Rath completes his goodbyes to the 'ladies' and says, "Thank you, Master Elorin. All things ship-shape good?"
"As far as I can tell, no news from the ship is good news!" Elorin will go back to the ship with the rest of the group and check in with Alexis to confirm everything is good before settling down for the night as long as nothing occurs in between then.
Alexis will wait up until everyone has returned and shall continue to keep the all-clear signal lit. That is unless things go sour in the next few minutes in which case she'll recast light elsewhere to cancel the one on the crow's nest.
Rath heads back to the ship with the rest of the team.
At some point, Lord Brycen hears the bell from the harbour clock (just as Rath has been doing), but as Rath is heading for the door, Brycen announces that it's time to get back to the ship. He yanks Pete away from a very grateful prostitute who won't be having to subject herself to this odourous client after all. As you head back to the ship, you see some of the soldiers who didn't come with you but left the ship emerge from the shadows around the tavern. One comes to chat with Lord Brycen and the converse in whispers for a few moments.
Perception DC 20 for whispers: ** spoiler omitted **
Sense Motive DC 15 (-5 penalty if you've been drinking): ** spoiler omitted **
At some point, Lord Brycen hears the bell from the harbour clock (just as Rath has been doing), but as Rath is heading for the door, Brycen announces that it's time to get back to the ship. He yanks Pete away from a very grateful prostitute who won't be having to subject herself to this odourous client after all. As you head back to the ship, you see some of the soldiers who didn't come with you but left the ship emerge from the shadows around the tavern. One comes to chat with Lord Brycen and the converse in whispers for a few moments.
Perception DC 20 for whispers: ** spoiler omitted **
Sense Motive DC 15 (-5 penalty if you've been drinking): ** spoiler omitted **
Gram, who has been drinking somewhat, suddenly stiffens and puts his hand to grab his great ax, realizes it's back on the ship, and lays his hand on his dagger hilt instead, looking not at Elorin, but at the soldiers around him. "What's going on?" he asks.
"Nothing at all," Brycen replies.
"Then why do your men looking like they're escorting Elorin instead of accompanying him?"
"All will be revealed when we get back to the ship." The foremast of the Lady Iona comes into view, its crow's nest glowing from Alexis' spell.
With it pointed out to you, it's clear that there are four soldiers walking in a box around Elorin with hands on or near their sword hilts.
Rath adjusts his gi, checking to ensure he has a few shurikens in the most accessible folds of the garment, and follows along.
This should prove interesting.
Alexis, up chatting pleasantly with the captain on the over-laden deck of the Lady Iona (the ship is so full even colonists are being forced to bed down on the main deck itself), sees the menfolk returning. "Show time!" Theodric comments to Alexis and begins barking orders for an immediate departure.
That would seem to be odd, but Alexis is quickly distracted by the obvious sight of Elorin being escorted back to the ship by armed soldiers. He still has his weapons, but the soldiers are no longer being subtle about it.
Biter spies the returning party, and his hackles rise, ears going flat against his round head, a near-silent hiss escaping his grimacing mouth. He rolls his shoulders, loosening muscles for a fight.
"Huuc'Mar is'ing wanting to be ready." Biter surveys the oncoming and outwardly-aggressive soldiers, "Long'Ears is'ing maybe bringing a fight on-board." And with that, he takes a second to ease the blade in his scabbard, making sure it is ready to draw at a moment's notice.
Rath quickens his pace slightly to close within 10' of Brycen and/or one of the guards on Elorin. Just in case... He tries to maintain a quizzical look on his face, not a "ready to rock" look.
Upon seeing the men returning, and Elorin being "escorted", Abbas immediately wishes he had put on his chain mail instead of the light leather he has on.
Abbas moves to near Biter and Alexis and says to Biter quietly "Well this could be interesting. Should the worst happen I will be right behind you, my little friend, perhaps we can use the gangplank as a funnel to thin their numbers should it come to that."
Abbas loosens his scimitar in its sheath and the strap for the shield on his back then places one hand over the holy symbol around his neck and silently prays for a peaceful outcome.
Perception roll 1d20 + 5: 9 + 5 = 14, I assume its a petty low roll since everyone else notices it.
