DM NomadSage's Jade Regent - Night of Frozen Shadows (Inactive)
Game Master nomadicc

"I can take a look at the magic items Heng."

Spellcraft on the helm and eye 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 221d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25

"Sounds dangerous, hopefully everybody is feeling better from last night. Sandru we found out something interesting, I'm not sure how to use it but you might. Snorri was undead, and looked like he had been for some time."

Harlan had 2 channels left last night, he'd have gathered everybody for 4d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 5, 2) = 12 of healing, so hopefully that gets everybody to full.

Shoot, need to level the caravan as well.

"Sandru I think we should have an armored wagon to help us on the crossing. Right now we can go about 20 days before running out of food, we'll need to figure out how often we'll find resupply. I suppose our guide will know that, so we should go talk to these Rimerunners."

Back at the Caravan

"You looked like you had a rough time of it yesterday. When you came back to the caravan, it was like an attack of the walking dead," Sandru jokes, trying to lighten the mood.

Still looking a little pale, Maeve nonetheless grins. "That's exactly what it was. We never made it back."

"Anyway, Ameiko and Shalelu checked in while you were gone. They sent a note through an anonymous courier. Said they're safe and well, holed up in an inn, but specifically didn't mention which one."

Maeve actually looks like she's been punshed in the gut at that, although she doesn't object - she knew this was going to be a one-way trip for Ame.

"I asked around about the Rimerunners Guild, too. Like we already know, they're merchants that specialize in trade with Tian Xia over the Crown of the World, but they have interests along the rivers in the Lands of the Linnorm Kinds as well. What's interesting is that they have a lot of influence in local politics, though they don't flaunt it openly. A well-reputed merchant named Thorborg Silverskorr leads the guild, but she's rarely seen in public and is said to have connections with the wealthy and powerful of Kalsgard, including Linnorm King Sveinn Blood-Eagle himself."

"An even juicier tidbit I learned is that a close associate and advisor to Thorborg Silverskorr, a local shaman of sorts named Goti Runecaster, is known to have a blood-feather raven as a familiar. I doubt that's a coincidence."

Sandru lowers his voice slightly, looking around before speaking. "I couldn't confirm it, but I also heard a rumor that the Rimerunners have strong ties to the underworld here, notably a thieves' guild known as the Frozen Shadows. I couldn't find out much, but they're based somewhere in the Jade Quarter."

"Aaaand, guess what? The Rimerunners' guildhall is along the waterfront in the Jade Quarter. Want to pay them an "official" visit?" Sandru grins wickedly.

Maeve still manages a smile at this. "YAY! Finally, something that doesn't feel like we're just running in place."

"I would like to return to the Jade Quarter. I saw some interesting scrolls I would like to purchase. Also we have some items we picked up for our recent trouble that should be liquidated. Can you tell the value of these items, Sandru?"

"Oooh! I wanted some scrolls too. Or books. I think I know just what I'm looking for!"

Sandru lowers his voice slightly, looking around before speaking. "I couldn't confirm it, but I also heard a rumor that the Rimerunners have strong ties to the underworld here, notably a thieves' guild known as the Frozen Shadows. I couldn't find out much, but they're based somewhere in the Jade Quarter."

"Aaaand, guess what? The Rimerunners' guildhall is along the waterfront in the Jade Quarter. Want to pay them an "official" visit?" Sandru grins wickedly.

Malnival looks over at the Varishian and shakes his head. "Can't you just go over to them and give them the secret handshake? I figured you Scarzani new all the low life thieves. I am suprised you havent meet them already, fencing any of the goods you have aquired so far."

"Mal!"

What has gotten in to him.

Harlan looks shocked at Mal's words and isn't quite sure what to say.

************************

Harlan moves over to Kelda and sits down. He rubs his leg and smiles at her.

"Still hurts sometimes, even after all these years. Sometimes I think it's from Sarenrae to make up for the power she grants me, and other times I suspect it's to make up for my cooking. Then sometimes I think my cooking is punishment enough for my cooking. So, what's going on?"

Malnival looks over at the Varishian and shakes his head. "Can't you just go over to them and give them the secret handshake? I figured you Scarzani new all the low life thieves. I am suprised you havent meet them already, fencing any of the goods you have aquired so far."

