"... Payin' us that much won't set you back, will it? Not tryin' to cause more trouble."
”No, it’s not my money truth be told. This expedition may only be me, but it’s well financed.”
Kwava leaves and the party retires to their respective chambers for the night. As there are some who shouldn’t yet be moved, and many with no where else to go, the floor of the Gold Goblin is littered with sleepers. I presume you lock all the doors you can, and post a watch.
In the morning, staff comes early and fires up the kitchen for a big brunch. Bartlebe returns, briefly, and heals the remaining injured before departing to his own pub. By noon, the Gold Goblin is emptying out, save for the staff and a handful of guards, all looking to the party wondering, What next?
Will you be opening the Gold Goblin to gambling? If so, one of you needs to ‘work’ an 8 hour day, every day, to keep it open. They may then roll a profession (bookkeeper, gambler, innkeeper, or tavern keeper) at the end of the week and put that against expenses for a profit. You could also try to find someone else to run it for you.
Will you be closing down the Gold Goblin? The simplest of options of course, but you’d be leaving money on the table.
Will you be selling the Gold Goblin? There are buyers out there, if you can only find them. The Gold Goblin has a decent reputation as a lively place if nothing else. :)
Obviously there are things that must be overcome, Gendarme to visit, but the staff is anxious for their jobs, and would know which direction the party is headed. They stand in the main hall, eager to hear your plans for the future...
Feeling refreshed after a night's sleep, the bard is never shy about giving his opinion.
"I like this place and I think it should remain open. However, I think we should close it down for say...a week until we get back from our trip."
He looked at the staff, "In the meantime, we need to make sure that this place is safe and secure and ready to go in a week's time. I suggest everyone stay on your regular working hours but do something to pretty up or improve the place. You'll earn your weekly wages and, yes, we'll add something extra to make up for the tips that aren't coming."
"I think it wouldn't hurt to find out how much this place is really worth. What do you say that we all hit our contacts and find out whether there's anyone interested in buying the Gold Goblin? Not that we are selling but you never know..."
It costs 200gp per week to keep it open at average staffing levels and other expenses. Currently you're a little low also because some of your staff and guards didn't return. Presumably you'll hire up the guards at least before you leave though. You'll save some by not running the place, but you'll lose that in the 'tips' you're offering so I'll just call it 25gp a day.
Don't take the money off as yet however. I'll track it for now as it may be more or less than a week that you have it 'closed' - if you stick to this plan. You're also looking at a damaged roof from the hail which will cost 150gp to fix properly. Until then you have some leaks. There are also a few other odds and ends that could be done, and of course there are always improvements to be made...
If you do decide to keep the place, we can be as detailed as you like, but I'll hand wave a lot as I don't want it to bog down the campaign or have it become a paperwork hassle.
What if there are more of these drow on the island? Garridan worries as he considers, The last one took me out so easily. As he continues to listen to his companions he hopes, perhaps we won't encounter any drow. He continues, to consider the options before them as he finishes his drink and grabs a drumstick.
"I like this place and I think it should remain open. However, I think we should close it down for say...a week until we get back from our trip. In the meantime, we need to make sure that this place is safe and secure and ready to go in a week's time. I suggest everyone stay on your regular working hours but do something to pretty up or improve the place."
Kaylayne finds herself in agreement with Dimitrio for the second time today.
"If it's ours, then we should get it in writing...even if it's just amongst ourselves. Maybe we should hold the Gold Goblin into a tontine," Kaylayne suggests.
"Do you really think we can get there and a back within a week? I think we should plan for two weeks. Also, it wouldn't make sense for there to be any drow on the island...because why would they target their own people with their weapon? Or maybe...I don't understand drow at all."
"Let's see if we can hire someone to guard the place. We can have a grand reopening when we get back."
* * *
Kaylayne begins to make a list of supplies the party might need.
"I'm planning on going back to the Church of ScaryRae. I'll see if I can pick up another wand of curification. Or...did we need two? Also, I'll see what the old priest thinks we should do about the drow and the journal. I think he'll give good counsel. Lief, you still going to pursue things with the Cyphers?"
"Who's going to get food? We won't need a lot if I can hunt and scavenge a bit, but no telling how much game their might be left after the blast."
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Ederin wakes up the next morning and lays in bed quietly until the rest get up and go about their day. Once alone he sits up and does something he hadn't done since he was a boy. Closing his eyes, with his palms crossed in his lap, he tries to wipe his mind of the stress and conflict he feels. A practice that always helped him face the world unflinching after his father's beatings.
Curious, he follows the alley, finding it unrecognizable but somehow familiar. As he continues down the corridor ivy begins to overtake the bodies on the ground, and soon covers the walls and windows of each building he passes. From the edge of his vision he sees an eagle perched on a roof, watching him go. Coming to a corner he turns it, and finds the city streets gone, in their place, ancient trees towering above, strangling out all but the most stubborn beams of sun light through their thick canopy. Only the eagle remains, staring unblinking as the small man walks deftly among the roots.
Time seems to freeze as Ederin continues, the sunset never progresses into darkness, and the air is still, not even the call of song birds fills the silence. Almost without warning, as he circles a large tree trunk Ederin finds himself once again in a city street. Flooded with dirty water and bloated rotting corpses, he cautiously navigates the new terrain but no matter how careful he is, he can't help disturbing the bodies as he passes. He gasps as one rolls over, revealing the face of the first man he ever killed on someone else's payroll. A young man whose name he still didn't know, identified by the long scar on his forearm that he got killing a trio of Goblins the the arena before attempting escape, Ederin had loosed three arrows into his back without even asking for surrender. The shafts, still stuck in his body, were rotten and falling apart.
As he turns from the body Ederin catches a glimpse of someone running up ahead and, not fully knowing why, he gives chase, not bothering to hide the splashing of water made by his reckless movement. As he runs he reaches back for his bow, but finds only a quiver with a single arrow. He grips the arrow in his right hand and continues his pursuit.
