Game Thread #2 Chapter One: A Friend in Need - Page 5 - RPG Crossing
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  #61  
Old Mar 9th, 2023, 06:48 PM
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Callie Tealeaf
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Callie watched Volo carefully, the smile on her face at odds with the skepticism in her eyes. She tilted her head when he made his offer. "Ten times that amount, you say?" she asked, the smile remaining. "Pardon my reluctance, but I've heard disturbing rumors about your current relationship with your publishers that make me question the precise nature of your financial status."

The smile turned into a grin as she clarified, "I'm certain your book deal will go through, despite any current issues. But I'm equally sure you have a way to pay what you say you'll pay even if it doesn't, right?" The grin faded just a bit as she added, "Because I know a man of your reputation, who relies so much upon relationships with the good people of the realm, wouldn't welch on payment due to a group of local orphans, would you? The damage to your reputation would be catastrophic! So you should be very sure that you can back your offer up...ten dragons to each of us now, then a hundred dragons each once we've freed your friend."

The grin returned in full bloom, "Not including the drinks you already offered to buy, of course!"
 
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Last edited by The Rat Queen; Nov 22nd, 2023 at 11:11 PM.
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  #62  
Old Mar 9th, 2023, 08:22 PM
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Tonwen
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Seeing the speed with which her sister Vera recovers after the draught Bonnie brought over, Tonwen's interest is naturally and immediately drawn to the shiny crystal reflection of the firelight still burning bright from her stage magic. ooh I will remember that moment. she thinks, a smile pulling at one side of her face. Her head snaps back to Volo; What did he offer? Tonnie sits herself on the table, her legs swinging underneath and watches Volo for an uncomfortable minute, aware of her siblings talking, questioning and doubting the veracity of Volo's story.

Then as Callie speaks up, putting Volo in his place, Tonwen looks sideways at her sister with a knowing smile, picks up her lyre, strums a few quiet practice notes, flicks a look at Threestrings who having heard her lyre looks over.

Then as Callie finishes with her comment; "Not including the drinks you already offered to buy, of course!"
Tonnie stands on the table and starts a
Dice Performance +6:
1d20+6 (1)+6 Total = 7
to play her song: The strings on her lyre promptly break, clearly damaged in the excitement of earlier, leaving Tonwen standing embarrassed. She coughs and clears her throat to
Dice Performance +6:
1d20+6 (16)+6 Total = 22
sing:

In search of something precious lost,
A desperate man counts up the cost,
He needs some young and eager souls,
To help him reach his cherished goals.

But money's scarce, and he's in doubt,
Can he ask for help and not give out?
A gentleman true, with honor's claim,
He must find a way to play the game.

The heroes come, with shining eyes,
And tales of bravery to the skies,
But he can't pay, his purse is bare,
He fears they'll leave, he'll be left in despair.

Letting the last notes of the lyre fade, Tonny turns to bow, apologetically to her audience, "That is as far as the tale goes, it will write itself in time." She curtsys and sits back on the table, grabs a drink and turns back to Volo. "How do you think the song should end?"

 
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Last edited by Batty; Mar 9th, 2023 at 08:26 PM. Reason: Adding result of bungled performance in breaking the lyre strings
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  #63  
Old Mar 14th, 2023, 04:49 AM
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Vera AraboltAs Vera lay on the floor in a state of wavering consciousness, she felt a comfort about her. She felt and heard her family coming to her aid, worried for her wellbeing. While she would have recovered well enough with some sleep their worry warmed her. She had always been reckless, so this wasn't an entirely foreign experience to her, but the crew she'd been with the last year were often much more relaxed about injuries. Accidents happen on the ship every day, if everyone dropped everything to care for the injured the ship wouldn't function.

