Nib looks with alarm over his shoulder, saying to the woman “I think we’ll take you up on that offer. C’mon Pal, it’ll be an adventure! I don’t exactly have the gold that you want, but if you know someone who needs a little work done.. we can earn our passage that way.” He gives another glance and then climbs on board, urging Pal to come with him.
Pal will turn to see what the commotion is all about before saying to Nib, "Huh? Whatever's going on over there hasn't anything to do with us. Let's just-" He'll see Nib climb aboard and the woman making ready to shove off and stop mid-sentence and sigh. He'll shake his head and mumble as he climbs aboard alongside Nib.
The woman's face curls into a knowing half smirk, barely glancing back at the shore as she pushes off.
"Best stay low." She says. "Not sure what the trouble was back there, but whatever the thief done took, I hope 'twas worth it." She risks a brief look back at Nib as the boat drifts into the water. Once you're far enough from shore, she settles down, dips her hand into a pouch of chewing tobacco and stuffs some in her mouth.
"So, talking real now..." She says. "...best deal I can offer is t' take whatever ye have on ye and bring ye both back upriver t' the farmlands where ye came from, safe 'n sound like. That right there offers yer best chance'a survival and if ye was wise ye'd take it."
She spits out some tobacco juice, gestures toward the distant shore of Seamew and continues. "But if yer heart's still set on walkin' inta that nest'a sea snakes, and seein' how long ye can keep your throat vein closed, I can make ye another offer... Keep yer coin and I'll bring ye' to my friend. Sure bein' he'll find work for you two 'n I can take my payment from yer salary..."
She spits again, laughing a closed-mouth chuckle of amusement.
"I'll say this here'n now. Yer safer with him than you'd be stumbling blind among the cutthroats in town... But if you'd rather me drop ye off right at the docks, maybe ye just hand over whatever ye took from them merchants and we'll call it a wash."
She gives one final spit then rests back on her arms, awaiting your decision.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Pal will stand, albeit unsteadily in the boat and shake his fist indignantly, "The impudence! The audacity! THE UNMITIGATED GALL!" Pal will lose his balance and fall to the deck, but continue his tirade, "So our choices are robbery or some form of indentured servitude!? How do you sleep at night!? And how DARE you accuse us of theft! We are NOT thieves! How do we know YOU didn't steal something, huh? You seemed awfully keen to get away from whatever that commotion was!" He'll find his feet and turn to Nib, "Tell her Nib! Tell her we didn't steal anything and she's just a... a crook! A crook who takes advantage of good natured, honest folk like us." He'll stand with his hands on his hips, glaring at the woman, waiting for Nib to back him up, "C'mon Nib, tell her!"
Nib looks at Pal and a warm blush fills in the spots in between the freckles. “About that, uh Pal. Well, it's uh.. complicated. I just ah, I saw this lantern, and I thought that it would be good to have at night. No one was lookin and I just… well, I wanted to look at it closer. Then I thought to myself, that ole miserin, yellin fella wouldn't even miss it. And we NEED it. I did buy some oil for it. But I just up and put it my pack see. And you know what? After I did it, I felt such a rush, so alive! Like the true beginning of our adventure, it has really begun!” he pauses here, looking at the woman and says, “I didn't mean anything bad by it. But no ma’am, I do not want to go back home. That is a dead end for me right there. Can you take us to your friend? How long is the term of this here “agreement”? We can't be paying you on and on and on… And ifn we enter an agreement together, I need to know your name, please. Mine is Nib. And this here is Pal, my best friend!”
Pal's angry glare will soften and melt into confusion and he turns to face Nib, "You... You mean you forgot to pay for it... right? You mean it was an honest mistake... right? Stop the boat! We can... We can go back and pay! We can fix it! We're not criminals..." As Nib continues on, Pal's confusion turns to disbelief and hurt, "You m-meant to do it? And liked it? YOU MEANT TO DO IT AND YOU LIKED IT!?" Pal's hurt turns to disgust, "I... I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO SAY! STEALING IS WRONG NIB! YOU..." Pal slumps to the deck, staring at the wooden boards beneath him, "You're a criminal."Tears will roll down Pal's face and patter the boards between his outstretched legs, "I don't even know who you are anymore..."
The casual pose and expression of the woman doesn't change as Pal goes off on his rant but you can hear her softly chuckling in amusement throughout.
