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Post by Aileen on May 17, 2020 13:13:09 GMT -5
One of the demon chickens pecks me, and suddenly my arm starts turning to stone! Surprisingly I'm not scared, and watch my skin harden in fascination. Others start coming into the room, and I cast turn undead. One of the cocks runs and hides under a bed, while the other keeps going after me.
"Guys, if I turn into a statue... put me in the town square and dress me up in outfits for holidays!"
Unfortunately my plan is ruined when my skin returns to normal a moment later. Oh, well. We have a brutal fight with the chicken thing, and when it dies we go after the one under the bed. After they are defeated, Penny and I examine the Kobold statue as the others search the room. It's adorable, and will make a fine decoration... and the outfits we can put it in! The possibilites are endless.
"I hate to break it to you, ladies, but those are Cockatrices." Says Drexler. "That Kobold will be back within a day."
"I'm still taking him!" I grin, trying to pick it up. It's incredibly heavy, and I nearly put my back out.
"Allow me to assist, dear Alastrine." Layton offers.
We leave, Layton and I carrying the Kobold statue. In the courtyard where we fought the jackals we run into two hobgoblins, one wearing a tank on his back attached to some kind of spraying contraption. It looks a bit like acid. And, as typical with this group, someone attacks before talking. To be fair, they do look to be employees of Dran Enterprises.
They are pretty scary looking and growl insults, so I strike. I aim a guiding bolt at the guy with the tank, and-
"AHHHHHHH-" I scream, staring at what was a second ago an angry hobgoblin. His legs exploded, blood and bone going everywhere, and the rest of his body collapsed in a heap- very, very dead. "I JUST MURDERED HIM!!!!"
"Alastrine, stop screaming!" Kerata smacks me as she moves by me.
The other hobgoblin yells his friend's name, and charges in at me. He gets a good hit on me, but then is seemingly charmed by Laytona or someone. Kerata is nearly foaming at the mouth wanting to hit the guy, but we let him go. He mutters about going to find his lawyer and claim life insurance benefits for Grunka, the one I brutally murdered.
More hobgoblins attack, but we deal with them swiftly and then return to the inn with Drexler carrying the cool acid sprayer. We meet with our half-orc friend and determine that we have mostly finished what we came here to do, so she has a message sent to home office. She is very impressed that we were sent here by Omin Dran himself, and says we should hear back in a couple days.
Penny and I bring the kobold upstairs and start dressing him up in one of her pretty dresses. We are just about to start adding accessories when it comes to life!
"Hi!" Penny and I both shout at once.
"Ah! Who are you?"
"I'm Penelope Beauregard Honeycutt!" Says Penny with a curtsey. "Please to make your acquaintance!"
"Alastrine Kearney," I say, backing off a little.
"Are you going to beat me now?"
"No... we aren't like that." I reply.
"Have I been a good boy, then?"
"Yes, the best!" Penny smiles.
"What happened to you?" I ask. "We found you with those murder chickens, I tripped over your body and nearly turned to stone myself."
He tells us his tail. His name is Patsky, as we discover, and he was hired by Hoobur, who orchestrated the attack. He only stuck with Hoobur because he wanted to learn magic, typical of a kobold. Hoobur is a necromancer and an altogether not nice guy. The hobgoblins brought in the murder chickens, and left him to take care of them. He got locked in with them, and spent the last who-knows-how-long turning into stone and back.
"I have something for the pretty one!" He says, reaching into his pocket. He pulls out a gold necklace and holds it out to Penny.
I have to say, I'm a little saddened that I'm not the "pretty one".
"Oh, thank you Patsky! I love it!"
"And something for you... you're also pretty, but you're also huge and kind of scary."
"Fair enough, little guy." I laugh.
He gives me a potion bottle.
"That's a potion of acid resistence!" He says.
"Aw, thank you! This will come in handy."
Penny plays music and our new little friend dances around, loving his new dress. I think we have an ally for life with this one, and he also wants a job! I think he is a much better prospect than our lazy, not brave Gorkoh.
That night we sit in the bar drinking fresh cider that Drexler got from the owner of the orchard. He told the man about us seeing his daughter, and although he was pissed that she ran off with that human boy, he was happy that she is safe. The cider is excellent, and everyone is in good spirits. I, however, keep thinking about that hobgoblin's legs exploding out from under him. I need to pray.
I head up to the roof, and light up my prayer herbs. I watch the sunset, breathing in the smoke as the calming effect washes over me, and beg my goddess for forgiveness. Darkness settles over Phandalin, and Selûne rises overhead. Everything is going to be just fine.
The next morning, a handsome guy rolls into town announcing that he is here for Aquisitions Inc. We greet him, and he introduces himself as Viari.
"Did Omin contact you?" He asks. There is a resounding no.
Just that moment a booming voice, Omin Dran himself, announces:
"A representative from Aquisitions Incorporated will arrive tomorrow!"
A bit late, but he wasn't wrong. And how did Viari get here so fast?
We are told that our hard work has paid off, and we have been granted a franchise! We are given Tressendar Manor as a home base, and although it needs extensive repairs we are well on our way to getting a crew to do it. After trying and failing to read the contract presented before me, I sign my name, and officially become a franchise employee of Aquistions Inc. Dragon Associates is finally a bonafide business!
🌙 Alastrine Kearney, Documancer 💼
🐲 Dragon Associates 🐉
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Post by kylacreepslayer on May 18, 2020 11:05:54 GMT -5
Ill help with the fanchise thing if the party is fill on the ogre hunt The Ogre Hunt would be the franchise activity. I also didn't realize we could only choose one activity. PB is happy to accompany her compatriots to defeat an ogrey menace!
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Post by Aileen on May 18, 2020 11:25:29 GMT -5
The Ogre Hunt would be the franchise activity. I also didn't realize we could only choose one activity. PB is happy to accompany her compatriots to defeat an ogrey menace! We have to bring one of the donkeys. Can anyone make it talk or fly?
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Post by kylacreepslayer on May 18, 2020 12:13:16 GMT -5
"Dragon Ass" (To the tune of “Stand By Me” in the style of Ben E. King)
VERSE 1 “When the night ain’t calm, And the land is dark Little town, what is that, at your gates?
Oh you should, be afraid, But do, not despair - Our Fighter, war veteran, Kills monsters...
CHORUS But don’t forget to pay us, your coin - oh, pay, us your coin For we are, Dragon Ass - Occiates! (we’re Drag Ass, we’re Drag Ass)
VERSE 2 Here comes, our wizard - with a power spell, Our Cleric, with eyes that, see through dark
A tiny, halfling bard, with no fear or family Tiefling Pirate, with a sword, most deadly
CHORUS Now don’t forget to pay us, your coin - oh, pay, us your coin We are, Dragon Ass - Occiates! (we’re Drag Ass, we’re Drag Ass)
BRIDGE
CHORUS - REVISED A Yuan-Ti versed in di - plomacy And a dwarf of, arcane skill An Eladrin - her bow may, be your end
ORIGINAL CHORUS So now you will all pay us, your coin - so we can pay, Acq Inc. 'Cause we are, Dragon Ass - Occiates! (we’re Drag Ass, we're Drag Ass) As arranged by Penelope Beauregard Honeycutt, Secretarian of Dragon Associates, a subsidiary of Acquisitions Incorporated.
