“Interesting advice. Do something wrong and ask for forgiveness if you get caught.” Sparhawk frowns.
“Volo, the Baron had a way to allow us to send messages. We have some business to conclude with a wizard of the tower, is there a way to send them a message? It’s important.”
“ from what I hear, the Wizards in the tower are trapped there which indicates an anti-magic shell of some sort. No magic in and no magic out.”
Zaal had been sitting quietly throughout the whole conversation, seeming rather uninterested as Volo recounts his tale. He very nearly rolls his eyes when the man once more calls him "the mighty Zaal" but it seems to take too much effort to complete the motion. In answer to Sparhawk he says, "The blasted pirate... Grendhal, has the whole bloody city locked down. He wiped out the whole third ship, took over the first, and like Volo said--trapped the wizards inside their tower. Whatever artifact Grendhal got his bloody hands on has allowed him to upset all the powers in Luskan, and we barely got our ship out of harbor before total lockdown was initiated." He sighs, "So now we are here."
"Am I to understand the fellow who hired us is still landlocked?" Bjorn frowns. "Pretty convenient that he doesn't have to risk his neck on this job. But his story is too outrageous to be a lie, and besides, we know about Grindal and his artifact. So I guess it really is just bad luck."
"Hey! You've tricked me into talking business when I should be drinking." He leans back and lets the conversation play out on its own.
"Currently, I am here to ensure the Baron will be safe once he sets foot on land," Zaal replies bluntly before giving Bjorn a sideways glance. "If by 'the fellow who hired you' you mean the Baron, no, we made it out. He will be coming ashore once I am positive everything is in order."
“Ah, see Bjorn, I told you we could trust Dietrich Thornston.” (Trying to help his friend recover) “if I didnt trust him, we wouldn’t have taken a vote and accepted the job. Most but not everyone want to screw you over.”
”By getting the skull and making it the crowned jewel of his collection, the Baron does acquire fame, one of the three curses in life, but….to be honest, I believe he already has that.”
Frangipani had almost as little interest in Vaal than she did in Volo but she tried to look like she was paying attention because the Captain liked that sort of thing....
"Right then, so Volo, what's the plan for the next few days prior to the baron arriving? I've got my crew housed at Kaya’s house of repose unless you have more convenient housing for us. We have only arrived today from our little excursion to the jungles. I'm sure we could all use a good nights rest, and some could use a warm bath."
He looks at the group, "May I suggest that you all relax and enjoy this establishment? Its been a long time since a cold drink and really good food and the music, wow." They've known him long enough to know that he wants to talk to them in private at some point. "I've been at it all day so I'm gonna retire back to Kayas soon. Lets have a chat in the morning and make sure we are all in agreement on which option to pursue.
After Volos answer: "Zaal, a pleasure sharing drinks with you. As it sounds like your duties to the Baron may be over after he arrives here, let me know if you might be interested in speaking with my group for some potential future opportunities. We may have use for one of your unique skills."
After a bit, Volo will suggest reconnecting in the morning at Kaya’s for breakfast to plan the next move with Dietrich. You notice his eye on one of the females from earlier who seems to be making come hither looks towards him.
” Zaal, welcome the Baron to Chult for me and we will figure out the next part in the morning. It was an absolute pleasure meeting all of you and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Good evening.”
he says as he makes his way towards his lady friend. Seems being a famous writer and adventurer has some perks.
Zaal gives Sparhawk a flat look, as if unsure why the paladin would assume he'll be out of work once the Baron is ashore. He doesn't seem offended, or surprised really, but this response may give the impression that he has been working for the Baron for a long time and this is just his current mission, but doesn't see fit to elaborate on that. Though, instead of turning down the offer he simply nods, "I will speak to Dietrich. He may yet have work for me, or he may ask me to accompany you regardless. Honestly the latter wouldn't surprise me at this point." He doesn't sound particularly thrilled, though at this point it's clear that he sounds that way about everything.
Then he turns to Volo, giving that half-eye roll when he notices the man's attention shifting to the woman, then gives a weary nod, "Very well." He stands, rolling his shoulders and stretching his arms before moving around the table, "I suppose I'll see you lot in the morning then. Perhaps the Baron will speak to you too once I see him to shore." He glances out the window, clearly intending to escort the Baron to lodging tonight if Dietrich agrees to it.
He pauses for a moment, then gives a half-wave before heading to the door and into the dimming light outside.
(OOC: assuming no encounters, a bit of character reveal/ development as in real life, we have now been with each other for quite some time)
Sparhawk also excuses himself and slowly heads toward Kaya's house. He deliberately goes slowly, wondering if he is being followed for any reason. He is also interested in the types of activities that could occur in this bright and happy place at night. (Darkvision, and perception if needed). (are there street thugs/ gangs, perhaps competitors following him, etc.)
