D&D: The City of Shaldra~Zin

[Grimsvald]

Nearly 100 years ago the Great Planer Wars were brought to an end. Portals were opening all over the continent of Lorn, spewing forth hellish duergar armies. One man put a stop to it. The nations of Lorn held their ground for as long as they could, but it looked like a hopeless battle against a relentless foe. Until that man stepped forward with lost treasures.


One day a great elven cleric known as Shaldra~Zin made his stand at the city of Blackwood. With an ancient spell found in the bowels of a lost Pelor temple he would save his people. With the spell carved into his flesh he laid upon a pile of gold and lit himself on fire. His body, the candles and the gold were all consumed as spell components. What the spell accomplished is still unclear, but Blackwood vanished that day never to be seen again. With it vanished the portals.


Now a city has been built where Blackwood once stood. This city has been named Shaldra~Zin in honor of the man who ended the war. It is here were our journey will begin...


The first signs of day giving way to night are inflicted upon Shaldra~Zin. The sun has just began to fall from its zenith. Heat shows signs of reprieve and a cool breeze is moving in. It is long before night time, but the city streets are already filling with travelers.


Some people are finding their way into Shaldra~Zin's famous tavern, The Dizzy Dwarfs, others have been there for hours already...


For those just arriving at the bar it may be difficult to find a seat. Floorboards creek beneath your feet as you navigate the labyrinth of customers to find an open chair. When you do find yourself a place to rest your tired boots, you have time to take in the beauty of your surroundings. The crowd keeps at a dull roar, but a bard sings over them. The man plays his lute and sings songs of love ever lasting.


The building is made with unique black wood from forests that used to exist around the city. It is darker than charcoal before lacquer even brushes on. The tables are made from a less refined and well worn wood. Some planks are splinted, others have names carved into them or beer stains. Small dwarven iron lanterns hang on the walls. When they are lite they give off more than adequate lighting. Behind the bar are shelves of alcohol stacked all the way to the ceiling. It is an ancient bookshelf salvaged from a great wizards library. Now a dwarf happily slides back and forth on it's ladder gathering drinks. If you raise your hand a busty human woman will come to gather your order.


For those who have been in the tavern for hours already you have noticed something deeper. You may notice that the bard is not only making wonderful tips, but he is paying his tab with a slight of hand. Some coins sat on the table tops end up missing and his mud of ale never seems to run dry. You may notice that people are often ordering the same drink, the 'house special'. Finally, if you have been paying close attention. There is a chance you noticed an orc who has had way too many 'House specials' and found too many of his coins missing from the table. As drunk as he is...he has noticed where they are going and is ready to do something about it.

 

[Four The Magician]

Goradak leaned back in the chair which sat at his normal spot, the large Half-Orc had made a name for himself at The Dizzy Dwarfs, 'Drunken Barbarian' is what they said; not that he was a rowdy drunk, he just drank until he couldn't any longer then stumbled about talking to the others in the tavern. On this particular night he was only on his fourth drink, which was fairly light for him considering his body size so his eye sight remained intact capturing many moments where a Bard was snagging several coins from a drunk Orc. None of this concerned Goradak as he only enjoyed watching the other patrons of the Dizzy Dwarf, and not confronting them; so he continued on sipping from his ale but of course that didn't last for too long as the Orc had appeared to count his coins a few times over, the Bard has been busted. With the Orc realizing the scam that had been happening to him Goradak raised his feet onto the table and waited for the show to begin, this was the type of chaos that made the large Half-Orc grin.

 

[yeancientone]

Erzsebet is similarly amused. Having no particular allegiance between the Orc and the Bard, she sips her ale and watches events pan out. The orphan witch glances over at Goradak, by way of wanting to make a friend in this strange town, nods civilly. "It would be rude to interfere with these two, don't you agree? Much better to watch the fireworks."

 

[Grimsvald]

The orc finishes the last of his ale, sitting the mug down with force. It is clear that he has gathered the courage to confront his thief. "Kaiden!" He yelled out standing to his feet. "You've got something that belongs to me you maggot!" The towering greenskin marched towards the stage at the back of the room. The love song stopped. The words had caught in Kaiden's throat. With what charisma he could muster he pieced together a defense. "Oi, big man, watch your words. I aint stole a 'ting since the day I stole me sweet CIndy's heart."


This line didn't go over well with the orc. In fact, it was only believable to a hand full of gullible maidens peppered throughout the dinning room. From them there was a collective awww...The orc took one big step forward and pulled back his arm, with a single punch he could level that bard. There was something of a howling sound followed by a heavy *Kiithunck* when the bar tended let fly his old throwing ax. The dwarven ax stuck into the end of a table between them. "Guiren, calm down and keep a tighter grip on your coin purse. Kaiden Kassidy give back what you stole or I will let the big mean man cut it out of your backside..."


