Repeat of whisper heard earlier - The docks at night are a hot bed of illegal dealings. It’s a good place to buy dragonsmoke, and Tulita from the inland tribes routinely bring cages of exotic mainland animals to the docks at night. They leave each morning with empty cages.
Obi smiles to the group, putting his finger to his lips and begins to try and gather information from the locals on who he can get the best dragonsmoke from.
On that roll about the best you are going to get is that there are some guys selling dragonsmoke on the docks at night.
Sometimes we roll well, other times we give the dice to Davey!
Silas smiles listening to Obi then puts forward his suggestion for where to root out the pushers.
"I was thinking a less direct approach and see who we could smoke out at the docks. Start at the bottom and work upwards. The Elder I would think we could approach when we know a little more on who we're dealing with. He certainly needs dealing with for the sake of the Tulita - or we could attempt to cleanse him like was done with the man Beth helped."Beth adds her suggestions. "The elder Tulita is obviously controlled with dragonsmoke. And my guess is it must suit a lot of people to have someone so easily controllable. So he must be highly "protected" from good influence. No I was more thinking that some of us should get into that bar looking to buy a large amount so we can find when and how it arrives. Maybe Silas, Obi and Morgan. Sandman and myself are too "visible" but we could wait close or come in separately."
Morgan's brow furrows.
"Nothing here is "obvious". Perhaps Elder Nakuaka is a conscious and free-willed part of a dark operation. We don't know anything of his connections, protection or lack of it or influence, either on him or by him. Similarly, a bunch of strangers asking to buy large amounts in the tavern without prior connection or criminal status might be viewed as extremely suspicious and could close doors and mouths very quickly. I do think merely scoring on the docks is a good idea to start. When the time comes, I will approach Elder Nakuaka and make a cognizance of his personality and mien."
Morgan trawls the docks seeking a seller and asking nondescript questions.
Diplomacy
Knowledge (local)
Oh, I guess a
Knowledge (local)
is in order with the Tulita elders to find out more about Elder Nakuaku, unless they have knowledge to impart generally/freely available.
As Morgan wander the dockside, two cloaked strangers approach and offer to help them find their way. If he turn them down, they offer “a little something else then, something very special.” One pulls aside his cloak and pulls forth a leather pouch; undoing the drawstrings, he holds earthy roots and dust out to the PCs. “Dragonsmoke, the best you’ll find on the Razor. Normally this would run you twenty five gold bits easy, but because I have an excellent supplier I am able to charge you only ten.”
Elder Nakuaka is part of the council that the colonials use to run Port Shaw. The colonials control the council, but have a few puppet Tulita that they can control for show. The Tulita have of recent been trying to get Milliauka on the council for better representation. Elder Hargrove is the true power on the council.
Elder Hargrove uses the lodge system of elders to exercise complete control over the city.
Elder Nakuaka is part of the council that the colonials use to run Port Shaw. The colonials control the council, but have a few puppet Tulita that they can control for show. The Tulita have of recent been trying to get Milliauka on the council for better representation. Elder Hargrove is the true power on the council.
Elder Hargrove uses the lodge system of elders to exercise complete control over the city.
Ah. Well then, if this is common knowledge then ignore Morgan's comments regarding Elder Nakuaka - Beth is on the money. His point about trying to score big amounts is still valid though.
As Morgan wander the dockside, two cloaked strangers approach and offer to help them find their way. If he turn them down, they offer “a little something else then, something very special.” One pulls aside his cloak and pulls forth a leather pouch; undoing the drawstrings, he holds earthy roots and dust out to the PCs. “Dragonsmoke, the best you’ll find on the Razor. Normally this would run you twenty five gold bits easy, but because I have an excellent supplier I am able to charge you only ten.”
Morgan peers at the proffered article. His Tiki unclasps from around his neck, swings down to his wrist and also peers into the pouch. Extending a fine claw into the bag the little mannikin crumbles up a small amount and sniffs it before leering back to Morgan and nodding. Morgan's steely eyes hold the dealers:
"I'll give you your twenty five if you take me to this "excellent supplier". I have need of more than this pouch if I am to control a certain tribe."
Intimidate:
"We can't take you to them, but we overheard while drinking at Barrett’s Barnacle, that a large shipment of the drug is coming in tomorrow night, a little after midnight. We are not yet major players. Try at the Barnacle. Now give us our coin."
FYI, your Knowledge (Local) on Dragonsmoke is that it is highly illegal in Port Shaw; though not so much because of its ill effects, but rather because the smugglers who deal it refuse to bribe the Dragoons for the right to do so.
If not, Morgan hands over 10 bits.
Looks like we are better off scouting out the Barnacle, and keeping an eye for the skull-accessorised half-Tulita who stole the Jawbone.
