You have been dispatched to meet Venture-Captain Istivil Bosk in Daggermark.
A tall, slim elf woman slips quietly into the room. She is followed by a little dinosaur. When she sits down, the dinosaur puts its head into her lap for scratches behind the eyes. When she obliges, the little thing makes a noise that somewhat resembles a growly purr. She looks down at the little dinosaur with obvious affection.
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Someone, a blonde girl, in silvery armor marked with a smiling sun symbol is already standing in the center of the room speaking.
"So there we were, would-be acolytes of Razmir to the right of us; thuggish masked clergymen the left. And it fell to me prove that we somehow belonged to the cult or we would be tortured or worse. So I did what any highly trained field agent of the Pathfinder Society would do, I ran off and got my disguise kit. I handed out a bunch of clothes, hats, helmets, a Shoanti headdress and a bunch of fake facial hair to the rest of the team. Told them to put them on and then rushed over to the harpsichord to find the right key. Like this: ♬ la, la, la. ♬ And then I started to sing."
Satisfied, she has everyone's attention she goes on, her voice rising in song.
"♬ Young man, there's no need to feel down.
I said, young man, pick yourself off the ground.
I said, young man, 'cause we're comin' to your town
There's no need to be un-happy. ♬
...
♬ Young man, when you're short on gold.
You can stay here, whether it's hot or it's cold.
You can stay here, and I'm sure you will find
Many ways to have a good time. ♬
("EVERYBODY NOW!")
♬ It's fun to pray to the R-A-Z-MIR.
It's fun to pray to the R-A-Z-MIR. ♬
...
♬ They have everything for young folks in their barracks,
You can hang out with all the masked clerics... ♬
...
♬ It's fun to pray to the R-A-Z-MIR.
It's fun to pray to the R-A-Z-MIR. ♬
...
♬ You can get your soul clean, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel... ♬
...
♬ Young man, are you listening to me?
I said, young man, what do you want to be?
I said, young man, you can make real your dreams.
But you got to know this one thing! ♬
...
♬ No man does it all by himself.
I said, young man, put your self-respect on the shelf,
And just give yourself, to the R-A-Z-MIR.
You can trust him to be very sincere. ♬
...
♬ It's fun to pray to the R-A-Z-MIR.
It's fun to pray to the R-A-Z-MIR. ♬
...
♬ They have everything for young folks in their barracks,
You can hang out with all the masked clerics... ♬
...
♬ It's fun to pray to the R-A-Z-MIR.
It's fun to pray to the R-A-Z-MIR. ♬
...
♬ You can get your soul clean, you can have a good meal,
You can do whatever you feel... ♬
...
♬ Young man, I was once in your shoes.
I said, I was down and out with the blues.
I felt no man cared if I were alive.
I felt the whole world was so jive... ♬
...
♬ That's when a masked man came up to me,
And said, young man, take a walk up the street.
There's a place there, the church of the R-A-Z-MIR.
He's way better than all those gods of yesteryear. ♬
...
♬ It's fun to pray to the R-A-Z-MIR.
It's fun to pray to the R-A-Z-MIR. ♬
...
♬ They have everything for young folks in their barracks,
You can hang out with all the masked clerics... ♬
...
♬ R-A-Z-MIR... you'll find your best self with the R-A-Z-MIR. ♬
...
♬ Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground. ♬
...
♬ R-A-Z-MIR... you'll find your best self with the R-A-Z-MIR. ♬
...
♬ Young man, young man, there's no need to feel down.
Young man, young man, get yourself off the ground. ♬
...
♬ R-A-Z-MIR... save your soul with the R-A-Z-MIR. ♬
...
♬ Young man, young man, are you listening to me?
Young man, young man, what do you wanna be? ♬
As she sings she performs a little dance pantomiming the Taldane letters for R, A, Z, and giving a confused shrug for the end syllable.
"I think they still use it to this day when they're out recruiting." she says and smiles in obvious pride.
After receiving the assignment from Venture-Captain Adril Hestram in Absalom, being handed correspondence from faction leaders, traveling for weeks across the Inner Sea and up the lengthy Sellen River, and with barely an hour to adjust to Daggermark’s sights and sounds, the Venture-Captain of Daggermark now paces back and forth across cramped quarters crammed full of maps, books, and adventuring gear.
