"Why of course, Miss Andromeda, my story shall be one of derring-do and of epic proportions Waterdeep never seen before... Ugh, I mean, I have no clue what your talking about, like I said before I'm obviously a mere practitioner of the fist. Sides, I have no clue how to write." Devan says, obviously lying and blatantly writing down on his notepad about the conversation Onyxclaw and Travic had,"Hmm, maybe I should entitle it, Pact-makers Meet: Is It A Destined Fate or Are Dark Plans Afoot!! Yeah, I'll go with that." he says, then sees Andromeda heading off,"Ah, before you head off Miss Andromeda, I know of a couple of wizardry folk and their editor-in-chief Mr. Crier, not related to me of course, residing in this tavern. They've invented something called a printing press, which basically mass produce articles and journal logs via a scroll. I've heard they made a deal with the owner of this establishment to sell their scrolls in this tavern, I could recommend your written works to the editor-in-chief who is definitely not me." he recommended before she heads off.

Like some sort of Tutorial NPC :D

Jhank raised a scaly eyebrow at the fact she and Andromeda had the same train of thought, nodding shortly and following the smaller woman to ask the Drow questions. Opting to stand with her arms crossed and glare at the old adventurer rather than introduce herself.

The drow immediately perks up at someone to "talk" to. It becomes immediately obvious that he is mute. He flips his sign over to show 3 different symbols and begins to make sign language to describe that he'll tell you for the low low price of buying him dinner. And dessert. And at least 2 drinks. Please.

The symbols are a tree with masks, an illithid, and a runestone with a dragon. Immediately your stomach drops to hear of even more dungeons below your feet.

The pink tiefling is all charm, "Hello, fantastic to meet you. I am called Song. There's lots of dungeons down below, the paths sometimes change so I can't gaurantee the map you buy is one that will be available, but you can always just come back up and try again tomorrow. Do you know what kind of dungeon you're gonna attempt?"

Andromeda turned to hear Crier out, pale brows raised in curiosity.  “A printing press… I’ve heard of such a thing!  So this Mr. Crier is a business associate of yours but unrelated?  What remarkable synchronicity!”  She chuckled in appreciation of the nearly miraculous coincidence, then went on excitedly, but also with some hesitance, “Why, thank you for the generous opportunity, Mr. Crier!  I don’t think I’ve written anything print-press-able yet, but I do have a mind to record and share my discoveries from our adventures, in hopes of informing those that come after…”


Out of all her new companions Jhank somehow seemed the most dangerous to Andromeda, but she was nonetheless glad to have the lizardfolk at her back while commiserating with tavern-goers.  She never thought to worry about having a killer behind her, which was perhaps naive.  When the drow perked up at meeting them but turned out to be mute, Andromeda was only too happy to accommodate.  She tapped the bar and called to the servers, “Bring this good fellow a meal and a drink, please?  On me, yes!  Would you like anything, Jhank?  Littlejohn?”

Turning back to the drow, Andromeda studied the symbols intently in hopes of gleaming some meaning from them.  Looking up to the mute veteran, she asked, “My goodness, these provide some disturbingly evocative imagery!  Can you tell us what they mean, and which location is associated with each?  What is this runestone, in particular?”  The Circle of Stars was known to record wisdom upon megalithic stones carved with runes and symbols, and if such a site were to be hidden below then she’d certainly wish to know!

Jhank broke into a huge grin when she saw the Drow's deal, roughly signing ''I like you,'' without further explanation. She was also surprised again at Andromeda's actions, nodding, ''a beer and cheap meat.''

Travic was making his own plans for lodging. He had told his group before moving down into the main room that he could not take rest anywhere but in the ring itself. It was part of the bond of servitude.

On the plus side, he had described the ring as a place with cushions, a bed, and a large warm room where he could leave things. Also, he could hear anything outside of the ring itself. The problem was he needed to rest before he could access the ring again.

"So, while I can fully recover within the ring after only 4 hours, I need someone else to wear it while I am inside." He pointed out. He was not picky about who carried the ring along with them.

He was not inside the ring just now, but it would be something to work out ahead of time.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Mon 01 Nov 2021.

The drow "says" thank you exhaustively, then begins trying to teach you his name, which he gives up on after you don't get it right the first three tries, so he just "tells" you to call him Z.