The bard sighed then tossed Guiren his coin. Everyone went back to their business. A bar maid returned Adrik's ax to him.

 

[GinjaGen]

A small figure made its way through the dwindling crowds as the sun slowly headed towards the ground. The figure might have gone mostly unnoticed... if not for the smell. While few in the current age smelled particularly sweet, the dwarf in question had a particularly noticeable and unusual odor resulting from almost constant time in the woods coupled with many a day without any form of bathing. Still, it was not the worst smell people had experienced. Just odd.


And it wasn't so much because this particular dwarf neglected her hygiene... or rather it was. But really, it wasn't her fault. It was more due to the fact that she had never really learned to grasp the concept of personal hygiene, beyond the aspects that kept you healthy. It was simply not something that had been important to her for a majority of her 52 years.


As such her bright white hair was dreaded and haphazardly braided with leaves and other forest related accessories indicating that she spent a considerable amount of time in the wilderness. Her rather dark but young complexion was further darkened by a slight coat of dirt as if she was trying to camouflage in the brush - which was likely what she had been trying to do hours ago before she'd forgotten that she'd put it on. Even her clothing and pack appeared worse for wear - including the pair of boots haphazardly tied onto the back rather than on the woman's feet.


Overall she appeared quite a mess, and after catching a whiff, many turned to look, only to frown and look away once more, considering her no more than another beggar.


However, as dirty as she looked and smelled, her quick, bright green eyes and upturned mouth indicated that she was more than a stinky vagrant, and quite youthful. There was doubtlessly an interesting story hiding behind the odor.


Tier Khul approached the Tavern, looking up at it. Seemed as good a place as any to get something to drink, and maybe some excitement?


However, before entering she paused, her smile falling a bit as she reached behind her to retrieve her boots, which she quickly put on. She didn't need a repeat of last time. 'No shoes, no shirt, no service' was a stupid rule as far as she was concerned.


Entering the bar, she made her way towards the bar, having little difficult moving around thanks to her smaller stature - and possibly the smell. She marveled at the dark wood that the building was crafted from and actually momentarily stopped to examine the wood of the bar. It was at this moment, there appeared to be a disagreement between a rather large half-orc - everyone was rather large to Tier - and the bard.


Her smile grew. She had made the right decision. It seemed the occupants of this tavern might prove to be entertaining.

 

[yeancientone]

Erzsebet was a little perplexed by the bard’s chorus of admirers. Bumpkins. Everything in this foreign environment was curious to her, and not quite how her books had told her.


The tavern door opened and closed, admitting a singular stink. Erzsrbet’s view was obscured by the taller patrons. She left the dregs of her ale to pursue the aroma.


It emanated from a deformed peasant of some kind, a squat and unruly specimen. Its singular aroma weaved to its destination, leaving a wake of sickened victims in its path.


On closer inspection, Erzsebet decided it was female in shape, and clearly dressed for wilderness survival. She stepped gingerly to the short woman’s side, standing a foot above her stench, but enduring it heroically.


The orphan witch nudged the new arrival. “If it’s not inappropriate, may I have the pleasure of your acquaintance? You have the look of a stranger. Like me.” She fiddled with an ebony lick of her hair.

 

[Grimsvald]

Guiren returned to his seat and began to count out his coin. He would never trust that thieving bard. If he could swipe all this coin from the table, there is nothing stopping him from slipping a few out of the bag before returning it. One by one he slide the copper pieces across the table.


The bar maiden visits Guiren's table to give him a free drink. It wasn't the tavern's finest ale, but it was free and he isn't picky. "We're sorry about Kaiden's sticky fingers. The poor fool has too many mouths to feed at home and not enough talent to pay for them. Take a bit of free drink to drowned that anger. We hope you two can keep the peace." She gave him a smile and walked away to deal with new customers.


The bar maiden approached Tier Khul and Erzsebet. When the druid's stink hit her nostrils her smile faded just a bit. She was used to the stink of sweating city men and the common farmer, but this was something more. The two of them would notice the very distinct scent of ginger root purfume mixing in the air. "Is there anything I can get you ladies?"

 

[yeancientone]

"Another mug of ale would be more than welcome," said Erzsebet, a little awkward dealing directly with the serving class. She straightened the extravagant purple ruffles around her throat. Erzsebet hoped she didn't sound condescending. "I'm new in town and seeking lodgings. And employment too, preferably of the adventurous kind. Any tips?"

 

[Redsirrah]

Jameak opened the door to the tavern and navigated through the crowd despite his broad build, further hindered by chain armor and a large sack. he found an open seat in the crowd. He smiled and nodded to his newfound tablemates and waved over a barmaid. "I'd like a drink and some directions please. Do you know where I can find the Shaldra-Zin temple?"

