Ophelia - The man you approach looks you over and smiles broadly, Well, hello pretty lady. I think you might have to watch out for me. Come to give me a little luck?
Nik - You see a man a drunk being escorted off the pier by enforcer types that you would guess are bouncers.
Elden - You notice that you are on an old wooden pier, over water, and fixate on that for moment.
Ophelia smiles back at the man, let's see how good you are, then. She'll stick close to the man, hoping he's actually playing and not just boasting.
Ophelia will try to keep a close eye on the game and see who's wining big. If she finds someone, she'll head over to them and get some information:
You're doing well! You must play here often?
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Nik taps Elden on the shoulder and points to the enforcer.
Here we go. I think that type should be able to lead us in the right direction.
Nik makes his way to intercept the enforcer as he make his way back from escorting the drunk. When able, Nik draws the attention of the enforcer and greets him with a smile.
Pardon me, my friend. Perhaps you could help me?
Ophelia watches the games and finds a dice roller on a hot streak.
He looks at her for just a moment when she approaches, but remains fixated on the dice. Nah, stuck here, and this seemed like a good way to spend some time... who knew.... and with a roll of the dice, he loses 100 gp to the groan of the crowd.
Trisane listens in to some different conversations; most are fairly innocuous, dealing with the games and other vices of the pier. He is able to catch a snippet of conversation about a throneroom.
Nik approaches the enforcer who simply grunts a response that Nik assumes means continue. This is a mountain of a man, with arms bigger than Nik's legs and shoulders wide enough he would have to squeeze through most doorways. You wouldn't be surprised if their was a hint of giant blood in their somewhere.
Ophelia frowns at the man, that's a shame. She walks away from the table and starts carousing through the room.
She'll try to keep Trisane in sight, in case either of them get in trouble. While carousing, she'll start talking with gamblers and watchers, offering a few bets on people that seem to be lucky.
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Nik looks up at the mountain in front of him and smiles.
I am hoping that you can direct me to where I can find DeVargo. I am here in search of my brother, and I have been told DeVargo may have information on where to find him. You seem to be someone of authority here and someone who would know where to find DeVargo.
Nik tries to appear confident but not threatening. His smile fails as he realizes he may have taken the wrong approach.
Ophelia places a bet on one of the dice games and wins an additional 5 gp
Asking about Devargo, you learn he typically stays on Eels End.
The enforcer looks Nik up and down for a moment and grunts a response that Nik can only assumes means no as he turns and walks away.
Well, I found his location, not much else. I don't think I'll get anything from this lot.
Ophelia makes her way to Trisane, I'm not having much luck at these tables, how about you?
She then leans in to whisper, I want to check the House of Clouds, they may have some gossip.
Ophelia and Trisane make there way from the Twin Tigers towards the House of Clouds, there is no ramp from the pier to the House of Clouds, so you will have to cross the deck of another ship. You cross over a gangplank, passing near the figurehead a coiling eel with a woman’s head. This ship, at the very end of the pier, bears the name Eel’s End. Several drunkards, sailors, and revelers dance and drink on the large open main deck here, while the aft deck is relatively clear. A pair of large double doors bearing a complex painting of a spider are guarded by two large men that are clearly guards.
As she passes near the double doors Ophelia will stop and whisper to Trisane, I guess we found that throneroom...play along.
She points at the doors, saying loudly, oh, there it is. Ophelia grabs Trisane's hand and leads him over to the doors.
She says to them, with a wink: Hello, my friend here is looking for some bachelor snuff. We heard this was the place.
As Trisane and Ophelia approach the doors (on the Eels End) an enforcer holds out a hand to stop you, To take him to heaven, you want the House of Clouds. He jerks his thumb in the direction you were originally headed towards the other ship. I am sure Madam Halvara will be pleased to assist you. He adds with an unsettling leer.
Nik and Elden, you are still mingling with the revelers on the pier...
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Uh oh. Play along she says... I can't believe I'm doing this. Here goes nothing.
Trisane reaches down to his belt and pulls out a small pouch. He raises it up so the guard can see it and jingles the platinum coins.
Right'o, sir! But fore my little dove takes me there, maybe these jangly crowns'll convince ya I be needin some of that good snuff what's behind them doors first, eh?
Nik and Elden make their way onto the deck of the Dragon's Breath. The ship has been painted in gaudy red. A sign at the aft entrance reads simply, “Pass into the Dreams of the Dragon.”
Thick, pungent smoke assails the nose below deck, the open interior of which is partitioned with silken curtains and filled with large beds and couches. Glossy-eyed patrons loll about and mewl, their minds burning with shiver, pesh, flayleaf, and other exotic drugs.
