Author Topic: Campaign #1 - Somewhere on the Sword Coast  (Read 1651189 times)

Re: Campaign #1 - Somewhere on the Sword Coast
« Reply #405 on: May 30, 2025, 06:46:38 PM »
Alice sits alone in a dark room, dark thoughts spinning through her mind. She has become apathetic, her Charisma has dropped by 4, she has disadvantage on charisma based checks and dexterity checks on initiative. The condition will remain without intervention, but will improve after intervention and a long rest.]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-mh9ZP8FLDk

Re: Campaign #1 - Somewhere on the Sword Coast
« Reply #406 on: May 31, 2025, 07:24:27 AM »
Being totally ignored, Cat watches Yulya's conversation for a while, satisfied there appears to be no further drama. Her ears briefly perk up hearing 'orcs', but orcs are an ok-ish enemy. Better than giant spiders, ghosts or undead. She turns to Toblen at the bar.
Nyaa, one more cider please Nya!
Looks like everyone's merry despite the cold Nya! Oh, did Alice already rent a room for us Nya?


Re: Campaign #1 - Somewhere on the Sword Coast
« Reply #407 on: May 31, 2025, 04:39:19 PM »
Daran and Daylinn turn on their bar stools to greet her cordially, with the juxtaposition piercing eyes and friendly smiles. Elves are nothing if not enigmatic.
Yulya is relieved she is not scolded this time and relaxes a little

Daran has a word to say, "Yes well I can't fault you for her design if you weren't personally involved. Can it be trained is my question and if so then you have your work cut out for you."
Yulya sighs and nestles with her hands
Master Edermath - Alice is not a mere tool or machine. Her feelings and emotions are indistinguishable from a human so I dare say. And she was not exactly amused by the way you addressed her. Though she apparently is quite fond of you. As for your question - she can certainly learn like a human would -  but not like a golem or tamed animal. She has her own mind and very strong beliefs and ideas. I shall try to guide her  but it is not in my hands to change who she is.



"Giant spiders you say? And what would giant spiders eat in an abandoned mine? Giant flies? No, no that's about as silly as an Orc Wizard.
Yulya nods.
You see - as silly as it sounds - in the goblin den we cleared we found a well-maintained and quite elaborate painting of a giant spider. The goblins appeared to worship it though we were not able to make them talk. If not meant literally it might be a sort of cult. Even more concerning - the goblins had reached a surprising level of technology. They had civilian workers operating a distillery that produced large amounts of alcohol of astonishingly high purity as well as acetic acid. Again they would not talk but this was a well-organized society. Several goblin leaders, a shaman, hobgoblins and many wolves. All we managed to find out is that they worked for the goblin king at Cragmaw Castle and that Sir Gundren was taken there. I hope he can be rescued.

By the way - we also encountered human bandits on Triboar Trail while on our way back to Neverwinter that attempted to rob a carriage.  While not strong and easy to defeat - they also were well-organized and appeared to belong to an organization. They wore silver brooches and one had a whistle with a ship embossed on it. It worked as a sort of tracking device and led more and stronger bandits to us. Summer managed to scare them away with an illusion.  Still concerning. So far we have not been able to find out which organization they belonged to. Have you ever heard of an organization that utilizes elvish-looking silver brooches an a ship as symbol? Unfortunately we did not manage to recover any of their items.

What's in the mine? I'd guess displaced goblins, orcs amassing for a raid against Phandalin, that isn't out of the question, in fact there was a recent disappearance." He turns to Daylinn, "Tel' shemlen maniferril?"
"Tel' shemlen? Col nesh al adoe", she said with concern.
"My guess would be orcs, and they may have chosen a princess." He was noticeably disgusted. "Though it's really none of my concern, orcs don't sit well with me, and so let's see, what would be tolerable, ears? Eyes? Toes? Tongues! Have your ward collect their tongues, for every orc tongue I'll give you a gold coin and you can also keep the tongues."
Daylinn laughed darkly at the silliness of his arbitrary decision.[/i]
Yulya listens to Darans words with a mix of relief and concern
Orcs you say? That certainly would make sense. I thank you for this information and your generous offer. We shall purge the mine regardless of what dwells within. Do you have any advice regarding dealing with orcs other than brute force?

