Ranor moves his flail making it to coil on the remaining enforcer's legs. The thug fells to the ground grunting "Ugh! You will pay for this!"
The dog barks at Eveline, and Iatha at the boat tries to cover beneath the sits board.
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Lionel sighs and waves his hand at the unconscious half-orc, the air buzzing as an almost transparent swarm of wasps runs over his bleeding injuries and stems the blood flow. "Easy there, brotha!", he shouts to the other thug. "Ya ain't in tha best position, and ya got tha guts and then som', but ya gotta understand, we ain't who ya think we are.", as he lowers the spear towards him.
Eveline causes doubt in the dog that looks at his master confused.
When Lionel and Lannior observe the half-orc has no intentions to surrender they both attack him, but the canny enforcer manages to dodge both attacks.
"Koltor attack!" shrieks the half-orc from below forcing the dog to continue attacking the halfling ranger.
And the dog understands his duty and keeps attacking.
The angered half-orc hits with his sap at Ranor's right leg!
The bruise is considerable!
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Lionel sighs and swings once again at the prone half-orc, with the tip of his spear.
Lionel is taken off guard by the half-orc's incredible tenacity, and his spear flies off, him barely managing to catch it as it dips in the water. Good job, Liono..., he thinks to himself as he braces himself for their actions.
After Lionel almost loses his spear, Eveline and Ranor strike true at the prone half-orc.
The sturdy fighter still has the strength to attempt a last attack at Ranor before falling unconscious.
The other half-orc stops bleeding thanks to Lionel's treatments.
Lannior's shot wounds the dog, which makes the animal softer to Eveline's attempts to control him. The canine cowers for a while then attempts to run away far from the party and its previous masters.
The fisherman lowers the oar he was using to protect himself "Ok, I will gif ya' that ride for free. But ya' should embark fast and never tall anyone ya' know me"
Iatha observes you from her sit "Now I understand why you were able to assault the warehouse and save me. I am sure you will get that Lionfish on its place" she smiles satisfied.
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Eveline lets the dog leave, hoping the canine will eventually find suitable masters who won't usher it to attack heavily armed pathfinders.
"Lionel, let them live. Maybe they'll eventually come to their senses and become florists or something."
Once they have thoroughly searched the bodies for reparations and indication on whose behalf the half-orcs attacks, Eveline jumps on the boat.
Numair starts to listen properly again after some transition where he can simply hear a whistle in his ears. It has long passed the hour.
Among the unconscious half-orcs you find 2 potions of cure light wounds, 2 masterwork studded leather, 2 masterwork saps, 2 slings with 10
bullets, 2 ornate brass knuckles (30 gp) and 14 gp.
They both have a tattoo, a dice with two eyes resembling serpent's eyes. The fisherman easily recognizes the symbols "Thes' ar' Boss Croat's men. He's trying to control da' Wharf District. Enforcers I say ya'. They ask for money from bussinesess he'ar. Perhaps they mistake ya'? He will nat be happy"
With that, the fisherman helps you cross to the other riverbank as the Sun goes below the Cyphergate painting Riddleport harvor houses in red and orange, casting shadows over the mills and mercantile buildings behind.
The journey is calm through the waters, although you get amazed at the number of pollutants in the slow-flowing river "From da' city’s sewage gutters and mills makes water drawn from the inner harbor undrinkable at best—fortunately, it also makes it less predator-infested than da' main harbor." says the fisherman as he sees how you observe the waters.
After walking through the streets in the other side of the river for half an hour more after you said good bye to the fisherman, you reach the imposing building of the Cypher Lodge.
This grand structure of stone and timber sits perched upon a lonely crag nestled against the very slope of the mountain, and provides a panoramic view of both the gulf and the city. More importantly, its three wings look directly out over the Cyphergate. This lodge is the headquarters of the vaunted Order of Cyphers, a society of skilled wizards and sages who have dedicated themselves to unraveling the secrets of ancient arcana—in particular, the purpose of the Cyphergate.