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Post by dragonforgotten on May 18, 2020 16:37:40 GMT -5
We've had a rather nasty run in with a reptilian chicken. In that battle I truly felt the weight of my curse as i floudered and somehow found myself turned around and on my back like a failing turtle. I was almost turned into stone if it wasnt for the efforts of the party. once the beasts are slained I contemplate if this beast would make a fine soup but then reconsider remember my last experiment in exotic meats. I helped ambitious Abby in carrying her petrafied Kobold as we reach the decayed garden of the manor we discover that the simple task of leaving will be harder then it seemed. Two Hobgoblins stop us, one with a large tank on their back. i being asking what their purpose here when Drexler charges n, gallant and brave and begins assaulting them. Abby lowers her half the Kobold down and then procedes to part the tank hobgoblins lower half from her upper half. She falls to the floor dead as her partner cires out her name and Abby stutters eyes wide from the devestation of her spell. As amusing as this is i am a very busy man and have no patients of rivials who do not respect the sanctuary of someone else time. I fix my gaze onto the surviving Hobgoblin. "It appears your companion is very dead. May i recommend you claim life insurance on you deceased. Certainly would be more profitable then dying here after all." the man begins muttering to himself and i smerk, flicking my tongue in satisfaction. Im purturbed that the man is attacked over and over but each strike misses which only reminds me that we may have avoid a rather unpleasant time. Two more show up and the party is all over them. As one fo his companion dies the newcomer yells at his misinformed companion who is muttering about the process of getting his notes in order. He gesters to me and i can only straight the collar of my shirt, flicking my serpant tongue to taste his rage. His face twists and rage and charges at me, ignoring my companions as they all strike him down with all the force they have. I must say, must satisfactory. -----
We return alive and victorious but so many mysteries at hand. We had an amusing encounter at the inn. It appears our confused Hobgoblin is sorting his misgrivances with the inn keep. hmmm, not quiet the head of house i was thinkng of. Was thinking he'd turn to the banker or possibly to the head of Dran enterpise but oh well. we hired the female half orc to become part of our forming group as she helps us get in touch with sir Oldrin. I left to enjoy the rest of my day. The preistess of Tymora was absent so i had a lovely discussion with one of the electives of this town. A fine gent he is. If the law was just as i inspire it to be he would be the leader of this small town but his luck does not lean favorable as along as the banker continues to have his hands in many of peoples lively hoods. By the time I've returned Drexler has surprised us with a lovely cup of cider and the kobold has returned to its feeble diminutive state. the next day a rather flamboyant man appears in town. the man how employer sent. At last we can truely begin. Returning to the inn we settle down the paperwork. Im hesistant to sign, unable to understand the legal complexity of the writing with my weak eyes bluring the words. Curse my bad memory. I forgot to buy new glasses and i can not read it. I sign it, hiding my shame of my terrible flaw even if my mind tells me i am making a poor choice to sign just because everyone else is. I am also given a title. I am the Oblivator, my function is similar to my purpose under lord Jarant. I can agree with this being my purpose in this organization. It is not healthy to constantly deny my nature.
Layton von Sepra
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Post by Chris on May 19, 2020 9:14:49 GMT -5
Kythorn 20, 1492 DR
On This Day It is the Summer Solstice. Worshipers of Amaunator celebrate with a day of prayer, relaxation, and sunbathing Worshipers of Mielikki celebrate the Second Feast and praise the Forest Lady with song Worshipers of the gnomish deity Segojan Earthcaller offer up gems and bury them in holes dug by badgers Worshipers of Thoth perform the Ceremony of Introspection by fasting for 24 hours followed by immersion in icy water Worshipers of Uthgar fast for a day and a night to celebrate the Fullness of summer Waterdhavians celebrate Dragondown in remembrance of all the dragons that were defeated or driven off the city In 1358 DR, during the Time of Troubles, Bane defeated Mystra and imprisoned her in the ruins of Castle Kilgrave In 1360 DR, the Tuigan Horde conquered the city of Phsant in Thesk In 1374 DR, the city of Selgaunt in Sembia elected a new Hulorn (Lord Mayor), Thamalon Uskevren II
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Post by Aileen on May 24, 2020 11:21:45 GMT -5
After an excellent ogre hunt we head back to town with the head and show it off in the town square. I can't help but wonder if the neat, clean ogre den we found may have been proof that this ogre was not evil... did we murder an innocent? We will never know. Phandalin's residents, however, think we are heroes.
The full moon arrives while in Phandalin, and the party gets a little taste of my strange practices as a cleric of Selûne. That very evening I set a bowl of milk, borrowed from Arkenfeld, on the roof of the inn. I then proceeded to strip down and pour it over me while dancing in the moonlight. When I finished my prayers, I found a crowd of my friends and random citizens staring up at me.
"Ma'am, please get down from there or I'm going to have to arrest you for indecent exposure!" Calls up a town guard.
"It's a religious ceremony!" I call back.
The guard comes up on the roof to arrest me, but thankfully one of the acolytes of the temple of Waukeen comes to my aid and proves that I am right. Everyone got a good show out of it at least, and I made a new friend in the temple.
As our newly hired crew works on the manor, I volunteer my services to the Temple of the Coin Maiden. Layton and some others didn't get a good vibe from them, but it turns out to be a great week being with my new friends. We raised a ton of money for the temple and got lots of new followers. They liked me even though I'm a cleric of Selûne- at least I have an open mind.
After hanging around Phandalin for a month we finally get in touch with Headquarters. We end up making more money than we owe! We also get a message from Omin Dran on the sending stone in Penny's possession, with instructions to go to Neverwinter to meet up with some Opal lady. We also know that the tiefling we are looking for has a friend at a franchise north of Neverwinter, and she might be there. So I guess all roads lead north.
We get some rent-a-steeds and hook Sugar and Baker to a rented cart, and head for Neverwinter. I am beyond excited to be returning to my home city, and can't wait to show my friends around. I know the entire massive city like the back of my hand after growing up there and spending six years in the Neverwinter Guard. Other than facing some goblins trying to make us a pay a toll, and me taking an arrow in the arm, it's a relatively uneventful three day trip. Penny fixes me right up, and I'm in a great mood by the time we ride into town.
Our first order of business is selling the algae and Luskan Ice Mead, which we get decent coin for. I show the others some landmarks as we walk around the market, regaling them with stories of my youth.
"That's the Rock of Shame, I spent many hours on that as a teenager... that's my favorite tree, I once peed on it when I was drunk. That's why I don't drink anymore... anyway. Ooh- that's the best Fish Shack in the city, let's get some clam strips!"