He considers all of the information revealed by Volo. Three different possibilities, and they were in Zalkore area and her garden. Who had left and tended to all of the jars they took, he still wonders. This artifact that Grind'al has used to gain power. By participating in these discoveries, are they unwittingly uncovering things that could change the balance of power in the area.
He struggles internally in hidden conflict. He has been deemed the leader of this group, but their tasks are not his true purpose. The crew, although his friends and loyal, also seems a bit lost at this point. He thinks about Zaals response. The last thing they need is a babysitter from the Baron to spy on them, but he seems to have some useful skills that could benefit the group in this strange land.
....He will return to his room, making sure Kaya is aware of his companions, and instantly fall asleep (the light sleep he has been trained to have as a soldier, to "sleep with one eye open."...yet in a bed for the first time in too many days to count. (He dreams of the brawl in the streets with his friend and mentor Galen against the nobles harassing the girls. The blow to his face that shattered his nose. The taste of blood. And....of his trial with the order....Then he awakens.
(OOC: assuming no encounters, a bit of character reveal/ development as in real life, we have now been with each other for quite some time)
Sparhawk also excuses himself and slowly heads toward Kaya's house. He deliberately goes slowly, wondering if he is being followed for any reason. He is also interested in the types of activities that could occur in this bright and happy place at night. (Darkvision, and perception if needed). (are there street thugs/ gangs, perhaps competitors following him, etc.)
He considers all of the information revealed by Volo. Three different possibilities, and they were in Zalkore area and her garden. Who had left and tended to all of the jars they took, he still wonders. This artifact that Grind'al has used to gain power. By participating in these discoveries, are they unwittingly uncovering things that could change the balance of power in the area.
He struggles internally in hidden conflict. He has been deemed the leader of this group, but their tasks are not his true purpose. The crew, although his friends and loyal, also seems a bit lost at this point. He thinks about Zaals response. The last thing they need is a babysitter from the Baron to spy on them.
....He will return to his room, making sure Kaya is aware of his companions, and instantly fall asleep (the light sleep he has been trained to have as a soldier, to "sleep with one eye open."...yet in a bed for the first time in too many days to count. (He dreams of the brawl in the streets with his friend and mentor Galen against the nobles harassing the girls. The blow to his face that shattered his nose. The taste of blood. And....of his trial with the order....Then he awakens.
Sparhawk:
Before you awaken: just as the judge brings down the hammer, pronouncing your sentence the courtroom fills with a greenish black mist a wicked laughter fills the space as a giant silver skull, marked with symbols and glowing eyes comes into focus.
After a second the skull dissipates and Luskan lays before your eyes. Lines of people in shackles being loaded onto boats, the mighty tower coated in some kind of green slime. On the dock you see the Pirate Grendhal with parrot perched on his shoulder shouting orders. You see the Minotaur you met before, but he seems to be coated head to toe in bronze, around his neck hangs the large sliver skull. This image is swept away by a lion headed figure who says only “ Crush this evil, or the world will Perish” you notice he carries a spectacular shield just as he fades away and you wake up
Sparhawk wakes in a cold sweat. His covers thrown off the bed. He wipes the sweat from his face and... his hand is red with blood. "Damn!" His nose is bleeding once again, but this time, he feels like the weakened cartilage has separated once again. He cleans himself up and looks in a mirror. "And a black eye to boot." Did he get in a street fight.....No. He must have hit something in his sleep. He cleans himself up, re-sets the nose, and gets back in his original now washed black clothing and polished armor, and then places the always clean cloak that was once Bernards over his shoulders. He hopes the crew received his note about meeting for breakfast. They had much to discuss without the mixed company of strangers. Arranging his weapons and supplies, he heads down stairs.
Looking forward to meeting with the crew and catching up on their exploits of yesterday, he heads to the main area and orders some late breakfast in this quieter establishment.
"Whoa there, cap'n. Run into some trouble on the way over?" Bjorn has a platter of dazzlingly colorful sliced fruits. By the look of his new clothes and the empty plates and mugs stacked up at the table, it seems he's been up for hours -- though knowing him, the clothes are probably fake and the meal might have only just started.
Lir joins the group. He's washed and tended to any remaining traces of dried blood. His clothes are clean - but the filthy cloak he was draped in the evening before is still on his shoulders. He offers no explanation or comment.
Eberk orders breakfast and some ale from the tavern keeper before joining his friends. He takes a seat and grabs a piece of fruit from Bjorn’s plate. “Good morning, everyone. While we have a minute I’d like to discuss the book.”