Faction Handouts now posted on Slides.
"I think they still use it to this day when they're out recruiting." she says and smiles in obvious pride.
“Your timing is perfect, friend,” says Istivil Bosk, the Venture-Captain of Daggermark in the River Kingdoms, as he pauses from his pacing. The elderly man with graying hair and a pinched, weathered face waves a parchment in his hand, then resumes his pace.
Picture of Bosk is now on Slides.
"Your timing is all the more," Bosk explains to the other party members.
“I received another letter just yesterday.” He holds up another stack of letters. “It’s from the Black Marquis—I believe his real name is Bazzak—the leader of a band of brigands surreptiously known as the Pirate Pact. In all of these letters, he claims to need our help and offers us The Memoirs of the Silver Brotherhood, a rare text—maybe the rarest—in exchange. The Society tried for years to track it down and now Bazzaks claims to be ready to give it to us. I’m sending you north to Deadbridge near the Echo Wood to meet this Black Marquis and offer him your help with whatever it is he needs. I want this book, and you’ll get it for me."
And so the mission travels north along the Sellen River, to the aptly named village of Deadbridge, a rundown hamlet partially built on wharves. It is there, in a rundown antique manor house where stands Urdul Bazzak, the Black Marquis.
“I rule the Pirate Pact and with it the stretch of the Sellen River between here and Numeria,” proudly states the portly little man. “The waterways are the lifeblood of the River Kingdoms, so you must understand that any menace to the river is a menace to the balance of power.”
The Black Marquis stops and quickly looks to his left and right before leaning in and continuing in hushed tones. “Unless someone deals with this threat soon, I could lose everything. Normally I would rely on my most trusted lieutenants, but …” Bazzak sits up, regains some composure, and resumes. “The book I’m willing to trade for your service—The Memoirs of the Silver Brotherhood—contains information about an Azlanti treasure vault deep within the Echo Wood. That’s where I sent my most trusted lieutenants. Only, on their way they were waylaid by spiders and abominations and only one returned alive. Lady Riverbane sent out another ship upon her return, the Hanspur’s Luck, to search for my men. The Luck hasn’t returned either.”
Bazzak points to the only other person in the room, a raven-haired beauty standing in a corner. “Lady Riverbane is my most trusted second, and she will take one of my best ships and guide you back to the Azlanti vault. Rid the river of these monstrous spiders and their abominations, find the Hanspur’s Luck, and uncover the whereabouts of my men, and the book is yours. Do it quickly, do it quietly, and do it before the rest of the Pact realize I’ve sent my best men on fools’ errands that may have killed them all."
Pictures of the Bazzak and Lady Riverbane now on Slides.
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“I received another letter just yesterday.” He holds up another stack of letters. “It’s from the Black Marquis—I believe his real name is Bazzak—the leader of a band of brigands surreptiously known as the Pirate Pact. In all of these letters, he claims to need our help and offers us The Memoirs of the Silver Brotherhood, a rare text—maybe the rarest—in exchange. The Society tried for years to track it down and now Bazzaks claims to be ready to give it to us. I’m sending you north to Deadbridge near the Echo Wood-
"The where?" interjects Lauranna.
“I rule the Pirate Pact and with it the stretch of the Sellen River between here and Numeria,” proudly states the portly little man. “The waterways are the lifeblood of the River Kingdoms, so you must understand that any menace to the river is a menace to the balance of power.”
The Black Marquis stops and quickly looks to his left and right before leaning in and continuing in hushed tones. “Unless someone deals with this threat soon, I could lose everything. Normally I would rely on my most trusted lieutenants, but …” Bazzak sits up, regains some composure, and resumes. [b]“The book I’m willing to trade for your service—The Memoirs of the Silver Brotherhood—contains information about an Azlanti treasure vault deep within the Echo Wood."
"Where?" interrupts Lauranna.
A little bit later still.
"Can we see the book?"
