1 - Good Fortune

[Chaz Hoosier]

Jack Coldwater

HP: 23/23 AC: 6

---

Jack the halfling squints suspiciously around the taproom and its occupants, giving the impression of a bad-tempered little dog. If strangers greet him he just looks at them like they're crazy and he's worried that saying anything might set them off. He orders food abruptly with his heavy Damaran accent, not bothered to engage in chitchat or to thank the barmaid. "Lager. Fish soup. Bread with butter." When it is set before him he looks at it like it's just landed from the moon--his friends sometimes wonder if they've ever seen him eating anything at all.

He quirks an eyebrow at the man who introduces himself but says nothing.

OOC

 

 

Edited January 31 by Chaz Hoosier (see edit history)

[NickL82]

Tymas -- fashionably late, as always -- appears from the throng of taverngoers and greets his recently made friends. "By the grace of Helm, we made short work of those Grimlocks, didn't we? On to the next, on to the next." He orders a mead and stew and sets about eating. He always seems to be famished.

When the man approaches, Tymas rises and offers him a handshake. "C'mon down, sit a spell. You work for Elminster, eh? This ought to be good, then!"

He sits back down with a thud, his mace crunching into the side of his chair from where it dangles from the loop on his belt.

[cybersavant]

Kordannaghlan Penniesaver chews while watching the newcomer. His ears twitch a little as the man sits to expound upon his urgent request.

[stonedzep]

Lirion Eldermist

as the number of the presents grows, Lirion thinks about how he ended up in such a full social situation. He's normally spending time on his own, excpetion made for when he embarks himself on worthy (not always) tasks, so he recognizes that depriving himself of the comfort of loneliness means something quite outstanding might happen with the many adventurers he's now with...

Frugally he consumes a portion of salad, some corn, avoiding all that's meat.

He silently listens with care to all that's said at the table...

[Sellsword]

The man pushes aside the empty dishes on the table with a sweep of his hand. Removing the satchel from his back, he props it against the table leg. he then pulls out a fistful of papers and spreads them out on the table. In one smooth motion he unstraps the sword from his back and lays it before your group. You study the stranger intently. His clothing is of good quality and fits his muscular frame well. He smells faintly of ink, which is puzzling. When you catch a glimpse of his hands you notice they are smooth, with no sign of the callouses or injuries that would mark him as a fighter or farmer. The only other clues to the man's work are the dark ink smudges on his fine, tapered fingers.

As soon as the barmaid spies your new companion, she rushes to the table with a cup brimming with mead. "Compliments of the Old Skull, Lhaeo. We hardly see you anymore," the older woman comments.

"It's always a pleasure to sip Skull mead, Jhaele," he says with a contented smile. "But bill me for it. My absence from your fine tavern hardly justifies free drinks." Jhaele smiles warmly before heading off to attend to other customers. Lhaeo takes a long pull of the mead, then turns to face your group. "As you overheard, I am Lhaeo, scribe to Elminster of Shadowdale. Your reputation," he says with a smirk and a glance at Mandons and Valandil, "precedes you. But I'm not here to discuss gambling debts." He nods his head towards Tymas at mention of the grimlocks, as well as towards Theoath. "Indeed word of your deeds in Mistledale has reached even here, and is the reason I have sought you out."

At mention of Elminster, Lhaeo frowns. "Alas Elminster plays no role in this affair. He is currently dealing with matters of a planar nature, a scope beyond any in Shadowdale can even begin to comprehend, and unrelated to this meeting. Even if he knew of our present situation, I do not know that he would involve himself."

The inn starts to clear out as evening meals are finished, and one by one the locals being to leave for their farms and other visitors to Shadowdale being to retire to their rooms at the Old Skull Inn. Jhaele and her staff move quietly about the room, cleaning the last few tables. Lhaeo, now on his second glass of mead, tips his head back and takes a deep drink. He then leans in close and begins his tale. "What I am about to tell you must go no further than this room," he begins. "The Zhentarim will undoubtedly learn of this story soon enough, but there is no reason to give to them what they should uncover themselves. Do I have your word?"

Assuming there is no dissent, Lhaeo continues. "Three weeks ago a group of warriors led by Randal Morn, rightful ruler of Daggerdale, was attacked as they left the crypt of Shraevyn, a long-dead wizard. Some among you may have heard of Shraevyn, the weapons-mage, in your studies. He was a good wizard who served the Dales back in the late 900s. By all reports, he was wise and just, and he is credited with creating some of the most unique and powerful magical items of the era."

