Jarovbees
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Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on Apr 6, 2019 0:34:51 GMT
It’s a bustling night for the Yawning Portal, the surrounding din never really fading as patrons entered as often as they departed. A few kept to themselves, it’s true; among that number were those with stained clothing or weapons, wearily using the counter or a table to prop themselves up, their backpacks bulging with goods. It’s not an unfair assessment to make, that these people might be freshly returned from the large, forty-foot diameter well centered in the taproom. Even now, the barkeep Durnan was using the pulley system to lower a new group below, one by one. While a half-elf in splint mail was lowered, the remaining members -a gnome with a spellbook and a tiefling with a songhorn strapped to their back, chatted excitedly about what they might find below. The cycle continues. “Ten gold dragons on the wizard biting the dust within a tenday!” “You always say that. But I’ve seen that one go in and out before, they’re tougher than you’d think.” “Five on the bard!” The drunken gales of laughter indicated that this was a common happenstance, betting on the fates of adventurers who delve below to Undermountain, the sprawling home of the Mad Mage. Other sources of bets included arm-wrestling, typically with a half-orc woman who seemed to make a killing a it, and a dart board that no one wanted to sit near for obvious reasons. When it wasn’t about better, it was about bragging rights. A regular sight was a crowd of patrons gathered around a game of dice or cards, raptly listening to a storyteller about their latest epic battle with a fell beast below, or beyond the city. Sometimes a person would see fit to lighten the coin purses of those distracted, and sometimes that person would be caught and a bar fight would ensue. All in a typical day. And then there’s the music. At present there’s a pair in the corner filling the place with a lively tune, while nearby patrons clap along. One is a human male, not especially remarkable in appearance with his lanky brown hair and easy smile, though his lute only has three strings and his playing might suffer a bit for that fact. His current company is far more exotic, a woman at least a foot and a half taller than him, with a bluish cast to her skin, floppy ears that are pierced and a somewhat animalistic noise. She plays a set of birdpipes in time to the lute, and to a practiced ear -or just an observant one- her playing is the more competent of the two. And yet, she wears heavier armor with a sword sheathed at her side, a shield propped up not too far away. If she’s a bard, she’s a strange one. The tune winds down to a close, an the applause is either more for the giant-woman’s playing or the fact that some of the patrons are drunk and easily entertained. Honestly, both could be accurate. Turning to the lute player, the giant-woman smiles. “Not a bad rendition of The Three Flambinis, eh? You worry too much, a three-stringed lute can carry it just fine. But if you’d like, take those coins and buy what you need to fix her up.”The bard shook his head and laughed. “They set that down for you, not me. Besides, how could I be ‘Threestrings’ without….well, three strings?” “Couldn’t you use your real name, whatever it is?”“Eh, every performer needs a good stage name. If you make this your calling, you’d see what I mean. But I'm going to call it an early night, so you have fun.” “Already got one, but thanks. And I'm parched anyway, so that's fine.” Setting down her birdpipes, she stretched and glanced around the taproom upon seeing the latest influx of patrons settle in at tables near the well. It was time to get some Shadowdark ale and do some people-watching.
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Post by vorpal on Apr 7, 2019 20:05:48 GMT
People-watching was exactly on the mind of a certain rogue who was quietly seated at the bar, at a spot where he could readily watch who was coming and going, as well as keep an eye on the happenings throughout the inn. At the moment, he was just casually sipping at his ale, very much blending into his surroundings as if he wasn't even there at all. No one would probably give much notice to the lanky, dark brown haired man if he stayed there all night, if he wanted to keep it that way. It was just another part to be played, after all, in the end, something he usually did whenever he was on a job in particular. His clothes were non-descript, dark browns and blacks mostly, nothing that would make him stand out, although they were also in very good condition for someone who'd just been out on the road.
But Crispin wasn't there this evening for any specific purpose other than to observe and contemplate his next move.
He'd arrived in Waterdeep earlier that morning, having gotten a ride on a wagon with some wine merchants for the last part of his journey. That had been a pretty excellent choice on his part, as they had plenty of their wine to spare, and he'd repayed them as much with entertainment around their campfire as he had with coin. It had been a fine arrangement, but once he'd gotten to the city, he knew it was inevitable that they part ways. He had so many familiar places to revisit that he didn't get to half of them by the time he'd come here to settle in with a drink. Much had changed since the last time he'd lived here, years ago, and much had also stayed exactly the same. He still had plenty of connections to check up on, but they could wait. He wasn't exactly in a rush, here, as he didn't quite know exactly where he was going with this anyway.
