Bedu smiles at the foursome and puts his hands wide for a loud clap.
"Aha, the word is true. Lady Vanderboren already has the service of the mighty Jade Ravens. It is a grand evening when I get a chance to meet such heroes. Bedu greets you and I hope we shall meet again."
Erick raises an eyebrow at the redhead, and at Gavin. Then he shrugs. "Cheliax, Tien, Alkenstar, and various points between. Lot of it was growing up, some of it was research, some of it was killing things that needed killing. Just depended on the circumstances." He gives Gavin a wintery smile. "Don't worry, if I have to break your legs, I'll do a nice clean break, no radials or greensticks."
To Bedu, he gives his trademark hat tug. "Evenin, Sir Bedu." He says nocommitally.
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As the four walk out, Erick sizes them up too. He gives them a polite tip of the hat. Either they're the first stringers, or we're being hired to replace them for being too stupid to keep their former employers alive and paying.. He pays no attention to either the dwarf, or the titters of laughter. Erick doesn't appear to give a damn what they think of him. Nor what anyone does, for that matter.
He eyes Bedu. Jade Ravens? Must be a locally well known sellsword group.
Gavin keeps walking past the Jade Ravens, looking at them askance as they go by. Hmmm. It seems Lady Vanderboren is able to employ many legbreakers. Such a wealthy woman may be able to get my parents a tavern again.
Kutsya stares at Gavin's outstretched hand for just a beat too long before shaking it.
"Kutsya. Saltenlock. I hadn't expected...I thought this was about a job. Not a party." She looks around at the growing group, a bit bewildered. Two - now three humans. And a halfling. "Though I won't turn down a glass of ale...Gavin was it?" Her smile was a bit more genuine this time.
She listens to Erick and the newly arrived Tessa talk about fighting...at least she thought it was about fighting. Tessa carried herself like she'd done some shipboard fighting -- Kutsya knew the type well. Flashy and deadly.
She turned finally to the newly arrived halfling. It was nice to see someone here a little more on her level. "A barber?" she said. "Remind me to stay far away. No one cuts this hair." She gave her head a gentle shake and allowed her hair to fall down to its full five foot length -- a foot longer than she was tall -- before it coiled back onto her shoulders.
Kutsya watches the group emerge from the manor, to be greeted by Bedu and Erick. "Jade..." she stammered. What had Kutsya gotten herself into? She had no business being in a group like this, around people like that. She was just a sailor, not an...adventurer.
Kutsya would have taken that opportunity to leave, had the servant not ushered her into the house before she could bolt.
It made no difference, though. Kutsya would have a nice dinner, and then she would leave, empty-handed. Erick, Gavin, Tessa, even Bedu...these were professionals. Lady Vanderboren would find one or two of those to be to her liking and hire them. And then Kutsya would return to the Azure district where she belonged. Loading ships.
Bedu slaps one of his hands with the other and wags a finger tutting. "Your hair is too good for me to touch. Never."
Erick chuckles. "Sir Marshton always said, never get a haircut from a bald barber... he doesn't have the head for it." The armored man gives a sardonic grin and enters the mansion, following the servants directions on where to go.
Clearly I missed something before I arrived, but I'm going to need to keep my eye on this pile of coal over here.
Tessa introduces herself to both the barber and the white haired one in turn before turning inside with the others. She walks towards the front of the pack, making sure to stay ahead of the majority of the group by a few steps.
Walking inside she walks past the group exiting with a confused look on her face. She nods as they walk past and says, "Evening to you all!"
Should this be a concern? Did they fail the test? They certainly looked skilled at something
After the group has past and the barber mentions Jade whatevers, Tessa looks back to Bedu and asks curiously, "Alright, I'll bite. Who are the Jade Ravens?
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You reach the dining room and upon entering, Kora announces. "Lavinia... the guests have arrived."
The private dining hall is comfortable and cozy, softly lit by wall-mounted lanterns.
A window overlooks the manor's central courtyard and the carpet is thick and soft.
A large portrait hangs on the wall, a fine work depicting a handsome young man with a short beard. Standing before the portrait is an attractive chelaxian woman wearing a long, flowing blue dress. She smiles at you as you enter and says.
"Welcome to my home. I am Lavinia Vanderboren. Please, take a seat, make yourselves comfortable."
Kora prepared a true feast for the occasion. But the main course was a wonderful roasted suckling pig.
Lavinia first and foremost makes sure to do her part as a host before even getting to the point of that evening.
As your bellies fill and your thirst is quenched, Lavinia finally informs you of the reason of that meeting.
"As you may have heard, I recently inherited my parents' estate. Along with this fine house, unfortunately, came a fine amount of debt owed to the Dawn Council, the harbormaster, and quite a few guildhalls. It seems my parents, for all their success as adventurers, were not as skilled at finance as one might expect. If I'm to get these taxes paid, I'll need to access my family's vault under Castle Teraknian.
