The druid's dire orangutan face looks strangely human. Its not too much uglier than the druid's normal face. The rest of the crew gets an approving nod at their quick work taking out the guards.
First a quick look around this catwalk area.
Perception
(+4 v. Traps, +2 in water)
Two light ballistae, each with a barrel of 15 bolts nearby, have been set in turrets at the southern corners, overlooking the lagoon. The drop from the battlements to the ground below is 70 feet. On a clear day, a lookout with a good spyglass could see for miles out to sea from here.
the guards here don't have much. Each is outfitted similarly; chain shirt, light wooden shield, heavy crossbow with 10 bolts, dagger, 3 javelins, longsword, spear.
If the map is accurate, there is only one set of stairs up/down? No other ways? Because if there are, we block one of them & use the other
Keeping his voice down, Art gives a congratulatory fist pump to the efficient crew. As so far it seems things have been quiet enough to assume no alarm has yet been raised, he twirls his finger once in a circle to get everyone's attention, then points to the stairs down, speaking quietly: let's go!
Lucky tries to temporarily disable the ballistae in case the crew needs to make an expeditious retrograde maneuver.
Lucky's skill with the ballistae is obvious. When done he is confident that not only will they not work, but it would take a miracle for any operators to even notice something was wrong before firing.
Lucky scouts out the stairs down just to the next floor. What does he see?
Ooc- if its a sleeping guy or something, kill. Other than that report back I guess.
I figured it would be at least evening, if not full on night time.
We took an 8 hr rest right before "storming the castle"
A long oaken table that can seat up to 10 fills this room, over which hangs a heavy iron chandelier. An arrow slit alcove serves as a sideboard and looks like it holds a tapped keg of ale for meal times and off-duty guards. A wide window—the only true window in the castle—overlooks the picturesque harbor and admits a soft southerly breeze, but has sturdy oak shutters that can be barred from within.
Inside is a man in his early seventies, whistling as relaxes.
While in Dire-Orangutan form, the druid cannot use man words. However, after listening to Lucky's report, he reaches over with a huge hand and touches Delgado on the shoulder. He then mimes speaking and points down the stairs...
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Art gives Kiltangutan a puzzled look, then tilts his head down, lifting his pendant closer to his ear. He nods at the small skull then lets it drop, with a smile.
It's a good thing the Lookout understands you. Yes, let's go down and give this gent a visit. Quietly, now, please...
Art gives Lucky a nod of thanks for the intel, and leads the group down the stairs. He's not skilled at stealth, but he tries to be quiet...
Art sneaks downstairs only to have the man looking directly at him the whole way down. "I dear say sir, that is NOT the front door. I therefore conclude you're here to try and crack the rock. This leaves me with two options, namely that you're brave beyond compare, or stupid beyond reproach. Which is it sir?" He reaches for a rusting, but well used rapier. "Know sir that your answer dictates the direction of my blade."
Art gives a "slybrow" and a small nod, indicating respect for the man. He keeps his hands empty and unthreatening--for now.
I have yet to be accused of stupidity, and HAVE been called brave, by those who follow me... here he jerks his head back, to indicate the officers just behind him and those who do not.
He raises his chin a few degrees. WE are here to crack the rock. We also have no wish to kill everyone in the place. You are welcome to join the winning side. With a brief pause, Art moves his hands closer to his weapons, but does not yet draw. He takes another glance back at the muscle & might behind him before meeting the older man's eyes.
Yield, sir. I have the advantage.
"A gentleman AND a pirate!" the man stands. He lowers, but does not sheath, his blade.
"I am Albers Siggs." Albers punctuates this with a salute.
"There was a time I'd have challenged you to a duel and taken either your life or your woman - or both. But, uhhhh please don't tell Mrs. Siggs that."
