Ferrous Bueller's Day(s) Off - Six Dragons Walk Into a Tavern... [IC]

[Balthanon]

This will be the In Character thread for Ferrous Bueller's Day(s) Off.


Game Description:

One (or more) dragon's struggles to take it (it mostly being someone else's stuff) easy.

This is a classic game of D&D: you will visit inns and taverns to find quests, storm castles, delve into dungeons, and rescue damsels in distress. The issue is figuring out who gets the damsel after you're done rescuing her, because you are all, without exception, dragons.

The party is basically a bunch of teenage hooligans who are rebelling against their staid, "stay home and watch the hoard" parents and doing things their way. Not everydragon's willing to wait for their hoard to come to them by killing and looting adventurers that come and try to rescue the princess after all. The modern dragon knows they can go out and do it all, raid those dungeons (even if it requires some significant investment in escape artist ranks for the heftier fellows in the party), slay the dastardly knights in their castles, and build their hoard without relying upon outmoded pre-medieval "cave" decor to protect it.

Character List

Player	Character	Build	Status
Feathersnow	Sketh, the awesome	Chaos Dragon 9 // Spellthief 7 (ECL 13)	Posted
Dimers	Brilliance	Gold Dragon 8 // Paladin of Freedom 4/Barbarian 1/Warblade 1/Totemist 2 (ECL 12)	Posted, Build done
Dr.Gunsforhands	Meragamberteletele "Amber" Lagunaga	Song Dragon 8 // Bard 7 (ECL 13)	Posted, Build, Sheet
Euras	Carlesvindr/Shadowsoul	Red Dragon 10 // Swordsage 5 (ECL 15)	Posted
thethird	Bob	Mercury Dragon 9 (Wyrm of War) // Dragonfire Adept 8 (Chrome Dragon Ascendancy) (ECL 12)	Reserved, Build Complete
Deadguy	Vasrei'nola "Reia"	Tome Dragon 9 // Factotum 3, Incantatrix 2 ("Mage") (ECL 15)	Reserved, Sheet

Game Rules:
See OOC thread for Character Creation rules and House rules, but for the most part standard 3.5 D&D rules apply.

Story Arcs

• Six Dragons Walk Into a Tavern... [The Beginning]: Our intrepid teenagers attempt to solicit quests from "mysterious" strangers in a local tavern in Sarlona.

_______________________________________

"Ferrous Bueller's Day(s) Off" Thread List

• Recruiting Thread
• In Character Campaign Thread (you're here)
• Out of Character Thread

[Balthanon]

Reserved for Future Use.

[Balthanon]

Reserved to Use in the Future

[Balthanon]

A clutch of dragons, youths scarcely old enough to be able to leave the lair in the view of most older dragons have come together through the auspices of chance encounters and their parents' machinations. It's hard to say who first thought of the idea, but it was seized upon by all as the obvious path forward-- breaking free of the antiquated roots of dragonkind and the more modern (for dragonkind at any rate) interminable mumbling about prophecy. Yes, they would become adventurers-- have fun, stomp all over the little tasks the humans assigned, and then acquire vast sums of wealth for their efforts.

A bit of planning, some communication that may or may not have been leveraging some of the "antiquated" treasure their parents had strewn about the lair and they were almost ready for the day...

[Deadguy]

Vasrei'nola "Reia"

Spoiler: Human Form Show Spoiler: Dragon Form Show

Reia stood outside the inn where the group had planned on meeting. Her trip was completely uneventful, as it should be, she was traveling as a human after all. Looking at the doors, she rubbed her temple.

”This is a mistake…”

She had realized it as soon as the plan had been offered but the others had been too excited. There was absolutely no way common people of the lesser races would react positively to a flight of dragons sauntering into an establishment. Still, she had no way of contacting any of them, being completely covered in anti-divination wards herself to avoid her own mother’s meddling.

Reia could only sigh and fold her arms, waiting to see how the others’ arrivals would be received.