Elorin, realizing that for some reason he is being escorted by the guards, gets a quizzical look on his face. Being smart and not very wise, he turns on the nearest guard, "Is there any reason why you seem to be escorting me back to the ship?"
When the guard tells Elorin to keep moving if he knows whats good for him, he turns back to Lord Brycen, "What is the meaning of this my Lord, have I done something to warrant your anger that I should be treated in such a manner? I am your lords and my ladies faithful servant!"
Diplomacy check 1d20 + 6: 13 + 6 = 19
Sense motive on his answer, if he does answer: 1d20 - 1: 9 - 1 = 8 hah!
He stands there in a slightly defiant stance, but with his hands well away from his weapons within sight of the ship.
Hmmm, this 8 wisdom might cost me....
"You may have. We'll have to decide that when we get back," Brycen says in response to Elorin's question.
When you arrive back at the ship, you see way too many people crowding the deck and sailors moving busily about. Sailors are already casting off lines as you clamber up the ramp. Brycen has his soldiers send the colonists on their way and leads all of you up to the aft deck, where you can talk more privately. He grins at Theodric. "I see things are in order. Any problems while we were gone?"
Theodric laughs. "Well, other than Pathfinder Kirmoon here taking it upon herself to prevent a prison break, none at all. You?"
"Possibly. This one," he jerks his thumb at Elorin, "kept sneaking out of the pub every 15 minutes or so. My soldiers tell me he was getting light signals from on board ship. Do you know anything about that?"
"Aye, my Lord. Like I said, Lady Kirmoon took it upon herself to prevent a prison break. She says she was using light to signal her man that all was well aboard ship."
"Do you believe her?" Brycen asks.
Theodric nods. "Aye, my Lord, I do. I got her fairly well drunk and she never changed her story. Either she's a master spy, or just what she seems, a loyal and concerned colonist. She's not the traitor, nor any of the other Pathfinders who stayed behind."
Brycen motions for the soldiers to "release" Elorin. "My sincerest apologies, Master Elorin, but we had to be certain. As a security expert yourself, I'm sure you understand." He turns back to Theodric and Kheiron who finally makes his way carefully up the ladder to join you. "None of the men I took are the traitor either. They spent the whole time trying to get me drunk or laid, not running off to report."
The ship lurches as it pushes off from the docks and makes its way out to sea.
Abbas will secure his shield and scimitar once he realizes there has been a misunderstanding and silently thank Sarenrae for the peaceful outcome.
looks like abbas will need a bucket for the first 3 months....
Rath, not liking the sound of this, speaks up knowing that if he crosses the line Brycen could easy chain him with the prisoners - which may be a useful result in some respects - "Lord Brycen! Perhaps explanation from you is in order now. Such measures - testing parties, getting a noble-born lady drunk," he says with an ill-concealed glare at the captain, "presumed certainty of traitor in our expedition, please explain. Did treachery stop our sister ships? Is THIS from where your certainty comes? If we have been 'proven' loyal, perhaps explain now. We are Pathfinders, success of expedition is our goal." Rath waits to see how the Noble takes it.
Abbas will secure his shield and scimitar once he realizes there has been a misunderstanding and silently thank Sarenrae for the peaceful outcome.
1d20+3
1d20+3
1d20+3
1d20+3looks like abbas will need a bucket for the first 3 months....
Brycen motions for the soldiers to "release" Elorin. "My sincerest apologies, Master Elorin, but we had to be certain. As a security expert yourself, I'm sure you understand." He turns back to Theodric and Kheiron who finally makes his way carefully up the ladder to join you. "None of the men I took are the traitor either. They spent the whole time trying to get me drunk or laid, not running off to report."
"I understand Lord Brycen, I guess my behavior would have seemed a little strange. But I am afraid I must agree with my companion, Rath. It is now time to bring us into the fold so to say, if you wish to earn our loyalty and not our distrust by keeping us in the dark while treachery might be afoot, you should tell us what is going on, we may be able to help."
Diplomacy check: 1d20 + 6: 9 + 6 = 15 so far I can't do much right this day....
Fort Saves:
1st roll with just the tree bark 1d20 + 5: 6 + 5 = 11 this time the sea takes his breakfast!
