DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 3W - Two Paths Diverged Near the Evermoors

DM

"I suppose all is a matter of ... perspective. What I have seen on the road ahead of you may, or may not be critical. And the information this lad has may ... or may not be too."

He turns his attention to the young lad and smiles. "I like your style young human. Troll claws are going to rot and smell soon. The gold in my purse does not rot."

He takes out a gold coin and stands it up on the table with his left forefinger and flicks it with his right, spinning it on it's edge.

Aubric

Aubric gives a knowing smile and nods appreciatively at the mention of "perspective" and the hint of additional information, but as the other elf turns his attention to the boy, he waits to respond.

Rory

Rory’s eyes widen at the sight of the spinning gold coin, mesmerized by its shimmer, though he may have had the same response to a platinum coin. The true value of it eludes him.

"Gold’s nice and all, and sure, troll claws might end up stinky, but..." He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the small piece of hardened lava rock he was gifted earlier. "Now, this—this was used by a fire giant to attack my friends in a recent battle! Won't rot, and it's way cooler!" Rory holds it up with pride.

He glances back at the high elf, his expression growing serious for a moment. "No disrespect, mister, but Aubric and his friends saved my sister’s life. He healed her. That’s worth more than… than a hundred—no—a thousand gold coins! Easy!"

Rory looks over at Aubric and then back to the elf. "I mean, maybe Aubric will trade you the snack info after I tell him, but that’s up to him." He shrugs, grinning again. "But me? I keep secrets, unless someone really earns ‘em. And besides, carrying gold just makes you a target for thieves." Rory smirks, satisfied with his logic, even if he doesn’t fully grasp the weight of his words.

DM

The elf smiles at Rory and gives him a nod of approval. "Loyalty is a profoundly good trait to have young human. I am humbled by your sense of honor! May you and your sister live long lives. I shall remember you when you come of age as a lad who became a man that is trustworthy."

He then looks back at Aubric. "Perhaps after you gather your critical information from this youngster you might decide to trade information with me. It is getting late but I shall be here in the morning looking to barter information."

With that he finished his drink and flicked the gold coin over to Rory. "That is for you. You earned that for your loyalty. It is worth more than the rock or the troll claws combined. I am sure that your mother will agree.

"Alas," he said as he stood. "I must retire."

With that he stood and left.

Aubric

"I'll see you in the morning," Aubric nods, lifting a glass of whatever beverage he's drinking—he's forgotten at this point—in a toast, attempting to communicate his interest in the information offered.

{OOC: Pavel still needs to run by the Blacksmith that supposedly was selling enchanted weapons or enchanting them. But if it no interest to the rest that can be done via PM}

(OOC - Zhu would be interested in that as well, if there is time.)

[OOC Can't think of anything ]

[[ Bern could stand another drink or three <weg> ]]

[Sindar has nothing pressing.]

Tamalin Zoar

The group with Tamalin finishes up with some pleasantries. As they depart, she provides them the pouch containing her letter of recommendation.

"In Everlund, you will find an inn called Danivarr's House, which my family owns," she says slow enough to make sure the party can commit the name to memory. "The innkeeper there is Dral Thelev, who you may more easily recognize as a one-eyed half orc. Show him this letter and he will help you make further contacts."

Rory

Out in the common room, the party reunites, and enjoys a bit more food and drink. The kitchens close before the bar, and soon the place begins to empty of patrons as the night draws on. Last call arrives, and whoever remains is there when Rory smiles after a quick check of the kitchens. "We can go now."

Zindra (privately to Bern and Davroar)

In her mind none of this information about Everlund was pertinent. She knew that she and some of the others had a different place that they needed to go to. The news about the Hill giants attacking in and around Beliard, Womford, and Uluvin was an immediate concern. Her thought focused on those because she had a mission, as did some others in the group, to bring word of this to the protector of the High Forest.

As soon as she had an opportunity to discuss it with Davroar and Bern, she does.

"We must make our way to Shadowtop Cathedral with some haste. We cannot be on diplomatic missions to big cities when there are real and imminent threats."

