The Straits of Dumara: A Bump in Time

Game Master ellequoi

Dumara, once the Jewel of the North, now a colony shunned, home and prison both to some of the sorriest indentured servants this side of the Straits…

A gnome and a dwarf had walked - or been dragged - into a jail as free women. A great deal of paperwork later, then delousing and an abrupt ousting in the middle of the night, and Tabynth Tadlall and Ethra Lumen left in shackles.

Guard Afonso, who led them, whistled a Divusian hymn as he ambled through the night market. Chattel aside, he was on a mission to snap up the hawkers’ last food for the day.

“Most such servants, they are not quite so capable-looking,” he said in a Lusitano accent, dipping his layered flatbread into a curry. He manoeuvred spiced lamb skewers into his captives’ shackled hands. “Much gold changed hands for you, I say. How did such adventurers end up here?”

This is your chance to introduce yourself however you choose. You may talk/ask questions, roll knowledge or perception checks (just specify what on specifically), eat, or whatever other action you can think of that makes sense. If you think your action is likely to require a check, please include a roll; if it requires a different check, I will just swap the bonus out and clarify after so that we keep things moving.

Since growing up on the streets and being wary of people, Tabynth gives the skewer the once over [dice=Perception]1d20 + 2 , even though she saw Guard Afonso purchase the food and as hungry as she is, she still does not eat the skewer till she sees Guard Afonso take a bite.

She turns to face her fellow prisoner and gave an expression of solidarity. Clearly, if we are in this together, we are as clever as each other.

After letting out a sigh, "If I'm here, I wasn't as good as I usually am. Do you know where we are going?"

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Tabynth can’t make out anything specific about the skewer.

Guard Afonso’s ready smile fades in response to the question.

“I am taking you to the Senhora Soares de Ferro. Her cousin is our very own Capitão de Ferro Vilar. A powerful family. She is very... involved in affairs of the colony.” His eyes dart from side to side before he musters another grin. “But, come, I was hearing your tales of misadventure? We are nearly there.”

"Powerful indeed. I've heard many tales. But Senhora it rings a bell or two, but how are...," she leans over to gather her fellows name, " We any good to her?"

[b]" Misadventure? You make it sound like we are up to no good."

Ethra finally takes a break from heartily chowing down the skewer of lamb.

After a large gulp, "You call traveling through the wilderness misadventure? I was simply trapping animals when I got trapped myself. Why that may be, I have no idea. But at least there's good food here!"

She takes a final bite. To her new companion "My name is Ethra, pleased to meet you!"

To Afonso "Wait, you said servants. What are you talking about? I'm not a servant! I don't understand what's going on here."

"The Senhora runs an independent security force," explains Afonso. "Those who keep the indentured, like her, help keep threats to the colony in line."

His eyes soften in response to Ethra's confusion. "Sad to say, lady dwarf, you were found in an area crawling with Asahani agents. We could not have left you there. The Capitão thought that, with your spores, you might be of best use with the Senhora. I will let her explain further."

As he talks, the group approaches a white stuccoed mansion with a red-tiled roof over a large balcony. Another guard meets them at the entrance, leading a blond halfling in a long coat and yellow scarf.

Ideas for next actions: this is Lark Thorngage's chance to introduce himself! Tabynth can click on the spoiler above to see the results of her knowledge check and do with that information what she will. The group may react to information learnt. respond to dialogue, and/or talk amongst themselves.

"... I'm telling you, I'm going to be placing an appeal and we'll get this all sorted out. You're just going to be coming back to let me out of here in a couple of days! Besides, do I look like the kind of guy who would need to resort to stealing?" Lark huffs, either out of breath from keeping up with the longer gait of the guard, or from chatting their ear off during their walk.

He seems preoccupied with arguing his case and hardly notices that they've walked up to a building, much less that there are other apparent prisoners being led there.

Tabynth faces Ethra, "I mean, it doesn't sound so bad. She has a bit of a legacy where I'm from. I don't like the idea of being a servant though." She faces Guard Afonso, "Are we really servants or just work for Senhora?"

Tabynth casts message to Ethra, I can get us out of here if you think it's worth a shot? Or see what its like and make a plan? You can reply to this message.

Ethra replies to Tabynth, "Well, at least we are in this together!"

As they pass the garden out front, Ethra bends down. She plucks a broad, green mushroom that suddenly appears as she casts druidcraft and awkwardly moves to offer it to Tabynth.

Ethra messages back, Oh my, I didn't realize how serious this could be. Maybe we should wait and see.