"If you're hear to crack the rock I see you have two options. Either you'll have to kill the lady, which would be a shame, she's a good lass, and too young to be a widow. Or, you sit down like gentlemen and negotiate it from her. You see, this place doesn't have the grandeur or fearsome reputation it once did. It just needs men of vision. What say you?"
To young to be a widow ehh. Well Mr. Siggs I'm sure that we could come to a fine resolution in a parley with her. That not withstanding we promise not to tell Mrs Siggs about your umm proclivities if you put in a good word with us. Although I'm sure it wouldn't be news to her. Slappy finishes with a whisper, and gives a sly comedic wink to the old pirate. His last act is to draw his weapon of choice for the moment, his cup which is empty of beverage.
Lucky doesn't get any hunches one way or the other.
"Aye, I'll bring about a parlay. Let me go downstairs first. Mind you, she's not going to give you the rock. This is a trade deal through and through."
Art whips out Tooth and salutes back, sheathing the blade immediately after the introduction.
Captain Arthur Delgado, leader of the fine crew of the Piranha
He listens to their new acquaintance seriously.
tough to negotiate if one side doesn't know what the other side wants...you seem a most decent fellow, and you want to prevent unnecessary bloodshed. Do you have any suggestions for that, Mister Siggs?
Oh, and I trust your honor you've shown to this point. But we are also ready for treachery. While we would shed blood of potential friends with a heavy heart, make no mistake that we will not be taken WITHOUT bloodshed, should you try to hoodwink us.
"The Lady offers legitimacy and the knowledge to run this place. you offer clout and might. I suggest we sit down to dinner and see what may."
He winks at the very real mention of violence.
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Is this guy her husband? Or her father?
If she is young (and single), perhaps Delgado could put the moves on her.
Siggs chats a bit longer, and you get a bit more history out of him.
Over the many years control of Tidewater Rock has passed from hand to hand, and its strategic location and practical defensibility have enabled its owners to enrich themselves substantially. With the rebellion of Sargava and its ostensible alliance with the Free Captains, Tidewater Rock became of less strategic importance, and its owners came to be of less prominence, but the age-old axiom of “Good fortune and sure sail await what one can crack the Tidewater Rock” has stood the test of time among the pirates of the Shackles and is oft-quoted—if seldom heeded—even today.
The most recent lord of Tidewater Rock was Bertram Smythee, captain of the Vale and three other brigs. Like his predecessors, he held Tidewater Rock as his seat, but controlled a few other small castles on surrounding islands as well. Over a decade ago, “Iron Bert” Smythee went to sea with his small fleet in a feud with Free Captain Carola Antiochus and was never seen again. Word came back that Antiochus had lured Smythee into the edges of the Eye of Abendego and ambushed him with the help of a previously unknown ally—one Barnabas Harrigan—and that Smythee’s fleet was cut to pieces between the enemy fleets. Though supposedly Captain Smythee managed to sink Antiochus’s Pergador, he was last seen on the deck of the crippled and sinking Vale at the mercy of the Eye’s hurricane winds.
Although Tidewater Rock remains a secure base and harbor, it does not command the reputation it once did. The current owner of the Rock is Agasta Smythee, widow of the late Iron Bert. Though Lady Smythee is a competent and formidable figure, without any of her late husband’s ships or network of castles, the Lady of the Rock has fallen upon hard times. Lady Smythee’s forces have been reduced to a small body of loyal guards and a few family retainers whom she employs to eke out a living. The Rock still commands some treasures—its favorable location, its security, and the late captain’s fabled iron shirt from which he gained his nickname—but it is otherwise remote and at the mercy of what the sea chooses to throw upon its shores.
agreed. But omelettes & eggs, as they say...
Siggs, you are a treasure. Mayhap we can come to some agreement with the Great Lady, with no further violence. Let us see what we see! He offers his upraised palm in an "after you" gesture.
Fabled Iron Shirt?
Lucky's heard of it. Rumor has it that he could literally walk on water and could never drown...
