Darius Rotarion |
Darius looks over the area that had been overwhelmed with plant life that had surged around the thugs with a hint of dread. The sight brought back memories, horrid memories, of his fateful few nights in the Barrowood what seemed like ages ago. He lowers his glaive slightly and just stares into the distance, as if he were looking back in time.
He remembered distinctly how Amaya, the sorceress that had accompanied him in, had become ensnared in just such an effect, and watched helplessly as the druids picked her off with a hailstorm of arrows. He could still hear her screams, and how they turned from a high pitched, painful, terrified crying out to a deeper, blood filled gurgle.
Much like the sound the man was making as he coughed up the water from his lungs.
Astrianna Sparacello |
Astrianna approaches the ditch now that the undergrowth has returned to normal proportions. "They're gone." She stands before him, eying the man curiously. "Care to tell us why they were trying to kick your head around like a foot-ball?"
David "Dirk" Hawkins |
"Where are they? Are they gone?"
"Relax, mate - you're safe and among friends..." David says to the man as he looks around at the buildings.
"Care to tell us why they were trying to kick your head around like a foot-ball?"
David turns from his observations to look at the man, listening to what he has to say.
The man responds, "Coyn...it was 'bout coyn." Although his open wounds have knit shut his eye is swollen and nose is broken.
Studying his wounds, David glances at the priest, noticing that the man could still use a little more healing, curious to know what the priest may have in mind at this point - if anything...
Then he looks at the man.
"This don't seem like a good place to hang around in... Come on - why don't we get going?" he adds, glancing around, his hand resting on his hilt absently as he studies the buildings.
Astrianna Sparacello |
Astrianna sighs when he mentions it was about coin, none too surprised. "We'll be on our way as well." She nods to Hawkins, and starts walking with the rest of them.
The bard turns to the Priest of Quell. "I see you are truly blessed. I didn't doubt your faith, but your divine rewards for keeping the sailors of the Razor safe are substantial." She comments, simply wishing it be known she noticed, and appreciates, his powers.
David "Dirk" Hawkins |
"I bestest be goin' those Nightslinks won't be scatter'd fer long"
David watches him thoughtfully.
"You just got your face stomped by those basterds," he says as he glances around as he takes his cloak back.
"If you're being true then they may be back..." he adds.
"Why don't you tag along with us for a while... You know, at least until we get you out of here and away from folk who may be decide to track you down and finish the job," he says, watching the man carefully.
David "Dirk" Hawkins |
"We'll be on our way as well."
David glances at Astrianna -
"Now hang on, sweetcheeks," he says to her slowly - "This guy had a score of lads come after him over a matter of 'coyn'..."
"If he's got that many lads after him, it sounds like he maybe might want to have a little decent protection - at least for a while," David adds as he watches the man.
baldwin the merciful |
baldwin the merciful wrote:"I bestest be goin' those Nightslinks won't be scatter'd fer long"David watches him thoughtfully.
"You just got your face stomped by those basterds," he says as he glances around as he takes his cloak back.
"If you're being true then they may be back..." he adds.
"Why don't you tag along with us for a while... You know, at least until we get you out of here and away from folk who may be decide to track you down and finish the job," he says, watching the man carefully.
He looks a bit perplexed. "I live in da 'skirts. You gonna git my family out to?"
Zalen Trafalgar, Quell Cleric |
"Gangs come and go in the outskirts, it's survival of the fittest. I haven't heard of this latest one but that's not surprising." He scans the area. "Kids learn early there 'some' degree of protection in numbers, if they survive they advance, if they don't they become mud." I places a hand on the man's shoulder. "We'll walk you home, then we will be on our way."
Embrianna |
Bri follows along as they walk the man to his home, trying to keep an eye out for any other gangs that might try to waylay them.
"I will be glad to finish this errand and leave this area of the city."
"Do you think we are near the widow's address yet?"
Astrianna Sparacello |
Astrianna is not pleased they're picking up strays, but she says nothing, instead impatiently scanning the various shanties and alleyways for any more trouble. The city drains out its economic and social sewage here. In order for some to be on the top, they must have others to shit on below.
Adriel Mistleaf |
Adriel says nothing, preferring to maintain is spell should it be needed.
When they finally do drop the man off, he reaches into his belt pouch and produces 10 silver and 10 gold.
Get those children some newer clothes and some decent food for yourselves.
He looks over the ramshackle hut.
What's your trade, man?
David "Dirk" Hawkins |
"Come by the Chapterhouse for warm meal," he sees the children, "I'm sure we could rustle up a toy or two." He rubs the top of small boy's head.
David frowns a little, his eyes on the children.
His recently adopted attitude disappears for a moment when he sees the children and for a moment he sees much like he did on the ship when he met with the others...
"Look - my name's David; some call me "Dirk"... I sail with a captain down by the wharf by the name of Will Longplank."
"If you're looking for work find me later... I'll do what I can to give you a job."
He glances at the huts.
"You know, it's like the Halflings say - "If you give a man a fish then he has a fish; but if you teach a man how to fish then he'll be able to earn good coin so he can buy a half-decent breakfast that at least includes bacon and eggs!" he says, quoting a proverb of an old friend of his.
