Tales from the City of Opal

Game Master Patrick Curtin

This is my homebrew world Arcaia. This particular setting is the free city of Opal, a lush equatorial city set on the edge of an immense jungle rife with undead , ancient civilizations, and dinosaurs.


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Bribes always welcome
Sanvoros Draben wrote:
San turns back to Armando. "So, what were you saying about this House Akkavin?"

Armando leans closer, lowering his voice

"House Akkavin is an ancient house that deals in shipping. They normally travel to the Eastern Isles, but lately they have turned their attention to the southern reaches of Turquoise Bay as well. Traditionally, only smaller merchants like myself have bothered in that area, the profits have been too thin for the likes of them.

Recently, they have been offering to buy out merchants and independent ships dealing in the area. I was approached, but I declined. My ship disappeared on its next run. I suspect them and their sahaguin allies, but I have no proof. I need someone relatively unknown to travel down to Shoalsbreak and find out what is going on."


Bribes always welcome
Magnus Darkenstar wrote:
"Well my dear, I prefer blondes. With a hint of strawberry. But, As it appears that you are currently busy, and therefore unavailable, I shall have a drink. And perhaps later you shall allow me to buy YOU one?" He waggles his perfectly trimmed eyebrows.

The barkeep smiles, her almond-shaped green eyes crinkling in her tanned face.

"My, you are a bold one! Perhaps you might, but it is early yet. I am not free until after the noon prayer call."

She reaches up to grab a bottle. Magnus spies a well-worn scabbard attached to the wide belt around her slender middle. A short floral green skirt swirls as she turns and uncorks an old green bottle. the cork gives a *pop* and a rush of bubbles come from the top, dripping down the sides.

"This is Aelvelvitae from Dragora. FCO 255, if I recall the conversion from 3rd Age dates right. A rose a glass, but well worth the expense."

She pours the pale fizzing drink into a long slender glass and tops it with a slice of orange.

"Enjoy ser..?"


Kessel takes note of the table and moves over to the bar to let the group conclude their business before approaching. He slides up beside Magnus.

"Good day," Kessel says to the barkeep in his surprisingly rich deep voice , "Whisky and water if you have it, whatever passes for meed or beer in these parts if you don't."

Kessel's voice easily cuts through the hum of the room, he seems to scarcely raise his volume over conversation level, and yet everyone at the bar hears him clearly over the din of dozens of other conversations. His diction is clear and precise. His is the voice of a skilled orator.


Female Human
Citlali One Skull wrote:

Silent during the discussion, Citlali suddenly stiffens, eyes taking on a distant look as her head turned towrds the door. Her eyes locked on a clean cut young man standing just inside, taking in the surrounding.

"I have dreamt this moment. That man..." she points to the young foreigner at the door, "...he must be a part of this. Young but with an anciant soul. He and one other will lead to success.One long gone and now returned."

A few minutes after Citlali's pronouncement, Vilya, who has clearly not been paying much attention, gives the pair at the bar a sidelong look.

"I think I missed something. Were you talking about the dandy or the stiff? Either way, we're in deep trouble."

Sczarni

Female Human Oracle of the Heavens 6

Citlali c0cks her head as she looks at Vilya, her face thoughtful as she processes the other woman's words.

"I was referring to both these men I believe. The stars have drawn them both to this place at this time. Why do you see trouble?"


Female Human
Citlali One Skull wrote:

Citlali c0cks her head as she looks at Vilya, her face thoughtful as she processes the other woman's words.

"I was referring to both these men I believe. The stars have drawn them both to this place at this time. Why do you see trouble?"

"I just know they're going to be getting in my way. Call it a premonition. They'll be tripping me up, making it so that the rest of us don't get as much of a share of the loot. I say we use them as arrow-fodder."

She leans in closer.

"I know a few nice ways to make it look like an accident..."

Vilya giggles and leans back in her chair, her eyes glinting like dark gemstones.

"I might actually know that flash bastard with the hat... Think I might have, ah, relieved him of certain shiny things once or twice..."


Male Elf Paladin/Ranger 4/1

"I'd say that probably entitles them to at least a share of your loot then, right Vilya?
And there will be no 'accidents'. There is enough danger without us conspiring against one another."

As he finishes speaking, Izkrael stands from the table.

"I shall bring them over if everyone is okay with that."


