Wake will greet everyone as he enters the hall. He pats Elwyn on the shoulder and apologizes for leaving his performance prematurely. It would have been a more hearty exchange except for the fact that Elwyn looked a little rough. He will find a seat near Gorik and order some breakfast.
”Gorik, I am sorry that I have not more formally greeted you. I was far too exhausted for the revelry last night when the timing might have been better. I promise to buy you a couple of rounds and we can ‘bend our elbows’ at a time of your choosing.”
Wake waves for a cup of coffee, takes a breath and continues,
”I am Wake, a modest practitioner of the healing arts and devoted follower of the Moonmaiden, Selune. I hope that our paths are common for the foreseeable future.”
Pausing slightly to get a read on his reaction, he continues,
”I have only met this lot recently but we make a reasonable team that looks out for one another.”
One last pause, then,
“I believe you would fit in nicely with us. I believe a partnership could be mutually beneficial, is what I’m trying to say.”
Gorik sits and listens to Wake at full attention and weighing the options replies, "I find your crowd's kindness quite reassuring. I am happy for the invite and would like to offer my..." Gorik recalls the less-than-stellar weapon at his side. "...uh, I accept. I just need a few supplies and a weapon more suitable to my liking. Before we depart, I'd like to find a smith willing to trade this weapon perhaps for a maul. I do love the feel of crushing my opposition. Wake, new friend and practitioner of the healing arts, you don't suppose the Moonmaiden could direct us to place nearby? I find my adventuring kit a bit lacking at the moment."
Kulogall also thanks Gorik for his help with Xolo. "Please Gorik, I feel that we could use your strong arm in our task, there is more to be done with these slavers. I would feel better if you were by our side. At the least, someone to keep an eye on Elwyn when he goes off chasing women." Kulogall bangs the table like he made a good joke and laughs. "We will get you fitted out, get you your maul that you seek. Perhaps right after we speak with my brother and the Captain. I hope that.. I hope that somehow he will change his ways. I've been trying so long though, and some of the things that he has done... I don't know what to do. I need all of your help with this, and the help of the Captain as to what should be done with him." Kulogall trails off and stares into his mug of coffee, plays with his plate of eggs and kippers as he slowly eats.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Gorik smiles slightly and nods. "Yes, I've come to learn Elwyn may have a fondness for fondling." Amused at his dry yet uncharacteristic wit, the Dragonborn snorts softly but holds back laughter. Returning to a serious tone, Gorik focuses his attention to Kulogall. "It seems as though this brother of yours has made a day or two difficult for you. I don't mean to pry but would he know of my circumstances? Would would he or this Captain add anything at all to explain how I came to be caged like a rat in those caves?"
Kulogall explains to Gorik the strange telepathic bond that he has had with his brother since their teenage years, the visions of Xolo that lead him to find him, his involvement in the slave trade, Sanbalet, all of it. "He might well know how you were captured or he may not know that detail. He would likely know what was being planned for you. The odd thing is... as he was dying... I felt a presence come out of him. As if Umberlee was partly inhabiting his mind. For how long, I don't know. I would love to say that all of those horrible actions were the work of Umberlee, but .. I just don't know. That is what I need help with. I don't know where Umberlee ends, and Xolo begins. Hopefully the ***** Queen has left him for good now, he can hopefully atone for his actions and move on, but he has done so much, the debts that he must pay for and what he has done.... may be too much to forgive."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Meanwhile Elwyn turns away and starts fiddling with his lute again, trying out a new verse for himself. "There once was a brash man called Elwyn who love's lottery oft thought he'll win, along came a gal but l'amour fait mal she just made him pay for an old sin." He mostly mumbles to himself, trying to come to terms with his fate in the wheel of love.
"I'm sure there is still hope for your brother Kulogall, he may not even have had a choice in being a chosen by The ***** Queen." Elwyn says, trying to support the triton. "Speaking of which, perhaps it is time to go and have another chat with him."He suggests.
