Action 2
After a moment, Vi remembered something. "Of course, not the library - the Wayfinder Foundation! They're the ones that will have the info we actually need."
Turning to the 'forged, she said, "You know, we'll probably be safer if we go without you. You're the ones who keep getting attacked - we're just collateral damage to these guys. We'll go as a couple - B can wear my Sleeves, and be totally disguised, and I'll go as her husband. Nobody will know who we are, and nobody will bother us. We'll just be a few hours - it'll be fine, you'll see."
True to her word, she relaxed out of the Warforged Face - a relief actually, for it wasn't a comfortable form to wear - and adopted a human one she hadn't worn in years. And, of course, instantly realized that she was naked. Quickly, used the Sleeves to give herself some basic clothes, then said, "I'm going to have to collect some of my things from various bolt-holes I have around the city. And I'm going to need to start carrying a bigger pack."
Surprised, Vi turned her dwarven face towards Squeak and asked, "I did? When did I say that? And what does it matter?"Squeak paused, obviously searching his memory "I apologise. I was incorrect. Perhaps my cortex is damaged. Palisade, could you please check my cortex for damage - when we have a secure location."
"I am intrigued by the idea of travelling as a Fles... not 'Forged." Squeak started "But insightful as this advice might be I have difficulty seeing a way to apply it. I am aware of a number of attempts to craft a humanoid disguise - including one quite inventive one that used genuine human tissue - and none have been successful, and all have been memorable."
"Both travel mechanisms seem troublesome. I suppose we must balance speed, danger, and cost."
"I am intrigued by the idea of travelling as a Fles... not 'Forged." Squeak started "But insightful as this advice might be I have difficulty seeing a way to apply it. I am aware of a number of attempts to craft a humanoid disguise - including one quite inventive one that used genuine human tissue - and none have been successful, and all have been memorable."
Bronwyn tried to keep a horrified look off of her face as Squeak mentions the use of human tissue as part of their disguise. Just when she thinks she has a handle on what they're thinking, something like that comes out of the blue. She pats Squeak hesitantly on the arm. "No need for tissue. I think the use of clothes to cover the majority of you, maybe a cloak with a larger hood, may be sufficient to help you blend in."
"Both travel mechanisms seem troublesome. I suppose we must balance speed, danger, and cost."
Vi added, "Also, I don't know how to swim. I vote for the lightning rail."
Action 3
As the four of them sat at the table at Squeak's house, reading the articles, Vi felt the blood slowly draining from her face. Her mouth dry, she said, "This, ah, this sounds really dangerous. Like maybe a place where we shouldn't go." Turning to Bronwyn, she said, "Are you SURE you want to go here? I bet we could find some other adventurers who are...um...more experienced?"
tag
"Well, I definitely want to be travelling as somebody who looks too dangerous to mess with, but not so dangerous that I look like a challenge. And I think we've ruled out a 'forged Face. What do you think? Dal the dwarf? Or maybe I should be a hobgoblin, and you could be my slaves! Maybe that would save a lot of danger. I could learn a few goblin phrases, and maybe nobody would bother us!"
tag
Action 2:
Turning to the 'forged, she said, "You know, we'll probably be safer if we go without you. You're the ones who keep getting attacked - we're just collateral damage to these guys. We'll go as a couple - B can wear my Sleeves, and be totally disguised, and I'll go as her husband. Nobody will know who we are, and nobody will bother us. We'll just be a few hours - it'll be fine, you'll see."
Bronwyn giggled, "Now we're married? How'd you manage to sweep me off my feet?"
Taking another look at Vi's sleeves, the wizard asked, "Should we get another pair of these? They would be handy to disguise my clothing as well. Would they work for Palisade and Squeak?"
Action 3:
As the four of them sat at the table at Squeak's house, reading the articles, Vi felt the blood slowly draining from her face. Her mouth dry, she said, "This, ah, this sounds really dangerous. Like maybe a place where we shouldn't go." Turning to Bronwyn, she said, "Are you SURE you want to go here? I bet we could find some other adventurers who are...um...more experienced?"
Bronwyn answered almost immediately but her voice contained a note of uncertainty, "I'm sure they're making it sound worse than it is so that the faint of heart won't venture there. We'll be fine. Besides, going will make us more experienced."