And that 's the problem, you see. The vaults are magically locked, keyed to special signet rings. Both of my parents had these rings, at least, until recently. My mother lost hers a few months ago. She arranged for a replacement but it won't be done for another month or so, too late for me. Which leaves my father ring. He never wore it, he had a thing about men wearing jewelry. He kept it hidden somewhere on his ship, the Blue Nixie.
The problem there is that the harbormaster's seized the ship until someone pays for the last four months of mooring. I've paid the fines to the man the harbormaster's put in charge of my ship, a brute named Soller Vark. Yet when I went to claim my ship, Vark's men wouldn't let me board, claiming that I hadn't yet paid the fines. I spoke to Vark again and he denied ever receiving my payment. My complaints to the harbormaster have fallen on deaf ears... he's a doddering old fool who trust his man more than he deserves and he won't relent.
Vark and his man are up to something on my ship. I know it. What I need is to find out exactly what they're up to.
Unfortunately, he did not react well to any of my attempt to resolve the issue with diplomacy and logic. Last time I tried to approach him to make him reason his men were particularly aggressive and I had to back off.
I need someone who speak their language... which is where you come in.
If you can find out what he's using my ship for, or even better, you recover the money I paid him and recover my father signet ring for me, I'll pay each of you 200 gold in return as soon as I've access to my vault."
The noblewoman looks at you hoping to find your interest.
Tessa enjoys the delicious meal, it's been awhile since she's eaten anything this fine actually. After she drains another glass of wine she listens to the proposition that the young lady put before them. Tessa takes only a second to think about, not letting much silence fill the room.
200 gold coin, eh? That'll be enough to get me back out searching once more. I definately wouldn't mind taking a break from the arena for a bit, I'd rather not see any more of those morlocks anytime soon. Besides, this sounds like there could be quite a bit of excitement to be found!
Tessa raises her empty wine glass to the lady and smiles cheerfully. She decides she will speak first and for the entire group as a whole. "I can't speak for the others here being as I've only just met them, but I'm sure they are all up for the task, aren't ya all now?"
Tessa eyes them all cheerfully and says, "We can't be letting the lady be pushed around like this, it isn't proper like!"
Turning back to Lavina she nods her head and says, "It would be pleasure to undertake this task for you, I'm in! We shall--"
Tessa pauses and squints her left eye as she thinks. She says, "You said as soon as you accessed your vault. That uh, wasn't to be meant as soon as we recover the signet ring then?"
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Tessa pauses and squints her left eye as she thinks. She says, "You said as soon as you accessed your vault. That uh, wasn't to be meant as soon as we recover the signet ring then?"
"Well, I guess so. As a matter of fact, as soon as you recover the ring we may as well all go to castle Teraknian so I can compensate you."
Erick enters, bows to Lady Vanderboran, and then hangs his sword from the back of his chair when he's shown his seat. His pistol stays on his hip, but it's small enough to be out of the way. His leather coat is folded neatly over the back of the chair as well, revealing a rather odd looking set of armor that looks alien to the local area. It has hexogonal metal plates over the belly, and banded metal over the chest. More hexognal plates are on the arm and leg guards. A couple of daggers are strapped to his forearms, obviously normally hidden by the coat.
He eats the dinner, taking a bit of everything, but not overloading on food, at least not considering his natural bulk. He avoids the wine and ale, but does drink water and fruit juice if available.
When talk turns to work, he nods, examining the Lady Vanderboran.
Assuming he thinks she's telling the truth, he nods. "I see, I had suspected this had something to do with the explosion in the harbor. No doubt the resulting fire is also part of the harbor master's dislike of you. Not that it's your fault..." "Do you have any proof you paid your fines? I realize it wouldn't be proof you could use in court or that would convince the harbor master, but before I go breaking legs, I like to make sure I'm at least busting the right ones, and also a hint as to whether I should make it a simple break or a compound radial fracture." He gives Gavin an amused look.
What's with this guy and breaking legs? Nothing more than glorified muscle I suppose.
Tessa eyes Erick curiously, "Is what why you are here? You sure seem to be quite fond of breaking legs, I think this is the second time I've heard it this night. Surely the young lady has some proof of her payment."
Tessa turns her eyes back Lady Lavinia, raising an eyebrow.
At least I HOPE she does.
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Lavinia seems surprised by Erick suspicions, and she need a few seconds before she recompose and replies to Erick's questions.
"I admit it was stupid on my part to hand over the money to Vark without allied witnesses. I approached the city guards on the matter of course, but without proof, the investigations takes a backseat to other matters. Anyway I did not intend to send you to break legs. The truth is that even if I indeed never paid Vark, the habormaster has the right to make sure that my ship cannot leave the port without paying my parents debt. But that's still my ship, and I have all the rights on my parents belongings and making sure that nothing is out of place.
The reason why they deny I ever paid them and they are denying me the right to recover my parents belongings is they are probably using my ship for some shady purpose.
