"Well," Seijiro says softly, "Where do you suggest we start?"
"Well," Seijiro says softly, "Where do you suggest we start?"
Horatio glances at Seijiro, then Dhaavan, then the docks and piers and the fortress to the north.
"Not sure, but if this guy is some kind of lord of this place I figure he'd likely have some kind of military or militia to run things," he says looking around, trying to see if there are any men with with heraldry to mark them.
"If we find anything like that, we can ask them were to go next," he says, glancing at his companions, not entirely sure what to do next, either.
He studies the docks looking for guard towers or armed soldiers and (if he sees anybody) someone who looks something like maybe an "Officer of the Watch" or a Master-Sergeant type.
That sounds like a suggestion if you want to go with him to ensure mutual safety. I will remain here though and keep watch on the ship and the crew.
Rain was not sure how much information could be gleamed from the local shrine, but the priest seemed to possess a chatty tongue and she had a feeling he could readily sway someone in talking.
"Aye, Captain."
Rain moved promptly to the cabin and gathered her weapons: strapped the Zul trident and pike to her back and cutlass and whip to her hip. She took a potion of mage armour and two cure light wounds potions from her pack and stored them in the pouch around her waist. She stowed Svingli's Eye inside her pack, along with her waterskin, switchblade and rope (she took out any unnecessary items and left them on the chair in the cabin until she returned -- a lighter pack was not a bad thing). She wore Besmara's Tricorne on her head, her Mithral Shirt (+1) beneath her coat and the Amulet of Natural Protection (+2) around her neck. Precautions had to be taken, especially in Port Peril. She made herself as presentable as possible -- she would draw some attention in town but hopefully not the bad kind.
A place like this would not have many temples, but surely a shrine to either Gozreh or Besmara. Rain silently pondered what she knew of Port Peril and where these holy sites would be located in the pirate city.
"I am ready. Adular, retrieve what you must. I'll do what I can to protect you if we are set upon in this place."
Rain called Neko to her. "Come, Neko, you will travel with us." Neko moved from her sitting place and joined her mistress.
Dhaavan moves with Flynn and jiro chatting, and looking over goods and figures out where one of the Hurricane kings emissaries gold court, so they can approach and secure an appointment
Let's start at the Cup&Rudder?
Ret-con
On the trip from the Rock, Dhaavan workmen furiously on his projects, a day outside of Port Peril, Dhaavan catches Sejiro, Ah, there you are. Come on, Jiro, we need to have a word with the pilot.
He strolls across the ship, Rain, can I we your amulet for a moment? upon receiving out, he looks out over, analyzes the item and nods. here ya go Jiro! It's same as the one I've been working on far as the magic, but this one... He says, tossing Sejiro the amulet Rain has been wearing, and reaching into his pocket.
Before there is time to protest, he pulls out another necklace. This one may have some sentimental value. he presents Rain with an expertly crafted necklace with a boarder of intricately carved teeth and delicate designs within. it's teeth from some of your better kills, I was able to use them and the innate magic of that to improve this older amulet, and thought you should have it! As thanks for what happened down in the cavern and such and as an engagement gift. Its for a little extra protection, some luck or fortune or whatever... Not really real magic, but hey, we need everything we can get with what's coming.
Dhaavan waits silent a moment, hoping Rain appreciates the sentiment of the gesture.
At port
Dhaavan will agree to send back in there's reason to
"Thanks, Dhaavan!" Seijiro says, slipping the new/old amulet around his neck, even while admiring Rain's new one. "Love the teeth, Rain!" He tucks his own amulet inside his shirt.
"I am ready. Adular, retrieve what you must. I'll do what I can to protect you if we are set upon in this place."
Rain called Neko to her. "Come, Neko, you will travel with us." Neko moved from her sitting place and joined her mistress.
Know. Local re shrine or holy site dedicated to Besmara: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
"Hopefully your talent for making folks regret messing with us won't be needed, Rain, but thank ye."
Adular will move along with her, and talk as they look for a shrine or temple of his goddess
As they travel, he asks, "Nervous about the wedding?"
