Don't listen to Curnach, from what I have observed to date, he is actually a Druid of some power[/b]
Curnach looks confused at the term, and whispers to Jerin-
What is a Druid, Jerin? Is it a name for an animal friend? I didn't know anyone had told you I befriended the shark underneath Lamm's house...
Don't listen to Curnach, from what I have observed to date, he is actually a Druid of some power[/b]
Curnach looks confused at the term, and whispers to Jerin-
What is a Druid, Jerin? Is it a name for an animal friend? I didn't know anyone had told you I befriended the shark underneath Lamm's house...
Jerin looks at Curnach curiously whispering back,
Well I don't know much about the Druidic order really. I made an assumption based on a creature you summoned back in the shop. Whereas all of the mages I schooled with were summoning creatures of arcane might, I noticed that yours was tied to the natural world. My masters said that those people used a type of natural power called Druidic magic. Did you not study with a master to gain this power Curnach?
Skender nods, 'Well met, Curnach Daveck.'
He looks to the bookish man at the table and back to Curnach, 'My Lady has a certain fondness for those wardens of nature who share her lust for life.' Accepting Jerin's offer, Skender comes to the table. As he approaches, he turns at the sound of the dwarf's voice. 'I understand and appreciate your offer, Krenn Whetstone.'
Sitting, he listen as Curnach and Jerin speak. At Jerin's last question, Skender looks back to Curnach.
My only teachers were the beasts of the city... Rats that brought food to my broken body where Lamm left me. I have no master save myself.
This Lamm fellow sounded like a horrible man, I am glad you were able to rid the world of him. As I said, I know little of your magic Curnach, maybe we should go to the library and learn more about it sometime?
Well what do we think for meeting tonight, should we go in and use a magical compulsion on the criminal? He should be much more pliable to give us what we want after that and with little cash spent.
My only teachers were the beasts of the city... Rats that brought food to my broken body where Lamm left me. I have no master save myself.
'One of Lamm's disappointments, eh? I remember my going away party in much the same way.'
'Well what do we think for meeting tonight, should we go in and use a magical compulsion on the criminal? He should be much more pliable to give us what we want after that and with little cash spent.'
Looking to Jerin, Skender says, 'What has this "criminal" done? What are looking to get from him?'
From what we have been told ambassador Darvayne Gios Amprei from Cheliax has a strong dislike for our fair city. He is possibly going to go as far as lobby for sanctions against the city with Cheliax. Luckily he likes some of our less than desirable activities and a criminal named Devargo Barvasi has some information about these activities that we could use as leverage over the ambassador. Croft gave us 1000gp to use as a bribe to get the information. She also told us we could keep anything we don't use. Devargo run's a criminal enterprise out of Eel's End.
'If he runs an enterprise, he has people working for him. Forcing him could very well make an enemy of him. That means also dealing with those in his employ. As a businessman, no matter how unscrupulous, he'll be amenable to exchanging information for payment, whether it's money or favors. Find out what he feels he needs and you'll know how to get what you want.'
I would rather use Jerin's talents for magical compulsion, than cater to the needs of a criminal. Regardless, we should go in as though we were going to give him the bribe, keep our eyes peeled and be ready to improvise...
You notice as you are all discussing a man is sat nearby who rises and re-introduces himself as Vencarlo, noticing the new man in the group. You see before you a tall man of advanced years, yet has a twinkle in his eye and a bounce in his step.
He wears his salt-and-pepper hair pulled back tightly into a bravo’s top-knot. His eyes are a cast of deep green like the ocean after a storm. He is of Old Chelish blood, and it shows. Orisini wears black leather gloves to ensure the oils of his skin don’t rust the pommel of his shining steel rapier.
"Hello all once again and new member. I would call you by a group name, but I do not know if you indeed have a name to use." he smiles to you all and gives a bow. "I assume you are all heading to Eel's End today? My school should be on the way there and I would like to meet the heroes of Korvosa." He gives his polite bow as he clearly respects you all and makes it known that he does.
'Well met, stranger.' Skender says with a slight nod of acknowledgement.
Vencarlo, it is good to see you again. I don't think any of us consider ourselves heroes though. Hopefully our services will lead to the betterment of the city.
What about you, what is your interest in our little group? This is the second time we have seen you in as many days.
One would almost feel like the man was following us... Curnach snarls quietly...
"My name is Vencarlo Orisini, Sir. What might yours be?" he bows to show respect before offering out his hand to him.
You notice that the last two fingers are slightly odd. They do not move like his other fingers do and he hides it pretty well. His other hand seems perfectly find but his right hand has strange non-moving end fingers.
"Lamm's Bane, I like the sound of that one. To answer your question Jerin, I love this city. It is my home and I am glad to see such active warriors helping out this city.As I said, I drink here often when it suits me." he looks to Curnach then with a raised eyebrow, but decides not to say anything about the muttering he heard. "I heard from Grau that you all managed to escort him safely. His habbit hit him pretty hard that night from what I hear. I hope he wasn't too much of a pain."