 

[Yesman]

Jaks watched in the corner among the other less rowdy people of...questionable character. He was slightly amused when the orc confronted the thieving bard about some lost coins, hoping, like most of the patrons ,for a fight. Losing interest after the bar tender split the two up, the rogue, pushing a wandering hand away from his coin purse, turned his attention to the "gossip" of his less-than-honorable piers.


"The infestation is outta hand!"


A snitch within a thief guild had leaked something important





"Did ya' hear? The golden cowgirl's been milking again."


A rich merchant's wife has been having an affair





Some "gossip" were better...phrased (hidden) than others. Some where more important than others.


"The gardener have been using some really strong pesticide in the cobblestones."


Law enforcers have been executing a lot of hard crackdowns in the slum





"What's a two king's ransom doing in the treasury?" an elderly man croaked.


Jaks' ears perked up. This was a tavern so strange characters came and left often. However, for not one, but two people to stand out so much that the someone had to mention them...


Jaks looked around the tavern to see if he could find these conspicuous individuals.

 

[Grimsvald]

The bar maiden, Bethany although no one asked, nodded her head towards the request for another ale. "Lodgings are between 2 and 5 silver per night. The rooms are up stairs and if you want one just let Adrik know behind the bar. He will set you up as well as he can. As for adventure....not much to be had here ma'am. If you get with a farmer in the morning maybe he will higher you to chase away some animals, but that's about it." Bethany excused herself to fetch that ale.


On her way she was flagged down by Jamaek, "The temple?" She questioned wondering how someone could miss it on their way into town. "Head north through town. Straight out this front door and down stop. It's the massive tower at the end of the city.." She excused herself to fetch his ale as well. It would only be 3 or 4 minutes before she was back to both of them with a cold brew.

 

[Redsirrah]

Jameak downed half his beer in one swig and looked around the tavern. Aside from the standard group of rowdy and shady individuals, an unusually smelly dwarf, and an out of place noble, the tavern was rather nice place. He had traveled all day: the temple could wait. He finished his drink, stood up and walked over to the bar. "I was wondering if you have any accommodations available this evening. Also, what do you know about the priests of Shaldra-Zin temple?"

 

[Four The Magician]

Goradak continued his smirk as he rested his feet upon the table, the continuous stream of Alcohol heading his way was finally getting to his head. This became quite clear as his laugh suddenly got more obnoxious as he watched the different happenings of the Tavern, whether it was from a random tavern-goers story or something that may have happened, his voice carried out through the entire building. As Goradak is a rather tough looking brute, and also a Half-Orc, people have a tendency to pick a fight against him as it might make themselves appear even stronger; with all of his obnoxious laughing and talking someone could possibly think it's being directed towards them and want to fight, even though it may be a bad choice.

 

[Grimsvald]

Bethany would sit down to chat with Jameak. She took note of his attire and his question. "Lodgings here are 2-5 silver depending on the room, but those who praise Palor are welcome to sleep at the temple free of charge. You won't find the same accomidations within the temple, but you can't beat that price.


I know less than most when it comes to the priests there. What I do know is that they are well respected and if it wasnt for them none of us would be here today. Shaldra-Zin was named after one of their greatest priests who gave his life to end the Planner Wars...thats about all I know. Can I get you anything else?" She asked before departing from the table.


No one would move to fight Goradak. Most people here have peace seeking hearts. More so they fear the war worn attitude of the barkeep Adrik. The dwarf was known for stopping any brawl that started in his establishment.


Night had fallen. The bar begins to empty out. Those that remain make their way up into their rooms our back out into the city. The priests, clerics and paladins of Pelor temple gather in the west rooms. Here they pray to the dead and pray for the misguided. Among these humble servents to the light sits a paladin with thoughts more violent than his brothers ~through pain and suffering I will cleans the misguided of their sins. I will not pave the golden road of good intentions for them to walk apon. I will stand as an obsticle preventing them from venturing further into darkness.~ Kelter prays to his god with vengeance in his heart.

 

[Yesman]

The noble woman and the druid dwarf drew attention to themselves quite easily. A noble in a place such as this and a smelly dwarf together was not something Jaks saw everyday. The rogue's attention was turned to a cleric with a large sack. The man seemed to be conversing with the bar maiden. Curious, Jaks tried to make his way to them and eavesdrop on what he could. On the way, he decided to stretch his antsy fingers by pickpocketing some patrons.


((I want to try stealing some coins from Goradak. I assume there's something I need to roll for that.))


[dice]16609[/dice]

 

[Grimsvald]

Edit your post to include 2 rolls of a d20 dice. Add your Dex mod to the result of each roll. I will edit this post to include your success.


