Eberron: Entrance to Adventure [IC]

[maktul]

As you enter the Gray Tankard you look around. The room is brightly lit, and about half full, mainly with shoppers who decided to pause in their search for good deals. After a moment you spy the uniform of a Brelish Naval officer, sitting at a table towards the middle of the room.

The officer is a half-elf with sandy blonde hair and green eyes. He seems to be enjoying his lunch and is sitting facing the doorway. He smiles when he sees you, and motions you over. "Please, have a seat. I trust it wasn't too hard to find this place?"

The table is fairly large and has chairs for six other people.

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[OOC: If you'd describe yourselves as you enter so that everyone can be introduced if characters don't know each other (I know 2 do but no one said anything about knowing each other). The Commadore will take care of introductions if characters don't want to introduce themselves.]

[Karaswanton]

Michael

The lightly equipped warforged enters the tavern after tying up his mount outside. He looks serious; the tavern is no place of recreation for him. But then, recreation is for fools and layabouts--he is a Paladin and a monk besides. Michael appears out of place in this type of environment, but is self-assured enough not to seem awkward. His eyes gleam green in the smoke of the tavern.

I wouldn't say I had a difficult time, no. Although I must admit I'm not exactly familiar with this type of..establishment. I understand you have some business to discuss?

[DiscipleofBob]

The warforged with no name

Noname has been waiting in the bar since it first opened. With nothing better to do and no reason to be elsewhere, Noname was waiting outside the tavern doors when it opened ((unless it was a 24-hour tavern or something, in which case he'd just stay inside.)) At the table, he prefers to stand unless directly ordered to sit, and so looks more like an intimidating statue, though one far more valuable than anything found in the tavern.

Noname is a massive hulk of a warforged, the sheen of his black, adamantine armor making him quite menacing, especially next to the comparatively lightly equipped warforged also sitting at the table. He wears a few decorations from his former soldier life in Cyre, no actual medals, just a few pieces of his uniform, anything he could conveniently tack on. Around his neck is a small steel plate with an inscription in common saying "Hello, my name is NONAME." His old master Belaean decided to give it to Noname and told him to wear it when he was meeting new people or starting a new job, mostly to make things easier for others. Plus he had gotten a good laugh out of it. Noname wasn't sure why.

"The establishment took approximately four hours to find on foot." Noname answers in a simple, almost monotone voice. It was sort of an act; though he would never admit it. Simply another measure to attempt to kill the anathema in his programming which might lead to defects such as "personality" or "individuality."

EDIT: ((Ah, Dark slate gray was taken...))

[an kobold]

Conrad

A young man with orange hair steps into the bar. Trying to look as unimposing as someone walking around in armor with a well-maintained halberd can, he nods at the half-elf nonchalantly and tentatively looks over the two war-forged already present, unsure of what to make of them. For a moment, uncertainty appears in his green eyes before stepping forward to introduce himself.

It really wasn't that hard to find the place. You can call me Conrad. I'm guessing you're Commadore Tiach.

Upon sitting, he sets his weapon down gingerly, leaning it against his chair, and subtly touches both holy icons on his person in reverence, first the Octogram of the Sovereign Host around his neck, then the symbol of Dol Arrah on his belt. Closer observation reveals a few small nicks on his face, the act of hurriedly trimming a beard clearly being the culprit.

[The_Snark]

Jinna

The young woman who slides into a seat at the elf's table, entering nearly on the heels of the red-bearded man, is an odd contrast with the others. Rather than armor, she's dressed in a white-and-tan linen dress, practical enough and easy to travel in but hardly something made for combat, and she isn't carrying a weapon; at least, nothing is visible. She has wavy blond hair falling just below her shoulders, and blue eyes set in an attractive face.

It is not, though, a particularly open face at the moment. She sits away from the armored man and the two warforged, eyeing all four of those at the table warily—particularly the warforged. At least they have muscle, but the fact that they think they need it is what's worrying me. "So. Commodore Tiach, is it?" She rests her right hand on the table, drumming her fingers on it as she studies him for a few moments. "Care to explain a bit more about why you called us?"

[estradling]

Cymran
A young human enters the Gray Tankard inn. He scans the crowd with his green eyes. Seeing the groups table he moves forward, his chainshirt making as faint clinking sound a buckler and morningstar bounce against it. The sound and sight not quiet muffled by his cloak.

With a nod, he sits without introduction or preamble.

[cintain]

Limna

A small, half-elven woman slips into the tavern, almost unnoticed. Her features are soft and beautiful, with an innocent air. The fact that she wears a tatter of layer upon layer of old clothes doesn't distract you from her huge, beautiful grey-blue eyes and long black hair.

