DreamLyrics™ Play-by-Post Forums Fantasy SKT: The Storm King's Thunder 2b - Triboar Attack Aftermath

Zhu

She can see the high quality of the Harnesses made here and nods. She is always approving of people who do high quality work. It shows that they take what they do seriously.

She takes in the damage and when Gheryn offers to assist, she nods once again. "Yes. How can we assist?"

<Bern>

"I already knew that", he said in response to Gheryn's 'reassurance'. Then he added, "thanks just the same", with a grin and a chuckle.

He couldn't help but be frustrated at all the destruction and his inability to have done much ... =YET=, he reminded himself.

He wasn't sure why Gheryn seemed to be following Zhu ... there was a lot to. But it seemed like they finally got 'there' and it looked like they would be helping with the cleanup after all.

He immediately noticed the 'quality' of the weapons, and all things considered, it seemed like getting them sorted was a reasonable 'first thing' to get done. No telling what else might be 'stopping by' the town.

He nodded. "What can we do to help", he asked.

DM (for Arus)
At the Lion's Share, Arus tried to keep the calm, but the tensions are still high as others grumble. "We be need'n ta get da caravan movin," a larger man that looked to Arus to be from one of the barbarian tribes from north.

Aleastra moved towards Arus and put a hand on his shoulder as she addressed the laborers, "We had a difficult morning. His idea is a good one. Let's get started, shall we? "

Supporting words were also offered by Narth who concluded, "Let's get to work" and soon, he and Arus were out back, would need to work the loading and unloading of the wagons. In that time, the triton learns that the caravans were due to depart early in the afternoon. The attack delayed things and there's a real concern about them not reaching a safe spot on the trail before nightfall. The giant attack also spooked them, adding to the anxiety.

As they labored, Narth says to Arus, "We do have a job an a need filled. Did you see how badly Othovir's place was ransacked by the giants? That poor man! He's a customer of ours and we need to arrange delivery of five harnesses he made special for Amrath Mulnobar, castellan of Noanar's Hold. I too am worried about such a shipment going on a normal caravan. It sounded to me like you are going to join those others from Phandelin as you return to Yartar. Perhaps you can get the items as far as there and arrange for further delivery or take it yourself? "

DM (for Kriv, Davroar and Sindar)

"Indeed, any help we can muster to help spread the word of danger is helpful. Your ravens will help. I myself have not ventured far from this town for many years but if you feel that you can do so, I cannot but accept your help. Thank you. But I suppose you can send ravens to Baldur's Gate, Waterdeep and Neverwinter. I am unsure how to tell you how to find those who need to know there," Darathra said.

Urgala chimed in, "I think we need more than just sending a message. I think we need to make sure that we are prepared. I have battled giants. In fact, one of my old friends, one with whom I fought side by side with, has settled down. He's a wealthy knight Harthos Zymorven. I know that he had a greatsword which cut down giants with uncanny ease. While he has personally put aside his weapons, I am sure that he would be honored if it was wielded once more by a swordsman that intended to use it for the purpose it was made for. It may once again be time to defend the realms from a dangerous threat. The last time I spoke with Harthos, he was living in Zymorven Hall, his ancestral keep on the Rauvin Road northwest of Silverymoon. I believe that hw would part with the weapon if you mention my name to him and explain you needing it."

Darathra sighed, "I have to agree that I too am worried that we must be prepared." She turns to Sindar and says, "If you decide to continue heading east, I would ask you to stop in Everlund and visit Danivarr's House. It's the largest inn in the city. It is run by a good friend, Dral Thelev." She walks over to her desk, pulls out a drawer and reaches inside. The Lord Protector returns to the others and hands Sindar a small wooden box. Inside he finds a coin. It bears the insignia of Triboar, three boars charging forward. "Give this to Dral. He will help get the word out."

OOC: Gypsy and I are in PM

Kriv

The Dragonborn politely interjected,

“I may be able to assist with descriptive directions for the targets in Waterdeep, if my speculation about whom they may be is correct. I was there recently on official business. As for a giant-slaying greatsword, I have long been a student of the effective use of two-handed weaponry in particular, and of all our number would be the best placed to put it to good use. I will admit discomfort at the thought of claiming it unearned, though. Unequal transactions weigh on me. Nonetheless it is undoubtedly the right tool for the job.”

Sindar

He watched the Lord Protector and accepted the box when she returned. "I would be honored to carry your message." She already knew he had agreed to goto the other nearby town first, but he could continue on when the urgent business had been finished.

Arus (at the Lion's Share)

The work gets done either way.

In conversation with Narth, Arus considers the other man's offer.

Arus fought alongside Narth in the battle versus the giants. He has respect for the southerner, an entrepreneur, a calculated risk-taker.

Escorting a Lionshield wagon to Yartar is merely the last job he did for the company, in the opposite direction.

"I know not that my path will lead me to Noanar's Hold, Narth, but verily, I can take the wagon to Yartar and hand-off to Aldis."