As silence returns, she spits another glob of tobacco juice over the edge and continues as if no one said anything. "Name's Alianor... Alianor Rowntree... Tho them other seasnakes on the water prob'ly have other names fer me I don' care fer..." She adjusts her posture, straightening her clothes a bit and continues.
"An' while I may be a scalywag and a rogue, I aint' no cheat. One gold each was the agreed 'pon price 'n thats wot I'll claim. No more, no less. If it's work ye want te settle yer debts, I'll take ye to the tradesman... His name is Onifax 'n he always has work. 'Specially fer those with a bit of cunning 'n some nimble fingers... One job with him aughta more'n cover yer ferry fee... But like I sez, if that ain't yer speed, ye can pay me in coin or trade instead." She leans back again, waiting for your reply.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Nib sits there, tears coming to his eyes, seeing the reaction from his best friend in the world. A tear rolls down his cheek and he has the saddest look on his face that you could ever imagine. “I jus… I jus… I was tryin to help us! Oh gods, I can’t stand it! Don’t lookit me like that Pal. I can’t even stand to look at it anymore….” he holds the lantern, his first prize, up in his hands for a moment, there is a pregnant pause as he looks at it wistfully, and then he throws it in the river. His first successful treasure … gone.
His held head down, he says to Alianor, “I don’t have the money for the trip. I’ll do your task, tell me where to find Onifax.” He looks at Pal, saying “I’ll do it, for both of us. Just… don’t think less of me. Please Pal! I will do anything to travel with you, to be your friend.” Nib sits there rocking in the boat, tears keep streaming down his cheeks.
As Nib tosses the lantern, he barely hears Alianor calling out, "Oy! I told ye, you could use that fer..." <splash> "...payment."
She shakes her head and sighs as the lantern sinks uselessly into the brine, finally shrugging her shoulders and saying. "Alright then. Onifax it tis..."
Her course determined, she spits out the rest of her tobacco into the water and stands up with an air of determination. She grabs her setting pole and gestures toward a set of oars. "Now, get rowin'. Ain't no one sits aroundon my boat without pullin' their weight. Heave-ho boys. Yer destiny awaits..."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Pal will sigh and and try to placate Nib, though he is relieved the incriminating lantern has been disposed of, "Look, I'm sorry I yelled at you Nib. I understand you thought you were helping us out and that you did a wrong thing for the right reasons. In the future, if you have another idea like this, let's talk about it first, okay buddy?" He'll place hand on Nib's shoulder, but when Alianor orders them to row, his anger is reignited, "NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT! I REFUSE YOUR OFFER! There is NO WAY we're paying you a gold AND rowing ourselves to Seamew! Either reduce your price or take us to Figbrook, but we are NOT paying you a gold each to row ourselves to Seamew." Pal will stand as firm as he can in the rocking boat, with arms crossed. He's had enough of the woman and her games.
Alianor chuckles with amusement throughout Pal's tirade.
When he's finished, she looks to Nib, crooks a thumb toward Pal responds, "I like this one. He's got fire in his fur, he does."
Settling into a more agreeable, professional tone, she continues, responding to Pal's demand. "A'righty, mate. Go 'head and sit yer bunny bum down if that's what ye prefer. No nevermind to me. Might take us 'bit longer, but I'll bring ye 'cross as agreed."With that, she leans into her pole and continues pushing the boat across...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Pal's tantrum will fizzle as the woman fails to react in the way that he expected. He'll stand for a bit just to be obstinate, but finds it hard to keep his balance. When he sees Nib doing all the work he'll sigh and sit down to help row, but he'll be as obviously unhappy about it as possible.
Nib manages a weak smile at Alianor, “He’s got fire in his fur, he does.” “He sure does! You got him pretty worked up there. He’s a harengon of his word, with strong opinions! He’s my pal…”. Nib leans into it, helping them along. “So ah… where are we going? What is ah… Onifax gonna want me to do?”
Alianor responds to Nib's question."Goin' to talk to the ol dragon hisself. Where I was headed anyways... What he wants you to do?..."She shruge. "S'pose that depends what ye all is good at..." An amused smirk creases. her face."He's a smart one, Onifax... Always knows how to get something o' use outta just 'bout everyone."
