
The_Demonic_DM |

As you wait for your drinks, you hear from the hallway outside the door. "I know we're in a hurry, but lemme get some fruit first, I'm hungry. I'm sure they won't mind.. Into the atrium steps a bearded dwarf, followed by a bearded human in breastplate, a male half-elf in studded leather, and a beautiful female dressed in a green gown. Pic of group
"Ya good folk don't mind, does ya?" The dwarf scoops his hand into the pineapple platter and picks up about five slices. The female chimes in, "Damn it, Kiaskus, are all dwarves as uncouth as you?" His quick retort: "Shut it, Liamae!" The bearded human looks frustrated, "Sorry for the interruption, beautiful ladies and gents. We'll be on our way...now!" The human and Liamae leave. The dwarf grunts, as he shoves some pineapples into his mouth and grabs more on his way out. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." The half-elf smiles, "Hmm..So you must be the help Lavinia is bringing in to do the chores, while the real warriors are away, huh? Best of luck to ya! Ha, ha!" He closes the door to the atrium as he leaves.

The_Demonic_DM |

After that unpleasant encounter, thankfully, Winnington returns with your drinks, with water for Ialda and Kowaru. Xarethi tries the mupute and it is indeed deliciously sweet, though potent. Winnington promises to bring you a new pineapple platter, as he sees the grime left by the dwarf's stubby fingers. As he is leaving, a beautiful human Chelish woman, no more than 5'5", appears in a long, flowing blue dress. "Winn, please make sure my guests are well attended to." "With pleasure, ma'am." She looks at the party, "Welcome, I am Lavinia Vanderboren." Pic of Lavinia

Chesley "Chez" Saryn |

Chez rises and politely acknowledges her while giving a slight bow.
"It is a great pleasure to meet you m'lady. We are most humbled and appreciative of your invitation to your fine house. Might I also add, having been at sea for awhile, I have become accustomed to seeing sailors in their grimey clothes. To glance upon that beautiful dress is like a vision granted from the heavens, only further accented by the enchanting soul wearing it."
The swashbuckler gives a curtious smile, while allowing a second for perhaps an uncomfortable silence.
On the subject of lovely ladies, please allow me to parlay the introductions.
"On my left we have Xa..rethi Kalamnus, crafter of the arcane arts. Seated on her left, we have Arionel..." Chez pauses slightly as he finds himself not only struggling with her first name, but being confused with the second, "... elven shaper of the divine forces. On my right, Ialda Soumral, cunning warrior and guide. Next to her we have the iron fisted master, Kowaru."
Chez pauses for a moment again, and then speaks with a charming smile and another slight bow, "And I am Chesley Saryn, fencer and businessman."

Lavinia_Vanderboren_aka_DM |

Lavinia smiles at each of you. "My, what a delicate yet charming introduction, Mr. Saryn. A pleasure to meet you all. Please sit." She sits down, certain not to wrinkle any portion of her beautiful dress and takes a sip of her mupute. "However, I must confess that I had heard of your skills prior to meeting you. From Devon, of course. He told me everything last night. He spoke to me of your prodigious skills on the Velvet Rose, facing the Sahuagin and in essence, saving the ship. Unfortunately, as I was told, poor Dixon did not survive. I gave Devon some days off, to properly grieve for his brother. However, he vouched for the five of you, so the purpose of this lunch is twofold. First, is to thank you. As you know, I had a shipment with much sentimental value on board, which certainly would have been looted or sunk to the bottom of the ocean were it not for your bravery." She raises a glass to the five of you, her eyes tearing a little. "And furthermore, as Devon himself confirmed, I can tell you are not mercenaries, who would have extorted the Captain for their heroism. Like the people you saw earlier, the Jade Ravens, no better than common thugs for hire, those folk. No, from what I hear, none of you asked for anything in the form of payment or gratitude from the Captain other than his thanks. I couldn't believe it when Devon told me. That, my friends, is rare indeed, especially nowadays. Who knew altruism was not dead in our society? A toast...to your bravery and altruism."
Lavinia takes a sip from her mupute, wiping the excess liquid on her lips with her finger. "That brings me to the second reason I called for the five of you. Given your skills on board the ship and your combat prowess, I was hoping you could lend me some assistance with a private matter of great importance."