"Well, I definitely want to be travelling as somebody who looks too dangerous to mess with, but not so dangerous that I look like a challenge. And I think we've ruled out a 'forged Face. What do you think? Dal the dwarf? Or maybe I should be a hobgoblin, and you could be my slaves! Maybe that would save a lot of danger. I could learn a few goblin phrases, and maybe nobody would bother us!"
Bronwyn nodded slowly before a smile started to spread across her face. "Hobgoblin and his slaves sounds promising. I'm pretty good with languages so I could help you as we travel. Maybe you should stay as Dal until we get closer to where we're going. A hobgoblin with slaves will be out of place here. Although you'll have to make sure your hobgoblin looks menacing so that someone else doesn't try to take your 'slaves'."
"I do not understand. These are problems. Perhaps we could fake a facial scar, or terrible burn?"
Squeak looked thoughtful "I hadn't considered magical disguises. I suppose that would make it possible for us to look human. Are they expensive?"
"If you cannot speak hobgoblin, I strongly disagree with looking like one." cautioned Squeak "While I know little of Hobgoblin civilisation - I largely only know it exists - the article suggests there are factions. Possibly being of another faction, and unable to talk quickly enough, you would fail some test, or be killed, and have your 'slaves' stolen."
He paused for a second "Warforged are typically not given information beyond what they need to know. Could you give us a quick summary of what we might need to know about Darguun?"
"I wonder if it would be worth investing in an escape route." pondered Squeak "The article talked about a scroll of Teleport. That should be able to get Bronwyn to safety, if she can cast it."
Wands of light repairs are available for normal price (750 gp?).
"I do not understand. These are problems. Perhaps we could fake a facial scar, or terrible burn?"
"As long as it's fake, I guess that could be ok. But isn't a cloak with a large hood that partially hides my face just as effective?"
He paused for a second "Warforged are typically not given information beyond what they need to know. Could you give us a quick summary of what we might need to know about Darguun?"
Bronwyn recited for Squeak what she remembered from her studies regarding Darguun. "Darguun used to be part of Cyre but is now an independent nation of goblinoids. The Lhesh Haruuc Shaarat'kor rules Darguun but there are also three tribes that hold power - the Dhakaani, the Marguul, and the Ghaal'dar. The Ghaal'dar are the most populous and are loyal to Haruuc. Since Darguun is a goblinoid nation, a lot of activities that are illegal elsewhere are legal there. For that reason, we'll have to be careful and not rely on any kind of watch or guard for help."
The wizard pauses before continuing. "With regards to the ruins, ruins from Cyre and the Dhakaani Empires are scattered all throughout Darguun."
"I wonder if it would be worth investing in an escape route." pondered Squeak "The article talked about a scroll of Teleport. That should be able to get Bronwyn to safety, if she can cast it."
Bronwyn shook her head. "That magic is more complex than that which I've mastered. We could probably afford the scroll but no one would be safe if I were to use it. We very well could slam into the side of a mountain or wind up underground. I wouldn't like our odds."
Action 2:
Bronwyn surveyed the supplies that they had. "We definitely need to pick up some items before we go. We should secure a reliable method for healing both 'forged and us fleshies. I would suggest a couple wands containing healing spells. Does anyone else need anything? Portable lab for Squeak? Shield for Palisade? New tools for Vi?"
"Definitely we should get some wands of healing. Lots of them. And some more disguise stuff. I can help you have a scar or something, if that's what you're after. It would probably be better than just a big hood. If we dye your hair, and totally change the style - little braids, maybe, if you won't let me cut it - and go with some unflattering make-up and a scar, it should make a big difference. Everybody hides in a hood - it would stand out to somebody looking for us. Better to hide in plain sight. What about a uniform? I'm assuming not anything military. But what about domestic? I have a housekeepers uniform you could use?"
You have a total of 4,710 gp to spend and the travel is covered by the letter of credit.
I intend to move things along later today.
Questions?
Game on!
Squeak looked thoughtful "I hadn't considered magical disguises. I suppose that would make it possible for us to look human. Are they expensive?"