Astrianna Sparacello |
Astrianna raises an eyebrow at Adriel, clearly questioning why he is giving this family his money. If the business venture they're all talking about is some kind of charity house I'm getting on the next ship out of here.
She gives Hawkins an incredulous look at the mention of finding the man a job. We just got here and Hawkins is already handing out favors? -We- don't even have jobs!
David "Dirk" Hawkins |
What's your trade, man?
As David hears the elf’s comment, he glances at him with some genuine surprise.
His eyes flick to the others in the party and he notices that general air of aloofness that some of the group seems to have.
His mind dockets this information quickly, and he reassesses the quality of his companions.
Later, when they’re away from the people and on the way to their next stop, he turns to Adriel –
”I have misjudged thy character and thy quality; for that, I beg thy pardon, sir.”
”It is true that thy speech is often filled with high praise for thy own quality, and thy words grant little regard for those who thy stand abreast with; but it is only words that thy offer as praise or judgment, and I have looked upon those words darkly.”
”Yet methinks that it is a fool who would judge another on his words, not his deeds; and with regards to such judgment I have behaved as a fool.”
”Know that whatever may come before us; and however thy would treat me in the future – I shall know at least that in thy breast beats a heart that cares for things more than his own glory; a heart with some compassion and consideration for the weak and helpless.”
”This heart I did not know before today; but – having witnessed it – a gladness fills me at its meeting.”
”Again; I do apologize for my rash judgment of thee, it was unjust! And now, having learned more of thee I ask only the chance to amend such hard words with the possibility of setting the score ‘twixt us alright, if thou will permit it?” he adds with sincerity.
Darius Rotarion |
Darius rolls his eyes and casts a sidelong glance towards Astrianna.
Those thugs were after this man over money, and now we're handing it out to him in plain sight. Surely they sent someone to follow him, and if they saw him get a handout, they will likely come back and take it, probably killing the man and his family to do so.
Impatiently, Darius asks, "Are we done here? I'd rather get out of this part of town so I don't have to worry about taking a dagger to the kidney."
Townfolk, male |
When you're done with the man Zalen leads you without further incident to the shack of Hatchet's saltwife. It looks like all the others, mostly rotten wood and packed mud that barely separates the inside from the outside. When you get there there are two guys, both badly in need of bath, tossing bones outside the door. One has wood stick on his side the other has paring knife and dagger.
The greasy one with the stick chuckles, "line b'gins 'ere. brother she's gonna be tired."
Astrianna Sparacello |
Astrianna shares the glance with Darius, turning her eyes up and shaking her head.
When they approach Hatchet's shack, Astrianna sighs at the state of affairs. She steps up and speaks to the guards. "Here on other business, gentlemen. We're from the ship Mother's Blessing and wish to speak with Hatchet's Saltwife if she's not entertaining a client."
At his offer the bard gives the man a look that says Not even if I was piss drunk and a quadruple amputee.
Adriel Mistleaf |
Of course it was done out of sight.
When you can get it? So you load and unload things? Save that money for days you can't get work. If I need some moving done around town, I'll look you up. No promises.
Adriel leaves with the rest of the group and returns Hawkins comments,
The elf doesn't bother to note Hawkins apology. He hadn't really cared enough to be offended anyway, but at least they could move on
Darius Rotarion |
Darius holds out a hand and says, "Hang on a minute, friend. We will just be a moment then you and the lady can conduct whatever business you desire."
Astrianna Sparacello |
The half-elf was not expecting to find a woman just beginning her career in backstreet prostitution, and feels a twinge of guilt about her situation. However, it will be remedied soon...
Astrianna clears her throat, intervening. "Amaya, correct? We're here to have some words with you about your husband." She turns to the two men standing by, giving them each five silver pieces. "Find another woman to accommodate you, gentlemen, we have business with her." Astrianna holds up a finger to silence the protests of the Saltwife. "You'll be paid for your time, Amaya. May we discuss matters in private?"
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Embrianna |
Bri snorts. "8 copper? That is a serious insult. I am worth way more than that."
Bri will let Astri and the good Father handle talking to the wife for now. She knows that she does not have great people skills.
Darius Rotarion |
Darius is uncomfortable being the bearer of bad news, so he will let the priest and Astrianna and whoever else wishes to do so go inside.
Meanwhile, he will make sure to keep the two other men well away and distracted, telling them, "Let's allow the lady and her guests have a moment of privacy," as he ushers them along a reasonable (out of earshot) distance away but allow them to maintain a visual of the place if they insist.
Astrianna Sparacello |
I was indicating that the men should leave, that's why Astrianna gave them money and the diplomacy roll. Darius' method also works.
Sath Saltblood |
Having kept quiet for the last while as they made travelled the rest of the way to Amaya's shack, Sath is saddened and offended to see what the woman has had to resort to for money. Even more than that however, she is maddened by the men waiting outside the shack for their 'turns'...
Sath is barely suppressing her desire to do violence to the two men- if they do not follow Astrianna's suggestion and leave, she might do something... regrettable.