The landscape changes faster now, almost too quick to react to, but Ederin expertly tails his quarry. Now through a field of crops, now an empty roof top, and a thick forest just as quick. The cityscapes are as likely to be Riddleport as any other city but are hauntingly empty except for the two running figures. The landscapes are equally familiar, but not, and similarly devoid of anything but plant life.
As Ederin gains on his target he notices a strange shape to the man, one that he can't make out at first, but soon becomes clear, he has the head of an eagle.
The stranger dives behind a building and as Ederin turns to follow he finds himself face to face with the creature in a thicket of shrubs. The birdman seems calm despite its unblinking avian eyes, and it reaches out to him, bow in hand, as the other points further into the forest. When Ederin turns to look, he still feels the grass and roots beneath his feet and the shade of the leaves above, but sees only that first alley he 'woke up' in. There, atop a pile of Ederin's victims from his time as a hushman, are two men locked in a brutal knife fight.
One is clearly identified as Ederin himself, a younger, angrier version, the other is unmistakably his older brother Stammer. Both are heavily wounded and their blood pools among the dead at their feet, with every blow the plants recede and the city becomes more vibrant.
The birdman once again hands the bow to Ederin, who accepts and draws it, his only arrow pointing toward the man he hates the most, and once he's confident in the shot he looses, feeling the familiar brush of the feathers between his fingers when the arrow flies.
As it pierces Stammers neck, the arrow explodes into a choking tangle of vines that consume both younger Ederin, his brother and the world around them, tearing the city down and leaving nothing but nature in its wake.
The chattering call of an eagle turns Ederin's head and he watches as the birdman, now just a bird, flies toward a white stag in the distance who turns away from him and walks into the trees as everything fades.
Ederin's eyes snap open and he looks into his previously empty hands to discover a large thorn, about the size of a javelin in his hands, and the sun higher in the sky than he remembered it to be. He dismisses the thorn almost reflexively, as though flexing a muscle he had never noticed before. "What the f*$+?" He asks to no one, feeling as though he's been tested but not sure by who, or if he even passed.
Ederin makes it downstairs as Kaylayne seems to be planning for their excursion to the Elbow. He offers to hunt as well if they need to, mentioning that most of the local hunters likely had their stores of food flushed out in the tidal wave since many worked near the docks.
"I'm fine with keepin' this place too, for now. Need to show that people from Riddleport are strong, not about to close doors just cause o' some unforseen troubles." He clearly feels strong about what he's saying but his mind seems to be elsewhere.
"When we were in that tunnel I heard Kwava, he knew that Depora was a Drow but didn't actually believe it. Which is why I think keepin' her body ain't such a bad idea, we got proof that she ain't like the elves we already know, and the city has enough killin' I don't think we gotta worry about some sort o' elf genocide."
Lief nods, reconsidering Kwava's disbelief in a different light.
"We don't answer to them because we have no contractual relationship with them."
Lief rolls his eyes. No, don't answer to them, in light of one of theirs saving our hide against wererats. You only owe your life to them. Or your humanity, if they turned you for their dark purposes...
The young man contents himself with retiring to his bedroom, and prepping his alchemicals in the morning, expecting renewed activity regarding the responsibilities of their hand in Saul's death. He visits with the gendarme as soon as it is convenient.
"Lief, you still going to pursue things with the Cyphers?"
"Word has been left. It's up to them to seek us out. They have until the time we leave for Devil's Elbow if they're actively seeking information."
The staff are properly mollified, and most of them are pleased, A week or two, of light duty, without any bosses and with pay!
You expect some of them at least won't show under such circumstances, or will show and just stand around without guidance. But the guards will know what to do, and that's the critical point here.
Do you also have the roof repaired while you're gone? You'll need a blacksmith for that work - easily done and hand waived - just making sure you're spending the cash.
Kwava does stop by in the morning with you cash - 500gp each. He then leaves right away as he's waiting for word back from his superiors and doesn't want to miss or delay it by being in town with you.
Lief leaves to visit the Gendarme shortly after lunch. Anyone go with him on this particular sojourn?
"I'm planning on going back to the Church of ScaryRae. I'll see if I can pick up another wand of curification. Or...did we need two?"
"I'm off to market...and other things..." Kaylayne says, armoring up and checking the street both ways twice before leaving the Gold Goblin.
If he will listen, she will explain about Saul, about Kwava, about the drow, and the journal. She will ask his counsel on what, if anything, she should do to warn the people of Riddleport. At the very least, she will warn him and his flock.
"...will the people of Riddleport even care about the danger? Do they deserve to know? What...what do you think?"
It takes some doing to pry him away from his flock for some alone time, but you manage it - without having to pay unless you prefer to. Father Padrick does not request it, but he does accept it graciously if offered - but not as a condition of meeting, rather just as a donation from a wealthy supporter.
He listens carefully as you tell your tale. Like a good listener, he only questions you when you seem to falter in some detail or other, but otherwise stays silent throughout. You’re surprised at how good, how liberating, it feels to tell the whole story to the old man…
He straightens up, his frail frame cracking in a few spots as he stretches, ”If Sarenrae teaches us anything she teaches temperance and patience - but she also teaches us that there are some more deserving of swift justice. What little I know of the drow, and what you’ve said here, these latter fall into the justice category.”
"...will the people of Riddleport even care about the danger? Do they deserve to know? What...what do you think?”
”Very good questions… what do I think?” he smiles warmly and you can almost see him reach out, pat you on the head, and tell you everything is going to be all right.
”I think you need all the allies you can get against such a foe. So you should tell any who would give you assistance. Should the masses know? I do not know. It may be that the people will rise up against all elves - not knowing what the difference is. But I think not. You can produce a body, leave it lying in state for all to see. Make it the cornerstone of your story so there is no ambiguity and you should be fine.”
”And yes, I think I would tell any who would listen. You do not know where you will find support and help and so you should not make a secret of this thing. I would see to it the Gendarme knew. Word will travel quickly enough from that report.”
