Chapter 6 - Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Landing the giant owls near Moira Shadowbanks and their mounts,  Thaco, Pinkslip , Honeysuckle, Rosinate & Bitsy the elves departed back to Starsong Hill amid the rush of air and the scattering of autumn leaves on the Dawn's Way.  A wide-eyed Moira peppered them with questions...

No, they did not kill another dragon

Yes, they did destroy more Harrowblades including a nest of eggs

Yes, they did defeat Wyrmlord Saarvith

Oh.... and Moira says, “yea… there’s that happening. There’s a lady and 4 thugs stealing things from the tavern.”

Sure enough, four men dressed in leather armor are gathered nearby. Between them is the bit of a mess. They've dropped a large wine rack on the ground, strewing broken glass all around their feet. They exchange dark looks as they notice the accident has drawn your attention.

One of the men draws a short sword and says, "Just keep moving, chumps! We're working this side of the street."

"Easy, Chent!" one of the others whispers. "I think it's those guys everyone's been talkin' about! The Destroyers."

But although, Nameroc takes offense at the term "Chump," he let's it pass because it's day 22 and the all of Chaotic Gold knows that means the hobgoblin horde should have fully engulfed Calling Horns and be not more than a few hours ride from the tavern that stand before.  They wave off the strongly familiar face of Jaren Nurth and continue on their way to the next town of Nimon's Gap leaving Dirty Rotten Looters to the town of Deer Crossing.

On the morning of the next day they find an armored cart at the side of the road, Two Ettins and a handful of goblins struggling with the weight of the loot they have blundered into. Around the cart are the victims, uniformed Lions of Triboar guards who were apparently ambushed and slaughtered. 

The battle was short, with Bryllin Stoneheart rushing in and Nameroc summoning a Wall of Thorns to encircle the combatants. Those inside suffered greatly, but the dwarf least of all as she imposed her own brand of pain on the looters destroying Goblin and Ettin alike before Nameroc lifted the thorny wall. Both @Zaila and Thorne scored hits as Pimzin Teabottle rushed forward to the frenzied dwarf and healed what wounds she could..... but it was Moira Shadowbanks who scored the final blow with an ordinary stone lifted and hurled from the Dawn's Way road itself. Few can argue with a Hafling's aim and going forward from today, few would argue with Moira Shadowbanks.

On investigation, there were three chests filled with 2,000 golden lions each (6000 gp) but this bounty came with a catch. It seems these Lions of Triboar were on their way to hire the Shining Axes, a group of dwarven mercenaries 200 strong and led by Captain Ervath Gemdelver.  This commission was a the behest of none other than Lord Jarmaath himself.

Now this did pose a conundrum, the gold needs to go the opposite direction they are traveling or Triboar would not have 200 axes for the final defense.... and should they deliver the gold, not only would it take two weeks time, but the monies would end up in the hands of Bryllin Stoneheart's sworn enemy, the usurper under the mount Osric Gemdelver. Whether for good or ill it is too soon to know, but they did not divert from their mission and instead popped the gold into a bag of holding and continued into Nimon's Gap. 

In Nimon's Gap they found the town evacuating, but overwhelmed with sick and wounded, so Pimzin and the others stopped to help. And in the good deed they met a sorceress with a broken arm Miha Serani who renowned in these parts for assisting and resisting the advances of the horde. She has never been far from the front and risked much to protect others.

Chaotic Gold threw in with these refugees and camped for the night.... closing out Day 23 and bringing us to the morning of day 24.

And so, as the sun rose on the Gypsy camp so did Bryllin Stoneheart to witness Miha Serani in the middle of a ritual of divination where she appealed to the gods on what would become of Chaotic Gold if they journeyed to Triboar. Bryllin witnessed Mika's fingers entwine in the strands of fate and tease out a short message:

"He stops the flow with delving grasp, now cold his grip and dry his gasp. Let hatred fill your heart too fast, and the Lion will repeat mistakes of past."

When she was done she sat, shaken and shocked and listened as the party debated the meaning, Bry  immediately thought of Osric Gemdelver, the usurper under the mountain and how she would stand little chance refraining from murdering him. Zaila heard a familiar refrain from a song about the city of Rhest now sunken into the Evenmoors and recognized that the "Lion" represented Triboar... all sat quietly for a moment and reflected.

