Dues for the Dead (DM Lerus)

DOOZEY

Sagin is simultaneously confused and glad at Doozey's reaction to his question regarding the stinky green powder. There might even be a smile in there! He doesn't fully understand all that Doozey is getting at, but he seems happy he sparked something in Doozey's calculations.

The rest of the day passes with much crafting from Doozey's part and plenty of observing from Sagin's. As the stoutling gets to the point of almost wrapping up, he recalls he had planned to speak to his newest animal kingdom friend: a trapped firefly that blinks in a purplish pink light instead of the more common yellowish green. The cognitive abilities of the insect are minimal but, thankfully, Doozey's question is fairly simply. The ranger understands the equivalent of two words: "flower" and "juice". Deducing sugar water would approximate the nectar of flowers closely enough, Doozey makes sure to provide some for the bug before calling it a day.

GRAXX

(OOC: I am using my DM power to overrule that 7. See OOC Chat for more details.)

It took Graxx mere seconds to pinpoint Lieutenant Hurn's greatest insecurity and shove his finger into that wound. The dwarf watches and listens in silence for most of Graxx's monologue. His sweat glands go into overdrive and his chin becomes gradually more slack. When asked about contacts that might help with imprisoned friends, Hurn lets a few words fall out of his mouth. There is no conviction behind them. It is almost as if the words are pushing themselves out of the dwarf's mouth while his brain has been pushed into oblivious insecurity: "M...M... Ma... Maybe. Th.. There is always someone we could talk to. A h... ha... A hand to grease, yes?"  

Hurn's confidence in his ability to take the lead in this conversation is obliterated. Nonetheless, given several minutes to try to recompose himself a bit, the lieutenant is able to negotiate a bit: "How about this. Klaven is a true asswipe of a captain. His ship has been docked in Phlan for over six tendays now, taking space. Instead of going out to sea and trading as a merchant ship should, he stays in town, bullying dockworkers, and strong-arming shopkeepers." He adjusts his medal and says the next words in a lower tone: "That's... that's my job." He adjust his medal again: "Bring him in and I'll lock him up for... disorderly conduct or some such. Then you can convince his second-mate, an elf named Hermenor, to hire out the boat to you. I hear Hermenor has been chomping at the bit to take over the ship anyway." Hurn raises his eyebrows: "A win-win-win, yes?"

Utar takes the sachets and vials and considers where best to locate them such that they would be within easy reach for when he needs them.  He places them carefully into a pouch and ties it to his belt, wondering if hanging the pouch around his offhand or shield might be better if heading to this island is going to be as dangerous as he thinks it might be.

"My thanks Sister.  I know these supplies are for the needy and that my works are to fund the purchase of such things rather than deplete them."

As if remembering something, he unties a small money pouch from his belt (200gp) and offers it to her.

"Speaking of, this might go some distance towards replenishing this withdrawal. It is not my most generous deposit, but I know you can repurpose it to its greatest benefit."

After finishing his own research, he prepares himself sending a message to Neya:

Before leaving to head back to the Leadstopper House and greet Fat Mar, he will seek out Sister Ahkt again, to give a warning about the escaped necromancer, two Kelemvorites were killed, he would not like to see any of his fellow Tormites join this number.  They should be on their guard, especially when dealing with bodies.

Graxx smiles and nods his head as he likes what Hurn is saying.

"Lieutenant Hurn, sir.  I believe that sounds like a plan.  A win-win-win as you say."

Graxx puts his hand to his chin.

"You say this... Klaven has been staying in town.  Could you or your guards provide anymore information of this Captain?  What does he look like?  Is he staying at a certain Inn while in town?  Anything to help me track this bully down?" asks Graxx.

After learning what the true context behind the term "coven," Neya says, "Thank you very much, this will go a long way towards how we approach them."

As she starts, to stand up, she gets Utar's message, she first mentally responds to him:

She then relays to Ekmong, "I just now received a magical message from Utar. What may have attacked us from the bay's waters may have been something called a hydroloth. Have you heard of such a creature?"

Religion (if needed): 23

UTAR

"No, Utar." Sister Akht corrects the half-orc: "You are a cleric of Torm. Your job is to deliver his justice beyond the confines of a temple, something we priests and acolytes are not tasked with doing. Your job is to help those in need as much as mine is. If your line of work allows you to come in contact with coin more easily, while mine allows me to keep well-catalogued supplies of whatever conduit materials we may need, then collaboration between us only serves to better serve those who need us." She accepts the gifted coin pouch and offers him a bulbous vial with a yellow liquid inside. "Here, a token of gratitude for our continued collaboration. This is a vial of antitoxin, in case your adventures lead you into the lair of a poisonous foe."

