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Victor looks around him as the others not so subtly accuse him of being a cheat and a thief. He turns to face no one behind him and whispers "I'm pretty sure they are talking about you Vendal, so you probably should stay home this trip."
He spins around to the others with a grin "I believe we have an accord." He settles back down to looking at the map and eating another muffin. Me a thief? Maybe an occasional fib but certainly no common thief! Pug on the other hand.. he wouldn't quibble over a lost wallet...
He nods in agreement with keeping the folding boat as a backup plan for now. "Ya, let's keep that card up our sleeve for now, just in case our Captain goes back on his word."
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Based on the crude map and Pádraig's own knowledge of the region, the most direct route to Vyre seems it would follow the coast of Vyre Island due northwest along the sea.
"Ah, calling on the Captain may be a good idea, and would offer a much more direct route," Octavio points at the coast. "Definitely faster than the land route."
"Then it's settled!" Laria claps. "To Vyre, first, via Captain Sargaeta's ship in exchange for one of the favors you gained from the rescue of his friend."
"If you have any more preparations to make before departure, now would be the best time to do so," Rexus stands up. "Otherwise, bon voyage, as they say, and travel safely."
"Hmm...I do not believe there are any further preparations that I will need to make at this time," Morvena remarks as Padraig heads out to round up any additional intel on Vyre's leadership. "Unless any of you happen to have any suggestions or thoughts?"
"I think I am ready to go," Geoffrey states succinctly, "Would it be safe to use the Silver Raven gifts from Thune while we are travelling?" He wonders.
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Pádraig leaves the bookstore to gather information around town, all by himself.
He manages to avoid the seedier parts of town, as well as the more guarded ones, and gleans some information from a wide-eyed gnome journalist who had stopped by Kintargo in search of a story on Thrune's latest activities. "I know a thing or two about that place. Vyre is known as the City of Masks, and if you wondering why that might be, it's because the rulers of Vyre keep their identities secret. Each one upholds one of the Five Promises of the city. In turn, each of the self-styled kings and queens are served by a hand-selected group of guards, known collectively as the Masks of Vyre."
"Currently, the Masks of Whispers and the Masks of Keys are under the direct influence of the Church of Norgorber, and thus share resources and information, while the other three Masks of Vyre tend to focus on their own charters."
"The Masks of Delights police mercantile matters, transactions, and all forms of entertainment in Vyre. The Masks of Whispers control the flow of information and announcements in the city as well as protect the reputations of powerful citizens. The Masks of Blades serve as the city’s militia, while the Masks of Keys seek to maintain the walls and locks that make up the city’s defenses. Finally, the Masks of Blood see to the representation of Vyre citizens in legal matters and defense against foreigners."
"Hard to know more about the queens and kings themselves when secrets are such a prized thing in that place! I'd kill for a good story if you come across one in your travels there," the gnome smiles. "I mean, locals even claim that one can even navigate Vyre blindfolded and with earplugs, following scent alone as one’s only guide! Imagine that."
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Pádraig Henry thanks the gnome journalist, 'Fast Eddie' R. Murrow, for his insights. "Thanks, Eddie, this is really good stuff."
The halfling turns to leave, but then stops. "So, you're in town to learn what you can about Thrune's activities in Kintargo, eh?"
"Let's grab a cup of coffee, Eddie. Just so happens, I've got a few tales to tell, including some interesting songs circulating around the city..."
The bard delivers a mix of truth, half-truth, and bald-faced lies to the gnome journalist. He describes the Lord-Mayor's heavy-handed treatment of Kintargo's citizens, his oppressive regime, embellishing the horrors with some even more outrageous exaggerations, and extolls the virtues of the mysterious Silver Ravens and their efforts on behalf of the people, mentioning 'friends in high places' around the Inner Sea, including Andoran, Varisia, and other places.
"Make sure you share that with your readers, Eddie."
Then Pádraig Henry heads back to tell his friends what he's learned.
"Masks? Ooo!" Issil returns from her shopping trip just in time for Pádraig's update. She claps and tries on her hat of disguise, assuming the form of a young man. "Wow, this is so cool. The Carnelian Signet can take any form she wishes! She bursts into the scene, melts the shackles of order, and is gone in a puff of smoke!"
Rosebud makes a face like the one she made when she first met the Silver Ravens otyugh ally.