[Balthanon]

The inn chosen for the group's first meeting wasn't particularly small, but they hadn't chosen a large, central city in which to make their first foray into wealth and prestige as adventurers. A short distance from the shattered fortress of Kintam Leluun on the western edge of the Rhialuun Sea, the City of the Kin, as the residents called themselves, was truthfully closer to a large town than a true city, but it was known to have a surfeit of individuals who kept the mishapen beasts that sometimes wandered from the ruins of the fortress at bay. And most importantly, it wasn't in the territory of any of their parents, or indeed, any dragon that the group had been able to find.

All told, it should easily be possible to find loads of wealthy... whoever gave out money for sacking fortresses and such in such a place, really. Plenty of adventure to be had, all they needed to do was find it.

[thethird]

Voovtharovom "Bob"

Spoiler: Human Form Show

Voovtharovom had planned long for this foray. Long being the intense eternity of five minutes. He made sure he was still carrying his father's ring, he checked his armor, belt and anklets, and grabbed the bag that surely contain all his stuff. All his stuff being plenty of nothing and not much else. His mother was after all insistent that his part of the hoard be invested in stock in different adventure expeditions out of Sharn. Comissions such as those were the best part of revenue after all. How much he wished he had stuff now. He would surely grab some on this adventure.

Before going into the inn he studied a little of the locals from afar. To get ideas. He hadn't seen many humans, or elfs, or dwarves, or in fact not his mother. And he enjoyed the chance. He knew though that people there would be suspicious of dragons. And one so shiny as himself would surely draw attention. And if there was something that Voovtharovom didn't like was attention. So he studied the humans from afar. And tried his ability to change shape and imitate them. It took him some tries but ultimately he succeeded in adoption a human form that was still very much him.

Human Bob was pale, with platinum blonde hair, and purple eyes just like Dragon Voovtharovom. He wore an antique Galifaran military trenchcoat that he had plundered from his mother's piple of discarded disguises, and ill fitted pantaloons and shirt that he had pilfered along the way. Bob hadn't considered boots a worthy investment, enjoying the feel of the ground on his feet although he could tell that most humans wore shoes, so perhaps he should grab some at some point.

Going into the inn it was pretty clear that boots were a better idea than he thought. As he drew more than a glance. Bob shrugged and simply looked around. He found the bar and the innkeeper and approached, ordering a beverage, a refreshing glass of milk. Paying with some coppers out of the trenchcoat pocket that were probably older than the inn Bob took some space at an empty table and waited for his friends.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Bob isn't too familiar with humans, so I wanted to have him do some weird stuff, just not too weird. Bob's social skills mean that he probably can get away with some weird stuff.
Also I'm unsure if Bob should spot Reia, if Reia's human form has the shinny glowing lines that seem to represent the magical nature of the spellhoard then yes, for sure he is spotting Reia. Otherwise probably didn't throw her a second glance.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Amber Lagunaga Spoiler: Reference Block Show Small Dragon [Air, Shapechanger] Age: Very Young, Gender: Female Alignment: Naive Good Class: Bard, Level: 7/11 (+2 LA) Initiative: +0, Speed: 30 / Fly 180 (good) HP: 106/106, AC: 18 (+1 Size, +7 Natural) Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +9 Attacks: Bite +13 (1d6+2), Plasma Breath DC17 (4d6) Abilities: Str 14, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 28 Immunities: Poison, Sleep, Paralysis, Electricity Senses: Listen +15, Keen Senses 120, Blindsense 60, True Seeing 15 Starting Shticks: Bardic Music, Song of Building, X-Treme Diplomacy

Outside, a little blue speck circles overhead, trying to decide which door of the building is the main entrance. For Amber, coming here meant missing her last architecture lesson, and this building is interesting to look at. Each section is painted a different color and built in a slightly different style. Did it start as several houses, and add the middle portion to combine them into an inn? That would be pretty unusual. More likely, it's a long-lived institution that was added onto by different builders over the generations. Neat! Once she circles close enough to realize that one door has a big sign hanging over it, she drifts down to the entrance. Up close, she's clearly a dragon. She doesn't want to start on the wrong foot by misleading people about that, right? Besides, she's only as big as an eagle and is wearing a cute little sash and messenger bag. How dangerous can she possibly be? She hovers up to reach the doorknob and makes her way inside. She hasn't seen Bob's human form before, but she might recognize Reia. Their previous meeting was in front of their parents and used their human forms exclusively. Either way, the rest of the team would surely recognize Amber and call her over. "Hello everyone!" she says excitedly and twirls over to the table. "Gosh, can you believe we're really doing this?"

