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"No. Poor Anders was the fool all along, I'm afraid. Skerrin Wavechaser--that isn't his real name--was a Brotherhood Assassin. He positioned himself in the household years ago. (I admire The Brotherhood's ability to think long-term) After a time, he killed Anders' mother and made it look like consumption. After she died, Anders was broken and Skerrin was there to pick up the pieces. Anders inherited the fleet. The Brotherhood then made sure Anders' new initiatives were successful--they avoided his vessels and preyed upon his rivals'. His successes and youthful energy made him a favorite here. He became the face of Saltmarsh and put into a middle position betwixt the Traditionalists like Primewater, who liked the status quo, and Fireborn who was serving his king and looking towards a glorious future for Keoland. Skerrin used Anders' hatred of slavery and pirates against him, pushing him into a position to start a war."
Bayleaf sips his wine.
"Luck or fate intervened. The Sahuagin rose. The Sea Devils were also preying upon The Sea Princes and The Scarlet Brotherhood, so their plans were put on hold and they didn't stop you from stopping the Sahuagin. Once the sea devils were put down, they started back up. Skerrin grew arrogant, and bored, making too many big moves in succession. And that is where you came in. Though King Skotti suspected Scarlet Order interference somehow, which is why you're here, no?"
He sips again.
Skerrin blackmailed Ingo The Drover and Keledek The Unspoken, setting you up to confront them both and framing them in the process. While Gellan Primewater wasn't wholly innocent, he was a smuggler and profiteer from piracy and slavery even if he wasn't directly involved. He distanced himself just enough for his conscious to feel clear enough. Keledek, Primewater and Ingo were taken off the board, setting Anders up to be elected Executive Councilman, giving him certain powers. Skerrin's intention was to wait a time and then he would arrange for Solmor's death and HE would inherit the interim position and The Solmor Estate. Then... Keoland would find themselves fighting a war against The Sea Princes. Two of The Brotherhood's enemies at each other's throats and nobody looking directly at them."
Another sip, a bite of beef, which he enjoys a *little* too much.
"None of the local demihumans or monsters are under the influence of The Scarlet Brotherhood. And no, The Sea Princes have no allies. They are a nation of pirates and barely keep it together in the best of times. They are, arguably, working better now than they ever have with The Brotherhood in control. Union, at the cost of liberty."
"So... with Anders Solmor in the position he's in, pushing for war, the Scarlet Brotherhood are on the cusp of a win. Even with Skerrin removed from the playing board. This is not good. He needs to understand this. He needs to stop."
Belwick takes a sip from his own glass of wine. He grimaces, though whether it's because of the drink's vintage or the situation is hard to tell. "Bayleaf, the story you have woven makes sense and seems similar to what we know. Information that, for us, was hard fought. So I must ask: how did you come by this information?"
Bayleaf smiles and it is unsettling. He shows all of his teeth and his eyes sparkle with unholy light. He starts to laugh, it builds and builds until he's throwing his head back and cackling, he slaps the table and for a moment all you can do is watch.
Your hand itches and you smell... Brimstone?
He holds up his hand, his fingers elongated and his nails have become talons, immaculately manicured.
You gaze down at your own hand, the one you shook with Bayleaf, and there's a small sigil and burning sensation. His eyes blink sideways, his pupils narrowing and becoming black lines. He runs his tongue along pointed teeth.
"Let's just say, 'My sources... Have Hell to pay.' Remember, Belwick: You owe me a favor! But if there's *anything* else I can do, or if you wish to re-negotiate... Just call."
His form starts to become insubstantial and he's fading away.
What do you do?
Belwick stares for along time at where Bayleaf was, his face drained of all colour. "I have made a terrible mistake, haven't I?"
He gulps, then takes a moment to study the sigil seemingly burned into his palm.
It's a Devil's Marker, already fading from obvious view. Divination Magic may be able to tell you more about the functions of this specific marker, but markers are a sort of two-way locater. They're used to call, summon, et cetera. You suspect this one will somehow alert you when Bayleaf needs his, 'favor'.
Your words echo in your mind: Whatever is in my power, and that won't betray my country or its people. As a noble and a wizard of some skill, this is no small thing.