Elf Magus 5
Dungeon Monkey wrote:


The barkeep smiles, her almond-shaped green eyes crinkling in her tanned face.

"My, you are a bold one! Perhaps you might, but it is early yet. I am not free until after the noon prayer call.",...

Magnus observes the barkeep's attractive motions with unabashed appreciation as she fetches the bottle and pours it into a glass.

"Bold? Me?" He asks with almost painfully exaggerated mock innocence. "I shall just have to endure until the noon prayer call, and pray that my prayers are answered!" He declares with a roguish grin.

"And may I complement you upon your fine taste in jewelry?" He says with a wink not at her earrings, but the slim scabbard almost hidden in the flare of her skirts.

Dungeon Monkey wrote:

"This is Aelvelvitae from Dragora. FCO 255, if I recall the conversion from 3rd Age dates right. A rose a glass, but well worth the expense."

She pours the pale fizzing drink into a long slender glass and tops it with a slice of orange.

"Enjoy ser..?"

"Darkenstar. Magnus Darkenstar." He says (almost proclaims) as he slides another gold rose to join the first one. He takes the glass and raises it, looking into the barkeep's eyes.

"Delicious." He grins, not having tasted the drink yet.

At that moment, another well-dressed man slides up beside Magnus. (There is the barest flicker of annoyance [or pouting] that crosses the elf's face at the ruining of his 'moment'.)

Kessel Cobey wrote:
"Good day," Kessel says to the barkeep in his surprisingly rich deep voice , "Whisky and water if you have it, whatever passes for meed or beer in these parts if you don't."

Magnus takes a sip of his fluted glass and eyes the newcomer, not unkindly, but obviously sizing him up as competition. After a moment he has obviously reached his decision, and grins broadly. (Was, was that a flash from one of his teeth?)

"And good day to you sir! This lovely lady is very talented at matching the desired drink to it's owner. You are in most capable hands!" He says with a smile at the barkeep.

"Speaking as one who is but recently returned to Opal, I observe that you do not appear to be from here. Might I ask where you are from?" He inquires politely, if a touch formally.

While waiting for the newcomer to reply, Magnus observes a sudden intensifying of the discussion at the table he had noticed earlier. In particular he notices the intense (IE= dagger-filled) glances of the willowy, dark-haired woman.

"Ah. Another fan!" He sighs, obviously misinterpreting the looks from the woman. "Fear not my dear, I shall let her down gently, but I shall wait for you. I shall seek you out after the noon prayers!" He says to the barkeep with an (almost) sincere look, and a blown kiss.

Magnus drains his glass, savoring the flavor, and places it down on the bar with a sigh of satisfaction as he notes a dark-skinned elf rise from the table, obviously looking at him. (Or the new arrival next to him. Nah, of course it's him!)

Magnus gestures to the table, and speaks conversationally to the newcomer next to him.
"Well. It appears they have reached the same conclusion that I have. Their little group is missing one important person. Me!" He grins broadly.


Female Human
Izkrael wrote:
"I'd say that probably entitles them to at least a share of your loot then, right Vilya?"

"If they can hold onto it. Which I doubt."


Female Human
Magnus Darkenstar wrote:
"Well. It appears they have reached the same conclusion that I have. Their little group is missing one important person. Me!" He grins broadly.

Couldn't resist...


Kessel glances up at the tall elf.

"Greetings and well met," He says in nearly flawless Elven before switching back to the common tongue, "I hale from a small hamlet named Ynys Môf, on the shores of Lock an Dubh-Leathaid, which is in the kingdom of Northumbra. I believe in these parts the islands I hale from are called the Mystic Isles or the Misty Isles, either is fine with me. My name is Kessel, nice to meet you."


Elf Magus 5

Lol! Very nice Shiny! If my post made you think of that, then I'm on the right track! :)

"Well met indeed!" Magnus replies in Elvin before continuing in common. His grin seems more genuine than before.

"And I am called Darkenstar. Magnus Darkenstar." He says with a small bow of his head. There is a brief moment where he waits for a sign of recognition, but seeing none continues smoothly.

"You speak the High Tongue very well Master Kessel. Most others seem unable to hit, or hear, the higher tonal accents. I have heard of your Misty Isles, and passed very near there once in my travels. Very lovely country. So, what brings you to our little corner of the world? The temptation of treasure? The lure of glory? A taste for adventure?"


