The stench of bile and sweat is thick in the air. The six of you look around you for any outward threats, but none seem apparent aside from the near constant brawls and shouting matches that always seem to end in someone incapacitated or dead. This is not so uncommon a thing here in The Salty Seadog. This particular tavern is rougher than most as most of the patrons are ex-pirates, and this being Oresk, a known haven for retired pirates, there would be little to no repercussion for the ruffians actions.
A small halfling sits with you with clear nervousness. Far too clean he seems quite out of place in such a dirty establishment. Eckhart Tomblebottem is his name and he is your stooge. An emissary from Waterdeep, here to facilitate a meeting with a rather cruel up and coming pirate who goes by the name of Rasteed.
Rasteed had recently broken the code that had held a relative peace between Waterdeeps lords and the pirates, which had been when captured, he had been bound by word to not take any sort of revenge against one of your lords. After his release though he had gathered a crew and plundered that very same lords next trade ship on its way into harbor and in doing so had taken a token that seemed very important to this lord. Important enough that you were sent out to broker a deal with the cut-throat. The return of the token for a pardon of the most recent pillage. However you were given instructions to use force if no deal could be brokered.
I do not like this place. Not one bit! Eckhart says with a look of disgust on his face. This is no place for a sage and surely these mouth breathing, swine faced, ruffians cannot help us find Rasteed. I should be back in waterdeep, I was so close to a breakthrough on the translation of those ancient elven texts, but noooo I have to be sent to trek about with you lot to make sure you dont screw this up! Eckhart goes to cleaning the sleeve of his fine robes, trying to get some of the seemingly never ending dirt out of the fabric.
Sitting at the end of the table is a man who looks more like a farmer than a pirate. His scythe and sickle look out of place but the breastplate and fauchard make you think twice about his being a farmer. He takes the long strand of grass from his mouth and address the little man, "Complanin' won't help thangs. Nether will insulting the locals. It'll git ya killed. Hush now and let us find out what we kin. Any yall know much bout the people here or howta get information from em?" Robert then looks around the room for anyone he knows that might have information on Rasteed.
The redhaired girl in formfitting lether armor sitting next to Robert takes a swig of her Ale and says "Ask the Bartender or one of the wenches"
she takes another swig and adds with a grin "Hitting someone till he gives us a direction might also work"
OOC: yeah you definitely selected 7 players to join the campaign...
IC: Trying his best to ignore the impudent halfling is a crooked-faced, dark-skinned man with extensive black hair both atop his head and upon his chin. He wears a tattered green cloak and a polished breastplate, as well as an ornate greatsword at his back. "Hitting someone is something I can handle," he mutters between sips of his wine. "The problem I foresee is too many of them hitting back."
Sitting opposite the halfling, across the table, is a man of slender build with sharp, serpent-like features. His fancy, feathered, tri-point hat and almost garish attire do much to cover his sapphire blue scales running down his neck and shoulders, however; further inspection gives his ancestry away. Captain Ventra smirks ever so slightly at the comments of his crew, and how it must irritate the pompous halfling.
"Perhaps we should question some of these fine scoundrels, prior to ridding them of their blood?" Captain Ventra says to no one in particular. Rising from his chair, while staring at the barkeep, he says, "Mr. Margav, Mr. Macintyre, Ms. Free, join me at the bar, will you?" The Captain then gracefully crosses the room, surveying those he deems a potential threat, while his forefinger touches the pommel of his kukri.
Should his crew follow, Captain Ventra will order more drinks for them and attempt to Gather Information from the barkeep. "Greetings, barman, I would like to meet with a man by the name of Rasteed. He has something I want, and I have something to trade for it. Where might I find him?"
Keila quaffs her Ale and follows her Captain, giving the backside of a Barmaid an appreciating look. She smiles to herself, having plenty of drinks now and probably some action later. Thinking that doing business with the bartender is a good idear, the martial artist takes postion diagonaly behind her captain giving the bartender a friendly smile, while foldding her well muscled arms.
