Melthune simply kneels and begins to carefully work through the dusk-skinned man's robes and pockets,
Before casting a casual eye over his armor and the value of his clothes and boots.
"So.... who do people think these folk were? Slavers?" She asks nonchalantly.
"I'm not going anywhere, yet. Like Melthune said, we did nothing wrong. There must have been dozens of witnesses to them walking up and attacking us unprovoked on the street. Running will only make us look guilty of something," Zayna says, siding with Molthune.
Melthune simply kneels and begins to carefully work through the dusk-skinned man's robes and pockets,
Before casting a casual eye over his armor and the value of his clothes and boots.
"So.... who do people think these folk were? Slavers?" She asks nonchalantly.
You are free to take one of these each round. It takes you a round to notice all of these things.
1. On the left arm there is a golden armband.
2. There is a small pouch with some coins in it – (not sure how many – no time to count).
3. There is an ivory belt-buckle (value unknown).
4. There is a masterwork scimitar.
5. There is a masterwork small shield.
6. He is not wearing armor, or Cold Weather clothes – just regular wool robes.
7. He has a chain around his neck – on the chain is a key.
8. He has a medium pouch on him – inside is some foodstuffs (dried meats and some bread and dried fruits).
9. He has a gold ring on his finger with a ruby in it – (value unknown).
White Fang watches the search with a somewhat bored look.
It’s clear to him that – as you’ve won –unless there is food on the body that lingering around is hardly worth it. But he hears the big girl say she wants to stay and the nice girl say she will wait with big girl.
He looks at Taissa as she gathers things quickly.
”Alpha – if they want to talk to the leader of this “Town” pack – why not let them stay? Our pack can go get supplies and these new-comers can stay here and explain all they want.”
He looks critically at these “city-folk” type and turns back to look at Taissa and Hack as they gather the gear.
”We are good fighters – they are good talkers. We are the Red Pack – we run in the wild,” he adds glancing at you and Hack ”but they like to talk in these stone dens that they call “Town”,” his eyes flicking to the armored knight and the tattooed scholar.
”Well, if they want to wait and talk – we can just go now and do what we must while they can wait here and talk and then find us later, if they want. Just tell them our ship name, and then we don’t have to wait; they can catch up,” he says, his tail wagging wisely at the statement.
Then he waits for Taissa’s decision.
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"Not slavers. The Northmen acted like bounty hunters."
Having listened to Melthune and Zayna say they wished to stay and wait for the town authorities, Taissa nodded once and responded steadily, "Your will is your own. You may explain to the law keepers, if that is your desire. I have duties to complete and I am leaving. If you still wish to see the ship, go to the docks when you are done. It's The Scorpion."
Settling her eyes on Hack, she says in lowered voice, "I am headed to the markets for the necessary supplies. If you wish to come, then we leave now."
She gathers White Fang and places him safely inside the scarf pouch around her neck (with his head poking out so he can see) and she calls to Daya to leave. If the others were not concerned about their serious wounds, then so be it. Her animals required a healer's attention.
Taissa and her animals head down the street (remembering the directions Melthune had been giving before they were waylaid), hoping to bypass the town's impending law keepers, keeping their eyes focused, hoping to spy the markets and keep out of direct notice of the law keepers and would-be threats.
To her animal companions, she adds, "Keep quiet. We must be away with little attention. White Fang, especially you. This town is not for us."
Melthune nods at Taissa's words, getting down to the task of claiming the spoils for the victors.
From one of the bandoleers about her chest Methune draws forth two potions. She looks to Zayna as she offers one to the other woman.
"I have some healing salves. It is quite potent, but has a..kick." She offers/warn the gun-slinger.
"Thank you for your help." Stefan says to the old man.
Although I would have preferred an actual contact, I guess I have more information than before.
Stefan exchanges a few more pleasantries and excuses himself. He then heads to the inn to see if everyone else is there so that he can share the information he received.
Hack gathers the pouch with coins as well, nods to Taissa, and says,
Let's go, Tai.
