GM Rednal's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

You could see the conflicting emotions on the man's face - but finally he stomped over to the bar and hollered for something that came in a big glass. To nobody's surprise, it was quickly forthcoming. "One of the best hounds I've ever had." the man grumbled sourly after taking a few long, deep gulps. "Wound up poisoned - deliberate, for sure. A stranger - didn't see his face - told me you three were the ones that did it. And I ain't certain I believe you weren't. Great mutt, knew how to behave himself and didn't bother no-one. Friendly to the neighbors, even. Who but an outsider would hurt him - and like a coward, no less? If any of our people had a problem with me, they'd take it right to my face."

Shutai ordered the same thing he did, paying for both of them, then raising her mask enough to allow her to drink from the gauntlet as he did. "Someone who wished you to harm us, I would think. They set up a blood feud between yourself, a warrior of obvious skill, and ourselves. If we paid, we admitted our guilt, and none would deal with us. If we fight, we get hurt and earn a reputation for it." She smiled a little. A nasty trap.

Glancing around the room, Shutai added, "Of course, I'm sure he can clear this all up...if he's still here."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (15) + 14 = 29

Nailing those Diplomacies again and again. Nice, Shutai.

Aleksson finally crept out of the shadows and made his presence known, putting a hand on Taka's shoulder and giving Shutai and Gorvald(?) a friendly if rigid nod.

Taka nods along agreeing with the assessment.

There was no sign of the cloaked figure in the crowd - it was likely they'd never even been close to the inn in the first place, preferring instead to simply send the angry, not-so-sober man in and letting him behave exactly as predicted. It probably would have worked, too, if you hadn't had such silvery tongues. Slowly, the man nodded, and took a slower drink from his mug.

"...I can't say your story is impossible..." he said quietly. "If there were ever a scoundrel so completely devoid of honor and pride as to set up something like that..."

"...then such a scoundrel would do just this." Shutai laughed. "Still, they have failed. And that alone is worth a drink." She took another swig of the alcohol.

Seeing things now at ease Taka let his guard down a bit. He approached and sat with them.

"I am sorry for the loss of your pet. It seems our being here has brought attention to us. It is unfortunate that the ones we seek would do harm to those in the village. Tell us friend as you seem a capable warrior. Did you here of any raids leaving this last week. We were attacked on the way here. We defeated the raiders and spared those that still lived and even brought them back here with us. They ran off when we arrived, but surely they must have been under the direction of someone."

Aleksson was made to chuckle at the way Shutai finished the man's sentence with ease. Conversation comes so natural to her. What a talent, he thought. He joined and order a drink as well.

Taka and Shutai had this conversation well in hand, but Aleksson was taking this personally. "Know, friend, that I am a caretaker of animals and consider poison a tool of the most cowardly scoundrel. None know me in these lands, but if they did, I'd believe that the attack on your hound was aimed to provoke myself to rage as much as it was you. And provoked I am - I pledge to avenge your dog's death. What was his name, such that it may ring in his killer's ears while he gasps his last on my blade?"

"Tracer." the man's eyes said, flicking towards Aleksson. "First thing he ever did was track down one of his brothers who'd gone missing and bring 'im back to their mum, and I knew he was gonna be a fine hunter. As for raids..." he shrugged slightly. "Folk leave all the time to go prove themselves. If they went by boat, you can check down at the docks."

"A fine piece of advice." Taka says thinking to himself. Why did we not think of that. Our vision is clouded with so many new things. He sits and finishes his drink with the man and the others. [b]"I think it is time for us to get some rest. We can check the docks in the morning like our new friend here suggested.

Once done and back in the room Taka goes ahead with the plan and uses Keep Watch on himself and Aleksson while Shutai gets some sleep.

"Hmm. Agreed." He called for one more shot of liquor for himself and this man, and raised it to the man. "For Tracer." He then followed Taka up to the rooms.

Finishing her drink, Shutai raised the mug in salute to Tracer, and retired to bed for her prayers and rest.

Things had settled down more peacefully than the other patrons had expected... and the innkeeper gave you an impressed look as you headed back upstairs. As an Ulfen man himself, he clearly wasn't too worried about brawls, but your way with words had definitely earned you some respect.

The night passed without further incident (unless you counted Ulfen men drinking and yelling late into the night, but that was normal around here), and the sun rose bright and early.

Completing her morning rituals and getting dressed, Shutai headed downstairs to have breakfast. "So, today we check on the docks to see if we can find any leads on the boat that raided us?"

Taka nods in a agreement as he stuffs his face with some breakfast.

Aleksson agreed, "Unsure there's a connection, but it's a start."

Feel free to make any rolls and checks you'd like. XD The more specific you are, the better.

