Jeorik is curious to know what has happened to the ship but he is also anxious to convey his uncle's wishes.** spoiler omitted **
The pumps are hard work. It's only been about half an hour, but Jeorik, Arando and the pilot hand are both sweating and breathing hard. The other three men on pump duty seem spent.
" Aye, lad. We have what Dorman wants. And when the pilot boat gets back with fresh men for the pumps, we'll have a look through manifests and the holds."
The clerk is happy to see you again and to expedite your request for information. Maggie Bright is a 2 masted caravel belonging to Vander Dorman. Do you want anything more?
If nothing comes up or doesn't need my interaction his next step is heading back to Thalus and report the quote below to him.
It's the name of a ship. It's the ship my friend left on some time ago, and it's the ship owned by Dorman Vander," Keliwyn explains, "and if I'm correct, it's also the ship that carries the object I'm interested in, and in which Garven Fellstone has some interest."
Thalus is surprised at the news. "A ship? Why would any citizen care about a ship? Unless its part of some dodge...."
And somewhat grateful, " Well this is news. A step forward. Good work, Darthen."
But ultimately unsatisfied, " You'll need to find out more. Whose this Vander and Fellstone. What's the business of that ship? Velvet will give you 10 gold sails to cover your expenses and for services rendered. Get back to me with anything you hear."
" Aye, lad. We have what Dorman wants. And when the pilot boat gets back with fresh men for the pumps, we'll have a look through manifests and the holds."
Jeorik thanks the captain and continues working the pumps until the replacements arrive.
Thalus is surprised at the news. "A ship? Why would any citizen care about a ship? Unless its part of some dodge...."
And somewhat grateful, " Well this is news. A step forward. Good work, Darthen."
But ultimately unsatisfied, " You'll need to find out more. Whose this Vander and Fellstone. What's the business of that ship? Velvet will give you 10 gold sails to cover your expenses and for services rendered. Get back to me with anything you hear."
As he leaves he collects his payment lost in thought on what to do next. [i]"Keliwyn is working for Vander, the ship owner. He has to know something else. Maybe I can meet with him or Vander to figure out what is being carried. Not really sure what could tie all that in with pesh, legal or illegal."[i]
Gather Info; Search; Spot ( 2 v. Humans) (1d20 6=22, 1d20 4=22, 1d20 6=13)
Gather Info; Search; Spot ( 2 v. Humans) (1d20 6=22, 1d20 4=22, 1d20 6=13)
Running back to the government office is a fine idea. You dash through the door just before closing time. Annoyance flashes across the brow of your clerk, but clears rapidly as he recognizes you. He happily provides you with Dorman's address, which is not far away in northgate.
***
***
No sign of the twins.
Jeorik thanks the captain and continues working the pumps until the replacements arrive.
As you pump, the captain regales you with the story of the three massive storms that made a shambles of the ship and pushed her out of the known seas, the desparate encounter with a giant squid that started the ship's seams leaking three days ago, and the back-breaking work and brilliant seamanship that kept the ship afloat and brought her back to Korvosan waters.
The pilot boat returns with a dozen fresh men for the pumps, and some fresh fruit for the crew. You accompany the captain back on deck, where the crew is slumped exhaustedly. The pilot estimates you have two hours until docking. The wind and tide is propitiously arranged to help you in.
Cap'n Smalls smiles satisfiedly. "Well, lads. We have two hours. What shall we do?"
Cap'n Smalls smiles satisfiedly. "Well, lads. We have two hours. What shall we do?"
"We need some plan for getting the gold on board to my uncle to help hold off some of his more aggresive creditors for a time. But perhaps first we should be checking Gaven's cargo. That seems to be at the heart of a lot of things as I understand it."
Jeorik looks to Arando for assent and when the quiet young man nods his agreement, Jeorik continues, "I suppose we should check the manifest and then see if the cargo matches up aright."