All - It is a chill mid-morning outside The Wicker Goat. The sky is slate gray and the sea is choppy. You see Captain Eliander Fireborn just entering the jail across the street from the Goat, he waves to you all before heading inside. He's being briefed by the on-duty sergeant when you enter, "Oreg and his crew took a caged wagon up to the house last night and found the slavers locked in their own cages like you said. Said he didn't have any issues with 'em other than the whiny one in purple, wouldn't shut up. Anyway, we got the mage in the anti-magic cell and the rest spread out between the other larger cells. Had to separate the whiny one after the others took the boots to him a few times, guess they were just as annoyed." Captain Fireborn grunts and says, "Good work. Move the triton to an interrogation room, we'll start with him." The sergeant heads off to carry out his order and Captain Fireborn turns to you, "Mornin' all. Thanks for stopping by. Here," and he hands you each a pouch of coin, "We're budgeted to pay rewards for do-gooders like yourselves who help capture ne'er-do-wells such as those." He indicates the door behind him with a thumb over his shoulder. He steps over to the desk and flips through some paperwork on top, reading a few lines of each page as he flips through, "Hmm... Still no word. Damn." He mutters to himself before continuing, "Figured we'd start with your brother since he seemed to be the one in charge. Anything I should know before we start? Anything you forgot to mention last night that might be pertinent?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"No nothing pertinent to this investigation Captain Fireborn." Elwyn says a bit too quickly, shaking his head. "Still no word about what if I may ask Captain Fireborn."Elwyn asks, mainly to change the subject. "You know we are a bit between jobs and could likely help out with finding whoever still hasn't sent a word." He finishes with a wide smile.
Persuasion to convince the Captain to hire them for a new job: 18
Elwyn - Captain Fireborn says, "Hmm? Ah, one of our patrols is missing in the Mere. With a gods forsaken place such as that and the dreadwood nearby, we keep regular patrols watching for any incursions. We'd had reports of increased Lizardfolk sightings on the edges of the Mere and the scouting patrol we sent to investigate hasn't reported back." He looks to the gathered party and says, "You all handled the investigation and capture of the slavers better than anyone could have hoped and I have no doubt you'd handle this issue with the same tenacity." Captain Fireborn sighs and continues, "Only problem is, if I keep paying outside help to do the job we're already paying the town guard to do, the council will wonder why we're paying them at all. I already had to fight like hell to get their wages close to competitive with the mine and ships around town. Besides, we like to look after our own. Some of my men and women might get all huffy if I let some outsiders go looking for their friends while they're stuck in town breaking up fights and watching the tide go in and out." The sergeant returns at this point, "He's all ready sir." The captain nods, "Thank you." He leads you all through the door to the jail cells and waits for it to close before saying, "I don't doubt one bit that I'll have need of your skills soon enough, I just don't know if this particular task is the best one to send you on. Let the guard handle this one and I'll be in touch with anything else that comes up that I think would be a better fit."
Captain Fireborn leads you all past the cells to a door at the end of the hall. You see the purple robed mushroom seller huddled in a corner, lost in the folds of his robe. He looks up as you pass, curses and tucks himself tighter into the corner. The rest of the slavers are either sleeping or laying on their cots staring at the ceiling. None bother to look as you pass. You also see Sanbalet in a cell by himself, laying on the bed. He makes a rude gesture as you pass and mutters insults at you. You find Xolo behind a door at the end of the hall. He is chained to and seated at a table in the middle of the room. Two other chairs sit across the table from him and Captain Fireborn settles into one. He says, "Mr. Xolo, I appreciate your cooperation thus far. We'd just like to ask you a few more questions about your involvement with this apparent smuggling and slaving operation." Xolo silently waits for him to continue and Captain Fireborn turns to you and says, "Why don't you start? I'll take notes." as he pulls a quill, ink bottle, and roll of parchment from a drawer in the front of the table.
Kulogall steps into the room, quiet and thoughtful. He meets Xolo in the eyes, closes his eyes, and then begins. He sends out to his brother, "Tell me the truth little brother. You knowthat I always know when you lie."