Rain was about to question the sorcerer about her amulet when he handed it to Jiro. Before a retort could leave her lips, Dhaavan presented her with a replacement -- a new one he had crafted using the teeth of her kills intertwined in the fine design. She looked upon the sorcerer with keen turquoise eyes (the sentimental nature of the amulet struck her as curious and kind) before securing the amulet around her neck and pushing it inside her shirt (only so much that the tiny teeth would not catch and cut the cloth).
Rain inclined her head in acknowledgement of the gesture and gift.
"It is of rare design, and, I will wear it with pride. Thank you for the troth gift, Dhaavan." Rain warmly smiled and then noted Jiro's own excitement as he admired Dhaavan's work. "Neko's not the only one with sharp teeth, now" and then winked at the kitsune and the sorcerer.
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"Your skill with an enemy has its own merits, Adular. Neko and I are here to complement it", she smiled at the Besmaran priest, inclining her head at his praise regarding her fighting skill.
Rain scanned her eyes about the place as they walked and idly chatted.
Adular's question regarding her upcoming wedding ceremony to Variel surprised her for he was the first among the crew to enquire about it.
"Not so much nervous; simply wondering if it will happen with all the talk of dark times ahead. But such things are in the hands of the gods...Let us hope they will smile kindly on us."
Neko, padded on thick paws, beside Rain and keenly assessed the passerbys and shadowed places where villains could lurk and hide, occasionally sniffing the air for any uncommon or particular scents.
Gozreh, master of the winds and waves, who holds dominion
over the livelihood of every sailor that dares to roam the open
seas. Not much different from that of any fishing village,
Port Peril’s hall has walls made of driftwood and netting
to serve as a place of refuge for those seeking Gozreh’s
guidance. Father Ignalus (N male venerable half ling adept
5) tends this hall and welcomes those who follow his god,
no matter the form it may take, including veneration of
the dual form of Shimye-Migalla often worshiped in the
Mwangi Expanse. A studious record-keeper since he arrived
in Port Peril, Ignalus has kept an accurate, though morbid,
account of all the shipwrecks around the pirate haven.
Berth of the Sea Wraith: This is one of the few holy sites
dedicated to Besmara. Before the temple rise arching fingers
of petrified wood that form the hull of an immense ship,
twice as long as the Hurricane King’s f lagship, the Filthy
Lucre. Many believe Besmara built this nameless vessel as a
prototype for the Sea Wraith long before Port Peril existed,
then sailed off into the eternal oceans of the Maelstrom.
Horatio looks at the others for a bit and then turns to walk toward the men unloading and observing the cargo being moved between the warehouses and ships.
Striding forward he calls out to some of the men –
”Ahoy! We just got into town, got a load of gear we’re looking to unload and we’re looking for the Dockmaster,” he calls out to them.
”Any of you lads know where we can find him?” he adds, turning a friendly grin toward the gang.
"Not so much nervous; simply wondering if it will happen with all the talk of dark times ahead. But such things are in the hands of the gods...Let us hope they will smile kindly on us."
"We've put on a good show, and if nothing else, that makes Besmara smile. Still, I'll pray for us all, o course. As for dark times? mmm.... we've faced plenty thus far and scrabbling and squabbling though we can be; we've gotten by. Don't let you and the Captain get so worried about what might be for the group of us that you let it tarnish the joys for the two of you. Won't help us, and robs you something fierce if you let it."
Adular makes his way towards the Besmaran temple, the Berth of the Sea Wraith smiling as it comes into view. "There she is, the legendary womb of Besmara's ship. It's an honor to be here. Sure hope my fellow priests don't try to knife us." He chuckles, "Doubtful they will."
Looks like splitting to gather onto then regrouping
I believe that Variel asked if Dhaavan, Seijiro and I could go in and do some recon work to find out where we need to go and who we need to talk to via Diplomacy Checks and asked the others to stay on the ship to help guard it as we don't know how tough this town is (I know that the NPC crew was formally confined to the ship, though).
As far as I knew, we three were going to visit the Pirate King and inform him that we're in town and possibly offer him the bribe or gift that was mentioned earlier in terms of Plunder; then we report back to the ship with information on the results.
