GMF's Savage Tide

Game Master Fanguar

Ukufa stoically waits for the others to finish their questions, then nods toward the direction of the Harbourmasters office;

"Answers lie within. Paperwork. Words."

Bhru tags along with the others, allowing those with more social grace to lead the way.

'Git what ye can out of 'im lad. But we got to git on that ship someway.'

[b] “If you want you can speak with the dock master. I can ask around. Might be able to get as much information as we need that way.”

if there is no objection Renac goes and tries to ask around the dockhands, trying to ask around without being blatant about it.

1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

@Renac: Gather information check will take 1d4 ⇒ 3 hours and doesn't turn up any more than confirmation that Sollar Vark is a harbour agent.

Those of the party interested, head into the rather impressive administrative building from which the habour is managed. Beyond the heavy oak doors lies a small foyer lined with simple wooden chair, in which are seated a few men in nautical attire. Beyond it are several desks overseen by bustling clerks, which are 'guarded' by a somewhat lager and raised front desk.

At the front desk is seated an older, bearded gentleman in official looking clothes busily scribbling in a ledger. He glances up briefly at the sound of the door, before returning to his work.

Kellan marches confidently straight up to the desk 'guarding' the clerks and announces himself loudly to no one in particular, "Kellan Ved, of Ved Mercantile, to see the harbor master on a time sensitive matter." He begins to inspect his nails as he taps his foot impatiently.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

His announcement proclaimed he twists slightly to check the heel of his boot and tosses a surreptitious wink towards the party...

The clerk doesn't look up from his scribbling, "I would ask if you had an appointment, but if you did, you wouldn't be here, since Lord Islaran is not in the building."

At the clerk's pronouncement, a well dressed man in foreign clothing jumps to his feet, "He's not here!?" He says in heavily accented common. "You told me he would see me at his earliest convenience!"

The clerk turns his attention to the distraught man, "Indeed he shall, my good sir. I'm sure he'll be able to squeeze you in sometime next week."

The other man's face darkens with fury and he storms out of the building.

The clerk barely raises an eyebrow at the display before turning back to the party, "Shall I pencil you in for an appointment, or perhaps there is something that I could assist you with?"

Katigar trails behind Kellan into the administrative building. She folds her arms across her chest and sternly stares down the clerk.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

At the back of the group, Ukufa watches the interplay, then wordlessly slips back out on the street in the wake of the irate foreigner;

Stealth (if needed): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Knowldge (Geography) - Attempting to discern his culture or place his accent: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (17) + 7 = 24

To see if the Lord is actually out...
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

"My parents, founders of Ved Mercantile, always told me Lord Islaran knew how to hire good help." This time Kellan is quite obvious with his wink. "I'm here to enquire about a certain agent in your Lord's employ who comes highly recommended for discreet work. You see that dwarf standing back there," Kellan waves in Bhru's direction without turning,"he is an emissary of the Angraddian temple. They sell some of the finest goods of dwarven, errr, finding, and some other things of... well let's just say it's not armour cleaning agents, but it is highly valuable. Our shipment will arrive as soon as we send word to the boat offshore but we needs find us some trustworthy and swarthy guards to guard said ship while we arrange buyers. The dwarves of course will have their own crew but my parents always said 'Hire Locals to ensure Totals!' So, do you think perchance you could get us a meeting today with the Lord? Or perhaps a meeting with the agent my parents recommended to me, Soller Vark is his name, to save the Lord some time. It will be in all parties' best interest if it happened today." Yet another wink for good measure.

That's about a minute... Try for a Diplomacy to improve the guys attitude towards Kellan/party
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20

Bhru head nods quickly before jerking it back to attention at the mention of his surname. The mention of ships makes him a bit queezy and he excuses himself from the office.

He heads outside, absorbing the salty air he takes the last precious swig of ale.

@Ukufa:The man isn't really paying attention to you, so you can follow him easily. You note that his clothing is characteristic of sailors from The Principality of Ulek.

The man sighs with exasperation, and leans forward.

"Look friend, I would love to help you, but Lord Islaran is not here. Truth be told, the old man's health is failing and he is rarely in these days. When he does make it to the office, it's to meet with members of the Dawn Council and that is about it. I can make you an appointment, but realistically the old man will cancel it."