He looks over his shoulders at the newcomers.
Good luck with the guards and such.
Good luck with the guards and such.
Melthune glances back at Shenkt's adress and nods,
"You too. See you at the boat." She adds, even as she begins the task of working the remains out of the larger pieces of equipment. Glancing around she looks to see if any of the local street urchins are creeping back. To Zanya she adds.
"If any scamps start to watch, see if you can attract one's attention. It might be a good idea to send a runner to the local Church of Pharasma to come and clear away the bodies."
"Alright. It seems our would be employers are irresponsible and lacking in patience. At least you aren't going to leave me here to deal with this mess alone," Zayna responds to Melthune, smiling at the woman. "The guards should be here any second. You saw that red guy just walk up and cut me open right?"
OWWWWWWWwwwww! It hurts. Must not cast magic in public....you can do it Zayna, just deal with this guard thing and then you can heal yourself. Oowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!
When a character or creature is not in immediate danger or distracted, it may choose to take 10 on some rolls (specifically, skill checks). Instead of rolling 1d20 for the check, calculate the result as if the die had rolled a 10. For many routine tasks, taking 10 makes them automatically successful. Distractions or threats (such as combat) make it impossible to take 10. In most cases, taking 10 is purely a safety measure—you know (or expect) that an average roll will succeed but fear that a poor roll might fail, so you elect to settle for the average roll (a 10). Taking 10 is especially useful in situations where a particularly high roll wouldn't help.
Usually none. In most cases, a Knowledge check doesn't take an action (but see “Untrained,” below).
The untrained thing is in a library and takes 1d4 hours. So yeah. Taking 10 doesn't take a full round, unless using that skill would normally take a full round.
Melthune indicates the now reduced wound scare she carries from the battle in response to Zanya's question.
"I wonder what the wild girl meant when she said 'Bounty hunters'." Is Melthune's question back to Zayna. "Perhaps this boat is more than they are letting on?" She adds quietly, still stripping/looting the pair of bodies.
"Keep an eye out for distinguishing tattoos...clan items, that sort of thing. That way we'll be better prepared should family come looking for recompense, blood money." Melthune says matter-of-factually.
Zayna keeps an eye on their surroundings as Melthune loots the bodies. "I don't know about any bounty hunters, unfortunately. Is it legal to loot them in this city? I'm not really comfortable doing that until the guard says it's okay. It makes us look like we killed them to rob them."
Melthune tucks her unaccepted vial away for later, even as she sets about relieving the second body of its items.
"We're not 'Looting'." Melthune replies emphatically.
"To the victor goes the spoils. They started the fight, we finished it." She glances in the direction the last pair of assailants fled. She glances at Zanya,
"You'll note that I took them on with just my bare hands," She ignores the fact that there are lethal plates of metal and leather strapped about her fists in the comment,
"While we can honestly point out the weapons, clothing, armor and other foreign..." Melthune colours slightly wen she realizes that Zanya is also not a local, ...um...effects of this lot." She finishes bluntly.
"You are quite strong, Melthune. Hopefully these men are known criminals and the guards accept our story quickly," Zayna says, motioning to the dead men. "I do not wish to delay the Scorpion over long. What if they should be attacked again while we are here or in the guard station? I mean, they could clearly take care of themselves, but I don't want my tickets out of this city to die on me." Zayna shuffles around, keeping an eye on all angles, with her musket resting easily in hand, pointed down towards the street.
Melthune shrugs, "The woman, Taissa, if she does have a group of thugs after her or the rest of the crew. Do you really want to get mixed up in something like that so quickly?" She continues to retrieve what ever is salvageable.
"We haven't set foot upon the deck of this 'Scorpion' yet...Sounds like a siege engine" She mutters to herself tugging at something. "And here we are getting accosted in the street. That's why I initially thought they were maybe foreign slavers looking to get something exotic. For Taissa to hint that they are bounty hunters..."
