DrK Savage Tide I IC

[Starbin]

Grimgor

The dwarf watched, growing more impatient as the group continued to banter and poke at the weird stone carvings. "C'mon, pretty boyo! Turn th'blasted thin' and let's git goin'.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Still nothing else to add ...

Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 17
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Stance: none
Weapons: Waraxe and Shield
Effects: None

[redzimmer]

Locksley

Presuming Grimgor is speaking to him,

Flatterer.

Locksley ponders the paintings.

Taking the arrow, he turns it once clockwise, then pointing towards the single-eyed monster first. He turns it towards the west. Then with the red arrow pointing at the two-eyed dragon, he turns the arrow to the east. Then stopping the arrow at the fish-thing then west again, he then turns onto the ettin and east, towards the eye tyrant and then west, the next turn ending on the gorilla-creature and pointing east, next turns for the spider and then west a fourth time, and finally and turns with the arrow ending at the family portrait ans points the arrow east.

"The eyes. Somehow the numbers of eyes are the clue. The monsters in the note, each had a different number of eyes, odd or even. If this doesn't work, maybe like-numbered eyes are another clue..."

He draws his sword, ready for whatever may happen.

[DrK]

Locksley has a realisation and matches the eyes from the beasts on the scroll to the beasts on walls and spins the star "sun rise" and "Sunset" as he goes from the Grey Render to the Roper to the Dragon to the Ettin and then back to the dragon. Spinning the star clockwise or anti-clockwise as the beast staring sunrise or sunset dictates. As the star comes to rest on the dragon for the second time there is massive groaning of gears from within the central pillar and all of the murals of monsters on the walls rotate smoothly on hidden tracks revealing the hidden alcoves behind them containing the wealth of Vanderboren family...

"Oh my. Where has it all gone!" Is Lavinia's scream as she surveys the seven alcoves. Chest after iron bound chest lies open, only a few scraps of cloth or the occasional silver coin left inside. Finally in the last alcove a pair of chests with lids closed and a mark for the signet ring to be inserted.

Lavinia runs across, tears starting in her eyes and places the ring on the chest and everyone can hear the click as it opens. Inside the chest are half a dozen large bags obviously filled with golden coins. Neat paper tags attached to them in a delicate flowing hand read as "500 crowns".

The second chest is more interesting - inside a stack of ledgers and an iron coffer filled with neatly written documents in one of two different handwriting styles. Lavinia grabs one and skims through. A gasp of relief. "I had though we were ruined. We still have my father's ledgers. Lists of debts and favours owed to us by many of the Guilds and the noble Families of Sasserine." She looks at the other chests empty of what must be tens of thousands of gold coins. "It may be a difficult few months but with these ledgers and the Nixie back in my possession House Vanderboren will soon regain its former splendour". As she kneels on the dusty floor you can see many of the documents in the coffer look more like a journal - maps of a jungle island, sketches of strange beasts and all written in a strange flowing language that does not look familiar (Sylvan).

Closing the chest of books and documents Lavinia looks up at the assembled party and hands over 3 heavy bags of coins to Locksley and Grimgor. "There should be 500 crowns in each bag. We had agreed on 300 each. that may be just short but we can speak of that soon...." Before anyone can question her unexpected gift. She speaks again - "It will take some time for me to read these details but there may be jobs that I require some professional assistance with. Would you be interested in being on retainer for my House. I will pay you 100 crowns a month for the retainer plus additional expenses if I call upon you"

As you negotiate or speak with her there is a shout from the main hallway. One of the Clerks from upstairs standing nervously in the hallway with a letter held in his hand. She walks across grabbing the letter. Lavinia looks at the handwriting with a pinched expression. "That would appear to be the same seal as this" pointing at the wax seal that matches her own signet ring. Breaking the seal she opens up the letter and hisses in annoyance. "That snake. Why would he do this". Proferring the letter to Lara she grimaces. "It would appear that my offer of retainer was well placed, it seems I would need your help now."

