Candlekeep

Jun 9, 2021 5:12 pm

Dieter holds his head back as if in great pain and then launches a counter head butt. Sadly the orc is must larger than dieter but the effort is what he was going for " my hat has a helmet inside it so it’s not just for show" dieter says smiling

Last edited June 9, 2021 5:32 pm

Rolls

Surprise! - (1D20+5)

(5) + 5 = 10

Koveras

Jun 9, 2021 5:18 pm

Runeson finds Koveras in the Court of Air, heading towards the Emerald Door. Asked about the horse, Koveras distractedly nods. "Yes, of course. I considered the beast dead anyway, so you might as well have it. May it serve you well!" Without asking for or collecting any payment for Tulco, Koveras continues on his way.

Jun 9, 2021 5:26 pm

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

The headbutt doesn't seem to have harmed Keggruk at all with his thick orcish bones. But he laughs appreciatively at Dieter's response and continues sparring.

Without either having noticed, a small crowd has formed around the duo. They all wince as Keggruk's next swing stops just short of Dieter's navel. Such a strike would surely have disemboweled the young man, if not cleaved severed his spine.

"You are skilled with greatweapons, Dieter. Have you ever considered a different set of weapons? A flail and shield, perhaps, or a heavy crossbow?"

Rolls

Greataxe - (1d20+9)

(18) + 9 = 27

Runeson

Jun 9, 2021 5:37 pm

I thank him quickly, knowing he must be ina hurry to go about some task.
I then got to the stable to tell Laurëa the good news. "Laurëa, Koveras decided to give me Tulco and at no charge! I can’t thank you enough for suggesting I ask him about Tulco. I will treat him as a trusted companion and friend, or may Hoar smite me down."

Jun 9, 2021 6:12 pm

deoelvenmage Inactive forever!

"I’ve thought about it but I was trained to fight in pike formation against all manner of aberrations. After living in the outside world and reading some books I’m pretty sure they’re just created by a particularly deranged necromancer. Not a very dangerous one as they always seemed disorganized but truly terrifying" with the fighting being between two great weapons each movement is critical

Rolls

Attack - (1D20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Wirrow Bloodbyrn

Jun 9, 2021 6:25 pm

"Well, I don't know about any of the others." The implication, of course, is that she's been alone thus far and so wouldn't have been able to find out.

"But it's been nice, I guess. Staying in, kind of like home, but with new books to read. I was hoping to maybe learn something different, but..." Wirrow shakes her head and cuts herself off, waving her hand vaguely. "Different books, a lot of the same ideas. At least the magic seems interesting. We didn't really have that sort of thing back home, just the general knowledge about them. And other... monsters."

"And there's some stuff about archery I've looked at too; maybe Stella would appreciate it."

Stella

Carcabob

Jun 9, 2021 7:06 pm

Stella's eyes sparkle at the sight of the alchemical wonders and gratefully takes one of the potions—whichever Kay doesn't.

"Oh, thank you! I'm glad we could help!" she nods to Phlydia.

"See you around, Kay!" she says, tilting her head and smiling at the young woman.

With that and a bit of change from Phlydia in hand, Stella heads to the bathhouse.

While part of her grumbles about the extended diversion, the other is glad she could help Kay help Phlydia...and secretly looked very much forward to a nice, hot bath.

...

Feeling wonderfully relaxed and clean, Stella leaves the exits the Bath and Steam House, the exhaustion of the previous day all steamed away.

Ah!! Nothing like that in the Icewind Dale! I'll have to see if the others want to check out the outdoor hot pool one of these nights...I wonder if this will improve my productivity...

Tome in one hand, and pencil to her lips, she checks her schedule. She crosses out several time blocks, draws a few arrows to indicate shifts and replanning, then nods to herself.

"There's still time!" she reassures herself.

Closing her tome, she tucks it into her satchel and strides to the House of the Binder. Someone there should be able to teach her to copy text!

Last edited June 9, 2021 7:12 pm

Laurëa

Jun 9, 2021 7:07 pm

Laurëa laughs at the good news and comes in for a quick celebratory hug. "I know you will take good care of him. Let's go tell him the good news!"

