Beregost

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Dec 31, 2022 9:47 pm

Dec 31, 2022 9:47 pm

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Beregost is a small town. Unlike Candlekeep or the Friendly Arm Inn, this place has no protective stone wall around it. Most of the town lies dark, but a pair of lanterns reveals two guards keeping an eye on the road through the night. Their tabards and shields bear the tell-tale fist wreathed in fire of the Flaming Fist.

The two guards squint into the darkness, waving when they see the wagon. "Late night to be out, eh? From where do you hail, friends?" They exchange a glance when they see the prisoners tied up. "And what's this about?"

Dec 31, 2022 11:26 pm

Dec 31, 2022 11:26 pm

Aiwë steps into her apparent role as guard-speaker.

"A few extra hours on the road were more appealing than a whole night sleeping on stones," she smiles. "Though maybe we should have stayed, we almost got caught in that nasty mess with that fugitive. That drow must have killed a lot of people for the mercenaries at the bridge to loose their cool like that! They're long gone now." She sighs with disappointment, then brightens immediately.

"We're taking this lot to the Flaming Fist garrison. They tried to rob us of our iron. Their mistake." She grins.

Last edited January 1, 2023 12:23 am

Jan 1, 2023 1:10 am

Jan 1, 2023 1:10 am

The guards shake their helmeted heads at the mention of the drow. "They've been chasing that drow since Nashkel, so I heard. Something to do with a string of murders. Hopefully they catch him soon!"

They examine the prisoners closely, then point the party towards the local Flaming Fist garrison. "Glad you were able to handle yourselves out there. Helm knows there have been too many raids and deaths due to banditry, in spite of our best efforts."

One of the guards scowls and adds, "I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Amn is supporting the banditry here. Strike us where it most hurts during this Iron Crisis, cripple us before the war even starts."

His partner gives his shoulder a shove. "Quit spreading rumors! You want folks to get riled up? That'll do no one any good..." He waves for the party to continue on as the beratement continues.

Jan 1, 2023 1:10 am

Jan 1, 2023 1:10 am

Aside from the bickering guards, the night is quiet as the party enters Beregost. The wagon wheels creak, and the horses' hooves seem to ring out into an empty void. Then they round a bend in the street and find light pouring from the windows of several buildings - most certainly taverns, by the faint music and voices drifting through the air.

OOC:

People can head to one of the taverns if they like, not everybody has to go to see the soldiers' office.

They continue on their way for a few more minutes and arrive at another lit building, the apparent garrison of the Flaming Fist. From the outside it doesn't seem like much of a garrison; it's likely just a former household that the Flaming Fist appropriated and converted into their office.

A knock on the door results in a yawning soldier opening the door. "Excuse me!" he says, gauntleted hand over his mouth. "What can I do for you?"

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

Jan 1, 2023 4:24 am

Jan 1, 2023 4:24 am

I follow Aiwe to the garrison to help ensure the cooperation of the guards before going to an inn, getting Tulco settled in the stables, and get settled in a room.

Last edited January 1, 2023 4:26 am

Jan 1, 2023 5:18 am

Jan 1, 2023 5:18 am

"Hail! You can take these bandits off our hands. I heard you might even trade them for some gold." Aiwë gestures to the wagon. "Their ill-gotten goods are inside that, as well as their boss, who didn't make it."

Jan 1, 2023 6:37 am

Jan 1, 2023 6:37 am

Feeling that the prisoners are secure enough now at the garrison, Sheemish heads to the taverns. While the bandits had obviously earned the consequences coming to them, seeing people in chains was not going to sit well with him. Informing his party where he was heading, Sheemish heads to the tavern with the most music. He needed something to drown out certain memories.

Jan 1, 2023 9:49 pm

Jan 1, 2023 9:49 pm

OOC:

For clarity, changing this conversation to "saddlebrown"

The soldier blinks, then shakes his head to clear it. "Bandits! You nabbed them yourselves, you say?" He peers out at the six bound men. "Generous of you not to simply kill them."

He glances inside for a moment, speaking softly, then a moment later pokes his head out again. "We don't have much, but we'll give you 50 gold for each of them."

A few minutes later the prisoners are out of the adventurers' hands, and in their place is decent-sized coin purse filled with 300 gold.

OOC:

The party gains 300 gold pieces, divided up as you like (50 each?)

The tired guard suddenly raises his hand to his forehead, looking rather sheepish. "I was really supposed to get your names before handing out any gold. Would you mind writing down your names and those of your companions, and as well as the name of your party?"

Jan 1, 2023 10:11 pm

Jan 1, 2023 10:11 pm

Runeson and Sheemish (and Tulco) find lodging and food in the loudest tavern, an establishment called the Jovial Juggler.

OOC:

That would be 3 gold pieces each for Runeson and Sheemish, and another 1 gold for Tulco! A large sum, I know...

The Jovial Juggler's common room has many happy patrons, and most of them seem to be common folk, all clapping along with the music in between sips of various beverages.

In the center of the room, standing up on a table, is a young man playing a cheery jig on the fiddle. He seems fairly skilled, able to stomp off-beats on the tabletop while his bow zips across the strings.

On the whole, it seems like a run-of-the-mill tavern.

Jan 1, 2023 10:32 pm

Jan 1, 2023 10:32 pm

Quote:

"Generous of you not to just kill them."

"It wouldn't have been just," Aiwë answers simply.

Quote:

"Would you mind writing down your names...?"

"You can have mine, but do you need everyone's? I just hired them to help me with these bandits." She just hired them, right this second. Not a lie, right? "We're certainly not a troupe with a name." By the blade, their troupe needs a name! Every good troupe in the stories has a name. She is stunned she hasn't thought of it.

Last edited January 1, 2023 10:35 pm

Rolls

It's a lot of names it would take a long time and it's late, my man (deception) - (1d20+4)

(10) + 4 = 14

Jan 1, 2023 10:39 pm

Jan 1, 2023 10:39 pm

The tired guard shrugs. "I mean... I guess that's fine... But you guys really should have a name. Bandits aren't an easy lot. When word gets out, people will probably want to hire you for other adventuring work." He fights back another yawn, nods, and shuts the door.

Jan 1, 2023 11:05 pm

Jan 1, 2023 11:05 pm

Aiwë opens her mouth to tell him he never got her name as she promised, but instead says to the closed door, "I know!"

After she leads their two new horses to be stabled next to Tulco, Aiwë finds herself hesitating at the entrance to the Jovial Juggler. She can hear the fiddling inside. Normally she would find it inviting but now, standing by herself in the dark streets of Beregost she is suddenly aware that she feels something she isn't sure she has ever felt before.

Is this... what loneliness is like?

Shelur turns away from the lit windows of the Jovial Juggler and walks toward a nicer inn she saw on the way to the Flaming Fist outpost. She doesn't want to play where she will sleep, tonight.

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 2, 2023 12:11 am

Jan 2, 2023 12:11 am

Dieter heads to the dwarven district as soon as his other duties allow. He stops by his favourite bakery and buys a large dwarven pastry, a large knot bread that looks like an ore vein of gold entrapped in rye. Dieter also buys a few trinkets for the children and quickly heads to Tulfgar’s home, his home. His heart races as he turns onto the street and pounds in his ears when he climbs the steps. Pressing on he knocks of the front door.

Jan 2, 2023 2:44 am

Jan 2, 2023 2:44 am

The Burning Wizard is Beregost's finest tavern and inn. Rather than raucous cheers and the pounding of ale mugs, Aiwë hears the murmuring of polite voices accompanied by the soft clinking of fine wines.

The attire is different as well; embroidered dresses and coats adorn the men and women here, and there is a proliferance of hats. Wide hats, tall hats, hats with ribbons and bows, hats that lean to one side... It seems that everyone in here has one, and no two are alike.

A flash of metal in the corner reveals a woman quietly tuning her flute. It would seem she's set to perform soon.

Aiwë immediately draws stares. In her armor and travel attire, after a day traipsing through the woods and across the plains in humid heat, and some blood (probably from bandits) decorating her here and there, she certainly stands out.

Jan 2, 2023 3:01 am

Jan 2, 2023 3:01 am

At this time of night Dieter finds the bakery closed, but the bakester is still there cleaning up. Recognizing Dieter, she lets him have some of her leftover sweetbread. As for trinkets, he finds one seller of wares lingering at the mouth of a alley. The fellow must be nervous, because he jumps when Dieter calls out to him. Still, he has a decent variety of shiny knickknacks that Dieter thinks the kids will find interesting.

Dieter's knock on the door is answered immediately with the baying of at least two dogs and the thumping of many solid little feet. When the door opens, he sees a dwarven woman with greying hair trying to hold back a tide of children. It's Marianne, Tulfgar's wife. Two small dogs immediately slip past her and run up to Dieter, tails wagging wildly, and one of them latches onto his boot with needle-like teeth.

"Chisel, Mallet! Get back in here! No, Dwain, you can't go out, I - Briselda, enough! You should know better! Will you all stop trampling little Tulfy!" For all the chaos, when she finally gets a chance to look up and see who the visitor is, her smile is immediately warm and welcoming. "Dieter! Come in, come in!"

Jan 2, 2023 3:10 am

Jan 2, 2023 3:10 am

Shelur smiles and bows to those looking, then steps back out. So it's that nice.

Outside, she sets her pack against the side of the building in the alleyway and sets to a quick transformation. A thorough prestidigitation takes a while of focus, but takes care of any hint from dirt or blood that she has been travelling.

The armour on her chest and arms comes off and is stored carefully in her pack, trades for a special packet containing an outfit for just times such as these.

A dress of fine wool in a rich green that reminds her of the Great Oak of Kuldahar sits fairly well over everything else she is already wearing, after she re-belts her sword. Then over that she puts her jewelry. Large golden hoops are threaded through her ears and gold cuffs etched with dwarf-rune-orcish are slid onto her wrists. Her necklace hangs with the sharp teeth of dire wolves and yetis and lends some wildness to her look, but it's gold chain and settings are inarguably fine.

After a thought, she removes the necklace and settles it in her hair like a headdress. It's close to a hat.

About fifteen minutes later, now much better dressed for the venue, Aiwë re-enters the Burning Wizard.

Rolls

I belong here (performance) - (1d20+7)

(20) + 7 = 27

Jan 2, 2023 4:40 am

Jan 2, 2023 4:40 am

Aiwë's second entrance into the Burning Wizard is met with... no unusual stares. If anyone even recognizes her as the same travel-stained warrior who showed up earlier, they give no indication.

Except...

The flute player, from her place in the corner, is finishing up one of her pieces - a slow, yet exquisitely difficult work of music, made to sound effortless - and makes eye contact with Aiwë. Somehow the woman manages to smile knowingly even while performing.

A few moments later the song is finished, and after an appropriate pause for polite applause, the woman approaches Aiwë with flute still in hand. "Impressive transformation," she murmurs, pitched for only Aiwë's ears. "You obviously had magical help, but magic can only take one so far. It's character that makes all the difference." She gestures with her flute. "I am Silke Rosena, thespian extraordinaire (and purveyor of opportunity)." Her wink is somehow openly sly and yet subtle at the same time. "And what name do you go by?"