With that, she keeps pushing onward toward the distant shore...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
It takes a little less than an hour to cross the estuary into Seamew Harbor. Pressing forward becomes increasingly difficult as thickets of dense seaweed clings to the pole and oars, drawing a few curses from Alianor. Though, you get the sense that it’s a familiar inconvenience for the smuggler.
As you glide past the main harbor, keeping just short of a mile’s distance, Pal’s eyes fix on something notable, a large cog in the distance with a familiar image printed on the main sail…
…it’s the emblem of the Reclamation Movement, an icon of humanity standing at a central point between the six magical forces that influence the material plane.
Alianor sees Pal’s eyes straining in that direction and addresses him. “Ye don’ wan no part of them, mate. More likely they is to skin ye live ‘n serve ye as stew they is. ‘f I woz you, I’d keep me distance.”
She continues to navigate the keel boat far from the bustle of the main harbor… sticking to the seaweed thickets and heading toward one of the storm drains.
“Hope ye don’t mind a bit o' stink…” She says with a grin as she plots a course directly towards one of the storm drains. “…just part o’ the cost o’ doin’ business with the ol’ dragon.”
Alianor navigates the boat through a broken gap in the grate and the ship moves into a wide, cavernous sewer passage. The smell of low tide and waste assaults your senses, almost distracting you away from noticing the movement of small, humanoid shapes in the shadows.
“Dun you worry ‘bout the little’ns…”Alianor says, anticipating your concern.“Just the ol’ dragon’s eyes and ears… Makin’ sure we ain’t some strangers wanderin’ in by mistake. Keep yer temper, we’re almost there…”
A few minutes later you arrive at makeshift dock at the edge of the stream that runs through the sewer. A small lizard-like humanoid with a broken, rusted sword strapped to his back steps out to meet the boat.
“Whatyou want?” The creature snaps.
Alianor steps forward, unintimidated. “Fer you to bugger off ‘n tell yer boss Alianor’s back with a delivery and a couple new scrubs wot need work ta do…”
As she speaks, she stomps on the deck a couple times, causing a loose board to pop up. She lifts the panel to reveal a small box which she removes and puts in a small carrying satchel she wears on her back. The whole time the creature continues staring at Nib and Pal, taking their measure.
“Boss says ta be extra watchful.”The creature growls as he stares deep into Nib and Pal’s eyes. “Big things goin’… Humanfolk want something bosshas.” He sucks on his teeth a bit, considering. “Might come look for it…”
He suddenly juts his lizardlike face into Pal’s space, baring his teeth. “That why you really here? Come sneaky-sneaky to take bossthings?” He sniffs. “Spike can smell lies. What you really want? To do work like lady sez… or something different?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Pal's attention is on the rowing and his annoyance at Alianor, but when she mentions 'the ol' dragon' a look of consternation briefly crosses his face, Odd nickname...he thinks, then turns his focus back to the effort of rowing. As they see the Reclaimer ship, Pal will stop rowing and nudge Nib, "Look Nib, they're really here!" He'll whisper excitedly. When Alianor remarks upon his interest, he'll reply, "I'm still not entirely convinced that you're not planning on doing that yourself..." His discomfort will grow as they approach the storm drain, he'll keep turning to Nib and giving him a look, as if to say, What did you get us into!? Pal will keep a watchful eye on the strange shapes moving in the darkness and when Alianor mentions the dragon again he'll ask, "Why do you keep calling them that? The dragon?" Pal's convinced it sounds like exactly the kind of name some criminal would give himself at an attempt to instill fear in others. When he's approached by the strange lizard folk, Pal will retreat behind Nib and say, "I didn't want to come here! She... She took advantage of a sensitive situation and brought us here!"
Pal will keep a watchful eye on the strange shapes moving in the darkness and when Alianor mentions the dragon again he'll ask, "Why do you keep calling them that? The dragon?" Pal's convinced it sounds like exactly the kind of name some criminal would give himself at an attempt to instill fear in others.
Alianor simply replies with a faint snort of amusement and says, "You'll see."
When he's approached by the strange lizard folk, Pal will retreat behind Nib and say, "I didn't want to come here! She... She took advantage of a sensitive situation and brought us here!"
The creature seems taken aback by Pal's plea... not at all the response he expected. Before he has a chance to say anything, however, another small lizard-dog creature emerges from the shadows, dripping with a sense of urgency.