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Zzorn arrives slightly late, but still within the acceptable time. Upon seeing Lauranna spin her tale and song, he applauds vigorously, adding "Bravo, BRAVO! Lady Cindel, if I'm not mistaken yes? your reputation precedes you, and has not been exaggerated. Allow me to purchase a round for you and the rest of our assembly in honor of this fine song, tonight after the meeting if I may?"
"I want this book, and you’ll get it for me."
"Of course Venture-Captain. We will do our best. Do you have a description of the book's appearance, and whether or not our mages and priests have deemed it magical in nature?"
Following the Venture-Captain's additional details, Zzorn leads the party to a fine restaurant by the most direct route and upon arriving - this was Daggermark, after all - orders immediately five items from the menu at random, paying extra for a 'rush' order. In hushed tones, he adds, leaning towards Lady Cindel, "Please tell me you have a subtle way to detect poisons yes?"
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“Lady Riverbane is my most trusted second, and she will take one of my best ships and guide you back to the Azlanti vault. Rid the river of these monstrous spiders and their abominations, find the Hanspur’s Luck, and uncover the whereabouts of my men, and the book is yours. Do it quickly, do it quietly, and do it before the rest of the Pact realize I’ve sent my best men on fools’ errands that may have killed them all."
"Your Lordship, Milady; Visbaron Zzorn Eilif, at your service. I believe I speak for everyone here when I say that we are honored that you have contacted the Pathfinder Society to assist you in this most delicate of endeavors. We will do our utmost to retrieve your men. Know that while our employer will no doubt appreciate your gesture of gratitude in regards to the rare Memoirs you have pledged to donate, the support we are providing you with this task comes willingly and free of charge, normal rules of legal salvage notwithstanding, of course. As you said, the balance of power in the area must be maintained and the flow of trade and people must continue unabated.
I am sure that Lady Riverbane here has detailed information and descriptions of all of those who have gone missing in action yes? Oh, and do you have additional information on the monsters who may have defeated them? what kind of spider or creatures are we dealing with? are there means to prepare against poison in your lovely town? purveyors of antitoxins and commonly known serums and the like?
Finally, Your Lordship, some of my contacts in Oppara wish for me to harvest a rare poison that can only be found in the venom sacs of one of your local variety of spiders... yes, the large ones that are commonly referred to as 'giant spiders', although I'm aware of the misnomer... Do you know some locals who could teach me how to do it properly and who could sell me the proper tools to do it? with your permission, of course..."
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A grey skinned Tengu wearing dark leathers, and a big hat both covered with studs of obsidian, and a black feathered cloak can be seen standing in the corner listening carefully to the missive. He's impressed by the free spirited cleric, a welcome sight to the normal uptight and down to business types he used to. He stands with one hand on his hip and the other on the pommel of his rapier. A dark wooded bow and quiver can barely be spotted protruding from his cloak. Ma'am I'd like to say I'm sorry, I know it's tough, but we will do everything we can to bring your friends back. I'm afraid time is of the essence though. Driskarr turns to the group.
Its nice to meet yuns. I'm Driskarr, I have some casting abilities, but I tend to like to get intimate with my quarry. You can see now that he's closer, he has a half mask that covers his face just below his eyes and over his beak. Sharp black talons extend from his hands as he taps them on his hilt and his eyes are solid black.I look forward to workin with yuns and seeing what yer all about.
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Zzorn arrives slightly late, but still within the acceptable time. Upon seeing Lauranna spin her tale and song, he applauds vigorously, adding "Bravo, BRAVO! Lady Cindel, if I'm not mistaken yes? your reputation precedes you, and has not been exaggerated. Allow me to purchase a round for you and the rest of our assembly in honor of this fine song, tonight after the meeting if I may?"
"SURE! 'A round' what?"
Its nice to meet yuns. I'm Driskarr, I have some casting abilities, but I tend to like to get intimate with my quarry. You can see now that he's closer, he has a half mask that covers his face just below his eyes and over his beak. Sharp black talons extend from his hands as he taps them on his hilt and his eyes are solid black.I look forward to workin with yuns and seeing what yer all about.
"Aaafter we see the book." says Lauranna smiling sweetly.
“I’m sending you north to Deadbridge near the Echo Wood-
"The where?" interjects Lauranna.