The letter, written in an angry angular handwriting reads

"Dear Sister.

Angry words have passed between us. Now is my ultimatum. I have our dear parents money and in a few months I will require my home as well. You may retire to one of the smaller properties in the country with a small stipend and the charming Kora to keep you company. But the house and all the holdings will be mine. Do not cross me in this Lavinia - I am not to be trifled with.

-V"

Lavinia looks sad, tears or sadness and rage starting from her eyes. "Its from my Brother Vanthus. He must have found my Mother's signet ring."

"We were quite close growing up, as our parents were rarely around. We grew to depend on each other, and got in to a fair amount of trouble together."

She pauses, a momentary smile before being replaced with a sad grimace
"After one prank involving elixirs of love being emptied into the nearbywater tower we were separated by my parents. "To be tamed they said." I was sent to the Thenalar Academy and Vanthus was shipped out to one of our plantations to learn the family business. When he returned to last year he had changed. He was bitter, he did not have time for me his Sister and spent his nights with "associates of doubtful character." Eventually, he moved out of the house entirely. I had heard he taken up with a whore in the Azure district but I am not to sure. After our parents died he returned for a week but he had changed even more. He fought and raged and shouted and then eventually he struck me. I was shocked. He left soon after and I have no seen him since

I know you have worked hard for me this night. But I ask - will you help me find him and help me reclaim my family fortune?"

[redzimmer]

Locksley

re-sheathing his blade, Locksley waves away the bag of coins.

"I shall accept you offer, my dear Lady, not for coin, but for what is right!"

He pointedly does not reject the weekly retainer fee however.

"We should return to your home at all haste; your brother may make a move sooner than he warns."

[Starbin]

Grimgor

When Locksley's actions are a success, the dwarf let out an explosive sigh. "About time ..." He took the bags of coins, removing his share of the coin, then shrugged at the woman's offer. "Ah dinnae 'ave a better offer righ now. Ah'll take th'job. An th'monet."

The last was said in response to Locksley's altruistic offer ...

Spoiler: OOC

Show

So 300gp per person?

Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 17
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Stance: none
Weapons: Waraxe and Shield
Effects: None

[Ghostfoot]

Tyndall

Tyndall accepts the coin, trying hard not to show his elation at the gift and the offer of a further contract with such a fine employer.

"My humble thanks, Lady Lavinia. I am honoured to remain in your service. Your brother Vanthus, have you any clue where he might be? You mentioned a, <ahem>, companion in the Azure District? Perhaps if we can find Vanthus before he acts you could talk to him and we can resolve this before it gets out of hand."

[DrK]

Lavina looks about, a look of worry on her face at the lost money. "THank you all. But I had best see some of the banking guild and that will take me most of the day. I shall arrange an extra 10 or so guards for my estate for the next few days. Thank you all for agreeing to continue to assist me. I will have some better idea of finances tonight and will see what I can find out about dear Vanthus. She looks about again, in some pique.

"Could you present yourselves at my estate tomorrow morning shortly after 10 bells (am). Then we can begin the hunt for the rest of my finances. Master Tyndall I believe there was an Inn that Vanthus used to frequent. I once hear my father and him arguiing about the cost of the tab he had accrued. Its in the Azure district and I believe was called the "Pink Parrot", she pauses to consider the name. "It is an odd name for a tavern don't you think?" she adds revealing her youth and naive nature.

Spoiler: Know (local) DC10

Show

THe pink parrot is a well know and relatively pricey brothel that is renowned for the quality of its wares across much of Sasserine.

[redzimmer]

Locksley

A wistful smile flickers across his face.

"I wonder if I 'crossed swords' with him there," he says. He then realizes Lavinia might have no clue what he means.


"Ahem. It is a club for gentlemen seeking an evening's companionship... <Cough>."

He gives the others a dark look, imploring they do not elaborate.