While hardly able to move her body, her eyes went wide when Growler hoisted her up and into a chair. She fully expected to be left on the floor to sleep off the event. He even steadied her and kept her upright in her seat. Despite his best efforts her mouth still hung open, her tongue lazily hanging over the side. She wouldn't remain in that state long as a healing potion was poured down her open throat. She coughed as the last of the healing liquid went down, she always hated the taste. Before Bonnie could disappear Vera made sure to order a thick steak, rare. If she was going to be robbed of a nap she was at least going to get a good meal.

As Volo introduced himself to the group more thoroughly now that Vera wasn't lying about the floor, Vera received her steak. She would forgo cutlery in favour of picking up the hunk of cooked meat and began gnawing at it. The meat was practically bleeding down her chin and onto the plate. She listened intently to the man's plight, as well as his job offer, despite her ravenous focus on her meal. Has the town gotten more dangerous? I hope everyone's been staying safe. She thought as she lamented not being around to protect everyone. Though given what just happened she was sure they were more than capable of handling themselves, maybe even more so than herself. Had she grown to rely on her crew too much? Or was that really even a problem? She wasn't sure.

She listened as her family gave their responses to him, ranging from cautious agreement to questioning his legitimacy. While ultimately she would be hanging with her family regardless of their choice she did have her own opinions on the matter.

"Oi, how'dye know yer friends in a bad sort? If he's as attractive as yer implying maybe he got invited someplace by someone equally attractive. I'd be lying if I said I haven't disappeared from the ship for a night or two for that very reason." She said while the steak hung from her sharp teeth. She removed her dinner before continuing. "Now, I'm not saying I won't go looking for him, like Callie says, if yer good on the coin. But what's to say ye aren't overreacting, and we won't barge in on yer pal having some consensual fun? Personally I'd think it a bit rude if my family thought I'd been kidnapped just because I ain't the brightest." She maintained a steady eye contact with Volo as she once again began to gnaw at her steak.


 


 

OOCJust want to say I am REALLY sorry for not posting for so long, I've been battling a killer tooth infection and am finally recovering. I feel awful leaving this hanging.
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  #64  
Old Mar 22nd, 2023, 01:30 PM
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Dragon Heist1492 DR, the Year of Three Ships Sailing
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Volo doesn't seem bothered by the questions, even those of questioning his financial stream.
"Yes, oh yes indeed. Publishers are the scourge of all writers. Needed yes, but always bound by so many details. I assure you, I will be able to deliver the additional 100 gold to each of you if you are able to return Floon alive.

So, Floon. He's a rather handsome man in his early thirties with wavy red-blonde hair. He was dressed in princely garb with I last saw him. Two nights ago, before he disappeared, we were drinking and merrymaking at the Skewered Dragon, a dark, bawdy tavern in the Dock Ward.
I'd recommend your search start there. I feel, well, a bit embarrassed and somewhat responsible for his disappearance. I mean, we met and drank for a few hours and then I left. That's the last I saw of him.
Can you help? Will you help? I have the 10 gold each here to start if you can."


Anyone who has spent time in Waterdeep has heard of the Skewered Dragon. It's a dubious tavern between Net Street and Fillet Lane in the Dock Ward. All of you have at least heard that it is a Zhentarim owned establishment.

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  #65  
Old Mar 23rd, 2023, 01:28 PM
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Ghereshk "Growler" Daylight
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"The Skewered Dragon?" Growler repeats with a naughty smirk. "Sounds like my kind of place! With a name like that, I bet they serve more than food and drink!"

His joke hides his discomfort. Growler has heard his employers talking about the Skewered Dragon, and according to them, it belongs to the Zhentarim, a criminal organization. Immediately, he wonders if they had noticed Floon's princely garb and decided to rob him, but after a second, doubts himself. Do professional criminals rob the customers of their own establishments? That sounds counter-productive. Maybe it was a coincidence - it's not like there's a lack of other dangers in the Dock Ward.

"I'll do it," he says, careful to say I rather than we. He doesn't have the right to speak for the others, but Growler has already decided that he, himself, will do it. Not just for the money, though it is a lot of money for him, but also because he can't stand to walk away from Volo when he looks so desperate.