Running back to the government office is a fine idea. You dash through the door just before closing time. Annoyance flashes across the brow of your clerk, but clears rapidly as he recognizes you. He happily provides you with Dorman's address, which is not far away in northgate.
***
***
No sign of the twins.
Darthen looks at the scrap of paper with Dorman's address on it. He looks up at the house in front of him. He steps up to the door and knocks.
Darthen:
A tall thin man, dressed in simple black robes answers the door. He tells you that Master Dorman is out. He had business today at Arbiter's Hall.
Jeorik:
Cap'n Smalls takes you to his cabin under the quarterdeck. He pulls out two quarto bound ledgers, one red, one brown. "Fellstone had two agents aboard. His trader went into the gullet of the devilfish. The other was swept overboard in the third storm. She was a fine lass. Stuck the devilfish many times with her sword. She was helping shorten sail when a rogue wave hit us.... Anyway, this is the trader's ledger" He indicates the red book.
"That cargo's in a sealed portion of the hold. He supervised its loading. I don't know what's in there, and since he died I haven't had much time to look."
The ledger is written in a blocky hand. The transactions in Cheliax show that approximately 4,000 gp in various trade goods were bartered for an unmentioned quantity of Qat. And that a wardrobe is being transported under consignment to the Temple of the Iron Fist in Korvosa. (Azmodeus' temple)
"Great!" Keliwyn says, "I know a nice place a few blocks aways," he continues, patting Inigo on the back as they turn to leave. "Fantastic wine list, great beer, and the best chicken this side of the city!"
Finding himself sharing a meal with Keliwyn, Inigo reflects on fate and how each thread of it intertwines with those of others. "Your request for an interview comes at an opportune time, Master Keliwyn. How may I be of service to you?"
Inigo gulps a mouthful of dark beer.
Darthen:
A tall thin man, dressed in simple black robes answers the door. He tells you that Master Dorman is out. He had business today at Arbiter's Hall.
"Do you expect him back anytime soon? If he should show up soon can you please leave a message for him. Ask him to come by Jonathon's Inn. I am working with a friend of his and may have some information to share."
Off to Arbiter's Hall with you. A nice clerk directs you to the courtroom.
The ledger is written in a blocky hand. The transactions in Cheliax show that approximately 4,000 gp in various trade goods were bartered for an unmentioned quantity of Qat. And that a wardrobe is being transported under consignment to the Temple of the Iron Fist in Korvosa. (Azmodeus' temple)
The mention of the wardrobe piques Jeorik's interest.
"I suppose we could look through all the crates," says Jeorik, "but if I was smuggling something big, a wardrobe might be a good place to hide it. Why don't we have a look at that first and then go from there."
Off to Arbiter's Hall with you. A nice clerk directs you to the courtroom.
"I suppose we could look through all the crates," says Jeorik, "but if I was smuggling something big, a wardrobe might be a good place to hide it. Why don't we have a look at that first and then go from there."
Cap'n Smalls gives you a lantern and leads you down an aft ladder. He produces a key from his pocket and unlocks a door. Inside a small room (10x10') is a pine wardrobe 4'wide x3'deepx 6' tall lashed against the forward bulkhead. It barely clears the ceiling. Three bales of Qat, about a cubic yard each, lie in front of the wardrobe.
Cap'n Smalls gives you a lantern and leads you down an aft ladder. He produces a key from his pocket and unlocks a door. Inside a small room (10x10') is a pine wardrobe 4'wide x3'deepx 6' tall lashed against the forward bulkhead. It barely clears the ceiling. Three bales of Qat, about a cubic yard each, lie in front of the wardrobe.
Jeorik sets the lantern down, away from the flammeable qat and then hefts the bales and carries them, one at a time, to an empty corner of the hold.
If possible, Jeorik unties the ropes and then, lifting the lantern once more, he opens the wardrobe and peers in.