"Guys, this Norgorber fellow, he's a bad hombre. PH and I know a little about him, his 'faith', and followers. For instance..."
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Fast Eddie speeds off, enthralled with all of the juicy Thrune and Silver Ravens details shared by Pádraig, whether true or not.
Pádraig knows a thing or two about Norgorber, a Taldan deity of thievery and assassination, as well as a keeper of secrets. Most worshipers are secretive about their worship, and temples more resemble thieves' or merchant's guilds than religious sites.
"Unless any of you happen to have any suggestions or thoughts?"
Rexus looks at Laria, who looks at Octavio, and all three shrug. "Vyre is a city not unlike Kintargo in size, so other than the usual provisions for travel by sea, I think you ought to already be well-prepared."
"Very well," Morvena nods. "Oh...I will say that since we are going to be traveling outside the city, this may be a fine opportunity to test some of those 'gifts' that we were given."
She looks around at the others, gauging reactions. "Some of them would be...very useful, under the right circumstances. And since there is no scrying magic upon them and we travel to a place where the Silver Ravens should be largely unknown, it seems to me that it would be a fine testing ground."
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"The gifts have those distinctive accents. Just to be safe, try to keep the objects camouflaged or out of sight. Wear your shirt over your belt, for example," Pádraig Henry suggests.
"We can talk more about it when we're on board the ship, but what's our plan, once we get to Vyre? The Masks of Whispers will likely be on the look-out for foreign visitors. That they're under the direct influence of the Church of Norgorber makes me nervous."
"Any of the Masks we encounter are likely to be suspicious of strangers. What's our cover story?"
"Once we're in the city, who should we approach, if we're planning to seek allies? None of the kings or queens sounds like the sort of friend the Silver Ravens would seek."
Geoffrey nods in reply, "I'll make sure to keep these items out of sight. As for our plan of attack here," he strokes his stubbly face thoughtfully, "We definitely need a cover story to be in Vyre." He snaps his fingers, "How about we travel as entertainers? Looking for greener pastors away from Kintargo. That should make both Issil and Morv happy, as they get a chance to practice on their favorite pastimes more," he gives both ladies a wink, "What do you think?"
"Yeah, and Victor looks like he could play a roadie or our manager. He's got the scruffy, unscrupulous look down cold."
The lyrakien gives the rogue an appraising once-over, satisfied he's a natural for the part.
"I'll just glamour my dress." She snaps her fingers again and dons a red mask. "The Carnelian Signet performs in Vyre!"
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It's a short walk from Crisalli's Fine Tomes back to the Lucky Bones to retrieve Thrune's gifts , and then to the harbor where the Scourge of Belial, Cassius Sargaeta's warship, was last moored. Fortunately, the three-masted ship is docked in the Old Harbor of Kintargo today, and the ship's first mate, Elia Nones, smirks when she sees you approaching the dock.
"I see our companions have returned!" She calls, waving for two of the crew to allow you aboard. Stepping onto the ship, Nones pays particularly close attention to the fairy-like creature fluttering around. "And you've recruited another to your cause? Let's hope what she lacks in size, she makes up for in tactics, yes?"
Nones guides you to the Captain's Cabin, the smell of pleasant spices and rare incense flooding your noses as you enter. The handsome captain is writing in his journal when you enter, and stands up from his desk, his face lighting up. "Welcome back, Silver Ravens. I would have paid you a visit myself, if for nothing else than to see how things were going, but you know how it is with Thrune's proclamations. Captains can't even set foot in town," he sighs.
"Anyway, what brings you here, friends? Come to exchange a shard of a tea cup for a favor?" He smiles.
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"If there's something we can do for you in Kintargo, Cap'n, all you have to do is ask. If it's within our power to help, you know we will."
"Make-Way, Hopgut, and Wencella send their regards. They seem to have adjusted to life on shore."
Pádraig Henry nudges Geoffrey, reminding him he has the nine tea cup shards in his belt pouch. "We could use your help getting to Vyre and back."
"Can we offer a shard in exchange for passage aboard the Scourge of Belial?
Geoffrey makes sure to secure his belt and ring are out of sight before heading out. Once Padraig announces his intentions he carefully unwraps one of the teacup shards and hands it over to the Captain, "I presume this will cover passage for all of us, and will it suffice to the return trip as well? Also any rumors of recent happenings are well-appreciated by us."