Something occurs to him, however. "Wait, why do you feel embarrassed and responsible? All you did was drink with him. I know he's your friend, but it's not like it's your fault he disappeared, right?"

He blinks, tilting his head to the side. "Right?"

 

Last edited by Snicker; Mar 24th, 2023 at 10:30 AM. Reason: Writing refinement
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  #66  
Old Mar 24th, 2023, 03:51 AM
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Callie Tealeaf
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Callie nodded agreement with Growler. "The Dock Ward is dangerous, and so are the Zhentarim, who own the Skewered Dragon," she said, frowning at Volo. "You can't expect us to go waltzing into a haven for a group like the Zhentarim for ten gold apiece."

"Also, what makes you so sure he was taken coming home from the Dragon? If you hadn't seen him in two days, how do you know he wasn't taken from his home, or stabbed behind the armory, or...I don't know...simply left town?" Callie had always had a healthy skepticism, which now threatened to blossom into full-blown mistrust. "I think you're leaving out some details, Mr. Volo...details that could get my friends hurt or killed."

Folding her arms, she tilted her head up at Volo. "I'm thinking maybe half of your agreed-upon payment in advance would provide us with the resources we need to deal with your situation. Bribes for information, breaking and entering equipment...that sort of thing."

ACTIONS & STATSCallie Tealeaf<------ Character Sheet
Move:
Action:
Dice Persuasion:
d20+4 (18)+4 Total = 22

Bonus Action:
Reaction:
Conditions:
Concentrating:
OOC info:

AC: 15 || HP: 15/15|| Saves: St -2, Dx+5, Cn+1, In+2, Ws+2, Ch+2

Left Hand: +5 to hit, 1d6 dmgShort sword || Right Hand: +5 to hit, 1d6+3 dmgShort sword || Back: Pack, +5 to hit, 1d6+3 dmgShortbow || Belt:2 Short swords sheathes, quiver, pouch

Skills: Acrobatics +5 || Insight +4 || Perception +6 || Persuasion +4 || Slight of Hand +5 || Stealth +7

Special Abilities:
When you roll a 1 on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll.Lucky
You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.Brave
You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours.Halfling Nimbleness
You can attempt to hide even when you are obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than you.Naturally Stealthy
You know the secret patterns and flow to cities and can find passages through the urban sprawl that others would miss. When you are not in combat, you (and companions you lead) can travel between any two locations in the city twice as fast as your speed would normally allow.City Secrets
At 1st level, choose two of your skill proficiencies, or one of your skill proficiencies and your proficiency with thieves' tools. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies.Expertise
Beginning at 1st level, you know how to strike subtly and exploit a foe's distraction. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 1d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll.Sneak Attack
During your rogue training you learned thieves' cant, a secret mix of dialect, jargon, and code that allows you to hide messages in seemingly normal conversation. Only another creature that knows thieves' cant understands such messages. It takes four times longer to convey such a message than it does to speak the same idea plainly. In addition, you understand a set of secret signs and symbols used to convey short, simple messages, such as whether an area is dangerous or the territory of a thieves' guild, whether loot is nearby, or whether the people in an area are easy marks or will provide a safe house for thieves on the run.Thieves' Cant
Starting at 2nd level, your quick thinking and agility allow you to move and act quickly. You can take a bonus action on each of your turns in combat. This action can be used only to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.Cunning Action
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Oh, after all the folderol and hauling over coals stops, what did I learn?

Last edited by The Rat Queen; Nov 22nd, 2023 at 11:11 PM.
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  #67  
Old Mar 24th, 2023, 05:04 PM
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Zhent Trouble
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Can you help? Will you help? I have the 10 gold each here to start if you can."