Crispin took a swig of ale. He'd been half-listening to the music at first, as his eyes strayed around the room and his thoughts had turned from his own plots and plans to the people in the room. He always enjoyed imagining what the other patrons might be here to do, but beyond these light thoughts, he also needed to keep an eye out for potential work prospects… no matter the form those might take. After all, that was the whole point of being back in Waterdeep, to find his way once again.
So he'd taken notice of the Firbolg and her companion as they'd played, instinctively tapping a foot along with the music. Not bad, not bad at all. Something about her playing was making him itch to give it a go tonight. It had been a long time since he'd attempted a duet with anyone else, not since… well, since the business that had changed everything for him. Not to mention, he'd been playing because he had to, entertaining travelers on the road as a matter of earning money enough to get by and ultimately make it here. It had been a long time since he simply just played because he felt like it. Tonight that could well change. It all depended on whether or not she'd be up for it.
So when they finished, Crispin clapped along with the rest. Then, with a light smirk on his face, he stretched, and then waved at the Firbolg woman as she approached the bar to get her attention.
"Can I buy a round for the musicians? Playing is such thirsty work…"
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Jarovbees
Approved
Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on Apr 7, 2019 22:55:07 GMT
New to the city and new to seeing this many humans, let alone in one place, Solstice was finding it difficult to tell them apart. She didn't voice such thoughts aloud, suspecting that some would be offended by it. But gods, there were so many of them, even more than any other race she had seen so far. They were a bit overwhelming, though she would be entirely loath to admit, and exciting in the same measure. She didn't quite know what to make of them, but found that unpredictability a bit refreshing so far. If she wanted a predictable life, she would have remained in the forest. Here, the opportunities were far more in abundance.
Waving to the bard as he headed up the stairs, she turned and caught the waving just in time. Her smile was quick and warm, preferring to see people as potential friends rather than foes. So far, that had worked out for her just fine. Settling in carefully -they might need to get bigger and sturdier stools for one of her size and build- she laughed and rested an elbow on the bar, facing him sideways. Her grasp of Common is strong, though her accent holds a noticeable Sylvan brogue.
"Aye, that it is! You'll only catch the one of us tonight, but I'll not say no. Shadowdark ale, then. It seems to be a favorite in this place, and I have to say I'm growing used to it." She smiles to Durnan, the taciturn human barkeep, who goes to pour her a tall glass of her usual order. "So, are you new to this place or have you been around long enough to see a beastie crawl up through the well? We all fought a troll the other day!" This was an establishment of adventurers, so she naturally assumed he wasn't the type to scare easily.
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Post by vorpal on Apr 11, 2019 16:44:35 GMT
Observing other people was something Crispin had always enjoyed. Even when he performed, he would be keeping a close eye on the audience, after all, what sort of performer didn't make sure his audience was having a good time? So he definitely noticed a couple of things about her from the start. One was the accent, which piqued his interest right away. After all, he'd long had an interest in the Fae, ever since a certain nymph... Ah, but this was no time for sentiment, though part of him did want to take out that flower and reminisce a bit. Later. There would be time later. Alongside that, though, she'd already demonstrated that she was either brave or reckless, at the very least not one to hang back in the face of danger. It's nothing but interesting information for now, but it's still good to know.
He tossed a coin to the barkeep with a bit of a flourish, making it spin in the air just so, before he turned his attention back toward the Firbolg. "I just got here myself, but for me, it's a return, since I used to live here once upon a time. I grew up here." Which, ok, fair, wasn't fully accurate. But to Crispin, it was as good a truth as any. He did technically grow from a scared, lost boy into a man, performing on these streets. So yes, by that reasoning he did grow up here. Ha. He continued with an easy, cheerful tone, "I'm always looking for entertainment in any form that it takes, which is exactly why I stopped by here. How big was the troll?"
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Jarovbees
Approved
Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on Apr 11, 2019 19:09:53 GMT
"Ah, a native. I can see why you're so unflappable, then." Solstice grinned, not minding that in the least. It was true that most Waterdhavians reacted to her presence with little more than a curious glance, though some (possibly visitors or newcomers) gawked at her, making her feel as though she were an exhibit in a museum. Compared to that, she would take unfazed camaraderie any day. Reaching for her glass, she paused to consider the question.
"It was...oh, about nine feet tall? It's about the biggest thing I've seen on two legs in this city so far, aside from myself. Nasty piece of work, that; it took out most of an adventuring party below before coming up to try and finish off the last one. I'd hoped to show off, but these fine folk around me were much more capable and better armed. This--" She gestures to the longsword sheathed at her side. "--didn't do much that it couldn't heal back up soon after. Something tells me I'm going to need a better blade. You, too, if you've a thought to help out with the pest control or delve into Undermountain."