For now it looks the group has split into three sections; the first group being our section, then Variel still being on the ship with the NPC's and Adular and are Rain going to explore a temple.
Quick question for you: what is Astriana doing at this point? As she's attached to Dhaava I wasn't sure if she was coming with us as "backup" or just staying on the ship, but I think that's up to you.
The Cup and Rudder is a large and well appointed building that looks more like a well off temple than a tavern. The place is packed and you manage to find yourselves a section of the bar that is standing room only. Unlike most of the other bars, this one seems to cater to well to do clientele and is boisterous but pleasant. Large half-orc bouncers stand by the exits, heavy looking cudgels at their waist provide security.
You spend a while buying a few drinks and asking questions before someone mentions that you need to just wait for a while before Tsadock Goldtooth, Kerdak Bonefist's First Mate, gets here and he can take the message. He stops in once a day to do business with folks around town. You get a description and settle in to wait. After about an hour, the man fitting the description walks in.
Tsadock Goldtooth is a massively muscled and scarred Half-Orc. When he walks in the bar quiets a bit while those sitting at what you presume to be his table quickly move themselves before he sits down. A serving girl is ready with a mug of some amber liquid. Once he sits down everyone goes back to what they were doing.
Tsadock Goldtooth is a massively muscled and scarred Half-Orc. When he walks in the bar quiets a bit while those sitting at what you presume to be his table quickly move themselves before he sits down. A serving girl is ready with a mug of some amber liquid. Once he sits down everyone goes back to what they were doing.
Horatio looks at the half-orc, then he glances toward Seijiro and Dhaavan, nods, then looks back at the Half-Orc.
For now he studies the person carefully, trying to get a read on him.
He glances back at the others and shares quietly what he saw. Then he waits for them to make their move...
Dhaavan flags a barmade and asks her, Hello there miss. I'd like you to bring that man there a glass of his favorite here, and tell him it's from us. Wed like a word. We were summoned and have an offer for him.
Dhaavan flags a barmade and asks her, Hello there miss. I'd like you to bring that man there a glass of his favorite here, and tell him it's from us. Wed like a word. We were summoned and have an offer for him.
Horatio gives Dhaavan a nod and the thumbs up sign at the offer, then he watches to see what happens next, paying specific attention to who else in the tavern is watching the Half-Orc and any other potential threats or dangers.
The serving wench nods and brings Tsadok the glass which he downs without looking in your direction. He says something to the barmade and she scurries back to you. Master Goldtooth bid me tell ye...and he made sure I said this exact...Ye best not be wastin his time or he'll cut ye into so many pieces the only thing ye'll be good fer is chum. Then he said to send ye over.
Once you get there you see that he's not named Goldtooth for nothing. One of his tusks has been replaced or capped with solid gold and glints in the lantern-light. He speaks with an obvious sneer and looks you over before dismissing you as not dangerous.
He begins to drain a second glass before saying Well what is it ye want? I ain't got all day.
Seijiro tries to look as unthreatening but capable of being threatening at the same time, while waiting for Dhaavan to do the talking, since he is the diplomatic one.
Horatio glances at Seijiro and then at Dhaavan and finally back toward the half-orc.
Then he clears his throat and steps forward.
”This here’s the Lord of Tidewater Rock, the First Officer of the ship The Dread Lady and Sorcerer Supreme, Dhaavan Fellwind,” he says with a nod to Dhaavan.
”Lord Fellwind is here on personal invitation of The Hurricane King, Captain Kerdak Bonefist, and seeks an audience with him,” he adds with a formal tone, then turns to Dhaavan
”M’lord?” he says, bowing briefly to Dhaavan, and hoping that Dhaavan will be able to move things forward.
Thank you Sir Flynn. he says with a brief nod Captain Bonefist summoned us and we've come bearing gifts he motions to Jiro to open the Haversack and show Tsadok the plunder they are offering as a bribe. Here's a portion of what we have with us and we'd like to get an audience sooner rather than later, the implication clear that this is being offered to Goldtooth to get us in to see the king.
Seijiro takes his cue and displays a portion of the plunder - as much as he can without revealing more than necessary...
