Yes, it is the fumes from the acid. Breathing them is dangerous and unhealthy.
"Who wants to go get Zalen? Does anyone want to smarten themselves up before we go to the meal?
"Quell's daughter would be best to obtain her brother. Beth's departure and return with Zalen along with your skills to observe the behaviors of others Silas, should anyone be an informant for this Ring. If no objection I'll use a few spells to aid in your preparations."
Jequette will cast Mending on any torn clothing and Prestidigitation to remove soiled or blood from their garments.
"Oh, and to help with the low key appearance, use just a drop or two from the vial. Sorry, Silas, a man of your notable station doesn't usually wear such a fragrance. You would need more of sea-salt,wood and musk." Upon opening the small vial the aromatic smells of a heavy floral-redwood fragrance, is loud and was the same perfume that Jequette ware the first night of meeting.
Silas looks a little perplexed by Jequette. "I think my station is usually determined by what role I'm there to portray. I can smarten up with the best of them. It's just easier sometimes to go to the bottom in my line of work." He stops for a second. "Though obviously I'm just a normal working bard."
"We should definitely prepare to lock this place up after ourselves on the way out.
If there was one thing that could be said about Sandman, it was that he was a creature of feeling. Many spent their lives blocking and stifling their emotions in order to cope with the harsh realities of the world.
Not so the Sandman. As Beth intoned her brief eulogy, tears began rolling downy he big man's face even as he smiled at the heartfelt meaning in her words. It did not matter that he did not share her faith. There were many gods, but to him there was only one faith.
He let the others sort out the details of where to go next. Instead he put his hand on Beth's shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze. He didn't say anything or ask if she was alright. He knew she was not, but would be. She would process her grief in her own way and time, and if she needed help to recover from her pain, he would be there to help.
"Whenever you are ready."
"Thanks, Sandman", says Beth, putting her hand on the hand on her shoulder. "I never met him, but he was of my family, the only one I ever had..."
Clearing her head of the tears that would not come out, Beth tried to focus on the here and now.
"Let's all get out, those fumes are not healthy at all. Then Silas and I can go and try to get Zalen to come while you wait for us. But I'm not sure he'll have the spell prepared today. So let me first preserve the corpse."
Calling for Quell, Beth casts gentle repose on Barrett's body, before hiding it behind the casks.
Accepting the help of Jequette, she sorts her clothes, looking at the wound under it. "I did not realize it was so deep", she mutters before closing it in a wave of healing power.
Silas bows his head in honour of the fallen father, then rouses himself. "Does someone want to collect up the bits and pieces whilst we go get Zalen?
[b]"I have room in my bag for the items? And will help to move the body to the top of the chamber, so Zalen will not need to take in the fumes from down here."[/b}
If no objection Jequette will place the items in her small bag of holding until the group decides what is to be done with the loot.
Tossing the keys to Morgan, Beth turns to Silas.
"Let's go then, we'll see if Zalen can help us today or if we need to come bakc later."
Climbing out, she calls to the other. "Good luck cleaning out. If you're not there when we come back, try to leave a message with a kid outside."
Beth will exit the building acting as if she is authorized to do so. Then go to the Chapterhouse, checking on the way if someone is following her. If so, she'll try to escape her followers.
Silas follows suit switching back into very inconspicuous clothing and trying his best to not attract attenton.
While you have not been followed you do see that you are being observed going in and out of the Chapterhouse.
"I think Beth said to wear these as a means to prevent the fumes from getting to us." Jequette will pass the masks to the other members before stowing gear, and working to move the body up and closer to the door.
Just before entering the Chapterhouse, Beth palms the two rings.
Once inside, she looks for Zalen. If he's not on sight, she calls one of the helpers and ask her to see the priest.
"We should definitely add a visit to those watchers to the list of things to do after this bloody meal."
"Thanks Jequette. Nice perfume too…"
Morgan assists Jequette with Barrett's body before again attempting to locate the hidden door he feels is here somewhere.
Hahahahahahaaha. Hrrrrhm.
What door?
"Thanks Jequette. Nice perfume too…"
Morgan assists Jequette with Barrett's body before again attempting to locate the hidden door he feels is here somewhere.
[dice=Perception]1d20 + 5 + 2 Hahahahahahaaha. Hrrrrhm.
