PFS PBP Gameday IV: #07 - 04 The Ironbound Schism -- GM Hmm (Inactive)

Game Master Hmm

The adventure begins in a corner booth in the Whale's Belly, a rough drinking hall in Magnimar that dockworkers and laborers frequent. "You're all early! I approve!" Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry, an affable half-orc woman, clasps a mug in one hand and motions to the open seats around the table. "Before I begin the briefing, why don't we share a round of drinks while you introduce yourselves to each other and to me?"

Grigorii eyes the Venture-Captain, a little self-conscious of his human-dominant traits, and glad to have made a good impression.

"I am Grigorii. Warrior-poet. I cannot claim the title of shaman, but I studied with one for a time while fighting in the
pits of Ostenso in Cheliax. It is from him that I learned to call forth the spirits to inspire and protect my allies in battle."

"I only got a glimpse of power before my training was cut short. When my teacher died, I joined the Pathfinder Society
to seek out dark secrets and study them." We'll find something of interest around here, I expect.

Grigorii finishes his mug in one extended draw, then rises to fill it again, eyes gleaming.

"Here, the next round is on me." Juniper saunters over to the bar. "Bartender! Two more pints for my friends, Grigorii and Calisro," she thumbs back toward the half-orcs, "and I'll have the same."

Three pint glasses held between her two small soot-covered hands, Juniper winds her way through the crowded taproom. She stumbles back to the table bumping into patrons and barmaids alike, but never spills a drop. She sets the three pints on the table triumphantly, "Ah. Made it," and passes mugs to Grigorii and Calisro before lifting her own in both hands. She brings the mug to her lips as she sits, but immediately discovers that there is no chair beneath her. Juniper lands hard on her backside, but somehow manages to not spill her beer.

"Well, that was pretty lucky," she says as she picks herself up off the floor and sits down in her errant chair.

"I'm Juniper Berrythwaite, paladin of Apsu, the Waybringer. I am honored to be here today, Calisro. It is a pleasure to meet you, Grigorii." Juniper raises her mug in a toast. "I heard we are meeting a pair of baronesses today. That's exciting! I've never met a baroness before, let alone two in the same day. I'm sure they are both lovely."

Kiku bows to the Venture-Captain.

"I am deeply honored by your approval. Even though I have been traveling on my pilgrimage for some time, Magnimar is where I grew up, so I still remember it quite well. Though I have not been to this part of town much, I must admit."

Kiku takes a seat off to the side, where she doesn't take up much space. Her phantom, Yojimbo, stands behind her as a guard, arms folded.

"Oh...drinks? Um...I would prefer some tea or water if that is okay. Alcohol would be better served to others who are able to appreciate it better."

Kiku gives Grigorii a soft, sad smile.

"I am very saddened to hear that you lost your mentor. I will remember him this evening when I perform my dance to Ashava."

She clasps her hands and closes her eyes, remaining silent for a few moments. She opens her eyes and folds her hands on her lap once more.

"So, you can call spirits as well? Yojimbo--" She nods towards her phantom. "--is a spirit that I have called to help me in my work. The spirits of the dead are often filled with many negative emotions over their deaths and the unfinished business they left behind. I try to help them find their way to the Boneyard so that they don't turn those negative emotions into violence."

Kiku waves at Juniper.

"Greetings. We are honored to have your company."

"Greetings all...tea is fine with me. I'm from Varisia so the journey wasn't far. What brings you up here?"

"Pleased to meet ya!" she smiles and takes another gulp of her beer.

Edit: "Harsk! Wow, it is such a pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard so much about you. No one told me you were going to be here. Is Biter here too?" Juniper peers around the bar.

"Thanks to both of you" he smiles at the halfling.

Grigorii settles back into his seat, savoring his drink this time.

He nods in respect to the phantom, Yojimbo, then addresses Kiku.

Arching an eyebrow, "Some would consider turning anger into violence a valuable asset."

He grins darkly, showing his tusks.

