Game On!
For a city founded upon bloody combat traditions, Tymon is surprisingly docile. Weapons are invariably peace-bonded, there is a lack of muscle flexing machismo in the streets — even public disputes are scarcer than in comparably large settlements. Rule of law here is strong, perhaps, or else violent urges are simply sated vicariously through the famed Arena of Aroden.
Whatever the cause, little impedes the swift journey to Smine’s Weaponworks, locally famous as a place of business but secretly also a Pathfinder lodge. The sound of ringing steel and the withering heat of the forge through an open sliding door identify the stone structure as readily as its well-painted but soot-stained sign. Several apprentices work blades in various stages of completion, and at the largest work area toils a smiling dwarf: famed weaponsmith and venture-captain
Holgarin Smine.
He glances up under singed eyebrows, never missing a beat as he says, "Ah. It’s you. A moment.' After putting some final touches on a spearhead, quenching it in water, and nodding approvingly after a brief appraisal, he unties his apron and opens the door into the adjoining building. Within a few minutes, Smine has set out refreshments such as bread and cheese in a much cooler kitchen. "Forgive me for not asking about your journey. Love the details, but those can wait. Someone’s picking a fight — with us," he divulges in broken sentences reminiscent of the staccato clanging of the adjacent forge.
"You might know we’re committed to supporting Mendev. Important business, that. Worldwound expanding, wardstones failing. Not good for anyone. So when we send supplies north and they’re stolen, it gets our attention. And that’s been happening. Months now. Boat after boat heading up the Sellen, attacked, looted — always a few days out of Tymon. Now, River Kingdoms shipping isn’t always chancy; brigands on the water are nothing new. Not like this, though. And it isn’t all shipping. Just ours. Someone is targeting us."
"It’s my job to get to the bottom of this, and I have a notion how. Been told you lot were just what I needed. So here’s what’s going to happen. We’re not just going to find these pirates; we’re going to flush ’em out. They want to hit Pathfinders? Pathfinders can hit, too. They’ll think they’ve got another soft supply boat, but the cargo will be you. Ready to fight." He grins before concluding, "You’re bait. But you’re bait that bites back."
|
"First, there seems to be something strange, with 'peace-bonded' weapons? I wouldn't want to be caught in a back alley of Absalom with one, but should we have ours so done while we are here?"
"Are we a secret cargo, ready to spring out, or are we posing as the new crew? Or just as incompetent guards? Should we hide out here, remaining unseen, or are we trying to spread some deception to draw the attack?"
While she talks, Naurin unconsciously taps a few places on her person, checking her preparation - her Potion of Touch of the Sea, a packet of Air Crystals...
|
Malfeas has a hard time moving through the city, what with his hands, feet, elbows, knees, and head all peace-bonded, but he tolerates it, knowing it’s a sign of respect that they view his entire body as a lethal weapon. He listens to the Venture-Captain as best he can with the head wrapping, but nods in agreement with the plan. ”Do we want any of them alive, or should Johann explodinate their ship while we shoot the “fish” in the river?”
V-C Smine looks you over:
To Johann and Dimitra:
"No, they know just where to hit us. Doesn't matter how we send it, they're onto us. The attacks happen *around* the same part of the river, but their base is well-hidden."
To Naurin and Malfeas:
"You pose as the crew. They try and rob you. You take them down. You hunt down their hideout and deal with any others. I’m hiring a boat. Get word to you shortly on which. Know a few boat-owners who’ll go along for the right price. You’ll have a pilot to sail it; you just need to fight."
"I’ve put out word there’s a major shipment headed upriver. Should get their attention. You can help with that too. Make yourselves look soft. Hit the taverns. Look like landlubbers. Probably are, anyway, so it shouldn’t be difficult. Drink hard, and look like you’re shipping out hung-over. Spread a good cover story. Make them overconfident."
Up to you if you take 'em alive. Mind you, capture ‘em and bring ‘em back, they’ll probably wind up naked in the arena, so your call if that’s mercy. Still, might want to grab some for questioning."
"Take out their entire operation. Anything else you learn, bring back to me. Who hired them, why they’re harassing us. That sort of thing."
"And yes, keep your weapons bonded while in town. I've got guest rooms here for ya, you can ship out in a day or two." He gives Mal a hard glare when he sees the "peace-bonding" that he wears.
|
|
Malfeas just rolls his eyes at Dimitra’s display, ”I did not think you poor enough to need such debasing antics to earn your free drinks. You should take a lesson from Naurin. Whenever she wants a drink, she starts lecturing people on the various rules and regulations that are involve in international trade, and soon everyone is buying her something, just to quiet her up!” he concludes with a mischievous grin.
|
|
"Mal, you can be our guard, then, and many of the rest of us can get or pretend to be well-drunk, if Johann could make or help us procure some 'alchemist's kindness' to make sure we are fit to go when the time comes."