Everyone does sooner or later, said Durnan. Solstice hadn't yet paid coin to be hauled below, but she hadn't disagreed with him on that particular point. Undermountain might see her someday, though she hoped to be better equipped and with a talented group at her side. The surrounding patrons had it drilled into her head by now that without either, she wouldn't stand a chance.
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Post by vorpal on Apr 15, 2019 6:13:27 GMT
"Hmmm. Good to know." It wasn't his actual first plan or anything, but Crispin wasn't above taking on any sort of option that came his way. He didn't know exactly what he had come here seeking, after all, other than that it was a place that had once represented freedom to him, long ago. He had found a new life here at that time. Now, with that life gone, he was seeking another. So why not consider fighting trolls? If it was entertaining enough, it was probably worth doing. "Definitely sounds like a hell of an experience, though. But what brings you out and about around here? If you don't mind my asking, that is." He knows as well as anyone that it's unusual to see her kind around, even in a major, bustling city like Waterdeep.
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Jarovbees
Approved
Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on Apr 15, 2019 15:39:01 GMT
That question didn't seem to surprise her; no doubt she's heard it plenty of times before now. Even so, she accepted it with good grace, not about to be irritated by the inevitable. She paused for a swig of Shadowdark ale, savoring it before glancing back over with an easy grin. It would take more than a simple question to offend her.
"Not at all. In case the armor and holy symbol didn't give it away, I'm a paladin. It's not a calling for the idle, you know? You don't hear any epics about paladins that sit on their arses and expect trouble to find them. The greatest chance to do some good wasn't in a forest where some past adventurers had already cleared it of its greatest threats. I felt that was a sign from Mielikki to move on...so I thought I would see this great city for myself. If there's opportunity for a good adventure, it's here." She eyed him curiously; he may not stand out as much, since humans were everywhere in Waterdeep. Still, the fact that he'd chosen the Yawning Portal as a watering hole automatically made him interesting.
"And you? You don't seem hankering to jump down the well just yet, so what drives you? What brings you to a place like this? Share and share alike, eh?"
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Post by vorpal on May 1, 2019 14:05:23 GMT
He sips at his own drink as well as he listens thoughtfully, eyeing her armor closely as she talks about her calling. A noble cause, certainly. Crispin isn't exactly one to take such things seriously, but at least she doesn't seem to be one of those paladins obsessed with notions of honor and righteousness. At least, from the way she talks. She just wants to get out there and stab some awful things, to have adventures. That, he can respect. Coming to a place like this, too, means she's not afraid to back up her words, he thinks.
"Ah, yes, well. I thrive on adventure as well, so it seems we have that in common. You might say I've been looking for a change of scenery for a while." Which, in fact, is the most surprisingly truthful statement he could have made. "There are many more prospects here in the city than off in the countryside." Ones wherein someone wants someone else dead, usually. "I'm a traveling entertainer, you see."
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Jarovbees
Approved
Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on May 1, 2019 14:42:48 GMT
"Oh, aye?" Solstice perked up at that, and she looks him over with a curious glint in her eyes. "And what sort of entertainment do you offer? Would I see you playing a tune with any of the bards here, like Threestrings? Or myself, for all that I'm not really a bard."
She gestured to her birdpipes, still grateful for the chance to sit and drink some ale, but not slamming the door shut on any further collaboration. Taking these moments to enjoy what life had to offer was as important as finding evil to smite. Otherwise, what was one fighting for? The soul needed nourishment as much as the body, and that was a lesson Solstice never forgot.
While awaiting his answers, she drained more ale, then looked over to the barkeep. "I'll have some quipper and chips, too. All that playing has given me an appetite." The barkeep nodded as he turned to place the order for her.
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Post by vorpal on May 2, 2019 5:44:16 GMT
Crispin tapped his fingers casually on the bar. He got mistaken often for a bard himself, amusingly enough, but he tended to lean hard into those misconceptions. It put people at ease, and he did like to see people at ease. When they're enemies, it meant you could take advantage of them more easily. But everyone needed allies and friends, even if right now he was trying not to get too close to anyone. Just close enough will do just fine. He was still reeling in ways from all that he'd lost. So he would take it easy, take it slow.
"Oh, a little of this, and a little of that. These days, I work solo, although I was once part of a troupe. My act involves fire and blades, and a sense of mystery and danger." He grinned for a moment, a little more of Crispin the performer breaking through, the side of him that lives to charm and thrill an audience. Life and death were all but acts, the way he saw it, and he took pleasure in celebrating both, depending on whether he was entertaining... or assassinating. "But I've got just as much of a love for music, as well. I wouldn't dream of going anywhere without my bagpipes. I wouldn't mind getting them out and playing a tune before the night is through. You're welcome to join in, if you'd like."