"But, it would please me to learn your ways, spirit-talker. I call warrior spirits forth and
give them another taste of battle. Their rage makes me and mine stronger for the fight.
I would help them in return for their aid."

"Greetings," he nods toward the dwarf.

Shel nods at the others politely and sips from her mug of ale. Her words however, were spoken directly to the Venture Captain. "It is a pleasure to meet you all, especially Venture Captain Benarry. I don't believe I've had the pleasure to serve you, ma'am. I'm Shel Whispertongue, one of the 'Baronesses,' I'm afraid, as it was an honorary title bestowed on me in Oppara," she sort of blushes as it was clear talking of this title embarrassed her just a bit.

"Nevertheless, I'd expect you've read some of my mission summaries, however. Trust me, your team is in good hands with me handling the delicate details. I've only received exemplary recommendations from the other Venture Captains," she explained, all business. It was clear this tiny halfling in the shiny breastplate with the wicked looking kukri, wasn't the typical jovial happy-go-lucky type.

Juniper turns to Grigorii and whispers, "She's not overly friendly, is she? Well, no matter, I'm sure the other baroness will be much nicer." She turns her attention back to her beer with a warm sincere smile.

Grigorii grins toothily still nursing his mug,"Hah. Nobles can be such dainty little things. But, I this one will do well if we run into trouble."

To Shel he says,"Such delicate hands they are. I trust you are not afraid to get them dirty?" Battle-lust shows behind his eyes, just a shadow of the fearsome visage the half-orc displays to leave foes shaking in their boots.

The doors of the Hall open to reveal a somber looking female Halfling dressed in a conservative red, black and white servant's uniform. She warily wanders the tables with a scrap of paper in her hand, glancing down at it often as she scans the faces gathered in the room. Upon noticing the gathering of Pathfinders she approaches your table.

"Greetings," she says politely, her voice barely audible amidst the drone of attendants, "You must be Venture Captain..." she glances between Calisro and Grigorii before settling her gaze on the Venture Captain. "...Benarry. My name is Dalia. I apologize for the interruption, and the inconvenience. My mistress, the highly regarded" her voice cracks slightly "Baroness Azara Emberkin is en route. She sent me in her stead. She is finishing some business nearby and bid me to inform you of her belated arrival. It should not be much longer..."

Kiku gives Dalia a kind smile, though her eyes show a sadness in recognition of the halfling's status.

"Thank you very much. You have not inconvenienced us at all. It was very thoughtful for your mistress to send you to give word."

Kiku sits up and turns her chair towards Dalia.

"You look tired. I would be honored if you could take my seat until your mistress joins us. You can have my tea as well, if it pleases you."

Kiku bows slowly and respectfully towards the halfling.

Dalia smiles in return, a bit of a surprised look on her face, but remains standing.

"Thank you for the offer, but I've been told the water here is... Oh, what did she describe it as? 'Unpalatable'. It's best if I abstain."

She glances back towards the doors to the Hall...

Kiku holds her hand up to her mouth, her eyes showing a deep concern.

"Oh, my! I sincerely apologize. I had no idea! I will show my appreciation another way.."

She reaches into her handy haversack and draws a piece of paper with a symbol of an emerald trumpet and a road, along with prayers written in Varisian, Tien, and Minkaian. She holds out the paper to Dalia.

"This piece of paper is an ofuda. It contains holy prayers to the Empyreal Lord of Messengers, Sinashakti. I pass this blessing on to you."

Kiku clasps her hands together and inclines her head in prayer.

"May all of your messages be filled with Immaculate Joy."

She has ofuda for all 54 empyreal lords (along with a few others), so she's fine giving one away :)

Grigorii scowls. She's just a slave. We all have our lot in life. Those at the bottom either fight their way up or learn their place. Kindnesses won't make her stronger.

Impatient, he draws forth blackened blood sausages. He offers a slice to the Venture-Captain. "Would you like some?"

The sausages are Orc rations. Not very appetizing, but in his diet for the intimidate bonus.

(statblock updated!)