"Echo Wood," repeats the Venture-Captain, before he continues with his briefing.
“The book I’m willing to trade for your service—The Memoirs of the Silver Brotherhood—contains information about an Azlanti treasure vault deep within the Echo Wood."
"Where?" interrupts Lauranna.
"Echo Wood," repeats the Black Marquis. "Echo Wood is a forest located in north-western River Kingdoms known to be home to crumbling Azlanti ruins. Echo Wood is also home to monstrous spiders who are said to be building their nests within the ruins."
"Can we see the book?"
The Black Marquis pauses for a moment. "I suppose there is no harm in doing so, but I must insist that you refrain from laying a hand upon it until you have delivered on your part of the deal. I have been told that it has previously been stolen from one or more of its previous owners," The portly man retrieves an ancient, fraying manuscript, bound in a black cover.
"Behold, The Memoirs of the Silver Brotherhood!" he declares, clutching the book tightly as he slowly turns a few of it yellowed pages to show its authenticity.
"I am sure that Lady Riverbane here has detailed information and descriptions of all of those who have gone missing in action yes? Oh, and do you have additional information on the monsters who may have defeated them? what kind of spider or creatures are we dealing with? are there means to prepare against poison in your lovely town? purveyors of antitoxins and commonly known serums and the like?"
"I will do my best to describe the missing, Lady Riverbane replies. "As for the monsters who defeated them, it was indeed a pack of giant spiders that ambushed the expedition, slaying everyone but myself. I believe I survived only because they thought me already dead. Had they not already satiated themselves on the others, they surely would have devoured me on the spot. Fortunately for me, they left me be, trapped for later consumption. I made sure not to be there when they returned."
"Do you know some locals who could teach me how to do it properly and who could sell me the proper tools to do it? with your permission, of course..."
"What you describe could be done with little effort by one properly experienced or trained in either basic anatomy or common hazards of the natural world," notes the Black Marquis. "There are plenty poisoners in Daggermark that could provide more nuanced expertise, but they are jealously reluctant to share the finer points of their craft, particularly with outsiders, and word is that their art could take months, if not years, to learn."
Following the audience with the Black Marquis, you are free to roam the streets of Deadbridge before heading for the docks; however, there appears to be little to learn about Bazzak or his lieutenant from the suspicious townsfolk.
components.
Eventually, you rendezvous with the Black Marquis’s ship: the Scrag Fisher, a 50-foot long, single-masted vessel rigged with a lugsail. When you arrive, Lady Riverbane and several able-bodied sailors are already on board preparing for departure.
"Welcome aboard, Pathfinders!" Lady Riverbane cries. "You'll be joining my crew: Andrezi, Esmerelda, Fox, Thorpe, Tormer, and Viorel. Buccaneers all! And, I believe, a most loyal crew."
[spoiler=Diplomacy to Gather Information (DC 13) re Larkus]You learn that Larkus Lockinvar was part of the ill-fated expedition into Echo Wood.
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Zzorn takes in the sights and chats with the townsfolk in a relaxed manner while waiting for their ferry to be ready. While purchasing a bag of mixed nuts - all already shelled by local workers, then combined with several local varieties of dried fruits, which was a wonderful idea he thought! - he is then convinced to try various local brandies and other smaller samples of various regional liqueurs. Upon imbibing the last few samples, one of which a green and sweet minty alcoholic concoction, he is then informed that...
...the inventor of the said concoction is an alchemist going by the name of Zukka Nephmet - who left a few days ago on a boat named the Hanspur's Luck, coincidentally also bound for the Echo Wood! Upon sharing with the apothecary that he also shares the same destination in the days ahead, he also learns that one of the unlucky ones they've been sent to rescue went by the name 'Larkus Lockinvar'.
Returning to the group, Zzorn relays the information, and also adds, "Apparently this alchemist, Zukka Nephmet, regularly roams the forest to find herbal components- perhaps we will meet him along the way!"
As the group reaches the ship, he smiles upon receiving Lady Riverbane's warm welcome, saying, "It is an honor to travel with such a fine crew and captain, Lady Riverbane! on this ship, you have the gods' authority, and as such, you also have my sword, at your service! pleased to meet you as well, Andrezi, Esmerelda, Fox, Thorpe, Tormer, and Viorel. I am Zzorn. Let me know how I can help during this trip."
