Drazzim nods in agreement, his head less heated now that some time has passed since the group’s last discussion.
The boat makes its way to the series of wharves known as Phlan’s port. As you get closer and closer, you each notice a lean and tall figure making their way to the dock that Rupert has selected for his fishing vessel. It becomes increasingly clear that this purple-cloaked person is waiting for your arrival. A few feet away from the dock, Utar sees enough of the visitor to recognize them. Looking at Drazzim, the dwarf nods to show that he remembers them as well.
Rupert is the first to step out of the boat upon arrival. Clearly uncomfortable with the hooded person standing nearby, the simple man silently works the ropes to secure his livelihood to the wooden posts in the pier. Hiding the top half of their face in the shadows produced by the hood, the figure smiles widely.
”My information was correct. I see you have not only remained in Phlan but also paid a visit to the mysterious and usually out-of-reach Thorn Isle. How have you been, old friends?”
Any shred of doubt he might have had is now gone. Utar is certain that this is the strange Harper agent he and Drazzim (along with Cato and a couple of others) dealt with shortly after arriving in Phlan (Episode 1). Though, their name, race, and gender remain a mystery.
"Quite perceptive, cleric of Torm..." the figure responds, "...but I am afraid my half-elf companion and myself are, in fact, the same person." Lowering their hood, a slender and handsome male face is revealed. Long black hair adorns its sides and the sharp points of a hybrid's ears poke through. His smirk is quite captivating. "You now know my face too. It is more than most of the people in this town can claim. Consider it a show of thrust. My name, on the other hand, will remain mine alone for the time being."
"Your smile bothers me, Harper." Drazzim says, choosing to address the man by his affiliation due to the lack of a name to use. "My memory may fail me at times but I recall we did not part in glowing terms."
"Calm down, my wisest of dwarves. Let bygones be bygones." He bows gently. "Furthermore, I do not seek much of your time. You see, I deal in information, and there is quite a lot of it out here in Phlan regarding a certain group that goes by the name of Chaotic Relief. If you know where to look for it, that is. About Thorn Isle, on the other hand, not much can be gathered. Access to it is quite restricted." He twirls once to emphasize his next point: "That did not stop you, and my curiosity is now bursting. So here is my simple question. Have you by any chance collected any artifact, tome, relic, or scroll that could give me a clue of what sort of mysteries that isle may hide? If so, I can offer you a handsome amount of gold in exchange for such item. And that is it. A simple transaction. That is all I am after."
Rupert finishes tying the boat and Praxx is the last one to step onto the wharf. The fisherman then interrupts the conversation with a cough: "That'll be another 5gp per person for the ferry back home, please."
NOTE: Arriving back at the mainland concludes Act III. You may each add 900XP to your character sheets (details in the OOC chat). Welcome to 4th level!
As the hood falls, Utar lets out a rueful chuckle.
"Well, that's one more mystery solved. Maybe you can solve a few more for us and we can see if we can grant your request. For a start, maybe you could tell us a little more about this... Chaotic Relief?"
As Praxx alights from the boat, Utar will turn his attention to Rupert, handing over the gold requested.
"Maybe take yourself home, your wife and family must be worried after all that time spent on the island."
Neya gives the 5gto Rupert and starts looking through the bags for the brass plates. Thinking that trying to sell them elsewhere may bring up inconvenient questions.
"We may have something... They aren't in the best shape. But, they have symbols on them might give some clue. Granted, if you are able to translate them."
"So you did find something... interesting!" The half-elf is noticeably excited. "Very well, allow me to show some goodwill towards this business relationship we are forming and share some of my valuable information. Since the Lighthouse was restored last night, the entire town has been looking for the hero behind it. At first, those who were still awake at the time filling their faces with grog simply assumed the Lighthouse was healed by the fabled spirits of the island. Poppycock, of course. Other started thanking their gods of choice. Those with more sense in their heads started instead asking questions. A certain Sergeant Hurn began claiming the laurels before daybreak, saying that he sent his men to do what another Sergeant's couldn't. Other Black Fists started praising him and a couple of hours later it had become the official story. Those of us that kept asking questions however, quickly found out more. You see, a certain administrator by the name of Liela has a signed contract with a group of mercenaries called Chaotic Relief. She is showing it to anyone that comes asking, though not many are. She claims their leader, a handsome Deep Gnome by the name of Sir Praxx, kept his word to her and saved the day." The half-elf looks at Praxx. "You wouldn't happen to know such a handsome Svirfneblin, would you?"