Daran adds, "I don't remember who the girl belongs to but they'll likely appreciate the return of their family member."
Daylinn puts a hand on Daren's chest, "there were two!"
"Ah, this is yet another annoying consequence of not having a walled city, we should really erect a palisade at least," He speaks to himself.[/i]
Yulya is concerned.
Hostages will certainly not make our task easier. But we shall depart as soon as possible to free those women from their terrible fate!

"The cold has good reason and I won't say more about it, yes it all ties together, there are forces at work here beyond even my comprehension, as for dragons, they can be quite potent and its proximity is an issue for us as it will eventually come by and take sheep when its hungry, though this one seems to like cattle, again, none of my concern. It should know better then to go after my sheep, dragons are brutish but at least they're intelligent. Oh, they're horrifically arrogant and complacent. To be slain by a group of iron plates would be unheard of, frankly I would advise you against trying, though if you run when you realize the task you shouldn't lose more than one or two. I'm beyond trying to convince others about common sense. It would be quite a shame if Summer died, for a shemlen she's quite well refined."[/i]
Yulyas face turns noticeably pale.
Indeed - there is no need to tell me. If it was my choice I would be the last to go against a dragon! I believe I had already encountered this one when it took an oxen from the rest stop on the High Road. It was terrifying! I could not even move!

Yulya exhales and resumes after a short pause - shaking off the traumatic memory.
Yet as you remarked Miss Summer has chosen us of all people to accompany her. I do not quite understand why she is adamant to slay that dragon for reasons other than fame. We will aid her as well as we can. But that is not the reason I would risk my life for.

He looked somewhat uncomfortable about your question, "Yes, I was there several times before and after the snowfall, the dragon has holed up in the artifact. Whether it's accessible or not depends, but with snowshoes you should be able to walk there, the snow has accumulated and is showing no sign of melting. I will tell you that there's nothing there to gain, the artifact is... well it's no longer my concern and it's in safe hands."[/i]
Daylinn leans forward to Yulya, "Oh yes, don't worry about that. If you insist on taking out that dragon, stop there and count your blessings. I am certain this weather will clear soon, it's in good hands." 
Yulya again sighs and looks at the floor
I thank you for your concern and the advice about snow shoes - but unfortunately we are not here for the dragon as Summer is. We need to recover the artifact which is Alices ship that brought her here from the stars!
As for myself - I was a simple hermit before I received a revelation from an Angel. I set out to the crash site and found Alice there. Little more than a tiny helpless blob and weaker than an average slime. Even now I believe she is but a shard of her former existence and the artifact is the key to her recovery. It was the wish of the Gods that I aid Alice in returning to her former self and I will do whatever I can to assist her.

Yulya takes a pause before whispering nervously.
I am sure she has told you. I have heard very disturbing stories about that ship. Alice considers it extremely dangerous for this world in its current state and she repeatedly stated she is the only one who can avert that danger. I have no reason to doubt her so our main objective is the full recovery of this artifact. A ship that can travel to the stars. But this is all I know. I am nothing but a servant of the Gods. And as long as they bestow this mission upon me I shall carry it out faithfully.

Yulya feels uncomfortable and afraid she might have said too much.
But now I do not want to spoil your beautiful evening. We have to deal with the mine first of all. I wish you a good evening and thank you for your time and generous advice!

Yulya bows
« Last Edit: May 31, 2025, 04:46:38 PM by Yulya »

Re: Campaign #1 - Somewhere on the Sword Coast
« Reply #408 on: Yesterday at 07:53:49 AM »
Looks like everyone's merry despite the cold Nya! Oh, did Alice already rent a room for us Nya?

Toblin informs cat that yes, Alice rented a room already, and he gives her another round of cider for 5cp.

