The following is the in-character diary entry of Shal Noctis, a character in the live-play TTRPG podcast Spooky Dice Bag. This entry covers episode 152 – “A Hat is Just a Shoe For Your Head” and episode 153 “Loose Butter.” You can listen to the episodes below.
1498 DR – Day 73,999 – Pierce, a New Bard
I joined Randril and Forte on a trip to a local bar to see a performance from a musician named Pierce. The performing arts had changed quite a bit since I had last seen anything. In my youth I had seen street musicians in the gambling parlors and among festivals, but had never seen something that quite compares to what I saw with my new companions. Then again, the biggest settlement that I had ever been to near Malatra was Bashan-Do, which was mostly a gathering place for farmers and errant adventurers. This was also 700 years ago, mind
There were public performances by locals and traveling bards, but nothing like I’d seen as I accompanied the Strixhaven party.
What I found most interesting about this Pierce fellow was the following built around him. There was even a table within the bar selling tunics and sending stones themed around Pierce. I’d partied with a few bards in my day. They all had reputations that preceded them, no doubt. But a bard with tunics people wore just because they admired their work? Fascinating.
This is such a different world when you’re not hiding in the shadows trying not to get purged by roaming mercenaries.
I bought one of those tunics. It’s the first real article of clothing I have had in a long, long time.
Ceremony Planning
The late-night performance was a treat that helped soothe me a bit. I admit I have been struggling with my new circumstances. Things are going well enough and I have spoken to more people over the last day or two than I have in centuries. It all feels very strange.
We’ve spent the morning preparing for a potential encounter at the religious ceremony. There was a breakfast banquet for preparation, which had I been able to eat food, would have been lovely. I have noticed a particular obsession with butter amongst the Strixhaven party. Though I don’t blame them. I remember butter being delicious.
As they eat and consume a bizarre amount of butter, I am going to wrap up for now. Our next stop is the temple for the Marthammor ceremony.
I’ll update this if I survive the possible fight ahead.
To be continued in Spooky Dice Bag #154.
