Looking towards Mac she rolls her eyes, holding up the bottle of 'oil of taggit' and smirks. "The same thing I was doing the night you joined our crew."
Turning towards Val she scoffs loudly. "There is no escaping Harrigan. Better to be at the right hand of a devil than to be in it's way. He's coming for you. No way I'll make the same mistake as Cut-Throat Grok."
She gestures towards the door, "The watch will be coming to break up this brawl and I'd just as soon not disappoint Harrigan again. Now let me go, or kill me, I'll not make the same mistake as others."
--------------------------------
As Eric speaks Jerrell, nods watching Veronica interact with some woman on the steps. Turning to Eric, he could tell the lad was fond of the captain, asking, "So are you and she..." He makes an obscene gesture with his hands, "You know?"
Tucci looks at the trouble maker with pity. Caught between a rock and a hard place, she picked the rock.
He wishes he could communicate with his captain without being overheard, and gets sidetracked working out how to do that in the future. He’s ready to let the poor woman go, but waits for his captain's authority on the subject.
He’ll add though, ”Hey, what did Harrigan do to Cut-Throat Grok anyway?”
Veronica's expression hardens as Caulky mentions Cut-Throat Grok.
Didn't really talk to her much, but I figured she's the reason everyone got their gear back on the Wormwood. If Harrigan killed her for that, one more reason to get him dead as soon as possible.
"Seems to me your little recruitment mission already failed." Veronica gestures towards the brawl going on at the bar. "Or do you think you'll still be able to drag your unconscious recruits after the guard breaks this up? Or do you think he'll forgive you for bringing him news about us? Whatever the reason, think carefully on your choices. I'm giving you a way out right now, and I'm not even asking you to join us - I offered to just let you walk away from all this. Even devils can be killed, and Harrigan isn't one. We'll be taking him down, just like we did Plugg and Scourge. If you want to go down with him as well, be my guest."
"What? No, no, of course not!" Eric looks Jerrell with a mix of shock and horror at his suggestion.
Definitely did not see that one coming. Probably should, though - Pirates, Eric. You're one now, too.
He quickly adds, realizing his denial could lead Jerrell to conclude the opposite. "She's my sister, actually. Always looked out for me when we were kids. Figured i'd rerurn the favor and join her crew. And get a piece of the loot and fame as well, of course."
Looking towards Tucci for a moment, she turns back to Veronica, smirking. "What makes you think I've failed?"
She shakes her head while Veronica keeps talking, "You've no idea what's coming. You think Harrigan is Plugg and Scourge?" Grunting in disgust at Veronica she turns to Tucci, "He turned cut-throat over to his Kuthite priests, she'll never die, or walk or be able to feed herself but they like keeping her alive for their religious rituals." She looks back at Veronica, "You remember, his friend? Peppery Longfarthing? When she heard about your mutiny she ran her mouth, said "Maybe if Harrington kept his officers on a shorter leash they'd inspire more loyalty among their crews." Harrigan cut off both her hands, put out both of her eyes, and cut out her tongue to teach her a lesson. Keeps her alive because they used to be friends. What do you think he'll do to you once his other business is through?"
Looking towards the door, the sound of a large group can be heard moving up the street. "You going to be standing here holding me when the watch shows up? Or are we going to be looking all friendly like?"
---------------------------
Chuckling at Eric's response, Jerell extends a hand, "Nice to meet you kid, my ship is the schooner 'Salty Flagon'. Tell your sister it was a pleasure meeting her and hopefully our next meeting won't be interrupted." Hearing the sound of troops outside, he gestures towards the door, "Sounds like the watch is here, that's faster than usual. I bet someone paid them off." He nods to the bard and heads towards the door.
As Eric watches the man leave, Ambrose moves up beside him, meanwhile Owlbear starts pulling crew and officers out of the brawl. "The popinjoy 'as the roight idae, we should get ert of eya before the local constabulary appeass."
What passes for the constabulary in a place like this? the cleric wonders. Probably just another gang of brigands, but with badges.
"So what do we do with her? Up to you, Captain. I don't really see any harm in letting her go - we don't exactly keep a low profile, so Harrigan will probably learn one way or the other that we are here."
