Perception:
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Perception
"Hey is that it there?" Felicia asks pointing
At the sound of the port coming into view, San shakes himself and climbs up out of the dark hold into the bright outside. His head pounding, he squints and looks towards the area Felicia points to, having arrived too late to really know what she's talking about.
"What are we looking for?" he asks.
perception
"Ahhh ... you mean that ship that could be our target? We may need to get a closer look to see if it is or not..."
"Is that it?" Magnus asks from above. Pointing in more or less the same general direction as Felicia. :)
The elf slides down the ropes to land near his companions.
"Well, shall we go and find out?" He asks, smiling.
"Hmmm," Kessel says as he follows Felicia's gesture, "Quite possibly, good eyes my gnomish friend. This concludes the chase portion of quest, now comes the dangerous and potentially difficult retrieval portion of our adventure."
Kessel muses on his ballad:
"Twas three penny port the ship did lie,
Spotted with Felicia's sharp bright eye,
But the heroes knew not what lie within,
Nor could guess the treachery of House Akkavin"
Magnus bobs his head in time with the beat, appreciating the tune.
"Or, as I like to call it. The 'FUN part'!" He says cheerfully.
Ghost is towed into a berth by several longboats. The party can see that Felicia is indeed right, and the Green Razor is tied up at a long pier, along with several other ships. The shark-mouth flag of House Akkavin flies at the yardarm.
The crew begins to busy themselves to unload the cargo. Sallador starts to yell and gesticulate.
"So, do we simply walk up and announce ourselves?" Magnus asks sotto voice.
"I've always found the direct approach to be the best. Usually." He admits after a moment of thought.
Checking his blade, Izkrael nods at Magnus' suggestion.
"Direct works for me."
"Or, ya know, maybe try and book passage? Act like any other group of adventurers trying to get somewhere else? Then get an idea of what kind of opposition we were facing, maybe find out why the ship was taken, what happened to the original crew, that sort of thing. That might tell us more than just a 'hey you jack-asses, we're reclaiming this ship' and starting a large brawl in the port. Just saying."
Magnus blinks, looking at Sanvoros as if he spoke another language.
His look seems to say, 'Where's the fun in that?'
Magnus shrugs, "Or, that could work too, I suppose." He admits ruefully.
"The big problem is that we don't have the lay of the land either, can we be sure that House Akkavin hasn't bought the local authority? Perhaps if we tried to reclaim the ship we could find ourselves arrested or worse. Piracy is usually a hanging offense. As much as I'd like a quick resolution we need to be careful here more then anywhere else. We should split up, someone watch the ship, make no moves, but maybe count heads and gather intel. Someone gather whatever information we can. Gage the situation, and then we report back here in an hour or so, though if this ship is set to sale tonight we need to make our move that much sooner. This is my advice."
"Ah. Covert Operations." Magnus says, somehow pronouncing the words with capitol letters. He rubs his hands together in anticipation.
"That sounds like fun too. Ok, I'm in!" He says with a smile.
Perception
Egan joins the rest of the crew as the boat draws closer. He was making sure that his canoe was safe for the docking.
[b]"I'll send up Whisperwing for a quick look around as well". "I'm good with either plan.{/b]
"Whoever is watching the ship," Kessel says, "I have some descriptions of crew members to give you, see if any of the original crew remains. Does someone want to check with the harbor master to see if or when the ship sails again? Perhaps you can learn where the ship could be headed? Everyone else, lets see if we can get the lay of the land. How much sway does Akkavin have in this town? I also think there's something going on here, war perhaps, which reminds me, eyes out for press gangs, but we need to find out if we're sitting in the middle of something dangerous. Anyone have a preference as to who does what?"
"I will help keep watch on the ship." says Iz.
"I'll keep Iz Company." Magnus says brightly.
Just to keep the riff-raff away, you know." He smiles.
The pier that the Green Razor is docked at seems a private one. Several burly Eastern Islanders stand guard at its start. Several ships flying the Akkavin flag nestle along the long stretch of dock
"Come along my friend! Let us see what treats these vendors may have that we may enjoy while purveying a fine ocean view!" He says to Izkreal with a wide grin.
Izkrael gives a rare grin back to Magnus as he follows him along the docks.
Three-Penny Port's harbor is situated in a semicircular bay, bounded by tall basalt cliffs. Although the weather is hot, the air is much drier than the group is used to in Mazatil. The few groups of plants seem to be variations of aloe, yucca, and cacti. Gritty black sand collects in corners.