[Deadguy]

Vasrei'nola "Reia"

Spoiler: Human Form Show Spoiler: Dragon Form Show

Reia set her jaw and strode forward toward the door as Amber twirled in and announced herself. As she moved, she stood to the side, using her mindsight to locate the people inside in preparation to dodge a panicked flood of them as they rushed through the doors.

Amber could feel Reia's voice in her head as her human form slid carefully through. "We're here to get hired by humans, not killed by them. Remember, dragons equal treasure to them."

She could probably pass Amber off as a familiar if pressed, but the others, they'd cause even more scene when they arrived.

[Feathersnow]

Sketh is uncharacteristically nervous. They don't speak the language and can't pass themselves off as a humanoid. This isn't Limbo, where anyone who isn't a Slaad can be presumed friendly. Sketh comes upon the kernel of an idea. They summon one of the adolescent kobolds they keep around the dungeon.

"You, tell your parents I need you for a mission, then get your best clothes. You are now my herald!
You speak the common language of this plane, yes? "

With the awed kobold and their trusty squirrel riding them, Skarthidesillijicijillised*ihthrax lands outside the town and begins sauntering towards the Inn.

[Eurus]

The teeming masses of humanity boiling below, like an endless sea of corruption...

...No, that didn't quite work in this situation. He liked the line, but there just weren't enough people here for it. Save that one for later, when they went to a real city.

Shadowsoul was far overhead, gliding through the unpleasantly cold and damp air as he tried to figure out his entrance. He'd never been to a human inn before, but the stories were clear enough on the subject; he could expect regular drunken brawls, adventurers in search of glory, and the owner was undoubtedly some sort of retired grandmaster capable of kicking anyone who caused problems through a window.

His wings tilted carefully as he descended, cutting the air almost silently to land on the roof of the building. His landing was gentle enough that it could have passed for an ordinary bird -- although in all likelihood his appearance had scared any actual birds off in a wide area -- but there may have been some worrying creaks and groans he landed on a roof that probably wasn't built for such things. He did his best to step carefully and keep his weight on the sturdier looking beams of the roof as he peered over the edge.

Anyone looking up would see... well, hopefully nothing, if his stealth arts were good enough, but any warrior cunning enough to spot him would see a dragon the size of a large horse, red scales artfully darkened with black dust around his eyes and arms. Plates of dark leather armor were strapped to his body carefully, while a dark rust-colored scarf around his neck trailed in the breeze quite stylishly and a black gemstone on his forehead glittered ominously. The boots on his hind legs... were a little less stylish, but the magic was too useful to pass up.

He sniffed around carefully, inspecting the entrances and surroundings of the inn. A master of the shadows would never enter a building without checking for ambushes, right?

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Amber Lagunaga Spoiler: Reference Block Show Small Dragon [Air, Shapechanger] Age: Very Young, Gender: Female Alignment: Naive Good Class: Bard, Level: 7/11 (+2 LA) Initiative: +0, Speed: 30 / Fly 180 (good) HP: 106/106, AC: 18 (+1 Size, +7 Natural) Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +9 Attacks: Bite +13 (1d6+2), Plasma Breath DC17 (4d6) Abilities: Str 14, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 28 Immunities: Poison, Sleep, Paralysis, Electricity Senses: Listen +15, Keen Senses 120, Blindsense 60, True Seeing 15 Starting Shticks: Bardic Music, Song of Building, X-Treme Diplomacy

"We're here to get hired by humans, not killed by them. Remember, dragons equal treasure to them." "Yes, and people love treasure," says Amber. "I'll be fine." Whether she is trying to subvert Reia's warning or just didn't understand it is anybody's guess, but she did slip that I in there to protect those who are not comfortable revealing themselves yet.