After a few moments, he takes Lady Riverbane aside and with hushed tones - while the rest of the crew mingles with the Pathfinders - adds, "Know anything about this Zukka Nephmet alchemist? apparently he left for the Echo Wood a few days ago on the Hanspur's Luck. Also, do you have information on a certain Larkus Lockinvar, one of the missing member of the previous expedition? what about the rest of that team? any information you may have on these people could help us down the road, Milady."
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"Can we see the book?"The Black Marquis pauses for a moment. "I suppose there is no harm in doing so, but I must insist that you refrain from laying a hand upon it until you have delivered on your part of the deal. I have been told that it has previously been stolen from one or more of its previous owners," The portly man retrieves an ancient, fraying manuscript, bound in a black cover.
"Behold, The Memoirs of the Silver Brotherhood!" he declares, clutching the book tightly as he slowly turns a few of it yellowed pages to show its authenticity.
Lauranna moves to try and bite the corner of it for authenticity. She's heard that's a thing that pirates do.
Following the audience with the Black Marquis, you are free to roam the streets of Deadbridge before heading for the docks; however, there appears to be little to learn about Bazzak or his lieutenant from the suspicious townsfolk.
Lauranna moves about the "Pirate Town" prefexing every sentence with an "ARRR" or a "Well shiver me timbers" looking to buy a peg leg, hook hand, eye patch, big pirate captain's bicorn, a talking tropical parrot, and a couple of potions of monkey fish.
Eventually, you rendezvous with the Black Marquis’s ship: the Scrag Fisher, a 50-foot long, single-masted vessel rigged with a lugsail. When you arrive, Lady Riverbane and several able-bodied sailors are already on board preparing for departure.
"Welcome aboard, Pathfinders!" Lady Riverbane cries. "You'll be joining my crew: Andrezi, Esmerelda, Fox, Thorpe, Tormer, and Viorel. Buccaneers all! And, I believe, a most loyal crew."
Lauranna swaggers aboard like a pirate cosplayer in full kit, with a long coat, waving her hook about. "ARRR ME MATIES! I be Bloody Bonnie Lauranna, the rootin tootinest pirate to ever sail the Seventh Sea™ an this be me first mate" she points to the agitated gull lashed to her shoulder and then flips her patch up to make sure he's still there. "Stabby McBloodeyes."
"You be Capt'n Reaverbane?" she says to the lady pirate chieftain. "And this I see is the long boat that will take us to our galleon!" she says of the Scrag Fisher. She looks around the bay eagerly for the larger ship.
Aboard, Lauranna shakes everyone on the crew's hand profusely nearly stabbing the first person with her hook.
When all is ready she mounts the highest bit of decking and shouts "ALRIGHT! TURN US TO STERN! HOIST THE MID-CASTLE, BATTEN DOWN THE AFT KEEL! AND SET COURSE FOR BLOOD ISLAND!" while gesturing back toward town.
Stabby McBloodeyes bites her in the ear, and crows about it.
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As Lauranna swtaggers about on her obviously-redundant peg-leg, she crashes straight into a strange man who had headed elsewhere.
He seems like a local - dressed in light armor of some strange dark plant-material over loose but practical clothing, a subtly beautiful cloak, and an assortment of light weapons that, while somewhat exotic, are not too out of place in a place like this - and and yet...not. Keleshite features are not exactly common in the River Kingdoms, and when's the last time you saw ANY human, Keleshite or otherwise, of such unearthly pallor? And where did that soft breeze suddenly come from...?
"Oh! Ummm...YARRR, terribly sorry...cap'n. I'll be hoistin' me sails toward the horizon, now, shall I?"
He picks himself up with inhuman ease, and is about to continue on...until he looks at something in his hand that causes him to slowly turn back to Lauranna.
"Uhhh...'Cap'n'? I believe this is yours," He says as he hands her a Token of the Open Road. HER Token of the Open Road. As well as a handful of candies, loose change, and small knickknacks that had been much too securely stored among her things to have all jumped out by accident.