Tabynth nods, "This is beautiful." she brings it to her nose memories come flooding back from her forest home from many moons ago. She reaches into her side pouch and carefully places the mushroom into her pouch.

"I'm sure you will," says Lark's guard to him with a slight push. Afonso frowns and places a hand out, eyes on the balcony above.

"I do not know your exact contracts," says Afonso. "They are probably still being copied. I doubt any mopping will be involved. Deliveries and protection details, perhaps."

A local woman opens the door, first just a crack, then wider as she spots Afonso.

"Ei, Fatima," he says, leaning over to kiss her on the cheek. She slaps him away.

"What, were they going to go bad before morning? Getting me out of bed this time of night..." Fatima surveys the group, hands on her hips. "Not starved, at least. We'll see what the Senhora makes of you in the morning. Come." She turns and retreats into the house without a backwards glance.

Afonso coughs delicately once she is out of earshot. "You may be new to our ways and not always know what is proper here. Remember that you can always send word to Afonso al-Khatib at the guardhouse in case you have questions about anything... amiss. Divus be with you." With a nod and a raised eyebrow, he and the other guard take off.

"Not much room in this house left," grumbles Fatima as the group enters, "so it'll be the courtyard for you." She eyes Ethra's clothing. "Not the roughest lodging you've seen, I'm sure. Any questions, not my problem. You'll be talking to the mistress tomorrow."

She leaves everyone in the courtyard, where there are pallets laid out under mosquito nets, one containing a snoring half-orc. The sky is starting to lighten.

Ideas: the group can respond/react to what has passed (which I know is a lot; my posts will get shorter post-'intro'), talk with each other, go to bed.... If you want to chat, I can fill in any skill checks but will otherwise leave you to it until people plan to sleep, at which point we will move forward.

Once the guards are out of earshot, Lark glances at the other two and exclaims "Oh, so THAT'S what's going on here. Let me guess, a case of 'petty thievery,'" gesturing towards the gnome, "and... to be honest, I have no idea what they'd come up with for you. Public drunkenness?" he says to the dwarf.

Are we still chained/shackled? And what, if any, gear or weapons do we have on us?

Oh yeah, important details! Let's say the chains and shackles were taken off by the guards, and gear/weapons were handed over to Fatima to keep for you. People can roll Sleight of Hand checks to see if they had managed to hide any gear on their persons before they were jailed - DC 14 succeeds.

Whoops, I assumed I had stuff on me and put my mushroom in a pouch. I'm happy to roll for it and if not, keep it in a pocket sleightofhand: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (15) + 10 = 25. I have Expertise (SOH is doubled)

Tabynth turns to the halfling, "Petty Thievery...pfft. And what about you? Threw a match and got caught? I was caught spying for my country. You know, as much as things could begin to go terribly, the potential contracts don't sound half bad. It looks like all we have is each other and a long time ahead, so I may as well tell you. I'm Tabynth, this is Ethra" I hold my hand out to shake the halfling's.

Between each of the snores of the fellow sleeping alf-orc, Tabynth opened up to her companions, about how she grew up on the streets where she learnt and finely tuned her roguish skills. She began fending for herself and the other street urchins moved up to jobs for people and then was sought out by her government to utilise her skills.

We can assume the pouch was considered part of your clothing and was left on you, just emptied (though if you want to have stashed something else on you, you can). I think expertise should just double the proficiency bonus (+2) of the check, but you definitely passed.

We can assume the pouch was considered part of your clothing and was left on you, just emptied (though if you want to have stashed something else on you, you can). I think expertise should just double the proficiency bonus (+2) of the check, but you definitely passed.

Ohhhhh, makes sense. I will also have a little notebook

Ethra would have tried to hide her stonemason's tools before being jailed. Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 14

Ethra looks around the courtyard for a loose piece of brick or stone. Investigation: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10. If she finds one, she will begin to carve a small figurine while conversing with the others.

"You are brash" she looks the halfling in the eye. "I can see why you might assume I am nothing but a drunk, and that is okay. I have been mistaken for much worse, and by my family no less. Please just know there is more to me than that."

To Tabynth, "You have been through some hard times. I am sorry that has happened to you, and I am sorry you are here now and not with your group. I hope that I can provide some sort of company in the meantime."

The only thing Lark would have wanted to have kept would be his shield with his holy symbol on it, but he probably would have tried to go the persuasion route to keep it if possible, arguing that it's not a weapon and that it's a personal item for him. Persuasion: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

Lark thinks to himself "Man, fight in the arena for years and nobody knows my name, but go against the fight master once and suddenly the whole town knows who you are... figures."