Children rushed from east yelling incoherently about spiders as the brush shook and a massive hairy spider dashed into the clearing. Gym rat goblins swinging great axes leapt from the foremost legs of the spider tucking, tumbling and coming up swinging as the spider flung a web upon the party catching most of them in its sticky grasp.  And arrows shot forth, for remaining on the back of the spider were nearly a dozen snipers.

Nameroc freed himself first and seeing that the spider was the gravest threat tapped his staff twice calling forth an encircling wall of thorns. Cries of anguish arose from the goblins trapped within.

One-by-one, others broke free and Zaila Fantercalled forth swirling daggers as Thorne brought arrows to punish the gym rat axe wielders. Those still trapped were freed as campfire consumed the spiders steely webs.

Miha called a fireball on the Great War spider and more agony until all that emerged was a smoking and twitching insect, goblins falling from its husk and again all was silent except for the sounds of crackling fire and the smell of strange flesh roasting, for the wall of thorns once kindled produced a pillar of fire.

Chaotic Gold made haste to the city of Triboar where they were quickly brought into a meeting with Gundren and Doran Axehaft.... For it seems that there was to be political dinner with both Chaotic Gold and Lord Gemdelver as the honored guests.

As they despaired for what to wear, Velorian stepped in, having anticipated their return, her seamstresses had produced a fine set of clothes for each member.

Nameroc

Nameroc, the druid, prepares for the formal occasion with an air of nature-inspired elegance. In a tailored coat of deep forest green, crafted from a luxurious blend of silk and finely woven leaves. The coat is adorned with subtle vine patterns, its intricate embroidery resembling the delicate tendrils of nature.

Beneath the coat, he wears a crisp, cream-colored shirt made from a soft linen fabric that breathes like a gentle breeze. The shirt is accented with discreet leaf-shaped buttons, adding a touch of organic charm to his ensemble. Nameroc's trousers, a rich brown in hue, are woven from a blend of natural fibers, providing comfort while maintaining a formal appearance.

Thorne

Thorne's transition from the open wilderness to a more formal attire strikes a balance between rugged outdoor charm and formal sophistication. He wears a tailored, moss-green tunic, its fabric resembling the dappled patterns of a forest canopy. The material, a blend of durable linen and soft silk, allows for both comfort and style.

Over the tunic, Thorne sports a deep brown waistcoat intricately embroidered with subtle paw prints, paying homage to his faithful lynx companion, Bixx. The vest adds a touch of wild elegance, further accentuating his tall, slender frame. Paired with charcoal gray trousers made from a resilient yet refined material, Thorne's ensemble offers a seamless blend of outdoor resilience and formal poise.

Pimzin

Pimzin, outfit mirrors her duality. nature—unobtrusive yet ready to captivate attention when desired. To blend in, she wears a subtly shimmering cloak in muted earth tones that seems almost to shift and blend with the surroundings. The fabric, a combination of enchanted silks, allows Pimzin to become almost invisible when she wishes, making it easy for her to go unnoticed in a crowd.

Underneath the cloak, Pimzin dons a well-tailored ensemble in deep burgundy and midnight blue. The halfling-sized dress is adorned with delicate, illusion-themed embroidery, reflecting her trickster nature. The dress can easily transition from modest to eye-catching with a mere thought, its magical properties ensuring Pimzin stands out when she desires attention.

Pimzin's hair is styled in loose waves, and she wears a circlet adorned with tiny gems that catch the light, subtly enhancing her charismatic presence. As she navigates the formal occasion, Pimzin effortlessly blends into the background or commands attention at will, showcasing her clever and adaptable nature.

Zaila

Zaila's outfit is a symphony of elegance and flair, accentuating her silvery hair and entrancing emerald green eyes. Her gown is of rich, flowing amethyst sold, to accentuate her ethereal grace. It is adorned with intricate embroidery shimmering with moonlit patterns one might see on an elven tapestry. The neckline plunges in a tasteful manner, revealing a silver pendant with a small emerald gem that mirrors the allure of her eyes.

To complement her gown Zaila dons a regal cloak in a deep purple, edged in silver thread that drapes gracefully over her shoulders, billowing with each step she takes. With here hair braided and adorned with delicate purple ribbons, Zaila effortlessly captures the attention of everyone in the room.