We go to have lunch at the fish stand, only to find out that what used to be my favorite place to get fried food is now-
"Yard Yardley's?! Are you kidding me?!?!?"
I turn to my friends in disappointment.
"Damned Franchises! Putting all the good places out of business."
"Abby, we are a franchise." Says Layton.
I begrudgingly eat some sub par clam strips and chips, and wash it down with some overly sweet lemonade. It's good, but not great. After a mediocre lunch, we head to the Blacklake District to the tavern we were instructed to go to find Opal.
"Blacklake District is a s***hole," I tell the others.
It's really not that bad, but it's not my part of town. We go in the tavern and immediately go to the bar. Layton orders an overpriced Luscan Ice Mead, and sp I order a regular mead for comparison. Same. Damn. Thing.
I do a switcheroo with Layton's drink, and even though they are obviously different glasses he doesn't seem to care.
We were told to use a code word to find out who Opal is, as she is a shifter. And thus Penny and I end up walking around the tavern trying to find ways to use it without drawing attention to ourselves.
"Hey Penny, I'm making a home for my chickens... the dimensions are twenty by twenty by thirty..."
"Wow- that's a big henhouse!"
We make our rounds, overusing the awkward saying, and soon end up back at the bar where we see Layton talking to the barkeep. He can't get drunk, but he is acting drunk. The barkeep seems to be talking in hushed tones, but of course Layton is a sneaky snake and won't divulge that he is getting info.
Then Layton suddenly gets up, stumbling to the door, as sLeeP straight up yells "Hen house!!!" To the room.
"We're going outside to fight!" I announce, pointing at Penny. "She called me a big henhouse!"
Well this has been a bust. I guess you can say Layton flew the coop.
🌙 Alastrine 🐔🏠
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Post by Stephen on May 24, 2020 15:06:18 GMT -5
The ogre hunt went well. Although maybe we should have tried to talk to the monster before out right killing it. Next time maybe I would like to question a semi intelligent monster before killing it.
The townies hail us as hero’s. The manor is slowly getting fixed up. Gilda takes care of pretty much everything we ask her too. Through he careful management of the franchise our dues were less and we won’t owe as much next month.
The morning after the full moon, I over hear a few townies talking about Alastrine’s full nude ritual. Shame I missed it. That girl takes her rituals seriously.
During some downtime I put my skills to use as a leather worker. Working at the Lion Shield Coster was relaxing and fun. After making belts and boots all week the owners tell me that business was slow and that they can’t pay me. All good perhaps I can just start an IOU with them.
We get word to head to Neverwinter from home office. All roads point north, including a lead about the Teifling. We pack up some supplies, mount the horses and head out.
On the way we get stopped by goblins looking for a tax to continue. I felt bad killing them.
Neverwinter is big. We do a little shopping and I even sell the algae. Before long we end up in the proper bar. Alastrine and Penny hen and haw about “a big henhouse” trying to get in touch with the contact. It’s actually really funny. sLeeP just outright yells henhouse for the teen is frustrated. Layton stayed at the bar ignoring all of us.
Feeling tipsy after drinking an entire bottle of wine I awkwardly try to strike up a conversation with a local about a henhouse. It doesn’t go well and I laugh at myself.
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Post by dragonforgotten on May 25, 2020 12:41:36 GMT -5
We spent much of our time in search of the elusive orger but found a nearby village instead. I’m pleased with the discovery and the further advancement of our organization. On top of a most productive day we follow the lumbering beasts tracks to a cave. I propose a pit. A beautiful pit. One for the orger to fall in but then I’m reminded of our time and also the lack of shovels. I slap my forehead. Ah, there’s the rub. The elven ranger scouts ahead and confirms two massive dire hounds slumber in the caves dark depths. We put a plan into motion. A plan simple in its machinations. The anger calls the hounds as I stand ready at arms prepared to deliver a crushing blow. The hounds arrive but I sorely miss thanks to the sudden cross winds and their fleet feat. They savage the ranger as Drexler whips one across the snout. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEAR MY CAVE!” Oh bollacks. The beast has returned sooner to its den. He... she lumbers towards us. Sleep casts as spell and no sooner has it left her lips and damaged the Oger goes she hefts a massive spear and gores the poor teen. Penny tells her a joke and she crumbles to the ground howling with a bad case of the giggles. I place this out of mind. Back to the wolves. I hold my sword aloft and drink it down. In one swoop off goes its head. The orger begins to sob and cry out in laughter as I simply raise a brow. “Why are you weeping? It was only a wolf.” I receive glances from my group but I simply hack away at another slobbering dog till at least Drexler finishes it off. The orger follows after. Upon inspecting the cave it appears we have been far too harsh in our judgement. She was simply a theif. Theft certainly isn’t punishable by death but the deed is done. We take her head and come back to town paraded like heroes but ignore to praise. I do not think we are worthy of this yet. There is no heroics in making a fools volley. ——
We return to town and begin to process of funding our franchise. Drexler has gone into the leather working trade, the dwarf picking apples, Abby to the church. She put on quiet a display a few days go. I was curious If I should intervien due in part of public indecent exposure till I remembered this is a religious practice of hers and thus covered by the laws of the land of freedom of religious practices. And thus she can carry on. I walk away without a hint of guilt. I was very off put by the disappearance of the tymora priestess. It appears that as along as im cursed by Bashba no one will aid me. I normal man would despair but I shall not for I can’t feel the true depths of it. No longer will I turn to churches for help. If good people can not aid me out of the kindness of their own hearts then I shall not come to their time of need. I will survive and persist in-spite of the curse. Through the weeks of free time I find myself in I’ve taken to make myself useful. I’ve become a hired hand in many people’s day to day tasks. One day I worked to repair the roof of the local inn. The next I remodeled the rotten floors of Mr Hallwinter kitchen. Then went to fix a leaky faucet in sir Herbins sink. And so on and so forth. Apparently I did a bang up job for I was paid a lot for my troubles. I would feel rather sorry for sir Drexler who had the misfortune to not be paid for his hard work. Terrible times, hard times these are. Soon it’s time for the open road again. We have a missing teifling and if Penny’s info is correct she should be located around neverwinter. With perfect timing our lord and overseer Sir Olmin Drin has designated us to go to Neverwinter well to find his Doppler named opal. How interesting. With wagon and horses ready were off bright and early. The days are peaceful till We run into a sag with some goblins. No matter through the rest of the party brutally murders them, even kill a fleeing survivor. Hmm. A bit much in excessive force, they don’t believe they deserved death for a illicit tolling station but by can’t change the past. We arrive into the glorious city of Neverwinter. Abby certainly excited to show us around as she points out her favorite spots when a charming memory strikes her. Her expression soured when she realized one of her favorite spots have been conquered by Yard