Jan 2, 2023 2:33 pm

Jan 2, 2023 2:33 pm

Sheemish walks through the merry raucous and orders a drink from the barkeep. Just a mild one. Ale can definitely drown out certain memories, but Sheemish was looking to make a different tactic. His artificer awareness was not just good at studying the history, strength, and habits of metals - people tended to be made up of some of the same composition. Some were brittle, some were dense, others false, many in need of mending, those that held under pressure, and those that became stronger when combined with others - and they all had a history. Taverns were always filled with words, stories, and songs. What stories did this tavern hold?

Sheemish watches and listens, stitch once again fluttering around and lending her own set of observations to his own.

Rolls

History check - (1d20+6)

(17) + 6 = 23

Stitch's help - (1d20+6)

(13) + 6 = 19

Jan 2, 2023 5:56 pm

Jan 2, 2023 5:56 pm

"All the magic did was clean the day's travel faster and without soap," Aiwë smiles. "I'm the same, whether they see it or not. I'm Aiwë Cagebreaker."

She returns Silke's sly look. "What sort of opportunities?"

Jan 2, 2023 7:20 pm

Jan 2, 2023 7:20 pm

Before everyone splits up, Stella tries to make sure no one is left on their own, per Calliope's recomendation.

"Calliope, would you recommend we all stay in the same inn, to protect each other in case something happens, or should some of us split up into two inns, perhaps, to keep our group description dissimilar if anyone pokes around?

And how about you accompany Awie? I'll stay with Dieter for now."

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 2, 2023 7:27 pm

Jan 2, 2023 7:27 pm

Dieter quickly enters and shuts the door behind him. "Here I brought some bread, today has been so fast but the baker let me in after closing. How are you all doing it’s been a long time" Dieter takes his boots off at the door and hangs his outer cloak before going further inside.

Last edited January 2, 2023 7:27 pm

Jan 2, 2023 9:04 pm

Jan 2, 2023 9:04 pm

Sheemish spends some time slowly sipping his drink and absorbing the environment around him. These are common folk, for the most part, with common concerns. Most of them haven't been a mile farther from Beregost than their farm. That said, to live out here in the frontier they've got to be made of tough stuff.

These are a few of the things that catch Sheemish's attention:

"...nearly lost me head when the sword broke. 'Twas me father's too. Curse this Iron Crisis..."

"...who does he think he is? My family settled this town! I've had enough..."

"...*hic*...s'good music. Mooozik. Heh. More ale over here!"

"...Yous guys up for the job? The son of Entar Silvershield! Gotta be worth somethin'..."

"...poor Landrin. House taken over and husband devoured by spiders! I say we just burn it down..."

"...play faster, bard! Play till yer bow catches fur! *hic*... Er, I mean fire..."

Jan 2, 2023 9:26 pm

Jan 2, 2023 9:26 pm

"That is something to discuss over a drink." Silke takes Aiwë gently by the elbow and guides her to an empty table.

She slides into her seat as gracefully as a dancer and waves over a halfling scurrying about with a platter of crystal glasses. "What will you be having, Aiwë? I'd like something with a nice taste, but not too strong. A woman's got to have a clear head, tonight."

The troubadour takes a small sip of her own choice of drink, then sets her glass on the table and leans back in her seat. "Opportunity!" She's careful to never let the smile leave her face, and keeps her voice pitched for Aiwë alone. "If you glance - discreetly! - over my shoulder, you'll see a rather portly man. Middle-aged, dark hair, small mustache. Note his rather magnificent blue cloak. And right about... now it changes to green. In another 30 seconds it will be red." Silke notes all this without turning around herself. "A remarkable cloak, isn't it? And changing color is just one of its magical capabilities."

She takes another casual sip from her glass and leans forward, directing Aiwë's eyes back to her. "Algernon is an Amnish merchant. He only stops at the Burning Wizard twice a year, for a single night. Early in the morning he'll be headed for Baldur's Gate." Her fingers pick a strand of blonde hair from her face and tuck it behind her ear, subtly revealing diamond earrings. "Help me get that cloak tonight, and I'll make sure it's worth your time and effort."

Calliope O'Kelly

deoelvenmage Inactive forever!

Jan 2, 2023 9:31 pm

Jan 2, 2023 9:31 pm

"Good thinking; we'd say splitting up into two groups would be beneficial as well, because if the people they're targeting are separated, they'll have to send assassins to both buildings, making it harder for them to all attack a single target."

Quote:

"And how about you accompany Awie? I'll stay with Dieter for now."

Calliope shrugs, starting to trail away towards where the half elf went. "Fine by us. Should that also be how we split inns?"

Last edited January 2, 2023 9:32 pm

Jan 2, 2023 9:38 pm

Jan 2, 2023 9:38 pm

"But what about..." Marianne opens the front door again and lets in Stella. "Dieter, have I taught you nothing? Always hold the door open for beautiful young ladies!" She flashes Stella a smile and gives her a welcoming side-hug. "Poor boy's probably just embarrassed and not thinking straight. It happens to most men."

Marianne moves into the rest of the house, the sea of dwarf children parting before her. "I'm afraid I just put dinner up, but it'll be warm again in no time." She looks back at Dieter. "Son, you should have let us know you were coming. And with company!" She busies herself in the kitchen with plates and cutlery. "So tell me how you two met!"

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 2, 2023 11:09 pm

Jan 2, 2023 11:09 pm

Dieter being completely oblivious dieter looks over at stella in surprise not realizing she was following him. Oh jeez I didn’t realize she was following me

"um how did we meet..I think it was in that magic fortress, the one that almost didn’t let me in. Yeah I think it was there." Dieter says thinking he’s answered his mothers question to the fullest of her meaning.

Jan 3, 2023 12:46 am

Jan 3, 2023 12:46 am

"Ahhh, an opportunity indeed," Aiwë waves away the server and takes no drink. "I'm afraid you've misread me, though. I'm not looking for work tonight. You see, immediately prior to my stop here I turned in six bandits to the Flaming Fists." She adjusts her bracelets with a proud look as though she were coyly gloating. Resting her chin in her hand she looks back at Silke. "That is enough for one day, don't you think?"

Last edited January 3, 2023 12:47 am

Rolls

I Really don't want to have to get involved in this, how about you just don't? - (1d20+7)

(5) + 7 = 12

Jan 3, 2023 2:55 am

Jan 3, 2023 2:55 am

Marianne nods as though fully satisfied by the answer, then looks over her shoulder to Stella and silently rolls her eyes with exaggeration. "Right, Candlekeep! Tulfgar told me all about the arrangements with his father's friends' children. Are you one of those then? From Icewind Dale?"

Jan 3, 2023 3:11 am

Jan 3, 2023 3:11 am

Silke's jaw drops as she gives a short chuckle. "Six bandits? Sweetheart." A glint of something appears in her eyes. A threat? "I am no bandit; such pettiness is beneath me. No, I have higher targets in mind than stealing someone's broken metal bits."

Her smile returns. "You didn't take on six bandits alone. Yet here you are, without a single companion. Why would that be?" She raises a fine eyebrow. "Striking out on your own. Would that be because you're seeking something new in your life?" Silke raises her glass to her lips. "Something exciting?" She takes a sip. "How do you know this opportunity isn't what you've been looking for? You know the old saying: 'Don't knock it till you've tried it.'"

Silke puts the glass down on the table and leans forward, resting her chin in one hand and locking eyes with Aiwë. "If the money doesn't interest you, think of the excitement!"

Jan 3, 2023 3:34 am

Jan 3, 2023 3:34 am

Aiwë suddenly finds herself hot with irritation. She masks it with a laugh. "My mother wears a cloak of perfect snow white that never soils. It glints in the sun and leaves her untouched in the most bitter cold. She claimed it from a priestess of Auril, after defeating her and her yeti thrall alongside her friends, one of whom paid for that victory with his soul." He got better, but that wasn't the point of this story. "When it comes to daring deeds it will take more than a caper for a cloak to excite me. Find another mark to string along with your silk, Rosena." Aiwë stands to leave.

Last edited January 3, 2023 3:44 am

Jan 3, 2023 3:56 am

Jan 3, 2023 3:56 am

Silke's nostrils flare and a hint of red touches her cheeks. "So, a spoiled brat after all." A moment later she's smiling too sweetly. "Best of luck to you in your endeavors, Aiwë. I hope we can... meet again sometime."

Jan 3, 2023 4:45 am

Jan 3, 2023 4:45 am

Aiwë waves tiredly. On her way out she trips on her skirt and falls over onto the Amnish merchant Silke pointed out.

"You're being watched, be careful," she whispers. "Ah!" she says louder. "Im so so sorry, tonight is NOT my night!" She leaves the inn having neither played nor eaten.

And walks into Calliope outside the front door.

"Oh, hi Calliope!" Aiwë adjusts the toothed headdress that got disheveled in her 'fall.' "Was the Jovial Juggler not jiving with you either? I already made someone mad in there, but you can go in."

Last edited January 3, 2023 4:45 am

Rolls

Please excuse my total accidental mistake (performance) - (1d20+7)

(3) + 7 = 10

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 8:04 am

Jan 3, 2023 8:04 am

I drop my stuff off I my room and head down to the common room before settling down for the night. Before going to sheemish I check for anything out of the ordinary or someone paying particular attention to the artificer.
I then go over to him and say,

Quote:

I’m up in (insert room # here) in case you need me.

Rolls

Investigation for anybody creeping - (1d20+1)

(7) + 1 = 8

Jan 3, 2023 5:54 pm

Jan 3, 2023 5:54 pm

Quote:

"But what about..." Marianne opens the front door again and lets in Stella. "Dieter, have I taught you nothing? Always hold the door open for beautiful young ladies!" She flashes Stella a smile and gives her a welcoming side-hug. "Poor boy's probably just embarrassed and not thinking straight. It happens to most men."

Stella gives a curtsy and returns a weak smile. "Thank you! I...guess so?"

Quote:

Marianne nods as though fully satisfied by the answer, then looks over her shoulder to Stella and silently rolls her eyes with exaggeration.

When she turns away, Stella gives Dieter a confused shrug. That's how she remembered meeting Dieter too. If the woman was implying something, she was too tired to figure it out.

Quote:

"Right, Candlekeep! Tulfgar told me all about the arrangements with his father's friends' children. Are you one of those then? From Icewind Dale?"

"Oh! Tulfgar. I guess word did get here, didn't it?" Stella opens her mouth, hesitates, looking to the top corners of her eyes, then closes her mouth. Dieter seemed to trust her, and she was the wife of Tulfgar, son of Tulfgyr. They could trust her, right? She looks at Marianne and opens it again. "When did he hear about it and tell you about it? He didn't happen to tell anyone else, did he? There have been far more who know about us than there should be, and not everyone has been...friendly, you see..."

Jan 3, 2023 6:24 pm

Jan 3, 2023 6:24 pm

"Not friendly?" Marianne turns to regard the two more carefully. Particularly Dieter. "You look pale, Deedee! What's happened?" She shakes her head crossly and grabs an enormous loaf of bread and forcefully starts slicing it. "I don't know who Tulfgar has told. He's quite talkative in the shop when working with customers."