The druid still in dire-orangutan form comes very slowly down the stairs. He sits down on the floor and crosses his legs, then brings in his long arms. He does all this in as non-threatening manner as he can.
Even in human form he wouldn't be very helpful in diplomacy. So he keeps his wildshape incase things go sideways.
Active Perception thru the proceedings scent
Kiltem doesn't catch anything of note. When Sigg's sees Kiltem he snorts, "Ye have a vanara in yer crew‽ Ha ha! I like ye already."
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Kiltem doesn't catch anything of note. When Sigg's sees Kiltem he snorts, "Ye have a vanara in yer crew‽ Ha ha! I like ye already."
Well, I don't know about that...but he IS certainly helpful if we need to engage in gorilla warfare.
Slappy chuckles and is upset that he didn't say it first, he might have to have a talk with the Captain later to let the humor up to him.
Vanara? or Banana is he offering Kiltotang food? Slappy quietly asks Ko.
With his voice full of excited wonder. Ohh by Heyzeus I know that breastplate. You can walk on water for just about as long as you like.
Siggs gets up and begins to head downstairs, turning and looking to see if anyone objects...
The druid calmly watches the man leave the room. He has a minor meditative moment, wondering if a lovely young woman will come up the stairs to negotiate terms, or a hoard of angry guards...
Kiltem eagerly awaits the Lady Smythee. The party hears them before they see them.
An older man is barking whispered protestations at a lady as they arrive. "We should kill them for tresspassing like this! The Lord would nev--"
She cuts him off, "I am the Lord of Tidewater Royster. We are in no position."
When she takes the stairs with Albers Siggs, Kiltem finds an attractive older woman. Her gaze is simultaneously amused and guarded. With her is an older man who is considerably less amused, and considerably more guarded.
With a hand on a cutlass and a smile she address the party, "So these are the scalywags who ignored the front doo in favor of killing two of my retainers.... Interesting. I am Lady Agasta Smythee. This is my cantankerous Sargeant-at-arms, Royster McCleagh."
It's hard to tell if Royster bows on account of courtesy, or to show off the greatsword across his back...
The Lady looks at each of you in turn, "Dinner?"
Art gives a florid bow, removing his hat while doing so.
Arthur Delgado, Captain of the Piranha and leader if this fine crew, whom I leave to introduce themselves to your Ladyship.
With a beat of a pause for thought, Art continues Please accept my apologies, Lady. We pirates are not accustomed to using the front door on...such missions. Speaking with Mister Siggs was eye-opening--we had not expected to run into anything except violence. My crew and I are hoping that we can come to some form of agreement without any further bloodshed.
While the crew makes their own introductions, Art takes an obvious careful look around, taking stock of the opposition and making no attempt to hide the fact that this is what he's doing. He gives McCleagh's sword a brief glance, with the slightest of raised eyebrows--could be "impressed" or could be "you think I'm impressed??"
Slappy darts over and hops up on a chair near the middle of the table his wild hair flopping back, and a knife and fork appearing in his hand.
DINNER?! Why didn’t you say so. You can’t confuse me for a kender, I’m never late for dinner. I’t will be nice breaking bread with a new ally Slappy says it like it’s a forgone conclusion.
He then focuses on McCleah. Cmon there big. umm His gaze darts between McCleah, Kiltem, and Ko well mostly big man put that steel in the corner and join us at the table ya can’t sit with that. Besides we’re under a parley now.. He switches to a loud whisper for comedic value. and did you hear, There’s gonna be food and the bowls won’t be sliding between you and your mate at Papa Storm’s whim.
Mam if you would allow me to offer a blessing when the food and drink arrives?
Lucky makes polite and well-timed interjections throughout Slappy's address in an effort to assist him...
McCleah scoffs, "A kender? What in Besmara's bosom is a kender? Also, a blessing? This isn't Kintargo."