[Starbin]

Grimgor

At Locksley's dark look, the dwarf frowned. "Wot's th'stink eye fer, Mr. Fancy? Or ... uh ... Miss Fancy?" Grimgor looked perplexed for a moment, both at the dark look and his sudden inability to distinguish Locksley's gender.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 17
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Stance: none
Weapons: Waraxe and Shield
Effects: None

[Ghostfoot]

Tyndall

"Certainly, Lady. If you are sure that you will be well guarded we can make a few discreet enquiries and report back to you tomorrow morning."

Spoiler: Next steps?

Show

Off to check out the scene at the Pink Parrot?

And if we received the 300gp each we also have 100pp to split so some shopping on the way?

[RCgothic]

Lara

Lara catches Locksley's meaning readily enough. "I'll explain later," she whispers to Grimgor, as eager as the half elf not to get into details with a Lady present.

"Of course I'd be happy to assist," Lara confirms to Lavina.

[Stegyre]

'Tienne

'Tienne just stares blankly, not following any of the conversation. Locksley and Lara seem to know the situation, so the thing to do was simply to follow them.

[Starbin]

Grimgor

Grimgor grunted at Lara, a grumpy look on his face. "Well, let's git on wit' it, then ..." The dwarf looked ready to leave, unhappy at the double-take that was seemingly going on.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

ready to move out

Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 17
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Stance: none
Weapons: Waraxe and Shield
Effects: None

[redzimmer]

Locksley

Familiar as he was with the seemy underseams of Sasserine, Locksley sets out to digs up what he can on Vanthus.

"Come, my new friends! Let us bask in the feverish glow of our beloved city!"

Spoiler: Gather Information

Show

(1d20+7)[12]

***


Some time later he comes up very dry and very bored.

"I guess my face is too familiar. Maestra Lara, would you aid in my search?"

[DrK]

Lavinia gives you all a friendly smile and a firm handshake as she see's you escorted out of the Castle Vaults and ferried across to the bustling city. Now late in the evening the city is alive! Everburning lantenrs and torches in locked sconces decorate the noble's district as in the poorer districts lamp lighters walk down the street setting off the crude wooden torches. The jungle's evening course is loud even over the city noise as the pant hoots of various monkey and ape species in the forest competing with the roar of big cats and bigger lizards and the chirps and shrieks of birds.

Heading into the slightly well to do Azure district packed with more unusual artisans and shops catering to the more unusual Locksley meets little success in the first couple of inns but eventually after an hour or two of pottering from bar to skewered lizard street vendor you can see down a substantial alleyway the glowing pink/purple lanterns of well to do looking inn spanning 3 floors of a stout looking tiled house with a large wooden sign with an elaborate painted pink parrot on it. By the door a pair of large and burly guards stand watching the street, both massive and looking even larger with elaborate feathered helmets and halberds with long feathered blades. As you all saunter down the alley the two guards look at you all, a strange group by any stretch of the imagination. "What you lot wanting?"

[redzimmer]

Locksley

Locksley sniffs disdainfully with the air of a man with little time for the doormen of the world.

"My guests are newly rich and want to partake in the finest Shrine to Myhriss in Oerik, dear fellow. I suppose you charge an 'entry fee?'"

The half-elf alludes to the jangling bags of coins his companions are sporting on their persons. he then leans in to speak in a conspiratorial voice.

"Come along then, man. My patrons are growing bored even as we stand here. I get a commission from your boss for each mark I get to cross your threshold here. I'll give you... five per cent."

Spoiler: Bluff

Show

(1d20+6)[23]

"Okay, okay okay... ten percent! But hurry before the dwarf wanders off!"

Spoiler: Diplomacy?

Show

(1d20+6)[19]

Locksley turns and speaks Draconic at the others.

"No guard in this city would ever speak draconic. I am trying to get them to go for less than the usual 15 percent I give to a brothel's guards."

Spoiler: Double bluff! And Sense Motive

Show

(1d20+6)[17]
(1d20+1)[18]

He looks at the guards again and grins his sleaziest grin.