Xanos reclines back quietly and watches the conversation around him with the wide-eyed look and faint smile of someone very much enjoying where he is at. Lean and obviously a sailor of some sort, he appears to be almost... part of the sea, with his shock of green many-braided hair and seashells.
He follows Captain Ventra, though he was not asked specifically to do so, seating himself a discrete distance from any particularly aggressive patrons. His voice is soft, but has a weird quality to it, almost as if his speech is being quietly filtered through water I have a good feeling that we will find some information here. He says. giving a warm smile to the Barkeep before and waits patiently to order a drink. He holds a gold piece onto the bar with his fingertips, ready to lend some coin to the matter at hand.
He leans a little closer to the captain and whispers just over the noise of the tavern. I wish I could have brought Chompy in with me. He's great with people.
The man is good looking and dressed in nice clothes. His appearance is generally clean and neat. He wears his hair and beard short and we'll groomed. He looks like a politician sitting with proper posture.
Left at the table, awkward, it is clear as day that this man is far out of place in this seedy wharf tavern. He had been pleasant to the group that he was seated with, this group on this task. He swirls around the ale in his tankard and does his best to hide the disgust when he discovers the chunky bits inside. He was about to stand to join the others at the bar when the captain began yelling the name of the person he was trying to hunt down.
He tries to say something quick to the last person to leave him with the halfling hoping the man heard it.
@ Xanos, My name is Hal. I am going to try and watch the crowd, please keep an eye on me as I watch the crowd watch you.
@ the halfling
Eckhart, first off nice to be meeting you.
Hal will be keeping an eye on the crowd trying to watch for hostility or anything interesting from the onlookers.
The bartender looks at the group as if he could see the direction of your moral compass. Ye, be a offly clean lot... he says suspiciously. And I ain't never seen ye. He then coughs and extends a hand with his palm up.
Eckhart looks up at the man with dress very similar to his own. I don't know how you manage to keep yourself clean in this environment but I must know your.. Just then a flaggon of ale is tossed and spilled all over the halfling. For a mouth breathing, swine faced, ruffian my aim be pretty true isn't it? Said a large bald man from a table ten feet away, by where you all were sitting earlier. He then bursts out with laughter.
Halrian then notices the mood around the tavern has changed. A air of hostility but no outright threat.
Sorry to you Eckhart. Please take this to clean yourself.
Xanos glances over as the ale splashes over Eckhart and tries to keep from wincing at the Halfling's sudden dousing. He slides the gold coin and four more in front of the captain. I'll have whatever you're having, captain. Xanos says. He looks back to Halrian and tries to catch his eye. If successful, he gives the well dressed man a slight nod and a grin of pearly teeth.
Keila, noticing the brewing trouble, takes a look around the room for anything that could be used as a weapon in a barbrawl, chairs, tankards, someones wooden leg, halflings (beside "our" Halfling), wallmounted trophy, anything that she could wield. The martial artist, lacking any experience in preventing tavern brawls, readys herself for action, while apearing only slightly pleased on the outside.
The redhead casually flicks a goldpiece onto the other five infront of the captain."the same for me"
Captain Ventra smirks, taking in the environment of brewing hostility, the comical dousing of his halfling associate, as well as his headway with the barkeep. He gathers the coin pool before him and places it in the outstretched hand, along with two more gold pieces. "allow me to increase your take home for this information," Ventra says to the barkeep. He then turns around while showing mirth and nonchalance toward the crowd. "My, your aim is true, but you've wasted your ale on a halfman," Captain Ventra jests toward the crowd, attempting to cool the situation. "Perhaps I might buy you another, one that won't be wasted on the likes of this fool? Perhaps one for the lot of you? What say you?" Hoping the prospect of free ale will assist in cooling heads
Option A (successful diplomacy): Captain Ventra then buys a round for the patrons of the tavern, and continues his investigation. "So, where were we... Ah, the whereabouts of a Mr. Rasteed, I believe," Ventra says to the barkeep, while dropping the required coin for the drinks on the bar.