Baghotir returns from the bar laden with drinks and bar food for the table, ”Where’d he go?” he asks innocently as he puts everything down. ”Was he able to confirm anything we know?”
Caelius watches as his mouth falls slack. Caelius’s breath caught in his throat as the mark appeared. He stepped forward slowly, eyes not on the mark, but on the man he called a friend. “You made a deal, Belwick?”, his voice low, heavy with regret. “And now the devil owns a part of you.” The deal was sealed. And Caelius knew his duty might one day pit him against the very man he had sworn to protect if a devil were to see to it. "Who knows what that thing may ask of you!"
"Indeed, who knows what they will ask," Belwick says, face still parchment white. "Obviously, I was under the, now mistaken, impression that I was dealing with a man. We all knew Bayleaf. But none knew this."
He sees Baghotir return with drinks and tries to shake off the shock. He's only marginally successful. "Outside of learning that Bayleaf is not what he appears, we learned that the Scarlet Brotherhood has been truly beaten here, with their leadership stopped with the death of Skerrin. But we still need to stop Anders from starting a war, and I'd like to speak with Eda Oweland and the other council members to see what influence they can have. Because war with the Sea Princes is what our enemy wants. So I propose we do that next."
”He’s a whatsis now? S@@~ Baron, that’s not good!” Baghotir passes around the drinks and sets down the food. He drinks Bayleaf’s drink with a swallow and starts in on his own. ”Look, the oath was yours but we benefit from the knowledge gained, so we’ll help, or at least I will, with your payment if I can. Damn devils and their dastardly tricks!”
”Still, at least we know where we stand. If he was lying, and giving us false information, then your agreement would be for false benefits. So we did get something valuable for our trouble at least.”
He plops into his chair. ”I can talk to Manistrad Copperlocks. She’s on the council and a friend. I think she’ll be easily convinced to avoid a war, but we have not touched upon the topic.”
Alisanne covers her mouth with a hand and wraps her other around her stomach; she does her best to hold everything in. Unfortunately, she just can't contain herself and lets out a huge laugh. And continues laughing, tears streaming down her face and nearly falls out of her chair.
She bangs her fist on the table several times and tries to catch her breath.
"Hextor's teats, Belwick, when you frack up, you don't pull any punches!
Alisanne wipes her eyes and face. She collects herself, taking a calming breath before continuing.
"You have my sympathies, Your Lordshipship. I'm no stranger to being... bonded to another. I'm truly sorry to see you in this mess."
Alisanne grabs the drink offered by Boghotir and offers him a nod of thanks. After taking a long swig, she offers, "Bayleaf's agreement with you was under somewhat dubious circumstances. While the transaction was fulfilled by Bayleaf, you wouldn't have entered into it knowing who he truly was. You may have some wiggle room to negotiate, depending on what he comes to you with for a task. Whatever it is, I'll not have a friend stand alone to answer his call. I'll stand with you when the time comes."
What's next?
Belwick stares for along time at where Bayleaf was, his face drained of all colour. "I have made a terrible mistake, haven't I?"
"You're damn right you did! By loyalty you've dragged us into this s$#+. I've half a mind to cut you loose. Dammit Belwick! Well, there's no use sitting here contemplating Belwick's eternal damnation. Let's ride."
Okay, then the goal is to stop Anders from starting an all-out war with the Hold of The Sea Princes.
-How does each of you contribute to this goal?
We'll run this sort of like downtime. Think about what actions you take more-or-less weekly. Obtaining an audience with someone, and the ensuing conversation takes a week. Tell me who you wish to influence and what tactic you're taking, include a roll and/or any special abilities or feats or spells you're employing.
Example: "I want to meet with Eda Oweland and turn her to our cause. I will strongarm her, implying that The Crown will ruin her and Saltmarsh." Intimidate Check.
You can also spend some time investigating or gathering information to affect your check. Also think of it as a week block of time.
Example: "I talk to Eda's employees at the local pub and learn as much as I can about her." Investigation could work, as could Persuade.
Have at it.