I would authorize you to recover my possessions in my name and by law they should let you board. They would have no reason to stop you unless they are up to no good. But I admit, I expect they might try to cower you away from the task.
If it will all come down to violence, I would ask you to try to not be the ones who throw the first punch."
Erick nods. "Good enough for me then, Ma'am. As long as I have a writ of authority from the owner of the ship to board and perform whatever checks she deems necessary, then I'm satisfied that all the t's are crossed and i's dotted." He gives a wintery smile. "As to throwin' the first punch... I never throw the first punch unless someone else is already doin' somethin' wrong. So you can be sure that if I throw a punch, it's because they've either already thrown one, or I've already got proof they've done something worth bein' punched over. Like tryin' to steel my coinpouch."
Kutsya enjoyed a meal such as she had never imagined, and then listened to Lady Vanderboran explain her predicament and make her offer. Two hundred gold was more money than she had ever held in her hand, enough to pay her bills for a year, and she was a bit surprised to find that she was tempted.
"It is nice to know you are not expecting us to break the law...only to seek justice. I can appreciate the distinction." Kutsya twirled a finger through her hair idly. "I can also appreciate the anger you must feel when officials refuse to do their job. I'm sure no one has ever dared refuse you rightful service before. I'm tempted by your offer, but I must think on it a moment."
"Ah, I have asked a few people around and it appears that these Jade Ravens do work for her. Since they are known I would hazard a guess that they do indeed have a reputation, We seem to be "treading on their patch" as the words of Shadowshore say."
When everyone is sat and the food arrives, Bedu appluads Kora and her Mistress. He eats and drinks like this is his last meal, not the first of the evening. The sweat beads and runs down his jowls, and his knifework would make a rogue proud.
In the tradition of his well mannered people, Bedu concentrates on the small talk during the repast.
"This picture on the wall, he is your father maybe. A striking figure that one."
Idly waiting his turn to speak as everyone asks these valid questions, the little Katapeshi munches on some sweetmeats and fruit. Just to help the weight of meat go down.
He mops his brow with a napkin and asks to be excused. Returning when his hands are clean and face refreshed.
"What of your brother's rights, Mistress Lavinia? Is he not the owner of the Blue Nixie because I understand he may still be around. Tell me what is he like? To be sure that you are the owner, where are the lovely papers that show such a thing. Your word is fine for the table, but the dockside watch may become involved and they treat people poorly without the correct documents. I know this from my small work for the Office of Trade. A letter of authority is good, but when someone says prove who the owner, Soller Vark can just say he is - or the Harbourmaster, a man of reputation not to be crossed lightly."
Bedu finishes his wine and slowly lets one finger rub the edge in circle.
"Another thing which worries me greatly is a delicate matter. It may be nothing and if so then I apologise for bringing it up. But I must ask in case there is more to this than meets my poor eye. Your parents. In particular your mother and her disappearing ring. Does their death have anything to do with this? I mean do you feel their unfortunate end is connected in some way, perhaps? If not, say so and I shall not rake the fires over this again."
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Bedu listens carefully to her answers and the honesty behind them. Or not. He smacks his lips as the nuts run out, crumbs dropping like dead flies around him.
"Of course I would like to help. But do you not have the Jade Ravens for this? Tell me of them then please, what is the quality of the man that leads them. I do not wish to cause offence but they do regard us as "snakes in their grass" do they not? That much is clear."
The halfling leans back on the cushion and lets out a comfortable burp of pleasure now that the meal is done. His eyes close and his hands link around the considerable paunch.
[b]"One last thing occurs to me, you said Mistress that this Soller Vark was doing something on board the Nixie. What reason
"One last thing occurs to me, Mistress, you said that Soller Vark was doing something on board the Nixie. What reason or clues do you have that makes you think this? Or is it an educated guess?"
Tessa was ready to go on the woman's honor, but now that he heard the others asking so many questions on point she appreciates the thoroughness the others are approaching this with.
The barber in particular has raised numerous points that she hadn't even considered. Tessa requests a refill on her wine and begins to sip the third glass as she ponders the information that is floating around.
Now that I think about it, we should collect a fair bit more information. As the barber points out, this is starting to sound like a greater play is at hand.
Once all of Bedu's questions have been answered Tessa chimes in, "Lady Lavina, another thought to build off what pragmatic barber has offered. Could you please fill us in with the details of the exchange of payment to the harbormaster? All of the pertinent facts relating to this incident will be quite useful to us. Facts such as when and where it took place, how it came to be, what words and promises were exchanged at the time?"[/b]
She sips her wine and adds, "And also, if the harbormaster sees to reason and allows us unto the ship to search it, we will have as much time as required to find this ring I'd imagine."
She clucks her tongue and slowly drags out the first word of the next sentenance, "Buuutttttt let's assume for a moment that the harbormaster does not intend to let us aboard and we must-", her eyes flick toward Erick as she continues, "-be creative about our entry."