Jeorik sets the lantern down, away from the flammeable qat and then hefts the bales and carries them, one at a time, to an empty corner of the hold.If possible, Jeorik unties the ropes and then, lifting the lantern once more, he opens the wardrobe and peers in.
Arando and Smalls help Jeorik move the bales and untie the ropes.
Arando seems bemused. "Is that all the Qat?"
The double doors of the wardrobe sag slightly when you open them. Set in the back wall of the wardrobe is a 3/4 length mirror. The frame is carved from a heavy dark wood to resemble twisted briars, complete with thorns. The mirror itself is irregularly shaped like a pond or lake might be. The quality of the carving is exquisite; the mirror, absolutely smooth although slightly clouded.
Arando gasps softly. The captain nods his head appreciatively. "That's a workmanlike piece."
After his initial suprise and appreciation have settled, Jeorik is forced to smile when he says, "I don't remember seeing that in the ledger Captain. It might be a good idea to take it out of the wardrobe and hide it somewhere. It is your ship though, any suggestions?"
"Arando, you have some magical talent, do you not, I don't suppose you could tell if it was enchanted in any way could you?"
"Your request for an interview comes at an opportune time, Master Keliwyn. How may I be of service to you?"
"Be of service? I'm merely interested in conversation and your company, Inigo," Keliwyn replies.
"Oh I see. Then perhaps you can help me."
"What is it that you do for the Grandmaster?"
After his initial suprise and appreciation have settled, Jeorik is forced to smile when he says, "I don't remember seeing that in the ledger Captain. It might be a good idea to take it out of the wardrobe and hide it somewhere. It is your ship though, any suggestions?"
"Arando, you have some magical talent, do you not, I don't suppose you could tell if it was enchanted in any way could you?"
The mirror has been built into the wardrobe, but the wardrobe construction is light and cheap. It would be easy to pry off the molding holding the mirror to the back wall.
***
Arando replies, "Tomorrow I could tell you. It would take some study and meditation to prepare myself. "
***
Cap'n Smalls thinks, "It's too big for the emergency coin cache. Other than that we don't have any secret compartments on board. Dorman runs an open, honest business. We could hang it in my cabin and claim its my property."
Darthen: You find a seat in the visitor's gallery. Anyone there can point out Dorman to you. It is hot. The lawyers drone on. Shortly after you arrive however, a short recess is called. Dorman, his daughters, and his attorney walk down to the courtyard where vendors sell cool drinks and sweetmeats.
When you approach him, Dorman is friendly,but mystified, "I'm Dorman, yes, but I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you before, Master ...."
Cap'n Smalls thinks, "It's too big for the emergency coin cache. Other than that we don't have any secret compartments on board. Dorman runs an open, honest business. We could hang it in my cabin and claim its my property."
"We might not have till tomorrow," says Jeorik to Arando, "but lets get this moved. It looks a bit suspicious to my mind. And though it be molded to the wardrobe,it don't seem a proper part of it. One part is too cheap, the other priceless."
Jeorik looks a little bit more around the qat and the wardrobe and then, assuming he finds nothing, he begins the process of carefully removing the mirror.
Cap'n Smalls thinks, "It's too big for the emergency coin cache. Other than that we don't have any secret compartments on board. Dorman runs an open, honest business. We could hang it in my cabin and claim its my property.""We might not have till tomorrow," says Jeorik to Arando, "but lets get this moved. It looks a bit suspicious to my mind. And though it be molded to the wardrobe,it don't seem a proper part of it. One part is too cheap, the other priceless."
Jeorik looks a little bit more around the qat and the wardrobe and then, assuming he finds nothing, he begins the process of carefully removing the mirror.
Smalls provides a small crowbar to help dismantle the wardrobe.
Smalls provides a small crowbar to help dismantle the wardrobe.
Jeorik works carefully around the mirror, quite aware that breaking it would be a bad idea.