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Before Rain takes off, Variel brings in close for a hug and a kiss. Separating Variel instructs her in a worried tone, Send Neko if you need anything. I will be in our cabin.
With the other officers gone on their appointed tasks and Variel staying the ship he looks around and decides that he might as well make the most of it and work on his armor a bit. He doesn't know how long he will have but idle hands get one into trouble.
He looks at you for a second and says Alright give it here then and I'll meet you at the docks tomorrow morning with his answer. He pulls out his own magical pouch and has you dump in the plunder before dismissing you with a wave of his hand.
Seijiro glances over at Dhaavan for his approval, and if he gets the nod, he transfers the plunder over carefully.
Dhaavan gives a nearly imperseptable nod, hop to, and obey now like you didn't give the order a second thought
If Jiro waits, he gives a quick nod of approval.
Thank you master Goldtooth, it's all we ask
Before disembarking, Variel had taken her to the side and they shared an embrace and kiss. She nodded at his request for Neko to return to the ship and inform him if things went awry on their trek to the Besmaran temple. "Be safe", she quietly said to Variel before leaving with Adular and Neko.
Adular makes his way towards the Besmaran temple, the Berth of the Sea Wraith smiling as it comes into view. "There she is, the legendary womb of Besmara's ship. It's an honor to be here. Sure hope my fellow priests don't try to knife us." He chuckles, "Doubtful they will."
Rain listened as Adular insisted that she and Variel not rob themselves of the joy of their union because of any looming troubles and she simply nodded her head and continued to look about the streets and such as they made their way to the temple. Neko's gaze was keen, also, and she did not speak via their telepathic link.
"I have heard of the Berth of the Sea Wraith", Rain responded as she looked upon the petrified wooden hull in the near distance.
"I believe, then, I shall permit you to speak first to your fellow clergymen ... lest I mistakenly convince them to knife us." She smirked, yet her body and mind were ready for any trouble.
[dice=Bluff]1d20+19
** spoiler omitted **If Jiro waits, he gives a quick nod of approval.
Thank you master Goldtooth, it's all we ask
Horatio's face tightens somewhat as he watches the proceedings; clearly uncomfortable at giving an underling the bulk of the gift meant for someone else.
Still, he will not protest if that is the orders that are given.
You enter the temple and see...what looks like another tavern except this one is rife with images of the jolly roger and has sections where maps and charts are for sail, places to get wounds healed, there are multiple people with lots of gold jewelry that you recognize as possible clerics of Besmara. All this looks familiar to you both as you know that worship of Besmara is one of the loosest faiths on the planet in terms of clergy and such. Besmara really only cares that her priests cause chaos through piracy and rebel against tyranny.
"I could nose around to find a local temple or shrine to Besmara and see what I can learn there if ye like?"
You enter the temple and see...what looks like another tavern except this one is rife with images of the jolly roger and has sections where maps and charts are for sail, places to get wounds healed, there are multiple people with lots of gold jewelry that you recognize as possible clerics of Besmara. All this looks familiar to you both as you know that worship of Besmara is one of the loosest faiths on the planet in terms of clergy and such. Besmara really only cares that her priests cause chaos through piracy and rebel against tyranny
Adular walks up to the bar and slaps a hand down, "Ale so I might toast Besmara, brother. I've much to thank her for, and much to ask of her yet."
Rain looked on as Adular approached the counter and initiated general chatter. Her eyes strayed to the various images of the jolly roger, much the same as the one tattooed on her right shoulder. She smiled and approached the bar, moving to stand to Adular's right. Beside Rain, Neko moved with ease, her long, thick golden tail swishing back and forth. Rain inclined her head in the direction of the clergy within the Besmaran holy site. Her eyes casually scanned the interior for oddities or signs of possible trouble.
"Wine for me, if you would be so kind, brother." Rain smiled, hoping to put them all at ease, being she walked into the temple fully armed and with a good-sized golden cat. From the pouch at her waist, Rain removed coin and placed it on the bar.
"My feline companion is well trained -- She will not disturb your temple."