"Expression of doubt. Nothing but magic could possibly portrait this one as anything but a warforged, and even a visual disquise would surely fail upon closer scrunity," Palisade said. "Not would mere minor magic be able to hide the bulk of unit Squeak's adamantine-reinforced body."
"Definitely we should get some wands of healing. Lots of them. And some more disguise stuff. I can help you have a scar or something, if that's what you're after. It would probably be better than just a big hood. If we dye your hair, and totally change the style - little braids, maybe, if you won't let me cut it - and go with some unflattering make-up and a scar, it should make a big difference. Everybody hides in a hood - it would stand out to somebody looking for us. Better to hide in plain sight. What about a uniform? I'm assuming not anything military. But what about domestic? I have a housekeepers uniform you could use?"
"Fine, no hood. Cornrows would work for my hair because you're definitely not cutting it, and I guess we can try to make a scar. I'm a little unsure about wearing a housekeepers uniform. Why would a housekeeper be going to Darguun? Maybe just some dirty farming clothes or something?"
"A mercenary company? It suggests she can take care of herself. Explains Warforged. Implies that were something to happen a number of very angry warriors might come looking for her."
4710 to spend...
750 per 1st level spell wand, 50 charges. I propose:
750: 1 x wand CLW
750: 1 x wand LR
900: 1 x wand invisibility (10 charges)
600: 3 x Sleeves
50: Disguise kit
=3050 spent
Any other additions?
Sleeves probably aren't going to do much use with Warforged, I would have thought - few Forged wear much clothing anyway.
Is there going to be a problem if Squeak brings his tools? Ideally they'd take up a lot of room in the Haversack.
Action 1
Squeak added, “A mercenary company? It suggests she can take care of herself,” explained Warforged.
"Agreement. Guise as mercenary might not be elaborate, but it would explain the presence of two warforged in so small a party, without hinting at unreasonable wealth of the leader for having been able to purchase two of the most sought-after warriors in all of Khorvaire," Palisade replied matter-of-factly.
Action 2
Either or both. I'll leave that up to you guys to use in your RPing.
[b]"If we're going to buy anything, I'd like a new crossbow. My last one was destroyed when it was caught between my chassis and a wagon. A few Tanglefoot bags would also be useful.
At the lightning rail station, Palisade made itself useful managing the various packages of the traveling ladies, considering Palisade itself was traveling light as usual, with little but the armor and the weapons it always wore. And it wasn't as though it needed to worry overmuch about Lady d'Deneith's safety here - it was well known that House Orien saved no expense where the security of its enterprises were concerned. Besides, the first-class tickets the Lady had insisted on marked them as people more equal than most in the eyes of the security personnel. From what it had understood, the first-class passengers even had the services of a House Jorasco healer available to tend to their needs.
Once their tickets had passed muster than they had been directed to their assigned cart by a well-mannered servant, Palisade set down its burden and subjected the luxurious private chamber to a suspicious scrutiny. The 'forged took in the plush couches, well-polished wooden fixtures and furniture, porcelain ware and various small pieces of art scattered about the chamber.
"Observation. The contents of this one section of one of the carts would, once sold, feed a large family for weeks," the tall 'forged stated, carefully lifting Bastion from his nest so the rodent could take a good look at their temporary new home. The tiny construct scanned the room once with its eyes, then scurried determinedly along Palisade's arm to get within jumping distance of its target. Once at the position, it launched itself into air, landing on the polished top of a side table, scampered to find purchase on the hard polish, failed to do so, and slid off it to land on one of the couches. Where it immediately began throughoutly sniffing one of the pillows before voicing a loud screech and settled itself on it.
"Elder brother wishes to announce he has claimed this pillow," Palisade said aloud, interpreting for its relative.
Action 1
"Oh the irony. A member of the Deneith household - the most famous mercenaries in the world - disguising herself as a mercenary. Obviously not a member of one of their guilds. Hmmm...how about members of the Red Gauntlet Regiment. They were highly regarded during the war, and there should be no problem picking up a few uniforms here in Sharn. One for each of us." Vi knew just where to put her hands on a few.
Vi spent the last afternoon before their trip collecting belongings from various bolt-holes around the city. Assuring her friends she'd meet them in the morning, she went home to have dinner with her family.
