LOCATION: DRIFTWOOD INN

The sprawling town of Neverwinter was one of the most popular cities in northwest Faern.  Known for its craftsfolk and gardeners, the city's multi-colored-glass lamps, precision water clocks, exquisite jewelry, and magnificent gardens ensured the warm winters were colorful and the summers were rich with fresh fruit.

On this autumn day, the stalls were alive with hawkers, selling their wares from fruit, vegetables and cheese, to fine cloth and jeweler. Even in the trade district, not the most wealthy of places, the atmosphere was still alive with a city built for trade and industry.

It was in one of the more quieter corners of the city that the Driftwood tavern stood, in the blacklake district. An inn and tavern that caters mainly to longtime locals, the Driftwood Tavern takes pride in having kept its doors open since before the Spellplague. When the cataclysm struck, Madame Rosene sheltered refugees within her walls. The Driftwood offered people a makeshift city hall and gathering place during the troubled years that followed.

The statue from a favorite fountain stands in a corner. A wineseller’s planter boxes, filled with flowers, brighten the walls. A knob and a knocker from a noble’s estate are attached to the privy door. Ornate doors pulled from the wreckage make fine tables, and unbroken panes of stained glass hang overhead as chandeliers, lit by hundreds of carefully placed candles. Though the decorations have been salvaged from all over the city, the tavern does not feel junky, and no one thinks Madame Rosene is taking advantage of Neverwinter’s fall. Quite the opposite — the Driftwood is considered a monument to old Neverwinter, like a dusty painting of a beautiful girl hanging above the deathbed of an aged noblewoman.

It is on this mild autumn night that you come to the inn, unusually there is a human figure standing outside, wetehr a guard, or just casually, you are yet to know. As you enter, you are greeted by the sounds of chatter, a half elf playing a lute, and a dignified woman in her late fifties to greet you at the door.

"Welcome to the Driftwood Tavern."

<OOC: Ok guys....first post is up.

The scheduled meeting is for this evening, so post your entrance, as well as a description.

Welcome everyone to Troubles in Phandelver.>

Yulin had been in Neverwinter for just under a month before she heard from her one time acquaintance and travelling companion Gundren. The short mountain creature amused her with its stories of mountains and mining and wealth. All such strange and quaint fascinations; why any creature would want to spend its life digging through the dirt for gold was beyond her understanding although she had to admit she appreciated it. How else was she to find such intricate, gleaming jewellery? The creature was kind to her and she took a liking to it, promising to meet again should it decide to venture once again into a mountain. Perhaps she could collect some of this gold for herself; with the pittance she was paid for performing at taverns she could certainly use it.

She had spent her time in Neverwinter performing at various taverns, entertaining the locals with tales of her races history and achievements. Most listened in apt attention, bewitched by the exotic locations and ruthless ambitions of her people. She enjoyed the attention and felt good about entertaining these boring creatures; she was a moment of beauty and grace in their otherwise dull and dreary lives. Their cute smiles and strange reactions amused her and she usually found herself smiling too by the end of the night as the more enthusiastic of them showered her in coins and gifts. There was a distinct lack of gold however, which always left a sour taste in her mouth.

Coin was earned, night by night and inn by inn. She returned to a few of the more opulent establishments where gold was occasionally gifted to her but there was never enough to sate her desires so she kept looking, seeking out new establishments to collect her gifts. Yulin didn't like Neverwinter and as much as she reviled the stench of larger human cities she pined for a return to Waterdeep. The nobles there gave very expensive gifts for foreign entertainment, the more alien the better and none was more exotic that the yuan-ti bard. Alas, some of these simple creatures just didn't know when to let go and she had to flee one of the more amorous young creatures.

She had not been to the Driftwood Tavern before this night, it never seemed the sort of place in which creatures of wealth gathered. It looked like a scrapyard, pulled together from whatever rubbish was lying in the street. Yulin sniffed with a grimace as she approached the building. Why the small mountain creature wanted to meet here she didn't know as she could have named a dozen more impressive inns to visit and reminisce.

Yulin ignored the creature at the door and walked into the Driftwood; she cast her eyes around and cringed at the sounds coming from the half breed as it trumpeted into the flute. She stood in the doorway and ignored all the eyes that turned towards her, she understood their curiosity as she had seen such looks hundreds upon hundreds of times before. Yulin wore her usual dress, sateen and linen sashes in greens and greys covered enough of her chest and hips to maintain only the bare minimum of modesty. Around her shoulders was a translucent gauze shroud which hung down to her waist, a green chiffon skirt split at the sides of her legs hung to her ankles. She wore golden colored chains and jewellery and had multiple piercings all adored with similar ornamentation. She looked around the common room with golden eyes which had odd vertical pupils; pale green scales were at her hairline and ran to the base of her neck and down the center of her back. She was barefoot, the same pale green scales covering her ankles and wrapping around her feet. She carried few possessions; a lyre was on one hip and a coin purse on the other.

Yulin made her way to a vacant table and sat down. Stretching her legs out before her and leaning back in her chair she raised her lyre and begun to strum soft chords. She was in no competition with the creature blasting the lute; she only wanted to drown out the incessant droning with her own music. So she sat, softly plucking away at strings, a soft melody which resounded of relaxation and fresh spring days. Her confidence grew and she played as she usually did in the evenings, the soft melody turned to a rapid legato of triumph and glory as she accompanied the music with a rousing song of victory, hope and potential. Perhaps it was her determination to drown out the poor creature with the lute or the excitement of a potential adventure but as she strummed the strings of her lyre and sang to the tune Yulin believed it was among her best performances… and totally wasted on an establishment like this.

12:09, Today: Yulin Scalesong rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Performance.

Yana walked into the tavern, looking forward to taking a rest from her travels and getting a taste of civilization.   She had been impressed with the town so far.  A sprawling metropolis, filled with variety and trade and information, was her idea of paradise.
The Driftwood Inn was a fine addition to the town as well.  Growing up with limited resources, she could definitely appreciate making use of whatever was available to get the job done.
She nodded to the 'greeter' in the Inn, as well as the owner.

Yana Whitlock looked like someone who was serious about their business, though not someone who posed a threat to others.   It was a balance Yana worked hard at.
She dressed in a long cloak that mostly covered her leather armor, and mostly hid the crossbow at her side and the rapier on her hip.

She looked around for a table, then walked to the bar, nodding to the tender.
"What do you have in the way of an elven wine or a hard cider?"

It had been three days since that shooting star had startled the teenager into action. In the weeks she had drifted in Neverwinter, looking for the Rockseeker brothers, she had come once or twice at the Driftwood tavern, always getting the same answer as in the other taverns… they were nowhere to be seen. It was a kind of miracle that the letter addressed to her father had reached her, and she looked at it one last time, before settling herself to what could be a decisive moment in her young life. Carefully putting the letter away, she examined herself and frowned. Mud had been splashed on the hem of her light grey cloak and she quickly casted a simple spell, willing the dirt to release the fabric. There, that was better. Another invocation cleaned her boots, that looked new, but were actually over a year old, well formed to her feet. Finding a pane of glass, she looked at her reflection and combed her purple hairs with her fingers, trying, and failing, to give them some semblance of order. A small line of dirt on her cheek was wiped away with some saliva, and she smiled at herself. A last, very minor, adjustment of the holy symbol taken from her mother corpse to make absolutely sure it was centered over her small breasts, on the almost shining chain mail she was wearing and the teenager was as ready as she would ever be.

Breathing deeply to give herself courage, she approached the door of the Driftwood tavern, noting what she considered a bouncer by the door and giving him a quick flash of her smile. The eclectic collection of curiosities had not changed since her last visit, two weeks ago, and she smiled when she looked everywhere, but not in front of her.

Welcome to the Driftwood tavern!

Amalia gave a little gasp, startled, when the 50ish matronly woman spoke. Well that was new!

Good evening.

Giving a little bow, Amalia barely registered that the woman greeted another customer with the same semi-enthusiastic phrase. Looking around, she noted the half elf with the lute on the stage, and she decided to go sit at the bar, asking and paying with some of her last funds for a small glass of cheap wine that she intended to sip until she couldn’t hide the fact that she was almost broke anymore. Shrugging, she told herself that the farmer’s field was just perfect to spend the night, if nothing came out of this convocation by an unknown dwarf. Looking around for any members of the mountain dwelling race in the common room, her ears caught a competing melody to the bard’s lute. It had started faintly but in the excitement, the volume had raised and the cleric, intrigued, looked for the source.

There, sitting alone at a table, was a tall woman dressed in… what kind of a dress was that? Almost transparent fabrics barely covered the modesty of the jewelry adorned competing musician, as she was playing her lyre, in an enchanting melody that overpowered the poor bard on the stage. Transfixed, the small teenager could hardly set her eyes anywhere else, even as she forced herself to look for a dwarf, any dwarf. But she couldn’t help herself, the exotic woman attracting her attention.

Following in her sisters wake though giving her sister some space was a figure that could have been the preceding woman's twin if one were extremely generous with ones appraisal. For in the most general of terms they had a similar face and hair framing it. A similar build if one could tell what was under the blackened scale with its sharp points and edges promising injury to a brush with it. Like the other woman she too wore a cloak but it was swept back and did nothing to hide the lethal weapons that were carried by the woman. A crossbow yes, with it's bolts in a case within reach. Daggers on her scabbard. A flanged mace ready to be swung down from it's clasp near her shoulder. A Shield was partially protecting her other shoulder. Even the gauntlets had spikes and spines along them and fingers had sharp claw like points. As she walked her boots were not quiet or padded and announced her arrival with a click, clack, click.