Lark sighs and returns Tabynth's handshake, "I apologize, it's been a rough day and I meant no slight. Given how my day has gone, I assumed that someone up the chain was making up reasons to imprison people or something. I figured you were both innocent too, but, ah, guess not?"

Looking at Tabynth, he continues, "And just to be clear, I actually didn't throw a fight when I was instructed to do so. The fight master didn't take kindly to that and framed me for stealing from the arena, but I'm sure I'll be able to get it sorted out." He glances down, uncertain.

Noticing everyone's wrists a little raw from the shackles, he offers, "Oh, let me help you guys with that, uh, if you'd like? The name is Lark by the way." He passes his hands over his wrists and the redness and chafing begins to fade. Once he's finished, he reaches out with an open hand, offering some healing.

Lark gives 1 HP of Lay on Hands to anyone who accepts.

"I'm sorry Lark. Its been rough on all of us." as she accepted his offer of healing. "I'm sorry, but I couldnt help but notice, Ethra, does the back of your neck need healing?"

Tabynth continues with her face down," For what it's worth, I didn't like working for my government and becoming their spy. I like to use my skills to help people get what's theirs and what they deserve...to help the good of mankind, not power hungry aristocrats. I was sent here and I just kinda stayed here. I figured I've hidden from them before, I could do it again. till now. I guess it's getting late, maybe we should leave it there for tonight?"

Tabynth props herself up onto her bed, takes out her notebook and makes a few scribbles of the day's happenings. Writing down the name of the Guard and her new companions.

Ethra gratefully accepts Lark's healing. She then casts Goodberry, and hands a few berries to each of her companions.

"Just a few of these will help you feel nourished, with the day it appears we've all had we could use them."

She shrugs off Tabynth's comment, "I'm fine, thanks though."

Ethra heads to her pallet. On the way she does a once-over of the half-orc, mostly looking for weapons or any signs of danger.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26 Not sure if this is the right kind of check, otherwise Investigation is +1.

Lark finishes his goodberry and turns in for the night as well.

The city rises at dawn with cockerels crowing, Rasulic worshippers singing calls to prayers, and Divusian bells ringing. A servant comes out and nudges at the half-orc's side, jumping back with a squall as he awakes. She slams down a tray of coconut milk and leaf-wrapped dumplings and takes off.

"Mistress will see you soon!" she calls in retreat.

Next steps: one more introduction from new companion Berm!

Berm slowly wakes up then is a little startled by the few others around him. Hey! Where did all of you come from?!

Tabynth reached out her hand to the Half-Orc, "Hi, I'm Tabynth, this is Ethra and Lark. We were brought here last night, you were sound asleep. Are you here for the Senhora too? When did you arrive?"

"Oh right, I always forget about the names part, Berm. I haven't been here long."

Tabynth walked to the tray of milk and dumplings and offers them to other 3 in the courtyard before sitting back on her pallet and eating breakfast for herself.

"It's nice to meet you Berm. Well if we are all headed to the mistress we could use some height and muscles like you." To break the awkwardness she continues with a giggle in her voice, " Hopefully they are as strong as your snore!"

Ethra places the stone carving she made of Guard Afonso in a nook somewhere in the courtyard, then joins in on breakfast.

"So Berm, is it? It seems we've all been brought here under pretense of committing a crime. What'd they get you for?"

Ethra also asks everyone if they had weapons that were confiscated and what they were. "I just had a staff, but I'm really hoping they give it back! I don't have much in this world, and I did not appreciate it being taken from me."

Finally beginning to stir from the sounds of conversation, Lark rolls over, yawns, and sleepily states "I think I saw the guards give our gear to the lady we'd met out front yesterday, and I'm pretty sure she brought them inside somewhere."

Noticing his companions eating, his eyes brighten, and he nimbly hops down off his cot and heads over to the tray to indulge as well.

Taking note of the half-orc with a smile and a nod, he loads his arms with dumplings, continuing "I've been wrong before, but it seems to me that we all would be incredibly overqualified for any sort of typical servant work." He takes a bite, "If our gear and weapons got brought along, we've got to be doing some kind of work with them, right? I guess that, or, ah, some rich aristocrat just thought it'd be fun to, uh, watch some prisoners fight to the death...? Ha.." He chuckles, hoping his attempt at a joke didn't land flat.