yarddies. I’m glade when we rake in profits from the Luskan ice mead. I wasn’t hurting on money before but money talks and I may need it to loosen some lips. We stable the animals and enter the tavern we’re our contact lay in wait. I take a seat at the bar and order the Luskan mead. I’m curious in more ways then one. I have never tried suck a drink and for it to be so expensive I have high hopes it will be something I can finally enjoy. Also as well, perhaps spending freely will attract some eyes out way and loosen the barkeeps lips. The barkeep Squid, tells it is a strong beverage as he slides it to me. I’ll be the judge of that. I sip it and ask expected I feel nothing. It is nothing special after all. I take a few more sips for good measure and just as I put it down bored with it Abby twitches it with her cheap swill. Penny and Abby as pratacially screaming the code phrase at the top of their lungs. A normal man would be embraced for such an act but we are indeed in a tavern. There are more excuses for blaze Behavior then There are ways to skin a cat. I get up and begin trying to get a round of dart going but there are no takers. Looking about the bar I feel something is off. Our contact should have been here. Something has happened. I return to my stool, resting my elbow on the table. “Pardon me. Me and my companions are looking for one who goes by Oppal. Our employer sent us here. Have you’ve seen her?” “Nope sorry about that.” I see the subtle shift in his face. He knows something. Must prob deeper. “Oh pity. It’s a shame. I heard she was gorgeous beyond compare.” “You know your talking about a Doppler.” “Yes, isn’t that the point. She can be anything your desire.” He looks about the bar and motions me closer. I do and he whispers in my ear while my compatriots are screaming the code on my right. It appears our job has taken a unforseen turn. Our contact is in jail, falsely accused of murder while she rots in the holes of castle Neverwinter. “Tragic, simply tragic. One such as herself imprisoned?” “Indeed.” Oh no. I’m running out of things to talk about but I still haven’t gathered enough information. Could he prohaps be lying and is actually Oppal, let’s try this. “Oh truely a travesty for one such as her self to be Imprisoned unjusticely.” “Yes you just said that.” “Forgive me. I’ve had too much to drink.” “You only had a sip and your friend drank your glass.” “Well excuse me for being a light weight.” I then notice a figure in the crowd, dressed in fine clothing with slicked back grey hair. I look away for a second and she is gone. Ah, it seems I’ve found my next lead. I straighten up in my chair. “Would you excuse me. I must check in the animals, you see one of the horses is lame.” “You mean the horses you and your friends just rode here?” “..... yes.” I then promptly throw myself off the stool and begin doing a mock swagger of an inebriated sailor. “Lovely discussion we had. I must be going now. Goodbye!” I stagger out meeting the eyes of all my compatriots. I’m rather proud of myself. That was a fine recovery on my part. Now I just have to tell the others what I learned when they catch my cue to follow. The moment I am outside I hear someone call to my from an alleyway and narrow my eyes. I know what will happen if I go but I can’t afford to lose our one lead. It is as they say now or never. I go and find a never familiar grey haired individual along with a group of thugs. How charming. “Oi, what do you know about Oppal?” I shrug bored. “Not a thing.” “Who are you working for?” “Beats me.” “Well looks like someone needs a little incentive here.” The gangs of hooligans begins to close in. Ah this brings back memories. I tighten my fists and get into a defensive position.
Layton von Sepra
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Post by Aileen on May 31, 2020 13:25:12 GMT -5
Everyone is excited about the fight Penny and I are pretending to go have outside the bar. At this point we might have to, lest we disappoint the masses. As I get outside I see some of the others running around the block, and realize I already hear a fight going on! I unfurl my weird glowy wings, and start flying up to the rooftop to take a shortcut.
"Ahh!" A drunk man screams and runs away from me as I hover over.
I get up on the roof, and walk to the edge to see Layton surrounded by six thugs. The leader is right below me, so I strike her with a guiding bolt. She shrieks, and then turns into a rat a moment later, Layton still waving his big sword around.
"Don't let her get away, Alastrine! Stop her!"
I fly off the roof, and see the rat run out of the alley. I dive down, and catch it. As I'm about to fly back up, it squirms, scratching me so hard that I I instinctively drop it. I swear, and take off flying after it, but as I turn the corner it ran down I find no signs of a rat. Unfortunately there are small, rat sized holes in the building. Well, s***.
I fly back up, and join in the battle against the last few thugs. I end up hitting one pretty hard, and it looks like he might be dead. Soon they're all lying around dead, save for one that Layton knocked out for questioning.
"Guards! GUARDS!" Calls Drexler.
"No, don't call them!" I snap. "Wait... they attacked Layton. GUARDS, GUARDS!" I rush to the street side of the roof, and can see some coming our way. "Guards, there's a bunch of dead bodies here! I wasn't involved, I'm just a girl on the roof!"
"Woah! I saw an angel!" One of the guards gasps as I walk back to the other side.
I watch Layton talk to the guards, and can hear the others going across the street to the bar.
"Alastrine, is that you?" One of the guards asks, squinting up at me.
"Chuck?!" I smile, taking a seat on the edge of the roof. "How are you, man?"
"Oh, you know, living the dream. How long have you been an angel?"
"All my life, apparently."
"Alastrine just recently earned her wings," Layton says, handing over custody of the thug.
"They look different than I'd expect for you..." Chuck says.
"I know, I'm greener than normal."
"Not that, I meant I expect something more... leathery looking."
I laugh, and go to fly down to join them. And that's when my wings decide to go away. I soon realize I am stuck thirty feet up with no way to get down.
"Sh**! Layton, I'm stuck!"
The boys are having a great laugh at my expense, but Layton retains his decorum. It takes a bit to get me down, but the three of them help me navigate to one section of wall with a window ledge, and Chuck and Layton catch me as I fall the last ten feet.
"Now I realize why we called you All-Ass-strine!" Says Chuck.
"Chuck, I am a Priestess of Selûne, have some respect!"
I hop out of his arms, getting away from the hand groping my backside. Ah, such memories of my time in the guard!
"We will take this fellow into jail," says the other guard I don't know to Layton. "Sorry for any convenience, sir."
"Good seeing you, Aly," Chuck claps me on the shoulder.
"Hey, Chuck... any chance I could go visit at the prison?"
"Of course, a few of our old division work there now. I'm sure they'd love to see you!"
He winks as they lead the man away. Layton and I go regroup with the others, and I suggest we make a visit to the prison. Nobody wants to go save Layton and Penny, so the three of us end up going while the others go drink.
I've been to the holes of Castle Never many times, mostly when prisoners decided to get sick or injured while I was on watch. It's not a place anyone wants to be, as it always means certain death. I tell Penny and Layton all I know as we walk through the streets to get there, regaling them with tales of my youth spent in the guard.
"Heyyy, Alastrine!" Francesco, one of my least favorite former-coworkers is working the entrance to the holes.
"Hi, Frank! I'm here to scare my daughter here straight. Little Penny has been up to know good, and I figured I'd have her meet my cousin Oppal."
"Oppal's your cousin? And you don't have a kid, we know what halflings are!"