She calls out to one of the children: "Bronwyn! Run to the shop and fetch your father." One of the older children zips off to do as told.

Marianne plates the bread and swathes it with butter, then puts it down in front of Dieter almost hard enough to crack the plate. She stomps across the kitchen to work on another slice for Stella. "Tell me everything."

Jan 3, 2023 7:17 pm

Jan 3, 2023 7:17 pm

Stella shrinks back at Marriane being so forceful and direct, and looks warily to Dieter and back to Marriane.

Was she just expressing motherly instincts, or was there something more going on?

Last edited January 3, 2023 7:18 pm

Rolls

Insight - (1d20+5)

(16) + 5 = 21

Jan 3, 2023 7:47 pm

Jan 3, 2023 7:47 pm

Stella knows this behavior and these signs. After all, Icewind Dale has roaming tribesmen that purposely foster and harness such anger. And who could forget the stories of Icewind Dale's favorite goliath, Ug the Barbarian?

It's highly likely that Marianne is or was once a barbarian herself.

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 3, 2023 8:11 pm

Jan 3, 2023 8:11 pm

"oh yeah I died, being a bit pale is a byproduct of the restoration magic. My friends tell me they took me to a temple but I’m a bit foggy of when I first woke. It’s okay Stella you don’t have to hold your tongue around these people." Dieter sits and starts eating "you have to forgive stella mother, she’s a bit new to the outside world but almost the reverse of when you first picked me up. She trusted too much and now she trusts to little but that can happen when assassins try and kill you in candle keep itself"

Calliope O'Kelly

deoelvenmage Inactive forever!

Jan 3, 2023 9:00 pm

Jan 3, 2023 9:00 pm

Quote:

"Was the Jovial Juggler not jiving with you either? I already made someone mad in there, but you can go in."

"Nah, we were just following you because Stella wanted to split up but also stick together; we haven't gone in yet. Who did you make mad? We don't need more assassins coming after you," Calliope jokes.

"Related, Stella wanted you to know the plan is to stay in different inns in smaller groups so they have a harder time finding who they're looking for."

Jan 3, 2023 9:40 pm

Jan 3, 2023 9:40 pm

"Oh, that was smart of her," Aiwë says, somewhat sheepish. "I was feeling lonely, so I wanted to take it in for a while. I shouldn't have gone on my own. Sorry."

Aiwë's penitent look quickly shifts to anger. "There was a bard already playing in there. Silke Rosena," she says sickly sweet. "She thought I was a thief and tried to rope me into stealing some merchant's cloak. Me!" Aiwë paces angrily, gesticulating sharply along with her increasingly orcish-accented Common. "I was like, 'Yeah, how about no?' And she was like, 'It will be exciting!'" She turns back to Calliope, braids flying. "Exciting!! Can you believe that?!"

Last edited January 3, 2023 9:41 pm

Jan 4, 2023 1:31 am

Jan 4, 2023 1:31 am

Sheemish drums a rhythm on the table with, signaling to Stitch to listen closer to the table about the "Job" relating to Entar Silvershield. He then walks over to the table with the conversation about spiders.

"So I understand someone has need of an exterminator?" he says with a half smile.

If its too much to have Sheemish concentrate on two conversations at once, He does have a tape recorder ability to replay back a few sentences of conversations. Stitch could eaves drop a moment longer and then report it back to Sheemish.

Jan 4, 2023 3:15 am

Jan 4, 2023 3:15 am

Porcelain shatters as the plate meant for Stella hits the ground.

"You WHAT."

Marianne crunches the plate's shards under her sandaled feet as she stalks towards Dieter. "You DIED. Assassins? What has Tulfgar gotten you into?"

Jan 4, 2023 3:19 am

Jan 4, 2023 3:19 am

Tulfgar arrives at just that moment. "Oh hello, my boy! And you've brought a pretty lass home! I knew you'd-"

Jan 4, 2023 3:23 am

Jan 4, 2023 3:23 am

"He DIED," Marianne interrupts. Tulfgar stares at everyone in the room, searching their faces for what is going on. Marianne folds her arms in front of her. "You sent our boy out someplace and he was KILLED. There were ASSASSINS."

While Tulfgar tries to absorb that information, Marianne turns back to Dieter and Stella. "It's a good thing you've come home. You should never have left in the first place. Let those assassins try this home - just once! I'll teach them the cost of harming my boy."

She growls at Stella. "And I suppose these ASSASSINS were after you? And my boy, being the foolish, brave soul that he is, put himself in their way." The wooden handle of her bread knife splinters in her grasp as she shakes it Stella. "Maybe you should go back to Dicewind Ale or whatever it's called, and keep your troubles to yourself!"

And back to Dieter. "You're safe now, Deedee. Just let them come..."

Jan 4, 2023 3:26 am

Jan 4, 2023 3:26 am

Aiwe and Calliope both notice Imoen standing nearby, eyes wide as she hears about the magical cloak. She starts heading towards the door of the Burning Wizard.

Rolls

Mystery Roll - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Jan 4, 2023 3:39 am

Jan 4, 2023 3:39 am

Aiwë points at Imoen. "I am not your mother, but if you get yourself into trouble over sticky fingers, boredom, or a cloak you deserve what you get and I won't be sticking my friends necks out for you!" She rubs her head. "By the Seldarine I sound like my mother."

She stomps off down the dark street. "Better to stay in the Jovial Juggler," she says to Calliope as she passes.

Rolls

You're making STUPID CHOICES (persuasion) - (1d20+7)

(19) + 7 = 26

Jan 4, 2023 3:41 am

Jan 4, 2023 3:41 am

Sheemish finds a man and woman sitting at the bar together discussing Liandrin and her spider problem. They look up at the blacksmith in surprise.

"Are you actually volunteering to go and clear out them spiders? About a week ago I saw a few of them, as big as dogs they were. Hope they ain't gotten any bigger." the man says. The woman looks hopeful, but says nothing.

OOC:

And now for Stitch...

Stitch finds the speaker who mentioned the job, a black-bearded dwarf who seems to have some sort of throat injury. His voice is more of a higher-pitched wheeze than anything else. He seems to be trying to recruit a trio of rough-looking men.

"I mean, imagine the fame and fortune that could come with saving the son of one of Baldur's Gate's Grand Dukes? Anything could happen on the road, buy yous guys could keep 'im safe. I'll give you 300 gold each to get 'im back to the city in one piece, and maybe a bonus if I happen to get one myself."

Jan 4, 2023 3:59 am

Jan 4, 2023 3:59 am

Imoen jumps as Aiwë's tirade starts, then wilts as it continues. "I just wanted to see the magic cloak! But, um, I guess I won't, then."

She starts back towards the Jovial Juggler. "I hope Stella's having more fun than we are..." She perks up a little at her own change of conversation. "Didja notice how she arranged to spend some alone time with Dieter?" Imoen giggles. "I mean, he's handsome enough. But those clothes!"

Jan 4, 2023 4:20 am

Jan 4, 2023 4:20 am

A confident smile spreads on Sheemish’s face. There may be a way to make the spider job more profitable, he was in a bar after all.

He proceeds to stand up and step atop his chair raising his mug of ale in the air. All eyes turn to him as he raises his voice above the ruckus Fellow inebriated patrons he shouts with a mischevious grin step right up and place your bets! odds of my friends and I against a house full of massive flesh eating spiders! What say you!

And locking eyes with the recruiter and afterwards if we are victorious we may take you up on your offer as well! and he downs the rest of his mug in a dramatic flourish.

Using inspiration from the em we earned last fight for a persuasion crit!

Last edited January 4, 2023 4:38 am

Rolls

Persuasion - (1d20+4)

(8) + 4 = 12

With advantage - (1d20+4)

(20) + 4 = 24

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 4, 2023 5:07 am

Jan 4, 2023 5:07 am

"It was an Ogre but..But I k-killed it" Dieter says realizing he has made a mistake "um actually she was in the library at candlekeep getting attacked by assassins while I was in the dormitories…and I got killed after I think." Dieter slowly makes his way over to the crushing embrace of Marianne like a soldier to his duty.

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

Jan 4, 2023 5:25 am

Jan 4, 2023 5:25 am

Upon hearing Sheemish's speech, I decide it might be best to stick around and watch my friend's back in case anyone wants too much piece of the betting action. So I settle into a seat and watch.

Last edited January 4, 2023 5:26 am

Jan 4, 2023 5:32 am

Jan 4, 2023 5:32 am

Quote:

Porcelain shatters as the plate meant for Stella hits the ground.
"You WHAT."

Stella jolts at the sudden outburst. She looks down at the pieces. I..can fix that...

Quote:

Marianne crunches the plate's shards under her sandaled feet as she stalks towards Dieter.

Nevermind!

She watches the conversation uncomfortably, trying to think of how and what to say. It was a complicated situation...

Quote:

She growls at Stella. "And I suppose these ASSASSINS were after you? And my boy, being the foolish, brave soul that he is, put himself in their way."

"That's...about accurate. But I---"

Quote:

The wooden handle of her bread knife splinters in her grasp as she shakes it Stella. "Maybe you should go back to Dicewind Ale or whatever it's called, and keep your troubles to yourself!"

Stella holds up her hands and jumps back in panic at the threat. "I..."

Tears quickly well in her eyes. Marianne was right. Stella should have gone home with Wirrow. "I d-don't know w-why they're after us, I-I'm sorry...W-we brought him back." She backs away from the furious dwarf, glances at Tulfgar, and reaches for the door, trembling.

"I c-can just...leave..." she says while Dieter's tries to talk to Marrianne.

Last edited January 4, 2023 5:39 am

Jan 4, 2023 3:33 pm

Jan 4, 2023 3:33 pm

Calliope, Aiwë, and Imoen enter the Jovial Juggler to find Sheemish up on a table surrounded by cheering patrons, who have taken to chanting "Spiders! Spiders! Spiders!"

Sheemish easily collects bets from everyone in the room. Even the fiddler gets in on it! By the end of it, he's got notes for collectively 136 gold pieces, should the party be victorious against the house of spiders.

"Well?" one of the patrons shouts, "Let's see it happen right now! Spiders! Spiders! Spiders!"

Rolls

bets - (25d10)

(6108110952463102834433593675) = 136

Jan 4, 2023 3:49 pm

Jan 4, 2023 3:49 pm

For a moment Tulfgar looks like he might join Stella in her escape of the situation, but then he chuckles and pats her on the shoulder. "Don't you worry, dear. Marianne just needs a moment to process the news. She's just a bit of a mama bear. Look!" None of the children seem fazed by Marianne's rage, continuing their play and games, though avoiding the area of crushed porcelain.

Jan 4, 2023 3:54 pm

Jan 4, 2023 3:54 pm

It seems that with Dieter's hug Marianne is beginning to calm down. "You slew an ogre?" A smile spreads across her face. "Just the way we taught you, eh?" She gives him a tight squeeze. "I bet you're the best warrior those others have ever seen." She shoots Stella another look, though this one seems softer. "Where are the rest of them, anyway?"