"Spike!" It says. "Boss say don't kill. She say to stop making bears with yourses teeth and bring humanperson, littleman and bunny inside. Like nowtimes." He then turns his attention to Alianor, Nib and Pal... "You three come. Boss Onifax wants knowing what you is about."
The ill-tempered creature "Spike", which Pal now recognizes as a Kobold... a nearly extinct race of diminutive draconic humanoids... steps aside to let the new arrivals pass.
The other one heads into a shadowy passage and beckons for Nib, Pal and Alianor to follow. "Come on..."says Alianor. "Best shake a leg so I can be done with me business and ship off on me next run... Hop to, bunny bum." She motions for the others to walk ahead into the passageway.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae(L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk -Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Nib looks with interest at the sail on the way in, feeling Pal’s excitement, but he is alarmed by what Alianor says. “Maybe we uh.. maybe we learn a little more about those people before we sail with them Pal. But… interesting.” As the smell hits his nostrils and they travel further towards it, Nib gives an impercepitble shiver. When Spike leers at them, Nib puffs out his little chest and tries to make like he’s tough. He’ll defend his friend, whatever it takes. “Yeah… no kill.” Nib manages, then he gets out of the boat and starts to walk behind Alianor, speaking at times to Pal saying, “Sorry I gotcha into this Pal. I’ll handle it. Then we can continue doing whatever we want to, don’t you worry. Onifax… Onifax….” He pads after Alianor, his hand drifting down to his waist, he waits to see what lies ahead and muses on what comes next.
You follow the kobold through a series of tunnels that start looking less like a sewer and more like someone's private chamber... Sconces on the wall illuminate works of art and bookshelves with titles such as, Elemental Infusions Observed...History of the Iòine Empire...andLegends of the Faefolk.
As you turn a corner and approach a closed wooden door you hear voices on the other side... A sharp female voice argues,
"What makes you so sure treasure hunting is exciting? Hiding in shadows, always on the run from the law, breaking into places..."
You can't make out the rest because the kobold turns back to you, puffing out his chest and barking... "In there. And you begood. Or Crackjaw bite your nose off like--"He snaps his jaw in your general direction and then chuckles to himself like Muttleythe dog as he pushes the door open, ushering you inside....
Nib looks with alarm over his shoulder, saying to the woman “I think we’ll take you up on that offer. C’mon Pal, it’ll be an adventure! I don’t exactly have the gold that you want, but if you know someone who needs a little work done.. we can earn our passage that way.” He gives another glance and then climbs on board, urging Pal to come with him.
Pal will turn to see what the commotion is all about before saying to Nib, "Huh? Whatever's going on over there hasn't anything to do with us. Let's just-" He'll see Nib climb aboard and the woman making ready to shove off and stop mid-sentence and sigh. He'll shake his head and mumble as he climbs aboard alongside Nib.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
The woman's face curls into a knowing half smirk, barely glancing back at the shore as she pushes off.
"Best stay low." She says. "Not sure what the trouble was back there, but whatever the thief done took, I hope 'twas worth it." She risks a brief look back at Nib as the boat drifts into the water. Once you're far enough from shore, she settles down, dips her hand into a pouch of chewing tobacco and stuffs some in her mouth.
"So, talking real now..." She says. "...best deal I can offer is t' take whatever ye have on ye and bring ye both back upriver t' the farmlands where ye came from, safe 'n sound like. That right there offers yer best chance'a survival and if ye was wise ye'd take it."
She spits out some tobacco juice, gestures toward the distant shore of Seamew and continues. "But if yer heart's still set on walkin' inta that nest'a sea snakes, and seein' how long ye can keep your throat vein closed, I can make ye another offer... Keep yer coin and I'll bring ye' to my friend. Sure bein' he'll find work for you two 'n I can take my payment from yer salary..."
She spits again, laughing a closed-mouth chuckle of amusement.
"I'll say this here'n now. Yer safer with him than you'd be stumbling blind among the cutthroats in town... But if you'd rather me drop ye off right at the docks, maybe ye just hand over whatever ye took from them merchants and we'll call it a wash."
She gives one final spit then rests back on her arms, awaiting your decision.