[Ghostfoot]

Tyndall

A little confused by his jaunty companion's quick-witted banter Tyndall struggles to stifle a yawn at the mention of "bored" and turns to see if the dwarf has in fact wandered off...

Spoiler: Aid another

Show

He's not the sharpest tool in the box, but hoping for some sort of unintended synergy benefit here.

Aid another:

Bluff (1d20+3)[21]
Diplomacy (1d20+3)[8]

[Starbin]

Grimgor

Walking around the city at night, Grimgor listened to the sounds of the jungle with interest - they almost mocked the urban sounds of the city. Upon arriving at the strange place, he elected to let the Pretty Boy (?) do the talking. However, the fist words out of the lad's mouth was to announce them as rich, which effectively marked them as ... well, marks. Growling, he looked around to see who else might be listening ... and considered the discussion he would have with Locksley later.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Here come the thieves!

Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 17
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Stance: none
Weapons: Waraxe and Shield
Effects: None

[Stegyre]

'Tienne

'Tienne gathers what pieces he can of the destroyed construct before they leave the vault – Never know what you might be able to learn from something like that – and follows the others through the streets to the pink something-or-other-place-that-Locksley-knows about. He stands dumbly while Locksley (who is clearly in his element) engages the guards at the door. We're supposed to be reach, and we're here to "partake of the finest shrine to Myhriss . . . .

He searches his memory for the name.

Spoiler

Show

Knowledge (whatever) (1d20+1)[12]

Edit: basic knowledge: "The Flan Goddess of Love, Romance, and Beauty."

"So is this a museum?" he whispers to no one in particular.

[DrK]

The bouncers grin at Tyndall and Locksley and open the doors revealing heavy curtains behind. THey motion at a fat burly man behind a counter. "Weapons now lads and lasses. We don't allow any blades or owt in the Parrot. Ye'll get a ticket and its a strong box." He gestures behind him to where a dozen large and heavy looking chests are stacked on walls. All heavy, metal and secured to wall and floor with thick chains. Once you hand your weapons over he motions to yet another tall armoured and armed bouncer who pulls open the curtains...

They open to an exotic green skinned beautiful half orc woman who shows you all into the room beyond. The setting is luxurious with small cavern like booths sitting 6-7 people, each with a large table complete with pole in the centre of the small caves. SHe welcomes you and shows you to one of the booths. The entire place filled with a rich heady smell of incense that curls around in thick pink and purple mists with the whole area dimly lit by flickering reddish lanterns.

The half orc hostess shows you to your table before looking at you all, a smile on her face revealing long polished and pointed teeth. "What brings you here this evening? Can we help you with anything, would you like to see the girls, or with a glance at Laras, the boys for you to make your choices?"

[Stegyre]

'Tienne

"It's really just a walking stick," 'Tienne whispers, as the large man puts his hand out. Not wanting to cause trouble, he hands it over. There are probably couches to sit on while we look at the paintings, so not much walking, he reasons.

He's puzzled to see the tables and poles, until the realization hits him: Dancing! That's what they do here.

He seats himself at the back of the booth, so the others can get in, and looks expectantly at Locksley, wondering what happens next.

[Starbin]

Grimgor

When asked to turn over his weapons, Grimgor started swell up, but at the mention of a lockbox, he was somewhat mollified. He took his own weapons to the box and ensured they were secured properly. Then he glanced at whoever was in charge of the boxes and grunted, "If'n there's a scratch Ah dinnae make, someone's payin' ..."

Pocketing the key, he followed the others into the room, with numerous glances at the lockers.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Oh sure take away my weapons!

Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 17
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Stance: none
Weapons: Shield
Effects: None

[redzimmer]

Locksley

Locksley immediately regrets not palming a dagger, and reminds himself not to forget next time.

He waits patiently for his companions to present their case, ready to swoop in if a silvered tongue is required.

Spoiler: I may lack in combat

Show

But I am steeped in bulls**t.