"We came into Saltmarsh on a wagon train, asked to serve as an escort to guard some supplies. After we arrived, we were asked to investigate two missing persons, Cal and Corrine, and narrowed this down to the old alchemist's mansion. I know that you came over from Alaron to Waterdeep, Xolo. Soon after you left while I was still working in the Guard I began to hear tales of a Triton wizard who was gaining power and performing evil deeds in Waterdeep. After I came over to investigate, I heard that you left town, some mixup with Xanathar was the rumor, and that you were heading to the area around Saltmarsh. As we got closer I began to see things with our connection. Once I saw you scold and berate Sanbalet about a slave girl ending up dead, I think that you were talking to him about Corrine. We found the body of Cal in the mansion. After we captured Sanbalet and his crew, we found you and confronted you. I want to hear the truth from you, of what you have been doing here, what your plans were, who you were in league with." Kulogall pauses for a minute, waits for his answer, then continues.
"In that cove, when we hit you hard until you submitted, and I reached out to you in my mind... I felt Umberlee had control of you, and as you were fading, she let go. You seemed back to yourself, like you were when we were growing up and running in the sand together then. I need to know, little brother, how long have you been under the influence of that ***** Queen Umberlee, how long has she been guiding your hand? How much of this is your doing?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Kulogall - Xolo listens as you speak, his face betraying little emotion. When you mention Cal and Corrine, you do manage to catch a flicker of guilt pass over his face, like a shadow, quickly gone. After you're done Xolo is silent for a few seconds. His gaze wanders to the ceiling and he closes his eyes. He takes a deep breath and opens his eyes to look at you as he says, "Those days in the sand are long over brother, though I admit they were some of the best of my life. It all started in Waterdeep. As you said, I found myself working with Xanathar. My desire for knowledge and arcane power led me to a fence in his employ. The man was selling stolen magical items of little import. He promised his employer had better goods, but only dealt with those he could trust. I helped Xanathar's crew perform a few shakedowns and heists and eventually earned my way into his court of thieves. I had no real intention of serving the Beholder, I only sought the horde of arcane treasures he possessed. Unfortunately for him he was miserly with his pay. A few gold coins in the right palms convinced one of his underlings to allow me access to his vaults where I found and stole the items you found on me yesterday, the spyglass and map. I could sense strong magic within them and found my own powers amplified by their proximity. Unfortunately for me, Xanathar is smarter and more cunning than he looks. He quickly learned of my theft and sought revenge. I managed to flee to Saltmarsh and found the slavers operating out of the abandoned house. By this point Umberlee had me trapped in her service as well as any rip current. My greed, arrogance, and disregard for others grew as quickly as my powers and I eliminated the prior leader. I did little more than bully the rest into continuing their operation and taking the plunder as tribute to the ***** Queen." Xolo pauses for a second to clear his throat, then adds, "I cared little for the trafficking of goods and slaves, only greater power granted by Umberlee. I let Sanbalet run the operations while I profited."
Kulogall's head sinks low when he hears this news, he feels like his brother just punched him in the gut and it shows on his face. "So you acknowledge that you were running a slave operation out of the house, that sometimes led to the death of innocent lives, such as Cal and Corrine. Tell me about the ships, who was receiving the slaves, also we found stolen goods, bolts of clot, fine brandy, other items that were smuggled. Who were you working with, and where did these "goods" go?" Kulogall rubs his chin and takes a deep breath, retaining his composure.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Kulogall - Xolo sighs and says, "I'm sorry to have disappointed you brother. Though I am more sorry for the lives that were lost. I'm afraid I can offer you little help with the rest, as I said I was merely interested in the plunder. Sanbalet can answer the who, where, and why I'm sure."