Lying to her parents was out of the question - most parents were remarkably good at sniffing out the truth, and that held triple for changeling parents. So she came clean with the story - telling them about the danger, and their destination. Her folks weren't too happy about it, but there was little they could do to discourage her.
It wasn't until she went to bed - curled up in the big bed with Mae - that she confessed her fears to her sister. As always, getting it off her chest helped, and she slept well and awoke feeling almost optimistic about their chances.
After lots of hugs and a sack full of home-made snacks, fruit and baking, Vi bid her family goodbye, and headed back to Squeak's place to meet the others. She changed back into her ruggedly handsome male face, and after making sure they had all that was needed, they headed to the station.
***
Standing on the platform, Vi was struck with a wave of fear. This is real. This is really happening. She went to take the step onto the train, but nothing happened. Bronwyn noticed and looked at Vi with concern. Vi realized she must look ridiculous - a swaggering male adventurer, afraid to get on a train. In a small voice, she said, "I've never been outside of Sharn before."
tag
letting this run for another day...
Action 1:
As they finalized their shopping list, Bronwyn added, "Maybe I can pick up a couple disguise scrolls to help Squeak and Palisade with a little magic if necessary."
The group finally decided on how to present themselves closer to Darguun. Bronwyn put on her sternest face which she hoped appeared somewhat angry. "Mercenaries it is then."
"If we're going to buy anything, I'd like a new crossbow. My last one was destroyed when it was caught between my chassis and a wagon. A few Tanglefoot bags would also be useful."
"I'd offer you mine since I rarely use it, but I may need it as part of my mercenary persona." Turning to Vi she says seriously, "Maybe you can help me with my character's backstory when we're on the train. I want my mercenary to be believable."
Action 2:
"I've never been outside of Sharn before."
Bronwyn leaned close to Vi's current face and whispers, "You're not alone. It'll be ok. By the way, are we still supposed to be married?" Not waiting for Vi's answer, Bronwyn takes her/his hand and smiles as she pulls Vi on to the train. For the benefit of any onlookers she says, "Come along Sweetheart. We're going to visit my parents whether you want to or not. It's the least you can do considering they paid for our trip."
Bronwyn was delighted that Palisade had actually listened to her and gotten them first class tickets. Lady Elaydren was paying for their trip so why shouldn't they? Besides, this way they had some privacy when needed.
"Observation. The contents of this one section of one of the carts would, once sold, feed a large family for weeks,"
Bronwyn flopped down on the couch and almost sat on Bastion as they landed simultaneously. She apologized to Bub before sighing contentedly. "You're not wrong, Palisade. However, these accommodations will allow Vi and I to get a decent amount of rest before reaching Darguun. That and I'm fairly certain that keeping me safe is much easier for you and Squeak here rather than among all the other passengers. It was purely a tactical decision to ride first class so that we'll all be at our very best when we get to our destination." The wizard knew she was stretching the truth a bit but hoped that the 'forged would see the obvious benefits of first class compartments.
Grateful for Bronwyn's support and friendship, Vi allowed herself to be pulled onto the train. As she settled into their very posh compartment, she remarked, "Wow, it's worth the trip just to experience this! Even Zoë would be happy here."
She and Bronwyn settled into chatting about their character's backstories. She realized that she couldn't even remember the name she'd come up with for her current Face. Sloppy, Vi, bloody sloppy. That's how you get yourself caught. She took out her journal, and flipped through until she found the Face she was wearing. That's right, Jakk. Sharn adventurer.
"To answer your question, sure, let's still be married. I'm Jakk, local Sharn adventurer, going abroad to meet your folks. When we get to Sterngate, I'll take a different Face, and that's when we'll put your mercenary disguise on. I was originally thinking of the dwarf, Dal, but my armour wouldn't really fit him right, and I think I would slow us down. Better to be human-height. So maybe another human, or maybe a half-orc or something. I want to look as fierce as I can. What do you think? Half-orc? Do we still think hobgoblin is too risky?" Vi flipped through her journal again, looking at various faces she'd sketched in the past, and the accompanying descriptions.
tag
Squeak spent a while looking at the cabin, looking for potential issues, then carefully planted himself in the middle of the cabin, using his enormous hammer to help secure himself.[b]"Palisade, would you mind securing me to the bulkhead? If we go round a corner quickly I don't want to come lose and crash into anyone. Especially not with the quantity of volatiles I'm carrying.