Dhaavan will try and get a little heads up on the trials, and an idea about what bonefish is like, if there's more to be gleaned from further conversation. He targets people that wouldn't have seen them talking to goldtooth. Just saw a new ship make port, different colors than I seen afore. Bet they trying to get recognized. Wonder what the kings gonna have em do this time?
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The man tending bar nods to you both and gives you your drinks.
As you are there talking for a bit with the people you find out a couple of things around town.
- Kerdak Bonefist is hated by most of the Free Captains but is too powerful to do much about.
- You also hear a lot about the upcoming Free Captains Regatta. The Regatta is a grueling annual race in which independent Free Captains can win fame and fortune, as well as lordship of an island and a seat on the
Pirate Council.
Dhaavan, you speak to a few people and they give you a few possibilities. The King likes to mix it up for the entertainment of his court one old pirate says, so you never know what it's going to be. I've seen things like drinking contests, swimming races, climbing challenges, fighting of all sorts, card games, that sort of thing.
Adular orders a wine for Rain as well, and both are served. He toasts Besmara and thanks her for the blessings granted to the crew's survival.
Then inquires some more hoping for details
"Not a fan of Bonefist? Eh? He squeezing too hard or somewhat?"
At the mention of the race, his ears perk up, "What course does this race take?"
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Course changes every year to keep things fresh don't it. Get kind o'boring if it were always the same for the captains and crew. Captains don't find out until right before setting off. Part of the fun that is. As for Bonefist, he's a right crazy and cruel one. Wants to make an attack on the port city of Ilizmagorti, the home of the Red Mantis Assassin guild, from what I heard and the Free Captains ain't stupid enough to do that. That said, they fight each other as much as him so there's no way to topple him without the Captain's uniting. At that he laughs and moves to help another customer.
The morning after you get the message to Tsadock, you are overseeing the morning duties of the crew when you see a large group of people coming down the docks. At their head is Tsadock. They do not look hostile but are definitely boisterous.
Once he gets next to the ship he turns and addresses the crowd and you all at the same time. With lots of flourishes he says Welcome friends new and old! My name is Tsadok Goldtooth and as the formal representative of His Royal Highness, the Hurricane King, Kerdak Bonefist, He pauses a moment while some members of the crowd cheers before continuing I have come to address the petition for an audience with his highness. It is most unusual for a new ship, daring and successful they may be, he again pauses and rolls his eyes as if to say that he doesn't think you are all that successful, some of the crowd laughs uproariously while others merely scowl and watch. Therefore, the King has decided that we need to put these upstarts to a few friendly tests to see if they are just fancy jackets or indeed true pirates of the Shackles! He gives emphasis to the one he thinks more likely and his cronies laugh again.
So as not to give unfair advantage and to make sure things stay fair, one of the captains of a ship in his majesty's fleet has agreed to let us perform the trials there. He points to a ship two docks over that has the name Stingray emblazoned on the stern. He looks at you and says Do you accept the trials to prove your worth or do you wish to give up this foolish pursuit of becoming real pirates and go back to preying upon lowly fishing folk and playing at big bad pirates?
He waits for your answer before continuing, a large smirk upon his face.
Seijiro lofts a brow at the arrival of Tsadok, and listens to all he has to say... As a quiet aside to Rain, assuming she's near him, or anyone else who'll listen, he comments 'This windbag Sad-Dog sure has a mouth on him... I wonder how much of his words are his own and how much are Bonefist's?" Then he smirks back while he awaits Variel's reply, all the while assuming it will be an affirmative.
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Variel wakes early and makes ready for the day. Preparing spells and stretching to loosen muscles seems to go quicker than usual as he anxiously awaits any news from Horatio, Dhaavan and Jiro's foray e day before. While it may be some time still before anything occurs, days in fact, Variel wants to be ready. When he hears the noise approaching Variel heads out to the main deck to be with the other officers as Bonefist arrives. Listening in on the vocal tirade and jesting of Bonefist Variel decides to play along. Variel clearly announces loud enough for all to hear, Indeed, the officers and crew of the Dread Lady are more than able to pass these friendly trials. I just hope that one of the trials includes greater sport than your jesting. Speaking of which...What manner to trials are we to undertake to prove ourselves?