Jarovbees
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Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
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Post by Jarovbees on May 16, 2019 0:29:46 GMT
A notice on the job board in Virgin’s Square:
Seeking brave adventurers to retrieve a treasure from the infamous Blue Alley! If you’re looking for some excitement, danger and the chance of a little treasure, this is the place. Bring me a small sculpture called the Celestite Unicorn to my estate in the Castle Ward, and I will pay 50 gp per adventurer, plus you keep any other treasure found. The entrance to Blue Alley is off Ivory Street in the Sea Ward. It’s rather easy to locate as the cobblestones in the alley are made from glittering blue stone. Enter at your own risk and please note I am not responsible for any items or lives lost.
Here’s to your future success!
--Mirt
Warden had heard about the Blue Alley all her life, though she had never bothered with it before now. As a Waterdhavian, she knew the rumors; that years ago, a secretive and reclusive mage constructed the Blue Alley, a dungeon full of traps, strange monsters...and, to the survivors, treasure. The mage’s identity and motivation remained unknown, though it was said that the mage secretly observed all who entered the Blue Alley, gambling with colleagues on the outcome of each party who ventured within. Further knowledge -if, indeed, any of that was related to the truth- was known only to those who had survived the dungeon itself...and there were precious few of those.
Did she want to bother with it? It was true, she could use the money; better armor and weapons and what she had didn’t maintain itself. Plus there were monthly dues to be paid, and she had to find work somewhere. The thought of entering the Blue Alley still didn’t sit well with her, but she realized even her limited knowledge might make a difference to a party full of people new to the city, or those natives crazy and desperate enough to enter the unknown. Daveth would probably tell her to leave it alone and let nature weed out the foolish, but she couldn’t bring herself to do it, not if any familiar faces took the bait.
The tall tiefling woman promptly followed the directions, ignoring the sights and sounds of the Sea Ward as she remained focused on her goal. The nobles and their estates held no interest for her, anyway. Even the House of the Moon was barely acknowledged with more than a glance; she wasn’t going to recruit anyone there, for several reasons. At least absorbing all those urban legends from childhood were good for something, and what she recalled helped the paladin find her way sooner than later.
Look for the house without windows or doors. You’ll know you are near when you see blue tiles on the streets and walls, leading into an alley that passes under the surrounding buildings. At night, these tiles glimmer dimly with the blue light of foxfire.
True to the source, Warden found cobblestones made from glittering blue sodalite. In the twilight, they shone all the brighter, providing an easy lure to what lay ahead. It wasn’t long before she came upon the ten-foot-wide alley with twenty-foot standstone walls, with a tin sign on the western wall having the words “BLUE ALLEY” painted on it. Well, that was easy. She suspected it would be the only easy part of the evening.
A podium of gleaming sodalite stood a few feet inside the Blue Alley, with a quill and heavy book bound in blue leather atop it. Her solid red eyes narrowing in wary curiosity, Warden approached and reached out, fully expecting Something to happen the moment her fingertips touched the tome. Nothing did. Hefting it open, the tiefling’s brow furrowed as she took note of the names listed….hundreds of them, each written in a different hand. What disturbed her was that a good portion of those names -perhaps a quarter- had a neat line drawn through them. Andraste Sylvaranth. Kara Marsk. Shevara Fezim. Tordek Frostbeard. Did that mean what she thought it did, that they had met their end within?
She took the quill...and set it back down, glancing back. If entrance demanded a signature, so be it, but she wasn’t prepared to enter without a group at her back, if signing doomed her to immediate and irrevocable entrance. Fortunately, the notice was very recent and the payment offered was bound to draw in other contenders. She could afford to wait a little and see who arrived to take the job.