[thethird]

Bob hears Amber and quickly spots her. It doesn't take much then to identify the woman with her as Reia. He waves a hand at them enthusiastically, he has seen humans do that.

"Hey girls! Long time no see. Oh wait you might not recognize me like this. It's me Bob." He pronounces his name weirdly more like Voov.

Once they are close sitting Bob smiles at Amber. He then moves to pose a little.

"How do I look? It's my first time trying this, you know I got here earlier and was kind of practicing. Pants are funny. Shoes are moronic. I think I migt need a hat."

[Dimers]

Already in town, Brilliance notes Princess Amber's flying arrival and starts walking toward the meeting place (after just a moment of futilely flapping her arms). She has no practice in reading humanoids' expressions, so she's pretty completely oblivious to the befuddlement her appearance has been causing. She's in the shape of a female elf, with a nice golden beard to match her dragon form's whiskers.

Entering the inn, she hears Voovtharovom talking about his outfit:

"How do I look? It's my first time trying this, you know I got here earlier and was kind of practicing. Pants are funny. Shoes are moronic. I think I migt need a hat."

"Hats are overrated," Brill opines with authority, guessing his identity based on voice, coloration and the fact that he's talking to Amber. "What's the point in having hair if you can't feel the wind blow through it?" She strokes her beard.

[Deadguy]

Vasrei'nola "Reia"

Spoiler: Human Form Show Spoiler: Dragon Form Show

Reia sits at the table with Bob and Amber, selecting a chair that gave her view of the entrance so she could see the others enter.

She greeting each in turn with a small wave and nod. Tilting her head slightly when Brill entered sporting a beard, as an elf female. Not wanting to call her out in front of the others, mostly because that always seemed to put the Gold on the defensive, she spoke into Brill’s mind. "Hair is wonderful. I’ll braid yours later... but hair of the face is only sported by males of the lesser races."

She gave the elf a small smirk as she twirled a strand of her own hair around her finger playfully.

[Dimers]

Brill straightens up in her chosen seat, startled. << That cannot be true, >> she replies in her odd stilted mental voice. << Why would someone make that rule? Who would try to enforce it? >> She begins peering around the room suspiciously at the various males and females nearby -- not that it's necessarily easy for her to tell the difference in non-dragons.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Amber Lagunaga Spoiler: Reference Block Show Small Dragon [Air, Shapechanger] Age: Very Young, Gender: Female Alignment: Naive Good Class: Bard, Level: 7/11 (+2 LA) Initiative: +0, Speed: 30 / Fly 180 (good) HP: 106/106, AC: 18 (+1 Size, +7 Natural) Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +9 Attacks: Bite +13 (1d6+2), Plasma Breath DC17 (4d6) Abilities: Str 14, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 12, Cha 28 Immunities: Poison, Sleep, Paralysis, Electricity Senses: Listen +15, Keen Senses 120, Blindsense 60, True Seeing 15 Starting Shticks: Bardic Music, Song of Building, X-Treme Diplomacy

"I think you look nice, Bob!" Amber chimes in, unable to hear the telepathic conversation about girl beards. "The silver hair is a nice touch; it makes you look distinguished. Reia, I see you've gotten some nice new tattoos. Your beard is fun, too, Brilliance!" She chooses the word carefully and glances around the room to see what humans may be watching, not that a bearded elf is any weirder than a random dragon to begin with. Of course, that's not the only reason she's looking. "I don't suppose anyone has heard from Shadowsoul or Sketh? Maybe one of us should make sure they're not stuck outside, or hiding somewhere invisibly..."

[Deadguy]

Vasrei'nola "Reia"

Spoiler: Human Form Show Spoiler: Dragon Form Show

Reia leaned back in her chair. At Amber’s question she absently pointed toward the door.
"Shadow is right outside the door."

