Savage Tide (3.5 D&D)

[Squark]

OOC Thread
Players

Spoiler

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Dax Thura Travers Bloodwhite, human wizard-monk
Crazedloon Aelnes, wood elf crusader-cloistered cleric
Cockroach Teaparty Lothario Doubleday, human marksman-rogue
Eguzki Dasoh Jisitu, human swashbuckler-rogue

While going about your daily business, a somewhat-aged looking hafling woman approaches you, and delivers a letter, saying her employer has heard of their exploits and would like to discuss hiring them. She says that she is very busy today, and cannot talk now, as she has several other errands to run today. The Letters read, as follows;

Greetings, and I trust this missive
finds you in good health!
My name is Lavinia
Vanderboren, and I humbly
request your attendance at
dinner at my estate on Festival
Street and Blue Skink Lane
tomorrow evening. I think
that I can present you with an
opportunity uniquely suited to
your skills. Please inform the
carrier of this letter of your
response to this invitation, and I
hope to be speaking to you soon!

Lavinia Vanderboren

Travers Bloodwhite: Make a knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) check, and a Knowledge (local) check.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Longshot Lo

Lo had been wandering down the street, nearing the Champion's District, when he received the letter. He stares puzzled at the message for a moment, before responding in the affirmative.
"Huh. Well. I suppose you can tell your master I'll be there."
With that, he sets off, a noticeable bounce in his gait. Maybe things were starting to look up.

[crazedloon]

Aelnes meets the halfling with a steady look. He reads the note swiftly before slipping it into his pack.

I will be there as requested

He glances around the dark allies of Shadowshore before returning his gaze to the halfling.

This is a dangerous part of town would you like an escort?

[Squark]

"If it is no trouble, my good man. But we are near the edge of the District, and it really is not necessary"

[crazedloon]

Aelnes


It is no trouble. Lead the way.

With these words he grips his halberd and walks behind the halfling ready to stop any who would try anything. His flails tinkled and his shield shifted and he glanced from side to side as he followed the halfling out of the district.

[Eguzki]

Returning from a daily fishing trip, Dasoh sees a small figure waiting at his dock. As they are tying of the boat and unpacking the catch she walks up to him and hands him a small piece of paper. Dasoh ignores his little brother trying to read over his shoulder. He had never heard of this Lavinia Vanderboren but her name spoke good feelings to him so he kindly replies to the old lady,

Of course I will come. I will make my way there as soon as possible.

With that, he tucks the letter in his belt and turns helping Tisan with the large net she is carrying.

[Dax Thura]

Travers is patrolling along with the Watch, unofficially of course, when he is approached by the halfling woman. He is used to the watchmen being approached by citizens that they are familiar with, but this is the first time that he was approached, yet alone given anything. It does not take his pals in the Watch long to begin to tease him nor does it take long for his curiosity to get him to decide to accept the invitation.


K: Local (1d20+6)[19]
K: Noble & Royal (1d20+6)[22]

[Squark]

Travers: You recognize Lavinia's name as the eldest daughter of the Vanderboren Family, a noble family from the Merchant District. A Month ago, both of her parents, Verik and Larissa, were killed in a tragic accident when their ship caught fire- All evidence is inconclusive. The Vanderboren's also had a son, Vanthus, although you don't recall much beyond his name.

-The Next Day-

As you arrive at Vanderboren Manor, you see that the gates are open in expectation of your arrival. You are greeted upon the rival by a trio of hunting dogs, who regard you curiously, but for the most part go about their business, sniffing around the ground and following one another. The manor is surrounded by a 7 foot high wall, while the house itself is an imposing, three-story tall Gothic building, with Gargoyles and Nymphs on the rooftop. Several well-placed trees nicely separate the grounds from the bustle of the Merchant quarter. The hafling woman opens the doors for you, and guides you into the atrium. You now have a few minutes to introduce yourselves to each other.

[Eguzki]

Dasoh walks up to the wizard with the short black hair. Holding out a hand he says with a great smile,

Good Day, My name is Dasoh, fisherman from the Azure district. What's your name?

[crazedloon]

Aelnes

Aelnes enters the room quietly giving a slight bow to the halfling woman and looking around the room. He stands to the side of the room letting the others do the talking while he observed. His black cloak lays over his shoulders obscuring the flail which hangs loosely in his belt as well as the lump that is his pack. His hand rest loosely on the shaft of his halberd and it leans against his shoulder. His armor shines dimly in the light and his eyes flicker form side to side.

[CockroachTeaParty]

Lo steps into the entryway without a word, and leans in the shadow of a corner, arms crossed. He is dressed in rustic woodsman's clothing, mostly rough-spun and leather, with dirty, well-used boots and rolled up sleeves, revealing his well-tanned arms. He looks like he's ready for a camping expedition, as a weathered backpack and various other bits of gear are strapped to his back. Lo squints at everyone in turn, slowly chewing something in his left cheek. His hair is greasy, unkempt, and plentiful everywhere but his forehead, where the unruly mane seems to be swiftly retreating. There is a rather unpleasant odor of raw nature about him, and he doesn't seem to care about this in the least. The only thing of beauty and cleanliness on his person is the gorgeous darkwood crossbow slung over his shoulder, detailed and constructed with steel and bronze polished to a mirror sheen. Overall, his appearance is unbuttoned, sloppy, and rural, his manner distant and somewhat suspicious, as if he's taking everything in and analyzing it for weakness. If asked his name, he simply mutters, "Name's Lo."