She approaches the table wide-eyed and sits next to the other woman, scuttling over so she is almost behid her. Almost, but not quite. She stares openly at the two Warforged across the Table with a glitter in her eye.

she says nothing.

[maktul]

The half-elf smiles, picking up a napkin off his lap he wipes his mouth, as he looks at each of you. "To answer your questions, yes, I am Commodore Tiach ir'Rothos. As to your second question", he nods to Jinna, "I'll get to the explanations in just a moment, if you would oblige me."

Commodore ir'Rothos leans back in his chair, "I do hope you'll forgive me if I stretch your patience a moment. I must admit, there are times I enjoy hearing my own voice and it can cause me to be quite loquacious." He smiles, obviously enjoying himself. "I believe some introductions are in order, as while I know each of you, at least by reputation, I am not sure who amongst yourselves knows each other. So to start off, our hulking warforged friend standing here," the commodore grins, "is named Noname, as is obvious by the sign around his neck."

"Here," he motions towards Michael, "another warforged, obviously of a religious bent, is Michael. Next to him, the young man, also of a religious mind, though in another direction, is Conrad." He nods to both of you in turn before continuing.

"The two exquisite ladies on the other side of the table," the Commodore leans forward, bowing in his seat, "are Jinna and Limna. Last, but most assuredly not least, is Cymran, a singularly talented individual."

Leaning back in his chair he chuckles, "I did warn you that I might talk at length, and I haven't even gotten to the reasons of our visit here. So if any of you would like to order something for lunch, please do, don't mind interrupting me, the cost will be picked up by the navy. I believe their lunch today consists of sausage, Deep Dwarven Blue cheese, lentils, and peaches for dessert. It is quite good."

He waves over a tavern wench for those who wish to order something, before continuing. "There is a small band of pirates operating in the hilt. They are harassing and hindering the normal shipping business of Sharn. They do not attempt to stop any ship with an obvious escort, unfortunately the navy cannot provide escorts for every ship that is coming to or leaving Sharn. This is why I am attempting to recruit you people of varying talents. We would like to see the pirates activities halted. If you can find their base of operations, and convince them that they are not wanted, you would be rewarded well." He grins, his eyes sparkling, "So, what questions would you like to ask me about this errand? Anything other than your fee or reward. I'd like to answer those last if I could."

[OOC: everyone please make a sense motive check for me when/if you want to respond here. even if it's only to post the sense motive check. Also those that have it can make a knowledge:nobility and royalty or knowledge:local.]

[Karaswanton]

Michael:
Sense Motive: (1d20+2)[14]

[estradling]

Cymran

The young man orders lunch while thinking over the offer. "Besides the no attacking ships with escorts, is there any kind of pattern to the pirate's attacks? Some kind of cargo or personal they seem to hit more often then not? Also what do they leave behind?" Given they they had reports of the attack Cymran thought it save to assume the ships where not sunk.


Sense Motive (1d20+5)[17]

[DiscipleofBob]

Noname

"Affirmative! I will track down the enemy pirates and terminate them with extreme lethal force as swiftly as possible!" Noname's enthusiasm was obvious. He was already hyped up and ready for the mission, if a fight were to break out right then and there, he might end up killing a few in his excitement.

((I choose to fail my Sense Motive check, A) because I probably would anyway, and B) because it's really Noname's nature to accept dangerous missions with enthusiasm without thinking it through.))

[an kobold]

Conrad

The red-haired man gives his order to the wench and is otherwise silent, giving a surprised glance in the direction of the black war-forged when it replies to Tiach.

Sense Motive - (1d20+3)[9]

[cintain]

Limna

Limna orders lunch, asking for a double helping of the cheese, all wrapped up to go.

She looks at the Warforged called Noname with awe, then at Michael. If any of them look over at her when she is introduced, she smiles.

Limna then leans over to Jinna and whispers something in her ear.

Jinna and DM only

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Limna is saying hello and asking Jinna what she thinks about the Commodore guy, trying to be as quiet as possible Bluff - (1d20+8)[16]

Sense Motive
(1d20+5)[17]

[The_Snark]

Jinna

Jinna looks at Limna with a touch of surprise in her eyes as she enters, as if not expecting to find her here, but she gives her a friendly nod as she sits down. Never one to turn down something free, she orders the lunch with a shrug, also wrapped up, before returning to considering the commodore's offer.

She murmurs something back to Limna in a tone too low for anyone else to pick out the words, still studying the commodore guardedly.