He smiles a knowing smile and concludes: "Someone is stealing your spotlight. I'd vouch for you given my previous role as your employers. Well, some of you at least. The truth is, I'd rather stay out of it. Knowing the truth is all that matters." He bows a bit. "Now... about that trade..."
This is when Neya fishes out the set of bound brass plates with dysfunctional glyphs. The Harper agent looks intrigued: "Yes... Yes... That looks ancient and secretive. I can't wait to decipher those runes and discover the secret of that forbidden isle." He reaches into the bag he carries and pulls out a small-sized pouch. "I will offer you the contents of this pouch: There are 25 platinum pieces in here. Five for each of you. What do you say... Chaotic Relief?"
Separately, the group approaches Rupert and pays their dues. Neya and Utar each pay 5gp, while Graxx generously agrees to cover the remaining fee (i.e. 20gp to cover for Praxx, Drazzim, Rorin, and Graxx himself.)
Drazzim immediately repays Graxx his share (5gp): "I told you I don't want to be owed anythin' by you lot."
Rupert thanks all of you and responds to Utar with a said face: "I know, I know...". He then leaves, presumably going straight home with his newfound fortune.
Graxx takes the 5gp from Drazzim and shakes his head.
”So be it.”
Graxx steps up to the Harper Agent, “Half Elf. Let the guards keep flapping their gums. Chaotic Relief prefers to be unknown and in the shadows. Similar to you it seems.”
"That trade sounds more than fair. I doubt I can find anyone who can appreciate their true value."
"I agree that being an unknown will be an advantage. However, that status will only last so long. Especially, when the true competencies of those who claim credit rear their heads."
"I wasn't planning on doing anything," the half-elf says to Graxx."I was simply sharing some information with you for both of our benefits. The information is now yours to do with it as you see fit. If you prefer to stay in the shadows, rest assured I won't be the one chanting the name of Chaotic Relief out in the streets."
Turning to Neya, the Harper agent says: "Let us complete the trade then." He places the pouch of platinum pieces in the monk's hand and relieves her of the arcanely-marked set of brassware. He hides it in the pack from where he originally took out the pouch of coins while kneeling in the ground. Standing back up just enough to produce another polite bow, the half-elf opens his mouth once more: "These will keep me busy under candlelight for some time. I thank you for sharing your findings and hope that this budding relationship between your adventuring party and the Harpers can be even more productive in the future. I now must be on my way."
"Not before me,"Drazzim says. The dwarf jams his fingers into the pouch Neya is still holding and grabs his share of the platinum coinage. "This is more than enough to keep meself alive for many tendays to come. Well, see you around... or not."Drazzim then turns on his heels and begins walking away without going through the formalities of farewells. As he puts some distance between himself and the rest of the group, the half-elf breaks the silence: "Interesting... Well, I'll take that as my cue. Until we meet again." He then brings his hood back up and starts walking in the same general direction as Drazzim did. You have a feeling that this was not an irresolute choice.
-> Drazzim has left the party.
Silent until now, Praxx lets the air clear for an extra moment and then pipes up: "Well, that was random. I assume you are all going to go grab our rewards from Liela and Hurn. If so, let me know which one you are going to pay a visit to first. I'll go off and sell the rest of these baubles and chunks of jade around the markets and meet you at the location you will visit second. It should give me enough time. Once we are reunited, and can finish sharing our rewards. I'm sure Rorin can wait a little longer to go to the temple, isn't that right, my lad?" Rorin nods affirmatively in response.
Utar raises a hand in farewell as Drazzim walks away, determined to keep an eye on the dwarf in the coming tendays. Phlan is not a place to be without friends.