All - Captain Fireborn calls to have Xolo escorted back to his cell and Sanbalet brought in. In the interim, he turns to you all and says, "Doesn't sound like Xolo had much at all to do with the murder of Cal and Corrine. Though not innocent in this, I don't think he has blood on his hands. Let's see what Sanbalet has to say." Sanbalet is cocky and uncooperative at first, but soon reveals his true colors as he offers to tell all for a promise of leniency. Captain Fireborn scoffs and says, "That's not up to me. There's enough evidence to put you away for a long time as it stands. Likely Revel's End." The mention of the notorious maximum security prison drains the color and arrogance from Sanbalet's face. He swallows as the Captain continues, "You ever been to Icewind Dale? Gets cold up there. The way I hear it the administration at Revel's End keeps the cells just warm enough so you don't freeze to death. But don't worry, you won't be alone." Captain Fireborn smiles in a way that doesn't reach his eyes, "Pretty boy like you, they'll be fighting for the chance to snuggle up and keep warm with you." Sanbalet stares unfocused for a few seconds, then startles and looks around nervously, "Okay, okay! I'll talk... Just, tell 'em I was cooperative, okay?"
Sanbalet spends the next couple of hours explaining the ins and outs of the operation he was running. He confirms the signaling system with the lantern from the second floor window. The operation started out initially as a smuggling ring, profiting by subverting the taxes imposed on certain goods. Ships came to drop off and pick up various goods under cover of night. The operation has been running for about three years and only started trafficking slaves within the last year. The Sea Princes contacted Sanbalet and offered to pay him to utilize his operation to traffic slaves. Sanbalet and the rest didn't do much of the abducting, mostly received and held the slaves 'til they were picked up by another ship. Cal and Corrine had come snooping around the house and Sanbalet initially intended to sell the both of them as slaves, but Cal put up more of a fight than he had expected. The others got carried away in their retaliation and killed him. Corrine was more trouble than a caged tiger and twice as dangerous. Any who were careless around her soon found themselves injured in some form, including Sanbalet. He gave the order to have her shackled and thrown in the sea to make an example of her. As for where the goods and slaves came from, he doesn't know, he's merely a middle man. The same goes for their final destination.
Kulogall confirms part of the story of Sanbalet and reports to the Captain that the stolen items have been secured and when he goes to his office he pulls the barrels of brandy and the bolts of cloth out of the bag of holding, turning them in. He says to him, “Don’t know where these are from, do you think there is any reward for turning them in?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Kulogall - The Captain takes a close look at the items, but fails to find any identifying markings, "If anything these goods are simply being smuggled rather than stolen. I doubt anyone would claim them. Keep 'em if you want. If anyone gives you any guff over 'em kindly refer them to me."
"We just need to know one more thing Sanbalet. When were you expecting the next shipment?" Elwyn asks staring down menacingly at the vile wizard. Intimidation if needed: 13
Elwyn - Sanbalet confirms the time mentioned by the other smugglers. The next ship is supposed to arrive the night after tomorrow night, between midnight and 4am.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ariana sits back to let Kulogall and Elwyn lead the investigation. She's not the conversin' type, anyway. When Kulogall mentions that they found stolen goods that should be turned in, she blushes, thinking of the delicious wine she found and drank. She looks around to see if anyone is judging her and starts petting Wesley out of a nervous habit.
At times, she tries to get a read on the new guy Gorik to make sure he's okay after such a harrowing experience. Ariana's done short stints being locked up and can't imagine how hard it'd be without being fed or treated well. Insight 23
She also tries to get a read on Ruby to make sure she's okay after being knocked unconscious twice. It's only happened to Ariana once in a controlled environment with her teacher, but she's more nervous that Ruby will want to leave. The halfling girl has a similar background to Ariana, and she's not sure she could handle spending so much time with all these upstanding gentlemen without Ruby around. Insight 17
Ariana - I will let the other players handle the outcomes of those rolls.
Gorik - Please respond to Ariana's post (#1160) indicating how Gorik is handling the possibility of being sold into slavery by his own kind and caged in a dark cave for some time afterward. You may lie if you'd like, but if you do please make a Deception check.
Ruby - Please respond to Ariana's post (#1160) indicating how Ruby is handling her multiple brushes with death recently. You may lie if you'd like, but if you do please make a Deception check.