"I'm in search of a song," Kessel says enigmatically, "Money and treasure bring their own weight in problems and glory can be fleeting, but a good song . . . well even your long lived race can appreciate that kind of immortality."


Female Human

Vilya stares at her shot glass, talking to no one in particular.

"He talks a lot, doesn't he."

She sticks out her tongue. One gets the impression that she's not taking offense to anything Magnus is doing in particular, but instead taking offense to being upstaged by his ostentatiousness.


Male Elf Paladin/Ranger 4/1

An extremely pale-skinned and much-scarred elf approaches the two at the bar.

"Greetings strangers. My name is Izkrael, of the Order of the Feathered Serpent. I was wondering if you wouldn't mind joining me and my companions at that table there." he says as he points behind him in the direction of the table everyone else is sitting at.

"We are entertaining a merchant's hiring proposal, and would appreciate it if you would come over and give your opinion on the matters. One of our table believes it neccesary."


Kessel raises an eyebrow.

"I'd saw the lady staring at me moments earlier and had intended to join you once your business was concluded," Kessel says in his rich deep voice, "but she says it's necessary for us to join you now? I'm not a fan of destiny or fate, they make for bad stories, but I'm not one to resist something when, as of yet, I have no stake in the outcomes. My name is Kessel by the way."

Kessel grabs his drink, paying the barkeep in silver, then turning to Izkrael he says in elven:

"Lead on elven friend, lead on."


Elf Magus 5

Magnus inclines his head to the pale, scarred elf and speaks in his native tongue. "Greetings, and long life Izkrael." He gives the traditional elvish greeting.

Magnus arcs an eyebrow at Kessel's words, then shrugs slightly and continues in Common. "Well, I shall be delighted to accompany you. I get the feeling that your little group may provide precisely the distraction I have been looking for. Lead on indeed!" He declares as he rises from the bar stool with a last wink at the barkeep. He sweeps his wide hat onto his head and follows Izkreal.

"After all, one mustn't keep a young lady waiting!" He adds conspiratorially to Kessel once out of earshot of the barmaid. He preens his eartips with a smirk, just possibly misunderstanding the burning looks that the dark-haired woman keeps throwing his way.

Vilya the Taker wrote:
She sticks out her tongue. One gets the impression that she's not taking offense to anything Magnus is doing in particular, but instead taking offense to being upstaged by his ostentatiousness.

Oh, we're going to get along FAMOUS-ly. I can tell! :D


Female Human
Magnus Darkenstar wrote:
Oh, we're going to get along FAMOUS-ly. I can tell! :D

I see what you did there. Damn skippy.


Male Half-Elf Ranger 1 / Wizard (transmuter) 5
Dungeon Monkey wrote:
Sanvoros Draben wrote:
San turns back to Armando. "So, what were you saying about this House Akkavin?"

Armando leans closer, lowering his voice

"House Akkavin is an ancient house that deals in shipping. They normally travel to the Eastern Isles, but lately they have turned their attention to the southern reaches of Turquoise Bay as well. Traditionally, only smaller merchants like myself have bothered in that area, the profits have been too thin for the likes of them.

Recently, they have been offering to buy out merchants and independent ships dealing in the area. I was approached, but I declined. My ship disappeared on its next run. I suspect them and their sahaguin allies, but I have no proof. I need someone relatively unknown to travel down to Shoalsbreak and find out what is going on."

"Sound like lovely folks, and I'm sure it was only a coincidence that your ship disappeared right after. OK, I can't speak for everyone here, but I'm definitely in.

"Now, can you give us some direction on passage down there? Got any friends or at least acquaintences that'll bring us down?"


Female Human

Thread bump.


Elf Magus 5

Re-dot. How is everyone? :)


Still kicking . . . which is better then this thread at the moment :P


Male Elf Paladin/Ranger 4/1

Awaiting the chance to purge evil from the surrounding jungle!

Sczarni

Female Human Oracle of the Heavens 6

I'm here


Elf Magus 5

I saw our beloved monkey-man on the Silver Rose thread. He's slowly getting back to 'normal' (whatever that is!) :P so we should see him soon! <bounces eagerly in anticipation>


Male Half-Elf Ranger 1 / Wizard (transmuter) 5

Back from Italia and ready to go!