2nd roll: 1d20 + 5: 11 + 5 = 16 feeling better
3rd roll: adds the herbal cure and some bark to make sure he is on the mend...1d20 + 10: 5 + 10 = 15 whew, my stomach was about to churn if not from those herbs I bought as well as that nasty tree bark.
I have 3 doses left if someone gets desperate. But they are only available if Alexis doesn't need them.
"Oh quit your complaining, lad. The bark isn't the tastiest thing I've ever had, but it's far from the worst" Gregor grumbles as he pops a bit of bark into his mouth.
Fortitude Saves:
#1:
#2:
#3:
#4:
"Oh quit your complaining, lad. The bark isn't the tastiest thing I've ever had, but it's far from the worst" Gregor grumbles as he pops a bit of bark into his mouth.
Fortitude Saves:
#1:1d20 + 3 + 2
#2:1d20 + 3 + 2
#3:1d20 + 3 + 2
#4:1d20 + 3 + 2
"Just because you have a stomach like a stone golem old man, doesn't man the rest of us are treated as well by the Gozreh!" he says jokingly to Gregor.
Depending upon Brycen's response to Elorin, his next move will be to check up on Alexis and make sure she is well. Theodric's mention of getting Alexis drunk doesn't make him too happy.
"Stone golems have nothing on me. Stone golems never had to eat my old man's cooking when they were growing up". Gregor says with almost a laugh, and if you look really close you might even think there was almost a smile....almost.
"My Lord, I too must agree with my colleagues at this unfair treatment..." Gray begins before being cut-off by Brycen's hand-having.
"I truly am sorry if you feel you have been treated poorly, but this is the real world out here, folks, not a classroom or musty library. We've known for the past 23 months that's gone into the planning of this voyage that the Chels were going to do everything they could to stop us. Keeping Taldor out of Arcadia is the only way their western flank remains protected. We've expected them to slip a spy among us from the start, and what with our prisoner contingent being inexplicably switched on us at the last possible second, it only confirms our fears. Be assured, there is a spy on board, maube more than one, and now I know of eight more people who that spy isn't. If you don't like my methods, that's too damn bad! The railing's right over there if you want off, but if you're staying, then start figuring out who the spy is. If we do our job right, the Chels won't know when we'll arrive at the Arch until we do, and maybe not even then."
Swaggering up next to the monk, the goblin passes a challenging eye over Rich Man and his armored goons and mutters, just loud enough for Friend Rath to hear, "What'ing does Rich Man to know of 'the real world'?"
"One thing to know'ing he has right, though," Biter looks up at his old friend, then shifts his eyes to all of the group, "we is'ing only to be trusting ourselves… those who was'ing meeting at the tavern that'ing first day. All other are to suspecting."
"So there are spies among us, my lord do you possess a ledger with the names of all the colonists that should be aboard? If so might I suggest that you order all of the colonists on board to report to me for a "wellness exam" because gods know that we wouldn't want any sickness picked up on shore to be spread on the ship. And whilst conducting the exam I could pray to Sarenrae to bless me with the gift of detecting magic. this would also tell us who did not board that was supposed to and help in finding any stow-aways. At the same time if Lady Alexis is willing she could scan the deck and the store rooms and personal quarters. This way we can at least be reasonably sure that we are free of any magical listening or communication devices that the spies are using. Of course the truth of the exams would need to stay between the people standing here."
Heal
Heal
Heal
Heal
Swaggering up next to the monk, the goblin passes a challenging eye over Rich Man and his armored goons and mutters, just loud enough for Friend Rath to hear, "What'ing does Rich Man to know of 'the real world'?"
"One thing to know'ing he has right, though," Biter looks up at his old friend, then shifts his eyes to all of the group, "we is'ing only to be trusting ourselves... those who was'ing meeting at the tavern that'ing first day. All other are to suspecting."
Rath listens to the small warrior but continues to stare at Brycen nobles are all the same. Rath shakes his head in disgust and then drops to one knee next to Biter to make sure his words are private, "Yes, Friend. We must keep eyes and ears on everyone, down to pregnant halfling woman's unborn babe. Any could have magic spells to talk with enemies." Rath brightens, "You know, when he said we could jump rail, was VERY tempted to send him flying. Hey! Maybe we should jump ship... you're too smart for this job and I am too pretty."