"Thanks all of you for your help" says Iatha as you reach the building "Elias will take care of me now, he is an accomplished wizard who has been elected as speaker of the order for two consecutive 8-year terms. He is well respected around. I hope you can help him with this issue with Alejia"
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Numair gradually starts talking at a normal volume, as his hearing slowly returns to him.
"Well, that was unpleasant. Let's see if we can find the berth of that ship!", he then glances at the water in the inner harbor, and wrinkles his nose in disgust. Preferably, a boat and a pilot to get us to it, as well... I for one don't want to swim!"
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"Say, Iatha, since you were kidnapped from your ship, you might have seen the Lionfish. Can you give us any indication about what it looked like?"
Eveline starts to devise a plan on how to deduce which ship in the harbor is the Lionfish. Given the preliminary description, it is a rundown ship in dire need of a repaint, but remains sailworthy due to constant maintenance.
"So when was the Topaz Titan arriving? Most likely, though, it will be intercepted by the Lionfish, so what we need to do it infiltrate the Lionfish and ride it over to the Topaz Titan. How we do that... well..."
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Addressing Eveline.
We think the Lionfish is harbored in town somewhere in disguise. What we have learned so far suggests it. But how do we find it?
I fear we may be in danger if we spend too much time in the wharf district, once those thugs come to, they will tell Boss Croat and he will likely have people out looking for us. My initial thought was see if we could use Boos Croat to our advantage in finding the ship.
Lannior lets out a sigh.
I fear that opportunity may be impossible now.
Aimlessly searching the docks won't do it either, we need to figure a way to gather some intel.
Lannior looks to the more experienced pathfinders hoping they have a better idea on how to find the ship.
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Lionel puts the well earned loot from the two thugs in his backpack. Before entering the boat, he leaves a note on one of the bodies.
Folks, we were onest about no attacking that werehouse. and since we dont like killing people we left you and
Getting on the boat, he grins. "Well, they told me I need ta practice ma writin'." As he travels, he sits nervously from side to side. "Think there's sea monsters in here? At least there's no sea spiders, right?"
Arriving at the Cypher Lodge, he takes a deep breath as he steps on solid ground. "Thanks a lot, uh, boat captain!", waving at the man. Taking part in the discussion, he scratches his head under his hat, and looks at Eveline. "Well, this place is full with wizards'n'all. Think we can ask one o' them to do any divinations on tha boat?", as he starts pacing and with shaking fingers rolls himself a badly rolled cigarette. As the foul smell covers the area, he seems slightly more relaxed. "Or, what we's can do is, go to tha harbormasta and see if he knows when tha Topaz Titan's arrivin', so we can go as soon as possible and be on it when that Alija woman arrives.", he turns his head towards the others for ideas.
"Yes, sure, let me remember..." Iatha tries to make an effort and finally comes with something "The hull seemed maroon, but it was fake, just painting, the real color of the ship is puce, which is easy to find at the lowest parts where the water was peeling the painting. The name of the ship was written in one side in blue letters. Mmmm... yes!" she smiles at Eveline satisfied of her own memory "And the ship had two masts, or at least two of them where dressed by sails. That much I can remember"
The Sun gets behind the horizon line and the dusk rays fill the cliff where the Cypher Lodge sits. Elias said the Topaz would arrive in a couple of days, but one days has already almost past.
Iatha nods at your proposals "Those all are good ideas. I am run out of spells, but perhaps someone in the Lodge might be able to cast them for you if you have something from the person you want to find or a mirror object to locate"
"There's another thing yet. I do not know if that might be of use" Iatha places her hands over her eyes totally covering them "They blindfolded my eyes while we disembarked. I was placed into a smaller wooden boat and the water from the oars was splashing in my face. I remember they were rowing for around 3 or 4 minutes before the boat hit something and they made me stand up and walk into firm ground"
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Back at the wharf Ranor grabs one of the potions and drinks it to tend to his wounds.
That sap stung... The large man walks with a slight limp as he gets into the small boat, massaging his bruised muscle.
