"Hey, what about that pool with the crabs innit? Seems to me that means it hooks up with the sea outside, right?
"I'm thinkin', we wait for low tide and start exploring. Even if it's still underwater; 'cause i'm pretty good at swimming.
"What do ye' all think?" He asked the others.
Bhru begins to smash the chests with his harhammer, as safely as possible....
'Hope there isn't any glass in ere!'
"Perhaps we work on getting out first? If we can get them to the boat..." The smash of a hammer interrupts him, "Well maybe one, give us a peek."
Kellan speaks over the occupied Dwarf to their bard, "Let's check it out Jon, I'm not much for swimming but if it's the difference of shambling these dank halls forever, well, let's hope the tide goes quite low..."
The chests are still robust, despite their age and it takes a few strong blows to splinter the wood enough to break them enough to get to their contents. The heaviest spills forth a cascade of coins when broken [ooc]I doubt you're counting just a the moment, but there are 7,500cp and 1,500sp inside. The second contains a number of small leather sacks, 10 contain 100gp each, and another 2 contain an assortment of gems (250gp each).
Jon will wait until low tide, then try to swim out trailing a rope, the back end anchored by one of his companions.
Kellan idly counts a handful of copper he pulled from the ruins of a chest as he waits for sign of Jon returning... He looks as though could swim, I hope he can. I've no idea how to balance a death by happenstance. Funny that the Hunter and I find ourselves agreeing on Vanthus, hah, me serving Wee Jas again. Kellan glances at the aloof Touv woman, a wry grin on his face as he tosses her a wink, unsure yet uncaring if she was aware of his attention.
If Ukufa notices the Oracle's wink, she does not react, instead maintaining her stoic visage as she awaits if Jon returns or drowns...
Jon disappears from sight.
Making the swim relatively easily, you reach the shallows and make your way around the island until you reach the small beach where you originally arrived. With a sigh, you see that your small skiff still remains beached in the sand. Retracing your steps, you make your way back to the trapdoor where you entered into that death filled crypt. As expected you find it closed, and now see that several large stones have been piled on top of it to hold it closed.
The minutes roll by and there is no way of knowing if your companion found an exit, or has drowned in the dark confines of the underwater passage.
Seeing the mound of stones on top, he sighed, swore aloud against Lavinia's brother, sheathed his blade, and set to work rolling, levering and lifting the stones blocking the trap door.
Kellan stands after a few minutes of idle coin shuffling. "I suppose some sort of rope based signal may have been wise..." he drones dryly, "I've got 5 coppers he's made it though, I'll take any wagers at the trap door!"
Ukufa continues to watch the water for signs of life. Mirthlessly she accepts the tall Oracle's wager;
"Accepted. He cannot keep mouth closed this long."
Hot and sweating from his exertion, Spinnaker Jon paused to stretch before finally grasping the pull ring and hauling the trap door open.
Putting his hands around his mouth he bellowed down into the fetid darkness;
Bhru gives Ukufu a rough pat on the back,
'Boys foolish bettin copper when we got a load o' treasure right n front of us. Someone gimme a hand haulin this back to the hole we jumped inta'
"'m right here mate no need to yell. Ya won me 5 coppers by the by! Thanks for takin the dip!" There's a wink tossed upwards from the foot of the later. Kellan assists in loading the skiff with the very minimal amount his skinny arms can carry.
Spinnaker Jon will help rig the ropes to haul up the treasure chests and people up the entrance shaft.
Ukufa's mouth twitches as the heavy handed dwur claps her back.
She frowns to herself, then fishes out 5 copper pieces from her coin pouch. Mirthlessly she hands them to Kellen as she passes him to assist with the treasure;
"I will help. You count your winnings."
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It takes a bit of doing, but you manage to maneuver your loot up the shaft and out of the dank tunnels. Dragging it down to the beach, you savor the clean sea air and load your booty into your skiff for the journey back to the city.
Pausing to rest after loading the chests, Jon sat down and took a break.
Wiping his brow, he looked towards the forest of masts masking the docks further into the bay.
"Well now lads and lassies, what do ye think? Back to the docks, load a cart and run up ta' Miss Vanderboren's manor?" He asked his companions.