Disdainful of meetings, and silver-tongued dueling, Venn instead spends time listening and getting a feel for the common people. He spends time in taverns and on the whorfs where his reputation may still carry weight. He's not there to tell them what to think, but only to make sure the common people know the truth about what's going on and what's at stake. He's not a man of words, so he expects the others to have better luck:
Though they’re friendly, if not friends, Baghotir requests a formal audience with Manistrad Copperlocks since he’ll be applying to her in an official capacity. When they meet, he chats of mining and mercantile pursuits for a time before getting around to the point. The avoidance of a war with the Sea Princes.
”It will weaken us both, and into the vacuum will step the Scarlet Brotherhood. Please, vote for peace with the Sea Princes and give us and others time to root out the Brotherhood. War won’t help anyone right now.”
He tries to remember the good arguments the Baron had, and reiterates them as best he can. He might not get all the details exactly right, but the gist is clear enough.
If it goes well, he’ll also ask her for an introduction to another member of the council so he may talk to them also, with her blessing.
Alisanne approaches Lemunda, Captain Fireborn, who she feels she developed some rapport with. Over drinks, she commiserates on the loss of her father, as well as congratulates her on her new post and gives thanks for her cool head during the confrontation with Anders.
Alisanne will do what she can to convince Lemunda to exert any influence she has on the council to avoid war with the Sea Princes.
Caelius decides his best use is to head back to work. Clear his name of the arrest and put good faith back in the people. He does so by keeping his ear close to the ground for any information that may be of use to the group. He may not know what any of it means at the time but the Baron and Baghotir are smart and well fairly well estabished with the Socialites that they will know key information when he tells them.
Disdainful of meetings, and silver-tongued dueling, Venn instead spends time listening and getting a feel for the common people. He spends time in taverns and on the whorfs where his reputation may still carry weight. He's not there to tell them what to think, but only to make sure the common people know the truth about what's going on and what's at stake. He's not a man of words, so he expects the others to have better luck.
Venn rallies the folk of Saltmarsh to the cause. You spread the truth--The Scarlet Brotherhood is the real enemy. His reputation and exploits, along with his matter-of-fact laying out of the truth turns the folk against the idea of war against the pirates.
Complications?
Success, no complications
Though they’re friendly, if not friends, Baghotir requests a formal audience with Manistrad Copperlocks since he’ll be applying to her in an official capacity. When they meet, he chats of mining and mercantile pursuits for a time before getting around to the point. The avoidance of a war with the Sea Princes.
”It will weaken us both, and into the vacuum will step the Scarlet Brotherhood. Please, vote for peace with the Sea Princes and give us and others time to root out the Brotherhood. War won’t help anyone right now.”
He tries to remember the good arguments the Baron had, and reiterates them as best he can. He might not get all the details exactly right, but the gist is clear enough.
If it goes well, he’ll also ask her for an introduction to another member of the council so he may talk to them also, with her blessing.
Since Manistrad is an ALLY, it takes no time for Baghotir to schedule a meeting. Manistrad is sympathetic, and uninterested in a naval war against The Sea Princes, and less so since she now doubts they're the true culprits.
Success, no action. Baghotir should take another turn this first week.
Alisanne approaches Lemunda, Captain Fireborn, who she feels she developed some rapport with. Over drinks, she commiserates on the loss of her father, as well as congratulates her on her new post and gives thanks for her cool head during the confrontation with Anders.
Alisanne will do what she can to convince Lemunda to exert any influence she has on the council to avoid war with the Sea Princes.
Alisanne further develops that rapport with Lemunda and over drinks the two women become FRIENDLY.
"Aw, yer sweet, Ali. Oh, sorry! Can I call you that? Da and I were... Complicated... But he'd be pleased that I'm here, standing where he stood. I'm not on the council, but the guard and I stand with you. We want blood, but Scarlet blood. We're just not sure how to get it."
She finishes her pint.
"I'm not the reader Da was. What in The Hells am I going to do with all those books? Maybe I should start."
SUCCESS, no complications.
Caelius decides his best use is to head back to work. Clear his name of the arrest and put good faith back in the people. He does so by keeping his ear close to the ground for any information that may be of use to the group. He may not know what any of it means at the time but the Baron and Baghotir are smart and well fairly well estabished with the Socialites that they will know key information when he tells them.
