With the last of the awaken stirges slain, the remaining three continue their magic sleep, blissfully unaware of the dangers they're in. The battle rages on without them.

HP: 7/7
AC: 10
SPEED: 30ft
Spell Save DC: 11
Prepped Spells: Charm Person ; Witch Bolt
Conditions: N/A
Lvl1 Spell Slots: 2/2
Reaction Left?: Yes

---

It would appear there were no more of those flying things going around. Phew, what a relief! But there was still that big one. Everyone was gathered around them, dousing the creature in oil and hacking at it like a pissed off lumberjack at an inert trunk. It was clear who the target was, and probably my best shot would be using the same spell as before, but they might think that was the only spell I knew if I kept using it over and over. I definitely couldn't allow them to have such an image of me. As though about to clean them with a napkin, I took my fingers to my lips.

"Prest..." I began muttering under my breath, but squinted my eyes and reached out a hand in the direction of that group. The spell wouldn't reach them even if I cast it. It would be pathetic, humiliating! To enact my plan, I had to get closer. In the meantime, perhaps casting something actually useful again (or as useful as someone like me could be) wasn't such a bad idea.

There were corpses noticeable on either side, and apart from some things toppled during the initial panic, there were no major obstructions as far as I could see either. So then, if I wanted to get closer to the troll, I could probably favor going up. Chest puffed for dignity, chin raised while keeping a downward gaze with my pupils, I ran forward, occasionally grabbing my arm as the edge of the well inched closer to me.

A semi-frozen leg stuck out to me, forcing an abrupt stop and me nearly tripping over myself. There on the floor, lifeless, was the corpse of the creature whose life I'd taken earlier. The frost clung to the skin in a growing layer, though a few dirtied droplets already began forming a vestige of a puddle on the floor. After a moment simply observing the dead body, I closed my eyes and pressed my forehead. I recalled the cold eyes, the disdained scoff of my client. Normally, I should probably react with disgust at that sight. But in this case...

"So that's where my handywork went, huh. Should I remove it from the way or walk around?" I scoffed and forced a smirk. "Though, waiting for either is a waste of time. I suppose if a spell holds, there is no reason to change the weave."

I raised an arm and turned my head to the brute still far across the well, embers of frost once more circling around my arms while I pressed my packpack with my other hand.

"Ray of frost!" I lowered my arm towards the troll and shot out that icy blue ray.

---

Interacting With: N/A
Mentions: @vertigo @lucius cypher
Might Also Want to Read: @skwint
Spell Attack Roll Roll: 5
Damage Roll (If it Hits): I don't see how that roll could hit.

Unfortunately for Atone, the flying creatures were far more nimble when they weren't attached to a victim. The stirge had evaded Atone's blade and was now ready to latch on for another meal. However, no sooner had Atone's blade miss its mark did an arrow strike the stirge with a surprising amount of force, killing it instantly.

Now that the path was clear Atone rushed to the fallen druid and dropped to his knees by his side. Atone placed one hand gently upon Baldrick's chest and the other on his abdomen. His hands began emitting a faint glow as he channeled what little divine energy the gods allotted to him into the dying man to bring him back from the brink of death.

"It is not your time," Atone whispered.



@Vertigo GO!

Now on his feet and alive, Balder sees that most of the striders have been taken down and the Troll was on fire. He tries to cast a ray of frost against the beast, but he didn't seem to particularly notice nor care. His tough hide and body likely resisted the chilling effects. So Balder looked over to Leanna, speaking something in druidic as she would feel her wounds heal.

Finally Durnan unleashed a flurry of attacks against the troll, each blow cutting deep into the beast. With his last blow the troll fell, his body smoldering. Durnan simply tossed another flask of oil onto his burning body to ensure that the job was done. Now all that was left were the sleeping stirges, which would've been dispatched with effortless ease by either the party or Durnan himself. The barkeep sighed and looked at everyone with a nod. "Thanks for the help. Anyone hurt?" By this time only a few patrons returned to the Yawning Portal while the workers went about cleaning up the mess. Despite the battle that just took place everyone seemed to work fairly orderly as if this is not an uncommon occurrence here. Durnan even went back to his bar, putting his sword away as he was getting treated for his wounds and before too long he was back to cleaning cups.

As for the rest of the party you'd hear clapping from one of the rooms to the north. "Bravo I say, bravo! That was a most wonderful battle! Your skills are certainly exemplary!" These compliments came from a somewhat familiar face for some of you: Volothamp Geddarm, a writer and adventurer known for his many books about the things he's seen during his travels. He was with his assistant, a bookish looking woman who seemed quite shocked at the violence that had taken place. "I must say, you all are exactly the type of people I was looking for! If you wouldn't mind, may I speak to you all in the conference room? I believe I have a deal for you all that you'll most enjoy!"

And just like that, the battle was over. All in all, Atone hadn't felt like he contributed much, though saving the life of the druid certainly must count for something. His thoughts were then interrupted by the sound of clapping. It appeared as though someone had enjoyed the spectacle that had just occurred and was now offering the participants a 'deal that they'll most enjoy'. Atone wasn't so sure about making any sort of deal, but if this man was in need of assistance of some kind then he was obligated to at least hear him out. Thus, Atone made his way to the conference room to hear this man's request.