Turning back to address Praxx, Utar grins, "I take it we should let brave Sir Praxx take the praise he deserves from Liela. I say we see her second."
Graxx watches Drazzim walk away and goes to take his 5 platinum pieces. He looks at it astonished.
"I've never seen a platinum piece in all my life. Never thought I'd hold one..."
Graxx then looks to Neya and Utar.
"If either of you need it for silvering otherwise, say the word and they are yours. Made it this long without a lot of money. No reason to start hording it now."
Graxx feels himself getting emotional and switches tones back to more serious.
"Yes. Let us make our way to Hurn first. Stick to the plan."
Praxx grins back at Utar: "Very well. Off I go. See you soon." The gnome then collects his 5 platinum pieces and leaves the wharf in a different direction from the one leading to either Hurn's or Liela's office.
Neya, Graxx and Utar then make their way to the nearby Black Fist post, located around the docks. Rorin follows closely behind, looking around like a scaredy-cat but remaining silent. As it was the case in the previous visit, the door to the post is open. Unlike last time, however, the place is quite full. Four lightly armored Black Fist guards hold spears in one hand and push back against a crowd of ten or so individuals trying to make their way to Hurn's desk. Some seem to have questions for him, others praise, and yet some others are just trying to get a glimpse of their newest local hero. The old male dwarf, is just as stout and beardless as you remember, and his desk is just as messy and over-sized for him.
Looking around, three individuals catch your eye more so than any others in the small crowd gathered in the office:
A lady with messy copper hair, large hazel eyes, and large ears. She wears full plate armor and wields a greatsword, and is shouting questions about the fabled Thorn Isle ghost at Sergeant Hurn.
A rough in appearance human female with blonde hair and blue eyes. She wears worn clothing and carries an elm staff. A black rat sits on her shoulder as the woman waits her turn to speak to Hurn, which may never happen judging by how disorganized this gathering is.
A brown-haired male halfling sits atop a large mastiff. They both seem to be listening attentively to all the gibberish being spoken back and forth. On his back, hangs a crossbow. By the dog's side, a lute.
Hurn has not noticed your arrival, and the guards are treating you just like they are everyone else in the room.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Utar hangs back, curious to see how Hurn interacts with the assembled throng of people. He is particularly interested in the armour clad woman and her questions about Harae.
As he tries to be as inconspicuous as a large, half-orc Cleric of Torm can, he eavesdrops shamelessly into her line of questioning.
(OOC I guess this is focused on listening, although on a personal level I just wanted to say how thrilled I am that there's a halfling riding a dog! Sorry the dog was too distracting!)
(Speaking of Halflings and Dogs. Guess whose back, but not to strike fear!)
"Easy now, Biscuit. Easy." The Halfling says, calming his mount out of more plaintive "Boofs" over a particular loud shout. In doing so he note the new arrivals. And while content to simply nod in acknowledgement at first, Biscuit, a massive beast of black, wooly fur and hidden muscles had other plans. "Wh-whoa! Psst! No. Stop. Biscuit!" Try and try as Doozey might, his mount wouldn't stop padding over to Utar, or from eventually nearly dismounting its rider from attempting to leap up and start licking Utar's face.
As the dark-skinned halfling moves to get back to his feet, dusting himself off along the way, Utar, Graxx, and Neya can get a better look at him. Rising up is a halfling male just shy of middle-aged, lean built apart from a well-obscured paunch, and aside from half-plate bearing strange sigils along its connecting points, he is either fairly down on his luck or maybe just recent off arrival from off the road judging how well-worn everything he owned appeared to be; especially the patchwork blouse and trousers! After taking one last moment to brush any filthy from the mess of curly, brown haired just barely managed into a ponytail of sorts, he stares up with grey eyes at Utar and anyone else near the half-Orc like a dear in headlights.
"This could not have been more awkward." He says pleasant and surprisingly deep voice for a halfling. "Sorry bout that. Come on, goofy. We've talked about this. He's really not like this. Probably smell familiar or..." Doozey clears his throat, and just focuses on trying to wrestle the dog off... to little avail.