Once his food arrives Z begins to "discuss", despite having a full mouth, the Runestone/Dragon dungeon, although most of it gets lost on you. Anyone talking to Z can make an int check to understand his descriptions.

The kobold was surprised by the tiefling attitude towards him, but none the less continued. “One of two. One holds image of displacer…..holds underground jungle. Other image of troglodytes…..bad place for strong.”

Song excitedly starts filing through her bag of holding. She pulls out three maps, but only lets you see the backside. Each one has the symbols of the dungeons. "Girls gotta eat friend. Look, I have a map of each dungeon you described, 10 gold each, or I'll give you all three for 25...ehhh, you look like I can trust you, I'll give you all three for 21 gold."

"Cheers, then if you finish any journal logs, pass it along to me and I'll send it to the company via my own mysterious means. Even in a dungeon I can still send it, ho ho ho." Devan laughs as he explains the wonders of the printing press to Andromeda, he then stretches his arms as he starts heading off to another direction,"Anyways, I'll be off for a few minutes. Excuse me." he says, walking towards a table with a bunch of folk of varied ages and races at a far corner and out of anyone's hearing range. Like he said, he comes back and hears Travic's request,"Ah, don't worry about it. I can carry you along, despite my looks I'm a very trustworthy person." he says, making shifty sideway glances at all the patrons, kind of emitting a very suspicious aura. Then he spots the edgey character at the corner staring at him,"Hmm, how odd! Maybe that's the scent of story. Excuse me gents." he says once again heading off on his own. He walks towards this cloaked stranger,"Hello their, Devan Criers the name and I'd like to interview adventurers such as yourself. I'd like to at least talk about your backstory, more specifically I want to hear of any scandalous pasts. Now I assure you, this will be highly confidential (unless I find it convenient or hilarious)." he says that part out loud and right in front of this unstable looking stranger.

"How very enterprising, mister Crier!  I will be certain to let you know when I've writings to share.  I would be delighted to proof-read your work as well, if you wish?"  Such a jolly and curiously resourceful fellow, this mister Crier was.


Andromeda stared at the genie ring with a new sense of wonderment and asked, "You can go inside this ring?  Remarkable... Is it an extra-dimensional space, or does it shrink you to fit?"  Devon volunteered to carry the ring-residence while Travic was inside, which was kind of him.  What if the elf were to return whilst Crier was in the loo, Andromeda couldn't help but wonder?  She giggled to herself at the thought of it.


Int check to understand Z:

• 16:47, Today: Andromeda rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  Intelligence check.

Andromeda focused intently on Z's efforts to pantomime his information, and though it was difficult she felt like she understood.  "Can you write, Z?  Oh!  How silly of me to ask, considering that it was your hand-written sign that brought us to you."  The druidess carefully tore a sheet of parchment from the back of her journal and slid it and a charcoal pencil across the bar toward the drow.  She then said, "I am fluent in Elvish if you prefer it, as well as a number of other tongues.  Please, do enjoy your meal, first!"  Andromeda smiled as she waited patiently, then ordered up a second drink to replace Z's first and a berry cobbler for dessert.

In reply to Devan Crier (msg # 14):

Travic raises an eyebrow at Devan, and looks down at his ring. When Andromeda starts asking questions, he seems much more at ease.

"Ah, maybe we should allow our druid to care for the ring when I am inside it. Someday I will be able to show all of you what it looks like on the inside. However, for now I can transport myself and non living things. Quite handy if we need to store and transport heavy items..."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Tue 02 Nov 2021.

The kobold twitched his claws which held his staff, and looked over his shoulder at the others. He looked back and nodded. “I talk others….see which we go.” The kobold made his way to the rest and cleared his throat. “Demon woman had maps….each place. 10 gold for place…for all three, 21.”

Onyx law felt the map would benefit them - forewarn them of danger and where to search. He would gladly pay the cost. “Which one we go?”

Andromeda looked uncertainly between Travic and Crier and the mystical genie ring, now feeling a touch awkward, "If that is your preference despite mister Crier's kind offer, mister Televentor, then certainly...  I would safeguard the ring to the utmost of my ability, and would be certain not to lose it!"  Her face worked as she ran through a number of odd scenarios in her mind, each more ludicrous and embarrassing than the last.  Finally, she asked, "Will I have, um... warning when you are to emerge, mister Travic?  Also, can you sense what occurs outside the ring...?"  She also wondered whether a ring fitted for the elf would fit her slender fingers, but was wary that she would annoy Travic with endless questions.