You will note that Bryllin Stoneheart was left out, for she knew her hatred of the usurper would destroy everything they were striving to achieve.  Yet, should she have donned her gown it would have been described thusly:

Bryllin

Bryllin Stoneheart, is dressed in an ensemble that will ensure she remains unforgettable and commanding of attention. Her floor-length gown, fitted at the waist and emphasizing her formidable stature, is in a regal shade of deep crimson, symbolizing the strength, determination and the heart of her Clan. The gown's fabric is rich and luxurious, flowing gracefully to the ground, while subtle embroidery of her crest—a heart on a mountainside—adorns the hem, a nod to her unwavering spirit and lack of fear. The gown is fitted at the waist, emphasizing Bryllin's formidable stature.

To replace her armor, Bryllin wears a tailored, high-collared cloak in a matching shade of crimson. The cloak is adorned with metallic accents that mimic the look of armor, maintaining an air of strength and resilience. The cloak's clasps are shaped like intricate mountain peaks, echoing her crest and adding a touch of dwarven craftsmanship to her attire.

Bryllin's hair, usually tucked beneath a helmet, is left free and styled in intricate braids, showcasing both elegance and strength. A pendant bearing her crest hangs prominently around her neck, a visible reminder of her indomitable nature.

As honored guest that sat at the main table nearest the burning fires of the great hearth and enjoyed the opportunity to speak face to face with the council of Triboar.   Lord Jarmaath, every handsome with his neatly trimmed beard spoked of their exploits took a moment to speak privately with them in the back room. There Zaila broached the subject of the failed delivery of 6000 golden crowns to the Gemdelvers in exchange for the Shining Axes. Chaotic gold surrendered the gold into the arms of Jarmaath's foot servants who inadvertently made contact with a severed head while reaching into the Bag of holding. Sheepishly, Pimzin winked at the guard

When Zaila appealed to the Lord of Triboar that the costs incurred by Chaotic Gold far outstripped the gains and he extended a 2800 gp voucher.

Osric Gemdelver

The other honored guest, Lord Gemdelver was a vigorous dwarf with the flickering light exposing his attire all blues and blacks, fitted elegance trimmed with golds and red. A strip of grey fur cresting over one shoulder framing his torso. Her was a dwarf accustomed to power and unafraid to wear its trappings

Beatrix Gemdelver

Beside him, the beautiful human woman, her hair dark auburn and pulled up into a tight braided bun, resembling some sort of a glamorous school teacher. Her gown is in the same color scheme as Osric's, if a bit heavier blue than black, and a long billowing skirt tapers up to be form-fitted across her body, continuing upward to wrap her neck nearly to the jaw.

These two seemed not at all evil, and in fact, graciously accepted the surrendered gold, assuring the Council of Triboar they Shining Axes would arrive in time for the battle. And thus 4 victory points were awarded.

It was on the morning of the 27th day that the party head shopping as Pimzin and Bryllin following a shopkeeper's lead headed up the hill to visit Merryfield Brambleburrow who apparently had purchased an allegedly true map showing the location of the Ghostlord's Lion-shapped fortress. Merrifield bought it owing to the fact that his named contained Bramble and the map was of the Thornwaste. He justified the purchase to his wife saying anything with lions in it had considerable resale value.

Pimzin dutifully copied the map and promised Mr. Brambleburrow to bring him something from the Liches Lair.... If it wasn't too dangerous. 

And so it was the afternoon on the 27th day of the Red Horde's advance in the Elsir Vale.

The Luckbringer, Natalie Nettlemead resides over a challenging congregation. Many of here followers are halflings, yet most of here donations come from those braving the Dawn's Way and taking challenging paths in life. For these followers, Natalie lends luck in return for money. 

To the "Luckbringer" Natalie Nettlemead these monies help stabilize other less fortunate, hungry and indigent followers who are increasingly arriving in the city of Triboar. She believes that runs of bad luck should not destroy lives and a little assistance can bring the favor of Tymora to all involved.

"Luck shared is luck earned," preaches Natalie.

Some in the halfling community have called Natalie a "Fatemaker;" one who goes against doctrine, defying the mandate Tymora has placed on the unfortunate to suffer their unfortunate fates. Pimzin Teabottle is not one of those people. Pimzin has seen the refugees, once prosperous and happy, now struggling to survive along the roads.

When Natalie asked for help in her sermon, Pimzin struggled.  The allure of her current life, testing her luck daily in daring and imaginative ways was a real and visceral, but the words of the "Luckbringer" would not leave her..... "Luck shared is luck earned."