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Ranor bows, causing his armor to creak and moan.
Thank you for all of you assistance Lady iatha.
Looking to the rest of the group the large man's hands tighten their grip on the handle of his flail.
Should we check with the harbormaster with this new information?
"Oh, sure, it certainly took less than in the boat. Perhaps a minute or so? One of the things that caught my attention was I felt only wooden boards under my feet. Nothing like the mud streets I expected in Riddleport. For some time I feared I might had been moved to some secret ship or small island, but the sounds out of the warehouse and Alejia's minions talk made it clear I had reached my destination. Even if by awkward means" she respectfully says good bye to Ranor.
You have seen the harbormaster's office back in your trip along the harbor. It will take some time to go back there, which means it will be already close night by then. You start to feel thirsty, hungry and tired from your day inquiries.
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"An inn? In Riddleport?" Eveline asks Lannior with a very baffled impression, "we can stay at the lodge, can't we? Away from those thugs and other people who wish us ill. Speaking of thugs, I wonder how the ones we left at the warehouse fare."
"Though I can't deny you the chance to have, ugh, fun." Eveline gives a signature look at Lionel, who might want to visit the local Calistrian cathedral and its high priestess Shorafa Pamodae.
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"I fear you are right. If anything, those thugs might have known more about the true location of the Lionfish," Eveline ponders, "I object the notion to go to the town by night, but, eh, Numair's concerns are grave. We should at least grab some food and water here, lest we want to face famine."
"And truth be told, I think we might get more information about the Lionfish by night... because of heavy drinking, shady people walking the streets... all that."
Eveline is not keen at all to walk the Riddleport's streets at night. She rubs her arms nervously, then keeping her arms folded tightly.
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" Speaking of thugs, I wonder how the ones we left at the warehouse fare."
Lionel grins. "I think they'd do more than fine. I left them their drawers, and they were tough folk. I wonda if tha dog ate tha note..."
As Eveline finishes speaking, Lionel snaps his fingers. "Ya right! We could go an' see tha cathedral. Not for that, don'tcha worry. People go there an' talk all 'bout... stuff, so there could be someone willin' ta part with tha information as a favor, or even gold, ya know." He flares his arms. "So, we go to tha cathedral now and go to tha docks at night? Means we get a betta chance ta talk to tha priestesses."
After some questioning around, you find out Calistria's temple is a bit deeper into Riddleport and decide to first attempt a visit to the harbormaster.
Winding paths with steps cut into the bare stone provide egress through the steep Windward district, and most buildings are several stories high with numerous balconies, many connected by narrow bridges. They are sturdy timber structures built upon the slopes of the city’s western ridgeline.
It takes you some nice words and copper coins to convince a fisherman to help you come back to the other riverbank, but you find yourself soon in front of the harbormaster's building.
Inside, you are received by the harbormaster's assistant in night guard duty "The Lionfish you say? Well... I cannot give you that information you know... it is... private. Who is asking for it?"
Numair's words seem to soften the man a bit, and he finally yields giving you the opportunity to check out last Lionfish known docking position. The ship was last seem in the dock front just next of the warehouse, about 100 yards inside the waters. If that is still the current position, you will need a way to go over the water if you plan to board it.
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Eveline looks at Lionel and shakes her head. "In due time, Lionel, you'll get to indulge yourself in local professions," the halfling woman says, jaded, "Numair's sweet-talking us on the right path, we've got no reason to make a detour at the cathedral. And since the warehouse is nearby, we should check if our captives are still there."
While walking the streets, Eveline keeps her hand close to the scimitar's handle. She's expecting Boss Croot's goons to appear any time.
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Lannior checks on his quiver and arrows, his aim has been off and he thinks perhaps something is not quite right about how he is drawing them that is throwing him off. He stands there practicing quickly pulling an arrow and getting ready to launch. He pauses to agree with Eveline.
Yes, let's check on the warehouse and make sure our prisoners haven't been found yet. Then let's find a way to get out to the Lionsfish.