The lady on the other hand seems impressed, "Dinner! Indeed, no need to go back the way you came. Let us use the stairs like civilized folk."
A few other retainers come and go as dinner preparations get underway. Any attempts at talking business are thoroughly dismissed during preparations.
Dinner this evening is a pre-chosen bowl of vegetables, rice, and seasoned fish. The wine is dark red, and good, but not outstanding.
"So pirates.... what proposition do you have that was worth the lives of two of my retainers?"
Slappy snickers at him saying kender. I've never been to Chilax, but dinner sounds great.
Well not to get into the brass tacks, but the overall gist will be that we get to use this island and reclaim it's power in the area so we can build a bit of a fleet to take down Barnabus Harriagan. I'm sure that we will offer a portion of the spoils and income for you and your retainers thus increasing your name and standing.
My man Slappy here has the right of it. You must understand that we were intent on simply taking the Rock. We had no reasonable expectation of a civilized negotiation--we were expecting, shall we say, an aggressive restructuring of management.
Essentially, we are looking for a permanent safe harbor, and our thought was that making Tidewater Rock ours would do that. But before we actually negotiate further, allow me to offer you a gesture of goodwill and apology. I offer you wereguild for your retainers. Say... for your fallen men? I don't wish any further hard feelings to taint our fine evening.
Kiltem's big orangutan head nods in agreement at the mention of a weregild. The large simian carefully squats on a large stool. He doesn't bother trying to use silverware in this form. But he carefully eats with his barehands trying to look the part of the noble-savage.
The dinner continues. There's some small talk in between the big stuff. It's clear that you're in a position of power, but the Lady is unafraid.
She eventually seizes on said brass tacks, "What you seek is fair, and the weregild is most appreciated. You see I simply miss the prestige of my position."
She gives a wink before putting forth the offer, "I suggest A Shackles Marriage, for at least the period of 1 year."
Royster McCleagh chokes on his wine.
It's obvious that the offer, whatever it is, is serious.
Lucky, Know Local
The rogue leans over to Delgado and quickly whispers what a Shackles Marriage is... Then he gives him a nod and a pat on the shoulder.
[dice=Know Local]1d20+13
Art leans in to listen to Lucky's explanation with interest. Once he grasps it, he gives an understanding nod. seeing Lucky's interest, he whispers back Do YOU want to do it??
leaning back in his chair, Art then looks intently at the Lady Smythee This is a proposal from a more civilized time--something we may sometimes refer to as "old school." Allow me us to consider this offer, Lady. Perhaps after dinner, my crew and I may have time to discuss it before giving you an answer?
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Lucky wants to do it.
Slappy spies the interest in Lucky's eyes. He quickly swallows his food, and takes a slurp of his drink. HA! A Korvosan bucaneer, and a Shackles Lady, it's a wonderful pair! I will make a song about it.
As I say it there is obvious relief in Ko's face. I can also see a look in the Captain's eyes. He knows deep down that you never accept the first offer, but it is a starting point.
Well It looks like we have a starting point, lets get to negotiation. A straight forward Shackles marriage isn't as good a deal on our end, but it's a great start.
Lady Looks at Lucky, then art Art. Luck, then Art. Then , then at Slappy.
"I'll enter into a Shackles marriage for 1 year with yer captain, Arthur. I keep my lodgings here, and my ability to spend money at a reasonable pace. I get to maintain my own decorative style. Ye can't make money in slaves, and if ye get scuttled, I didn't sanction anything and I can't be blamed. In return, this becomes yer home any time you want it. You'll have your belongings well guarded, and you may keep my late husband's adventuring gear."
"How's that?"
The orangutan-druid looks to the Capitan. Limited to sign language, the large simian makes a circle with one hand and the other hand pokes in and out of the circle...
The orangutan-druid looks to the Capitan. Limited to sign language, the large simian makes a circle with one hand and the other hand pokes in and out of the circle...
Lucky nods dejectedly.