Moments later, after Utar finds the Sister again, she digests the information shared and replies optimistically: "In Phlan, death is the domain of the Kelemvorites. We do not inter the deceased here, so necromancers would have no reason to bother us." 

GRAXX

Hurn is somewhat surprised by the fact Graxx and he were able to reach an agreement so swiftly. "I'll be a hero again when you bring him in," he daydreams.

Asked a question, he furthers the mutual plan: "All you have to do is roam the docks for a while. Find the loudest, most obnoxious sailor around. You'll know you have Klaven if the loud sailor also happens to wear a superfluous eye-patch. Both of his eyes work just fine... he just wants to sell a tougher image of himself."

(@Grx: Is Graxx planning on searching from Klaven now, or is he planning to bring the whole party to track the captain down? Given all that has been going on, I'd say it is close to the time you all arranged for a second business dinner.)

NEYA

Ekmong displays a proud smile at the recognition of his value-added. "Yes, a type of yugoloth." He turns to face the books once again, placing a pensive finger at the tip of his nose for a brief moment. This time, after grabbing a book, he opens it and reads it silently, as if refreshing his memory first. He nods to himself for a few seconds, closes the book, and replaces it into its allotted place in the shelves. He then verbally delivers a summary of the gleaned information: "Mercenaries with some influence across different Planes. Usually associated with devils and demons, though neither lawful or chaotic in nature as these other beings usually are. Like the thought-stealing waters of the River Styx they inhabit, hydroloths filch the memories of creatures they attack, stealing away their thoughts for delivery to whatever master they happen to serve. They are skilled at finding lost things, so it might not be surprising they were employed by your coven, since they seem to have lost their young maiden... For amphibious assaults or underwater conflicts, hydroloths have no equal among yugoloths. They have been known to attack and scuttle ships and raid coastal settlements."

His tone changes a bit, indicating he is approaching what he considers to be the end of the conversation: "Your thirst for knowledge is commendable, and it shows you have learned a valuable lesson regarding the gathering of information before charging into battle. I compliment you willingness to adapt and evolve, and I look forward to our next conversation."

Utar nods along with Sister Ahkt's words, closing his eyes for his own reply and intoning as if speaking a mantra to himself.

"Correct as always.  My own doubts should not cloud the importance of our work no matter what form it takes.  It is all important."

Opening his eyes, he smiles, "Maybe it will be best to spend a bit of time at the House when I next have the chance? Reconnect with you all, maybe take a turn on the duty rota. Until then."

Taking his leave of the temple, Utar winds his way back through the streets of Phlan heading back to the Leadstopper house.

OOC:  Graxx isn't going to try to bring in Klaven solo.  No telling what friends Klaven may have so Graxx wants to have his friends with him as well.

Graxx nods in agreement then gives pause.

"When I bring him in just how alive does he need to be?  From the way you've described this bully I think he may get a little cross when I go to bring him in and I need to know just how much muscle I can use." asks Graxx.

Before Graxx leaves he turns to Hurn and gives an assuring nod.

"The people will remember what Lieutenant Hurn did for them once again.  Win-win-win."

Graxx walks out the door happy.  Things are in motion.  Can Hurn be trusted?  No.  Could he possibly provide a contact at the Prison that can help Graxx?  Yes.

Graxx goes up to Glory and unties her and mounts her.

"Come on, Girl.  Let's go home." says Graxx.

Graxx looks down and reminds himself to get more custom barding to make Glory more comfortable.

"Again, thank you for your help. Until we meet again." Neya bids Ekmong farewell and returns to the Leadstopper house.

@Utar: Sister Ahkt smiles as to say goodbye: "I look forward to you spending some more time with us."

@Graxx: Hurn reaches for a dried up piece of buttered bread that has been on his desk for an undetermined amount of time: "Knock the fellow around if you have to, but don't kill'im. I need to parade him about for a bit in order to get recognition for the apprehension." It seems he dwarf has lost all reason to hide his calculating and devious way of thinking from Graxx.

@Neya: "See you soon," Ekmong teases as he says farewell to Neya.

EVENING TIME AT THE LEADSTOPPER RESIDENCE

DM's Screen:

Preparations are quite similar to those of the previous night. The meal is different, stew instead of pork, and the table has an additional two places set up, but all other details seem quite comparable.

