Greenest is the largest town along the Uldoon Trail in the Western Heartlands. Travelers from the east stop in town for rest and resupply on their way to the coast. The town and the surrounding farms prosper from this fortunate location. The Harvest Festival is an annual event that attracts craftsman, performers and merchants from as far as Waterdeep. This year te growing season was blessed with frequent gentle rains. Most of the farmers now boast of bumper crops.

With their surplus safely to market and taxes paid the farmers are ready for a celebration. The inns are full, spare rooms throughout the town and nearby farmhouses are all rented, even overnight barnspace is renting for a premium. Many travelers have set up camp along the stream west of town.

The fairgrounds spread from the streambank south of town to the gentle rise of the hillside one quarter odf a mile away. Merchants with tents and carts have set up around the edges. Food venders are scattered randomly throughout the grounds and a large stage has been erected in the center. Performers arrange for times on stage with those in the evening being the most sought after. A large bonfire has been laid to be lit at dusk.

There are hundreds of revelers enjoying the harvest in the afternoon sun. The air is brisk, the leaves on the trees in the surrounding hills have begun to change color. The music is cheerful and loud. The air is filled with laughter. The party has begun.

Somewhere at the center of the town, at the side of the largest stage, a much smaller stage was erected and gaining a few observers here and their. It was a 10 foot by 10 foot square stage, four wooden stakes are planted around the square's edges and wrapped around them to form a sort of railing are a bunch of ropes. And at the center of this impromptu stage is a masked individual. This individual looks to be a woman in her early twenties, is 6 feet tall and has a muscular build. She also appears to be wearing what looks to be a one piece swimsuit but mixed with a corset, accompanied with some colorful gloves, boots and of course, a mask. This strange performer is currently eating one of the tastiest and meaty treats she received from a nearby vendor,"Mmm, tasty, and it looks like the stage is set and my debut is ready to start." she says, then points at the crowd dramatically,"Ladies, gents, and others, I'm here to present to you a challenge. For you see, I am Catrina of the GreySky Family. And we GreySkys have won many gladitorial matches, including death matches and monster fighting, and we only did it with our bare hands. And I'm here to make my first debut and prove my skills. Now, which of you contenders are willing to beat me, any of you got what it takes." she says to the crowd and also adds,"Theirs also a 19 gold reward if you beat me. Entry fee is for a simple 5 gold pieces."

~~Damn,~~ Mekkar thought to himself as he stood on the edge of the fairgrounds, surveying the scene in front of him, ~~I don't think that I've ever walked so far in my life. Not for that many days piled on top of one another, any way. My feet are killing me. I hope to the Hells that this fair lives up to its billing.~~

For a man who had never been out of Waterdeep's Dock Ward, it had been a long and tiring journey, indeed. He had traveled with a merchant's caravan headed southwards out of the City of Splendors. The arrangement that had been struck was he would travel with the caravan and use his weapons in its defense if need be, in return for food being furnished to him and his being allowed to spread his bedroll near one of the caravan's fires at night.

As luck would have it, he never had to draw a blade or load his crossbow, and he had arrived at his destination safe and sound -- something that he would not have cared to wager money on if he had been traveling the roads all the way from Waterdeep by himself.

Master Oakmont had halted his caravan close to the nearby stream (saying something about needing a good supply of fresh water for his animals and his people, in that order). Mekkar had parted ways with the merchant at that point and moved towards what he took to be the center of the fairgrounds. As he glanced about, his attention was attracted by young woman who was carrying on about how tough she was.

~~I suppose that this is what passes for entertainment in these parts,~~ Mekkar mused. ~~I'd be curious to see how this one would stack up against the Golem.~~

He couldn't remember who had spoken to him about it, but Alleycat recalled hearing that there was a better than average brewery in the area. He figured that the owner would have set up a booth to sell his or her wares, and he decided that he needed something a bit more satisfying than water to quench his thirst.

The dust-covered traveler craned his neck this way and that, hoping to spot the brewer's booth ...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Wed 22 Dec 2021.

Bross Tallcut was having a great day.

Father organized the caravan weeks ago, explaining his reasons to Bross (who was just learning) as he went. He'd reached out to kin and neighboring farms, setting up a little wagon train. The trick, father said, is to not go so far that the animals eat all the product just to make the trip.

Another trick, he added in a growl, is you won't be bothered 'til the way back. Bandits are greedy, not stupid. They don't rustle a man with empty pockets. And (he added, pointing out where they'd have a strong guard on the way back) they won't bother a man at ALL, for more than he's worth- too much like work.

The rest of that time was a rush of meeting his cousins and cousins-of-cousins, the ride up to Greenest passsing in a blur of jokes and song. They arrived a bit before dawn, and split into two, camping far out on the edge of the fairgrounds and sending the goods in early while the buyers' purses were full and their brains half-asleep. Father, sharp as ever, got good coin for the wares they were selling, and would be sure to divvy it up right, once he got back home.

On the way back, after the deliveries were made, father cheated. Just a little.

The usual way of it was, when you went out for the Winter (to "cut down on mouths to feed"), it was all you. Like how Cousin Arton found his post with the Thousandheads Trading Coster out of Berdusk, or Half-Cousin Imra outrageously lied her way into a position as Ladies-maid for some lordling's daughter. You did it yourself, you weren't just handed off like a 'prentice.

But, as Bross steered their cart back to camp, Father pointed out every good lead he saw, couched in instructions. ("Look out! That's the caravan from Elturel- they're so rich, they think they can buy the middle of the road.") It was a small gesture, but so unlike him, it made Bross smile.

Bross paid Father what he could [OOC: He's paying about 75% of his remaining money back into the farm], and that was that. They were done until Spring.

Business done, the younger cousins (including Bross) had a 'farewell, for now' party by the river, wishing eachother luck and lying boastful wagers to eachother about the kings ransoms they'd bring back in Spring. And, by next morning, they were all- as these things always went- off on their own.

Bross walked himself through the fair, carefully trying not to bump into people (because- between his natural size and being under full pack- it was hard not to), enjoying the crisp of the air and the company of more people than he'd ever seen in one place.

He borrowed a sack to put over his Great Axe, making it more of a strange walking stick than a menace, and just watched the day. Someone was trying to juggle, which ended up being a more a test of reflexes as people had to duck. There was all manner of food. Bross thought he danced with a beautiful lady, then found he was just dancing next to her. He passed three boys singing what seemed to be an ode to a girl's elbows, while she giggled furiously. Bross enviously eyed the prize breastplate at an armorers' stall- much to small to fit, and much to expensive to pay, before settling for a mail shirt that was close enough on both counts.

Then, he heard the Brag.

At least that's what the Tallcuts' people called it- the I-can-take-any-man-in-the-room declaration of someone about to either dish out or recieve a huge lesson.

But he'd never seen a woman do one, before. She was across the square and wore a foreign-looking mask and strangers' armor. He suspected that if they were stood together, they'd be about even, eye-to-eye, something that almost never happened to Bross with girls.

And the thing about a Brag is, you can't just let one lie. It's no fun, if you do...

[OOC: Catrina, since it's basically first move, would you rather beat up an NPC first, or would I be okay to proceed? It's your thing, I figure you're entitled to a jobber if you want one. :) ]
This message was last edited by the player at 06:08, Wed 22 Dec 2021.

From the far edge of town, the lone figure approached Greenest....someone you'd expect not to travel in these parts alone. As she entered the borders of Greenest, several children playing drew her attention, and she reached up, pulling back the cowl of her hooded cloak.

The woman, though clearly not entirely human, was young...even by half elven standards. Standing under five foot tall, her frame was slender like most of her elven kin, though her human side enhanced this with natural curves. Her blonde brown hair fell down past her shoulders like a golden waterfall, and her eyes, a dark green, looked on yo the children, making her smile.

Even in everyday life, this woman caught the eyes of most...this was her gift and her curse. But, years ago, she learnt to use it to her advantage. As such, even though she was covered in the well made but well worn cloak, her clothes were made to enhance her physical beauty - her linen skirt slit almost all the way to her hip, and her top showed her abdomen, cut short with it cut to show her shoulders and cleavage.

Everywhere she went, she gained looms for men and women alike.

....sometimes she wished she could hide.

One girl from the town came over with a flower, something simple and plain yo.most, but Sora's smile showed that she though it a treasure. The half elf took the flower with a smile as the child spoke in a soft voice. "Your pretty miss."

Sora giggled as she took the flower, and placed a hand on her cheek. "So are you.....is the festival this way?" The girl nodded, and Sora winked as she made her way,the smile now tinged with sadness.

