DM James: Arrival Map Friday March 24th, 2023 8:57:52 AM
Having organized the watch schedule among the Luck Makers, Woad Warriors, or Spirit Soldiers depending on who you ask, retired for the evening. By morning an exhausted work crew had completed the work and the bilge pump was run until noon when the tide lifted the ship from the sandy bottom.
While they were waiting on the tide Rio approached the heroes and proposed that two of the gold rings might be sold to compensate the crew, while the other items would be the property of the heroes, Jasper included, due to their significant contribution in protecting the ship. She clasped Issacs hand and thanked him especially for his healing efforts during the confrontation. With that she was certain a crewman would have been lost to the drake battle. That left the gnome sized items, the quiver, and feather to distribute among them.
The ship slid sideways off the sand and out to sea as Rio coaxed the crew to set the sails in the best way possible to assure they didn't run back onto the shallow bottom. As the sails snapped open and unfurled a shower of ice fell from them and scattered across the deck. Wooden planks complained loudly with each course change as the Sea Witch headed due south and to the City of Magic.
Five days passed at sea and with each passing day colder than the one before. On the last day they passed through a rain storm complete with thunder and lightning, but on the other side of the storm the weather was remarkably warm, though still wet and rainy. High in the sky above were large creatures flying in formations, diamonds, V's, and blocks.
Perception DC 25 Highlight to display spoiler: {These appear to be the gryphons described by the birds of some days past. They also appear to have armored men riding them.}
The first thing you notice as you approach Hook City are the giant hooks, each the size of a large castle hanging in the air exactly the way bricks don't. To each hook a series of cables, ropes, and chains are stretched from one to the other on which streets and buildings are built upon. It's all rather confusing how such a structure could exist but to the sane eye what you were witnessing was clearly the result of magic, ancient magic.
Hook City’s docks are a wonder. They’re majestic and sprawling, sure, but the wonder is how smoothly the guiding of the Sea Witch to its berth was. As you approach, a large arrow appears in the air before you. A pleasant voice greets you. “Please follow the arrow to berth F99. Failure to follow may lead to criminal and civil charges. Hook City is not responsible for damages resulting from such deviations.”
The arrow rotates, constantly pointing in the direction the ship should go. Though hundreds of ships are attempting to leave and enter the dock, at no time do two vessels approach each other. Arrival at your berth goes smoothly.
From the deck of the Sea Witch you can see that the township you’ve landed in is full to the brim with merchants waiting their turn to enter the city. A large “Customs - Start here” sign can be seen above a long counter on the side of a large building manned by 7 agents. A slowly moving line is qued up at the counter where other crews wait their turn.
DM James: Congratulations! You made it to Hook City. DM Esther will be taking over for a few weeks while I make your funeral arrangements....I mean, write the next module. Esther has given me plenty of ideas on ways to tortu..I mean challenge you. Good Luck....you'll need it.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Friday March 24th, 2023 8:58:43 AM
Gore'Thum grunts, keeping his eyes on the job. "I am Gore'Thum. I serve the master and teach this one." Teddy looks about and blinks at the newcommer. "Umm... I'm Teddy. Where'd you come from? I don't think you were here before.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+11=24 ; Friday March 24th, 2023 4:01:51 PM
Khord marvels at the flying formations overhead, but his eyes are not keen enough to pick out more detail. He is dumbstruck by the Hooks and magical nature of the city. He spends the time that they are approaching the harbor cleaning and stowing his equipment, as well as tidying up the area around his hammock and giving some attention to Niko.
He comes up on deck as the arrow appears and marvels at the efficiency of the magical navigation aid. He stands near the bow of the ship, a tall and wiry half-orc. he has cleaned up his beard and shaved the sides of his head leaving a mop of hair that he ties back on top of his head. His black cloak and grey/green coat flutter in the sea breeze. two short swords hang at his belt and a variety of other weapons are stashed about his person, most notably a fine lasso that has thin strands of wire weaved into the rope. He is equal parts swagger and wide-eyed wonder as he places a fine elven booted foot on the rail and takes in the city unfolding before him.
As they prepare to disembark he asks the luck makers, "Do we all cue up down their at the customs building? Is there an entry tax or do the just want to record our names and port of origin?" then Looking back at the hold, " And do we need to keep an eye on the Woad Beer or is our part in this journey over?"
Niko rambles up into the bow as well, placing his forepaws on the rail and sniffing energetically. The nearly man sized wolf-hound gives a few excited barks and looks to Khord for some reassurance that they are finally going to be off this boat. Khord slips him a treat left over that that mornings breakfast and pats his shaggy head. "Welcome to Hook City, boy. I've got a good feeling about this place, maybe we'll find some leads about our quarry."
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday March 24th, 2023 4:24:10 PM
Onesimos, when the Sea Witch refloats, realizes there will be no time to look for the drake’s lair, and so he shrugs and resumes his ship-board duties of helping where he can and the watch.
Arriving at Hook City is an amazing site. He had heard stories of the four Hooks, and the bridge supposedly cabled from the Hooks, but seeing it with his own eyes was something else. And the bridge was so big that there were buildings on it! He watches for a long time.
When the Sea Witch stops, the elf looks at Captain Rio for direction: recent experience has taught him that initiative seldom works.
Corym Morhice (Ben V) AC20 T15 F16 CMD20, HP 27/39 d20+11=29 ; Friday March 24th, 2023 5:38:58 PM
Corym notices the gryphons flying through the sky as they approach Hook City and he gets ever so slightly nervous. He knew he'd most likely have safe passage TO Hook City, but within it - who knows whether or not the warrant was still out. Or how it'd grown. The ports surprised him as the Sea Witch docked, it was more active than the last time he was here.
When docked, he waits for the rest of the Luck Makers first move. Going off by himself probably was not the smartest idea currently.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+3=20 ; Friday March 24th, 2023 5:56:54 PM
Isaac thanks Rio "Thank you. But I would say Snark helped the most turning aside the beast at the last moment was a feat I could not replicate. I was just trying to make sure everyone was alright."
Isaac breathes in the familiar air of Hook City looking up at the magical and gravity defying hooks that most in the city took for granted. "It's good to be back."
Perception: 20
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+14=26 ; Saturday March 25th, 2023 1:34:58 AM
(Perception 26)
Snark squints as he looks overhead at the flying beasts. "Huh? Those birds warned us about patrols from Hook City, but forgot to mention a sea drake. Stupid birds."
Snark lights his pipe as the ship glides to it's berth. "Well, Cap'n Rio, that was definitely been the most exciting boat ride I've had in a while - and I hope to keep it that way. I look forward to our return trip with you being perfectly boring. I have business to attend to in the city. How long until you get that beer sold and are ready to return?"
Hook City. He remembers this place. What a bureaucratic morass. He says to the others, including our new friend Jasper, "I got business here in Hook City. I gotta find a Greenmage here who can teach me a couple things. Jasper, it might help me if I have a druid along."
The little gnome makes sure he has all his gear - including the party's new magic items - and heads to the customs area to get this mess over with.
Jasper (MarkB subbing for Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Saturday March 25th, 2023 1:41:37 AM
Jasper regards the frog and the teddy bear. "Well, there Mr. Gore'Thum, who is your master? And you Teddy, I look forward to what you can do, besides look like the cute little teddy bear you are."
As the ship comes to a stop, she straightens her gear. How did she wind up back here? "Well, let's see how this goes. Last time I was here I got thrown out for not having the correct papers. Maybe I can get it right this time. Anyone have a quick way in?"
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Sunday March 26th, 2023 7:18:53 PM
Gore'Thum says the master is Warper Sar. He offers no further information unless asked and answers in short straightforward responses, seemingly out of ignorance that the knowledge isn't obvious and known rather then intentionally being difficult. Gore'Thum is not a good preacher. Teddy says he'll do his best to help and seems nervous, but you get the impression that's how he always is. If Jasper seems to show interest in the god they worship Teddy doesn't seem very knowledgeable, but he's good at getting details from Gore'Thum without it being too much like pulling teeth.
The pair are very careful to do exactly as directed.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Monday March 27th, 2023 11:10:26 AM
Onesimos spends some time contemplating the fabulous Hooks.
DM Esther: The cue to queue is a clue for you Monday March 27th, 2023 12:02:34 PM
While providing a wondrous look at the underside of the suspended markets of Hook City known as the Bridge, the seaward docks of the great and famous Hook City are.. not as much to look at as one might have dreamed. There are the facilities to service the ships that come here, the customs offices, something that sure looks a lot like a guard station, and then surprisingly little else to make being here any more enjoyable. The plain behind the docks, which must needs be traversed to reach the gates to the city proper, looks so waterlogged and full of puddles that its claim of being marginally less wet than the sea around the docks' other end is mainly experienced as it being more sticky. From up on the deck of the Sea Witch, you can see oxen-drawn cogsleigh plodding forth that way.
Isaac feels good about being back here, and takes a good look around. He notices something slightly off about the docks - there seems to be a good amount of milling about, but the actual directed activity just isn't up to where it should be for the number of vessels anchored. Gauging by how deep in the water their keels rest, several of the vessels on the arrivals side still have their cargo on board - but nobody near them that looks like they're getting ready to unload. Perhaps the increase in the number of vessels docked here that Corym noticed doesn't actually mean the city is seeing more trade these days... just that the ones that do come here, sit around longer than they used to?
Osesimos marvels at the city looming on a height above them, and looks to Captain Rio for how they are going to go about entering.
Captain Rio shakes her head at the suggestion that this is anything to do with her though. "Ah'm just the transport here, can't speak fer the owner nor for the receiver of this shipment of yers. That's on ya. Git ye the permissions an' chits --or what them lot uses nowadays-- then me crew will move them barrels ta where'er on these docks ye needs 'em - but ah'm not puttin' me name ta none o' their paperwork."
Meanwhile Corym feels worried about whether his name might still be on any lists, for having outstanding warrants.
Because while waiting for a turn to see a customs official, you have plenty of time to exchange basic information, I am going to assume that those who have lived in Hook City before will have filled in those who have not on at least some basics of what the place is like. Including its tough stance on theft and undesirables. Those who DO have a history with Hook City will all feel reminded that this place does not easily lose records of things, and that records that exist will be inspected. Each should consider if the manner of their departure from the city may have been reason for anyone to file complaints or charges against them, and whether trying to get into the city using their actual name might raise flags.
An enterprising Snark is going ahead to get a look at the customs area.
Hook City is known as a magocracy, but that really only accounts for who the people that ultimately pull the strings at the top are. The everyday reality of the place, as Snark remembers well, is that it is an overbearing bureaucracy before anything else. Its customs service, maintaining tight oversight of everyone and everything entering and leaving the city, seems to be set up to work in much the same manner in which a wizard might design an arcane ward - painstakingly meticulous, and with very little tolerance for any deviation from procedure.
Approaching the counters, you overhear a delegation ahead of you fiercely arguing with a customs official on duty.
"..I assure you it is my business, and I really do need your port of origin." "We bring goods from the northern continent." "...North. And are you going to specify that any?" "No." "I see. Going by the name of your ship I shall just put it down as Fargunian then. Now about your cargo-" "The cargo manifest is a private matter between us and the buyer." "And your buyer that I might contact about this would be..." "None of your business."
You sense that this line is not going to move for a while.
There is your mission to deliver the precious shipment of Woad Beer, and a few of you have suggested additional interests in Hook City or people that they hope to find there. The first hurdle at hand however seems to be that there is no evidence of an 'easy way' through the customs process to gain access. Certainly not when you have a load of barrels of very expensive magical potables to declare!
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Monday March 27th, 2023 4:23:48 PM
Khord takes in all the sights, sounds, and smells of the docks. He tells Niko to heel and gives the hound a reassuring pat on the head. As they approach the counters, he will defer to those who have been here before. He waits patiently, taking it all in.
While they stand in line, Khord retrieves a small folded paper from his haversack. It has a name of a tavern where a fence is said to be based out of that might know something about the missing midshipman. He checks it and commits it to memory. The Angry Eel, sounds delightful.
He asks the luck makers, "Do we know how long this unloading and delivery is going to take, I would like to do some shopping, or have something enchanted while we are here. Do you think we will have the time?"
Corym Morhice (Ben V) AC20 T15 F16 CMD20, HP 27/39 Monday March 27th, 2023 7:43:56 PM
Corym has grown increasingly more nervous as the line takes longer and longer.
What if someone recognized him? What if the long wait is guards on the way? What if....?
These are the thoughts that raced through his head as he sat there twiddling his thumbs in the line. After a short bit, he leans down to Snark and whispers "Do you have anything to make me unseen? Like - invisible or something?"
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 Monday March 27th, 2023 10:55:52 PM
Tykeas surveys the lines organization over the heads of most of the residents and newly arrived. Those hooks remind me of that time when Keroas... the thought is rudely interupted as a halfling new comer begins trying to force his way through the lines.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+6=9 ; d20+2=9 ; d20+3=4 ; Monday March 27th, 2023 11:00:42 PM
Isaac sighs remembering all the time and paperwork he had to help people fill out. He tells the others "I'll try and help speed up the process but no guarantees on that. I worked up at another gate so I know how the procedures are supposed to go but looking at all these ships tells me something has changed." Isaac will wait until his turn and start filling out paperwork.
Proffession Guard to try and speed up the process:9 Know local to remember the forums:9 Perception does Isaac know the guard at the counter?:4 Ooc: The dice are mad at me.
Jasper (MarkB subbing for Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Monday March 27th, 2023 11:24:59 PM
Jasper is a bit nervous as she waits with her new friends. Last time she appeared in Hook City, it was because her druid circle has teleported her there as a form of exile for breaking their rules. Having simply appeared there, the local officials expelled her from the City.
But perhaps by entering the proper way with a group that has a reason to be there, things will be different this time. She keeps quiet and follows along with the others getting in line.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+14=20 ; d20+9=17 Monday March 27th, 2023 11:45:37 PM
Snark tells Rio, "Yep, stay put until we get stuff squared away. This place is always a mess, but this seems messier than usual. We'll see what we can do."
He sends Luna aloft to take a look around and report back about anything that could be holding things up. Then he goes and gets in line to wait his turn. He looks around (Perception 20) to see if anything looks out of place. He answers Corym, "You do anything here I should know about?"
As he walks down into the mud, he's glad he has his cold weather gear on and the boots that go with that. Yech. He says to his friends, "Not sure what's going on, but stuff seems messed up. I know a wizard in town, but it'd be a last ditch effort to contact him. He likely doesn't want to see me, but he also knows I know who he's cheated so he might be more worried about me spilling the beans on him. Hopefully we can get through this mess quickly."
Knowledge Local 17 - any Hook City insight or info to make things go smoothly?
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday March 28th, 2023 2:09:43 AM
Onesimos has been to a big city before, but Plateau City looks and feels so different than Hook City! The elf is much more used to smaller areas and dealing with smaller crowelds and smaller noise and…
Benni’s eyes continue to take in the sights and sounds, but only follows Isaac and Snark. Benni usually has no trouble making suggestions and diplomatically defusing situations, but he is clearly intimidated and feeling very overwhelmed.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 11:03:25 AM
Teddy is chronically nervous, uncertain, and worried about things. In many ways this causes him problems. In some ways this is a great help, when added to his curiosity. He picks the brains of everyone he can about Hook city and the docking procedures as the party heads in and tries to memorize as much as he can to assuage his fears and help make things go smoothly. (I don't have points in know local, but a good int score and a lot of other skills, can I make some kind of check to assist with moving things along?)
DM Esther: Hook, Line, and ... Tuesday March 28th, 2023 11:41:14 AM Khord takes in the sights and sounds and, unwisely, smells of the docks while the queue slowly shuffles towards the counters.
Corym is feeling increasingly aware that he may not have left Hook City on the best of terms, and asks if Snark might be able to help him go less noticed.
Tykeas takes advantage of his height to survey the organization of the lines in front of him.
Furthest at the front, each of the seven agents working behind the counter has their own line of about seven to ten people. Behind that, there is only one long meandering line, from the front of which people join the end of one of the shorter lines once they've convinced themselves they can tell which is going to go fastest.
Isaac puts his experience as a former guard in this city to good use, looking for any familiar faces or bits of knowledge that might expedite their paperwork - but not seeing anyone he remembers, he feels he is having little luck. Very little luck is enough though to unearth at least some information, because once various bystanders catch on to it that Isaac seems to be an insider to the process, he finds himself surrounded by merchant sailors looking for tips on how to fill out the paperwork, and they are only too eager to explain, or rather complain, about why everything is taking so long right now.
"There's been another financial fraud scandal up there", one gnomish caravaneer wearing a painfully bright azure coat and turban informs Isaac. "Ever since the chit system ceased working, the city leaders have been overzealous in trying to prove everything is still perfectly under control. So every time they're shown not to be, they crack down hard and double down on procedure and checks, demanding every silly rule be followed to the letter even as they write more."
Jasper is feeling nervous yet hopeful, keeping quiet as she follows with the others in the line.
Snark observes that things are more of a mess than usual, and sends Luna up.
Luna does not report back anything more than that things are just going really slowly at the counters, so the line is not being processed very quickly. Worse, the only people who are done quickly are ones only getting some forms at the counter, who then go straight to the back of the queue again so that they're already back in line to submit their paperwork even while they are only starting to fill it out.
For your KS(local) check being over DC15: The customs offices are able to reference the citizen rolls. As you overheard while looking around earlier, as long as they have a name they can also contact the buyer of inbound goods to make their determination if an import is legitimate. Is there any way Snark or any of his friends could turn this to their advantage?
Onesimos is feeling a little overwhelmed, and keeps to himself as he follows Isaac and Snark.
Slowly moving with the line is not the best experience in your life, but also not quite the worst. The people here, you have to admit, are actually quite adept at being in queues. To the extent that a small service industry seemingly exists just to cater to those in the queue. By the time you reach the counter, much of the day has gone by - but you have during those hours been able to buy and use lunches and drinks, as well as having had all the opportunity you could want to buy snacks, umbrellas, hats and gloves - even piping hot chai tea from a vendor walking around with a heated metal tank strapped to his back.
As the party pulls up to the front, the agent appears to go slightly pale at the sight of the group including Teddy, Gore'Thum, Niko, Luna, and to a lesser extent Tykeas and Khord. She lowers her eyes to the various stacks of forms in front of her as if she can feel a headache coming on.