"While I like the audacity of hiding it in plain sight for a time," he comments as he works with Arando's help, "It strikes me that there might be those who will be looking for this. We don't want to put you in any danger. There has been threats of violence made recently against those loyal to my uncle."
"Oh I see. Then perhaps you can help me."
"What is it that you do for the Grandmaster?"
"Hmmm . . . Well, I don't do anything for the Grandmaster. Although he is of the Forlorn, it turns our he is very well read and knowledgeable regarding my people's history and legends. Lately, we've been comparing notes regarding ancient artifacts and the like. He's been very helpful, and with a little luck, I might be on the path of recovering something very valuable that has been lost a long time."
Keliwyn continues on with conversation, inquiring into, in a respectful manner, particulars of Inigo's faith, as well as his experiences in the city at large. After sometime, he steers the conversation back to a familiar area . . .
"Oh, speaking of interesting people in our fair city, aside from Grandmaster Morten, it would be seem we both also have some connection, however tenuous, to someone else. Tell me, what are you willing to share regarding Garven Fellstone? I can't say that I'm a fan of his, although it seems to me that he does have some influence with your temple. Or am I mistaken?"
Darthen: You find a seat in the visitor's gallery. Anyone there can point out Dorman to you. It is hot. The lawyers drone on. Shortly after you arrive however, a short recess is called. Dorman, his daughters, and his attorney walk down to the courtyard where vendors sell cool drinks and sweetmeats.
When you approach him, Dorman is friendly,but mystified, "I'm Dorman, yes, but I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting you before, Master ...."
"Darthen. Just Darthen. I am an investigator working for a friend. He has asked me to look into the name Maggie Bright. After my initial groundwork yesterday coming up short I was put on the right track by a mutual friend of ours, Keliwyn. He gave me a brief rundown of your problems with Fellstone and your ship. It seems I am still as confused as I was when I started yesterday. So please bear with me as I try to find out what your ship or its cargo has to do with my employer. Do you have enough time to answer some questions for me?"
"Do you know a Goodman Gnarls? If so what association do you have with him? He was the one that gave the name Maggie Bright to us."
"Do you or your ship have dealing with Pesh, legal or illegal?"
"When does the ship come in and what are you expecting from Fellstone or his goons?"
"Anything else you can tell me that would help both of us out?"
"Oh, speaking of interesting people in our fair city, aside from Grandmaster Morten, it would be seem we both also have some connection, however tenuous, to someone else. Tell me, what are you willing to share regarding Garven Fellstone? I can't say that I'm a fan of his, although it seems to me that he does have some influence with your temple. Or am I mistaken?"
"Garven contributes to the church, which gives him a lot of access to the Grandmaster. His generosity is apparent in the present state of the church. By that I mean that it is not."
"I may be off the mark here, but it strikes me that you're not particularly fond of him yourself. As a man of the law, you should probably be aware that he is up to some very shady activities. A friend of mine, a good man and a merchant by the name of Dorman, is being squeezed by Garven. It seems one of Dorman's ships is well past due in port. From what I can tell, Garven is squeezing him on the financing and making his employees disappear. It may be an assumption on my part, but my guess is that he also takes certain liberties with Dorman's ships, maybe even using them to transport illicit goods."
"I may be off the mark here, but it strikes me that you're not particularly fond of him yourself. As a man of the law, you should probably be aware that he is up to some very shady activities. A friend of mine, a good man and a merchant by the name of Dorman, is being squeezed by Garven. It seems one of Dorman's ships is well past due in port. From what I can tell, Garven is squeezing him on the financing and making his employees disappear. It may be an assumption on my part, but my guess is that he also takes certain liberties with Dorman's ships, maybe even using them to transport illicit goods."
"It's not big secret that I do not like Fellstone. Further, I am not surprised that he'd be involved in something illegal like what you have described. In fact, I am expecting that to be the case. But no one has come forward to denounce him or to file a complaint. You think your friend Dorman would be willing to swear to Garven's extortion racket?"