He stands up, ”And I thank you for coming to me as well with this news. Wands… I haven’t made one in so long… let’s see.” He digs around his bottle collection a while, eventually dumping a thin stick from inside one of the bottles. ”Yes here it is. It only has about half the charges (22 left) but it’s yours - no cost. My donation to you to stop these drow from doing whatever they did the first time, again.”
”I can’t make another one for you right now you understand. My people need me, at least for the next several days. But I can make them if you wish, though” he looks a little sheepish, ”I’ll have to charge you for the future wands. So much to be done around here, any income will be helpful - even if much of it goes back into the item itself.”
"I'm planning on going back to the Church of ScaryRae. I'll see if I can pick up another wand of curification. Or...did we need two?"
Distracted with plans of his own, the bard answers, "One for sure and what about the poison issue?"
He asked in general, "Do drows use poison as a matter of fact or did we just get lucky with this one? What can we do in case we do need some sort of poison protection? Layne, can you ask around? Maybe that priest friend of yours can offer some advice."
Finally remembering, Kaylayne tries to identify the bean/bead that the party found earlier.
Spellcraft on bead - today
Spellcraft on bead - tomorrow
* * *
Kaylayne shops...and sells some of the spare goods from the their recent exploits. She buys food and a magical trinket, as well as preparing for a few nights camping as she assumes there won't be shelter on the island. She's comfortable in nature and doesn't worry too much about her ability to survive out there.
* * *
The next time the party is together, she will explain the following about what Father Padric suggests to do with the drow and warning Riddleport.
"...and he said: 'I think you need all the allies you can get against such a foe. So you should tell any who would give you assistance. Should the masses know? I do not know. It may be that the people will rise up against all elves - not knowing what the difference is. But I think not. You can produce a body, leave it lying in state for all to see. Make it the cornerstone of your story so there is no ambiguity and you should be fine.'"
"And he added that: 'And yes, I think I would tell any who would listen. You do not know where you will find support and help and so you should not make a secret of this thing. I would see to it the Gendarme knew. Word will travel quickly enough from that report.'"
Kaylayne repeats the Sarenrae's wisdom nearly word for word, an uncanny ability she has when she puts her mind to it.
"He also gave us this..." Kaylayne pulls out the slightly used wand of CLW. "He wishes us well. I appreciate that."
"Do drows use poison as a matter of fact or did we just get lucky with this one? What can we do in case we do need some sort of poison protection? Layne, can you ask around? Maybe that priest friend of yours can offer some advice."
Kaylayne shakes her head.
"I don't know about drow and poison, only that that one did. But, again, not sure why we'd expect drow on the island. They blew it up. Why would they blow up their own kind...and if they did, why would we expect them to live through it?"
Kaylayne shrugs.
"I didn't get a chance to ask the priest about it. However, the antitoxin stuff I usually buy should protect you from poison. There might even be magics that do the same," Kaylyane offers helpfully.
"Yeah, we should get the roof fixed...and whatever else we can do before the re-opening. I just know that I'm bringing everything with me in case we don't ever come back here. It might be that we never come back here."
Lief visits the Gendarme command in their barracks on the north side of town. With all that’s happened, it’s thin on troops (most are out working in the city at one task or another) but a few remain - though they are busy.
He eventually gets the attention of a junior something or other and tells his tale… which quickly gets him a sergeant, and then a lieutenant. The story gets passed further up the line until just before dinner - by which time he’s told the story a dozen times already, standing and pacing in a cramped interrogation room. He even meets with Anton Mescher, Cromarcky’s right hand man and head of the Gendarme.
Then Gaston Cromarcky (image) himself enters with a bemused look on his face. Despite his fearsome appearance, up close, he smells lightly of lilacs. He sits in the only available chair and examines you a long while… Eventually he sits up and says in a loud booming, commanding, baritone, ”So you killed Saul Vancaskerkin. Tell me about it.”
Though not up for shopping, Ederin was curious about what the end result of Gold Goblin ownership would be, especially after Dimitrio promised all their employees jobs. So he followed Lief to the barracks, stopping to grab a few quick items along the way.
Though his patience is tested every time they are asked to tell their story, Ederin maintains his composure and provides any details he can to bolster the story as Lief tells it. He's hardly even surprised when Cromarcky himself arrives, though he does find himself a bit intimidated now seeing the man up close for the first time.
Garridan doesn't want to think about the drow and spends the day working around the goblin trying to distract himself.
Dimitrio went about trying to obtain some 'camping' supplies. He was used to spending nights out on the road but it was always under the careful guidance of a troupe of entertainers so it wasn't really 'roughing'it.
He bought rations to feed himself for 7 days, obtained a new cold iron dagger, and a couple of vials of anti-toxins. He even bought some sort of tent but he prayed to Desna that he didn't have to use it.
He was lucky enough to find out that one of the old Varisian musicians had been a carpenter's apprentice in his past so he put him in charge of overall repairs to the Goblin. he also informed the staff about this and got them to agree after some minor grumbling. Yes, they would be paid but were also expected to do their share while their bosses were away.
The bard practiced with his new rapier and buckler, trying to emulate a combat style he had seen while on the road. After a few practice sessions, he called himself ready and was anxiously waiting for news from Kwava and the rest of his companions.
Lief finds his time in the North Barracks to be at first frustrating, waiting to get someone's attention. His frustration turns into resignation, as he recites their story, over and over, to various ladder rungs. He takes comfort in Ederin being there with him, shooting him knowing looks in between officers that go, while new ones, higher ones, come to ask again.
He feels a little uneasy when he realizes the passing of the day, and the more higher-ranking men and women who pass before him. The unease is confirmed when Mescher grants him an audience, but he recites his lesson once again He attacked first, we defended ourselves in 'negotiations' turned 'hostile takeover', we have the deed...
He sighs with relief as Mescher excuses himself, shooting another look at Ederin, almost apologetically for the time spent getting Mescher's attention, finally.