While Caelius works, patrolling and directing the guard, he attempts to take the temperature of the locals. Unfortunately, this sort of... Small Talk and politick-ing isn't something he's trained in or naturally gifted at.
Nat 1 earns you a complication.
A few days in, Caelius is on patrol and called over to The Snapping Line tavern. A group of scallywags is drunk and starts a fight. It quickly escalates and then blades are drawn. It gets bad, a lot of injuries and 3 deaths of local fishers. One of the drunken scallywags yells, "For Monmurg! The Seas are ours! Arrrrrrgh!"
As Caelius finds himself hip-deep in pirates he happens to look back and that particular ruffian is exiting. He turns and winks at Caelius, giving a little wave. Before Caelius can pursue, he's tackled by a few sailors.
1 Failure, and word of this brawl gets out and the families of the dead fishers start beating the drumhead for war.
Belwick knows that it'll take the strength of the rest of the council to get Anders to stand down, the nobleman decides to plead his case with Eda Oweland. He focuses on Eda because, in his mind, her voice is loudest and she'll be the most challenging one to sway.
He asks Iliza to join him in entreating with the councilwoman, figuring that having a representative of the merfolk with a vested interest in the safety of the region can't help. Plus, it's an excuse to spend more time with her.
His goal, ultimately, is to persuade Eda that Anders' actions are well-intentioned but reckless. He calls upon her wisdom to help steer the rest of the council and be a voice for peace.
Baghotir tries to wheedle Ova, "Chipper", Storm (administrator and record keeper for the town properties and holdings). He knows of her due to his Bastion work (link). She may not be on the council, but she keeps the town running, and she may know where the council members stand. She might be able to get the staff on our side, each supporting the cause for peace.
”Lord Anders is angry. I get it. His household staff was running operations under his very roof and he wants to lash out. So do I. But lashing out at the Sea Princes is what the Scarlet Brotherhood wants. They want us at each other’s throats so they can step in after and make more successful moves against weakened opponents.”
”Now I’m not saying we ally with the Princes, but let’s at least recognize they’re not our chief foe at the moment. We need to move against the Brotherhood, and we need to do it with care and consideration. Vote for peace, and let’s coordinate against the Brotherhood.”
Not satisfied with his efforts, he uses inspiration to try and make a better impression. He's unwilling to fail so ignobly - and he might need her aid on that permit - he doesn't want to leave a bad impression!
”Who else do you think I should talk to? Who on the council is pushing for war, other than Anders?”
Belwick knows that it'll take the strength of the rest of the council to get Anders to stand down, the nobleman decides to plead his case with Eda Oweland. He focuses on Eda because, in his mind, her voice is loudest and she'll be the most challenging one to sway.
He asks Iliza to join him in entreating with the councilwoman, figuring that having a representative of the merfolk with a vested interest in the safety of the region can't help. Plus, it's an excuse to spend more time with her.
His goal, ultimately, is to persuade Eda that Anders' actions are well-intentioned but reckless. He calls upon her wisdom to help steer the rest of the council and be a voice for peace.
Eda Oweland IS Saltmarsh in many ways. The elderly woman is toughened and weathered by a life outdoors. She is a sailor and curses like one. She's no friend of yours or your party's due to your connections to the crown. Your noble blood is doing you no favors here. You're starting to think that you completely botched this visit--Eda has no deference to, "nobility", and bringing a coalition member here is just reminding her that times are changing.
[Ding, INSPIRATION]
But she's also no fool. And war will interfere with fishing and the lives of Saltmarsh Fishers. And that kind of change clearly scares her more.
"The pup is angry, has himself tied up in knots over this. I can't say you're not making sense here. I'm still giving this a think, Baron, but I'll not stand against ye, either."
No complications but no success either. Eda's attitude towards you and the party is now INDIFFERENT instead of HOSTILE.
Small Victories. There is room to negotiate. And you know a little more about the stern, hard woman now. She's been elected to council more than anyone else... Ever. If you win her over, it'll go a long way.