He takes a step back and with a flourish, produces another such token - and another copy of the very same missive the rest of you received.
"You must be my party! Welcome to Daggermark, my home-far-from-home for the last several months now! Allow me to introduce myself: I am Sirius, and..." He steps back to take in the rest of the party, deducing who they are with practiced alacrity. "From the looks of it, what your merry band needs is indeed in need of is a THIEF! None of this 'expert treasure-hunter' tinsel. I am at your service," He says as he finishes with a mockery of an ornate Qadiran bow.
Lauranna moves to try and bite the corner of it for authenticity. She's heard that's a thing that pirates do.
Seeing the Pathfinder lunging for the book, the Black Maquis tries desperately to pull the document out of the reach of her lunging teeth. He is not as successful as he had hoped and Lauranna manages to chew off a slight edge of paper. Though perhaps a bit more dry than she may have expected, the shred of a morsel sports a flavor akin to what one would anticipate from a page ripped from a very old book. Lauranna does not detect any magical auras emanating from the book.
"What manner of madness is this!" cries the Black Marquis, as he promptly places the document into a chest and seals it tightly with lock and key. "I do not know how things are done among you Pathfinders, but that is certainly not a thing that pirates do!"
Despite feeling that his trust has been violated, the lure of potential treasure and the mortal dangers posed by the venture keep the Black Marquis from rescinding his offer.
"Know anything about this Zukka Nephmet alchemist? apparently he left for the Echo Wood a few days ago on the [i]Hanspur's Luck. Also, do you have information on a certain Larkus Lockinvar, one of the missing member of the previous expedition? what aboutthe rest of that team? any information you may have on these people could help us down the road, Milady."...
“The Hanspur’s Luck?” Lady Riverbane replies, some surprise evident her voice. “Why, yes. I am familiar with the ship. My plan —before you Pathfinders were called in—was to launch another rescue expedition into the forest with the crew of the Hanspur’s Luck. Indeed, I had gone so far as to commission the ship at personal expense, before I received word of your coming.”
“The name Zukka Nephmet does not ring a bell, though I believe there may have been an alchemist among the ship’s crew,” she continues, her mind deep in thought. “Sorry, I have nothing more to offer regarding that name.”
“As for Larkus Lockinvar, that is one I know,” she nods. “He served as one of the Black Marquis’ lieutenants and was among those on the previous expedition. He was a pretty one. Fancied himself a noble, though.”
The pirate woman leans in closely, saying in a hushed tone, “Just between you and me, his kind are rarely missed here in the River Kingdoms. Why--?”
Lady Riverbane pauses for a moment, as something on the highest bit of decking seems to catch her eye.
When all is ready she mounts the highest bit of decking and shouts "ALRIGHT! TURN US TO STERN! HOIST THE MID-CASTLE, BATTEN DOWN THE AFT KEEL! AND SET COURSE FOR BLOOD ISLAND!" while gesturing back toward town.
The pirate woman turns back towards Zzorn and quietly instructs through gritted teeth, “I suggest that if you Pathfinders wish to remain in my good graces that you gently remind that woman that she is not the captain of this ship--but, that I am.”
"Oh! Ummm...YARRR, terribly sorry...cap'n. I'll be hoistin' me sails toward the horizon, now, shall I?"
“You had better warn that one, too, adds Captain Riverbane.
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After his unsuccessful intimidation tactics, he heads back towards the dock to be met with the most amazing spectacle he's ever seen. Well, if I didn't irritate these people enough I'm sure she definitely did the trick... He thinks to himself, before continuing onward. He sees a fresh new face and introduces himself.hmm, I thought we were short a crew member. The names Driskarr, pleasure to meet ya. As you can see... He pauses to point to the pirating fiasco behind him.We make our presence known. Your skills will be welcomed. He pats Sirus on the shoulder and heads aboard. I didn't find anything out Cap'n I'm not exactly the most gifted in extracting information.He tips his hat to lady Riverbane and waits for the rest to come back.
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The pirate woman turns back towards Zzorn and quietly instructs through gritted teeth, “I suggest that if you Pathfinders wish to remain in my good graces that you gently remind that woman that she is not the captain of this ship--but, that I am.”