Facing Lark and laughing at his joke, "You two boys seem that you could hold yourself well, not sure how well I'd go. We were brought here by a guard, who treated us well, and he explained that he didn't know our exact contracts for the Senhora but he's certain it wont be mopping, but deliveries and protection. From what I have gathered from my time in the city, the de Ferro clan were part of the first delegation from Lusitan and have been entrenched in the colony's doings ever since. The women of the family are not traditionally involved in civic life, which might explain why the Senhora works behind the scenes. She has many Lusitanos rallying to her pet causes. That's about all I know of her."

Ethra quietly eats her breakfast, actively listening to the conversation and nodding occasionally. She smiles to herself, seeming content with the situation and her newfound group of companions.

She takes some care to clean herself up a bit - removing the larger patches of spores and dirt from her skin and clothing.

Update time! People can fit in a little more conversation/reaction in their posts prior to their response to what follows, if they want.

Fatima emerges after morning prayers have finished. Sleep has not sweetened her mood, nor made her more informative. She leads everyone upstairs without a word.

The room she beckons the group into is a large, airy study with doors open to the front balcony. A mirror with shifting, shadowy forms along the periphery spans the back wall.

Senhora Soares de Ferro walks in from the balcony, flanked by servants - or slaves - carrying palm fronds. She is a tall, dark-haired woman, surprisingly pale for such a hot clime and accentuating that pallor with a long white dress. A gold symbol of Divus hangs around her neck. She settles herself in the carved rosewood chair behind the desk as Fatima clasps one hand over a fist and leaves. The servants start fanning.

"My darling escravinhos!" she pipes, clasping her hands together. "So nice to have us all together... oh, wait..." She points at each of you, counting along in Lugês, then whispers something to one of her servants, who bows and leaves. "Hard to keep track with the market so busy these days. I trust you have had a good rest and are ready for the task ahead! We have a Sultana to impress."

Ethra looks calmly at the Senhora, "Good rest typically doesn't come to those who have been wrongfully imprisoned, stripped of cherished belongings, and marched through the streets like slaves - as it appears we are slaves."

She takes a half step forward, to ensure she isn't speaking for the whole group. "I do not care to impress any Sultana, but since it appears you have the power here, I cede that I must do your bidding. Unless there is a way to prove my innocence?

Can Lark tell if, when she was counting us, she seemed like she had been expecting more of us to be here than there were, or if she was surprised that there were more of us than she'd been expecting? Insight: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (3) + 1 = 4

Lark, not feeling confident about pushing his luck with "authority" figures, is content to stay quiet and observe for now. He crosses his arms absent-mindedly in impatience, still wondering about the details of all this.

Tabynth would like to do an investigation on the mirror. Is it magical? Safe? investigation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

She would like to see if she can hear what Fatima and Senhora have whispered
investigation: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Tabynth holds back with Lark but eagerly awaits Senhora's response to Ethra.

Both are using expertise, +4 to check with double proficiency bonus. Do I have it right this time?

"So Berm, is it? It seems we've all been brought here under pretense of committing a crime. What'd they get you for?"

Ethra also asks everyone if they had weapons that were confiscated and what they were. "I just had a staff, but I'm really hoping they give it back! I don't have much in this world, and I did not appreciate it being taken from me."

People definitely suspect me of something. I know I didn't do it but how do you prove that if the only other people around have vanished?

Berm looked around the room a little to see if any of his things were around. I did have a couple of smaller items and a trusty maul. Definitely need to get that back.

Berm just stands in place shifting weight from one foot to the other. Kinda wanting to get out of such a formal setting and glad that Ethra is taking the lead as far as the talking goes.

Tabynth would like to do an investigation on the mirror. Is it magical? Safe? [dice=investigation]1d20+6

She would like to see if she can hear what Fatima and Senhora have whispered
[dice=investigation]1d20+6

Tabynth holds back with Lark but eagerly awaits Senhora's response to Ethra.

Both are using expertise, +4 to check with double proficiency bonus. Do I have it right this time?

Simeon helped explain it to me, Its plus 4 not 6. So 24. I have it right now

Tabynth's rolls are on fire! I think the +6 was right because of Intelligence +2 plus proficiency +2 and expertise +2. Next level, proficiency bonuses will go up, so the expertise will change again then.

Lark is unable to interpret the Senhora's actions with her still being so unknown to him.

The Senhora pouts. "Of course if you are innocent, that is such a muddle. By our law, Divus has deemed you guilty, but if an advocate can present evidence otherwise, you would be released. That might need testimony from Frade Paxti himself to be convincing, though! Perhaps you would even wish to stay on under a new, profitable contract."