Perception:
'I am Skender Ghaelekin. How do you do?' Skender replies as he shakes Orsini's hand.
"I hear you will be heading over to Eel's End today perhaps?" he asks with a smile on his face as shakes Skender's hand like a gentleman. "You will do well by staying with this group. I am sure the city will be safer with you all working so hard for my friend, Cressida, though I know she won't want me calling her by her first name. he continues to greet everyone in a flattering manner.
Curnach narrows his eyes at Vancarlo's over-friendliness.
Lets move on quickly... he says pointedly.
Skender looks to Krenn and Curnach, giving them both a brief nod and falling into step with the rest of the group. 'Nice to meet you, Orsini. Perhaps we will meet again.'
"Sooner than you think, Master Ghaelekin." he smiles as you all leave on your way to Eel's End though Vencarlo appears to have invited himself along with the jurney. He takes it time to get to know you all, treating you all with respect but then once you cross the narrows he takes his leave. "Eel's End is to the east, the first pier after the last bridge over the Narrows." and with a swift bow he spins on a heel and dissappears into the streets.
A sprawl of light and sound marks the first (or last, depending on your orientation) pier of Old Korvosa. Glowing lanterns in the shape of dream spiders and god’s eyes hang from pilings or lampposts, flickering through all hours of the night. During the day, Eel’s End is quieter, yet the place never truly sleeps. Here is a place that caters to the vices and base needs of Old Korvosa at all hours.
The pier itself is 70 feet long, although its last 30 feet widen into a large square platform on the water. Five ships are moored to the pier—the largest of these is the Eel’s End, a warship that serves as the stronghold of Devargo Barvasi and the administrative center of his entire operation. Each of the other four barges are owned by various peddlers and captains, and they pay regular rent for the honor of attaching to Eel’s End.
As you stand there you notice that the riots have not hit the streets here in old Korvosa. None of the riots have hit here and things appear reletively intact. You also notice that many of the civilians around here are also wearing armour and carrying weapons without people giving them a sideways glance.
The sound of carousing booms from the elegantly painted ships moored to this long pier. Large signs painted in several languages hang from ropes slung between ships or are nailed to pilings. The closest ship to the east bears a sign that says, “The Twin Tigers— Take the Tiger by the Tail and Try Your Luck!” Opposite that, to the west, a barge’s sign says, “Welcome to the Goldenhawk—No Safer Stay in Old Korvosa!” Further to the southeast is “Dragon’s Breath Corridor—Dream the Dragon’s Dreams at Affordable Prices!”, while opposite that is the “House of Clouds—The Caress of Our Lovelies Will Take You Straight to Heaven!”
Only the largest ship, to the south, bears no signage at all. Short rope bridges or gangplanks provide access to the decks of these ships from the pier, or from the decks of other ships. Sailors, thugs, drunkards, prostitutes, and what could even be a few well-dressed nobles carouse on the pier and the decks of all five ships, seemingly oblivious to Korvosa’s recent troubles. Here and there, large men dressed in chainmail patrol the area, grim faces in a sea of revelry.
As you march by a few women who appear to be wearing lots of make up and dressed in cheap clothing move in your way.
"Well 'ello there handsome? Any of you looking for a bit of fun?" these women all appear to be sizing you all up with interest and throwing suggestive glances but you can easily dissuade them as they have a entire day to meet their quota and there are many others out there willing to buy their services.
There are two guards standing at the peir with arms crossed and keeping a eye out, but you also notice 4 more guards sleeping on hammocks nearby on the peir. They take notice of you all, but remain at their posts.
Whoever has the quickest tongue should try and talk our way through those guards so we can discuss our proposal with Devargo. Do you want me try try and "befriend" him as soon as we see him or try to disguise it as a friendly show of our skill after we talk with him?
Skender looks to Jerin. 'You like enchantments. A sleep spell'll do 'em. If not, I'll tie 'em up.'
Curnach moves to kneel beside the pier, seeking out any large fish or amphibians with his keen eyes and attempting to call any closer.
Wild Empathy
1-25 Jigsaw Shark
You attempt to call something, but the waters here to be rarther empty. Most fish would avoid these waters as there is little food. The guards look at your curiously but do nothing. Soon a shady looking man walks over to the guards and after pointing to a ship they nod and let him pass. He then heads to the boat named "House of Clouds" and is ushered in by attractive looking women who appear to hang around this boat.
A shame, but I am not able to find any allies in the depths this time. I propose we go to the meeting as though we were going to follow through with the bribe- but keep an eye out for an opportunity to strike. It rankles deeply with me that the government want us to trade with scum such as this. The city needs to be purged of such elements, not pamper and bribe them...
Skender looks to Jerin. 'You like enchantments. A sleep spell'll do 'em. If not, I'll tie 'em up.'
If we want to fight our way in. I would rather talk our way in past these guards and save any spells for Devargo and any men he has with him.
If we want to fight our way in. I would rather talk our way in past these guards and save any spells for Devargo and any men he has with him.
Skender shrugs his shoulders. 'Makes no nevermind to me.'