Tucci isn't quite sure what's going on, or who this Harrigan person is. But he sounds like a bad dude. Maybe they were strong enough to take him down a peg or two. Or the whole way down the ladder!
He waits to see what his captains wishes are, but he too is eager to get out. He looks for Kasin in the crowd and beckons him forth, but keeps him close to Eric for his protection as the brawl intensifies.
Veronica lets go of Caulky and nods to Mac "Yeah, he probably knows we're here already. If he comes for us, we'll be ready for him. See just how well his priests' magic stacks up against our own."
Looking at the rest of the crew making for the exit, Veronica gestures to door. "Let's go join the others, see if we can get out of here before the watch comes."
Smirking at Veronica, Caulky begins walking through the brawling crowd towards the doors while our intrepid officers move to join their crew. As they meet their crew near the doors, the 'Watch' bursts in. The members of the watch, like the one you'd noticed on the docks taking orders from Goldtooth, appear to be regular 'sailors' wearing black armbands. Their leader a tall, thick shouldered, man wearing a black armband with a red X on is armband starts yelling orders. Anyone still fighting by this time are roughed up by the thirty members (or so) of the watch. As you leave with your crew you notice things have calmed down, most folks leaving but some sitting back down to drink. The unlucky, unconscious, ones being dragged out by the watch.
As you return to the 'Charm' you notice and sailor in a long leather coat standing near her boarding plank, his face covered by his tri-corner hat, with only the smoke from his pipe visible. As you near, he looks up, taking the ivory long-stemmed pipe from his mouth, asking, "You be Cap'n Veronica?" as he reaches into his coat with his free hand. Realizing how it looks he quickly pulls the hand back out, holding up a large paper envelope with a wax seal on it. Extending the evelope he adds, "She told me ta wait, see if you acquiesce to her request."
Captain Veronica
As an observer at the Hurricane Kings party last night, I was impressed with yours and your officers' accomplishments. I have a proposal I'd like to discuss with all of you. Could you and two officers join me for dinner at my townhouse here in Port Peril tomorrow night? Say around the beginning of the First Watch? Either way please let Mr Smelt know, he will inform me of your answer.
Tessa Fairwind, Captain of the Luck of the Draw
vs DC 20
vs DC 15
When the group is well away from the fracas, Tucci will confide in MacLaren and the Captain, "I saw Caulky nod to the sergeant. I'm sure thy were working together on that raid."
"Who is captain Harrigan? Sounds like a real a@**+@~. Do you have history?"
He watches Mr. Smelt while his captain decides what's for dinner.
"Hmmm, I didn't notice a thing. Bit it makes sense - the watch got there faster than usual, and Caulky did say she had succeeded on her mission. Some of those guys they dragged off are probably being taken aboard the Wormwood right now." Veronica shakes her head in disappointment. "Nothing we can do for them now, I'm afraid, besides figuring out how to take Harrigan down. We did learn something new about him, though - his reliance on his Kuthite priests unholy magic. Don't know how much use that knowledge will be, but might be something we can prepare for."
"As for your questions about Harrigan... Yeah, me and Mac got forcefully taken to his ship as well. That's where we all met, me, him, Ellie, Melli and Tempest - we all ended up taken at the same time. Harrigan's an a+%#%*~, and so were his first mate and boatswain. They loved torturing the crew, and us in particular, for no reason besides their own amusement. With things as they were, it didn't take long to turn the whole crew against them. Stupidly enough, Harrigan thought it was a good idea to then send us off with those two to sell the Charm... And you heard the rest at the feast. But I still want to kill Harrigan as well. Some of our friends remained on the Wormwood , and I want to help them. Not sure how much we can do for Grok, though, besides making Harrigan suffer twice as much for the things he's done to her."
---
When they arrive at the Charm, Veronica watches the man carefully with a hand on her cutlass, until he gives her the letter. After giving it a quick read, she hands it off to Mac and Tucci, her eyes still on "Mr Smelt".
