((Good question^^))

(If one of them doesn't step up in a day or two maybe I'll just have Selarial take care of any final negotiations)

Alright, here's what I'll do, I'll just drop the info from the spoiler for Jodie here so everyone can respond to Balbor's deal:

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.

Jodie believes she can mange Balbor, as she's dealt with shady folks in years past.

"So 150gp per passenger.  This seems reasonable.  I don't know if we have magic items of no use... Maybe the mummy rot antidote?"

Quote from Faux_Beau >>

Jodie believes she can mange Balbor, as she's dealt with shady folks in years past.

"So 150gp per passenger.  This seems reasonable.  I don't know if we have magic items of no use... Maybe the mummy rot antidote?"

(OOC: @Ben_E finally realizes that he controls one of the high-CHA characters in the party.  I'm happy just to have Korba help Jodie, but I guess @Faux_Beau may not post again right away, so I'll include a skill check for Korba.)

Korba, currently disguised as a regular high elf, says, "The price is reasonable for a passenger, but we're bringing eight passengers, plus the horse."  Turning to Balbor, he says, "I imagine that it's not always so easy to fill up your cruiser with so many passengers.  Perhaps you'd be willing to charge us a flat rate?  What would you say to 1000 gp for the day, with a 100 gp bonus if we can leave right away?"

Korba - Persuasion: 18

Quote from Ben_Evolent >>

Korba - Persuasion: 7

(OOC: Ugh!  Korba appears to have offended Balbor!  I really have to remember to have Hewelathan prepare Enhance Ability for these types of situations.)

Jodie attempts to save a little face and sweeten the deal.  "Take a look at Card's Sharp Deck.  I happen to know creatures in the Ethereal may not be entirely 'here'.  But a single card from the deck is transformed into pure energy and will cut through anything."

Jodie holds the humming card in her hand to entice (25) Balbor.

"How about 500 gp now and the deck is yours upon our return?"

(Sorry I kind of disappeared... I'm back now)

The dragonborn merchant pauses for a moment, looking like he's ready to snap at Korba. But Jodie steps in to save the negotiations! He considers for a moment, tapping his chin thoughtfully.

After a bit more haggling, he nods.

"You drive a hard bargain, girl," he says at last, eyeing Jodie with curiosity. "But ol' Balbor maybe has a soft spot for a pretty girl in need..."

He chuckles as he takes the 500 gold pieces and points towards his cruiser.

"My ship is humbly at your service."

(OOC: Any indication of how soon we'll depart?  Not going to say anything IC because Korba doesn't want to upset Balbor again, and Hewelathan is currently a horse!)

(As soon as everyone is ready... speaking of which, is everyone ready?)

(OOC: If we only spend 500 gp on the cruiser, we have 300 gp left over.  The only question is whether anyone wants to buy anything at the market before we leave.  Is there anything we need that would be useful enough to be worth the delay?  We talked about getting Hildegard a different magic weapon so that Jodie can have her moon-touched rapier back.  Maybe a Lance +1 or a Silvered Longsword, if we can afford it?  Barring that, while we have a market nearby, it would be a good idea to buy a few Healing Potions.)

Quote from Ben_Evolent >>

(OOC: If we only spend 500 gp on the cruiser, we have 300 gp left over.  The only question is whether anyone wants to buy anything at the market before we leave.  Is there anything we need that would be useful enough to be worth the delay?  We talked about getting Hildegard a different magic weapon so that Jodie can have her moon-touched rapier back.  Maybe a Lance +1 or a Silvered Longsword, if we can afford it?  Barring that, while we have a market nearby, it would be a good idea to buy a few Healing Potions.)

(Note that you also have Selarial on your side, so potions of healing might not be super critical)

((Tamphalic is ready to go))

Quote from Mister_Whisker >>

(Note that you also have Selarial on your side, so potions of healing might not be super critical)

(OOC: Fair, and Hewelathan has a pouch of 30 goodberries from the previous night's casting.  Since you're trying to get things moving again, I don't want to delay unnecessarily.  Unless @ConstancePhokas wants to go back and try to purchase a different magic weapon at the market, let's shove off!  Korba is ready, and Hewelathan will remain a warhorse until after the cruiser leaves the Radiant Citadel.)

OOC:

Nickeline is ready to go.

The merchant gives a smile and ushers you onto the cruiser as soon as you are ready.

As you step onto the deck, you are greeted by a trio of constructs

"The boys will take you to see the greatest sights that mortal eyes have ever beheld," the merchant promises with a smile. "Treat them well, and they will take excellent care of you."

Jodie smiles at the 'boys'.  "Greetings fellas.  I am quite fascinated by constructs.  I once knew a autognome drummer who had unwavering timing.  I wonder if Primus himself sends out a signal by which all constructs harmonize?"

Jodie watches the constructs movements and tries to find their natural beat to which she starts playing.

Primus, he's the One.
Calls out a beat heard to be done.
Primus, we move en messe.
Waves will phase to notes and make them last.
New prompt, direct, music daydream
Listen close to the hypnotic melody

Performance: 27

Jodie tries to befriend the crew. "How have visits been going recently? I hope you all are prepared for the dangers out there."  Jodie asks innocently as she subtly probes for information.

Persuasion: 21

Tamphalic takes a seat near a window/opening to have a good view as they travel.

Quote from Faux_Beau >>

Jodie smiles at the 'boys'.  "Greetings fellas.  I am quite fascinated by constructs.  I once knew a autognome drummer who had unwavering timing.  I wonder if Primus himself sends out a signal by which all constructs harmonize?"

Jodie watches the constructs movements and tries to find their natural beat to which she starts playing.

Primus, he's the One.
Calls out a beat heard to be done.
Primus, we move en messe.
Waves will phase to notes and make them last.
New prompt, direct, music daydream
Listen close to the hypnotic melody

Performance: 27

Jodie tries to befriend the crew. "How have visits been going recently? I hope you all are prepared for the dangers out there."  Jodie asks innocently as she subtly probes for information.

Persuasion: 21

"Journeys to the Ethereal Plane continue with efficient wonder," the three constructs say in unison. "Please name a destination."

(The constructs seem to have little intelligence to speak of. They have a job to do, and that job is to take tourists to see whatever they want).

What instructions do you give the constructs as far as where they're taking you?

Jodie turns to Selarial  "Which dead god had the most 'peaceful' followers.  Perhaps their devotion may be more benign."