::Zhents. That is another level of trouble. This might not be the greatest idea.::

"I think both Growler and Callie are correct. There seems to be something you're not telling us. Go into a Zhent establishment on bad side of town? Hell, just what you told us there isn't worth 10gp. I think Callie's counteroffer of half upfront might be worth our time, if we all agree."
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Old Mar 25th, 2023, 09:31 PM
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Ben Cassar Ben coughed and tried not to react overmuch to Growler’s joke. This was a serious situation after all! The artificer cleared his throat as he regained his composure…

Like everyone else, he was quite suspicious of Volo’s story. “...Like Growler said, that’s a dangerous place for a night out drinking. The Zhents aren’t there just to serve drinks and fried shrimp balls to customers. What were you two doing in a place like that…? Doesn't seem like the kind of place for a man of your, er, supposed stature.”

He’d not go so far as to argue about their pay alongside Callie but…something about this situation made the back of his neck itch.

Still, Ben sighed as he grabbed his knapsack, a bit disappointed in the evening. “...Didn’t even get to show off my music box.”
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  #69  
Old Mar 25th, 2023, 11:39 PM
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Tonwen
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Tonny puts her drink back down on the table listening intently as Volo and then her siblings speak.

She clears her threat with a cough and says, wiping froth from her chin; "Absolutely Callie." standing and walking across the table to stop face to face in front of Volo. "What exactly have you already done to find Floon?" With a friendly shrug of her shoulders and open palms. "Just so that we don't repeat anything you've already done."

Callie had a good instinct and Tonwen still didn't feel that this 'Volo' had been straight up with them. Though she wasn't going to say it in front of him, whereever the family went, she would also go. Someone had to look out for them.

 
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Old Mar 26th, 2023, 05:11 AM
Dukklord Dukklord is offline
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Vera AraboltVera swallowed half of the steak she'd been chewing at while Volo described his friend, Floon, and where they had last been. While her family grilled the man, Vera washed down her steak with more mead, continuing the cycle her crew had set her on earlier in the day.

"I'll do it."" Growler, ever the altruist declared he would help regardless of the rest of the families stance. Vera put her hand on his shoulder, careful to wipe off her hands first.

"Oi, ye won't be alone with that." Vera's motivation was almost entirely monetary, she could almost picture Callisto's face when she comes back to sail with a sack full of gold.

"What were you two doing in a place like that…? Doesn't seem like the kind of place for a man of your, er, supposed stature." Vera had been about to take another bite of her steak when Ben said that so she stopped herself so she wouldn't start talking with a mouthful.

"He's right! It's the kind of place for someone of my stature! That's where I met Callisto while he was in the middle of a bar fight. I got my ass kicked trying to help him." She let out a hearty laugh. When Tonny strode across the table she resumed chewing upon her steak dinner.





 


 

Last edited by Dukklord; Mar 26th, 2023 at 05:11 AM.
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  #71  
Old Mar 26th, 2023, 09:07 AM
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**Posting 9**
Tonwen
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Tonny was looking up into the rafters above the portal as a moments silence settled in this part of the tavern, then with a sudden and spritely move, she stood straight, executed a
Dice Performance:
1d20+6 (14)+6 Total = 20
pirouette, taking in all of her fam with a broad and cheeky smile on her face, her red curls swishing to follow her movement, stopped facing the gentleman again; "You sir,
Dice persuasion:
1d20+4 (2)+4 Total = 6
go and get more food and drink, we"
; she motioned around her "the fam, need to talk... Without you."

 
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  #72  
Old Mar 26th, 2023, 03:26 PM
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Dragon Heist1492 DR, the Year of Three Ships Sailing
Autumn
Sunset


Volo is taken aback by what's being said. "Zhent owned?... How do you... know...? We just didn't want to be recognized, you know, drink in peace? No, I haven't done... He didn't come home that night, and hasn't been anywhere he should be since. I tell you something's not right.
How... There's 10 gold each of you, that's not exactly coppers here. I can't get anything more tonight. How about I go to my publisher's in the morning, you start your search now, and once you find him, I'll be here with payment. Until you find him, your meals here are all on me? That's more than fair along with the ten gold up front. Maybe I need to speak to some others if my coin isn't good enough for you. Yes, yes, you should talk among yourselves. I'll be over by the fire."