"Mac, do you happen to have your Sending spell prepared? Think you could check in with Captain Fairwind that the letter does come from her? After our little meeting at the bar, I'm not taking any chances. She's the captain Tucci pointed out to us at the feast."
"I noticed it as well, Tucci. Doesn't surprise me; I hadn't expected the city guard here to be anything other than someone's band of brigands."
He listens to Veronica's remarks about Harrigan. "Hmm, Kuthite priests are no joke. We'd do well to get a good sense of what we are up against before picking a fight. How many, what they can do, and so on. At least we now know what it is that we don't know. Which is something."
----
"Sorry, I'd have had to at least met her. Being familiar with her reputation is not enough."
Raising an eyebrow at Veronica's distrust, Smelt takes the long handled ivory pipe out of his mouth and points the wet end at the envelope. "'at wax be stamped wit tha Seal o' tha ruler o' Quent. Eyeball it careful like. We knows you's would recognize it fer you were 'air."
Tucci examines the document from afar, trying to ascertain if it's a forgery. He doesn't think so, but he has seen a few, and might recognize another.
If it looks familiar, he'll say, "That seal looks good Captain, though I'm no expert."
Veronica looks carefully at the seal, and then shrugs. "Yeah, seems right to me as well. Guess we'll have to trust it and just be careful tomorrow." Looking back to Mr. Smelt, she nods. "You can tell Captain Fairwind we'll be there tomorrow night. Where can we find her townhouse?"
As for the next day, Veronica will again spend most of her time recounting the group's adventures around the city bars. Hopefully making their strength better known will dissuade anyone who might be working for Harrigan from trying anything.
Feeling as though hostilities might be present, Tucci will stick close to Veronica, supporting her, but also acting as guard just in case.
vs DC 10
Brother MacLaren has no particular plans during the day. He makes sure to look presentable for dinner at Captain Fairwind's townhouse.
As our captain and officers arrive at Tessa’s townhouse, her retainers show them into a windowed dining hall with a view overlooking Port Peril’s harbor. Tessa introduces herself and congratulates them on being named Free Captains. As they talk over dinner and into the evening She asks them what they know of the current political situation in the Shackles, and hints that Kerdak Bonefist’s hold over the fractious pirate lords is perhaps not as strong as it might appear. If her own possible candidacy for the position is mentioned, Tessa explains just how reticent she is to become the next Hurricane King. Nevertheless, she recognizes that Bonefist’s days are likely numbered, and hints that the time is ripe for those with ambition to start gathering allies.
Tessa also mentions the recent whispers she’s been hearing about Cheliax’s designs on the Shackles. Cheliax’s hatred of the pirate isles is nothing new, of course, but lately the rumors have been hinting at another Chelish invasion, which, if successful, could result in the Shackles being annexed into the empire. Tessa is convinced that there is some truth behind these rumors, but she needs solid proof to put before the Hurricane King and the Pirate Council to force them to take united action. However, she can’t investigate these rumors herself, she’s too well known for such subtle work, and she needs to remain in Port Peril to maintain her influence over certain factions within the council.
Instead, Tessa requests that Veronica and her officers investigate the rumors. As resourceful newcomers, independent of any pirate lord, they have the best chance of uncovering information. Seeing them as free agents with no preexisting loyalties, Tessa offers them the chance to ally with her, though in truth, they will pretty much be left to their own devices. Indeed, Tessa doesn’t want it known that she is investigating these rumors, and her alliance with the them should be kept quiet for now.
Having had wine served with desert, Tessa smiles as she holds up her crystal goblet, asking, "What say you? Interested in saving the Shackles from the Chelish and having a say in deciding who becomes the next 'Hurrican King?"
Brother MacLaren is gregarious and friendly throughout the dinner, sharing Cayden's holy ale with his hostess and her retainers.
"So why is it that you do not want the position, Captain Fairwind? I assume the Hurricane Throne attracts a fair share of assassins. Which would be even worse if you already have enemies - as we do, in the form of one Captain Harrigan. Is that the case for you as well? Or is it simply that you enjoy your independence?
Forgive my asking, but if we were to consider working with you, it would be good to know what troubles such an arrangement might bring. Not that we couldn't handle them - just to be aware.