Jan 4, 2023 5:06 pm

Jan 4, 2023 5:06 pm

"Some should be at the Jovial Juggler..." she says slowly, trying to regain what little composure she has left. Tulfgar and Dieter's reactions certainly helped.

"And I was thinking the rest of us would stay at the Red Sheaf Inn. Split up to, you know, keep our group slightly less obvious. Though some may still be running errands and such." she tilts her head, avoiding eye contact. "I'm not sure."

Last edited January 4, 2023 5:08 pm

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 4, 2023 6:34 pm

Jan 4, 2023 6:34 pm

Dieter shrugs not knowing where people are staying. He then picks Marianne up in a bear hug and Carrie’s her over to Tulfgar for a group hug

Last edited January 4, 2023 6:34 pm

Jan 4, 2023 6:39 pm

Jan 4, 2023 6:39 pm

Marianne shakes her head. "No son of mine will stay in an inn, not when there's room for him here!" She finally lets go of Dieter and reaches up to tousle his hair and straighten his most fashionable hat. "I just need to move some of the food storage and set your bed back up."

Jan 4, 2023 6:43 pm

Jan 4, 2023 6:43 pm

Tulfgar lets out a groan as he's squeezed by Dieter and Marianne. When the pressure lets up, he turns back to Stella. "You're welcome to stay here too! Dieter's happy enough to sleep on the rug, aren't you, boy? Slept there often enough with Chisel and Mallet. And we'll set his bed up for you, dear."

Jan 4, 2023 6:50 pm

Jan 4, 2023 6:50 pm

Aiwë takes in the situation as quickly as she can. Now this is exciting. "Spiders, spiders, spiders!" She gets up onto a table. "Hey, you!" She points at a random onlooker. "Some of my friends are at Tulfgar's house! We need them for the spiders. Run, quick! We will set the mood!"

Aiwë beats on her drum to get attention, then begins a ragged stage whisper.

"Fangs that bite and webs that bind!" She raises her arms to pull the crowd into the chant.

"Spiders, spiders, spiders, spiders!"

She shushes them quickly. "Bloated bellies and legs be-spined."

She raises her arms again. "Spiders, spiders, spiders, spiders!"

"Eyes so many you'll lose your mind!"

"SPIDERS, SPIDERS, SPIDERS, SPIDERS!"

Last edited January 4, 2023 7:04 pm

Jan 4, 2023 7:17 pm

Jan 4, 2023 7:17 pm

Before Stella can properly answer Tulfgar, there's another knock at the front door. This time it's a half-drunk man with a scraggly beard. "Shpidersh! Shpidersh! Shpidersh! Shpidersh!" he chants, stumbling through a jig. "Friendsh of shpidersh, gonna shquash 'em good!" He starts staggering away from the door, then turns and waves for Dieter and Stella to follow him. "Shpidersh! The bard shaid sho! They need yer help!"

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 4, 2023 7:23 pm

Jan 4, 2023 7:23 pm

Dieter pauses and looks at each person in the room before turning to the drunk "what?"

Jan 4, 2023 8:41 pm

Jan 4, 2023 8:41 pm

She would feel better about staying here with the strong and protective Marrianne. And Tulfgar. But she didn't want to make Dieter sleep on the floor...

When the drunk barges in chanting, stella buries her face in her hands and groans. Aiwe, not again... "Wghy drsh shgh krrp drghn ths...?!" (Why does she keep doing this?!) She pulls on her hair, wishing for nothing but sleep.

"This better be absolutely necessary..." Stella gestures for Deiter to follow.

Last edited January 4, 2023 8:41 pm

Jan 4, 2023 9:11 pm

Jan 4, 2023 9:11 pm

Stella arrives at the inn to a scene.

"Closer, closer!" Aiwë stage whispers, her fingers scratching on her drum with a skittering sound. "'Which way?' Erevain cried. Erestor's eyes widened in fear and Erevain spun about to protect them." Aiwë whirls around, imaginary sword in hand. "But he was deceived." She screams suddenly, dropping to one knee.

"Blood! Dripping down his leg! Erestor stood above him, blood dripping from his dagger. 'Occupy them for me.'" Aiwë rehearses, voice low and cold for Erestor. "And then he was gone. But the spiders were not. Chittering, dark forms. Pitiless fangs in the dark!"

Aiwë rises, quiet and solemn. "Down, down, deep below the Spine of the World, where the sunlight is but a dream, and silk brings not comfort, but fear, Erevain's bones still hang to this day."

He did get better. But that wasn't the point of this story.

Last edited January 4, 2023 9:15 pm

Rolls

Spiders are really scary! (Performance) - (1d20+7, 1d20+7)

1d20+7 : (1) + 7 = 8

1d20+7 : (10) + 7 = 17

Jan 4, 2023 9:39 pm

Jan 4, 2023 9:39 pm

Oh... Stella sighs glares at the drunk who gave the message with orange-starred, bloodshot eyes. She swings an impatient hand towards Aiwe and takes a step forward. "Yes, the bard tells a great story about death-by-spiders. Is that all you meant?"

Jan 4, 2023 9:48 pm

Jan 4, 2023 9:48 pm

Story finished and crowd suitably awed, Aiwë steps off the table and slings an arm around Stella. "Sheemish signed us up to go clear spiders out of some poor lady's house." She pauses.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 4, 2023 10:03 pm

Jan 4, 2023 10:03 pm

" I have to go but I’ll be back later tonight or the morning" dieter tells Tulfgar then turns to Marianne "the clothes you made me fit so well they’re just like I remember the men wore from home! But I might need some help the name tag is tearing a bit and I’m having trouble sewing it back on" he gives Marianne a kiss and runs out the door with Stella.

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 4, 2023 10:06 pm

Jan 4, 2023 10:06 pm

Dieter comes running behind stella a bit out of breath. Running isn’t easy when you are not a magic fairy thing what is stella anyways? "hello! I hear there’s some fighting, well actually that’s an assumption but I have heard things!"

Jan 4, 2023 10:18 pm

Jan 4, 2023 10:18 pm

Aiwë plays the audience like one of her instruments; they hang on her every word and react exactly as she wishes. When she finishes her dread tale, many of them set about adjusting their bets.

OOC:

199 gp (total) from the tavern patrons if the party beats the spiders!

Rolls

more bets! - (10d10)

(7462889298) = 63

Jan 4, 2023 10:29 pm

Jan 4, 2023 10:29 pm

When the crowd is riled up with excitement fit to burst, the party leaves the Jovial Juggler, with a veritable mob of tavern patrons following. As the raucous crew takes to the streets, lights turn on in nearby houses and heads peek out from windows and doorways. In mere minutes, the crowd size has doubled with more curious townsfolk. Torches spring up among the crowd to light the way.

Beregost isn't a huge town, and so they arrive at Landrin's house before long. It looks like it may have once been a nice, well-kept place, but obviously it hasn't seen care in weeks. The windows are dark, but the barest lighting shows thick cobwebs on the other side of the glass. The front door firmly closed, and a quick try reveals that it's locked.

The crowd hushes as the party decides how to proceed, each townsperson excitedly trying to listen in.

OOC:

Up to you guys how you want to handle this!

Jan 4, 2023 10:31 pm

Jan 4, 2023 10:31 pm

Quote:

Story finished and crowd suitably awed, Aiwë steps off the table and slings an arm around Stella. "Sheemish signed us up to go clear spiders out of some poor lady's house." She pauses.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Stella holds back tears, then shakes her head, avoiding eye contact. "No. I want to go home," she says quietly. "And to sleep. Maybe I just need to become a squirrel or something. No one tries to assassinate squirrels in their sleep. No, wait---"

She opens her mouth to say more, but the rapidly surging crowd forces them out and towards the spider-invested abode.

I guess we're hunting spiders now...at least we'll earn some coin for some better armor.

Last edited January 4, 2023 10:42 pm

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 4, 2023 11:02 pm

Jan 4, 2023 11:02 pm

"So" Dieter says quiet enough so the crowd can’t hear "has anyone fought spiders before let alone assaulted a house full of opponents? I’ll go in first, watch my back and keep your eyes peeled. Remember spiders can walk on walls and ceilings." dieter waits for questions and answers.

Jan 4, 2023 11:18 pm

Jan 4, 2023 11:18 pm

I haven't but my guess is bludgeoning and acid will probably work best. Best not to use open flame in doors. You are welcome to go first, let me get the door for you."A hush falls over the crowd as Sheemish approaches the door. A quick inspection shows him that door is of simple design enough. Rather than forcing the lock, the hinges themselves look much easier. A quick acid spray from a gauntlet easily disconnects them and Sheemish lifts the door away so all can see what is inside.

Sheemish stays holding the door as a makeshift shield, not knowing what may be ready to greet them from the other side.

Last edited January 4, 2023 11:27 pm

Rolls

History check of the door's mechanics - (1d20+6)

(8) + 6 = 14

Jan 4, 2023 11:26 pm

Jan 4, 2023 11:26 pm

Aiwë pulls Stella to the side quickly. "Hey, sister-girl," she holds Stella's starry eyes with her brown ones. "If you want to go home I will get you home. If you want to sleep I'll keep watch while you do. Okay?" the crowd pushes at them and they are forced to start walking.

"But first we need money to get you home with. Just think about spiders for a bit, okay?" Aiwë isn't able to see if her words are of any comfort as the crowd pushes them on.

Becoming a squirrel to hide from death and danger... Shouldn't a druid understand the danger of the world the most? No. Kuldahar is a haven, and Stella deserves it.

"I have never fought spiders bigger than my hand before but my dad was killed by them and I harassed him for the details." Aiwë puts her armour back on while she talks. "Im more worried about what's making them nest in here. Spiders are usually opportunists and don't force people out of inhabited houses, right? There's got to be some kind of surprise down there. What do you think Stella, Calliope? You're the druids."

Last edited January 4, 2023 11:40 pm

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 4, 2023 11:53 pm

Jan 4, 2023 11:53 pm

Dieter looks at Stella and Calliope for information

Calliope O'Kelly

deoelvenmage Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 12:01 am

Jan 5, 2023 12:01 am

Quote:

"I haven't but my guess is bludgeoning and acid will probably work best. Best not to use open flame in doors."

"Maybe if you're bad at it." Calliope grins to herself.

Quote:

"Spiders are usually opportunists and don't force people out of inhabited houses, right? There's got to be some kind of surprise down there. What do you think Stella, Calliope? You're the druids."

"We wouldn't say all spiders are opportunists. Spiders can act quite well as predators, claiming space where everything smaller that already lives there would be prey to them. For a true giant spider, untrained or magicless humans could easily be on that list. There's not necessarily anything more in there. There may be also be disgusting hordes of smaller spiders in there as well, but we have yet to find a spider problem that a well-used flame can't handle."

Last edited January 5, 2023 12:02 am

Jan 5, 2023 2:49 am

Jan 5, 2023 2:49 am

"Mama enjoys being a spider," Stella remarks as Sheemish moves through the doorway. "But other than that, I've not actually well-versed in that area, so that seems sensible enough,"

Staying behind the others, she holds up a hand, palm forward, and the air around it becomes frigid, as she prepares a spell. "By the Crown of the North", she mutters in druidic.