Dornal is the first to arrive. He is accompanied by two other individuals and is carrying himself in a slightly less rowdy manner than usual, possibly because he is not as well acquainted with these two newcomers as he is with CRAP. "It is good to meet you again this evening! I look forward to another delicious meal, refreshing ale, and fruitful planning." He walks in and greets all in turn before turning to introduce his two followers.

The first is a tall and muscular half-orc male, who wears a considerable amount of heavy but worn armor from the navel down, as well as up his left shoulder and down his left arm. His chest, right arm, and head are left unprotected, and are all full of scars. He wears a bright red bandana on his head, and a fishing net around his waist. Strapped to his back, you can see a trident. Much like its wielder, the weapon is full of nicks. "This stout fellow over here is Thokk Elgelhart. You may recognize his given name from the gladiator pits from down south if you have traveled that far, or his surname if you traveled even farther than that." the half-orc himself delivers a short, polity greeting: "Thank you for inviting me to your home."

The second is a short and fairly young looking halfling who is covering most of his face with a hood. He wears simple armor and is carrying an array of common weapons: daggers, shortswords, shortbow and arrows. His brown hair is just poking out of the hood. He is smoking a pipe that has clearly been designed to amuse given its many decorative twists, and his cloak is anything but discreet: It displays a pattern of bright-colored gems one would be able to spot from a mile away. In fact, the sight of the cloak sparks a memory on Utar's, Graxx's, and Neya's minds. This is Rag, a companion who joined proto-CRAP in an adventure or two early in their formative days. "This nimble fellow here is Rag, and he is a bit of the silent type. In fact, I suspect he has taken some sort of vow of silence or is a mute. Regardless, his fingers are very nimble and he is quite adept at breaking and entering." Rag does not move a muscle following his introduction. Most of CRAP would know that Dornal's words about the halfling being unable to speak to be an exaggeration, though he certainly prefers to open his mouth only when he deems absolutely necessary. 

(OOC: I'm pausing here to see how this plays out. You are still expecting Harper to show up. Aleyd was not invited to this evening's gathering, if memory serves me right.)

Utar decides that if Rag wants to let Dornal believe he is a mute, he won't blow the halfling's cover.

"Greetings, help yourselves to a drink. Presumably Dornal has told you something about us and what we're attempting to accomplish, but I imagine right now it might be best to introduce ourselves and wait on a few more guests who should be arriving shortly."

(OOC - Does Utar recognise the name of the pit fighter? History - 3)

PRIOR TO GUEST'S ARRIVING.

Graxx arrives back at the house.  Once all of CRAP arrives he will deliver the news.

"I have found a way for us to possibly secure a ship and crew but we have to a favor for Lieutenant Hurn.  There is a captain named Klaven going around strongarming shopkeepers and just being a big bully.  Hurn wants us to bring him in alive and Hurn wants to get all the credit.  This will help us get a ship and help me get closer to freeing the Sky Ponies.  It should be an easy task.  I thought about going after this single man alone but decided the smart move was to wait for you all in case he has any friends." says Graxx.

Once guests arrive Graxx's eyes will light up at Rag but seeing Rag not move to act like he knows CRAP he thinks something is up so he simply walks up to him and gives a bit of a bow and a nod.

"Pleasure..." Graxx says with a smile to Rag.

Graxx turns to both Rag and Thokk.

"I am Graxx of the Sky Pony clan from the Spine of the World.  I'm a decent ways from home as it sounds like you are as well." says Graxx.

Graxx then walks up to Thokk and admires the scars.

"A gladiator!  I've never seen a gladiator match but I've heard some stories.  Thank you for coming.  How did you become a gladiator?" asks Graxx.

Neya allows Rag to keep up his charade and says to both him and Thokk, "Nice to meet you and thanks for coming. My name is Neya."

Neya will try and recall if she has heard of Thokk's family name - History: 11

Prior to Guest Arrivals: 

"You're a better man than me, Mr. Graxx. Anyone that concerned about credit over doing his job or good deed isn't one I be much of mind to talk with, let alone negotiate with if I were to be honest." Doozey admits frankly, managing a small but clear grin of approval. "Let's just hope there's not more to that bit of business that Mr. Hurn failed to say." With that bit of business done, Doozey proceeds to help out with any additional preparations, as well as get around to refilling Biscuit's health potion tankard in the future.