She envied the girls innocence.

She walked into town and saw the beginnings of the festival, her eyes drawn by the female warrior, she stood back, her arms crossed (and her cloak now pulled back to show her outfit)

This may be more interesting than she thought

"My rules are simple and easy to understand. Just enter my ring with any weapons you feel comfortable using. I have no need to use such weapons unless it's a monster so bring it. But no magic, that's poor sportsmanship right their. And also if I pin you down for at least 10 seconds, you lose. Same applies to me but I'm warning you, it's not that easy to get the drop on me." Catrina says confidently, she then cracks her knuckles at the challenge though,"Also, don't worry about any injuries, we got a priest from the local church as referee and medic. We wanna have fun here right, no one wants to be stuck in an infirmary all day now do we." she says with a happy-go-lucky smile, which for those perceptive bunch in the crowd, they notice small tusk protrude on this mask individual.


I'm okay if one of you guys are entering first. Proceed if you will.

Antru and the rest of his troupe was spread out among the crowd. Zannatar had a small crowed watching his fire breathing act. Granted him being a Dragonborn made it a much easier act. Brash their halfling was doing feats of strength somewhere else. Despite his small size he was far stronger than many large men. Of course Antru had is own small crowd watching him. He juggled two daggers and a scimitar, as he preformed a few small acrobatic feats. He was rather limited to what he could do while juggling, but he made the best of it. His right outfit helped with selling the show he was doing. Antru was dressed in Studded leather armor. It was died a bright pink, with each stud being a different color. The studs themselves had streamers attached to them matching the colour of the studs, as he moved they fluttered about and provided a bit of a distraction to the eye as he preformed. His face was likewise painted. Stark white with hints of colour around the eyes and bright red on mouth. His hair was also coloured into a bright green. A small collection plate was set to the side for any who wished to contribute. Though he focused on his performance, Antru kept an eye on the plate. He knew all to well how easy it was to "barrow" coin from the plate while performer was busy.






08:30, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  performance.

Looks like I'm not putting on a great show.


08:31, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 10 using 1d20+7.  Acrobatics .

and my acrobatics could use some work. At least they are just mediocre and not a total fail.

Bross listens to the rules as he wades through the crowd, 'xcuse me-ing his way to the front. He suspected it was a rigged game, like Father said of Festival games- but still, a game for all that. He decided to play.

Trailing 'look at the size of-" and "This should be good!"s behind him, he finally makes it up to ringside. In an outdoor voice, he plays back.

"I'm game!" he roars "Catrina of the GreySkys, your Challenge reaches Bross of the Tallcuts-" [Slings off his pack, sets it at ringside, lowers his voice a little so just those nearby hear] " ...and if something happens to this something happens to the thief ."

He rolls up his sleeves, louder again "A scrap sounds a fine use of a fine day-" He sets his 'walking stick' aside, accidentally dropping the sack and revealing a nicked, bloodstained, clearly-used Greataxe.

As some people say "ooh" on seeing it, he adds "-and, if it's all the same, I'll go barehand too- no need to bring blood into it!"

It'll be just like back home he thought, remembering the tussles he'd been in since childhood.

He comes through the rope and pays the fee. "Here's the five! Where's the fight?"

[15:47, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 15 using 1d20+1.  Rolling for initiative!
He holds an Athletics roll to grapple, if possible.
16:41, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Strength (Athletics) roll to Grapple. [Correct me if I'm wrong on modifiers- he has a +3 from Strength and a +2 from Athletics. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Wed 22 Dec 2021.

Also winding her way through through the crowds was a colorful woman playing a violin while dancing to her own tune.  She was wearing a colorful parti-colored outfit that went well with her black hair, deep red skin and horns, and of course her golden eyes.

The bangles dangling from her horns and her tail jingled merrily as she danced along.  Melody kept a smile on her face even though she knew this wasn't her best performance.  Not that she was here to make money... Well, not from performing anyways.  But so far she hadn't seen the man she was looking for.  There were a lot of people here after all.

She nodded to Antru as she passed by him.  She had joined up with his troupe of performers when she found out they were heading to the Faire.  Always good to travel with others when going out into the countryside.  And it made for a great cover while she looked for her mark.


OOC: 12:29, Today: Melody rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Performance. Ouch the dice roller hates me I think.  lol

Catrina whistles at the appearance of her first opponent,"Woo, they made them big around these parts. I'm getting rather pumped for this match now." she says, then points to the tall man,"Great to meet you Bross of the Tallcuts, though I'd like to have a deadly fight, a bloodless one isn't so bad. Now, this fight begins now!" she says, then makes a jump on the ropes which bounce her off to her opponent, she goes in for a tackle but was surprised at her opponents maneuverability and quick reaction and was quickly grappled,"Tsk, might have underestimated you their, hehe."

07:14, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 6 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

Yeah, that's the right modifier for grappling. And since you rolled high on initiative, you caught me. Another rule in this match though, you need to hold that grapple for three rounds. The second round, of course, is where you pin the target and the countdown for their end starts.

07:15, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Escaping Grapple.
I couldn't escape for this round but to make this quick I'll roll my escape for the second round.

07:29, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Second Escape Grapple.
Nice
This message was last edited by the player at 23:31, Wed 22 Dec 2021.

Catrina wasn't one to go down that easily, with orcish blood running through her veins, Catrina shakes violently. Inching closely to escaping her grapple.

Whoops I forgot that first grapple check was the contested one, this second one is my action. Sorry, my bad.

You'll have to roll a contested roll too Bross, to prevent an escape. Though with that natural 20, it's unlikely.

18:54, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Grappling 2.

In contrast to Catrina's shaking fury, Bross was grinning faintly- but even more so, now she worked out of his hold. He hums a snatch of a song from home.*

Trying his luck again, he goes in for another cinch...

19:07, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Grappling 3.

* (The song being, partly, about fishing- the relevant bit going "....seems like everything I hooked/ just got away...")

[GM: Passive Perception- how are the crowd doing? Just curious.]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:12, Thu 23 Dec 2021.

Catrina manages to shake off her opponents grab but just as soon she turned around, she was not quick enough for that second grapple,"Sorry, but I'm not the type of girl that goes down without a fight." she says, and instead of struggling, she follows up with a headbutt to the face. Then with an arm free, she goes for an uppercut. That doesn't exactly free her entire body from the strong man's grapple, but it certainly felt good.

08:18, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 11 using 1d20+5.  Third Escape Grapple.

Failed that, but seeing as you don't have a grappler feat, I can easily punch you without disadv.
Action: Unarmed Strike
08:25, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  Punch.
08:26, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 4 using 1d4+3.  Dmg.

Bonus Action: Unarmed Strike
08:27, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Headbutt.
08:28, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 4 using 1d4+3.  Dmg

Mekkar had no luck spotting a brewer's booth, so he paused to glance at the contest that had just gotten under way between the loud-mouthed woman and a great hulking brute of a bumpkin who certainly looked the part. ~~She's better hope that he doesn't fall atop her, else he'll squash her like a bug,~~ he thought to himself.

Just about then, a flash of garish color pulled his glance over to one side. There a performer was attempting do amuse the crowd with some juggling. Alleycat had seen better efforts from five-year olds on the street corners of Waterdeep, but whatever the performer lacked in talent, he made up for in bright, eye-stunning colors.

Mekkar strolled over near to where the fellow was performing, keeping a close eye on the daggers and scimitar, in case the juggler lost control of one or more of his blades and flung them out into the crowd. He found that between the outlandish colors of the fellow's leathers and face-paint, coupled with the multitudes of whirling tassles, he was quickly developing a headache. When he was close enough, Alleycat dropped a silver-piece onto the collection plate.

"That's my contribution to helping out your own self-esteem and providing some relief to everyone else's eyes. Buy yourself some black or brown leathers."

~~Pink? How is that even possible? Who would even think of such a thing? And what self-respecting tanner would consent to do it?~~

After a moment's thought, Mekkar fished around in his belt-pouch again and pulled out another silver-piece. "And that's to keep you in face- and hair-paint. I must say, that make-up is more effective than some masks that I have seen. I'll confess that I don't have the slightest idea what you really look like."

"And given what I've just seen of your juggling efforts, I'd venture to say that you are well-served to wear such an effective disguise, lest you be recognized when you are no longer attempting to perform."

Mekkar smiled a thin-lipped smile that evidenced very little humor. "If I were a wealthy man, I'd drop in yet another silver, in the hopes that you would use it to take some lessons from someone who knows what they are doing. But, sadly, I needs must keep some coin for myself, notwithstanding how appalling your shortcomings have been revealed to be."

