Sylyra watches the men move to the bar, then follows behind. "Excuse me," he says, addressing the leader from behind. "I couldn't help but overhear your dilemma. My associate and I were planning to visit House Sokol this afternoon to offer our survives at the beacon. Are there other issues affecting the House we should be aware of?"
At the table in the corner, Keria and Aravele share what they know with Uragum. "We only know what Grim has told us, but the beacon is used for defense somehow. The Black Fist has been openly recruiting in response to rumors of a spirit ship attacking coastal villages," Keria says. Aravele adds, "Grim is a guard sergeant stationed at the Keep. He's a bit foolhardy, usually in debt to the wrong sort of people, but a good friend, the kind of guy that would take an arrow for us. When he's off duty, he spends most of his time trying to come up with ways to get money quick. He's made friends with Igan Sokol, the quartermaster in charge of the keep; from what he's told us, he's somewhat naïve, but young and enthusiastic, eager to make a name for himself amongst his house. Grim mentioned that they were close to finding a treasure below the Keep, but take that for what you will; Grim is one to spin tall tales. That's all we know, but you could speak with Guard Sergeant Hurn at the Black Fist post by the docks. He'll be able to give you more information."
As the conversation happens, the bartender works her way over to Uragum's table, then to the others, and finally to Sylyra, bringing each member of the party a mug of light, crisp ale. "On the house," she says, "For your friend keeping the peace. We get enough fighting in here at night, last thing I want to be doing this morning is repairing tables."
Meanwhile, at the bar, the dockworker who had spoken to Uragum ignores Sylyra entirely, staring at the wall of the tavern. However, one of the others answers, "Not that I believe it, but rumor has it that the Keep is haunted by the spirits of dead clerics who died a thousand and one years ago. It used to be a temple to some god or another, Torm I think." A second dockworker grunts, "It was Tyr, you idiot." He is quickly corrected by a third, "Ye're both wrong, it weren't either of 'em. I heard some pagan cult used it as their headquarters."
"Anyway...apparently some kind of spirit ships have been attacking villages nearby. Aside from being out of work right now, it seems like the city should want that beacon lit if that's the case, yeah? We usually go to Liela for jobs, she works for House Sokol and has an office by the docks. If you want to know more about the house, she's your best source of information," the first speaker finishes.
Uragum nods and takes the drink, "Dont want to start a fight ma'am, just trying to stop one." Turning to Keria and Aravele, "If what you say is true, and they were close to finding something, maybe they released something. Ghosts, spirits, a curse or maybe they found it and his big mouth lured in someone to sweep up the goods after he did all the work. Dont know for sure but I'll chat with my group and we'll get it sorted."
He then heads back to the group and let's them know what was said.
"I do not understand," Ola finished her water and put the glass aside, "if the Keep is so important and Black Guards care about it so much - why they do nothing to fix the problem? Looks like those girls know little, though that suggestion - to talk to Sergeant Hurn - sounds good. Shall we go?" She looked at Zelra, "Am I right and you would rather leave the way we learned about situation out of conversation with the guards?"
The man replies to Sylyra, "They're close to one of the guards that stay at the Keep, and a couple of them Black Fists been hiding instead of fixing that damn beacon. We came here to find out where they've gone...that is, until that big lout got involved. Didn't expect them to have hired muscle."
Zelra gives Ola a grin, still keeping an ear open for Sylyra's conversation now. She leans down close to the table and pulls everyone in closer, speaking quietly. "We have three people we can go to. Sergeant Hurn, Igan Sokol and, according to their conversation over there, a woman called Liela. The Sergeant and Liela seem easy enough to find but if we can get to Igan, I'd bet he would be willing to pay us to light the beacon as well. I mean, he wants to get his name out there and what better way to do that than being the one responsible for fixing up this mess, right? Not only that but there's gods damn buried treasure in the keep as well!" She leans back and rubs her hands together, a wide smile on her face. "Oh man, this is turning out even better than I thought. Lets wait to see if Sylyra can get anymore info and then we can get going."
Sylyra sneers. "I've had my own dealings with those two. Just when you think things are going well, they stab you in the back. I wouldn't worry about it. They'll get theirs. Now, about the missing guards, do you think it has to do with the rumors of a ghost ship attacking the coast? I'm only just learning about it, but it sounds both frightening and dangerous. Have you heard those rumors, too?"