Tessa looks back to the hostess and finishes, "What of the location of the ring. Surely you must have some inkling of an idea of where we could narrow our search to? If we are pressed for time and most conduct the search in such a manner as to maintain a low profile, time will be of the essence."
Gavin's eyes raise at the mention of 200 gold - a impressive sum of money to be sure, one that it would have taken the Copper Cup about a month to bring in. And then, as he settles back into his chair and watches the back and forth with Lady Vanderboren, Gavin is quite impressed again, this time with the quality of companions sharing the table with him. A methodical bunch, for sure. You'll have to learn to temper your impulsiveness around these folk... Sollar Vark, Sollar Vark... Did I ever hear any tavern rumors about this man?
Clearing his throat and looking somewhat nervously around the table, Gavin raises his voice to the gathering. "While I have no doubt about the abilities of everyone here to mop the deck in a fight, I must echo Ms. Steele's concerns. If we get into a scrape, I'd like to know what we're up against. Lady Vanderboren, when Vark's men became aggressive with you, how many were there? Did you get the sense that even more men waited below decks?" Raising his cup to his companions, Gavin toasts. "I am quite enjoying myself this evening, despite the rather ominous start. A lovely hostess in a beautiful manner, fine wine and a sumptuous feast, and interesting company. Why, Cayden Cailean himself could hardly paint a finer picture." And 200 gold would go a long way toward rebuilding the Copper Cup.
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By now he is an old man and in desperate need of an heir. his elders son Aaron and one of his daughters, Alyssa vanished a few years ago. leaving him with only three daughters more interested in marrying into other families and a son who almost drowned when he was young and is now deathly afraid of the water.
Some say that he became old and weak, and that unbeknown to him, some men under his employment are starting to exploit that weakness.
Lavinia seems to be right on what the law says. It's also "unusual" that the Blue Nixie is as manned and guarded while mooring as Lavinia implies it is.
"This picture on the wall, he is your father maybe. A striking figure that one."
Lavinia pauses for a moment before responding
"that's my brother, Vanthus. He's out of town. He is never really around lately.""What of your brother's rights, Mistress Lavinia? Is he not the owner of the Blue Nixie because I understand he may still be around. Tell me what is he like? To be sure that you are the owner, where are the lovely papers that show such a thing. Your word is fine for the table, but the dockside watch may become involved and they treat people poorly without the correct documents. I know this from my small work for the Office of Trade. A letter of authority is good, but when someone says prove who the owner, Soller Vark can just say he is - or the Harbourmaster, a man of reputation not to be crossed lightly."
"well.. Vanthus..." She takes a little pause. She seem to be a little ditraught. "Vanthus has been disinherithed. I didn't knew until my parents died but as adventurers they made sure to leave a testament behind, just in case. Of course I can show you all the documents. the harbormaster and Vark knows that I am the heir, otherwise they wouldn't ask me to pay my parents debt, that would become Vanthus' duty."
"Another thing which worries me greatly is a delicate matter. It may be nothing and if so then I apologise for bringing it up. But I must ask in case there is more to this than meets my poor eye. Your parents. In particular your mother and her disappearing ring. Does their death have anything to do with this? I mean do you feel their unfortunate end is connected in some way, perhaps? If not, say so and I shall not rake the fires over this again."
"I do not think so. My mother lost her ring, she was kinda careless and I have no problem believing that she simply misplaced it. Besides, the ring is needed to enter the vault under castle Teraknian, the vaults are hardly unguarded. A thief would have no use in that ring, the guards would simply not allow him to proceed towards the vaults. My parents death..." Lavinia takes a deep breath, clearly still wounded by the event "It's common belief that my parent's death was nothing but an unfortunate incident with their cargo. They didn't really had any enemies. They weren't in town enough to make some.
When they died they were in Sasserine for no more than 2 months. They were just returning from a journey on the high seas that took them away for more than a year.""One last thing occurs to me, Mistress, you said that Soller Vark was doing something on board the Nixie. What reason or clues do you have that makes you think this? Or is it an educated guess?"
"Their reaction. There are always men on my ship doing only the gods know what. There are men stationed at the pier making sure that I can't even get near the ship. Why else would they take so much care to chase away everyone who approaches the ship. To the point of lying about the payment"
"Lady Lavina, another thought to build off what pragmatic barber has offered. Could you please fill us in with the details of the exchange of payment to the harbormaster? All of the pertinent facts relating to this incident will be quite useful to us. Facts such as when and where it took place, how it came to be, what words and promises were exchanged at the time?"
She sips her wine and adds, "And also, if the harbormaster sees to reason and allows us unto the ship to search it, we will have as much time as required to find this ring I'd imagine."
She clucks her tongue and slowly drags out the first word of the next sentenance, "Buuutttttt let's assume for a moment that the harbormaster does not intend to let us aboard and we must-", her eyes flick toward Erick as she continues, "-be creative about our entry."