It all goes to pot, in his mind, when Cromarcky himself walks in. Suddenly, Lief is very, very unsure of their position. He does recite, holding to his story, if only for making sure that the words he just used with Mescher fall on Cromarcky's ears equally attacked first...business is business... deed's in our hands... When he finishes with talk of the Gold Goblin, he immediately inquires of Cromarcky, without hesitation.
"Sir, I know that this is a small matter, when held in the same light of the recent devastation to Riddleport Herself. I am sorry for taking you away from what must be extremely important business to hear about ours. I thank you for your time.
"We are only just discovering the depth of Saul Vancaskerkin's betrayal. We're exploring a lead regarding wererats he may have hired against us, and I'm hoping to turn up more, given time. I only wanted to make sure we were not negligent in bringing this matter to the gendarme. As we take over operations of the Gold Goblin, I hope to investigate the man further. Who should I contact here if I'm able to turn up more on Saul?"
Cromarcky listens to the tale with interest. He does not interrupt your flow, not once, though he does lean in at times. In the end, he leans back and hears your request with a smirk.
”You can talk to Gwallter here, my aide de camp. She’ll keep me appraised of all your doings for a while, I think. Let me have the deed.”
Eventually, one way or another, you hand it over to this man. He is the government after all and could just claim the Gold Goblin to be his own if he chose to do so, though it would cause unrest among the crimelords to be sure. He looks over the deed and commands a pen. With a flourish he signs the deed over to the party members, though a little annoyed with all the names he must write in.
Gwallter witnesses it and the whole thing is passed back to you.
”This Saul had deep roots. He’s been proven very hard to kill and that's a fact. Even when he murdered his wife just to help him escape another crime, all he lost was his hand. All this to say I’m impressed with what you’ve done here. The ‘crime’ lords who rule Riddleport are becoming less criminal with each passing year under my reign. I wonder if you’ll rise to that status?”, he says with a wink and a nod as he walks out the door.
Gwallter says, curtly, ”If you leave town I expect to hear of it first, understood? A runner’s fine, I don’t need to see you again.” she seems much less enamored with you as she also turns and leaves the room.
With that you are released. The deed to the Gold Goblin is now very truly yours. There will be no attack on the part of the government upon your freedom or property. And the overlord himself is now watching your movements.
Kaylayne rolls the bead from one hand to the next, then back to the first hand on the bar top. She's angry at the bead for denying her its secrets. She is just about to try slinging it across the room when she tries one last time to identify things.
Kaylayne looks again and smiles at the bean, finally uncracking the auras within. They don't always make sense to her, but she was getting better at thinking about them.
"I know what this is...and we should sell it. I'm going out again to complete some purchases," Kaylayne announces to the team. "If you want, I can get us another wand of curification while I'm out."
Kaylayne goes out for a 2nd round of shopping/selling.
Ederin turns to Lief with a shrug and smiles.
"Figured I was gonna be strung up today. Now I own the Gold Goblin, I guess that's worth a little church work, sittin' here all day 'as got me itchin' to get outside though, you ready to head back?"
Garridan sees the bard practicing with his sword and observes He fights like he is dancing, quick and nimble. He thinks it is a great idea to hone ones skills and begins practicing a more brutal close quarters version of Dimitrio's sword dancing.
When Layne says she going shopping he offers, "I'll go with you there are some items I need to get."
"The ‘crime’ lords who rule Riddleport are becoming less criminal with each passing year under my reign. I wonder if you’ll rise to that status?"
Lief remains quiet, both for the overlord's implication, and for his demeanor. He considers extending a hand, but thinks better of it.
"If you leave town I expect to hear of it first, understood? A runner’s fine, I don’t need to see you again."
"Then please accept my declaration now. The explosion to the south bears investigating, in light of recent events. We expect to travel through the next week."
"Figured I was gonna be strung up today. Now I own the Gold Goblin, I guess that's worth a little church work, sittin' here all day 'as got me itchin' to get outside though, you ready to head back?"
"Right there with you. We best report back, before I lose my appetite for repeating myself for the hundredth time..."
As Lief and Ederin gain some distance from the North Barracks, the young man speaks up with more ease. "For all the gold in Riddleport, did you expect to speak with Cromarcky himself today? He's sizing us up, right? We dethroned a wannabe crimelord? And here I thought Saul was innocent..." Lief smirks, then continues. "Now Cromarcky has marked us for the possibility that we might rise... unbelievable..."
When they return, Lief accounts for his day, speaking several times over to various officers, building up to Overlord himself. He recounts every word the man said, and details the scent of lilacs, and the man's calm demeanor. Lief finds his way to the bar, and finds himself a pour suitable to settle his nerves.
Lief considers what he can do to ready for their trip. He decides to try his hand at preparing antitoxins, so asks Kaylayne to spend 50gp in raw materials that should help him distill a worthy liquid.
He manages to produce two functional antitoxins for the price of one.
Kaylayne listens to Lief's detailed recounting of his meeting with Cromarcky while watching him dabble with alchemical equipment.
"Lilacs, huh? Why lilacs? Ain't nothing wrong with them, but there hast to be better scents," Kaylayne questions, focusing on the really important part of Lief's testimony. She wraps her bar towel around her hand, then loosens it. She wraps her left hand again, then unwraps.
"Now that I know you can do this, Lief, I might have you brew me a batch of something-something. What else can you make? How about them pocket fires? Those little bottles of exploding fire?"
Then, she switches topics, swishing her bar towel across her shoulder.
"So...the Gold Goblin is ours? Really ours? Just the five of us?" She asks Lief to confirm it...she just wants to hear it from his lips.
"For all the gold in Riddleport, did you expect to speak with Cromarcky himself today? He's sizing us up, right? We dethroned a wannabe crimelord? And here I thought Saul was innocent..."
"Now Cromarcky has marked us for the possibility that we might rise... unbelievable..."
Ederin shakes his head, "Coulda been one o' the gods themselves told me I'd meet Cromarcky and live an' I'd have told them to bugger off! Not sure if we're in a better position or worse though, gettin' the wool pulled over our eyes by Saul was one thing. Having the Overlord watch us," Ederin shuffles uncomfortably and looks over his shoulder," I don't know. He's been good for Riddleport so far but he's as much a rogue as I am to say the least. Just smells a bit nicer."