Sparhawk greets them all. When he looks up, he has a black eye and he nose is quite swollen, as if it were recently broken. It also shows bruising. He seems shaken, or sea sick perhaps. “Indeed. We have a lot to discuss this morning”
”Bjorn and Frangi, Eberk, and of course Lir. Tell us if anything interesting that happened and if you learned anything that could aid us. We can also discuss our options.” He wipes some blood from his still swelling nose as his eye becomes bloodshot from the bruising
“Then, I’ve got a bit of a story for you about my night after I left you."
“ from what I hear, the Wizards in the tower are trapped there which indicates an anti-magic shell of some sort. No magic in and no magic out.”
“Zaal my friend, tell us of Luskin and your exit. We also were there not long ago, and had friends there.”
Sparhawk seems concerned they can’t contact Irongrass.
Zaal had been sitting quietly throughout the whole conversation, seeming rather uninterested as Volo recounts his tale. He very nearly rolls his eyes when the man once more calls him "the mighty Zaal" but it seems to take too much effort to complete the motion. In answer to Sparhawk he says, "The blasted pirate... Grendhal, has the whole bloody city locked down. He wiped out the whole third ship, took over the first, and like Volo said--trapped the wizards inside their tower. Whatever artifact Grendhal got his bloody hands on has allowed him to upset all the powers in Luskan, and we barely got our ship out of harbor before total lockdown was initiated." He sighs, "So now we are here."
Sparhawk seems to ponder something, but then changes topics.
“I know, the Barons role, I know your role Volo, what is your part in this Zaal.”
"Am I to understand the fellow who hired us is still landlocked?" Bjorn frowns. "Pretty convenient that he doesn't have to risk his neck on this job. But his story is too outrageous to be a lie, and besides, we know about Grindal and his artifact. So I guess it really is just bad luck."
"Hey! You've tricked me into talking business when I should be drinking." He leans back and lets the conversation play out on its own.
"Currently, I am here to ensure the Baron will be safe once he sets foot on land," Zaal replies bluntly before giving Bjorn a sideways glance. "If by 'the fellow who hired you' you mean the Baron, no, we made it out. He will be coming ashore once I am positive everything is in order."
“Ah, see Bjorn, I told you we could trust Dietrich Thornston.” (Trying to help his friend recover) “if I didnt trust him, we wouldn’t have taken a vote and accepted the job. Most but not everyone want to screw you over.”
”By getting the skull and making it the crowned jewel of his collection, the Baron does acquire fame, one of the three curses in life, but….to be honest, I believe he already has that.”
Frangipani had almost as little interest in Vaal than she did in Volo but she tried to look like she was paying attention because the Captain liked that sort of thing....
"Right then, so Volo, what's the plan for the next few days prior to the baron arriving? I've got my crew housed at Kaya’s house of repose unless you have more convenient housing for us. We have only arrived today from our little excursion to the jungles. I'm sure we could all use a good nights rest, and some could use a warm bath."
He looks at the group, "May I suggest that you all relax and enjoy this establishment? Its been a long time since a cold drink and really good food and the music, wow." They've known him long enough to know that he wants to talk to them in private at some point. "I've been at it all day so I'm gonna retire back to Kayas soon. Lets have a chat in the morning and make sure we are all in agreement on which option to pursue.
After Volos answer: "Zaal, a pleasure sharing drinks with you. As it sounds like your duties to the Baron may be over after he arrives here, let me know if you might be interested in speaking with my group for some potential future opportunities. We may have use for one of your unique skills."
After a bit, Volo will suggest reconnecting in the morning at Kaya’s for breakfast to plan the next move with Dietrich. You notice his eye on one of the females from earlier who seems to be making come hither looks towards him.
” Zaal, welcome the Baron to Chult for me and we will figure out the next part in the morning. It was an absolute pleasure meeting all of you and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Good evening.”
he says as he makes his way towards his lady friend. Seems being a famous writer and adventurer has some perks.
Zaal gives Sparhawk a flat look, as if unsure why the paladin would assume he'll be out of work once the Baron is ashore. He doesn't seem offended, or surprised really, but this response may give the impression that he has been working for the Baron for a long time and this is just his current mission, but doesn't see fit to elaborate on that. Though, instead of turning down the offer he simply nods, "I will speak to Dietrich. He may yet have work for me, or he may ask me to accompany you regardless. Honestly the latter wouldn't surprise me at this point." He doesn't sound particularly thrilled, though at this point it's clear that he sounds that way about everything.
Then he turns to Volo, giving that half-eye roll when he notices the man's attention shifting to the woman, then gives a weary nod, "Very well." He stands, rolling his shoulders and stretching his arms before moving around the table, "I suppose I'll see you lot in the morning then. Perhaps the Baron will speak to you too once I see him to shore." He glances out the window, clearly intending to escort the Baron to lodging tonight if Dietrich agrees to it.
He pauses for a moment, then gives a half-wave before heading to the door and into the dimming light outside.
