you can see 5 guards, dressed in Flaming Fist armor. One who seems to be a higher ranking talks to a small line of people ahead of you. A few words, some coins exchanged and he continues to motion people forward. It is finally your turn. He motions for you to approach him. His voice is rushed and bored at the same time, "Standard fee of 1 copper per each person entering the city of Baldur's Gate. Additional one copper for any stock brought in, one per head", he motions for the group to provide the payments, "Additionally state your intent of coming to this city. Pleasure or business? Alright? Sounds good"

OOC: Those who paid he motions through into the city without awaiting the answer to his question. Those who do not provide the payment are met with a suspicious look".

Rhen breathes a sigh of relief when the city comes into sight. He walks, head hung low out of shame for making several childish mistakes in reading the Cloakwood. When they arrive at the gate, he quickly fetches the coin from his purse.

"Please," he says to the group as he fetches coins, "let me pay to make amends for being such a poor guide."

OOC:

Rhen will pay for the group's entry unless someone stops him. I think that's 5 for the party, 1 for the merchant, and 1 for Temperance's Brick?

Rak-Norag nods at Rhen's generous gesture and won't object to the wood elf paying their entrance . "Fair enough," he says. "But do not worry too much about it."

He leaves it to the group's clever tongue to speak with the guards and stands in silence after speaking to Rhen.

"Goodness gracious, Captain, that presents us with a bit of a pickle, for our business is something we take great pleasure in! Ha ha! Brychan Llywarch is my name, perhaps you've heard of me... I don't suppose Baeloth the Entertainer has been given an operating license by the Parliament or the Master of Drains, yet, has he? Ah, but I get ahead of myself..."

Brychan gestures to Jorvan. "We are escorting this unfortunate merchant whose caravan was waylaid near the Cloakwood, and ah..." he coughs, "there will be several in need of comfort at the Temple of Ilmater because of it." He held his hands in a posture he'd seen Temperance adopt, bending his face to something resembling piety.

[Private to GM: 10:46, I don't think B was asking the guard anything, but just in case...
Today: Secret Roll: Brychan Llywarch rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Dice Roll - CHA.
Deception and Persuasion would both have an additional +2, if that's relevant.]

In reply to Brychan Llywarch (msg # 115):

Guard squints at Brychan, takes money from Rhen and continues motioning people through. Ponders for a moment and gives copper back to Rhen, “Entertainment? We need more entertainers! You know what, yo sort enters for free today. What’s name of your troupe? , he carried on absentmindedly.


Map: https://www.aidedd.org/atlas/index.php?map=B&l=1

OOC: If you are done with the guard the new thread had been posted, this one will be unstickied.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Wed 16 Dec 2020.

~~ Oh wouldn’t the Balance Queen just love for us to be dedicated in her honor... ~~

“‘Heira’s Heroes’, my good Captain! And thank’ee! Keep them ears peeled for word of us!”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:12, Wed 16 Dec 2020.