Dec 2, 2024 3:43 pm
The hunt is on for Clerebold's donkey! Dedge and Mariel form one search party, while Dezd, Delvane, and Wormwick form another. Who will find the creature first?!?
Chapter 2: To Catch a Donkey
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Dec 2, 2024 8:08 pm
OOC:
You could roll a Persuasion check to represent your character going from place to place and asking people for clues. Alternatively, you can roleplay your interviews with NPCs. Usually I try to reward good RP with automatic success. It doesn't always work that way, but I try to incentivize RP as much as possible.
Dec 3, 2024 4:58 am
"We should probably begin asking with where the donkey was last scene and kind of figure things out from there." Mariel says, "If the donkey truly is magical perhaps I can do something to track it."
Mariel heads towards the wreck and starts asking about to see if anyone saw the donkey run off or if it really did magically just go POOF!
Mariel heads towards the wreck and starts asking about to see if anyone saw the donkey run off or if it really did magically just go POOF!
Dec 3, 2024 5:51 am
Dedge and Mariel speak to several witnesses in the market square. They say the donkey was last seen hitched to a goblin. Apparently, the donkey was gambled away during a card game at some tavern called The Stumbling Boar.
Dec 3, 2024 12:09 pm
"And, is there a reward for finding this donkey?" Dezd wasn't willing to commit to time and effort for another thank you with nothing further. A spell casting donkey was a handsome prize and finding it could prove difficult.
Dezd still didn't completely believe in a teleporting donkey. On the other hand, he didn't completely disbelieve. There were wonders aplenty in this strange and amazing world and he had seen but a grain of dust in the endless desert of existence.
He continued to check the area for signs the donkey had been untied and led off. Examining the post to see if there were traces of the rope left, examining the ground for signs that someone had wrapped the donkey's feet and taken it away. Something to get a hint or direction.
If that didn't give him a start, he would have to question his companion about her activities that led her to having the donkey in the first place.
Dezd still didn't completely believe in a teleporting donkey. On the other hand, he didn't completely disbelieve. There were wonders aplenty in this strange and amazing world and he had seen but a grain of dust in the endless desert of existence.
He continued to check the area for signs the donkey had been untied and led off. Examining the post to see if there were traces of the rope left, examining the ground for signs that someone had wrapped the donkey's feet and taken it away. Something to get a hint or direction.
If that didn't give him a start, he would have to question his companion about her activities that led her to having the donkey in the first place.
Dec 3, 2024 12:41 pm
Dezd can find no other trace of the missing donkey.
Clerebold offers 400 GP for the donkey's return. The news is beginning to spread. More search parties are forming; soon everyone will be looking for the beast.
Clerebold offers 400 GP for the donkey's return. The news is beginning to spread. More search parties are forming; soon everyone will be looking for the beast.
OOC:
Just to recap, we've established three locations within the city limits. There's the market square, where Dedge and Mariel are currently looking for clues; the tattoo shop, where Delvane, Dezd, and Wormwick are standing outside; and The Stumbling Boar, a tavern where some of last night's antics took place.Dec 3, 2024 9:05 pm
"I see nothing here Mistress Delvane, it looks like we have reached an impasse. If you wish to hunt this donkey for the reward, you will have to give us some clue. How did you get hold of the beast? Please, go into detail, small details can illuminate far more than one might think."
Dec 4, 2024 12:05 am
"Soo... I don't know if you’ll believe me, but..."
I try to hide my face using the brim of my hat and say in a low voice, only loud enough for Dezd to hear.
"Apparently, I was drunk last night and woke up next to this donkey. Then he started coming along with me and Wormwick during this trip to know what happened last night, and we became friends! But I think the fight scared him."
"Maybe we can search around the Inn, that's the last place we visit together"
I try to hide my face using the brim of my hat and say in a low voice, only loud enough for Dezd to hear.
"Apparently, I was drunk last night and woke up next to this donkey. Then he started coming along with me and Wormwick during this trip to know what happened last night, and we became friends! But I think the fight scared him."
"Maybe we can search around the Inn, that's the last place we visit together"
Last edited December 4, 2024 12:10 am
Dec 4, 2024 12:23 am
Dezd tried to keep the skepticism out of his voice,
"As you will have it. Lead on to this Inn then."
"As you will have it. Lead on to this Inn then."
Last edited December 4, 2024 12:23 am
Dec 4, 2024 12:55 am
Delvane and Wormwick return to The Stumbling Boar, with Dezd and the Unseen Servant in tow. The sun begins to set as they retrace their steps.
Inside the inn, they find a welcoming scene. The barkeeper is busy serving drinks to the townsfolk, who are slowly starting to trickle in.
