Jodie seemed adrift in her own thoughts while the others speak and make plans. 'wraiths of their most devout followers, broken memories, even twisted and insane celestial guardians...'
To Selariel: "I hope we don't disturb too many things while slinking around dead gods. Talk about not letting go. But we are certainly glad for the escort."
Jodie is prepared to negotiate for the Etheral Cruiser. "Keep a look out for tourists and we can adapt our disguises. Perhaps acquire some garb to blend in a larger group..."
Selarial finishes tending to the last of her patients for the day, gives her final instructions to assistants, then has you follow back through the tunnels. Before you leave, she quietly transforms herself into a blonde rogue in leather armor.
"I'm fairly sure that the cultists don't know that I was contacted by Lord Akkron," she says. "But... it's best not to take any chances."
When you emerge from the tunnels, you near the marketplace. You're close to the edge of the city.... where you can see several vessels rocking gently in the Ethereal currents:
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Nickeline will make a beeline to the nearest e-cruiser and begin her inquiry, beginning with basics like availability and seating capacity, and continuing to topics like mileage and top speed. If she can find an available vessel that suits the group's needs, she leaves the rental negotiations to someone better suited for it.
Tamphalic assumes Jody will take up those negotiations so stays at the side waiting for them to have a e-cruiser available to them. Watching out for any prying eyes.
Perception: 7
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"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war |Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(OOC: What do you call the place where a bunch of Ethereal cruisers are moored? Not a marina. Docks? Maybe an "Etheria"? Or the "Ethereal Port"?)
Hewelathan Warhorse carries Hildegard on the path that runs along the docks. He's careful not to say anything since a talking horse would definitely draw attention. He walks slowly, as though Hildegard is there to look at the various ships, but really, he's walking along that area to look out for any sign of Zolgu's kobolds or other cultists while Jodie and Nickeline talk to the captains of the cruisers.
Hildegard rides on Hewelathan's back, looking like an unobtrusive if well-appointed knight in Sir Steve's armor belted over her anchorite's robe. All the ethereal cruisers bobbing in the currents have a dreamy, unsettling quality. From her vantage point on horseback, she too tries to keep an eye out in the strange setting.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Korba is disguised as a regular (non-drow) half-elf at the moment. He will hang back with one or more of the others, a little away from the Ethereal cruisers. He doesn't need to hear what's being said, but he wants to be close enough to Dash to Jodie's aid, if needed. (The range of Eldritch Blast is 120-ft, so I guess he'd like to try to stay within 180 ft. of Jodie, if possible.)
If there are any other merchants or businesses nearby, Korba will casually "window shop" while he tries to subtly keep an eye on Jodie and Nickeline at the cruisers. He'll also keep a look-out from his vantage point, across from the cruisers, to see whether he spots anyone who looks suspicious or like the cultists that they've fought before.
Korba - Perception: 18, looking out for any cultists who are watching the docks. Deception / Stealth: 18, if needed to blend in and avoid attracting attention
Korba - Perception: 11, looking out for any cultists who are watching the docks. Deception / Stealth: 23, if needed to blend in and avoid attracting attention
(OOC: As appropriate for the invisibility / darkness obsessed fighter, Korba blends smoothly into the crowd. Unfortunately, that also seems to obstruct his view of any cultists. Given all of these poor perception rolls, let's just hope that our disguises are sufficient to throw off the cult for now!)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
No one notices anything interesting... but... yeah, it's probably there.
The nearest captain who hears Jodie is a dragonborn with a somewhat sleazy look about him:
"Ahhh... well... for the right price, ol' Balbor can get fine travelers like yourselves anywhere in the Ether. Many sights there are to see in the mists... great, beautiful and terrible. And ol' Balbor can show you every one. If he is compensated fairly."
The dragonborn gives you a toothy smile, assessing the group for a moment.
Balbor's Investigation check as he studies you guys: 2
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Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Balbor's Investigation check as he studies you guys: 8
Looks like he doesn't notice that half of you are travelling in disguise.
(OOC: I thought that Jodie and Nickeline were going to make the arrangements while the rest of the party kept their distance and looked out for the cultists. The party wasn't going to show up until just before the ship is scheduled to depart.
But since it looks like we'll get by with our disguises here, I'm fine with jumping ahead to where the whole group is together on the ship!
Hopefully, Nickeline thinks Balbor is trustworthy enough, and we can afford his rates!)
The nearest captain who hears Jodie is a dragonborn with a somewhat sleazy look about him:
"Ahhh... well... for the right price, ol' Balbor can get fine travelers like yourselves anywhere in the Ether. Many sights there are to see in the mists... great, beautiful and terrible. And ol' Balbor can show you every one. If he is compensated fairly."
The dragonborn gives you a toothy smile, assessing the group for a moment.
