I think we have a pig in the hold.
Goat? Pig?
"So what's the plan? Sneak in, attack, or knock on the door and try to bluff our way in?" Ci Ci asks. "I can grant one of you the ability to blend in with your surroundings for a little over half an hour," she glances down at Manny, if sneaking in is the idea."
Let's make friends... ask for help.
I can scout while everyone is talking to all you guys.
Nico surveys the Isle and isn't impressed by the lack of taverns and brothels. "Look on my works ye mighty and despair." He murmurs to himself.
The only thing there is the keep, which sits right on the lagoon’s
edge, where the water ranges from knee deep to neck deep,
with powerful ebb tides and rip currents that can sweep
invaders out to sea.
It is currently 1AM
"Not an appropriate time to make a social call, but the perfect time to sneak in, if that's the plan. Of course, we could just run up a flag of parley, and wait until dawn. Hopefully, we won't wake to catapult shot raining down on our heads."
It is more the tides you have to deal with
"Regardless of what we decide. It seems like trying to sail the Grace into that lagoon will get us run aground. We'll need to anchor out here, and bring one of the longboats ashore."
The harbor on Windward Island is deep enough to hold three ships so anchoring it there is not an issue.
All set to cast off! Manny has a pig with him that has a bow tied on it.
Happy to lend my night piercing eyes...
The tide is currently at 6' to the keep.
I can carry people over if you want or cast spells for breathing under water. Also, my hat can be a boat.
You do know at low tide the water is lower and it is higher at high tide. Right now it does not appear to be either. You figure it would be an easy swim (DC 10).
"Look, they can see shipping all round for miles. They know we're here!" Nico tells everyone.
"We can go in and talk to them, or attack. What did we want to do here anyway?"
Get ourselves a neato base!
"Maybe they're willing to strike a bargain and form a working partnership. After all, they have a keep and we have a ship..."
"Maybe they're willing to strike a bargain and form a working partnership. After all, they have a keep and we have a ship..."
Who do we have to negotiate with them?
"Either Nico, myself, or both of us would be my suggestion," Ci Ci replies. "We both are experienced negotiators. The Captain and the rest of you need only be present and look intimidating. Whisper anything you want said to us, and we'll make sure to get wind behind the words."
I am not as clumsy with words as one would assume, but... I do not have your gifts. He indicates the two already mentioned.
That ok with me if you wanna talk talk.
Captain?
"That sounds good to me," Capricia says after giving the matter much thought. "We can offer the pig as a gift and maybe have talks over a decent meal. I'd prefer not to start with hostilities, as the Rock's master has done nothing to earn our wrath. Perhaps we can work out a deal to use Tidewater Rock to berth when needed and trade our earnings...if there's interest."
So when you plan to go over there? Not at 1AM I presume
"Run up the white flag of truce," Capricia orders. "We'll try to parley come morning. But let's keep a close watch tonight; I imagine that any inhabitants of the keep already know we're here and might assume us to be hostile."
A middle-aged handsome, if rough-edged, woman appears at the battlements with her guards. "What be yer intentions? She yells down to your ship at dawn. Two light ballista are trained on the ship.
Kaliban moved gracefully, unarmed and unarmored to the their side.
He motions towards the white flag.
Didn't know about the goats or, we would have brought one. Might have a pig. He smiles.
Perhaps we can help each other. I'll let the others explain, not the best with words. Apologies. He bows his head, slightly.
Nico goes to his hammock to get as much sleep as possible for the upcoming negotiations.
Manny rides the pig up to the deck in the morning. It is freshly washed and has a giant ribbon on it.
"You see our flag of truce. We seek to parley under the terms of Besmara's Code. By the Sea Queen, I do swear, our intentions are not nefarious!" Ci Ci calls out.
Kaliban moved gracefully, unarmed and unarmored to the their side.
He motions towards the white flag.
Didn't know about the goats or, we would have brought one. Might have a pig. He smiles.
Perhaps we can help each other. I'll let the others explain, not the best with words. Apologies. He bows his head, slightly.
[Dice=Diplomacy]1d20+7
At 8 AM, the tide goes out and the party can now walk up to the tower should they chose to do so.
"By help each other, meaning what? I may be a widow, but I do know how to take care of myself and I do rule this keep."
Kaliban does cross.
Mutually beneficial... arrangement? What might make life a bit better here? Surely you don't... need anything.
A pig? He looks back at Manny.
He shakes his head apologetically as he lowers himself to the ground, sitting. This is the part I leave to my betters. Not the goblin on the pig mind you, my... other betters.
"How will you know we have nothing to offer, if you don't give us a chance to talk things out? I'm sure we've got a few things on board that might catch a widow's eye!" Ci Ci calls back in reply.
.
It is awesome pig!
"Run up the white flag of truce," Capricia orders. "We'll try to parley come morning. But let's keep a close watch tonight; I imagine that any inhabitants of the keep already know we're here and might assume us to be hostile."
Sounds great, how can I assist? I have some skill at diplomacy but not the best.
"Let me go over as the ship's diplomat, Captain. No sense having you go over until we know they're willing to negotiate in good faith," Ci Ci offers. "I can bring some of the other officers, if you think it preferable to me going at it alone."
"Perhaps we might reach an accord that allows us to make berth here on occasion," Capricia calls to the woman. "You would benefit from gaining us as allies, another ship for your fleet, and a negotiable settlement for a portion of our take. Will you parley with us?"
To CiCi she adds, "If she agrees, you'll be in charge of negotiations. But I think I'll go along as well...in case our hostess does not intend to negotiate in good faith."
Kaliban waits for the others to arrive.
I can sneaky sneak and leap out if they try stabben ya
"We will parley then." Turning towards his Sergeant of Arms, Royster open the front gate."
Ci Ci joins the diplomatic team in the small boat as they make their way to the gate. She smiles with the anticipation of seeing the inside of the legendary sea fort of Tidewater Rock.
At 8AM the tide is out so the party can just walk over to the keep. It will remain at low tide for about 2 hours.
Hi, Royster, I'm Emma, the quartermaster and second mate, what can you tell me about this legendary fort called tidewater?? Your like totally hot, can I jump you later!?
She has high intelligence and charisma but really low wisdom, making her impulsive; I'm a consumate cheerleader, mean girl or spoiled and entitled
Capricia keeps a smile on her lips as she approaches the keep but is remaining alert for any signs of treachery from their hostess.
Emmy, you way too horny! Cool down there.
"I'm told she's a right fine tumble," Ci Ci says, backing up Emma's play. "A night with her might be on the table, if you play your cards right."
She watches the man-at-arms carefully, looking for signs of an ambush.