[Ghostfoot]

Tyndall

"Sure" says Tyndall, handing over his weaponry. Looking around at the others and then the hostess he clears his throat. "We, ah, we're still waiting on one of our friends to join us. He'll be here soon, I'm sure. Some drinks would be welcome, while we wait."

He pays the hostess and waits until she comes back before trying to subtly see if she'll let anything slip "A fine place this, we were told and they were not wrong. You must attract some wealthy folk to an establishment like this. I bet you've seen some hefty tabs called in here, eh? Say, have you seen our friend here already, his name's V-"

Spoiler: checks

Show

Gather Info (1d20+3)[17]
With Wis 8 Tyndall's about to blurt out Vanthus' name. Feel free to interrupt him or we can see how this goes...

[RCgothic]

Lara hands over her obvious greatsword, but she keeps hold of her concealed darts. She's content to let the others take the lead for the moment.

[DrK]

The woman smiles and laughs at Tyndall before nodding and waving around the bar. "You mean Vanthus.. Yeah. He's been here a lot recently. Brissa has been his favourite girl of late." She smiles sweetly as the drinks arrive along with the expensive bill at over a silver per drink. "Brissa isn't working here tonight. When she's not here she's down shadowshore I think. Works nights for a pimp named Penkus."

Looking around her own much nice establishment she smiles. "What can we do for you tonight? The night is yet young as most of you seem."

[redzimmer]

"What can we do for you tonight? The night is yet young as most of you seem."

Locksley

The bard smiles with a gleam. He would dearly love to discomfit 'Tienne and Amara, but more pressing things were at hand.

No, maybe just a little fun.

He leans in ans speaks quietly to the hostess.

"It's the dwarf's birthday and he wanted to taste the town's pleasures before he takes his vows of celibacy and ships off the the monastery of Dumathoin."

He nods to Grimgor happily.

"Can you surprise him with some exotic dancing? A couple halflings or a gnome if you've one? Boy or girls, doesn't much matter. I myself want to hit the tables. My coin is far too heavy."

He pats his near-empty (though she needs not know this) purse.

Spoiler

Show

Wait, where the devil is Amara? I've not seen her since we got here...

Bluff (1d20+6)[9]
Gather information (1d20+7)[14]

Whoops. Someone else's turn.

[DrK]

The woman laughs, a low tinkling laugh "Of course. That's not a problem. Anything you want we can supply. Now Master Locksely, how about whilst you are buying my wine and spirits and women you can tell me why such a strange party has come to my establishment." Her eyes flash slightly showing the intelligence behind the pretty facade. She does however clap her hands and a stream of pretty boys and girls pop out and parade in front of the party smiling and pouting in equal manner.

[redzimmer]

Locksley

In a low voice, Locksley speaks with the hostess.

"Okay, I shall level with you. Vanthus has been a naughty boy as of late. I represent interested parties who want him dealt with in a discreet manner. If you know not his current whereabouts, it might at least be worthwhile to keep my friends and I apprised of any sudden change in your knowledge."

Locksley takes a moment to steal a caress of one of the young offerings on parade. He then draws away from the hostess and speaks with his companions.

"This lady who Vanthus fancies, Brissa. She might be the next person we should question, and her pimp Penkus."

He sips a ridiculously expensive drink, and motions for a courtesan at random to dance for him.

"Who wants to settle our tab here? I fear I spent my last coin on the doormen."

Spoiler: True Story

Show

Gives his last 10 gp to them on the way out.

[Starbin]

Grimgor

The dwarf glared at the fancy man, certain his companion was saying something unflattering about the dwarf. He started to move forward, but then decided against it. As the room began to fill with young, nubile 'professionals' the dwarf sighed explosively and stomped towards the door. "Ah'll be outside ..."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

The fully armed dwarf should be more than enough of a deterrent as he waits outside ...

Status
HPs: 12 (-3); AC: 17
F +5, R +2, W +1
Listen/Search/Spot +1; Balance +5; Concentration +7
Steely strike, Moment of Perfect Mind, Charging Minotaur (3/3)
Stance: none
Weapons: Shield
Effects: None