<Bern>

He nodded. Then asked, "So should we split the group", he asked.

Zhu

Arriving back at the tavern, she tells everyone what happened at the Witch's place. "So, we have a Rune that can be used to Call Lightning from the sky and another that can cast Fear (Aqua - see OOC thread for question). We also have 2 Potions of Regeneration. They can be used to cover a weapon or armor and the healing called for at need, or just drunk normally. According to the creator she used Troll's blood for them and so there is a small chance some new appendage might grow if used."

She catches up on what happened with Tamalin and adds, "I think we wanted to check in on the Blacksmith and seemingly there is a magic shop in town as well we should visit before we leave."

Thinking back to what they heard about the Blacksmith she muses and looks at Bern. "I wonder if we can use our Doppelganger's ruse against him here? Supposedly the Blacksmith knows the Dwarf and Doppelganger, but he has only seen him with Bern's likeness. If Bern were to pay him a visit and was careful in his speech, we might learn more about what those two were up to, in addition to how he is supposedly making magic weapons."

<Bern>

He didn't much like the 'imposter' idea, but he didn't have a better idea. "While I am not a fan of the plan, I don't have a better idea", he said with a sigh. He waited to see if anyone else had a better idea.

Zindra
"It feels that way," he says to Bern. "But let's see what Rory has to show us first."

Rory

Once it seems at least a few party members are ready to follow him, Rory leads the way to the northeast corner of the room, down the long passageway toward the stables, retracing the path the kitchen staff uses to bring food to the patrons.

Not everyone is required to follow, of course.

The boy walks briskly, but also has smaller legs, so it's easy to keep up.

Sindar

He is curious as to what they might learn, so he will accompany following the boy.

Jaliera

"I'll be sticking with Davroar on the next stage of the journey. Both of us have healing potions and Davroar has healing too so maybe the potions should go with the other group?"

She too is curious and tags along with the Rory group to see this secret.

Pavel

"It is a good idea Zhu. Might as well use the doppelganger against them."

<Bern>

He was surprised how many wanted to go with. He gave them a nod and moved with the group.

Zhu

She scans the group and says, "While anyone can use the potions the Runestones can only be used by some of us. Myself, Pavel, and Kriv can use the Lightning Stone and myself, Sindar, and Jaliera can use the Fear Stone. I suggest we distribute them now so if you desire one of these things speak up. If you want my recommendation I would have Pavel take either a potion or the Lightning Stone and Jaliera take the Fear Stone. The other potion, should Pavel want one, could go to Kriv. If Pavel takes a potion I can take the Lightning Stone. If he wants the stone then give the potion to Sindar."

(OOC - Trying to give potions to those who can't heal themselves, lighting to those who don't have that level spell yet and aren't front line fighters, and Fear to someone who is more likely to be off by themselves where they can better use it without affecting party members.)

Sindar

He nodded in agreement with the distribution of their new resources. It seemed like a good plan to him.

Davroar

Returning back to the tavern common room after listening to Tamalin Zoar, he steps aside with Zindra and Bern for their quiet conversation. Davroar is more excited about visiting Shadowtop Cathedral and plainly says to both, "I'll be ready to go for morning."

His attention shifts to Zhu as she describes the two magic items they recovered. Both should be very useful in the days to come, yet Jaliera has a good point and adds, "Makes sense they get the troll potions."

Rory

Just short of the stables, a doorway leads to a small room with several ready non-perishable items on shelves and barrels. In the room, a stairway leads down to the kitchens. Rory leads the party down the stairs into the dimly lit and now empty kitchen area, holding a finger up to his mouth to indicate all should be quiet.

Immediately at the bottom of the stairs, he turns to the right and points to a door. He whispers to Zhu, "Go in there. Move the barrels and shelves, there's a tunnel under the stairs we just came down."

Then he steps back to let the party go in and follow his instructions. The barrels are easily moved and the shelves appear to be hinged for easy access to a dark, secret tunnel....