The customs agent, a professional but tired looking woman, asks you; "...please tell me you are not a traveling circus? To bring unusual animals into the city really should be announced in advance so we could have the requisite paperwork and health certification checks prepared-"
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=21 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 12:13:17 PM
Onesimos is used to waiting patiently: a day isn’t a lot of time to waste, and it’s only a waste if one learns nothing. And Benni experiences a lot!
Benni and the others finally get to the front of the line and are greeted by the custom’s officials’ mis-assumption. What a perfect opportunity! Diplomatically, the elf smiles disarmingly.
”Nothing so onerous, good sir, we are an adventuring group from the town of Heranmar. We are also the duly authorized agents for this year’s Spirit Woad Beer shipment. I believe we are expected?”
The elf keeps his conversation genial, and only essential information, counting on his friends to speak up and provide more details to lend veracity. …. Diplomacy 21
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+4=5 ; Tuesday March 28th, 2023 4:24:06 PM
Khord attempts to help Benni by interjecting, "He is correct, we have traveled for several days out of our way to get here. We braved the mists and survived pirates. It took much longer than it should have, so they probably have told you to keep an eye out for us." (aid another diplomacy d20+4=5) Judging by the reaction from the guard and his companions he is not as helpful as he thought he was going to be.
He then takes a step back and intently looks around as though he was alerted to something, hoping to escape the embarassing situation he stepped into with both feet.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20=14 ; Tuesday March 28th, 2023 6:22:45 PM
As the vendors come by, Snark will purchase one of the tastier snacks and a nice hot chai to give to the nice lady. He'll use Prestidigitation to make sure the chai is still hot for her. He reaches up to put them on the counter and pushes them forward. He stands on his tip toes as he peers over the counter.
"Oh hey nice lady, these are for you. Not expecting special treatment, I just see you there working long hours and thought this might be a welcome break from the monotony. How's your day going?"
"Circus? Nah. We got a talking frog, and ambulatory teddy bear, and a well behaved dog - pretty standard stuff fer a place like this. Like my pal here said, we're just delivering some magic beer to the magic city."
"I had an old master here - dwarven wizard named Elgor Blackheart? Last name sure fit. Kind of a jerk really, so I'd steer clear if he's still here."
He thinks for a bit.
"You know, I gotta find a druid hereabouts - greenmage actually. Any idea who I can ask about that?"
"Also, can I go get you some lunch? We're just waiting around, so I got time."
Jasper (MarkB subbing for Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 9:11:32 PM
Hmm. Greeenmage. Interesting.
Jasper smiles a bit at this woman's worry about all the animals. She considers transforming into several to make a point that you can't judge a book by its cover, but decides against it as it might delay getting done ... whatever it is these people need to get done.
"Nature is soooo much simpler than all this."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Tuesday March 28th, 2023 11:39:20 PM
Isaac pales at the news. The Chit system was one of the back bone's of Hook City "If they can't get a handle on getting a new system into place this is only going to get worse."
Ooc: Would Isaac and the others know about the chit machine or what happen to it?
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 d20+13=14 ; Wednesday March 29th, 2023 12:38:15 AM
Tykeas stays to the back alert to the movements of those around him. perception 14 He doesn't see much being slightly curious and cuatious about the masses.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 8:15:40 AM
Gore'Thum grunts at the question. "Not anymore. That was years ago." Teddy hangs back and watches.
DM Esther: Progress is relative Wednesday March 29th, 2023 6:53:42 PM
Seeing an opportunity to make a helpful impression, Onesimos puts forward some smooth elven diplomacy, explaining quite businesslike that the group is there as appointed agents of an expected delivery of goods.
The agent looks relieved to hear it. “Ah? You are? Delivering a shipment then.. well, that is another matter entirely.” Her hands are already starting to move to blindly pick blank forms from a few of the ones at her disposal.
Khord attempts to help Benni by expounding on the travails the party went through to deliver their precious shipment here, but realizes he is not helping and backs away.
Snark tries to get into the agent’s good graces with gifts of tea and food, and namedrops his connection to a Hook City certified wizard.
She just looks at him politely with the unmoved expression of someone who has heard every form of flattery and promise of favors already, and too wise to accept anything that could be even remotely interpreted as a bribe. “I must ask you to keep your food off my counter please sir, and see that your bear does not ambulate anywhere unattended?”
OOC: That was still a successful Aid Another check - speaking out of turn and making such an unruly display fits the agent’s expectations of a bunch of adventurers from countryside bumpkin territory, and in so doing both supports Onesimos’ declaration, and makes the agent prefer to only speak with Benni for the rest of this business.
Jasper smiles a bit at this woman's worry about all the animals, and considers some mischief but decides against causing unnecessary delays.
Isaac is shocked to hear of the breakdown of the chit system, and realizes the implications - and how it explains the present situation.
> Ooc: Would Isaac and the others know about the chit machine or what happen to it?
OOC: No, because the whole affair was subject to a cover-up in the original campaign it happened in.
Tykeas stays to the back alert to the movements of those around him. perception 14 He doesn't see much being slightly curious and cuatious about the masses.
He notices that the line behind them looks shorter now, and that nobody new seems to be joining at the back anymore.
Gore'Thum grunts at the circus question. Teddy hangs back and watches.
Corym tries to avoid being seen by guards, and has shuffled to the back of the party. Standing behind Tykeas does an excellent job of making him hard to even see from the side of the counters.
—
While you wait, your customs agent spends some time building up a small stack of forms and going through records without giving much explanation of what she is doing. Eventually, she hands over the paperwork to Benni.
“Please fill these out, with an itemized list of your shipment. Your assigned number is seventeen, please present your paperwork tomorrow morning at the inspector’s window at the guard station. They will set you up for an inspection, be ready to move your shipment to the inspection lot they assign you by midday. This includes forms to grant temporary supervised delivery entry to you and one other - one to represent the delivering party, and one witness to the transaction for your side.”
OOC: For clarity… a picture is emerging that trying to get actual full visitor access to walk the city freely is going to take many days if at all, would require identification paperwork on each of you, and might involve some unsolicited health checks for some of you. Instead, you can make your delivery of Woad Beer on the much easier delivery permit, which has the advantage of only requiring two of you to identify yourselves so you can avoid putting anyone forward that might be less than welcome. The downside is that this will be an in-and-out delivery visit accompanied by a guard, so there will be no shopping and no getting anything enchanted here, but at least you might actually be done here within a few days.
You almost think that is all you will get for your hours of waiting in line, but she then continues, “As for your delivery to make to ‘The Greenmage residing at Hook City’.. I do understand people might consider that a way to send mail up in Heranmar, but do try to get a full name next time? It is only your luck that it so happens our rolls do include a listing of properly qualified wizards by their area of expertise, but even then it seems I can not help you. The only record of a Greenmage is a forwarding address for one.” It appears that she has interpreted Snark’s statement of ‘having to find’ a greenmage here as meaning that you, as couriers from Heranmar, are also making a delivery to a person of that description - a reasonable assumption as people send mail with trade caravans all the time. “If your greenmage is one Zenia the Dark, you should try Five Mile… it is a township not far from here. Just don’t skip out on making your deliveries here first, you have an assigned number now and our inspections unit will not wait forever for you to turn up.”
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 7:21:23 PM "I know you're just doin' yer job. I won't be buggin you no more. And thanks for the name in Five Mile. Sorry to hear you people kinda lost your chit." He smiles at this last bit, thinking himself clever for saying something he's sure noone ever thought of before.
As Snark scops up the rejected snacks, he grumbles to himself, "Stupid place, lousy forms. Glad I left when I did."
"Well, back to the ship I guess. I can help you with them forms if you want Benni, and we can inform the Cap'n what the plan for unloading stuff. Once we get the beer delivered we can head to Five Mile.
Jasper (MarkB subbing for Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 7:24:28 PM
Jasper takes all this in. She tries not to draw attention to herself in a place like this and pulls the hood of her cloak down a bit.
"Interesting. Zenia the Dark. The name doesn't bode well, so we best be prepared for anything."
She returns with the others to the ship.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Wednesday March 29th, 2023 11:23:03 PM
Isaac does speak up "Sorry for taking up your time but I have family here Mr. Harker he's part of the Guard. Would I be able to meet with him? He's my father."
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=23 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 1:34:06 AM
Onesimos is stunned at the amount of paperwork: nearly a library in itself! And the directions to prepare…. Benni keeps his genuine smile on, but it is hard. ”We may need some additional direction, good sir, for the delivery is 49 barrels of the famous Heranmar Spirit Woad Beer, and we have no means to transport it once it leaves the ship. Could you provide us leave to meet with our factor to arrange transportation?”
He gives a little turn to the group as if giving some instruction, but actually… ”ummm, I don’t remember any instruction other than deliver to Hook City. Do we have a name of a person or company we are supposed to deliver TO??”
….. Diplomacy 23
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=23 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 2:38:18 AM
Onesimos is stunned at the amount of paperwork: nearly a library in itself! And the directions to prepare…. Benni keeps his genuine smile on, but it is hard. ”We may need some additional direction, good sir, for the delivery is 49 barrels of the famous Heranmar Spirit Woad Beer, and we have no means to transport it once it leaves the ship. Could you provide us leave to meet with our factor to arrange transportation?”
He gives a little turn to the group as if giving some instruction, but actually… ”ummm, I don’t remember any instruction other than guard the beer until Hook City. Do we have a name of a person or company we are supposed to deliver TO??”
(Ooc: Benni can only remember that they were to protect the beer. Neither Ralphus [Heranmar InnKeeper] nor Captain Rio told them any different since DM Post 31 Jan)
….. Diplomacy 23
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Thursday March 30th, 2023 6:19:05 AM
Khord listens to the guards instructions carefully, and still finds himself confused. How does this city manage to function with all this paperwork, who keeps track of it all, and what do they do with it all. He loses himself in visions of giant warehouses solely for the purpose of storing papers from shipments going back decades. He also is disappointed that it seems like he will not be able to visit the Angry Eel, and thus his lead is next to worthless. It seems this city would be a great place to hide, as how could anyone get in to come searching for you without you being able to spot them days before they get through the gate.
As Benni receives the the pile of paper and asks about who we are to deliver to, He realizes he should have asked more questions while they were in Heranmar.
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 d20+13=23 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 6:58:28 AM
Tykeas simply lets the others do the talking and keeps an eye on the crowd. He notes which line seems to be moving faster and observes it for a while to try to learn why. perception 23
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Thursday March 30th, 2023 7:24:00 AM
Teddy is happy to help with the paperwork. His penmanship is impeccable and he's smart enough to help figure out how to figure it out correctly. He breifly wonders why no one was sent who'd done the paperwork and delivery before but doesn't really worry about it.
DM Esther: A relative can help progress Thursday March 30th, 2023 10:44:55 AM Jasper takes all this in. She tries not to draw attention to herself in a place like this and pulls the hood of her cloak down a bit. "Interesting. Zenia the Dark. The name doesn't bode well, so we best be prepared for anything." She is ready to return to the ship with the others.
Onesimos keeps his genuine smile on, but it is hard. “We may need some additional direction, good sir, for the delivery is 49 barrels of the famous Heranmar Spirit Woad Beer, and we have no means to transport it once it leaves the ship. Could you provide us leave to meet with our factor to arrange transportation?”
The agent too maintains a polite smile in speaking with Benni. “First time here, hm?” She points with her finger in the direction you saw the guard station earlier. “The inspection lots are only as far as right here at the end of the dock. The guards will tell you tomorrow which one to use when you hand in your paperwork, and by when to have it ready, based on what you’ve got. You only need to get it to there, bringing heavy things the rest of the way up to the city is what cogsleighs are for. For that too see the inspection station, with your paperwork, in the morning.”
Isaac does speak up “Sorry for taking up your time but I have family here Mr. Harker he's part of the Guard. Would I be able to meet with him? He's my father.”
The agent takes notice of Isaac having the local accent, as one born and raised here. “Are you from here? If you used to already be a citizen and you still have your old proof of citizenship, or if you are in good standing with your parents who have citizenship and they will vouch for you, then there is a track to get registered as a returning citizen. It should take only about four days for the city to examine the merit of your claim.” She looks at the line behind you, and then leans ever so slightly forward behind her desk and sounds genuinely sympathetic when she says; “...our paperwork goes up to the city once a day, after evening lockout. But if you say your father is a member of the Guard.. the guard station behind us is sending its own messages up and down all times of day and night. You could try there and see if they could be persuaded to send one of their own a message that his son is looking for him down here? If all you want is to see him, he could come down here long before you could get approved to go up there… and if you do want to not just see him but renew your citizenship, if your family in the city were to have paperwork drawn for you up there, that would be faster as well than having a request processed from down here.”
Khord's mind boggles at the volume of Hook City's bureaucratic paperwork, and he feels disappointed that he will not be able to follow up on his lead since he wouldn't be able to freely go looking for it.
Of course, a fence --one whose livelihood revolves around moving stolen goods and illegal money -- will likely be lying low in the middle of a crackdown, so this would have been a very unfortunate time to try to find them anyway.
Tykeas simply lets the others do the talking and keeps an eye on the crowd. He notes which line seems to be moving faster and observes it for a while to try to learn why.
Successful Perception check Although each has its moments, none of the agents at the counter seems to be processing people systematically faster than the rest. People seem to have stopped joining the feeder line (the large meandering line from which people move into the seven front lines) entirely, which is why that is steadily getting shorter now. Tykeas notices people further to the back nervously confirming the position of the sun in the sky every so often, and he realizes that people are no longer getting in line because at this point only the desperately optimistic still believe that the current back of the line will reach the customs counter before it closes.
Teddy is happy to help with the paperwork. His penmanship is impeccable and he's smart enough to help figure out how to figure it out correctly.
Yes, about that... the Hook City chapter of the module was written to make dealing with its bureaucracy absolutely grueling. Filling out this pile of forms is designed as a skill check gauntlet for the whole party - you have to wear them down with skills checks just as how you might have to wear down a dungeon wall with repeated attacks against its hardness. Fail to accumulate enough work done to 'break' it, and your paperwork will be rejected when you try to submit it and you'll have to try again the next day (although your target number will get easier on retries to reflect you are learning through repeated attempts). So EVERYONE please give me a skill roll - you can choose to use your best modifier from a plain INT check, KS(local), KS(nobility), or a Profession modifier you can convince me is relevant. Isaac is pre-approved to use his modifier in Profession(Guard) for this purpose.
Snark says, “I know you're just doin' yer job. I won't be buggin you no more. Sorry to hear you people kinda lost your chit.” He smiles at this last bit, thinking himself clever for saying something he's sure noone ever thought of before.
The agent behind the customs counter picks up another number ticket, writes “17” on it in her clear hand just as on the ticket she put on top of the paperwork she handed to Benni. With a practiced motion and a slamming sound that seems a deliberate show of authority, she stamps it “Duplicate” and “Not valid without part one”.
She then literally flicks the ticket at the gnome.
“NEXT!”
Jasper (MarkB subbing for Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20=5 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 12:39:46 PM
Jasper makes an Intelligence check of 5.
Big surprise - druids aren't good at filling out forms. Nor do druids have much patience filling out forms. She transforms into an eagle to fly up and have a good look around. With a speed of about 30 mph, she should easily be able to fly the route to 5-mile and back. How's the route look? What's in 5-mile? Is there a town there?
She doesn't stay in 5-mile for long - she just needs a break from a city she cannot enter.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+9=23 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 12:49:36 PM
Snark is not waiting a week in the mud just to get in. Since the little wizard is not going to be allowed to enter the most famous magical city in the Wold, he's certainly ready to be done with this place.
Back aboard the ship, he says to Captain Rio, "Well, you'll be shocked to know we need to fill out a bunch of forms before we can unload the beer. Then we need to get payment. And then we need to make a visit to 5-mile. Once that's done, we can be back aboard the ship for the return trip to Heranmar."
Snark works on the forms. Knowledge Local 23.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=20 ; d20+14=28 ; d20+7=9 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 2:49:33 PM
Onesimos considers the task as the team goes back to the ship. ”This isn’t much different than a puzzle in an abandoned temple, although I have to admit, with a little more writing than normal. Let’s try to tackle different pieces to make this faster.”
The elf approaches Captain Rio and Patch. ”Captain and Quartermaster do more paperwork than most. Why, Patch, I recall you boasting of your records handling in Heranmar. Can you help with your skills?” [Ooc DM post 31 Jan]
For his own part, Benni corrects himself: it is 99 barrels of beer in the hold. Yes, 99 barrels of beer. They took one round and emptied it down… He also tries to sense how Hook City will accept the freehand portion of the documents, and writes them diplomatically. Maybe putting in a pious reference or two..
Sense Motive. 20 Diplomacy. 28 Know Religion. 9
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+9=23 ; Thursday March 30th, 2023 4:27:57 PM
Khord heads back to the ship with the rest, talking to Niko along the way. "I don't know why they are so uptight, I bet if they had some of that woad beer they would be in a bigger hurry to get it delivered. The stuff is literally magical."
Niko looks quizzically at Khord, cocks his head from one side to the other as they walk listening intently. He is somehow disappointed though that his master does not mention treats once.
As they look over the forms, Khord interjects where he can. His detective skills kick in as the order and flow of the questions start to make patterns in his mind. (Know: Local d20+9= 23)
After he has helped with that, he asks the Captain and the rest of the Luck Makers about moving the barrels. "Do we have some way to move all these barrels, or will we need to roll them one at a time. We should probably get an early start. Some of us helping move the barrels while a couple wait in the line and handle the paperwork."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d4=4 ; d20+6=15 ; d20+10=23 ; Friday March 31st, 2023 5:48:42 AM
Isaac thanks the teller he writes his letter and goes over to the guard area "Good day i would like to request a letter to be delivered the next time a message is sent to Kevril Harker" Proffession guard :15 Diplomacy:23 ("Dear father I have good news. I'm here on a cargo delivery and would love to see you and mother again. I'm down at the docks ask for the Sea Witch captained by Rio. I have a lot of questions about what has happened since I was away and would like to talk.- Isaac")
Ooc: Since I didn't include their names in my back story Isaac's parents are Kevril Harker and Margaret Harker.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d20+3=22 ; d20-1=7 ; Friday March 31st, 2023 7:23:12 AM
As stated Teddy is eager to help. Though he has no applicable skills, he is intelligent and keen to learn so is able to help out (22 intelligence). Gore'Thum sort of hangs around, providing merely moral support (int 7, was worth a shot)
DM Esther: Papers, flight, and lanterns in the night d20=8 ; d20+7=23 ; d20+9=25 ; Friday March 31st, 2023 2:56:00 PM Isaac writes a letter to his father, and knowing the functioning of a guard station and coming across convincing, is easily successful getting the on-duty sergeant of the watch to accept it for sending on to a fellow guardsman. There is nothing more to do about that now but to wait what comes of it.