Almost as if on cue the doors to the Hall open yet again, this time revealing the silhouette of a much taller woman... and perhaps one with... horns? As she strides confidently into the room it becomes obvious that this new visitor is an Ifrit. Judging by her posture and attire she must also be well to do. A solid gold unholy symbol of Asmodeus hangs prominently around her neck.

Dalia quickly steps to the side, giving the woman room to approach the table. As soon as the Ifrit gets within mere feet of the group, bringing with her a supernatural warmth that permeates the already cramped atmosphere, Dalia steps slightly behind her and remains still. This pomp and pageantry appears well rehearsed.

"Ah, Dalia, excellent. I trust you've been entertaining as always?" With a smug grin the Ifrit turns her attention from the Halfling to the Venture Captain. "Please excuse the need for me to send my herald. Dalia has never been to Magnimar before. All this" she gestures to the crowded room "is a bit more uncivilized than she is used to."

"Yes, baroness. Egorian is much more orderly." Her response rolls off her tongue as though she's repeated it a hundred times before.

"But, let us dispense with the pleasantries and get on to business. I was held up already at the docks (Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21) and am in desperate need of a hot bath and a massage. Hopefully this briefing will not take long?"

She sits after a moment, the cramped environment giving her pause as to how to best perform such a mundane maneuver.

Shel shoots the half orc a side eyed glare. "My hands will be just fine, of course. But, I do wonder about your reading ability, if you've not read my published chronicles. I'll help you sound out the big words," she grumbles as she rolls her eyes.

"If you don't mind I'll try a sausage?"

The badger stares at the sausages and licks his lips.

"Blood sausages? Delicious! Don't mind if I do." Calisro grabs a hearty sized slice and eats it with gusto. She's nodded to your various introductions, content for the moment to watch and assess.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

She listens to Azara's excuse with a disinterested shrug, taking it at face value.

Fantastic RP so far!

"Hah! Stories on paper are dead, dry and brittle as bone. Ahh, but a song. A song brings a tale to life! Only music can adequately express the racing of your heart, or the thrill of the chase. Perhaps, you've heard my chantey about the valiant defense of the town of Nesting Swallow in far-off Tian Xia? Or the tale of Bellis in Andoran, and its assault by the fey of the Fellnight Queen? Those are stories to engage your heart and stick in your mind."

Without taking his eyes off of Shel, "My pleasure, Harsk. Though it may be a little tough for your friend." Grigorii cuts off a finger-length of sausage with some obvious effort and passes it to the dwarf.

"If our exploits here are worthy of a song, be sure that every lodge from here to the barren deserts of Qadira will hear the tune and know our names and deeds." ...or something very much like them...

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (10) + 14 = 24
Glorymane SM: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

"But of course Baroness, we wouldn't want to delay you." (Bluff: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (6) + 14 = 20) Grigorii's gracious smile doesn't quite reach his eyes.

"Thank you for the offer, Grigorii, but I must decline. I am a vegetarian. Biter seems to be enjoying it though!" Juniper giggles.

Turning toward Azara, Sense Motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (2) - 2 = 0 "That sounds terrible, Az—mind if I call you Az? We need to get you a drink. What will you have? Barmaid! Barmaid!" she shouts and raises one soot-soiled hand into the air. Juniper spots the taproom's serving girl hurriedly rushing between tables in the crowded tavern. "She looks busy, maybe I better just go get it. Beer ok?" Juniper begins walking toward the bar. "Can I get anyone else anything? Harsk, Kiku, maybe some more hot water for your tea?"

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19

Following Azara's comments, Kiku's smile dissolves. Though she does not look directly at the ifrit, she's clearly speaking to her.

"Magnimar is my home. I am thankful every day for my luck in being born into such a wonderful place filled with so many lovely people." Kiku's voice carries just the barest hint of reproach.

Kiku suddenly smiles again as she looks at Dalia.

"Dalia was indeed good company for is while we waited. Thank you for sending her."

Hearing Juniper's offer of more hot water, Kiku turns to face her, the priestess's face joyful at meeting such a nice and polite person (especially with the company of the Baronesses).