[You received a room last time for free, this time it's 3sp for a single and 5sp for a double.]

Master Edermath - Alice is not a mere tool or machine. Her feelings and emotions are indistinguishable from a human so I dare say. And she was not exactly amused by the way you addressed her. Though she apparently is quite fond of you. As for your question - she can certainly learn like a human would -  but not like a golem or tamed animal. She has her own mind and very strong beliefs and ideas. I shall try to guide her  but it is not in my hands to change who she is.

He bristles, "I can't take any responsibility for mischaracterization at this point, because at any point you or her could have easily just told me. She could have just denied my characterizations straight away, what kind of game are you playing?" This admonishment didn't sit well with him.

The goblins had reached a surprising level of technology.


Clearly in a sour moon now, he responds, "Well of course they can, they're corrupted elves, they'd be capable of much more but prefer to wallow in their own filth. The smell must have been excruciating."

I hope he can be rescued.

His cordial tone is muted and he seems disinterested. "I trust they will, don't underestimate a naug when profit is on the line."

We also encountered human bandits on Triboar Trail while on our way back to Neverwinter that attempted to rob a carriage.  While not strong and easy to defeat - they also were well-organized and appeared to belong to an organization. They wore silver brooches and one had a whistle with a ship embossed on it. It worked as a sort of tracking device and led more and stronger bandits to us. Summer managed to scare them away with an illusion.  Still concerning. So far we have not been able to find out which organization they belonged to. Have you ever heard of an organization that utilizes elvish-looking silver brooches an a ship as symbol? Unfortunately we did not manage to recover any of their items.

"The bandits, let's just say they've worn out their welcome. The whistle is clearly a Whistle of the Lost Sailor or whatever they want to call them these days. When lost it will call to the one who is attuned to it. In addition it can be used to track a lost sailor, one aboard a ship, even to the depths of the sea, so yes, they tracked you with it. As far as the brooches, I'd have to personally see one to identify it. I did hear there's a bounty on them, a brooch is fair proof of their defeat, I would presume Neverwinter Hall of Justice would pay out that bounty."

Orcs you say? That certainly would make sense. I thank you for this information and your generous offer. We shall purge the mine regardless of what dwells within. Do you have any advice regarding dealing with orcs other than brute force?

"Brute force is what they're best at, I wouldn't approach them on equal ground and they can be quite formidable, they're not intelligent creatures however, so simply outsmart them."

We need to recover the artifact which is Alice's ship that brought her here from the stars!

"If you'd come to me earlier, I'd have happily turned it over in that case, given you have some kind of proof of this claim, but I obtained legal claim for abandoned property on Phandalin land. The claim was registered and I surveyed the land at personal expense. I witnessed curious changes over a the weeks I monitored it and it began to emanate vibrations.

The white dragon had created a den out of it and as they do, he froze the immediate area. I do remember it had a nasty scar on its back that might have been caused subsequent to his infestation, the craft had a large hole and jagged edges.

The 'metal' is not like any I can identify, it's more pliable like plumbum but much lighter, so otherwise useless. After finding no way to salvage, and nothing of value to me, I contacted an associate of mine, one who knows better this sort of thing and when I noted the ice seemed to have slowed the changes he took over the survey. Later he requested I sell him the rights and to be frankly honest I gave it to him at a loss. Whatever that ship is, is beyond me."

I am sure she has told you. I have heard very disturbing stories about that ship. Alice considers it extremely dangerous for this world in its current state and she repeatedly stated she is the only one who can avert that danger. I have no reason to doubt her so our main objective is the full recovery of this artifact. A ship that can travel to the stars. But this is all I know. I am nothing but a servant of the Gods. And as long as they bestow this mission upon me I shall carry it out faithfully.

He's growing tired of this conversation, "I wouldn't consider her ramblings intelligible, but since you have a stake in the claim, I'll try to arrange a meeting with him but be well advised that he won't take your games lightly. It will take some time to contact him, and arrange a meeting myself."