While his allies worked the wheels of grace and charm, Aleksson followed at a distance. He did his best to appear inconspicuous while trying to learn if they were still being watched, and to see if he could spot any familiar faces... or ilk matching descriptions to those who stole Suishen.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27
Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (18) + 12 = 30

Taka ask around to be pointed to the dock master. Assuming he is easy to find he approaches.

"Hello friend. I was told you know all the boats that leave and come in here. What can you tell us of a boat that left here a few days ago. Would have been carrying twenty or so warriors, but it did not return. A few of the warriors did come back yesterday, but the boat has not. Do you know of these men?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (8) + 19 = 27

Taka is strait forward with the man.

Hunting down the people behind the attack, assuming that they had learned of the reason for the parties visit and launched an assault, was unlikely to be simple. But other than hunting down a guide, it was the only thing they could at the time.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (13) + 14 = 27

Did we ever get the name of the ship they came on?

The dock master rubbed his chin slightly, frowning. "Ships that haven't returned...? There's plenty of crews comin' and going all the time. Don't suppose you remember anything about these fellows? Any special markings they might have worn, maybe? Crews usually identify themselves somehow."

---

Meanwhile, as Aleksson discreetly followed the others, a blind and crippled beggar sitting on the side of the road looked up slightly. "They know who you are and are coming for you." he mumbled.

Aleksson stopped in his tracks and turned to the beggar with a curious eye. He fished a platinum coin from his coin purse and crouched down, placing it in the man's hand. He spoke quietly, "Feel that weight? Platinum. Tell me everything you know about them, and you'll get another. Telling me where to find them earns you a third."

Shutai gave as detailed a description of the survivors they'd travelled with as she could, including any broaches, insignia, tattoos, hairstyles and colours and equipment. She'd spent the trip watching them, so hopefully she could remember enough details to identify them. "They may have also had a raven, or something or someone with Eastern heritage," she added.

Taka nods to the things Shutai describes to the man.

Faster than most people would have believed, the beggar made the coin disappear. "It's a bit hard to learn much about people like this." he observed, gesturing with a thin hand to his face. "They gave me a few coppers to say that when someone smelling of boiled cabbages walked past. I'm afraid I don't know any more than that. May the gods smile on you for your charity." A quick check by Aleksson showed that he did indeed smell that way - although given the crowds he'd gone through, that could have happened anywhere.

Meanwhile, the dockmaster rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... this group sounds like they were with the Aril's Hammer. It's owned by the Rimerunners, a merchant guild here in town. They have a guildhall not too far from here if you want to go talk to them. Not too sure about that lion's head arm-ring you mentioned, but that's definitely an insignia of some kind, and you might find someone who knows it if you ask around."

Taka nods.

"Thank you. You have provided much help. Shutai let us ask around a bit about the arm-ring first. It would be foolish for any one of us to go to the guildhall alone. We will meet back after asking around and proceed there all together. Agreed?"

Now splitting to gather information Gather Info: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31
Hours: 1d4 ⇒ 1

Once done Taka returns to the inn to have a drink and a snack awaiting his friends to return.

Shutai nodded, and went information hunting.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
Time: 1d4 ⇒ 4

Aleksson caught up to Shutai after the two had split. "Shutai, a beggar told me that they know who we are and they are coming for us. Blind, he recognized me by the scent of cabbage - placed on my person without my knowledge. We are in danger... where's Taka?"

*Hums cheerfully and doesn't interrupt your conversation* o wo~

"Searching for information regarding a group, and the arm bands our ambushers wore." The kitsune paused. "Cabbages?"

"Yes, boiled." Aleksson handed Shutai a fistful of his cloak to smell. "They may only be playing games, but we shouldn't risk it. Better first to find Taka; then we continue as a group." Aleksson set off in whatever direction Shutai indicates.

Presuming we catch up to Taka, Aleksson informs him and we can just continue gathering information as a group.

It took about ten minutes to catch up to Taka after Shutai had finished gathering information, and it was around mid-day when you were finally able to share your information. Fortunately, you already had plans for what to do next.

The Rimerunners' Guildhall was a large one, with people busily moving in and out. It was well-defended, too, with dozens of guards in and around the guildhall as well as numerous members of the city watch. The guards eyed both you and your weapons warily, but allowed you in to see the clerk at the front desk - an old male halfling - who just glanced up with a bored expression as you mentioned the ship.

"The Aril's Hammer was stolen a few days ago. We haven't seen it since." he said. "Naturally, the Guild takes no responsibility for what any miscreants may have done with it. Is that all?"

"I believe we may be able to help you locate your boat," Shutai said. "We saw the ship beached on our way here. You should be able to retrieve it simply enough. Of course, a favour deserves a favour. We would like all the information your guild possesses on the thieves." Of course, she assumed that the Halfling was speaking the truth, but whoever manned the front desk wasn't likely to know about underhanded dealings.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (1) + 14 = 15

Aleksson stayed on high alert, watching for trouble as Shutai spoke to the halfling.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (8) + 12 = 20

Stolen, how convenient. Are there truth in his words

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (9) + 12 = 21

Taka weighs the mans words and stays alert along with ALeksson.