"She's adopted!"
"You're not my real mom!" Penny shouts at me, stomping her foot indignantly. "I killed my real mom!"
"Haha, such a drama queen," I pat her on the head, and look at the suddenly on edge guards. "She didn't kill her mom."
"Right. Well, you know as well as any of us the rules- only family and friends of the accused may come in, and only to bring their last meals. If you wish to put your name on the list we can ask if she wants to see you tomorrow. If not, then no entry."
"Yes, yes, I remember. Alright, put down my name... and make a note that we will bring her her favorite brownies."
"The ones from Hen House Bakery?!" Penny pipes in.
"Yes, those ones. Hen House Bakery, be very specific!"
Layton looks around while we talk, sizing up the guards and seeing any ways we can get in as planned. It looks like our best bet is the current plan of posing as family.
"Alright, come back tomorrow. It was good seeing you, Alastrine, you look good," Frank winks. "Doing anything later?"
"Baking. Good day, boys!"
We leave and rendezvous with the rest of the group, formulating a plan as we go. The next morning, we go shopping for food to bring Oppal, and Penny does up disguises on Kerata and Layton. We head to the prison as a group, Kerata and Layton looking very much like blood relatives of mine with their covered scales and horns and platinum hair, natural in Layton's case. Kerata was apprehensive about entering the prison and being around guards with her history, but she seems a little more inclined to go with her disguise.
We show up and blessedly are permitted to go back and see Oppal, but only my brother Louis Kearney (Layton) and cousin Syrta Kearney (Kerata) are allowed in with me. We head to the cell, guards flanking us, and are left alone to give her her last meal.
"Are these for me?" Asks Oppal.
"Yes, I wouldn't let my favorite cousin die without eating good. Hey, that's a big hen house!"
She looks around, then comes closer.
"Only to a small fox," she replies.
"It is safe to move the cargo along the Platinum Road." I hiss.
"Small problem with that," she growls. "I seem to be in prison, and I'll be executed soon. I can't help you locked up. Get me out of here, and I will tell you where to find the treasure."
"How?!" Says Layton. "Break you out? Have you seen how many guards there are."
"Do what you have to. Or let me die."
She goes to the other side of the cell, arms crossed, leaving us to ponder how we can move forward. Then I remember Shifty Steve is working the inner post, we passed him going in. Maybe he can help me?
"I'll be back." I tell the others, and go to the other room. They wait in the corridor.
"Hey, Steve, can I talk to you?"
"Hey, Alastrine! Thought that might be you. Chuck said you're an angel now?"
"Yeah, guess I've been one all my life. Remember my Uncle Tobi?"
"Yeah, he was a real diva."
"Well, turns out he's an actual Deva. Anyway, let's talk."
He brings me into the office, and is all ears. I give him my proposition, let us free Oppal, and we will give him whatever he asks.
"I can do that," he says, crossing his arms. "It's gonna cost you."
"How much?"
"Eh... fifty gold."
"Fifty? Are you sh**ting me?!"
"Guess you don't want her out, then." He shrugs.
"Fine! Here, take the damn gold."
I fish out the gold, and lay it out on the desk. He grins, sweeping it into a pouch.
"Right, let me go talk to Oppal. Stay here."
He leaves, and I look around the small office. The watch schedule posted on the communication board reminds me just how happy I am that I left the guard. It's a thankless job, one that even the best people sometimes end up corrupt from. You gotta do whatever you can to pay the bills in this city. After a bit, Shifty Steve returns.
"So, uh- Oppal is a dick! I'm going to have to raise the price."
"How much?"
"Fifty more gold."
"What the hells! Fine!" I begrudgingly pull out more gold. "No more, you raise price again and I'm going to the manager!"
"You're going to tell Chad? Are you crazy?!"
"Tell him that you're more corrupt than Lord Neverember himself? Yeah, maybe I am a little crazy."
"Okay, no more changes. I will do what you want. But you can't question the way in which i do it, you got it?"
"No questions asked. You have my word."
"Alright. Where are you staying tonight?"
I give him the name of the inn we are booked at, and hope it's not a mistake. He promises to have Oppal to me this evening, and I am holding him to it. I rejoin the other two, and we head back to the group outside. They're nice enough to reimburse me for what I gave Shifty Steve to bail Oppal out. I'm just hoping I haven't caused something terrible by making this deal.
"I want to talk to this guy," Layton says. "I don't know if we can trust him."
"Of course we can't trust him, but he will do what I asked. Let's just go. I need to be in the inn when she is dropped off."
The others are a bit nervous about staying in the inn now that they have our address, but I'm sure everything will be fine. If Shifty Steve lied to me, we will ruin his entire career. My word is my bond.
After dinner we all hole up in my room, playing Three Dragon Ante and some of us drinking, but still on guard. Hours pass, the night drags on, and soon we start to worry. A few of us leave the room, meaning to go outside to see if we see anyone. There is a maid coming up the hallway, pushing a cart.
"Good evening!" She says. "Are you leaving? May I clean your room?"
"It's the middle of the night!" I snap.
"So I can clean your room, now?" Her voice suddenly changes.
"I guess!" I sigh, throwing my hands up. Everyone is testing my patience today.
She hurries in the room, and the rest of us follow.
"It took me a while to get here, I had to stop for some drinks on the way. I'm still shaking."
"Drinking on the job? Is being a maid really that bad?" I snap.
She prattles on, and Penny gives me a strange look. Am I missing something?
"They threw a random half-orc in there!" She says. "I can't thank you enough for freeing me."
Then it hits me.
"Wait, are you Oppal?!"
"Yes. Did you really think a maid would be doing room service this late?!"
"Ohhh."
I'm an idiot. But, at least she is free- Shifty Steve honored his side of the bargain! Oppal gives us some information, and then leaves. There are some diamonds, stowed away in a book called the Layperson's Guide to Common Knowledge, hidden beneath the Hall of Knowledge, the Temple of Oghma. There is a glyph of warding on the book, and she tells us to grab the book and leave something in its place, then bring it out of Neverwinter. Seems easy enough. She leaves us, happily a free woman.
The next morning we head to the Hall of Knowledge, ready to do whatever it is we have to do to get in to where this book is. The place is under construction, and a team run by a dwarf works on it. As we enter, the dwarf speaks to an old priest and they have a bit of an argument. The dwarf quits, taking his team with him and leaving the old man looking a bit miffed. So, Arkenfeld steps in and volunteers our services. And thus, we are suddenly stonemasons.
Spivey the old elf gives us the tools the other crew left behind, and tells us to go down to the basement to start working. So, we head down to a big room full of books. As we enter, a tome falls off a shelf, and lands on the ground. I hear a sound of stone grating, and then a cry of alarm from Penny. Two of the stone gargoyles flanking the stairs have come to life!
We have a quick battle with them, nearly all of us getting completely walloped. At last they are destroyed, and we hear guards running towards us. Spivey shows up with them, looking shocked."