Tessa looks back to the hostess and finishes, "What of the location of the ring. Surely you must have some inkling of an idea of where we could narrow our search to? If we are pressed for time and most conduct the search in such a manner as to maintain a low profile, time will be of the essence."
"In retrospect I feel stupid about the way I acted. But at the time I wasn't suspecting any foul play. I came to Vark with a hundred platinum coins. The cost of the mooring plus the interests I owed the harbormaster. Vark took them and asked me to return the day after to reclaim the ship, so that he could bring the money to the harbormaster and he could sign the authorization. But the day after I was denied access to the ship. I protested with the harbormaster but he told me that no payment has been received, also, that there is no need for any paper. Once I paid Vark, he was supposed to simply let me reclaim my ship immediately. When I returned to Vark he did not received me at all. He was on my ship and his men refused to let me even talk to him.
I'm pretty sure that he saw me at the pier, but he simply ignored me.I returned many times but I was always stopped in an increasingly menacing way."
"While I have no doubt about the abilities of everyone here to mop the deck in a fight, I must echo Ms. Steele's concerns. If we get into a scrape, I'd like to know what we're up against. Lady Vanderboren, when Vark's men became aggressive with you, how many were there? Did you get the sense that even more men waited below decks?"
"they were two on the pier, and at least 2 more on the ship including Vark. I believe there are at least 6 people involved.
They don't seem particularly tough. Enough to threaten an unarmed girl like me, but I feel their resolve would be much different with you."
Erick listens, and mentally doubles the number of people involved. Looking around, he considers. The dwarf looks hard enough to take care of two or three by herself. He feels fairly confident he could handle two or three dock hands himself. The redhead might be able to take on a single combatant, and the chubby gnome and the boy might be able to handle one between them. Adding that up, he gets a number he's not happy with, but that isn't outrageous. As long as it's not all at once, we should be ok.
Erick is content to let the others ask more questions, to see if they think of something he hasn't already asked.
Bedu thanks the Lady for her open and frank answers. He slides down the cushions towards the floor with a bump.
"I must change if we intend to go to the ship tonight. I have never met Vark. But he is a smuggler indeed. He would jump at the chance like this. Maybe the vessel now holds all his business. Goods that would fetch a fine price in the Sharkjaws (black market) in Shadowshore."
Tessa nods at all of the answers. She glances around the room at her companions and thinks about the numbers she's heard.
Doable, but far from an easy task. I do not know what areas these others have specialties in. That may help to even the odds slightly, I doubt she arbitraily just picked five random people for the task. Hmmm. Better to be sure on this matter.
"Three more questions if you please. First, I have been introduced to my fellow guests here tonight and I've greatly enjoyed our time together. Undertaking a task such as you've outline is entirely doable with a crew who knows the strengths and weaknesses of eachother of course."
Tessa quickly scans the room again and turns back to Lavina, "May I ask how we've come to be brought together this evening? It's apparent from earlier conversation and looking around the room that we all have different talent. Am I to understand that everyone here has a specialty that will assist in accomplishing your task?"
Tessa nods and moves on to her second point. "Second. Going back to my earlier point, do you have any idea on to the approximate location of the item we are searching for? Do you have a description of the item for us as well? It may be that there are several items and we may only get a single attempt at this, I'd like to make sure it's correct."
Tessa holds up three fingers, "Last but not least, I'm sure everyone here is inclined to take you at your word. I, myself, have not found you to appear to be steering us in the wrong direction or attempting to mislead us whatsoever. But as a lesson learned from your previous encounter that has us gathered here tonight, may we perhaps have a contract drawn up detailing your request?"
Tessa holds her palms apart from each other and frowns slightly, "Not that I think anything ill will happen, but just to make sure we have the legalese all squared away."
Tessa goes to take a sip of the wine but notices its empty and frowns, sitting it back on the table.
Three glasses is probably enough Teslynn. Especially if you need to work tonight.
Kutsya listens as the others ask questions she would never have considered. Being a barber must be more complicated than I ever imagined. I'm not sure I'm cut out to be an adventurer. Then she reflects on the situation.
"Had you asked me if Harbormaster Islaran could be trusted," Kutsya said at last, "I'd have said 'aye' without hesitation. But I don't know this Vark, and the situation you described is quite odd -- there should be no such activity on the Blue Nixie in the evenings. If his underlings are deceiving him, then perhaps someone as jovial and persuasive as Bedu here could convince His Lordship to investigate this matter -- or to allow us to do so. As Harbormaster's Agents we couldn't be turned away."
"Although that could also just let Vark know more about us. I must admit, I'm not used to thinking through things like this."