Back at the Goblin Ederin grins widely despite his reservations.
Wonder if word o' this will get back my dear brother. Better lock the vaults up tighter.
"Written on paper by the Overlord himself!" he responds as Kaylayne questions the reality of it all, he motions for Lief to produce the deed.
"Written on paper by the Overlord himself!" he responds as Kaylayne questions the reality of it all, he motions for Lief to produce the deed.
Dimitrio looks at the deed one more time to make sure his name is on there. But 'Dimitrio Carini' is indeed one of the five owners.
He is beaming, "This is great! I am not ashamed to confess that this is the only property I have ever had that I could not take with me."
He looks at the others, "We're going to make this place the best in town, just you wait until I get back. The Gold Goblin will bring in people from all over Varisia."
He turns to Ederin and Lief, "Good going you two. And thank you."
He then looks around as everyone is making their final preparations, "Can we trust the guards with the keys to the vault or is that something off limits just yet?"
Kaylayne takes the document to read it for herself. It was also the first property she'd ever held. She looks at the name on the Deed.
"Does this mean we have to keep the name 'Gold Goblin'? Or can we change it to something that isn't embarrassing?" Kaylayne asks, not really expecting an answer, but agreement about needing a new name.
"Can we trust...vault...?"
"Piddlespot. I think we should leave the vault empty and open until we get back. There isn't a need to put anything in it, is there? Just remove all the temptation altogether. But like I said earlier, I'm taking everything with me."
Kaylayne mulls some last minute purchases before finally being ready to go.
To speed us up a little, the bead is sold, and the party may distribute 882gp each from the sales. You, as a group, fixed the Gold Goblin roof (150gp) and bought another wand of CLW which someone should carry (Dimitrio?). Keep in mind this does NOT include the 500gp Shin'Rakorath payoff. That was separate and direct to each of you.
The rest of the evening passes uneventfully with the servants let off early (with not much to do). So the party gets some alone time. As for leaving the vault open - the gambling chips, some of the gambling equipment and maybe even the altar should be stored there. The chips are worth hard currency when the Gold Goblin is open, and so should be treated as cash by you.
Legally you can call it anything you want. You own this building and land. You can do whatever you like with it. In fact Cromarcky would very much like it if you shut down the gambling house which competes with his own on the north side of town...
Night passes uneventfully though I expect you keep watches just in case. Kwava comes early the next day with bad news. He’s having trouble getting a ship. ”It’s going to take a few days I think. A lot of ships were damaged and the few that remained have already been hired by mining expeditions to the island. Apparently there’s something of a ‘gold’ rush going on with folks trying to get a rare metal found in meteors of this sort.”
”It’s called, obviously enough, ’skymetal’ or Noqual. Apparently the dwarves here can smelt it and it’s good for weapons and armor especially. Half the weight of steel, does extra damage against constructs and undead, and the armor is one category lighter (for purposes of movement and other limitations). Pretty sweet stuff from the sound of it.”
”Anyway, it’s got everyone with a few coin to rub together hiring ships. There’s a captain due into the docks whom I’ve met, but he won’t arrive for a few days according to the manifest. He goes back and forth to Magnimar, but I bet I can get him to jaunt you out there. Just give me some time.”
Kwava leaves shortly after reporting in - he still hasn’t heard from his superiors, but he expects to today.
- - -
Go ahead and post the next three days activities. We can be detailed if you like, but there's not much going on during that time. The city is rebuilding, and Kwava is panicking trying to get you a ship.
Understanding that the ship was the bottleneck to starting their exploration, the bard goes about town to try and see if he has any better luck finding a ship and willing captain.
He invites any of his companions that want to come along and heads down to where the captains and crew hang around.
A couple of drinks later and an inspiring song about the bravery of captains and he was able to find someone who might know something about obtaining a ship on short notice...
Dimitrio spends some of his time at the docks confirming what Kwava already told you. Finding a ship right now is tough.
Dimitrio further discovers that some of the crimelords are actively hiring ships and sending them away from the docks to make it even harder. Some expeditions have already gotten off to go mining and they're trying to extend their lead on the rush...
Why am I not as excited as the others about owning the Gold Goblin, Garridan wonders. As he listens to Laynes suggestion about renaming the Goblin he thinks, Yes that is what we need a new name for a a new venture and a new beginning.
He speaks up, That's exactly what this place needs a new name. The Goblin was Saul's creation. We' need some more appropriate and I agree less embarrassing." He looks around at his companions, Any ideas? He quickly adds before the Bard can suggest, "No we aren't calling it Dimitrio's Place.
While they are talking he packs up the shrine behind the bar and suggest, "Also, we should take all the coin in the vault with us and leave the shrine and the gaming chips in the vault. If any of the chips are missing when we get back we can decide what to do. Either replace the all the chips or keep an eye open for people trying to cash chips in with out playing." he moves to place his shrine into the vault.
Garridan will spend the majority next tree days going about the city lending his healing skills to those in need. The rest of his time will be spent overseeing the repairs to their new venture and he will go out to buy some equipment.
Garridan's skills are well used in that time. There are many suffering from what happened at the docks. You'll even see the sour Bartlebe doing his bit as well - when he's not working in his pub.
The repairs are in two stages. First the blacksmith will plug the holes - that he'll do right away. Then he needs to attend to other clients for a few days, then he'll be back to make the roof look good again. That will take a few days as well before he's all done.
But it's paid for, and he starts well so Garridan has every confidence.
Kaylayne shuffles a lot between the markets and the Gold Goblin over the next few days. She is either purchasing stuff to improve the bar itself or thinking ahead to what she might at Devil's Elbow.
She putters and tinkers and thinks about what she might do when she gets back, but doesn't do too much as in the back of her mind she doesn't believe that she owns the Goblin and when she gets back it won't be here. She's avoiding getting to invested...and failing.
