1 - Good Fortune

[Sellsword]

The Village of Shadowdale

2 Kythorn, 1369 DR (The Year of the Gauntlet)

Peeking over the horizon, The Old Skull, a large, granite promontory that crouches overlooking the community from the north, is sign that you have reached the village of Shadowdale. Before it winds the River Ashaba, separating the small village and its outlying farms from the vast forests of Cormanthor that surround all. You are weary from several days of travel and anxious for your accommodations at the Old Skull Inn, as well as for your meeting with Lhaeo.

Mandons and Valandil were sent forward in advance to ensure the road was clear of danger and to secure lodging--in fact, the two seemed eager to volunteer for the duty, and looking back now you think they were perhaps a little too eager. Nevertheless, there is no sign of danger along the road and you pass several locals as the cross the bridge over the river. They greet you kindly and give you a wide berth. You pass the Tower of Asahaba on your way into town, an impressive stone fortress known to be the seat of power of Lord Mourngrym, the ruler of Shadowdale. Guards can be seen atop the battlements, but neither guards nor local farmers provide any barrier to your entry.

You are not given long to wonder after Mandons and Valandil, however, as your group approaches Mother Tara's, a fest-hall known for its fine wines, good food, and gaming. The pair throw up their hands in greeting as they amble forward to meet you along the road. Opposite Mother Tara's, some distance farther down the main road, you see a stone and plank construction with a wooden sign hanging from a metal rod above the main doors--The Old Skull Inn.

Edited January 29 by Sellsword (see edit history)

[Lord Foul]

"Well, about time you lot turned up. We... er... had a bit of bad luck yestereve. A couple of conmen, Monty and Carlo they called themselves, got us into a card game and before we knew it we'd lost everything bar the shirts on our backs. Lucky it's not winter or we'd be mighty uncomfortable!" He looks down at his feet, devoid of boots and caked in mud from the road.

The speaker, Mandons of Gyre, is a tall man with dark hair and a close-cropped beard. His features might be a shade on the rough side, except for the wide grin spread across his face, showing he clearly sees the humour in his unfortunate situation. At least he appears to have retained his chainmail, and the padded undergarments it sits upon, otherwise he would be pretty much devoid of possessions, apart from the sword slung across his back, it's long handle showing above one shoulder.

"Apart from the gamblers... who it seems have left town... we've seen no particular dangers here. How was the road?"

 

[Excior]

Standing behind and to the right of Mandons stands Valandil, a moon elf archer whose demeanor rivals that of the most disciplined scholar. His countenance, like polished marble, betrays no trace of emotion, his features a testament to the mastery of his inner equilibrium.

 

"As I am sure you have noticed," Valandil begins, his voice a level monotone devoid of any emotional inflection, "the road was free of any ruffians. It seems they were all in Shadowdale."

 

His words, delivered with the precision of a finely tuned instrument, carry a clarity that leaves no room for ambiguity. Each syllable is uttered with deliberate intention, stripped of any unnecessary flourish or sentiment. In his stoic presence, there is a palpable sense of control, an unwavering commitment to logic and reason that sets him apart from the tumult of emotion that often clouds the minds of others.

[stonedzep]

Lirion Eldermist

Approaching the destination Lirion, a wood elf with piercing eyes and long brown hair over his shoulders, waits to get close enough to the couple before speaking at all. He carefully watches around him, then once there by the two locks his eyes on them, with a sly grin nods and finally pronounces himself with carefully chosen words, and a hint of wilderness...

"...I trust your journey here was uneventful?"

 

Edited January 30 by stonedzep (see edit history)

[Arbuthnott]

Amarandé strides towards his impecunious companions, the click of his staff a comforting and familiar rhythm to those around him. His umber cloak provides colour to contrast his black robe, and the metal of his skull cap sits dull and unburnished in the afternoon sun. Although he doesn't smile in greeting, his eyes sweep over the two of you with an obvious glint of amusement.

"I imagine our journey was about as interesting as your own; let's hope the similarities end now that we've reached Shadowdale, hmm?" he casts an eye about the place before peering at you both curiously. "A fun eve, was it? These folk seem more full of cheer than those of Peldan's did..?"