Sora watched the woman and man grapple with some interest, though her eyes wandered to others- like the performers with dragon and demon blood. It was rare to see a dragonborn, even moreso a tiefling. The woman allowed a smile as the elf juggled (somewhat half heartedly), though trying his best. She heard the man teasing the man and frowned. Sora had a soft spt for teh fey, so she glared at the man, heckling him

She reached into her pouch , retrieving a silver piece and placed it where his coins were, speaking to him in a guttural draconic language.  She smiled and winked at the private interaction as she moved on watching the tiefling dance, sparing a baleful gaze at the man.

But her gaze went back to the two fighting, despite a few gazes meeting sora and her beauty.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:35, Thu 23 Dec 2021.

The heckling dosent seem to phase Antru. If nothing else it seems to make him smile. "My prdie rises with your sweet gesture good sir. But should I buy such things then how would you see me in a crowd as large as this. Nay I'm a fool to be made and as such should stand out all the more." As he continues juggling, Antrue switches to catching the daggers behind his back before tossing them back up in front of him. He gives a laugh at Allycat's next bit but continues on. "So to that I should hide my face, least I scare the crowd. For how fortune would turn should they see. But as for you...A make over? Perhaps a dress? Would suit you well with such a lovely voice." Antru laughs again though this time with the crowd. "But shurly not. Least he become the fool and I the silent shadow of lost talent.!" Its about that time he hears the call from Sora in the guttural Dragonic language. He mearly laughs and gives her a wink as he focuses more on his performance. It seems to pay off as he starts to do more elaborate juggling.



18:18, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Performance.

That was a hellacious thrashing Catrina just gave- enough that many watching in the crowd knew they would already be out cold by now.

Bross was not out cold. Despite the headbutt and smacking he just took, he still had a solid grip on Carina. And, if she somehow got a look, she'd see he was now actively grinning broadly- his expression saying I get to go all-in!, as if a doubt had been removed.

He took a deep breath, through his nose...

[Second Wind Bonus Action (2:51, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 5 using 1d10+1 ((4)) ) Bringing Bross' HP back up to 10.]

...And went to work.

[Now, at this point, I have two plans. I'm not sure if you can DO one of them with these rules, so:

Since he can manage her weight (120 lbs vs his 240 lb lift), I would have Bross lift Catrina over his head (per Moving a Grappled Creature), and try (Using his Strength+Athletics roll) using "Shove" to launch her up five feet (so, if she fails her defense, taking 1d6 bludgeoning for an 11 foot drop and landing prone). Otherwise, she could hit the Superhero Tripod landing if she wanted. :) Either way, the crowd should be feeling it's money's worth!

If that's no good, I'll just have him try to pin her again, to keep it simple. Can I get a ruling?

23:30, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Athletics (Either way). Ah well. I'll chalk it up to him being staggered if it doesn't work. :) ]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:32, Thu 23 Dec 2021.

A little to Alleycat's surprise, the performer seemed to take the Waterdehavian's verbal slings and arrows in stride -- with a smile, no less. The fellow seemed very even-tempered about it, and even flung a few in-kind suggestions back at Mekkar -- at one point suggesting that the black-clad man should consider wearing a dress.

~~Well, I give him high marks for having a thick skin, that's for sure,~~ Mekkar thought to himself.

The quality of the performer's juggling suddenly improved by leaps and bonds, leaving Alleycat to wonder if the earlier woeful performance had all been part of a plan by the garishly-clad fellow that had been intended to play upon the sympathies of the crowd.

He nodded to the other man and mimed a salute, touching his forehead with his right hand.

Judging by the shouts that he could hear over to his right, the big bumpkin and the woman were putting on a good show. But rather than walking over to watch, Mekkar turned and resumed his search for a stall where he could purchase some ale or beer . . .
This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Thu 23 Dec 2021.

06:19, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Athletics Check.

Oof, a tie. Hmm, a bit difficult to figure out what happened, but here's what I decide

Catrina was about to go deliver another beatdown, but the large bumpkin had other plans. He suddenly lifted her high up on the air and tossed her in order to let gravity do the work. Unfortunate for Tallcut their, Catrina has been training on how to fight in this exact scenario. She raises her leg up high, and like a boomerang, starts spinning right back toward the owner. She delivers a flying drop kick, though her attack was a bit too slow and was easily blocked by the big man, but that's not the end of her assault as she lands back on the surface. She goes for another uppercut of which Bross easily dodged, but it was a feint and her actual finishing blow hit him square on the stomach. Making a loud sound as her fist made on impact,"Phew, good fight, your kind of strong. But I'm a bit tougher in a fist to fist match up." she says, and makes a gesture to a white cloaked individual on the side of the ring. He looks ready to enter if the opponent wish to.

As rule of ties in contested rolls, nothing happened. Even if we return to a grappled state, I'm still gonna punch.
Action: Unarmed Attack
06:32, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Punch.
Miss
Bonus Action:Unarmed Attack
06:33, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Off hand Punch.
06:33, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 5 using 1d4+3.  Dmg

This message was last edited by the player at 23:50, Thu 23 Dec 2021.

Antru nods to Allycat as he salutes him. Though he has a slight smirk on his face and gives a wink. "Enjoy the festival! Antru calls out to him as he makes three small jestures between tooses of the weapons he has. He dose them in a way to make them seem more natural, rather than that he was trying to do anything at all. With the first gesture, Allycat's hair turns  the same shade of green as Antru's. The second gesture makes the mans armor/clothes turn to a bright pink. And lastly face paint in imitation of Antru's appears on the mans face.



Using slight of hand three times to cover up that I'm casting Prestidigitation:

You make a color, a small mark, or a symbol appear on an object or a surface for 1 hour

If you cast this spell multiple times, you can have up to three of its non-instantaneous effects active at a time, and you can dismiss such an effect as an action..

18:09, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 25,10,27 using 1d20+9,1d20+9,1d20+9.  slight of hand.

Sorry Allycat I couldn't help my self. You can contest the slight of hand checks with perception if you want to see if you notice me casting. Granted I think you'll have a hard time with two of those rolls.

Sora watched the interaction between the elf and human from the corner of her eye when she noticed the change in the human. She saw the elf and his slight hand movement once, and couldn't help but smirk.

....so the elf had some magic up his sleeve.

She looked at the elf and nodded with a half smile at his attempt at payback, but said nothing, going to a stall that sold fresh fruit, sold by a dreckled face teenage girl with strawberry blonde braids. She reached into a pouch. "Just an apple rhank you."

Her voice was melodic and sweet, and she took the apple with a smile, taking a bite with her red lips parting ever so slightly.

She looked at the girl. "Are these from your farm? Their very nice....can I please have 6 to go....in a small string bag thanks"

The Harvest festival was one of Hargrin Bitterbrew's favorite times of year. Usually. Usually the dwarf wasn't running late; his ceremonial gear still a bit askew as he tried to make one-handed adjustments on the run while the other pulled a handcart this year's contribution to the contest. He'd been experimenting with some honeyed brews of late and needed to get his treasures to the judges before it came time to take up his actual duties with Chauntea's other devotees in thanks to the Lady for the year's bounty. The Cleric shouldered through the crowd with mixed success, born from a combination of sturdy persistence and locals giving way upon recognizing the stout figure. A few even called good luck to him. Hargrin smiled amiably and waved back in acknowledgement- and put on the breaks with a sharp pivot to the right to avoid running into a pair of legs he'd not noticed crossing his path.

He looked up at the human to apologize and promptly lost the thread of his original impulse. Those were certainly colors. Almost certainly none found in nature, though he didn't think it took an acolyte of Chauntea to tell that. A performer, was he? Not a native of Greenest, at the least. "You... ah... have something on your face." He volunteered blandly to Alleycat, all helpfulness. "Right about here." The Cleric touched a blunt fingertip to his right cheek, his original destination forgotten as he stared bemusedly at the man in the bright pink leathers and face paint.A particularly insightful individual might notice the gruff dwarf valiantly trying to hold back snickers that threatened to erupt.

OOC: Not gonna roll deception on that- he's not trying all that hard.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Fri 24 Dec 2021.

Bross had her. Tossed her upward like a sack of potatoes into a loft. And then lost her in the lights, as she spiked back down feet first, like some god's bolt of vengeance.

Well, he thought, wryly I did want to know what she'd do if I did that...

He pushed her slightly as he took a step back, and so she just barely missed the mark, thumping loudly on the ground. He was about to say something back at her, but she stayed on the attack, pressing her advantage with an uppercut. He slipped past it, in a practiced motion.... right into her followup- hard enough to make him take a step back.