Sandru rolls his eyes and gives Malnival a sour look. "Despite the fact that I'm not Sczarni, if you're not going to add anything useful, why don't you just shut your mouth?"

Maeve sighs. "All right, guys. Let's focus on the Rimerunners for the moment. They're probably enough of a legitimate business that we don't want to be joking about that. Even if it were true, we wouldn't want to be saying things like that." A deep breath is followed by a small, sudden sneeze. "So...we need something...maybe a proposal to run mead to somewhere in Tian-Xia?"

Malnival chuckels and shakes his head. "Would not a true Sczarni deny it also? Oh well, we can throw barbs at each other later."
The elf stands and stretches a bit before turning back to Sandru. " My point was simular to Maeve's, let us do business with their front, if that's what it is, and get closer to the belly of the beast."

"Unless we think we can skip the front and get straight into the Thieves' Guild. It's likely that the storefront hides the entrance, but an overt entrance will probably tip them off that we're coming. I prefer catching folks with their pants down ... figuratively, of course."

Have we slept yet? I feel tired just thinking about it

You have slept - this is the morning after...

Sandru frowns, but lets the comment slide. "My point exactly. We can use the pretense to get inside, maybe ask a few questions, and get a look around." To Parity, he adds, "As much as I asked around, no one knew where the Frozen Shadows were exactly, just assumptions because they're all Tian. I didn't dig further, to avoid attracting attention."

"Well, I leave the decision to you all, but I'm ready when you are." He flashes a quick grin.

Heng grimaces, "I am not particularly skilled at play acting, but I am usually a good judge of character. I do not think the role of bodyguard would be much of a stretch or attract much attention."

Heng grimaces, "I am not particularly skilled at play acting, but I am usually a good judge of character. I do not think the role of bodyguard would be much of a stretch or attract much attention."

Maeve nods. "Right. I'm pretty good at reading people too..." True, for all that a giant wasp could be sneaking up behind her and there's a good chance she wouldn't hear the buzzing of the wings. "But if you could give some kind of signal if you think something's off...does anybody else want in on this trip?"

"I'll play whatever role a blinded man can get away with ... I've played to the crowds before, I'm sure I could make something happen. We should all go in, so we can seize on an opportunity if it presents itself. Would hate to have to go collect everyone and then allow them time to prepare."

I agree with our blind friend here, let us all go. Just incase.

The Guildhall

Preparations in order, you make your way through Kalsgard to the Jade Quarter. The city bustles this morning, as citizens go to and fro on their business or pleasure. The clear weather seems to have invigorated the city, in a way.

Under Sandru's direction, you find the Rimerunners Guildhall without trouble. It is set just across the docks, and is a sturdy, two-story structure made of thick timbers and masoned stone. The windows are blocked with wooden shutters and iron bars. With a practiced swagger, Sandru leads you past the door guards and into the front entrance. Inside is a large room bisected by a long counter. Brass bars run from the counter up to the cieling, with only small windows allow transfer between the customer and clerk.

After the previous patron finishes their business, the clerk waves your group forward.

"Welcome to the Rimerunners. How may I assist you, sir?" the clerk asks Sandru in a bored tone of voice.

The Guildhall

Assuming the role of a man of self-importance, Sandru gestures for the group to move up with him. He talks to the man with a direct tone, his Varisian accent gone. "Yes, I am here to discuss a possible trade venture over the Crown of the World and with the people of Hongal. I have procured several thousand gold worth of... well, I need not bore you with the details. Perhaps I can speak with a guild factor to make arrangements for mutual profit?" He glances over the clerk's shoulder as if looking for someone.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (5) + 8 = 13 ... EDIT: This roll changed - it was originally a 17+8=25!

"Why, of course, sir," the clerk nods, wide-eyed. A few minutes later, you are escorted through a locked door and into a private meeting room, with a long table and several chairs. You are greeted by the day manager, a gaunt Tian man with a hunched back and pinched face. His eyes are keen, and his fingers stained from ink.

After you all sit, Sandru proceeds to explain his proposition, a trade agreement involving hauling barrels of fine Ulfen honey mead over the Crown. He also explains that you, his associates, have some questions about the Rimerunners Guild, before any business arrangement is agreed to.