"Your welcome. Goodness he is heavy! This reminds me of the time that I bought a rolled rug and had to have it moved. Now mind you I did not do any of the lifting, but none the less, it was work on deciding were it would go. I must have changed locations and rooms at least seven times. The workers seem a bit put out. Oh, how I miss those days. You know those that a lady (stops and reflects about days long gone and places miles away, as if she was swept away for a few moments)...Well, I guess you would not know those times. Tell me, Morgan, something of your home? Do you have a wife, children? Is there great halls and balls or feasts and gift exchanges?"
@Beth Sorry, he will invite you into his private area. The what door was in response to the 9 on the roll:)
"I bring dire news", says Beth, opening her hand and showing the rings to the head of the Chapterhouse. "I believe this is all that remains of your predecessor."
Pausing a little to let Zalen take the rings, she goes on: "We found an eyewitness saying that he saw a body clad in our colors taken behind Barrett's Barnacle. We investigated and found a building holding large acid vats that we think are used to dissolve bodies. There we found the rings but also Barrett and one of his friend. they attacked us and both are dead now. Barrett has a scar or tattoo looking like a ring of tentacles which may be the sign of the Kraken Ring. That may be the reason why Barrett killed him but I'm not sure he was not working for someone else. I've heard some higher priest could talk to the deceased, so I've preserved the corpse. But I can't cast such a spell and was wondering if you could. "
Pressing the rings in Zalen hand, she adds: "Those rings belong to you now, the second one is magical but we don't know what it does yet."
"I suspected the rings involvement in this and that is what got Noeliss killed. My every move is watched here so if you could bring the body here late at night I can attempt to do so.
I have no gold to give you as reward so please accept these rings as reward for finding the information."
The ring is a White gold and sapphire ring of swimming, improved shaped like a crashing wave worth 12,500 gp.
"Or we could remove the watchers. Do you think you'd be watched less at night?"
"I know not how high the ring is connected, but I suspect it is very deep. Getting rid of the watchers would only see them replaced and have their leaders know we are on to them."
Morgan listens fondly to Jequette's reminiscences - even in his former life he was not privy to such luxury or events.
"I walk between two worlds - the old countries, and the Razor Coast. I am Tulita now, Sandman's bonded brother. I would take his sister's hand in marriage, but I must prove myself to their father... And to her...
As for feasts and balls, the Tulita are enamoured of both, though balls might not be the word. A dancing carouse? A wild rite? Join us someday and taste the deep cooked flesh of the hangi - we roast leaf-wrapped meat and vegetables in a covered pit in the ground filled with coals and hot rocks!" Morgan taps Barrett's wrapped body for emphasis and smiles wickedly before laughing at his own joke.
"I suspected the rings involvement in this and that is what got Noeliss killed. My every move is watched here so if you could bring the body here late at night I can attempt to do so.
I have no gold to give you as reward so please accept these rings as reward for finding the information."
The ring is a White gold and sapphire ring of swimming, improved shaped like a crashing wave worth 12,500 gp.
”Thanks, I should be offended to be offered a reward for avenging a brother in Quell. But I'll accept the gift in the name of my companions. We will try to make good use of this ring, but we" replies Beth.
"For the body, I've got a good idea of how we can bring it here easily.", she adds to Silas with a smile. "Jequette showed us she had a bog of holding. Maybe the body will fit in. So we better buy a sheet large enough to wrap it in on our way back."
Silas smirks. "Well if it doesn't fit in hers than we can try mine. Probably get the sheet after we do this bloody meal."
"Didn't realize you had one. But I want to see her face when I propose to stuff a body beside her perfumes.", replies Beth with mischief.
Silas laughs. "Yes, I cannot imagine that she's used to having less salubrious things being carried around than I am."
He bows solemnly to Zalen. "I am sorry we brought bad news, but hopefully we can find the ultimate culprits responsible and bring some justice."
Sighing audibly he continues, "Then with that in mind we should probably go get the others and get ready for what I'm sure will be a joyous meal. Maybe I'll even get a chance to play."
Then if there is nothing else we will resume play with the dinner at the Kraken's Gullet. Let me know when people are ready.
Ready as well
Good to go!