[That brings him back down to 5 HP again.]

He wasn't performing, and neither (he assumed) was GreySky, but that didn't matter- he'd just thrown her at least five feet in the air, she came back down fighting, and he didn't go down. This was Main Attraction stuff, and they knew it.

Through the sound of the pulse in his temples, he heard her saying something...

Wait.

Circling (and, a practiced fighter would notice, keeping his distance from Catrina and getting his wind back), Bross held a hand up to the hooded figure: "No harm to you, friend, but just a moment."

Turning to Catrina, and pointing casually he added: "Ma'm, I paid you my money, and you didn't pin me." Over the 'she didn'ts' of the crowd, he added " You hit like a mule kicks, but I almost had you ...and there was naught about a time limit. Now, that gold goes to my family farm. Not down an ale-mug. if you've got my five and your fourteen, I'm a song on the breeze, but otherwise..."

He takes the pointed hand back, and curls it into a fist, same as the other.

The crowd, recognizing Act Two was starting as Bross was going to keep trying, make the universal rising "ohhh" of 'this is gonna be grand.'

"... f'sure, I haven't hit you yet."

This time, he held his attack, cagey but not cowardly. (And, of course, she could always pay to get rid of him...)

Action: [Holding for when Catrina gets into reach, and not paying] Unarmed Attack
22:46, Today: Bross Tallcut rolled 25 using 1d20+5 ((20)).

Now, I believe damage is the base 1 (bludgeoning) +3 (STR bonus, I don't think the extra +2 Athletics applies) but it's also a Nat 20, making it a critical hit. Since there's no "dice" to "reroll and add" (it's just flat amounts), does that just double the damage, or should I roll something else?

Also, I'm kind of seeing if he can get the crowd to throw loose change at them as "applause". Or at least get a "fight! fight!" chant going. ;)

This message was last edited by the player at 04:21, Fri 24 Dec 2021.

The hoots and cat-calls that broke out amongst the crowd were what alerted Mekkar to the fact that something  interesting must have happened. He had already turned on his heel to go in search of some refreshment when all the noise and hubbub caused him to stop short.

To his horror, he saw that his armor was now the same disgusting shade of pink as the performer's. His mirror was packed away somewhere in his backpack, so he could not confirm the rest of his appearance, although he did have a sneaking suspicion.

~~So much for my getting some beer, looking like this,~~ he thought to himself.

Back in Waterdeep, where The Shadows had a reputation to uphold, it would have been worth a man's life -- or at least his health -- to make sport of a guild-member in such a fashion. No one would have dared. Or, if he -- or she -- had,  the example which would have been made would have dissuaded anyone else from acting so rashly.

But this was most certainly not Waterdeep. And no one here had ever heard of Alleycat. He was not expected to uphold the tough, no-nonsense image of The Shadows. ~~Nor should I,~~ he quickly decided. ~~I can't think of a quicker way to bring unwanted attention to myself. Well . . . other than wearing pink armor and having green hair, mayhap.~~

Still and all, being the butt of jokes and jests was not the same sort of attention as would be garnered by taking a rough sort of revenge. No, 'twould be much better to roll with the punches and laugh it off, Mekkar decided.

And so it was that Alleycat turned back to face the raucous crowd and raised his arms over his head, clasping his hands in the manner of one who had just won a contest.

Raising his voice, he called out "Ladies and gentlemen! Let my sad spectacle be a lesson to you!"

"I was miserly in my donations to the great and wondrous . . ." here Mekkar had to squint to see the name that was writ on the placard that was lined up alongside the donations plate . . . "the great and wondrous Antru, and here before you, you see the results!"

Mekkar slowly turned in a circle 'til he was facing the crowd again. "Do not make the same mistake as I did, lest you return home wearing pink smallclothes if you are a gentleman -- or none at all, if you are a lass!"

"Learn from my poor circumstances, I prithee, and be generous in your donations to support this most worthy performer!"

Alleycat had taken his cue from the old "Dead Man Walking" scam. In that instance, a poor fellow who was clearly on Death's door was restored to perfect health by someone who was hawking some sort of a snake-oil elixir. This was similar, only the reverse -- Mekkar had started out looking normal, and ended up looking like . . . well, like he looked now.

Thus, while "Dead Man Walking" used a carrot, Mekkar was using a stick -- but he suspected that the results might well be the same. And at the same time, it made it seem like he had *intended* to look like this when all was said and done -- 'twas all part of the performance, you see.

Hopefully it would preserve a bit of his dignity until he could convince "the great and wondrous Antru" to reverse what he had just done . . .

Just about then a Dwarf who was definitely not part of the reverse Dead Man Walking scheme strolled up and seemingly  did his best not to break out laughing at Mekkar's appearance. ~~Ah, I was right about the face-paint and the hair -- magicked in some fashion, I am guessing,~~ Alleycat decided.

Draping his arm around the Dwarf's shoulder, he quarter-turned and pointed towards the collection plate. "There you are, sir," he said. "And might I suggest that pink smallclothes would look especially unattractive when worn by one of the Stout Folk."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:59, Fri 24 Dec 2021.

Personally, I'd roll it that you get double the damage. You did get a Crit and all. Anyways

Cat is now at 3 HP

Catrina was rather confident that she would get a clean victory here, but it seems the bumpkin decided otherwise. His comparison to her techniques kind of tick her off too so she approached him,"A mules kick!! Why I oughta... Geh!" she stopped at mid-sentence as the big man delivered his fist straight to her chest. It delivered the same amount of force that her feint delivered. She coughed up some blood, but then starts laughing,"Hehe, so you want me to pin you down huh. Alright, as a GreySky, I'll give you your money's worth and pin you down, whether your out cold or not. Doesn't matter to me, either way, I'm winning this match my friend" she declares, wiping some blood off and feeling excited at a worthy fight. She runs charging toward one of the rope railing, jump on it which in turn, it propels her toward Bross. Looks like she's going for a tackle, but it was another feint as she easily slides between her opponent's legs. As Tallcut turns around to meet Catrina, he sees in a blink of an eye that she stands at one of the stakes,"Fraid this is it friend. My condolences to your family farm, but I'm taking your gold. Now, TIME TO DELIVER YOU A GREYSKY STYLE SLAM DUNK!" she shouts, and makes a great leap toward Bross. And just in a few seconds, everyone close to the stadium could hear the impact, as Catrina delivers an elbow drop down on Bross's shoulder, knocking the farm boy out of commission. Cat then pins her opponents unconscious body, while the white cloaked approaches and starts counting down. Once he reached zero, he declares Catrina GreySky as Victor, and heals off any lingering wounds each combatants had obtained.

Action: 13:15, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike.
Whiffed

Bonus Action: 13:16, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike.
Hah, Just hit your AC Bross
13:17, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 5 using 1d4+3.  Dmg
For a finishing move, I'm just gonna flavor it.

13:20, Today: Catrina GreySky rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Performance Check (Just to see how entertained the crowd was).

A good amount of audiences are here, especially good since this is Cat's first debut. Too it's definitely small compared to other performers nearby.

In reply to Alleycat (msg # 24):

Antru catches both his dagger and sword. Slipping them away he laughs loudly to gain the crowds attention after Allycat's speech. Extending his arm and with a slight bow to Allycat. He then address the onlookers. "Lets hear it for our friend! I'd always heard that imitation was flattery, but today it has been brought before our very on eyes! Come now shall we give his dignity back?! A round of applause if you will." Antru starts to clap and encourages the crowd to do so as well. Feeling like he wasn't getting the response he wanted, he calls to the crowd again."Come now! You can do better than that! This seemed to get the response he was looking for. With a smile and a wave of his hand, Antru returns Allycat back to normal. "Its a joyous night! Lets all enjoy the festivities! And if you found some amusement in mine or another's act, then please give us a contribution! We cannot do what we do without your support!"  Taking up the collection plate, Antru accepts what coin is offered him, as he speaks here and there with a few audience members. He makes sure to slip close to Allycat and whispers a thanks to him.


Using slight of hand to return your two slicer Allycat. Contest it if you like.

22:31, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 19 using 1d20+9.  slight of hand.

Hargrin oblinglingly went with the hand on his shoulder and quarter-turn, but guffawed at the man's comment. "Friend, I grew up with four sisters." He told the now-restored Alleycat with an open grin. "I promise you, my smallclothes have been pink on at least three separate occasions- five if we're counting the accidents. And let me tell you, I made it look damn good. 'S how I got my first girlfriend, as a matter of fact. But that's a story meant to be told after a few drinks."