(OOC: assuming no encounters, a bit of character reveal/ development as in real life, we have now been with each other for quite some time)
Sparhawk also excuses himself and slowly heads toward Kaya's house. He deliberately goes slowly, wondering if he is being followed for any reason. He is also interested in the types of activities that could occur in this bright and happy place at night. (Darkvision, and perception if needed). (are there street thugs/ gangs, perhaps competitors following him, etc.)
He considers all of the information revealed by Volo. Three different possibilities, and they were in Zalkore area and her garden. Who had left and tended to all of the jars they took, he still wonders. This artifact that Grind'al has used to gain power. By participating in these discoveries, are they unwittingly uncovering things that could change the balance of power in the area.
He struggles internally in hidden conflict. He has been deemed the leader of this group, but their tasks are not his true purpose. The crew, although his friends and loyal, also seems a bit lost at this point. He thinks about Zaals response. The last thing they need is a babysitter from the Baron to spy on them, but he seems to have some useful skills that could benefit the group in this strange land.
....He will return to his room, making sure Kaya is aware of his companions, and instantly fall asleep (the light sleep he has been trained to have as a soldier, to "sleep with one eye open."...yet in a bed for the first time in too many days to count. (He dreams of the brawl in the streets with his friend and mentor Galen against the nobles harassing the girls. The blow to his face that shattered his nose. The taste of blood. And....of his trial with the order....Then he awakens.
Sparhawk:
Before you awaken: just as the judge brings down the hammer, pronouncing your sentence the courtroom fills with a greenish black mist a wicked laughter fills the space as a giant silver skull, marked with symbols and glowing eyes comes into focus.
After a second the skull dissipates and Luskan lays before your eyes. Lines of people in shackles being loaded onto boats, the mighty tower coated in some kind of green slime. On the dock you see the Pirate Grendhal with parrot perched on his shoulder shouting orders. You see the Minotaur you met before, but he seems to be coated head to toe in bronze, around his neck hangs the large sliver skull. This image is swept away by a lion headed figure who says only “ Crush this evil, or the world will Perish” you notice he carries a spectacular shield just as he fades away and you wake up
Sparhawk wakes in a cold sweat. His covers thrown off the bed. He wipes the sweat from his face and... his hand is red with blood. "Damn!" His nose is bleeding once again, but this time, he feels like the weakened cartilage has separated once again. He cleans himself up and looks in a mirror. "And a black eye to boot." Did he get in a street fight.....No. He must have hit something in his sleep. He cleans himself up, re-sets the nose, and gets back in his original now washed black clothing and polished armor, and then places the always clean cloak that was once Bernards over his shoulders. He hopes the crew received his note about meeting for breakfast. They had much to discuss without the mixed company of strangers. Arranging his weapons and supplies, he heads down stairs.
Looking forward to meeting with the crew and catching up on their exploits of yesterday, he heads to the main area and orders some late breakfast in this quieter establishment.
"Whoa there, cap'n. Run into some trouble on the way over?" Bjorn has a platter of dazzlingly colorful sliced fruits. By the look of his new clothes and the empty plates and mugs stacked up at the table, it seems he's been up for hours -- though knowing him, the clothes are probably fake and the meal might have only just started.
Lir joins the group. He's washed and tended to any remaining traces of dried blood. His clothes are clean - but the filthy cloak he was draped in the evening before is still on his shoulders. He offers no explanation or comment.
Sparhawk smiles and checks his face in a reflection on a glass window pane. “Ah, you mean this? Woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”
Doesnt take much for Bjorn to see something is very off about the paladin this morning . Perhaps a bad hangover?
”Lir… morning to you.”
He smiles. “Nice to be back in civilization. So how’d your day go with Frangipani. Learn anything interesting?”
Frangipani woke late stretching as she levered herself off the bed.....bed....beds were weird but not too bad....
She went to the window and breathed in the ocean air...****y slightly occluded by the many and varied scents of the city.
Her stomach growled and she quickly dowsed herself in water to freshen up and threw on her clothes.
As she came down she responded to Sparhawks question, " People bought things....it was alright."
" I'm hungry is their food?"
Eberk orders breakfast and some ale from the tavern keeper before joining his friends. He takes a seat and grabs a piece of fruit from Bjorn’s plate. “Good morning, everyone. While we have a minute I’d like to discuss the book.”
Sparhawk greets them all. When he looks up, he has a black eye and he nose is quite swollen, as if it were recently broken. It also shows bruising. He seems shaken, or sea sick perhaps.
“Indeed. We have a lot to discuss this morning”
”Bjorn and Frangi, Eberk, and of course Lir. Tell us if anything interesting that happened and if you learned anything that could aid us. We can also discuss our options.” He wipes some blood from his still swelling nose as his eye becomes bloodshot from the bruising
“Then, I’ve got a bit of a story for you about my night after I left you."