But now I do not want to spoil your beautiful evening. We have to deal with the mine first of all. I wish you a good evening and thank you for your time and generous advice!

Daylinn smiles graciously and Daran dismisses you professionally with barely constrained annoyance. They then begin discussing in elvish in a serious tone.

[Yulya and Cat should make any additional moves or inquisitions and then let me know when you're ready to retire and I'll start the next scene in the morning.]

Snowshoes have the following properties:

SNOWSHOES 2gp, 3lbs
They have a .8 multiplier for travel as opposed to .67 for deep snow. They also negate icy conditions (.5 multiplier) as they're cleated.

Re: Campaign #1 - Somewhere on the Sword Coast
« Reply #409 on: Yesterday at 10:06:06 AM »
Toblin informs cat that yes, Alice rented a room already, and he gives her another round of cider for 5cp.
Ah thank you Nya!
Cat isn't good at starting conversations
Nyaa we're going to check out the mine Nya. Gundren's brothers Nya said there was trouble Nya but we dunno what Nya! What do you think Nya? Daran Nya suggested orcs Nya. Fine with me Nya! We'll deal with them Nya!
Cat slams her half-plate with her fist.


Re: Campaign #1 - Somewhere on the Sword Coast
« Reply #410 on: Yesterday at 02:38:06 PM »
He's growing tired of this conversation, "I wouldn't consider her ramblings intelligible, but since you have a stake in the claim, I'll try to arrange a meeting with him but be well advised that he won't take your games lightly. It will take some time to contact him, and arrange a meeting myself."

Daylinn smiles graciously and Daran dismisses you professionally with barely constrained annoyance. They then begin discussing in elvish in a serious tone.
I thank you for your kindness and understanding. This would indeed be of great help for us. I look forward to our next meeting. I suggest you then sincerely ask Alice about the ship yourself. I am certain she can answer a lot of questions I can not.

Yulya bows again and leaves slightly bewildered by the conversation but also relieved. She taps Cat who is sitting at the bar on the shoulder.
I shall go look after Alice! Good Night!

She addresses Toblen
Sir Toblen the food was excellent as always! Can you tell me which room you give to Alice?

Yulya wishes Toblen a good night and proceeds to the room. She carefully opens the door and sits down on the bed.
Reaching into her backpack Yulya takes out an 1sp candy and slips it under the bed while talking to herself.

That was quite a day!
I am glad our journey went well and we all made it here safely.

Yulya sighs
I apologize I probably should have spoken out in your favor when you were ignored at the table. That would have been my role as party leader and Peace cleric. You know I am not very good at either job...

Yula resumes after a pause
You know I just talked to Sir Edermath and what he told be sounded mch more positive. I think you are accusing him wrongly. He stated that he would have turned the ship to you if he had known and that he himself would arrange a meeting with the one - I assume called Andras - whom he sold it to. I do not think Sir Edermath meant to do anything harmful. Neither to you nor this town. This is my impression and I think I am not that bad at reading peoples intentions. But I made it clear to him that he cannot treat you like this and that you have your own personality. You should talk this out next time you meet. He said the cold has good reason but no more. Is it plausible that this Mr. Andras froze the ship to prevent a catastrophe? And would he be able to recover the entire ship? The wreckage was enormous as far as I recall.

I am also sorry we did not listen when you attempted to tell us more. Something always came in between. We must do this once we are all together again. But I am willing to listen here and now to whatever you have to say. You know I will always take you seriously and help you in any way I can Alice!

Yulya pats the bed and waits for a sign of life from underneath



Re: Campaign #1 - Somewhere on the Sword Coast
« Reply #411 on: Yesterday at 04:48:04 PM »
After a long and awkward silence, a faint repeating scratching sound can be heard from under the bed, like a squirrel biting open a nut. Alice has taken the bait and is munching on the candy.
After more silence, Alice speaks
Thank you Yulya-sama!
Don't blame yourself, you did well!
I was an idiot. Reckless. I felt invincible.
And now look at me! What a parody have I become? A curiosity at best, but mostly just an annoyance. My powers ridiculed, my precious ship sold away as scrap...