A skinny, short man wanders languidly about the smoky room, wheeling a large hookah to and fro on a cart and mutters Get smoked! as he greats you, hand extended, palm up.
The enforcer looks at Trisane, and politely but firmly speaks, The king of Spider's isn't the "entertaining type" and certainly not the company you seek. Move on.
Elden looks around as they enter the room.
He then turns his attention to the man, No thanks, friend. We are looking for someone. Perhaps you could help us?
Trisane's getting better at this, I don't believe it!
Ophelia frowns at the enforcer, then turns to face Trisane, let's leave these grumps and go to that other place he said. She'll take his arm again and continue on to the House of Clouds.
When safely out of range, she'll whisper to Trisane, great job! I didn't think they'd let us in, but at least we know that's where he is, and he's probably there now. We have the name of the operator for this other ship, maybe we can leverage some information from her. You're doing great.
Elden looks around the room, the smoke and red sheer curtains seem to blend with the light and create an almost hypnotic phantasm. He can already feel the effects of the smoke going to his head. The little man, barely as tall as you Elden but skinny as a rail, drops his hand. Everyone is looking for someone, or something. Those that come here seek to escape with shiver, pesh, flayleaf, and others. They have paid for their time here, so don't be bothering my guests. Join, or leave us to our visions.
As Ophelia and Trisane walk towards the House of Clouds, the guards whisper and snicker. A single long structure sits atop the main deck of the house of Clouds. Double doors hang open to reveal a large room decorated with throw rugs, large pillows, and air thick with incense and lit by red paper lanterns. The scent of anise, rosewater, and cinnamon pours forth from smoking bronze braziers set on silver stands, which are carved in the likenesses of slit-eyed serpents and proud hunting birds. Several scantily clad men and women loiter about the barge’s deck.
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Nik stands next to Elden and looks at the short man.
Friend, we have no desire to disturb your patron but, as my associate here has said, we are looking for someone. We believe you may know him and if you can help us meet him we will take our leave. Now, what will it take to meet with Devargo? I believe he has some information we need and we simply want a chance to talk to him about it.
Hrmph, about to be caught up in the web of the King of Spiders are ya'. Devargo holds court on Eels End. If you can convince the guards grant you an audience. When you are ready to relax and let go of your troubles, please stop by again. He bows and continues on his rounds.
Nik too feels the effects of the smoke starting to cloud his senses.
Ophelia looks around the ship and settles on one of the scantily clad women. Excuse me, I was told to find Madam Halvara here, could you help me find her?
I hope we can get something useful.
Ophelia smiles and says greetings, Madam, I was told to speak with you...this is a lovely establishment, by the way. You see, my friend and I, we have a meeting with the King of Spiders, and, well, we really need it to go well. I'm sorry to bother you with this, but I was hoping you might have some insight, is there something the King enjoys, a gift, perhaps, that we could present to him?
She pauses a moment, but before Halvara can reply, she adds, I know your time isn't free, and we are willing to compensate you, of course. She looks back to Trisane.
As the man walks away, Elden gruffly mutters. Thanks, friend.
Elden looks up at Nik. That might be the best we're going to get. Let's get out of here. This place is starting to go to my head.
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Trisane nods to Ophelia and continues to follow her around.
Are we really doing this again? ugh. This is why I prefer the direct approach.
He musters up some words in Varisian.
Da, doamna mea iubita si mine sunt merg la om mare în barcă casa pentru bani.
Trisane winks at Ophelia with a wide smile then offers a pouch containing 5pp to bribe Halvara for information.
Nailed it! I think I'm getting pretty good at this...
Trisane and Ophelia
Halvara smiles and slides in between you, taking each of you by the arm. A meeting with the King of Spider you say, how thrilling!Halvara gives a sultry wiggle that approximates a shiver. Let us sit and talk, she says as she takes the purse from Trisane. She leads you to one of the screened off alcoves, and guides you onto a stuffed couch, positioning you as close together as possible, she then reclines across both your laps, leaning her head close to Trisane's, Devargo has only three loves, his status, his gold and the power to inflict pain on others. Feed those desires and perhaps your meeting will go well. But I make no promises. Twisting about, she whispers in Ophelia's ear, My staff will be happy to caress any hurt away when you leave.
With a single motion she is standing with the sheer curtains pulled open, A pleasure doing business with you my lovelies! she says in a normal speaking voice and is back among the patrons.
Nik and Elden exit the Dragon's Breath and breath a deep breath of the cool air, it is cleansing but sends a dull pain throbs in your heads. You know that much more time spent in the smoke would dull you senses.