"We are glad to find you in good health today Captain Sargaeta," Morvena smiles as she greets their sea-faring ally. "It is as Pádraig and Geoffrey say; we are interested in seeking passage to Vyre if it would not be too much of an inconvenience."
"To Vyre. It's our next stepping stone to conquering Thrune!"
Victor passes on using any of Thrune's 'gifts' "You're asking for trouble on that one. No way, no how!" He shuffles out of the room before they even open up the chest.
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Victor heads out to the ship with the others, no sense in adding a new alter ego to the party until they get to Vyre. "Conquering Thrune? I thought we were going for a vacation and a little RnR? Sounds like that place is a pretty low key spot to get some freak on!" He rubs his hands together with a greedy look on his face.
May as well do some 'research' while we're there right?
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The Captain takes the shard and snaps his fingers. "A promise is a promise. Vyre's a fine city, if not a little politically eccentric with its many kings and queens. It's well within reason to offer you travel to Vyre aboard my ship in return for your rescue of Marquel. If we leave now, we should get there by tomorrow afternoon."
"I'll let the crew know," First Mate Nones turns and walks out of the cabin.
"Raise the anchor! We're going to Vyre!" You hear Nones shout from behind the door.
"Aye, Vyre! Woo! I'm headin' straight fer the casino!" One of the crew shouts back.
The Captain grins. "Go ahead and get comfortable. There's plenty of room below deck for you to rest tonight. By the way, who is your contact in Vyre? I know a thing or two about the city, and might be able to point you in the right direction."
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"We're looking for a woman named Mayapple, who fell afoul of the Grey Spiders back in the day. Not sure where to look for her, though."
Pádraig Henry pulls out the deeds the team found. "The Spiders owned warehouses and waterfront property in Vyre, but the deeds to the property were stolen. Now we've got them. It would be a good idea to figure out who the rightful owners are. They might be grateful to have the deeds returned."
"If you've got a contact in Vyre, Cap'n, that would be very helpful."
The bard tells Captain Sargaeta what he knows about the city. "You know anything more about the kings and queens of the city and their Masks--meaning their followers?" Pádraig Henry asks.
"Pádraig has done an admirable job of researching our destination but one can never be too prepared, especially given our...interests, and the rules of the city," Morvena remarks as she moves to peer out one of the nearby windows.
I do hope we have fair weather for this journey...
Victor for once voices his agreement with Padraig "From the sounds of it, tracking down people there could be difficult with all their rules about 'don't ask don't tell'. A trusty contact would be pretty helpful." He says as he dips a pair of fingers into a fancy jar of candies on the bar.
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"You're rather well-researched," The Captain laughs with Padraig, pouring another cup of tea from a fancy golden pot. "Of the kings and queens, I know as much as you. The Queen of Delights is the primary diplomat, and if you're looking to talk alliances, she would be your best bet, provided you can get an audience with her."
"As for Mayapple - I know Molly, having stayed at her hostel before. A charming woman." He takes a sip from his cup. "She's a halfling, and despite her being elderly, she's more energetic than even some of my younger crewmen. Her business is one of the best hostels in Vyre. Look for the Seven Apples in Vyre's waterfront district."
Captain Sargaeta sets his cup down and stands, walking to the cabin doors. "I believe we're about to depart. You may enjoy watching Kintargo disappear behind us as we head north."
The daylight shining through the cabin windows shifts as the Scourge of Belial makes a wide turn to the starboard side, a rumble rising up below your feet as the engines whir to life. You've set sail!
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The trip sailing due northwest from Kintargo to Vyre is pleasant. The sky is clear, and there's something about being outside of Thrune's watchful eye that brings a sense of relief - or at least that's what First Mate Nones tells you. Elia Nones is open about her childhood in Corentyn. Born to a naval family, it only made sense that sailing was in her blood, and she has served in the Chelish navy for some ten years now. She sounds fiercely loyal to Captain Sargaeta, as does most of the crew.
The first two hours pass without incident, but as Kintargo finally disappears beyond the horizon, there's a loud shriek from above.
"Something's coming! From above!"
Looking up at the sky, two ibis-like birds who look as though they're sculpted from silver and brass dive upon the ship. Standing upon long legs ending in powerful metallic talons, their beady eyes dart about voraciously.