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Post by sojourn on May 16, 2019 15:38:49 GMT
Spring 1490 DR BLUE ALLEY | EVENING W aterdhavian through and through, Kieran had grown up on the streets of the sprawling expanse of the city on the Sea Coast and had heard some real stories in his life about the nooks and crannies of the place he called home. There were some good stories, heart warming ones, and there were some fine taverns, shops, and restaurants that he'd either somehow managed to visit when he had the coin to spare or had on his list of places to see. There were some rather frightening tales of places beneath Waterdeep, of alleys you just didn't visit, and of entire wards like Mistshore you just had to really watch your back when you were in. Of course, he'd heard about Blue Alley, too. More than once, to be fair, but he'd never brought himself to actually visit. He'd stared at the sheet of parchment on the job board in Virgin's Square for a few heartbeats more than usual, a curiosity stirring in his narrow, dark-skinned chest. It was as good an excuse as any for the half-drow to say that he'd seen more of the city than he already claimed to know—some undiscovered corner he'd never been able to give a good report on to anyone who'd asked because he'd never actually seen it himself. Sure, it was supposedly some mage's creation—a dangerous game—but Kieran felt up to the challenge. He just wasn't sure he could handle it alone. Armed and full of a decent hot meal, the lithe creature made his way toward the urban legend of blue tiles and etherial foxfire not by the obvious, usual thoroughfares, but by side streets and quiet, abandoned shadowy spaces between buildings. Quiet, unnoticed, the stealthy half-drow knew the directions, making his way to the Sea Ward to follow the first hints of blue tiles, dipping beneath the dark overhang that led into an alley that passed beneath buildings instead of beside them. After sunset as it was, the tiles danced with mysterious blue light, making it quite easy for the street savvy half-elf to follow them, sticking to the darkness as much as possible, silently stalking. Violet gaze caught the tin sign indicating he'd found the right place, but his attention quickly flicked to the silhouette already standing in the narrow, azure-illuminated space, her back to him in front of a gleaming podium that held a book. He hovered in concealment for a few extra moments, suddenly quite aware that the tiefling was more than just faintly familiar, signing her name as if it seemed like a perfectly reasonable idea. Kieran cleared his throat, smirking as he made his presence known by stepping into the alley proper only to have his expression warm into a much brighter grin, "Well, well. Just couldn't help y'self either, could you, Ruby? All those whispered stories as kids caught up t' me, too, but, gods, it's damn nice t' see a familiar face." He didn't forget faces easily, far too used to memorizing details and chasing hints for bounties. The struggles of childhood seared forever into the dark places of his memory meant that those who'd made some positive impact in his life held special places, and while he wasn't always very good at keeping up with everyone in his life (perhaps out of that lingering worry that those he did grow attached to would just abandon him like everyone else), he hadn't forgotten the tiefling with a fighting spirit not so different than his own. Sure, their paths had led very different ways by the looks of things, but perhaps their fiery, determined hearts had not, "It's been a while, though."
((As per our conversation, I'm just gonna assume that Kieran and Warden know each other or knew each other enough to be familiar about their faces, but it's been a long time since they've seen each other so there's a lot of life gaps to fill in. Let me know if you want any edits to make things easier!))
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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 16, 2019 16:05:16 GMT
As an orphan and Dock Ward native, Warden believed herself to be reasonably alert. One didn't live to reach adulthood by being oblivious to the details in a place where a lowered guard could be fatal. (Granted, she had since learned that the Field Ward was far worse.) Even so, the tiefling's pondering over the Blue Alley and whether or not it was worth the risk with unknowns seeking it as well meant that she failed to notice the presence of another until that cleared throat alerted her the fact. She turned around sharply, eyes narrowed and one hand tightening around the glaive she held at her side.
It took a brief moment -but really, only that- for the recognition to sink in. Kieran stood out as much as she did; even among Waterdeep's cosmopolitan atmosphere, a tiefling and half-drow were not common sights. His name came back to her, as well as the knowledge of how he knew -that- name. It had been so long since anyone had uttered it in reference to herself that she huffed in amusement, relaxing her stance slightly; they were still at the entrance to an infamously dangerous area, after all.
"Yeah, it has. Long enough that I go by Warden now. I haven't heard that other one in several years." She didn't blame him for not knowing, though, and if anything her expression was a little relieved. It may have been a while, but Kieran wasn't a total unknown and when faced with unknown peril ahead, that was a bit comforting. "I figured that ad would attract some glory-hounds who haven't been around long enough to know to take it seriously. It's probably no Undermountain, but still...look." She gestured to the book with the crossed out names, certain he'd get the implication. "It's not a place anyone should go without a couple of natives at their backs, right?"
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Post by moralhazard on May 16, 2019 17:05:36 GMT
Miri was bored.
It was a sad thing, to be bored in Waterdeep. She had been in the city, away and back again, and by now the initial thrill of being no-longer-on-a-ship and able to do whatever she felt like whenever she felt like it had rather worn off. Well, it hadn’t exactly worn off; Miri was still very much a fan of doing whatever she felt like whenever she felt like it. But that was no longer enough, and the prospect of another night sitting in a bar, seducing some strange or starting a fight, felt oddly – insufficient.
