Just so you know, you don't need to mention all of us every time you post. The tread subscription button gives us all the notification we need.
I see. I thought it was best to mention the people that the post had to do with. I noticed others doing it. My first post didn't include @Birdboy and yeah. I will make sure not to. That is assuming everyone knows about subscribing to threads. I do get overly excited to see such an active and dedicated group. So apologies.
Grimi raised an eyebrow as the dwarf moved closer. As Rockmar spoke Grimi nodded and grunted a few times. There were few words coming from his mouth but his full-teeth smile would probably make people step back.
“We wouldn’t want to tarnish our…” Grimi paused trying to find the correct word.
“Prestige, reputation?” He pondered outloud and looked at the lady sitting across the bar. Grimi was interrupted by Arthek and Iota’s? approach. Grimi wasn’t someone who likes hugs. It was due to his frail body and he didn’t need the pressure to remind him of it. In the place of a hug he nodded to Arthek. It didn’t take him long to know what was going on and who may hear it. Due to this he found himself leaning forward on the bar. His towering stature would have been imposing had he any muscle to speak of. However, he looked more like a beanpole and that may or may not make people smile.
Quizzically he twisted the end of his mustache as he looked at everyone who gathered. More than a few new faces. The thought that they may be spies did cross his mind. However, he felt that his facade was well enough established and well known to help dismiss thoughts of spies.
“I feel like we should head downstairs before speaking about any nightly activities.” Grimi informed the group in a hushed voice as he stood up and started walking down the stairway.
“What's that? Some late patrons! Wonderful! I will show you to your rooms!” Grimi said a bit loudly as if someone was listening. It sounded like he had run this line over a thousand times and to some would sound like he wasn’t lying. The saying the walls have ears was true in most places. However, he was extremely paranoid and paid extra once the building was finalized.
As he reached the bottom of the stairs it opened into a huge section of the building. Pillars could be seen evenly spaced to support the building. Many shelves and barrels of different types of alcoholic beverages were scattered around. Leading them through a small walkspace through the area, he stopped at a massive barrel. There were many like it and all of them looked similar. The frames that all of them were on had wheels making people assume that they could move, which when empty they probably could. However, they couldn’t otherwise because of the wedge-like blocks keeping them in place.
He looked back at everyone as he used his staff to slowly move the blocks guarding this barrel’s wheels. The spigot sticking out of the barrel was leaking some liquids. Not too much but a drop every now and again. Turning the spigot off and on a few times in a numbered sequence he then removed it. As he did he pulled it out and with it a chain. When he was finished he backed away from the barrel holding the spigot in his hand as the chain started getting pulled back in and the barrel opened. Once “fully” open the spigot rested against the hole again. One quick twist placed it back in its spot. The opening revealed an empty container and at the back rested a door. He pulled out his key as he shuffled to the door.
“Confounded!” He yelled as he dropped his keys, his hands were visibly shaking. He took a small moment to breathe and then knelt down and scooped them up. After finished, he opened the door. There were bright lights moving around behind a curtain on the inside of the doorway.
Once one passed into the doorway there was a muted deafening silence. However, once one passed the doorway music and festivities could be heard on the other side of the red silk curtain. Grimi led everyone to what looked like a dressing room and pulled out masks. His was made of what looked like wood. However, half of the mask was white and the other half was black. There were markings on the white side that resembled the god of the sun and on the other side there were markings that resembled the god/goddess of the moon. In the center two figures stood back to back. Some would assume the respective god or goddess.
Grimi Handed out masks to everyone and capes. He pulled out a special raccoon looking mask and handed it to The Doctor. The cape likewise looked similar to that of a raccoon's back and even had a tail in the center on the end.
(People would be given likewise costumes to wear. In essence they would pick what they want. A mask and cape/cloak.)
Afterward Grimi would lead them past the curtain and into a room full of music, fun, mischief, and bewilderment. The main room had a stage in the back and various people dancing on it. Some minstrels could be found on either side playing instruments in a way which complemented one another. Bozo was where Bozo usually was. She was playing a nice flow upon her flute. The patrons were always enraptured, albeit a bit intoxicated on this or that. As they walked through the area Grimi looked at Bozo and hoped that she could see him. Even striding atop a table she was still so short that people sitting would overshadow her. He would nod and point to the room where they were heading. Then again knowing Bozo as Grimi did, the tales were something that Bozo themself believed and would get too in character. At least that was the old man’s opinion on it.
There was a walkway on the right side which led to a door. Above the door hung a plaque with a fist punching a face. Several other doors with plaques lined the walls as well. At the end there was one with a crown. Grimi led everyone to that door. Once inside Grimi sat behind a big table and pulled out a contract. Once everyone entered the room he pressed a button and the door shut. There was a small table with some seats around it near the main table; as well as stools and other such posterior resting devices.