She leads the way to Tulco's stall, then opens the door and lets Runeson in. And there is Tulco, already fitted with a saddle, bit, and bridle. "These are for you and him, a gift from... me. There are some saddlebags to go with it as well, but he looks the part better without." Laurëa laughs again and pats the big horse's neck. "And you look handsome, don't you, Tulco?"

The woman looks back at Runeson. "Well? What do you think?"

[ +- ] Military Saddle

Jun 9, 2021 7:10 pm

Keggruk catches Dieter's slash on the top of his greataxe and turns it off-course. The orog tucks one shoulder and barrels in, intending to knock Dieter to the ground. But suddenly Dieter isn't there, and Keggruk's own momentum nearly causes him to trip...

OOC:

Go ahead and narrate what happens next! No roll required.

Rolls

Greataxe - (1d20+9)

(1) + 9 = 10

Jun 9, 2021 7:33 pm

"Then I'm glad!" In spite of his proclamation, Keggruk doesn't look particularly glad. In fact, there is sorrow in his eyes.

"Wirrow... I'm sorry about your father. Kaleel was a good man before... before the curse took him. Lash should have said something, told someone, before acting so impulsively. I... I doubt we could have found a cure, but..." The line of thought trails off. "Anyway, I just want you to know that even though I am not your father, I..."

He takes a deep breath.

"I am proud of you."

Jun 9, 2021 7:44 pm

Dieter kicks Kregguk’s foot out as he barrels past using his hand to assist. With a loud crash the orc hits the floor mats "but as you can see I still have lots to learn" dieter says offering his hand to help Kregguk up

First Reader Tethtoril

Jun 9, 2021 8:16 pm

Within the House of the Binder Stella finds Tethtoril. The high priest of Oghma is happy to help the young woman learn some rudimentary magic.

He seats Stella at her own worktable and places a book and several sheets of paper before her. "Now, the trick with any cantrip is to find the shortcut. It's a little different for each person, but..." He sits next to her and opens to a random page in the book, then - strangely - turns the book so the letters are upside down. "Personally, I find it easier not to think of words, but to see shapes."

He squints at the book, then picks up a sheet of paper. He mutters a magical word and makes a gesture with his free hand. As Stella watches writing begins to quickly fill up the page, almost as if someone invisible is scratching away with a quill. Except that it is still upside down. After a minute or so the page is full.

Tethtoril flips the page the right side up and hands it to Stella. It's a perfect replication of the page lying open from the book.

"The spell is called amanuensis."

[ +- ] Amanuensis

Jun 9, 2021 8:36 pm

There are cheers from the surrounding Avowed as Dieter lays Keggruk low. The orog gets to his feet and applauds him, then raises his considerable voice. "Behold! This young warrior is only 16 years of age, and already he has survived a gibberling horde, slain a leader of bandits, and knocked me down!" There are smatterings of conversation at that, but then Keggruk goes on. "Think of the warrior he could be come with time and training! Who here is willing to teach him during his stay at Candlekeep?"

Lady Kassandra

Jun 9, 2021 8:41 pm

A moment of surprised silence hangs in the air. Finally, a knight steps forward. "I'll teach him. If he'll learn."

She meets Dieter's eyes with a confident stare. "I am Lady Kassandra, paladin of Oghma. I hope you're not tired after that bout, Dieter, because you have some long days ahead of you."

OOC:

Lady Kassandra, if Dieter accepts, will teach Dieter one extra Fighting Style of his choice, including the new ones in Tasha's Cauldron of Everything.

Jun 9, 2021 8:53 pm

"No my lady I am eager to learn" dieter says bowing

Stella

Carcabob

Jun 10, 2021 12:40 am

deoelvenmage Inactive forever!

Stella is delighted to be instructed by the First Reader himself.

"Ahh!" Stella isn't actually surprised when Tethtoril turns the book upside down—In fact, she did the same thing when pre-reading books! It helped the conscious mind to relax, and the unconscious or spiritual mind to open itself to the information. At least that's how one of her books on speed-reading explained it...