Confident that his guards can handle anything going on near the building while he's gone, Ederin spends much of his time in Rogut making sure all of his friends are alright. Where he can, he helps with any repairs, but otherwise he just provides company and pays for any food or drink they may need in the mean time.
While at the Goblin, he tries to brainstorm a new name for the place but nothing comes to mind.
"I figure I'm still security, don't much care what we do with the place, but we should probably figure out what sort o' business we want to run, before we name it."
Kwava returns in the morning (7 Arodus) with good and bad news, but he looks relieved, ”I’ve made contact with the order, and they confirmed my plan, so we’re all OK there. I did get word confirming the Flying Cloud, helmed by Captain Creesy, will be in port - but it won’t be for another couple days yet. I’m sure I can get him to carry you to the island, but we must wait.”
”I don’t like waiting, but it’s the best I can do.”
”In the meantime, while you’re gone, is there anything you’d like me to do in town? I’ll be researching Saul a bit more, trying to tie him further to this thing, and waiting for any further instructions.”
While Kwava is there, sometime in the late morning, a messenger comes with a short letter from Samaritha Beldusk, new apprentice at the Cyphermages. She writes, ”I have been told that Lief requested an audience with Elias Tammerhawk. Well, that request has filtered down to me in this busy time. Stop by the guild when you can, and ask for me. You’ll be let in - you’re expected.”
She signs it “Your friend, Samaritha, Cyphermage”
Dimitrio shakes his head, "I hate this waiting s*%%."
And turns to Lief, "Well, at least one of us has something to do. Mind if I tag along if only to break the monotony of not doing anything here?"
The bard then looks at Kwava, "Yeah, any additional information would be helpful. Although some of us don't think we'll encounter any drow in Devils' Ebow, I'm not so sure." He then asks what he had asked a couple of days back, "Do the drow always use poison or did we just get lucky? Anything else you can share?"
Not seeing anything else to do but dance and practice his swordwork, he turns to his companions, "Layne, Ederin, Garridan, anything you need help on?"
Ederin scowls a little at Kwavas information but he understands that there's nothing to be done for it and resigns to waiting a bit longer. Though he is itching to get to it.
"It's just two days Dimitrio, we can go to the Cypherlodge today, an' we still gotta figure out what we want to use this place for. Might as well make it a group discussion. Figure that'll eat up a chunk of our time when we're not sittin' around waitin'. Kwava if you can, keep an eye on this place while we're travelin'. I don't mean working here, but it wouldn't hurt to make sure it's still standin' every couple days."
Ederin grabs a bite to eat and sits quietly waiting to see if anyone else has anything to add.
"Might as well make it a group discussion."
Lief finishes work on his first two antitoxins. He hands one off to Garridan, and pockets the other. Hearing Ederin and Dimitrio chatting, he throws in. "Play to your strength. We were already suited to supporting this place as a gambling hall. I see no reason to change the nature of the business immediately. Let the ship sail for awhile as is, then change course slowly, so as not to put off clientele who expect a certain something of the atmosphere."
"I think we need to capitalize on the name as well, though you should see something more uplifting than a mere goblin. Switch 'Gold' to 'Golden', as it resonates with a time before Saul, then switch 'Goblin' to... oh, I don't know... why not 'Gnome'? They are a lucky, vibrant race, loved by all. Who wouldn't want to gamble in an establishment overlooked by a lucky gnome? You could even melt down the original goblin, and cast a gnome with as much material. 'Golden Gnome' also rhymes, so it's likely to stick in folks' minds more easily." Lief nods to himself, then looks to Ederin.
"Of course, my word isn't final. It's only a suggestion." Lief winks at the archer.
Lief looks over the note from Samaritha again. "I wonder if this means we'll meet with Elias as well, or leave the information with Sam. No matter. At least we'll have an audience. Dimitrio, of course you're welcome, it's meant for any and all of us to attend. Just, you know... act appropriately. They're a herd of long-tailed cats in a room full of rocking chairs since recent events."
The young man turns to Kwava. "Are you still set on keeping the presence of drow from potential allies? These folk are not rabble, as you know."
Lief takes off without much delay, though he does stop off in his room to begin the evaporation of his oil base. He can finish his alchemist fires when he returns.
Garridan spends the last two days before the arrival of the flying cloud inventorying the gaming chips. Whats wrong with me, I should be excited about owning this place, he wonders as he feels a lack fulfillment in owning the goblin.
He begins working out harder in the evening to let out his frustration at his melancholy.
When the others are ready he journey with them to visit the Cypher mages.
Kwava responds to Dimitrio, ”Yes the drow are known for their poison use. They’ve even developed their own strains - very dangerous.”
To Lief he adds, ”I would rather keep their presence a secret, but you have already said you were going to tell, and I’ve made my peace with that. You must do what you feel is right of course.”
- - -
Just around lunch then, the party gets together and several members go across the river to see the Cyphermages. As before, the place is tight as a drum security wise, and there are a lot more folks around now than there were a few days ago coming and going. You’re let in past the outer gates, as you are expected, but you run into some trouble once you’re inside. Samaritha is gone.
The adjunct who was sent to find her, returns with an apology, but she has been sent on a mission for the order and won’t return for several days, perhaps a week or two. If questions about the details, the man says little, ”If she didn’t see fit to tell you what her mission was, than I’m sure it’s no business of mine to tell you. I’m sorry, but I’m afraid you’ll have to leave.”
"Well, at least one of us has something to do. Mind if I tag along if only to break the monotony of not doing anything here?"
"Layne, Ederin, Garridan, anything you need help on?"
Kaylayne considers Dimitrio's words. She realizes that she does have some down time...and there has been some stuff she's been meaning to do. She shrugs.
"I have somethings that I had been considering trying. It was something that Samaritha and I discussed briefly when she was here. It's silly and might not even work, but I could give it a shot," Kaylayne says shrugging.
"I don't need any help beyond the inspiration you've given me, Dimitrio. Thanks!" Kaylayne bangs her hand against the bar top as if coming to a grand decision and deciding to go try it out.
