"Ahhh. Ok."
A search of the ship quickly finds the captains quarters, which from the smell, Vark has been using for various unsavoury activities. A large pouch of platinum pieces rests on the small table in the room. Most likely, this is the moorage fee that Lavinia claims Vark stole.
Pointing to the bag of coins, Ignius thoughtfully strokes his carefully bound beard. There is the coin Lady Vanderboran sent us to collect. Now to see if we can locate that ring she mentioned.
We should clean this place up, the entire ship... And yes. A good thorough search is in order.
I'd say we move her, sleep here tonight. In the morning, we pay the harbor master and give our employer back her ship.
Grun moves methodically, inspecting nearly everything. Then he looks to Moira. You seem sluggish for a specimen you size and age. Are you hurt?
"I'm not sleeping here tonight. Men like Vark would sneak back during the night and slit our throats. I say we take our time to search the cabins then discuss our next steps if we don't find the ring there."
The half-elf does show significant signs of spider bites and scratches and is also showing signs of some blood loss. "I have sustained some spider bites and some deep scratches. If it wasn't for you guys then I would have been its meal."
Moira continues with the rest of the party, "Maybe I can be of some assistance. I have a quite unique group of skill sets that would benefit us all."
Moira start looking around this area.
A search of the ship reveals only thing of note: a hidden panel in the head board of the captain's bunk. Inside the small cubby, is a heavy gold signet ring with a small rolled sheet of parchment threaded through it.
Chimera looks to sunrise
cyclops looks to sunset
Medusa looks to sunrise
Umber hulk looks to sunset
Basilisk looks to sunrise
Moira says to everyone in the group, "Does any of you fine gentlemen have any bandages for these wounds. Seems the more I move the greater the chance I reopen my wounds."
Examining the note and the ring, Ignius gives a quiet nod and hands them back to the rest of the group. It would seem that we have found what we were sent to retrieve. I am ready to depart. And as for you dear.. The tanned older man turns to regard Moira. If you would care to give us the truth, we might feel more inclined to see to your needs.
The girl ponders a moment and responds, "Let's just say that where I came from....well....the people are not so nice. I didn't want any of it so I left. That much will have to satisfy your curiosity. Maybe I will tell you more after I get to know you. I can't give away all of my secrets up front now can I Pops?" Moira kisses her palm and taps Ignius softly on the head.
Sighing the old man shrugs. I suppose that will have to do for now. turning towards the diminutive frog man, Ignius gives a polite bow. Grune, I understand that the slight one offended you, but she is hurt. Can you see to her needs so that we can depart this place?
Whether with attitude, words or actions... She's told us she's a brat. I would hate to waste precious reserve...
Mother of All, help me.. The Grippli raises a hand in the air, causing a ripple of the divine fabric. His request answered.
Yes, I agree with you Grun, but she is also near death. Thank you for healing her. Now we can leave her in Sasserine with a clean minds. Looking up with ash flecked irises the older man gives a small but kind smile to the elven woman. Moira, a small piece of advice, and you may of course choose to ignore it. Be careful biting the hand that feeds you next time, someone that is not so benevolent may not be willing to assist you.
Moira looks at her wounds as some of them close. "Ohhh thank you, thank you, thank you."
The young girl approaches the grippli and says to it "I have much to thank you little one. I don't have much but I can offer you an hug. Looks like all of you need one but my first one goes to you." The strange girls gives Grun a tight embrace, thanks him again and give him a slight peck in the cheek.
Moira will try a local knowledge check to determine if she knows anything about the ring.
"Alright, alright, enough with the hugs. Let's get back to land."
Turning to the girl, "Moira, was it? Well, come on, I'll not have you die of exposure or starvation after saving you from that spider. I'll at least see you fed and safely asleep tonight."
Looking at the rest of the group, "I'll cover it."
Moira's eyes open up wide with excitement and then she starts to hop and clap.
"Oh goody. I get to have a cooked meal and sleep in a soft bed. Mr Darien, your generousity will not be forgotten."
The young girl gathers her belongs and excitingly follows the group.
Can anyone pilot the this vessel?
Let's toss the spider overboard, unless we feel it will bring a decent price. I can stay hidden and can see well enough on the dark. I can stay with the ship.
The rest of you go, take the ring and money. Communicate our success to our employer, negotiate another payment for the girl so long as it does not impact the existing payment. She is obviously different than we are, but what she "can" offer should help round out our little group.
Grun looks to each of you.
I will watch the docks for your signal in the morning. Do not worry about me, I am a capable swimmer and can escape if needed.
Moira shows a look of concern and worry at the mention of Grun staying.
"That is not a good idea little one. What would happen if Vark and his goons come by again. You are much better off sticking with the 2 big humans. I feel a lot safer just being around them."
Cut! Fade in. The group awaits audience with Lavinia.
Lavinia is overjoyed with your success in retrieving her money and finding her father's signet ring. She's so pleased that she offers to put you on retainer to the tune of 100gp each a month, to keep you available for any other work she might have for you in the future. In fact she has an immediate offer if you are interested,
"The ring serves as the key to access the family vault beneath Castle Teraknian. While the ring will grant access to the vault itself, it offers no protection against any traps or guardians that might lurk within it. I can't imagine my parants would have installed anything too elaborate, but considering some of the tales I have heard about some of the other families' vaults, I don't want to take any chances. To that end, I would appreciate it if you would accompany me to the vault. As that's where your money is locked up, I can't imagine you'll be too hesitant to come along."