Eveline and Lannior decide to peek at the old warehouse as Numair looks for some transport to the Lionfish.
The warehouse interior is totally dark now. Inside you find out the 5 gagged men. They get surprised as they see you and start moving desperately, some of them even seem to cry and all of them have had a pee over themselves.
Meanwhile, Numair asks for transportation and finds a dwarf female fixing a fishing net in the docks that agrees to take the group to the Lionfish. She makes no question about the why you want to get on board of the ship, instead she just answers "My name is Smulwarts Gultrock. I can be your pilot if you wish so. It will be 5 gold pieces though."
"Yes. If you wish to come back." the dwarf woman grumbles, short in words.
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"Aww, you fellas scared of the dark?" Eveline says mockingly, "don't worry, we're on our way to deal with Alejia. After that, well, we'll come up with some sort of good trial for you."
The halfling woman is content with current situation and leaves the thugs as they are. She rejoins Numair, Ranor, and Lionel, and she sports a peculiar, sinister grin. There's something disturbing about that.
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Lannior smiles as Eveline mentions coming up with a good trial for them, having seen the halfling in action he can't wait to see what she has in mind. He contemplates giving them all a drink of water, but the thought of dirty human lips on his wineskin turns his stomach. He departs with Eveline back to the others.
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Lionel raises his hands in the air to wave in the newcomers, as if they haven't seen him. "Heeyo! Wha's new, folks? We been jus' sittin' here, an' thinkin' 'bout tha plan.", he waits for a moment and nods at Ranor. "So, is real precise, so pay close attention. We go to tha ship, we fight tha pirates off, an' then we capture that Alija woman. An' we get off tha ship.", as he sits down. He gives a glance at Eveline. "An' why you lookin' so shifty, Yo Bossiness?", accompanying the question with a smile.
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"Huh? Oh, I'm exacting revenge on this scum pit of criminals," Eveline says nonchalantly, "it should be a surprise for you I truly despise this town to the core."
"As for the plan, well, during the night if we advance without any lights and take advantage of the shadows, approaching from the aft, we should remain unseen until we are just next to the ship. So de-shine your plate armors, and preferably don't take them with you. One misstep and you sink like a rock."
She quickly checks her own equipment and wardrobe, hoping not to get wet on this mission. Eveline's glad she took that swimming lesson way back, it really has helped.
Smulwarts Gultrock helps you inside her boat, then she starts rowing quietly to the internal waters of the harbor where the harbormaster assistant pointed out. The stars are reflected in the water surface as you approach a couple of ships in the area. "I would better do not place my hand out of the boat. If you do not end up sickened by the pollution you might find some nice squid or something worse..." she says as she observes how you look into the water.
You approach to the ship that most resembles to the description given by Iatha.
The dinghy vessel bobbing in the water looks like it’s in dire need of a new paint job, its maroon paint having faded to a grimy puce and peeling away where the water laps at the hull. The planks appear sturdy though, and the boat’s sails are carefully mended. The word “Lionfish” is painted across the side of the ship in clumsy blue letters, and a light on the
ship’s deck illuminates the work of several figures hustling to and fro.
You find out at least 4 people are working in the main deck.
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"We can't use a grapple hook without alerting their attention," Eveline whispers, "but climbing the ship's side is to risky. Then again using the anchor chain is the easiest, but once they detect us they could reel the thing back up. So the stealthiest of us should go in first, look for a rope ladder and lower it down for you."
Eveline responds to the momentary silence with a sigh. "Fine, I know, I'm small, I'll go first. Numair, does it look like I could hide in the aft once I'm up?
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Eveline eyes Ranor with squinted eyes. "I did say something about losing that armor when going on hostile waters, didn't I? And this sewage the townspeople dare call water looks rather inhospitable." She sighs a bit and looks at the ship. "If you think you're unable to come aboard, try yourself in archery. Or attach yourself to the anchor chain and wait for them to reel you up eventually."