Wake will greet everyone as he enters the hall. He pats Elwyn on the shoulder and apologizes for leaving his performance prematurely. It would have been a more hearty exchange except for the fact that Elwyn looked a little rough. He will find a seat near Gorik and order some breakfast.
”Gorik, I am sorry that I have not more formally greeted you. I was far too exhausted for the revelry last night when the timing might have been better. I promise to buy you a couple of rounds and we can ‘bend our elbows’ at a time of your choosing.”
Wake waves for a cup of coffee, takes a breath and continues,
”I am Wake, a modest practitioner of the healing arts and devoted follower of the Moonmaiden, Selune. I hope that our paths are common for the foreseeable future.”
Pausing slightly to get a read on his reaction, he continues,
”I have only met this lot recently but we make a reasonable team that looks out for one another.”
One last pause, then,
“I believe you would fit in nicely with us. I believe a partnership could be mutually beneficial, is what I’m trying to say.”
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
Gorik sits and listens to Wake at full attention and weighing the options replies, "I find your crowd's kindness quite reassuring. I am happy for the invite and would like to offer my..." Gorik recalls the less-than-stellar weapon at his side. "...uh, I accept. I just need a few supplies and a weapon more suitable to my liking. Before we depart, I'd like to find a smith willing to trade this weapon perhaps for a maul. I do love the feel of crushing my opposition. Wake, new friend and practitioner of the healing arts, you don't suppose the Moonmaiden could direct us to place nearby? I find my adventuring kit a bit lacking at the moment."
Kulogall also thanks Gorik for his help with Xolo. "Please Gorik, I feel that we could use your strong arm in our task, there is more to be done with these slavers. I would feel better if you were by our side. At the least, someone to keep an eye on Elwyn when he goes off chasing women." Kulogall bangs the table like he made a good joke and laughs. "We will get you fitted out, get you your maul that you seek. Perhaps right after we speak with my brother and the Captain. I hope that.. I hope that somehow he will change his ways. I've been trying so long though, and some of the things that he has done... I don't know what to do. I need all of your help with this, and the help of the Captain as to what should be done with him." Kulogall trails off and stares into his mug of coffee, plays with his plate of eggs and kippers as he slowly eats.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Gorik smiles slightly and nods. "Yes, I've come to learn Elwyn may have a fondness for fondling." Amused at his dry yet uncharacteristic wit, the Dragonborn snorts softly but holds back laughter. Returning to a serious tone, Gorik focuses his attention to Kulogall. "It seems as though this brother of yours has made a day or two difficult for you. I don't mean to pry but would he know of my circumstances? Would would he or this Captain add anything at all to explain how I came to be caged like a rat in those caves?"
Kulogall explains to Gorik the strange telepathic bond that he has had with his brother since their teenage years, the visions of Xolo that lead him to find him, his involvement in the slave trade, Sanbalet, all of it. "He might well know how you were captured or he may not know that detail. He would likely know what was being planned for you. The odd thing is... as he was dying... I felt a presence come out of him. As if Umberlee was partly inhabiting his mind. For how long, I don't know. I would love to say that all of those horrible actions were the work of Umberlee, but .. I just don't know. That is what I need help with. I don't know where Umberlee ends, and Xolo begins. Hopefully the ***** Queen has left him for good now, he can hopefully atone for his actions and move on, but he has done so much, the debts that he must pay for and what he has done.... may be too much to forgive."
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Meanwhile Elwyn turns away and starts fiddling with his lute again, trying out a new verse for himself.
"There once was a brash man called Elwyn
who love's lottery oft thought he'll win,
along came a gal
but l'amour fait mal
she just made him pay for an old sin."
He mostly mumbles to himself, trying to come to terms with his fate in the wheel of love.
"I'm sure there is still hope for your brother Kulogall, he may not even have had a choice in being a chosen by The ***** Queen." Elwyn says, trying to support the triton. "Speaking of which, perhaps it is time to go and have another chat with him." He suggests.