Limping from a buoyant wreck of a ship onto the dark lite docks, mumbling under her breath,
"Last time I book passage in the common decks of this scrap-wood! They have no way of knowing how to treat a lady of status, let alone need I mention anything about their level of accommodations?"
A slight slip and pain runs across her face, the aromatic female staggers in an attempt to regain composure; looking around, she sees the group discussing a trade of goods and coin.
"Not a good place to be in at this time of night, Jequette. A fine mess you've gotten into."
Approaching the group of huddled men,
"Could any of you fine gentz, direct me to the local charter house of the Mythril Inn? You see, back home they have the best beds and most delicious foods. I have traveled for quiet sometime and my bottom is just bruised from the tossing and rolling. I think I even have a splinter in my right foot. No carpets on the floors and all."
Closing the distance to obtain a better look, she comes to a quick halt noticing the lack of care and use of soap.
"I guess you could not."
Moving to give a wide berth to the group of men.
Silas stays back watching the intimidation of the pushers, keeping watch out for the dragoons in case there is a need for a more physical approach.
As he does he spies the lady hop off the wreck. It does seem to happen more than you’d expect he thinks to himself.
Donning her hooded cloak, Beth follows the group a little back while they try to buy some dragonsmoke. As they seem to succeed and the sellers move away, she stealthily makes her way to her new-found companions.
"So did you get any? I'd like to have a look at it to see if there's any magic involved in it. But that's for another moment", she winks.
And did you find where they were getting their drug?"
Picking up the pace a bit and pulling a kerchief from her handbag, she waves it like a truce flag, attempting to capture the attention of the small group who has completed their transaction and moving down the docks.
"You good sirs!...Um, yes you! Do you know where the nearest Inn or at least tavern for food might be?"
"Here, you may have this." Morgan hands Beth the pouch.
"No luck finding the bigger sharks, these minnows know little. There is a shipment coming in tomorrow night, but we have not ascertained as yet where. Let' to the Barnacle..."
Morgan follows Silas' gaze to see the well dressed woman.
For the 5 of you, 450 XP.
Tiki unfurls from Morgan's neck and drops down to the ground. He walks tentatively towards Jequette, eyeing her sideways. His mostly non-existent mind made up, he makes a grand low bow, arms thrust out wide, knuckles scraping the filth-strewn dock, bestowing upon her his best rictus grin.
Morgan makes sure the pushers make themselves scarce before he greets the newcomer. He turns and flashes a winning smile.
"Well met Milady!" He chuckles at Tiki's performance, and decides the woman is as she seems.
"My small friend here seems to like you. [indicates Tiki]
Allow me to introduce myself [bows] - Hoeroa, at your service. This doughty gent is Silas Frey, our erstwhile companions in the shadows are Obadiah Read and Beth McCara. My brother, Sandman is around here somewhere. [pause]
We are currently on our way to a dive called "somebody's Barnacle", but the Run Aground Tavern might be a better bet. I'm afraid I can't recommend a more suitable inn at the moment.
[looks around] You are of course, welcome to join us on our recognizance of this Barnaclean den of iniquity. On the trail of thieves and peddlers of dragonsmoke...".
Graciously returns the bow with a practiced curtsey. Sizing up the group of her new found "friends".
"I'm Jequette Nikkia Stromburgous, of the House Stromburgous. (expecting some recognition to come across their face) and after the lot on the docks tonight, I am greatful for your introductions. Just a moment, for I do not wish to slow your pace."
Sitting on a crate, she pulls off a shoe, rolls down her stocking exposing a smooth tanned leg and removes a splinter from her right foot. Redressing and smoothing her skirts, "I am ready to proceed."
As the group continues down the end of the docks, making way toward the desired destination, Jequette's natural gift of gap takes over. Providing insight of slight hints of what a privileged lifestyle is like back in her homeland. Yet, there seems to take a turn of sadness as she speaks of her fathers illness and then death. Not having an older brother to take over as head of the family it was to be her place to marry and establish a governor for her younger brother that would hold the titles and deeds in trust till Lawrencio became of age. What a miserable five years that would have been.
Realizing that she had not let anyone else really say much, "Do you mind in going to the Run Aground Tavern first? I would like to obtain a room, change and be a little more fitting for the 'Barnacle'?
Obi makes his way out of the shadows, showing that he is a strange individual. Covered in tattoos that range from the traditional blue bird at his wrist that marks his vast number of miles, to his more native appearing pieces, and then some that just look like drunken scrawl, the sailor is wearing impeccably clean and well tailored shirt and jerkin, over a pair of water-protected leggings, a pair of bright, almost flame colored, embroidered calf boots. Most out of place is the sailor's off-kilter, dirty, and extremely battered tricorne precariously balanced on his noggin.