Gavin stands and grabs his growler of ale, walking around the table and filling anyone's empty wine glasses. "To answer Ms. Steele's question, I recently - strange as it sounds to say - faced down a mob and beat a man senseless with this copper cup currently tied to my belt. I also hear a lilting voice in my head from time to time, which I can only assume means that Cayden Cailean himself is trying to tell me something, and I believe that this request from Lady Vanderboren is tied into Cayden's recent hand in my life. The other possibility is of course that I am going crazy, but I am confident that is not the case! At any rate, I believe that I am to be one of Cailean's terrestial weapons. I've never been much of a planner, so I'll defer to you all on our approach to the ship, but I think Ms. Saltenlock's idea is a sound one. Perhaps we should try going through the harbormaster first, as she suggests?"
Finishing his circuit of the table, Gavin unties his copper cup and pours himself a bit of ale, and then raises the stein to the group. "I will also need to change before tonight. But before we go, a quick toast to our health, and a successful evening."
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Tessa quickly scans the room again and turns back to Lavina, "May I ask how we've come to be brought together this evening? It's apparent from earlier conversation and looking around the room that we all have different talent. Am I to understand that everyone here has a specialty that will assist in accomplishing your task?"
"well... Bedu seems to have different connections at the docks. An if he is indeed right about Vark that's exactly the kind of insight I hoped he would be able to provide. Some of you are known for your martial skills, some other have a relevant history of being unrelenting in the face of thugs such as them."
"Second. Going back to my earlier point, do you have any idea on to the approximate location of the item we are searching for? Do you have a description of the item for us as well? It may be that there are several items and we may only get a single attempt at this, I'd like to make sure it's correct."
"I'm afraid I have no clue about where the ring is. All I know is that it was hidden in the ship. I presume it would require some searching.
It's supposed to be pretty similar to this.."Lavinia shows you her signet ring with the Vanderboren insigna.
"except it is inscribed with magical runes on the inside"
"Last but not least, I'm sure everyone here is inclined to take you at your word. I, myself, have not found you to appear to be steering us in the wrong direction or attempting to mislead us whatsoever. But as a lesson learned from your previous encounter that has us gathered here tonight, may we perhaps have a contract drawn up detailing your request?"
"Naturally. I'll make sure to give you papers to prove that you are working for me and that you are entitled to receive payment for your work."
Erick rubs his chin, stroking his beard. "Agreed Lady Steele, with an e. We will need papers from the owner of the ship. I don't suggest we go in the night. I suggest we show up at the crack of dawn. First, we are legitimate representatives of the owner of the ship. We should not go skulking about by darkness. Doing so casts doubt on our legitimacy. By the same token, broad noon is too busy. The crack of dawn gives us light to see by, and also places anyone on the ship at the a disadvantage. If, as has been said, they are doing illegal activities, they're using the cover of darkness, which means they've been up all night. By the same token, they can't just slit our throats and toss us in the harbor, there's too much chance of being seen. Starting a commotion that results in a fight is likely to bring the harbormaster into it. The guard are most likely bribed, so we'd have to deal with them by day or night, so that doesn't enter into it." He smiles. "Aside which, I may have some resources to get us some information over night, for a small price of a gold or five."
Erick eyes the boy, and purses his lips thoughtfully. Maybe he can handle one by himself after all. And nothing like a fervent zealot to sway a crowd, as long as you can point the loony cannon in the right direction that is... and it doesn't blow up on you, as they have a tendency to... "For myself, I'm only recently returned to the city, but I suspect everyone can guess why I was invited..." He nudges the sword with an elbow, making it jingle.
Tessa thanks the hostess for her kind replies. She then turns to stare at Gavin, unsure how to respond to his comment about beating a mob copper cup.
"I think I would have liked to have seen that! If you are a weapon of Cayden Cailean, we shall become fast friends I should think! While hardly a devout follower, I have been known follow the ways of The Accidental God from time to time."
I can't turn down a request to toast with the terrestrial weapon of Cayden Cailean, now can I?"
Tessa picks up her empty glass and signals for another refill, hoping she can keep her wits about her.
It's a good thing we aren't going tonight under the cover of darkness, I very well might trip over my own two feet at this rate!
As Erick mentions his reason for being present, Tessa nods as she had already figured as much.
The barber has connections, that makes sense. The white haired dwarf...?
Tessa glances at the white haired one as the cups are being poured for the toast. She turns back to Gavin and asks. "The fine lady mentioned that the ring is perhaps magical in nature, are you-"
She glances around the room at everyone, "-or anyone for that matter, capable of detecting magical items by chance? I've known some who possess that talent and I believe that it would come in handy in helping us narrow our search."
Gavin smiles and raises his glass to Tessa. Wonderful! I suspected she may be a follower. Many that enjoy and embrace the fun things in life are friends of The Accidental God.
Downing the rest of the ale in his cup, Gavin pours himself another. Since we're probably not going anywhere until the morning... Looking to Tessa, the young man shrugs and says, "honestly, I don't know. I suppose I could try."