Bribes always welcome

Again apologies. I am going to try and get some done this weekend


Bribes always welcome

Armando turns to the group

"I have contracted with an independent shipmaster named Feregin Quo, a Senginese merchanter who sails the area about Shoalsbreak. He can take you there if my proposal seems palatable to you."


Elf Magus 5

Magnus saunters up to the table following Izkrael in time to hear the merchants final words.

"Greetings!" He declares with a smile, striking a pose with his hands on his hips.

"You friend has informed us that you could use our input on your latest venture." He says, generously including Kessel in his speech.

"You need not fear, for here we are!" He grins.


Female Human

Vilya stretches, catlike, in her chair, and looks to either side of the newcomers.

"Where's the rest of the circus?"


Male Half-Elf Ranger 1 / Wizard (transmuter) 5
Vilya the Taker wrote:

Vilya stretches, catlike, in her chair, and looks to either side of the newcomers.

"Where's the rest of the circus?"

"You arrived before them already," San replies, no trace of a smile on his lips.

Looking at Magnus and Kessel, he says, "Of course, I am so relieved you're both here! You have no idea how much I was agonizing you wouldn't come. By the way, who in the Hells are you?"

Back to Armando, he answers the man, "Again, I'm no leader, but I'm agreeable with your arrangement. Just tell me when the ship sails and I'll be on it. As for the rest of these clowns ..."

Sczarni

Female Human Oracle of the Heavens 6

A laugh erupts from Citlali before she can contain it, though she quickly regains her composure watching destiny unfold.


Female Halfling Swashbuckler 6

"As I already said I'm good to go."


"My name is Kessel Cobey," Kessel says in his rich deep voice, "I am a Fili, though I suspect bardic priest might be a better description in these lands. I've been classically trained at one of the top bardic collages in the known world, I read and write eight languages, and I know a little about nearly any subject you can imagine. I also have my magic. I suspect that I'm adequately qualified for whatever mercenary work this gentleman requires, but seeing as I'm new to this conversation, as well as this city, perhaps you might indulge me by representing the problem and terms of this endeavor?"

Kessel turns to Vilya, "I've never preformed in a circus though there is a certain appeal and ease to traveling the world and preforming for new people, but alas, mine is a profession of patronage, and by necessity I must work at keeping the same audience entertained every night. No easy task. Of course I suspect you made the comment in jest correct?"


Male Elf Paladin/Ranger 4/1

Izkrael turns to Sanvaros and the others at the table.

"Mind on filling them in, and catching me up on whatever I missed?"


Male Half-Elf Ranger 1 / Wizard (transmuter) 5
Kessel Cobey wrote:

"My name is Kessel Cobey," Kessel says in his rich deep voice, "I am a Fili, though I suspect bardic priest might be a better description in these lands. I've been classically trained at one of the top bardic collages in the known world, I read and write eight languages, and I know a little about nearly any subject you can imagine. I also have my magic. I suspect that I'm adequately qualified for whatever mercenary work this gentleman requires, but seeing as I'm new to this conversation, as well as this city, perhaps you might indulge me by representing the problem and terms of this endeavor?"

Kessel turns to Vilya, "I've never preformed in a circus though there is a certain appeal and ease to traveling the world and preforming for new people, but alas, mine is a profession of patronage, and by necessity I must work at keeping the same audience entertained every night. No easy task. Of course I suspect you made the comment in jest correct?"

"No, she made it in insanity and derangement. And not a little bit of irony and hypocrisy, as well. My recommendation? If you're thinking about coming with us, learn to take Vilya's comments with a grain of salt ... no, make that a mug of rum. Nice to meet you, Kessel. You too, Magnus. Here's the deal on the table." San then proceeds to fill them in on what Armando's trouble and offer is.


Female Human
Sanvoros Draben wrote:
"No, she made it in insanity and derangement. And not a little bit of irony and hypocrisy, as well. My recommendation? If you're thinking about coming with us, learn to take Vilya's comments with a grain of salt ... no, make that a mug of rum."

"I can hear you. I'm sitting right here."

Vilya sticks her long black tongue out at San.

"You're no fun."


Elf Magus 5

"But I'll bet that YOU are." Magnus says with a knowing smirk.

"And I am Magnus Darkenstar, mystical duelist extraordinaire of The Coatl's Wing', at your service." He says with a flourishing bow.