Not that Miri wouldn’t be happy to sit in a bar and seduce a stranger; she just thought she might like to do something else first.
The Blue Alley. It was one of those places whispered about in bars and taverns; it was always a good story, if someone claimed they’d been in it and survived, and usually met with healthy skepticism and ribbing. In the years she’d been coming to Waterdeep, Miri doubted she’d really met anyone who’d been inside – except one old adventurer, who, when asked about it, scowled and simply refused to speak on it. That one, she had believed.
Still, sheer curiosity wasn’t enough to get Miri into the alley; not quite. At least, not until she heard the rumors that someone named Mirt was offering 50 gp for a sculpture called the Celestite Unicorn. So: a jaunt through one of the city’s most dangerous alleys in search of a tiny sculpture, with – she assumed – strange and unknown companions, for a reward that might or might not materialize?
Well, Miri thought cheerfully, anything was better than boredom.
Miri dressed up properly for the adventure; she wore her studded leather armor, with her short swords at her waist, daggers tucked strategically on her body, and her shortbow and arrows strapped to her back. That was just what was visible: no sense in coming to an alley like this one without silk rope, manacles, a steel mirror, some vials, caltrops, ball bearings, torches, a hooded lantern, a crowbar, a grappling hook…
Miri was bored, not stupid.
And her companions weren’t as unknown as she’d expected, although perhaps just as strange. Miri made her way down the shining blue cobblestones, hands in her pockets, and grinned broadly as she spotted not one, but two familiar faces. Warden, the stern-but-not-unfun tiefling she’d met on… a rather odd journey, and Kieran, a now-familiar half-drow she’d seen about the city before.
“Good evening,” Miri said, cheerfully interrupting their conversation without the slightest hint of awkwardness. “And good to see you both,” she winked at Warden, and grinned broadly at Kieran. "Glad to see I'm not the only one looking for a little fun tonight."
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Post by 3personal5me on May 16, 2019 17:34:00 GMT
Finding the Blue Alley wasn't hard. During his time as a member of the City Watch, he heard plenty of rumors about it. Add in the blue lights, and only a fool couldn't find it. He pulled his coat tighter around him. It was the coat of a City Detective. A knee length leather coat, designed to keep the weather out while giving a professional look. Without any of the livery usually used to identify him as a City Detective, it was still a nice coat. And familiar enough to demand attention and respect. Or ire and disdain. It really depend on the person.
He quickly made his way to the location. The post he found seemed straight forward enough. He wasn't one for fighting, per se, but if somebody wanted an area scouted or scoured, he felt he was the man for the job. As long as the rest of the group he was thrown in with was competent, things should be fine.
He rounded the corner, seeing three figures outlined in a dim blue light. He quickened his pace. "So this is the group? Or do we have more on the way?"
Not a bad group, by the looks.
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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 16, 2019 17:49:44 GMT
Miri's arrival was met with a small nod and smile; she may not know the woman well yet, but a competent and familiar face at a time like this was certainly welcome. "Good to see you, too, Miri. And that's one way to put it, isn't it? I've warned away from this place all my life, but...no guts, no glory. And some payment would be nice."
Warden glanced over to the latest newcomer and noted the familiar cut of the coat worn, that of a City Detective. Her view of the City Watch was..complicated...but whatever she might have thought was kept under wraps as she give him a brisk nod, all business. Right now, her concern was making sure that any other names added to the list tonight weren't crossed out. If he could help with that, the tiefling could place any other issues aside in the name of that common goal.
"We might? I don't know, honestly. The notice didn't say how many people could claim it. But I don't see why we can't sign in and get the ball rolling, at least." She picked up the quill, feeling slightly more at ease about signing in now that others were on the scene. Quickly, she wrote her name in broad, firm strokes. Warden.
She waited a moment, then shrugged and tried to sound more casual than she felt though the tension left her shoulders. "Well, I didn't poof or burst into flames. A good sign?"
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Post by Sister Valerie on May 16, 2019 20:48:30 GMT
“HAIL AND WELL MET, FELLOW BRAVE SOULS!”