An unexpected and quick jab strikes Friend Rath in the shoulder, and Biter's face breaks into a dark scowl, "Call me 'smart' one more'ing time, and Friend Rath will go sailing over the railing. HAHA!" His scowl splits into a grin, (the tense situation seemingly forgotten), "plus, the whole world is knowing Biter is the beauty here." He shifts his gaze to the Dark Praying Man (whom you know to be Abbas), and Biter is once again all seriousness, his mercurial nature coming to the fore. "Friend Rath should know that Dark Praying Man was'ing ready to step into the biting for us… this is good to know."
Abbas, feeling the eyes of both Biter and Friend Rath, turns to regard them, and receives a respectful nod from Biter.
"That is VERY good to know, Biter the Beauteous." Rath also gives the priest a very respectful nod.
Alexis frowns. "Drunk? I just got a bit sleepy, that's all." Shaking it off, she replies, "My Lord Brycen, while I am not happy my bodyguard and thereby myself and Kyonin were suspected of underhanded behavior, it is a relief to see that all parties are taking due precautions to ensure the success of this joint venture."
She turns to the other members of the Pathfinder contingent and says, "Thank you all for your diligence and cool heads. Please accept my apologies if my idea for maintaining an all-clear signal saw you treated in a fashion that was less than what you deserve. Now then, let us look into this saboteur business alongside the governor's men, shall we?"
At Elorin's offer of the sea sickness herbs, Alexis smiles and folds his hand closed. "That's very thoughtful of you, particularly after the safety-signal plan saw you accosted so. However, like I said, I practically grew up at sea. I'll be fine."
Looking at poor Brother Abbas attempting to care for others while he himself is looking unusually pale for a man of his complexion, she says, "I think perhaps there may be others who would be better served by that treatment. Some of whom would then be able to better lend aid to others."
"Please accept my apologies if my idea for maintaining an all-clear signal saw you treated in a fashion that was less than what you deserve."
When he gets a private moment with Alexis, Rath says, "Rajkumari, I hope that speech was for Brycen's ears, not pathfinders. Your 'all clear' is not the problem, Brycen's lack of hm disclosure after it about what exactly is happening is problem. Some of us will not forget that."
Looking at poor Brother Abbas attempting to care for others while he himself is looking unusually pale for a man of his complexion, she says, "I think perhaps there may be others who would be better served by that treatment. Some of whom would then be able to better lend aid to others."
"Did you really expect a desert dweller to fair that well at sea?"
Once tempers have cooled a bit, Alexis would like to arrange a meeting with Brycen, Kheiron, Grey, and Theodric to see how they might best coordinate and cooperate on rooting out any spies.
Here are the concerns that Alexis inquires after. She is not trying to imply that these are not issues that have not been considered or issues that have been overlooked. Rather she wants to be thorough and to know if there are any existing precautions so that the Pathfinder contingent can either assist or stay out of the way:
- The priests can create clean drinking water and purify food/drink when they lead mealtime prayers so that shouldn't be an issue provided that people are fastidious about keeping to their prayers.
- Disease would be a threat given the crowded conditions so she believes that a suitable quarantine area should be identified in case it is needed.
- The integrity of the ship and hull are also key, particularly areas with a single point-of-failure like the rudder, but also anchor mechanisms that could be tripped to forestall progress.
- In her opinion, allowing the prisoners to cast magic (even to summon instruments) is like an animal testing its cage. As Brycen notes, the timing of the prisoner swap and the fact that the new prisoners include a caster with no need for material components, a stealth specialist, a pirate, and a secondary caster skilled at emotional manipulation seems rather convenient.
As per usual, Alexis is at all times polite yet serious and focused on the common goal.
In her opinion, allowing the prisoners to cast magic (even to summon instruments) is like an animal testing its cage. As Brycen notes, the timing of the prisoner swap and the fact that the new prisoners include a caster with no need for material components, a stealth specialist, a pirate, and a secondary caster skilled at emotional manipulation seems rather convenient.
On top of his "sweep the ship for bugs" idea Abbas will bring up the following point
- it would probably be a good idea to keep the prisoners apart as much as possiable it will be harder for them to formulate plans that way also they should all be gagged when possible harder to cast charm spells.