All - It is a chill mid-morning outside The Wicker Goat. The sky is slate gray and the sea is choppy. You see Captain Eliander Fireborn just entering the jail across the street from the Goat, he waves to you all before heading inside. He's being briefed by the on-duty sergeant when you enter, "Oreg and his crew took a caged wagon up to the house last night and found the slavers locked in their own cages like you said. Said he didn't have any issues with 'em other than the whiny one in purple, wouldn't shut up. Anyway, we got the mage in the anti-magic cell and the rest spread out between the other larger cells. Had to separate the whiny one after the others took the boots to him a few times, guess they were just as annoyed." Captain Fireborn grunts and says, "Good work. Move the triton to an interrogation room, we'll start with him." The sergeant heads off to carry out his order and Captain Fireborn turns to you, "Mornin' all. Thanks for stopping by. Here," and he hands you each a pouch of coin, "We're budgeted to pay rewards for do-gooders like yourselves who help capture ne'er-do-wells such as those." He indicates the door behind him with a thumb over his shoulder. He steps over to the desk and flips through some paperwork on top, reading a few lines of each page as he flips through, "Hmm... Still no word. Damn." He mutters to himself before continuing, "Figured we'd start with your brother since he seemed to be the one in charge. Anything I should know before we start? Anything you forgot to mention last night that might be pertinent?"
The pouches contain 10gp each.
"No nothing pertinent to this investigation Captain Fireborn." Elwyn says a bit too quickly, shaking his head. "Still no word about what if I may ask Captain Fireborn." Elwyn asks, mainly to change the subject. "You know we are a bit between jobs and could likely help out with finding whoever still hasn't sent a word." He finishes with a wide smile.
Persuasion to convince the Captain to hire them for a new job: 18
Elwyn - Captain Fireborn says, "Hmm? Ah, one of our patrols is missing in the Mere. With a gods forsaken place such as that and the dreadwood nearby, we keep regular patrols watching for any incursions. We'd had reports of increased Lizardfolk sightings on the edges of the Mere and the scouting patrol we sent to investigate hasn't reported back." He looks to the gathered party and says, "You all handled the investigation and capture of the slavers better than anyone could have hoped and I have no doubt you'd handle this issue with the same tenacity." Captain Fireborn sighs and continues, "Only problem is, if I keep paying outside help to do the job we're already paying the town guard to do, the council will wonder why we're paying them at all. I already had to fight like hell to get their wages close to competitive with the mine and ships around town. Besides, we like to look after our own. Some of my men and women might get all huffy if I let some outsiders go looking for their friends while they're stuck in town breaking up fights and watching the tide go in and out." The sergeant returns at this point, "He's all ready sir." The captain nods, "Thank you." He leads you all through the door to the jail cells and waits for it to close before saying, "I don't doubt one bit that I'll have need of your skills soon enough, I just don't know if this particular task is the best one to send you on. Let the guard handle this one and I'll be in touch with anything else that comes up that I think would be a better fit."
Captain Fireborn leads you all past the cells to a door at the end of the hall. You see the purple robed mushroom seller huddled in a corner, lost in the folds of his robe. He looks up as you pass, curses and tucks himself tighter into the corner. The rest of the slavers are either sleeping or laying on their cots staring at the ceiling. None bother to look as you pass. You also see Sanbalet in a cell by himself, laying on the bed. He makes a rude gesture as you pass and mutters insults at you. You find Xolo behind a door at the end of the hall. He is chained to and seated at a table in the middle of the room. Two other chairs sit across the table from him and Captain Fireborn settles into one. He says, "Mr. Xolo, I appreciate your cooperation thus far. We'd just like to ask you a few more questions about your involvement with this apparent smuggling and slaving operation." Xolo silently waits for him to continue and Captain Fireborn turns to you and says, "Why don't you start? I'll take notes." as he pulls a quill, ink bottle, and roll of parchment from a drawer in the front of the table.
Elwyn is just about to ask away but then decides to take a step back, looking to Kulogall to lead this interrogation of his brother.
Kulogall steps into the room, quiet and thoughtful. He meets Xolo in the eyes, closes his eyes, and then begins. He sends out to his brother, "Tell me the truth little brother. You know that I always know when you lie."