Alice slowly emerges from under the bed, still munching on the candy.



I'm sorry too. I didn't mean I don't care about you anymore. I won't let the ship destroy the world and kill you. If Daran manages to get us in contact with the guy who has my ship, that's good news. But still this man - why is he so mean to me? Wasn't I nice? Didn't I overlook all his insolence?
Haa, Elves are so troublesome...

He said the cold has good reason but no more. Is it plausible that this Mr. Andras froze the ship to prevent a catastrophe? And would he be able to recover the entire ship? The wreckage was enormous as far as I recall.
Alice thinks for a moment.
I can't imagine that.
He must have been there immediately after I crashed, or at least shortly after you left. Even in the natural cold, the ship would have liquefied and went underground within a short time. Days? Maybe a week? I don't know. And transporting it from that mountain? I can't recall the terrain but it sounds impossible. At least without magic. I guess with magic everything is possible. That's why they lost despite their mind-boggling technology. Magic sure is something...

It seems things are at least stable for now. Do not worry about my ship. I will deal with the matter.
Now let us sleep. It really was a tough day. Where are Cat and Ashley?

Re: Campaign #1 - Somewhere on the Sword Coast
« Reply #412 on: Yesterday at 08:18:21 PM »
Nyaa we're going to check out the mine Nya. Gundren's brothers Nya said there was trouble Nya but we dunno what Nya! What do you think Nya? Daran Nya suggested orcs Nya. Fine with me Nya! We'll deal with them Nya!



Toblen is washing cups and is happy to talk, Orcs are fierce opponents, this town was originally destroyed by an orc raid and you can still see the ruins even in this building; the foundation was reused. Without Master Edermath and Daylinn, we'd probably not have gotten this far. I think they're Orichalcum plates. I can't even imagine." He continues cleaning dishes, "Be safe then, I hope it's not orcs personally..." He lowers his voice, "we're missing a couple girls on the Davis Farm, Jan and Marsha are barely of age! I can't imagine they off and eloped, and with who?" He leans in and shakes his head, "If you find those girls among the orcs..." His face grows very dark, "you put them out of their misery and say you never found 'em."

His expression returned to his jovial self, "Anything else for ya tonight?"

I suggest you then sincerely ask Alice about the ship yourself.

Daren looks at you like you just insulted his mother but says nothing. As you leave you hear Daylinn laughing and speaking sweetly to him.

Sir Toblen the food was excellent as always! Can you tell me which room you give to Alice?

He laughs, "You're the only ones staying, not another stayed all season. Your other friend, Ashley, took the one at the end of the hall, I told Alice just to pick one, the others all have open doors, have fun."

Yulya heads up and finds the only other shut door and assumes this is the one. The eyes peering from under the bed confirms it.

Meanwhile...



[Additional conversation as desired, Cat is still at the bar, Yulya and Alice are talking, when you're all done for the day, just do like Ashley did.]

Re: Campaign #1 - Somewhere on the Sword Coast
« Reply #413 on: Today at 07:44:09 AM »
He lowers his voice,[/i] "we're missing a couple girls on the Davis Farm, Jan and Marsha are barely of age! I can't imagine they off and eloped, and with who?" He leans in and shakes his head, "If you find those girls among the orcs..." His face grows very dark, "you put them out of their misery and say you never found 'em."
Cat raises an eyebrow as if Toblen had just invited her to group sex with him and a couple of orcs



His expression returned to his jovial self, "Anything else for ya tonight?"
Cat frowns
Nyah thank you Nya...
Leave dealing with the orcs to us Nya. We will wipe them out Nya!
Good night Nya!

Cat pays 5cp and goes to the room finding Yulya sitting at the bed and Alice curled up at her feet like a cat.
Nyaah human males are a bit strange Nya...
 
Without further explanation and satisfied that Alice appears relatively alright, Cat drops on the bed
Good Night Nya!