Present Time:

Knowing perhaps little of Rag, if anything at all depending on how thorough past stories were, Doozey squinted and study the halfling at length, prior to then nodding slowly and sagely at his fellow halfling. An action Biscuit mirrored before wandering off to stare at the spread. As for the half-orc, Doozey canted his head at the apparel prior to saying, "Name's Doozey of the Redfoot Clan. Interesting choice of armor. Most of it for show, or might it be to compliment your talents?" Doozey asked plainly.

Does Doozey Recognize the Name: 24. 

The name Thokk Elgelhart rings no bells for most of CRAP. However, perhaps in a way for the universe to balance itself out, the one CRAPer who is at a disadvantage regarding previous knowledge of Rag is the one who has indeed heard something about Thokk. Doozey is a 'Far Traveler', after all.

@Doozey:

Thokk greets everyone a second time and then answers Doozey's question first: "My armor offers me plenty of protection, though I'll admit it is not a complete defense. In the pit, fighters praise the balance of a stout set of armor and the freedom to strike at novel angles." He demonstrates his claim by knocking on the armor as he says the word "stout" and then by moving his unarmored arm and shoulder in several directions while pretending to have a blade in hand. "But yes, showmanship is part of it as well. What kills you in the pit is not your opponent's blade but the disapproval of the crowds. A gladiator's career is only as long as their ability to entertain."

He turns to Graxx next: "I was captured by debt collectors and sold into the pits as a way for them to get their money. It is unfortunately not that unique of a tale... Few join the pits out of their own will, although many develop a taste for it and choose to stay. I was lucky to have the opportunity to... hmm... retire."

When Graxx smiles at Rag, he receives no warm reciprocity from the quiet halfling. There just seems to be some sort of recognition missing from the halfling. Graxx remembers Rag being a bit cold and distant personality-wise, so this is perhaps not so surprising. The situation is repeated when Doozey and Biscuit nod at Rag.

Utar mentions something about the reason they were invited over and Dornal uses that as a segue into his brief explanation: "Yes, I told them they would likely be hired to aid in an offshore fight against some nefarious dark magic practitioners. I also mentioned that the details would be explained over dinner."

It is then that Harper makes his entrance. He knocks only to let you know he has arrived, not waiting to let himself in. He looks at Utar first: "Marvelous! I love what you are doing with the place." He greets everyone in a warm and charismatic manner, even those he surely has never met before, such as Sagin. He is wearing his usual hood and cloak, which always seems to hide a portion of his face. It is hard to tell if he knows either Thokk or Rag based solely on the half-elf's manner of greeting them. He turns back to CRAP: "So, don't keep me waiting. You know I enjoy a good righteous mission and secret meetings. Mr. Dornal Whitebeard mentioned the basics when I reached out to him earlier today, but I want to hear more."

Sagin begins serving ale all around.

Graxx excitement turns to awkwardness at Rag's response.  Could Rag's have lost his memory?

Graxx also feels bad about asking Thokk about his origin.

"I am sorry to hear it was against your will.  I am glad you were able to escape the pits if it was forced upon you." says Graxx.

Graxx turns to Harper and the others.

"Very well then... We are currently in the process of acquiring a ship and crew to take us to an island off the coast.  This island is lead by a coven of crones with a village of islanders to do their bidding.  They are not very well trained in combat but their numbers make them dangerous.  Along with the crones magic aiding them and being able to summon creatures from seemingly other realms."

Graxx lets what he has described so far sink in.

"There was a girl who seeked to escape the island who we brought back with us after destiny took us to this island to face the cult of the dragon.  We fear the crones and the islanders have taken the girl back to the isle and seek to impose a ritual on her to make her a crone as well.  We want to sail to this island and kill the crones once and for all.  To do this we need help which is where your particular skills come in."

Graxx turns to the rest of CRAP.

"What would you all like to add?  What am I leaving out?" asks Graxx.

"Yes, of course," Neya begins. "We are gathered to strike at a coven of hags. Now, I am not using a derogatory term. These are truly fiendish entities who have, thus far, have a fishing village who are following their orders. Their power does seems to be growing."

"A few of the villagers have been seen around Phlan, as of late. Not only that, they are able to control strange beasts and are able to reach out to other powers for their purposes."

"We know of at least one of the creature they may have contracted to their side. Creature known as a hydroloth. A type of fiend that is rather mercenary, in mindset. We had faced it in battle, but only forced a retreat."