The document states that none would reveal what happened here in the King's Chamber, downstairs in The Grim Lodge. They may speak freely between others who signed the contract. However, if they are found purposely speaking loudly in crowded areas or so someone else can hear then they have broken the contract. None are allowed to write about it either, save for this contract. Those who fail to follow the contract will be lost to The Great Old One. There are some other stipulations of keeping the speakeasy and other underground establishments to oneself. Don’t speak about fight club and so on. At the end there are several boxes and at the top was one filled in by a signet ring and Grimi’s blood.
“We don’t do names but sign in blood.” Grimi stated as he placed the paper at the front of his desk for the others to look at. He pulled out several clean almost needle-like nails and placed them in a jar nearby. He leaned forward and laid his head on the desk. The cool wood helped with his burning blood and he almost passed out. His hood fell forward revealing a funny almost jester looking crown.
I think I'm going to wait for @Birdboy to reply before continuing. Mainly because he hasn't posted yet and we have lapped him in order. I already had something written up but can adapt it if needed.
Firelight flickered as embers flew from a brazier. A withered hand grasped a poker pulling it out to light a pipe. Light of day had faded many hours ago and the old man stood between the Grim Lodge and the building to the east. There was a small alleyway between the buildings, probably big enough for one frail old man like himself to walk comfortably. Which he did as he moved to the street. Another puff on his pipe and his eyes focused on the few still milling about at this hour. A child ran past him between his building and the other, picked up a sack of food and ran off. He smiled as he was able to help some of the unfortunate children. This smile faded when he overheard music and the inevitable guard tackle. They were very proficient in taking down minstrels, artists, and purveyors of creative arts.
The guards started dragging the minstrel off and ended up coming up to him. He only nodded to them and smiled. They handed the instrument over to Grimi and he took it.
“Name.” Grimi asked the fool to play music in this town.
“Benvin Glorybreath.” Came a whisper from the defeated man. After hearing that name Grimi burned it into the instrument asking for the correct spelling. Once finished he took the strings off the instrument and placed it without them on a frame on the wall. There was a small noose there which he placed around the neck of the lute. With a sharp jerk the bowl of the instrument was impaled on a nail. The nail was there as if waiting and when one looked there were many other open frames with similar nails. The man visibly deflated at the sight of his instrument and didn’t resist the guards anymore.
“I think this isn’t working.” Grimi informed them as he pointed to the framework tapestry of similar instruments.
“What do you suggest?” Biggs asked as he got a little closer.
“Well, we could let him go. Then he could spread the word.” Grimi suggested as he puffed on his pipe.
“Then again, I doubt he would spread the word enough.” Grimi paused as he looked into the sky. Clouds had started to gather and he could feel the change.
“Well, it looks like another execution then.” Wedge informed them and they all sighed.
“What is that? Just about three or four a day?” Biggs asked as Grimi handed him his pipe and the poker he was using. With that he partook of the variable blend Grimi had made.
“You could have him work. I need someone in the kitchen doing dishes. After that if he still feels like playing an instrument then break his hands.” Grimi informed them as he looked between the guards.
“You boys may want to get under the eaves.” Grimi informed them as he moved closer to the Grim Lodge. Within moments it started to rain and they looked at him dumbfounded.
“How do you always know?” Wedge asked, not hiding his excitement. Biggs knew better and had joined Grimi when he moved. Wedge drug the perp under the eave. Wedge and Biggs both let out a tired sigh. They had seen many people hung, tortured, and sent to the chopping block. They seemed tired of it all.
“Well, I’m old and can feel the changes happening.” Grimi admitted as he looked around at the young men.
“Sure, I don’t want to see another person die because of one mistake.” Biggs answered as they got up and handed the young man over to Grimi and he smiled.
“Keep the pipe as a memento and if you ever catch this one breaking the law again.” Grimi suggested as he looked at the sturdy, almost club-like pipe.
“Break his hands with it?” Wedge asked and Grimi nodded. The two guards moved away and smiled as they shared the pipe. The old man didn’t have the strength to force the young man into the alleyway and back into the bar. However, with how little resistance the man gave all he did was follow directions. Once inside he tapped his barman on the shoulder and was informed of the events as they happened. Afterwards he moved up and the barman took the minstrel to the dish rack.
This was just about the time that Rockmar came up from the basement and nodded to him. Grimi nodded back and grimaced at the weight the young man was carrying on his short but sturdy frame. Grimi made sure to shut the doors and latch them when he came back inside but he moved back to check again. Once he knew it was firmly in place he moved back to the bar and poured a few drinks. They slid across the countertop to everyone nearby.