@Four The Magician give me 2 d20 rolls in the OOC tab. Adding your Wisdom modifier to each roll. I will add these details to my post as well.)


The thick fingers of a drunken orc were not made for nimble work. The tether that binds Goradak's coin pouch closed is lose. Jak's thieving eyes can spot it from across the bar. He spinds a dagger in his pam. As he passes by the orc he taps the bottom of the coin pouch with his weapons handle. 5 gold pieces spill out of the top. Jak isn't quick enough to grab them out of the air, but they quietly clatter to the floor. He manages to kick them away and collect them at a safer distance.


Hopefully the orc didn't notice a thing....


Goradak may have been drunk, but he was still aware of his surroundings. That's something to keep in mind about drunken orcs and dwarfs, they're probably used to it. Jak's slight of hand was well practiced, but after the bard's coin trick everyone has been keeping an eye on their pouch.


Goradak was looking for a fight and might have just found it. He felt the poke at his pouch and when he turned he noticed Jak picking up 5 gold pieces from the ground.

 

[Four The Magician]

When Goradak turned and noticed the man taking coins that no doubt had fallen out of his coin bag, whether by force or by accident, but it was clearly obvious that this man had no intention of giving the coins back at his speedy pickup. With a swift movement for a big guy, Goradak pushed himself away from the table standing up tall and slamming his fist down towards the assailant.


[dice]16643[/dice](Forgot proficiency bonus so +2 as well.(19))


[dice]16645[/dice](+3)- Unarmed strike

 

[Grimsvald]

The orc's massive knuckles come crashing down on Jaks face with such force that his head bounces off of the floor. An image of a wave slamming a pirate ship against a cliff side flashing in the thief's mind. Four of the five coins spill out of his hands and roll away. 1 remains clenched in his palm, unseen and easily unaccounded for.


Goradak may not notice this, but Jak is fully aware that one more hit like that would put him down like a sick dog.

 

[Yesman]

The last thought going through the rogue's mind before the berserk's fist slammed into his head was, Well this may have been a bad idea


Jaks quickly scampered to his feet, slightly dazed but well enough to draw a knife with his free hand as the coin was discreetly tucked away. He continued to use the knife to keep the half-orc at a safe distance until Adrik could break them up.

 

[Grimsvald]

Adrik athletically jumped over the counter landing on the ground between Jak and Goradak. He brandished to expertly crafted dwarven axes. There are several particularly places holes in the weapons so when Adrik begins to twirl them around himself they let out a noise like howling wolves. "There will be no fighting here boys. Make piece or I will put you both on the floor." Nearly everyone had left the bar at this point. So there was little chance for innocent bystanders getting harmed.

 

[Yesman]

Jaks sheathed his knife and held both his open hands up, showing that he was unarmed. "I just saw some loose coins on the ground. I figured if nobody was going to pick them up, I might as well." The rogue didn't make any sudden movements but kept part of his attention on the tavern door should he need to make a quick escape.

 

[Four The Magician]

Goradak shook his head at the humans statement. "That don't explain why you picked 'em up in such a hurry. My coin bag is open, you plan it, but you not good 'nuff." Goradak was obviously referring to the fact that Jaks had dropped the coins instead of catching them.

 

[GinjaGen]

Tier turned and found herself looking skyward - or ceiling-ward in this case - up at a tall ebony haired woman. Tier couldn't help but be surprised that such a beautiful, well dressed human was talking to her. Still she smiled.


"Sure. I'd love ta talk with ya."


However, before they had a chance to discuss anything, however, the server lady came over to get their orders. Tier shrugged. "Nothin' for me."


The woman then asked about lodgings and employment - two things Tier didn't happen to particularly care about. However, her ears did pick up at the word 'adventure.' She would have to wait to see if anything interesting happened.


Which it did. There were all kinds of shennigans going on in the tavern, and unlike usual, none were directly caused by her. That was rather refreshing for Tier.

 

[Redsirrah]

Jameak stood and strode over and put a hand on the shoulder of the orc. "Peace friend, a couple of coins isn't worth anybodies death." He inspected the rouge "and as for you, think real hard about whether some petty gold is really worth your life. You did not have another one of those hits in you." He shoved his hand onto the Jaks face and muttered a few words.


[dice]16753[/dice]

 

[Grimsvald]

Jak would feel a cooling sensation wash over him. The swelling in his face would subside and the lingering daze would dissipate. He felt healthier than he did walking into this bar. Although, everyone involved may feel a slight churning of their gut when they realize Adrik.


The dwarven bar tender stood among them with his arms crossed and a scowl. "The bar is closin' down. Get a room or get a move on." He snorted like an angry little bull. While Adrik collected coin for lodging or escorted people out of the Dizzy Dwarf, Bethany would be cleaning the tables.