The clerk... didn't particularly look like he believed Shutai. "And I'm sure you'd like to get all of your information right away, without proof of anything." the clerk replied. "I'm sorry, but the Guild deals only with individuals of... substance. Good day."

"Please, we are foreign to your land. We only wish to help you in finding that which has been taken and find those responsible for hurting Snaevald and his servants. Surely we can find a way that we both benefit here."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31 Taka will set a small stack of 5gp in front of the man.

Aleksson wondered if a bribe was the right move, but remained quiet.

Shutai raised an eyebrow at the man's comment, and mentally made a note to make sure to forget to mention the damned boat again unless asked directly.

The clerk looked blank at the comment on the attack on Snaevald's house, then disdainfully at the coins. He didn't bother taking them, although it wasn't clear if that was because he objected to being bribed or he just thought it was far too low. "And you think we know about whoever's randomly attacking townsfolk?" he asked. "You speak well enough, and I hope you find whoever it is you're looking for, but the Guild knows nothing about it. Good. Day."

At his tone, one of the nearby guards straightened slightly, and a hand moved down towards a baton at his waist. "Is there a problem, clerk?"

"No. These... individuals... appear to have simply been misinformed about the nature of the Guild and what we do. They were just leaving."

Aleksson gave a pointed tap of his foot to grab Shutai and Taka's attention, and lead the three out of the Rimerunner's Guildhall.

"That was... discouraging. What's our next move?"

Taka eyes the man carefully before grabbing up the coins. He nods and smiles.

"No problem. Good day to you."

Turning and walking out with the others.

"We know we are being watched, I am tired of these games. We should not have let those men just run off. We could return there and I could track them, but if they all entered the town I fear it would be too easy to loose there trail. Or we set up here. Make it known we have no plans of leaving until we find what we seek. We go door to door asking everyone the same questions. Over and over. Soon they may make their play."

"We can, but perhaps we should also look into some of our other tasks. We still need a guide. Finding the sword will do us no good if we cannot get it back to Tian." It seemed like a good idea to try some other routes.

Just let me know in the Discussion thread when you've decided what you want to do. ^^

Aleksson was inclined to agree with Shutai. "Their move will come regardless of our actions. There's no reason we can't seek out their guide while we await it."

Oh yeah, I suppose this game isn't necessarily on pause, huh?

As Taka and Shutai went in search of a guide, Aleksson again trailed behind, keeping an eye out for trouble.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Shutai hit the usual places that might have such information - bars, supply shops and if this place had a Guild for Guides then there guildhall. She'd heard of places that had guilds for everything...

Diplomacy (Gather Information): 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (9) + 14 = 23

Uh... Well, I think Taka's out for a few more days, actually, so it probably should be. *Coughs* In all seriousness, poke me in the Discussion thread when he has posted.

"A guide is needed. We will continue to do our business as usual then. Wait for who or whatever is watching to make their move."

Gather Information on a guide: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (12) + 19 = 31

As you ask around, a few details soon become clear. Most notably, this is the off-season for such travel because of the morozko storms that sweep the Crown this time of year. Furthermore, all of the guides who know the route are retained by various merchant guilds and would not be free to go with the PCs on an unsanctioned journey anyway. All but one, at least. Thanks to your talents at questioning and general persistence, there was one... individual. More specifically, there was an inebriated and rather bruised and battered Varki tracker named Uksahkka.

"I haven't *hic* crosshed over myshelf, shee." she said a bit woozily. "But m' partner, Ulf, 'sh the besht guide thish shide of the Crown. An' he'sh available, shince the merchant guildsh don't like 'im much. For th' right fee, he'd do it, and.. *hic* and... uh... well, 'f I knew where he wash. Thish lasht job of his, shee.."

Through her drunken rambling, you managed to glean a few facts. First, Ulf was to develop a new trade route through the Grungir Forest for a local chieftain named Asvig Longthews. Ulf went out to Asvig’s farm nearly a week ago to obtain the final details and initial payment before picking up Uksahkka to join him, but he never came back. A few days ago, Uksahkka herself went out to Asvig’s farm to find out what had happened, but Asvig told her that the no-good Ulf had never shown up for the job. Asvig then ordered his warriors to throw Uksahkka off his land (which explained her bruised and battered condition). With no leads, Uksahkka returned to town and crawled into a bottle to drown her sorrows.

Now that you were here, though, she was quite reassuring (for a drunk woman) that if you found and rescued Ulf from whatever he had gotten himself into, the crazy fool was sure to be willing to guide you over the Crown of the World out of gratitude, even into the teeth of the morozko. Also, had she mentioned he was crazy like that? Because he was.