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Pal will stand, albeit unsteadily in the boat and shake his fist indignantly, "The impudence! The audacity! THE UNMITIGATED GALL!" Pal will lose his balance and fall to the deck, but continue his tirade, "So our choices are robbery or some form of indentured servitude!? How do you sleep at night!? And how DARE you accuse us of theft! We are NOT thieves! How do we know YOU didn't steal something, huh? You seemed awfully keen to get away from whatever that commotion was!" He'll find his feet and turn to Nib, "Tell her Nib! Tell her we didn't steal anything and she's just a... a crook! A crook who takes advantage of good natured, honest folk like us." He'll stand with his hands on his hips, glaring at the woman, waiting for Nib to back him up, "C'mon Nib, tell her!"
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Nib looks at Pal and a warm blush fills in the spots in between the freckles. “About that, uh Pal. Well, it's uh.. complicated. I just ah, I saw this lantern, and I thought that it would be good to have at night. No one was lookin and I just… well, I wanted to look at it closer. Then I thought to myself, that ole miserin, yellin fella wouldn't even miss it. And we NEED it. I did buy some oil for it. But I just up and put it my pack see. And you know what? After I did it, I felt such a rush, so alive! Like the true beginning of our adventure, it has really begun!” he pauses here, looking at the woman and says, “I didn't mean anything bad by it. But no ma’am, I do not want to go back home. That is a dead end for me right there. Can you take us to your friend? How long is the term of this here “agreement”? We can't be paying you on and on and on… And ifn we enter an agreement together, I need to know your name, please. Mine is Nib. And this here is Pal, my best friend!”
Pal's angry glare will soften and melt into confusion and he turns to face Nib, "You... You mean you forgot to pay for it... right? You mean it was an honest mistake... right? Stop the boat! We can... We can go back and pay! We can fix it! We're not criminals..." As Nib continues on, Pal's confusion turns to disbelief and hurt, "You m-meant to do it? And liked it? YOU MEANT TO DO IT AND YOU LIKED IT!?" Pal's hurt turns to disgust, "I... I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO SAY! STEALING IS WRONG NIB! YOU..." Pal slumps to the deck, staring at the wooden boards beneath him, "You're a criminal." Tears will roll down Pal's face and patter the boards between his outstretched legs, "I don't even know who you are anymore..."
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
The casual pose and expression of the woman doesn't change as Pal goes off on his rant but you can hear her softly chuckling in amusement throughout.
As silence returns, she spits another glob of tobacco juice over the edge and continues as if no one said anything. "Name's Alianor... Alianor Rowntree... Tho them other seasnakes on the water prob'ly have other names fer me I don' care fer..." She adjusts her posture, straightening her clothes a bit and continues.
"An' while I may be a scalywag and a rogue, I aint' no cheat. One gold each was the agreed 'pon price 'n thats wot I'll claim. No more, no less. If it's work ye want te settle yer debts, I'll take ye to the tradesman... His name is Onifax 'n he always has work. 'Specially fer those with a bit of cunning 'n some nimble fingers... One job with him aughta more'n cover yer ferry fee... But like I sez, if that ain't yer speed, ye can pay me in coin or trade instead." She leans back again, waiting for your reply.
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Nib sits there, tears coming to his eyes, seeing the reaction from his best friend in the world. A tear rolls down his cheek and he has the saddest look on his face that you could ever imagine. “I jus… I jus… I was tryin to help us! Oh gods, I can’t stand it! Don’t lookit me like that Pal. I can’t even stand to look at it anymore….” he holds the lantern, his first prize, up in his hands for a moment, there is a pregnant pause as he looks at it wistfully, and then he throws it in the river. His first successful treasure … gone.
His held head down, he says to Alianor, “I don’t have the money for the trip. I’ll do your task, tell me where to find Onifax.” He looks at Pal, saying “I’ll do it, for both of us. Just… don’t think less of me. Please Pal! I will do anything to travel with you, to be your friend.” Nib sits there rocking in the boat, tears keep streaming down his cheeks.
What a pair….
As Nib tosses the lantern, he barely hears Alianor calling out, "Oy! I told ye, you could use that fer..." <splash> "...payment."
She shakes her head and sighs as the lantern sinks uselessly into the brine, finally shrugging her shoulders and saying. "Alright then. Onifax it tis..."
Her course determined, she spits out the rest of her tobacco into the water and stands up with an air of determination. She grabs her setting pole and gestures toward a set of oars. "Now, get rowin'. Ain't no one sits aroundon my boat without pullin' their weight. Heave-ho boys. Yer destiny awaits..."