"Ghost ships, spirit ships, yeah, probably the same thing I mentioned earlier. I hope that's not why they're missing, because that would mean the ships are here in Phlan already. Though if that were the case we'd probably have heard about it by now, wouldn't you think?" the dockworker replies.
Before Uragum returns to the party's table, Aravele nods in reply. Keria says, "Thanks, big man. See you around."
"That sort of thing usually travels fast," Sylyra agrees. He finishes by asking for directions to Liela's office and then heads back to the booth to finish his pike.
"This worked, out. Got lots of info and free drink," he says while holding up his glass. "Let me ask yall this. Have any of ya dealt with spirits? I haven't."
Sylyra looks at Uragum's hand then up to the goliath's eyes. "There's no need for childish antics." The elf wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, downs the last of his ale, and stands. "To the docks," he says to Zelra. "Are you coming with us?" he asks Ola.
Whether Ola says yea or nay, he will whisper to her and Zelra, "Indulge me?" If they are agreeable (or at least curious), he will offer each arm to the two to usher them out of the Laughing Goblin, Sylyra with Zelra on one arm and Ola on the other. As they walk, he will laugh loudly, and just before leaving, take a quick glance back at Aravele and Keria without really acknowledging them.
Outside, Sylyra makes no reference to what just happened, the laughter is gone, and he is back to being all business (and slightly snooty) as he heads directly for the docks.
Zelra looks at Sylyra incredibly curious and goes along with it, even laughing herself though not with him, but at him. As they leave the Laughing Goblin, she continues to laugh. "Holy shit, what was that??? Are you- Did you try to make them jealous or something? HA! Holy shit, that is hilarious, man." She slaps him on the back before turning back to Arnald. "Ah, if you two are going to see the sergeant, take Ola with you. She wanted to go there too. See you guys later." She quickly catches up to Sylyra and makes fun of him the whole way to the docks.
I am afraid Ola would not understand Sylyra's idea and walks out of tavern by herself. But Zelra's joyfulness would make up for it many times over.
"I am going to talk to Sergeant Hurn, yes. If I am not mistaken both he and that Liela character are working by the docks. We can meet at the entrance afterwords." Whether together with Arnald or separately, if he is to visit Liela as well, Ola walks to the Sergeant's office.
Sylyra doesn't react to Zelra's teasing at first. After a while, he says in a rather subdued (yet still slightly haughty) manner, "I have a history with those women. Only interested in money, they are. Once mine dried up, they wanted nothing to do with me." He gives the half-elf a sideways glance past the curtain of his blond hair. "Thank you for playing along," he says genuinely.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sylyra Deception (Advantage-Help): 16
The display on the way out of the tavern draws a scowl from Aravele, and a hint of a smirk with raised eyebrows from Keria. Aravele opens her mouth as if to shout something, but the doors to the tavern swing closed before she has the chance. Shortly after leaving, a group of Black Fist guards walks into the Laughing Goblin, cudgels in hand, rudely shoving their way past the party.
The Laughing Goblin is situated near the end of Phlan's docks, and the walk to the party's destination is not long in either case; Sylyra and Zelra split off to speak with Liela at her office while Arnald, Ola and Uragum head to the Black Fist outpost.
SYLYRA & ZELRA:
The dockworkers' directions take you to a small cobbled building, with smoke emanating through a chimney on the roof. A human female in her late thirties answers the door, the office behind her meticulous and clean. She speaks in a businesslike manner. "Welcome to the House Sokol Administrative Offices, how may I help you?"
_______________________________
ARNALD, OLA & URAGUM:
The Black Fist outpost is only a stone's throw away from the small office that Sylyra and Zelra have entered. Your knock is greeted by a brooding male dwarf in the uniform of the Black Fist. "Well if it aren't Blue. Back to check up on me, are ye? I passed yer report on to Knight Aleyd, don't ye fret, lass," he grumbles.
Sylyra watches the men move to the bar, then follows behind. "Excuse me," he says, addressing the leader from behind. "I couldn't help but overhear your dilemma. My associate and I were planning to visit House Sokol this afternoon to offer our survives at the beacon. Are there other issues affecting the House we should be aware of?"