Andromeda gasped at Onyxclaw's statement, and then leaned in to whisper in hushed Draconic, "<Mind you, dear, 'demon woman' might be taken with offense!  The correct and more polite term is 'tiefling'.>"  With that said, the druidess considered the price, then checked her own coin purse.  She said, "I would recommend procuring a map, for knowing our way may prove essential.  I suspect we will visit all three locales in due course, which would make the bundle a wiser purchase, but a case could be made for only purchasing the map we require now.  I will contribute my fair share toward the price, whatever our decision."

OOC:  How much was the cost of Z and Jhank's tabs?

Jhank listened intently to the Kobold then snorted yet again as seemed to be her habit, ''21? Really,'' then stormed off in the direction of the Tiefling, unable to restrain her need to haggle. It's in her blood. ''15 or we're gonna have a problem,'' Jhank hissed, getting uncomfortably close to the pink woman's face while caressing the bronze-coloured hilt of her dagger strapped to her belt.

22:44, Today: Jhank rolled 7 using 1d20 ((7)) for intimadation

Onyxclaw looked at the pink tiefling, then Andromeda and frowned. “Tie…fee…ling?” He said, clearly unfamiliar with the word, just shrugged. “Tall ones names not known by Onyxclaw.”  When the Dragonborn went over and threatened the woman, he sighed, following and speaking in his native togune to the Dragonborn. <IN DRACONIC - Do not upset tee-fee-ling….map could help us. You could scare her and send her away.>

The kobold attempted to smile at the woman. “Tee-fee-ling forgive big dragon lady. Always angry.” She looked at jhank then the tiefling again. “Pretty tee-fee-ling lady, we interested in maps. Price 15 for three and we get now….and promise dragon lady not speak to tee-fee-ling again.”

---

<OOC: Onyxclaw rolled 19 using 1d20+2 - diplomacy check

Go the kobold!>

In reply to Andromeda (msg # 18):

He smiles at her, and takes off the ring. He does a series a mystical gestures, and the tiny object seems to vanish. He looks upset, checking his pockets and looking around suddenly. "Aha!" He suddenly says, and reaches behind her ear, and pulls the ring from nowhere.

He grins sheepishly at her. She then rather suspects he did not use any magic at all.
"To answer your questions, you will get a warning, as i will be dumped out of the ring once the time limit is reached. I also can hear anything that goes on around the ring, including words."

He then places the ring in her hand for her to inspect. She finds the horrible face on the dull metal band lifts up to show a tiny compartment with nothing inside.

Z's explanation of the runestone/dragon dungeon: After studying his sign language a bit you understand the Runestone Cavern is a large cave with a massive runestone stalagmite that has been carved into a Lich's Tower. Z spells out the name of the lich: Ezzat. The runestone sheds chunks of itself and each one is worth a fortune. He then gives you a thumbs up.

The Edgelord turns to Crier, gives him a "HRRRMPH." and turns back to his ale. Just when Crier is about to give up and leave the man opens up like Christmas Day. "It all started before I was born. Both of my parents died. I had to cut my way out of my dead mother's stomach. Ever since then, my life has only gotten worse. I was raised by a pack of wolves, but then they all were killed by hunters. I remember their faces like it was yesterday. I see them every night in my dreams. Those are the happy dreams. You don't wanna ask about my nightmares. Once I could crawl I hunted down each one of the hunters and made him beg me to spare their lives before I cut out their tongues and made them choke to death on their own blood. Then life became a blur of senseless killing until I met a beautiful woman. I was happy for five minutes, when suddenly she was murdered while still in my arms. Don't even ask pal, I never team up. I'm a lone wolf. And I never tell my secrets to anyone."

Song immediately begins to pack up her maps at Jhank's threats. "Get lost creep. I don't have to sell these to anyone. They belong to me." But then Oryxclaw's sort of apology changes her mind, "18. Final offer."

The kobold looks at her and nods. “18.” he holds a hand up and pulls Jhank to wards the others, holding out his hand. “Tee-fee-ling agreed to 18. Can give gold for maps?”