"I'm sure Ved Mercantile is very important and Dwarven deities are not to be trifled with, but when the ship arrives, it will wait for a berth to open up, just like everyone else."

He looks at a ledger.

"The current wait is three to four days for cargo ships, but waits up to a week are not unusual. Mooring in the harbour costs 5 gold per night and docking fees are 25 gold per night, assuming standard tonnage. If you expect to be doing much business in the city, or plan on trading in perishable goods, I recommend that you register with one of the local mercantile guilds. Membership fees can be upwards of five thousand gold per year, but guild members do get priority berthing."

"Unloading will be handled by the longshoreman. You can swing by their offices to arrange for their services in advance if you need a quick turnaround. Again, they have contracts with the local guilds to provide preferential service."

"The name Vark does sound familiar, but the turn over has been pretty high lately, so I couldn't say for sure. If you want, I could check with payroll to see if someone by that name is employed as a harbour agent. Though if you need to pay any outstanding fees, you may do so here and I would be happy with that. Alternatively, if you want to leave a message or letter, I can pass it along."

Try another sense Motive on whether or not this guy knows anything about Vark... May need to invest some ranks... and roll better...
Sense Motive: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2

"Well that is somewhat vexing, nonetheless I appreciate the assistance. I'll need to confer with my companions a moment, if you'll excuse me."

Kellan turns around expecting three companions and is visibly taken
aback that only Katigar remains, partially from the surprise and partially from Katigar's glower levelled square at the clerk. Kellan recovers to step close to Katigar, his back to the clerk, and says in a lowered voice. "I may be at a loss here, the family name is apparently in worse disrepair than I thought... I'm also unsure this fellow knows anything of value. Perhaps revealing the ship name Vark is on will shake something loose, what do you think? I suspect he's willing to help but I'll need to be more direct... Looking past the stalwart half-orc Kellan asks, "Where did Bhru and Ukufu go? They'll be more helpful than I if we must resort to storming the ship."

With his back turned on the clerks Kellan casts Guidance on himself, keeping his gestures from the clerks while uttering the verbal component as low as his hushed words with Katigar.

Ukufa maintains a distance from the man, but continues to tail him...

(Most likely this is a wild goose chase, but who knows :)

@Kellan: Nothing about the man suggests that he is being insincere.

@Ukufa: The man continues along the docks for a distance before entering one of the nicer establishments that line the shore front. A gilded sign of a half-lion/half-fish creature (sea cat) hangs outside the establishment.

@all:Just to remind you all that Lavinia, a noble and actual member of the city's Dawn Council, had no luck trying to deal with the harbourmaster.

At Kellan's address of her name Katigar jolts out of her near trance. Her eyes flit briefly in his direction then rest back on the harbormaster.

"Ufuka slipped out on some kind of mission and Bhru is...not doing anything useful as far as I can tell... " she watches as Bhru rattles his flask around upsidedown, beating the last drop of ale onto his tongue. She keeps her tone low and begins to turn toward the door, "I suggest we go with the dwarf's idea. This old man seems like a dead end."

She exits the building and continues down toward Bhru.

As the duo exits the office Bhru tucks his dented flask back into its holder, and dabs some sweat off his brow,

'Not much luck in there lad, might'n be wary usin my name. Any keen would come to realize they ain't 'erd of us cause we don be existing in these parts. Fer the boat, let's wait till nightfall and make our own way, Miss Vinia dint hire us to talk to anyone if ye know what i mean.'

With a short laugh Bhru slaps Ved roughly in the thigh.

my vote is wait until nightfall and find a way on board. Like gm said. Diplomacy didn't get the noble anywhere.. was worth a shot though!

Yup, seems like the hints are in, sorry this didnt pan out.

"Aye, I thought we could talk our way on, or talk Varks way off. The harbor master may be a dead end but someone needs steer the ship." Another wink to his companions. "Ahh well, let's try the covert action, I've become accustomed to shadow..."

Nightfall and a stolen boat sound fine to me, Kellan'll follow the group on this one.

sounds good with me as well. Just plz no swimming lol.

Suspecting the gilded man's appearance was little more than coincidence, the Jasdian returns to her newfound companions.

She notes them gathering outside the office and decides to test their powers of observation and alertness...