Two minstrels are in the corner. One of them is a satyr shaking a tambourine as though his life depended on it. Occasionally, he belts out a few lyrics. Beside him is a halfling with long, flowing blonde hair. She wears dark clothing and plays a bright red lute. She seems to be rather talented.
Not long after the party walks through the door, the two minstrels finish playing, and the halfling waves merrily to the party. She gestures for you to come and talk to her.
Inside the inn, they find a welcoming scene. The barkeeper is busy serving drinks to the townsfolk, who are slowly starting to trickle in.
Two minstrels are in the corner. One of them is a satyr shaking a tambourine as though his life depended on it. Occasionally, he belts out a few lyrics. Beside him is a halfling with long, flowing blonde hair. She wears dark clothing and plays a bright red lute. She seems to be rather talented.
Not long after the party walks through the door, the two minstrels finish playing, and the halfling waves merrily to the party. She gestures for you to come and talk to her.
Dec 4, 2024 1:07 am
I find this feeling of maybe having met them before strange, but I try to get closer to see what she have to say, trying to stay calm.
Dec 4, 2024 1:14 am
Dezd is extremely uncomfortable in an place that specializes in intoxicating beverages. While he had drunk alcohol when he was young and stupid, before his imprisonment, he had known too many stories of how other prisoners had ended up in prison. Alcohol and stupidity just seemed a natural mix.
At least the lutenist seemed good, he followed the witch toward where the duo had left the stage.
At least the lutenist seemed good, he followed the witch toward where the duo had left the stage.
Dec 4, 2024 4:17 am
I guess we head to the Stumbling Boar.
"Who gambles away a perfectly good donkey?" Mariel asks not really expecting an answer. "I mean what'd the donkey ever do to deserve that?"
"Who gambles away a perfectly good donkey?" Mariel asks not really expecting an answer. "I mean what'd the donkey ever do to deserve that?"
Dec 4, 2024 6:09 am
Mariel and Dedge enter The Stumbling Boar. They notice the blonde halfling chattering with a group of people. Two of them, a goblin and an elf, match the description of two of the vagrants who were responsible for all the mischief last night.
Meanwhile, the halfling introduces herself to the others.
"I'm Dee Wildcloak. We played cards last night," she says to Delvane and Wormwick. "Heh, you probably don't remember. You were definitely a bit on the drunk side. But you guys beat me, fair and square. That donkey was part of the bet.
"Yeah, I'll admit it. I stole the donkey from Clerebold. But have you guys actually met Clerebold? He can be kind of a pompous ass. So what if he knows a little magic? He's not the only one who does.
"You say you guys are trying to find the donkey? I might be able to help you with that. See, after I stole the donkey, I noticed that Clerebold was up to his usual experiments--the poor animal had some weird enchantments placed on him. I figured out how to summon the donkey by playing a specific tune on my lute.
"I'll play that tune for you guys, but it'll cost you. I have a favor that I need help with."
Meanwhile, the halfling introduces herself to the others.
"I'm Dee Wildcloak. We played cards last night," she says to Delvane and Wormwick. "Heh, you probably don't remember. You were definitely a bit on the drunk side. But you guys beat me, fair and square. That donkey was part of the bet.
"Yeah, I'll admit it. I stole the donkey from Clerebold. But have you guys actually met Clerebold? He can be kind of a pompous ass. So what if he knows a little magic? He's not the only one who does.
"You say you guys are trying to find the donkey? I might be able to help you with that. See, after I stole the donkey, I noticed that Clerebold was up to his usual experiments--the poor animal had some weird enchantments placed on him. I figured out how to summon the donkey by playing a specific tune on my lute.
"I'll play that tune for you guys, but it'll cost you. I have a favor that I need help with."
Dec 4, 2024 11:59 am
A new lead and a new song. Things were looking up. Now to see just how onerous the favor would be.
"And what is the favor Mistress Wildcloak? Remember that we have no investment here other than a possibility of a reward so there are limits on our willingness.
"And what is the favor Mistress Wildcloak? Remember that we have no investment here other than a possibility of a reward so there are limits on our willingness.
Dec 4, 2024 1:11 pm
Dee leans in closer.
"There's a warehouse building on the east side of town which was built on top of the ruins of the old city. Some parts of the ruins are easy to get to; others, not so much.
"I've been doing some research. There are legends about a musical instrument that disappeared generations ago. In the history books, they call it Valda's Harp. I believe that the harp went missing in the old ruins beneath the warehouse.