Now, when it comes to Cheliax, I would be more than happy to take on the Infernal Empire. They will not add another square inch to their territory if I have anything to say about it. Captain Blackblade, I would suggest that we honor Captain Fairwind's request and investigate these rumors."
"You'll get no objections from me." Veronica replies with a grin. "If Cheliax is really thinking of trying to take the Shackles, you can be damn sure I'll be doing my best to foil their plans."
"The timing doesn't help, though, if Bonefist really is having trouble keeping the Pirate Lords in line - like you said, our best bet is a unified response - we need someone the Free Captains want to rally behind. But if we're busy deciding who wears the Hurricane Crown, we're just giving Cheliax an advantage."
Tucci nods along with MacLaren and the captain. He struggles a bit to believe he's a part of such heady conversations, but reminds himself all they're doing is investigating at this point. That could mean anything!
Still, if he's to keep his eyes open, he must be ready.
Sipping her wine as Brother MacLaren asks his questions, Tessa looks very much like the cat who at the canary. Ignoring the first question all together, she smiles; "Why Brother Mac, all my enemies are dead and have been a long time. Long enough that I only have friends and competitors." She shrugs lightly, "I've brought several likeminded captains into my fleet. I watch their backs and they watch mine."
Looking towards Veronica, her features becoming serious. "That's what we need to find out. If Cheliax is taking an interest in us, we need to have proof to take to the council."
“I am convinced that Cheliax has spies and informants working in the Shackles, and I can think of only two places that might have some knowledge of these traitorous informers in our midst. The first is the House of Stolen Kisses in Quent, a temple of Calistria and one of the best information brokerages in the Shackles. Use this note to obtain an audience with the temple’s high priestess, Dindreann."
“The second is the Temple of the Hidden Name, a secret temple of Norgorber said to operate in the town of Beachcomber on Bag Island. If anyone knows of these spies, it would be the followers of the Reaper of Reputation. I have no contacts with the priests of that temple, so I hope you can convince them to reveal what they know.” having mentioned 'Bag Island' she turns and winks at the silent halfling.
Tucci's eyebrows go up at the mention of Bag Island and Tessa's reaction to the mention. She has long ears! he decides. He wonders if it's scrying or other magical methods, or something as simple as a crewmember talking a little too much over their drink. Or even an actual plant among the crew.
With so many crew coming and going, it'd be impossible to quash that sort of thing he imagines. No wonder officers tended to keep to themselves on ships. They were, at least in theory, more reliably quiet about such things. In theory.
He chuckles at his line of thought, and wishes he brought Kasin along. Scratching him helps Tucci think.
"I definitely think we should be opposed to Cheliax." he agrees wholeheartedly. "And Norgorber is no good. Our path seems clear," he adds.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Norgorber is no good, I agree, but Captain Fairwind suggests that they might have knowledge of Cheliax's spies. I doubt they will just turn over the information out of the goodness of their hearts, and they may well be playing both sides or decide to sell us out. Feed us false information, maybe. It's a gamble to try to deal with them, as we won't know their true agenda. We'll need to be on our guard. Did you have an idea, Tucci?
I'm not that much more thrilled about dealing with Calistrians, for that matter. Those who traffic in secrets can be fond of subtle manipulation. We have to hope that they see Chelish interference in the region as contrary to their goals."
He takes a sip of wine.
"Chessmasters. They all think they're so smart. Makes me want to just knock over their boards."
"No, I don't have a plan as yet. I mostly take life as it comes!" he chortles and, not for the first time, wonders if that's a safe approach that will lead him gracefully to old age.
"I'll think about it. But yeah, talk first is a good opener. Folks tend not to be all that honest when put to the blade. They'll then say whatever they think you want to hear to save their skins."
Smilng as Tucci (who apparently has a gift for stating the obvious) agrees that the Chelish should be opposed, Tessa raises an eyebrow as the two pirates declair Norgorber 'no good.' She looks squarely at Mac, "Both churches deal in secrets, the Calistrians just happen to be in my city."