Kowaru |

Because it wouldn't be a Dungeon AP without the rival adventuring group...
Kowaru regards the four strangers quite curiously as they make themselves at home in Lady Vanderboren's house. "Liamae and Kiaskus. I wonder who the others were, and why they disturb the chi flow within this house."
Kowaru accepts the cup of water from Winnington quite simply, noting its clear taste. "No hint of wine - is it magically purified?" he wondered aloud. As Lady Vanderboren enters, he stands respectfully. "I am Kowaru, sister," he says quietly. "I understand we have a mutual friend in your assistant, Devon Altamir. He seems a good man, from what time I spent with him aboard the Velvet Rose. His brother as well, may his soul be bettered in his next life."
The monk listens to the noblewoman thank them. "It seemed a terrible thing to ask for payment for saving the lives of the crew, not to mention our own. Besides, money does not bring enlightenment. I told Devon that if there was anything I could do for him that was within my power, I would do so - I will gladly offer you the same courtesy." He takes another sip from his water cup to slake his thirst.

Xarethi Kalamnus |

Xarethi looks relieved when Chez makes the introductions. She also looks slightly embarrassed by the praises heaped on her.
"To be honest, I am not particularly needful of coin at the moment. My desires are simple, and my needs even simpler than that. I was only too grateful to be alive after facing the Sahuagin."

Lavinia_Vanderboren_aka_DM |

Lavinia smiles, feeling she has chosen well. "Your words speak to your true character, my friends, if I may be so presumptuous. As Devon told you, I recently lost my parents in a shipping accident. As the eldest daughter, I inherited my parents' beautiful estate, but along with this fine house and servants, there also came a fine amount of debt owed to the Nine Forts Collective, the harbormaster, and quite a few guildhalls. It seems my parents, for all their success as adventurers, were not as skilled at finance as one might expect. If I'm going to get these taxes paid and my family's affairs in order, I'll need to access my family's vault under this manor."
"And that's the problem you see. The vaults are magically locked - keyed to special signet rings. Both of my parents had these rings, at least until recently. My mother lost hers a few months ago and she arranged for a replacement, but it won't be ready for another month, too late for me. Which leaves my father's ring. He never wore it - he had a thing about men wearing jewelry. He kept it hidden somewhere on his ship - the Blue Nixie. The problem is that the harbormaster seized the ship until someone pays for the last four months of mooring. I've already paid the fines to the harbormaster's man who's watching the ship, a brute named Soller Vark. Yet when I went to claim my ship, Vark's men wouldn't let me on board and Vark lied, saying he never received my payment. Without any proof, the harbormaster won't listen to me and they're holding my father's ship illegally! Yes, I know I was a fool not to have the transaction witnessed but it's too late for lamentations now."
"I know this Vark fella is up to something no good with my ship. He won't listen to reason. Diplomacy is not an option. I need people like you to speak his language, find out what he and his men are doing on the ship and put a stop to it and maybe even recover the money I gave him. I know you haven't asked for financial remuneration but I'll pay each of you 200 gold in return once I have access to my vault. I have been wronged by this shifty brute and his thugs. What say ye? I have no one else to turn to at this time."
Lavinia takes another sip of her drink and puts the cup down on the table, her hands trembling a bit.

Xarethi Kalamnus |

Xarethi perses her lips as though she were afraid to voice her concerns.
"I can understand how difficult this must be for you. I could see that we retrieve your mooring fee and have it paid to the harbormaster instead, but the other part of what you have told us worries me. What's in this vault we're giving you access to?"

Kowaru |

Kowaru grimaces as he hears the lady's tale. "There is nothing more dispicable than a man that hides behind the veneer of law to further his own ends. Perhaps a few of Vark's men can see that their feet tread upon a false path of enlightenment. You may count on my support, sister." Kowaru bows his head in acceptance.

Chesley "Chez" Saryn |

Chez nods knowingly, and then confidently speaks, "My father is an accomplished shipper, and many times I have had opportunities to stand at his side while he negotiated with dispicable cads such as those. I know how to deal with them and what terms they understand in the end.
It tears my heart apart to see a fine woman like you in distress, so I will assure you I will try my best to find an amicable way to resolve the matter."

Aeronniell Ithilwen |

Aeronniell bows her head in reverence at the mention of the passing of Lavinia's parents.
"My condolences about your family..."
Smiling at how promptly Kowaru and Chez volunteer their services, Aeronniell agrees as well.
"The stars have led all five of us here today to assist you. I am certain there is a deeper purpose, but as each storm begins with a single drop of rain, each journey begins with a single step."
The elf continues to smile and look ahead thoughtfully, eyes occasionally running across the interior of the library before resting on Lavinia again.

Xarethi Kalamnus |

"I too wish to do the right thing here, and besides retrieving the payment you made and seeing it goes to the right person, I would be interested in hearing Vark's side of the story too. I've never heard of the man, so I do not know if he is the cur everyone seems to think he is."
Xarethi seems perturbed, almost near tears, but she wipes them away quickly with a forced smile.
"I am not doubting you, not entirely, Lady Lavinia. I have always wanted to do the right thing. That's how my parents raised me. But to know what the right thing to do is, I need more information than what you've given me."