"There's a problem, though. I went looking for the harp in the old ruins. For some reason, the citizens of the old ruins don't want to stay dead. I found zombies. Lots of zombies. More than I could handle on my own.
"I need some adventurous types to go into the old ruins and find Valda's Harp for me. If you were to do that, I'd gladly help you find old Clerebold's donkey."
"There's a warehouse building on the east side of town which was built on top of the ruins of the old city. Some parts of the ruins are easy to get to; others, not so much.
"I've been doing some research. There are legends about a musical instrument that disappeared generations ago. In the history books, they call it Valda's Harp. I believe that the harp went missing in the old ruins beneath the warehouse.
"There's a problem, though. I went looking for the harp in the old ruins. For some reason, the citizens of the old ruins don't want to stay dead. I found zombies. Lots of zombies. More than I could handle on my own.
"I need some adventurous types to go into the old ruins and find Valda's Harp for me. If you were to do that, I'd gladly help you find old Clerebold's donkey."
Dec 4, 2024 1:22 pm
I talked to myself for a bit.
"So, basically, we need to deal with some dead guys, find a harp, and then we get our magical donkey and a reward? This day is becoming even stranger than I expected. I need to write this in my diary haha."
Then I turned to Wormwick and Dezd.
"If that's our only solution, I'm okay with it. What do you guys think?"
"So, basically, we need to deal with some dead guys, find a harp, and then we get our magical donkey and a reward? This day is becoming even stranger than I expected. I need to write this in my diary haha."
Then I turned to Wormwick and Dezd.
"If that's our only solution, I'm okay with it. What do you guys think?"
Dec 4, 2024 3:33 pm
"Wait, you had the donkey and got rid of it?" Mariel asks with a blink, "And you gambled it away?" She raises an eyebrow looking at Delvane, "How drunk were you? And madame, seriously you appear to be in no shape to be chasing donkey's and fighting zombies."
OOC:
I assume Delvane only has 1 hp at the moment.Dec 4, 2024 11:02 pm
I'm sorry, Mistress, but it would seem the order and the equities are all wrong in what you suggest. We have a loose donkey with a publicly offered reward that is in danger of being found, killed, or wandering further off so that all your clues become useless. You have a harp worth far more than the reward the Wizard has offered for the donkey buried in an ancient ruin that only you presumably have done enough research to know about and protected by enough zombies to give you pause.
The only reasonable way this works is if you help us find the donkey immediately before it all goes poof in a puff of fairy dust. Then, we can go after your prize which seems to be in a stable and relatively unchanging situation. The reward for us isn't enough to cause us to set up to leave town or risk damaging our reputation so you have little downside to helping us first. I'm afraid that's the only way it makes any sense at all.
The only reasonable way this works is if you help us find the donkey immediately before it all goes poof in a puff of fairy dust. Then, we can go after your prize which seems to be in a stable and relatively unchanging situation. The reward for us isn't enough to cause us to set up to leave town or risk damaging our reputation so you have little downside to helping us first. I'm afraid that's the only way it makes any sense at all.
Dec 4, 2024 11:27 pm
I turn to Mariel and say
"I don’t know what you’re talking about, milady. I’m perfectly fine and ready for anything."
I lift my head with a prideful smile, my hands resting on my shoulders, trying to hide the effort it takes to keep myself standing.
After that, I pull the tip of my hat down, trying to hide my face as I say,
"I don't know what I drank last night. I was just upset and drank anything in front of me."
"I don’t know what you’re talking about, milady. I’m perfectly fine and ready for anything."
I lift my head with a prideful smile, my hands resting on my shoulders, trying to hide the effort it takes to keep myself standing.
After that, I pull the tip of my hat down, trying to hide my face as I say,
"I don't know what I drank last night. I was just upset and drank anything in front of me."
Dec 5, 2024 2:41 am
OOC:
It's true. Delvane could use a rest or a healing spell, since she's still at only 1 HP."If the donkey goes missing or gets hurt, it's not my fault. He's not my property, really. He either belongs to Clerebold, or to Delvane and Wormwick over here, but the donkey certainly isn't my problem."
Dee then turns to Mariel and chuckles. "Hah! You have no idea. They were so drunk they could barely remember their own names."
Dec 5, 2024 2:53 am
Dedge and Wormwick start talking about politics. The conversation becomes a bit argumentative. They decide to settle their differences over a game of dragonchess.
Dec 5, 2024 3:58 am
I look at them starting the game and think.
Probably this game of them will take some time, maybe I can take the opportunity to rest a little.
Probably this game of them will take some time, maybe I can take the opportunity to rest a little.