"I think Mr. Bonestihl's reasoning is sound. We should approach them at dawn."
Kutsya sighed. I guess it's time to show you mine. Tessa doesn't know she's been eating dinner with a monster.
"I can detect magical objects. It's one of the things Master Kratzenklau has imparted to me in the few weeks I've been studying magic." Kutsya smiles wryly. "But that's not why I was chosen. What undoubtedly brought me to Lady Vanderboren's attention was an incident where I --"
The dwarf's face darkens as she thinks back to that night at the Drunken Dolphin, and her fists clench around her mug. It takes all her control to keep from smashing it against the table until it is a ruined mess. "--I confronted some men who had, who had wronged me. When I was through with them--"
Kutsya's braids uncoil and whip across the table. They snake into the mouth of the succulent roast pig they have been enjoying all evening and out the other end. With a snap all eight braids separate, sending shards of pork flying in all directions. Then her grease-streaked braids coil themselves again and return to their resting position.
"--I ensured that they will never wrong anyone else." Kutsya picks up her napkin and gently wipes a fragment of crispy pigskin from her cheek. "Now were there any other questions?"
Erick picks some pork off his armor, tossing it onto the plate. "Ms. Saltenlock, I do believe the demonstration would have been sufficient if you'd just had your hair do some stretching exercises." He says dryly, reaching up to pull bits of pork and grease out of his hair, dropping it on the table. "I do believe I'll wear my hat at dinner next time, even if it's considered impolite." His heavy metal lined leather hat currently hangs from the knob on wall behind him. "Fortunately, I didn't feel the need to blow a hole in the table, or anyone else, to demonstrate my prowess." More bits of pork are picked off of his body. He then takes a napkin and begins to dab at the armor and clothes, and his hair, to get the worst of the grease out. "I do believe I'll abstain from pork for a few weeks however."
Tessa had been munching on a piece of bread when the braids uncoil and and begin to snake into the succulent pig. She stops chewing as her mouth hangs open for a moment and the bread falls out onto the table.
Well that's something you don't see every day.
Tessa regains her composure and closes her mouth and picks up piece of bread, casually setting it on her plate.
She looks to Kutsya, her face turning a little harder.
"I have absolutely no tolerance for men who wrong women."
She gives a quick nod of approval to the dwarf and says, "It will be a pleasure to have you along. Your abilities will no doubt be a great asset to us all!"
Tessa raises her glass to Kutsaya and then drains the last of our fourth glass. Her head is starting to get a little foggy and she decided she probably shouldn't be having any more. Definitely not.
Kutsya opens her mouth to say "Thank you for dinner, but no, I will not be part of this," and return to her life, until she is overcome with a vision of what that life is. Loading freight, scrubbing docks, stowing gear, over and over again. She didn't even have the sea to look forward to, as no captain was fool enough to hire a loose cannon like her. And now Kutsya is presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to escape all that -- and she is considering turning it down?
"I have been, Lady, but now I have made up my mind. I would like," Kutsya smiles around the table, "to try my luck with this group. To help you claim your inheritance. And of course, to get paid."
She peers at the others. Who is calling the shots here? Tessa and the boy Gavin seem fully engaged, but it was the warrior and the barber who seemed to be most in control. "We meet at the boat at dawn then? That's when I normally start my shift. If it helps I could pretend to have arrived at the wrong ship -- wouldn't be the first time -- though I'm a poor liar."
The dwarf purses her lips in thought, and then decides to ask for advice. "And what kind of spell sounds most useful? Attack, translation, healing? Maybe Enlarging? I can't decide."
Tessa nods, "At dawn then. Sounds like a brilliant approach to me."
Turning to Kutsya, Tessa responds to her question. "Honestly all I know about magic is that I've had someone patch me up a few times after some bouts in the arena. I couldn't possibly begin to tell you what we might need. I would never turn away healing though. What, what is this translation business? Like, languages?"
As the Lady goes to prepare the paperwork, Tessa asks the group, "We need to work out some things between us before the morning. Perhaps something resembling a plan on how we want to approach this, you know for when they say 'No' and things fall apart."
Tessa had the same exact thoughts as the dwarf.
Ok, who is going to be in charge here? My money is the tough one thinks he is undoubtedly the best choice for this. Just because he has a stick up his ass doesn't make him a good leader though.
After looking at each member of the group she adds, "Also, are we establishing any formal structure between us? Or are we just going in, ask nicely and assume they had over what we want?"
She grins, knowing that the chances of this are slim to none.
Erick looks thoughtful. "Healing is always useful. Attack can be, but only if you can do so without damaging the boat. Translation, probably not so much. Spells which give allies more strength, or which weaken foes. Enlarging, while useful, is unlikely to be of help if we are on the ship when fighting, the ship was not designed with large creatures in mind, tangled heads in ropes, tight stairwells and claustriphobic corridors. No room to swing a large weapon." He looks thoughtful as he keeps considering. "Spells to make our weapons work better, or to keep enemies from moving are always useful. I suggest we meet in front of The Empty Grave, and proceed as a group. That way, no one arrives early or late."