Your turn for inputs or questions. Eventually will result in a group Diplomacy check. Sandru can roll or assist, as you decide (his mod is +8).

At the Caravan

At the Rimerunners

Maeve smiles and, with a small, formal-sounding cough she begins. "Very well then. First, I was wondering how long your business has been operating caravans on the Agan-Hei routes? Also, do you have any connections to bring goods in from southern Avistan?"

perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

Heng glances about curiously as they pass through the city, "Have you noticed the number of ravens? I had not noticed very many before, but now they seem to be everywhere we go."

Inside the guildhall Heng keeps his mouth closed, arms crossed, and eyes open looking for trouble or anything suspicious.

perception 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Perception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29
"I see them also. Keep an eye out for the bllodraven. I bet we have not seen the last of it."

While inside, Malnival stands by to assist as needed.

The Guildhall

Heng does not notice anything particularly suspicious. Everything about the guildhall appears like a legitimate business.

The factor replies to Maeve, matter-of-factly, "We have been trading goods over the Crown of the World for many years; indeed, it is one of our specialities. The founders of the Rimerunners had ties to Tian Xia, and used them to grow the guild to what it is today." He sounds very proud of the achievement. "Now, while we have some connections with the river trade in and around the Linnorm King lands, we do not deal with southern trade directly."

If anyone is going to Aid Other or lead on the Diplomacy check, please do so...

"I see." Maeve smiles brightly at this. "Well, you know how things are these days. In the future we might be able to bring some goods from much farther south, but between Andoran privateers and even less savory sorts on the seas and on land, getting anything to Varisia without taking measures can be a pain. Not that there's anything illegal here, of course. But we had heard that Miss Silverskorr might be able to smooth things over in case of the discovery of the odd hidden compartment, that kind of thing. At least as long as the contents are declared and taxes paid, of course."

I think it's best for Maeve to lead. Hard to beat a +14.

Parity whispers to Maeve, but loud enough to be overheard, "Seriously, you think these guys can carry and unload what we've got and not be compromised? We can't afford for even one of our packages to be seized. The risk ..." he shrugs, and sits back.

Diplomacy Aid Other: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

There's a +2 ... time for the blind man to check out :)

Maeve elbows Parity at that. "That's only on the Almas leg. Seriously, who bans chains just for what's attached to one end that has any sense at all..." Maeve just smiles at the man they're talking with.

Maeve honestly has no idea whether Andoran bans slaver chains or not - I believe they do, but either way it seems plausible. Bluff 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18 to see if she buys it.

The Tian man grimaces like he bit a bitter fruit, but nods sagely to Maeve's words (and politely does not acknowledge the whispered sidebar). "Trade is always faced against risk. Those who dare can reap great reward, but chance the greater fall. Another may play it safe, but dwell ever in the dregs of mediocrity. The most successful are those who find the balance." He smiles to himself, before returning to the conversation at hand. "Unfortunately, Mistress Silverskorr is no longer directly involved in the details of the Rimerunners trade."

Go ahead and make the Diplo roll, unless anyone else is going to Aid Other.

Sandru's Diplomacy Aid Other: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

If anybody else wants to contribute, now's the time. I'll likely be very asleep much of the day today, so I'll just toss dice now behind the spoiler.

"So who is in charge now?"

Harlan beams at the man while doing his best to help Maeve.

Diplomacy 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (7) + 11 = 18

Heng points a thick thumb at Harlan and does his best impersonation of a savage orc, "Yeah, what him say. What happen to Miss Silverskorr? We hear she the best."

Diplomacy 1d20 ⇒ 20

man, dicebot has been generous to me lately.

The old factor raises a hairy eyebrow suspiciously, but lets out a chuckle after Heng's 'eloquent' comment. "Rest assured, Mistress Silverskorr is still very much in charge." He leans forward, continuing in a hushed voice. "A couple years ago, she purchased an old hall called Ravenscraeg from a reaver named Snorri Stone-Eye. Since, a great deal of the guild's money has been used to develop the place. Few know exactly what is going on, for the project is a close-kept secret, but based on the amount of funds spent, it portends well for the guild's future." The factor nods confidently.