"However," The Dwarf turned back to Antru when the performer approached, "I'm always happy to support those who put a bit of joy out in the world. As the Mother says, 'Let no day pass in which you have not helped a living thing flourish.'" He reached into his coinpurse and dropped a gold coin on the collection plate. "That goes for people too."

The dwarf directed a pointed look at some of the locals he recognized nearby- particularly those few he knew had had a good and prosperous year.


Roll for guilt trip!


11:13, Today: Hargrin Bitterbrew rolled 21 using 1d20+2.  Persuasion.

I used Persuasion- take 2 off of that if you'd prefer Intimidation, DM.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:15, Fri 24 Dec 2021.

It was easy for Alleycat to tell from the color of his armor when the one who called himself "Antru" (seeing as how this was not the Dock Ward of Waterdeep, who knew whether that was his true name or not?) reversed -- dropped, cancelled . . . whate'er the proper term was -- his magicks, and all reverted back to the way it should be (at least insofar as Mekkar's appearance was concerned).

~~Well . . . I can see that is the case with with respect to my armor. I'll just have to take it on faith that the hair color and face-paint have also been put right.~~

Mekkar nodded to Antru, in recognition of the man having put things right again. There was no real warmth in the Waterdehavian's expression . . . 'twas more, perhaps, an acknowledgement of the fact that a debt had been paid in full and cancelled -- and that the two of them were now on even terms.

~~Wonder of wonders, a Dwarf with a sense of humor!~~ Alleycat thought to himself as he heard the Stout One's jest about pink smallclothes. This brought on a smile with some real warmth, and a nod acknowledging a hand well-played.

Mekkar stepped in amongst the crowd with Antru and the jolly Dwarf. Raising his voice a trifle, he called out to the gaggle of bystanders "Friends . . ."

They weren't his friends, of course. Truth be told, Mekkar didn't think that he had any real friends. Admittedly, there were some that he trusted a little more so than others. But friends?

Any way, Alleycat had learned long ago that if you named people whom you had never met before as "friends", they instinctively trusted you a little bit more than they would have otherwise. Well, most of them . . . the gullible ones, any way -- which was the great majority of people. The few sharp ones instinctively trusted you a little bit less, but that couldn't be helped.

". . . friends, it has been said to me by a man who has learned Life's lessons well,

'Life ain't nuthin' but a silly game, young-un','
'So ya gotta know when to play easy,'
'An' when to play hard.'
'But mostly, ya gotta have the stones to ante up,'
'So as to have a seat at The Game.'"

"So . . ." Mekkar added, waving a hand in the direction of the donations plate that Antru was holding,"don't none uhv ye be holdin' back when the time comes to ante up, lest ye be known as one was a-feared to play in Life's Game."

Alleycat had been trained by his handlers in The Shadows to act and speak like one of the highborn. "Birds uhv a feather," the Golem had explained to Mekkar once upon a time as he placed a fore-finger along the side of his nose, pointing upwards. '"Tis easier to move amongst 'em -- an' fleece 'em good an' proper, doncha' know -- if'n they think that ye're one of 'em."

But in this instance Mekkar suspected that there were few highborn amongst this crowd, and he easily reverted to the Dock Ward jargon of his youth . . .

---

OOC: I consider Alleycat's actions to be supportive of Antru's and Hargrin's efforts to fleece the crowd solicit donations. Thus, I would consider Mekkar's efforts to be in the nature of "Help" (p. 191, PHB). If the DM agrees, this would give Antru and Hargrin the Advantage on their related Ability checks.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Fri 24 Dec 2021.

Attracted by the shouting back and forth, Melody spotted her mark.  She changed her song to one that matched the imposter Antru's words as she sidled up to him and the dwarf.

"Hey Antru!  I see you have found your long lost brother from another mother.  And at such a happy time of year too!  You didn't tell me he was soo cute."  She blew a kiss in his direction as her music switched again; this time to a classic tavern song, The Devil and the Maiden Fair

OOC: 12:40, Today: Melody rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Performance.

Before coming to, Bross has an extremely weird dream.

[I figure "he comes to, and if nothing is missing from his stuff, he tries to move on with his day." He has no grudge/problem with what happened- he knows he literally asked for it, and GreySky got a lucky shot in. ;)

The weird dream, I'm leaving open if someone wants to foreshadow something, later, or if someone just has a fun idea.]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:53, Fri 24 Dec 2021.

Antru nods to Melody as she shows up. "Well you know how fans can be. Fickle as any of us. But the sport is done and it seems to have well pleased. Surely your music has found its mark among the hearts of the people. Perhaps embracing them as you intended?"

Venders and entertainers throughout the fairgrounds are having a stellar day. The croud is in a jubilant and generous mood. Antru's plate is spilling over with coins. A quick count reveals 31 gold, 42 silver and 63 copper. Catrina and Bross have earned the favor of the crowd as well. Revelesr pass a hat and deliver the proceeds consisting of 24 gold, 32 silver and 51 copper coins to be shared by both combatants.

The tempreture dips slightly as the sun sets toward the horizon. The food venders double their efforts. Musicians take the center stage and start the evening with a reel. couples start dancing around the stage. An announcement is made that it is the last call for entries into the beer contest. The winner will be chosen once the sun sets and the bonfire is lit.

The bashful swineherd moved through the crowded fairgrounds awkwardly greeting those he knew and avoiding the attention of those he didn't. Children from the nearby farms waved enthusiatically as he passed them by, looking for his friend. He spotted Hargrin engaged in conversation with a group of entertainers. He was about to greet him when he noticed melody for the first time. Having never seen a tiefling before, he just stood there with his mouth agape, confused by her beauty, horns and tail.

""Umm, Harhhargrin... ahh umm the beer"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:21, Sat 25 Dec 2021.

It had been a long day's ride in the Carriage. Taria had taken a few on her way from Candledeep, but this last one was special. Not because the nature of the conveyance itself, but instead, this one was the one that took her home. She had been gone for seven years or so, studying under the Masters of the Library. Now she had been sent to gather some supplies. During the ride in, she spotted the same hills that she and her siblings would play in. She had wanted to hop off of the cart and go running home, but she had a duty to do. If she did not fulfill it, the Master Mage would know and there would be consequences. She could visit them once her obligation was done.

By the time they pulled into town, it seemed that the festival was shifting gears and that she would need to buy all of the needed supplies in the morning. This evening, she could enjoy herself a little. Dropping her bag off at the room arranged for her, she begins to walk around to find festival food that would satisfy after her days of travel.

In reply to Bross Tallcut (msg # 30):

When Bross finally woken up from a peculiar dream, the masked wrestler gladly picks him right back up,"Hah, you did pretty good over their farm boy. And your punches we're no joke, but maybe next time you should use your axe on me, you know, to make things a bit more of a fairer match up." she says with a boastful smile, then reveals to him a hat filled with gold, silver, and coppers,"Here's half your pay for showing a good fight and an entertaining show. Give this to your family farm or maybe buy yourself a beer for a hard fought fight." she says, giving Bross a pat on the back as she gives him at least 12 gold, 16 silvers, and 25 coppers. She then looks toward the crowd,"Alright folks, that'll be all for the next 8 hours, our healer/ref needs a bit of time to restore some of his spells. Meanwhile, mark this day as the day Catrina of the GreySkys made her first debut battle and succeeded with glorious victory. After the eight hours are up, I'll be here to challenge anyone with the strength to defeat me, so stay tuned and have fun with the festivities." she says, then the muscular woman leaped off the stage to land next to the nameless white cloaked cleric who she hasn't bothered remembering his name. The duo then walked toward vendors to discuss some private matters and business.

"Ah- right you are, Ned. Good man!" Hargrin claps the swineherd on the shoulders cheerfully and nods at the others. "Gentlemen, my lady, I'm afraid I have to be on my way. Contest deadlines wait for no one. This is Ned- he's a good lad. Enjoy the festival!" The dwarf took up the handle of his cart again, ,making a beeline for the contest area.

Melody laughed playfully, "Oh I can think of several people I'd love to embrace... at the very least.  You dear Antru, this fine figure of a human beside me... oh so many choices."

Noticing the rather unkept man staring at her, she smiled and blew him a kiss as she  transitioned to her next song, used the notes from her violin to cast Prestidigitation on his hair; cleaning it.

Truth be told, this was not the first time Bross had been unconscious.
Getting... well, whatever-just-happened done to him, that was new.

Catrina got everything she wanted to say out, uninterrupted, as Bross unglazed his eyes. Shortly thereafter, he found himself a bit richer.

After a moment, he grabbed his stuff [and taking a brief look to see if anything's missing] and got back to work.