(Closest Representation for both. Just exchange the bow for a crossbow)
Utar chuckles as the dog tries to lick his face and kneels, bringing himself to the level of Biscuit to better introduce himself. Holding his hands out he lets the dog get his scent before ruffling the fur on the to of his head.
"Nothing to apologise for, friend. It's not often I get a welcome like this."
Extending a hand to the halfling, Utar will introduce himself along with Neya and Graxx, still absently playing with the dog. Nodding towards the clamour around Hurn, he asks,
"How long has he been holding court like this?"
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Drazzim nods in agreement, his head less heated now that some time has passed since the group’s last discussion.
The boat makes its way to the series of wharves known as Phlan’s port. As you get closer and closer, you each notice a lean and tall figure making their way to the dock that Rupert has selected for his fishing vessel. It becomes increasingly clear that this purple-cloaked person is waiting for your arrival. A few feet away from the dock, Utar sees enough of the visitor to recognize them. Looking at Drazzim, the dwarf nods to show that he remembers them as well.
Rupert is the first to step out of the boat upon arrival. Clearly uncomfortable with the hooded person standing nearby, the simple man silently works the ropes to secure his livelihood to the wooden posts in the pier. Hiding the top half of their face in the shadows produced by the hood, the figure smiles widely.
”My information was correct. I see you have not only remained in Phlan but also paid a visit to the mysterious and usually out-of-reach Thorn Isle. How have you been, old friends?”
Any shred of doubt he might have had is now gone. Utar is certain that this is the strange Harper agent he and Drazzim (along with Cato and a couple of others) dealt with shortly after arriving in Phlan (Episode 1). Though, their name, race, and gender remain a mystery.
"You still have us at the disadvantage, you know us, but we do not know you."
Stepping into the dock, Utar will lend a hand to anyone getting out of the boat or with any heavy bags or packs.
"Your half elf companion couldn't make it?"
As he speaks Utar cars an eye around the dock looking for anyone lingering too close to the group or paying too much attention.
Perception 22
Graxx stays close to Utar not knowing who this person is but seeing as Utar does not appear threatened he stays his blade.
Neya is intrigued. Not only because they seem to have met before, but the mysterious figure is, at least somewhat, aware to the group's actions.
Extended Signature
"Quite perceptive, cleric of Torm..." the figure responds, "...but I am afraid my half-elf companion and myself are, in fact, the same person." Lowering their hood, a slender and handsome male face is revealed. Long black hair adorns its sides and the sharp points of a hybrid's ears poke through. His smirk is quite captivating. "You now know my face too. It is more than most of the people in this town can claim. Consider it a show of thrust. My name, on the other hand, will remain mine alone for the time being."
"Your smile bothers me, Harper." Drazzim says, choosing to address the man by his affiliation due to the lack of a name to use. "My memory may fail me at times but I recall we did not part in glowing terms."
"Calm down, my wisest of dwarves. Let bygones be bygones." He bows gently. "Furthermore, I do not seek much of your time. You see, I deal in information, and there is quite a lot of it out here in Phlan regarding a certain group that goes by the name of Chaotic Relief. If you know where to look for it, that is. About Thorn Isle, on the other hand, not much can be gathered. Access to it is quite restricted." He twirls once to emphasize his next point: "That did not stop you, and my curiosity is now bursting. So here is my simple question. Have you by any chance collected any artifact, tome, relic, or scroll that could give me a clue of what sort of mysteries that isle may hide? If so, I can offer you a handsome amount of gold in exchange for such item. And that is it. A simple transaction. That is all I am after."
Rupert finishes tying the boat and Praxx is the last one to step onto the wharf. The fisherman then interrupts the conversation with a cough: "That'll be another 5gp per person for the ferry back home, please."
NOTE: Arriving back at the mainland concludes Act III. You may each add 900XP to your character sheets (details in the OOC chat). Welcome to 4th level!
As the hood falls, Utar lets out a rueful chuckle.
"Well, that's one more mystery solved. Maybe you can solve a few more for us and we can see if we can grant your request. For a start, maybe you could tell us a little more about this... Chaotic Relief?"