Edited January 30 by Arbuthnott (see edit history)

[Lord Foul]

"Actually, we did have a really good time, apart from the getting robbed part. This place, Mother Tara's, is a great place to spend an evening. You'd particularly enjoy it, Lirian, with your insatiable appetite for fun and frivolity. I do believe Val almost laughed once last night."

"Still, at least we managed to arrange for lodgings at the Old Skull, down the road a ways. That's where we're supposed to meet this Leo character this evening. Don't suppose any of you would lend us a few coins to make ourselves a little more presentable, would you? Wouldn't want to scare him off looking like a couple of vagabonds."

 

Edited January 30 by Lord Foul (see edit history)

[rauhric]

THEOATH GRANGER, Paladin of Chauntea [3]

Theo is a tall chap in his late teens in good physical condition with dirty blonde hair, brown eyes, and fair skin. He looks like a farmhand in common clothes as he walks up to the Old Skull Inn. With a smile and hand wave he greets the tavern wenches and makes his way to the innkeeper. As he exchanges pleasantries he asks if any strangers have come in asking for Lhaeo. He tells the innkeeper that he is meeting that party. He takes a moment to look about to see if he sees anyone he recognizes. He has been working at the Silverhand Farm for the season so maybe some of his old adventuring companions are in for a visit.

---

OoC: I am assuming we (adventuring buddies) all have our own lives and are not attached at the hip. Theo likes to come back to the Silverhand Farm during the busy season so he can lend in a hand during harvest.

 

Edited January 30 by rauhric (see edit history)

[cybersavant]

Kordannaghlan, male gnome fighter/thief

---

Kord trudged along down the road with the others to Shadowdale. His blond-orange hair unkempt and sticking out in a directions as usual. His travelling outfit dusty from days abroad, but the colors, though muted, still visible - his grey tunic under the green vest and his rusty brown breeches all under the dark grey cloak that hid his sheathed broadsword. Visible and slung over his shoulder is his short bow and two quivers.

"So, this is Shadowdale, eh? Seems nice enough." Kord's jovial banter aside, he shuffles to the roadside as the large human villagers appear, watching the group.

[Arbuthnott]

Amarandé grunts, muttering "Will the wonders never cease?"

He offers both Mandons and Valandil 2 sp each. "While presentability should definitely be a consideration, I should think food to be a higher concern, seeing as we've already received our summons. Have the both of you eaten yet? Come along; I'll not stand this idle chatter when we could confabulate over a bowl of broth." And so saying, he strides past the group towards Mother Tara's.

"It does indeed, Master Penniesaver. I don't suppose anyone has tracked down Theoath in all the time they've been here? We'd be a lesser summons without him."

[stonedzep]

Lirion Eldermist

 

"mmm...here..." flipping another couple of SP to the duo " fun would be to see you presenting yourselves in this condition to the meeting... "

As his words come to speech with a soft, flebile, low tone he looks at all the presents gathered there now and nods in greetings.

Edited January 30 by stonedzep (see edit history)

[Lord Foul]

Mandons catches the tossed coins easily, with a nod of thanks to those generous enough to give them.

Following the priest into the fest hall, he says: "I've not seen The Oaf yet, but I expect we'll all be dazzled by his radiance once he turns up. The stew here is particularly good." He signals to one of the serving girls while joining the others at a large table.

"Beers and stew all round, Brenda, if you'd be so kind. Our friends have arrived with empty stomachs and full purses."

 

[Sellsword]

There are several peddlers and small goods shops within a stone's throw where Mandons and Valandil. Most anything that an adventurer would need is available from these local merchants. Several villagers pass by as you share greetings and quips with one another, a few lingering to gawk at the pair of half-naked warriors. Others pause and give longer looks--bands of adventurers are not unheard of in Shadowdale, but one so large and as varied as your group is a rarer sight. There's an overall sense of comfort and ease in the village; while the denizens of Shadowdale are no strangers to hard times, at this moment it seems like there is little weighing on their minds. Most are just going about their business trying to pass the late afternoon hours before returning to their homes for dinner.