Lavinia_Vanderboren_aka_DM |

"Thank you all, your kindness is much appreciated. Xarethi, I would expect no less from any of you to check my story out. I know the distrust that exists in today's world, especially of the nobility and aristocracy and especially here in Eleder. However, feel free to speak to that bastard Vark. In the end, I will be vindicated, as everything I have told you today is true."
Lavinia takes a deep breath of relief. "The Blue Nixie is docked at Pier Five in the Harbor District. Winnington can bring you any papers to establish my father's and now my ownership of the vessel. Anything else that I can provide or any other questions I may answer? In the meantime, let's enjoy lunch. Winnington, you may proceed."
Winnington and the servants soon bring out dishes of delicious roasted pork with onions.

Kowaru |

Kowaru picks at the food - the roasted meat smells wonderful, and aromatics only add to the succulence of the meal. He's used to bowls of rice and pickled fish, certainly not this!
"I will admit little knowledge into the legal intricacies that such paperwork will undoubtedly involve, but I will examine them. Xarethi makes a good point, however. A coin has two sides, and we are only seeing one of them. We will have to speak with this Vark if we wish to see the other."

Ialda Soumral |

Ialda tears into the pork, showing that she might not be quite a learned about manners as most of the others present. She wasn't terriblly concerned about questioning Vark. She felt a liking to the lady and doubted she would make her story up. But let the calmer, more patient members of the new group do their research.

Lavinia_Vanderboren_aka_DM |

So, if there are no more questions or comments...
After the delicious meal, as Winnington and Kora clear the table, Lavinia says, "Well, if there is nothing else, I again than you for listening to my plight and agreeing to help. I only ask that you act with haste, as I don't know how long I can hold the debt collectors off. Perhaps a day or two at the most, before I lose my family's estate and everything I cherish in this world. I have faith you five will do right by me. If there is anything I can do to help, let me know."
With that, you say your farewells and are escorted out. Now what?

Aeronniell Ithilwen |

Aeronniell nods.
"The sooner we deal with the matter, the better..."
Two hundred gold - that's enough to cover my stay here in Eleder and likely get me to my next port!
"We could inquire about Vark on the way there? See what folks in the town know and think of him? Or we can just go straight to the ship."

Kowaru |

"I agree with Aeronniell. Let us see what we might find out about Vark before we involve ourselves with him. Leaping in headfirst is the poorest way to test a lake's depth."
Assuming you'd like a Diplomacy test to gather info, sooo...
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (18) + 4 = 22

The_Demonic_DM |

Kowaru inquires around town about Vark, with Ialda leading him to proper tavern to make his inquiries. As can be expected, the tavern where most information given is in Portside, not far from your current location called The Slimy Eel.
This is the summary of conversation you hear Kowaru engage in, after buying some guy named Durk a few drinks: "Vark? Ha! Don't get on his bad side, he's one tough, mean, sadistic SOB. 6', goatee, gold hooped earring, and yeah, he's got a cattle's skull crossed with some bones tattoo on his right arm. And his crew, more of the same, wanna be thugs. I once saw him cut a man ear to ear, for beating him at pool. Can you imagine that? He's a sicko. What he does? He works down at the docks, but I don't know, I always see him with gold, so I'd bet my right hand, it's not legit. Most days, he can be found on his ship, the Blue Nixie, sleeping it off. Well, it's his as of 2 weeks ago. Hahaha! That boy's a night owl, says he does his best work after dark. His crew always near him so they should be there too. Thanks for your donation. Anytime."
That information gathering cost Kowaru 1 sp.

Aeronniell Ithilwen |

I assume Kowaru shares this information...
After Kowaru shares what he's learned, Aeronniell nods, although the somber expression on her face soon gives way to a cheerier one.
"Well, on the bright side, it sounds like if we head over today, he'll be fast asleep aboard the Nixie sleeping off last night's spirits..."

Kowaru |

As a follow up question to Durk... Kowaru bows his head and slides a silver piece over to Durk, which swiftly disappears from view. "I thank you, brother. I have two more questions for you, if you please. First, you mention Vark's crew. How many men does he count as loyal to him? And second..." The monk's eyes grow dark and his voice turns into a growl. "What do you know of a man named Zan Oldavin?"
@Aeron: Nope! He intimidates Ialda into silence and sells you all out for 300 cp. :P
Seriously, though...
Kowaru nods in agreement with Aeronniell. "It would sound that way indeed. We would likely have to move quickly - sentries could easily sound the alarm, and we are technically trespassing aboard the Nixie. He is already hiding behind the law, so it would be easy to bring the watch in to arrest us for trespassing or what-not."