"Rajkumari, I hope that speech was for Brycen's ears, not pathfinders. Your 'all clear' is not the problem, Brycen's lack of hm disclosure after it about what exactly is happening is problem. Some of us will not forget that."
Alexis smiles, "I can see that nothing gets past you, does it? Still, just like with the Captain taking issue with Biter acting as I requested, I feel it is best if I shoulder any blame for the actions of our group."
She stands by the prow looking out over the inner sea speaking with you in quiet tones. "My thinking is this. In a hierarchy like the nobility, there are very few instances in which anyone is ever speaking with someone who is at the same level as themselves. Even between two dukes there may yet be one whose lineage is more prestigious or who holds the crown's or the peerage's favor more strongly. However, while a noble will see such distinctions as subtle shades of grey, what they see in black and while is the difference between those who are members of the nobility and those who are not. Simply put, someone in Brycen's position might be expected to show little regard for common courtesies when deal with those whom he sees as of a lesser caste unless it suits their whim. This is not a judgment about your worth or that of anyone else in our group, simply what I learned growing up of the nobles' mindset."
The young princess sighs heavily and sits upon the deck leaning up against the railing. "Now, it is little secret that even though I joined this expedition as a pathfinder, I'm still a member of Kyonin's royal family. Even though I am not in-line to inherit the throne gods forbid, my father was a Duke which is a hereditary title equal to Lord Brycen's appointment. While Brycen has command authority over this expedition, that does not change the fact that as a noble of similar standing — particularaly of a foreign power — we must address one another with at least the outward appearance of respectfulness. It would be severely bad form to punish those carrying out the wishes of another noble because that usurps the 'divine right' or 'public mandate' whichever the case may be by which they themselves may lay claim to their own authority."
"As such," you notice that Alexis has figured out a way to lace the bodice of her explorer's outfit so that she can actually take a reasonably deep breath, "If you or the others are acting under 'my orders' even if I would never deign to claim I have such a right, then the proper protocol is to address those grievances with me. In essence, it's my way of looking out for all of you. Furthermore, if the fingers point to me rather than to Mr. Grey, then that helps to insulate and safeguard the relationship between our presumed Venture-Captain and the Governor. So yes, my speech was for Brycen to construct in his mind the notion that as a fellow noble he should direct complaints about our contingent at someone of similar standing. In essence, as a child might say to a bully, 'pick on someone your own size'. Of course, if any of you prefer to lock horns with Brycen or his subordinates on your own, I would expect he would see it as a situation where you are challenging his authority and that either I am challenging him, or that I am weak. Either way, I do not foresee any benefits to such a course, although you have demonstrated that you are quite apt at perceiving things that I might overlook."
Her blue-violet eyes meet yours, "At any rate, does all of that make sense? Well, as much sense as politicking can make I mean..."
"Did you really expect a desert dweller to fair that well at sea?"
Alexis winks at the old druid and quips, "I wouldn't expect anyone who has a lack of experience with water-travel to fare well at sea regardless of the soil composition and climatology of their homeland."
- it would probably be a good idea to keep the prisoners apart as much as possiable it will be harder for them to formulate plans that way also they should all be gagged when possible harder to cast charm spells.
"The only difficulty I see with that is that we must then have divide our guards to keep stationary watch over that many more areas of the ship. This means fewer guards watching any one prisoner and more areas of the ship that are a known danger. As for gagging the casters, they can just as easily cast spells when their gags are removed at mealtimes. I also wonder if such actions would only provoke them to action sooner rather than later or to push them to action if they were not already considering it."
"Good point, pathfinder"
"...if Lady Alexis is willing she could scan the deck and the store rooms and personal quarters. This way we can at least be reasonably sure that we are free of any magical listening or communication devices that the spies are using. Of course the truth of the exams would need to stay between the people standing here."
Since there are far more useful orisons that shall be needed of Abbas and Gregor (i.e. keeping the food pure, creating safe drinking water, and preventing death when their cures run out), Alexis prepares detect magic and (with Brycen and Kheiron's agreement) begins a sweep of the ship with both Pete and a guard that Brycen feels he can trust to assist in the search. (At dinner Brycen likely discovered that Alexis doesn't care for spells that affect creatures so much as those that manipulate objects and magical fields directly. i.e. No enchantments or necromancy.)