Nickeline grins right back at Balbor and says, "We'll hold you to that, friend."
She assesses the dragonborn to see if he's the good kind of sleazy (won't ask questions) or the bad kind (scammer). When she comes to a conclusion, she tries to say something subtle to Jodie either to warn her or give her the go-ahead.
Jodie smiles pleasantly at the dragonborn, "I'm sure we can find agreeable terms. Is your vessel equipped for the dangers in the ether? We will chart our course when our guide has finalized our agenda. I expect you'll keep our plans private"
"Tell ol' Balbor what shall be done to make a trip to the ether worth his time,"he says. "Ol' Balbora's ships shall survive any peril one might find in the mists..."
Jodie:
Balbor seems to be completely sincere in his statements. You get the feeling that he might be willing to sell you out for the right price, but he also isn't asking a lot of questions and probably thinks you're just run-of-the-mill tourists.
Regarding payment, you can haggle him down to 30 GP per passenger, per hour of the trip. Or 150 GP per passenger for a full-day 12 hour trip. Theoretically, that should be plenty of time to find the dead god and complete the ritual. Selarial will pay her own fare.
If you the party have interesting magic items that you're willing to part with, he may also be willing to trade for passage the ethereal in lieu of the standard gold fare.
(OOC: Just a reminder to everyone when we start bargaining for passage on an Ethereal Cruiser, we have at least 800 gp from the coins and other valuables that we raided from Talice's tomb. We should also check whether the cruiser trips are exclusive or whether Balbor takes multiple different clients on the same trip.)
Referring to Ol' Balbor's second statement, Nickeline repeats herself, "We'll hold you to that, friend." She isn't too worried about monetary expenses, not when the object of their journey is so important. She trusts Jodie to handle things, since Nickeline herself can't quite figure out Balbori's deal.
Selarial would be willing to let you guys take a short rest at her place if you need it.
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Yes, and I guess it's no additional delay since since Ruby and Korba need to spend that long to attune to the their Hats of Disguise anyway.
Jodie seemed adrift in her own thoughts while the others speak and make plans. 'wraiths of their most devout followers, broken memories, even twisted and insane celestial guardians...'
To Selariel: "I hope we don't disturb too many things while slinking around dead gods. Talk about not letting go. But we are certainly glad for the escort."
Jodie is prepared to negotiate for the Etheral Cruiser. "Keep a look out for tourists and we can adapt our disguises. Perhaps acquire some garb to blend in a larger group..."
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
Alright, sounds like you guys are ready to go.
Selarial finishes tending to the last of her patients for the day, gives her final instructions to assistants, then has you follow back through the tunnels. Before you leave, she quietly transforms herself into a blonde rogue in leather armor.
"I'm fairly sure that the cultists don't know that I was contacted by Lord Akkron," she says. "But... it's best not to take any chances."
When you emerge from the tunnels, you near the marketplace. You're close to the edge of the city.... where you can see several vessels rocking gently in the Ethereal currents:
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
Provide feedback!
Nickeline will make a beeline to the nearest e-cruiser and begin her inquiry, beginning with basics like availability and seating capacity, and continuing to topics like mileage and top speed. If she can find an available vessel that suits the group's needs, she leaves the rental negotiations to someone better suited for it.
Tamphalic assumes Jody will take up those negotiations so stays at the side waiting for them to have a e-cruiser available to them. Watching out for any prying eyes.
Perception: 7
"grandpa" Salkur, Gnome Arti/Sorc: Forged in Chaos | Pepin, Human Arti/Cleric: Goblin horde | Mixtli, Volc Genasi Arti: Champions of the Citadel | Erix Vadalitis, Human Druid: Rising from the last war | Smithy, Human Arti: Night Ravens: Black orchids for Biscotti | Tamphalic Aliprax, Dragonborn Wizard: Chronicles of the Accursed | Doc, Dwarven Cleric (2024): Adventure at Hope's End | Abathax, Tiefling Illriger: Hunt for the Balowang | Gorin Mestel, Human Arti: Descend into Avernus
(OOC: What do you call the place where a bunch of Ethereal cruisers are moored? Not a marina. Docks? Maybe an "Etheria"? Or the "Ethereal Port"?)
Hewelathan Warhorse carries Hildegard on the path that runs along the docks. He's careful not to say anything since a talking horse would definitely draw attention. He walks slowly, as though Hildegard is there to look at the various ships, but really, he's walking along that area to look out for any sign of Zolgu's kobolds or other cultists while Jodie and Nickeline talk to the captains of the cruisers.
Perception: 21
Hildegard rides on Hewelathan's back, looking like an unobtrusive if well-appointed knight in Sir Steve's armor belted over her anchorite's robe. All the ethereal cruisers bobbing in the currents have a dreamy, unsettling quality. From her vantage point on horseback, she too tries to keep an eye out in the strange setting.