The_Demonic_DM |


The_Demonic_DM |

Kowaru, let me know if you paid or not.
Eventually, the party makes it down to the docks and Pier 5, where the Blue Nixie is supposedly docked. It is around 2:30 pm now. The docks are busy with other ships loading and unloading merchandise, as well as the cleaning and maintenance of ships. However, when you arrive, you discover that the ship is not docked at the pier at all, but is in fact moored to a float about 100 feet from the pier's end. Two sailors with bandanas are hanging out at the end of the pier, apparently in conversation. They're garbed in leather armor and have bucklers strapped to their left arms. A rapier dangles at their side and they currently wield light crossbows, strapped around their shoulders. A small rowboat lies moored to the dock next to them. They do not seem to have noticed you yet, as you are about 60 feet from the end of the pier.

Kowaru |

I did pay. If he had more info, there's another silver piece in it for him.
1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Kowaru was singularly focused on the men at the end of the dock, but squints towards the Nixie at Ialda's instruction. The monk grimaces and whispers lowly to his compatriots. "So much for lax guards, then. This does improve things slightly - if we can get to the Nixie, it becomes much more difficult for Vark to call for assistance. But we'll have to deal with the two of them, and they can alert the ship if we're not careful." Kowaru strokes his chin for a moment.
"I have a thought - it will be as difficult crossing the distance without the three onboard noticing us. However, if we can knock these two out before they can raise the alarm, Chez and I could don their clothes and a hat to disguise our features. It would not be necessary to disguise the three ladies - they would welcome three beautiful young women aboard quite easily. Once the three of you are aboard, we could clamber up and deal with them then. We would still be noticed along the way, but I suspect they would be far less likely to raise the alarm in this circumstance." Kowaru falls silent at this. He's not especially proud of the plan - too much subterfuge, and it endangers the three women far more than he'd like. Still, it's the best idea he's got for the moment.

Aeronniell Ithilwen |

"Of course, this wouldn't be easy." Aeronniell bites her lip as she realizes the Nixie is moored some distance from the docks.
"I'm all for redemption, but I've seen my share of wicked sailors over the decades, and I'm doubting Vark is just going to return Lavinia's ship given the stories we've heard."
The elf stands on the pier with eyes narrowed on the ship ahead.
They'd need to leave the ship sometime...

Chesley "Chez" Saryn |

Chez takes a moment to ponder the Kowaru's plan. "It is a good plan Kowaru, but there are always two sides to every story. I believe we should make an attempt at getting their side first. Perhaps to not intimidate them, Xarethi and I should go to parlay with them to at least get their side of the story?"
"Of course I am unsure what to tell them as to why we are looking into the matter though?"
Chez weighs the options in his head, but it almost looks like it is causing him some discomfort. "Alternatively, following Kowaru's suggestion of subterfuge, what if Kowaru and I asked to see if they would hire us on? I'm certain I could coerce some information from the crew if I could get on the ship and talk candidly to some of the men."
"Thoughts? You will find that I am always full of options." Chez grins.

Xarethi Kalamnus |

"I would like to ask them about their side of the story, but those men seem dangerous. I think they might shoot first and ask questions later."
Xarethi speaks as though pained by the potential for bloodshed, but she seems resolved to carry through with such an action if required to in pursuit of justice.
"Perhaps if we approached them with our weapons visible, they might regard us as equals,... or they might call their friends. It's a difficult call, but I'm ready for battle if necessary."

Ialda Soumral |

"Perhaps Xarethi and Aeron could lure the sailors out of sight of the Nixie to where the rest of us could be waiting. We could find out what they know, and if we have to subdue them with strength, we could do it out of sight of the other sailors. Then we could diguise our guys so boarding the ship might stand a better chance of working."

Kowaru |

Kowaru mulls Chez's words over in his head for a time. "I am willing to try diplomacy if you are, though I suspect their souls are not pure enough to turn aside the path they are on without coercion. Also, if these men are half the fiend their master is, they are no stranger to violence. Perhaps through a show of force, as Ialda suggests, we might defeat them without ever striking a blow." He grimaces as he finishes his sentence, the concepts leaving a foul taste in his mouth. Here he was, advocating assaulting men to steal their clothes and sneak aboard a ship like a thief in the night. His master would not be pleased.