Stealth (approach party): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

@Ukufa: Based on the party's passive perceptions, none of them notice your return, until you wish to be noticed.

@All: not saying you can't go about it that way, but I can't imagine you want to RP navigating the crippling bureaucracy that currently grips the city's harbour administration. Besides, if you recall, time is somewhat of the essence.

Our motley group of hired hands decides to reconvene under the cloak of darkness to proceed with more clandestine investigations. Several hours are spent in preparation, or whiled away in any of the area's taverns. Close observation of the Blue Nixie detects movement onboard, though at that distance, details are hard to make out.

As evening falls, the waterfront's traffic shifts from longshoremen and labourers to a rowdier crowd of drunken sailors and those who prey upon them. The district watch is on full display, with frequent patrols passing by, serving to keep the drunken chaos to a manageable level.

Out on the Nixie, a lantern as been lit on deck, beckoning from out in the darkness.

Before the Grand Planning

Ukufa stern gaze flits over the group as they reunite, and her tone is disapproving;

"Next time my step could be foe's step. My knife foe's knife. Remember this."

During the Grand Planning

The Jasdian sits stoically as is her want. She merely nods an affirmation when it is required or merited.

After the Grand Planning

Back out on the waterfront Ukufa nods toward the wharf and the boats moored there;

"Find acceptable boat. Not steal. We hire or buy. Have coin."

For the whiling away... and the planning if need be

Kellan begs off of the planning stating boats and stealing aren't his forte and arranges a time to meet the group. He then attempts to gather any info on Vark, narrowing his search to pubs, inns, and bawdy houses; his focus on Vark's night time haunts, pursuits, and particular 'ladies' Vark may frequent...

Gather Information: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Well that went well, a name of a particular lady or establishment would be fantastic if warranted... @GMF I'd like to try to convince any "companion" that knows Vark (or any prostitute that is willing to "know" Vark) that they should accompany us for a ship side (or maybe even dock_end_side) "visit" as I'd heard rumours that the crew on the Blue Nixie were growing bored but making a bunch of coin and unable to spend it on shore till their assignment was over... If this requires a Suggest Action then the first roll is at a -10 opposed but I'm hoping its believable enough that they just come along at the assigned time.

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (7) + 8 = 15
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Coming back after his failed investigation Renac follows suit after the group to wait till nightfall. He spends some coin on drink, looking forlorn at the coppers that he spends.

As they go to make their way back to the docks Renac nods to the Touv woman. "No need to ruin some poor fisherman's lively hood by stealing his boat. I'm sure somebody is willing to give us a ride for some coin."

He takes stock of the boats that seem manned and goes toward one that seems big enough and still available.

@Kellan: Finding a prostitute that at least claims to know Vark is easily accomplished. Any that work at an official brothel aren't allowed to take external commissions. Paying for a private engagement though a brothel is probably a bit outside your budget. On the other hand, finding an independent contractor willing to take the job is not difficult. You find one willing to do it for 3 gold, but wants half up front.

@All: There are plenty of longboats servicing the harbour. After talking to a couple, you find one willing ferry the party out to the ship for 1 gold. It's a decent sized boat, with a man at the tiller and four more stout lads manning the oars, easily big enough to hold you all. Being an official water taxi, a bright lantern hangs from the prow to prevent any accidental collisions out on the water.

Ukufa presents the water taxi-master with his fare of 1 gold, then offers a further 2 gold for them to dispense with the lantern;

"For 3 Gold. No lantern."

She nods stoically toward Bhru;

"Scruffy dwarf will be your eyes. Deal?"

Renac smiles to the captain of their boat. “An extra 2 gold and this whole exchange never happened once we leave, sound good?”

Bhru squints as Ukufa offers his eyesight,

'Aye, i'll guide ye.'

He knocks lightly on his armor,

'Jus' don't tip us over'

Kellan grows even further discouraged as he realizes that any one of the professionals he's dug up would pretend to be his dead mother for the right price and decides the last coins weighing down his purse are probably better spent elsewhere. He joins the crew as they bargain over prices.

Wincing over the lost gold, Katigar whispers to Bhru "we could have taken a boat and had it back here before anyone noticed I'm sure..."

She eyes the others and readies herself to board.