That was interesting, wonder how Trisane's doing...
Ophelia whipsers to Trisane, nicely done, and now we have some information. We should find the others and see what they've learned.
She'll rise and prepare to leave and look for Nik and Elden.
After several deep, cleansing breaths, Elden replies. Sounds like as good a plan as any. Let's keep an eye out for Ophelia and Trisane. Maybe they had more luck.
Ophelia smiles at Trisane, Yes, let's head back to Devargo's ship, I'm sure Nik and Elden will be back there once they learn of his location.
The Eel’s End figurehead is a coiling eel with a woman’s head. Several drunkards, sailors, and revelers dance and drink on the large open main deck here, while the aft deck is relatively clear. Several sailors play instruments; fiddles, flutes and thump on overturned mop buckets while others sing popular songs. The scene is upbeat and everyone seems to be having fun.
Two enforcers stand guard before a pair of large double doors bearing a complex painting of a spider that allow entrance into the stern section of the main deck. Only the aft deck is clear of carousers; here, four enforcers sleep in hammocks strung in the rigging above.
Trisane and Ophelia meet up with Nik and Elden on the main deck.
Ophelia tries to secretly catch Nik and Elden's attention as she leads Trisane near one of the performers.
Once gathered together, she'll whisper, Did you have any luck? We know that Devargo is beyond those guarded doors there. We were also told he has three vices: his status, his gold, and his power to inflict pain on others. We have the gold to offer...
She looks over at Nik before continuing, A sad story about Tobar won't get far, but if you can twist it so it seems you're seeking revenge, and maybe even get Devargo in on it, that might work to pique his interest.
Rom sits above you, perched on what would be the "Crow's Nest" of the old ship.
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We've already to talked to these guards once before... maybe it's time to come clean?
Trisane steps in close to the others and whispers.
What if we just tell the truth? Cressida likely gave us enough money to pay Devargo for the information. We're not here to cause any unnecessary trouble. Why don't we just use it to get in like she told us to? Nobody has to get hurt.
Ugh, he was doing so well...
Remember, Devargo isn't friendly towards the Korvosan Guard. If we reveal that, we're likely to get thrown out, or worse. We can use the money as a bribe, to get the information we need, but we shouldn't come clean with who we're working for.
Ophelia frowns a moment. He'll likely want to know who we are working for.
We need to come up with a reason and employer. Who'd be interested in this guy, that would hire us to do the dirty work?
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Why all the deception? I don't understand. We haven't gained much of anything from it. This isn't going to work out well for anyone I think... better prepare for the worst.
Trisane rests his hand on Nik's shoulder and whispers.
I've said my piece. This is your mission, Nik. You make the call. I'm with you no matter what happens.
He rests his other hand the hilt of his longsword steadily.
Nik's idea could work, it's the best we've got. I hope Trisane won't be a problem. Elden's been quiet, not sure what his thoughts are on this.
Right, good idea Nik. This can work. You've hired us to help you locate your brother, we've heard Amprei has information, but he won't give it up. We need leverage to use against him, and we're willing to pay well. How's that sound? Is everyone in agreement or does anyone have concerns? Ophelia looks to Nik, Elden, then settles on Trisane.
Elden responds to Ophelia and then looks around the group. Sounds like a solid plan. Am I the "hired muscle"?
Still trying to figure out the order around here. Feels weird working in a group again. I guess I just have to give it time.
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Nik smiles at Ophelia.
I think that is the best plan we got, and it's a mile wide better than the one I was planning in my head. I think it might be best if Ophelia leads the way and Elden and Trisane be the muscle. I will be the customer and we can see how it goes.
Nik turns to fall in beside Ophelia and does his best to seem unintimidating, something he easily accomplishes considering his company.
Ophelia nods to Elden, then to Nik, We have our roles, let's go.
Ophelia will lead the group to the pair guarding the doors. With a stern voice and annoyed expression she says, we seek an audience with the King of Spiders. She folds her arms and continues, a platinum piece to the one that lets us pass.
Hopefully their greed will outweigh any sense they may have.
Unless you are expected, The King does not grant audiences. And crowns can't be spent by dead men. One of the big men says shaking his head. The pair doesn't hesitate for a moment, but simply refuses the bribe.
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I didn't want to do this, but seems there's no other choice...
Ophelia signs then begins to cast a spell, fascinare... Of course we are expected, now please, let us pass.
I apologize, I was not aware you had been requested to attend. Please go ahead. The first guard says and opens the door far enough for you to move through, but not so far as to reveal the insides. The other guard looks incredulous, but says nothing further.
Ophelia smiles at the guards and quietly moves inside.
I can't believe that worked.