Last edited January 5, 2023 2:50 am

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 4:25 am

Jan 5, 2023 4:25 am

I follow the crowd chuckling to myself as Aiwe pumps up the crowd even more.

Hefting my warhammer and shield I take up my position near the front of the group and ready myself to to breach the house as Sheemish removes the door.

Jan 5, 2023 3:45 pm

Jan 5, 2023 3:45 pm

Sheemish's acid leaves an acrid stench in the air. A moment later he pulls the door away, trailing wisps of web. The open doorway is dark, but the light of the torches reveals thick webbing on the floor and around the edges of the doorway. All those watching feel intensely that this is no place for light. No place for the living to tread.

At first there's nothing, maybe only the faint stirring of webs from the night breeze. Then small points of flame appear in the darkness, reflections of torches in too many eyes. Those with darkvision can see the darkness almost seem to crawl.

A horrific, monstrous shriek comes from inside the house, causing gasps and whispers among the crowd, and then the spiders appear. Writhing carpets of them pour out onto the outer walls of the house and across the ground. Some are as small as ants, and others the size of a grown man's hand (Spider swarms 1-3). All appear voraciously hungry.

They surge forward!

Sheemish notices just as the action starts that the opposite side of the door he's holding is also covered in spiders (Spider Swarm 4).

Jan 5, 2023 3:50 pm

Jan 5, 2023 3:50 pm

Round 1 Player Phase!

OOC:

Spider Swarm 4 is currently on Sheemish's 'shield'. The rest are spewing forth from the doorway.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/a0/c4/ab/a0c4abfb186213330e16e834dc2538ee.jpg

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 5, 2023 4:07 pm

Jan 5, 2023 4:07 pm

Dieter keeps his cool and starts hacking at the spiders around him

Hp 25/25
Ac 18

Dieter deals 6 damage to swarm 2

Last edited January 5, 2023 6:50 pm

Rolls

Slash spider swarm 2 - (1D20+5)

(16) + 5 = 21

Damage - (1D8+3)

(8) + 3 = 11

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 5:10 pm

Jan 5, 2023 5:10 pm

Upon seeing the spiders come crawling out I too begin smashing them with my hammer.

HP:28
AC:18

4 Damage to Swarm 1

Last edited January 5, 2023 5:13 pm

Rolls

Attack swarm 1 - (1d20+5)

(13) + 5 = 18

Damage - Swarm 1 - (1d8+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Jan 5, 2023 5:14 pm

Jan 5, 2023 5:14 pm

.
Aiwë casts Thunderwave. Swarms 1 and 3 take 2 thunder damage and Swarm 2 takes 5 thunder damage and is pushed back 10 feet

Last edited January 5, 2023 7:28 pm

Rolls

Swarm 1 Con Save - (1d20)

(14) = 14

Swarm 2 Con Save - (1d20)

(8) = 8

Swarm 3 Con Save - (1d20)

(20) = 20

Damage - (2d8)

(23) = 5

Jan 5, 2023 6:47 pm

Jan 5, 2023 6:47 pm

Let's get this over with...

Stella's eye-stars flicker between ice blue and fiery orange as she forms a jagged knife of ice in her hand, then hurls it above her allies and through the doorway, leaving a trail of frost in its wake.

"Hyyaa!!" The blade flies past the spiders, but then explodes with a snap, a cloud of frost and shards and crackling ice engulfing the spiders.

(Swarms 1-3 each take 11 cold damage)

OOC:

Ignore the Wild Magic Surge roll. Stella is in the back so the spiders would have half cover, making their AC 14 for her.

17 / 17 HP
AC 14
Back of the party

Last edited January 5, 2023 7:01 pm

Rolls

Ice Knife Attack - (1d20+5)

(6) + 5 = 11

Ice Knife Damage (2nd-level) - (3d6)

(353) = 11

Spider Groups 1, 2, 3 DEX Save (missing DEX bonus) - (1d20, 1d20, 1d20)

1d20 : (6) = 6

1d20 : (8) = 8

1d20 : (5) = 5

Wild Magic SUUUUURGE - (1d100)

(28) = 28

Jan 5, 2023 8:41 pm

Jan 5, 2023 8:41 pm

Sheemish eyes widen with surprise as the door might not be the shield he was hoping for. But it might be a decent conduit. His gauntlets spark with electrical charge as pulse of electricity passes through them and into the door and spider swarm. A good number of the little things erupt into whisks of smoke.

Swarm 4 takes 6 lightning damage

Last edited January 5, 2023 8:45 pm

Rolls

Shocking grasp - (1d20+6)

(6) + 6 = 12

Lightning damage - (1d8)

(6) = 6

Jan 5, 2023 10:10 pm

Jan 5, 2023 10:10 pm

Round 1 Summary

The heroes let loose with skills and spells as spiders erupt from the doorway. Dieter and Runeson slash and smash away with their weapons, but for every skittering critter they kill, it seems that 10 more take its place. One swarm climbs up and into Runeson's armor, and he feels tiny mandibles sink into his flesh in a dozen places (Runeson takes 13 piercing damage). A bigger one starts climbing up the outside of his helmet, looking for a way inside, but is skewered by an arrow from Imoen.

Stella's ice knife flicks through the doorway and erupts into cold that freezes dozens of the spiderlings trying to make their way outside. Their tiny corpses then shatter as Aiwe delivers a concussive burst of bardic magic. Runeson discovers that the spells, while not harming him, have skewed just close enough to make those pinching spiders in his armor perish (Swarm 1 dies).

Another swarm tries to climb up Dieter's legs, but he manages to quickstep his way out of their reach. A cat-sized spider leaps for Aiwe's face, but Dieter's shield slams it out of the air before it can find its mark.

Meanwhile, Sheemish sends a bolt of electricity through the door he's holding, frying a good portion of spiders off of it. But many more climb up his gauntlets and start to bite his arms (Sheemish takes 14 piercing damage).

The crowd watches, entranced, as the fight goes on, calling out unhelpful pieces of advice like "Smash that big 'un!" or "Try not ta git bit!"

Shattering glass joins the cacophony of noise as three monstrous spiders (Giant Wolf Spiders 1-3) burst through the house's windows. One makes its way towards Dieter, as the other two each stalk around the sides of the battle, going for Calliope and Stella respectively.

"Oh ho! Didja see that one? I think I'm gonna make good on my bets tonight!"

Rolls

swarm 1 vs Runeson - (1d20+4)

(15) + 4 = 19

dmg to Runeson - (4d4)

(4144) = 13

swarm 2 vs Dieter - (1d20+4)

(7) + 4 = 11

swarm 3 vs Aiwe (disadv from D's prot.) - (1d20+4, 1d20+4)

1d20+4 : (4) + 4 = 8

1d20+4 : (13) + 4 = 17

swarm 4 vs Sheemish - (1d20+4)

(18) + 4 = 22

dmg to Sheemish - (4d4)

(2444) = 14

Imoen vs Swarm 1 - (1d20+5)

(12) + 5 = 17

dmg to swarm 1 - (3d6+3)

(655) + 3 = 19

Jan 5, 2023 10:56 pm

Jan 5, 2023 10:56 pm

Round 2 Player Phase!!

OOC:

Two swarms are still alive! And now also three big individual spiders!

Calliope gets 2 turns this round!

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/a0/af/92/a0af929ee5077529627c6b5e6a8b2ba6.jpg

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 5, 2023 11:05 pm

Jan 5, 2023 11:05 pm

Dieter dry heaves a little bit as the many eyed giant spider skitters towards him gazing into its monsterous eyes he is drawn back home. Screams and shrieks both human and monster fill his mind while the torchlight shadows toy with his eyes. His heart races on the verge of panic "I-I..I’ll kill you all!" dieter yells bringing him back to the present. He charges the oncoming wolf spider head on his boots crunching on its younger kin.

Hp 25/25
Ac 18

Dieter kills spider 1 with 15 slashing damage

Last edited January 5, 2023 11:12 pm

Rolls

Slash wolf spider one - (1D20+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

Damage - (1D8+3)

(6) + 3 = 9

Action surge attack spider 1 - (1D20+5)

(19) + 5 = 24

Damage - (1D8+3)

(3) + 3 = 6

Action surge attack spider 1 - (1D20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Damage - (1D8+3)

(7) + 3 = 10

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

Jan 5, 2023 11:07 pm

Jan 5, 2023 11:07 pm

Seeing the low impact that my hammer made to the swarm of spiders I decide to try again.

HP: 28/28
AC: 18

15 damage to swarm 4

Last edited January 5, 2023 11:13 pm

Rolls

Attack Swarm 4 - (1d20+5)

(9) + 5 = 14

Damage to spiders - (1d8+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Divine Smite this archaic arachnid - (2d8)

(46) = 10

Jan 6, 2023 12:12 am

Jan 6, 2023 12:12 am

Gritting his teeth from the pain, Sheemish manages to Utilize the door once more. He plants it in the dirt before him and then presses his knuckles against it. A concussing boom echoes throughout the village as what is left of the door erupts at the two flanking spiders. Despite the ingenuity of the tactic, the spiders easily side step the flying shards of destruction

Ac 17[/
Hp 1

Hopefully the shards don’t hit anything after that

Last edited January 6, 2023 12:54 am

Rolls

Catapult d14 - (1d20)

(12) = 12

Spider 2 save - (1d20)

(15) = 15

Damage spider 2 - (3d8)

(866) = 20

Calliope O'Kelly

deoelvenmage Inactive forever!

Jan 6, 2023 12:47 am

Jan 6, 2023 12:47 am

A storm of flames erupts from Calliope; the first wave transforms into a phoenix spewing fire, the second washes over the flanking spider coming towards her, and the third dives right towards it after spitting even more flames. When it all clears, the conjured burning bird sits between the druid and her pursuer--which should burn to ash any moment now.

(Turn 1 Firebird Summon, Flame Seed attack; Turn 2 Burning Hands, Flame Seed attack after 'standing up'. Giant Spider 2 (or whichever one is flanking towards her) takes lethal damage.)

HP: 18/18
AC: 14
Backline, bird please tank for me

Last edited January 6, 2023 2:54 am

Rolls

Spider 2 Dex Save vs Firebird summon - (1d20+3)

(13) + 3 = 16

Firebird attack - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Summon fumble table RIP - (1d100)

(42) = 42

Spider 2 Dex Save vs Burny Hands - (1d20+3)

(3) + 3 = 6

Burny Hands damage - (3d6)

(143) = 8

Flame Seed turn 2 - (1d20+5)

(16) + 5 = 21

Flame Seed turn 2 damage - (1d6+2)

(3) + 2 = 5

Jan 6, 2023 5:44 am

Jan 6, 2023 5:44 am

Stella starts at the shattered glass. She turns towards the larger, oncoming spider and thrusts a bolt of radiance at it. She misjudges it's speed, however, and the bolt shoots off behind it, illuminating the scene briefly.

At the last second, she draws a dagger and prepares to defend herself, bracing for a painful and poison bite.