"Thank you. That would be lovely. I would be honored to accept your hospitality."

"Ah yes, a pretty song. I love those. There are plenty of songstresses in Oppara that are trained in those musical arts. I suppose different areas have different traditions, of course. We have the Lions of Taldor for the more masculine," she smiles sweetly at the orc. "But now I'm intrigued. Please tell me, do you play the harp? There is a wonderful soprano in the Guilded City that is simply amazing. A bit of music to accompany my adventuring successes could be a welcome change."

She turns her attention back to the Venture Captain, again becoming engaged in the mission details.

"Thanks for the sausage."

Harsk nibbles on the sausage. "Songs are all good and fine...but they're nothing compared to the drums in a dwarven hall. Like the farewell to the hearth and hall. That always brings a tear to my eye. I haven't heard it in years."

To those that made their Sense Motive you notice Azara attempting to correct a slight dishevelment to her hair, as well as the slightest smudge of her lipstick, and perhaps some light red marks at the base of her neck, all suggesting recent "activity".

Azara promptly responds to Juniper's suggestion almost as soon as it rolls off her tongue, "No, 'Azara' will suffice. Officially, 'Baroness', but as there are two here of equal status, we may forgo formalities in an attempt to prevent confusion."

She leaves the question of what to drink hanging unanswered.

After some time, Juniper can be seen weaving her way back through the crowded room toward the table of Pathfinders. Somehow, she has managed to stack five mugs of ale between her arms, with a fresh white porcelain teapot balanced on top. Little wisps of steam emanate from its spout as she bobs and weaves around human legs, her cloak dragging dangerously behind her.

It is not clear how Juniper can see past the mugs and teapot piled up in front of her face, but she marches straight for the table and nearly walks headlong into a drunken dwarf who stumbles into her path. At the last moment, the dwarf totters to the side and just misses careening into the overloaded halfling.

Upon reaching the table, Juniper manages to place the mugs on the table, still stacked with the steaming teapot on top. She lifts the teapot and walks around the table, refilling the cups of tea in front of Harsk and Kiku. She then distributes the mugs of ale and beer to the other Pathfinders, turning her attention last to Azara, "I wasn't sure what you'd like, Az, so I got you a stout. This one's good—it has a bit of a coffee flavor to it."

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 1 = 7
Az isn't too bad. It must be rough for a tiefling from Egorian. She probably really needs a friend.

Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 1 = 16
But I don't trust anyone who worships the Dark Prince. May Apsu guide my way.

"Well, everyone's here." She turns back to Venture-Captain Calisro Benarry as she sits. "What's the Society got in store for us this time?" Juniper then takes a nice long drink from her beer.

As soon as she sees the tower of liquid containers Juniper is holding, Kiku jumps up to help.

"Oh, my goodness! You did not have to try bringing everything at once."

She wraps the sleeve of her robes around her hand to protect it from the heat and carefully removes the teapot. She sets it down and exhales, revealing she had been holding her breath.

"Thank you again for bringing us refreshments, Juniper."

After pouring her hot water, Kiku tries to identify Azara's lineage and religion, as well as what she remembers about Apsu, Juniper's patron.

Knowledge (planes): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23 On what Azara is
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17 On her religion
Knowledge (religion): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24 On Juniper's religion

@Juniper I was literally just drinking a stout with coffee in it when I read that message lol

It is very unusual for a humanoid to be worshiping Apsu. What purpose Apsu has in store for little Juniper remains a mystery.

Grigorii accepts a mug from the friendly halfling, finishing his last in a gulp. He sits back and chews thoughtfully on a tough piece of blood sausage, eyes darting between Shel and Azara under a furrowed bow.

"Hrmph"

Knowledge(planes): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21 Azara
Knowledge(religion): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 Juniper/Apsu

Heh, it seems we have one Baroness made of ice, and another of fire. Perhaps I will write a song about this one.

Azara sighs.

"Dalia? In the pack, please."