He managed to get his share back to the farm's caravan- they wouldn't be going til just before dawn, to avoid trouble. He wouldn't do this for everything, of course, but it got them off on a good foot.

[He contributes the silver, coppers, and 7 GP to his total. He stashes the remaining 5 GP in a separate area from his money pouch. That's for later.]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Sat 25 Dec 2021.

Antru slips the collection plate and coins away once the crowd has given their share to him.  All in all he did well, and probably in no small part to the gentleman  who had heckled him. Melody, wa sin fine figure as she played and danced her way through the crowd. Much like him she seemed to have her own way about her. Something Antru found intriguing. "By your leave my good man, I would be honored to buy you a drink in thanks for the support you provided in my show." He says to Allycat. While he had used the man due to his heckling, Antru knew better than to leave an unwilling participant without some form of thanks.

"Save some for me," Alleycat called to the jolly Dwarf as that worthy spoke of needing to leave for a contest -- based upon what the smelly man had previously said, Mekkar suspected that it involved beer.

"Hello, Ned," he called out to the smelly fellow, who had been named in parting by the Dwarf, who had described him as a "good lad". Ned struck Mekkar as being either painfully shy or a bit slow -- or, mayhap a little of both. Either way, he seemed as if he was free from deviousness and guile -- something that might be worth remembering, Mekkar judged.

~~Is she flirting with me?~~ the Waterdehavian found himself wondering as the very attractive female Teifling who had sung and pranced her way up had spoken of him as "this fine figure of a Human beside me." "Well met, pretty one," he replied with an at least partially genuine smile, figuring that he could play the flirting game as well as she could. And if she happened to be serious . . . well, time would tell.

Just about then the great and wondrous Antru offered to buy Mekkar a drink and Alleycat nodded his acceptance, adding "And at least one for the fair lass, I would suggest."

Turning to the Tiefling, he sketched a bow and said "I answer to 'Alleycat'."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Sun 26 Dec 2021.

Sora walked the group of people, noting all he people with a serious look on her face. She smiled at the frolicking of the children, though most other times her demeanour was that of a serious, focused woman.

She noted the I traction between Antru and the human who mocked him, and she was astounded at how the elf was so trusting. The man's comments were clearly mocking yet the elf seemed not to care - be it intentional or not.

She noted the dwarf, unusual in that he was jovial and seemed to have a fair sence of humour...rare for his kind.

She noted the two warriors, the woman who had pounded the man into unconsciousness and their light hearted comradeship.

Sora envied all these people - she herself had few people she called friends. Most were allies of mutual goals. She really had no one she trusted other than herself.

....which made her brood a little deeper.

She again saw the child who she met coming into town, running with three other children, and that snapped her from her morose thoughts. The innocence of children always made her smile, though she knew this innocence would not last, she was determined to help as many children cli g to it as long as they could.

Something she didn't have the option with.

Sighing, she walked upto the elf and smiled, nodding to him. "You done well cousin....your very skilled." she looked at alleycat and nodded, her smile, though still there, was a little reserved.

In reply to Melody (msg # 37):

Ned's eyes went wide in surpise. He felt his hair in wonder and looked around in confusion. He watched as Hargrin disappeared into the crowd. The youth took a step in that direction and then Alleycat spoke to him in a friendly tone. This was unusual from strangers. Only Hargrin, the children and the local farmers seemed to favor him with a kind word. He tended his pigs, and kept the area livestock safe from predators. The farmers appreciated his efforts. The townsfolk thought him simple and dirty. They had no use for him. He smiled at Alleycat and the entertainers.

"ah Hello..."

"Hargrin makes good beer, will win, you'll see."

He pulled at his clean hair and studied it for a moment. He smiled, liking the way it felt.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:46, Sun 26 Dec 2021.

Smiling, she brought her music to an end at the end of the refrain before replying, "And I answer to Melody, pussycat.  Lets go sample the local wares with Antru.  Dancing and playing can bring up a mighty thirst."

Ned smiled sheepishly, "ummm Hello Melody Pussycat, I will like that. Hargrin's beer is good. We find him?"

"Aye," Alleycat replied to Melody's observation that playing and dancing gave rise to a mighty thirst, "as does wearing pink armor."

Turning to Ned, he waved the local man forward and said "By all means, lead us to where we can sample Hargrin's beer."

Glancing over his shoulder at Antru, he grinned and added "At the Elf's expense, no less."

After a moment's thought, Mekkar turned his attention to the green-eyed newcomer who had named Antru as her cousin. He was unsure whether there was some actual family connection between the two, or whether the woman was referring to the fact that she shared some Elven blood with the performer. "Won't you join us?" he asked her, arching an eyebrow.

"The more who are spending Antru's coin, the merrier, I say!"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:47, Mon 27 Dec 2021.

[Question for the GM: Bross is local...ish. Might he recognize Ned from something?]

"Seems we have a merry group of drinkers tonight." Antru comments as he allows the group to lead to the way to the drinks. As they walk Antru addresses Sora. [Language unknown: "Sti hersanver caompl. Pl esmipe pa is pr waomen ver icti? Ecncof M sanantday eauma esev leisekho houol le wit adaris m ainof whfo stisssadst. Me eepail trith inewh? Wi enc u hisine'whifor ngto eencen en ad ingticica no icach niev o sisswa. At o m pe o saolch nde."] Antru was polite as custom dictated. To any, who understood the words, but another Elf it might seem as though he was flirting rather than observing the social bounds he was taught.

Sora smiled at Alleycat and nodded. "I would be happy to, though ale is not for me....perhaps their is a wine vendor around."

She came in step beside Antru and smiled as he spoke. It had been a while since she heard the elven language and it somehow comforted her. She looked at the men as they walked slowly. "My name on Sora gentlemen....a pleasure to meet you."

She looked at Antru and switched to the elven language.  As she finished her smile diminished as she looked around, her green eyes clouded with some unknown thought.

Just then a group of children ran past, bringing her smile back. "...though the innocence of youth always makes me smile, I often wonder why we must lose it"

Antru listens to and watches Sora as she speaks. He gives her a bit of a smile as she seems to brighten at the sight of the children. As they walk he makes a small flower in his hand that proceeds to wither and disappear.[Language unknown: "Menncelat ul virreaoun head ionichoul aciosa ingingavemanons. Pl whres essearnte i eveiouter i ounat ourtioart et ecionireil. St ckwien erout thel is o atitedtha aiver teta bediet ie son santun arehouthi ou sti. Ecrofo la tedundera plouek uswe, e be int ssame hipe, ectei icus io ecar k arin inwiss k vor. Onfoin laroveour ch iossma ne itwael-ofro. Icpr ussero i is oerromcom eekor at liadng proproith an. Eelein utnt ill ie less i ugh whte ear."] They were much the same words his father had spoken to him years ago. Before he had left home on his own adventure.

The half elf smiled at the elven words. [Language unknown: "K mentedman ek sti Oerwaseau A ess ardca pe arecmowh remiee....u uresheromsom tieen torero m a. Ion whasutos ate larstarom as trdica, ntnd olecme econ ma whivos."]

Ned habitually scratched his head trying to recall where Hargrin usually set up his stall.

Somewhere near town, along the edge of the fairgrounds closest to the stream.

He pointed north.

"Hargrin likes the edge near the stream. I will show you"

He walked slowly, being careful not to bump into anyone.

During the long (well . . . it had certainly seemed long to Alleycat) journey southwards from Waterdeep, Mekkar had learned the importance of having a good supply of clean water. He had never thought much about it whilst in Waterdeep -- in that city, no one who could afford to do otherwise drank the water.

But out in the Wilds (and Alleycat came to think of anything outside of Waterdeep as being the Wilds), Master Oakmont had been careful to always camp near a water supply when settling his caravan down for the evening.

So while it arguably made sense that Hargrin would choose a spot near to a stream to set up his stall, Mekkar wasn't sure that the same rules would apply to someone who had a ready supply of beer and ale available.

~~I suppose that if nothing else, Hargrin can stroll over and dunk his head in the water if he gets overheated,~~ the Waterdehavian thought to himself.

For the moment, Alleycat simply followed along behind Ned, since the local man seemed to know the way. ~~Well -- certainly more so than I do . . . although I daresay that I could find Hargrin's stall if I wandered around for long enough.~~

Since Antru and Sora were busily chattering away to each other in a language that Mekkar did not understand (he assumed that it was most likely Elvish, given the circumstances), he turned his attention elsewhere.