Magnus spins a chair around (from another table) and sits backwards on it, resting his hands on the back and his chin lightly upon his fingertips as he listens to San explain what he's getting himself into.

"Excellent! Just the thing I was looking forward too. I'm in!" He grins.


"An interesting plight," Kessel says upon hearing the merchant's story, "As an investigator I do hope you realize that we can promise you nothing, it could be your ship is at the bottom of ocean ripped apart by a rogue wave or perhaps even some unknown sea monster. Searching for your boat will be time consuming and a possibly fruitless endeavor."

Sczarni

Female Human Oracle of the Heavens 6

"It needs to be done."


Female Human
Magnus Darkenstar wrote:

"But I'll bet that YOU are." Magnus says with a knowing smirk.

"And I am Magnus Darkenstar, mystical duelist extraordinaire of The Coatl's Wing', at your service." He says with a flourishing bow.

"More fun than you can possibly imagine."

She grins, and her outline blurs slightly, as if with a sudden, lightning-fast motion.

"Name's Vilya, and I'm a pint-sized death dealer. And you're way too shiny to have seen much action. This is gonna be hilarious."


Male Half-elf Ranger / 6 (Falconer)

The flowing of drink and bravado begins to get to Egan. He needs to get out of here. We're agreed then". "When shall we meet to leave"? "I've got to get a few things together, and plan a route". Egan makes as thought to leave.


Male Elf Paladin/Ranger 4/1

Izkrael gives Egan a friendly slap on the shoulder. "I guess we are. Does tomorrow morning sound good to everyone? Does anyone need more time than that?"


"Perhaps introductions are in order?" Kessel prompts, "I've introduced myself, shared my skill set, but if we are indeed to b e traveling and working together it might be nice to know your names . . ."


Bribes always welcome
Kessel Cobey wrote:
"An interesting plight," Kessel says upon hearing the merchant's story, "As an investigator I do hope you realize that we can promise you nothing, it could be your ship is at the bottom of ocean ripped apart by a rogue wave or perhaps even some unknown sea monster. Searching for your boat will be time consuming and a possibly fruitless endeavor."

Armando nods

"I am well aware of the vagaries of the shipping business Ser ...?"

Assuming names exchanged

"Ser Cobey. I need information. If you can recover my ship, all the better. "


"Then I hope that if we should discover the worst possible scenario that you wouldn't forget the effort and time we must put into this. A man doesn't work as a merchant in this city without making a few noteworthy and powerful friends. Should the worst come to pass, and your boat is indeed lost, I would ask that at the very least you offer introductions in loo of financial rewards. This is of course if we find proof that your ship is gone. If we find nothing then we get nothing. This is how these sorts of relationships work as I understand them."


Bribes always welcome

Armando looks Cobey over

"Ah, I think you weren't here when I discussed payment. I would reward you on a sliding scale. If you can find news of my ship's whereabouts or fate, that is worth five hundred roses."

"If you can retreive my ship in sailable condition, that is a different story. I would give you 5,000 roses. If you can recover my ship and its cargo, I will sweeten the deal by awarding you 10% of the cargo's sale price as well as the 5,000 roses. A cargo like that sent to Dragora can fetch 100,000 roses easily."

Armando drains his whiskey, then signals to the waitress for another

"I would be more than happy to make introductions for you to those I have connections to in Opal. So do we have an agreement?"


Elf Magus 5
Vilya the Taker wrote:


"Name's Vilya, and I'm a pint-sized death dealer. And you're way too shiny to have seen much action. This is gonna be hilarious."

Magnus fluffs his collar with a smirk.

"Well, one of us will be laughing, I'm certain." He says smugly.

"Thank you Mr Armando, I find your terms reasonable. I'm in."


Kessel nods, "I'm sure that's a generous offer Ser, and you must forgive any breaches in protocol as I am unfamiliar with this bargaining over services and coin. Usually a man in my profession has his needs met directly by his lord. I think I may have a few other questions for you about the ship, cargo, and crew but the business of compensation is satisfied."

Kessel will want as much information as the merchant can provide, most notably a full list of crew members as well as any description they might have. If the ship were captured Kessel would want to have a good idea what the boat looks like so he could potentially identify it with a new name and paint job.


Male Half-elf Ranger / 6 (Falconer)

"Aye". "I'll see you all tomorrow then".

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