Dalia seems momentarily distracted by the frothy mug of ale sitting untouched in front of Azara, but regains her composure and starts digging through Azara's Handy Haversack. A moment later she produces a wine glass and a bottle of fine Chelish wine, uncorks it, and pours it gingerly into the glass for Azara.

Calisro Berry nods at Juniper. "We all have our drinks, and you've had a chance to meet your team. Let's begin."

"I've finished the arrangements.” She lowers her voice to avoid being overheard. “You've probably heard rumors that about some Thassilonian ruins that just resurfaced, and it's time to tell you the whole story. There's an island called Flintyreach a few hundred miles northwest of here, and thanks to all of the giants, the only folk with the guts to live there are half-orcs. Averaka's the largest half-orc town the world's ever seen, so as you might imagine,” she notes, gesturing at her green skin, “that we get along pretty nicely."

“One of their scouts spotted fresh ruins recently, and the plan had been to have you along as we checked it out. The trouble is that the trek north took a lot longer than I'd hoped, and I'm past due to get back south to Garund and the Gloomspires. The long and short of it is that the Thassilonian site's all yours now, if you're still interested. I've secured a ship to take you there in good time, and I'll finish up a letter to introduce you to the Averakans in just a bit.”

Then the half-orc pauses and looks at Kiku with a smile. "Speaking of letters, I have one that arrived today addressed to you. Let me hand it to you before I forget."

Benarry leans in over the table. “There's some better news, though. For about ten years, Chief Gorgnak has ruled the local giants. It sounds like one of his underlings has rebelled and started capturing Gorgnak's cronies to work for her, and the chief is right pissed. My Averakan pal in Magnimar let me know that our half-orc kin are planning a big assault to strike the giants while they're squabbling, and you can use that chaos to slip through contested territory, check out the ruins, and make sure that anything you can't explore or bring back isn't likely to fall into the trolls' hands before we can send a bigger team to finish the job."

“Once the Grinning Pixie is sufficiently re-provisioned, I'm sailing south as fast as I can. That gives us a little while to talk if you have questions." She looks at you expectantly.

How many giants there there? Do the half orcs have enough troops for a strike?

"A whole town of half-orcs? Impressive. How do they govern themselves? To whom should we present ourselves? A chieftain, the mayor?"

"Wait. Did you say trolls? That sounds pretty exciting! What other races of giants occupy Flintyreach? Can you tell us more about what's his name—Grog-neck?" Juniper giggles. What a funny name for a giant chief. Grog. Neck. More giggling.

Kiku's eyes grow big as she hears she has a letter.

"A letter? For me? Oh, I haven't received a letter in a long time...."

Kiku takes the letter with trepidation, placing it carefully into her pack to read later, once the briefing is over, as it would be rude to not give the Venture-Captain full attention.

Kiku closes her eyes and traces a symmetrical shape--maybe some kind of flower?--in the air with her finger.

"We truly walk the Serendipitous Path this day. I have spent many years studying the Sin magic of ancient Thassilon in search of ways to better combat its corrupting influence. Hopefully, my meager knowledge will be of some help in our mission."

She opens her eyes and looks to the Venture-Captain.

"Do we know anything else about the ruins? Perhaps which Sin and Runelord it is dedicated to?"

I'll have Calisro answer your questions shortly. Meanwhile, let's see what your characters already know.

______________________________________

Knowledge about Thassilon and the kingdom of Edasseril:

_______________________________________

Knowledge about Averaka and the Giants of Flintyreach:

Knowledge (history): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23

Kiku's face brightens.

"Oh, I remember now! This would be within Edasseril. It was the kingdom dedicated to Envy magic--that would be a type of abjuration. They often fought with the elves."

She glances off to the side, scrunching her mouth up as she tries to extract something from memory. Her face loosens as she finds it.

"Belimarius. That was the name of the last Runelord of Envy. Nobody knows what happened to her, whether she is alive or dead."