"We came into Saltmarsh on a wagon train, asked to serve as an escort to guard some supplies. After we arrived, we were asked to investigate two missing persons, Cal and Corrine, and narrowed this down to the old alchemist's mansion. I know that you came over from Alaron to Waterdeep, Xolo. Soon after you left while I was still working in the Guard I began to hear tales of a Triton wizard who was gaining power and performing evil deeds in Waterdeep. After I came over to investigate, I heard that you left town, some mixup with Xanathar was the rumor, and that you were heading to the area around Saltmarsh. As we got closer I began to see things with our connection. Once I saw you scold and berate Sanbalet about a slave girl ending up dead, I think that you were talking to him about Corrine. We found the body of Cal in the mansion. After we captured Sanbalet and his crew, we found you and confronted you. I want to hear the truth from you, of what you have been doing here, what your plans were, who you were in league with." Kulogall pauses for a minute, waits for his answer, then continues.
"In that cove, when we hit you hard until you submitted, and I reached out to you in my mind... I felt Umberlee had control of you, and as you were fading, she let go. You seemed back to yourself, like you were when we were growing up and running in the sand together then. I need to know, little brother, how long have you been under the influence of that ***** Queen Umberlee, how long has she been guiding your hand? How much of this is your doing?"
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Kulogall - Xolo listens as you speak, his face betraying little emotion. When you mention Cal and Corrine, you do manage to catch a flicker of guilt pass over his face, like a shadow, quickly gone. After you're done Xolo is silent for a few seconds. His gaze wanders to the ceiling and he closes his eyes. He takes a deep breath and opens his eyes to look at you as he says, "Those days in the sand are long over brother, though I admit they were some of the best of my life. It all started in Waterdeep. As you said, I found myself working with Xanathar. My desire for knowledge and arcane power led me to a fence in his employ. The man was selling stolen magical items of little import. He promised his employer had better goods, but only dealt with those he could trust. I helped Xanathar's crew perform a few shakedowns and heists and eventually earned my way into his court of thieves. I had no real intention of serving the Beholder, I only sought the horde of arcane treasures he possessed. Unfortunately for him he was miserly with his pay. A few gold coins in the right palms convinced one of his underlings to allow me access to his vaults where I found and stole the items you found on me yesterday, the spyglass and map. I could sense strong magic within them and found my own powers amplified by their proximity. Unfortunately for me, Xanathar is smarter and more cunning than he looks. He quickly learned of my theft and sought revenge. I managed to flee to Saltmarsh and found the slavers operating out of the abandoned house. By this point Umberlee had me trapped in her service as well as any rip current. My greed, arrogance, and disregard for others grew as quickly as my powers and I eliminated the prior leader. I did little more than bully the rest into continuing their operation and taking the plunder as tribute to the ***** Queen." Xolo pauses for a second to clear his throat, then adds, "I cared little for the trafficking of goods and slaves, only greater power granted by Umberlee. I let Sanbalet run the operations while I profited."
Kulogall's head sinks low when he hears this news, he feels like his brother just punched him in the gut and it shows on his face. "So you acknowledge that you were running a slave operation out of the house, that sometimes led to the death of innocent lives, such as Cal and Corrine. Tell me about the ships, who was receiving the slaves, also we found stolen goods, bolts of clot, fine brandy, other items that were smuggled. Who were you working with, and where did these "goods" go?" Kulogall rubs his chin and takes a deep breath, retaining his composure.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Kulogall - Xolo sighs and says, "I'm sorry to have disappointed you brother. Though I am more sorry for the lives that were lost. I'm afraid I can offer you little help with the rest, as I said I was merely interested in the plunder. Sanbalet can answer the who, where, and why I'm sure."