Harbor side itself is normal enough, if a little drab and weather beaten.
"Well, I'll volunteer to check out a local tavern. See what the locals are like. We don't want to be conspicuous by just loitering here, either. Anyone wanna join me?"
"Well, I'll volunteer to check out a local tavern. See what the locals are like. We don't want to be conspicuous by just loitering here, either. Anyone wanna join me?"
"OOh! That sounds fun too! Maybe later we can trade? You know, just to make sure the other didn't miss anything?" He says cheerfully to San with a grin and a wink.
"Come along Izk! Somewhere nearby there is a street vendor with something barely palatable or edible, that smells delicious, and can only be saved by purification through a brave adventurers' digestive system!" He calls to his fellow elf. He waves to the beautiful female sailor as he departs the ship by bounding down the gangplank.
Kessel decides his skills are better used in the local haunts and taverns around the harbor. Mostly Kessel want's the lay of the land. To figure out how much control House Akkavin has.
Magnus bravely leads his dark-skinned cousin on a quest to find a street vendor selling something actually edible.
Afterwords, he suggests that they find a perch atop a nearby seawall (if one exists) or building where they can stay out of the way, and try to look more like friends wasting a day at the docks, watching the ships and the waves, and not seasoned warriors looking for a fight.
The port is unlike any other the party has seen in Mazatil. There are street vendors, but their food is nothing like the exquisite fare one can find in Opal, and their prices are high. The vendors shrug and answer "Food costs dear in the Western Wastes" if asked
There is a few decent seafood grills, and the party finds a decent vantage point to scope the crowd out harbor side. There are a lot of native islanders about, strong, tanned, tattooed men and women with pin-straight black hair worn long and held in ponytails with gold and silver rings. A mixture of Dragoran, Sengenese, and Theranans make up the majority of other humans in the crowd. A few elves, and a lone Hyrkmirian are glimpsed.
One large tavern, the Wailing Weird, sits at the corner of a main thoroughfare. A few of the locals sit on its verandah drinking. The locals seem to favor flowing robes of black with matching headdresses and heavy netted veils. The veils are pinned aside on a few revealing visages of pasty hue, most with recessing chins and hairlines
"I see why the locals don't seem to like US much." Magnus says to Izkrael as he chews on an almost decent piece of smoked fish. The magus gestures to the men sitting on the nearby tavern steps.
"With faces like that, with US around their women would soon never look at them twice!" He jests. As they talk together, Magnus looks around a lot, but keeps his focus mainly on whatever is behind Izkrael. Figuring Izk can tell him if there's something interesting to see on the waterfront side.
Magnus isn't really expecting trouble, not in broad daylight, against two obviously armed and sober men. But his travels have taught him never to take things for granted. He chats, chews his fish, and watches.
MAgnus has never been accused of being the most perceptive of his schools students. But despite his youthful proclivity to jump in feet first, he has the elvish ability for patience, when he tries. It takes him a bit, but he finally believes that he sees the port's rhythm, it's pulse. And he hopes that will allow him to notice if something unusual happens. You know, BEFORE it tries to knock him on the back of the head.
Felicia Decides to have a closer look at the private pier doing a casual walk by just outside it if possible
Perception
Completely out of his element in the city, Egan tends to hang around Kessel or Magnus, as they seem to be at ease here.
Izkrael keeps his eyes primarily on the Akavin wharf, but does his best to keep a general eye out for trouble as well.
He makes an attempt at casual conversation, but as it isn't his strong point and his attention is elsewhere, he often finds himself left behind by his fast-talking and witty comrade.
When (if?) Egan decides to join them outside, Magnus pats the wall next to him, motioning for the half-elf to join them.
As Magnus talks enough for TWO elves, (and occasionally three) the dapper dandy gladly fills in any breaks in the conversation. It is highly unlikely that the dandy notices any prolonged silences from Izkreal, although he DOES allow the others to speak. If they are quick enough. ;)
Felicia Decides to have a closer look at the private pier doing a casual walk by just outside it if possible
Perception
1d20+9
The pier has a gatehouse at its juncture to the harbor dock. It is a very long and wide pier, and several ships are being loaded/unloaded by longshoreman wielding cranes and hauling nets of goods over the rails. The gatehouse is manned by several large islanders, all with sinuous tattoos and large curved blades scabbarded on their mailed backs.
When (if?) Egan decides to join them outside, Magnus pats the wall next to him, motioning for the half-elf to join them.