“LAST CALL!” Grimi yelled and then started coughing. He leaned against the bar for support as he shook his head. All of the helping hands around the bar started corralling the patrons to their rooms and bussing tables. That was about the time that a headless handless butler outfit came into the picture. Archibald was known to all patrons of the Grim Lodge. It was carrying a lantern and moved up to the group placing said lantern on the countertop. It moved behind the counter and placed its invisible hand on Grimi. Grimi only placed his hand on it and thanked it.
“I’m okay. Don’t worry about this old man.” He informed Archibald as he looked around the counter. There were a few faces he knew and a few he didn’t.
“Are all children of nighttime activities ready?” Grimi asked as he pointed his staff downstairs. He could see that everyone who wasn’t going to participate was already guided into bed.
“Rockmar, could you please lead the way?” Grimi asked with a grin that was never shown during daylight hours. He tapped his staff on the ground as if to gather everyone’s attention.
“Archibald, please do the normal cleaning and mending.” Grimi asked his unseen servant. With that it bowed and moved to do other tasks around the Grim Lodge.
Changed my character's image. I hope that more resembles the character. As I'm not an artist and am looking for a specific character. This was the closest I could make. @rush99999
- Created with Baldur's Gate 3's character creator.
Also, why did you use Mr. The One Piece Is Real! as a faceclaim for a guy you described as 'sickly and lanky'? That's pretty much the complete opposite of what the picture shows.
It was the picture I originally chose for the character when it was still a changeling. However, I liked the image and stuck with it. Now for the fun imagination part. Imagine someone who was that strong now having the looks of the character I described.
@Guardian Angel Haruki Will we be allowed to train feats during downtime? I ask this because 5e didn't have as many feats when it came out. I know that they didn't compensate for how many feats exist and didn't realize they would have so many. We had a chart on how to train feats. I think it was based on the normal feat gain per 4 levels. Within that time you could train and get a feat. All depends on downtime and if it exists. lol
Name:Grimi Ekleipein Age: Old Race: Human - Changed from Changeling Class: Warlock - The Great Old One - Changed from Genie Level: 1 Background: Father of the owner of the Grim Lodge. This old man looks as if he went through many battles as he is covered in scars. However, his body looks sickly and lanky. He stands at 6’1”(186cm) and looks as if he barely gets into the triple digits. As if a slight breeze will blow him over. However, he keeps everything in the Grim Lodge working and in order. His son is never seen in the establishment.
The lodge made its name thanks to the old man’s cooking skills. While he doesn’t cook everything in the world, what he does cook is cooked correctly. While cooking if people listen closely it almost sounds like he is humming a tune. However, when people ask about it he just clears his throat as if he wasn’t trying to cough in their meal. More background can be unlocked through play.
Personality: No gruff, always serious, and boring. Other personality traits can be found out through play.
Stat Generation: Point buy
The Grim Lodge is a unique establishment located at a prime spot in the city. It serves as both a tavern and an inn, with a two-story structure situated at the intersection of the main crossroads. Shaped like a crescent, the building wraps around the inner courtyard, hugging the walkway or roadway on both sides. The entrance is at the corner of the street facing the crossroads, leading visitors into a courtyard-like space. A few signs hang outside the entrance which read.
“NO ENTERTAINMENT, NO FIGHTS, NO BULLSHIT!” This is written in every language possible. Each getting their own sign and placement based on Species.
Upon entering, there are two doors on the left and right sides. Inside the inner section, there is an open area where patrons can dine outdoors, surrounded by a semicircle of benches and tables. These outdoor seating options are brought inside when the weather takes a turn for the worse, ensuring guests' comfort and protection from the elements.
Furthermore, The side sections both lead into different types of bars. One is more laid back and quiet while the other is for a more rowdy type. Each has its own lodgings located up the stairs at the back end. Once upstairs each room is big enough to accommodate the biggest and smallest of guests. The rooms themselves are spartan as they allow for basic comfort. However, they are warm and dry in colder seasons and cooler in hotter seasons.
There are four main fireplaces within the establishment. One outside, more of a fire pit. One in each of the bars and one downstairs which helps circulate heat through the guest rooms in the floors above. Pipes carry the heat up and through the walls and floors. Everything has been tested and with a few failed attempts the final building is what it is today. Thus why it has its name. The building burnt down a few times.
Grimi splashes a cup of water on himself. "I make myself the conduit. Liquid within, liquid without. Come ancient armor! Make me more stout!" As if the natural world is breaking, several holes appear near Grimi. From within they shoot black tendrils covering the old man in inky cold darkness. Once finished the holes seem to seal automatically as if the world suppressed them. However the otherworldly magic Grimi called upon still rests on his old frame.
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