It was more then the armor and weapons that bespoke of menace and a difference with the woman that was her sister. Allura's eyes shone and it was no mere bit of reflected candle light for they glowed a cerulean blue. The impressive horns that adorned her head were not part of some helm and added several inches to her height in comparison to her sister to again separate any illusion of similarity. Behind her swayed a tail that kept in motion not seductive or sweetly but as if to say this is my personal space come closer at your peril.

She remained standing like a shadow by her sister and for the moment did not speak to anyone.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:18, Fri 02 July 2021.

Yana's attention,  like that of most of the non-blind patrons, was drawn to the colorful bard at the table in the corner. She was something other than human, but Yana didn't stare long enough to be able to study her.  Not that she was one to judge.   Her 'twin' sister was easily one of the most exotic women she'd ever seen.
She nodded to Allura as she joined Yana at the bar.
"First round is on me, Allura.  What'll you have?"

"Something non alcoholic, I want to remain sharp. Juice if they have it." She spoke low and measured just to her sister not even to the barkeep.

Allura's nerves were slightly on edge from the competing bards and she two let her glowing orbs peer across the tavern to see who other then the half elve was playing an instrument.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:02, Fri 02 July 2021.

The half elf on the stage seems equally disturbed, annoyed and smitten by the woman at the table, and her playing, as are most people in the tavern. The melody rich and complex, and the natural acoustics of the room seem to lend a harmony to the sound. The half elf, with a pout, stops playing and takes a drink, while she plays. As this happens, the owner whispers to the barmaid.

Meanwhile, the elderly woman comes up to the sisters and whispers so both hear.

The woman looked haughty but cautious of the two as she moved on, pausing at Amalia with a narrowed look. "Would you be waiting for someone dear?"

Meanwhile the barmaid comes to the woman playing so beautifully, and drops a drink at the table.  A voice at your side leads you to the elderly woman. "On the house....as thanks for such a beautiful song my dear."

Her voice halted after a chorus and while her long, painted fingernails continued to pluck at the strings she watched the most recent arrivals enter the inn. A young human entered and strode to the bar with purpose, not an unfamiliar sight in Neverwinter and just another human going about its business. The menacing figure which shadowed the human was of greater interest to Yulin and she watched curiously as the well-armed and armored figure stalked after the human. Horns and tail and glowing eyes the creature was devilry down to stereotype. Almost immediately after another human entered, also armed and armored this one seemed barely out of the egg with the fresh face and innocent stares of youth. As Yulin caught the adolescent human’s eye she gave a wink and a smile, she did have a fondness for cute creatures and the purple haired hatchling was quite adorable.

Yulin had no sympathy for the half breed attempting its music, if it couldn't capture the attentions of the crowd then perhaps stepping down would be best. She didn't even flick a single gaze to the lute playing minstrel, her focus was entirely on her own music. It was unfortunate for the creature that Yulin was so well trained and talented in stringed instruments, its music was likely well suited to the Driftwood Inn but not used to competing with the musicians and composers from the circles Yulin was involved in. As the other musician took the opportunity to take a break Yulin looked up to the barmaid who approached her table.

She noted the drink with a nod of her head and a look of understanding to the barmaid, "My pleasure. Thanksss." Her eyes were on the other patrons, carefully watching as they nodded or swayed in attempted rhythm to her music while they caroused and admired her performance. She did not expect any gold from this place but was enjoying her own performance far too much and her ego would not let her finish until her desire for attention and flattery was sated.

Solgran rode through the gates of Neverwinter with the other guardsmen and the merchant they had been hired to protect. The merchant was peddling some odd tinker's contraptions that nobody in their right minds would pay for, and only someone bored out of their minds would even bother to steal. But ten pieces of gold for an escort was ten pieces of gold Solgran didn't otherwise have, and easy money was easy money.

Whatever the noisy little trinkets were, the merchant didn't trust guardsmen to unload, so they circled the wagon for a good five minutes or so looking threatening, then returned the reins of their horses back over to their merchant-owner, and collected their coin in payment. His scalemail clicked and popped as he dismounted. He'd gotten used to its weight and the way it changed how he had to move around, but the sounds were still something he was getting used to. It provided a good amount of protection though, and he was thankful for that. It might not help him much against a dragon, but it might help him survive long enough to test that theory out someday.

With the payment received, he gathered his pack from where it had been tied to the horse's saddle, and then went to retrieve his sword from the wagon since it was far too large for such a long trip on horseback. He pulled the javelin quiver off over his head, and took a moment to loop it through and tie it back to the side of his backpack where he could reach them during travel with it on his back.

Finding the escort job was pure luck. Solgran had just read the letter from Gundren, not ten minutes before the merchant came looking for hired hands. Gundren wanted to meet in three weeks time, and the merchant was going to be moving goods all around the Sword Coast for just shy of three weeks before ending the trip in Neverwinter. Three weeks of riding a horse was torture, but there was gold waiting at the end. Not only that, but ending right where Gundren needed him to be? That was a blessing from Ilmater if ever there was one.

With gold in hand, Solgran bid farewell to the other guards he'd come to know a bit over the last few weeks, and then made his way toward the Blacklake District in search of a place called Driftwood. Finding it was easier than he had expected it would be. Solgran eyed the man standing near the door, checking his eyes first, then a quick look for weapons, back to his eyes. If he seemed a guardsman in truth, Solgran would give the man a nod of mutual respect, but no more. Otherwise he ignored them, and then went inside.

As the elderly woman greeted him, Solgran gave her a slight bowing of his head and replied with a smile, "Good evening, madam. It looks rather lively tonight. I've come to meet some friends. A trio of dwarves?"

Yana took her cider, and the grape juice for her sister.  The menu, she had to admit, was impressive for a northern city.  So many juice and food combinations.  Apparently, the reputation of Neverwinter as a proverbial bread basket wasn't all nonsense after all.
The woman mentioned a back room, and Yana was torn between her desire for privacy and her desire to not get caught off guard.  Luckily, her delightfully violent sister would help even things out.    And the fact that she was given a choice of going back there or staying here boded well for how trustworthy her dwarven friend still was.
She looked at Allura, nodding.
"Alright, sister, it seems that my 'friend' is waiting for us.  Shall we go say hello?"
The way she said 'friend' wasn't so much ironic or dismissive, as it was perhaps hinting at a running in joke between the two sisters.

Yana and Allura went back towards the back room.

As the tavern door opened, a big burly human entered, making hi s way (Not too subtlety)towards the elderly lady. The woman looked at him like a peasant had wandered in, but at the mention of the meeting, she looked to the corner to see two women entering a door.

The figure moved quietly into the tavern without fanfare.  He paid little attention to the decor around him.  It was functional.  Asthetics and history meant little to him at this time.  His eyes scanned quickly, identifying exits and the various denizens of this establishment.

His large hooded cloak hid most of the visitors features.  He was short, that much was obvious, the tip of his head less than four feet from the floorboards.  His clothing showed a great deal of wear, suggesting one well travelled.  The only clues to his race was the tufts of hair showing from his boots and occasionally a golden sideburn flickered in the torchlight, suggesting one of the halfling folk.  A simple stick, longer than the halfling was gripped in one hand firmly.

The short one found his way to the bar and carefully raised himself onto one of the stools.  When the barkeep came to him he spoke quietly as he placed a silver piece on the bar.  "An ale, and a question.  Would you know of one called Isasah?"

Solgran followed the woman's view, "Thank you, madam." It seemed he was not the only one invited to this meeting. Unless it was the wrong meeting? Either way, he headed off to follow the women into the doorway in the back.

In reply to Ao (msg # 12):

Yana nodded to the halfling, still wary but satisfied, for now, by the use of Gundren's name.
She moved to a seat far from the door, and her sister followed, both sets of eyes, human and...not...subtly scanning the area for hints of trouble.
When seated, Yana and Allura set their drinks on the table
"That's very generous,  ma'am.   Some fish on a bed of rice sounds delightful,  and i suspect my sister would love some of the venison stew.  Is there anything you can tell us about what Master Gundren wants, or is he waiting for more people to arrive first?"

Yulin continued playing as the newcomers entered the Driftwood, she noted everyone that walked through the door and kept an eye on the goings on by the bar. She noted the interaction between the greeter and the wild looking human that entered the room. She had much the same reaction the greeter did as she watched yet another armored creature walked through the room, this one with a massive sword and a quiver of javelins over its back. She changed chords as the human moved on and turned her gaze back to the entrance. She almost missed the half-human that entered following, covered by its cloak and staff in hand it made its way directly to the bar and as it hopped up to onto one of the stools Yulin turned her gaze to the door to the back room.

The first human and her devilish shadow entered as she watched, followed shortly after by the wild human. It seemed that the Gundren mountain creature had engaged the services of many for whatever adventure and gold he had promised. Her music was subconsciously altered to reflect her mood, a sombre staccato, a tune of concern and loss. The gold promised was intended to be shared it seemed, at least between the three creatures who had entered the rear room. Yulin cast her eyes around the room, trying to pick out any other potential adventurers which would be stealing a share of her spoils. It was a fair guess that anyone armored could be involved, which meant the purple haired hatchling. The rest of the room was mostly nondescript.

