Chains of Kahetch - 3.5 Homebrew PbP (IC)

[Charon23]

The halfling walks around slow so as to catch the gist of the conversation, interjecting a goofy face at Solomon, then gestures with a finger that she will be right back. She returns a moment later with a black and white patched husky mix with a saddle attached.

Spoiler: @ Solomon

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Spoiler: Mental Reply

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"Got my blade, it's right here! ... Wait here, I'm gettin' Pepper then we can all keep an eye on her."

She offers to Altana in a hopeful tone, "If'ets there we can be stoppin' by b'fore headin' east ta the guild. 'Less you're, ehm..goin' jus' there instead?" She trips over her own question to respond to Vyncent. "An' I'm Wyonella, an' she {{indicating the dog}} is Pepper."

[PH7]

Solomon is silent for a few seconds as he mentally replies to the halfling.

Spoiler: Mental message

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If it matters that much to you, I will help you convince them to go to the guild. But since we're already at the docks, it might be easier to go to the ship first. See if any information can be won there.

"I am Solomon," the warlock says to the man. "And I have already promised Altana my help. Should your needs align and she tolerate your company, then you may have my aid in this matter as well. I do not presume to speak on her behalf, but I think she might like to hear your story before we proceed."

[Charon23]

Spoiler: Mental Reply to Solomon

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"First's fine so's we get a movin'. I don't need ta be burnin' 'nother day ta return 'thout her. Things needin' tending an' all."

Wyonella lets a warm reassuring smile bloom on her face toward Solomon, once again out of context to the discussion at hand.

[DarkSteelWolf]

Vyncent nods his head to both Solomon and Wyonella as they say their names, and, while sighing from Solomon's remark about how Altana probably wants to hear more of his story, he bends down to pet Pepper. "My story... Hmmm." Vyncent stops petting Pepper, stands up, and looks at each of the three in turn, all the while thinking of what lies to place in his truths. I will have to tell them what is obvious, as well as what would be easy to learn. But what do they want to hear... "Very well. However, I would suggest that we walk while we talk, wherever it is we're going to first. Is that alright?"

[An Amy]

Altana

"I wanted to head toward the docks and see if Captain Malpruit was available to answer similar questions," the priestess says as she takes a few well-scouted steps out into the street. Wary of culture. "So, Vyncent. What's your goal? Just to find out why your ship was beset upon by V-dale, err... thugs?"

[DarkSteelWolf]

After a second of surprise at Atlanta's last question, he breaks into warm, genuine laughter. "Vamildale beset our ship because that is what they do. They meddle." Vyncent smiles at her, and continues, "And being from T'vessen, I can comfortably say that calling them thugs is insulting thugs. As for my goals..." At this, Vyncent stops, weighing his options once more. "For the short-term, I want my friends out of jail, certainly. Being able to go home safely would be nice, but unrealistic." At this his smile fades away again, changing into his determined look. "And I want to know how you got to where you were when we found you, and why." His smile then returns. "In the short-term, of course."

[PH7]

Solomon chuckles and nods approvingly at the Vyncent's Vamildale-thug comment. Well, the man has his mind in the right place, at least. He listens intently to the T'vessen man's listed goals. And his heart as well, though I imagine anyone would want to help their friends. Solomon does wonder why sailing to T'vessen would be less realistic than getting a score of people out of prison. He decides to store away that question for later. First he takes the opportunity to ask more about Vyncent's connection to Altana. The priestess had not yet explicitly stated that she had lost her memory, and that information might be too valuable to give up simply to move the conversation forward.
"Where exactly did you find Altana, if I may ask? " Solomon asks of the man.

[DarkSteelWolf]

Vyncent looks to Solomon. "As I said inside, we found her on a deserted island in the middle of the ocean. She was in a long crate, and covered in some kind of silver... stuff that seemed to keep her in a sort of trance." After saying this, he shrugs his shoulders. "If you want a more specific answer as to where, you'll have to ask captain Malpruit, as he knows better than I when it comes to the sea." He then looks to Altana. "Now then, Are we set to go?"

[An Amy]

Altana

"The captain seems as good a start as any," the priestess responds with a nod. Then she turns her head toward Solomon first and then Vyncent second. "Lead the way."