As Magnus talks enough for TWO elves, (and occasionally three) the dapper dandy gladly fills in any breaks in the conversation. It is highly unlikely that the dandy notices any prolonged silences from Izkreal, although he DOES allow the others to speak. If they are quick enough. ;)
Iz and Magnus note that many of the passers by are taking them in as well. A large man with a chinless pasty face and bulging eyes scowls at them. He is dressed in the approximations of a uniform, a buckler sporting three copper-colored dots strapped to an arm
The pier has a gatehouse at its juncture to the harbor dock. It is a very long and wide pier, and several ships are being loaded/unloaded by longshoreman wielding cranes and hauling nets of goods over the rails. The gatehouse is manned by several large islanders, all with sinuous tattoos and large curved blades scabbarded on their mailed backs.Felicia Decides to have a closer look at the private pier doing a casual walk by just outside it if possible
Perception
1d20+9
Noting all that down she glances about for any other ways into that pier
perception
Felicia:
Iz and Magnus note that many of the passers by are taking them in as well. A large man with a chinless pasty face and bulging eyes scowls at them. He is dressed in the approximations of a uniform, a buckler sporting three copper-colored dots strapped to an arm
Magnus grins at the uniformed man, saluting him with a bit of shelled creature impaled on a stick. He turns back to Iz and Egan, but keeps an eye on the guard, just in case.
The constable pauses, then walks towards Magnus. He stops a couple of meters from him and points a finger at him
"You. Name, and what is your ship of record?"
Magnus looks around wide eyed, then points a finger at his own chest with a quizzical look.
"Who, ME?" He asks innocently.
Without waiting for an answer the dandy hops up onto his feet, balancing easily upon the small stone seawall. He turns a complete pirouette, then bows with a flourish.
"I am Magnus Darkenstar, Master of Blade and Spell, slayer of monsters and rescuer of damsels, at your service my fine fellow!" The dapper dandy declares, brandishing his small skewer and saluting the guard with it as if it were his sword.
"As for, 'Ship of record', I'm afraid you have me at a loss. I am no sailor, though they seem to lead a life of freedom that I must admire!" Magnus grins.
"I am but a humble hero for hire, in search of fame, fortune and perhaps a fun time. I am merely passing through your delightful part of the world, searching for clues to an ancient site I heard tell holds a king's ransom in treasure." Magnus adds the last part sotto voice, in a whisper that carries clearly.
"Alas, clues are easy to hear, but difficult to follow. I decided to take a break and enjoy the day, instead of traipsing off through gods only knows what kind of venomous flora and carnivorous fauna. It IS a beautiful to watch the sea, is it not?" He asks the guard, taking another bite of his fried something-on-a-stick.
The guard snorts
"Scavenger then. Let me tell you this"
He jabs a pallid, pudgy finger at Magnus
"You hie out into the Black Wastes, that's between you and the ghosts. You make any trouble in port, that becomes my problem"
He leans in
"I don't like problems"
"I assure you, neither do we." Izkrael assures the guard.
"Oh that makes two of us Officer! I assure you!" Magnus responds swiftly, placing a hand over his heart.
"I'm a problem-solver, not a problem maker!" He promises solemnly.
The guard huffs, still giving them the fish eye
"See that it remains so."
He stumps off
Magnus watches the guard stomp off, then casually takes another bite of his unidentified lizard-on-a-stick.
"I wonder who peed in his porridge this morning?" He asks Izkael and Egan with a smirk.
"And more importantly, I wonder why our appearance made him leap to the conclusion that trouble was imminent? He taps his chin thoughtfully.
"Perhaps because there has been some 'trouble' recently? Maybe this will be more exciting than I thought!" he says hopefully.
"I believe we are wanting to keep this from getting exciting at the moment, friend."
Egan simply shrugs, and remains silent, as uncomfortable as always with the crowd of cities. Whisperwing wheels overhead.
"I believe we are wanting to keep this from getting exciting at the moment, friend."
Magnus sighs theatrically, then reigns in his obvious disappointment with a visible effort.
"Yes yes,... You are correct as usual my friend."
"Still, hopes blooms eternal, eh?!" He adds with a grin.
"So Master Coyle, how fares your avian companion this fine day? Anything of interest from the bird's eye view?" He asks, looking up at Whisperwind while shading his eyes with the hand not holding the half eaten lizard-on-a-stick.
"Magnificent. I MUST master that trick one day." Magnus says, still watching Whisperwind wheel above.