She returned to focus on her music, back to the heroic sounds of victory she had started with when arriving. She would wait a few moments, see where things lay, before joining the rest of her apparent new fellowship.

Allura nodded about attending to her sisters 'friend'. striding with that click, clack, click towards the door.

Allura raised her finger in it's clawed gauntlet.
"I shall, have the same meal as my sister, the fish on rice sounds good." She spoke to the hafling.

She then looked to the chairs at the table, close to the fire, that looked like they could support her in her armor and turned one promptly sideways so it would not cause problems with her tail. After she took a seat she reached a hand out towards the fire a quick twist of her fingers and the fire in the hearth turned blue.

"I guess, Gundren, is expecting many 'friends'."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 11:49, Fri 02 July 2021.

The waitress looked at the halfling form and nodded. "A friend of a dwarf....set up a meeting not two days ago.  through there is where you'll find him." Pointing at the door to the back of the room. Even now, the big human made his way towards the room.

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As the girls made their order, the door opened, having an armored human walk through. The halfling male smiled. "Ahh...you must be master Solgran. Master Gundren described you to a tea,...you are a big one. Please, take a seat. Master Gundren will be here shortly.  Would you like some food or a drink master Solgran? Mistress Allura and Mistress Yana have just ordered the fish - quite popular here. Or perhaps you'd prefer a venison stew, served with crusty bread, baked this very afternoon."

Snoric muttered a thank you and slipped off his seat.  Tankard in one hand, staff in the other, the halfling made his way over to the gestured door.  He wasn't really surprised as he'd seen several folks, people who looked like they could handle themselves walk through.  He took a moment to look back to the bar almost as if he forgot something.  Feeling about his cloak with his staff hand, he patted his hip, nodded and continued on his way.

When he reached the door he waved his tankard at the nearest person.  "I was meant to meet Isasah here.  Apparently a mutual acquaintance may need my help?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:06, Fri 02 July 2021.

As the gnome gets up, the woman clears her throat to the purple haired woman. "Your not our usual here my dear...are you lost?

As the halfling walks through the room, he notices the madame talking to the purple haired woman, even more out of place than you felt, but most eyes were transfixed on the woman out playing the bard...including the bard himself who had a sour look.

As the halfling entered, the other halfling narrowed his eyes at him. "I am isasah, but my friend, this is a private function. Who is this acquaintance you speak of?"

Ensuring he is out of sight of the bar and well into the corridor, Snoric lets his 'disguise' slip and reveal his true nature.

"This is how Gundren knew me.  I imagine he enjoyed my culinary skills.  Now he said he needed my help in some sort of retreival."

He looked squarely at the halfling.  "So am at the wrong function?"

The halfling blinked  in surprise, but smiled. “Ahhh, master Snoric. My apologies…he never said you were skilled with arcane, just uniquely skilled. Please be seated. Master Gundren should be here soon…he had other matters to attend to. If you would like food or drink, please tell me, I can order for you.”

Standing outside of the Driftwood tavern, I take a moment to double check that my belongings are secure inside of my coat; it may be less comfortable this way but it would be more so if I lost them. Neverwinter was a city of opportunities, especially for those with few scruples, and any place that sold alcohol or other substances that would make a mark less observant would attract those with nimble fingers and loose definitions of personal property.

My feet are sore, my back aches, and my stomach grumbles in protest over another missed meal. The day had started early and run long but two weeks of effort had paid off. Now that Calinda knew who was behind the group of toughs that had been running the protection racket on our people sheltering in Neverdeath she could take appropriate action; unfortunately, that left me at loose ends for the moment. I could look for more menial work in the Arcanist's Quarter; while unpleasant the work was at least familiar and managed to let me maintain a stable cash flow. However, Gundren's letter indicated there may be other options available to me so I would listen to what he had to say before I made up my mind.

Brushing past the man standing near the doorway, I pull open the door and go inside. That is odd, while I have never been to the Driftwood myself, I know several people who rent rooms here and they never mentioned a door guard. Is someone important staying here or is this a lookout? Could this be about Gundren? He did not strike me as meriting such but then I only met him briefly. Anyway, that is not my concern, outside of my control, and I have too little information to make an informed judgement so there is no point worrying about it.

The scent of cooking food hits me solidly in the stomach, causing it to redouble its complaining. It did not smell as good as Edna's cooking but it did not smell like the food was going bad either; though it was a bit hard to tell over the smell of stale beer and unwashed bodies that seemed a staple of all taverns. The sound of many conversations filled the room, fortunately it is still early in the evening and none of the patrons are particularly loud or rowdy yet, competing with not one but two musicians. Sadly, the pair are not working together and their efforts only add to the auditory confusion of the room. Navigating around the patrons and tables I make my way to the bar and order a bowl of stew with some bread and some watered-down beer.

While I wait for my food, I take a look around the room. The deliberately mismatched furniture is a bit off putting. I can understand someone not caring about the aesthetics and how different pieces add to or detract from each other but this is something else. I think the owner was trying to salvage and display the history of the city while creating a distinctive and interesting atmosphere. Unfortunately, at least for me, they have surrounded us with the remnants of crushed hopes and dreams and great effort brought to ruin. Most of the patrons are what I would expect in this district but there are a few that stand out: the flashy musician with the odd eyes, scaly complexion, and poor taste in clothing; the two wary young women at the table, one a human with a prominent scar bisecting her left eye the other an armoured tiefling with an unusually large set of horns; a large, weathered man carrying a long, heavy blade; a short man wearing a large cloak making it difficult to judge his race; and out of the corner of my eye, a young woman with a scruffy mass of purple hair that seems hauntingly familiar.

It could not be her! It has been over a year and there has been no sign or word of the family having made it to the city. No, I am just tired and my hopes are getting the best of me.

Turning back to the bar I offer the barkeep a small smile as they deliver my food, handing over the money along with a small gratuity. "I was asked to meet Gundren Rockseeker here. Do you know where I can find him?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Fri 02 July 2021.

Did the bard just winked at her? Feeling her pale cheeks blushing, the embarrassed Amalia forced herself to resume her search for dwarves. Not a single one was to be found in the common room. Frowning, she tried to remember the wording of the letter, did she come here the wrong day?

"Would you be waiting for someone, dear?

Startled, the cleric looked up at the matronly woman looking at her with a patient smile.

Oh, was I that obvious? I'm so sorry.

Feeling her blush deepen, she nonetheless nodded her head.

Yes, actually. I'm looking for a dwarf, Gundren Rockfinder? No that's not it...Rockseeker?

She gave a small smile quickly dashed when a cloaked figure left the bar to go towards a back room, closely followed by another one obviously armed and armored, big horns coming out of her head. That one's attitude screamed "don't mess with me" and the petite teenager felt a shiver crawl down her spine. She quickly turned her eyes away from the tiefling and was caught again by the barely clothed bard, that was looking on with... was it amusement?

By Selune's light, what was she doing? The matronly woman pointed towards the same backroom that the cloaked figure and her tiefling... bodyguard... had just entered and she thanked the woman. But did not move from her seat right away, seeing a small blonde figure wielding a staff go in the room, and a huge man with a sword almost as long as she was tall. What would she do in such company?

Sighing, she dropped from her stool and glancing for a last time at the fascinating bard, she went to the door and opened it.

Allura took her gauntlets off affixed their snaps securely to each other about her belt.
Her hands were clean and well cared for though for one who was very observant slight calluses from one proficient in the use of personal weapons of the melee variety were on her thumb and along one side of her palm.

Her eyes looked to the armored man that had entered and while her eyes narrowed there was the slightest nod of respect of one warrior to another.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:39, Fri 02 July 2021.

Yana sipped her drink, and nodded greetings to everyone who entered the back room.
This meeting wasn't going to be as exclusive as she'd hoped, but that wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

Yulin continued playing, the half blood bard could resume its work once she was finished, and while she had the attention of most of the patrons she continued playing for their affections and the possibility of gifts. As her wink was met by a blush and fluster by the purple haired hatchling Yulin smiled, the youngling was fresh from the nest indeed and appeared uncertain and overwhelmed at its current situation. As the hatchling's attentions were drawn by one of the staff Yulin watched in curiosity, it appeared her presumptions were correct and she followed the adolescent human with her eyes as it, too, walked to the back room. Their eyes met one final time as it looked back to her and as it went inside Yulin sighed and ceased her music. It was far too short a time for such a lovely performance. She noticed the half-human who was at the bar had gone, it must have entered the back room as well while she was distracted with the hatchling.

She looped her lyre again among the sashes at her hips and stood, the disappointment of such a brief performance left her as she smiled to the room. Eyes still upon her she gripped the front of her skirt with her right hand and the rear with her left, lifting the skirt slightly from both ends she curtsied to the room, bowing her head, just as she was taught. When she rose Yulin picked up her wineglass with delicate fingers and brought it to her lips, her brow rose with surprise at the flavor and quality. It was a simple Arabellan Dry but a good vintage and certainly worth gold rather than silver. A generous gift for the favour of song.

She looked towards the back room. Unless the Gundren mountain creature was recruiting an army the arrivals were almost at an end so she picked up the note that accompanied the wine and followed the others into the back room, glass in hand.