"I'll fight, no worries there. But I'd rather walk into a battle knowing a bit more about all sides..." She glances to Zanya,
"Why wouldn't the guards accept that they accosted us? Plenty of people saw it." Melthune glances around to see how many are creeping back. "Walking down the street with your sword flashing about was bloody obvious, hence why people ran."
"Indeed."
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The Authorities –
As Melthune and Zayna wait they observe Taissa and Hack charge off some back alleys and disappear into the city in a matter of moments.
Even as Zayna and Melthune continue to search the bodies for incidentals they look up to see charging around the corner four musketeers and a young corporal with them.
They guards lower their weapons on you. As you hastily attempt to explain what happens you notice that none of the witnesses want to get involved in the situation at this time; preferring not to interfere unless necessary.
The corporal leaves two of his men with the corpses and takes you both into custody back to his superior at a guard post about several blocks from the situation. You can see there is a small watch tower roughly three stories tall and there is a small area on the ground that houses four horses, a series of small cells and small offices on the first level and the second floor of the tower is where the weapons are stored and the third floor houses a small area for the few guards there to sleep. The post holds roughly twenty men, but only four men are there, plus their officer a middle-aged lieutenant. In addition you see a second corporal as well as the three men who came back with you.
You are introduced to their officer.
”I am lieutenant Rinaldo Glabius,” the chief officer says with a glance at you when you are brought before him.
The lieutenant hears your tale patiently – specifically about your details about the attack. He considers the suggestion that they were bounty hunters and his eyes widen.
”Bounty hunters? We don’t need their scum,” he says with a frown.
He orders you both into a cell for a while until he can get the full details after you have surrendered your arms. During this process he notes your manners and actions.
His men examine the crime scene, conduct formal interviews and study the bodies. This takes some time, but after roughly two hours he invites you into his chambers and considers you both.
”My men had interviewed some of the citizens that they found there and it seems that your story is indeed accurate. The witnesses agree that these men had attacked you first and you merely defended yourselves.”
"As you are indeed innocent, I apologize for the long delay. However, I wished to confirm more details on who had died and where these survivors might have fled to before I formally released you."
He leans back in his chair and regards you.
"As of now those survivors have not been apprehended yet, but we are still searching for them."
”Meanwhile, we believe that the leader of that group which you killed was in the employ of a business organization called The Bloody Sword. This organization operates mainly out of Rahadoum and they offer "protection" services to various sailors and merchants from the threat of pirates between here and eastern Cheliax; their chief enforcers have been trained in the bloodsports of the arena.”
He considers things for a moment, including the evidence that his men have brought back.
”It sounds like their chief man had hired some locals for contract work to catch beasts for some reason. Those men may have been paid a bounty on taking certain animals for their arenas to the south. If I had to gamble I would think that they were trying to take prizes to their arena – exotic animals used in blood sport might draw a large crowd,” he says thoughtfully.
He watches you for a moment and decides to bring the meeting to a close.
”Return their arms to them,” he says to one of his men, then glances at you all thoughtfully.
”I am sorry that you endured such filth in our city,” he says to you with a polite tone.
”It is clear that you were the victims of criminal elements. I regret none of them were taken alive only because it may have helped us take formal action against this - organization,” he says thoughtfully ”but – clearly – you were not at fault but defending yourselves,” he adds.
”Thank you for your assistance. As I said my men are still out trying to track down the others involved in this assault. I would very much like to take a more direct action against this "Bloody Sword" group."
"If we captured these men alive their information could help us take formal action against this organization."
"If we find these survivors having someone identify them formally would help us greatly. Will you be able to do so should we require it? If so, where can we find you?” he asks you both.
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The Others
Hack and Taissa move quickly through the streets until they are sure that they are not being tracked. In time they are somewhat farther away from the combat and are relatively sure they’re not being followed.
Hack pauses to look into the pouch of the man he found to count the coins as Taissa slings White Fang snugly in a pouch around her shoulder to keep him safe.
The two of them still plan on heading to this “bazaar” for the purpose of purchasing strange or unusual goods.