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Baghotir tries to wheedle Ova, "Chipper", Storm (administrator and record keeper for the town properties and holdings). He knows of her due to his Bastion work (link). She may not be on the council, but she keeps the town running, and she may know where the council members stand. She might be able to get the staff on our side, each supporting the cause for peace.
”Lord Anders is angry. I get it. His household staff was running operations under his very roof and he wants to lash out. So do I. But lashing out at the Sea Princes is what the Scarlet Brotherhood wants. They want us at each other’s throats so they can step in after and make more successful moves against weakened opponents.”
”Now I’m not saying we ally with the Princes, but let’s at least recognize they’re not our chief foe at the moment. We need to move against the Brotherhood, and we need to do it with care and consideration. Vote for peace, and let’s coordinate against the Brotherhood.”
Not satisfied with his efforts, he uses inspiration to try and make a better impression. He's unwilling to fail so ignobly - and he might need her aid on that permit - he doesn't want to leave a bad impression!
”Who else do you think I should talk to? Who on the council is pushing for war, other than Anders?”
Baghotir's efforts are kind of clever. Eda Oweland, Anders Solmor... They need administrators and yes, they keep the bureaucracy running.
While this doesn't advance the cause itself, it does get a small army of servants and workers behind the party, and gives Baghotir valuable information--who the party needs to lean on and convince.
No success, no failure, no complications. But Efforts to Influence the council in the next week are done at ADVANTAGE.
WEEK 1
1. Baghotir, SUCCESS. The party has the support of Manistrad Copperlocks and The Clan Dwarves.
2. Venn, SUCCESS, the folk of Saltmarsh rally behind the party.
3. Alisanne, SUCCESS, The Town Guard and Lemunda Fireborn support Peace.
4. Caelius, FAILURE, and uncovers that there are [still?] some people working against the party. DCs next week are higher due to the complication.
5. Belwick. No movement. But he softens Eda Oweland and learns some more about her. Her voice will mean a lot.
6. Baghotir bonus. No movement, and efforts to influence council members in Week 2 are at Advantage.
3 Successes, 1 Failure. You need a number of successes before you hit a number of failures. Next week.
[ooc]Because a player asked...]/ooc]
Baghotir, previously uninterested in such matters, learns the following, information unknown to you all because... Well, it never came up. None of you are native Saltmarshers except Alisanne and for reasons of her own, she doesn't remember.
The Saltmarsh Council:
1. Anders Solmor, Executive Councilman
2. Eda Oweland
3. Manistrad Copperlocks
4. Gellan Primewater (impeached and arrested)
5. Eliander Fireborn (RIP)
6. Lord Mayor Erolin Timerkitos. The Lord Mayor serves for life. Erolin has held the position for over 30 years and may be the oldest person in Saltmarsh. He is a shut in, and doesn't see anyone. He hasn't participated in the government for some time. The Lord Mayor is supposed to be the only person with power to call council meetings or votes and their vote counts as two for the purposes of breaking ties.
Erolin still holds the title, formally, but is believed to be too ill to act. In recent years, the town functioned just fine with five--there were no ties, and everyone was fine just letting Erolin be until he passes.
With Fireborn's death, and Primewater's arrest, Anders was elevated to the newly created position of Executive Councilman, granting him the emergency powers to call-to-council and call for votes.
This week in Saltmarsh:
The fishing is normal for this time of year, though a boat the Tell Me Another goes missing with all hands lost. Gnolls have been seen in the surrounding lands. As if we didn't have enough problems!
Baghotir decides to take the bull by the horns, despite the risks. He humbly requests an audience with Lord Anders Solmor. If he’s granted the audience, he begins with an apology.
”I am assured you had nothing to do with the skullduggery going on under your roof. I can only imagine how horrible it must be to aid and support such evil and not even know it. I apologize for even questioning your loyalty to this town. It was not my place.”
”I am here to plead with you today. Beg even. We must not go to war with the Sea Princes. At least not yet.” He lays out, if given the opportunity, what the Scarlet Brotherhood plan is and how they’re agitating for war. He points out that such a war will only benefit the Brotherhood and weaken everyone else. He suggests surgical strikes against the Sea Princes - removing those agents of the Scarlet Brotherhood once identified.