"What- what happened!?"
We explain what happened and he determines that the book falling triggered the gargoyles. He is very apologetic, and offers us anything we need.
"Can you remove a curse?!" Layton asks, before any of us can like, you know, ask to get access to the area out back that we need to get to to complete our mission...
The priest agrees to cure Layton if we finish the job. But we are here for the book with the treasure, not this stone masonry bulls***!
"We're going to need to get back there," I say, pointing to the back room. "There's some studs loose I need to fix. Bad drywall, too."
At the mention of studs, Drexler flexes and winks at me.
"Oh, found one of them!" I say. "But really, the walls back there are in danger."
Luckily, Spivey says we can go back there to work.
"That's the Vault of Tomes, be careful in there!" He orders.
We enter, Spivey and the guards leaving us to our work, and find ourselves in a room full of books. I cast detect traps, confirming the presence of a Glyph of Warding, and Talindra finds it. And there we have The Layperson's Guide to Common Knowledge. Drexler does a sneaky switcheroo with another book, and quickly deposits the treasure book in my Documancy Satchel. We did it!
"Alright, how do we get out of here?" Asks Kerata. "I'm not getting these hands dirty, I'm not working."
"We should pretend someone is hurt, and that gives us an excuse to leave!" Says Penny.
"I was thinking the same thing!" I grin, putting my hand against the wall. "Alright, here we go!"
I bring my hammer back, aiming for my hand.
"Alastrine, no!"
Too late. The big metal hammer strikes the back of my hand, and there is an audible crunching sound. I think I was expecting it to hurt less than it does, and the scream of pain is torn from my throat before I can stop myself. I clutch my throbbing hand to my stomach, doubled over and in tears. Penny strokes my hair, trying to help me, but I can tell she is trying not to laugh.
"Ahh! F&*%* #^#& ^#*$!!!!" I trail off into cursing in celestial. This was a bad idea.
"What happened! I heard a scream!" The old man cleric comes into the vault, and goes to my side.
"I smashed my hand with a hammer!" I gasp, holding out the injured hand. "I need to go home now!"
"Oh! That's... bad. I can have that healed for you-"
"No," I really lay it on thick with the tears. "I think I need a lie down. I can't work like this."
"Of course, my child. Take all the time you need."
"I'll bring her home," says Penny. "Come on, Abby."
"Feel better, dear," the old man says. "You lot, back to work!"
As I pass behind the guards and the man, I hold up the hammer to my friends and mine hitting myself with it. Drexler shakes his head. Penny and I leave, the book with the treasure safely in my documancy satchel.
"We need to skip town, immediately. Let's go hitch up the horses."
We head to the stables, and I wrap my broken hand up in some bandages stolen from the stable supply. We get Sugar and Baker hooked up, and then start saddling the others. Finally the others join us, and we make our escape, trying not to garner any attention from anyone. And thus, we leave Neverwinter, the treasure safely in my bag, with the only casualties being a good bit of gold and my hand. Next stop, further North to find the missing tiefling!
🌙 Alastrine
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Post by Stephen on May 31, 2020 19:42:55 GMT -5
The wine goes straight to me head. I shouldn’t have drank so much on an empty stomach. It’s almost comical, talking about hen houses to everyone we see.
sLeeP leaves and follow. I trip and nearly fall as the floor tilts under my feet. I get outside in the fresh air and don’t see sLeeP. It’s dark and I hear fighting up ahead. Running as fast as I can I move off into the night. Turning a corner I see no sign of sLeeP. She must have used some kinda magic to love so fast.
I run all the way around the block and finally get to the fight. Moving in I attack one of the thugs but miss. Before I can even think of attacking again the last of several thugs are put down.
The others disperse and someone said something about “Guard”. Being the good former merc I go to the straight and start bellowing for the city guards. They show up and talk with Alastrine and Layton. I head back to the bar with the others.
I do my candle whip trick a few times and drink more wine. It takes me a bit but I notice that the girls are missing. Oh well Alastrine talked at length about this city maybe they went off sight seeing....in the middle of the night.
On the verge of passing out I stumble to the privy. On the way back everyone is gathered and talking about Oppal. I try and listen and add to the conversation but it looks like I may have overindulged in the wine.
I wake up alone the next morning hung over. Getting cleaned up I remember the plan the others came up with and hope all goes well. The rest of the day is a blur of shopping, eating and waiting for my hung over to go away. It does. After dinner.
Alastrine used her contacts in the city guard to free Oppal. It only cost 100 gold. I am ok with the subterfuge seeing as how Oppal was innocent. Waiting around in a different inn Alastrine leaves the room but comes back with a maid. But it’s really Oppal.
The next morning finds us in the temple of Oghma talking amongst ourselves trying to think of a way to gain entry to the Vault of Tomes. Doesn’t take long for us to fill the roles of a recently fired dwarven stone mason work party.
Moving to another room a book falls of the shelve and suddenly two stone gargoyles begin moving and attacking! My whip and rapier are not as effective against the living stone creatures as Kerata’s hammer. Soon enough the statues crumble to rubble. They were tough and even I got hit once.
The guards and old man arrive just as we finish fighting. Through some smooth talking by Alastrine and muscle flexing by me, we gain access to the Vault of Tomes.
In the vault we quickly locate the book Oppal sent us to find. It is sitting on a shelf amongst other books. Remembering the warning from Oppal about the glyph of warding cast upon the book it is time for my part of our heist. Taking our fake book from Alastrine, I hold it in both hands gauging it weight. It is the same size as Layperson's Guide to Common Knowledge but thicker by 15 pages or so. I rip 15 pages out of the fake guide. With a deep breath I swap the books quickly. Alastrine opens her satchel and I gently place the Guide in.
Now all we need to do is leave. Alastrine nearly crushes her hand with a hammer in an attempt to get relieved from her stone mason duties. The guards and old man come back and let her leave to get healed. After a bit the rest of us go to “lunch” but we ghosted the place and headed back to the inn. Alastrine and Penny already have the horses hitched to the cart and the others saddled. We leave the city heading north on the trail of the teifling and hopefully answers!
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Post by Aileen on Jun 1, 2020 13:01:15 GMT -5
Dragon Associates Tresendar Manor Phandalin, Faerûn
Attn: Omin Dran Re: Mission Report
Location: City of Neverwinter
Dragon Associates traveled to Neverwinter in search of one Oppal DeScart, shapeshifter, in search of hidden treasure cache.
Oppal was not at the tavern in the Blacklake District. Obviator Layton von Sepra was jumped by thugs who appear to have been affiliated with Oppal, however we did not ascertain any further information due to untimely demises of most of the attackers, the arrest of one, and the escape of one female wererat.
Representatives from Dragon Associates were able to free Ms. DeScart from death row, at the cost of 100 gold and absolutely no illegal activity or bribery.