As Amalia made her way t the back room, another human came in, bookish, where the bartender looked him over as he spoke. "Rockseerer."  She indicated the door to the back where a slight girl with purple hair just entered.  All eyes seemed to be on the woman at a table as she strung her instrument, she bowed as people came over complimenting her on her playing, tossing coins on the table, much to the chargrin of the half elf bard.

the woman picked up a glass, smiling and nodding at the elderly woman who owned the place, who nodded in return, and made her way to the back room.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The back room now held four people, the two women, one a humn, the otehr a tiefling who seemed close and shared a few features, the huge human warrior and the gnome. As the gnome sat, the door opened again, a slight girl with purple hair entered. The halfling narrowed his eyes. "I'm sorry miss, this is a private meeting......Ah, mistress Scalesong. We are blessed by your presence." The halfling looked at Yulin as she entered, indicating a seat. My master will be here shortly....running a task. Until then he has bade me to see to your comforts."

Just as she strode in, a human came in. "From your age, i take it you are master Osmon. Please sit. Order what you will and i will get it for you all. Please introduce yourself while i see to the young lady here."

He walks over to the girl with a furrowed brow. "I am sorry miss, but this meeting is reserved for private guests."

<OOC: well, the party is all here. Have some small talk while i get the post for Gundren's arrival organized.>
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:43, Sat 03 July 2021.

Allura watched on a moment then two, "Consider then, an invitation extended." Her words seemed to swirl in whispers from the corners of the room and not just from her lips.

...and that was it. No further words. It was obvious she was speaking to the hafling about the young woman with odd hair.

It was mere power play nothing more though certainly nothing less as her gaze settled on the hafling.

Yana raised an eyebrow at her sister's words, inviting the woman with a colorful hair.  Despite having a sister who looked like she'd stepped out of a nightmare,  Yana was actually against anything that attracted attention,  and oddly colored hair seeemed like a cardinal sin in that regard.  Unless it was her nature color?
No, that seemed unlikely.
Still, it wasn't her call.   Obviously,  whatever job the dwarf had in mind, it was bigger than just Yana, so perhaps an eccentric assortment of Adventurers was needed.

Snoric threw his hood back now, his features different to what they had been.  Gone was the pale skin, golden blond long hair and sideburns that had been mostly hidden by a hooded cowl and likely wasted.  Instead, his skin seemed slightly browned or possibly just deeply tanned though the latter was less likely as he bore none of the ruggedness of an outdoor type.  His hair was a pale brown, with large amounts of grey throughout.  His beard was quite short for his race, more a goatee than beard.  He seemed uncomfortable in the crowded room.  His hands almost unconsciously tinkered with a small metal contraption he had pulled out of a pocket.  He vigorously attacked it with a small tool wielded with the others.  His eyes darted from the device to the group.

Finally he spoke.  "So many people to find something lost.  I am Snoric, a simple cook and toymaker.  You all seem sturdy folk for such a simple endeavour."

Already the gnome was wondering why he was here.  Clearly this was bigger than he had anticipated.  He did not want to draw attention to himself.  What was he doing here?

He put the half-made toy on the table long enough to take a long draw of his ale.  Then he went back to his work.

In reply to Snoric (msg # 31):

Yana's eyes were drawn to the little man and his metal contraption like a moth to flame.  But she tried to keep jer professionalism,  however.
"It has been ky experience,  Master Tinker,  that nothing in this world is ever a simple endeavor."
She cocked her head inquisitively.
"If you don't mind the question,  what is that in your hands?  It looks interesting "
And potentially dangerous,  she thought,  as she subtly edged a hand towards her crossbow,  under the table

With all eyes on her, the young woman took a step back, the halfling, a full foot smaller than her, being quite insistent that she leave. But then she remembered a lesson her mother taught her, during their year in exile.

When cornered, don’t show your fear.

She opened her mouth, then closed it, and finally said.

I have my father’s invitation.

Slipping her hand in her cloak to an interior pocket, she took the tear stained letter and carefully unfolded it, showing, but not giving, it to the halfling.

I am Amalia Firnam, daughter of Tannis and Elore Firnam.

Her voice near the breaking point, she took a deep breath to settle herself and declared, bravely, or foolishly.

Whatever this invitation is about, my father would want me to see it through.

Goddess, have mercy… when did my hands become so sweaty?

The halfling listened to Allura's words and looked at her for a moment, then when the girl spoke, handing over the letter, he took it and read it.  The halfling mused over something, but then handed it back. "Very well lady Alamia. Take a seat. Master Gundren may have questions, but given i was expecting your father, and you are here in his stead for some reason, you may stay."

The halfling shut the door and smiled as everyone took a seat.

"Again, sorry for the delay, Master Gundren and his companion needed to prepare for your business before coming. He should be here shortly. I will take your orders for food and drink now. If your not familiar, please chat amongst yourself."

<OOC: Everyone can chat and socialize/introduce yourselves. Next post from me will be a long one so will be few hours before it's up.>

In reply to Yana Whitlock (msg # 32):

Snoric held up the device which currently looked like a length of long tubes.  "A toy I'm working on.  Only started it the other day.  It will be a mechanical tiger toy when I'm done."

In reply to Snoric (msg # 35):

Yana nodded,  clearly intrigued
'I'm also interested in clockwork items and technology.   My name is Yana Whitlock,  a Locksmith by trade.    This is my sister Allura. "
She indicated the woman next to her with similar,  but more menacing,  features, almost like one young woman a nightmare version of the other

Amalia released the breath she didn't realize she was holding, as the halfling admitted her in this considerable circle. Her nervous tunnel vision subsided, and she nearly jumped when she realized the bard that stole the show earlier was sitting down at the large table. But is was the last arrived that caught her attention.


Osmon? Is that really you? Selune be blessed, its nice to see a familiar face! Come, lets sit!


She didn't know the tall wizard that much, as he was her brother's best friend and the big boys didn't think of inviting the little sister in their activities. But she did remember that Osmon's mother was Elliot's master, and that she had spent years sneaking near  to listen to them, watching them practice simple spells. But she was not about to reveal that to the lanky mage!

Not waiting for him to follow, she ordered the fish to the halfling, as it was the only thing she saw on the table, and sat down at one of the remaining places. Having a choice of sitting beside the barbarian or the tiefling, she decided to go randomly and chose the tiefling. Having take place, she finally saw the sisters up close to the first time and was astonished how much they looked alike, if not for the massive horns on Allura's head.

Looking at the warrior, she did a little smile and tried to engage the conversation, palms still sweaty.

Hi, I'm Amalia... of course you know that, I just said so, how silly of me. And who might you be? Are you sisters? You are so alike!

It wasn't long before the door opened and a familiar figure came into view, followed by someone else. Gundren Rockseerer came in speaking to the man behind him, a human about 6 foot tall. Gundren was typical for a dwarf, standing at 5 foot tall, and though not old, you'd put him a little over 100 yearls old. His brown hair was always short and neat, his beard though full, was brown with a few streaks of grey.

As they walked in, they semed in the middle of a conversation. "...if he thinks he can up th' price on that damn wool cloth, he's got another thing commin'" The man smiled as he leaned against the wall near the door, as Gundren made his way around the table, and sat down. He sighed as he looked at you all, his gaze falling to Amalia.  The halfling whispered in his ear, indicating the woman, and he nodded.

the dwarf cleared his throat as he prepared to speak. "Isasah, can ye fetch me an ale and some stew....and fer gods sake get Sildar a drink, he's been belly achin' fer an hour." The human frowned at the dwarf, but said nothing.

he looked at Amalia. "Later...we gonna have a chat lass, but fer now, ye welcome ter stay." he sighed as he looked around. "Now....down ter business. Ye know me, and i know ye all....well, most of ye" Again looking at the girl with purple hair.

"Ye now that fer a while me brothers and be have made our trade with merchant life, but we also spend time findin' lost dwarven lore. Some months back we came into possession of a map, and recetly we have decyphered it. We are movin' an expedition ter the town of Phandalin. I need people i trust....people with skills and a decent head on their shoulders, which is why i ask ye here."

"Tonight Sildar and I will be ridin' ahead fer Phandslin. I need a crew i trust with supplies ter follow us. They are loaded and ready fer travel in th' morn. Fer each of ye, to escourt these is 10 gold apeice, to be collected when goods are delivered to Barthen’s Provisions in Phandalin"

He looked around. "Bare this offer carefully, as i don't seek simple guards. This will lead to other work, and i need people who are loyal and smart. If ye agree, i'll gladly have ye one and all."

He sat there, looking at them all. "What say ye?"

This is not looking good. What need would Gundren have for a group with such unusual and diverse capabilities? Whatever it is will almost certainly be highly dangerous and highly lucrative to make it worth his while to hire such a group.

Thoughts of my own lab stocked with all the components I need for my experiments where I could work at my own schedule as my whims take me flash through my mind in a haze of yearning. Those thoughts are quickly followed by images of the horrible battles being waged back home and the desperation of those fighting and those fleeing. The guilt and self-disgust are almost overwhelming. Besides you have to be alive to reap any rewards.

Best to listen to what Gundren wants before I make up my mind; I could be reading the whole situation wrong. Besides while the toy the Gnome is working on is incomplete you rarely get to see a piece of such delicate precision. I wonder how much it would cost, I know a few children who would love something like that.