Walking over to his traveling companion, he slaps Morgan on the arm, causing his dagger and rapier to jingle on his belt as he scolds the Tulita. "Now Morgan, that just isn't nice. You'll make her think that you're crazy, acting like that."
Obi extends a hand to the woman, seemingly normal. For the moment. "As my friend says, I'm Obi. I must say, that was quite an entrance." He grins as he looks back to Morgan. "See? And you looked at me funny when I arrived in a rum barrel."
Turning back to the woman, he lowers his voice, although it's unknown really whether he knows that Morgan can still hear his voice, which is bordering on a stage whisper. "I think he's just jealous that people didn't applaud when he came into port. But at least he has the redeeming quality of the little guy."
The mad man reaches his hand out to give the infamous 'fist bump' to the little Tiki.
The Runaground Tavern is not exactly the accommodations Jequette is used to. It is little more than a converted shack at on the Pier 22 and resembles as much of a soup kitchen as a tavern. But it is clean and the service is friendly from the owner/bartender Falgor Finney (NG male dwarf). He can offer a simple clean room for 1 SP a night.
Most of the patrons here are down on their luck including a certain wizard that she would slot sitting alone at a rear table sipping an ale. His robes are rather tattered and unkempt.
"Here, you may have this." Morgan hands Beth the pouch.
"No luck finding the bigger sharks, these minnows know little. There is a shipment coming in tomorrow night, but we have not ascertained as yet where. Let' to the Barnacle..."
Morgan follows Silas' gaze to see the well dressed woman.
"Maybe we'll get more info in the Barnacle. I'll let you get in first, then come in a little later. That will give me some time to look at this drug."
Lifting her head as the colorful woman arrival, she arches one eyebrow, trying to look annoyed but fails miserably and her face lits with a smile that hides most of her scars.
This group seems to attract weird characters, I wonder who will be next.
"Well you're all welcome, I'm Beth Macara, a follower of the father of the waves. The tide seems to have brought lots of people here these days. Now I'm not sure you'll want to stay in that tavern, but for myself I don't sleep well on the ground and a hammock on a ship is way better."
While the group makes way to the Runaground Tavern and Jequette changes, Beth finds a secluded spot to cast a few cantrips. Praying for Quell's help, she'll start with detect magic, then detect poison on the dragonsmoke. If it detects as poison, she'll try purifiy food and drink then detect poison again to see if there was an effect.
Silas waits for Jequette to adjust herself and introduces himself. "I'm Silas. Runaground will do for now, but I do think there are other places you might try later. However if you're coming with us then getting yourself sorted for now is the key.
He pulls up his hood and waits with the others. "Ok, who is going into the Barnacle?" he asks quietly. [b]"Just wondering if I need to change my approach or if anyone else wanted to change their looks given it's not the most salubrious of bars based on its clientelle?"
He waits for the reply before getting himself ready.
Morgan is ready to enter the Barnacle. He'll wait for the rest of the group to decide who is going in.
Morgan's moko (facial tattoo), part shaved head, whorling whale and wave tribal Tulita tattoos covering his body and fierce tiki necklace complement his rough short sleeved sharkhide shirt. His leather breeches and worn leather boots mark him as less than traditional.
Morgan keeps his musket and war-oar wrapped in flax to be more inconspicuous, but he will brandish his silvered harpoon and act like a regular hardass no-good Tulita mercenary.
Having the party lead the way to the Run Aground Tavern, she will purchase a room for the night at 1sp. Leave a tip for the service person of a few copper. Now onto a quick change, Jequette stows her hairnet of pearls in to her bag, as well as, her dress, shoes and jewelry. Removing more suitable attire for a lass on the seas, she'll step out wearing a tight fitting, adventurer's outfit that would show all the curves and grasp the attention that any lady worth her salt would want. Securing the bag on a belt of pouches about her waist, she straps on leather thigh boots. Just outside the tavern she drapes her cloak around allowing the wind to catch and flap it open on occasion. Flipping her dark raven hair around her shoulders and letting it cascading down her back.
"Salubrious, I have been in those types of places before and walked away unmarred. Silas, what is my role in this or should I just stay low? Morgan, do you think a hair pin would be to much? And Obi, close the mouth, wouldn't want a fly to enter, well not without it being covered in chocolate." *wink
"Is the lady going out for the evening? Ain't the Gullet, but yer stuff is safe in yer room or my name ain't Falgor Finney!" explains the dwarf behind the bar as he drops the coppers into the poor cup.
"My thanks for keep my personal belongings safe. Its much appreciated to know that there are honest folk. I should be back before the morning."
Perception d20+3 = 14+3 = 17
Giving a few more coins (10gp)for the poor cup, she nods at the gentleman in the corner.
[spoiler] "A few additional gold for the security."
She heads out of the tavern to meet up with the party.