That voice had reverb to it. Striding towards the gathered group was a woman who was – well, she was a sight and no mistake. Nearly six feet tall, and clad from head to toe in a set of very fancy, embossed plate armour. Sister Valerie was a vision in ebony, gold and scarlet. She beamed from ear to ear as she approached the gathered troupe.
An enormous book was strapped to her forearm, near as big as she was and plated in bright steel, the weighty tome was stamped with the balanced scales and war hammer of Tyr; a rather, odd, item for a woman with such a cheery disposition to be carting around, that was for sure.
“I have heard many stories of this Blue Alley. They say that it eats adventurous souls for breakfast, and spits out their bones before dinner!”
As she said this, she sidled up to Kieran, nudging the half-drow in a conspiratorial fashion.
“They say that there’s more treasure in those tunnels than the coffers of half the Kings in Faerun!”
Without pausing for breath, let alone in her step, she twirled to stand before Miri, “And that there’s not a soul alive who knows from whence it comes! Or to whence it goes!”
She laughed, interrupting her own little dramatic display with a burst of outrageous good humour.
“Well, my friends, I say that today is the day they start telling another story, yes? A story of a brave party of stalwart friends who journeyed into the heart of one of Waterdeep’s mysteries and solved the whole damned thing! That’s what I say! And as Tyr is my witness, I swear that we can make it so! Are you with me?!”
She opened her arms expansively to take in the rest of the group, meeting Stephen’s gaze, and then Warden’s, without a shred of guile to her. She meant every word she said, and her enthusiasm just rolled off her in waves.
In truth, there were so many things that she needed the money for. Whilst her equipment and armour was in fine condition, the same could not be said for the broken and ramshackle little shrine she had the nerve (according to her fellow devotees of Tyr) to call an Abbey. The lead on the roof had been stolen weeks ago, and the leaks were getting truly out of control. She needed a new pipe organ for the faithful, and there was always need to stockpile more food for those in need.
But. She knew the moment she laid eyes on the advert that this was a sign from Tyr himself. Was this not precisely the kind of challenge that the Maimed God would lay before her? A trial of daring-do and bravery, a threat which had claimed countless lives, and without her intervention would surely claim countless more? Why, it was nothing short of divine intervention! How could she possibly refuse such a clear direction?
(If the DM is cool with it, I’d like to semi-handwave the 10 minutes that Inspiring Leader takes to kick off with that intro and grant everyone 7 temporary HP.
As well as her Bard and Domain spells, Sister Valerie will have prepared:
Healing Word, Enhance Ability, Prayer of Healing, Guiding Bolt and Shield of Faith)
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Post by sojourn on May 17, 2019 2:22:10 GMT
Spring 1490 DR BLUE ALLEY | EVENING "O h. Warden, then. That means it's definitely been too long an' it's probably m' fault there." Kieran wasn't exactly scoffing at the revised introduction, trying out the new name with his tongue against the back of his teeth, violet eyes revealing his amusement as they usually did—that warmth hidden beneath a faded charcoal exterior always finding its way into the world through his expressive eyes. Did he enjoy the brief flicker of surprise? Maybe a little, but at the same time, the taller tiefling looked as different now as her name implied—sure of herself and focused. He was always the quiet one, but no less determined. Here without armor, dressed for the shadows, dressed for movement and silence, he had but a single shortsword and a collection of solid metal darts hidden about his person. A rucksack was tight against his back, containing his minimal equipment. He hardly appeared ready for danger, but, then again, that was just how he liked things—being underestimated was one of his favorite tactics. Fingers reached up to lower his hood before he shrugged, letting his gaze wander the luminous space and very aware that there were few places to hide in such magical light, "It's hard t' listen t' folks sayin' y' shouldn't come here without ... y'know ... knowin' m'self." The lithe creature moved to glimpse over the names in the book, not recognizing any. He made note of them, however, as if perhaps he planned on seeing what he could learn through word of mouth later. The next voice he heard was far more recent in familiarity, and if Kieran allowed himself a smile, it was an appreciative one, "Hello again, Miri—" There was recognition in her bright features and not just for himself. His shoulders relaxed and he considered himself fortunate to not be among strangers: trust was rare