Dec 5, 2024 12:56 pm
"Give me a moment." Mariel says twisting her wrist, she mutters something unintelligible and swirling runes of pale golden light form about her hands. She reaches over and touches Delavane lightly.
"There you go." She says with a smile, "And I'm hardly a lady, that would be my mother you're thinking of."
"There you go." She says with a smile, "And I'm hardly a lady, that would be my mother you're thinking of."
[ +- ] Cure Wounds
1st-level evocation
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
A creature you touch regains a number of hit points equal to 2d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the healing increases by 2d8 for each slot level above 1st.
Casting Time: 1 action
Range: Touch
Components: V, S
Duration: Instantaneous
A creature you touch regains a number of hit points equal to 2d8 + your spellcasting ability modifier. This spell has no effect on undead or constructs.
At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a spell slot of 2nd level or higher, the healing increases by 2d8 for each slot level above 1st.
Last edited December 5, 2024 12:58 pm
Rolls
Heal Delavane / 2d8+3 - (2d8+3)
(27) + 3 = 12
Dec 6, 2024 12:13 am
"Your offer was to help us find him, in return we go face zombies. He's no use to us if he's already found or otherwise out of it. If you are not willing to help, maybe this Clerebold will pay for information about how he was stolen."
Dezd shrugs.
"As you say, not my problem, but between you and this wizard."
Dezd gets up and starts to leave, very very careful not to fully turn his back on the thief or her associates but to keep them in view.
"Mistress Delvane, best fortune to you and yours."
Dezd shrugs.
"As you say, not my problem, but between you and this wizard."
Dezd gets up and starts to leave, very very careful not to fully turn his back on the thief or her associates but to keep them in view.
"Mistress Delvane, best fortune to you and yours."
Last edited December 6, 2024 12:29 am
Dec 6, 2024 12:06 pm
"Ohh my gods, thank you, you're such a gentle. I'm in debt with you. I'll make sure to repay this kind gesture. And I'm Delvane, my pleasure."
But during this time, I saw the conversation between Dezd and Dee.
"Just a moment, my new friend."
Then I turn to them and say:
"I know that all of you have a strong personality, but Dee, this person right here is the best fighter I've seen in ages, and I’ve traveled to many places. So, I’m sure if you want that artifact, your best bet will be with us. And we’re new here, after all. If something goes wrong, no one will search for us. Then your name will be clean if we die accepting a job for you. Are you sure you’ll let this opportunity pass?"
"We drank together, you know you can trust in me"
I say with a prideful smile.
But during this time, I saw the conversation between Dezd and Dee.
"Just a moment, my new friend."
Then I turn to them and say:
"I know that all of you have a strong personality, but Dee, this person right here is the best fighter I've seen in ages, and I’ve traveled to many places. So, I’m sure if you want that artifact, your best bet will be with us. And we’re new here, after all. If something goes wrong, no one will search for us. Then your name will be clean if we die accepting a job for you. Are you sure you’ll let this opportunity pass?"
"We drank together, you know you can trust in me"
I say with a prideful smile.
Last edited December 6, 2024 12:08 pm
Dec 6, 2024 2:33 pm
Dee says, "if you guys will fetch Valda's Harp for me, I'll summon the donkey. It's as simple as that.
"I would never pay someone for a job before it was finished. So, why would I summon that donkey before you've agreed to help me out? I don't trust you enough not to swindle me. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is.
"If you don't like it, go ahead and find the donkey without my help. I wish you the best of luck out there."
"I would never pay someone for a job before it was finished. So, why would I summon that donkey before you've agreed to help me out? I don't trust you enough not to swindle me. I'm sorry, but that's just the way it is.
"If you don't like it, go ahead and find the donkey without my help. I wish you the best of luck out there."
Dec 6, 2024 8:58 pm
Dezd was leaving but pauses in the doorway to correct one comment that the bard made.
"I think you heard the offer wrong. The offer was that we do agree to help you.
Just that the donkey is a far more perishable commodity and it needs to go first as the reward is public and there are many out looking for it. This harp is clearly worth more than the reward or you would go after the reward yourself so you are earning an even bigger profit. And after all, the zombies will still be there once we have returned the donkey.
In the wastelands, Dezd is used to hard bargainers in the bazaars and oases. He is also used to thieves and swindlers. Either way, his course is set. Without a positive response, Dezd leaves and returns to the tattoo shop to seek out Clerebold.
"I think you heard the offer wrong. The offer was that we do agree to help you.
Just that the donkey is a far more perishable commodity and it needs to go first as the reward is public and there are many out looking for it. This harp is clearly worth more than the reward or you would go after the reward yourself so you are earning an even bigger profit. And after all, the zombies will still be there once we have returned the donkey.