Morgan scans Jequette's new form-fitting attire appreciatively. He smiles and chuckles.
"A hair pin too much? Not at all milady. Keep a sharp point on it and it will do double service!"
@Beth Dragonsmoke is a drug so it does not detect as magic or as poison. Here are the affects:
The effects of dragonsmoke alter the user’s thoughts and perception of reality, causing disorientation and hallucinations accompanied by intense euphoria and a pervasive sense of well-being. While affected, the character suffers as if from lesser confusion, although the effect is Extraordinary and not magical. Will save negates the secondary effect for that round. With extended use, dragonsmoke blackens addicts teeth and eventually rots them out.
I would think the purify food and drink would render the affects of the drug to be harmless.
The party makes it way back down the shore to the Barnacle. Let me know who is going in and in what order?
T’ th’ far north o’ Tide, past th’ last active pier, loot th’ road northwest towards th’ Outskirts. Ye’ll hit Barrett’s jus’ as soon as th’ road turns t’ mud.
It’s in a moldy ol’ warehouse, back from when someone thought that’d be a good spot ta add a cheap part o’ town. Hah. Hahahaha. Cheap part o’ town. That’s th’ funny bit. Part. Get it? Cheap part. Hahaahaha.
The rotted door of the Barnacle swings both ways on its hinges. This becomes apparent as a dwarf crashes out onto the porch. Rolling to a stop against a post, the dwarf vomits on himself without further delay. As the door creaks in and out, glimpses of the dark interior reveal several figures sprawled on the floorboards and a buxom but toothless serving maid stepping none too gingerly over the bodies. Her clogs grind fingers under heel and wedge in between ribs as she stomps to a nearby table.
Silas has adjusted himself, headed off around the corner and came back wearing a more roughshodden outfit. His hair has been covered by the scarf tied back and he seems to be scarred where he once wasn't. The scar work looks false.
"If Beth and Kona are waiting outside then it might be an idea for us to pair off inside. Jequette and Morgan then Obi and I. We need to find out about this shipment coming in. Might also be worth if anyone knows anything about what happened to the Priest of Quell."
Silas stops to explain to those who don't know about the missing Archibald Noeliss and the troubles of the Church of Quell.
"Oh and keep your ears open for anything on shark attacks. Is that enough to be going on with?"
Silas has adjusted himself, headed off around the corner and came back wearing a more roughshodden outfit. His hair has been covered by the scarf tied back and he seems to be scarred where he once wasn't. The scar work looks false.
** spoiler omitted **
"If Beth and Kona are waiting outside then it might be an idea for us to pair off inside. Jequette and Morgan then Obi and I. We need to find out about this shipment coming in. Might also be worth if anyone knows anything about what happened to the Priest of Quell."
Silas stops to explain to those who don't know about the missing Archibald Noeliss and the troubles of the Church of Quell.
"Oh and keep your ears open for anything on shark attacks. Is that enough to be going on with?"
Beths looks at his disguise with incredulity: "You are not going to get in there with that are you? This is just appalling. And remove these scars, they just scream fake."
"Now just get going, I'm working on a nasty surprise for our smuggling friends.", she says as she produces a small signal whistle that you've seen used on large ships. "Just blow it twice if you need help. I'll be around."
Silas adjusts himself removing the dirt and scars. "Serves me right for trying to do it in the dark.
Morgan stands next to Jequette, surveying the scene before him. He turns and nods back to his brother, perhaps part reassurance, perhaps part final goodbye. Turning back to Jequette he raises his chin in the direction of the squalid establishment.
"Shall we dance milady?" Hefting his harpoon he throws his arm around her, winks roguishly and saunters toward the bar.
"Do take the lead, my lord." Taking a small vial from her pouches, she pours a little rum on her blouse and touches Morgan's lips with a soft rum finger. "That should be a nice touch to the sharade.
Re-stowing the vial, and arms raped around Jequette willing follows Morgan's lead.
As you enter the Barnacle, you will observe six patrons besides the drunks passed out on the floor. Two sit at the bar, three sit together and one by himself. A dwarf tends bar. The five are obviously armed with rapiers. The man sitting by himself looks to Silas like they are in similar occupations.
Silas makes his way over to the man sat by himself, nods to him and pulls up a chair. "Was wondering if you could help us?" Silas says quietly. "Couple of gents we were talking to indicated this was a good place to talk about business."
"Buy me a drink or a dozen and maybe we can talk!"
Obi makes his way in, heading to the bar. "What's good?" He retains his crazed, half-stagger as he speaks to the dwarf, taking a seat up at the bar and looking around.
“Barrett’s Brew. I make it myself,"exclaims the dwarf with a friendly smile.
"Ooh! Strong stuff, I hope?" He grins, listening intently.