Davroar

"Baldur's Gate, Waterdeep, and Neverwinter. Ok Kriv, could you craft three notes for each. Jaliera knows Neverwinter well and could tell me where to send the raven there. That just leaves Baldur's Gate then."

He looks to Darathra and Urgala, and asks, "Do you know anyone here that is from Baldur's Gate?"

DM (for Davroar, Kriv and Sindar)
Urgala faced Kriv directly.
"The sword is meant for you. You tried to take on two fire giants by yourself."

Neither women are able to answer Davroar's query with an affirmative. "We can do what we can. I'm sure once word gets to Waterdeep and Neverwinter, it will spread. I am sure that the caravans that leave here will help spread the word too." Darathra was content that effort would be put forth.

"Thank you Sindar. It is important that you do this. I suggest that you and your new companions sit down and plot out a course. I understand that this doppleganger is important to them, but, and I hate to say this, finding a shape-shifter that might now be anywhere in Faerun might be a daunting challenge. Bringing someone to justice is important, finding out what the giants are up to and making sure that when you learn something that words gets across the lands quickly is what matters most. Davroar can send ravens here, to me and I will get word out through caravans until you find a better way."

Kriv

The Dragonborn acknowledged the fact with a nod in the human fashion, replying,

"A calculated risk, and our last chance at preventing their escape, if unsuccessful. My protective magic was sufficient for one of them. It was not a great option, but we didn't have any better ones."

As the conversation continued, he looked to Sindar and admitted, "There is a matter I will need to attend to in Everlund, thus your sojourn need not be alone."

Returning his attention to Darathra, "'Those who need to know' was an interesting choice of phrase. Can you specify precisely whom you had in mind, be it as individuals or by position?"

DM for Zhu and Bern
Instead of asking questions, Gheryln marches right into the mess that was Othovir's place and started to collect things that were unsalvagable and dragged them into the street. Clean-up was first. Once someone looked at the place, it was clear that getting rid of what was lost was only step one. There were walls to be rebuilt, shelves and furniture that needed repair. The dwarf looks over to Bern and pointed further up the street, "That's my place there. Before I get there, I want to make sure that my friends - and competitors have matters well in hand."

Then turning to Othovir he says, "Darathra asked me to look in on Harriet, I cannot stay here long."

Othovir was grateful, "Thank you. She could use the hand and it would be nice of you to make the first gesture. And thanks to both of you two, and the other's from out of town. Not everyone would lend a hand so readily, either in risking their lives to protect the town, or in helping strangers put their place back in order after such an attack. It is most appreciated."

The dwarf spent a half hour or so helping Othovir out and then announced that he would need to move on.

OOC: What are you saying and doing in that half hour and at the end?

Sindar

Knowing the prioirty of things is always useful. He nods to the Lord Protector and says to Kriv "that would be welcome," with regard to the offer to travel together.

<Bern>

He was glad to lend a hand. For one thing it was helping the folk here. For another it allowed him to not dwell so much on what had happened here. Then Gheryln 'directed' him elsewhere. Bit since it seemed more of the same, he nodded and headed to the indicated destination to see what help he could give there.

Before he left, though, Othovir offered his thanks as well. He smiled and nodded before making his exit to his new destination.

Once there, he looked for whomever was 'in charge' hoping that he could let him know where he would be most useful.

DM (For Bern)

Ghelryn directed Bern towards the next storefront up the block and the pair of them left Zhu at Othovir's and continued on. This structure was also partially destroyed. The singed, dangling sign over the place read Uldinath's Arms, hich identified it as a weaponmaker. An entire section of the structure's wall was caved in, likely kicked in by one of the fire giants. A dark haired woman was clearing debris from there and it looked like she was getting ready to board it up. She looked up and saw Ghelryn approach. "Where've ya been? Yer place is a mess!"

Indeed, across the street was Foehammer's Forge, his place of business.

"Been meeting with Darathra about the giants. My pal here was there with us, fighting the giants."

It was then that she noticed Bern and she scowled, "Can't ya take no fer an answer?"

Ghelryn started to laugh, "This ain't the same guy. This is Bern, he's the real man. You must've met his doppleganger."

"Oh no! I am sorry. It's just, he ... that other one was so rude!" she apologized to Bern. She then looked back to Ghelryn and replied. "Grandfather told me about dopplegangers. Didn't they try to take over the town a long time ago?"

Ghelryn nodded, "Aye. That is what I heard. It happened just before I arrived here."

<Bern>

He was happy to let Ghelryn handle the conversation. He did smile and nod at the apology. "I understand", he said.

When it seemed like he was done, he turned to woman. "What can I do to help", he asked.

Zhu

She nods goodbye as Bern and Gheryln leave. There is still more to do so she continues working, taking direction from Othovir as to where to put things.

"This is very nice work", she says, picking up one particular harness from where it had landed in a corner. "Did you learn your craft here, in Triboar?"