As Praxx alights from the boat, Utar will turn his attention to Rupert, handing over the gold requested.
"Maybe take yourself home, your wife and family must be worried after all that time spent on the island."
Graxx will approach Rupert and hand him 30? Gold pieces keeping his eyes on Utar and the new person.
Neya gives the 5g to Rupert and starts looking through the bags for the brass plates. Thinking that trying to sell them elsewhere may bring up inconvenient questions.
"We may have something... They aren't in the best shape. But, they have symbols on them might give some clue. Granted, if you are able to translate them."
Extended Signature
"So you did find something... interesting!" The half-elf is noticeably excited. "Very well, allow me to show some goodwill towards this business relationship we are forming and share some of my valuable information. Since the Lighthouse was restored last night, the entire town has been looking for the hero behind it. At first, those who were still awake at the time filling their faces with grog simply assumed the Lighthouse was healed by the fabled spirits of the island. Poppycock, of course. Other started thanking their gods of choice. Those with more sense in their heads started instead asking questions. A certain Sergeant Hurn began claiming the laurels before daybreak, saying that he sent his men to do what another Sergeant's couldn't. Other Black Fists started praising him and a couple of hours later it had become the official story. Those of us that kept asking questions however, quickly found out more. You see, a certain administrator by the name of Liela has a signed contract with a group of mercenaries called Chaotic Relief. She is showing it to anyone that comes asking, though not many are. She claims their leader, a handsome Deep Gnome by the name of Sir Praxx, kept his word to her and saved the day." The half-elf looks at Praxx. "You wouldn't happen to know such a handsome Svirfneblin, would you?"
He smiles a knowing smile and concludes: "Someone is stealing your spotlight. I'd vouch for you given my previous role as your employers. Well, some of you at least. The truth is, I'd rather stay out of it. Knowing the truth is all that matters." He bows a bit. "Now... about that trade..."
This is when Neya fishes out the set of bound brass plates with dysfunctional glyphs. The Harper agent looks intrigued: "Yes... Yes... That looks ancient and secretive. I can't wait to decipher those runes and discover the secret of that forbidden isle." He reaches into the bag he carries and pulls out a small-sized pouch. "I will offer you the contents of this pouch: There are 25 platinum pieces in here. Five for each of you. What do you say... Chaotic Relief?"
Separately, the group approaches Rupert and pays their dues. Neya and Utar each pay 5gp, while Graxx generously agrees to cover the remaining fee (i.e. 20gp to cover for Praxx, Drazzim, Rorin, and Graxx himself.)
Drazzim immediately repays Graxx his share (5gp): "I told you I don't want to be owed anythin' by you lot."
Rupert thanks all of you and responds to Utar with a said face: "I know, I know...". He then leaves, presumably going straight home with his newfound fortune.
Graxx takes the 5gp from Drazzim and shakes his head.
”So be it.”
Graxx steps up to the Harper Agent, “Half Elf. Let the guards keep flapping their gums. Chaotic Relief prefers to be unknown and in the shadows. Similar to you it seems.”
Graxx turns to Neya, “The trade is up to you.”
"That trade sounds more than fair. I doubt I can find anyone who can appreciate their true value."
"I agree that being an unknown will be an advantage. However, that status will only last so long. Especially, when the true competencies of those who claim credit rear their heads."
Extended Signature
"I wasn't planning on doing anything," the half-elf says to Graxx. "I was simply sharing some information with you for both of our benefits. The information is now yours to do with it as you see fit. If you prefer to stay in the shadows, rest assured I won't be the one chanting the name of Chaotic Relief out in the streets."
Turning to Neya, the Harper agent says: "Let us complete the trade then." He places the pouch of platinum pieces in the monk's hand and relieves her of the arcanely-marked set of brassware. He hides it in the pack from where he originally took out the pouch of coins while kneeling in the ground. Standing back up just enough to produce another polite bow, the half-elf opens his mouth once more: "These will keep me busy under candlelight for some time. I thank you for sharing your findings and hope that this budding relationship between your adventuring party and the Harpers can be even more productive in the future. I now must be on my way."