Ms. DeScart revealed the location of the treasure, and Dragon Associates secured the book it was hidden in (The Layperson's Guide to Common Knowledge), and have left the glyph of warding untampered with. The treasure book is stored safely in the Documancy Satchel of Documancer Alastrine Kearney.
Dragon Associates is proceeding North in search of one Talanatha Three-Coins, member of franchise The Company of the Golden Mongoose.
Signed,
Alastrine Kearney, Documancer, Drag. Ass.
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Post by Aileen on Jun 6, 2020 9:44:01 GMT -5
We arrive at Silent Sound, greeted by the sight of a big lighthouse as we approach. Riding up along the road, we see something happening in the water. A small boat is being surrounded by three giant octopi, and the three dwarf inhabitants are screaming for help as they catch sight of us. We go to them, no hesitation.
I use faerie fire to light two of the octopi up, and fire a guiding bolt at one of them. One of the dwarves slumps into the boat, an unfortunate victim of my very powerful attack. My heart leaps into my throat- I just killed an innocent!
“Did you see that?!” I yell in alarm. “That evil wizard just shot that dwarf and then ran off!”
“You did that, Alastrine!” Layton says matter of factly.
“Watch out, the evil wizard might kill you, too!”
We continue to pelt the octopi with spells and Drexler even goes into the water to try to pull the boat out. sLeeP comes out onto the beach, returning from her smoke break.
“You saw that evil wizard, right sLeeP?”
“I am an evil wizard,” she grunts, stepping into action to fight the cephalopods.
Penny gets the dwarf woman back up, and covers for my transgression. The only one not backing me up is Layton, who I am sure we will be giving a pillow party later. I didn’t mean to almost kill someone, and the paladin is trying to make me look bad.
We finish off the octopi, Drexler showing off to me that he took one down with a thrown dagger. He and one of the dwarves pulls the boat in with Drexler’s whip, and we have a chat with them. Turns out they work on a ship called the Tortured Turtle, and they are here to pick up silk bolts from a cave. The woman I killed, Belle, takes Drexler aside to talk. I glare daggers at her the whole time. I remember him drunkenly wanting to meet a bearded dwarf woman with Arkenfeld, and OF COURSE there is one here and OF COURSE she wants to chat him up. Damn me for being green, and not even just from envy.
“There’s that evil wizard!” I announce, and run to the woods. I let out a primal scream, getting out my frustration, and then return to the party.
“Hey, that was fast!” Says Layton. “You found the wizard?”
“Yes, I slayed the evil wizard. All is well, now.”
Drexler returns to us and explains what these dwarves want. Their captain is a really big jerk, and is wanting to get involved in slave trade. He also has a cleric of Umberlee, the evil sea goddess, who is a right b****. If we help them overthrow them, we will be greatly rewarded.
“Kerata, mutiny is something you would do, right?” Drexler asks.
“That’s kind of what happened to me...”
“Normally I’m not good with killing unprovoked,” I say. “But I did just absorb that evil wizard’s power. I call dibs on the cleric. We shall see whose goddess triumphs this day!”
After retrieving the silk, we all row out to the ship. The dwarves get us safely on board, and the captain and Sister Foam come out on deck. Belle tells them we are new crew members they found on shore, as planned.
“Why would he bring such useless chums on board? They can leave immediately.”
Drexler steps up to the captain.
“Hello. My name is Drexler Cold-Pepper, and I challenge you to the captainhood of this ship, because you’re a really bad guy!”
The captain stares at him a moment, and then laughs long and hard.
“Boy, my hat is bigger than anyone here’s. Means I’m in charge. I’d like to see ye try and beat me.”
“That hat would look much better on... literally anyone else here!” Drexler draws his new magical shortsword, triggering the attack.
sLeeP casts hold person on the captain, and everyone converges on him, Drexler taking his hat, while I move in on Sister Foam. I get her with a guiding bolt, and she glares at me.
“Selûne? Disgusting!”
“Yeah? You know what controls the tides? My goddess, b****!”
“Kill them all!” She bellows, foam flying off her lips. “Throw them to the brine in the name of Umberlee!”
She casts a spell, and is surrounded by dancing water spirits. I hear a thud behind me as the captain dies, slain by Drexler. The cleric’s spell tears into me, the spirit guardians stomping as they dance. I unfurl my wings, rising up into the air. She hits me with her mace just as I send my spiritual weapon at her. She drops, still raging and foaming, and the spiritual guardians disappear.
“Selûne reigns supreme!” I shout in victory.
Drexler gives the hat to Belle, the new captain. Belle goes to the captain’s quarters and returns momentarily with our reward. A red pearl and an elemental gem. I’m always wary of elementals after hearing what happened to the team that took down the Cult of the Dragon a couple years ago, when one nearly ruined everything. They can be useful, though.
Belle offers to have a partnership with Dragon Associates, and I am pulled into the Captain’s Quarters to draw up a contract with her. My first official Documancer task! Turns out the ship needs 1000 gold in repairs, so it is definitely going to be low on our priority list for some time.
We head back to shore, waving goodbye to our new comrades. Everyone wants to camp out, but we are pretty exposed being here on the beach. Lucky for us, there are three tents already there! Upon inspection, they are all abandoned and seem to have gone through some altercation judging by the slashes In the canvas and things strewn about. It is also clear who was responsible due to some chalk marks bearing the logo of Dran Enterprises. In the tent I’m checking, I find a chest in a provision crate, and bring it back to the party.
“Drexler! Want to touch my chest!”
His eyes widen.
“That’s an odd thing to say, Alastrine.” Says Penny.
“Sometimes I look at Drexler and say completely the wrong thing.”
We find some good treasure in the chest, and then have a nice dinner of rations, sitting around a beach bonfire. When dark comes, we retire to our respective tents while Kerata and Layton take watch. I am sharing a tent with Drexler, to my utmost satisfaction.
Drexler immediately lays down, in full leather armour, trying to go to sleep. I take my armour and clothes completely off, and stand in the moonlight streaming through a hole in the ceiling for a few minutes.
“Selûne guide us and protect us.” I whisper, and then lay down in my bedroll, on a rather nice cot.
I lay staring at the tent ceiling for a few minutes, disappointed that Drexler and I sharing a tent has not come to more than just sleeping. Am I trying too hard? He says I’m pretty, all the time, but he also seems afraid of me.
“Drexler, you awake?” I whisper.
“Yeah. What’s up?”
“I’m cold.”
“Um... sorry, Alastrine, I can’t control the weather.”
Hmm. Guess I’ll try another approach.
“It’s just... my blanket isn’t enough. I’m really cold.”
“Well... Me and the boys used to share warmth in the north.”
“We are in the North.”
“I mean the real north. Beyond the wall.”
Wall? What is this boy talking about.
“Okay, pull your cot over.” He says.
I get up, naked save for my blanket, and drag the cot over to his. I lay back down, and he presses himself up against my back. It is quite a bit warmer now.
“Thanks, Drexler.”
“Mmhm.”