Volo definitely appears to be telling the truth and is truly worried about his friend.

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  #73  
Old Mar 26th, 2023, 04:40 PM
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Callie Tealeaf
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Callie's greedy little heard sank a bit when it appeared no more money would be fronted, but ten gold each was ten gold each. She waited until Volo had wandered off a ways before leaning in to plot confer with her family.

"Sounds like some of us are ready to jump in," she noted dryly with a glance toward those who'd agreed quickly...too quickly, in her opinion. "Obviously, you can count on me as well. Nobody should be subjected to the 'tender mercies' of the Zhentarim, and I'm not letting you lot wander in there without me watching your backs." She'd be thrice-cursed before she stood by and let her family get killed, and she expected the same of any of them.

With a sigh, she added, "Besides, it would take me nearly a week to make that much money. This town is full of paupers and the penniless." She cast an accusing glance at the crowd around her, despite the fact that she didn't really have any money either.

Turning back to the group, she giggled, "How long should we wait and make him sweat?"

ACTIONS & STATSCallie Tealeaf<------ Character Sheet
Move:
Action:
Bonus Action:
Reaction:
Conditions:
Concentrating:
OOC info:

AC: 15 || HP: 15/15|| Saves: St -2, Dx+5, Cn+1, In+2, Ws+2, Ch+2

Left Hand: +5 to hit, 1d6 dmgShort sword || Right Hand: +5 to hit, 1d6+3 dmgShort sword || Back: Pack, +5 to hit, 1d6+3 dmgShortbow || Belt:2 Short swords sheathes, quiver, pouch

Skills: Acrobatics +5 || Insight +4 || Perception +6 || Persuasion +4 || Slight of Hand +5 || Stealth +7

Special Abilities:
When you roll a 1 on an attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, you can reroll the die and must use the new roll.Lucky
You have advantage on saving throws against being frightened.Brave
You can move through the space of any creature that is of a size larger than yours.Halfling Nimbleness
You can attempt to hide even when you are obscured only by a creature that is at least one size larger than you.Naturally Stealthy
You know the secret patterns and flow to cities and can find passages through the urban sprawl that others would miss. When you are not in combat, you (and companions you lead) can travel between any two locations in the city twice as fast as your speed would normally allow.City Secrets
At 1st level, choose two of your skill proficiencies, or one of your skill proficiencies and your proficiency with thieves' tools. Your proficiency bonus is doubled for any ability check you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies.Expertise
Beginning at 1st level, you know how to strike subtly and exploit a foe's distraction. Once per turn, you can deal an extra 1d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack if you have advantage on the attack roll. The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 feet of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll.Sneak Attack
During your rogue training you learned thieves' cant, a secret mix of dialect, jargon, and code that allows you to hide messages in seemingly normal conversation. Only another creature that knows thieves' cant understands such messages. It takes four times longer to convey such a message than it does to speak the same idea plainly. In addition, you understand a set of secret signs and symbols used to convey short, simple messages, such as whether an area is dangerous or the territory of a thieves' guild, whether loot is nearby, or whether the people in an area are easy marks or will provide a safe house for thieves on the run.Thieves' Cant
Starting at 2nd level, your quick thinking and agility allow you to move and act quickly. You can take a bonus action on each of your turns in combat. This action can be used only to take the Dash, Disengage, or Hide action.Cunning Action
__________________
Oh, after all the folderol and hauling over coals stops, what did I learn?

Last edited by The Rat Queen; Nov 22nd, 2023 at 11:12 PM.
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  #74  
Old Mar 28th, 2023, 10:38 PM
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Ghereshk "Growler" Daylight
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Why are we making him sweat? Growler wonders. He leans forward on the table to look at Volo, wondering if there's something he's missing. We already know he doesn't have more money. Isn't this just being mean?