In time they arrive and are met with a large crowd of hawkers and vendors with their wares. As they search for goods and gear they suddenly notice a tall man exit a shop and glance in their direction.
”Stefan,” Taissa calls to him, and he grins and waves at them, moving toward them.
White Fang scooches out of the pouch hanging around Taissa’s torso and peeks out at her.
”Ooh! Alpha – maybe Daya could find out where the others went, or even tell the one on the ship what happened, too, and what we are all doing so he can make us snacks when we come back?” he says peeking out from the pouch.
Then he wiggles his little butt against your belly and suddenly his eyes go wide, then he gives you a little grin.
”I made a smelly – heh-heh-heh-heh,” the little pup says giggling in his little warg voice as he suddenly hides back in the pouch.
Note to all –
"Stefan, it is good our paths crossed. We were just waylaid by four bounty hunters. They were after Daya and White Fang, for whatever reason. Two are dead now - the Rahadoumi leader and one of his Northmen henchmen. The other two fled. We were accompanied by two females at the time - possible new recruits -- although I am unsure if they will come by the docks later and join us. I seek your polite manner to bargain for items which we require for the ship. If there is anything you need, then speak. Do you have time to join us before we return to The Scorpion? I've yet to report all this to Polux."
Taissa had ignored the pup's flatulence. She had thought after sending Daya back to the ship and Polux, but she was unsure if it would be safe, especially with her Roc's injuries.
She turned her gaze to Daya and gave her a soft smile and began instructing her using Roc speak lest they were overheard by other threats.
Daya bowed her head and gave a low screech in reply.
She lifted to the air and began flying toward the dock and the ship. In the air, she attempted to be on the lookout, noting anything of interest, while flying in a quiet and discreet manner so as to not draw the attention of those below, especially the remaining hunters.
When she comes upon The Scorpion, she flies down and lands on the deck. She stretches out her wing and favours the side hit by the poisoned arrow. Screeching, she searches out and in short time locates Polux. She begins to relay as much information as she can in her simple Common.
Daya presses her beak gently against her bleeding wound to show Polux where she is hurt.
When Melthune and Zayna are finally released by the guards she tries hard not to smile. I can finally heal myself! That went about as I expected though.
She turns to Melthune saying, "If you'll excuse me for a moment, I've got to let water and it can't wait." Zayna then finds an alley or somewhere else hidden and casts a spell of healing on herself.
After casting the spell she returns to Melthune. "Much better now. Let's head to the docks and find the Scorpion?"
At Zayna's return,
Melthune does little more than raise an eyebrow at Zayna, though she smiles and agrees, heading off and pointing out local places, fares, wares, people and customs as they travel towards the docks.
"So....it seems every one was right. They were both Bounty Hunters and Slavers. Men seeking to take exotic creatures back to their home land for nefarious purposes..." Melthune opines about the men they'd scuffled with before. She glances sidelong towards Zayna,
"I must admit, your features are exotic compared to most of the locals..."
This Lieutenant Glabius seems to look at Melthune was an expression of distaste on his aristocratic features.
"I do not understand - you wish to loot the fallen?" he says with a confused look on his face.
"How crass..." he murmurs, his estimation of you dropping somewhat for some reason.
Shaking his head, he looks at you both.
"The bodies have been taken to be disposed of nearly an hour ago - the priests and the apothecary will examine the corpses and see if there is anything that can be used from them and then dispose of the bodies after saying some last words."
"I suppose that if you wanted to take the items from the corpses you may be able to find the remains at the temple district..." he says looking at each of you.
This Lieutenant Glabius seems to look at Melthune was an expression of distaste on his aristocratic features.
"I do not understand - you wish to loot the fallen?" he says with a confused look on his face.
"How crass..." he murmurs, his estimation of you dropping somewhat for some reason.
Shaking his head, he looks at you both.
"The bodies have been taken to be disposed of nearly an hour ago - the priests and the apothecary will examine the corpses and see if there is anything that can be used from them and then dispose of the bodies after saying some last words."