He’s snoring within minutes, and, slightly disappointed, I drift off after him.
—-
I wake up suddenly to a loud boom, like thunder rumbling really close. I look over and Drexler is gone.
“Zombies!” I hear Arkenfeld yell from outside. “Wake up!”
I scramble to my feet, and grab my holy symbol. Judging by the commotion, there is no time to get anything else. So I dash out of the tent, joining Drexler outside.
“Wow, Alastrine- you’re um...”
“Awake, yes!”
I send a sacred flame at one zombie, and then summon my spiritual great sword.
“I meant naked!” He says, dashing into combat.
Kerata looks over at me, blasting to her hearts content.
“Wasn’t sure if you two would join us, too busy going at it like rabbits!”
“We were sleeping!” I snap, killing a zombie. I run in towards the others that are beating the crap out of Arkenfeld.
Soon all the zombies are rendered inert, and after rounds of healing are passed around, we realize the zombies were part of some organized attack led by ghouls. Very strange indeed. Drexler can’t keep his eyes off me, shifting uncomfortably in his armour.
“Me... you... my tent. Now.” He growls.
Say no more, Drexy boy! I dash back to the tent as fast as my feet can take me, and he is hot on my heels. I hear the others laughing and jeering, but I don’t care. He grabs me, kisses me with a burning passion, and then starts shedding his armour. I hear a stick crack outside as we take things to the cots.
“Kerata, go away!”
🌙Alastrine
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Post by Stephen on Jun 7, 2020 15:31:42 GMT -5
The smell of the salt air fills me with a wonder lust I haven’t felt since I was a child. But the cries for help and tentacles of three giant octopi snap me back to the present.
Three dwarves in a boat about 15 feet out in the water are fighting off the octopi. Without thinking I wade into the water. If I can get close enough I can use my whip as a rope and haul the boat in. Ten feet in and I step onto....nothing. Suddenly I find myself under the water. Looking down I see that there is a drop off into darkness. I can also see the thrashing shapes of octopi fighting my friends and the dwarves.
I surface just in time to avoid a tentacle as it lashes out toward me. Grabbing a dagger I throw it and hit my attacker square. It seizes up for a second and begins to sink. I killed it!
In my joy I failed to notice a second octopi creep up on me. Before I can react I am slammed by tentacle and wrapped up. The slimy cold tentacle has one of my arms and both legs wrapped. It dunks me a couple of times as the dwarves and my friends attack it.
With a surge of strength.....well no. A surge of panic and fear lends me the will to break free of the tentacle. I break the surface of the water and cast my whip toward the boat. A dwarf grabs it and I try to pull them toward the shore. Alas I cannot. With nothing solid under my feet I can get no leverage.
One of the dwarves appears out of nowhere and helps me. Soon the boat is on the shore and I hear Penny casting a healing spell on me. A female dwarf Belle asks to speak to me. We walk down the beach a bit. Looking back I can see Alastrine glaring. Dunno why she looks so angry.
After hearing the tale from Belle about the crew Tortured Turtle and it’s increasingly violent and delusional Captain we walk back to the group. Picking up a crowbar from the sand I relay the tale to my friends. They agree to help after promise of payment and glory.
We board the Tortured Turtle and are brought before the Captain and his cleric. My heart is hammering and I can hear the blood rushing through my head. My mouth is dry as nerves set in. I know the feeling all to well. Not fear. The anticipation of a fight.
The Captain mumbles something about bringing chum on board and orders us off. In the most authoritative and commanding tone I can muster I shout:
“Hello! My name is Drexler Cold-Pepper, and I challenge you to the captainhood of this ship, because you’re a really bad guy!”
-Sigh- A really bad guy? That’s the best I could come up with? It gets his attention and the Captain smirks at me.
“Boy, my hat is bigger than anyone here’s. Means I am in charge.”
I fumble a reply, “That hat would look much better on... literally anyone else here!”
Drawing my short sword we attack! The battle goes quick. sLeeP cats a spell on the Captain and he freezes right in front of me. I remove his hat and place it upon my head and stab him.
“Raise up and help us defeat the bad guys!” I yell as the Captain drops dead. Alastrine and the other cleric fight each other. I hear spells cast and crossbows twang. I get ripped into by a swarm of evil sea sprites but Alastrine kills the sea cleric that casts it.
Within a few minutes, Belle is the new Captain and Drag Ass will receive stipends from the Tortured Turtle once it is fixed up a bit.
We are rowed back to shore. Moving toward the light house we decide to make camp at an abandoned camp. Three tents and a lot of gear was just left here. We find some random loot but nothing to crazy.
As night approaches we set watches and bed down for the night. I end up with Alastrine. Laying in a tent I see Alastrine disrobe all the way down. Embarrassed I roll over and try to clear my mind. Within a few minutes she complains of being cold and wants to share body heat. I make an awkward joke about sharing heat with the boys up north.
Laying on my side fully clothed and armored I feel her move close and press against me. Crazy girl.
I wake up to Kerata yelling something about zombies. Rushing out of the tent I wake Alastrine. Alternating between whip and sword we take out the zombies pretty quickly. Looking back I see a naked Alastrine breathing hard from the fight. Twice now I could have died. More than twice Alastrine has shown interest in me. I am nothin special, just a fighter and light on my feet.
Not missing a beat I catch her eye And say, “Me. You. My tent. Now.” Striding toward my tent the others catcall and cheer.
“Captain Drexler is setting sail” I say out loud to the laughter of all.
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Post by jasonandsleep on Jun 9, 2020 13:25:50 GMT -5
Dearest Jacque,
So I had this plan, I was going to be a city girl rent out some dope, rundown warehouse as my wizard lair. I'd conduct experiments, hoard books, explore the city, see underground bards, and every now and then do some Acq. Inc. job to pay the bills. So of course I've ended up in some miserable little backwoods cow town where the where the only option for fun seems to be " late night sheep touching" God I hate it here, But we go where the work is right, that's what Daddy Velkor used to say anyway. So if you want to reach me I'm at Tressandor Manor In Phandelin. We've been busying ourselves killing random Ogres and rebuilding our head quarters which we have to do, because the last company that lived here all died or got turned into animals or something, I'm not sure, I find my mind starts wandering whenever anyone else get into "exposition mode" There isn't even a proper Library what kind of heathen headquarters doesn't have a library! Also Aq.Inc. is a total firk! ding! blast!ing grift, they want you to pay money for everything! For researching! for gathering information! for taking new jobs! One day i expect to go out to the outhouse and I'll find a slot to push gold coins in! I'm going to get into deep debt with these folks but it's fine since all the time I'll be getting stronger and learning mores spells, and good luck collecting my debt after I learn Planeshift and am living on the Astral sea lady?es! Anyway we're off to fix a lighthouse or something, never been to Neverwinter before, should be fun
Miss your sexy body. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Dearest Pimbles
Hey Babe, still haven't heard from you, I'm getting worried, please write me back.
sLeeP
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