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"Hard to say; he looks like a fop, but I'm not so sure. What I want to know is why he called us in."

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Sense Motive (1d20+8)[9]
Knowledge (local) (1d20+9)[27]

[Karaswanton]

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Limna

Limna orders lunch, asking for a double helping of the cheese, all wrapped up to go.

She looks at the Warforged called Noname with awe, then at Michael. If any of them look over at her when she is introduced, she smiles.

Limna then leans over to Jinna and whispers something in her ear.

Michael gives everyone a polite nod as they are introduced.

[maktul]

Commodore Tiach looks up, startled a moment at Noname's vehemence, then laughs. "There is a little more to it than that good warforged," he says, "but I and Breland appreciate your enthusiasm." Looking to Cymran he replies, "We have not been able to determine any pattern to their attacks. They seem to hit merchants carrying cargo, but passenger ships have also been attacked. We haven't been able to find out where they operate from either."


Cymran and Limna

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The Commodore is telling the truth but he's leaving something out.

Jinna

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The Commodores family, the ir'Rothos, are long time supporters of King Boranel. The Commodore himself has kept out of the news for the most part, but he received several promotions toward the end of the last war.

[estradling]

Cymran

Their was something else going on here, he wasn't sure what it was though.

"Given the importance of stopping the pirates. I have a few questions... First why did you chose us? Clearly you know us as individuals, but just a clearly most of us have not worked together before, so that makes us an unknown quality. But you have chosen us anyway, over more official and organized groups. Which leads to the next question, is this an official and authorized assignment? Or more of a private one that would only be recognized, if at all, once it is successful?"

Cymran didn't mind either way, but it would change how he would expect things to go if they got into trouble.

[cintain]

Limna

Limna whispers something else into Jinna's ear.

Jinnna

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The priest is right! He is keeping something from us, I am sure of it.

Limna then watches the half-elf wide-eyed as Cymran speaks, paying attention to his body language and awaiting his response.

sense motive - (1d20+5)[20]

[Karaswanton]

Michael

I was wondering that myself. I don't have problem working non-official parties as long as the mission is legal, but I don't't work with criminals. Judging by the type of mission, that won't be a problem, will it?

Sense Motive: (1d20+2)[18]

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I don't actually expect this guy to have criminal connections, but Michael would ask, being a paladin (and a bit paranoid.)

[an kobold]

Conrad

A look of concern with a slight tinge of unease crosses the cleric's face as he listens to the discussion and leans closer in to the table.

I'm not much concerned about the legality of what you want us to do, but, is, um, extreme lethal force the only way you want us to handle the situation? And what of the people on board the attacked vessels, how are they treated by the pirates?

[The_Snark]

Jinna

Jinna murmurs a reply to the half-elf woman in a low tone before speaking up.

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"He is. But don't worry too much about it," she says in a confident whisper. "I'll handle him."

"Legal, yes," she answers Michael's question, "I'd bet it is." She tilts her head at the commodore. "Maybe not officially sanctioned, or you'd be using your own men to do it, wouldn't you?" A hint of a smile plays over her face as she leans back, waiting for him to answer the others' questions.

[maktul]

The Commodore smiles, "You are known to me individually through some contacts of mine. For one reason or another, you are of interest to Breland. I would think that each of you would know why. For the second question, it is an authorized mission. You are correct in thinking that it might not be an official mission, but while I would prefer it to remain unofficial if you fail, it would only hurt my pride and some of my standing if it became public. I would not begrudge the issue however, and would back you up if it public channels were to learn of the failure."

Tiach looks next at Michael, answering questions in turn, "Jinna is correct. The mission is legal, you would be hunting down pirates operating illegally in Brelish waters. And you would have the blessing of Brelands Navy, especially if you succeed."

"Lethal force is not necessary Conrad", Tiach replies, "but you might find it prudent. From reports of the crews and passengers, the pirates seem to be from the Lhazaar Principalities, but we can't be sure. The pirates are more interested in cargo rather than personal belongings, but there have been some items that were more expensive than others taken. The passengers and crew have been left unmolested for the most part, and once the pirates are done searching the ships and have finished unloading what they want, they are allowed to continue on their way."

Chuckling somewhat softly he answeres Jinna, "The Navy views this as it normally does. Send out ships to find, follow, and destroy the pirates. The only issue I have with it is the length of time it'll take. During which, the pirates will continue to raid until they are found. If this route solves the issue sooner and with less manpower, it will look like the Navy is doing it's job, Sharn will be a slightly more popular destination of choice for merchants (not that it isn't already, but publicity rarely hurts), and I'll look good for it."