Oh go on ;)
Located right inside Jade on Hargrove Boulevard, a red roof caps this impressive three-story, all koa wood inn. Sculpted in the shape of its namesake, a large tentacled kraken, the roof glowers down on all who enter. Here the PCs can hobnob with Port Shaw’s upper crust, while noteworthy local nobles and merchants rub elbows with respected officers and sea captains.
The tools of his various trades carefully wrapped in bundles of cloth, only Morgan's Ieku (war oar) is conspicuous. He holds it loosely as a tribal Tulita might a walking stick or other cultural item.
Inserting himself into the throng, Morgan finds something to drink and some nibblies. He looks around, attempting to catch anyone particularly watching him or his companions.
Silas has really dressed up, but looks to maintain his position as a working bard. He smiles and does card tricks as he talks to those who approach them. Like Morgan he is paying attention to those watching and will try to discern the motive of those who pay a keen eye towards them.
The air is split by the fragrance of rose essence and gladiolas’, heralding approach of Spanish lass, with hair pulled back into a well formed net of pearls and black lace; her dress of the bright gold’s, red’s and velvety blacks. Light use of make-up applied to provide alluring detail to her most attractive features. Jequette’s skills in etiquette shines as she greats the nobles and upper crust, casually flirting with a look or smile as appropriate hidden behind her laced fan.
She takes careful mental notes of faces, names, ranks, and positions or associated ships, companies or businesses. Throughout the meet and greet, she will even make light mention of the roads and docks being a little safer with decreased activity of Dragon Smoke, to evaluate the reaction from person to person.
You are brought to a private dining room where you are waited on by servants with your hosts Gregory Boneduece and Lt Commander Perrin. Also attending are various dignitaries of the city including a few high ranking elvn aristocrats.
Beth comes in in her official clerical dress, with her ocean blue cloak. Despite her rough upbringing, she does her best to follow Jequette leads in etiquette and mingle with people. She notes clearly the absence of Zalen, the current head priest of Quell and tries to guess who is still following her god by their reactions to her presence.
The reactions range from ambivalence to veiled hatred. There are few here that even give lip service to the sea god now. Those that do seem to be quiet and restrained at your presence.
Sandman's concession to high fashion and notions of class was to put on boots and a shirt, and to leave his great warclub at the door. He definitely looked like someone had tried and failed to civilize a savage, but somehow Sandman owned it. He didn't seem the least bit uncomfortable. His cheerful, larger than life personality was all the finery he needed.
He grinned and nodded to everyone who met his gaze.
The servants try, quite unsuccessfully, to put a coat and tie on Sandman. Finally, exasperated, they give up! Several little old ladies faint at his presence, but the party gets escorted to their table without too much of a scene!
Beth closely takes notes of those who are not hostile and may become allies if things start to change.
Then, feigning to ignore the reactions to her faith, she closes to the governor and the Lt Commander. "It is a pleasure to be invited here governor. I fear some of my companions are even less used to these surroundings than I am. I would fell better on the deck of your ship, Lt Commander and I hope I'll be able to visit it when you come back. It's really been a long time since I set foot on an ocean going ship."
"Commandant, if you please. Elder Hargrove is head of the lodge. He would be not pleased to see me give myself THAT promotion!"
A roaring laughter erupts from the rest of the guests.
"Ladies, Gentlemen, we are here to do honor to a group that has done a great service to our city of Port Shaw by ridding us of a scourge that has been plaguing us of late of smugglers of most foul drugs that have been contaminating our youth and our workers. A toast to them. Let us give them a hearty thank-you and welcome to our fair city.
Among those at the table are the Viscount Senegar Deepwarder and his niece, the Tolcrists, the Sidrows, the Duhamels, and the Stansports. All scions of many of the finest families in Port Shaw.
Morgan makes eye contact with any who look at him, though his manner is neither overbearing or haughty. He eats heartily, using the utensils of his former culture with ease.
Silas puts on a good front of being affable, sharing tales of stories he's picked up on his travels, though giving no indication of his less salubrious activities. He will lead the conversation towards being a Sea Bard and look to establish from each person/group their involvement in trade and shipping in these parts.
On the off chance he'll also see if anyone seems to show signs of Dragonsmoke addiction.
@Morgan It is a 20 course meal so he can eat very heartily!
@Silas Not likely with this group. Dragonsmoke is a lower class drug. Although it is rumored that the new Tulita member of the lodge is heavily addicted, he is not present.