"According to popular legend, Shraevyn created a powerful long sword, known as the Sword of the Dales, just before his death. This weapon was rumored to have a variety of special powers. No one remembers exactly what the sword could do, but in my research I've managed to uncover a few of its reported properties. First, the sword can part chains and manacles when its wielder speaks the word merrydale. It also enables its wielder to breathe underwater while holding it. Other than those two powers, I have little else to offer you." Taking another sip of his mead, the scribe continues his tale, interrupted only by the light swish of a broom and the clinking of clean mugs being stacked at the bar by Jhaele.

"Randal must have believed that possession of this sword would put him in a better position to free Dagger Falls from the hands of the Zhentarim, for he led the adventuring group into the tomb himself. According to Ariton, a loyal servant and the lone survivor of the expedition, Randal successfully freed the sword from a horde of undead that were within Shraevyn's tomb. The group was ambushed as they left the crypt by a Zhent force of mages who had somehow learned of Randal's expedition. They nearly defeated the free Dalesmen, but Randal, wielding the Sword of the Dales, crushed them and their magical creations with minor injuries to his party."

"What happened next was totally unexpected and ultimately fatal for the group. Although it happened quickly, Ariton was able to provide some useful information. Undead, mostly skeletons but a few ghouls and zombies as well, rose from the earth. The Dalesman watched in horror as his doomed friends fell before the onslaught. He also caught a glimpse of an odd emerald light that struck Randal to the ground. Ariton insists that Randal was still breathing but unable to move after this attack. Smart enough to realize he could not fight all of the undead alone, Ariton managed to escape undetected and flee to Elminster's tower for assistance. He gave me a sword, not the Sword of the Dales, but an enchanted blade nonetheless, that he recovered from the tomb in return for a meal and some healing potions. He has since returned to Daggerdale to inform the freemen of what transpired."

Clasping his hands before him, Lhaeo leans in and sets his gaze upon each of you in turn. "The Realms needs heroes, right here and right now. I ask you to go and rescue Randal Morn." A long silence fills the air before Lhaeo speaks again. "I can offer you this magical sword and a few potions if you are willing to accept this dangerous quest. In addition, you will be granted some land in the Shadowdale area when you return Randal Morn to his people alive. Do you have any questions?"

Edited January 31 by Sellsword (see edit history)

[Lord Foul]

"Well, that's quite a tale. I have a question: did this Ariton fellow see what became of Randal Morn's body? If he fled the scene those undead creatures may have just devoured all the fallen, and there may be nothing left for us to rescue. I guess the Sword must still be there if that happened, though, so still worth us going to find it and bring it back, with or without the man himself."

"Anyway, a bit of land would be nice. You can count me in. What kind of sword is that one you have there, then? Do you know anything of its powers?" Mandons is mainly interested in its type, since he is a specialist with the bastard sword; he has no interest in other types, but knowing its magical power would be useful for whoever ends up wielding the thing.

"Oh, and while I think of it, can you give us a description of the other sword? An artifact of such power must surely have some distinguishing features."

 

Edited January 31 by Lord Foul (see edit history)

[Arbuthnott]

Amarandé stares at Llaeo over the top of his second bowl of stew, his eyes wide and unblinking. "Yes, I can do this deed for you. We'll be needing to know the tomb's location, unless you have plans to bestow our company with a guide?"

After a moments pause, he continues. "The Zhents already know of the tomb, though not yet of our secret mission; it is likely that we will encounter a foray of their own. Are there any... ah, political nuances that need to be factored in?"

[rauhric]

THEOATH GRANGER, Paladin of Chauntea [3]

Theo asks Lhaeo if he may inspect the sword. Assuming he is given the opportunity to handle the blade he will give it a good luck, test its weight and balance and do a couple of practice maneuvers. He will ask Lhaeo, "Does it have a name?"

---

OoC: I assume most swords have a name, I am just wondering if saying its name will activate a power; like glowing or whatnot.

 

Edited February 5 by rauhric (see edit history)

[Excior]

Valandil's response to Mondon's inquiry about Randal's disappearance is delivered with his characteristic monotone precision. "More likely that a Zent wizard was behind the event, in an attempt to lay a legitimate claim to the rule of the Dale Lands," he states matter-of-factly, his voice devoid of any inflection.

He continues with his analysis, outlining the potential implications of Randal's possession of the Sword. "The Sword will carry a lot of weight to the men of the dales as a symbol of rulership, and Randal, charmed or otherwise ensorcelled by the Zents, would solidify their power in the region."

Turning his attention to practical matters, Valandil directs his inquiry to Lleo with the same dispassionate demeanor. "We will need supplies and gear. Can you help with that?"

Throughout the conversation, Valandil remains detached and focused, his logical assessment of the situation guiding his actions and decisions with unwavering precision.