She rarely spoke out loud. While preferring to use telepathy to keep her conversations private, it seemed fitting to announce his arrival and spoil whatever dramatic entry he was cooking up.

[Balthanon]

As the gaggle of draconic teenagers enter the inn in ones and twos, they get a few curious glances to start from the "mysterious patrons" that the dragons have read so much about.

In one shadowy corner a pair of humans, one boy and another girl, sit with their hands clasped under the table and talking softly. No doubt secretly communicating about whatever fell knowledge they hold while they hold a decoy conversation above board about... rolling in hay? The boy does admittedly have a few pieces of straw in his somewhat messy hair, so perhaps a secret lair in one of those fields they passed or something.

At the bar are several other, rather dirty humans currently sitting on stools and shoveling food into their mouths at a speed that is almost impressive even for a dragon. Those seem to have paid the least attention to the entrances, but a few are eyeing the doors-- or more specifically the shadows when the doors open.

When Amber specifically enters the bar, she does get several sidelong stares from various patrons and conversation stills for a moment, but when she does nothing but greet her companions (which admittedly results in more staring at them) the conversation resumes. The only man armed with a sword in the place does finger it briefly, then he goes back to a boisterous conversation with a man with a shaved head who is in robes. No doubt a powerful warrior and mage of some kind, even though they don't see a spellbook or anything else of the sort.

There are not many other mysterious patrons unfortunately and while all seem to be giving surreptious glances at all of the party, none approach with a secret quest for the obvious party of adventurers that the draconic teenagers represent.



------

Outside, Sketh approaches with his kobold, who has assured him that he does in fact speak the Common tongue. Though he seems a touch nervous about approaching a settlement full of humans even perched atop a dragon's back.

Apparently he is more daring than most of his kind though, because he asks in Draconic, "Umm, do I get a danger bonus for potentially getting my head chopped off by humans?"

Shadowsoul in the meantime identifies several entrances and not many people outside of the inn thus far.

OOC: If you're being stealthy, go ahead and roll a pre-emptive Stealth check most of the time, incidentally.

[Feathersnow]

Sketh admires this ambition in the normally dull and subservient little humanoid. A whole shiny gold piece!

Now, announce that your employer, the Awesome Skarthidesillijicijillised*ihthrax has come to partake of beer and pretzels at their tavern.

After a pause, they add, ever a businessperson,

If they ask, be sure to mention your parents' shop that I am underwriting.

[Balthanon]

Muttering to himself in Common about stingy dragons, the kobold slides down off of Sketh and sidles up to the door of the building. Glancing back at the large dragon, he coughs into one hand, then peeks into the room as stealthily as he can manage. Hopping into a position slightly to one side of the center so he has a little cover from maybe a quarter of the room, he yells as loudly as he can manage, "The Awesome Skarthidesillijicijillised*ihthrax has come to partake of beer and pretzels at your tavern!"

He then dives to the side as the innkeeper roars, "Get outta here, ye vermin!" and throws an empty bottle at the little creature.

The burly looking man pauses for a moment after that and says, "Skarawhatsit now?"

[Deadguy]

Vasrei'nola "Reia"

Spoiler: Human Form Show Spoiler: Dragon Form Show

Reia took a few moments as they waited for the others to scan the room with her magic appraising vision. Surely the warrior and mage would have magic items. Unless they were careful like her and nullified their auras. The koboldÂ’s announcement distracted her slightly.

”There is Sketh.”

She stood and moved toward the bar. Sketh was right in the announcement. They group should at least provide patronage. It might also loosen lips regarding quests. She motioned for the Keep.

”Sir I’d like to order beers for my table plus three.”

[Feathersnow]

Sketh trots through the door, a dragon the size of a very large dog or very small pony. They activate their magical sight trained to them as a spellthief and immediately spot most of the others. They wait for a signal to acknowledge them. Squeaky the Squirrel runs out ahead and grabs a crumb from the floor.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Amber waves to Sketh, then her eyes follow the bottle through the air as the kobold barely dodges it.