“You had better warn that one, too, adds Captain Riverbane.
"Oh no, Captain Riverbane. I am not in charge or responsible for the other Pathfinders here. Whatever title and responsibility I may have outside of the Pathfinder Society carries no authority outside of Taldor. If you must address discipline on your ship, I suggest you do so personally, directly and immediately. You see, I'm usually the funny one... comic relief and all... but in this case...", says Zzorn, looking at the pirate costume from one and hearing the declaration of thieving skills from another, "...I got nothing. They surpass any attempt at comedy I could ever try... I'll be up near the bow, serving as a spotter if that's ok with you; if not, tell me where I should go so that I do not hinder your crew, MIlady."
With that, Zzorn nods at the Captain, installs himself comfortably near the bow, and stays well out of her way and the crew's while they slip the boat off to the river.
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"I'll send for the porters now to collect the rest of my things. We'll probably need to make a second trip given the size of this dingy to get it all. Once that's done and we and stow our things in our stateroom I'll be able to entertain us all with some classic sailor shanties. In fact, I know just the one!" And before anyone can stop her she's off and singing.
Following Riverbanes warning, the Scrag Fisher leaves Deadbridge. Under the command of Lady Riverbane, the ship cuts a straight furrow into the lazy waters of the Sellen River, making good speed thanks to its industrious crew actively manning the ship’s sail and ropes.
Deadbridge is already far behind when the sharp-eyed Zzorn spots a single mast ship ahead made of oak and sporting square-rigged single sale.
“Sail Ho!”One of the robust sailors exclaims. He points ahead while turning toward Lady Riverbane standing at the helm. “It’s a cog, Milady. And it flies no colors should we tender these trespassers?”
Looking at the incoming vessel, Lady Riverbane answers in a stern voice: “Nay! Not today, man. We have our mission. We’ll stick to it.”
Without another word, the crew gets back to working the hawser and lanyards. As the two ships draw closer, the other craft’s pitiful state becomes obvious. With planks and riggings missing in places, sailors frantically move about the deck and appear to have difficulty steering their ship. As the two ships avoid collision and pass alongside each other, a shout rises— "Now!”—followed by a volley of grappling hooks from the other vessel. The Scrag Fisher is under attack!
Map of the River Battle now on Slides.
River thugs with bows in hand line the deck of the other ship as more river thugs with swords, some with planks in hand, look ready to rush the ship.
Pictures of River thugs now on Slides.
RIVER BATTLE! - Round One Begins!
Jaako
Lauranna
River thugs archers (black, green, purple)
Zzorn
Driskarr
Koani
Sirius
River thug archers (blue, red, yellow)
River thug swordsmen (blue, red, yellow)
River thug swordsmen (black, green, purple)
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"THIS IS GREAT! A REAL BOARDING PARTY! WE'LL NEED MUSIC!" she begins jumping up and down to get the boarders attention.
"THIS IS GONNA BE SO MUCH FUN!" she practically squeals to those nearby
"HAVE YOU GUYS EVER HEARD THIS ONE?" Lauranna shouts at the oncoming pirate gang.
She breaks into a new spoken word song and at first this is a relief to everyone as she has been singing the other one non-stop for the last three hours, but then they realize what the lyrics are.
Somehow the song and her little accompanying dance(?) is strangely enthralling.
River thugs with bows in hand line the deck of the other ship as more river thugs with swords, some with planks in hand, look ready to rush the ship.
And, the outlines of each of the river thugs appear blurred, shifting, and wavering. Empty vials lie at their feet.
As grappling hooks take hold Jaakko shoots musket "Oh, you want our ship? Not so easily thugs!"
The shot strikes an archer
"HAVE YOU GUYS EVER HEARD THIS ONE?" Lauranna shouts at the oncoming pirate gang.
She breaks into a new spoken word song...
"Let's go hunt! Doo doo doo doo doo doo!" declares one of the river thugs.
"I love to sing! I love to dance!" cries one of the archers.
"I prefer blood and coin!" cries another archer as she fires an arrow at the gunman. Another follows suit.
From her higher vantage, a third levels a shot at the singing Pathfinder.