"I suppose we could update our patron but we haven't exactly accomplished her last task, find Vanthus sure but we've since lost him... I think perhaps we stow our, ahem, findings somewhere first? She needn't worry herself over gang land spoils eh...? We may need to bankroll some more bribes to find Vanthus as well..." The wink directed to Jon is conspiratorial this time, barely limiting the avarice in Kellan's gaze as it slides to the cargo. "I'm not skilled in tracking but perhaps we search the island afore we leave for any signs of our dear treacherous sibling?" This time Kellan turns to the groups stoic ranger, brows raised in question.
'Best check in with Miss' 'Vinia, she ought to know what we found. She is payin' us af'erall Master Kellan.
Bhru huffs and puffs as he carries the loots back to the boot.
'I say we bring the goods back to the Miss. This treasure could have a sickness on it. After that, we go hunt this street rat and snuff him out.'
Kellan drops a heavy sigh. "Aye I spose she is Master Bhru. Very well." Kellan consoles himself with mastering his coin shuffling with the doubled stack of coppers.
"Aye;" said Spinnaker Jon, "An' I think I know of a place." he said thoughtfully.
Ukufa stoically nods at Bhru's words before adding her own in her deadpan way;
"Dwarf speaks wisely. For once."
She pauses, lugging another of the chests with her companions.
"Lady Vanderboren should know her brother's life is forfeit."
Kellan perks up at Ukufa's declaration. "That I can readily agree with, Vanthus' deeds must be balanced out."
Plan of action at hand, the party heads back to the harbor, laden with their booty. Upon reaching the city, Jon takes a handful of coins and heads off in search of some sort of transportation for the sea chests. He comes back a short time later with a push cart and some porters, along with the latest news. The old harbormaster has been brutally murdered!
Though the rumours vary wildly as to how this was accomplished, all agree that he was found in his home brutally eviscerated. While not loved by any means, the harbourmaster was a member of the nobility and his murder is likely to ignite a power struggle for control of the docks.
Troubling news in hand, the party makes their way to Vanderborn manor. The porters carry the chests to the door, and leave once paid Kora, Lavinia's house halfling, greets you at the door and walks you though the manor and to the dining hall. She tells you all to enjoy a refreshment, indicating a well stocked side bar, while you await Lavinia.
A short time later Lavinia sweeps into the room. A look of worry clearly stamped on her face, "You all seem a little worse for wear. Have you run into trouble? Did you find Vanthus? You didn't hurt him did you?"
"Ah, no ma'am," Said Spinnaker Jon.
"Just the opposite. We followed the trail to an underground smuggler's den, and Vanthus locked us in with a bunch of hungry undead. An' its something he's done before ma'am; we found previous victims." Explained Jon.
Ukufa nods slowly in agreement;
"Murder most foul. Restless dead. Vanthus unrepentent."
She taps the pommel of Penkus' dagger as she speaks, hard stare measuring Lavinia's reaction;
"His life is forfeit."
Kellan stays silent as he studies Lavinia's reaction to Jon's recount of events and Ukufa's frank declaration.
Bhru nod's along as Jon and Ukufu make their statements and awaits her response.
Jon nodded his head with the others.
"There's no question ma'am. We all heard him clear.
"'This is what you get for helping my sister! Say hi to Penkus for me!'" he said, mimicking the voice as best he could; before he slammed the trapdoor and piled boulders on top of it.
"Later we found the body of Penkus there in the complex, who wrote a damning letter before he died." He said, then nodded to whoever was holding the reeking letter to show it to Lady Vanderboren.
Kellan pulls open his pack and wordlessly floats the still slick scroll to Levinia using Mage Hand.
As you describe your investigation so far, Lavinia's expression swings from disappointed to sad to shocked.
She takes and reads the letter you found on Penkus' corpse, her face settling into a grim look of determination.
She sighs and runs a hand over her eyes, wiping away a tear.
"Well it seems that my brother has fallen further than even I would have suspected possible. Even with all of this, I would ask that you still try to bring him in alive, but I understand if he makes that impossible. He cannot be allowed to continue with his vile business. Please put an end to his villainy, by any means you deem fit, but if Vanthus does refuse to surrender, I do ask that you give him clean death."
She takes to her feet. "Well gentlemen, I'll leave to your business. It seems that some of my retainers have been called away on other pressing business and left you a little short handed. I should be able to rectify that. I'll send word once I've found a suitable replacement. Shouldn't be more than a day or so."
"...there are 7,500cp and 1,500sp inside. The second contains a number of small leather sacks, 10 contain 100gp each, and another 2 contain an assortment of gems (250gp each).