but safe, the half-draw the type of creature who appreciated those who had proven themselves willing to watch his back, "—I see I'm not th' only one who knows as many Waterdhavians as possible." His glance shifted and he caught sight of the City Detective coat before he even bothered to look at the man's face, violet eyes narrowing and body shifting in almost instinctual distrust. He hid it behind a deadpan expression, the half-drow's well-carved features losing any particular expresssion. He'd worked right under the city's nose for most of his life, and lived a life of questionable legality for all of it despite not being a criminal so much as a vigilante. He investigated what this man didn't or couldn't and he had brought justice to those the City Watch hadn't considered worth their time. Still, he couldn't just ignore the man, "It's who we have. Unless you've made arrangements for reinforcements, sir, I'll venture t' guess none 'f us can say we're exactly expectin' anyone else." Kieran turned to watch Warden reach for the quill, hand reaching for the hilt of the shortsword curved against the small of his back while he watched her sign her name with her typical confidence. Nothing happened— A woman's voice reverberated through the illuminated space and Kieran barely managed not to crawl out of his own dark skin in surprise. Woah. This woman had volume and presence and assumptions about his reasons for being in Blue Alley in the first place, but he let them wash over him and drain away, bringing himself back into quiet focus after his initial jolt. A priestess of Tyr? Something like that, by her enthusiastic sounds. He exhaled a noise through his teeth at the nudge, offering an awkward but not necessarily disapproving smirk, "I'd much prefer t' be able t' tell m' own tales than keep hearin' th' tales of others, yes. I think we're a decent gathering as well. I s'pose th' polite thing t' do is give our names an' such, hmm?" He wasn't one for manners or formalities normally, but the presence of more people he knew than he didn't was strangely emboldening, "I'm Kieran." He introduced himself but wasn't about to go into details about his choice of careers in front of someone in such a serious coat. Reaching for the quill, he nodded, genuinely curious to see what all the rumors were about this place for himself. He'd seen so much of the city on his own his whole life, but he knew there were secret, dangerous places like this one he could be exploring. It was for the sheer thrill of it, mostly, but also for a better understanding of his home, "Hells yes, I'm ready." Kieran's handwriting of his own full name was far less of a skilled hand than the others present, but it was legible and careful nonetheless. He held out the quill to whoever wanted it next.
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Post by moralhazard on May 17, 2019 2:57:30 GMT
One’s luck in companions could only last so long.
Miri raised a brow at the city detective coat. She shot a quick glance sideways to Kieran, lips twitching in amusement; it was easy to guess that someone she’d met in Mistshore would recognize the coat as easily as she did.
It was unexpected to see someone from the city watch at the edge of the Blue Alley; Miri had been under the impression that city officials held a live-and-let-live sort of attitude towards these odd places. Then again – he certainly didn’t have any of the usual insignia, even if the cloak marked him, obviously to anyone who’d worked on the fringes of Waterdeep.
Miri watched Warden reach for the quill, shifting a few steps back – just in case. “Hardly a bad one,” She glanced at the quill, at the book, then at Warden, not quite closing the distance yet. Only after a more moments of Warden not bursting apart did Miri approach again.
Miri started – rather like a cat – at the sound of the new voice at the edge of the alley, whirling with a short sword already half out of its holster. At the sight of a woman even taller than her, beaming with unmistakable goodwill, Miri rather slowly re-sheathed her sword. She felt as if her heart was visibly pounding in her chest – but by the end of the woman’s performance, Miri was grinning as broadly as if she hadn’t been scared half out of her wits.
Miri couldn’t help but applaud a little when the woman asked if they were with her. It wouldn’t have been nearly as impressive if she hadn’t absolutely oozed a sort of lovely, eager earnestness. Miri loved earnest people. They were just – delightful.
“Beautiful,” Miri said, appreciatively, offering what absolutely had to be either a paladin or a cleric of Tyr a bow with a little flourish. “I’m Miri Blackstone,” she took the quill from Kieran, her hand just barely brushing his, and signed her name with a well-practiced, looping signature. “Blackstone or Miri is fine, call me what you like.” Miri stepped back, turning to offer the quill to the newer of her companions.