RIVER BATTLE! - Round One Cont'd!
Jaako -4 HP
Lauranna
River thugs archers (black, green, purple)
Zzorn
Driskar
Koani
Sirius
River thug archers (blue, red, yellow)
River thug swordsmen (blue, red, yellow)
River thug swordsmen (black, green, purple)
|
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"I'm getting too old for this... WAIT FOR ME, MILORD!" says the old man with a rusty sword that had been checking on Zzorn periodically throughout the day. He jumps across the gap as well, barely making it and severely banging his left shin bone upon the sides of the boat. "OWWWWWWWWWWW! %#&@! for the love of &$^#%@$..."
"Board us? BOARD THEM!! RAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
Zzorn jumps the gap between the two ships and tackles the archer with red scarf, trying to send her into the water!
The rushing Pathfinder manages to push the archer back. Her foot falters for a moment, but she catches her balance and remains on the ship.
Koani shoots at red.
Koani's arrow finds purchase in the blurry pirate .
That should provide a good distraction for me... Driskarr step up and attempts to slash the grapnels from the ship.
The tengu tears through a two of the grapnels. However, the other four continue to the hold this ships together at present.
Ever the professional, Sirius is a model of sangfroid as he sets to work severing the nearest rope with his small but fearsome blade.
A third is cut, but the remaining three hold tight.
Surprised by the Pathfinder in their midst, two of the archers drop their bows and each draw finely-crafted scimitars. They strike in tandem against the boarder!
One draws blood!
Another targets the sylph.
From the deck, a pair of the distorted thugs drop planks. With blades in hand, they begin to make their way to the Scrag Fisher.
Others follow with a pair attempting to tumble past the tengu.
Another unwilling to face multiple foes at once, drops his blade, draws his bow, and fires an arrow at Sirius.
Yet another rushes to the upper deck to deal with Zzorn.
RIVER BATTLE! - Round Two Begins!
Jaako -4 HP
Lauranna
River thugs archers (black, green, purple)
Zzorn -6 HP
Driskar
Koani
Sirius
River thug archers (blue, red, yellow)
River thug swordsmen (blue, red, yellow)
River thug swordsmen (black, green, purple)
Zzorn's bull rush pushes one of the archers back over the railing of the ship!
Falling overboard, the woman makes a desperate grab for a lanyard before hitting the waterline.
She plunges into the water.
Koani shoots at red.
Surprised by the Pathfinder in their midst,
twoof the archersdrop their bows and each draw finely-crafted scimitars. They strikein tandemagainst the boarder!
One draws blood!
RIVER BATTLE! - Round Two Cont'd!
Jaako -4 HP
Lauranna
River thugs archers (black, green, purple)
Zzorn
Driskar
Koani
Sirius
River thug archer (blue) - 8 HP
River thug archer (red) -12 HP
River thug archer (yellow)
River thug swordsmen (blue, red, yellow)
River thug swordsman (green) -6 HP
River thug swordsmen (black, purple)
Three of the archers pause for a moment, taking in the Pathfinder's song.
RIVER BATTLE! - Round Two Cont'd!
Jaako -4 HP
Lauranna
River thugs archers (black, green, purple)
Zzorn
Driskar
Koani
Sirius
River thug archer (blue) - 8 HP
River thug archer (red) -12 HP
River thug archer (yellow)
River thug swordsmen (blue, red, yellow)
River thug swordsman (green) -6 HP
River thug swordsmen (black, purple)
...
Zzorn takes one step to towards the stern, winks at the black-bearded pirate, and 'playfully' shoves the blue-eyed archer into the water.
The river thug suffers the blow and is knocked off the deck of the ship.
She reaches out to try and grab a lanyard.
And just manages to dangle along the side of the ship.
RIVER BATTLE! - Round Two Cont'd!
Jaako -4 HP
Lauranna
River thugs archers (black, green, purple)
Zzorn
Driskar
Koani
Sirius
River thug archer (blue) - 20 HP
River thug archer (red) -12 HP
River thug archer (yellow)
River thug swordsmen (blue, red, yellow)
River thug swordsman (green) -6 HP
River thug swordsmen (black, purple)