Back on board the Sea Witch, Khord asks if there is some way to move all the barrels.
Khord’s question elicits a chuckle out of Captain Rio. “Last time oi looked, the Sea Witch had both her masts an’ a crew. Don’t yer worry yerselves loik this would be the first time we deal with havin’ things in and outa the hold. Best leave that ta me crew what knows the ropes, ‘t is a job fer seven an’ an officer to git them onto the dock, an’ two to roll ‘em ta the lot. Throw in an extra man an’ a brush if ye want ‘em neatly lined up an’ clean lookin’ too.”
It seems the Luck Makers will not have to involve themselves with the unloading. In fact, even if they would like to, Rio would only want them to do so on the dock, maybe roll some barrels up to the lot, because she is not going to let anyone that isn’t her crew touch the ropes and tackles when they’re hoisting a heavy barrel across the deck of her ship.
And with that, the Luck Makers resign themselves to being, temporarily and seemingly much to Snark's chagrin, the Form Fillers. Benni even gets a sputtering Patch to help out, forced to defend his honor after being called out on his claims at the start of their journey. Forms are not really his thing, but you can not deny the quartermaster has a head for numbers as he readily works out weights, sums and percentages of the top of his head. Rio of course has captaining to do and is not helping with your forms. She does however check in once and, after standing behind Teddy and Patch and comparing the work the two are doing, smirks at the latter. “I knew it. Patch, yer handwritin’ is worse than a bear’s.”
(ooc: As you have heard in the email, Ben has left our game, but until a certain scene yet to come, Corym is still technically traveling with your party so I rolled for him to contribute too)
By the sweat of your brows, together you work your way through the paperwork. All of it. Will it stand up to inspection? You will have to find out when you submit them tomorrow morning, but for now you can sense that you are done with this maddening bureaucracy for at least the remainder of the evening and a whole night.
Your new druid acquaintance Jasper decides that after this attempt at clerical duties, she needs to be away from all this for a breather. She shapeshifts into the form of an eagle, and takes wing. A gryphon patrol does take notice, but as long as she is not flying towards the city, they are not bothered enough to even circle for a closer look. She decides to follow the direction of the road to see if she can get a sighting of this Five Mile place that is supposed to be out that way.
Jasper: Highlight to display spoiler: { Flying as an eagle, Five Mile is easy to reach, and easy to find - from far away she can already see the thin streamers of chimney smoke rising into the cold air. And cold the air is. As Jasper flies away from the weather controlled area surrounding Hook City, the temperature swiftly drops as the reality of how close this land lies to the Ice Vein reasserts itself. Before long, she can feel that it has dropped below freezing. There are shapes in which this would bother her, but as an eagle, it does not. Flying on, at what might indeed be roughly five miles inland along the only overland route from Hook City, Jasper spies a collection of buildings in the last light of day - inns, stables and a shop near the road, a few houses further back, a smithy or two (or something like that if the smokestacks are anything to go by). There are a lot of horses and parked wagons here. Jasper does not see evidence of farming in the area, and the grouping of buildings below has all the traits of a large caravan rest stop, where a small permanent population is mainly occupied with catering to a large transient one. Daylight is fading, so having established that Five Mile does at least exist she turns around back to the Sea Witch before the full cold of the night does become unpleasant.}
From the deck of the Sea Witch, you can tell that the mood on the docks is changing. If the day was filled with the buzz of people trying to conduct their business amid uncertainty and boredom (and forms), the approach of sundown sees part of the crowd return to their respective vessels, but those that remain seem to be waiting for something.
Then, you see that from the land side, a grouping of cogsleighs are steadily lumbering as close as they can get to the docks, stopping, and putting up lanterns. The first notes of music soon drift in the air, and people are heading over there in small groups.
(ooc: a cogsleigh is a freight moving vehicle for the soft wet ground on Hook City’s rainy side. They are very large sleighs that look like someone put runners under the general idea of a small cogship - a flat bottom platform for taking cargo on, with a small fore- and aftcastle to protect their crews and job tools from aforementioned rain.)
Isaac: Highlight to display spoiler: {This is common knowledge to anyone that’s ever patrolled either mudtown or the docks – cogsleighs are privately owned, and a good few of them earn their living not by hauling cargo. With the dock fulls of bored sailors and merchants, and the city allowing no permanent buildings other than its own offices and guard station, there is coin to be made in providing after port closure such services as would normally be provided by taverns, food stalls, and similar establishments. The entertainments of the Night Market have arrived!}
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Friday March 31st, 2023 3:56:49 PM "Huh, I know I suggested an early start tomorrow. But, It looks like there might be some fun to be had out by those cogsleigh's. A dance and maybe are just what the we need to shake off the dull headache I got from doing all that paperwork. Anyone care to join me?" Khord reaches into his haversack and produces a treat for Niko. "Mind your manners boy and there will be more where this came from," he says to his dog as the head for the gangplank and make there way towards the music.
Khord will accompany anyone who wishes to join him, buying the first round if there is anything on offer. He dances with a graceful awkwardness and a total lack of humility. Niko bounds and yip's and has a grand old time, receiving a few more treats along the way. Returning to the ship sometime around midnight or earlier if the cogsleigh's leave before then, and he collapses into his hammock and sleeps soundly until morning.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Friday March 31st, 2023 9:54:55 PM
Isaac holds up his hand "Hold on their Khord it's not a dance unless you want to start one that's the Night Market. It's all taverns food shops and merchants that people usually go to but their all on the back of those cogsleiIhs. The City has really strict laws about what can be where and their is no permanent buildings in the Mudtown or Docks except city's official stuff. So all the shop keeps and taverns send out those cogsleiIhs. If you want to go I'll go with you. I use to patrol back in Mudtown so this place brings back memories." Isaac smiles as he watches the gaggle of merchants start to mix in the Night Market.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+14=23 ; Saturday April 1st, 2023 1:17:58 AM
Onesimos rubs his eyes: those forms were mind-numbing! The elf thanks Patch for his insight, and the rest of the Luck Makers for their contributions as well. And while he considers needing a guard at the Sara Witch, he is equally intrigued by the mobile taverns and people who would operate there.
Benni joins Khord, Isaac, and any others on the tromp through the mud to the Night Market. He will nurse one drink through the evening, and playfully participate in any dancing, flirting, or discussion that happens to come his way: gauging the mood of the people and activities.
Sense Motive. 23
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+9=26 ; d20+15=24 ; Saturday April 1st, 2023 8:12:36 AM
Khord takes the news about the night market in stride. He makes his way through the mud to the stalls with his friends. Has a few drinks, gets some smoked fish for Niko, and does a small dance when the tune moves him. All the while he keeps his eyes and ears open to gauge the mood of the city, or at least on the docks.
Sense Motive 26 Perception 24
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+14=15 ; Saturday April 1st, 2023 5:00:58 PM
The little gnome accompanies the other to this night market. He keeps his eyes open as he goes.
(Perception 15)
Jasper (MarkB subbing for Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+16=29 ; Saturday April 1st, 2023 5:06:22 PM
Jasper reports back what she saw on her flyover of Five Mile and the way there. She will add that it gets colder as you move away from Hook City.
She also attends this collection of cogsleighs, glad that she does not have to actually go into Hook City. She looks around for any signs of trouble.
(Perception 29)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Saturday April 1st, 2023 9:32:43 PM
Teddy is exhausted from all the writing and working. His penmanship may be impeccable, but he doesn't exactly practice it that often and the effort exhausted him. He goes to bed early.
Gore'Thum, who did nothing but sit around all day, is eager to see what interesting thing is going on and joins whomever else is going to go check on the music.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Sunday April 2nd, 2023 9:50:45 AM
Onesimos is bemused, and includes Gore’Thum as a partner in walking to the Night Market. The elf is slowly (slowly!) acknowledging the frog as intelligent, and therefore part of the community for ‘love’
DM Esther: The Night Market Monday April 3rd, 2023 11:00:38 AM Khord sets out for the night markets, with an intention to buy the first round, should there be anything on offer. As he and his friends approach however, it becomes clear that the Night Market is spoiled for choice when it comes to both libations and food. Or relatively so compared to what's available on a sea voyage anyway.
The place is already lively by the time you get there, and the many-hued lanterns render the scene oddly colorful despite the mud-splattered exteriors of the cogsleighs the stalls are attached to. Wooden planks have been put down to create walkways that will at least protect your footwear from the worst of the mud.
While Isaac and Gore'Thum are more generally enjoying the atmosphere, Khord, Snark, Benni and Jasper are all paying close attention to what is going on around them, and between them they notice...
* The unmistakable smell of meat being grilled, and those are fresh juicy cuts, not salted or dried ship rations. A sizzling slice of heaven, if heaven were a Chuck Eye Steak.
* There is a barber chair on the deck of one of the sleighs, and wouldn't you know it that the people in line for a wash, shave or haircut are the ones that already look better kempt than most here.
* A flashy fortune teller tries to tempt a sailor to touch her palm with silver, offering to reveal his past, present and future. Aghast, the sailor angrily demands she stop looking into his personal business at once.
* A trader looks down a glass of something strong while talking to another. "...this close already. That's fifteen days I've been here. At least they say it should only be a week more now before my paperwork is processed..."
* One of the cogsleigh trinketeers claims to be selling 'Finest Magical Wonders from the City of Mages!'. Sensing motive, you rather doubt it.
* Amid the drink, food, and trinkets, there are also some games of chance and skill being offered. (if you like your chances, put down a silver and roll either three melee or three ranged attacks vs AC20, and I'll tell you what you win. Describe your own game.)
* You sense that the catharsis this place offers after what for most of these men and women has been another tedious day, is loosening lips and could be very conducive to any information gathering any of you might still want to do, on any local topic.
If you don't feel like pursuing any of that, you are individually free to freeform your character unwinding in their own way. Yes, there can be flirting or dancing if you're so inclined, and yes you can shop for and find most mundane household items with a value of less than one gold piece.
Corym is no stranger to the arts of the con and the swindle; In fact this being the very city where he practiced these is very much the reason he is feeling somewhat uneasy about being recognized by the law. Fortunately the law seems to have no eyes for him at this time yet, and after a while, he actually spots a familiar face in the shadows of the Night Market, and let's the others know he is going to see if 'an old acquaintance' is willing to talk to him, but that he needs to go alone.
(ooc: A request from your DM - please take that last paragraph as just FYI, not something to interact with. Ben left rather suddenly, but we owe his character Corym a better in-story departure from the party than an abrupt 'Okay, bye' so far away from home and family. I do however need to separate him from the party before you get yourselves into any puzzles or fights, so please just let him go his own way here without anyone trying to tag along, okay?)
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Monday April 3rd, 2023 3:03:00 PM
Jasper drifts along the edges of the crowd, simply watching and listening. The Night Market is much preferable to the fresh hell that was the customs office, but it's still a bit too crowded for her taste.
She doesn't know much about Hook City (other than that she intensely dislikes it!), but she does wonder why they've instituted such a complex system. She keeps an ear out for any snatches of information to that effect.
____ OOC: I'm back. Huge thanks to Mark!
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+11=12 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+11=14 ; Monday April 3rd, 2023 4:32:44 PM
Khord cannot resist the smell of the roasting meat. He quickly buys a steak for himself and one for Niko. "We eat like kings tonight, eh boy." Niko happily wolfs down the steak, and wonders why they dont get this every day.
He does buy a round of beers for whoever wants one, and proposes a toast to his new friends. He hears Corym mention meeting an old acquaintance and he wishes him well and says he will see him tomorrow. Corym does not reply as he disappears into the crowd.
As the night goes on, Khord is taken by the games of chance. He steps up to one, Telling himself he will give it one go, knowing full well that the games are usually rigged to favor the house. There is one such game where the player must land three silver piece sized stones inside a metal urn from three paces away. He carefully weighs the stones in his hand before throwing, the first plinks the edge of the urn and falls in, the second dances on the rim and falls out, and the last misses the urn entirely as Niko bumps him as he is about to throw. His curiosity about the games satisfied, he wanders off to rejoin the group.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+9=18 ; d20+9=13 ; d20+9=12 ; Monday April 3rd, 2023 7:51:34 PM
Isaac wonders if it's spending time out in Heranmar or his interest in figuring out people beliefs whatever they were he decides to go over to the fortune teller paying a coin if nothing else the fortune telling process was always fun to watch.
After that Isaac tries his hand at a game called Assassin and Guard. Two competitors would face off the guard would try and protect a dummy dressed up as a grumpy noble while the Assassin would try and attack the dummy with gloves with some sort of paint on them. If the assassin could hit the target it was considered his win, if the guard protected the dummy noble it was his win. Isaac took on the stained gloves and approached his opponent and the target. Melee attack 1:18 Melee attack 2:13 Melee attack 3:12 Isaac failed
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 Monday April 3rd, 2023 8:19:32 PM
Tykeas watches with some amusement as khord and little later, Isaac tempt lady chance. I rember my own tempting of Lady Luck...ended in indentured servitude to a snooty noble for 3 years.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+9=23 ; Tuesday April 4th, 2023 1:12:04 AM
Snark goes along with the others, as much to keep them out of trouble as to see what's in this place.
He's not much of a diplomat, but he knows coin can often be a decent substitute. He will spend about 20 gold buying drinks and food for anyone that can tell him about a greenmage named Zenia the Dark near Five Mile. How to find her, what does she like or need, what's in Five Mile, is there anyone or anything to avoid?
He will use his knowledge of local customs to bolster his efforts. (Knowledge Local 23)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 8:16:43 AM
Gore'Thum wanders some taking in the sights. He's only mildly interested in most of the activities but he does buy himself some food as he looks for the source of the music, which is what drew him over here. After listening for a while and tipping whatever street performer is playing he'll visit the fortune teller, not really expecting to learn much, mostly just to see how they react to a giant talking frog asking for their fortune.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Tuesday April 4th, 2023 11:47:14 AM
Benni follows Teddy’s frog to ensure he keeps out of trouble. The elf chuckles as he has to lean in and buy food.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 12:02:48 PM
Also, Snark will get a haircut and a beard trim. Barbers are often a good source of local info, and being a travelling barber, maybe he goes to Five Mile regularly or knows those that do.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 2:10:56 PM
Jasper needs the ability to speak while in Wildshape. Fully aware that the trinkets on offer won't impart such a skill, she decides to look at the Finest Magical-ish Wonders anyway. You never know.
DM Esther: The Night Market - continued Tuesday April 4th, 2023 4:08:14 PM Jasper does not like crowds, and keeps herself to hovering around the periphery of the Night Market. She keeps an ear out trying to catch what people are saying about the bureaucracy here. Although it is certainly a topic that comes up here and there, the people here are talking, often in plaintive tones, only about that it is, and how they are faring in their various dealings with it. No historical insights are acquired into why it is.
She then investigates the purveyor of supposedly magical wonders. As expected, it is not as advertised. While some items may have been made with the help of magic, nothing Jasper sees is what she would call a true magical item. Its one genuinely useful item is a series of lanterns containing a continual flame, which can keep ships lit below deck without risk of starting a fire, thank to its heatless flame. At two hundred gold it is not even terribly overpriced. This is probably the flagship item meant to lure customers in, before the salesman upsells them some of the other junk like a cheese-scented mousetrap.
Khord buys some quality meat for himself and Niko. He later tries his hand at one of the games, and for a score of one out of three, he walks away with a buttered and lightly salted corn on the cob!
Isaac seeks out the fortuneteller, who is of course very happy to see his silver. She sits him down, and examines a spread of cards.
"I see for you.. a reunion.", she tells him, "And an unexpected journey. The sign that represents a force that will oppose you is Greed, your own or that of others."
After having his fortune told, Isaac finds a rather elaborate sport event and tries his luck on a round.. but with three misses, all he walks away with is some new mud on his boots. It provides some amusement for the watching Tykeas, who at least is there to cheer his comrade up after that.
Snark is on a mission - to find out what he can about the greenmage Zenia the Dark. He wets the whistles of traders and caravan crews familiar with the route in that direction, and even gets himself a bit of a cut and trim so he can chat with the barber. It takes a few false leads before he gets somewhere..
"Five Mile? If you don't come by ship, it is a good last place to stay before Hook City. Even with the cold."
"A mage in Five Mile? That is news to me. Sure, there is bound to be one or the other around as part of all the coming and going through, but if they have a resident one, all I am saying is I have never seen a wizard tower or somesuch there."
"Look lad, me and my boys transport tin and salt. I reckon no druidsy tree-loving folk go out of their way ta meet us even if we was passing right in front o' their home."
"Zenia the Dark? No, I think I'd remember that. But aren't you asking in the wrong place? If they're getting anything forwarded to Five Mile as you say, then it is going through one of the inns - that's how everyone picks their mail up. That narrows it down to finding which one they use, right?"
Some further enquiry with merchants that also use the other route, turns up that there are only two inns of note in Five Mile - The Captain's Quarters, run by one Percival Arunson, and the cheaper Caravan Pete's, run by an 'Ole Pete'. A luggage carrier additionally reveals that there is also a boarding house in Five Mile, run by a woman called Frieda Silvermane.
(ooc: Note to Mitch -- since you have Gore'Thum spending money, I am going to presume that he has a bag or something to carry that and some items around)
Gore'Thum finds that it helps to go around muttering things like "Coming through!" to constantly assert that he is in fact a talking frog, unlike the kind that might also appear in wet muddy terrain and inclines people to try to remove him from the market grounds. Thankfully, Benni comes to follow him around to prevent further confusion.
The fortune teller at first looks quite taken aback as a frog seeks to have its fortune told, but silver is silver and this whole place does exist right under the nose of a city run by mages, so... a talking frog, sure, why not. As she attempts to read him his fortune however, she seems to be struggling. "Your future feels like it is a little more, ah, mutable than most.. which isn't to say that is a bad thing, just.. harder to read", she explains herself. With a sincere dedication to get a result rarely seen in the fortune telling profession, she tries voodoo, she tries hoodoo, and then some things she hadn't even tried.