DM (for Zhu)

"No. I am from Waterdeep and learned my craft there," Othovir said. "Where are you from?" he replied.

DM (for Bern)

The weaponsmith, directed Bern to help collect the swords that had been strewn all about. As he collected them, he noticed a stamp on the blade of each sword and also, that the hilts were wrapped with very high grade leather and were also stamped with the same logo. Bern saw the symbol was the same as the symbol on the sign for the shop.

Ghelryn said in a grumbled whisper, "The Uldinath name has an expensive reputation."

Harriet Uldinath heard that and proudly said, "Uldinath swords have a great reputation. You wield a sword, try one."

Bern was holding one of the swords in his hand and indeed, it was well balance, the edge was long and sharp, the steel was hard and smooth. Indeed, it was of superior quality.

"Your doppleganger bought two dozen of these. I think he was going to resell them."

<Bern>

He had noticed that all the weapons bore the mark that hung outside the door. At the 'suggestion', he considered the one in his hand. He checked the balance, looked at the blade, confirming the casual assessment of 'superior quality'.

"You do very good work", he said when his 'examination' was done.

His eyebrow raised at that last. "Interesting that he paid. I got the impression that he usually 'took' what he wanted. Any idea why?"

Zhu

"Silverymoon, of late", she says simply, not wanting to get into a detailed explanation of the Feywild. "I've been to Waterdeep once or twice. What brought you here?"

DM (for Bern)

Gherlyn answered about dopplegangers.

"They try and fit in, don't you know it. Their power is to hide in plain sight. They can be anyone. Sure they steal, and they do, but this is their nature. Why risk getting caught? What if the two dozen were just samples? What if he convinced the buyer to get more? How easy would it be to get Harriet here to make more?"

"Well, he behaved like a profiteer. These swords sell for a premium. and I can only make so many," Harriet added.

<Bern>

He sighed. They didn't really have a reason to be 'suspicious' he told himself.

"Not your fault. You couldn't have known", he said with a nod. "I get that. Is there anything else you can remember? The smallest detail might help."

DM (for Bern)

"You are nicer than that other you," Harriet said smiling. She was filthy from all the soot, but she was quite pleasant otherwise. She had a very fine tone, almost burly physique. Years of hammering iron had taken their toll on her hands.

"He was boasting about how he was going to 'tell those big morons these swords were magic'. I have no idea what he meant by that, but it upset me and we had a little spat. I wasn't going to sell him the swords unless he promised to tell whoever he was dealing with the truth. He made the promise and, against better judgement, I sold them to him".

DM (for Arus)

"Thank you. There's a caravan heading to Yartar tomorrow morning. This here is the harness. It's clearly marked, as you can see." Narth said pointing to a crate marked with a symbol of a stallion wearing a harness.

"I know that Aldis will miss not having you work for the Coster. You handle yourself well and I am jealous of you. I've committed to this enterprise and to Aelestra. It would be wrong for me to abandon her here and business has been good, even though the people of Triboar hate us for being affiliated with the Lionshield COster just because it is based in Yartar."

There was a hint of frustration when he discussed their troubles with the locals and Arus could tell that Narth really had dreams of adventure.

"I hope that you take the good all the way to Noanar's Hold, but you can figure that out with Aldis."

DM (for Davroar, Kriv and Sindar)

"For one," Darathra responded to Kriv's question about [i]the right people[/b], "we do not need a mass panic. If messages that there was new danger got out that could happen. Word needs to get to those that can issue assurances to the population. We also don't need this information to be delivered to those who we know would exploit the trouble. There is defined leadership in each of the major cities: Lady Laeral Silverhand, the open lord of Waterdeep, Lord Dagult Neverember of Neverwinter, the Council of Four in Baldur's Gate."

DM (all)

It was getting late in the afternoon and those who were going to travel together had agreed to meet for drinks at the Triboar Arms, a local tavern that avoided harm from the attack. A tiefling was leaning against the taproom doorway, drying and polishing a mug while nodding and exhibiting an inviting smile to those who were coming into his establishment.

Inside it was rather quiet. Most locals were working extra hours this day so when people started showing up for the meeting, the tavern was rather quiet. As you enter, a barmaid with long black, braided hair comes over to take orders.

ooc: some of you are in PM and we should flesh out those discussions, but you all have enough information in hand to make plans. More "missions and quests" could be forthcoming in Triboar but we'll get there together

Jaliera

She is feeling much happier now having met her contact and confirmed that Whisper is alright. And she is hungry.

She looks around to see if any of the others are here.

<Bern>

He acknowledged her smile with one of his own and a nod. "I plan to 'have words' with the 'imposter' ... when we are 're-united'", he said with a smile. "And thank you for the information and I will be sure to give him 'your best wishes'", added and his smile became more 'wicked' looking as he imagined that 'discussion'.

When it seemed as though he had manged to help as much as he could, he smiled, wished her well and went in search of his friends.