In the wastelands, Dezd is used to hard bargainers in the bazaars and oases. He is also used to thieves and swindlers. Either way, his course is set. Without a positive response, Dezd leaves and returns to the tattoo shop to seek out Clerebold.
Last edited December 6, 2024 9:02 pm
Dec 11, 2024 10:17 am
Before Dezd can reach the door, a tiefling wearing a straw hat enters the tavern. His teeth are in bad shape; this is noticeable when he speaks. He holds a rope in one hand. The other end of the rope is tied to Clerebold's donkey.
"Hey, everybody! I found the donkey! How do ya like that? Heeeehooooooooo!"
As soon as these words leave the tiefling's mouth, the tavern erupts into chaos. Someone fires a crossbow bolt at the tiefling. The bolt misses the tiefling, but severes the rope. The donkey starts to bray and kick, knocking over tables and patrons alike. Almost every person in The Stumbling Boar starts running toward the donkey simultaneously. In the ensuing chaos, a few rowdies start throwing punches. The scene quickly devolves into an all-out tavern brawl.
Dedge and Wormwick scramble to their feet, knocking over their chess pieces. Dee curses. "Shit! Guess the time for jawing is over!"
"Hey, everybody! I found the donkey! How do ya like that? Heeeehooooooooo!"
As soon as these words leave the tiefling's mouth, the tavern erupts into chaos. Someone fires a crossbow bolt at the tiefling. The bolt misses the tiefling, but severes the rope. The donkey starts to bray and kick, knocking over tables and patrons alike. Almost every person in The Stumbling Boar starts running toward the donkey simultaneously. In the ensuing chaos, a few rowdies start throwing punches. The scene quickly devolves into an all-out tavern brawl.
Dedge and Wormwick scramble to their feet, knocking over their chess pieces. Dee curses. "Shit! Guess the time for jawing is over!"
OOC:
Roll for initiative, everyone.Dec 11, 2024 7:15 pm
Seeing the donkey in the middle of the confusion I scream
"LETS SAVE THE DONKEY"
"LETS SAVE THE DONKEY"
Rolls
Initiative - (1d20+4)
(2) + 4 = 6
Dec 11, 2024 7:25 pm
"Oh for fudge sakes." Mariel says as the bar descends into chaos.
Rolls
Initiative 1d20+1 - (Initiative1d20+1)
(17) + 1 = 18
Dec 11, 2024 11:37 pm
This is not a workable situation. As fists, mugs, and possible spells start flying, Dezd decides to step outside the bar and wait just to the side of the doorway (on the side where he won't be hit if it swings shut or open suddenly).
Last edited December 11, 2024 11:38 pm
Rolls
Initiative - (1d20+5)
(1) + 5 = 6
Dec 12, 2024 3:38 am
OOC:
The order of initiative will be as follows:Mariel
Dezd
Delvane
Literally everybody else
Although Dezd and Delvane both rolled a 6, I figured Dezd has the higher Dexterity modifier, and should go ahead of Delvane. If the new rules say something different about that, let me know.
Dec 12, 2024 4:09 pm
OOC:
It's hard to tell, in all of this confusion. Could be as many as 100, could be as few as 30. A successful Perception check would give you more information.Dec 13, 2024 4:38 am
OOC:
Fingers crossed.Last edited December 13, 2024 4:39 am
Rolls
Perception - (1d20+2)
(10) + 2 = 12
Dec 13, 2024 6:24 am
OOC:
Your Perception check allows you to determine that between 50 and 70 people are in the tavern. Also, you notice that you're going to need to make a tactical retreat. Be advised, players, that you will all need to take the Disengage action in order to remove yourself from the situation without getting hit by random townfolk, flying chairs, etc. I will rule that Mariel has already done this.
Dezd is up next.
Dec 13, 2024 11:52 am
Dezd waits outside the door for the uproar (and possibly some people) to die down.
Dec 13, 2024 12:43 pm
Oddly, a book comes flying through an open window. It sails toward Dezd...
Rolls
Flying book - (1d20+2)
(19) + 2 = 21
Dec 13, 2024 3:52 pm
Emberskyes says:
OOC:
Jesus, 2d6 from a book? It it a Guttenberg Bible?OOC:
Yes. Yes, it is.Dec 13, 2024 10:19 pm
Dezd is hit in the head by a flying book. That he hadn't expected. He puts the book in his pack and presses back against the wall, but still in sight . . . and range . . . of the window.
Last edited December 13, 2024 10:19 pm
Rolls
Hide - (1d20+5)
(1) + 5 = 6