She grabs her gear, both her coin purses (the fake and the real), and departs for the markets after looking both ways before leaving.
* * *
Kaylayne returns from the market humming and with her backpack full of odds and ends. Foods and teas, coffees and cheeses...and carving wood, of course. She sets up one of her bars to be where she can work, chit chat, and generally keep an eye on things. She really doesn't know what she's doing, but she doesn't see a reason not to try to do it. After all, how hard could it be?
Kaylayne tinker and carves. She mixes and pours. She tests, she cleans, and she curses...then starts again.
"I think we need to capitalize on the name as well, though you should see something more uplifting than a mere goblin. Switch 'Gold' to 'Golden', as it resonates with a time before Saul, then switch 'Goblin' to... oh, I don't know... why not 'Gnome'? They are a lucky, vibrant race, loved by all. Who wouldn't want to gamble in an establishment overlooked by a lucky gnome? You could even melt down the original goblin, and cast a gnome with as much material. 'Golden Gnome' also rhymes, so it's likely to stick in folks' minds more easily."
She stops her work to consider Lief's suggestion. She initially doesn't like it, but readily admits it's better than the current name.
"I dunno. I just doesn't feel like 'us', you know?" Kaylayne opines, carving a block of wood with her cold iron dagger. It's shoddy work, but she doesn't seem to mind at all. [b}"I' like to have a name that fits our group. Like "The Unled" or the "Ground Droolers" or..."[/b] Kaylayne lets off with a wry smile, enjoying the peace and quiet before the storms to come. And she carves on.
* * *
On the second day, Kaylayne offers Garridan a simply carved small wooden mug. It's obvious she's quite proud of it. In fact, she positively beams while offering it to him. It's not suitable or even big enough to hold any manner of quality drink, yet Kaylayne seems quite proud of the gift she offers to Garridan.
On the side of the mug is a fetish engraved turtle. It's crudely cut, but unmistakable as a turtle.
"Do you like it? That's a turtle...it stands for symbolizes good health and long life, you know," Kaylayne says knowingly. "And I know it doesn't look like much...but when you're thirsty for the memories of Cayden's divine spark within you, you should drink from his cup. I think you'll like it."
Kaylayne stands grinning like an overeager idiot, awaiting Garridan's reaction.
* * *
When she can call Lief over to the bar, she offers him...soap. The soap itself has a fetish engraved porcupine. It's not very well carved, but still she'll insist that it's a porcupine.
"Yes...it *is* a porcupine! You can tell because there are quills! See? And it's soap. Magic soap," Kaylayne says, handing over the soap. It smells...clean despite there being coal, ash, & earth mixed into the soap. "You see, the porcupine symbolizes innocence, companionship, and trust. Which is what this soap might bring you. When someone around you is troubled by spirits, or their minds are not their own, wash them with this soap. It...it might free them."
* * *
Kaylayne declines to go to meet the Cyphermages. She will work on another item or two while she has the chance.
Ederin considers Liefs name suggestion, rolling it over in his mind as a few of them prepare to head to the Cypherlodge.
"Wasn't it Golden before? Think that might confuse people? Golden Gnome. Golden Gnome. I dunno, maybe it's good? It ain't bad. Not like I got anything better I s'pose. I'll stick to bein' the muscle." He frowns for a moment but shrugs it off and smirks a bit as Kaylayne adds her own suggestions. "Ground Droolers sounds like a gang I might've run in when I was younger. What're you carvin'? Didn't know you had an interest in it, part o' your new religion?"
He's glad for a bit of lighthearted conversation considering the devastation of the last couple days, more than a few of his friends were sporting bruises or outright wounds from the hail that came through the meager protection of their shacks, he was glad his present company was still standing and in good spirits.
Of course the good mood immediately fell away to suspicion when they finally arrived at the Cypherlodge. Ederin leans into the adjunct a little, not entirely trusting his story.
"We only received the note this mornin' sayin' we were expected! What're you playin' at?"
Ederin considers Liefs name suggestion, rolling it over in his mind as a few of them prepare to head to the Cypherlodge.
"Wasn't it Golden before? Think that might confuse people? Golden Gnome. Golden Gnome. I dunno, maybe it's good? It ain't bad. Not like I got anything better I s'pose. I'll stick to bein' the muscle." He frowns for a moment but shrugs it off and smirks a bit as Kaylayne adds her own suggestions. "Ground Droolers sounds like a gang I might've run in when I was younger. What're you carvin'? Didn't know you had an interest in it, part o' your new religion?"
Dimitrio quickly adds his opinion lest they choose a name without his input, "Dancing. The name should be something related to dancing. People love dancing and it just... makes people feel good."
He paused, "I dunno. Maybe 'The Dancing Succubi'. I'm sure that will grab the attention of plenty of people."
Of course the good mood immediately fell away to suspicion when they finally arrived at the Cypherlodge. Ederin leans into the adjunct a little, not entirely trusting his story.
"We only received the note this mornin' sayin' we were expected! What're you playin' at?"
Another setback was not what the bard excpected, "Yeah, what do you mean she's not here. She called us over, right Lief?"
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The weaselly little man responds, ”Look, I can’t tell you where she might have gone, it’s against the rules. If Samaritha didn’t tell you, maybe you’re not supposed to know.”
”I know she meant to see you today - you’re on the list!” he points to his reason for being - the bureaucratic clipboard with your names on it, among others scheduled to visit various mages this day. ”Now look, I’ve others to attend to today, there’s really nothing I can do for you.”
You could call it the “Dancing Drow”? Dangle a drow body out front and hire someone to jerk the rope every so often?
"Think he might be tellin' the truth actually, but it doesn't make this seem any less suspicious. Sam sends us a message then scarpers off somewhere in just a couple hours? I don't like it."
He crosses his arms and leans against a wall, keeping his narrowed eyes on the man anyway, just to watch him squirm, while he waits to see if the others have more questions or if they're ready to head back.