HP: 7/7
Prepped Spells: Identify; Find Familiar; Disguise Self; Charm Person
Conditions: N/A
Lvl1 Spell Slots: 2/2

---

I shook my head at the bartender's inquiry. Indeed, I had had the utmost care in ensuring no harm would come to my client's image. After all, it would be rather awkward to return to them and have to explain they might have to get a new scar. I sighed, relieved at the sight of the big burning corpse, without entertaining the possibility that my feline acquaintance would emergence from the shadows behind me with a compliment.

"Iii!" I squealed, covering my mouth. The chill that just ran through my spine was greater than the one lingering in my hand after the spell, but now my throat was a little stuck as I tried to hold my lips still and not let them twist into a smile. "Ah, I uh..."

I closed my eyes, crossed my arms, and breathed out, regaining my composure. Think, how should you act, how should you behave.

"Well, of course! It makes me happy that you are able to recognize the talent in front of you. If I may say so, your own work with that bow is far from bad. Perhaps you are uh.. hunter of some kind? Or soldier?" Regardless of his response, Mist did appear to have more of an interest in moving along to the next person than holding a very prolonged conversation right now, with the way he was calling out to different people. Perhaps this could work in my favor though. As sneakily as I could muster, I began to put one foot in front of the other, virtually tiptoeing in hopes of not making noise in my escape.

This is, until I was interrupted by another nuisance, this time in form of clapping and shouting. Seriously, why couldn't I get this kind of praise all the time? I couldn't help myself from glancing over to the man, with those looks I could just barely recognize him as that one travel book writer. That face, the way he was dressed, the paper on the ground near him... More importantly, it seemed he had some kind of deal for us. What sort of deal? I was a bit hesitant to accept it like this. Plus, we'd be pretty close if were going to a room to have a mee-t-ting...

Wait.

NO!

No no no no no no no no!

My head began shaking frantically, turning from side to side as I tried to spot any sign of anyone fitting the incredibly vague notions of whom I was supposed to meet. 'Some kind of mummy woman' the client said, though she was probably speaking metaphorically, or so I supposed. I cursed myself for not having gotten anything more concrete out her, I should have tried harder! Could she... I hoped she wasn't gone. How could I possibly explain something like this?!

I took a deep breath. I let it out. Another deep breath. And... let it out. For now I needed to stay calm. Maybe if I brought up her name directly, someone could help me track her down, this person I was supposed to meet with.

"My apologies, but I was instr- I was meant to meet here someone by the name of Obaya Uday. Naturally, I can't be certain that our, uh, arrangement still "stands firm", as one might call it, since she may have fled with the rest of the crowd during the confusion... But nonetheless, I do have that prior arrangement. I can listen to your proposition once that matter is dealt with and settled."

---

Interacting With: @exit @lucius cypher
Mentions: @vertigo
Might Also Want to Read: @skwint

Once everyone was gathered into the room, Volo sat at the head of the long table. Drinks were served, beer from the Yawning Portal's own taps. "Allow me to formally introduce myself, I am Volothamp Geddarm, chronicler, wizard, and celebrity, at your service. I trust you've noted the violence in our fair city these past tendays. I haven't seen so much blood since my last visit to Baldur's Gate! But now I fear I have mis-placed a friend amid this odious malevolence." Volo clasped his hands together, his jovial appearance taking on a slightly more somber look. "My friend's name is Floon Blagmaar. He's got more beauty than brains, and I worry he took a bad way home a couple nights ago and was kidnapped - Or worse. If you agree to track him down with all due haste, I can offer you ten dragons apiece now, and I can give you each ten times that when you find Floon. May I prevail upon you in my hour of need?" Volothamp looked at the party assembled before him.

HP: 7/7
Prepped Spells: Identify; Find Familiar; Disguise Self; Charm Person
Conditions: N/A
Lvl1 Spell Slots: 2/2

---

We moved to a different room after the post-battle exchanges, with no sign of any aid from that Volos gentleman in regards to finding the person I was supposed to meet today. He didn't so much as reply, in fact, he just ignored it and moved to the other room. That said, I didn't have any clues with me, and if I was gonna search I could do it after I heard his proposal. Perhaps he would be in a more favorable mood then to help me.

Tonight's many changes of plans were very much hampering my act, so just to be safe I took a seat nearly on the opposite end of the table from Volo, on the side closest to a wall, not at the head. A kidnapping case, huh. I was told that I was to accept the mission I was asked to do, but that was pertaining to one given by the person I was supposed to meet, I'm pretty sure. Still, there was certainly a fair bit of money on the line, and good repute was good for my client, though if this was indeed a kidnapping it could easily get dangerous. Fortunately, snooping around was in my blood.

I rubbed my temples a bit. Should I take the deal? And in whose name? No, wait, before that I needed to get my priorities in order. I gaze straight into Volo's eyes and cleared my throat.

"There is no doubt that is indeed quite a tempting offer, however as I mentioned previously, I do have some unsettled business I would need to take care of first. My meeting with Obaya Uday. I'll gladly take you up on the offer and assist you in locating- and, if necessary, rescuing- your friend if and when I can make due on my earlier compromises. I do not take my word so lightly as to simply forgo it the moment a more attractive opportunity rears its head."

---

Interacting With: @lucius cypher
Mentions: N/A
Might Also Want to Read: @skwint @exit @vertigo

Atone listened intently as the man introduced himself and explained his problem. It seemed as though a friend of his has gone missing amidst the growing unrest the city had been experiencing. An innocent man taken hostage by the creatures that lurk in the darkness below definitely seemed like an issue that demanded the attention of a paladin.

"I will find your friend and dispose of whatever foul creatures have taken him," Atone announced as he rose from his seat.