"If not, I can always take a look. The Grandmaster cannot object if I am enforcing the law. It's been long time since I broke some skulls."
"It's not big secret that I do not like Fellstone. Further, I am not surprised that he'd be involved in something illegal like what you have described. In fact, I am expecting that to be the case. But no one has come forward to denounce him or to file a complaint. You think your friend Dorman would be willing to swear to Garven's extortion racket?""If not, I can always take a look. The Grandmaster cannot object if I am enforcing the law. It's been long time since I broke some skulls."
"Well, Dorman is a brave man, and he's lost much already, but he also has three little girls. I'm not sure that he would risk anything happening to them. As it is, Dorman and Garven are facing each other in court today, and things look grim."
"Of course, if the ship comes in, you could have evidence against Garven, but by then it may be too late to help Dorman. Well, anyway, I have a lady friend who is supposed to be on the ship as well. If I hear anything about it, I'll let you know. It's the Maggie Bright, named for one of Dorman's girls."
"The Maggie Bright... interesting. I'd like to see this ship."
Keliwyn finishes his beer and pushes back in his chair. "Well, from here I was planning on visiting the court to watch the proceedings. 'though I'm frustrated at not being able to help a friend in trouble, I suppose the least I could do is stand by him and show my support. Would you care to join me? While we walk you can also tell me more about the tenets of your church. I truly find it fascinating how there is a balance on preserving both the good and the order."
"While I like the audacity of hiding it in plain sight for a time," he comments as he works with Arando's help, "It strikes me that there might be those who will be looking for this. We don't want to put you in any danger. There has been threats of violence made recently against those loyal to my uncle."
Smalls replies, "I'd be happy to do it for Dorman. He's been good to me, and he's a good man. Any trouble better be on the lookout for me."
"Do you know a Goodman Gnarls? If so what association do you have with him? He was the one that gave the name Maggie Bright to us."
"Do you or your ship have dealing with Pesh, legal or illegal?"
"When does the ship come in and what are you expecting from Fellstone or his goons?"
"Anything else you can tell me that would help both of us out?"
Dorman replies:
"No, can't say I know any Gnarls.""Drugs, legal or illegal, are an abomination, and affront to Erastil. They ruined more lives than war or pestilence in this city. I don't deal in them."
"when the ship comes in, Fellstone has cargo aboard. He'll want to get it off one way or another." Dorman pauses. "I don't know what his cargo is. -- Might be pesh." His face reddens.
"If I knew what you wanted I might be able to help more." He pauses, considering. "Do you worship any god in particular, Darthen?"
Thinking back to how rough his early life was, "No, not much religion for me. Just my wits and my blade to keep me going each day. Do you know when the ship will be in and which dock it be at?"
"No, not much religion for me. Just my wits and my blade to keep me going each day. Do you know when the ship will be in and which dock it be at?"
Dorman looks at you appraisingly and thinks again. "Well, my dock in East Shore of course. Should be in about an hour, maybe two. If what you imply about Fellstone and drugs is true, there may be trouble at the dock."
Smalls replies, "I'd be happy to do it for Dorman. He's been good to me, and he's a good man. Any trouble better be on the lookout for me."
"That's good to hear."
And then Jeorik finishes with the mirror, still being careful.
"Thank you for your time. If you do not mind I will head down that way to check on things. If you happen to see Keliwyn please let him know where I went. Thank you again and good luck in your trial."
Darthen will head to Thalus to report real quick, then head to the docks. He will make sure to have his armor and weapons with him, but the backpack and other larger items are still in his room.
[
And then Jeorik finishes with the mirror, still being careful.
With proper application of leverage, Jeorik has no trouble removing the mirror. Presently the mirror is installed on the wall of the captain's cabin.
Meanwhile the ship has made its way to the mouth of the Jeggare River. The pitch and roll of the ship reduce considerably. Captain Smalls is called up on deck to consult with the pilot. Wind and tide are favorable to run up along Endrin Island, but the ship will lose the wind when the river bends south. One of the five galleys which have approached the ship is hired to pull the Maggie Bright up to East Shore.