But his family sees something he doesn't, as they often do. He's not the brightest and doesn't pretend to be. He looks back at them and clasps his hands, still leaning on the table, but now looking hunched and defensive. If we're keeping secrets, he thinks, we should talk in code.

"I still don't know why he feels embarrassed and responsible,""There was an accident in the kitchen the other day - one of the other cooks spilled an egg on their face. But I don't know how - the meal he said he was making doesn't have any eggs in it," Growler says, speaking in Thieves' Cant. "Did he accidentally do something that put a target on Floon's back? The Dock Ward is dangerous, after all. Or were they doing something naughty and caught? Maybe they were stealing from the Zhentarim, or someone else.""I wonder if he messed up the recipe. Sometimes that happens with the new cooks. It's a halfling kitchen, and they've got all kinds of different recipes handed down through the generations, so it can be pretty complicated in the kitchen. But on the other hand, maybe he was experimenting - trying to find his own way to make a meal faster and with less work. The owners don't like that - they want things done a certain way in their kitchen, and shortcuts usually aren't a part of it. But it's an even worse idea when you're screwing up the head cook's kitchen, because they don't play by the rules. If the head cook catches you screwing around in their kitchen, with their ingredients, then they can punish you in ways that the owners can't. Is that what happened to him?"

He pauses, then gives the others a small, impish smile. "Or maybe they're secret lovers.""Anyway, he was making linked sausages."

 

Last edited by Snicker; Mar 28th, 2023 at 10:39 PM. Reason: typo
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  #75  
Old Apr 3rd, 2023, 06:19 AM
Dukklord Dukklord is offline
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Vera Arabolt"Sounds like some of us are ready to jump in." Vera caught Callie's glance when she said this, and she shifted in her seat.

"Oi, every crew needs someone who's willing to take the leap of faith." She leaned forward a tad when she said this, "And I'm proud to say I'll take that leap. I'll take it for Callisto, sure. More importantly I'll take it for family." She flashed a grin that was mostly just teeth before taking a drink. "'Sides, he gave us an excuse to kick some Zhentarim ass as a family."

When Callie mentioned making Volo sweat, Vera snickered, then Growler started his tale from work. A low rumble could be heard in her throat as she failed to understand why he started talking about something that had happened at his job. She was happy to listen to him since this was sort of why they'd gathered in the first place. She simply drank from her glass as he spoke until.

"Anyway, he was making linked sausages."

Vera spit out her mead and began a choked laugh as she finally realized he was speaking in code. She pounded her fist against the table as she simultaneously laughed and tried to cough the fluid out of her lungs. As she hugged the table trying to recover, she also tried to think back and decipher just what her sibling had meant. When she'd finally cleared her airways and discerned the meaning in Growlers tale she sat up and composed herself.

" I'd bet money on secret lovers.Linked sausages? I could go for a plate myself!" She chuckled as she tried to match his cant with her own. "What if he intentionally put a target on Floons head? Maybe they tried to do bad business with the Zhents, or offered him as payment only to regret it after Speakin'a accidents. Sometimes yer so called accident is more of a mistake. This one time our crows nest called out a good mark fer us to plunder. But ya see, the ship we sailed up to was easily twice as big as our own. Now Ol' Shiver Sticks, we call him that cuz his fingers are too shaky to help anywhere but up in the nest, he didn't send us to that ship as no accident, but he did mistake it for a much smaller vessel. Fortunately The Serpents Crest is no joke, we got out of there just fine, but Shiver Sticks regretted the call, says he's gonna be better in the future. What I mean to say is, perhaps yer fellow chef thought the egg would improve his sausage recipe rather than ruin it." She flashed her grin of sharp teeth once more, but this time her eyes displayed a sort of vacancy that wasn't even there when she was borderline unconscious. She wasn't exactly the smartest lizard in the seven seas, and it took a lot of focus for her to produce that particular cant.




 


 
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