[Dax Thura]

Travers is dressed in a crisp outfit with a robe over top of it. It is a dark blue trimmed with flames of a lighter blue. His hair is well trimmed and there's not a hint of facial hair. He greets Dasoh with a stiff bow, "Well met, Dasoh, I am Travers Bloodwhite of the Noble District." He takes in the gathered individuals, "Did all of you receive a missive from the Lady Vanderboren?" As they respond, he makes himself comfortable, choosing a seat next to some fruit. "I would suggest that we all have a seat. She might be a while with whatever business it is that she is attending to and she might be a bit insulted if she thought that we feel unwelcome in her home. In the meantime, we can get to know each other better."

[crazedloon]

Aelnes

Aelnes give the noble a simple head nod when asked if he had received the missive. However when the suggestions of seats is put forth Aelnes simply tightens his spiked grip on the shaft of his weapon.

[Squark]

Shortly therafter, a group of four figures walk down the hall. The group is comprimised of a rather jaunty looking male Half-Elf in leather armor with at least a half-dozen daggers you can see, and probably a few you can't, a dark-skinned dwarf in a green and brown robe with a large, curved spear and a sour expression, a haughty but attractive human woman dressed in purple robes with a crescent moon tatoo on one cheek, and a tall, handsome man in polished breastplate with a bastard sword. The man in breastplate stops as he passes you, sizing you up before saying, "Hmm. You must be the help Lavinia's bringing in to do the chores. Best of luck to ya!" Before following the rest of the group outside.

Traver's Bloodwhite: Make a knowledge (local) check to identify the group

Kora then invites you into the private dining hall. It's a cozy room, lit by wall lanterns. A window looks out onto the central courtyard of the manor. On another wall, a portrait of a handsome young man with a short beard. Standing in front of the portrait is an attractive human woman in a flowing blue dress. She introduces herself as Lavinia Vanderboren, and asks you to be seated. She then explains what she has called you here to do.

“As you may have heard, I recently inherited
my parents’ estate. Along with this fine
house, unfortunately, came a fine amount
of debt owed the Dawn Council, the harbormaster,
and quite a few guildhalls. It seems
my parents, for all their success as adventurers,
were not as skilled at finance as one
might expect. If I’m to get these taxes paid,
I’ll need to access my family’s vault under
Castle Teraknian.
“And that’s the problem, you see. The
vaults are magically locked—keyed to special
signet rings. Both of my parents had
these rings, at least, until recently. My
mother lost hers a few months ago. She
arranged for a replacement, but it won’t
be done for another month or so, too late
for me. Which leaves my father’s ring.
He never wore it—he had a thing about
men wearing jewelry. He kept it hidden
somewhere on his ship, the Blue Nixie.
The problem there is that the harbormaster’s
seized the ship until someone
pays for the last four months of
mooring. I’ve paid the fines to the
man the harbormaster’s
put in charge of my ship,
a brute named Soller
Vark. Yet when I went to
claim my ship, Vark’s men
wouldn’t let me board,
claiming that I hadn’t yet paid
the fines. I spoke to Vark again
and he denied ever receiving my payment.
My complaints to the harbormaster have
fallen on deaf ears—he’s a doddering old
fool who trusts his man and won’t relent.
“Vark and his men are up to something
on my ship, I know it. What I need is
to find out exactly what they’re up to.
Unfortunately, Vark’s not the type to react
well to diplomacy or logic. I need someone
who speaks his language… which is where
you come in. If you can find out what he’s
using my ship for, or even better, recover
the money I paid him, I’ll pay each of you
200 gold in return once I’ve access to
my vault.”
With that, she pauses for questions.

[Dax Thura]

K: Local (1d20+6)[7]
In response to the man with the breastplate's comment, "Now that was rather rude."

To Lavinia: "Madam, I would be honored to represent you in this matter. With your permission, I would first attempt a diplomatic solution, but if that does not work, I will employ more harsh measures as the situation warrants."

[Eguzki]

I want to make a Knowledge local check for Vark and Harbor Master before making a response.
K: Local (1d20+5)[16]

[CockroachTeaParty]

Lo sits with his arms crossed, and continues to chew whatever it is in his cheek. He squints at Lavinia's story.
"Hmph. Sounds fair enough. I take it the Watch ain't gonna help ya? Well, I s'pose we're the next best thing."

[crazedloon]

Aelnes

Aelnes gives a cold glare at the group who passes them by before focusing on their would be patron.

"Will you be covering any expenses as well as any potential fines we may incur attempting to acquire this ring? Is there anything else you can tell us about the location of the ring on the ship as well as the general layout, design and mooring of the ship?"