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Jarovbees
Approved
Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on May 2, 2019 15:24:17 GMT
"Fire and blades? Oh, how exciting! Durnan probably won't be too keen on allowing that in the tavern, but I can see you performing at the Market or one of the open squares around the city. That'd be a grand time for certain." Mystery was fine in and of itself, but she was definitely more interested in the danger aspect of it all. Was it too surprising that a paladin might be attracted to risk? She made a mental note to look up such things for later, suspecting that the boy she had claimed guardianship of would be interested in such adventures as well. And he deserved to have a fine time even more than she, as far as the firbolg was concerned.
At mention of bagpipes, her blue eyes sparked with excitement and she grinned widely. Bagpipes held a special place in her heart, for all that she didn't learn how to play them herself. That she'd finally met someone here who enjoyed playing them made her separation from home a bit easier to bear. "Absolutely! It'll be a nice change from all the lutes; no offense to their players, but you'd think the minstrels here had heard of no other instruments than those and songhorns. Variety is the spice of life, eh? Don't worry about me, I should be able to keep up with whatever you have in mind for that."
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Post by vorpal on May 2, 2019 17:37:00 GMT
"Exactly... and, well... I know this city pretty well. It may have been a little while since I've been back, but I'm sure I can find some of my old favorite spots to perform." Of course, he knew his way around quite a few less savory areas, as well, although wandering through those parts tended to require a very different type of performance entirely. "The Market's quite good, people are already looking to spend coin so they'll toss some your way if they like what they see. There are even some squares in slightly more upscale areas, though you have to be careful in handing that." You needed to find just the right spot, places where there are folks with coin but where they wouldn't chase you out for any old reason.
He nods agreement. "Then it's settled, once we've had our fill here, let's see about playing something. So, tell me, uh... you know, I don't believe I ever got your name?"
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Jarovbees
Approved
Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on May 2, 2019 19:17:16 GMT
"You didn't, but it's Solstice. And yes, it's just the one name. I'm starting to think I might acquire a surname, though, at least so that people will stop asking about it." She didn't seem too put off right now, but that was also because good drinks, good company and good music had a way of soothing any irritation to be had. Even without those things, she had a long fuse...but that wasn't to say the repeated question never grew old. "And yours? It's only fair that I have a name to put to the face.
Not to mention I'm curious about where you've been before this. What other cities have you seen in the North or elsewhere?" Her curiosity is genuine, as she's come to realize that there's much she doesn't actually know about Faerun can its locales outside that particular small forest and any stops on the way to the City of Splendors. There was no reason to move on from it, especially not now, but it certainly couldn't hurt to learn a little more for future reference. Who knows what other duties Mielikki (or Corellon, for that matter) might have in store for an oathbound paladin?
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Post by vorpal on May 5, 2019 0:19:39 GMT
"Where I've been? Ah, I hope you've got a lot of time for that, because I'd have to figure out where to start. But I'd be glad to get into that soon enough, if you'd like. Traveling with a circus gives you a good excuse to keep moving, and seeing things... and having adventures, for that matter. You wouldn't believe some of the things I've had to kill!" Crispin sounds plenty amused by that fact, if only because he truly is. There's something about the freedom of travel that has always appealed to him. Oh, sure, he doesn't mind settling down for a time, especially if a city has a lot to offer, like Waterdeep does. But he'd gotten a taste for the road, for the thrill of seeing new things, while with his troupe.
He smirks a little bit. "As for who I am... I'm Crispy Embers on the stage. Outside of that? You can call me Crispin. Just Crispin, though now you make surnames almost sound appealing... like trying on a new wardrobe." New names and costumes, well, these things are just part of the life.
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Jarovbees
Approved
Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
Posts: 706
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Post by Jarovbees on May 5, 2019 2:58:49 GMT
Solstice's curls swayed as she tilted her head back and let out a bark of laughter. "If I forget and you end up as 'Crispy' for all the time I know you, it's your fault. You don't have a last name? I thought humans usually did. Or is that just the nobility?" Humans and their strange rules...well, Faerun at large. She'd learned the etiquette of the Summer Court, but the people of Waterdeep were on another level, or so it felt to her. Maybe it would seem less confusing, in time.
"And right now, I've enough time to spare. Circus tales, eh? I'm all for hearing about the fun, exotic and just plain weird. Tales of daring feed my soul...and might give me ideas for my own adventures later." She winked and took another sip, then perked up as her quipper and chips arrived. If there was ever a time to hear stories, it was over food. "You've a rapt audience, so take advantage of it. Spin your tales and try their blooming onion here, it's rather good!"
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