Skender walks up to open the door. Should the guards attempt to stop him, he will smile and say, ''Ello lads. I'm lookin' for D'vargo. Got some tales for 'im what been told twixt tha' 'laxin 'bassider an' 'is matress actress.'
The guards briefly look at each other and look you over for a few moments and then at the group behind you.
"We didn't hear about no performance...but he doesn't tell us everything..." they seemed perplexed, but let you all pass as neither of them could find any reason to stop you. "The king of spiders'll kill you if you aren't meant to be here."
Arriving at Eel's End you notice that there are 6 guards sleeping in hammocks above by the unused sails, sleeping soundly. There appears to be a double-door entrance at the Aft (south) of the ship with a door that leads into the ship. There are 3 guards outside with weapsons ready, playing cards outside the door.
Guards
''Ello lads. I'm lookin' for D'vargo. Got some tales for 'im what been told twixt tha' 'laxin 'bassider an' 'is matress actress.'
''Ello lads. I'm lookin' for D'vargo. Got some tales for 'im what been told twixt tha' 'laxin 'bassider an' 'is matress actress.'
"He's in the Eel's End. All we's know is he gets payment that ambassador. Must 'av somethin' good on 'im." they look you over and make sure to remain out of your way if you wish to pass "The guards will be exspecting ya, if ya expected."
Skender walks on down the pier towards the Eel's End.
Adopting a swagger to his step, he confidently struts up to the doors at the aft end of the ship. He nods to the guards at their table as he reaches out to open the door, acting as if it were his own ship.
These guards rise from their seats and get in your way.
"Where you think you goin'?" one of them asks who has particularly bad breath and doesn't mind sharing it. "No one sees the king of spiders unless 'e's expected." the other two guards stand firmly outside the doors.
'Oy! Watch the 'ands!' Skender brushes at imaginary dust. 'We got tasty new tidbits 'bout that 'laxin 'bassider that the ol' king here likes so much. He's waitin' on this news. You steppin' aside or answerin' to 'im when he don' get his information?'
'Oy! Watch the 'ands!' Skender brushes at imaginary dust. 'We got tasty new tidbits 'bout that 'laxin 'bassider that the ol' king here likes so much. He's waitin' on this news. You steppin' aside or answerin' to 'im when he don' get his information?'
The guards look back and forth at each other nervously. Clearly you said something that spooked them and the one that got close nods lightly.
"Oh...w-we're sorry, sir. Please, march right in. Th-The king of spiders will be waiting for you." they back off and return to their game, staying out of your way as they do not wish to get in the way of anyone who has business with Devargo.
'Tha's bett'r, gents.' Skender says with a smirk. He tugs at his breastplate as if to straighten it out and swaggers past the guards through the doors.
This large room, once a captain’s cabin, has been converted into a throne room of sorts. The walls are thick with spiderwebs, in which scuttle dozens of spiders—some as large as a fist but most considerably smaller. These spiders seem content to stay in their webs and do not venture into the room itself, which is furnished with two sturdy oaken tables surrounded by chairs.
Aft, a wooden stage supports a large leather chair, itself covered with cobwebs and scampering spiders. A narrow door stands to port, hanging ajar and revealing a flight of stairs leading below. An iron birdcage hangs from the ceiling like a chandelier, inside of which lingers a tiny, tired-looking purple dragon.
This is the throne room of Devargo Barvasi, the self-styled King of Spiders. He is a tall man with close-cropped black hair, a warm smile, and blue eyes. He accents his black leather armor with a steel spider-shaped shoulder baldric and a thick chain criss-crossing his chest, linked together in the shape of a spider’s web. His signature weapons—gauntlets fixed with blades over the knuckles glisten with poison. Now and then, spiders clamber over his skin, but he takes no notice.
He sits upon his throne as he examins six young men standing before him, armed with small weapons and in leather armour with their heads hung low.
You notice the floor boards in front of the stage where the throne is are loose and appear to be a trapdoor of somesort, but you have no idea where the switch or leaver is.
"If I can use you, you will be of value to me, however if I cannot then you shall feed you to my pets, is that understood?" he pauses as he turns to the group, leering with interest. "Who are you people and why have you entered my domain?" he continues to look over at you all and the spiders all appear to take notice of you all as well.
Curnach's keen eyes quickly notice something amiss within the room. He whispers to the group-
Stay away from the front of the stage- theres a trapdoor there, no doubt ready to drop someone into a nasty surprise...
Taking in the whole situation, Curnach whispers again-
Lets wait until the boss man has dealt with these six before we make our move...
Skender grunts in acknowledgement of Curnach's warning.
"I asked you worms a question. Who are you and what are you doing here?!" he glares at you all, stepping back and looking at you all. "Come closer so you can state your business." he remains still, but grips onto the blades, preparing himself for whatever might happen.
Curnach stands up to his full height imperiously, and raises an eyebrow at the six young men Devargo was speaking to.
Would you have us discuss our proposition in front of these men too? Perhaps while we're at it we can invite the whole sodding aristocracy to listen in as well?