<OOC: roughly 3-4 gold each.>

Jhank spits a slimy gob at the Tiefling's feet but otherwise restrains herself, more focused on getting into the dungeons than fighting with cartographers. She digs around in her leather pouch as she lets Onyxclaw pull her along, dropping three gold coins from above into his open hand.
 ''Good work there,'' Jhank beams, slapping the Kobold on the back, making him lurch a bit, before returning to the Drow to see the last of what he has to say. Once he finished Jhank downed the last of her beer and in an alarmingly affectionate show, kissed the helpful Elf on the cheek in thanks. Then collected the empty dishes and unceremoniously plonked them on the counter with a clatter.

When the edgelord started talking about his somewhat tragic past, Devan wrote furiously on his notepad going all,"Yes. I see. Intriguing. Go on. Is that how it happened." and once the strange individual was finished, Devan reviewed his noted and nods at his work,"Yes, thank you for being so cooperative, usually people back away whenever I ask for an interview. Anyways, your story is a bit dark, might be too much for a child-friendly audience, I'm gonna have to edit it. Like say your parents, they didn't die, they just had a divorce cause your face was so ugly. So now you were under the care of your uncle, a hunter but he didn't love you, but his dogs certainly did. Usually, you'd had dreams of them having food fights and your uncle always say that your like a son that he never had, but that was all a dream and
you cry about it every night. That's when you have an epiphany to become the world's best Hunter so your not father will love you. But you failed due to whacky hijinks, though you did had a girlfriend. But for 5 minutes in the relationship, she dump you for a nobleman. And so, you walk the lands of Toril, trying to achieve a dream that you'll never achieve. Yes, that's exactly what I'll write to the public, with this, I assure you my friend, you'll be the laughingstock of the century." he says, making a run for it to the group,"Haha, what did I miss."

Onyxclaw stumbles as jhank slaps him on the shoulder, allowing a slight, half hearted glare at the Dragonborn, he didn’t know if the warrior was acting the whole time for his benefit, or just improvised, but the kobold simply nodded, taking the gold from her.

He caught the end of Devan’s  terested speech, and simply tilted his head in confusion. “Humans!” He muttered

Andromeda appeared genuinely surprised and alarmed by the ring's sudden disappearance, then relieved and delighted when Travic somehow found it behind her ear.  Sheepish but smiling, she said, "I knew it was a trick all along!  Silly..."  The druidess took the proffered ring, turning it over in her hands and grimacing at the terrible face engraved into the dull metal.  She held it up close to an eye for inspection then flipped it open to see the tiny compartment.  Surprised, she asked, "Oh!  Will I see you in miniature should I open this up while you're inside the ring, mister Travic?"  Andromeda handed the ring back to the eladrin with a beaming smile, "Fascinating!  I mean, I'm sorry you've been cursed, but thank you for sharing.  I shall have to show you my celestial jewel, sometime... if you've any interest in such things."


Andromeda meticulously recorded every detail conveyed by Z, then looked up from her journal to comment, "Wow, that runestone stalagmite sounds incredible!  We shall have to keep our eyes open for Ezzat, however.  Thank you so much for your insights, friend!"  She returned the thumbs up, and then was again surprised when Jhank gave the drow a peck on the cheek!  She paid for the meals and drinks, then bade Z a friendly farewell and returned to her new companions.


Andromeda hadn't the heart to correct Onyxclaw's pronunciation, because it was a valiant attempt and also completely adorable.  She nodded and placed four gold coins into the kobold's claw.  "Very good work, mister Onyxclaw!  I believe those maps will be quite valuable."  When Devan returned after a brief conversation with the edgelord, Andromeda shared all that she'd learned from Z.  She then suggested, "I do think we've gathered quite a bit of useful information.  Shall we signal our intent to descend, my new boon companions?"

---

Book-keeping done on Beyond character sheet:

• -13 sp for Z and Jhank's food and drink
• -4 gp to Onyxclaw for maps

Z was grinning ear to ear, a hand on his cheek. Other hand on his full belly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:44, Wed 03 Nov 2021.

Travic smiled and shrugged. "Given some of the other stories I have heard just in the last half hour or so, I am much better off than many. I do have my own portable room after all. Granted you won't be able to see me, even if you open the ring." He nods when she speaks about her own jewels. "Yes, I have been very involved in local magical wearables in the last few months. I would like to see some which don't have nasty side effects."