"I suggest that we leave as much of our good-quality gear here. I'll take my shillelagh as a crutch and leave most things, especially my breastplate, darkwood crossbow and buckler behind. Here, it will show as magic, but -"[b], Naurin takes off some sleeves and puts them back on, causing her traveler's outfit (modest though it is) to suddenly appear quite worn and threadbare, "-that should do it."
On the way and at the tavern, Naurin asks many naive questions about Tymon and life on the river, twirling her hair with a finger and looking at people with her big green eyes. She also talks about being part of the crew for the boat: "I think I will be good at rowing," she says, "'cause of the bad leg and all. Broke that loading hay and had the wagon run right over it!" (As if one deficiency would imply strength in another area.)
She doesn't know much about the area, but has a way with asking questions and getting the information she needs.
|
Walter joins the crew out for a full night of drinking, after asking for Abadar's blessing and guidance.
I am sure that our reputation--although warranted--is merely to be brawn for the society.
I wonder what thread lay bare to pull the truth from this venture?
He looks to Naurin as she "changes" clothing.
He glances at his wearing blue motif explorers outfit.
Aye, perhaps, I might do for a new one.
|
Dimitra laughs at Malfeas and places her hand on his cheek.
in a lascivious tone:
"Oh sweety, you have much to learn. I will pretend to be part of the crew of this boat for my 'after work' qualities. It is astonishing what men will believe when they get across a woman who seems to be appreciated for her looks alone."
In a business like manner she ads "Now who wants to be my paramour?".
She then stows her bandoleer with its contents in her backpack, besides her armor. She also leaves her bow and arrows.
|
|
Dimitra moves over to Gunther and nestles herself on his lap, one arm around his neck. "I think you would do perfect, Malfeas would probably blush as soon as I implied anything and Walter would ask Abadar's forgiveness at every caress."
Dimitra winks at Johann "I am afraid to set off one your explodinators if I sat on your lap."
Then more serious at Gunther "This is business and business only" after that she settles in his arms.
|
|
Walter eyes Dimitra with an unusually stronger than normal stern glare.
In a disapproving voice, he says, Abadar would have the right of it!
Although, I am of the understanding that Varisians are...freer than most other cultures.
This mission seems to be a basic reverse-trap venture.
I am just not sure to whom the trap is set?
|
|
Gunther and Dimitra enter town, Dimitra posing as Gunther's hussy. She is all over him, exclaiming things like Isn't it dangerous on a boat? and I wonder what Mendev is like, can we do some shopping there?
While laying it on thickly she has her eyes out for anything out of the ordinary. However it seems that the feel of Gunther so close is a bit distracting
Tymon’s ruling class is composed entirely of experienced gladiators who earned their status after winning 10 arena combats. Called “bloodied,” these gladiators have rights and privileges beyond any common Tymons. They alone are allowed to own property or bear weapons, and their word carries greater weight in court, almost placing them above the law. Tymon’s ruler, called the Champion, earns his place through combat as well.
In spite of the privileges of the “bloodied,” specialized laws grant some equity to others. The Law of Grievance allows anyone to challenge someone who has wronged him to arena combat. This carries across social ranks; if challenged by a commoner, even one of the “bloodied” must submit. Even the Champion’s position is not secure; through the Law of Succession, any “bloodied” can challenge him for leadership.
The group makes its way to The Flooded Sands. It's a true Tymon bar with wall frescoes depicting nautical arena tourneys. Bar regulars point out ships crewed by legendary gladiators battling each other or imported sea monsters.
The team makes a show of being quite the motley crew. You are pretty sure that anyone around will see them to be easy pickings.
The next morning, Smine gives you the dock number where your boat—Tevryn’s Terrapin, a modified barge—awaits. Whereas most barges are current driven and only travel downriver, the Terrapin is equipped with a sail and several oars to allow for movement up and down the waterways. Demeliah Sorhenson, a thickset Taldan woman approaching middle age, is the boat’s pilot.
|
|
With Dimitra clearly smitten with Gunther, once the group retires for the evening, Malfeas carefully stalks over to Gunther and Dimitra's rooms to hang a sock on the door handle.
Down at the docks the next morning, Malfeas barely gives the captain more than a nod as he scouts out the deck for a good observation point and snipers nest.
|
|
"Alchemist's Kindness can't cure regret the next morning," thinks Naurin, although perhaps she's just jealous.
Naurin waits until she is on the barge and it is away to change into her armor and weaponry, having brought it along in a large sack over her shoulder, just in case there were any dockside spies. "Is it my imagination, or am I not the only one 'walking funny' this morning?"
After any briefing by Captain Demeliah, she will take up a position at the oars and quickly discover that not all of her presentation of inexperience was bluff. "Oh, for the horse again."