The captain takes the coin and hoods the lantern. "If we get fined for piloting without proper illumination, you're paying it." To Renac he says, "I always make a point of not seeing or hearing anything. It's a wonder that there's not more accidents out on the water."

With the party onboard, they untie and shove off. "Now give a shout if you catch sight of any other moonlight travelers, or this will be a quick trip."

Under your direction the boat navigates the docks, heading for the deeper waters where the Blue Nixie is anchored. As you near, you can see a pair of individuals idling patrolling the deck of the ship.

Bhru grips the side of the boat nervously as they approach the Nixie,

'No shoutin' tonight lad'

The dwarf looks for any part of the boat that they might be able to scale,

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (13) - 1 = 12

Are the guards in any particular spot or patrolling? Ppssible to climb a side of a boat while they are away?

Kellan whispers to the boat, "Well, here we are, I s'pose we're rushing it, yea? I'm not much for hand to hand but I could distract the guards while we board, shall I do it on board or off?" He tosses a casual wink to Bhru knowing the others may not catch it in the gloom.

Kellan looks above and listens, hoping to discern where the guards are relative to their position.

Perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (10) - 1 = 9

Are we approaching the bow, stern, midship? Also is this like a big ole classic ocean fairing sailing ship or closer to a trireme? Trying to discern how far up to the side rails from our boat.

Renac keeps his eyes out as well, though keeps his hand on the falchion hanging off his hip. “We may need to search the entire ship. I’d be ready for a fight.”

Ukufa looks to the others with her deadpan expression and soft words;

"Need diversion."

Still whispering she points towards the looming vessel;

"Ghost Sound cantrip? Dancing Light? Anyone?"

Katigar glances around, squinting against the darkness at the massive vessel before her. Running her thumb idly along the edge of one of her daggers and twisting her mouth in thought, she vacantly stares through her party members. At the mention of 'diversion' her eyes focus on Ukufa who is standing in front of her.

"Diversion? Sure..."

Katigar waits for the pair on the boat to patrol out of sight. She frees her dagger from its place on her hip, closes her eyes, and whispers a few indiscernable words under her breath. The dagger glows brilliantly, stark against the night. In one calculated motion she throws the dagger toward the bow, up onto the boat. The sound of it clattering onboard echos on the water.

She looks back to Ukufa and shrugs, "guess we better find a way up now."

Casting light on one of my daggers...trying to throw it as far from a ladder or...climbable place as possible to cause a distraction???

Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

Not sure if needed

@Bhru: They are periodically walking around the rails and looking out over the water. They aren't being particularly diligent about it, but there is no real pattern to it.

@Kellen: The Blue Nixie is a two-deck, single-mast cutter, running ~100 feet from bow to stern. You couldn't reach the railings from your longboat, but you could easily toss up a grappling hook and climb up a rope, or climb up the anchor chain. As you where you're approaching, that's up to the party.

@Katigar/all: Using that spell is going to light you all up like Christmas. Not saying you can't do it, but it's effectively lighting a torch and then throwing it into the water, so I just want to confirm that's what you want to do.

@all: In game, the transport is still a fair ways off from the ship. I wanted to give you the opportunity to tweak your game plan once you knew there were guards. If your taxi is going to take you to the Nixie, then I will be making a stealth check for the boat. Lots of options, sneaky, bumrush, bluff, etc. Combo of all three? Anyone have swim and climb as skills?

Ukufa doesn't have Climb or Swim (plan to take ranks in each next level), however she's got a base +2 in each, so can run with that. Sneaking aboard (Anchor chain, then Stealth +8) is her preference. However straight up assault and securing the upper deck would be an option.

Spellcraft: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Recognising the incantation for Light then stoic ranger turns back toward the Slayer, eyes stern;

"Hold."

She whispers her clipped reasoning to the group;

"Guile needed. You and stinky dwur have night eyes."

The hunter gestures in the gloom toward the Nixie in the distance;

"They no see in dark. Advantage is ours. Guile yes?"

Bhru hides a muffled chuckle through a plated fist as the two debate tactics.

He gestures broadly to his outfit,

'I'm not one fer sneakin, you two go ahead then. Signal when I can clamber up.'

I have a skill point in climb but not dexterous so would be best to send the sneaky folks up first. To deal with the two guards more quietly if possible.