Her eyes light up and she grins at seeing the magic in motion, the words copying themselves onto the page. She lets out a soft giggle and the stars in her iris's turn pink with excitement.

So much possibility!

"Amanuensis, she repeats perfectly. She then tries to repeat the magical word—though much less than perfectly—contorting her face as she does so. She laughs at her failure and glances over at others as they perform the spell again. "I may need to do some more observing before I can manage any practicing."

She turns to the First Reader and smiles. "Thank you so much for showing me! I figured since I can't stay in Candlekeep for nearly long enough, that I could learn to copy pieces of Candlekeep to take with me." She tilts her head curiously. "How long have you been the First Reader? Do you enjoy it?"

Wirrow Bloodbyrn

Jun 10, 2021 1:40 am

Quote:

"Wirrow... I'm sorry about your father. Kaleel was a good man before... before the curse took him. Lash should have said something, told someone, before acting so impulsively. I... I doubt we could have found a cure, but..."

Not sure what good 'sorry' is; I'm stuck with it now. He's dead, and I'm alive. That's just how it's always been, and I don't even know if it's not for the better.

Quote:

"Anyway, I just want you to know that even though I am not your father, I..."

He takes a deep breath.

"I am proud of you."

"Well... good for you, then...?" Wirrow grimaces. That hadn't been exactly what she'd wanted to say, but devils, it was so hard to speak to this man! "I mean, I don't see what there is for you to be proud of, but go ahead."

"And don't pretend like you're not trying to be my father, saying things like that. I haven't had one, and I've been fine without one, so don't go thinking I'm suddenly going to need one." Her bordering-defensive tone is also dismissive, whether she realizes it or not.

Last edited June 10, 2021 1:40 am

Aiwë Shelur

gardensun

Jun 10, 2021 1:54 am

Aiwë makes an appearance at the Hearth most nights to perform at least a couple of songs or recitations. At first she sticks to drinking songs and familiar poems and epics about the gods while she spends at least some time in the day eagerly learning new material, mastering the originals and then adjusting to her taste.

On the night promised to Mesen, Aiwë begins as usual. A lively song of revelry greets the increased flow of Avowed and Seekers beginning to relax after their day (very fun, her favourite part is about the town drunk dancing on the table, which she imitates). A long elvish ballad follows, peacefully accompanying the supping patrons with a story about two lovers walking through a forest (Aiwë finds it fascinating how many different ways elvish poets find to describe flowers, trees, and stars, and thinks Stella will enjoy this song).

As dinner and conversation lull somewhat and more attention turns to her, Aiwë takes a different approach than other nights. She sets her lyre on a table next to a drum and begins a low chant in time to its beat. Instead of the chant gaining speed and power, she maintains the tempo and adds the lyre, plucking at it with her free hand.

Orcish words replace her vocalizing and her song, both harsh and crooning to non-orcish ears, fills the tavern. The chant is one most Cagebreakers heard as children, and likely most orcish children still do. It lauds the pantheon of Gruumsh and lists their values, demanding that children grow to meet them. Alalla had frowned when Aiwë had made Chaide teach it to her, but Aiwë knows the power of music is in more than the words.

Divorced from the oppressive Luthic priestesses and in Aiwë's hands with a lyre threading between the drum's gentle tempo, the song changes dramatically. No longer do the words demand compliance to Gruumsh's bloodthirsty ideals. Instead it draws attention to their harshness, and all that was lost in their propagation. Once an anthem of the oppressor, now a mourning of his victims.

The words are lost on most in the audience, Aiwë knows, but if she is the artist she claims to be, they can hear the lyre crying, and the drum say, "never again."

A final chord is followed by a double drumbeat, and Aiwë's cry echoes over the tavern before slowly dying away. Only after all sounds of music have ceased do her eyes fall from their dramatic gaze up at the ceiling to see how her song was received.

Last edited June 10, 2021 3:35 am

Rolls

Performance - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (20) + 5 = 25

First Reader Tethtoril

Jun 10, 2021 3:52 am