Turning to Tessa, Erick rubs his beard thoughtfully. "I suggest we approach as a group, and simply attempt to board the ship. When they attempt to stop us, we show the paperwork, without giving them the paperwork, so no untoward accidents occur." He looks toward their new boss. "Perhaps you could make a copy of the paperwork for each of us, just to dissuade them from such?" Turning back to Tessa, he continues thoughtfully. "If we were sure the local watch had not been paid off, I'd suggest simply summoning one or two of them to go with us, explaining the situation. However, if they have been paid off, that actually puts us in a worse situation. My feeling is we have to play this straight, until they pull weapons. Ms. Saltenlock could likely pull herself aboard the ship with her hair without using the gangplank if they try to stop us. And if anyone attempted assaulting her once on board, we'd legally have every right to stomp them into the dock. That unfortunately would put her in the most danger though, so I hate to suggest it."
Gavin yawns, his belly full of roast and wine, and shrugs. "I'll leave the planning to you all. Never been much for thinking things through. I think we just try to get on board, as Bonestihl suggests, and if we can't, then we see where the situation takes us. I don't think we need a leader either. Each of us has our skill sets, and each of us will use them if necessary, I'm sure."
Tessa's eyes sparkle with the mention of fighting on a ship. Her tight lips pressed together firmly reveal the beginnings of a smug smile as she ponders the thought.
Oh how I've missed a good tussel aboard a ship! I shall not be terribly disappointed when the negotiations inevitably break down tomorrow.
Tessa listens to both Erick and Gavin and nods in agreement to each of them. "Well said, I concur with your assessments. We shall meet at the Empty Grave then."
She turns to the bard and asks, "Bedu, do you have anything to add?"
"No, Enchanting Steele. Erick is right when he suggests that we do this at dawn. I am too used to thinking like Soller. In fact may I mention that I am presently in the bad books of the harbourmaster and perhaps my lack of income and dockyard time maybe, be why Lady Lavinia offered me this opportunity. You may decide now on hearing this that I am not so useful?"
"Anyway Soller is the key, I would guess. He operates in a penny pinching fashion so his men will only fight while he lives. Get Soller and the fight is almost won."
Bedu smiles again at the gathering waiting to be told if he is still welcome. He looks down at the faded slipper, and thinks what a fine adventure it would have been. But honesty matters, step off on the wrong foot and there is no trust.
"Of course, if you still wish for my little magical gifts, I could talk to them first. It will not work. But then we can try to bribe and bully, again Soller's reputation means that may not work, then ....waves his hands at the weapons everyone brought and finishes with his fingers delicately on his tiny dagger
"...then afterwards we come home for tea and sweet cakes."
Erick shakes his head. "No bribery, he's already been bribed a hundred platinum. If bribery were going to work, she'd already have her ship. He either lets us on, or we go on against his wishes, and when he attacks or orders an attack, we hit him hard, fast and permanent. If we do it hard and fast enough, his men may just run and we can avoid more killing..." Not necessarily unneeded killin, but killin none the less. "Talk is fine, if you can talk him into leaving, that's more than acceptable."
To avoid delaying things, after leaving, Erick whistles and gets all his little minions in a circle, and promises them a gold each, but only if they listen carefully and absolutely do not endanger themselves getting the info, if he finds out they endangered themselves, nobody gets any gold, so group pressure not to do anything stupid. He wants them to carefully find out about this Vark, and also to watch the ship in shifts throughout the night from a distance, and let him know if they are doing things on it or around it all night. Then to meet him 30 minutes before dawn outside Tavern with a report
Turning to his erstwhile employer, Erick gives lip to a thought. "Is there any chance your mother's missing ring might be in your brother's hands? That he bribed this man Vark to to keep you away from the ship while he went to the family vaults?"
"You were selected by the hostess, he obviously believes in your abilities to assist in our success - I would gladly have you along. Your knowledge of Sark and the surroundings will prove to be an asset I imagine!"
Tessa frowns, "More magic? Am I the only one without magic at the table? I do not recall ever being in such a situation. It seems the hostess has done her homework well in selecting this fine group."
Erick laughs. "I have no magic, Ms. Steele, so your concerns are assuaged." At least not yet...
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Turning to his erstwhile employer, Erick gives lip to a thought. "Is there any chance your mother's missing ring might be in your brother's hands? That he bribed this man Vark to to keep you away from the ship while he went to the family vaults?"
Lavinia thinks for a moment. "I do not think Vark and my brother could have any connection. He is not... really welcome at the docks. Of course Vark is not beyond betraying the harbormaster trust. But if like Bedu says, Vark is indeed a smuggler and he's using my ship to move his wares it is probably reason enough for him to deny me my ship."