Katigar stops mid incantation and jerks her head toward Ukufa.

“First you want a diversion, now you don’t...” she shakes her head, her mouth a tight frustrated line.

I figured if they weren’t looking at the water it’d be safe to cast light. I have a decent enough dexterity and I can see in the dark...so could try to sneak aboard as well. I don’t have any points in climb. As for how to get closer to the boat without being noticed I am at a loss.

Kellan is... Dextrous and so fairly stealthy but weak as a kitten and no points in climb. However...

Kellan is unable to clearly see the exchange but can hear the results, he interjects in a whisper, "Ghost sound, sure, could do, how about a dire rat on the deck? Still need to get on board too... anchor chain?"

Ukufa nods at Kellen words;

"Ghost sound or Rat. Something to draw guards away. Keep occupied."

She pauses, mulling her next words;

"Then we climb chain."

"We'll need to get much closer for this to be anywhere near the guards or boat, take us to the anchor man." Kellan whispers to the group and then to the Captain of their erstwhile pirate ship.

Kellan preps himself to cast his cantrip as far as possible from their position the moment the guards give any sign they suspect 'visitors' or as they reach the anchor chain. Ideally the four voices will be heard heatedly muttering on the other side of the boat. Hopefully that'll get 'em safely up the chain. Better prep a summoned creature just in case they need help with those last few feet. Doubt this is what the ol Master summoner had in mind at the academy...

Preps as per above, cantrip then spell (dire rat) if a guard notices climbers. Kellan will go last up the chain with buckler stored, here's a stealth roll if needed (forgot about armor checks, not so stealthy either...).

Stealth: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Renac sits in the boat the loom of a man watching a large storm brew around him. His mind wanders as he listens, How have I ended up here? I once had everything I needed, and had opportunity at my fingertips. Now I’m scrounging for coin with mercenaries and other strangers. as he finishes this he realizes the plan seems formed for the most part and his moment for input is gone. He shrugs it off and settles for his adding his two copper instead.

”I’m not one who’s good or desires hiding. But I can climb and if need be swim well enough with my armor.”

Was gone for the weekend starting Friday my bad for no notice. I have no dex and no ranks in stealth so it’ll be abysmal if I try. I don’t have ranks in Climb or swim but have enough str to negate the armor penalty at least.

Kellan re-positions himself near the Captain and whispers, "Some of us will be err, disembarking soon," a customary wink despite the gloom, "but please try to be stealthy and glide as far as possible towards the aft of the ship. Once they're away I'll light the lantern and we'll move amidships." To the party in the darkness he whispers, "Let me help you disembark, I'll help guide your progress as you do."

Small help it'll be but better then no help at all.

Kellan'll still plan for Ghost Sound as above (scratch Summon) but would also like to touch each disembarking person with Guidance. If it'll help he'd Guidance the crew as well for stealth.

Ok, I think our strike team is just Ufuka and Katigar.

To save myself some headaches I'm not going to worry about boat stealth

The small boat paddles over to the anchor chain and the party infiltrators disembark. Stealth team, please give me a climb check and a stealth check.

Moving some distance away, you relight the pilot lantern, marking the water taxi as it moves towards the Blue Nixie. Your approach is noticed, but you are not hailed.

Boat team what do you do?

Climb: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 = 22
Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Ukufa scales the anchor chain with connsumate ease, but as she lands on deck the hunter freezes concerned she may have alerted the guards...

Climb: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Stealth: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Katigar attempts to follow behind Ukufa, her face twisted in jealousy at how effortless the tall woman made the whole endeavor seem. She grabs the chain and begins her ascent. Halfway up it fumbles through her hands and she starts to slip toward the water...

uh oh...

Kind of leaving it up to Kellan to determine what we do as the boat team .. Bhru kinda just stuck chillin for now..

Sod it, go for the obvious. Hope Vark doesnt like patrolling his own deck.

"Ahoy Blue Nixie, permission to board? We've a message for your boss from his boss and I suspect he'll have wanted it yesterday."

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (13) + 8 = 21

Kellan doesn't yell it but speaks loudly enough to be heard clearly on deck, if not below it. He shrugs and winks slyly at Bhru this time.

I don't suppose there are any boarding ladders visible now or obvious spots for one?