”Left to themselves, the Sea Princes are a chaotic bunch who will do more infighting than outfighting, if you know what I mean. I’m not asking you to change your mind today. Just be open to the idea that the Scarlet Brotherhood is the greater enemy and the one we should focus on first.”
(advantage due to staff support)
Not a fan of skullduggery amongst the people, Venn spends his time Investigating those who are working against us.
Deciding that his position warrants an audience, Belwick seeks out an audience with the man he should have spoken to upon his arrival in Saltmarsh: Lord Major Erolin Timerkitos.
But first, he speaks with Issac. "What can you tell me of the mayor? When did he become so isolationist? What of the staff who work for him? How is he supplied?"
Belwick plans to take a day or two to know more about the mayor, his history, past works for the town, and what his current state of affairs is. All in preparation for him to speak with the man himself.
Baghotir decides to take the bull by the horns, despite the risks. He humbly requests an audience with Lord Anders Solmor. If he’s granted the audience, he begins with an apology.
”I am assured you had nothing to do with the skullduggery going on under your roof. I can only imagine how horrible it must be to aid and support such evil and not even know it. I apologize for even questioning your loyalty to this town. It was not my place.”
”I am here to plead with you today. Beg even. We must not go to war with the Sea Princes. At least not yet.” He lays out, if given the opportunity, what the Scarlet Brotherhood plan is and how they’re agitating for war. He points out that such a war will only benefit the Brotherhood and weaken everyone else. He suggests surgical strikes against the Sea Princes - removing those agents of the Scarlet Brotherhood once identified.
”Left to themselves, the Sea Princes are a chaotic bunch who will do more infighting than outfighting, if you know what I mean. I’m not asking you to change your mind today. Just be open to the idea that the Scarlet Brotherhood is the greater enemy and the one we should focus on first.”
Baghotir meets Anders Solmor. It takes the full week to get in to speak with the young leader and he is Hostile to the party. But eventually he can't dodge the warpriest any more and agrees to a brief meeting late in the day. He apologizes for the lact of staff... He hasn't had the chance to restaff, and with Skerrin gone, he's had to learn a lot of things about running the household on the fly.
[Advantage turns this to a Success]
"You... You're a Warrior! Not only that, but a priest of a God of War! What? I can't..."
He starts to tear up, his eyes becoming wet before you before he pulls it back, wiping his eyes.
I thank you for your time. I will... I will think on this. Tell me what you can about the spies in my home--about my Mother's murder."
1 Success.
Not a fan of skullduggery amongst the people, Venn spends his time Investigating those who are working against us. [dice=Investigate]d20+2
Unfortunately... The prey has gone to ground. And they're good. They're very... Good.
1 Failure
Deciding that his position warrants an audience, Belwick seeks out an audience with the man he should have spoken to upon his arrival in Saltmarsh: Lord Major Erolin Timerkitos.
But first, he speaks with Issac. "What can you tell me of the mayor? When did he become so isolationist? What of the staff who work for him? How is he supplied?"
Belwick plans to take a day or two to know more about the mayor, his history, past works for the town, and what his current state of affairs is. All in preparation for him to speak with the man himself.
[dice=Investigation?]1d20+8
Issac isn't native to Saltmarsh, but he's cozy with most everybody and is able to help you gather information on The Lord Mayor.
Saltmarsh, as a community, bucks a little at Royal control. While loyal, they like the current arrangement where they get little oversight and interference. That's why the Loyalists and the Dwarf clan of miners were having trouble.
Because of this attitude, nobody panicked when Lord Mayor Erolin Timerkitos suffered from an apoplectic attack and fell. After a period of mourning and support, The council moved on. He's still technically alive--it is whispered that he was just too stubborn to shuffle off the last bit of mortal coil. The royal charter decrees that The Lord Mayor serves for life and there's no legal way for him to abdicate now.
He is slowly dying, and living under the care of the last of his staff, a woman with the appropriate name of Patience. She isn't seen much in town, and she takes care of his body and what little is left of his mind. He must be able to eat and drink at least--he's still living--but he hasn't been seen out of bed since his episode. Patience Quinn acquires what little they need from in town, paid for from the Lord Mayor's rumored considerable fortune.