She will search the ship from bottom to top, starting at the fore of the ship and working to aft on the lower hold. Moving to each higher deck, she will resume searching at the end of the ship she was already closest to so as to better triangulate suspicious auras and minimize the time available to things in that region to shift location.
Assuming that Pete is willing to assist, I'll take the liberty of pre-rolling for him. These Perception checks include +2 bonuses from Rath's aid another actions.
At the same time, Alexis will make engineering checks to see if she notices anything out-of-the-ordinary:
"...At any rate, does all of that make sense?"
Rath is sitting next to Alexis, leaning in a similar fashion against the rail. They are almost shoulder to shoulder. He listens soberly to her speech, nodding a few times, then answers, "No. Makes no sense." He laughs, "I only got about half what you said - but I understand how different castes treat each other and why. Caste system 'perfected' in Impossible Kingdoms." That last bit he says with a noticeable amount of sarcasm and even venom.
He continues, "Now, I tell you thing or two. What men like Brycen forget is that out there" He waves a hand seeming to indicate the sea, the Arch, the wide world beyond, "...with limited people, away from power hm base, away from civilization - castes mean less. Comes down to who works hard, who is trusted, who helps others, and who gives and receives respect. In wilds, men will protect those who protect them. You think Biter and me know each other long time?" Rath smiles and shakes his head,"Together maybe six months, a few missions, and escaping Cheliax together. We save each others' lives a few times, maybe. Fought back to back. Kept each safe while sleeping. In the wilds, that counts for more than ANYTHING, particularly some title given thousands leagues away. Men will fight and die for friends, not titles."
He gets up to leave and then turns around and hunches down, "Give me your hand, please." Alexis looks skeptical but offers her hand. Rath takes it in an arm-wrestling grip, fists interlocked, squeezes tightly, and stares in her eyes, "THIS" he says fiercely indicating their joined hands, friendship, the connection between individuals, "THIS is all that matters out there." He let's hand go, "Apologies if I hurt your hand, Rajkumari. If tomorrow it hurts, come to me, I will massage it, know monk hm tricks." Then he turns and leaves her to her thoughts.
- it would probably be a good idea to keep the prisoners apart as much as possiable it will be harder for them to formulate plans that way also they should all be gagged when possible harder to cast charm spells."The only difficulty I see with that is that we must then have divide our guards to keep stationary watch over that many more areas of the ship. This means fewer guards watching any one prisoner and more areas of the ship that are a known danger. As for gagging the casters, they can just as easily cast spells when their gags are removed at mealtimes. I also wonder if such actions would only provoke them to action sooner rather than later or to push them to action if they were not already considering it."
"Forgive. Also assumes only caster is among prisoners with known caster. Smarter if spy is caster among colonists - special caster who natural can or has learned to cast with no gestures and no sounds. Think need to watch friendly colonists for such. Hm, also maybe search persons and areas for spell components that used for distance speaking or other spells."
"Forgive. Also assumes only caster is among prisoners with known caster. Smarter if spy is caster among colonists - special caster who natural can or has learned to cast with no gestures and no sounds. Think need to watch friendly colonists for such."
Alexis' expression darkens. "Casting in such a way requires a much greater exertion of magical control and energy than the normal methods. A caster capable of such methods would be significantly further along in their studies than I am which would present a very great danger indeed."
"However," she continues, "there are many weaker spells that could still convey meaningful information if practiced. Consider the alarm that was caused when I kept a light spell cast upon the crow's nest... Had I instead cast dancing lights, I could easily form a pattern with their movements that might convey meaning. Even though such a spell can illuminate only a small area, consider how far off you are able to see a light as feeble as that shed by a firefly or the smouldering embers of an old man's pipe. It's no different than the non-magical light sources and flags used to send semaphore signals between ships at sea really. Now while dancing lights does require gesturing in addition to words, light itself requires only words and components — it is much less strenuous to cast a spell without materials than without vocalizations or gestures... Still, there is no guarantee that someone as specialized as a spy might not have learned custom spells that those outside of their organization would have no knowledge of. There is only so much vigilance we can show without exhausting ourselves in the process and making the entire ship nervous."