[cintain]

Limna

What I want to know, says Limna, her voice broken by an inaudible gulp, is what exactly has prompted you to look for a quick, discreet way to put a stop to this. I somehow find it hard to believe that you just want to use us because you'll look good. What's your interest in this? What do you stand to gain? What did the pirates take from you?

Limna looks around, flushing slightly. She sinks just slightly further behind Jinna, but holds the Commodore's eyes with a piercing look the whole time.

[DiscipleofBob]

Noname

"DON'T WORRY, COMMODORE! I WILL NOT REST UNTIL ALL OF THE PIRATES ARE EXTERMINATED!" With that, Noname practically ran out of the door paying little heed to what was in his way. Not less than a minute later, he sheepishly walked back in the door. "Um... which dock are we supposed to go again?"

[Karaswanton]

Michael

*Sigh*
Well, I was hoping for a bit of company on this assignment, but it looks like this one is a bit of a meathead. Oh well, it looks like he is more or less good-natured. But still, I wish some of us didn't fulfill stereotypes this well, it only strengthens flawed perceptions of us as a people..which might be part of why the Thrannish government still sees us as property.

Say..you said you might be able to get some good publicity with this mission. I wouldn't turn down some good publicity myself. After all, if Noname and I are successful at this we might be seen as heroes--that extends to the rest of us as well I suppose. While glory should never be the main reason for a righteous undertaking, it can have its uses.

*with that Michael re-postures himself in his seat to look at the Commodore more directly*
For instance, the Thrannish government seems to think my people are property, and not a true race of thinking beings, despite all evidence to the contrary and contradicting Church doctrine. Perhaps the exploits of a few brave warforged could change there minds..if reports were used properly.

Of course, I'll take care of your pirates either way, it's the right thing to do, but I'd appreciate any help I can get on the issue. I'm still haven't been to the Holy Land because I'm sure someone will try to claim they own me.

With the last few words, his eyes briefly gleam with a righteous wrath.

[The_Snark]

Jinna

Jinna eyes the warforged strangely as it comes back in. Crazy thing. Are we going to have to be holding it back from charging in at the pirates the whole time? Will it even let us hold it back? She's a little more confident about the other warforged, but its suggestion is not much more palatable to her than charging right at the pirates.

"For me, you can hold the glory," she says dryly. "I'd prefer not to be a household name, thanks." Not that I think this guy really intends to share around more of the credit than he needs to. She eyes him with interest as he seems to think on how to answer Limna's pointed questions.

[an kobold]

Conrad

Conrad bows his head slightly as Michael mentions Thrane, making eye contact with no one.
Well one thing's for sure, this Commodore ir'Rothos sure has a funny sense of humor. I sure hope that Noname was merely exercising his sense of humor. . .
He turns slightly towards the religious war-forged, studying him while waiting for the half-elf's reply to Limna.

[estradling]

Cymran

Seeing that one of the ladies asked the question he was going to he simply nods and smile.

When Jinna talks about not becoming a household name his grin widens, "Indeed... I'd also prefer to stay more behind the curtains myself. Known only to those that need to know."

[maktul]

The Commodore glances at Limna, looking truly surprised for just an instant before replying. "Your success will make me look good. In politics, looking good is a gain, it can bring you allies as well as make enemies reassess you. My interest is what your success will do for my career," He grins, "to a much lesser degree to my family, much to their chagrin."

After Noname returns to the tavern the Commodore straightens in his chair, "Noname," he barks, his voice commanding, "you will refrain from breaking ranks again unless given permission to. Also, for the duration of this mission, you are to choose one of these people seated at this table to be your commanding officer. I will not have this mission compromised due to your lack of information." He smiles, his voice softening slightly, "You may not like what it's been decided you are, but the fact is you are more than just a warmachine. That is why I requested your presence on this mission."

"Now, back to the questions," Tiach smiles, much more relaxed again, "where were we? Ah yes, Michaels question as to the Thrannish issue. I don't see why not, I obviously disagree with their doctrine," he chuckles, "not that I'm a terribly religious man, the Sovereign Host forgive me. I'm sure we could come up with something regarding your success that might be slipped into the Chronicle."

"As for those who do not want to be named, I'm sure any reports can be found lacking names and descriptions." The Commodore leans forward in his seat, "Any other questions before we get to the matter of monetary compensation?"

[The_Snark]

Jinna

"Nope. I warn you, though, I like to stay away from the more violent kind of customer around here. You're going to need to pay a fair bit to convince me to get anywhere near pirates." She studies him across the table; noble and military officer he might be, but that didn't mean he could haggle.