All - Captain Fireborn calls to have Xolo escorted back to his cell and Sanbalet brought in. In the interim, he turns to you all and says, "Doesn't sound like Xolo had much at all to do with the murder of Cal and Corrine. Though not innocent in this, I don't think he has blood on his hands. Let's see what Sanbalet has to say." Sanbalet is cocky and uncooperative at first, but soon reveals his true colors as he offers to tell all for a promise of leniency. Captain Fireborn scoffs and says, "That's not up to me. There's enough evidence to put you away for a long time as it stands. Likely Revel's End." The mention of the notorious maximum security prison drains the color and arrogance from Sanbalet's face. He swallows as the Captain continues, "You ever been to Icewind Dale? Gets cold up there. The way I hear it the administration at Revel's End keeps the cells just warm enough so you don't freeze to death. But don't worry, you won't be alone." Captain Fireborn smiles in a way that doesn't reach his eyes, "Pretty boy like you, they'll be fighting for the chance to snuggle up and keep warm with you." Sanbalet stares unfocused for a few seconds, then startles and looks around nervously, "Okay, okay! I'll talk... Just, tell 'em I was cooperative, okay?"
Sanbalet spends the next couple of hours explaining the ins and outs of the operation he was running. He confirms the signaling system with the lantern from the second floor window. The operation started out initially as a smuggling ring, profiting by subverting the taxes imposed on certain goods. Ships came to drop off and pick up various goods under cover of night. The operation has been running for about three years and only started trafficking slaves within the last year. The Sea Princes contacted Sanbalet and offered to pay him to utilize his operation to traffic slaves. Sanbalet and the rest didn't do much of the abducting, mostly received and held the slaves 'til they were picked up by another ship. Cal and Corrine had come snooping around the house and Sanbalet initially intended to sell the both of them as slaves, but Cal put up more of a fight than he had expected. The others got carried away in their retaliation and killed him. Corrine was more trouble than a caged tiger and twice as dangerous. Any who were careless around her soon found themselves injured in some form, including Sanbalet. He gave the order to have her shackled and thrown in the sea to make an example of her. As for where the goods and slaves came from, he doesn't know, he's merely a middle man. The same goes for their final destination.
Kulogall confirms part of the story of Sanbalet and reports to the Captain that the stolen items have been secured and when he goes to his office he pulls the barrels of brandy and the bolts of cloth out of the bag of holding, turning them in. He says to him, “Don’t know where these are from, do you think there is any reward for turning them in?”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Kulogall - The Captain takes a close look at the items, but fails to find any identifying markings, "If anything these goods are simply being smuggled rather than stolen. I doubt anyone would claim them. Keep 'em if you want. If anyone gives you any guff over 'em kindly refer them to me."
"We just need to know one more thing Sanbalet. When were you expecting the next shipment?" Elwyn asks staring down menacingly at the vile wizard.
Intimidation if needed: 13
Elwyn - Sanbalet confirms the time mentioned by the other smugglers. The next ship is supposed to arrive the night after tomorrow night, between midnight and 4am.
Ariana sits back to let Kulogall and Elwyn lead the investigation. She's not the conversin' type, anyway. When Kulogall mentions that they found stolen goods that should be turned in, she blushes, thinking of the delicious wine she found and drank. She looks around to see if anyone is judging her and starts petting Wesley out of a nervous habit.
At times, she tries to get a read on the new guy Gorik to make sure he's okay after such a harrowing experience. Ariana's done short stints being locked up and can't imagine how hard it'd be without being fed or treated well. Insight 23
She also tries to get a read on Ruby to make sure she's okay after being knocked unconscious twice. It's only happened to Ariana once in a controlled environment with her teacher, but she's more nervous that Ruby will want to leave. The halfling girl has a similar background to Ariana, and she's not sure she could handle spending so much time with all these upstanding gentlemen without Ruby around. Insight 17
Ariana - I will let the other players handle the outcomes of those rolls.
Gorik - Please respond to Ariana's post (#1160) indicating how Gorik is handling the possibility of being sold into slavery by his own kind and caged in a dark cave for some time afterward. You may lie if you'd like, but if you do please make a Deception check.
Ruby - Please respond to Ariana's post (#1160) indicating how Ruby is handling her multiple brushes with death recently. You may lie if you'd like, but if you do please make a Deception check.