"Excuse me," she says to the table, then glares at the barkeep and gives squeaky a quick pet as she goes to check on Sketh's herald. "Are you alright? Come, sit with us. We'll get you a drink as an apology."

Then she looks up and starts speaking in draconic. ^d"Hi Sketh! I was going to ask how your trip was, but you said you actually live near here, right?"

[Feathersnow]

^dYeah, I own a dungeon supply shop outside of town, and I live in the caverns underneath with my workers. One of the kids is acting as my herald until i pick up Eberronian or a good translation item.

My parents murdered an adventurer and gave me her stuff.
But I ransomed her back to her party if she'd me get set up after her friends ressurected her. In retrospect... i should have tried harder to learn the language. I'm just used to everyone speaking either Celestial or Draconic.

Sketh sits at the table, and gestures for the herald to come with.

---

dTell him you're with me, so its okay. You're old enough to drink, right?

[Eurus]

Spoiler: Rolls

Show

Stealth: (1d20+24)[36]
Perception, if needed: (1d20+18)[26]

They bustled about their fleeting mortal lives, unknowing of the storm approaching...

Yeah, that was a much better line. Shadowsoul could hear the hum of conversation coming from below him, but couldn't quite make it out. Still, there was no alarm being raised and no sign of any assassins lurking in the grassy hills. He was just about to hop down and let himself in when he spotted Sketh, and instantly understood the situation.

Sketh is going to draw the attention of any enemies on themselves, as a leader should. Don't worry, dear friend; I will wreak bloody vengeance on whoever kills you!

Satisfied with this course of action and pondering what was the appropriate style of sincere yet cool grieving to do over the corpse of a friend, Shadowsoul remains on the roof for now, but he tries to crane his neck and head down a little further to actually hear what's going on in there. The wispy grey mist rising off his body helps blur the edges of his frame, hopefully making it harder to spot him up here.

[Balthanon]

The substantially larger dragon that comes in the door of the building generates significantly more consternation than the earlier tiny one with a number of people scrambling to their feet and many making for exits that are not currently blocked by 200 lbs of reptile. The bartender remains, as does the man with the sword after he's called out on heading for a back exit by the the aforementioned server of alcohol. Other than that, the common room is now remarkably empty-- one of the three men continues to steadfastly chow down on his food; the pair in the corner table still appear to be present, though they are now crowded quite close together; and the companion of the swordsman is still present.

[Dr.Gunsforhands]

Amber doesn't notice the mass exodus until she turns to head back to the table. "What is happening? Is the bar closing, suddenly?"

By the time she finishes saying that, it doesn't take a genius to sort out that all eyes are on Sketh now, but it apparently takes a bigger genius than Amber to guess exactly why. ^d"Sketh, this cannot be because of a bad reputation, can it? No, if it were, they would have left when you were announced, instead of waiting until you came in the door..."

[Feathersnow]

Amber doesn't notice the mass exodus until she turns to head back to the table. "What is happening? Is the bar closing, suddenly?"

By the time she finishes saying that, it doesn't take a genius to sort out that all eyes are on Sketh now, but it apparently takes a bigger genius than Amber to guess exactly why. ^d"Sketh, this cannot be because of a bad reputation, can it? No, if it were, they would have left when you were announced, instead of waiting until you came in the door..."

Sketh shrugs.^dI admit I don't get many customers? I've never been anything but a model citizen,
though.

Herald, ask them what is going on, please.

[Deadguy]

Vasrei'nola "Reia"

Spoiler: Human Form Show Spoiler: Dragon Form Show

Reia watched the men’s reactions for a moment.

”Sir….” She cleared her throat. ”Sir, about those drinks?”

”I commend you on your mastery of the baser instincts of flight or fight. It seems like you might be accustomed to oddities. Are you perhaps adventurers?”

The second question was directed toward the man with the sword and his mage companion.