"I suppose that if you wanted to take the items from the corpses you may be able to find the remains at the temple district..." he says looking at each of you.
Melthune simply places her hands upon her armored hips.
"You've already noted that they attacked us. Inflicting injury and harm, unwarranted, upon ourselves. That they've forfeited their lives and the possessions upon such would seem normal." She declares, though she makes no more of an issues of it.
Upon walking away and to 'The Scorpion', while Melthune is giving Zayna a tour-guide of the city through which they walk, she comments.
"I would hazard a guess that said possessions did not necessarily make their way to the Clerics who's duty it is to inter the dead." She shrugs philosophically, "Ah well...Indeed to the victor go the spoils..." She also procures the services of a 'Runner', giving them coin so that they may bring all of her traveling wares to said ship.
"Do we not look forward to a life of adventure and treasure? I wouldn't worry too much about the belongings of a few thugs, Melthune," Zayna comments on their way to the Scorpion
Melthune luaghs in agreement with Zayna's assessment.
Sum-up:
Taissa and Hack are shopping. Stefan is with them. This process started formally at 12:00 Noon.
Taissa sent Daya back to the ship to speak to Polux and let him know what’s up. Daya would have been able to reach Polux by roughly 12:30.
Melthune and Zayna were released from custody at roughly 2:00 PM. They would have reached the ship by roughly 2:30 PM.
Now that everyone knows where they are and what time it is, just let me know your plans so that we can get things done and get the party back together.
Thank you.
"Ah, well met Taissa, how fortunate as I was just on my way to find you."
"Bounty hunters you say? Interesting, are you sure they were just a chance encounter and not something related to our other quest? I have some information regarding that as it happens.
I will fill you in as we shop and I will gladly help with that."
Stefan tells Taissa some of the basic information, but will wait for all of us to gather before going into detail.
When she comes upon The Scorpion, she flies down and lands on the deck. She stretches out her wing and favours the side hit by the poisoned arrow. Screeching, she searches out and in short time locates Polux. She begins to relay as much information as she can in her simple Common.
** spoiler omitted **
Daya presses her beak gently against her bleeding wound to show Polux where she is hurt.
Polux opens a grin when he notices Daya arriving on board of The Scorpion, but it quickly dies away when he realizes the roc is wounded, and bleeding.
Even though he is already aware that Daya can actually speak, the man still hesitates momentarily when hearing her words - "Daya, are the others wounded?" - he asks promptly, approaching the magnificent animal without touching her, to observe the wound closer.
"Let's get you fixed. Wait here - I will quickly take care of another issue first" - he adds, moving to the goblin - "This is your chance to prove you wish a chance to join us - make the best of it" - he comments, taking the goblin down below, tying him yet with another rope, and gagging his mouth - bringing the grand total of bindings to a pair of manacles and two ropes - "Stay put and silent, and I will seriously consider your application" - he offers with a stare.
Returning uptop, Polux goes to his pack, retrieving one of the healing scrolls - Ok Polux, lets do this - he ponders to himself as he approaches Daya.
"May I touch you?" - he asks the roc - "I should be able to heal your wounds"
Unable to activate the healing magic contained in the scroll, Polux curses, then looks back at Daya with a wink - "I can do this"
With a smile, he can feel the warmth pouring from the scroll, through his body, arm and then hand, healing some of Daya's wounds - "There, that should get you on the mend"
Picking up his bag, he moves to leave but stops short - "Daya, I know you don't take orders from me, but I need you to stand guard - if the goblin down there does a lot of noise, or tries to escape, do not let him!" - he adds, not sure but believing the intelligent creature will understand him - "Do not risk your life for any reason - flee if you have to" - he finishes, jumping out from The Scorpion, already in a dash.
As he jogs out of the vessel, his mind races through what he knows about Korvosa - Bazaar, bazaar....
I remember! This way! - he realizes, picking up the pace, and jogging towards the bazaar.