Option B (failed diplomacy): Captain Ventra readies himself for conflict, while half turning back to the barman for a last crack at gaining information on Rasteed. (Readied action to draw his kukri at the first sign of close hostility towards himself) "It would appear we are not going to be welcome here for long, so let us dispense with the pleasantries and get down to business. How much is this information worth to you?" He says to the barman, pulling his coin purse from his belt with his off-hand.
Ye be flashin all sorts of gold there. Might Ye 've comin off a big haul? says the surly bald man suspiciously. Might Ye of taken down a merchant boat of note? Or mightin it be one of those do-goodin pirate huntin boats Ye sank?
His face contorts into a wicked smile revieling his rotting teeth. A smile as if to say "caught ya".
Sorry to you Eckhart. Please take this to clean yourself.
it is nice to see someone in this crew is decent Eckhart says, accepting the token.
Eckhart then pulls on the captain's coat tails and says lowly let me talk to the barkeep, you handle the Neanderthal. Ohh and as cunning as it is to play to this one's ego do not think I'll be forgetting the "half man" and "fool" tidbit.
The barkeep taking the stack of gold on the bar which far out weighed the cost of some cheep ale then chuckles at the sight of the halfling who is having some difficulty climbing the stool to the bar.
Rasteed aye, he be a particularly nasty one if memory serves. Hasn't been through Oresk in a ten day. Heard he sails for Calimport though. Since his previous capture he wanted nothin to do with these waters..
I will walk to the bar with the halfling.
Xanos sees the man who asked him to keep an eye out walk up to them, and turns his attention back to the conversation. It's not too hard to see the tension in Xanos' shoulders, though it does nothing to hint at what he would do should it turn to violence. Again he mutters to himself I'm wishing I brought Chompy with me, but keeps his resolve for the time being.
Keila moves beside the captain
"I thought being the butt of a joke and alive would be more preferable than being proud and dead. I'll think better of it next time," Captain Ventra says quietly to Eckhart as he passes toward the bald man with two drinks in hand. Captain Ventra says to his crew, "Stay with Eckhart, he's liable to get himself killed."
As the Captain closes on the surly bald man, Ventra shouts: "Have a drink with me and I'll tell you all about how I earned my gold."
Option A (Success): Captain Ventra and the bald man sit and drink, while the Captain explains his earnings. "Have you ever been to Baldur's Gate? Well, I was a hired killer all through that port, and much of the surrounding country side. That... is how I earned my gold." Ventra smiles warmly and then asks, "How do you earn a living, good man?"
Option B (Failure):
Xanos watches Eckhart clamber up and will offer a hand if the halfling would accept his assistance.
Here you go. he says, giving Eckhart an all-too clean and white smile.
He turns back to the bar and hopes to get at least one drink in to calm his nerves in case things go squirrely.
Eckhart disheartened by the news from the bartender exclaims I told you this was a waist of time! There is no way we can catch up on that big of a lead Having been fully drenched in ale, made fun of, and just all around miserable on this whole trip finally had enough. He starts a determined walk over to the captain after about falling off of the bar stool that had given him such trouble earlier.
Xanos, Keila
The large Bald ruffian looks perplexed by your open admittance to less than just actions. As if he was not expecting the conversation to turn this way. Regarding you differently now his anger has subsided and seems to have been replaced with a almost quizzical look. So there be gold out there fer that sorta thing aye? I have been killin for too low a price it seems. With that he lets out a laugh far too loud and annoyingly raspy, showing he feels he is the funniest man alive. I just left me crew last week. Too many mouths and not enough bread if ye catch me drift. What kind of crew ye be runnin? My back is strong and there be a long line of dead men thinkin thier sword arm was stronger than me own. With that he puffs out his chest in pride.
Xanos looks from the Barkeep to the disgruntled halfling, his placid look of amusement fading. He glances over to Keila to see if at least *somebody* got the same weird vibe that he did.
glancing at Xanos, Keila tilts her head inquiringly and grabs her Mug, taking a swig and eyes up the big man.