17 / 17 HP
14 AC
Back ranks, facing off Giant Wolf Spider 3

Last edited January 6, 2023 5:49 am

Rolls

Guiding Bolt - (1d20+5, 4d6)

1d20+5 : (6) + 5 = 11

4d6 : (1223) = 8

Jan 6, 2023 4:48 pm

Jan 6, 2023 4:48 pm

Aiwë steps next to Stella, banging on her shield to get the spider's attention. "Side-by-side, sister-girl! Like our parents before us, and the stars in the sky, I'm with you!"

Aiwë casts Heroism on Stella. She gains 3 temporary hit points.

HP: 18
AC: 16 (with Sheemish's +1 bonus, I think she still has that)
Zone: Back, prepping to take the hit for Stella.

[ +- ] Heroism

Last edited January 6, 2023 4:49 pm

Jan 6, 2023 5:24 pm

Jan 6, 2023 5:24 pm

.

Rolls

swarm 4 dex save vs catapult - (1d20+2)

(2) + 2 = 4

imoen vs swarm 3 - (1d20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

dmg to swarm 3 - (3d6+3)

(266) + 3 = 17

swarm 3 vs aiwe - (1d20+4)

(5) + 4 = 9

swarm 4 vs sheemish - (1d20+4)

(20) + 4 = 24

dmg to sheemish - (8d4)

(23244132) = 21

w spid 1 vs dieter - (1d20+5)

(12) + 5 = 17

w spid 2 vs fire bird - (1d20+5)

(4) + 5 = 9

w spid 3 vs aiwe - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Jan 6, 2023 5:54 pm

Jan 6, 2023 5:54 pm

Round 2 Summary

Dieter charges one of the big spiders head on, just as it leaps for him. He skewers the beast out of the air, slams it to the ground and finishes it off with a well-placed slice.

Nearby, Runeson and Sheemish face the swarm on the door. They crawl all over Sheemish, skittering and biting, and the blacksmith falls to one knee (Sheemish takes 21 piercing damage). He puts his last strength into a spell to fling the door away, smashing the remaining spiders on it against the cursed house. Then he collapses, overcome by numerous stinging bites. Runeson's shining hammer comes down on a spider close by, and the divine energy racing through the hammer sends the spiderlings covering Sheemish flying off as golden, burning motes.

In an impressive display of fiery power, Calliope absolutely incinerates the wolf spider coming for her. The flaming bird she summoned looks for another target to burn.

The last wolf spider, about as large as Stella herself, scrambles towards the druid as she lifts her dagger. But then Aiwe is there, shield keeping the nasty creature away as she pours encouraging magic into her friend.

Meanwhile, the stream of spiderlings from the doorway slows to a trickle, and then stops. A moment later there's a hissing snarl, and out from the doorway squeezes a spider the size of an ox, ripping the doorframe free with its bulk as it passes. This truly monstrous spider (Sword Spider) has hardened chitin over it, providing natural armor at least as strong as chainmail. All of its legs are covered in barbed spikes, but its front two legs are curved like scythe blades - and look to be just as deadly!

As the crowd pulls away in fear, the sword spider scuttles toward its closest target: Dieter.

Jan 6, 2023 5:57 pm

Jan 6, 2023 5:57 pm

Round 3 Player Phase!!!

OOC:

The boss spider has entered the fray!

Sheemish is unconscious!

Wolf spider 3 is engaging Aiwe and Stella.

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ae/33/8a/ae338a9fa95c35305c4d41a6bf0a7861.jpg

Jan 6, 2023 6:07 pm

Jan 6, 2023 6:07 pm

Stellla is taken aback by Aiwë's valor and putting herself between the Stella and giant spider. She really was with her, wasn't she? It wasn't just words.

Stella had never actually seen their parents fight side by side; only heard the stories and seen probably exaggerated illusions of the tales.

But now she had a chance to experience it. She would rather have had better planning and more rest, but...here they were! This was their time.

Stella is shocked back into action as Sheemish starts to collapse.

"Be as the Dragon of Dawn!" With glowing fingers, she quickly taps out a constellation of a dragon that swoops over to Sheemish and imbues him with might.
(Healing word. Sheemish regains 5 HP.)

"By the Crown of the North..." Stella murmurs seeing the towering spider. Her hands become frosty and she holds one out, forming ice on the creature's wicked limbs and scythes.
(Frostbite. Sword Spider must make a DC 13 CON save or take 6 cold damage and have disadvantage on a weapon attack next round.)

17 / 17 HP + 3 THP
14 AC
Back rank, Aiwe between Stella and Giant Wolf Spider 3

Last edited January 6, 2023 6:35 pm

Rolls

Healing Word - (1d4+3)

(2) + 3 = 5

Frostbite Damage - (1d6)

(6) = 6

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 6, 2023 6:16 pm

Jan 6, 2023 6:16 pm

Dieter pivots and charges the sword spider whether by courage or his fight or flight response picking fight only the gods know.

Hp 25/25
Ac 18

Dieter deals 6 to sword 🕷️

Last edited January 6, 2023 6:24 pm

Rolls

Damage+distracting strike - (1D8+3+1D8)

(3) + (6) + 3 = 12

Attack sword spider - (1D20+5)

(10) + 5 = 15

Secret Roll

Woops I need to learn how to read - (15+1D8)

(7) + 15 = 22

Jan 6, 2023 6:22 pm

Jan 6, 2023 6:22 pm

Amongst the chaos a little form goes unnoticed. A small and inconspicuous fluttering is heard around Sheemish as Stitch bobs about his masters unconscious body, bumping softly against the young man’s head. It pauses waiting for a reply which doesn’t come. The soft hum becomes an angry buzzing whir. Stitch darts at the nearby swarm and emits her own blast of angry wrath. The air pulses around her as she lets out a high pitched grind.

Stitch can act on its own even with owner unconscious. It can do 1d4+1 thunder attack.

Swarm 3 takes either full or half damage as a con 14 save or takes thunder damage. As it only has 1 hp left it dies either way

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

Jan 6, 2023 6:44 pm

Jan 6, 2023 6:44 pm

Upon seeing Sheemish fall in combat and the sword spider burst from the house I have to make a decision. I shrug and decide that our best bet is to finish off our opponents quickly and then heal.
With yell I attack the sword spider, hopefully buying my friends time to prepare and strike.

"Thunder!"

HP: 28/28
AC: 18

19 damage to Sword Spider

Last edited January 6, 2023 7:03 pm

Rolls

Attack the speider swordy guy - (1d20+5)

(3) + 5 = 8

Inspiration, because... ouch that wasn't good - (1d20+5)

(11) + 5 = 16

Damage to the speider - (1d8+3)

(8) + 3 = 11

Thunderous Smite! - (2d6)

(62) = 8

Sword Spider strength save - (1d20+3)

(17) + 3 = 20

Jan 6, 2023 6:47 pm

Jan 6, 2023 6:47 pm

"Sehanine's bow," Aiwë gasps at the sword spider's entrance. "I owe Ada an apology." She turns to the wolf spider, determined to thin the battlefield.

"Fall!" she commands, stomping her feet and beating her shield. The spider flies backwards with force, landing with severe wounds.

Wolf spider takes 9 thunder damage and is pushed back 10 feet.

HP: 18
AC: 16
Zone: Back, between Stella and the spider

Last edited January 6, 2023 6:50 pm

Rolls

Con save wolf spider - (1d20+1)

(11) + 1 = 12

Thunder damage - (2d8)

(36) = 9

Calliope O'Kelly

deoelvenmage Inactive forever!

Jan 6, 2023 8:41 pm

Jan 6, 2023 8:41 pm

(Wolf spider dies)

HP: 18/18
AC: 14
Backline, bird please tank for me

Last edited January 6, 2023 8:43 pm

Rolls

Flame Seed vs wolf spider - (1d20+5)

(11) + 5 = 16

Flame Seed damage - (1d6+2)

(1) + 2 = 3

Firebolt vs Sword Spider - (1d20+5)

(1) + 5 = 6

Wild magic wheeeeee we love fumble tables - (1d00)

(0) = 0

Wild magic wheeeeee we love fumble tables (but with the right die this time) - (1d100)

(17) = 17

Jan 6, 2023 10:37 pm

Jan 6, 2023 10:37 pm

Round 3 Summary

Whatever bets the onlookers made, they now watch in terror the fight before them.

Aiwe faces off against the last giant wolf spider. Its multiple eyes shine eerily in the torchlight, reflecting nothing of its intentions. It twiches slightly, stills, and then pounces forward like lightning. But Aiwe is faster, and her shouted spell catches the thing in midair and forces it backwards. Injured but not defeated, it tries to right itself, but is immediately set upon by Calliope's conjured fire bird. The bird beats its wings hard, unleashing a tornado of fire that chars the wolf spider's life away.

Meanwhile, Twitch destroys the remaining swarm of spiderlings, and then hovers sadly over its fallen master.

Just a few feet away, Dieter leaps at the sword spider. For all the danger and the adrenaline pumping through his veins, the young fighter makes a perfect slice with his sword, blinding it one of its many eyes. The sword spider shrieks and moves to attack Dieter, but Runeson's thunderous hammer shatters two of its legs. One sword blade comes sweeping down at Runeson, but Dieter's shield expertly deflects the blow meant for his friend. Faster than the eye can follow, the sword spider retaliates, its other bladed leg swiping forward to dig deeply into Dieter's shoulder and hook his collarbone (Dieter takes 23 piercing damage). But before it can go for the kill with its jagged maw, it needs to deal with Runeson. It chomps down at the paladin with poisoned fangs, narrowly missing him.

Off to the side, Stella's druidic magic softly washes over Sheemish, closing his most grievous wounds and easing his pain. The artificer awakens!

Rolls

Sword Spider con save vs frostbite - (1d20+2)

(20) + 2 = 22

Imoen vs Sword spider - (1d20+5)

(7) + 5 = 12

swarm 3 vs runeson - (1d20+4)

(7) + 4 = 11

w spider 3 vs Aiwe - (1d20+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

sword spider vs dieter - (1d20+5)

(20) + 5 = 25

CRIT on dieter - (2d6+15)

(62) + 15 = 23

sword spider vs Runeson (disadv from D's prot.) - (1d20+5, 1d20+5)

1d20+5 : (8) + 5 = 13

1d20+5 : (6) + 5 = 11

sword spider vs runeson - (1d20+5)

(11) + 5 = 16

Jan 6, 2023 11:03 pm

Jan 6, 2023 11:03 pm

Round 4 Player Phase!!!!

OOC:

Just the one big spider left! Smash it!

Sheemish gets 2 turns!