Aeronniell Ithilwen |

"I would think Ialda's suggestion bears the ripest fruit. We can approach the pair and ask to speak with them someplace difficult to see from the Nixie's deck. Perhaps the men will agree to abandon Vark's cruel leadership. Perhaps not."
Aeronniell clears her throat and speaks the next works very clearly.
"If they choose poorly, it would be fate choosing their path and our."
If there is someplace out of line of sight, I'm for us trying to usher the two sailors there to "talk". I foresee if we approach them and request an audience with Vark, that one of the sailors will agree to row one of us to the ship, which would then be fully awakened and ready to deal with us, should we need a more martial bent to deal with matters. Unless someone has a Charm Person tucked away?

The_Demonic_DM |

Ok, let me give you a visual representation before you decide any combat tactics if it turns to that. Excuse the map, it is not drawn to scale but you get the general idea. You are currently on the boardwalk, merchants passing by you, sailors carrying crates to the other ships (too lazy to draw people into the map). It is about 2:30 pm. That's why the guys at the end of the pier have not paid attention to you, you have mixed in with the crowd. There is no ship moored there, the Blue Nixie is 100' north (A-G 1-5 on map). There are other ships docked as well on the other piers, where sailors are busy cleaning and loading and unloading (more than the 2 I have drawn on the map), just to give you an idea. So if you wanted to get the guys at the end of the pier out of line of sight, you would have to draw them on to the boardwalk. Hope the map helps with your strategy. Any questions, let me know.

Xarethi Kalamnus |

"Alright, lets try diplomacy first. Chez... I hope you can protect me. I'm not sure I trust them to not attack on sight."
Xarethi is worried, but she does her best to make herself look more attractive. She hands her spear and crossbow to Ialda, and braces her shoulders as though waiting for an inevitable blow.
"Whenever you're ready."
Basically, agreeing with Ialda's plan.

Chesley "Chez" Saryn |

Chez tightly combs his hair back with his hand as he considers the plan, "I really don't like the idea of putting you two into harms way like that. If they were to try to take you onboard their ship by force, I fear what could happen."
The swashbuckler ponders a moment and then his eyes light up with what should have been obvious to him.
"If you feel that is the best way to proceed, I will not say anything more, but it has just occurred to me that the truth, to a degree might be in order." Chez smiles as he begins thinking through his idea.
"Part of the reason I am here, is to establish some shipping contacts for my father. Why don't I, and my business associate Kowaru, just meet Vark to review the prospect of a shipping contract. Some rum will be shared, and stories will be swapped. I'm sure I could get the story of how he acquired the ship out of him."
A small glitch to his plan occurs then, "Kowaru, they will likely not trust someone not willing to share a drink with them. Any chance you and your soul could part ways momentarily to imbide a few sips? Or in the very least, could you at least fake taking some swigs?"

Aeronniell Ithilwen |

I think the map works. We'll walk up to those two and tell them "our boss" needs to speak to them, ask them some questions about Vark's leadership. Then lead them to the south side of the nearest ship on the dock, so it blocks line of sight to the Nixie.
Will assist Xarethi, since she has the higher Bluff check.
Before heading over to the two men, Aeronniell briefly clasps Xarethi's shoulder and whispers a prayer.
Casting Guidance on Xarethi for +1 to her Bluff.
Bluff (DC10 assisting Xarethi for +2): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12
Adding +3 total!
Aeronniell accompanies Xarethi up to the two men, smiling and doing her best to look non-threatening.
The elf has decided to let Xarethi do the talking, punctuating the sorceress's bluff with a nod and smile of her own. "Yes, Boss Chez wants a word."

Xarethi Kalamnus |

Xarethi swaggers comfortably up to the men on the docks, the shoulders of her shirt pulled down a little lower than normal revealing ample cleavage.
"Good Afternoon, gentlemen. My captain, Chez Saryn, would like a few moments of your time, to discuss business arrangements with someone suitable. Seems he's in the market for shipping contracts."
Bluff (10)
10 + 4 + 3 = 17

The_Demonic_DM |

This how I picture Xarethi's walk down the pier: Link
The two sailors are stunned by the bouncy nature of Xarethi's assets and the total hotness of both women. So much so, that they let go of their crossbows, leaving them hanging on the strap around their shoulder. One of the sailors turns to Xarethi, "My, my, could you turn around, go back, and walk toward us again? Hehehe!" The other sailor cozies up to Aeronniell, "I gots no problems with you as my consolation prize, honey." The sailor with Xarethi says, "Shipping contracts??! Bah, we don't want to bother our Captain with such nuisances! How about we take this "meeting" to one of those inns in Portside and we can talks about our "business arrangement"..in private, ya know? What say ya, honey? I'll makes it worth yer while!" The other sailor motions the elf to the same proposition.