At the table in the corner, Keria and Aravele share what they know with Uragum. "We only know what Grim has told us, but the beacon is used for defense somehow. The Black Fist has been openly recruiting in response to rumors of a spirit ship attacking coastal villages," Keria says. Aravele adds, "Grim is a guard sergeant stationed at the Keep. He's a bit foolhardy, usually in debt to the wrong sort of people, but a good friend, the kind of guy that would take an arrow for us. When he's off duty, he spends most of his time trying to come up with ways to get money quick. He's made friends with Igan Sokol, the quartermaster in charge of the keep; from what he's told us, he's somewhat naïve, but young and enthusiastic, eager to make a name for himself amongst his house. Grim mentioned that they were close to finding a treasure below the Keep, but take that for what you will; Grim is one to spin tall tales. That's all we know, but you could speak with Guard Sergeant Hurn at the Black Fist post by the docks. He'll be able to give you more information."
As the conversation happens, the bartender works her way over to Uragum's table, then to the others, and finally to Sylyra, bringing each member of the party a mug of light, crisp ale. "On the house," she says, "For your friend keeping the peace. We get enough fighting in here at night, last thing I want to be doing this morning is repairing tables."
Meanwhile, at the bar, the dockworker who had spoken to Uragum ignores Sylyra entirely, staring at the wall of the tavern. However, one of the others answers, "Not that I believe it, but rumor has it that the Keep is haunted by the spirits of dead clerics who died a thousand and one years ago. It used to be a temple to some god or another, Torm I think." A second dockworker grunts, "It was Tyr, you idiot." He is quickly corrected by a third, "Ye're both wrong, it weren't either of 'em. I heard some pagan cult used it as their headquarters."
"Anyway...apparently some kind of spirit ships have been attacking villages nearby. Aside from being out of work right now, it seems like the city should want that beacon lit if that's the case, yeah? We usually go to Liela for jobs, she works for House Sokol and has an office by the docks. If you want to know more about the house, she's your best source of information,"
the first speaker finishes.
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Uragum nods and takes the drink, "Dont want to start a fight ma'am, just trying to stop one." Turning to Keria and Aravele, "If what you say is true, and they were close to finding something, maybe they released something. Ghosts, spirits, a curse or maybe they found it and his big mouth lured in someone to sweep up the goods after he did all the work. Dont know for sure but I'll chat with my group and we'll get it sorted."
He then heads back to the group and let's them know what was said.
Sylyra motions toward Keria and Aravele. "And how are the two over there are involved?"
"I do not understand," Ola finished her water and put the glass aside, "if the Keep is so important and Black Guards care about it so much - why they do nothing to fix the problem? Looks like those girls know little, though that suggestion - to talk to Sergeant Hurn - sounds good. Shall we go?" She looked at Zelra, "Am I right and you would rather leave the way we learned about situation out of conversation with the guards?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The man replies to Sylyra, "They're close to one of the guards that stay at the Keep, and a couple of them Black Fists been hiding instead of fixing that damn beacon. We came here to find out where they've gone...that is, until that big lout got involved. Didn't expect them to have hired muscle."
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Zelra gives Ola a grin, still keeping an ear open for Sylyra's conversation now. She leans down close to the table and pulls everyone in closer, speaking quietly. "We have three people we can go to. Sergeant Hurn, Igan Sokol and, according to their conversation over there, a woman called Liela. The Sergeant and Liela seem easy enough to find but if we can get to Igan, I'd bet he would be willing to pay us to light the beacon as well. I mean, he wants to get his name out there and what better way to do that than being the one responsible for fixing up this mess, right? Not only that but there's gods damn buried treasure in the keep as well!" She leans back and rubs her hands together, a wide smile on her face. "Oh man, this is turning out even better than I thought. Lets wait to see if Sylyra can get anymore info and then we can get going."
Sylyra sneers. "I've had my own dealings with those two. Just when you think things are going well, they stab you in the back. I wouldn't worry about it. They'll get theirs. Now, about the missing guards, do you think it has to do with the rumors of a ghost ship attacking the coast? I'm only just learning about it, but it sounds both frightening and dangerous. Have you heard those rumors, too?"