"Um.. in your future I see a cold place. You will.. get closer to a goal.. but.. somehow, backwards?" Then staring away from the main branch of Gore'Thum's fate line and up a particularly annoying unstable side branch, she almost cynically adds; "...and on the very slim chance that you turn human, you might open a restaurant some day and play banjo. Sorry, that is all I am getting here."
As it gets further into the night, the Market is still going, but the crowds of visitors are thinning as many leave to get some sleep before the next day, and with an early start tomorrow, the party probably wants to do the same?
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 6:31:22 PM
Isaac Isaac makes a quick stop at one of the closing food stalls and gets him self a treat something sweet and heads back to the ship for the night. He reminisces about some of the times he went out on unsanctioned patrols and wonders if any of the guards still remember him.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday April 4th, 2023 7:03:21 PM
Snark ponders what he learned and returns to the ship to sleep.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday April 5th, 2023 1:18:52 AM
Benni continues to follow Gore’Thum around to make sure the companion to his friend, Teddy, doesn’t get into any trouble.
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 1:19:52 AM
Tykeas wanders along the night market with the others. He grabs a hibiscus flower from one stand and a lily from another and slowly gathers a boquet as he moves throughout the market space. When the reenter the ship from their nightly escapade, he approaches Captain. These might make up for some of the blunders I made for we left port last. He quickly hands the boquet to her.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 3:06:28 AM
Snark smiles.
"Heh heh.
"Tykeas and Rio, sitting in a tree ..."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 6:05:17 AM
Seeing the crowds starting to disperse, Khord heads back to the ship. He and Niko fall into their bunks and sleep soundly until morning. He wakes at first light and preps for a day of bureaucratic shenanigans.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 6:38:21 AM
Not having hand Gore'Thum handles things with his tongue, which is very dexterous and flexible but leaves all of his money slimy and sticky. He's also the size of a large dog so hopefully won't be confused for a regular frog too often.
He is unimpressed by the fortune teller, but that's about what he expected anyway so he pays them. He reflects that the last fortune teller he saw told him a false princess would kiss him and turn into a frog, which never happened, so he doubts this one's predictions mean anything. He enjoys her reaction to being consulted by a giant frog though.
Done with observing people's reactions to him for now he heads back to the ship.
DM Esther: Flowers bloom, inspection looms Wednesday April 5th, 2023 4:50:56 PM Isaac makes a quick stop at one of the closing food stalls and gets himself a treat, something sweet, and heads back to the ship for the night. He reminisces about some of the times he went out on unsanctioned patrols and wonders if any of the guards still remember him.
(ooc: You’ll have to trust me there is a reason in the module why Isaac has still not met any guardsmen that he recognizes so far. That said, could you please send me any material that you have on Isaac’s father? It does not appear in your character sheet.)
Snark ponders what he learned and returns to the ship to sleep.
Benni continues to follow Gore’Thum around to make sure the companion to his friend, Teddy, doesn’t get into any trouble.
Seeing the crowds starting to disperse, Khord heads back to the ship. He and Niko fall into their bunks and sleep soundly until morning. He wakes at first light and preps for a day of bureaucratic shenanigans.
Gore'Thum is unimpressed by the fortune teller, but that's about what he expected anyway so he pays them. He reflects that the last fortune teller he saw told him a false princess would kiss him and turn into a frog, which never happened, so he doubts this one's predictions mean anything. He enjoys her reaction to being consulted by a giant frog though. Done with observing people's reactions to him for now he heads back to the ship.
Everyone makes it back to the ship safely.
Tykeas approaches Captain Rio. “These might make up for some of the blunders I made for we left port last”. He quickly hands the bouquet to her, to which Snark smiles; “Tykeas and Rio, sitting in a tree …”
Captain Rio looks flummoxed when she has a bouquet of flowers pressed into her hands by a contrite minotaur. It is only because she believes the massive, rash adventurer doesn’t have the guile in him to make insincere flattery, that she decides not to assume any ulterior motives. She smirks; “Well, I’ll take these as meanin’ ye knows what ye did, an’ ‘ave learned not ta do so again then. Now, go git ye some sleep, we'll all 'ave our parts ta play in the mornin' again.”
She grins at the bouquet she is left with after everyone leaves for their hammocks. “Been long since any bugger took me fer the kind o’ woman ta fancy flowers, eh? Brings back mem’ries o’ the days..”
The rest of the night passes without noteworthy incidents, except for that a crewman on Middle Watch unwisely snickers when Captain Rio takes Tykeas' flowers to her cabin in a water bucket, and he ends up reassigned to scrubbing the forecastle by lamplight.
All PCs are sufficiently rested by next morning to have no detrimental effects.
As the sun rises over a new day, Captain Rio sets her crew busy working the rigging to prepare to unload cargo. It is time for the Luck Makers to go and find out if all the effort they jointly put into preparing the customs paperwork is enough to carry them through…
Please play out how you present the paperwork to the inspections window, and if you do anything before that?
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 5:57:49 PM
Jasper decides to buy the well-priced lantern of continual flame, then calls it a night. She observes Tykeas's sweet gesture as she boards the Sea Witch and raises a gently amused eyebrow before turning in.
In the morning, she huddles with the rest of the Luck Makers to hash out a plan regarding the dreaded customs paperwork. She keeps an eye on the sun to ensure they get in line early, and wonders if perhaps some of the party should stay behind to get the shipment ready for inspection.
____ OOC: I'm in the Pacific Timezone and therefore a little behind! I'll do my best to post before noon going forward. Sometimes with work, like today, that's not possible. Apologies for the delay!
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 6:45:16 PM
Isaac hopes his experience as a guard has helped with the paper work. Ooc: I'll try and get the details to you by either the 7 or 8th.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Wednesday April 5th, 2023 7:25:37 PM
As the Luck Makers huddle to come up with a plan, Khord will suggest that Benni take the lead along with Snark being the most diplomatic and intelligent respectively. He will also suggest that Isaac take an upfront role as his father is some muckity-muck in the guard (he is not good with titles). The rest of us can aid when necessary and hopefully this all goes real smooth.
As he says the last part, Niko gives him a disapproving huff and lays down.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Thursday April 6th, 2023 12:15:40 AM
Onesimos nods with Khord, the elf had the same conclusion as the half-orc if for different reasons. ”The customs agent seemed to have an expectation which worked well enough, so I think we should maintain that for less obstacles. And presentable!”
Benni takes the breakfast hour to down a quick meal, do his meditations, and then wear his most presentable clothes. He asks Teddy and Snark to clean everyone’s clothes with Prestidigitation.
And then, paperwork in a protective leather cover tied with a bright red string (the red courtesy of some more Prestidigitation to change colors), Benni leads the group to the inspection line.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20=13 ; d20+14=33 ; Thursday April 6th, 2023 1:56:57 AM
In the morning Snark will tell Tykeas, "Yer a class act there giving the Cap'n some flowers. Seems like that really made her day. Good job."
Snark is happy to oblige by casting Prestidigitation to get everyone cleaned up and presentable before delivering the required forms. He looks them over one last time for any mistakes or issues. (Perception 33.)
As directed, Snark will make sure the folder and ribbon both look their best and brightest. And as we approach, he will use Ghost Sound to add the pleasing sounds of a distant harp.
"Oooh. Too much with the harp?"
He also makes sure to keep his mouth shut and keep a low profile this time at the counter. Last time ... didn't go so well.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Thursday April 6th, 2023 8:34:34 AM
Teddy is nervous about the paperwork. He shakes his head at Khord's suggestion that Snark lead with Benni. "I don't think they like Snark. Let Benni do the talking."
Gore'Thum offers nothing of substance, merely going along with the group.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Thursday April 6th, 2023 1:13:30 PM
Jasper clears her throat while suppressing a chuckle. "The harp might be... a bit much."
She takes her place with the rest of the Luck Makers, ready for another grueling day of doing nothing productive.
DM Esther: Paperwork approved! (The end is in sight) Thursday April 6th, 2023 3:17:58 PM
On the night before in the Night Market, Jasper makes a purchase of a lantern that has a Continual Flame inside. (deduct 200 gold, add the lantern to your inventory, treat as a hooded lantern that never requires oil and does not produce heat)
The morning after, the party gets ready to submit their paperwork. They clean themselves up with a cantrip courtesy of Snark (and Teddy?), who also goes over the documents one last time to make sure they didn’t miss anything. Finally the documents are niced up a little and put into a protective leather cover and tied with a string.
The party has formed a consensus that for dealing diplomatically with the bureaucracy, Benni is their best face to put forward, with supporting roles for Isaac for his connections, and Snark for his wits - as long as he does not use those wits to rub people the wrong way.
Thus prepared, the party headed by Benni presents itself to the inspections window at the dockside customs guard facility and after a much shorter wait this time, gets to hand over their paperwork. An unflinching uniformed inspections officer receives it and starts to look through the pages…
ooc: I am not even going to pause or ask you take a further Diplomacy check for this step, because adding up all the party’s contributions to the paperwork, you guys are so far over the module’s target number that Benni can just Take 10 on this check and still knock it out of the park
“Verily then, this all seems to be in order… a hundred barrels to be delivered on contract minus permissible shrinkage.. documentation of origin.. purchaser.. volumes and valuations..”, the (elven) man’s eyes dart along the lines as he just nods through page after page, making occasional notes on a small piece of paper. “Tell your crew to start moving it to lot five, and line it up along the wall. Don’t bother stacking barrels, and keep enough space between rows for a man to walk through. Inspection tomorrow at the third bell past noon, the buyer will be informed and may send someone to observe. Transfer onto city haulers will begin immediately after inspection, at which time also your representative and witness should be ready to be escorted to meet with your client for payment on delivery. Both of you will be issued a token that you are to keep on your person at all times while inside the city.”
You are welcome to ask the gentlemanly officer additional questions, but it looks like after the inspection you do not really need to worry about all those barrels anymore other than making sure you receive the full agreed payment for them. The inspection time set for tomorrow is favorable, as it gives enough time for Captain Rio’s crew to do their thing without having to do it all in one crazy long shift, while also keeping you tied up here in the docks for the least number of additional days possible.
When the party returns to the ship, Captain Rio and her crew are ready to start moving cargo from the hold out to the dockside. In fact, the first barrel is already in the net ready to be lifted out of there. (For anyone wondering how heavy items were moved in the age before port cranes - the masts do double duty as cranes.)
Captain Rio has something else waiting for Isaac, “While ye were out smilin’ p‘litely at sum official, a runner from the patrol came up here ta drop this off with yer name on it.”, she says as she passes a folded letter to the paladin. “To Isaac Harker”, it simply says on the outside.
Isaac: Highlight to display spoiler: {This short note is a missive from Isaac’s father Kevril, who writes that he will come down to the Sea Witch at the dock today, as soon as his duty schedule allows - which should be around the noon hour.}
While it seems Isaac may have something to keep him busy already, the rest of you can start to think about how you are going to get to Five Mile to look for a greenmage after this delivery run is done. Jasper has shared with you already that although it is not far at all, it is much, much colder over there.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Thursday April 6th, 2023 7:34:11 PM
Teddy is very pleased that his penmanship was acceptable and that they managed to fill it all out correctly. Gorfe'Thum is also pleased at his protege's success and the two go try to find someplace nice to eat in the limited area of the city they have access to to celebrate. The others are of course invited as well.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Thursday April 6th, 2023 7:52:45 PM
Relieved that the paperwork went smoothly (see I told you so). Khord turns his attention to planning for the trip to Five Mile. He wanders the docks looking for a cold weather outfit, and another 10 days of trail rations.
" Looks like we are headed on another adventure," he says to Niko. "I guess our lead in Hook City will have to wait."
ooc* assuming we can find these mundane items and I will add them to my sheet.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Thursday April 6th, 2023 10:23:45 PM
Isaac reads the note and smiles he tells the others his father is going to arrive today around noon "Maybe we won't wait to long. My father Kevril Harker he might be able to pull some strings if we make a good impression."
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=13 ; d20+6=9 ; Friday April 7th, 2023 6:59:41 AM
Onesimos thanks the Inspector, and, as he seems in a, well, not a BAD mood, the elf tries to learn a little more. ”Good sir, this is the first time to be agents for our town’s collective shipment. Can you tell us a little of what would look like a normal transaction with the buyer? Are we to be given bags of gold pieces, or a receipt for a central bank, or some other means of transaction? It will make a difference to set who our representative and witness will be.”
Whatever the answer, the cleric will thank the inspector and go back to the boat, and giving Captain Rio the directions on how to set the barrels in Lot # 5. He is curious to see how this all works and so follows along with the first barrel as it comes off the Sea Witch and rolled to the right place. And then he monitors Lot#5 to observe how other lots are being guarded.
He makes sure he is back at the Sea Witch by noon.
….. Diplomacy. 13 Perception 9
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Friday April 7th, 2023 12:52:37 PM
Jasper breathes a sigh of relief and gratitude. These new companions are clever and charismatic. She's eager to leave the docks.
"If anyone needs a ride into Five Mile, I'm happy to carry you."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday April 7th, 2023 1:52:29 PM
Snark goes along with the others.
He also asks about about how people make the trek to Five Mile. Is cold weather clothing enough? Is it a magical cold that requires a magical remedy? Are there bandits or predators on the way?
Back at the ship, Snark says to Captain Rio, "Cap'n, looks like we'll have the cargo off soon enough. I need to make a trip to Five Mile as I've mentioned before. Shouldn't take more'n a couple of days, then we should be ready to sail back to Heranmar with you and the Woad Beer payment."
DM Esther: Unloading, road preparations, hot food, and a visitor Friday April 7th, 2023 5:58:17 PM (ooc: A reminder to all players - when your post includes you doing something that would be covered by a Gather Information check, please include such a roll or I have to limit your results to what is common knowledge)
Onesimos thanks the Inspector, and, as he seems in a, well, not a BAD mood, the elf tries to learn a little more. Whatever the answer, the cleric will thank the inspector and go back to the boat, and giving Captain Rio the directions on how to set the barrels in Lot # 5.
The officer quirks an eyebrow, flips to page seven of your paperwork again, and looks back at you. “Not for me to say, but the trade agreement you copied in the paperwork says you are to be paid a sum that, in gold coin, would weigh around 4 tonnes. Call it an inspector’s hunch that they are not going to hand that over to you in any normal bag. As for what they will do.. this buyer of yours represents a trade group with ties to both the Academy of Arcanists and the Portal Traders. Bank guarantees are.. for various reasons right now, less popular right now than they used to be.. but you are dealing with a group that has more different ways to make a lot of wealth portable than my uniform has buttons.”
I can’t make this in-character knowledge to the inspection officer, but you should have been told what to expect by Ralphus back in Heranmar, so let me retcon that in. According to Ralphus, you can expect to be paid in platinum bars, which will be placed into a special magical bag of holding to carry it (one sealed with a magic that will not let it be accessed until unsealed with a password that Ralphus knows).
(ooc: Also, fun fact: portal trade is expensive and exclusive, but can send goods between Hook City, and Plateau City and the Floating City on the Yrth continent. Floating City as in, the place that has the Giggling Ghost. Do not be surprised if you can order a pint of this very beer you are delivering in future Giggling Ghost events.)
Onesimos is curious to see how this all works and so follows along with the first barrel as it comes off the Sea Witch and rolled to the right place. And then he monitors Lot#5 to observe how other lots are being guarded.
A barrel is loaded into a net, attached to a system of ropes, blocks and pulleys over both masts. Two sailors to a side hoist up the net vertically out of the hold, after which another two with a guiderope each pull it across until it is over the dock, where the net is carefully lowered and the barrel turned around to be rolled up the dock. The netting and hoisting takes a few minutes, the rolling to the lot takes less, so there is no build-up of barrels waiting to be moved on the dock by the Sea Witch.
All the inspection lots are effectively within the grounds of the guard station. It has sentries and patrols, presumably around the clock, that keep an eye on things to make sure people bring things in, but don’t take things out they’re not supposed to.
Teddy is very pleased that his penmanship was acceptable and that they managed to fill it all out correctly. Gore'Thum is also pleased at his protege's success and the two go try to find someplace nice to eat in the limited area of the city they have access to to celebrate. The others are of course invited as well.
The two quickly find that when the Night Market is not open for business, the options for eating in the dock area are extremely limited.. there are those vendors selling snacks pre-packaged lunches to those queueing in front of the various customs functions, and there are mini encampments where traders and crews are doing some of their own cooking off-ship, that are willing to share a bowl of what they have with others for a few coins if their supplies allow it. Actively searching for something good… Teddy eventually catches a good smell on the breeze, and leads Gore’Thum to an ambulatory street food seller that is just preparing a new batch of his merchandise. He has a large pot of sosis bandari sizzling over a portable stove, and sorghum flatbread to serve it on – all fresh.
Khord turns his attention to planning for the trip to Five Mile. He wanders the docks looking for a cold weather outfit, and another 10 days of trail rations. " Looks like we are headed on another adventure," he says to Niko. "I guess our lead in Hook City will have to wait."
Cold weather gear is available in the trade between merchants happening on the docks, since any caravan that arrived by the land route and will leave by sea will be looking for an extra coin selling their extras to people making the trip in the opposite direction. Not every item in the set may be entirely new, but all are serviceable. Use normal book cost.
Jasper breathes a sigh of relief and gratitude. These new companions are clever and charismatic. She's eager to leave the docks. "If anyone needs a ride into Five Mile, I'm happy to carry you."
ooc: Leaving this for other players to respond to.
Snark goes along with the others. He also asks about about how people make the trek to Five Mile. Is cold weather clothing enough? Is it a magical cold that requires a magical remedy? Are there bandits or predators on the way?
Traders familiar with the route assure Snark that cold weather clothing should be enough, but that he must be ready to deal with all the usual issues of making camp in a frozen landscape if he hasn’t booked an inn room. The cold here flows from the Ice Vein, but the cold itself has no particular magical quality to it, so mundane means will do as long as you have enough of them. You don’t want to be without a fire and some furs, and the close company of your companions and animals, to keep the worst of the freezing night cold at bay.
Isaac reads the note and smiles he tells the others his father is going to arrive today around noon "Maybe we won't wait to long. My father Kevril Harker he might be able to pull some strings if we make a good impression."