[PH7]

Solomon gives a slight bow, without slowing his steps. "Your wish is my command, my lady priestess. Now, our leisurely steps have already taken us a little closer to the docks. I had intended to go to the harbourmaster's offices and ask for information there, maybe spend a few coins to expedite the process. But if either of you know where the Feangeamh docked, it would save us some time...?"

Solomon lets the question hang in the air. Depending on the answers, he leads the party to either the harbourmaster or the ship. On the way, he turns back to Vyncent.
"Where was this island? Don't worry, I don't expect you to give me coordinates. I simply mean on what journey did you sail past it? T'vessen to Yorder?"

[Charon23]

The late morning sun diffuses through gray skies while a stream of dusty haze billows from a passing caravan. Gravelly vocalizations of goblin drivers rise above the clatter of wheels and hooves as it passes in the opposite direction. There is more traffic, and more diverse traffic, now on these dock-adjacent streets. Every common race is represented at some point along the way. Meanwhile strange features and unusual exceptions question the nature of just what is common in this bustling city.

The group passes bridges over canals and waterways and enters a small artisan district. Mundane goods of every sort are hosted here with an emphasis on the robust needs of sea bound ships. Rope, canvas, nets, dishware, weapons, and food stuffs are just a few of the shared categories. Some display scale models of ships and their various anatomical components. Many are patronized by an array of clientele with little apparent need for heavy-handed marketing. Wagons are loaded with sturdy looking crates with similar markings from each bay door. Scattered throughout are shops boasting other, more exotic, wares and services.

[Charon23]

From afar the low lying ship ((recognizable by Vyncent and Altana)) is dwarfed by the high decks and massive sails of adjacent vessels. Its canvas is made inert by furling, and its oars are stowed. Partially exposed benches indicate wide two-person benches, with twenty to a side. Thick ropes tether the long ship to perpendicular boardwalks and a temporary bridge spans the subsequent gap near the mast.

A crew lounges about on the small decks in loose groupings about the stern and bow. A small crowd of these individuals is concentrated in a huddle around a low table ((, which is suggestive of a parlor game to Vyncent)).

Several shifters can be seen aboard, with the short sleek-haired Truedive variety claiming their majority. Half-orcs, dwarves, goblins, half-giants, elves, half-elves, and a few gnomes, halflings, and a darfellan are scattered throughout. The majority are male though many woman make the exception.

Three guards with the purple and gray of Vamildale stand near the gate. An armored female dwarf with cropped blonde hair stands among these with an authoritative stance as she converses with a shifter ((with coloration matching the quartermaster)). She wears what may be an amulet or a holy symbol. Beside her stands a human woman with red accents on her purple robes, and half-orc man with light armors and a battle axe. These two casually scan oncoming traffic.

[DarkSteelWolf]

Vyncent looks to Solomon. "Yorder, I think. Definitely not close to T'vessen." As they approach the ship, and the Vamildale agents, Vyncent moves to avoid their gazes as much as possible. "Damn. Might have to sneak aboard. Any of you good at that?" He then remembers that his company is wearing armour. "Scratch that. What are you three good at? Because we might have to fight if they won't be bribed."

[PH7]

Solomon looks at his chain shirt, feeling rather silly in it now. It's true, he's never had much call for sneaking around. That was usually someone else's job. As for this particular instance...
"And...why do we need to sneak exactly? Or bribe anyone? As far as I know, we merely seek to speak with the captain of the ship. That is not against any laws, unless Vamildale's written a fresh batch of them since we woke up this morning. The ship's been here for days or weeks. They're clearly not keeping them locked up."
Solomon then points at the people in Vamildale outfits. The same people he is particularly loathe to speak to, but not nearly as much as he would dislike having to fight them. "Look. there's barely any guards. If the crew really wanted to up and leave, they could. What's wrong with simply walking up to them and asking to speak with the captain or crew?"

[An Amy]

Altana

"Having just been released from prison," she begins, "I'd rather not do something to prompt them to send me back. Flap some of those eloquent tongues of yours..."

Spoiler: OOC

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Perception roll for spotting the holy symbol (1d20+3)[21]

[DarkSteelWolf]

Vyncent looks confused for a moment, then shakes his head. "Sorry, old habit. Not used to just... walking in to places without someone starting something." Vyncent sighs, looking at the ship."Which I suppose I should try to explain... later." He looks back at the Vamildale men, and tries to prepare himself to do what was probably very normal for most people.