Hearing my name I turn around to see the young woman with the tousled purple hair and familiar eyes. I can feel my eyes widen and they begin to burn as they refuse to blink as my mind struggles to accept, to put the facts together into a coherent whole. It can not be her, I gave up hope months ago and this is just my tired brain playing a cruel prank. Forcing my eyes to blink I focus on her again; the resemblance is there in the lines of her cheeks, the shape of the nose, and of course the wild, unconventional hair.

"Amalia...", my voice is not as steady as I would like as I bring the tide of emotions to heel, "it is good to see you. I would like to speak with you more but I fear now is not the time. Perhaps after this meeting is over?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Sat 03 July 2021.

Snoric looks up from his device.  "You say you don't want simple guards but all you have done is describe a simple guard job with pay for said work.  If there is to be more to this then I would hear it.  You don't want to hire fools, well we'd be fools to sign up with so little information.  You speak of deciphering maps.  That suggest something of value or at least significance."  The gnome's eagerness clearly increases as he speaks of the map.

This was the part she loathed it would have been better if they drew weapons and attacked her and her sister. She composed herself.

"If that is what my sister desires, then you have my services as well." she said to Gundren plainly her cool azure eyes regarding him.

The dwarf smiled at the gnome. "Ye always were one o' the smartest in th' room boy....Yer right this isn't simple. Lets just say fer now that I've found a possible site of a dwarven stronghold that could lead ter some riches. Ye want more than that, ye gotta come along boy. What i can promise, is that anything found can be split between ye all, unless it's of dwarven historical value."

In reply to Allura Whitlock (msg # 41):

Yana frowned, pondering, then shrugged
"I suppose Your Sister does desire it.  Your pitch,  old friend, is maddeningly vague, but I'm definitely intrigued.   I'm a fan of mysteries,  as you well know.
My skills are at your disposal.

Count us in."

Snoric wasn't overly interested in the mention of wealth.  Coin was useful but he didn't understand the fascinaiton in those who hoarded it.  The idea of lost ruins intrigued him more as well as another possibility.

"This Phandalin you spoke of.  Is it a big place?  How far and which direction is it from here?"

Yulin collected the coins from the table and accepted the praise and compliments with a smile, her coin purse was a little fuller but more importantly her ego was sated now. She headed to the back room and looked to another half-human as it greeted her. She didn't know the creature but of course he had heard of her, she nodded as she was addressed and replied. "It isss my pleasure." And upon the offer of comforts and seeing the meals on the table she continued, "A bowl of rice with steamed vegetablesss, no meat; and a separate bowl of raw flesh, any kind." She made to leave but stopped and held her wine glass up, "Oh, and bring the bottle of Arabellan Dry." She looked inside, "A few more glassesss too." She brushed past the purple haired hatchling as she stood there floundering and searching her pockets.

Yulin almost considered speaking up on behalf of the awkward young human however the devil saved her the necessity to get involved, her voice oddly echoing around the room. Yulin half expected the creature to sprout wings and spew forth fire with how strongly it leaned into its devilish traits. In the light of the room beside the devil, Yulin noticed a familiar face, one she had shared drinks with at a few taverns over the past few weeks; it seemed they just kept crossing paths. She sat down beside Yana however did not address her as she was deep in conversation with one of the curious burrow-creatures about some worthless trinket. The strange creatures race was slightly larger than a half-human but close enough in height that Yulin often got them mixed up, usually recognising them as just an uglier breed of half-human.

As she listened to the conversation of others her meal arrived, and she realised how long it had been since breaking fast that morning. Another creature figured it was time to eat and Yulin picked up a strip of raw venison with a pinch and held it by her shoulder. The cloth around her chest shifted and the head of a black snake poked through, it yawned wide revealing a fanged mouth and flicked its tongue towards the meat. Yulin fed the serpent before touching her own meal and it devoured the fresh flesh greedily. Having it's fill it slithered out from the fabrics and wrapped itself around one of Yulin's arms, looking around the table and tasting the air with its tongue. Yulin ate slowly, keeping an ear on the conversation and an eye on the slim human who entered and seemed familiar with the hatchling.

She was still eating as the Gundren mountain creature entered with a tall human following behind. It seemed as though the hatchling was not invited to this gathering but was here by fortune of her sire, Yulin watched Gundren and the young human but as it seemed settled that conversation would follow, she turned back to her meal. She listened to the mountain creature’s proposal and it honestly didn't sound too appealing to her. She was reluctant to leave the city for some podunk backwater she had never heard of which likely didn't have an inn worth anything or had even heard of a bath house. She sighed inwardly as Gundren continued, the gold was interesting but she had her own questions about the 'other work' proposed.

The others picked up on it as well, Yana and her sister (though Yulin gave a dubious look whenever the relation was mentioned) seemed to agree readily enough but the question from the burrow-creature made Gundren explain further. Ancient cities and dwarven ruins, gold to be taken and stories to be told. That was the draw of adventure.

Yulin looked to Yana and then back to the mountain creature, "You need to work on your pitch Gundren." Her voice was light and lyrical irrespective of the lisp.

She sat forward and moved her hands in mystique. "Thisss isss to be a fantastic adventure commencing with relaxation and paid travel, accompanying suppliesss for an expedition to agesss forgotten dwarven ruins. Ruinsss steeped in such ancient history, mystery and lost knowledge to cause the most learned wizardsss to weep. Ruinsss which hold such vast richesss and valuablesss that will buy you the earsss of noblesss and Kingsss. Ruinsss that hold such dangersss as to challenge the worthy and see them rise as heroesss. An adventure whereby storiesss of your courage would cause maidensss and bachelorsss to go weak at the kneesss and yearn for a night in your bedchamber. An adventure that would cause the Godsss themselvesss to fear and praise you, bowing down to your courage, cunning and fortune."

Solgran smiled down to the halfling, "By height I am tall, but by heart we are likely equals." Solgran took a look at the seating as well as those who had already gathered in side, as he listened to the options, "My father always said 'eat the fish, it will make you smarter'. I can't say I've followed that advice very often, so I'll honor him today by order the same. Whatever the locals prefer for drink will do fine. Thank you...?" He left off with a questioning tone, waiting for the fellow's name.

Two were already here, and before he'd even completed the thought, there were others coming in to join them. The armored tiefling drew his attention most, and he returned her nod. ~Multiple warriors.~ The other woman nearest to her bore a striking resemblance, yet seemed distinctly human. The concept challenged his assumptions of who and what tiefling were, though their apparent likeness in age and looks could also be pure coincidence. ~An admirable scar. Her hands have seen work, but different from the sister.~

Solgran's eyes went wide as the fellow next to him shifted and changed. He had no experience with gnomes, so everything about the appearance he saw before him simply fit the stereotype. Illusion magic, dark tones, likes to tinker? Everything fit. ~So that's a rock gnome in the flesh, I guess.~ He looked like just the kind of person who would make the strange devices that he had just escorted into town. ~He'd probably know what they were actually supposed to be used for, too. Illusions, and explosives, maybe?~

A flash of color caught his eye as one of the sisters began to engage the gnome in conversation. Hair in shades he had never seen before, Solgran stared a bit more than he should have. ~Another warrior, and this one aligned with The White Lady? What hell is Gundren planning to drag us through, that he needs such strength and numbers?~

Things got a bit chaotic from there, with more coming and going, conversations starting up, orders for food and drink being placed. Another man had arrived, no weapons or armor that he could see, smelling of all sorts. ~Arcanist of some flavor, I guess.~ And the musician from outside, an odd set of reptile-scale tattoos near her hairline.

More than just the sisters here were already acquainted, which was a good sign for coordination and compromise, come what may...

---

And then, mid taking it all in, Gundren had finally arrived with yet another man in tow. Solgran listened to the tale and the offer. Questions were asked, naturally, though the sisters cared not for further details, they were ready to go.

The woman with the reptile tattoos spoke with an odd sort of lisp, making it hard to distinguish accept from speech impediment, and thus impossible for him to guess where she might be from. Not that he was well travelled or well acquainted with many different cultures or regions, but all the same; she was a hard woman to read. Regardless, her job offer did sound a good deal better than Gundren's own.

Solgran pointed a finger toward where she sat, off to his side, "I'll sign up for that one."

He left it at that for a moment before adding questions of his own. "Guard duty? Sure, this group seems more than fit to handle such. I just escorted hundreds of gold worth of goods and we only had four guards. What is it we're hauling that needs so many? And what dangers are you expecting us to face? You know I'm taking the job, it's why I've come. You want the prize to be a secret, that's fine, but what is it we're getting into here?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:28, Sat 03 July 2021.

In reply to Yulin Scalesong (msg # 45):

As the serpentine lady spoke, Yana chuckled slightly
'I would agree, madam, that your recruitment speech is fundamentally better,  in almost every way,  to the one Gundren made.  The only flaw is that if Gundren, a dearf with the poetic soul of rock, had signed off on that flowery epic, i would  have assumed that he was desperately hiding something, and would have run for the door."
She raised her glass to the bard
"Still, though, a lovely job nonetheless. "

Gundren listened at Yulin spoke, a smile on his face. "Ye know Me Yulin, i say what i think.....I'm no poet. I'm just a merchant. Your tales are far more interesting, and should my suspicions be correct, this will be a tale fer ye to wow every king and pauper in th' realms for centuries ter come. People will praise th' name of Yulin, as well as th' rest o' ye."