Entering the river's mouth, Fort Korvosa looms on the cliffs to the right. Next are the grounds of Palace Arkona. The cliffs dwindle as you sail east, disappearing when you pull abreast of a series of docks and the river turns south. Ahead is the North Bridge by which Jeorik entered Korvosa yesterday.
With everything stowed as it should be, Jeorik heads up on deck and enjoys the approach into the city.
Jeorik: As the ship turns south, it does indeed lose the wind. The hands in the little hired galley begin to earn their wages. Even with the tide running in, they pull hard to make headway against the river's current. To the left as you pass under the north bridge, you can see almost the entire city as it slopes upward away from you. The Acadamae and temple of Abadar, Arbiter's Hall, gothic towered Castle Korvosa, the less ornate Citadel Voshyenek. The sun is setting behind the city, catching the taller buildings in a glaring halo. In the foreground the many docks and wharves of the Midland waterfront fade into shadows.
The galley begins to bear toward the righthand bank, making for the first dock in East Shore. Aboard the Maggie Bright he crew smiles and claps each other on the back. Home port. Time to see family, time to celebrate.
Upon docking a handful of Korvosan Guards approach the ship and take positions at the end of the gangway. A customs official and the halfling harbourmaster come aboard. No one is to leave the ship. It is to be sealed by request of the TEmple of the Iron Fist.
Captain Smalls is outraged. He rails against the ruling, "20 years I've sailed from this port! Never a blemish or sign of blame on my record...." After a good bit of this he does negotiate for the crew to leave ship, albeit empty-handed. "Worry not, lads, we've brought the ship and gargo through. Dorman will see to your wages."
The harbourmaster departs. The customs official stays and begins going through the manifests with Smalls' clerk. Three guards are posted at the end of the gangway.
"Arando, stay by me," says Jeorik, a little nervous and wondering what the fuss is about.
He finds a seat atop the deck from which he can watch people as they both board and leave the ship.
After lunch, Keliwyn and Inigo part company.
Keliwyn takes a circuitous route to Arbiter's Hall. Once there he is able to negotiate his way into the "friends and family" gallery behind Dorman. Arando and Jeorik have already left. Across the room, Darvyl is still behind Fellstsone. Dorman tells you that the Maggie Bright will be docking about sundown. Arando and Jeorik will have gotten on board already or will meet the boat at his dock.
Inigo returns to the Temple of the Iron Fist. Vertas is annoyed with the length of his absence. Confronted with evidence of embezzlement, Morten has been talking freely. A magical elven artifact, a scrying mirror, was the cause for his behavior. He siphoned money from the treasury and borrowed from Fellstone to finance its recovery. Morten claims that it is Azmodeus' will, but Vertas will test that claim later. For now Inigo is to go to Dorman Vander's dock in East Shore and meet the Maggie Bright when she arrives sometime this afternoon or early evening. He is to obtain the mirror and return with it to the temple.
Fortuitously, Darthen, Inigo, and Keliwyn arrive within minutes of each other. The Maggie Bright is docked. The ship a shambles. Three guards wait at the foot of the gangway.
"Guards, where is the captain of this vessel? I demand to see him."
Jeorik hears the man on the docks shouting and wonders what new problem has arisen. Still, he keeps his seat, knowing that he is likely out of his league in dealing with any sort of dock officials.
Sitting on a bench with a view of the docs Darthen spots Keliwyn walking with a gruff looking man of the cloth.
Darthen gets up shouts Keliwyn's name and quickly catches up with them.
"Keliwyn, good to see you again. It seems fortune is on us today." Nodding at the ship docked at the pier. "It seems our answers arrived not long ago. Care if we walk down together?" Nodding at the man of the cloth, "The names Darthen. Keliwyn and I have worked together before."