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Post by vorpal on May 17, 2019 5:34:47 GMT
An adventure was a performance in a way. When Crispin had taken some time to glance at the board for random work, he'd come across the Blue Alley posting and been rather intrigued. Sure, he had been focused on smaller, sneakier solo jobs in more recent times, and it'd been a long while since he had done anything with a group. That counted for all varieties of work he was into. Was it too soon, to bother joining in such an endeavor? After everything that had happened with the troupe... Well. He'd find out soon enough if this would work out. HIs own personal business was slow going, with some trails going cold, so for now, he needed something else to pass the time. Something to stave off the boredom that always hit when he was between shows. Something... that paid well. So that was that, he made up his mind rather quickly by his standards, and took off to see what would come of it. He'd heard of the Blue Alley, but things were quite different when he'd last lived in Waterdeep, so he'd never bothered taking such a risk, not when there weren't any rewards like this to be had at the time. Now, as someone with literally nothing to lose, he was more eager to dive right in and see what happened.
It truly was like a performance, with the Blue Alley as the stage and an odd array of cast members playing the roles of fearless adventurers. Anyone who might have seen him doing his act might not even recognize Crispin at all. Gone were the flashy, colorful clothes of Crispy Embers, set aside in favor of darker, more practical gear, giving him an overall roguish appearance befitting his fighting style. He was a rather wiry looking human, definitely built more for speed and agility than brute strength. His studded leather armor and various weapons were all in especially good shape... a lot of care for his equipment and a little bit of prestidigitation went a long way toward keeping it all in impeccable condition. He took few things as seriously as he did his possessions.
As he quietly approached, he surveilled the gathered group. He felt just a twinge of nervousness on seeing someone from the Watch here, and took a moment to consider if he'd done anything too illegal lately, intentional or not. Didn't everyone have times where they forgot and broke a law or so, after all?! It was just so easy to slip up! He was pretty sure he was in the clear, though. The group overall did look like the sort who would be good to have around in a fight, anyway, if and when it came to it.
Crispin noticed that they were mostly focused on writing in some book, at the moment. That was... not how such things usually started. That was fun, though, he liked the strangeness of it all already. "Is this group entering the Blue Alley or have I stumbled on a gathering of clandestine poets? I would be very much into either of those situations, by the way."
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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 17, 2019 6:24:12 GMT
Well, that was quite an entrance. Warden likewise started at the sound of the woman's booming voice, gripping her glaive as she turned around, though calmed down from the automatic reflex as she looked over the newcomer in plate. The woman's attire was as 'loud' as her voice, and...ah, a devotee of Tyr. That explains matters somewhat; Tyr wasn't a subtle god and neither were his followers. She didn't mind the lack of subtlety, though, and if anything was rather relieved. As a paladin, she had some minor healing ability to use in a clutch, but it was not her forte and no one else seemed to be the healing type, either from past experience or the general lack of visible holy symbols. Having another blessed with divine magic was a much-needed boon, and the source didn't bother her. Once again, practicality won out over any differences. Besides, the woman's confidence was contagious and Warden relaxed her guard and smiled despite herself. That speech was...something, and she stood up a bit straighter after hearing it.
"I'm with you. It's good to have you, servant of Tyr. I'm Warden, a paladin of Selune." No need to mention anything other than the obvious, since her own holy symbol was visible. "Go ahead and sign up, it seems to be the way we're allowed inside."
And...ah, one more. Warden quickly peered past him to see just how big this party will get, but no one else seemed to be headed their way. Focusing her solid red eyes back on him, the tiefling tilted her head and looked him over. Compared to the woman who just entered before him, he was considerably quieter on all fronts. There was the flicker of something familiar about him -had she seen him before?- but at the moment she was too distracted to pinpoint the source of that deja vu. At any rate, he seemed to be well armed and armored, practical and confident. She could work with that. Since her introduction was just given a moment ago, he must have been within earshot so Warden didn't bother to repeat it. Her lips curved in a crooked smile as she shook her head, gesturing to quill and book.
"Maybe some people here will be interested in after-battle poetry, for now it's sign the book and take our chances. I think we have a good-sized group now, hopefully that'll make it easier to find our prize. Let's get this show on the road, hm?"
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Post by 3personal5me on May 17, 2019 14:35:28 GMT
Stephen signed his name neatly. Plenty of practice with paperwork had lead to small and concise handwriting. Perfect for filling in the blank spaces that were always too small.
"Stephen Ward. And there won't be any City Watch backup today. They frown on calling it in after you retire". He was used to the reactions. Many people didn't trust the City Watch, and he didn't blame them. "I think we are all set to get moving. Marching orders?"
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Post by Sister Valerie on May 17, 2019 21:10:54 GMT
With how po-faced most of Tyr’s faithful were, there was a distinct possibility that Sister Valerie was just some lunatic who had stolen one of their shields… if she was, though, she was far more brazen than most thieves, and there was just something so disarmingly open in her that it didn’t seem too likely.