At around that time of day, a man wearing a full length rain cloak makes his appearance at the plank of the Sea Witch, and seeks permission to board. When faced with Captain Rio, the figure briefly opens his cloak enough to show a rather nicer guard uniform than you are used to seeing down here, with some fancy insignia. “Vice-captain Harker of the North Hook City third precinct guard. I would speak with my son, and would ask both your permission and hospitality to do so aboard your ship - too many damn merchants around that wouldn’t leave me a moment of peace if they saw an upper city official’s uniform down here.”
Captain Rio has no objections as long as it doesn’t hinders the steady unloading of barrels, and so Isaac gets to sit down with his father aboard the Sea Witch. His father gives him an encouraging pat on the arm. “Gods boy, last time you sent us a letter it was about a fish and woad hunters, and now you are back here on a ship full of beer? I hope this adventuring business is treating you well, because whatever you have to tell me today, I am going to have to share in every detail with your mother tonight!”
ooc: I just want to let you know that this family connection of Isaac really would have worked as an alternative if you had done worse on your checks against the bureaucracy, but since everything is already moving along rather smoothly and you are scheduled to be done here by tomorrow night, I am not sure if there is much left to expedite. You may however free-form a good family chat for Isaac's personal character development, I do tend to remember good role play moments when I need to make a karma call on your character in the future.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Friday April 7th, 2023 10:05:20 PM
Isaac smiles at his dad. "It's been awhile but yeah this new life as an adventurer has treated me well. Not to say I haven't had my share of frights or tough fights but I've been enjoying life in Heranmar. People there are a bit too superstitious but I'm slowly learning more about them and the town." He takes a moment to center his thoughts thinking about what to tell him and what to keep silent on. "After we got back with all that woad there was a big festival to the queen of the fey so that was pretty odd compared to here. We've also been doing work to clear out a old haunted church. Apparently it houses the chaos bell those adventures rang along time ago and changed everything. Well it became infested with weird undead and with my paladin blessings we've been making quick work of the monster inside. The biggest thing however was when a ship sailed in with nobody on it turned out it was haunted by the cursed pirate Jack Lolly. It was a tricky fight confronting him but we were able to lay that monster to rest. We also saved a pair of kids from some frog creatures. They were boggards I think. And on the way here my companions slew a great big sea drake. Thing looked like a giant snapping turtle." He pauses and then shares with a curious look. " Weirdest thing was something in its stomach. A gnome nobles stuff from Zaran city either that creature traveled aways from there or it attacked a ship from there." Pushing aside his curiosity he ask his father "So I just got here and already I hear so much has changed what's this about the Chit system no longer being around?"
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Saturday April 8th, 2023 1:39:03 PM
As the luck makers are making preparations, Khord overhears the merchant mentioning the need for a campfire each night to keep warm. "That I have covered," as he reaches into his haversack and produces his campfire bead for Snark to examine.
Khord responds to Jasper's mention of giving the group a ride. "Does your ability to shape change also allow you to grow in size? That is a unique gift indeed."
After returning to the ship, he notices that Corym has not returned in over a day. He says nothing but does make note of it, hoping that he has fallen back in with friends and nothing untoward has happened.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Saturday April 8th, 2023 3:40:46 PM
Snark listens to the clerk's response about payment. It'll be interesting to see how that works out.
He responds to Jasper, "Sure, I'd be happy for a ride to Five Mile. I'm going there to meet a greenmage named Zenia the Dark. She might be a druid, so you two might have something in common."
Later, he waits until Isaac and his father have a chance to catch up. When it seems polite to do so, he will introduce himself.
"Beggin yer pardon Vice-Cap'n Harker. My name is Snark Riverstone, and I am pleased to meet you. I wanted to say that Isaac here has been a steadfast companion, and has saved our butts several times. And in addition to being good in a fight, he is honest, loyal and kind. Thank you for raising such a fine young man."
He stops there, barely managing to not add something about the town needing to get it's chit together. Barely.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Sunday April 9th, 2023 9:46:48 AM
Things look to be in hand, so Onesimos is back to the Sea Witch by noon to sit with Isaac’s father. He listens, and encourages talk of the fey in the area as well as the undead. Oh yeah, and the very superstitious townsfolk!
He is pleased with the preparations for a walk to Five Mile, and doesn’t see the need for him to add anything.
He does ask his friends if there is a volunteer who would like to got with him to be witness.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Sunday April 9th, 2023 7:00:32 PM
Teddy and Gore'Thum enjoy the fresh food even if it isn't anything fancy. With how much time they've spent in the wilderness even this simple meal is a treat.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Monday April 10th, 2023 12:43:05 PM
Jasper nods respectfully to Isaac's father then fades back.
To Khord, she says "I can take on forms larger than my own and smaller too, but nothing outside the realm of natural beasts. I can't shift into, say, an owlbear. For our trip, I was thinking something like a yak. Broad back, shaggy fur, good endurance, can carry Snark at the least." She quirks a smile at the clever little gnome.
"I look forward to meeting Zenia. I haven't been among other druids for a long time."
DM Esther: Some rest and conversation Monday April 10th, 2023 5:20:55 PM Isaac tells his father about his adventures. His father, in turn, tells of how the family is doing, and how the city is faring in general. He doesn't really bring up the issues that caused the doubling down on procedure until Isaac asks about the Chits. "The Chit system? You certainly ask about the strangest things, for one spending his time away from the city. Anyway, what happened there, as I understand it, is that the Chits work because of a tamper-proof enchantment woven into the city ward. Or.. so they did, until scholars up in South Hook City discovered some loophole that drew the system's guarantee of validity into question. At which point the original enchantment being designed to be so tamper-proof turned into it also being nigh impossible to fix, and the council had to declare it unfit for purpose until further notice. So here we are, using old fashioned accounting again, and let me tell you it is a hassle."
(ooc: If you are a DM and ever have to use Hook City yourself, note that this explanation is the cover story for what really happened, check the wiki for that - but this much is all someone like Isaac's father would know.)
Khord is impressed with the extent of Jasper's capacity to take on the forms of other creatures. He for a time also believes that Corym has not returned, but learns from the Sea Witch crew later in the morning that the elf returned from the Night Market much, much later than the other Luck Makers, and slept in the stern before leaving again while the others were out making arrangements with the inspections officer. The party's missing member has left a message about having his eye on a little side deal that he believes is worth his time pursuing.
Snark wants to take Jasper up on that ride offer, and tells her a bit about why the group is going to Five Mile.
Snark praises Isaac's qualities in front of the paladin's father, and the latter looks proud.
Onesimos tries to bring up matters of the fey and undead in the local area, but all that he is getting out of Kevril Harker is that there have not been any incidents lately, and the amount of magical talents in the city tends to take care of such issues if reported in the nearby area. Sometimes as a field study, even. It seems the actual day to day problems that the Hook City guards deal with, tends to be the same kinds as every other large city.
Teddy and Gore'Thum enjoy some genuine comfort food.
Jasper talks to Khord about shape changing, and plans to use the form of a yak for the upcoming trip to Five Mile, as such an animal could both carry a rider and would do very well with the drop in temperature along the way. Based on Snark's description of Zenia as possibly a fellow druid, or at least similar, she too looks forward to meeting the greenmage.
Everyone please roll me a Wisdom save vs DC 15, OR a Knowledge(nature) check against DC 12. (It is either/or, so only roll one d20)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+6=10 ; Monday April 10th, 2023 8:58:31 PM
Khord takes in the interactions, He doesn't say much as he feels out of his depth in talking about the chit system and the day to day of the cities business. He spends his time going over his gear and exercising Niko then he remembers he wanted to get a bigger bow after the encounter with the sea drake. If he has time, he will ask around the docks about finding a composite longbow that can take advantage of his strength, as slight as he is for a half-orc. He doesn't want his inability to do more damage at range to put his new friends in danger. If he can't find one, he will put it at the top of his list for when they return to Heranmar.
_____________ Know (Nature) = 10
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20=16 ; Monday April 10th, 2023 10:04:34 PM
"Just because I don't live here anymore doesn't mean I do not care about the city, you or Mom, Dad. When I got into port I quickly found out something was up with the Chit system from the other merchants. If things continue like this well a disaster would send thing over the edge." Isaac looks over the mess of merchants standing in line or paperwork and the clogged docks full of ships with cargo ready to be unloaded. "I'm worried if things don't improve the Hook City will start to go under." He turns back to his father "Sorry for the grimm talk lets talk about other stuff. Is my old group the ones that were stationed up in Mud Town still there?"
Wisdom: check 16
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+3=5 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2023 12:19:01 AM
Onesimos listens to the father/son talk and does his best not to shake his head. The elf wasn’t asking about fey and undead in Hook City, but trying to tell Isaac’s father of the opponents his son and the Luck Makers have been facing. Ah well, he thinks, it is of little matter.
So too is his thoughts about ‘Hook City going under’. It is a strange concept to Benni that someone could think of a place like a person. Cities were. It was the people and how they treated each other that was important! Again, the elf believes the wise course is to keep silent.
…….. Wisdom Check. 5
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20+8=14 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2023 12:30:34 AM
Knowledge check Nautre roll against 12: 14
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Tuesday April 11th, 2023 12:44:16 AM
Snark will take 10 on Knowledge Nature for 10+13=23
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d20=13 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2023 7:19:53 AM
Whatever the check is for Teddy will know about it (knowledge nature 27). He and Gore'Thum hang around the ship, having forgotten why the party is even trying to get to Five Mile. Something about Snark wanting to meet a wizard? They'll be happy to go along just to see new things and help a friend, not that they expect any trouble.
DM James: The wait for the weight is over, but another wait awaits. Map Tuesday April 11th, 2023 9:23:54 AM Khord worked with Niko for a while then ventured onto the docks looking for that last bit of equipment. After a fair bit of walking and asking questions Khord found someone with a bow that met his requirements. Seems it was taken off a bandit east of Frost Lake and was a little worse for wear, but he was assured that a competent wizard would have it fixed up straight away.
Khord Highlight to display spoiler: {It’s a bargain at 50gp, but will need a mending spell to get it in order.}
The conversation with Issac’s father continued on for a while as the two reconnected about friends and family. Current events like the chit system were discussed as well and the explanation offered by Issac’s father seemed to have some holes in it, but both agreed it was probably best not to look into it too deeply for political reasons. Issac’s concern about the bureaucracy only provoked a nod from his father. They’d long held to the same basic views of the city even though they knew that questioning things was best left to those in charge. The paladin’s question about his old crew got a smile out of his old man. Sarge was getting on so he was put in charge of the stables up top, Jeffcoat was reassigned to one of the gryphon squads, Desirunia got herself a nobleman out of Plateau city and moved there with him, Thed messed up, he’s working the road to Fort Wayfarer since he was caught taking a bribe from a Aisilduran nobleman. Last Issac’s father heard he was chasing some bandits into the Grey Divide that had taken one of the mage-lords shipments.
Benni knew that all things passed eventually so he held his tongue about the state of the city. His mind wandered a little during the exchange as thoughts of personal interactions ran though his mind and the importance of compassion and thoughtfulness in dealings with others..
Jasper looked west at the cold landscape she knew was there just beyond the fog on the Mudtown boundary and considered the journey to see Zenia the Dark.
Snark watched a group of happy blue haired gnomes rush by carrying several sacks as they followed a taller blonde female gnome like lost puppies. Her frosty blonde hair made him think about the weather.
Teddy couldn’t remember why they were going to Five Mile, but he had some concerns about the trip.
It was mid afternoon and all the barrels had been offloaded and stacked as directed when Captain Rio approached the group. ”Toime fer inspection. Let’s git on wit it then?”
A short walk to the staging area and the Luck Makers representatives and Rio arrived at the inspection area where the inspector and three other men walked the line of barrels, inspecting each and making notes on a slate. An hour passed when the one in charge took a quill from the inspector and signed a piece of paper. The man stood back while the inspector approached Rio and handed her the form as well. ”Here, here, and here.” he pointed to lines on the form.
Rio looked the papers over and made a mark in the three spots, then handed the papers over to Benni.
Benni Highlight to display spoiler: {Across the top of the form are the words Bill of Lading. Below that is a paragraph of legaleze KS: Local DC 25 (absolves the inspector and city from any liability). Further down it seems there is an inventory list with the buyers initials on each line. Rio has also made her marks on those lines.}
Once all parties were satisfied as to the transfer of goods a crew of Half-Orcs appeared and started to load up a floating silver disk. It was then that the “buyer” approached.
”Right then. Names Happy. If you’ll follow me we’ll get last of this business sorted. Won’t be needin’ any officials as they got these things.” he says as he tosses a small stone into the air. ”Just need to turn this over the import official once our dealin’s done. Come along, come along. I’ve got to make the 5 O’clock port.”
Issac, Jasper, Snark, and Teddy Highlight to display spoiler: {Whether nagged by an intuition that something was being overlooked in their preparations, or driven to questioning by their knowledge of the natural ways of various animals in winter time, Isaac, Jasper, Snark and Teddy all become aware that the amphibious and partially water dependent Gore'Thum is uniquely vulnerable to the freezing temperatures that Jasper and Snark assure them are waiting around Five Mile. On top of this, there is no cold weather attire that would fit him. Bears and frogs both being given to sluggishness and hibernation through winter, Teddy in particular recognizes that he would have to spend nearly half his daily total magical power just to keep the two of them alive and going.. which, while feasible, would deprive him of much of his versatility whilst visiting that area. Perhaps the party wants to come up with a plan, or at least spread the burden a bit there?}
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 d20+3=11 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2023 9:33:37 AM sorry i was out of state back now
TIring of his role as menacing protector, atleast to the perception of those that the party interacts with, Tykeas is quick but cautious introducing himself to the vice captain. Any others like me in town, sir? He thinks of those opposing his father's rule when he was still with the clan. I wonder if th ey ever succeeded in getting rid of the old cow.
wisdom roll = 11
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+14=19 ; Tuesday April 11th, 2023 11:22:25 AM
Onesimos, non-plussed, puts his initials where Captain Rio initialed: he certainly can’t even START to read legalese. But he doesn’t detect any subterfuge in the inspector, just a normal, boring daily grind.
He shakes hands with Happy, and waves to whichever Luck Maker is nearby. ”Glad to meet you, Happy, and will accompany you where you will. I know nothing of a port that has a specific time.”. The elf wonders if the docks are laid out like a clock and how far away 5 is from wherever they are now.
Sense Motive 19
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Tuesday April 11th, 2023 12:28:10 PM
Jasper startles as the realization that cold isn't kind to amphibians or ursine creatures hits her.
She turns to the group. "The way to Five Mile will be cold indeed... perhaps too cold, Teddy? I don't have any warming spells. Do you, Snark? If not, perhaps we should split the party."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Tuesday April 11th, 2023 9:46:29 PM
Isaac rolls his eyes when he hears about Thed "Thed always bragged he was pretty smart . Must of stung his pride when he got caught. Desirunia sound like she made quite a catch I'm glad she got that sort of happy ending. Jeffcoat must have really bucked down after I left if he got into the Griffon squad.And I hope Sarge is happy he always seemed to have a bit of a temper hopefully those animals help him deal with it.
When Tykeas speaks he thinks for a moment and replies "Hey dad isn't there a Minotaur over in the Marble Causeway?"
Isaac will say his goodbye's to his father and help with the Kegs if he can. He does realize that Gore'Thum is notgoing to like the cold and offers Teddy and Gore'Thum a Endure Elements spell if they need it. "I don't have much in the way of magic but I hope it will help"
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday April 12th, 2023 12:06:28 AM
When the others talk about the cold, Teddy, and their companion’s companion, Onesimos also offers his magics. ”I can meditate multiple endure elements spells to support some of us. It’s a good idea to have everyone covered to be comfortable even at -50F (-25C).”
…. With Teddy, Snark, and Benni together, if each casts 2 per day, that will cover Teddy and Gore’Thum, and then most everyone in case it gets really cold! Isaac, Khord and Niko, Snark and Stella, Jasper, Benni, Teddy and Gore’Thum, and Tykeas (10 beings)
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday April 12th, 2023 1:09:41 AM
When the others talk about the cold, Teddy, and their companion’s companion, Onesimos also offers his magics. ”I can meditate multiple endure elements spells to support some of us. It’s a good idea to have everyone covered to be comfortable even at -50F (-25C).”
…. With Teddy, Snark, and Benni together, if each casts 2 per day, that will cover Teddy and Gore’Thum, and then most everyone in case it gets really cold! Isaac, Khord and Niko, Snark and Stella, Jasper, Benni, Teddy and Gore’Thum, and Tykeas (10 beings)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 6:16:49 AM
Khord seems a little suspicious of the trader that has a bow that fits his requirements, but seeing as he negotiates a very modest price he buys it and hopes to find one of the luck makers that can mend it.
Once he returns to the group, he approaches Snark. "Friend Snark, would your magic be able to mend this bow I got, I would feel much more comfortable having a better option than my little short bow while we travel the wilds to Five Mile."
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 7:37:35 AM
Upon being informed about how cold Five Mile is, which they hadn't known due to not paying any attention, Gore'Thum merely shrugs and will stay behind. Teddy doesn't like it, and thinks about staying behind, but Gore'Thum tells him to go stretch his wings (Well he's more blunt and less metaphorical but that's the jist of it).
DM James: Clinking and Clanking all the way to the Banking. Map Wednesday April 12th, 2023 8:36:31 AM
Earlier that afternoon Tykeas asked Issac’s father if any minotaurs were present in Hook City. The man chuckled a bit and smiled. ”Certainly, though that lot doesn’t venture this far south of the Taur Isles much, we do get visitors through the ‘Port now and then. Have you heard of the Unification Celebration back home? Yep, all those Taurs have called a truce and have formed a singular government. I don’t pretend to know how it works, but the leaders there have come together and settled their differences. Word here is that some evil force was to blame for the tension there all this time. That’s been sorted and they are carrying on. Even tales of centaurs and liontaurs marrying. What those children will look like is a mystery to me though. As for resident Taurs, I think there are a couple that work in the dungeons. A natural knack for navigating those maze like tunnels I’m told. And of course the one over in the Marble Causeway.” he added when Issac mentioned it.
Issac offered to cast Endure Elements. It would prevent the cold from causing any permanent damage to the frog creature, but he wasn’t so certain Gore Thum wouldn’t suffer other effects of cold that reptiles experienced. Benni also offers to cast the spell.