He looked at snoric, shaking his head. "Still haven't sorted it out, huh....well, I can guarentee while with me, ye will not be harrassed, or they face me. And ter answer ye question, Phandelin is about 60 miles ride south and east. Along th' trail most o' the way. Not much danger, but reports of raiders have been about."

He looked at the group. "I'll not lie to ye, should my hunch be true, it won't be easy, but damn me, it'll be worth it. Me colegue are riding ahead tonight to confirm...so by th' time i will have more answers for ye, but fer now, 10 gold each to transport th' cart, with promise that something more will come. Ye can take it and meet back here in the morn, or walk out....you're choice."

Something the woman in beautiful silks, scales and sashes had said caused her eyes to shift her way. Nothing was said but Allura reached down two of her fingers turning a ring on her other hand so the face was now towards her palm.

Her sister knew the ring she turned it was from their mother's house.

Yana nodded to Gundren, having already agreed on behalf of herself and her sister.

"Ten gold crowns for an escort of sixty miles? I just got the same pay for three weeks of non-stop travel. I can wait sixty miles for more details."

Snoric shrugged.  He'd been planning to head inland anyway so this was as good a direction as any.

"Very well.  I shall take this job."

Yulin shrugged to Gundren, "That is why I'm invited. Spin the tales and receive the praise." She looked around the table, "Although this time it looks like both the praise and the fortune will need to be shared."

Not including herself it had appeared all but one had agreed to the mountain creature's proposal. As much as she would pine for a city it was perhaps a good idea for her to retire to some remote, unheard of town for a while. Not that she had a problem so far but it was even less likely that a particular noble's son would pursue her there. After three weeks in Neverwinter word of a yuan-ti bard surely would have reached word back to Waterdeep. Yes, perhaps a short journey was a good idea.

"I will accompany them." She stated simply.

The dwarf, Gundren arrived in the room and looked at her, frowning, but the halfling talked to him and explained, she assumed, that she was the daughter of his friend. Her new found courage was tenuous, and she barely picked at her food while the discussion erupted over the dwarf's proposal. Still it was 10 gold pieces, for only 60 miles... and her coin pouch was nearly empty.

Letting the conversations continue, she reached in her memories of her father's stories, when he himself was a sellsword. Was this how this road to adventure began? She had always pictured herself as a temple cleric, like her mother was for all she could remember, but now... Her family was gone, her hometown overrun by forces she didn't get to see and fight, where else could she go? What else would she do?

Taking her holy symbol in hand, she asked for guidance from Selune, but no warm and fuzzy feeling came forth. This one was on her, and her alone.

By then, the bard had spinned a much more heroic tale to the adventures the dwarf was proposing, and Amalia noticed her scales for the first time. While she had never seen one, her incomplete studies at the temple did teach her about Yuan-ti, and she felt another shiver go down her spine, but this time it was not fear... what was it? Excitement? Curiosity? She wasn't sure. But there was one way of knowing.

She turned her gaze towards Osmon, that hadn't said a word yet, and she did a small smile... he had that look of intense concentration she had seen him use while practicing complex spell theory... that she had the habit of disrupting, to get her laugh for the day. But now was not the time to have fun, the atmosphere way too serious and her position as an uninvited guest too fragile to risk now.

The simple facts were that she needed that gold, she had nowhere else to go... and maybe she would like living the live of a sellsword... her father had thrived in it after all and had a good life. Still clutching her holy symbol, she waited for a lull in the conversation and said, with a confident tone she barely felt herself.

If you will have me, I will bring the blessings of Selune on this proposal.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:13, Sat 03 July 2021.

Since only one had refrained from agreeing so far and that seemed likely to change with the way he was looking at the purple haired waif Allura turned back to her meal.

"Name is Allura Whitlock, this is my twin sister Yana Whitlock by way of introductions. There now were met."

She began in on her meal lest it get cold.

It is very tempting, the chance to participate in life changing events, to help restore a lost piece of history; even if it was not of his own culture. What wonders would I see and what challenges must be overcome!

Or maybe it would be a number of boring days walking alongside a plodding wagon before standing outside a heap of stones that may or may not have once been part of a garden shed in a place long lost to history because of its utter lack of significance. I do not think Gundren would waste our time and his resources on something so minor but he said himself he had yet to confirm his information.

Even as the call to adventure began to sing in my blood the guilt rose up to smother it. My parents sent me here for a reason, someone has to survive these trying times or all that they had built would be lost, only someone of the blood could access the library and continue the work. For now I am the least capable, the least able to survive such trials. Besides, I have responsibilities here, I cannot give the refugees back their homes but I can help them find their feet here.

"If you will have me, I will bring the blessings of Selune on this proposal." I close my eyes as my heart sinks hearing Amalia's words. What is she even doing here! She said the letter was for her father and she was honouring his commitments? What happened over the last year? Where is the rest of her family? What would Elliott think if he knew I let his little sister go on a dangerous adventure and did nothing! Maybe I could talk to her, convince her this is a terrible idea and she should stay clear. No, I have my talents but convincing someone as stubborn as a Firnam was not one of them. Warning her when I have no idea what dangers she will face is just as pointless. That only leaves me one option. Damn it!

"I will join you." My voice heavy, the words carried on a single long breath. "There are some things I need to settle first but this actually comes at a good time. I should be ready by the morning."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Sat 03 July 2021.

Allura raised her fork slightly as Osmon spoke.
And there it was.

Allura, the tiefling warrior made introductions, and Solgran realized they'd not yet done so. His mother would have been ashamed. Then the final member of the piecemeal crew agreed as well Solgran looked at Gundren and nodded, "It seems we are settled, then."

Then he swung his gaze back to Allura once more, "My name is Solgran Farnzythe, of the now-ruined village of Thundertree."

The dwarf smiled as he looked at one and all. “Tis settled then. Th’ wagon will be here at dawn tomorrow…Isaiah here will watch it until it’s in your care….” The halfling looked about to say something, but just sighed, and the human leaning against the door chuckled. “…ye can leave anytime ye like, but we need th’ supplies as soon as possible. Take th’ wagon ter Barthen and ye gold will be paid. When that’s done I will meet ye in the tavern there - easy ter find, it’s th’ only one.”

He stood up, looking at Amalia. “Can we have a word lass?”

Yana raised a casual hand to ask a question of the dwarf.
"Just to clarify: you said that you and your associate were riding ahead to scout things out?  May we know the name of that Associate?  And who is the leader of this caravan?"

The dwarf looked at the human as he took Amalia to the side. The human stood and nodded. “My name is Sildar….I’ll be keeping an eye on him.” As Gundren moved he nodded to him and sildar continued. “…and it’s not a caravan. It’s a cart full of goods, non perishable items and tools. Any major city wouldn’t think twice but in Phandevin, necessary. There will be no driver….it will be all you.”

As Sildar speaks, Amalia and Gundren speak softly in the dwarves language, but even then it’s softly.  Emotions between the two vary, with the girl sad, the dwarf going confused then sad himself. The girl seemed to perk up in almost panic, but the dwarf calmed her, placing his hand on her arm, calming her. The two seemed to have a moment when they returned.

He looked at the group. “Seems this girl was holdin’ out in us….a faithful of the lady of th’ stars. Will be good ter have a healer.” He smiled as he ushered her to her seat, smiling.

The dwarf sighed. “Is there any questions before me and sildar leave ye? If not, I will see ye all in a day or two.”

Yulin picked at her rice but mostly ate the steamed vegetables from her bowl. When the bottle of wine arrived with the additional glasses she topped up her own glass and took another sip at the wine. "Arabellan Dry." She looked around the table, "It is quite good."

The snake around her arm seemed to be getting impatient as it started to writhe up and around her shoulders. She idly petted the serpent on the head as she ate her meal as she listened to the conversation and questions from the others. As introductions were being made she nodded to those who had given their names and offered her own, "I am Mistress Scalesong, if we are to be travelling together please call me Yulin."

She frowned slightly as Yana and the devil were announced as not only sisters, but twin sisters. "Twins?" She gave a smirk and her fingers reached to her hip. As her her fingernails plucked a chord on the lyre she whispered, "Ss'tae'net." And a pair of horns exactly identical to Allura's appeared on Yana's head. Yulin tilted her head to one side, "Ah, I see the similarity."

She did keep an eye on Gundren as he pulled the hatchling away from the table and after a few moments arched an eyebrow as the mountain creature announced the young human would be joining them as she was apparently a talented healer. Yulin had never felt the need to lean into the knowledge of healing magic, after all she had never been in such trouble as to need it, but now she did make a mental note to have a talk to the hatchling about her abilities. If she was to be travelling, or even adventuring, then knowledge of how to mend wounds would be valuable. This gathering was full of surprises. Yulin filled a glass with wine and pushed it over in front of the purple haired human, "You must try thisss, hatchling." She smiled kindly, "Welcome to our fellowship." The black snake over her shoulders paused and watched the purple haired girl as Yulin spoke to her.

She looked back to the Gundren mountain creature, "No questions from myself, though I hope you don't mind me tarrying to sample more of your generousss hospitality." She brought her wine to her lips once more and sipped.