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/ea/39/6f/ea396fd4d547b02645d3b5a62d0dd528.jpg

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 6, 2023 11:06 pm

Jan 6, 2023 11:06 pm

Dieter can feel his strength fleeing him. He grabs the serrated sword buried in his flesh "you-you can’t kill me!" this is way worse than getting crushed by an ogre dieter spits the blood pooling in his mouth at the spiders eyes and swings to lop off its arm

hp 6/25
Ac 18

Dieter deals 15 damage to the spider but it succeeds it’s str dc 13 check and dieter gains 4 health through second wind

Last edited January 6, 2023 11:29 pm

Rolls

Strike! - (1D20+5)

(11) + 5 = 16

Disarming strike! - (1D8+1D8+3)

(4) + (8) + 3 = 15

DIS ARMING ING - (1D20+3)

(16) + 3 = 19

Second wind - (1D10+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Jan 6, 2023 11:10 pm

Jan 6, 2023 11:10 pm

.
(Spider takes 2 cold damage.)
(Dieter regains 8 HP.)

Last edited January 6, 2023 11:11 pm

Rolls

Spider Con Save vs Frostbite - (1d20+2)

(7) + 2 = 9

Cold Damage - (1d6)

(2) = 2

Healing Word Dieter (2nd Level) - (2d4+3)

(41) + 3 = 8

Calliope O'Kelly

deoelvenmage Inactive forever!

Jan 6, 2023 11:37 pm

Jan 6, 2023 11:37 pm

Calliope's usefulness seems to have expended itself, as her volleys of fire keep dissipating harmlessly as they hit the giant spider; maybe the lack of focus is a consequence of pushing on through the night.

(Pew Pew summon shoot, as well as another gloriously ineffective firebolt)

HP: 18/18
AC: 14

Last edited January 6, 2023 11:40 pm

Rolls

Firebird vs Only Spider - (1d20+5)

(4) + 5 = 9

Firebolt vs Only Spider - (1d20+5)

(8) + 5 = 13

Jan 6, 2023 11:39 pm

Jan 6, 2023 11:39 pm

Sheemish comes to his senses amid the chaos around him. Coming up to one knee he reaches both fists out, a blue crackle radiating from each hand. Stitch sips toward the monstrous spider his humming guiding Sheemish’s aim. Both fists erupt as lightning shoots out and engulfs the hideous arachnid.

Sheemish utilizes his arcane armor specialty, lightning launcher. It acts as a ranged attack weapon but damages as lightning. Arachnid is arachdead

Last edited January 6, 2023 11:48 pm

Rolls

Lightning launcher - (1d20+6)

(2) + 6 = 8

Stitch advantage - (1d20+6)

(13) + 6 = 19

Lightning launcher 2x - (1d20+6)

(10) + 6 = 16

Lightning damage 2x - (2d6+8)

(36) + 8 = 17

Jan 7, 2023 12:04 am

Jan 7, 2023 12:04 am

"Hold!" Aiwë cries out to Dieter. She ducks under the sword spider, using her shield to hold its weight and push it off of Dieter. "One death is enough for the stories!"

Dieter gains 4 HP via Healing Word.

Last edited January 7, 2023 12:05 am

Rolls

Healing Word - (1d8+3)

(1) + 3 = 4

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

Jan 7, 2023 12:51 am

Jan 7, 2023 12:51 am

Knowing I am out of spells, I hope my hammers strength is enough to defeat our monstrous foe.

Rolls

Attack spider - (1d20+5)

(18) + 5 = 23

Damage - spider - (1d8+3)

(3) + 3 = 6

Jan 7, 2023 2:53 am

Jan 7, 2023 2:53 am

Working as a team, the party slays the sword spider! Its sliced and hammered corpse falls to the ground, smoking from Sheemish's twin lightning blasts even as lingering frost and flames dissipate.

For a moment, the loudest sounds are the companions breathing heavily. Attention goes to the cracked doorway, eyes and ears focusing to detect any other nasty surprises...

And there's nothing.

The bard from the Jovial Juggler lets out an initial whoop, and then the entire crowd erupts into cheering. Apparently even those who lost their bets are impressed and entertained by the fight they witnessed!

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 7, 2023 3:48 am

Jan 7, 2023 3:48 am

Dieter quickly puts pressure on his chest wound thats now a gaping maw free of the spider arm. Before his eyes the healing magics of his companions stitches his broken flesh together stopping the bleeding. Dieter releases a sigh. "So are we Ready to clear the house?"

Last edited January 7, 2023 3:49 am

Jan 7, 2023 4:21 am

Jan 7, 2023 4:21 am

Aiwë is bowing and blowing kisses and flexing her muscles for the crowd. "Ready!" she says over her shoulder to Dieter. "No egg sacs left intact."

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 7, 2023 6:16 am

Jan 7, 2023 6:16 am

Dieter grabs a torch from a slow onlooker and enters the home. He holds the torch close enough to any eggs he finds till he hears the small spiders popping in their sacs.

Hp 18/25

Jan 7, 2023 5:06 pm

Jan 7, 2023 5:06 pm

Sheemish shrugs off his wounds but looks impressively at his gauntlets. Those last lightning charges were pretty fantastic! Maybe with a bit more work . . .

Sheemish follows dieter into the house looking for anything interesting what may have attracted the spiders. Or how the big spiders even made it into the house? Was there another entrance beneath?

Last edited January 7, 2023 5:09 pm

Rolls

Investigating house check - (1d20+4)

(17) + 4 = 21

Jan 7, 2023 5:45 pm

Jan 7, 2023 5:45 pm

Aiwë holds Dieter still long enough for Stella to treat his wounds, then follows him into the house.

"You think you can eat spider eggs? Maybe the spiderlings?" She looks curiously at the crushed spider swarms as she passes, wondering what more carefully collected specimens might taste like.

"Its weird they jumped out to fight us, right?" she asks her druidic friends as she searches the house, shield up.

Rolls

Investigation - (1d20)

(10) = 10

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 7, 2023 5:54 pm

Jan 7, 2023 5:54 pm

gardensun says:

"You think you can eat spider eggs? Maybe the spiderlings?" She looks curiously at the crushed spider swarms as she passes, wondering what more carefully collected specimens might taste like.

"No." dieter says not turning away from the task at hand.

Jan 7, 2023 7:36 pm

Jan 7, 2023 7:36 pm

Aiwë squints at him. "I bet you can eat them," she mutters. "Probably fried. Yeah."

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 7, 2023 8:19 pm

Jan 7, 2023 8:19 pm

Dieter turns abruptly "Aiwë, if you make any attempt to eat one I will walk out that door and never come back." he shifts to turn back but stops "Don’t." Dieter adds before resuming the removal not waiting for an answer.

Jan 8, 2023 1:34 am

Jan 8, 2023 1:34 am

There are two words used to best describe the spider house: dark, and webbed.

The companions quickly discover the large cocoon of a man sucked completely dry, reminding the party that Landrin in the Friendly Arm Inn asked for proof of clearing out her house, in the form of her dead husband's boots. Interestingly, there don't seem to be any live spiders in all of the house. Every single one seems to have died in defense of the house.

For those investigating the spiders' presence and behavior, it seems improbable that so many dangerous spiders would spontaneously decide to make the house their home. How did they come to be here? There is a cellar beneath the house, and it is certainly as webbed as the rest of it, but there are no tunnels or any other indication of how the spiders could arrive here...

And then Sheemish finds a curious pack in the main bedroom, just under the bed. While different in make from the satchel he crafted for Wirrow, it holds a similar enchantment; it keeps the contents at a stable temperature, however hot or cold the outside may be. What's more, tucked into an inside pocket are the remains of four large spider eggs. Three might have been the size of a grape. The fourth, even larger.

Jan 8, 2023 2:30 am

Jan 8, 2023 2:30 am

Aiwë doesn't do anything to offend Dieter. Yet.

As the party looks over the satchel, Aiwë raises her eyebrows. "Aha! Landrin is a black widow."

Last edited January 8, 2023 2:35 am

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

Jan 8, 2023 4:03 am

Jan 8, 2023 4:03 am

Upon seeing the others enter the house I follow suit and chuckle wryly at the conversation between Dieter and Aiwë.

"A black widow, indeed. Now, let’s find those boots and get out of here! It’s past my bedtime."

Jan 8, 2023 5:49 am

Jan 8, 2023 5:49 am

As the adrenaline fades, Stella strains her weary mind struggles to figure out how the spiders got there and why they all fought to the death.

"Vigor of the Sleepless Knights," she pleads in druidic, calling upon the stars to focus her drifting thoughts. (Guidance)

How many were in the satchel Sheemish was investigating? The opening was rather small, after all...planar hijinks perhaps? Tunnels in the cellar maybe?

Last edited January 8, 2023 5:53 am

Rolls

Investigation - (1d20+4+1d4)

(18) + (4) + 4 = 26

Jan 8, 2023 4:44 pm

Jan 8, 2023 4:44 pm

Shelur looks solemnly at the desiccated man. "Lets give the boots to the Flaming Fists. They can investigate whether or not Landrin really killed her husband."

She brushes the man's hair from his face, imagining that they were her father's golden locks instead, and that the dark house were unknowable tunnels of stone. She memorized the way the webs shine in the dim light and the dry texture of taut flesh, and hums a few bars of lonely and haunting song.

Then she steps back. "I'm hungry," she announces with a wicked grin to Dieter, and goes outside.

Last edited January 8, 2023 4:47 pm

Jan 8, 2023 4:49 pm

Jan 8, 2023 4:49 pm

As Stella takes a look at the enchanted pack Sheemish found, she senses traces of... druidic magic? Yes, nature's power was called on to preserve and protect these eggs. And to help the spiders within them grow quickly and strong. But for all of the recognizable touch of primal magic, Stella also feels something dark and sinister about it. Brutal, savage intent. Is it possible that an evil druid was involved? Is it possible for a druid to be evil? Troubling questions.

Jan 9, 2023 2:46 am

Jan 9, 2023 2:46 am

Outside, Aiwë surveys the wolf spiders then grabs the thickest hairy leg and slices it off at the joint. A swirl with her knife inside the thick exoskeleton loosens the pale flesh inside.

She eyes it. "You can totally eat this," she mutters in Orcish. To the crowd still eyeing the bodies she shouts, "Two gold and I'll eat this!" She laughs. "Just kidding. I'm going to anyway."

As Dieter exits the house she raises the spider leg and sucks out the meat like she's downing an ale.

"Hm!" Shelur waves the leg at Dieter as she finishes chewing. "It's basically like knucklehead trout. C'mon, Dieter, we've gotta paladin in our party, what are you afraid of??"

Last edited January 9, 2023 2:47 am

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 9, 2023 3:04 am

Jan 9, 2023 3:04 am

Aiwë turns to dieter but he’s already gone. He pushes his way out of the crowd and disappears down the street. Dieter may be dramatic but he’s a youth of his word. He eventually finds himself at Tulfgar’s door.

Catsqui1688 Inactive forever!

Jan 9, 2023 3:43 am

Jan 9, 2023 3:43 am

I follow the party outside and head back to the inn to rest.

Jan 9, 2023 6:15 am

Jan 9, 2023 6:15 am

Sheemish gives a low whistle and Stitch flits back to his side, the two bow before the crowd with Stitch bobbing up and down as best she can. The cheers turn to groans as the bowing is interrupted by Aiwe's celebratory snack food. Sheemish gives a weak smile while shaking his head. He gives a grateful nod to Stella and hands her the satchel from house maybe she could discern more of its use and keep it or maybe it would fetch a good price in town for its abilities?