"You... You're a Warrior! Not only that, but a priest of a God of War! What? I can't..."
He starts to tear up, his eyes becoming wet before you before he pulls it back, wiping his eyes.
"I thank you for your time. I will... I will think on this. Tell me what you can about the spies in my home--about my Mother's murder."
”My lord I thank you for thinking about what I’ve said here today.” He bows.
”I can only tell you what we discovered, and it isn’t much.” He goes on to let the man know everything he knows. But just the facts. He doesn’t share what the party plans or details of actual conversations between the party about all this. He ends with, ”I don’t know how exactly your mother was murdered, but these folks tend to like to use poison. The tried to poison us in fact while we were tracking them down.”
He tries to console the man with the truth.
Not having a great week back, likely due to his untimely arrest makes Caelius even more determined. He sets back into his routine at work and patrols the streets. He needed to get the people of his district back on his good graces while also finding out more about the Council for the others.
Not having a great week back, likely due to his untimely arrest makes Caelius even more determined. He sets back into his routine at work and patrols the streets. He needed to get the people of his district back on his good graces while also finding out more about the Council for the others.
As per your description, I'm going to call this a week of, "work", in the guard and make this a Strength (Athletics) roll.
Complicatons: No complications.
Caelius doesn't make any matters worse, nor does he advance towards success. He performs his duties admirably and earns nods of approval from the folk.
Uncomfortable with direct confrontation with any town leaders, Alisanne hits up her contacts in the seedier side of town, trying to learn what she can of the Brotherhoods current activities.
No complications.
Alisanne hits the docks and approaches her old associates with a kind word... That is enthusiastic in response!
Turns out... What The Brotherhood may not have taken into account is the local color doesn't like competition and while they are scum and villains, they are 100% All Keoish!
There are a handful of, shall we say persons of interest that are suspected foreign agents:
1. Ottmar Kurg, a big dumb dock worker
2. Krova Mauk, used to be a maid for Gellan Primewater. She was last seen doing odd jobs for Kreb. She is believed to have left town with a mark she was robbing for Kreb.
3. Neya Siv, a girl from up north who was working as an assistant in the Council offices but she hasn't shown up for work in a few days.
Alisanne doesn't make any headway towards stopping war against the princes, but if these three are Brotherhood agents, there might be something to do that doesn't involve politicking.
Current Tally
4 Successes
1 Failure
-Alisanne and Belwick bring back some information that may affect what you do next.
Three local fishers are arrested for smuggling after some tips and evidence are slipped to the town guard. These fishers all claim innocence and that they don't know what the hell is going on. All three of their boats are discovered with crates in the hold marked with the heraldry of The Prince of Monmurg. While they claim innocence, they're arrested as traitors to the crown.
The Gnoll threat increases and their activity seems to be more coordinated and less random. The Militia is called up to handle them--this leaves fewer guards in town and a mob of people are gathered outside the jail, calling for the blood of the arrested fishers.
The fishing lately has been OUTSTANDING, but the discovery of the Sea Prince agents currently in jail, and the threat of the Gnolls nearby is subduing what would normally be a boon to local morale and the economy.
Week 3 begins now.
When the group gets back together and shares what they've learned, Belwick notes that there's still much work to be done. "I can't help but feel that these three fishers are possibly innocent. We've seen others be set up to take the fall for something, and I'm inclined to believe them. We should consider questioning them to learn the truth."
"At the same time, hearing that there's a dockworker that might be tied to the Brotherhood... that seems convenient. After all, a dockworker would be to perfect person to place crates with Sea Prince heraldry on the boats of sailors. Ottmar should be spoken to, though I'd expect him to be dangerous. But he might know more of the other two."
Belwick takes a deep breath. "And then there's the Lord Mayor. Hearing that he's ill is one thing, but I would like to see if there's not something that can be done. We've seen the Brotherhood use poisons before. I would like to know more about Patience, and I'd like to see Erolin with my own eyes."
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"Lord Baron, remember our other obligations. We are heroes to be sure, and can get some things done where others cannot. But we have promised a trip to the Silver Peaks and it's going on a month's delay on that promise."