Casting Silent Image.

Amalia smiled thinly when Osmon said he would be coming, obviously glad to have at least someone she knew along for the journey. But she lost it when she thought about her brother, his best friend, lost at sea. She would have to tell him, and the sooner the better. She was not looking forward to this, but tried to recall how her mother taught her that compassion was the way to go to announce bad news.

But how would she be able to do so when she herself was still grieving the lost of her family? Thinking about this, she was surprised when the tiefling warrior introduced herself and the cloaked figure abruptly, making it clear she didn't want to continue this discussion. Taken aback by the gruffness, the teenager was still reeling when she was approached by the dwarf, wanting a word with her. She nodded, fearful that he wanted to kick her out...

But is was not to be. The conversation, in dwarven, reassured the teenager and she was glad to have it. Gundren gave his stamp of approval to the young cleric and that apparently was enough for the bard, that introduced herself and offered a glass of wine to Amalia. She had just accepted when Allura realized the target of the illusion and exploded of rage, startling the teenager. She tried to determine the source of the new horns on Yana's brow, but all these emotions she had been living since setting foot in the tavern clouded her judgement and she failed miserably.

In the name of Selune, how did this happen?



19:47, Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 4 using 1d20.  arcana roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Sun 04 July 2021.

Allura had been enjoying her meal.

Had been.

Then her eyes settled on Yana noting horns similar to her own and her face twisted into such anger. She stabbed the table with her knife the blade nearly snapping with the force.

"NO!" Her exclamation was accompanied by a window rattling thunderclap.

"Only me!"

Solgran paused with his fork full of fish halfway to his mouth when the thunderous sound echoed out, "Casting spells on associates you don't really know yet, without their consent, may not be the best idea, Mistress Scalesong." His eyes shifted from one woman to another, pausing for a couple of heartbeats before he resumed eating.

Yana rolled her eyes and smirked
"Yes, my scaly Traveling Companion, Consent is an important thing amongst those who may soon be depending upon each other to survive.   Please keep your spells to yourself,  ma'am, unless it's necessary for the mission "

She reached out, and putting a hand on her sister's shoulder
'Relax,  Sister.  It's all good"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:14, Sun 04 July 2021.

The outburst from the devil had Yulin extremely curious and while the anger from the creature was evident the spell remained. Yulin had continued eating and seemed entirely nonplussed by the reaction, more interested in seeing how this would play out. It would be better to know as much as she could if she was to be travelling and adventuring with these creatures. It was certainly preferrable to be aware of such volatilities now

She looked up from her meal to Solgran and gave a quizzical frown, "I have no idea what you mean." She was surprised anyone had even picked up on what she had done. But at the stare from the wild human she realised the jig was up and as she sighed the image of the horns dropped. "You're just no fun at all."

She turned back to the devil, "I did not mean to upset you Allura." Before briefly looking to Yana, "Nobody else will spontaneously grow horns anymore. I promise you." Regardless of her earlier attempts at deception her words were earnest.

11:02, Today: Yulin Scalesong rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Deception.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Sun 04 July 2021.

Hearing the discussion about spells Allura reaches out and tried to touch the horns on her sister Yana's head. When her hand passed through. There was an initial tightening then loosening of the muscles across Allura's body. She pulled her hand back and then stood yanking the knife from the table and lifting her plate.

"If someone needs killing sister, you know how to reach me."


Looking to Yulin, "I became a monster, so my sister would not have too. I won't lie and say few things anger me. Many things anger me. Seeing my sister carry my burden though only promises blood and death. It is good this get's clear between us now."

That said she leaves heading to the main inn to finish her meal.

The fire behind turns from the blue it had been to it's normal orange hue on her leaving.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:01, Sun 04 July 2021.

Yana sighed but made no move to follow her sister.   She knew that her temperamental twin just needed space.  She remained in the back room, in case there were more details about the job.

The loud crack of the knife slamming into the table echoes in the suddenly quiet room causing me to jerk back involuntarily, my eyes scanning for the source of the noise. It takes a moment to sort out what happened, the presumably illusionary horns on the one twin and the furious reaction of the other. It seems I will need to watch both the Yuan-Ti and the Tiefling.

"It seems we have all learned something. Miss Scalesong, while not socially appropriate, I must commend you on an excellent illusion. My name is Osmon Mambetov and it will be interesting travelling with you all. As we have just demonstrated, beginnings are fragile things; I suggest that we be careful with each other."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:28, Sun 04 July 2021.

An illusion... of course... I'm so stupid, I should have known!

With the crisis adverted and Allura revealing more of her personality in the aftermath while stomping out of the room, it was surprising to see Yana still seated.

Those two are not quite joined at the hip then.

Amalia picked up her fish dish and brought it in front of Yulin, before sitting down. Taking a bite, she made a face, the fish and rice having had time to cool down with all the events and discussions. Remembering how the huge man reacted to the spellcasting on Yana, she preferred to warn both men in the room.

Osmon, mister Solgran, it seems that we spellcasters will need to be careful not to offend. I give you a warning that I use a lot of magic in my everyday tasks.

Flashing a smile, she casted a simple spell she had learned with the help of her wizard brother, and the food on her plate started steaming, warmed up. Now that most of her accumulated fears were passed, she realized that she was really hungry and attacked the dish with appetite. Taking a sip of the bard's wine,  her eyebrows raised.

This is really good, Yulin, thank you. I need to remember that taste.

Taking another sip, she asked the Yuan-ti.

Please forgive my ignorance if I am wrong, but during my anthropology lectures at the temple, I was told that Yuan-ti are an emotionless race... yet, you seem to like having fun, which is quite the opposite.

Cast Prestidigitation to warm up her plate

Rather than looking concerned at the departure of the devil Yulin actually seemed quite pleased with herself. It was only an idle bit of magical trickery but yet she had learned so much, they had all learned so much, and she felt it was much better in the open. She turned her head to Yana with a whisper.  It was a curious thing, the implications of what Allura had just mentioned and Yulin looked towards the door that the devil departed from.

Taking another sip of her wine she leaned back in her chair and looked around the table, "Any other sensitive subjects we should all be aware of? Anyone likely to lose their head on our travelsss?" She looked around the table, "I will admit I am likely to react... unkindly... should anyone harm a serpent while in my company." She looked to Solgran, "How about you wild human, you look like a creature with a short fuse for such a big sword."

As the purple haired hatchling sat across from her and cast her spell Yulin nodded slowly, more than just a couple of those present seemed to appreciate magic. As the young human ate and asked her question Yulin smiled kindly, "Perhapsss we are just hard to understand by your kind but the vrael olo have our passions, they just do not usually align with the lesser racesss. I share many of the passions of my kin, subtlety and guile, seeking knowledge, mating and loyalty to onesss nest." Her mouth curled into a wry smile, "Though I respect them greatly I never had the passions for violence or the ruthless ambition of my kin; I much preferred having fun through story and song." Her smile grew sad, "Thus the reason I left the den, I was a danger to the nest and my mate."

Yulin reached out and ran her fingers through Amalia's purple fringe, she tilted her head and let out an inquisitve hmm. "Exquisite. Tell me hatchling, the color is natural? It is adorable." She was studying the young human as one would a puppy or kitten.

Yana raised a bemused eyebrow,  but nodded to the bard after her whispered words.

Snoric watched his companions withour comment.  He wasn't the most social when amongst people he knew, these people he most certainly did not.

His hand reflexively went inside his cloak for a weapon when he heard the booming shout but quickly recovered when the target was just a reckless use of magic.  He shrugges and went back to his tinkering.

One important thought came to him and he turned his attention to his employers.  "Are we expected to have our own supplies, rations, mounts and the like for this trip or will you be supplying us with such things?"  Having exhausted most of his supplies on his trip to Neverwinter he would need to go shopping if he was expected to supply his own meals.  Still at least his purse was ten gold heavier if the need eventuated.

The dwarf started leaving when snoric asked his question. “Ye will get two oxen and th’ wagon…..it won’t be fast, but most will keep up. As fer rations, ye will be supplied enough fer 3 days fer all of ye. Fresh meat fer the first day, some vegetables and herbs, as well as bread and some oats fer th’ oxen. Enough fer th’ trip.”

Solgran watched Allura leave the room, and considered following. When he saw that she simply relocated to finish her meal in peace, he let her be. Some people could cool their anger with time and solitude, while others needed to release it into the world so that it not consume them. She seemed more the prior. ~In this case, at least.~

Solgran knew very little about the details of magic, but he was familiar with the casting of them. Hearing talk of the horns being an illusion was interesting. They looked real enough to him, so Solgran nodded his agreement Osman's comment, "I've never seen an illusion before. It did look quite good."

As there was some discussion about it now, Solgran commented, "I know from past discussions that it is not easy to notice the different tones in my voice. I was not offended in the casting. It is a bit like throwing knives near someone's head, however; harmless at the end of the day, but not always well received by the one on the receiving end if unexpected. By all means, if it does not harm, restrain, or violate my control over my own thoughts or actions, you have my consent. For that matter, if there is danger and your magic will harm me but kill the enemy, you'll likely be forgiven for that as well. I know there is some resemblance, but I assure you I am no Uthgardt."