Pushing the letter of introduction across the table to Veronica, she adds, "I don't know the cost of doing business with the halflings, but Dindreann will treat you fairly." Eventually asking, "Do you have any other questions Captain?"
"None at the moment, Captain Fairwind." Veronica nods and picks up Tessa's letter. "I'm thinking we should make for Quent, then. The Calistreans seem the easier to approach. We'll figure out how much the information is worth when we talk to Dindreann. I'd imagine both churches would at least share some of our concerns and be more willing to help - I doubt they'd want to be under the rule of those Chelaxian devil-worshipers."
Nodding as Veronica responds, Tessa listens politely as Veronica shares a little more of their plans. As the evening comes to an end, she stands. Waiving at one of the servants, who quickly steps out of the room and returns with a four foot long, heavy leather cylindrical case used by cartographers. Extending the case she adds, "These are called the Charts of the Fair Winds' I believe you'll find them helpful as you sail the 'Shackles' Gesturing towards the servant who brought the case she adds. "Nigel will see you out." She then turns and heads up the hallway.
Your trip back to the 'Charm' is uneventful, and the crew who'd returned from their 'day pass' was curious, asking about the meeting and the case.
Slot none; Price 3,200 gp; Weight —
DESCRIPTION
These aged charts of thick, yellowed parchment display rough representations of the Shackles’ major islands and the sea lanes between them. The detailed markings on these charts grant a +2 circumstance bonus on Profession (sailor) or Survival checks to navigate within the Shackles.
In addition, a multitude of wrinkles, stains, and blemishes mar the charts’ surfaces. Anyone meticulously studying the charts notices that these markings shift over time. The creases, smudges, and blotches on the map represent real weather conditions (such as clouds, rain, and wind) in the region, allowing an informed observer to determine the current weather patterns over the islands of the Shackles. The charts grant a +4 competence bonus on Survival checks made to predict future weather conditions and a +2 competence bonus on Survival checks to gain a bonus on Fortitude saves against severe weather.
Finally, the pilot of a wind-propelled ship can make a DC 20 Profession (sailor) check to plot a course within the Shackles using the charts. If the check is successful, the charts grant the ship a +10% enhancement bonus to its waterborne speed as long as it follows the plotted course.
All of the charts’ benefits only apply within the geographic region of the Shackles. GMs with access to the Pathfinder Campaign Setting: Skull & Shackles Map Folio might use the elaborate player map of the Shackles included therein to represent this item.
CONSTRUCTION
Requirements Craft Wondrous Item, commune with nature, creator must have 10 ranks in Survival; Cost 1,600 gp
Throughout this adventure, and the rest of the Skull & Shackles Adventure Path, the PCs will be sailing their ship to a variety of destinations. In order to do so, they must successfully plot a course and follow it to their destination. Navigating a ship requires a successful DC 18 Profession (sailor) or Survival check. Characters with at least 5 ranks in Knowledge (geography) or Knowledge (local) gain a +2 bonus on the check. Attempts to navigate without proper navigational tools (such as an astrolabe, charts, compass, or sextant) take a –4 penalty on the check. Success means the ship reaches its destination as planned in the normal time. A failure means the ship gets lost, following the rules for getting lost on pages 424–425 of the Core Rulebook. Each failed check adds 1d4 days to the ship’s travel time.
Tucci positively drools over the charts, ”Captain, with these charts and our silken sails, we’re 20% faster than other ships of our type. That’s not nothin’!” When back at the ship, he’ll secure them with their other charts and logs.
”Captain, I’ve another wand to make, but I’ve got the supplies and can do it aboard ship if you’re wanting to get going. I’m otherwise ready to ship out with tomorrow’s tide.”
Before they leave though, he’ll pick up a few scrolls (let me know if any are unavailable).
Gust of Wind (200gp ea, x2)
Aerial Tracks (525gp)
Brother MacLaren is down to 14 GP, so he is not brewing any potions for himself. He will gladly do so for others if they can provide ingredients.
Otherwise, he spends some time with Kroop and Owlbear in the galley and some time going back and forth to the hold, making sure the supplies are stocked before the Charm leaves ports.