"One more week, and we should depart."
In the meantime, he offers to go see the Lord Mayor with the Baron. He'll change up his spells considerably for the trip...
"I'll join you to see the Lord Mayor. You can do the talking, and I'll cast a few spells. See if I can ease his suffering a bit or learn what ails him. I shall pray for guidance on what to prepare."
He’ll cast Detect Poison and Disease, twice. Once while meeting with the Lord Mayor in his chambers. Upon leaving, he’ll cast again and try to stop in the kitchen or elsewhere in the house for another sweep.
He’ll cast Lesser Restoration and Remove Curse on the Lord Mayor.
He’ll also try for his own skilled diagnosis on the Lord Mayor’s condition.
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Baghotir and Belwick visit The Lord Mayor.
He is elderly, but Patience Quinn has done her best to keep him clean and as comfortable as possible.
He cannot speak, and he cannot walk. He has the briefest of movements with his hands and he can operate his mouth but produce no sound. Patience changes his linens and rotates his body, and massages his limbs and trunk.
She give him water and a pasty gruel a few times a day, but it is a struggle and a battle.
He looks forward with a vacant expression and doesn't make eye contact. There doesn't appear to be anyone in there.
Patience is rather impatient with the two of you, insisting that you leave The Lord Mayor to his lot. She seems just tired more than anything else.
He isn't poisoned or diseased and he isn't cursed. Baghotir, your diagnosis is that he's suffered a stroke. You do not have the power to heal him yet.
"While you two are visiting the Lord Mayor, I will see if I can figure out who to talk to to stay these sailors trial and possible execution a bit while we check out this Dockworker." Caelius suggests. "We should try to approach him together. I'll see if I can speak with the sailors to get a name as well."
Baghotir is quiet and respectful, his prodding aside. Once outside and out of earshot, he shares what he learned with Belwick - and of course the others too when they're back together.
Before making his plans for the week, Venn consults with the others. "Would it be reasonable to simply stake out the docks for a full week? It sounds tedious, but with supplies we could get a real feel for what's going on there. I.... promise not to engage in a swordfight. Unless of course the stuation deteriorates."
Baghotir agrees with Venn's reasoning, "I think that's a good idea Venn. Something is going on down at the docks. It would be good to know what. It may be that they're laying low now, having done their dirty deeds already, but maybe not."
"You might talk to Uncle Flatly while you're down there. He's a shipwright with an interest in construction techniques - so maybe not so oriented to the loading and unloading. However, he's a friend so mentioning my name might loosen his lips in case he did see anything. I dunno if it'll help but it's the only contact I have."
Caelius fails to make diplomatic inroads with the folk or the legal system. It might be best to shift tactics.
Venn, you may absolutely stake out the docks for the week. Pick a skill... Off the cuff I'd accept Perception or Investigation. Go with whichever is a better modifier for you. I'd accept something else if you have a plan for it.
Venn weaves and watches. He attends to more than words. He reads body language like a book.
Caelius :
Baghotir :
Venn :
Venn, after carefully staking out the docks all week, you confirm that Ottmar Kurg is a person of interest--definitely not dumb though he's playing that part awfully well.
Most notable is that you watch him visit the same boat each day, very briefly and you watch him check out the front--he inspects something and then departs, going back to his routine. But towards the end of the week, he checks out the boat and a scruffy gull is there, just looking at him. He nods and looks around but doesn't see you.
He takes something from the scruffy gulls' leg and puts something from his vest onto the birds leg. The scruffy gull squawks and flys away.
His back turned towards you, he's doing something. You move positions, hoping to get a better look. Another sailor approaches.
"Kurg. Kurg! OTTMAR YOU BIG OAF!"
Ottmar calmly reads a tiny scroll while the sailor behind him tries to get his attention. He nods, and closes up the tiny scroll. He looks side to side and then decides to toss the tiny scroll case into the drink. He turns and plays the part of the big dumb oaf and goes with the sailor.
When they're gone, you bolt over to the water and snatch up the tiny case. You get to it in time.
Cousins, it is time for the family to be whole at home again. The Dread Road at forest's edge. Freeday next. Bring presents.