[NickL82]

Tymas clears his throat at the mention of the Zhentarim. "There's no end to the Zhentarim and their mayhem. I guess we should have known. If death is no barrier to their thirst for power, then nothing will stop them but the gauntlet of Helm. I've seen their handiwork before -- at Yulash, now mere ash and rubble." He levels a deliberate glance at his companions, searching for any sign of hesitance. Seeing none, he adds, "You can count on us. We shall make them pay for what they've done, and by Helm's courage we will return Randal Morn to safety -- and his rightful place."

[Chaz Hoosier]

Jack Coldwater

HP: 23/23 AC: 6

---

Jack looks around the room innocently as the others start discussing the nefarious threat of Zhents.

 

 

 

OOC

 

 

[Lord Foul]

Mandons gives Jack a playful poke in the side with one rather muddy foot.

"Looks like they may be onto you, me bucko!" he says with a laugh and a wink. "I'll hold 'em off while you make a run for it."

 

[Sellsword]

Lhaeo listens carefully to your questions, commenting on each of them in turn. He responds to Mandons' questions regarding Ariton and the fate of Randal Morn first. "Ariton saw an emerald light strike Randal from within the tomb, but was not able to discern the source. It is conceivable that the source of that magic is also what called and controlled the undead, but I cannot be certain. Alas, Ariton did not enter the tomb and did not witness Randal's ultimate fate, nor that of the Sword. Hopefully, both the Sword of the Dales and Randal Morn are still within the tomb. It is imperative that you get to Randal before the Zhents regroup and go after him in force."

"Which addresses your point, Amarandé," Lhaeo continues. "I am not so naive as to believe that you will not encounter Zhent resistance. It is unclear how much they know. There are no...political nuances...to consider. The Zhentarim should be treated as an enemy, and a dangerous one." Lhaeo's hand disappears into his bag and pulls out a bone scroll case. He places it on the table before you. "This contains a map of the area, as well as the location of Shraevyn's tomb. By Ariton's reports, a landslide uncovered the crypt in a valley known as the Giant's Craw. You should have little problem finding it."

Show Lhaeo's Map:

Sliding the sword out of its sheath and holding it up with his left hand, the scribe picks up a table knife with his right hand and points to some runes near the hilt. "This blade is only lightly enchanted, but it should prove beneificial in combat. It does not glow, but will keep a keen edge without need for sharpening. If it indeed has a name it is unknown to me. I have not had adequate time to research the matter, but I can do so on your behalf upon your return."

"Beyond what I have already described, the Sword of the Dales is highly crafted, and is known to have a hilt inlaid with gold and precious gems. I daresay you will know it for what it is, when indeed it is found."

Addressing Valandil's question about supplies, Lhaeo nods. "If you do not have horses, I will provide adequate mounts. I will also see to it that you are fully provisioned with all the necessities for your journey. I would strongly recommend that you travel the Northride to where it joins the Tethyamar trail," he says. "This path is frequented by traders and other businessmen, and the patrols keep this route relatively free of monsters and other desirables. That doesn't mean you are immune to danger, however. As the old saying goes, a wary traveler sees the light of a new day." The scribe rummages in his satchel for a moment, then carefully pulls three vials from the bag and sets them on the table. "These potions should aid you in times of great need. Each vial contains three doses; one dose can restore a common person near death to full strength."

"Speed is of the essence in this matter--the longer we wait, the greater the risk of further Zhent involvement. I have provided what information and resources I can. If there is nothing more, I will retire for the evening and give you a chance to discuss plans for the morning."

[Lord Foul]

"Grateful for the magical help there, and for the horses and other equipment. We can give you a list of our requirements in the morning if you like, or just leave you with the bill to settle at the local store if that's easier."

"How long do you reckon it'll take us to get there? You say speed is of the essence, but these events you describe happened three weeks ago. A lot can change in three weeks, with enemies about making their own plans and all. Why has it taken so long to respond to this emergency?"

Mandons watches Theo swishing the magic longsword about. Nice looking blade, but a bit small for his taste. He has no interest in debating that one.

"If there are nine doses in those potions it would be useful if we could have them decanted out so we can have one each, in case of emergencies. Perhaps one of our priests should take the extra one to use on anyone in need?"

 

Edited February 3 by Lord Foul (see edit history)

[Arbuthnott]

Amarandé reaches for the scroll case, taking the time to study the map and display it to the rest of the party before tucking it back into its case.

"That's it; yes. Shy of investigating the Zhentarim themselves, I think that's all we can gather prior to our journey's onset. Can you vouch for our continued discussion remaining unheard after your departure? I would know if you chose this venue due to trust or more arcane measures of privacy."

Edited February 3 by Arbuthnott (see edit history)