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Pal will sigh and and try to placate Nib, though he is relieved the incriminating lantern has been disposed of, "Look, I'm sorry I yelled at you Nib. I understand you thought you were helping us out and that you did a wrong thing for the right reasons. In the future, if you have another idea like this, let's talk about it first, okay buddy?" He'll place hand on Nib's shoulder, but when Alianor orders them to row, his anger is reignited, "NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT! I REFUSE YOUR OFFER! There is NO WAY we're paying you a gold AND rowing ourselves to Seamew! Either reduce your price or take us to Figbrook, but we are NOT paying you a gold each to row ourselves to Seamew." Pal will stand as firm as he can in the rocking boat, with arms crossed. He's had enough of the woman and her games.
Persuasion: 10
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Alianor chuckles with amusement throughout Pal's tirade.
When he's finished, she looks to Nib, crooks a thumb toward Pal responds, "I like this one. He's got fire in his fur, he does."
Settling into a more agreeable, professional tone, she continues, responding to Pal's demand. "A'righty, mate. Go 'head and sit yer bunny bum down if that's what ye prefer. No nevermind to me. Might take us 'bit longer, but I'll bring ye 'cross as agreed." With that, she leans into her pole and continues pushing the boat across...
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Pal's tantrum will fizzle as the woman fails to react in the way that he expected. He'll stand for a bit just to be obstinate, but finds it hard to keep his balance. When he sees Nib doing all the work he'll sigh and sit down to help row, but he'll be as obviously unhappy about it as possible.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Nib manages a weak smile at Alianor, “He’s got fire in his fur, he does.” “He sure does! You got him pretty worked up there. He’s a harengon of his word, with strong opinions! He’s my pal…”. Nib leans into it, helping them along. “So ah… where are we going? What is ah… Onifax gonna want me to do?”
Alianor responds to Nib's question. "Goin' to talk to the ol dragon hisself. Where I was headed anyways... What he wants you to do?..." She shruge. "S'pose that depends what ye all is good at..." An amused smirk creases. her face. "He's a smart one, Onifax... Always knows how to get something o' use outta just 'bout everyone."
With that, she keeps pushing onward toward the distant shore...
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Seamew Harbor
Time of Day – 3PM
(Atmospheric Sound)
It takes a little less than an hour to cross the estuary into Seamew Harbor. Pressing forward becomes increasingly difficult as thickets of dense seaweed clings to the pole and oars, drawing a few curses from Alianor. Though, you get the sense that it’s a familiar inconvenience for the smuggler.
As you glide past the main harbor, keeping just short of a mile’s distance, Pal’s eyes fix on something notable, a large cog in the distance with a familiar image printed on the main sail…
…it’s the emblem of the Reclamation Movement, an icon of humanity standing at a central point between the six magical forces that influence the material plane.
Alianor sees Pal’s eyes straining in that direction and addresses him. “Ye don’ wan no part of them, mate. More likely they is to skin ye live ‘n serve ye as stew they is. ‘f I woz you, I’d keep me distance.”
She continues to navigate the keel boat far from the bustle of the main harbor… sticking to the seaweed thickets and heading toward one of the storm drains.
“Hope ye don’t mind a bit o' stink…” She says with a grin as she plots a course directly towards one of the storm drains. “…just part o’ the cost o’ doin’ business with the ol’ dragon.”
(Atmospheric Sound)
Alianor navigates the boat through a broken gap in the grate and the ship moves into a wide, cavernous sewer passage. The smell of low tide and waste assaults your senses, almost distracting you away from noticing the movement of small, humanoid shapes in the shadows.
“Dun you worry ‘bout the little’ns…” Alianor says, anticipating your concern. “Just the ol’ dragon’s eyes and ears… Makin’ sure we ain’t some strangers wanderin’ in by mistake. Keep yer temper, we’re almost there…”
A few minutes later you arrive at makeshift dock at the edge of the stream that runs through the sewer. A small lizard-like humanoid with a broken, rusted sword strapped to his back steps out to meet the boat.
“Whatyou want?” The creature snaps.
Alianor steps forward, unintimidated. “Fer you to bugger off ‘n tell yer boss Alianor’s back with a delivery and a couple new scrubs wot need work ta do…”
As she speaks, she stomps on the deck a couple times, causing a loose board to pop up. She lifts the panel to reveal a small box which she removes and puts in a small carrying satchel she wears on her back. The whole time the creature continues staring at Nib and Pal, taking their measure.