"Ghost ships, spirit ships, yeah, probably the same thing I mentioned earlier. I hope that's not why they're missing, because that would mean the ships are here in Phlan already. Though if that were the case we'd probably have heard about it by now, wouldn't you think?" the dockworker replies.
Before Uragum returns to the party's table, Aravele nods in reply. Keria says, "Thanks, big man. See you around."
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"That sort of thing usually travels fast," Sylyra agrees. He finishes by asking for directions to Liela's office and then heads back to the booth to finish his pike.
"This worked, out. Got lots of info and free drink," he says while holding up his glass. "Let me ask yall this. Have any of ya dealt with spirits? I haven't."
Sylyra takes another bite of pike.
Zelra watches as Sylyra eats and laughs. "Or, I guess we'll leave after they finish eating." She turns to look at Uragum. "Nope. Can't say I have."
Uragum slowly moves his hand towards the plate of pike as if to pinch the dainty morsel between two fingers.
Sylyra looks at Uragum's hand then up to the goliath's eyes. "There's no need for childish antics." The elf wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, downs the last of his ale, and stands. "To the docks," he says to Zelra. "Are you coming with us?" he asks Ola.
Whether Ola says yea or nay, he will whisper to her and Zelra, "Indulge me?" If they are agreeable (or at least curious), he will offer each arm to the two to usher them out of the Laughing Goblin, Sylyra with Zelra on one arm and Ola on the other. As they walk, he will laugh loudly, and just before leaving, take a quick glance back at Aravele and Keria without really acknowledging them.
Outside, Sylyra makes no reference to what just happened, the laughter is gone, and he is back to being all business (and slightly snooty) as he heads directly for the docks.
Arnald looks over to Uragum, "I assume they're going to speak with Liela? Perhaps we could meet up with Guard Sergeant Hurn?"
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Zelra looks at Sylyra incredibly curious and goes along with it, even laughing herself though not with him, but at him. As they leave the Laughing Goblin, she continues to laugh. "Holy shit, what was that??? Are you- Did you try to make them jealous or something? HA! Holy shit, that is hilarious, man." She slaps him on the back before turning back to Arnald. "Ah, if you two are going to see the sergeant, take Ola with you. She wanted to go there too. See you guys later." She quickly catches up to Sylyra and makes fun of him the whole way to the docks.
I am afraid Ola would not understand Sylyra's idea and walks out of tavern by herself. But Zelra's joyfulness would make up for it many times over.
"I am going to talk to Sergeant Hurn, yes. If I am not mistaken both he and that Liela character are working by the docks. We can meet at the entrance afterwords." Whether together with Arnald or separately, if he is to visit Liela as well, Ola walks to the Sergeant's office.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sylyra doesn't react to Zelra's teasing at first. After a while, he says in a rather subdued (yet still slightly haughty) manner, "I have a history with those women. Only interested in money, they are. Once mine dried up, they wanted nothing to do with me." He gives the half-elf a sideways glance past the curtain of his blond hair. "Thank you for playing along," he says genuinely.
Sylyra Deception (Advantage-Help): 16
The display on the way out of the tavern draws a scowl from Aravele, and a hint of a smirk with raised eyebrows from Keria. Aravele opens her mouth as if to shout something, but the doors to the tavern swing closed before she has the chance. Shortly after leaving, a group of Black Fist guards walks into the Laughing Goblin, cudgels in hand, rudely shoving their way past the party.
The Laughing Goblin is situated near the end of Phlan's docks, and the walk to the party's destination is not long in either case; Sylyra and Zelra split off to speak with Liela at her office while Arnald, Ola and Uragum head to the Black Fist outpost.
SYLYRA & ZELRA:
The dockworkers' directions take you to a small cobbled building, with smoke emanating through a chimney on the roof. A human female in her late thirties answers the door, the office behind her meticulous and clean. She speaks in a businesslike manner. "Welcome to the House Sokol Administrative Offices, how may I help you?"
_______________________________
ARNALD, OLA & URAGUM:
The Black Fist outpost is only a stone's throw away from the small office that Sylyra and Zelra have entered. Your knock is greeted by a brooding male dwarf in the uniform of the Black Fist. "Well if it aren't Blue. Back to check up on me, are ye? I passed yer report on to Knight Aleyd, don't ye fret, lass," he grumbles.
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