[An Amy]

Altana

"You could try different pick-up lines for one," the tall, armored priestess remarks with a half-smirk she swiftly replaces with a serious expression. "Also, if you expect a fight, people can often read that and begin defensive. So, uh, Solomon, why don't you take this one, eh? Vyncent might be recognized as former crew. I might be recognized as former imprisoned. You'd just be another Yorder pirate."

[PH7]

"Tssk. Such an ugly word. I'm sure they prefer 'wealth redistribution specialist'," Solomon says grinning. He straightens out his clothes and affects a look of bored authority. "And you are correct, priestess. People can often read your intentions by looking at you. The trick is to look like dull reading when you are, in fact, a swashbuckling novella." He winks at Altana, straightens out an imaginary ruffle and heads towards the docked ship.

At the ship, Solomon mostly ignores the Vamildale-uniformed people. He offers them a simple nod and a grumbled 'Mornin', and heads straight for the deck.

Spoiler: OOC

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DM's move now, though I may retract some things as I'm not sure what was meant by 'gate'? What gates can be found on docks?
Also, I don't particularly care what companions choose to follow. Solomon simply heads to the ship. If anyone stays behind though, please tell me, as it might otherwise cause some confused dialogue...

[DarkSteelWolf]

Vyncent sighs in relief at Altana's suggestion of sending Solomon, and chuckles at Solomon's remark in return, remembering that title for later. As Solomon walks away, he looks to Altana. "It would seem that that is the second time today you've stopped me from foolishly trying to get into a fight. For that, I thank you." He then returns to his usual smirk. "I know this might surprise you, but these clothes are not good at stopping battle axes"

[An Amy]

Altana

"Never go looking for a fight," she answers still serious as she looks at Solomon approaching the Vandalers. Ha! That's it! Vandale. She smirks briefly at the internal joke. "But where you suspect one might be, don't go unprepared. Bah, I've lived my life giving tidpits of the various wisdoms collected from other over the years. Here's a harder truth. There's no problem with getting into a fight. A good fight's healthy every now and then so long as no one breaks bones and what not. No problem with a fight. But you in a fight? Ha! I have the distinct feeling you're better off behind someone... well, like me. If you do want to start a fight, start it from forty paces. Wait... are you a mage too? Or a sort-of-mage?"

Spoiler: OOC

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Altana is not following.

[Charon23]

Solomon:
As you turn the corner to The Feangeamh's dock the half-orc nods his head toward you in a signalling fashion. The dwarf responds by breaking from her conversation, and the three collectively take on a mildly defensive stance. The shifter beside her continues speaking but you cannot make out the words. Well before you land on the temporary bridge you witness the robed woman cast detect magic and she continues to study you. When you make to step on the gate the dwarf bellows a loud call, authoritative but with no overt menace, "Hail! What is your business here!?"

[PH7]

Solomon slows his pace, but does not stop unless explicitly blocked.
"I'm told to speak with captain Malpruit. He IS on board, is he not?"
Told by no one in authority, but they don't need to know that, he thinks. Aside from a quick glance to the dwarf as he replies, Solomon mostly looks at the robed woman.

Spoiler: OOC

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Can I get a description of the robed woman, please? Also, is Wyonella following or staying behind?

[Charon23]

Solomon:
Wyonella remains well behind with the others, thereby breaking your communication radius.

The robed woman has straight neck length dark brown hair with portions that press against her cheek in the gentle breeze. Her skin is nearly as dark whereas her crystal blue eyes provide a stark contrast. Her features are uneven with large teeth and birthmarks. She carries herself with supreme confidence that radiates through a placid expression.
--
The dwarf makes to reply while the half-orc intercepts you with a halting hand. The shifter cuts over the woman with a scoff and the tone of impatience, "They sent you from the guild!?"