“Boss says ta be extra watchful.” The creature growls as he stares deep into Nib and Pal’s eyes. “Big things goin’… Humanfolk want something bosshas.” He sucks on his teeth a bit, considering. “Might come look for it…”
He suddenly juts his lizardlike face into Pal’s space, baring his teeth. “That why you really here? Come sneaky-sneaky to take bossthings?” He sniffs. “Spike can smell lies. What you really want? To do work like lady sez… or something different?”
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Pal's attention is on the rowing and his annoyance at Alianor, but when she mentions 'the ol' dragon' a look of consternation briefly crosses his face, Odd nickname... he thinks, then turns his focus back to the effort of rowing. As they see the Reclaimer ship, Pal will stop rowing and nudge Nib, "Look Nib, they're really here!" He'll whisper excitedly. When Alianor remarks upon his interest, he'll reply, "I'm still not entirely convinced that you're not planning on doing that yourself..." His discomfort will grow as they approach the storm drain, he'll keep turning to Nib and giving him a look, as if to say, What did you get us into!? Pal will keep a watchful eye on the strange shapes moving in the darkness and when Alianor mentions the dragon again he'll ask, "Why do you keep calling them that? The dragon?" Pal's convinced it sounds like exactly the kind of name some criminal would give himself at an attempt to instill fear in others. When he's approached by the strange lizard folk, Pal will retreat behind Nib and say, "I didn't want to come here! She... She took advantage of a sensitive situation and brought us here!"
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Alianor simply replies with a faint snort of amusement and says, "You'll see."
The creature seems taken aback by Pal's plea... not at all the response he expected. Before he has a chance to say anything, however, another small lizard-dog creature emerges from the shadows, dripping with a sense of urgency.
"Spike!" It says. "Boss say don't kill. She say to stop making bears with yourses teeth and bring humanperson, littleman and bunny inside. Like nowtimes." He then turns his attention to Alianor, Nib and Pal... "You three come. Boss Onifax wants knowing what you is about."
The ill-tempered creature "Spike", which Pal now recognizes as a Kobold... a nearly extinct race of diminutive draconic humanoids... steps aside to let the new arrivals pass.
The other one heads into a shadowy passage and beckons for Nib, Pal and Alianor to follow. "Come on..." says Alianor. "Best shake a leg so I can be done with me business and ship off on me next run... Hop to, bunny bum." She motions for the others to walk ahead into the passageway.
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)
Nib looks with interest at the sail on the way in, feeling Pal’s excitement, but he is alarmed by what Alianor says. “Maybe we uh.. maybe we learn a little more about those people before we sail with them Pal. But… interesting.” As the smell hits his nostrils and they travel further towards it, Nib gives an impercepitble shiver. When Spike leers at them, Nib puffs out his little chest and tries to make like he’s tough. He’ll defend his friend, whatever it takes. “Yeah… no kill.” Nib manages, then he gets out of the boat and starts to walk behind Alianor, speaking at times to Pal saying, “Sorry I gotcha into this Pal. I’ll handle it. Then we can continue doing whatever we want to, don’t you worry. Onifax… Onifax….” He pads after Alianor, his hand drifting down to his waist, he waits to see what lies ahead and muses on what comes next.
You follow the kobold through a series of tunnels that start looking less like a sewer and more like someone's private chamber... Sconces on the wall illuminate works of art and bookshelves with titles such as, Elemental Infusions Observed... History of the Iòine Empire...and Legends of the Faefolk.
As you turn a corner and approach a closed wooden door you hear voices on the other side... A sharp female voice argues,
"What makes you so sure treasure hunting is exciting? Hiding in shadows, always on the run from the law, breaking into places..."
You can't make out the rest because the kobold turns back to you, puffing out his chest and barking... "In there. And you begood. Or Crackjaw bite your nose off like--" He snaps his jaw in your general direction and then chuckles to himself like Muttley the dog as he pushes the door open, ushering you inside....
To be continued in a New Thread...
DM - Origins - A Level Zero Adventure
DM - Dragons of Stormwreck Isle
The Forge of Fury - Lehmani (L3 Tiefling Cleric, Forge Domain)
Wild Beyond the Witchlight - Fa'amae (L2 Shadar-kai Druid, Circle of the Spores)
Greyhawk - Tilliman Treewick Toadswaddler the First (L1 Gnome Rogue)