”MacLaren, how about a spare potion of water breathing? I’ve got the coin for that, and one more wand - and a little tucked away besides. Gotta have a slush fund you know?”
Potion water breathing (375gp) Thanks Mac!
I’ll also go ahead and pay for my next wand now too (375gp)
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Tucci, you heard the Captain - let's set sail for Quent! And let's hope for good luck with the Calistrians."
Tucci jumps on the helm and, after checking the new maps, plots a course!
Following Tessa’s lead, the 'Charm' sails back to the lively seaport of Quent on the northern coast of Motaku Isle. The officers disembark making their way to the House of Stolen Kisses, both a holy temple to Calistria and a brothel. When they present Tessa’s note, scantily clad acolytes escort them through sensually decorated corridors to the chambers of the temple’s high priestess. Dindreann pleasantly greets the officers of the 'Charm', offering them comfortable seating and stimulating refreshment. After they are seated and refreshed, she asks, with a toothy smile, "What service may I render to associates of my dearest friend Tessa."
"Uh, to be frank ma'am, we're looking for Chelish agents in our midst."
He licks his dry lips, "There are rumors in the Shackles that Cheliax may soon be making a move. If they are, we need to unify against them to preserve our way of life... our existence even. We may have our difficulties and problems, but to be under the heel of those jack-booted devil worshippers!" He shudders, unable to think of much worse. "It would be awful!"
"So we were wondering if it would be possible that you might have heard something of the rumors? And may know more..."
"To be honest, Dindreann, I don't imagine that Chelish rule would be the nightmare for you that it is for us. I am quite certain that many Chelish nobility have use for a goddess of secrets, lust, and vengeance. You would likely find a way to thrive, and it would be an insult to your talents to imply otherwise.
So I make no appeal to your self-interest other than this: you no doubt have friends, clients, and connections in the Shackles as they are. A Chelish takeover would be disruptive at the very least. An inconvenience.
And... They serve Asmodeus. The Archfiend. I ask you to join us in opposing them on principle and share what you might know."
"Yeah. Asmodeus." Tucci shakes his head.
vs DC 10 for +4 to MacLaren.
Veronica nods along as Tucci and Mac answer the priestess's question. "All this assumes, of course, that the rumours are true. That's why we came to you. We met Tessa at the Hurricane King's feast a couple days ago and she pointed us in your direction." She smiles back at the priestess. "If anyone could tell us about where these rumours came from and if there is any truth behind them, it would be you and your church."
As Mac began to explain the reasons she should aid them, Dindreann smiled. Looking from Mac to the halfling for a second, then to Veronica as she spoke about the church. Turning back to Mac she reaches out and pats his hand. "Well aren't you so cute, I can see why Agasta picked you."
Releasing Mac's hand, Dindreann sits up in her seat, crossing one leg over the other. Folding her hands on her lap she takes a more authoritative air. "As you know, information is a type of currency. The House of Stolen Kisses has leads on such information, as many people share their secrets with the temple’s sacred prostitutes in the heat of passion. But these secrets are shared in confidence, and the temple cannot simply give them away for free."
She smiles and gives a light shrug. " If you were to perform a service for the temple, however, you could expect such knowledge as payment." Gesturing in the general direction of the docks. "A ship owned by the temple, the 'Lady’s Sting, recently went missing. Divinations have revealed that the ship was attacked by a group of pirates who deliberately lure ships into danger so that they can salvage the cargoes of the resulting wrecked ships." She let's out a sigh, attempting to keep her features in check. "Piracy is a fact of life in the Shackles, of course, but the 'Lady’s Sting' was carrying a relic sacred to the faith—a gold-plated wasp statue known as the Golden Vespal. The temple seeks revenge on these wreckers who would dare attack one the faith’s holy vessels, as well as the return of the Golden Vespal, but they have so far been unable to locate the wreckers that attacked the Lady’s Sting.."
Her smile turns wolfish, as she looks from officer to officer. "If you can find the wreckers, enact the goddess’s revenge upon them, and recover the Golden Vespal, I will give you a lead on the spies you are seeking." She winks at Tucci, "And maybe other rewards as well."