"Do you like it? That's a turtle...it stands for symbolizes good health and long life, you know," Kaylayne says knowingly. "And I know it doesn't look like much...but when you're thirsty for the memories of Cayden's divine spark within you, you should drink from his cup. I think you'll like it."
As Layne approaches Garridan can't help but wonder, What does the volatile girl want now? As she presents her gift he is overcome by emotion and is visibly trying to control himself. "It's been so long since I gotten a gift," he confides as he wipes his eyes with his shirt. While he examines the mug he continues , "It is perfect, Thank you Layne." He moves to embrace he and thinks better of it and settles for lightly punching her in the shoulder before he rushes off to be alone.
The bard was just too curious about the ship situation. Granted, the tsunami would have damaged a few ships but still...
He sought out the dockmaster and after some compliments on his job, feeling sorry for all the extra work, and a few gold in his palm, Dimitrio asked what, if any, ships were leaving port in the next couple of days. He also wanted to know what was going on with all the ships in the last few days.
"Look, I can’t tell you where she might have gone, it’s against the rules. If Samaritha didn’t tell you, maybe you’re not supposed to know. I know she meant to see you today - you’re on the list! Now look, I’ve others to attend to today, there’s really nothing I can do for you.”
Lief bristles at the second time being turned away. "We're not asking where she went, are we? Does it sound like we want to know where she went right now? Her not being here is incidental, and unfortunate. She was told by Elias Tammerhawk to see to our matter as liaison. Her failure to do so means that you should consider providing us another liaison. Now." Lief provides the man her letter, and stands at the ready to wait further for Samaritha's substitute.
Lief bristles at the second time being turned away. "We're not asking where she went, are we? Does it sound like we want to know where she went right now? Her not being here is incidental, and unfortunate. She was told by Elias Tammerhawk to see to our matter as liaison. Her failure to do so means that you should consider providing us another liaison. Now." Lief provides the man her letter, and stands at the ready to wait further for Samaritha's substitute.
The little man looks vaguely uneasy as Lief makes his plea, but falls neatly into his box like a good bureaucrat in the end. "I'm sorry, but it does matter who you're here to see. You're here to see Samaritha, see? It's right here on this sheet."
He shows you his clipboard, "You're not here to see anyone you please. This is a serious place, for serious work. Not to come and go as you please. So, now, please, go. If Lord Tammerhawk has business with you, I'm sure you'll be contacted. Er, again."
He looks very determined.
Down at the docks it's a different story. Here people are still in a helpful mood - particularly as there is still lots of damage and flotsam to deal with. The harbor master is particularly busy, but he will lend you an ear for a mere 10gp.
"Aye, a few ships have managed to leave harbor, but not many, not yet. Let's see. The Cyphermages left this morning on the Foam Runner, said they were going to investigate that falling star. You ask me, they're after the sky metal just like everyone else. They're goin' to be gone a while too as the Foam Runner is loaded for Magnimar, so they'll get picked up on the return journey I guess." he spits a bit of chew into a nearby spittoon.
"I can't imagine how much they must have paid to the captain to go out of his way! Oof!"
"Let's see, two days ago the Dark Pearl left carrying crime lord Zincher. Said they were going to Magnimar, but I have my doubts. Doesn't matter to me where they go to be honest, just a line on the form to me, but still."
"Before that Avery Slyeg took his ship out to investigate the island - the day the thing hit too. Now that kinda surprised me. He's usually not so honest about where his ship, the Black Bunyip, is headed. Big smuggler you see, very cagey usually."
"I'm sorry, but it does matter who you're here to see. You're here to see Samaritha, see? It's right here on this sheet. You're not here to see anyone you please. This is a serious place, for serious work. Not to come and go as you please. So, now, please, go. If Lord Tammerhawk has business with you, I'm sure you'll be contacted. Er, again."
Lief looks at Ederin for a long moment. He then turns back to the bureaucrat, determined.
"We asked to see Samaritha, and by her words, we are expected, and I assume that she's not the only one that would hear what we have to share. Especially when it becomes clear what it is we have to share. You believe you are doing good work here. I can't fault you for your belief." Yes I can. I fault you mightily. And if we weren't in the middle of a crowd, I just might... The young man regains himself.
"We continue to try and bring serious news, and will not be able to share it all once we set course for Devil's Elbow once our ship is procured. Elias has been kept largely ignorant, by Caradoc's and now your hands. So how in the hells would he know his business when we've failed to inform him? When you failed to inform him? Do you think Elias would rather we share our information with Cromarcky first? Do you presume to know Elias's mind? For you make that decision for him if you turn us away here and now. Trust that we already have Cromarcky's attention. We seek Tammerhawk's. Today."
"We continue to try and bring serious news, and will not be able to share it all once we set course for Devil's Elbow once our ship is procured. Elias has been kept largely ignorant, by Caradoc's and now your hands. So how in the hells would he know his business when we've failed to inform him? When you failed to inform him? Do you think Elias would rather we share our information with Cromarcky first? Do you presume to know Elias's mind? For you make that decision for him if you turn us away here and now. Trust that we already have Cromarcky's attention. We seek Tammerhawk's. Today."
The man looks exasperated at Lief, ”There’s nothing I can do - you’re not registered to see anyone else. I believe what you’re saying, really I do, but it’s not up to me. Elias Tammerhawk has strict rules that we all must obey if we are to remain in the guild. He makes it clear that violation of these rules comes with strict punishments - including removal from the order.”
”And order, really, is the word of the day. He… we, are trying to build a better method of governance here. And it’s working, or so I’m told.” he grins uncomfortably.
”We must be extreme, in order that the others can follow our example and rise up out of the chaos that is Riddleport Governance. The absolute best I can do, is to pass a message to Elias directly. Even that is bypassing several protocols, but I can manage it I think.” he looks less sure of himself, but he’s trying so hard to help.
You’re not sure he firmly believes everything he says, but he’s trying to. As much as he may want to help you, it’s his career if he does. Without significant, likely magical, encouragement he is not much use to you.