"Looks like they're hoping for an easy meal," Elia sighs, lazily drawing her pepperbox pistol.
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Captain Sargaeta throws the door to his cabin open and looks out. "Too high in the sky to fire the ship's weapons. Elia, help the Silver Ravens out. Crew, grab some bows and arrows!"
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Pádraig
Geoffrey
Victor
Issil
Blue & Green Creatures (hovering @60 ft. above deck)
Elia
Morvena
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Issil smiles with glee.
No water to smother her flames.
No one to spare to drag back to interrogation.
Just fire. And lots of it.
"Toasty! The Carnelian Signet strikes yet again!" With that, Issil releases a ruby red ball of flame that erupts, engulfing both metallic birds.
Victor moves quickly to hide in one of the lifeboats before the birds see him. He seems nervous... Or does he?
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Pádraig Henrymoves, beginning an inspiring song. Then the bard casts good hope on the party, including Rosebud, as well as First Mate Elia Nones.
"Those things are __________! They have special attacks like ___________, special defenses like __________, and their special abilities include __________.
Bird, the bird
The bird, bird, bird, bird, the bird
Bird, bird
Birdd, the bird, the bird, bird, bird
The bird machine
Check
Check
BOOM, BOOM
BOOM, BOOM
BOOM, BOOM
BOOM, BOOM
Rosebud's wings buzz like a bumblebee. "To battle, Silver Ravens! I judge these angry birds a fitting foe!"
The azata judges the birds, casts divine favor on herself, and then she draws her bow and nocks an arrow.
"Looks like these birds are hungry!" Geoffrey exclaims. While he could fire at them from a distance he also knows there are two vulnerable ladies who would be subjected to the bird's reprisals. Instead he elects to draw his blade and ready to protect either Morv or Issil here.
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Pádraig Henry has read of these metallic sea birds, known as stymphalidies, though these two look younger than the standard ones he's read about. They're quite formidable, especially in that their attacks causing wounds to bleed. Moreover, they have the following special attacks.
They don't possess any special defenses.
Issil is proud of herself. She finally gets to launch a fireball. The bright blast of fire engulfs the two stymphalidies. As the smoke clears, the two birds look no worse for wear other than few smoke marks on their metal feathers.
One of the birds dives down, and ruffles its feathers in such a way that the sunlight bounces off of it so intensely that your eyes burn.
Elia shrieks as her world goes dark, and the crew all rub their eyes frantically. The other bird dives down towards Issil, chomping at her on its way by.
... Or not, as Issil easily dodges the attack.
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Pádraig
Geoffrey
Victor
Issil
Rosebud (Divine Favor)
Blue (on deck) & Green stymphalidies (hovering @40 ft. above deck)
Elia Nones (Blind)
Morvena
Crew (Troop subtype)
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Geoffrey shakes off the blinding effect easily, and moves to engage the bird. "Why don't you pick on some of Thrune's men?"
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"Ahhh!"
Morvena throws up her arm but it's too late; the intense glare of the sunlight off the diving bird renders her completely blind!
"Grrr...I do not need to see to contribute," she hisses through gritted teeth as she expends some of her arcane power to conjure forth a medium-sized being that has the appearance of a dark storm cloud, with sparks suggesting eyes and long sweeping arms charged with bolts of lightning.
"මගේ සගයන්ට උදව් කරන්න!" Morvena calls to the creature in an unfamiliar tongue and the elemental obeys, moving to engage Blue.
"Aid my allies!"
Conjurer's Focus (Summon Monster IV, 7 minutes) (Sp) - An occultist can spend 1 point from her arcane reservoir to cast summon monster I. She can cast this spell as a standard action and the summoned creatures remain for 1 minute per level (instead of 1 round per level). At 3rd level and every 2 levels thereafter, the power of this ability increases by one spell level, allowing her to summon more powerful creatures (to a maximum of summon monster IX at 17th level), at the cost of an additional point from her arcane spell reserve per spell level. An occultist cannot have more than one summon monster spell active in this way at one time. If this ability is used again, any existing summon monster immediately ends. This ability replaces the arcanist exploit gained at 1st level.
White Lightning zips around Issil, potentially drawing a strike from Blue as he closes to melee range and attempts to slam the metallic-looking bird with a hefty fist...