Astrianna Sparacello |
Satisfied, Astrianna ushers Amaya inside of her hut, motioning for Father Trafalgar to follow. "Boys, could you make sure there are no prying ears about before joining us?"
Ignoring the smell of sex and dingy conditions, the bard folds her hands in front of her waist. She speaks in a hused tone. "Amaya, I am Astrianna Sparacello, a crewmember of the Mother's Blessing, captained by Willie Longplank. I'm sorry Amaya, but your husband, Hachet, heroically gave his life defending the ship." She reaches into her haversack, producing the bag of gold.
Offering the sack to her, the half-elf puts her hand over the woman's on top of the bag. "This is compensation for your husband's death from Captain Longplank, 800 gold pieces. We have also asked Father Trafalgar to bless your husband's soul on his journey to Pharasma's graveyard and the thereafter."
Dark emerald eyes look directly into Amaya's, her tone still quiet. "This is your money, and I will not tell you how to spend it, but I would not stay in the outskirts. If people know you have this ... Yes, I believe you understand. I suggest using this coin to live in the Silk district with your child, and find a new husband. Think about it."
Her spiel complete, the bard gestures to the priest of Quell that he may take over. "Father?"
Commoner |
The shack is a dingy two room building, inside the first room has some cardboard and threadbare blankets in the far corner lays a small boy obviously feverish. He has bandages wrapping his torso. he's biting down on a cloth to muffle his whimpers.
Amaya's light brown eyes dart between the newcomers and her son. Astri's words don't seem to register at first. A few moments later a single tear moistens her left cheek.
Astrianna Sparacello |
Astrianna glances at the child in the corner of the room before sticking her head outside. "Hawkins, can you come in here? Patient could use your attention." If the priest of Quell doesn't beat him to it.
She lays a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder. "This is your chance to make everything better, for you and your son."
Adriel Mistleaf |
Adriel follows inside.
She shows up to the Silk district looking like that she'll be assumed to have stolen it. I was on deck when the sea took him, so I'll offer to escort her to a decent tailor and have her and her child dressed and washed sufficiently to belong. Then she can make arrangements for an affordable place away from here. That is, if you want to leave Ma'am. Coppers for comfort is a terrible exchange. Not saying there's anything wrong with the profession but a pretty young woman can have a better life than this with the start your husbands life has bought.
The elf actually looks....somber, for a change.
Sorry for your loss. At least with wise choices your man's death could mean a better life.
He steps back, feeling bad he butted in on her grief.
Sath Saltblood |
After the two men walk away, Sath enters the small home- seeing the sick child in the corner, she goes over to him and checks his symptoms to determine what he is afflicted with.
Using Healing kit for the +2 to roll
Heal: 1d20 + 10 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 10 + 2 = 25
Astrianna Sparacello |
Astrianna thinks for a moment and nods at Adriel. "We can do that if she wishes, we were going to the silk district afterwards anyway, and I want to find a good tailor."
The bard did not know Sath was also a doctor, but it becomes quite obvious when she begins inspecting and treating the sick lad.
Astrianna Sparacello |
The bard stops extending the sack in front of her, instead laying it in the palm of her other hand.
She nods her head at the woman. "We were attacked by a sea dragon during our crossing to the Razor. Hatchet was on deck when the massive serpent latched onto our ship, demanding tribute. Two of the crew who are with me, Darius and Adriel, fed it some goats but it demanded more. Seeing no other solution Hatchet sacrificed himself to save the rest of the ship. The dragon took him and dove beneath the waves. He saved all of our lives." The bard nods somberly. Close enough to the truth.
bluff: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (18) + 15 = 33
Astrianna inhales slowly, and begins to speak in soothing tones. "I know this is sudden, and all of us here are truly regretful for Hatchet's loss, as well as grateful for what he did. But this gold is for you alone. Captain Longplank trusted us not to run off with it, and deliver it to your address instead." The bard produces the address as proof. She gestures to the elf. "He is also being sincere with his offer. We're not trying to trick you."
Attempting to adjust her disposition from indifferent (or unfriendly) to friendly.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Commoner |
The bard stops extending the sack in front of her, instead laying it in the palm of her other hand.
She nods her head at the woman. "We were attacked by a sea dragon during our crossing to the Razor. Hatchet was on deck when the massive serpent latched onto our ship, demanding tribute. Two of the crew who are with me, Darius and Adriel, fed it some goats but it demanded more. Seeing no other solution Hatchet sacrificed himself to save the rest of the ship. The dragon took him and dove beneath the waves. He saved all of our lives." The bard nods somberly. Close enough to the truth.
[dice=bluff]1d20+15
She chokes up, "Hatchet sacrificing himself? That doesn't sound like like him. I suppose he was different at sea."
Adriel Mistleaf |
Sailor's count upon each other daily for their very lives, Madam. Men can make the noblest decisions when failure means the loss of everyone around them. You son has two honorable parents who do what they must. I cannot tell you what to do, but if you wish to use this to flee from here, I can keep you safe while we get you to a better district and perhaps get this coin safely in a bank.