People can roll History or Religion checks on local law and/or Frade Paxti.

"When you complete the work I give you, you may pursue any such avenues, however successful they may be." She gives an indulgent smile. "I should like to see any loot you might make while out, as long as you are collecting it lawfully. It's sure to pale in comparison to the cost of your contracts, so I will probably allow you to keep it for these little... endeavours of yours."

"For our first task together, there is a large beast roaming the jungle outside the city that would surely make a pretty trophy for the Sultana of Asahan's palace. Bring me its head. Naturally, you will receive your gear again - we can't have you going out defenseless and ruining my investment!"

She leans back in her chair. "I trust I have made myself clear?"

history: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10

Tabynth tries to recollect what she knows on local law and Frade Paxti, as she was sent to spy she might remember a little.
What information that Tabynth remembers she will pass onto her companions via the cantrip message.

How do we keep the head well? Do you have anything to put it in to help it stay good?

Lark mostly wonders what she meant by "I should like to see any loot you might make while out, as long as you are collecting it lawfully," curious if there are any obscure laws to the region that she may be referring to.

History: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

"What sort of beast will we be looking for anyways? I'm sure 'Large' might mean something very different for me and her," gesturing towards Tabynth, "than it does for you, or even the big guy here." tilting his head towards Berm.

Ethra nods her head in response to the Senhora's answer, "Thank you, I will take that information and do what I can to earn the freedom that is rightfully mine. In the meantime, I understand that I must adhere to your will."

Ethra will step back and listen to the rest of the conversation. If a description of the beast is provided, she will try to recall any knowledge she may have about it. Nature: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

Tabynth recalls (and shares) that the legal matters of civilians in the colony are handled by advocates, who charge hefty fees. Frade, or Friar, Paxti de Azpilikueta is a well-known Divusian missionary from Lusitan who travels extensively between Madhu, the Straits, and Lau.

The Senhora crinkles her nose. "I don't know how one might keep such a trophy fresh. I assumed you would. I have an account at the apothecary next door, if you need their assistance.

"As to the beast itself, we only have rumours from travelling merchants, who say it can tear out a tree with its bare hands. Perhaps the local savages will know more."

"If there's nothing else, you can pick up your gear and be on your way." The Senhora nods to the remaining servant in the room, who moves to the door to lead you forward.

Next steps: you can ask more questions, share information, react, go gear up...

Ethra heads to the door to get her gear and prepare to head out.

Lark heads out as well, eager to be reunited with his belongings.

Berm turned and walked out with the others.

Before Tabynth turns to follow the group she address the Senhora, "Ma'am, we will do what we can to do our best to serve you and protect this town, maybe our loyalty to you and eachother," giving her a knowing look, "will be noticed and rewarded in time. But this account, will it require us to give a payment or this tab is payed by you at a later date? Just so we can be prepared."

She takes a quick double step to catch up with her group. Once out of earshot of guards or the Senhora she addresses the group, "She wants one of you boys on your own, not sure which one but heard her whisper it. Not sure if its good for us to be separated from each other. Now to get our gear and go visit next door I guess."

The Senhora clarifies that the tab will be paid by her before Tabynth leaves.

As the group collects their gear, Fatima enters the room with a thin Lau half-orc wearing an eyepstch, talking a mile a minute. He blinks.

"Oh wow, are there more of us?" he asks. "I thought I would be alone here. I'm Chiang So, nice to meet you." He shakes everyone's hands, chattering pleasantries, and nods at Berm. "And I get my equipment back too? What a day!"

Fatima shrugs, in the midst of unlocking a cupboard. She hands the group a healing potion. After a glance at Chiang So, she hands over another. Both are stamped with the colony's seal.

"Better get on with it," she says, escorting you out.

Chiang So shades his eyes. "It's been so long since I've been out, I thought they just wanted me for my crafting. I was starting to get lonely, glad there are more of us now. Oh! Sorry, I suppose it's still fresh for you. What are we supposed to be doing? Shopping, sending messages, escort duty?"

In the moments before Fatima and Chiang So enter, Lark responds to Tabynth's statement with a shrug, "Well, if she had wanted one of us for some sort of nefarious reason, I'd have assumed she could have done so much more easily while we were unarmed and sleeping last night. I still don't particularly tr..." He tapers off as he hears the approaching footsteps.

He waits until after Chiang So finishes his question.

Coiling up his whip and attaching it at his side, Lark light-heartedly responds, "Evidently we're expected to be monster hunters now. I don't suppose you have any particular skills in that area?"