He asks his questions with a monotone uninterested voice and listens to the others questions noting their responses.

[Squark]

@Travers- You can't quite place wear you've heard of the mercanaries you saw leave

@Dasoh- The current harbormaster is Keltar Islaran. Word on the street is that he's somewhat ill, and that he's continually frustrated as he lacks a child suitable to take over; he has two daughters more interested in marriage than the sea, and a son who's deathly afraid of water. You've never heard of Vark. OOC: You don't have any ranks in knowledge (local), so you can't get anything more than this, even if your check entitled you to more.


"I have gone to the watch. Unfortunately, I did not consider that Vark would attempt to hold out on the fee, and I didn't take a witness for the transaction, so without evidence, the watch is far too busy to look into this anytime soon without solid evidence. As to repercussions... I'd ask you not to throw the first punch, but why would the put up a fight if they're not up to something? It's my ship, after all! I wish you luck with your diplomatic endeavors, Mr. Bloodwhite, but I doubt you will have any more success than I have over the past week. The Blue Nixie itself is a fairly typical caravel, and I can give you the adress of where its moored.

[Eguzki]

OK, So we go down to the ship, talk to this Vark character. We get the ring back and you give us 200 gold pieces. Meanwhile we get to beat up some big sailors, Says Dasoh as he stares out the window, leaning back in his wooden chair with his arms crossed over his half buttoned loose white shirt. His face carries the expression of bordom and impatience.

His head snaps back and he stands up in one quick motions, So what are we waiting for? Lets do this.

[crazedloon]

Aelnes

Aelnes gives the the impatient human a disgruntled look.

though the forward approach would be simplest and easiest it may lead to the Lady's incrimination in nefarious deeds whether true or false. Simply sneaking aboard should work just as well and may allow us to catch these sailors in the act.

[Dax Thura]

"Sir, while I am willing to use stealth where necessary, I am no sneak thief. We are going a ship owned by Miss Vanderboren at her request. There is no reason for us to behave in a manner that is less than open. We should go and try to reason with this fellow. If that doesn't work, then we get to, as he put it, beat up some big sailors."

[Eguzki]

"I know these types of folks. They are not the type that react to reasoning. Sneaking in would work but it wouldn't be as fun. We should just go down and persuade Vark to let us aboard."

[crazedloon]

Aelnes

"So what you both are saying is you would like to break the law by beating a man who as far as the law is concerned is only doing his job? If I am not mistaken that is the fast track to jail. A simple sneaking plan will allow us to bypass that and if things go wrong you can still fight these sailors. Also the diplomatic solution has already failed and any further attempt would cause suspicion due to our heavily armed nature, and to conduction negotiations without our weapons can be a quick way to floating face down in the water."

[Eguzki]

Dasoh

You make a convincing argument, my friend. As much as I do enjoy swimming I much rather have my face up while floating in the water. He pauses to look out the window at the falling sun in the western sky. I must return home to fetch my sword and armor. What if we meet up at dusk by the harbor. There we will be able to find the best way aboard the ship.

Looking over at Miss Vanderboren, Where exactly is the Blue Nixie moored?

[CockroachTeaParty]

Lo smirks at Dasoh's enthusiasm.
"Well, I'm more for the stealthy approach, but if we want to get rowdy, I think I'll just stick to the back. I can cover you guys from range handily."

[Squark]

"The Blue Nixie is docked near the end of Pier 5 of the Merchant District- The long one that goes between the Merchant's and Smith's Guildhall. I wish you luck in your endeavors. The Blue Nixie is fairly distinctive, you shouldn't have any trouble finding it.

[crazedloon]

Aelnes

We shall meet at the pier at dusk and use the cover of darkness to hide our approach. Until then I suggest you all prepare. I will take my leave if that is all may Corellion Larethian be with us.

Alenes gives a small bow and a muttered prayer under his breath.

If no one has anything else to add he leaves. Once off the estate he heads to the pier which their employer indicated. Once there he searches for the the ship and makes note of anything important.

Spoiler

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spot - (1d20+2)[21]
listen - (1d20+2)[17]

at the boat if I find it for anything that may be relevant particularly any guards and their location as well as the layout of the boat

[CockroachTeaParty]

Lo nods, likewise feeling restless.
"Think I'll follow long-ears out. See you all at the docks."

With nothing better to do, Lo heads to the pier, with an eye for the high ground. Specifically, he looks for any decent sniping positions, as well as the general lay of the land.

[Eguzki]

Waving a good bye to everyone Dasoh heads off back home. He has a quick supper with the rest of his family. He then goes to his room where he puts on his fine Sharkskin armor and attaches his rapier to his belt. He shakes of his nervousness then grabs his backpack and heads off to the docks where he is to meet the others. Since he is running late he takes the short route going through alleys and darkly light streets.

He arrives just after dusk, panting since he came here running. After a few seconds he catches his breath and the only sign that he had exerted himself in any way is a few beads of sweat on his brow.