“Why, thank you very much!” She said to Miri, laughing brightly at the compliment. And then even louder when Warden addressed her.
“Servant!” She repeated, mirth sparkling bright in her eyes. “The Maimed God has no servants, oh Guardian of the Light! We stand together for JUSTICE! Not as Master and servant, but as Father and Daughter or Son. We obey out of love and respect, not blind faith!”
Was that… actual Tyrish theology? She certainly sounded very sure of it, and perhaps that was the most important thing.
Plucking up the quill herself, she scrawled her name in rather… large, letters. Etching them deeply into the parchment, she carefully made sure that she had put the words down properly, all in the right order and everything. Although she carried a massive book, she’d never been much of a writer. Still. It looked about right to her.
“I am Sister Valerie, High Abbess of the Grim Abbey.” She said, putting a certain amount of pomp into her title, though even in that, she couldn’t keep the smile from her lips. “Please. Call me Sister, or Val if you prefer!”
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Jarovbees
Approved
Playing: Solstice (Paladin 6)/Umbrae (Sorcerer 1/Warlock 4)/Avren Wands (Rogue 2/Sorcerer 1)
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Post by Jarovbees on May 18, 2019 17:22:07 GMT
"Val, it is. And I trust you all to know where best to place yourselves. Heavy hitters in the front, anyone else might want to keep a little distance." While waiting for the rest to sign in, Warden's impatience got the better of her. The tiefling told herself she wouldn't go too far ahead, but that it was worth inspecting the area past the wall of force. Walking up to it, she held up her hand as a test...and found that it passed through easily. Anyone else who signed would likewise be granted passage without issue, but she doesn't look back to check on them. If they've come this far, then she's certain they'll keep going to fulfill the mission or just out of simple thrill-seeking. Warden had to admit there was a bit of both in her own motivations.
She paused where the alley split into branches running east and west, noting the brightly colored mural painted on the northern wall of the intersection. The mural itself was rather gruesome, depicting numerous adventurers falling victim to every conceivable form of trap; scything blades, spiked pits, collapsing roofs, jets of fire, poison gas and more were all featured. At the top of the mural, the word “SILVER” was painted above an arrow pointing east, while the word “GOLD” was painted above an arrow pointing west.
The mural itself didn't interest her too much, undoubtedly placed there just to intimidate them, so Warden focused more on the arrows instead. Hearing footsteps behind her, she spoke up at last.
Perception: pyg5K_9I1d20+2
"Hm...gold or silver? Does anyone have a strong preference?"
(Okay, anyone examining the mural with Warden can make a Perception check as well.
And going forward I'd like to request that characters involve post at least every 48 hours, to keep things going.)1d20+2
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Post by moralhazard on May 18, 2019 17:38:56 GMT
Miri glanced back. As nice as all this ceremony was… she was itching for some action. With a last soft whistle she strolled down the alley. She’d seen Warden make it through the wall of force, but all the same Miri picked up one of her blades and passed it through first. No visible backlash. Miri shrugged, and then plunged through all in one motion. Miri caught up with Warden at the mural, and let out a low whistle, cheerfully examining the wide variety of traps. “Oh, well, I'm partial to both," Miri murmured. She winked at Warden, stepping back to take in the entire thing, examining it carefully for any sort of clues or guidance. "You didn't think to bring a pole to check for traps, did you?" Miri asked. She glanced at Warden's glaive. "I assume you wouldn't want to use your - uh - sword stick." Perception: I4oIj8Mi1d20+2
"Are those - " Miri paused, and edged forward, squinting at the mural. She grinned. "That is some spell. Look," she pointed a long finger to an image of herself - a tiny Miri, complete with studded leather, thick black hair and dark skin - being impaled on a huge pit spike. "And there you are," she stepped sideways, finding Warden being sprayed with what looked like some sort of acid.
"And - hey, there's Kieran," Miri winced. "Ouch," the half-drow was writhing about in an enormous jet of fire. "In fact - I think we're all here, in, uh, one trap or another."
Miri stepped back again, surveying the scene. Her eyes lingered on a small corner of the mural and - she kept silent, taking the words in for herself. Very interesting, she thought, still weighing the knowledge. Very interesting.
1d20+2
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