"Not before me," Drazzim says. The dwarf jams his fingers into the pouch Neya is still holding and grabs his share of the platinum coinage. "This is more than enough to keep meself alive for many tendays to come. Well, see you around... or not." Drazzim then turns on his heels and begins walking away without going through the formalities of farewells. As he puts some distance between himself and the rest of the group, the half-elf breaks the silence: "Interesting... Well, I'll take that as my cue. Until we meet again." He then brings his hood back up and starts walking in the same general direction as Drazzim did. You have a feeling that this was not an irresolute choice.
-> Drazzim has left the party.
Silent until now, Praxx lets the air clear for an extra moment and then pipes up: "Well, that was random. I assume you are all going to go grab our rewards from Liela and Hurn. If so, let me know which one you are going to pay a visit to first. I'll go off and sell the rest of these baubles and chunks of jade around the markets and meet you at the location you will visit second. It should give me enough time. Once we are reunited, and can finish sharing our rewards. I'm sure Rorin can wait a little longer to go to the temple, isn't that right, my lad?" Rorin nods affirmatively in response.
Utar raises a hand in farewell as Drazzim walks away, determined to keep an eye on the dwarf in the coming tendays. Phlan is not a place to be without friends.
Turning back to address Praxx, Utar grins, "I take it we should let brave Sir Praxx take the praise he deserves from Liela. I say we see her second."
Graxx watches Drazzim walk away and goes to take his 5 platinum pieces. He looks at it astonished.
"I've never seen a platinum piece in all my life. Never thought I'd hold one..."
Graxx then looks to Neya and Utar.
"If either of you need it for silvering otherwise, say the word and they are yours. Made it this long without a lot of money. No reason to start hording it now."
Graxx feels himself getting emotional and switches tones back to more serious.
"Yes. Let us make our way to Hurn first. Stick to the plan."
"Yes, I believe it's time for Hurn's reality check."
Extended Signature
Praxx grins back at Utar: "Very well. Off I go. See you soon." The gnome then collects his 5 platinum pieces and leaves the wharf in a different direction from the one leading to either Hurn's or Liela's office.
Neya, Graxx and Utar then make their way to the nearby Black Fist post, located around the docks. Rorin follows closely behind, looking around like a scaredy-cat but remaining silent. As it was the case in the previous visit, the door to the post is open. Unlike last time, however, the place is quite full. Four lightly armored Black Fist guards hold spears in one hand and push back against a crowd of ten or so individuals trying to make their way to Hurn's desk. Some seem to have questions for him, others praise, and yet some others are just trying to get a glimpse of their newest local hero. The old male dwarf, is just as stout and beardless as you remember, and his desk is just as messy and over-sized for him.
Looking around, three individuals catch your eye more so than any others in the small crowd gathered in the office:
Hurn has not noticed your arrival, and the guards are treating you just like they are everyone else in the room.
Utar hangs back, curious to see how Hurn interacts with the assembled throng of people. He is particularly interested in the armour clad woman and her questions about Harae.
As he tries to be as inconspicuous as a large, half-orc Cleric of Torm can, he eavesdrops shamelessly into her line of questioning.
Perception 18
(OOC I guess this is focused on listening, although on a personal level I just wanted to say how thrilled I am that there's a halfling riding a dog! Sorry the dog was too distracting!)
(Speaking of Halflings and Dogs. Guess whose back, but not to strike fear!)
(Closest Representation for both. Just exchange the bow for a crossbow)
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Has anyone come from the island with a report of any kind? There has been a lot of clamor ever since the lighthouse was relit."
Extended Signature
Utar chuckles as the dog tries to lick his face and kneels, bringing himself to the level of Biscuit to better introduce himself. Holding his hands out he lets the dog get his scent before ruffling the fur on the to of his head.
"Nothing to apologise for, friend. It's not often I get a welcome like this."
Extending a hand to the halfling, Utar will introduce himself along with Neya and Graxx, still absently playing with the dog. Nodding towards the clamour around Hurn, he asks,
"How long has he been holding court like this?"