[PH7]

Solomon gives a sigh when he is stopped by the armed half-orc. He keeps his gaze focused on the robed woman. Before long, his eyes wander from her face to the rest of her. "Yes, I'm from the guild and I need to speak with the captain," he answers with a bored tone, as if he's already had to answer that question a million times this day. He does not even look at the shifter and completely ignores the half-orc, as if he were nothing more than a box blocking his way. He continues to eye the woman with an small but unapologetic grin on his face.
That's it. Believe what you will. I can't possibly be up to mischief if I've time to let my mind wander to carnal desires, can I? Clearly I am a man on a boring mission, who'd rather be somewhere else, doing things that are more fun. I don't want to be here, I have to be.

[Charon23]

Solomon:
The robed woman waits for your eyes to return near hers before she makes a sudden biting motion at you. She continues to stare at you while the edge of her mouth betrays a mischievous streak. The half-orc pushes you backward gently yet with no apparent strain of his own as if to reassert some authority, forcing you to reposition your feet to stop from falling over.

The dwarf glares at the shifter and demands to you, "By Vamildale, I said--What is your business here!?" The shifter ignores her apart from a roll of the eyes and an ornery grunt as he appends, "Well ya just missed him--Off to the guild with their folk to settle..the matter. Who's that with ya?"

[DarkSteelWolf]

Vyncent looks at Altana, first surprised, then disappointed. "I suppose it was obvious after I had magic nearly pouring out of me in the inn. Yes, I can use magic. I have witch-blood, or sorcery, if you prefer." Vyncent leans against a wall, his arms crossed. "It's one of the reasons that I don't wear armour. Makes it hard to cast spells. It's also the reason that I have this little scamp here." As he finishes, he looks down to Alroy.

[An Amy]

Altana

"I can use magic, doesn't make me a mage," Atlana says with a nod as she continues watching Solomon from a distance. Being none-too-subtle about her observation. Knit brows. The whole rock. She prattles a little while occupying herself more with wanting to know if she needed to step in and help Solomon at any point. "Though yes, I guess a familiar does also give some away. You have a metal stick thing... barb skewer more fit for a campfire than a fight, but everyone's cut fits them I guess. So you don't come off as a mage immediately. Back home where I'm from, we hung mages up by the dozens. Just about from every archway. Kind of a good luck charm, or so. Kept the other mages out. It was thought the longer they kicked, the more magic they had in them, but... no one really believes that. Yeah... I hoisted me a good thirty-kicker once. That thirty full kicks with both legs. Not just one, mind you. Full body jolts. Real effort to loose the noose..."

Her words sort of trail off as she focuses on what's going on at the dock.

[PH7]

Solomon was just about to wink at the robed woman when he hears the captain has left. As a result, he turns to the shifter with a bit of a squint in his eyes. "Oh, mahvelous," he states in an exaggerated tone. "Just another example of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is up to. Or either hand not knowing whether or not they have fingers."
Solomon gives a turn, showing all intention of walking away. "Guess I'll have to run up to catch him, or else meet up with him in the guild. Sorry I can't stay longer and...chat." At the last word, he smiles again at the robed woman. He utters the word 'chat' with an almost embarassing amount of undertone.

[Charon23]

Solomon:
The shifter retorts boldly with a curse and, lets say--an imaginative example of where he thinks your fingers are, before storming away in irritation. The dwarf squints in annoyance toward you and replies simply, "Best that you move along then, young man." The robed woman snorts but breaks her composure to offer you a brief smile.

Were you to look back you would find that the robed woman is no longer visible aboard.

---

Altana, Vyncent:
You see the cluster near the dock's bridge exchange some words. Just after Solomon turns away, the robed woman hides behind the half-orc and disappears from view, not to reemerge.

[An Amy]

Altana

Seeing Solomon begin to leave the area and away from the three, she half-turns back to Vyncent and gives her fluff a little more attention. "Sometimes we'd break their legs to keep them from kicking, you know, those that don't care about the whole number of kicks thing as they squirm and die. I was particularly good at breaking limbs."

Altana grips her morningstar while giving Vyncent's legs a look over a couple times. "Yes... right there, just below the knee. There are two bones there, and if you hit them hard enough so that they both break, the joint of your knee splits a little. One stub going one direction. The other stub going another whichway. Painful. We also count by how long they scream. Well, you know, those that don't muffle their mages. I wouldn't risk it. Crafty things you mages... have a few words and you're back to bewitchin' and convincing someone you're being serious when you're really just loosing their mortar."