Captain Ventra leans in and says, "That depends on whether you can be of immediate help, or not... Do you know a man by the name of Rasteed? I have pressing business with him, and will be unable to consider taking on more crew until that business is concluded. So, please, tell all that you know."
Ye be barking up the wrong tree if Ye be after that lot. Truly, I don't be knowin where he is or where about his crew hides out. All I be knowin is he hangs out with scrags and doesn't be playin well with others. Even others of his ilk. Even heard other pirate vessals are not safe from his plunder if the take be good nuff. It's like all the gold and riches of the whole Damn world not be good nuff for em.
Xanos ponders the Barkeep's words for a minute, the fingers of one hand tracing a coast in the grime and concentrating.
While the large bald man does sports a gut, it clearly covers a powerful frame. Most likely in his early thirties he looks to be a capable sailor and fighter.
I see... Ventra's eyes narrow in concentration, but then he asks, Perhaps you know of some fellows around here that could point me towards him? Like I said, I can't take on more crew until my business is concluded, though I would very much like to hire you. Ventra's visage becomes quite serious as he awaits his newfound companion's response.
To the bald man. "You my friend have been fishing for the wrong fish. When this crew leaves port we only go out for the big fish." "You boast a line of dead men, have that be your resume. Is there any notable marks in that line?" "Besides gutting a man what else could you bring to our organization? " "Our current bounty is not to deal the captain death but to locate him for trade. This may require us to be civil. I am not asking you to tuck your shirt in and be on a short leash; but I am saying our negotiator" "cannot enter a negotiation if he is drenched in your back washed grog, so employment will require you to keep a firm grip on your mug"
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"Eckhart, hold on. Let the captain work here. We may find what we need first."
I understand, Ventra sighed with disappointment. Then my search must go on. Take care, good man. The Captain then finishes his ale and rises from the table. It is then that he notices the ale soaked Eckhart behind him, blocked by Mr. Macintyre. Ventra then moves to his associates and asks, What information have we gained? I'm afraid I've come up with nothing, other than a possible addition to the crew. Though, I'm sure Mr. Eckhart would disagree with my choice... Ventra trails off with a wicked grin.
"It is not what we gained, it is what we lost. He will know someone is looking for him now, we lost the opportunity of surprise. Before we leave here we may want to hire someone that has knowledge of those islands you speak of. May I also suggest that plans like this have more tack and discussion before being executed."
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Xanos slips off his stool, rolling up his maps with his hands as he approaches the captain. He leans forward when he tucks the charts away, which puts him within conspiratorial whispering range. "There's a few isles on my charts the 'ole barkeep seems to have conveniently forgotten about." He straightens, a thin smile on his face. "I guess we've got nothing to go on, sir. I can begin charting our course to Calimport, captain." He says out loud.
Before we leave here we may want to hire someone that has knowledge of those islands you speak of.
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Captain Ventra takes on a grave tone to his voice as he addresses Halrian. Mr. Wrung, while I agree that the element of surprise would be invaluable, our primary objective is to trade with Mr. Rasteed. He should shortly know of this fact, and assuming he is a pirate, he will want to know what we have to trade before he sails beyond our reach. Further, unless we intended on silencing everyone we contact, he would know anyway. Ventra calms himself as Xanos approaches with his maps, and smiles slightly as he relays his knowledge of the area. As Xanos finishes his exclamaition of the party's destination, Ventra quickly assents to the ruse. Very good Mr. Shoresong, we make for Calimport on the morning tide!
Captain Ventra then turns back to Halrian and says, Mr. Wrung, the mistakes are mine, and I will answer for them. You have my word that I will confer with you and the rest of the crew before I make such choices in the future. Ventra then attempts to gather his crew toward a less crowded area of the tavern.
Xanos appears relieved that no violence has occurred and things are looking a little less dangerous.
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"Yes captain. Let us set sail at once."
Hal gives the captain a look like he has much more he wants to say.
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Semban follows the others away from the crowd, obviously a bit disappointed at the lack of opportunity to split a few unjust skulls. Next time, captain, he says with something between a scowl and smirk, maybe be just friendly enough for one or two of them to start something, yes?