Looking ahead to the Old Skull Inn, you're pretty sure you see Theoath slip through the doors into the well-lit taproom beyond. He left the group shortly after crossing the bridge into town to tend to his own affairs; not odd, as you know him to be a local with contacts among the Silverhands, a prominent family of retired adventurers-turned-farmers. Also just as likely that he paid a visit to The House of Plenty, the local temple to Chauntea, the Great Mother and goddess of agriculture. Finishing up your affairs, you hasten to meet up with Theoath.

Inside, the taproom is alive with activity. Most of the tables are filled with customers, and barmaids wind between them carrying trays of steaming food. In one corner an older woman plucks a lyre and softly croons an ancient ballad. A few patrons sit nearby, trying in vain to hear the concert.

You recognize some of the people here; several merchants sitting ear the door raise their mugs in friendly greeting as you enter. You've seen others during your walk through town, and you suspect a few are adventurers like yourselves--no doubt looking for some spark of excitement or hint of mystery to set them on their way.

You find Theoath at an otherwise empty table in the southeast corner, large enough to accommodate your entire group. Theoath confirms that common rooms have been secured for the night--not the most lavish appointments, but inexpensive and convenient. Brenda, the barmaid, waits until you're settled in before hovering over each of you to take orders for food and drink. On nearby tables, you see herb-roasted chickens and crisp salads with flagons of ale, mead, and mugs of house wine, and order yourselves as much of the same as you can afford.

Upon finishing your meal, you look up to see a tall, middle-aged human male with wire-framed glasses enter the inn. He is well built and healthy, with shaggy hair and a short goatee. A satchel bulging with scrolls and parchments is flung over his left shoulder. Strapped securely over his right shoulder is a sword sheathed in a tooled leather scabbard.

The man's eyes dart intently around the room, obviously looking for something or someone. Abruptly, his gaze falls upon your table, and a smile crosses his face. Making his way across the room in confident strides, he approaches your group. When he reaches you, he says "Greetings, adventurers. I bring you news of an urgent matter that requires immediate attention." His voice is deep and clear. Glancing about the room and noting the stares that followed him to your table, he quietly continues, "May I have a seat so we can discuss this further?"

Edited January 30 by Sellsword (see edit history)

[Lord Foul]

"Immediate attention? That's quite soon, isn't it?" Mandons gets up from his chair and offers it to the newcomer.

"If you are Leo then we've been expecting you. Here, you can have my seat." ☺️

While the man says his piece, Mandons will lean against a nearby wall, keeping a discreet watch on the crowd in case anyone is obviously eavesdropping.

 

[Excior]

Valandil accepts the offered silver falcons with a nod of acknowledgment, his expression unchanged as he receives them. He pauses briefly by a merchant wagon on their way to the Old Skull Inn, procuring a pair of sandals with the same detached efficiency he applies to all his actions. Slipping them on with a calm demeanor, he remarks, "This will do for now," his voice devoid of any discernible emotion.

Upon arriving at the Old Skull Inn and joining Theoath at his table, Valandil's stoicism remains unwavering. While the others engage in the revelry typical of such establishments, he sits in quiet observance, his posture as rigid as a statue. With measured restraint, he consumes his drink, making the most of what his remaining silver falcon can purchase.

As Lleo, a familiar figure from his century-long tenure in the area, approaches, Valandil offers a formal greeting. With a raised right hand in a gesture of acknowledgment, he addresses Lleo with a tone of neutrality, "Hail and well met, Lleo. Elminster has work for us?"

Throughout the exchange, Valandil's demeanor remains consistent, his adherence to emotional restraint and logical detachment a defining aspect of his character.

[rauhric]

THEOATH GRANGER, Paladin of Chauntea [3]

Theo greets their bespectacled guest and invites him to sit. He calls forth one of the roaming barmaids and asks for some drinks and food for the table. He knows his word is good here so he asks for the tavern to put on their adventuring tab. Once all is said and done and Lhaeo takes his seat he asks, "How can we be of service?"

---

OoC: Now I know it is not the best use of his 18 Charisma (as in purposely taking advantage of his god-given good looks and farmboy charm) but he is will to try to turn any situation to his advantage to get free stuff if people are willing to give it to him.

 

Edited February 1 by rauhric (see edit history)