He couldn't have put his finger on any one particular reason, but his eye seemed to be drawn to a nondescript Human lass who seemed to be strolling about the grounds. She was not especially tall, her clothing did not mark her as a person of high station, she was attractive, but not remarkably so . . .

After a moment's thought, he decided ~~I do believe that, given the way she carries herself and her expression, she has a goodly supply of wits about her. Certainly more so than most of the farm lasses who seem to sprout up like weeds hereabouts. Ah, well -- I suppose that all the bumpkin brats have to come from somewhere, and slow-witted lasses presumably breed slow-witted stock. But this one -- she seems somehow . . . different.~~

When the opportunity presented itself, he stepped near to the green-eyed lass. He decided to paste on an expression of amiable neutrality rather than an outright smile -- to his way of thinking he had been smiling much too much today, and he feared that it made him look like a simpleton. ~~Although now that I think on it, that might be just the thing in a place like this, amongst all these dull rustics.~~

"If you are in the mood for a little liquid refreshment, please do join us," he said to her.

"The Elf, there," (here he waved his hand in Antru's general direction) "is buying, and I am most eager to spend as much of his coin as possible."

---

OOC: In case it is not obvious, Alleycat is addressing Taria. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Wed 29 Dec 2021.

The crowd remains festive as you all head out in search of Hagrin's Brew.

Taria looks around a bit trying to see who the man is talking to. When it becomes apparent that he is talking to her, she awkwardly makes hand gestures to confirm his attention. "Umm, I am not usually one for... I do not usually drin... I am here wor..." She pauses to collect herself. There is certainly surprise and unfamiliarity with such a question. Then with an exaggerated nod, the woman states, "Yes, depending on the refreshment, that would be lovely."

Alleycat nodded to the woman in recognition of her acceptance, but all of a sudden he seemed distracted, as his glance played over the milling crowd. He waved her closer, then motioned to Antru, Melody and Sora to also step nearer to him.

"There are thieves among us," he hissed in a low tone of voice when his new-found acquaintances were gathered 'round.

"Look to the most prosperous merchants' stalls hereabouts -- near to many of them you will see at least one person who is clearly much more serious and fidgety than most of the revelers in the crowd ."

"I'm not sure what scam they are running, or whether they are working in concert with one another. My guess is that it may be a combination of smash-and-grab, coupled with a nimble five-finger discount whenever a merchant is distracted by the commotion in a nearby stall."

"Do as you will, but I plan to confront at least one of these scoundrels."

It was not that Alleycat was a law-and-order man -- indeed, far from it. But he knew that bold thievery in broad daylight would poison the minds of both the visiting merchants and the locals, and make them all more suspicious of strangers. Thus, the robbery that was about to be attempted would make his job much more difficult -- especially if the bold thieves were successful in their efforts.

Plus, he did not know any of these would-be robbers, so it was not as if he were turning against friends and acquaintances. Indeed, in his experience it was not uncommon for there to be conflict between rival gangs and guilds, so he did not feel like he owed these bandits anything.

And last but certainly not least, he figured that helping out the merchants at the festival would most likely boost his standing in the eyes of merchants and locals alike -- which would certainly not be a bad thing, to his way of thinking.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Thu 30 Dec 2021.

[Language unknown: "T whe ss manonsday la ounapr of. Utun ai ss wil sios thi inent hopr ratandore, waiou wewh-osne wh asce ng di day."] Antru was about to say something more when Allycat brought his attention to the would be thieves. As they were close to one of the stalls that apparently was being targeted, Antru gives Allycat a wink and steps off to the stall. He takes the time to look at the wares as if he were a serious customer. Letting out a sigh he shakes his head and turns to rejoin the group. No sooner does he take a step then his eyes widen as if in surprise. "Wilfred?! Wilfred Rouge?!"(well fed rogue lol) He calls out as he approaches the fidgety man who seemed to be waiting. Antru made sure his call was loud enough to attract some attention from not only the general crowd, but also some of the other thieves. Keeping his voice louder than needed, he continues on not giving them man a chance to respond. "How long has it been? Captain Toshoo said you took a leave of absence in order to visit family. I was very sad to know you wouldn't get to see our next show. But as your hear, perhaps you'll be a gust of honor for us and help out in the show. I know how much you loved the show, and I would hate for you to miss out since you wont be there for the Royal Guards show."

Not sure what roll would be better for this. So I give you the two I thought would work best in the order I thought was best. I figure deception as I'm trying to deceive the other thieves in the area that I know this one and he is not on their side. Performance for the same reason, though maybe with a bit more flare for the crowd, and a chance to make the guy I'm talking to think I truly mistook him.


19:49, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 17 using 1d20-1.  deception.
19:50, Today: Antru Mistseeker rolled 4 using 1d20+1.  Performance.

Based on the rolls, hopefully deception is the one needed. lol


This message was last edited by the player at 03:56, Thu 30 Dec 2021.

In a low and casual voice she facetiously replied, "No.  Say it ain't so."  She gave an exaggerated laugh as if Alleycat had just told an amusing joke to them before scanning the stalls to see if she could tell how many there were and if they seemed to be working together.

But her chances of doing this quietly was thrown out the window as Antru very loudly headed off towards one of them.  Or maybe it could help her spot them all.  Hmmmm.

OOC: The dice roller hates me.  It's confirmed.
22:01, Today: Melody rolled 9 using 1d20+4.  Investigation.
22:00, Today: Melody rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Deception.

Stupified by the confrontation, "Wilfred" looks over his shoulder wondering if there is someone standing behind him. When he realizes Antru is speaking to him, he slightly exaggerates his befuddled expression and gapes at the approaching clown in a state of confusion.

The crowd laughs at the encounter, many of them having witnessed the juggling and surprises that Antru previously foisted on Alleycat. Some watched with amusement while others continued with their revelry. Everything goes back to normal. Any suspicious characters that noticed the encounter have melted back into the celebration.

Antru was trying to watch to see if any of the other thieves showed any interest, but kept his focus on "Wilfred." He was mainly trying to gauge if he had given them something to worry over more than their want to steal. "But I do say, I wont keep you. I'm sure your busy enough as it is. Do look me up though. We would simply love to have you in the show." With that, Antru gives the man a pat on the shoulder with a slight squeeze and walks off to rejoin the group. He seems to address Sora as he returns. [Language unknown: "Ev strconeau nceun ivhoaiti sanughbut elel ons ni eraureven. Staeaubut ekicdi haca ro nte nanc teou res e ommanien tr earhisthe."]

Alleycat gazed off into the crowd near to the man whom he had chosen to make his move against. He assumed that the fellow would be less likely to go on the alert if the Waterdehavian was not staring directly at him. This way, Mekkar knew, he could still watch the man reasonably well with his peripheral vision.

He heard Antru and another thief having a discussion a short ways away, and noticed some of the crowd directing their attention towards that twosome. ~~Probably wondering what sort of unexpected foolishness the Elf will spring upon the poor sod,~~ he reasoned. In truth, Alleycat was a little curious himself, but he kept his mind on the business of staying ready for when the thief whom he was keeping his eye on made his move.

Mekkar figured that the it would probably be either a smash-and-grab move or a hard-to-detect sleight of hand maneuver, after which the fellow would attempt to melt away into the crowd and be gone.

His plan was to step a little to the side and open up a convenient path through the crowd once the man had made his move and was turning away from the merchant's stall. Then, once the bandit moved to take advantage of the opening through the crowd, Mekkar would step over and close with him at the last moment, then simultaneously bump into the man hard enough to throw him off balance, and trip him.

Assuming that the fellow went down, it should be easy enough to assert control over him at that point. Well, in theory, any way. Of course, Alleycat knew the old saying about best-laid plans . . .

---

OOC: DM, I assume that you will want either an Athletics (Strength) or Acrobatics (Dexterity) Check from Alleycat. Just let me know your preference, and I'll make the die-roll. I would suggest that he should be able to act with Advantage, since he should (hopefully) be catching the bandit by surprise. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 22:45, Thu 30 Dec 2021.

In reply to Mike (msg # 58):

"Wilfred" says nothing, he just watches as Antru turns his back on him and goes back to continue his conversation with the beautiful Blonde elf.


As the group returns their attention to Antru "Wilfred" slips back into the crowd. SOme of the revellers who were expecting more of a show from the interaction scratch their heads and move on to some other form of entertainment.

Alleycat prepares to intercede on the plans of a second scoundrel, but the man never goes any closer to the stall. After noticing the interaction between Antru and "Wilfred" he makes some small talk with a couple passing by and walks away in their company.