Action 1:
Better to be human-height. So maybe another human, or maybe a half-orc or something. I want to look as fierce as I can. What do you think? Half-orc? Do we still think hobgoblin is too risky?
Bronwyn contemplated Vi's question. "The hobgoblin would probably be too risky, especially if we go the mercenary route instead of the slave route. A big human may be the best bet. It may be too hard to explain a human, two 'forged, and a half-orc." The wizard giggled, "That sounds like the start of a bad joke. All we need to do is find a tavern to walk into."
Action 2:
Bronwyn eagerly moved through the rail cars. First class was nice but it was always fun to people watch. The draconic runes on the item belonging to the farming family caught the wizard's eye.
Action 3:
The wizard was torn. Staying on the train was obviously the safest bet but they were in a brand new place which warranted taking a look at. "Anyone up for taking a look around Starilaskur?"
tag everyone
security is as good as Orien can provide, which is better for 1st class passengers. You have a lock and key to your room.
Again with RPing; we'll continue as long as there's interest and I'll bring up some action if things slow down.
Game on!
Knowledge arcana or linguistics.
Knowledge local.
Game on!
Action 2:
Action 3:
Bronwyn contemplated Vi's question. "The hobgoblin would probably be too risky, especially if we go the mercenary route instead of the slave route. A big human may be the best bet. It may be too hard to explain a human, two 'forged, and a half-orc." The wizard giggled, "That sounds like the start of a bad joke. All we need to do is find a tavern to walk into."
Vi laughed. "Human it is. I am partial to your species, I have to admit. Some big, manly, hairy hulk. Let's see..." The "newlyweds" bent their heads over Vi's book, picking one.
The wizard was torn. Staying on the train was obviously the safest bet but they were in a brand new place which warranted taking a look at. "Anyone up for taking a look around Starilaskur?"
Vi thought a moment, trying to remember anything she had heard about the city.
"Anyone up for taking a look around Starilaskur?"
”Declaration. Unit Squeak and this one are available for providing security, Lady d’Deneith” Palisade subtly reminded their ward. It wasn’t like the potential dangers to Lady d’Deneith’s life were scarcer in a smaller city after all. Human nature was the same everywhere, so it made sense to assume that the percentile number of people who could constitute a threat to Lady d’Deneith’s safety was equal everywhere. And while the lower population meant fewer troublemakers, it went hand in hand with fewer guards. Thus, allowing the Lady to wander alone unescorted simply wouldn’t do.
I intend to move this along later today.
Squeak was... not happy, but content, to wander the train. "I see little point in observing other passengers." Squeak sighed "It is simply a subset of the normal pop..." he trailed off. They had come to the House Ghallanda dining 'cart'.
An amount of space that could only be considered luxurious had been set aside, sculpted to resemble one of the more expensive resteraunts, with narrow tables against the walls. Beyond that lay the kitchen, and beyond that a much less opulent dining area for customers seeking to conserve money.
"This" he agree reluctantly "Would be worth experiencing. Let us take the large table on our left. Those who can eat may also have the window seat."
Squeak proceeded to attempt to order for the ladies. The waiter was quizzed - exhaustively - on the menu, and if they were being tracked by Bronwyn's cullinary preferences then their deception was blown.
"Come Lieutenant. Surely you'd like another spoonful of caramel-cheesecake-with-fruit-topping-and-frozen-cream-infused-with-brandy? Perhaps a small one? I'd very much like to know if the addition of a teaspoonful of the maple-glazed-hazlenut-sauce improves the flavour or overwhelms it."
"Corporal? Could I interest you in another imported-from-Aerenal-coffee-with-a-hint-of-vanilla with a teaspoon of cinnamon and a teaspoon of sugar? I think you might find the cinnamon helps to offset the slight tang of bitter aftertaste?"
"Hmm?" Squeak was dissecting a tiny sliver of the steak, holding it up to the window in a sheet thin enough that light could pass through and noting the cooking mark gradations.