After the team collects their winnings from the crowd, the tired blacksmith heads back to the Inn. Tinkering and whirring gears can be heard briefly coming from his room followed soon by exhausted snoring.

Last edited January 9, 2023 6:18 am

Jan 9, 2023 8:39 pm

Jan 9, 2023 8:39 pm

For Beregost's newest heroic adventurers, the night brings welcome relief from a day filled with travel and battle.

OOC:

Everyone except Dieter must pay 3 gold pieces for staying at an inn, which includes dinner, a bed, and breakfast the next day.

The morning brings refreshment for all, and with renewed energy the companions see to a few errands in town before they set out once more for Nashkel...

OOC:

Feel free to do stuff here in town this morning! Also feel free to post back in the Wilderness thread here

for the day's travel. Hurray for timey-wimey!

Jan 9, 2023 8:52 pm

Jan 9, 2023 8:52 pm

Stella takes the satchel from Sheemish, "I'll see what I can figure out. I'll need to go and buy a pearl first though...a big one...also I have some recommendations on some changes to our group's armor situation. I figure you'd be the man for that." She digs out a piece of rolled up parchment she had scratched out a list on during their travels, as well as a pouch of 90 gold pieces based on typical armor prices.

She gives any remaining spider eggs to Awie, helps collect and counts any money from the bets.

Last edited January 9, 2023 8:54 pm

Jan 9, 2023 9:00 pm

Jan 9, 2023 9:00 pm

In the morning, Stella searches around (preferably with a companion) for a pearl for purchase as a spellcasting component. (Spends 100 gp of her personal funds)

If there's time, she'll cast Identify on the druidic satchel Sheemish found in the spider-infested home.

Last edited January 9, 2023 9:01 pm

Jan 9, 2023 9:02 pm

Jan 9, 2023 9:02 pm

Aiwë accompanies Stella on her errands. As they walk, Aiwë begins to talk.

"Stella, do you really want to go home? Now?"

Last edited January 9, 2023 9:03 pm

Jan 9, 2023 9:55 pm

Jan 9, 2023 9:55 pm

The white-haired girl purses her lips, looking straight ahead and ponders for a moment. "Yes and no," she says. "I'm still terrified by how real getting killed is, and I'm not exactly the warrior-type. Everyone else seems trained and experienced with it. I have training, but...well, my heart was never in it. It..." she huffs and pauses, looking straight ahead.

Aiwë had shown total care for her the night before, pausing to talk even amidst riling crowds and jumping in to encourage and defend her from a giant spider. She could talk to Aiwë.

"It always felt like Papa was trying to turn me into him. And into Wirrow. He wouldn't stop quoting what 'an arcane archer' was and wasn't," see says, emphasizing 'an arcane archer' with an enigmatic expression and her father Zenithral's accent. She swaps the expression for an unamused one.

"That's partially why I spent so much time studying under Dok. And under the stars. There's so much in the world to discover! But...it's a dangerous world..." She sighs. "And at the same time, I'm starting to feel like I have a duty here: Keep people from dying, track our money, and identifying things like...this," she says, holding up the spider nest satchel. "And whatever else is causing so many people troubles here."

"And it does help to know that you have my back," she says with a smile, turning her head to look Aiwë in the eyes for the first time during the conversation.

"Why are you doing what you are?" she asks, turning to face forward again. "What keeps you going?"

Last edited January 9, 2023 9:55 pm

Victor.Strokov Inactive for 4 months

Jan 9, 2023 11:51 pm

Jan 9, 2023 11:51 pm

Dieter appears in the morning as the group musters to leave. He doesn’t make a lot of eye contact and ends up standing next to Runeson silently. He rests his body on a new spear (-1gp) while he waits for marching orders.

Jan 10, 2023 1:06 am

Jan 10, 2023 1:06 am

Aiwë listens quietly as Stella talks, nodding here and there.

"Stories repeat, over and over," she says when Stella finishes. "A dozen retellings of the same folk tale. Saki, Ilmadia, Uncle Zen," she smiles at her friend, "Stella. They have a path ahead. A big path, a long and steep path. Saki, Ilmadia, and Zenithral know the twists and turns, and try to prepare their child to know the way. But they don't know it. This retelling is similar, but different. Their earnestness becomes pressure and they drive their child off the path, but..." Aiwë spreads her hands with a laugh. "It still is the path. The story continues, as it did before."

"You're the protagonist now. If you look, you can see where in the story you are. All your mentors have given you pieces of your story but it's up to you to decide where you'll put them now, and how, and they can't do it for you unless you let them. Maybe that's hard for them, but that's because your stories are so similar, and because they love you so much." Aiwë finishes with the same air as closing a ballad at the hearth.

Quote:

"Why are you doing what you are? What keeps you going?"

Aiwë becomes considerably more subdued.

"I... always thought we grew up pretty much the same. You're practically my blood." She laughs. "I've heard so many of Arannis' lectures coming out of your father's mouth. We've been on so many scouting expeditions with your mom, or my dad." Her brow furrows.

"Only... the last few days, seeing how you've reacted to the danger, I realized that when I was on those expeditions they were missions. But for you, standing next to me, they were excursions. And when my mother or your father were working us through drills, that for you it was theory, and for me it was survival." Aiwë stops and surveys the town, an air of gravity around her like she held when Keggruk was dead.

"My people are at war and yours aren't. We grew up very differently." She nods to herself. "I want what you had for these people. If checking out Nashkell helps a little, then I'll do that."

Last edited January 10, 2023 1:07 am

Jan 11, 2023 5:48 am

Jan 11, 2023 5:48 am

Quote:

"A dozen retellings of the same folk tale. Saki, Ilmadia, Uncle Zen," she smiles at her friend, "Stella [...] You're the protagonist now."

As Awie recount's Stella's heritage, it starts to make sense. Aiwe was right. It was the same story. Insecurities. Adventures. Dangers. Growth.

Quote:

If you look, you can see where in the story you are. All your mentors have given you pieces of your story but it's up to you to decide where you'll put them now

She had tried to shove Papa's training and love aside...but she didn't need to. He was a mentor. And a very experienced on.

Quote:

"they love you so much."

Stella recalled how her departure from home was almost a bitter mess. But they were able to make it sweet.

"We'll always be under the same stars," his last words to her echo in her mind.

Quote:

"...for you it was theory, and for me it was survival [...] My people are at war and yours aren't. We grew up very differently." She nods to herself. "I want what you had for these people."

Stella had never thought about it that way either. They grew up so close, yet so far. The same stars, but different interpretations. The same glyphs, but different applications.

Stella stops walking, but keeps looking straight ahead, eyes narrowing. "Okay." The protagonist.

"Yes." Stella gives a hint of a smile.

"I think you're absolutely right," she says with a sense of finality and a curt nod. "I've been so focused on the threats that I've forgotten why I left in the first place. I had so much to be grateful for, and now I have a chance for discovery, but also to share what I have."

She tilts her head. "Or help spread what I have," she says, eyes starting to glow violet with the stars in them beginning to spin. "Ilmater teaches to bear others' suffering so they don't have to. But I've always thought that meant just...suffering instead of them."

She looks to Aiwe, a light sense of wonder in her face and voice. "But it doesn't have to be, does it? A farmer who tills barren land doesn't ruin someone else's crops...if...you know what I mean...What I mean is...we can make a real different here, can't we?"

Stella still had a lot to think about, and she wasn't sure how Aiwe did it, but for the first time since those first assassins, Stella felt some hope.

She gives Aiwe a big hug, then turns to keep walking. "Let's get going then."

Last edited January 11, 2023 5:52 am

Jan 11, 2023 6:55 am

Jan 11, 2023 6:55 am

Aiwë's face splits into a huge smile at Stella's growing peace, almost-tusk teeth on full display. She hugs her tight and lifts Stella up, swinging her around once before setting her back down.

"Onward, sister-girl!"

She falls in step next to her friend, and taps a light beat on her drum. Keggruk's gaping eye socket—yawning at the back of her mind—is successfully suffocated, for now.

Last edited January 11, 2023 6:55 am

Index > Game Forums > Baldur's Gate > Chapter 3

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Game Details

Characters
- Africhik
  
  Tilrifturrin
- Araklusta
  
  Berrun Ghastkill
  
  Oublek
  
  Dynaheir
  
  Edwin
  
  Moonblade
  
  Xan
  
  Mulahey
  
  Snog'snoot
  
  Emerson
  
  Dwarf Scoundrel
  
  Minsc
  
  Aldous Silvershield
  
  Officer Vai
  
  Bardolan
  
  Kagain
  
  Marianne
  
  Silke Rosena
  
  Viconia DeVir
  
  Jeram
  
  Flaming Fist Mercenary
  
  Belt
  
  Jessa
  
  Sheemish
  
  Jaheira
  
  Seniyad
  
  Entar Silvershield
  
  Jhasso
  
  Skie Silvershield
  
  Halbazzer Drin
  
  Scar
  
  Tenya
  
  Drasus
  
  Yeslick Orothiar
  
  Druid Woman
  
  Stephan
  
  Dread Wolf
  
  Druid
  
  Aldeth Sashenstar
  
  Ajantis
  
  Centeol
  
  Tiber
  
  Tazok
  
  Sirene
  
  Feldepost
  
  Dead Assassin
  
  Liia Jannath
  
  Kelddath Ormlyr
  
  Dabner
  
  Taerom Fuiruim
  
  Khalid
  
  Tulfgar
  
  Gatewarden
  
  Kezryn
  
  Keggruk
  
  Dok
  
  Shar-Teel
  
  Riril
  
  Koveras
  
  Barkeep
  
  Fisherman
  
  Matt
  
  Bert
  
  Greyhelm
  
  Marl
  
  First Reader Tethtoril
  
  Maegan
  
  Halla
  
  Conlan
  
  Aerihykloarara
  
  Isherwood
  
  Jhonen
  
  Erevain
  
  Xeremiah Eltan
  
  Hooded Elf
  
  Kadmiel
  
  Ote
  
  Winski
  
  Teles Avhoste
  
  Bentley Mirrorshade
  
  Flaming Fist Soldier
  
  Gellana Mirrorshade
  
  Montaron
  
  Xzar
  
  Father Tulfgyr
  
  Armored Figure
  
  Miirym
  
  Happy
  
  Lady Kassandra
  
  Ulraunt
  
  Feldmar Bisset III
  
  Bandit
  
  Phlydia
  
  Droshroaqi
  
  Bandit
  
  Laurëa
  
  Little One
  
  Mesen
  
  Khe'ril Hammerbind
  
  Keeper of the Emerald Door
  
  Winthrop
  
  Jasan
  
  Imoen
- Carcabob
  
  Mr. Gemini
  
  Zenithral
  
  Stella
- Catsqui1688
  
  Runeson
- deoelvenmage
  
  Calliope O'Kelly
  
  Wirrow Bloodbyrn
- gardensun
  
  Aiwë Shelur
- Requella
  
  Ida
  
  Kay
- Victor.Strokov
  
  Dieter
- yaroto98
  
  Ossein Handel