Teddy and Gore Thum work out a deal where the frogman will stay behind, though Teddy doesn’t like it.
Benni greeted Happy after adding his initials to the forms. At his comment about the Port, Happy brightened. ”I know, right? Damn arcanists have something they call a “clock” and it tells time. They’ve got this schedule they use with that clock to organize the teleportation circles. They say it’s to make sure the area isn’t over crowded, I say it’s all that paperwork and they can’t process it fast enough. The Plateau has it right. Jest walk through after dropping some coin. Course the circle that leads here has guards on it.”
Benni Highlight to display spoiler: {Happy seems to be a genuine soul, or he’s so convincing in his bluff it’s impossible to tell his inner thoughts and motivations.}
Happy walked along the dock to a set of stairs held together by ropes and chains. Further up the stairway you can see others making the long climb ahead of you. He showed the two guards at the foot of the steps his badge as did the ones heading up with him. (Benni and Snark?) As soon as the two Luck Makers mount the steps the two guards fall into step behind them as an escort. The way up proves to be long and difficult but you soon find your way stepping past those that seemed to think they were doing penance with the climb as they strike themselves with leather flails and kneel on the steps. Several more encounters of this nature and an hour later everyone is atop the bridge where two more guards inspect the tokens they were given as passage to the upper level and the bridge. The two guards that escorted them up trade places with the ones waiting and head back down.
Across the way the first thing you spot is a large tower like structure with numbers around a circle set on top of it and visible from where you stand. At the center of the circle are two ornate pointers, one short and one long. The shorter of the two points closest to the number “4” on the circle while the longer pointer is nearer the “6”.
”Oh dear. We should hurry.” Happy exclaimed as he moved across a crowded promenade where it seemed people had formed another line or lines. Another administrator stand sat to your left as Heppy headed directly towards it, but just as you think he’s going to enter the line he apologized and stepped through to the other side. Somewhere overhead you saw the silvery disk with the beer barrels following along.
”How much longer do we have to wait?” someone asked as the small group made its way through the line. “We’ve been here all week. My children are hungry.” “If you don’t have coins for food in line, you’ll end up in Mudtown for certain.” said another.
Happy darted this way and that as he passed through another line directly beneath the large tower like structure. This line looked to be more calm about their position. You and your escort managed to keep up with the nimble merchant as you pass through another line.
“You have your forms ready darling?” a mother said to her younger son. “Holiday in Float City is going to be real fun, Aunt Delia.” “How much longer?” “We should be through in a short while. Our paperwork is in order and we paid for a priority ticket.” assured Aunt Delia.
Happy ducked into a white tent and the stuck his head out and motioned to those following. ”In here. Quick.”
Once inside the tent Happy breathed a sigh of relief and spoke briefly to an attendant who started removing small blocks of silvery bars from a chest and setting them on the table. For each bar set to one side another was set opposite it. These platinum bars were easily worth 1000 gp each and there were forty of them, twenty on each side of the table. The attendant carefully placed each bar into another chest while Happy placed the others into a small cloth bag. Happy appeared to be in slightly more of a hurry than the attendant so he finished first and was ready with a piece of paper afterwards.
”Sign here to acknowledge receipt for my records. Touch the stone for the tax man here.”
Once all parties had signed the papers and touched the stone Happy handed the bag to Benni. ”Well, I’m off” he said as a gong somewhere started to ring out. ”That’s me. Perhaps I’ll see you gents later in the “Ghost. Here’s your payment. If anyone other than Ralphus tries to open it a tear in space will suck the bars away and they’ll be lost. Your passes aren’t good for much longer and you’ve not been authorized for commerce, so I’d advise you to allow your escort to show you back to the stair.”
The bag was remarkably light and small considering it held so many platinum bars.
********
While Benni ventured into the city, Jasper stayed behind with the others on the ship. She mentioned the cold and how it might affect some of the group, so she suggested some of them stay behind.
Back on the docks Rio was conferring with a shady looking man in adamantine armor with a short cape thrown back from his neck. They spoke for a moment or two before she came up on deck and gathered the Luck Makers around. ”Seems Corym got himself some attention. Nothin’ serious yet, but he should watch hisself If you happen ter see him. Also, it seems like my circus has raised some concerns among the other merchants. They want to quarantine Teddy and Gore Thum and the dock officials are considering it.”
“We got a resupply here. Should be ready in a day or two if'n yer want ter find that grass mage.”
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Wednesday April 12th, 2023 11:39:01 AM
Onesimos follows and signs and picks up and returns as efficiently as the guards may want.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 12:45:34 PM
Snark goes with Benni and is interested to see how all this is handled. He's not really sure how much we're supposed to get for the beer shipments, but he assumes everything is in order.
He returns with Benni to the ship once payment has been made. He will gladly mend Khord's broken bow.
Snark is anxious to get to Five Mile as soon as he can.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 2:36:31 PM
Jasper is glad to learn that Benni and Isaac can both cast Endure Elements, and wonders if there's anything she can do to help calm Teddy.
The sooner she can get out of this bureaucratic hellhole, the better.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 6:42:37 PM
Khord is ready to hit the road, he thanks Snark for mending the bow and stows it among his gear. He leaves his Short Bow aboard the Sea Witch in his hammock. The thrill of anticipation for adventure has the half-orc buzzing.
Niko can sense his masters excitement, and walks around with his tail wagging violently and knock some loose objects around.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Wednesday April 12th, 2023 10:00:42 PM
If Isaac's father is still there he hugs him goodbye "It looks like some of my friends are getting ready for Five Mile. When we get back we'll probably leave for Heranmar. Love you dad and I hope I can see you again before we leave. Tell mom not to worry and that I miss her."
Ooc :Got a little confused about if Isaac followed or helped load the barrels for Happy. If Isaac's dad is already gone he just gets ready.
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 Thursday April 13th, 2023 12:25:46 AM
Waiting for an opportunity to speak with the man alone, Tykeas waits by the door and then when fairly sure he is leaving, he heads to the deck to try and catch him at the gangplank down. Sir, sorry to bother you, but do you know what clan the others like me in the city are from. I had a falling out with my clan and still seek to abstain from their company.
[ooc]Life is hopefully getting back to normal. Sorry for the poor posting the alst couple of weeks. I will do better.[/ooc]
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Thursday April 13th, 2023 8:44:38 AM
Teddy quickly gets tired of all the climbing and waiting. He regrets not staying behind. He signs whatever paperwork he needs to sign and is quite ready to follow the mans advice to go straight back to the ship and never climb those awful stairs again.
Back at the ship Gore'Thum is vaguely upset at being called a frogman even though no one said such a thing out loud- he's a giant frog, there's no man about it! He has no idea what quarantine means, but he understands that he is not wanted. Snorting he declares, "They don't like me. Fine. I stay here.", apparently deciding to stay on the ship the rest of the trip.
DM Esther: One last night at the docks (scene wrap up) Thursday April 13th, 2023 5:46:25 PM --- Tykeas question to vice-captain Kevril Harker
When the question of clans and the Taur isles was broached, Issac's father shrugged and offered up. "The Taur Isles.. that is far enough that I don't put too much stake in what I have heard of what happens there. The few of you we have here, I can't say I have ever taken an interest in which clan everyone claims. News from up there is scarce and far between enough that clan politics do not reach here really.. who is going to act on the position of this clan or that if the information might already be months out of date by the time it gets here? Now, that said, I do believe the Purple Duke has declared a new level of tolerance for this and that, so perhaps your infraction or disagreement falls within that?"
While he is in a pleasant enough mood, Kevril Harker did not come here today to discuss city politics with any and all, and he does focus his attention more on catching up with Isaac for the remainder of his visit, until the time arrives that he must return to his own duties.
--- Later, after Benni's return
And so it seems that, once the appointed hour came around, the conclusion to your delivery mission came and then went by almost anticlimactically fast. Minus 99 barrels of Woad Beer, but one sealed and obviously magic bag richer, Benni and Snark return to the rest of the Luck Makers waiting back around the Sea Witch. Temporary passes that were provided are returned to the guard station, and the last signature on the last snippet of paperwork for your visit has been signed.
With no numbered place in a queue, no further appointments to keep and no forms to fill, for the first time in days you are free to take to the road again at your convenience.
Khord has purchased for himself a better bow, and Snark gladly offers up a helpful mending spell to restore it to fully useable condition, for which Khord thanks him.
Jasper for another also has seen quite enough of this place, and is ready to move on. In relation to which, she is pleased to find out how many of the Luck Makers are capable of producing magics to protect a body from the ravages of the elements, or regulate its temperature.
Teddy and Gore'Thum are equally tired of various things here, and consider hiding away on the Sea Witch if neither the cold nor whatever the dockmaster might mean by 'quarantine procedures' appeal to them. But then the party compares notes on the various spells at their disposal to counter the cold, and it remains to be seen if this might make braving the road to Five Mile preferable to more sitting around while Captain Rio waits for new supplies.
As Benni's meeting with the client was at the very end of the afternoon, it is now evening. You may rest, decide any changes to prepared spells if you have them, don your cold weather attire - in the morning, the road towards Five Mile awaits you!
--- Morning
The night lacks in true quiet, but it is uneventful, and then sun rises, first striking the city towering above before the sun rises over the horizon also to shine on the docks and the mud below.
From your enquiries the day before, you are pretty sure you can find the start of the overland caravan route that leads from Hook City to Five Mile and from there continues onward out through miles beyond counting of badlands and forest.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 Thursday April 13th, 2023 7:50:26 PM
As the sun breaks over Hook City, Khord dons his cold weather gear does some stretching and moves around athletically to get a feel for the bulky clothing. Niko mistakes this for play time and bounds around the ranger, knocking into fellow luck makers for which Khord apologizes. Once everyone is prepared, Khord asks "Do you luck makers have any protocols for a march like this. The twilight rangers always have specific roles for members when we are traveling cross country. I generally was on point, as I have a knack for moving around quietly and blending into the scenery. But I will differ to the more senior members if you have a different way."
He winces as he finishes talking, realizing that he must sound like some army drone. He picks up the bow that Snark mended for him and makes his way toward the front of their line, ready for the unknown.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Thursday April 13th, 2023 10:00:17 PM
As the sun breaks over the city he finishes his prayers and gets his sword and shield ready. Isaac answers Khords question as best he can " I'm usually near the front acting as a distraction and point man while the others either join in or stay behind us blasting them with spells. Your a monk right? So you should stick near the front with me."
Isaac does go looking for cold weather clothes before leaving.
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 Thursday April 13th, 2023 11:44:11 PM
Tykeas waits for others to find their marching order then takes position at the rear. As he walks he rolls two special crafted stone balls in his other hand trying hard not to make them click. This takes quite a bit of concentration and dexterity. He wonders about the information that the father of Isaac passed on.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Friday April 14th, 2023 12:16:31 AM
Onesimos has a good night and good morning. He listens to his companions and nods. [b]”With Corym staying in Hook City for a bit, and Gore’Thum staying with the Sea Witch, and Three new members of the Luck Makers, our ‘usual’ doesn’t work anymore. I think in the wilderness, we should walk as:
Isaac Benni Snark Teddy Tykeas with Jasper and Khord ranging as their considerable skills may support. ….
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday April 14th, 2023 1:22:10 AM
Snark will spend the afternoon asking around if there are any spellcasters interested in trading a spell or two. He's looking for Lightning Bolt, which shouldn't be too esoteric for a place like this. He offers the spells he has in trade.
Whether or not he's successful, he will lay in a stock of tobacco, a couple new pipes, and some snacks for the road.
The next morning, the little gnome will memorize his spells, check his gear, and then hop on the Jasper-Yak ready head to Five Mile. He is quite good with Benni's suggested marching order.
He also tells Jasper, "Thank you for the offer of a ride. To be sure if you need to take another form for some reason, I can make it there just fine. But it is nicer to travel this way." He pats the great beast kindly as he goes. He will occasionally cast Resistance on himself and Jasper.
Abilities/Items Acid Dart (Sp) 8 - 0 used Gnome (Sp) 1/day - Dancing Lights, Ghost Sound, Prestidigitation, and Speak with Animals.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d6=4 ; d6=6 ; Friday April 14th, 2023 8:14:43 AM
(ignore rolls, they were for my DM post in Cloudhaven apparently rolled here by accident XD)
As Teddy returns from delivering the beer he stops. Weren't they supposed to visit five mile while in town? A few questions quickly clear up the confusion - he thought it was a bar or maybe a street on the edges of town. No, it's a town 5 miles away (thus the name) and will be a bit of a trip.
He meets Gore'Thum on the deck and explains the confusion. Gore'Thum in turn mentions the quarantine thing. Teddy tells them that they've got more then enough magic to make the trip comfortable for Gore'Thum. Surprisingly, Gore'Thum refuses to go, while insisting Teddy should go. It turns into an actual fight, a very public one right there on the deck, with Teddy making very well though out and convincing argument why Gore'Thum should go. Gore'Thum has no counter arguments, so instead of trying to out-debate his clever protégé he just refuses to change his mind or give a reason beyond "I said so". It's a bit strange as the two have never publicly argued and Teddy is normally too intimidated/timid to talk back to the giant frog, and it ends with Teddy storming off to go sulk below decks. Gore'Thum, seemingly completely unbothered by the event, placidly watches the ocean on the deck.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Friday April 14th, 2023 3:32:48 PM
Jasper uses her downtime to don her cold weather gear and to swap out Faerie Fire for Entangle. She thinks Benni’s proposed marching order makes good sense. Ready? The Jasper-Yak is at your service.
With that, she transforms and waits for her little passenger.
———— Ooc: internet is down at my house and I’m posting from my phone! Apologies for any formatting weirdness.
DM Esther: Five Mile, Feels Like More Friday April 14th, 2023 6:06:35 PM
Teddy and Gore’Thum have a bit of a row on the eve of departure, over the latter’s unwillingness to go with his protege this time. The frog can not be persuaded, and will stay aboard the Sea Witch.
Snark looks, unsuccessfully, for another magic user to exchange spell knowledge with. Considering where they are going and why however, he may soon enough have another chance. He does find the tobacco, pipes and snacks he also wanted to procure.
Khord prepares for the journey to Five Mile which, although quite short, will have to cover some unusual terrain. He offers up some suggestions for positions for all the members of the party.
Isaac likewise prepares, and offers to take point as is his style.
Making some use of this, Onesimos proposes a new march order, as the group has had a few changes in its membership. The others seem to be in general agreement.
Jasper assumes the form of the yak, and is ready to travel. Snark accepts the ride, and along the way re-applies a minor Resistance spell regularly.
Tykeas acts as the rearguard for the party, behind the still lightly sulking Teddy, and has a few things on his mind after what Isaac’s father has to say.
Well equipped and prepared for the cold now, the Luck Makers and friends new and old say their goodbyes to Captain Rio for the next few days. The captain, still grateful for their help with the drake, assures them that she’ll have the Sea Witch ready and resupplied by the time they get back.
The road towards Five Mile starts out as not much of a road at all. The issue is not that it is not well-travelled… rather, it is, but due to the unusual state of the soil of the plain at the foot of Hook City being perpetually waterlogged, that only means the approach is all the more rough and damaged. You make your way across a veritable mess of unpaved soft wet soil, indented and split by footprints of man and beast, wheel tracks, and runner tracks that, in the course of trying to not end up in potholes and ruts left by those before them, meander across a width greater than any normal road should be. For about the first twenty minutes of your trip, the predominant sound produced by your footsteps is, ‘squelch’.
You can tell that you are moving out of the weather controlled zone surrounding the city, when the temperatures drop lower and lower, the drizzle finally stops, and the ground under your feet feels firmer. As you had been warned about by other merchants on the docks, you spot some curious floating motes of light, strangely fizzling patches of soil, and other ‘stray’ remnants of magical energies that are taking their sweet time to dissipate after having become stuck on the far outer edge of the invisible ‘bubble’ of the collective wards and enchantments surrounding the city of mages. You were warned to stay clear of them, and they are quite easy to avoid.
This is a very minor chaotic terrain hazard. From the stories of the merchants at the dock, contact with a patch of residual magic can at most result in very small damage, as well as odd sideeffects like everything you eat tasting like chicken for an hour, or some of your hair standing on end as if electrified. These stray energies are so easy to avoid that you automatically do so unless running under a fear effect in combat, or if you are trying to poke one on purpose.
Once out of the waterlogged inner zone, you pass through a thin belt that is actually greener than the surrounding area, a somewhat pleasant transition zone where the soil is not as oversaturated as closer to Hook City, while it is also not yet as cold as further away from it.
This is shortlived though, and soon the landscape starts to look like winter, frozen, snow covered ground and all. What started as a vaguely defined route, now looks like a proper firm road too, wide enough for caravan wagon trains to pass each other on busy days.
Even with such awful terrain at the beginning, the distance to Five Mile is only that much indeed, and it only takes the party about two hours before (as Jasper did on her initial exploration flight two days ago) you spot chimney smoke rising from what must be the settlement ahead in the distance.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+14=15 ; d20+13=25 ; Friday April 14th, 2023 6:33:59 PM
On the way, Snark tries to cheer up Teddy, assuing him we should see Gore'Thum soon enough. And certainly, there's room on the Jasper-Yak if the little bear wants to ride instead of walk.
As we roll into town, Snark keeps a sharp eye out for trouble. (Perception 15)
He uses Knowledge Nature to see if anything looks amiss with the surroundings. (Knowledge Nature 25)
Once in town, he hops off Jasper-Yak. "Thanks for the ride Jasper." He'll take a couple minutes to use Prestidigitation to remove the road mud from his friend.
Looking around, he asks about the places he's heard of - The Captain's Quarters run by Percival Arunson, and the cheaper Caravan Pete's run by 'Ole Pete.' He asks how he can contact Zenia the Dark, wondering if perhaps she picks up any mail from them from time to time. If he has no luck, he will also try to find the boarding house run by Frieda Silvermane and ask the same questions..
He figures that this person being a Greenmage, she may not even reside here in town. He hopes someone can point him in the right direction.
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 Friday April 14th, 2023 7:18:14 PM
Tykeas, now a little tired from the march, decides to follow Snark as the look for the boarding house. He puts his dexterity stones away and fetches out one built for damage. Just incase of course
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Friday April 14th, 2023 7:59:29 PM
Jasper is delighted to be outside the bounds of Hook City. Ahh, the feeling of grass under her... hooves.