When Yulin spoke, he took on a look of contemplation for a moment before he replied, "Harming innocents who cannot defend themselves, or a serious threat to do so. Not a problem I expect to run into with this group, Mistress Scalesong. I do have a protective nature, so you may see a short fuse if we do come under attack, but have no fear of it being directed at you."

Yulin seemed very opened about talking on her race's views and Amalia found the details fascinating. There was something in this story that disturbed her though.

You had to leave your nest and mate because you were different? That doesn't make sense to me, differences are to be cultured and cherished, they bring a different, and as valid, point of view. Take Selune, She goes through different stages every cycle, She promotes and protects changes and difference.

The teenager had a visible shiver when the Yuan-ti touched her hairs and asked about them. Breaking eye contact, she lowered her head. The question hit very close to her grieving heart, the memory of using her hands to bury her parents too fresh in her memory. And did the bard call her an hatchling?

I... don't want to talk about it... maybe one day... but not now, please.

The conversation turned to be more personal, about what would annoy or anger the others of this eclectic group. But Amalia was not listening anymore and closed up, nursing her glass of wine, fighting to keep her eyes dry. She had already told that story today, and would need to tell Osmon... the others could wait.

Eating more pleasantly without the din of chatter or annoyances of old acquaintances meeting anew, or people wearing out their warning so very early on in first meetings. Allura took the time to look around the main in to see what people were there, what people were looking where and if a half elven bard was looking to hire a silencer.

Noting her meal was growing a bit cool she stabbed her palm with her knife slightly and bluish flames leapt under her plate from the blade to warm things up. She started in on her freshly heated meal again.


-1 hp sacrifice

Yana sat, making plans in her head, while observing her new Traveling Companions.
She nodded to Snoric.
"I look forward to talking with you about your clockwork devices,  Master Tinker, if you're amenable.  It's long been a subject that's always fascinated me "

Yulin smiled, there were many peculiar creatures in this fellowship; take the devil and its sister, she had her own interests about the relationship between the pair and what powers were involved there. Her people were no strangers to doing deals with creatures from the abyss, and Yulin was very familiar with the power and price of such deals. As she listened to the young human speak slowly and hesitantly of something so simple as the color of her hair she felt the creatures sadness. Her smile turned to sympathy and she looked softly to the young human, "I'm sorry hatchling, do not dwell on it now. I will be here if you ever want to talk."

She changed the subject back to herself and her kin, something she was ever eager to educate others in. "Differences are dangerousss." She said with certainty, "The vrael olo are the pinnacle of civilisation and knowledge, our power, culture and history are rivaled by no other race. It is for this purpose that different is dangerousss, being different is not required. Everything in the life of a vrael olo is determined from birth, from their position and purpose to their prospective mates. To go outside of onesss position brings danger to the heirarchy of the nest." It was her turn to speak hesitantly, "I went above my station. Took a mate I shouldn't and he took me in return... and so I had to leave. For the safety of the nest and my mate." She shook her head, "No, different is dangerousss. Definitely not to be celebrated."

She looked to the taller human male who the hatchling seemed familiar with before leaning in closer to Amalia, "You know thisss one? Is he your mate?" It was delivered seriously but there was a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.

Looking Scalesong squarely in the eye, my right eyebrow slightly raised at her obvious attempt to cause embarrassment. "No. While it has been my privilege to know Miss Firnam for much of our lives it has never been in such an intimate manner."

Yulin's sympathetic overture was acknowledged by a small nod of the head, and the bard explained more of her society and why she was exiled, for going outside the social norms of her people. While very interesting, Amalia filing that information in a corner of her mind to revisit it later, she glanced towards Osmon and that provoked, apparently, the comment about him being her mate. She blushed and wanted to forcibly reject that proposal when the wizard intervened and shut that silly idea down, saving her from doing it.

She looked at Osmon for about ten seconds, her face hardening, then seemed to take a decision. Suddenly, she drained the reminder of her wine in one gulp to get some courage, then raised.

Osmon, please come with me.

Bringing the mage to a far corner of the room, as far away from the others as possible, she talked to him in a low tone, head dropped.

With the curt reply from the tall human and a mere blush from the hatchling Yulin lost interest in their conversation. Though she was curious about why they would both so immediately depart to a corner of the room for quiet conversation.

It seemed that all at the table had now been introduced and she had some knowledge about them all. Yana, of course, the locksmith in training and her sister, the devil Allura. The small burrow creature Yana was in discussion with, the tinkerer and apparent cook Snoric, the oddly serious and well-spoken wild man Solgran with the sword taller than her. Then there was the devout hatchling Amalia and her not-mate human friend Osmon, who had an appreciation for magic. Not even to mention the Gundren mountain creature and his human-slave Sildar. A very diverse cast of faces with some very interesting skills which Yulin believed gave a small hint as to what Gundren was expecting once the supplies were delivered to Phandevin.

She picked up the bottle of wine and frowned at how little was left as she drained what was remaining into her glass. Traveling on the morrow was not expected and she had much to do to prepare. She drank what was left of the wine from her glass and stood, the black snake slithering back under the sashes at her chest. "I have much to prepare if I am to accompany you tomorrow." She announced to the room, "Shopping, foremost, however I invite anyone interested to join me at the Last Respite Bath House in the River District later this evening." She waggled a finger around those gathered, "Thisss may be the last chance for a hot bath for a while."

With a curtsy and a flourish of green and grey Yulin was back out the door. On her way through the common room she stopped by the half breed bard and dropped her earlier gifted coins which weren't of gold into his cap without comment. She also stopped by Allura on the way out, approaching her clearly and bending down next to the devil's ear with a hand on her shoulder.

Allura looked up from her meal. A bit of blood still dripped from her hand. He cool blue eyes met the serpentine ones of Yulin. Though Allura didn't say anything she did acknowledge the other woman and with the slightest of nods indicate that she did hear what Yulin had said.

Pride for the moment was stowed for the practicality of possible help for her sister.

Snoric bowed his head.  "Hardly a Master tinkerer, more of an apprentice.  I do this for fun and interest.  I'm a cook by trade.  I'd be happy to show you the things I'm making on our journey."

In reply to Snoric (msg # 85):

For perhaps the first time since the dinner started, Yana smiled a genuine smile.
"I look forward to that. Mechanical things are a passion of mine as well."

In reply to Yana Whitlock (msg # 86):

Snoric looked up, showing more interest in Yana, then he had paid to most of the meeting.  "Really?  What kind of devices do you have interest in?  Any work I can see?"

Yana nodded to the gnome,  bringing up a pouch.
"My skills with clockwork gears are mostly self taught,  so all i have made so far are a couple of locks I've been working on. "
She brought out a couple of locks, one a padlock and the other a lock that looked like it could be installed on a chest.  They were somewhat complicated,  but not too complex.

Amalia led Osmon back into the main room and towards a table in the back corner, furthest from the rest of the patrons. Taking a seat they sat, heads bowed in quiet conversation, Amalia's shoulders shaking slightly and light glittering off moisture in her eyes. When Amalia finished Osmon closed his eyes for a moment before reaching out and softly resting his hand on her right shoulder. Speaking to her softly he maintained eye contact with her until she nodded her head, and tried to subtly dry her eyes. Giving her a final nod and gently squeezing her shoulder he stood up and exited the tavern.

After walking out of sight of the tavern, he paused casting his eyes towards the dim stars he could barely see though the cities flickering torch light. A shadow spiraled down from the nearby building and settled on his left shoulder and a small barred owl alighted on his shoulder, its beak fussing the hair by his right ear. Reaching up to gently stroke the bird's feathers he continued on his way; he had affairs to put in order before tomorrow.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:55, Tue 06 July 2021.

Amalia looked at Osmon leave her, and wiped the remaining tears from her cheeks, still feeling his touch on her shoulder. It had not been easy, but it was necessary to have told him about her family's fate, if they were to embark on this journey together. After a few minutes of listening to Yana and Snoric talking of locks and mechanism, while she was collecting her strength, the cleric left the room after bidding a good night to the two remaining members of the ad hoc party.

She was emotionally drained and after almost leaving the inn, she remembered her first conversation and discovered that Gundren had been true to his word and arranged for her to have a room in the tavern. It was not much, a straw filled mattress on a rickety wooden bed frame, a thin blanket, a chair and a chamber pot, but it seemed luxurious to the girl that had been basically homeless for the last month. But like her goddess, Amalia was a night person, and she found an access to the roof, climbing there to bathe in the rays of the crescent moon in the sky, praying to Selune to give her strength and wisdom in the days to come. Her prayers completed, she whistled a high note and the white figure of a snow owl came to perch itself on her shoulder. The teenager caressed the owl for a moment, before taking her horn flute from her belt bag and started to play, a mournful melody too full of emotional excesses to be called beautiful. But she didn't care what others could be thinking, as it was for her ears only.

21:02, Today: Amalia Firnam rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  performance.

Snoric was intrigued.  "A clockwork gear lock?  Fascinating.  How does it work?  Are they more difficult to tamper with?"

In reply to Snoric (msg # 91):

Yana shrugged, smiling sheepishly
"In theory.   So farx though,  i haven't been able to get it to work properly yet.  I'm hoping that someday,  when it's perfected, that it'll revolutionize locksmith work.  So far, though,  it's more of a work in progress ",

This message was deleted by the player at 00:39, Sat 07 Aug 2021.