Juniper cannot make any of those rolls, but she might be able to ask around (Diplomacy) after the briefing. If anyone succeeds on the above Knowledge checks, will you please share what you know? Thanks.

Grigorii pauses to consider.

"I have heard of Averaka before, when I was younger. But a town of entirely half-orcs? I thought that it could only be a story to comfort the young. I suppose only those of us with fierce blood would brave the threat of giants on Flintyreach."

Know. Local 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26

Shel takes a deep breath and begins her discourse. "My reading has provided not a small bit of knowledge about Averaka and the Giants of Flyntyreach. Listen carefully...this could be important."

She looks around and begins talking. " Flintyreach is one of the larger islands in the Ironbound Archipelago, though few settlers have risked living there thanks to the many giants that rule its interior. The exception is Averaka, a thriving town comprised almost entirely of half-orcs. Nearly all of Flintyreach's giants pay homage to Gorgnak, a surprisingly charismatic hill giant who also has trolls, ettins, and a few ogres as part of his ragtag kingdom. A council of three leads Averaka. Councilor Kalla Tusk-Breaker oversees military endeavors, Councilor Bravok oversees religious matters, and Councilor Suota Iron-Tongue oversees cultural interests."

After she disclosed all of her knowledge about the topic, she needles the half orc. "See Grigori, reading is fundamental."

Trolls...What did my cousin, Professor Cosmo Berrythwaite tell me about trolls that one time...?

Knowledge (local), untrained: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Blast! I can't remember. Maybe I should have paid more attention to him.

Azara sips her wine, taking in all the information as though she were supervising the group.

Knowledge (Nobility): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

"Ah, yes, Dalia, that was a good vintage."

"Calisro, this sounds like a time sensitive mission. Might it be faster to travel to the site with the aid of magic, rather than a... Ship?"

If we can eventually gather information using Diplomacy, my check would be: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (16) + 15 = 31

How many giants there there? Do the half orcs have enough troops for a strike?

”What do I look like? A census-taker?” Calisro laughs. It’s a big belly laugh, and then she takes a swig of beer. ”They may have some troops that they can devote to the cause, but you’ll have the impress the war council first.”

"A whole town of half-orcs? Impressive. How do they govern themselves? To whom should we present ourselves? A chieftain, the mayor?"

“You’ll love Averka, Grigorii.” Calisro grins. ”If you asked what sort of people live in an entirely half-orc community, this is what I’d tell you. You'll find some of the finest folk in Avistan. Averaka is only dangerous if you pick fights with the locals. It's the rest of the island that's scary, thanks to all of the giants. Averaka's been trying to wipe them out for decades, but it's hard to get rid of trolls forever.” The Venture Captain nods to all of you like this is of course common knowledge.

”As for the government you asked for, that would be the Council. One of the three councilors—Bravok—is a close friend of mine, and he travels widely to spread the word about Averaka. Half-orcs aren't all bloodlust and carnage like the rumor mill would suggest, and Bravok's a fine ambassador of our better qualities."

"Wait. Did you say trolls? That sounds pretty exciting! What other races of giants occupy Flintyreach? Can you tell us more about what's his name—Grog-neck?" Juniper giggles. What a funny name for a giant chief. Grog. Neck. More giggling.

Calisro smiles at the halfling’s giggles, but still corrects her. ”Gorgneck, I mean Gorgnak, oh now you have me doing it!” She laughs fully and easily, but then shakes her head. ”You’d better get that right if you diplomatic types decide that you want to talk with him when you’re up there.”

Kiku's face brightens.

"Oh, I remember now! This would be within Edasseril. It was the kingdom dedicated to Envy magic--that would be a type of abjuration. They often fought with the elves."

She glances off to the side, scrunching her mouth up as she tries to extract something from memory. Her face loosens as she finds it.

"Belimarius. That was the name of the last Runelord of Envy. Nobody knows what happened to her, whether she is alive or dead."

Calisro raises an eyebrow and says, ”I’ll take your word for it. Getting more experienced people to deal with Thassilonian ruins was part of why I called you all in.”