Her good mood persists as they approach the little town of Five Mile.
"I don't mind the mud! It is of the land. Still: Thanks for making me presentable, Snark."
She quickly scans the surroundings to see if anything feels amiss. (Perception 26)
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Friday April 14th, 2023 8:34:14 PM
Teddy emerges in the morning sullen and annoyed. On the bright side, he seems to be so busy being upset that Gore'Thum won't even give a good reason why he's not coming that he forgets to be nervous or afraid at going on an outing without him. He accepts Sarks kind offer, and spends the first half hour of the trip complaining about Gore'Thum, the kind of complaining people only do for someone they care for very much and spend far to much time with.
After the first half hour he transitions into being kind of mopey and reminiscent, talking about how when his master died he was left alone in a world in a world he could no longer understand until Gore'Thum found him, how afraid and helpless he felt until the giant frog began to teach him about bloodwitch magic. How they journeyed from place to place learning and growing as a pair before arriving in Haranamar.
He also only half explains things and is very vague about a lot of details, meaning the conversation is a somewhat annoying monologue or stream of consciousness rather then a real conversation. It's rather informative, if vague to the pair and anyone who happens to listen in. Well, assuming he doesn't annoy them enough that they regret offering him the ride and make him walk or tell him to shut up. Regardless he seems to feel better by the end of the trip, enough to get nervous and sort of hide behind one of the other party members as the chimney smoke comes into view, much like he often does behind Gore'Thum.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+13=23 ; Saturday April 15th, 2023 7:53:52 AM
Responding to Isaac, "Twilight rangers are rangers, we have just honed our skills to be of more use in urban environments. I take your meaning all the same though, we of the martial bent are best near the front."
Khord's first excursion into the 'wilds' of the southern continent are not as wild as his imagination assumed. The well worn road would almost seem familiar if not for it's frozen state. As they arrive at Five Mile, he keeps a watch over the group as Snark asks around, and specifically looks for any reaction from the villagers when Jasper transforms back to her natural form. (Perception = 23).
Niko finds the weird magical effects outside of Hook City to be nearly irresistible. Khord has to order him to heel a couple times as he wanders to investigate and he never gets too close to one. the hound does get free reign to bound around in the snow at the edge of the road, and has worn him self out by the time they reach Five Mile, causing him to keep near Khord and sniff around for a place to lie down.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Saturday April 15th, 2023 1:40:56 PM
Onesimos continues his March, despite the squelch of MiudTown. As it gets colder, he applies Endure Elements to himself and offers his second to anyone.
At the chimneys, the elf perks up: it is a community that may need comfort or guidance. He will keep his ears open just in case.
….. Endure Elements. 24 hrs. Comfortable -50 to 140 degrees.
Tykeas/Spencer hp 39/39 AC20/F16/T14 CMB/CMD 14/14 Sunday April 16th, 2023 12:25:26 AM
The mud in the mudtown only adds to the discomfort of the minotaur. Thankful he accepts the boosting of his cold resilience
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Sunday April 16th, 2023 12:25:42 PM
Snark puffs on his pipe as he goes about town asking for this Zenia the Dark.
"Huh. I wonder if it's Zenia or Zennia the Dark, and I'm really just looking for some black chrysanthemum. I'll have to keep my eye out for flowers."
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Sunday April 16th, 2023 2:38:11 PM
Isaac sighs as they go outside of the city the cold muddy road reminding him of Mud Town."I've never been to Five Miles so this should be interesting."
DM Esther: Five Mile Upon The Ice Monday April 17th, 2023 9:31:38 PM Isaac reflects that despite being from the area, he has never been to Five Mile before.
Teddy spends the first half hour of the trip complaining about Gore'Thum, the kind of complaining people only do for someone they care for very much and spend far to much time with. (...) Regardless he seems to feel better by the end of the trip, enough to get nervous and sort of hide behind one of the other party members as the chimney smoke comes into view, much like he often does behind Gore'Thum.
Khord with some effort keeps Niko’s nose out of stray magical effects, and as they arrive at Five Mile, he keeps a watch over the group as Snark asks around, and specifically looks for any reaction from the villagers when Jasper transforms back to her natural form.
Jasper is delighted to be outside the bounds of Hook City. Ahh, the feeling of grass under her... hooves. Her good mood persists as they approach the little town of Five Mile. After a quick cleaning by Snark and a change, she quickly scans her surroundings.
Onesimos continues his March, despite the squelch of MiudTown. As it gets colder, he applies Endure Elements to himself and offers his second to anyone. At the sight of chimneys, the elf perks up: it is a community that may need comfort or guidance. He will keep his ears open just in case.
Confidently approaching Five Mile, what the Luck Makers find is a small town, barely more than a village with a lot of room for transients, at the head of the isthmus that connects the peninsula holding Hook City* to the mainland.
More over, on the last stretch of the way to get here, and in fact what some of the town seems to be built on top of, is not just frozen soil but actual thick, old layers of ice filling in between rocky islands. From the look of this disjointed part of the isthmus, it is well possible that if it were not for the many permanent ice bridges, the peninsula would have had full separation from the rest of the southern continent.
This frigid place known as Five mile seems to be a collection of hostels, taverns, and service buildings at the edge of a large fenced in field with horses milling about inside it. It is still early in the day, and people are out and about. Wagons of varying types are circled about with guards sitting around campfires trying to ward off the unnatural cold that dominates the region. Residences dot the landscape and children run through the streets offering stabling services and other accommodations within them to visitors.
Here too, the business of caravaneers carrying goods to and from Hook City seems the main concern of the settlement, but something here feels quite different from the merchant crews you saw waiting their turn back at the docks.
Sense Motive DC 13: Highlight to display spoiler: {While the intent of doing business with Hook City a few miles away is similar to that of those crews you saw on the docks, you sense a greater sense of patience with the wait among those here. However, you also sense people are.. rather more reserved here.}
Diplomacy(Gather Information) DC 18: Highlight to display spoiler: {The mood with the merchants encamped here is better because the facilities here, for those who can afford it, are quite agreeable despite the cold. In the course of learning about this, you also notice that the people here are more reserved than those at the Mudtown docks, and they seem more socially stratified by their station and wealth.}
Looking around, Snark asks about the places he's heard of - The Captain's Quarters run by Percival Arunson, and the cheaper Caravan Pete's run by 'Ole Pete.' He asks how he can contact Zenia the Dark, wondering if perhaps she picks up any mail from them from time to time. If he has no luck, he will also try to find the boarding house run by Frieda Silvermane and ask the same questions..
He figures that this person being a Greenmage, she may not even reside here in town. He hopes someone can point him in the right direction.
Tykeas, now a little tired from the march, decides to follow Snark as the look for the boarding house. He puts his dexterity stones away and fetches out one built for damage. Just in case of course
Finding the first two establishments is easy - sort of. People abound in the streets that can give you directions. Where are you going first, and how do you make your entrance?
Footnotes
* The same peninsula does of course also technically hold Mudtown, but as it is hard to think of Mudtown as anything a self-respecting region would want to hold, a contrarian philosophy asserts that this is the peninsula that dropped Mudtown, which really would explain a lot about it.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+6=24 ; d20+10=19 ; Monday April 17th, 2023 11:47:57 PM
Isaac is a bit impressed by how more reserved the groups waiting here are. "Compared to Mud Town the merchant's attitude could almost be called friendly here. Still it seems they're grouped by wealth and station more than anything" Sense motive:24 Diplomacy: 19
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+6=14 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2023 12:31:50 AM
Onesimos doesn’t get any local information, but he is getting quite adept at picking up people’s attitudes. (Sense Motive: auto pass). And he has to nod with Isaac. ”I would think waiting here while a factor does business is preferable to waiting in MudTown: if you can afford the agent and the distance. We might get better results if we demonstrate we have wealth too, and not just a group of scruffy guards or nerf-herders.”
Benni lets Snark take the lead. They are, after all, here for the gnome.
….. Diplomacy. 14 Sense Motive. +14, auto pass
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 d20=18 ; d20+7=14 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2023 12:47:21 AM
Jasper wonders why the townspeople are so reticent, but overhears people talking and notices the class differences that seem to divide the gathered merchants. Ah. That would do it. Civilization; so strange sometimes.
She too waits to see what Snark decides to do. _________ Diplomacy: 18 Sense motive: d20+7= 14
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20+4=5 ; d20=13 ; d20=14 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2023 2:56:38 AM
(Sense Motive and Gather Information fail.)
Snark says to his friends, "Look, I gotta find someone named Zenia the Dark. But I ain't exactly got the best social skills, so if anyone else with manners wants to help find this person, that'd be swell."
He will go into The Captain's Quarters to speak to Percival Arunson. Snark is well dressed and clearly has some wealth given his gear. He asks for Percival, "You Percival? Can I call ya Percy? Hey, I gotta meet someone named Zenia the Dark, but I don't know how to find her - can you help me? I got gold, and if you can direct me we'll likely stay here and go see her in the morning." (Diplomacy 14)
If Percy doesn't know about this person, he will repeat this at Caravan Pete's with Ole Pete.
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 d20+4=20 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2023 6:56:05 AM
Teddy enters the tavern the same way he does everywhere he goes - timidly, preferably behind someone else, and trying not to draw attention to himself. He nervously keeps an eye out for trouble as the others try to find the person they are looking for (perception 20)
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Tuesday April 18th, 2023 12:50:01 PM
Jasper knows that alcohol loosens tongues, so she decides to go to the tavern with Teddy.
She orders a pint and settles in near the hearth. "I'm not comfortable in these types of social situations either, Teddy. That's probably why I spend as much time as I can as a bear. You seem to be a very skilled magic user, though, and that is a reason for confidence."
She takes a sip of her mead. "Mm. This is good; it tastes of clover. So. Any ideas about the moniker 'Zenia?' Perhaps it comes from a language you've encountered before. I only speak common, Sylvan, and a smattering of the Elvish dialects from my parents. I don't think 'Zenia' belongs to any of them. Eh, still. What's in a name?"
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+7=21 ; d20+4=10 ; d20+11=29 ; d20+4=17 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2023 4:00:15 PM
Khord note the relaxed nature of the caravan crowds, (sense motive 21, diplomacy (GI) 10) and seems satisfied that the luck makers are not in any imminent danger. He let's his guard down slightly and follows Snark into the Captain's Quarters. He gives a look about the room, taking in everything and ordering it in his mind (Perception 29). As Snark talks to Percival, Khord strolls up behind and interjects "My friend Snark here, he can be pretty persistent. And everyone knows it is just good luck to help out a Gnome, good karma and all." (diplomacy 17 to aid another). He gives Percival a toothy grin and turns his attention to the bar, ordering an ale and asking if they have any snacks for Niko.
DM Esther: The Captain's Quarters Run A Tidy Ship Tuesday April 18th, 2023 7:17:20 PM ooc: Not going to repeat everyone's posts that are right above this one
The Captain’s Quarters is a very large inn building, and from the approach you can tell that this is not a place to barge into with a display of overly casual behavior. Within its elaborately furnished frontside common room, a large cozy fire spreads warmth like could only be dreamed of on the last mile through a landscape of snow and ice you took to get here. Well dressed patrons sit around passing the time with tea, reading a book, or having quiet conversation.
When the Luck Makers enter the room, there are immediately many eyes on them, and there is a clear clink of a teacup onto a saucer when Teddy follows behind Jasper. Snark looks around for someone with a face that could be a Percival, but nobody here looks like they are the owner of the place. None of the men, anyway. An older woman behind a counter facing the main entrance however does at least have a distinct air of official business about her, and she is currently glaring at the party with the look in her eyes of Someone Who Has Opinions – particularly, the direction of her gaze suggests, when it comes to Khord and Niko. Jasper, despite her druidic attire standing out, seems to get a pass, as does - surprisingly? - Teddy.
Assuming Snark goes through the same spiel he’d prepared for Captain Arunsen to her, the landlady remains polite but deflects the question about Zenia. “Welcome to The Captain’s Quarters, sirs and madam.", she greets you in a northern accent, "I can provide some information services to our customers, but nothing about such a person comes to mind right now. In the meantime, I must ask if you and any further traveling companions would kindly respect that pets and familiars are allowed but must be kept close at all time?” When asked by Khord about a treat for Niko, she nods and tells him, "We have a strict policy against feeding animals in the common rooms, but I can have a soup bone taken to a room if you are staying with us, or you may take one for him to go, after your own meal, if that suits you?"
A price list is affixed to one of the columns at one end of the counter, which says; Private room: 10 gp/night Meal: 5 gp Bath: 1 gp Butler service: 1 gp
Little escapes Khord's keen senses, and he can tell that several people were paying attention when Snark declared the reason for the group's visit, and also that the majority of them tuned out as soon as it was clear that he was not there on commercial business.
The Captain's Quarter is an inn, not a tavern, but you can definitely have a seat and a drink there. Jasper and Teddy please clarify if you meant to have a drink here or elsewhere?
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 d20=6 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2023 8:10:16 PM
Snark narrows his eyes as he looks up at the woman. He's pretty sure she'd be looking down her nose at the little gnome even if he weren't a little gnome.
"OK there toots, we'll do it your way. Here's 10 gold for a room. Now that I'm yer customer, what can you tell me about how to contact this Zenia the Dark?"
If she has info, he'll follow up on that. But thinking this is not really the kind of place where a forest mage would hang out, if she tells him she knows of no such person he will move on to Caravan Pete's. He'll look for "Ole Pete" or anyone else in charge.
"Say, Pete. I was told this is a right good place and I gotta find someone that might be getting their mail here. I'm looking for Zenia the Dark, a Greenmage hereabouts. You know how I can get in touch with her? Also, you got any rooms? We was offered rooms over at the Capt'n’s Quarters but that place was a little too stuffy for my tastes."
His Diplomacy roll was 6, which actually make him more popular here.
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+10=16 ; Tuesday April 18th, 2023 10:49:27 PM
Isaac not sure how long they are going to be here puts down 16 gold "A room a meal and a bath would be much appreciated. I'm sorry if my friend came off a bit strong we've had a long journey and he was hoping to meet the Green mage here. Can you tell us, or at least point us in the direction of someone who could tell us, about her?
Diplomacy:16
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Wednesday April 19th, 2023 3:24:45 AM
Jasper doesn't much like the way the landlady behaved OR her attitude toward Niko. The mead was good, but certainly not good enough to put up with airs.
Although she's hardy and well-trained in Survival, she must admit that a bed and a hot meal wouldn't go amiss. (She mentally snorts at the notion of butler service.)
Oh... fine. She parts with the 15 gold pieces, then sets out to find some animals to query, as so far the people of Five Mile haven't been terribly forthcoming.
________ Yup, I misnamed the inn a "tavern," conflating all places where one can drink. Perception: 10 + 17 = 27 Earlier Diplomacy roll: 18 Earlier diplomacy roll: 18 Perception:
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Wednesday April 19th, 2023 8:19:50 AM
Teddy is of the opinion that everything here is incredibly overpriced. He does not say so though, merely hanging back quietly without making any purchases while the others buy things and ask questions.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Wednesday April 19th, 2023 11:31:11 AM
(Snark does not intend to stay in the snooty inn. He's just paying for information as this woman suggested.)
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+11=22 ; d20+4=24 ; Wednesday April 19th, 2023 5:05:14 PM
Seeing that he has stepped into a place above his normal station, and thinking that maybe the look was meant as much for him as for Niko for the proprietor, Khord will thank her for the offer of the soup bone and politely as possible decline for now.
He follows Snark to Caravan Pete's and again will back him up. He takes in the environs and clientele of the new establishment, telling Niko to wait at the door. (Perception = 22) After Snark makes is opening appeal for info, Khord will interject, "And what's your policy on very well trained dogs, I've a friend would like to know?" he hopes this ice breaker will soften "Pete" up (Diplomacy = 24)
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 Wednesday April 19th, 2023 10:14:05 PM
Isaac will pay for the room unless someone corrects him.
DM Esther: A Tale of Two Inns Wednesday April 19th, 2023 10:20:16 PM
--- The Captain's Quarters ---
Snark’s eyes narrow. He's pretty sure she'd be looking down her nose at the little gnome even if he weren't a little gnome. “OK there toots, we'll do it your way. Here's 10 gold for a room. Now that I'm yer customer, what can you tell me about how to contact this Zenia the Dark?” Meanwhile, Isaac puts down 16 gold "A room a meal and a bath would be much appreciated. I'm sorry if my friend came off a bit strong we've had a long journey and he was hoping to meet the Green mage here. Can you tell us, or at least point us in the direction of someone who could tell us, about her?
Money changes hands, quite a sum of it, and the landlady looks nominally more pleasant. “I can’t say I really know her, but I know the name. She is an outsider who comes by here every so often to collect messages and documents sent here for her. As the only inn in this town with a strongbox worth the name, safekeeping of personal missives is one of our services. Someone else might know more, but everyone is doing their own things during the day, so you may want to come back in the evening when more people gather here?”
Also, everyone who paid for a room receives a private room key, and the landlady informs Jasper that a warm bath will be drawn for her.
Jasper doesn't much like the way the landlady behaved OR her attitude toward Niko. The mead was good, but certainly not good enough to put up with airs. Although she's hardy and well-trained in Survival, she must admit that a bed and a hot meal wouldn't go amiss. (She mentally snorts at the notion of butler service.) Oh... fine. She parts with the 15 gold pieces, then sets out to find some animals to query, as so far the people of Five Mile haven't been terribly forthcoming.
There are so many horses and oxen around Five Mile from all the caravaneers, the sight, sound, and above all smell of animals is never far away on any point of the main road as it goes through Five Mile.
Taking one of your Diplomacy 18 checks, you are able to persuade a hand to let you talk to a few animals in one of the enclosures. What do you ask them?
Teddy is of the opinion that everything here is incredibly overpriced. He does not say so though, merely hanging back quietly without making any purchases while the others buy things and ask questions.
Seeing that he has stepped into a place above his normal station, and thinking that maybe the look was meant as much for him as for Niko for the proprietor, Khord will thank her for the offer of the soup bone and politely as possible decline for now.
The landlady nods at Khord. “As you wish, sir. Should you change your mind later, our kitchen will be open all day to hear your request.”
--- Caravan Pete's ---
Thinking this is not really the kind of place where a forest mage would hang out, if the landlady tells him she knows of no such person Snark will move on to Caravan Pete's. He'll look for "Ole Pete" or anyone else in charge.