Not sure if this applies here, but just in case:
Metal Mastery (Ex) - A lightning elemental gains a +3 bonus on attack rolls if its opponent is wearing metal armor, is wielding a metal weapon, or is made of metal (such as an iron golem).
"Curses!" Rosebud shouts, rubbing her eyes. She calls on Milani's guidance to help end the blindness.
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Pádraig Henry manages to retain his sight and keeps singing. Popping a piece of licorice into his mouth, he mumbles a spell. He and his allies, including Rosebud, as well as First Mate Elia Nones, move and act more quickly.
A hasted creature gains a +1 bonus on attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves. Any condition that makes you lose your Dexterity bonus to Armor Class (if any) also makes you lose dodge bonuses.
All of the hasted creature’s modes of movement (including land movement, burrow, climb, fly, and swim) increase by 30 feet, to a maximum of twice the subject’s normal speed using that form of movement. This increase counts as an enhancement bonus, and it affects the creature’s jumping distance as normal for increased speed.
Rapier drawn, he waits for the stymphalidies to approach.
"Are you serious? They're fireproof?" Issil pouts.
"I'm gonna bash your brains out, you stupid bird!" Her mace ready, Issil just ignores the blinding effect to bash Blue silly.
With Pádraig's haste magic in effect, she just walks up and starts swinging.
Victor pokes his head up just enough from his hiding spot to try slinging a gob of acid at the blue stork thing, then ducks back hoping to not be seen. Hehe I wonder if this'll work?
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Captain Sargaeta bursts out of his cabin. "I'd thought these were mere hungry sea birds, but it seems they're capable of putting up a fight. With me, crew! Show them why we're rated the navy's best on ShipAdvisor!"
Victor lobs an acid splash at the creature, and melts through a chunk of its wing, throwing it off guard. Geoffrey and Issil rush at the metal bird, and Geoffrey bonks its head with his mace, a shower of sparks raining onto the deck. He does find his weapon had limited effectiveness, however.
Morvena conjures up a electrically-charged elemental to aid the fight, but the stymphalidies annoyingly twists its neck to avoid its punch.
The bird spreads its wings in an intimidating display, and then goes all out at everyone in front of it.
Issil gets gouged in the arm, but the elemental endures a double talon swipe and a slap with a big metal wing. Luckily, its body can't bleed.
The other stymphalidies beats its wings, and razor sharp feathers fling from its sides towards the Captain and the First Mate. They both grunt as the feathers painfully burrow into their sides, blood streaming out. The bird isn't the best flyer though, and loses 10 feet of altitude trying to hover.
Meanwhile, the crew of twelve aim their bows and all fire them together at the flying stymphalidies.
Unfortunately, all of the arrows bounce off the metal frame of the enemy.
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Pádraig
Geoffrey
Victor
Issil (-14, bleed 1d6)
Rosebud (Blind, Divine Favor)
Captain Cassius Sargaeta (-10, bleed 1d6)
Blue (-23, -2 AC, -4 AC from Victor, on deck) & Green stymphalidies (hovering @30 ft. above deck)
Elia Nones (-6, bleed 1d6)
Morvena (Blind) & Lightning Elemental (-19)
Crew (Troop subtype)
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Victor pokes an eye up just in time to see both birds staring at him after he tried to hide, apparently covering your eyes with your hand isn't a viable stealthing technique. Gah, time to get into the thick of it!
He bolts from his position and tries to dive past and behind the BBB (big blue bird).
Geoffrey doesn't waste any time here as he proceeds to go to work on the bird.
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Continuing to inspire the crew and his companions with his song, Pádraig Henry casts glitterdust at the green angry bird.
"I mean really. The one time I get to burn something and they just ignore the fire"
"Oh, come on!"
"Praise Milani!" Rosebud cries, able to see again. Then the tiny inquisitor fires a couple of cold iron arrows at the green stymphalidies. "Sure hope you blinded that bird with all your glitter, PH!"
Morvena also manages to shake off the blindness, blinking peevishly as she gazes upon the battlefield.
"Mm...quarters are too close for throwing snowballs and we have already been hastened - thank you for that Padraig - so...yes, time for the old standby," she muses as she begins casting. As the spell concludes she waggles her fingers at Blue, sending a barrage of missiles flying!
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