Tucci gets a little uncomfortable. I mean, he's heard about the sorts of 'other rewards' that the Calistrians bestow. He tries not to think about it as his cheeks flush.
He'll take ten on the knowledge local (trained) for a 14. He looks to Veronica, "I may have an idea where we could get a lead Captain!"
He's excited as always.
Really? Now what would Tucci know about that?
Brother MacLaren waits to hear Tucci's idea.
As the officers of the 'Charm' begin to talk amongst themselves, Dindreann senses that the meeting has come to an end. Standing she moves towards the door, gently opening it herself. "Thank you for coming, I should be checking on my acolytes'. I look forwards to speaking with you when you return with the Golden Vespal." As the officers get up to leave she gives a smile that would melt the hearts of lesser men and woman.
Brother MacLaren will head back to the ship.
Whenever Tucci is there, he will follow up.
"My thought was that we would head to Beachcomber and ask around at the Temple of the Hidden Name. The Norgorber followers. It appears that we need to talk to both faiths after all.
Was that your idea as well?"
Tucci blushes again, and stays with MacLaren for his protection.
"My thought was that we would head to Beachcomber and ask around at the Temple of the Hidden Name. The Norgorber followers. It appears that we need to talk to both faiths after all. Was that your idea as well?"
Tucci looks astonished at MacLaren, "Exactly! It's like you read my mind! It's the only lead I can think of, but I worry they'll give us a task to do too, and we'll just run in circles doing jobs for folks."
He chuckles and makes the helm ready - taking 10 to ensure 20% faster speeds so they can stay one step ahead of their enemies.
He grins as the foam flecks his hair and the wind fills the sails.
Veronica smiles back at the priestess and leaves alongside her officers.
"Yeah, figured that would be our best bet on getting any information on the wreckers whereabouts as well. I'm worried about what the information will cost, though. I was hoping things would be easier with Dindreann, with her being close to Captain Fairwind and all. I'm guessing the ones at the Temple of the Hidden Name are even less likely to provide the knowledge we need for cheap."
Returning to the ship before dusk, Veronica gives the order to sail for Beach Comber Isle. Sailing through the night, shortly past the middle of the morning watch, the call goes up from the crow's nest. "Land Ho!" Following Tessa’s second lead, the ship voyages to Bag Island, home to the largest population of halflings in the Shackles. Beachcomber is one of Bag Island’s rowdiest ports, and many of its inhabitants are rumored to be secret worshipers of Norgorber.
As Tucci guides the ship into harbor, he explains what he knows to the officers.
"We'll need to be subtle and careful with our speech. A direct approach will likely fail, which leaves me out of it for the most part I think."
Brother MacLaren likewise figures out the necessary approach.
Mac makes veiled inquiries about where one might find a wretched hive of scum and villainy such as a hidden temple of Norgorber.
Finding themselves in a low ceilinged cantina called the Mos Eisley, the officers of the 'Charm' meet a one-eyed halfling. Who, when deciphering the information they are looking for, winks a Tucci and directs them to a nondescript warehouse in the town’s Lurker District. Inside the warehouse, they are met by a halfling dressed in the black clothing of an indentured servant of an aristocratic household and wearing a cherubic mask. the obsequious halfling guides them to a discreet soundproofed room in the back of the warehouse. The halfling introduces himself simply as “Slip” asking "How may the Temple of the Hidden Name may be of service?"
As with the Calistrians, Brother MacLaren does not assume that the risk of Chelish presence would automatically make trustworthy allies of the halfling Norgorber followers.
I am quite certain that such as they could thrive in Cheliax, taking advantage of the Chelish disdain for them to remain beneath notice. Household slaves of nobility would be well-positioned for spying, theft, or assassination missions. This one's attire as the indentured servant of an aristocratic household - even here in the Shackles where he has no master - suggests that he has used that guise before.
And so he does not make any attempt to appeal to their interest or even mention Cheliax.
He merely states, "We seek information on the wreckers who took the Lady's Sting and its cargo. If you should know which band did this, we could perhaps trade for that knowledge."