- A potion of cure light wounds
- A potion of cure serious wounds
- A small jade coffer worth 300 gp. Inside of the coffer, resting on a tiny velvet cushion, is a light brown gemstone. This is an earth elemental gem, identified as such by a strip of paper tucked under the cushion.
- Penkus' MWK leather armour(needs to be cleaned)
- Penkus' gold ring (120gp)
*So counting all money, gems and jewelry, there is 1845gp to divide between us.
=Counting only Ukufa, Bhru, Kellan and Jon, that is 461.25gp to each of us evenly.
"You say we can sell it for how much gold?" The glint in Kellan's eye is immutable despite his neutral expression, "I say sell it then."
hours
hours
hours
hours
As Lavinia takes her leave, Ukufa nods in her direction;
"His inevitable death will be clean."
- The Lotus Dragons are a new guild of thieves, though they seem to be a lot more organized than the other fly-by-night guilds that heva been popping up over the past few years.
- Word on the street is that they have more than just people working for them; they have ties to animal smugglers and keep the worst of the lot in their guildhall as guardians.
- The city watch appears to be ignoring the Lotus Dragons, suggesting that they have some sort of powerful benefactor, maybe even one of the city's noble families.
You also have success inquiring about the taxidermist's hall mentioned in Penkus' letter. It appears to refer to the Taxidermist's guild hall. A modest shop that sells the products of the city's taxidermists.
One last thing: Rummaging in a pocket for something or other, your hand closes on a folded piece of paper. Written on it is the following: You are being watched by the Lotus Dragons. Your questions will bring you misery. It's best to sit back and let things happen as they will. Further interference will only bring you tears.
Kellan relates the results of his investigation and somewhat sheepishly describes the note, [b]"I may have unfortunately tipped our hand, the Lotus Dragons managed to pass me this note unbeknownst to me. Perhaps I ought to lay low for a moment until we plan our encounter with our wayward sibling. Hard to say if any of the rest of the group has also been identified, I could have been tailed. I think caution and stealth may be especially advisable for now."
Spinnaker Jon thinks chipping in to buy a Wand of Cure Light is a good Idea, and chips in 187gp and 5sp.
While out shopping, Spinnaker Jon is curious about the murdered harbormaster. He tries to ask around for information on it down at the docks.
While you are wandering around the docks, a filthy street urchin approaches you and hands you a grubby piece of paper. It reads You have been warned once and wont be again. Step away, or die.
Back at the manor, Jon produced the note handed to him.
"Well blow me down. We're on the right track sure enough." He said. Then grinned.
"What say we pay a midnight visit to that Taxidermist? I can get us in sure."
"You too huh? I suppose we better move on this with all possible Stealth and caution. If there's a secret way out of the manse, lets take that, hopefully we can carry some element of surprise."
A couple of days after your last discussion with Lavinia, a message finds you, asking you to meet at her estate. Kora meets you at the front door and invites you into the foyer. The elderly halfling apologizes on behalf of her mistress, as the Lady of the house is not there to meet with you in person, having been called away to meet with some creditors.
"My Lady," Kora continues, "wanted you to know that she has rectified your staffing issue and hopes that the new member will an asset in your endeavor."
She gestures to another halfling standing to one side, watching you all with interest.
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Phineas braces himself. This is the moment he’s been waiting for. Here in this foyer. He had rehearsed of course, but never in front of an audience. A lingering silence snaps Phineas back to the reality of their presence. He raises a hand, politely:
“Greetings, companions! Please forgive my forthwith nature, but in the spirit of transparency, and being that we may soon together find ourselves sharing frigid beds with gods of death, I feel it is necessary I tell you I seek notoriety and much of it. But big things have small beginnings—my stature notwithstanding—and if glory begins in your company, so be it! In due time the bonds of our camaraderie will be unbreakable. And glory be the glue!”
Phineas shuffles over to the group.
"Ahoy there matey!" Grinned Jon as he grasped Phineas' hand and shook it vigorously. "Spinnaker Jon's the name! Yer came at a good time, as we're fixin' ta secretly sneak inta a taxidermist shop ta-night. Speakin' o' notoriety an' glory, might we know what ta call ya?"
"Glory... be the glue...?! Hah! Fair words fellow!" Kellan stands separate making no move to shake hands but he does toss an obvious wink to the halfling before chuckling to himself: "Balance may be found in many ways, and I'spose being so low to the ground may help said balance. Welcome indeed!"