"Now that you understand the situation, you should have every confidence that the Rimerunners is a safe partner for your investment. We, however, know little of your company. Of course, we will require inspections of your proposed goods, and an examination of your ledgers, in good faith. Shall we discuss details?"

"Of course." Maeve snaps her fingers imperiously at Heng. A moment's pause, she snaps again, before turning to look at him. "...you did bring the ledgers as I asked, yes?"

Heng looks confused, "Ledgers? um, no..."

Maeve very pointedly does not facepalm, that would be undignified. She slowly stands up. "We will discuss this later." is said to Heng in a tone of utmost annoyance. She returns her attention to the factor after a moment. "...I sincerely apologize for this...delay. Perhaps tomorrow, after lunch?"

Factor's Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 15

The old man scrunches his face further, which you shouldn't think is humanly possible, making his eyes nearly disappear. "This is most disappointing," the factor says, his tone matching the look on his face.

Sandru speaks up, holding a protective hand in front of the group. "My sincerest appologies, sir. I can only offer humblest appologies for this egregious oversight. I have intimate knowledge of my business's operations and will happily discuss them now, while my people go to recover the 'lost parcels'." He turns to you, gives eyes to the exit with a wink, then returns to the factor. "Then, tomorrow, you can verify our ledgers. Will that suffice?"

Sandru's Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

With a half-sigh, half-grunt, the factor nods.

Maeve winces at the 'reprimand' and hastens out.

Once outside Heng confirms with Maeve, "You did not really want the ledgers did you? Interesting that this Silverskorr's hall is called Raven-scraeg. I think that might bear closer inspection."

Maeve chuckles at Heng. "No, no I didn't. Sorry about treating you like my idiot manservant there, had to improvise a bit. That was a good idea though, thanks."

On the topic of Ravenscraig, Maeve nods. "Though first we need to find it..."

On the topic of Ravenscraig, Maeve nods. "Though first we need to find it..."

"Snorri seems to have been quite well known to the locals. I believe it likely Kelda might be able to point us in the right direction."

"If we run out to the camp and back that's longer that Sandru has to spend with those awful people. Let's see if somebody on the way knows, that'll save us time. Excuse me sir, my name is Harlan and I'm looking for Ravenscraeg. I heard the ravens are just divine and I've always wanted to see the buffalo. Could you tell me the way?"

Once we're a ways from the Rimerunners Harlan will Diplomacy 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21 some locals. If they don't know then we can run back to Kelda.

It takes (1d4 ⇒ 1) about an hour's time, asking around the city streets, before you get enough solid information about Ravenscraeg. It lies two days' walk south of Kalsgard, in the craggy hills near the Grungir forest. It is called Ravenscraeg because it lies among the rocky crags, accessible only to the eponymous ravens that roost upon its ridgepole, save for a perilous stair that climbs the cliff face to the hall above. Under the Mad Reaver's habitation, it was largely avoided by all but his most loyal henchmen. Now, none you speak with can say who owns it or goes there.

"Oh man that's a problem. Two days to get there? We can't leave Sandru alone that long! What are we going to do?"

Maeve shakes her head. "Sandru can handle himself, Harlan. I'm reasonably sure he didn't mean for us to return with the things we don't actually have. He'll make his excuses when we fail to show up. I mean, unless someone has a whole lot of mead in the wagons they weren't telling us about."

"He said tomorrow on the ledgers", Parity butts in, "When he mentioned guild, was he talking about the merchant's or the thieves? Slip of the tongue?"

How do you wish to proceed?

Press for Ravenscraeg or research more info about it?

First and foremost, I think it's time for one last shopping run. Do we, as a party, have anything that isn't significantly covered? I don't think we have much AOE, and given what happened to poor old Skorri a horde of viking zombies or skeletons is potentially in the cards. Anything else?

I agree, Maeve, however best AoE I can handle is a wand of <insert some sort of cone> here. Can't line of sight anything and can't read scrolls. Unless anyone can help me think outside the box. Scroll or 2 of fireball or similar for Mal?

I would be done with that, I would like to do a little shopping. Only AoE I have would be grease and web so far.