Lady Vanderboren, If you are willing to continue paying a fair and equitable price, I believe we would be willing to make some sort of arraignments. Our original arraignment was for us to recover your ring and your stolen fines, something we have done. If you wish for us to accompany you to the vault for your protection, we will have to make a separate arraignment. Smiling from across the table the tanned man give small smile, while making it clear that he won't risk his life for free.
Grun ticks his head up at the bound-beard and nearly hisses under his breath. 300gp for one night. 100gp per month, to stand ready.
Does the greed of men know no bounds?
The grippli turns then to their hostess. Madame. We seem to have picked up a young lady with certain inclinations and skills that may prove useful. She was not material in the night's success. But, I would suggest retaining her as well, in light of our next endeavor.
She goes by... Moira.
"Indeed, it might be in everyone's best interest for her to come... if she's interested?"
Darien looks to Moira to see if she might like to continue journeying with the group.
Moira rapidly claps her hands. "Oh goodie. I would love to accompany you fine folks to a family castle, but before we leave I would need to purchase some items that will help us....if you don't mind."
Lavinia raises an eyebrow at Ignius.
"You are aware that if I go alone and there is a trap or some bezerk construct and I am killed or am unable to open the vault, you don't get paid? Maybe I should have phrased it less as an offer and more of an invitation to protect your meal ticket. Those of you who are interested may meet me at the castle in three hours. You may leave now."
Moira comes up from behind and introduces herself. "Ahem....excuse me lady. My name is Moira Greyshadow and these fine gentlemen came to my rescue and saved me from being a giant spider's meal. They have invited me to tag along and this adventure to a stange castle interests me. I was wondering if, being considered part of the group, would it be possible that you can assist me in purchasing one item in particular. It would greatly improve our success rate at the castle. The castle has locked doors and hidden traps and possibly some monsters for the 2 big humans to bash and maim. I have certain talents that open these locked areas. What I need is a set of tools that will allow me to open locks." The young girl begins to bat her eyelashes hoping to grab some attention away from the males.
Grun nods appreciatively. The request seems reasonable, and in everyone's best interest.
The cost of such an item, Moira?
Moira responds, "A common tool kit will cost about 30 gp which will allow me to do my job. There are high quality tools that will increase my success but they cost more than double the standard kits. I would be grateful for the standard kit for now."
"Well Moira, that seems reasonable. See my housekeeper on the way out, and she'll advance you the sum. I hope to see you all at the vaults shortly."
Moira shows her excitement at the approval of her request."Oh goodie."
The young girl skips towards Darien and grabs his hand."Mr. Darien please come and accompany me to the general store. Once we get the tools I need we will need to hurry back and meet the nice lady."
Moira tries to pull the large human, guiding him to the enterance.
"Come on. I wont' bite...... hard." The rogue offers a slight smirk and continues to tug at the man.
"That's probably a good idea. In fact, why don't we all go?" Darien gives Ignius a glance as he allows himself to be dragged to the store. Along the way, he tries to keep an eye on his surroundings in case Vark shows himself again.
Sticking his somewhat webbed hand into a pouch, I have 10gp for the better version of those tools. It's all I have.
Yes.. perhaps that is for the best Darien Ignius states, carefully pondering the young woman's words. Regardless, I have 30 gold I am willing to let you borrow Morira. Get your tools as well as a weapon and perhaps some armor if you can afford it. You can pay me back once we retrieve our reward from Lady Vanderboren's vault.
Most generous, Ignius. I am surprised... and impressed. Grun bows deeply.
Grains of sand make a desert my friend. The tanned man responds giving a respectful bow of his own.
"You all are such fine gentlemen and very generous, I have my weapons and some armor." The young rogue opens up her shirt to reveal tight fitting crude leather armor but effective. She lifts the bottom of her pants revealing a dager and scabbard attached to the side of her calf and let's not forget the rapier she was using on the spider.
"The nice lady of the house said she was willing to fund for my new tools. Much higher quality tools will cost much more, think about 100 gold pieces, which is not necessary."
Moira winks at the grippli and at Ignius and performs the same bow...repeatly. "I'm already feeling more respectible after being around you fine men. You guys are rubbing off on me."
Moira also grabs Ignius' right arm and Darien's left arm and walks with them both.
Grun lectures. 30gp from the Lady of the House, 10 I give... 30 from Ignius. You require 30gp more and we can have the best tools available to survive.
The monies are loans, the tools are an investment. It could save lives. Darien and Justified may have the balance. From brat to ingrate.
Ignius takes a tanned leathery hand and smoothes his beard and in the process hides his smile at Grun's words.
Moira responds to Grun. "No need to insult and hurt my feelings. Maybe the little fella needs a hug?"
Moira continues to walk with Ignius and Darien, sometimes she may be skipping.
Human have several offspring, they concern themselves with feelings. Grippli have several score of offspring. There is simply no time.
You simply have time to correct behavior... those who "get it" survive, those who don't... They do not remain a problem for long. The grippli shrugs, walking along with the others.
"Being that we just met, I am pleased that everyone wants the best tool for me to use but I think we are going to come up short. The basic set is just fine enough."