Perception: 5
Jodie feels the bet on her guile and charm raised near a reasonable threshold. "Why not step into the splendor in this moment?"
The half-elf plucks the lute and sings an elven chord that seems to imbue an otherworldly presence.
General request to captains: "We wish to charter a vessel to tour the dead gods. Tell us about your vessel and the places you frequent..."
persuasion: 16
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
Korba is disguised as a regular (non-drow) half-elf at the moment. He will hang back with one or more of the others, a little away from the Ethereal cruisers. He doesn't need to hear what's being said, but he wants to be close enough to Dash to Jodie's aid, if needed. (The range of Eldritch Blast is 120-ft, so I guess he'd like to try to stay within 180 ft. of Jodie, if possible.)
If there are any other merchants or businesses nearby, Korba will casually "window shop" while he tries to subtly keep an eye on Jodie and Nickeline at the cruisers. He'll also keep a look-out from his vantage point, across from the cruisers, to see whether he spots anyone who looks suspicious or like the cultists that they've fought before.
Korba - Perception: 18, looking out for any cultists who are watching the docks.
Deception / Stealth: 18, if needed to blend in and avoid attracting attention
(OOC: As appropriate for the invisibility / darkness obsessed fighter, Korba blends smoothly into the crowd. Unfortunately, that also seems to obstruct his view of any cultists. Given all of these poor perception rolls, let's just hope that our disguises are sufficient to throw off the cult for now!)
No one notices anything interesting... but... yeah, it's probably there.
The nearest captain who hears Jodie is a dragonborn with a somewhat sleazy look about him:
"Ahhh... well... for the right price, ol' Balbor can get fine travelers like yourselves anywhere in the Ether. Many sights there are to see in the mists... great, beautiful and terrible. And ol' Balbor can show you every one. If he is compensated fairly."
The dragonborn gives you a toothy smile, assessing the group for a moment.
Balbor's Investigation check as he studies you guys: 2
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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Looks like he doesn't notice that half of you are travelling in disguise.
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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(OOC: I thought that Jodie and Nickeline were going to make the arrangements while the rest of the party kept their distance and looked out for the cultists. The party wasn't going to show up until just before the ship is scheduled to depart.
But since it looks like we'll get by with our disguises here, I'm fine with jumping ahead to where the whole group is together on the ship!
Hopefully, Nickeline thinks Balbor is trustworthy enough, and we can afford his rates!)
Nickeline grins right back at Balbor and says, "We'll hold you to that, friend."
She assesses the dragonborn to see if he's the good kind of sleazy (won't ask questions) or the bad kind (scammer). When she comes to a conclusion, she tries to say something subtle to Jodie either to warn her or give her the go-ahead.
OOC:
Insight: Natural 1 for a total of 6.
Jodie smiles pleasantly at the dragonborn, "I'm sure we can find agreeable terms. Is your vessel equipped for the dangers in the ether? We will chart our course when our guide has finalized our agenda. I expect you'll keep our plans private"
persuasion: 20
insight: 21
Jodie looks about to any signs of the cultists.
perception: 20
Fargen Hill Dwarf Cleric/Barbarian - Hoard of the Dragon Queen, Jodie Olwen Half-Elf Bard- Chronicles of the Accursed
The dragonborn smiles.
"Tell ol' Balbor what shall be done to make a trip to the ether worth his time," he says. "Ol' Balbora's ships shall survive any peril one might find in the mists..."
Jodie:
Balbor seems to be completely sincere in his statements. You get the feeling that he might be willing to sell you out for the right price, but he also isn't asking a lot of questions and probably thinks you're just run-of-the-mill tourists.
Regarding payment, you can haggle him down to 30 GP per passenger, per hour of the trip. Or 150 GP per passenger for a full-day 12 hour trip. Theoretically, that should be plenty of time to find the dead god and complete the ritual. Selarial will pay her own fare.
If you the party have interesting magic items that you're willing to part with, he may also be willing to trade for passage the ethereal in lieu of the standard gold fare.
Regarding the presence of cultists...
24
24
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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(OOC: Just a reminder to everyone when we start bargaining for passage on an Ethereal Cruiser, we have at least 800 gp from the coins and other valuables that we raided from Talice's tomb. We should also check whether the cruiser trips are exclusive or whether Balbor takes multiple different clients on the same trip.)
Referring to Ol' Balbor's second statement, Nickeline repeats herself, "We'll hold you to that, friend." She isn't too worried about monetary expenses, not when the object of their journey is so important. She trusts Jodie to handle things, since Nickeline herself can't quite figure out Balbori's deal.
(Bump. Where are our negotiators?)
Unhappy that the market got rid of individual purchases for one-off subclasses, magic items, and monsters?
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