Walking a little down the main road through the small town, you come upon Five Mile’s less illustrious inn. Caravan Pete’s Inn is.. rustic, to say the least, with wood plank floors set directly onto the dirt. The place is not the cleanest, making it quite a contrast to the Captain’s Quarters you just came from. Everything inside looks like it has at least some dirt on it, but the place is at least another oasis of warmth in a cold land. The furnishings here are sparse and basic, and the menu for meals is… well, there is a kettle of soup on a hook over the fire. There is ale on tap too – no menu needed, ordering is as simple as asking for a drink - there’s only one kind.
Ole Pete, a gent who looks as common as the dirt under the floorboards himself, is easily found inside.
Snark says; “Say, Pete. I was told this is a right good place and I gotta find someone that might be getting their mail here. I'm looking for Zenia the Dark, a Greenmage hereabouts. You know how I can get in touch with her? Also, you got any rooms? We was offered rooms over at the Capt'n’s Quarters but that place was a little too stuffy for my tastes.”
Ole Pete grins and raises an eyebrow; “Zenia? That’s one strange lady to be taking an interest in. Well, she’s a mage so Ole Pete reckons it is better not to ask too many questions. Now ya listen, she only comes to town rarely. When she’s not talking to trees, I imagine. And when she does visit, she gets her mail from the Captain’s Quarters. I don’t deal with keeping things around here that nobody ain’t going to pick up within a day or two… no siree, too much trouble having to keep things from going missing, and Ole Pete is not going to be responsible for none of that!”
Khord follows Snark to Caravan Pete's and again will back him up. He takes in the environs and clientele of the new establishment, telling Niko to wait at the door. After Snark makes is opening appeal for info, Khord will interject, “And what's your policy on very well trained dogs, I've a friend would like to know?” he hopes this ice breaker will soften "Pete" up.
“Well I wouldn’t let a dog out in the cold, would I? If it doesn’t cause no trouble, it’d be as welcome to spend the night curled up near the fire as you are. And yeah, that is one of the options for accommodation, ‘n case ya should wonder.”
Pete’s place offers a small private room for a mere 1 gp per day… or a bed in a not so private room for 2 silvers. As Pete suggested, sleeping in the common room is another option, that does not come with a bed, and costs no more than not having finished your drink by the time Ole Pete closes the door… the understanding being that you can take however long to finish your drink, and nobody is going to force you to leave.
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday April 20th, 2023 1:59:39 AM
Having no luck getting more information on where this Zenia the Dark can be found, Snark asks around for the location of the boarding house run by Frieda Silvermane. Once he gets directions, he will go there and ask for Freda.
"Hello Freda. My name is Snark Riverstone. I am a wizard and I need to contact Zenia the Dark. Would you be able to direct me to where I can find this person. And if you cannot tell me where to find her, perhaps you can kindly tell me who might. I'm not having a lot of luck with this."
If Snark cannot get any more useful information in town, he will venture into the forest and start talking to the trees with his Plant Communion ability, and perhaps some woodland animals with Speak with Animals.
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+11=19 ; d20+6=26 ; Thursday April 20th, 2023 2:11:27 AM
Onesimos doesn’t worry about a room, expecting to bunk with Snark or Isaac. He keeps up with Snark for a while, and then wonders if he may not get more information doing something more unexpected in Five Mile. With all the merchants and money flowing, there are sure to be buskers about too.
The elf looks for a likely corner to lay his cloak down. Sitting, he begins telling stories: of Philautia and how she was sad until she went on a journey and learned from observing animals. Tolerance from a badger, forgiveness from a dog, and joy from a meadowlark. And how she became happy through her own self-esteem.
While talking, he listens….
……
Perform. 19 Perception. 26
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Thursday April 20th, 2023 8:28:04 AM
Teddy follows Snark around as he asks questions, a timid little shadow to the outspoken gnome.
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Thursday April 20th, 2023 1:32:59 PM
Jasper addresses the oxen and horses.
Hello, friends. I'm looking for a woman who lives outside of town and who sometimes talks to trees. Have you ever met someone like that, or passed by her home? If you have, can you show me the way?
Isaac Harker (Justin M) HP 49/62 AC24/ T13 / FF 20 d20+10=22 ; Thursday April 20th, 2023 5:10:21 PM
Isaac not really sure how to help tries gathering info around town about Zenia. Diplomacy(gather info) :22
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+4=10 ; Thursday April 20th, 2023 5:26:55 PM
Khord thanks Pete for his kindness and tells him he will return later. He buys an ale and wanders out into the street. Seeing that Snark is making some progress with his questioning, He will lead Niko out towards some of the caravans. He removes his Campfire Bead from his pack and tells a haggard looking porter, "Watch this, friend." as he drops the bead into an open space and it alights into a roaring campfire. He motions for some of the caravanner's to join him, "What news from the trail, friends. I doubt any of you can top my tale of our sea voyage here to Hook City. Pirates, a sea drake, recovering maidens from an island on the edge of the mists. If any has a better story I will buy you a drink at Pete's." (Diplomacy to gather info = 10)
Niko finds a comfy spot close to the fire and at Khord's feet, his ears twitching as he follows the noises from around him as he doses off.
DM James: Dogs rule…cows drool? …cows Moo. Map d10=7 ; Thursday April 20th, 2023 5:51:39 PM Snark wasn’t satisfied with the answers he was getting, so determined to find someone with an answer as quickly as possible he went in search of the boarding house. After a few inquiries he found the shack that Frieda Silvermane called her boarding house. A knock at a decidedly shaky looking door and Snark saw an elderly woman between the loosely assembled wooden slats. When the door opened he saw she was wearing a few layers of clothing all covered with a shawl to ward off the cold without and within.
”Hello Freda. My name is Snark Riverstone. I am a wizard and I need to contact Zenia the Dark. Would you be able to direct me to where I can find this person. And if you cannot tell me where to find her, perhaps you can kindly tell me who might. I'm not having a lot of luck with this."
Frieda looked both ways and then down at Snark and Teddy as she stepped out onto a small stone stoop and pulled the door closed behind her. About that time a fresh snow started as the cold southern wind blew through town.
”Zenia. I know her. Strange lady. Upsets all me cats when she’s in town. I hear she’s in the woods northwest of here, but you ain’t findin’ her. I hear someone at the “Captain’s” knows her and how to find her, but I ain’t knowin’ who. Will ye be needin’ a room. I gots a warm basement and some cots. Nuff room for you and yer pet bear.”
Snark doubted the basement would be any warmer than the top of her home given the state of repair the shack was in, but she did say it would only be 1 gold piece per night for as many people as would fit.
Inside Pete’s Benni decided he’d try his hand at storytelling and so he started a yarn. Soon he had a small crowd gathered around sitting and drinking as his oratorical performance captivated them. At each turn of the plot a few coins hit his blanket and by the time he was done he had 30 copper pieces and 4 silver pieces to show for it and at some point Pete came by with a cold beverage on the house.
“What’s e?” “Elf I think.” “Spins a good yarn” “Yep.” “Talks funny though.” “Caravan Clara got her another one.” “Yeah. Who this time?” “Borst” “He’s stupid anyway.” “He gonna live?” “Yeah, but those hornet stings aren’t going to heal soon enough.” “Caravan Clara? Who’s that?” “Ghost” “Idiot! There’s no such thing. You southerners are plain stupid.”
Meanwhile Jasper decided to go on a short walkabout and find some animals willing to talk. At the edge of the large corral on the north end ot the town she approached the fence. Moo’s, grunts, and whinny’s and the animals crowded close to the fence as she addressed them.
”Hello, friends. I'm looking for a woman who lives outside of town and who sometimes talks to trees. Have you ever met someone like that, or passed by her home? If you have, can you show me the way?”
"Bark! Bark! Bark! Ask me! Ask me! Ask me!" said a shaggy black and white border collie as it bounded up amid complaining moos and grunts as the multitude of bovine and equine scattered.
When Jasper asked her question again, the collie cocked it’s head sideways and it’s ears perked up. ”You gots a treat? I might know something."
"What news from the trail, friends. I doubt any of you can top my tale of our sea voyage here to Hook City. Pirates, a sea drake, recovering maidens from an island on the edge of the mists. If any has a better story I will buy you a drink at Pete's." Khord said.
It wasn't too long when a group of tired and cold caravaners approached the fire.
"That's a right handy thing you got there." "Stories?" "Fella chased a pretty ghost into the woods and got stung by bees." "Ha! All I heard was bad music." "Giants! I saw 'em." "You did not." "Did too. Big green ones, with boogers." "Mister, you got us beat. Tell us about the maidens."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Thursday April 20th, 2023 6:55:52 PM
OK.
Snark will go back to the Captain's Quarters, and wait until the other patrons come in that might know more. He'll light his pipe in the common room.
(Are we just doing this wrong?)
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Thursday April 20th, 2023 8:26:37 PM
Japser kneels to stroke the dog's ruff. Hi, you! Indeed I do have a treat.
She pulls some jerky from her pack and gives half to the border collie. Half now and the rest when you show me where the woman who talks to trees lives. Deal?
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) d20+11=24 d20+6=11 Friday April 21st, 2023 3:06:17 AM
Onesimos waits until evening to collect his things and meet with his friends to swap information. Once done, he begins planning. ”Sounds like Captains in the evening is the place to get information on Zenia, Snark. Let’s all go there and see what we can find. I’m also interested in seeing if there is a ghost we can help find rest in this Caravan Clara. What say you?”. He puts the question to the team.
That evening, he tells another story in the Captain. This time, the protagonist is Pragma, who at first rejects a woman who is seeking his help, but then learns that he needs her for something he wants, and finds satisfaction in working towards a common purpose. ”Even though seeming very different, they found fulfillment in a common goal.”
He hopes that people will make the connection between the story and the common purpose of Snark and Zenia.
……
Perform. 24 Perception. 11
Gore'Thum and Teddy Treeborn (Mitch) HP 47/47 AC 12/11/12 CMD 11 Gore'Thum HP -1/48 AC 18/18/15 Friday April 21st, 2023 6:37:20 AM
Teddy considers objecting, or joking that he's the pet of a giant frog not Snark, but is too timid to do either. Once away from the stranger he advises Snark to be patient. "It sounds like we can get answers later today so lets just wait."
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+4=23 ; Friday April 21st, 2023 11:25:17 AM
Khord tells the crowd about the pirate attack, about how they escaped through the mists and the horrors of seeing his shipmates loose their minds. As he gets to the part about the Sea Drake and the appearance of Jasper, he indulges in some tall tale telling. He talks about how he fell the sea drake with a well placed shot to the eye and that it nearly crushed the ship. He clarifies that the maiden was actually a druid who had been living on the island and how she shape changed and flung fire. He ends with the conclusion that it was the greatest beer run in the history of Hook City.
Niko perks up at the moments of embellishment in the story and gives his master a look and a huff.
He wraps it up by stating that one of his friends led them up here in search of some greenmage named Zenia, and asking if any of the caravaners have heard of her or where she can be found.
diplomacy (gather info) = 23
DM Esther: Question, Answer, Sighting, Chance Friday April 21st, 2023 2:00:38 PM Jasper kneels to stroke the dog's ruff. “Hi, you! Indeed I do have a treat.” She pulls some jerky from her pack and gives half to the border collie. “Half now and the rest when you show me where the woman who talks to trees lives. Deal?”
“Deal”, the bouncing dog happily replies to Jasper as it accepts the jerky and immediately starts to chew and wolf it down. Only when it is done eating, does the dog look back up at Jasper and licks its canines. “The small one that talks to the plants, goes to the big warm house and talks to the big blue headed one that smells like soap.”. The dog is pointing its body towards the large Captain’s Quarters inn, leaving little doubt about the ‘big warm house’ in question. Its eyes, meanwhile, are very much on the rest of the jerky that Jasper is still holding on to.
Elsewhere, Khord and Niko entertain a good crowd around them with Khord’s tall tales, and when he uses the opportunity to ask about the greenmage, one of the caravan men - or rather, a dwarf in this case - shows a sign or recognition at the name. “Zenia? She is that dark little thing, right? Aye, met her before, once. We were on our way here, still out by about half a day when our lead wagon caught up with her walking along the road. Whatever she said to the boss, she got a ride the rest of the way in. I remember it pretty well. You never see anyone on foot out that way, you know? On account of how there are no other villages inland from here for days, so gods know where she was on her way from.”
While visiting the bunkhouse with Snark, Teddy considers objecting, or joking that he's the pet of a giant frog and not of Snark, but he is too timid to do either. Once away from the stranger he advises Snark to be patient. "It sounds like we can get answers later today so lets just wait."
Snark will go back to the Captain's Quarters, and wait until the other patrons come in that might know more. He'll light his pipe in the common room.
After Snark and Teddy take their leave, the elderly Frieda takes off her glasses, and carefully rubs them clean before looking at the closed outside door again. “That was a bear, right?”, she asks herself, and sighs. “Darn me old eyes, I hope I did not just offend the lad’s young lady.”
Onesimos waits until evening to collect his things and meet with his friends to swap information. Once done, he begins planning. ”Sounds like Captains in the evening is the place to get information on Zenia, Snark. Let’s all go there and see what we can find. I’m also interested in seeing if there is a ghost we can help find rest in this Caravan Clara. What say you?”. He puts the question to the team.
ooc: Since some of the team had their posts in before Benni’s question was raised, I am leaving this open for more reactions over the weekend and Monday
That evening, he tells another story in the Captain. This time, the protagonist is Pragma, who at first rejects a woman who is seeking his help, but then learns that he needs her for something he wants, and finds satisfaction in working towards a common purpose. ”Even though seeming very different, they found fulfillment in a common goal.” He hopes that people will make the connection between the story and the common purpose of Snark and Zenia.
The symbolism is perhaps a bit general and nobody seems to connect the dots that Onesimos was hoping for. As a good storyteller out here with a fresh story nobody here has heard yet however, Benni soon finds himself made an unwitting part in the small rivalries between traders staying at the inn. If one pays for his drink, another that will not be outdone in patronage sends some petty cash coin, the amount of which is then either matched or raised by yet another and so on. Whether he likes it or not, this display, of an assembly of bored but wealthy merchants under one roof making an on the surface friendly game of their rivalries, ends up making Onesimos come out forty-three silver coins ahead compared to before he set foot in the Captain’s Quarters.
ooc: have not used spoiler tags to give individual information since Benni has the party meet up and share what information they had found, so everyone in the party now knows that Zenia might live at least half a day further inland, as well as the dog’s story.
As the evening goes along and the Luck Makers try to gather more information about Zenia with the patrons of the now quite bustling Captain's Quarters, it is Teddy who, glancing around nervously as usual, suddenly spots someone coming out of a service door and walking along the back of the common room… a motherly, heavy-set woman that would certainly look large to a border collie, or to a small bear for that matter, with her hair all wrapped up in a bright blue headcloth.
She looks to be quite purposefully on her way to somewhere. (You can take two rounds of actions before she'll be out of the room by another door)
Jasper (Holly) HP 52 AC 20 CMD 8 Friday April 21st, 2023 5:37:10 PM
Jasper gives the dog the other half of the jerky. "Thank you! That was very helpful. I'm Jasper, by the way. Come to me if you ever need help, or a pat. I have to go tell my friends about the big blue-headed one that smells like. ah, soap."
She returns to the Captain's Quarters. That evening, she listens as Benni shares his parable and (unwittingly) makes some coin. Hah! A useful skill, that.
She's impressed by Khord's storytelling abilities too. As a quiet sort, she's bemused but secretly delighted to be traveling with folk who are more loquacious.
She gives her report: "I had a nice conversation with a border collie. It said 'The small one that talks to the plants, goes to the big warm house--presumably, here-- and talks to the big blue-headed one that smells like soap.' I would think the one who talks to plants is Zenia, but I've not seen anyone with a blue head."
As she speaks, she follows Teddy's gaze."Oh! I stand corrected."
She waits to see what her companions want to do. _______ OOC: I laughed out loud at "I hope I did not just offend the lad's young lady."
Snark Riverstone (MarkB) AC14 T14 F15, CMD 12, HP 41/41 Friday April 21st, 2023 8:49:46 PM
Snark is shaken out of his grumpy reverie by Jasper's information.
"Oh boy! That's swell info Jasper! C'mon Teddy, let's go see the blue-headed one."
Snark will scurry up to the woman with the blue towel on her head, his staff knocking on the floor as he goes. He holds his pipe as he says, "Beggin' yer pardon miss, but I been trying to find Zenia the Dark, and I'm having a rough go of it. I hear tell you may know how to reach her. Would you kindly tell me how to find her, or perhaps how to get word to her that I'd like to talk to her. She don't know me, but I need her help knowing how to become a greenmage like her."
“Benni” AC 22/12/18.+2 AC CMD16. HP 24 24 Onesimos (SteveK) Sunday April 23rd, 2023 2:35:46 AM
Onesimos doesn’t get anything useful, and is disturbed that he is made a pawn in destructive behavior. His last story is when our protagonist, Agape’, learns that selfishness masked as altruism can can lead to a sense of righteousness and forcing others to follow the persons’ own path as the only way, and into the Lands of Unrest dominated by Ga’al.
He’s not expecting that one to be understood this night, but perhaps a seed was planted.
He collects the coin, and adds it to the little sack from Joe’s, intending to drop it off at the first good-aligned temple he comes across.
Then he is ready to support his friends.
DM James: Ga'al..seed.. I see what you did there.
Khord Briarmark (Bill D) AC 20 T15 FF15, CMD17, HP 43/43; Niko AC17 T13 FF14 CMD20 HP 52/52 d20+9=15 ; Sunday April 23rd, 2023 7:32:46 AM
After sharing tales of the road with the caravenrs, Khord collects his campfire bead and makes his leave, returning to the inn. He shares with his companions the news that one caravan came across Zenia a half day further down the trail and that she was on foot, meaning that she must have some sort of shelter nearby.
He secures a room, a hot meal, and a bath for himself and Niko (throwing in an extra gold for drawing a bath for a dog and a meaty soup bone). (-18 gp). He returns to the common room in time to hear Benni's story about Pragma and senses he has selected this parable on purpose, and thinks on the meaning.
As the woman with the blue headcloth moves into the room, Khord recognizes her significance but stays back as he does not want to mob the poor woman. He watches closely as Snark questions her. (sense Motive = 15)
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