Walking towards the stalls with various street food she got for free for a spectacular fight, is Catrina GreySky, masked wrestler who is now approaching Hagrin's cart,"Greetings dwarven cart man. I'm wondering if you've heard of a dwarf that makes the best brews around here. I think his name was Hamish, or maybe it's Hardwon Bitterstew." she says, munching on a tart.

Bross Tallcut looms his way through the crowd, as they move around him, in full pack and gear. (He figured he'd just keep Fairing until he was tired enough to sleep under a tree or something).

Then, he saw her.

He walks up, pleasant as springtime, and greets Catrina. "Well, then, Miz GreySky! D'you have time for a question?"

(This does not seem to be leading to something like "does your mother sew?" or any other traditional fight-starters.)
This message was last edited by the player at 00:14, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Sora, by Antru's side, simply nods as he notices something. The half elf narrows her eyes and clenched her fist as Antru starts talking to the man.

All the rension seems to drain from the woman as she watches the interaction, a slight smile drawing on her face.

As he returns, her look was a little less morose and impressed. "Not how I'd approach it, but impressive none the less "

She threads her arm into Antru's as they walked on. [Language unknown: "Pe andiouart dayle ouel lopaekmo ratne arle i poseti a er tole toolrotr."] She pushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she looked at Alleycat, melody and Tiara. "I believe these gentlemen promised us a drink ladies."

"Oh, Mr Tallcut, looks like your back up with a spring in your step. Almost like I never gave you a beating in the first place." Cat says, munching on a cob of corn,"Mmh, go ahead, ask me whatever."

"So, here's the thing..."

Without getting too involved, here Bross gives Catrina a rough outline of his situation: his family has the tradition of the older children going out after Harvest-time and returning in the Spring, so as not to overburden the house with extra mouths to feed, then chipping in any fortune they've made in the meantime. He's not clearly asking her for anything until:

"...and so, I'm looking to what's even out here, y'see. To do."

(pause)

"How's one even get into your line of work? I just can't picture how to roll up to a town and make people to pay me to beat them up... not without their Guard getting in on it."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:19, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Catrina nods as Bross explains his situation, the masked woman tries thinking on what he should do,"Hmm, so your interested in using your brawn to earn a profit in the most legal way possible. Well kid, you could always try gladiatorial arenas. But if your interested in what I do, join in with the street performers, folks like to see someone brawl and stuff. But that kind of requires some hefty fines, especially to those clerical folks, their a bit on the greedy side around here. If you don't pay, the guards would surely chase you out." she explains as she eats a kebab,"Theirs also the monster slaying profession, it's completely legal and doesn't really require any sort of license, and you can use that axe of yours to good use. I, as a GreySky, am prepared to fight monsters from time to time if I'm low on income."

In reply to Sora (msg # 64):

Antru shakes his head at Soras words. "I merely spoke to a man. Nothing impressive about that." As he speaks he slips the small pouch into a pocket to look at later. [Language unknown: "Uroffi tiopa lesen omain nte aiolie il stilinlar hiver ul unse."] Antru says to Sora before she address the group about drinks. "So it is and so it shall be. Let us to the stall of Master Bitterbrew and sample his finest." He gives a small nod to Ned in hopes that the man would finish taking them there.

~~Not a bad way for him to disengage,~~ Mekkar thought to himself as he watched his target stroll away in the company of the couple to whom the fellow had attached himself for the purpose of leaving the area.

Seemingly Antru had either spooked the bandits before they had taken any stolen property in hand, or perhaps their activities had merely been a reconnaissance -- a "dry run", during which they had never intended to do more than look over their marks and the fairgrounds. Alleycat decided that there was no way of knowing for certain, one way or the other.

Alleycat rejoined the group that was trailing along behind Ned. "My man left the area without making a move on the merchant," he remarked quietly, with a shrug.

As he walked along, he stayed alert to the possibility of other suspicious activity. To his way of thinking, there probably more than two would-be thieves working the crowd.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

Taria watched intently during the incident and wondered if this was a new sort of occurrence in town or if this man just knew a side of the town that was hidden to her before she left. "That was interesting to see, or watch, or to learn about. Definitely something to continue to watch and probe for the good of the community. Maybe even something to warn the local sheriff about. Before that happened, I do not believe I had the opportunity to introduce myself. I am Taria, formerly Taria of Beehill, occasionally Taria of Candlekeep, but most often Apprentice Taria."

In reply to Taria (msg # 70):

Remembering his Shadows training regarding mingling with people of more refined natures, Mekkar inclined his head in recognition of being favored with certain personal details by the woman -- Taria of this and that, it seemed. Candlekeep, he had at least heard of. Beehill? Not so much. No idea.

"As for myself," he replied, "I am just lately arrived from Waterdeep. I answer to 'Alleycat'."

After letting his introduction linger for what he felt to be an appropriate amount of time, he continued. "You mentioned being an apprentice. If you do not mind my saying so, you do not strike me as being . . . ah, as being a good 'fit', if you will, for the rougher trades."

"A scribe, perchance?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:53, Fri 31 Dec 2021.

The sun has set. Town guards set about warning folks to back away from the bonfire area and prepare to set the wooden tower ablaze. Greenest's Chamerlain, and local connoisseur of all things brewwed, Aleric Raos, approaches Hargrin's stall in his official capacity as the head judge for the festival's brewing contest. Most of his large family and a group of local revellers follow him closely. Abit of a crowd gathers around as he starts his announcement.



"GREETINGS HARGRIN and CONGRATULATIONS!

I have come to present you with this year's Gold Medal for Brewing Excellence!

Your entry this year is the finest I have tasted! No small compliment!



The crowd around him laughs and cheers for Hargrin's efforts.

Now if you could pour me another Pint we can get this Party Started!

He blows a horn, the gaurds light the fire and the musicians on the center stage open up with a Lively Reel.

Most of the crowd starts dancing around the center stage.

Taria shakes her head, "Ummm no, well, not really. Many of my tasks are similar to a scribe, but that is incidental. The same could be said of cook, cleaner, laundress, or my role here in the village to refill parts of the stockroom."

She pauses with the  fanfair of the announcement and then finally concludes, "But that is what often happens when you learn from a Master Wizard."

In reply to Taria (msg # 73):

Judging by what Mekkar could hear over his shoulder, it sounded like the jolly Dwarf had done quite well for himself. To the extent that he could, he was listening with one ear to all of the hubbub that was part and parcel of Hargrin winning his award, whilst still attending to what Taria was saying to him.

His eyes momentarily widened as she announced the nature of her apprenticeship, but he did his best to mask his surprise as he turned his full attention to her. He had had some dealings with magickers back in Waterdeep, and he was wary of them and their powers, which always (to his way of thinking, any way) seemed to be far beyond the powers of normal men and women.

There were no magickers who were members of his guild, insofar as he knew. No, The Shadows had always hired them as "consultants" when a job required their special sort of talents and expertise. And their services were almost always quite expensive, based upon what he had heard of Basoro's ill-tempered mutterings.

As best Alleycat remembered, there were different flavors of magickers -- meaning different sorts of specializations, just as he and his guild-mates specialized in different sorts of chicanery -- some did second-story work, some were cut-purses, some were strong-arm burglars, and so on and so forth.

"Most impressive," he replied, and in this instance, he meant what he said.

"Do you, ah . . . have you yet chosen the classification of magicks that you wish to specialize in?" he inquired.

"That is a complex question. So many different types of classifications. Personally, my talents erupted with fire. I have a talent there, but I don't know if that is where I want to invest, create, and develop."

Melody continued to follow along with the group, trying to keep an eye out for these possible troublemakers, but so far it had been quiet after Antru's tomfoolery with one of them.

"I could have been a wizard, but I was apprenticed to a Bard to repay a debt.  It's work out for me so far." she said nonchalantly.  "Melody is my name and my game."

Sora, looking at both Taria and Melody, couldn't help but smile. The two had talent in magic - different styles but with the same outcome. She had once met a gnome bard - a woman of hard headedness and skill. She had a reasonable voice, but when she played on her viol, all would stop and watch. She had also saw her music come to life as the magic of music flowed.

She had also met a wizard - a surly human who dealt with less savor able magic (What people called necromantic magic). She didn't like him much, but could not deny his power.

You too have power

She felt the whisper in her mind - subtle and seductive. She knew who it was...the mistress was reassuring that her gifts also granted such power.

...something she didn't like to share with people.

She seemed to snap out of her reprieve as people made introductions, and smiled. "My name is Sora. My home is...." her comment trailed off as she took on a distant look, between sorrow, pain and a cold detachment - only for a moment. She sighed, the look passing as quickly as it came, then smiled again. "I think it's time for that drink."