Shel takes a deep breath and begins her discourse. "My reading has provided not a small bit of knowledge about Averaka and the Giants of Flyntyreach. Listen carefully...this could be important."

She looks around and begins talking. " Flintyreach is one of the larger islands in the Ironbound Archipelago, though few settlers have risked living there thanks to the many giants that rule its interior. The exception is Averaka, a thriving town comprised almost entirely of half-orcs. Nearly all of Flintyreach's giants pay homage to Gorgnak, a surprisingly charismatic hill giant who also has trolls, ettins, and a few ogres as part of his ragtag kingdom. A council of three leads Averaka. Councilor Kalla Tusk-Breaker oversees military endeavors, Councilor Bravok oversees religious matters, and Councilor Suota Iron-Tongue oversees cultural interests."

After she disclosed all of her knowledge about the topic, she needles the half orc. "See Grigori, reading is fundamental."

’You’ve done your homework ahead of time, haven’t you?” Calisro peers at Shel. ”Impressive indeed. Well, you’re living up to your reputation. I knew that there had to be some reason the other Venture Captains put up with you.” She grins, affably, to take the sting out of her words. "To your summary I would add the following; Kalla is in charge of the guards and patrols, with a decorated past working for the one and only White Estrid. Suota Iron-Tongue guides our lore, arts, and culture, helping define us not as half-breeds but as a true people. They may be stubborn at times, but there are few people I respect more.”

Shel’s research gives the whole party a +1 on all checks to deal with the Averkan Councilliors. Nice job!

"Calisro, this sounds like a time sensitive mission. Might it be faster to travel to the site with the aid of magic, rather than a... Ship?"

”The passage is already booked. Do you have another means of transporting the entire party?”

Azara addresses the group, "We've all collected handsome sums during our tenure with the Society, yes? I'm sure combining a bit of coin could ensure us a swift Teleport to the area."

Turning back to the Venture Captain, "That is, if we have a proper location to travel to."

"Yeah, um, Az... I have about two-hundred gold pieces, give or take." Juniper seems embarrassed to admit this to Azara, especially in front of the Venture Captain and Shel. Brightening, she adds, "But I might be able to use a scroll if you have one...maybe."

Shel laughs. "I've invested every copper I have into goods for the mission. I hold nothing back, as Id never forgive myself if I didn't have something in the field except a sack of gold. Contributing to a Teleport spell is out of my current price range, as I have already geared up so to speak."

"We will be fine on ze boat, Baroness. No need to go to trouble."

A ship coming into port makes for a better song, and sailors sure can carry a tune.

Kiku grimaces. She pulls her purse out of her handy haversack to check it, then quickly returns it.

"I...um...do not have much money right now. Between all the scrolls, and the belt I just got, and paying Yojimbo for his services, I only have 40 unspent gold right now...."

She sighs and frowns, making sure she's turned away from her phantom. Her voice becomes even more quiet than usual.

"Being Yojimbo's master is very expensive...."

Calisro looks at her empty mug, frowns and then sighs, pushing it away from her. "Best not. Contrary to rumor, there is such a thing as being too drunk to sail. Never again."

"Averaka is a modest-sized fishing community." The well-muscled half-orc Venture Captain grins at Azara, slapping the Cheliaxian noble on the back. "It'll take you longer to find a powerful wizard who's been to a fishing town in the middle of a giant-infested archipelago than it will to just sail there, Baroness. You don't want the locals to think that you're too good for boat travel, do you?"

"Besides," she says, pulling out a pocket watch, "I can tell that it's high time for all of us to get sailing to our various destinations." Her eyes take on a wanderlust gleam. "Heard of the Gloomspires? They're strange towers that rise from the sea and are only navigable at certain times of the year. I have some magical assistance to make it easier, but it's tricky enough that I can't miss this window.”

She pays the remaining bar tab. "Come, I'll walk you to the docks!"

There'll be plenty of opportunities for diplomacy in just a bit, my diplomancers! Meanwhile, any last questions for the Venture Captain before I move you forward?