World of Greyhawk: Company of the Grey Chain

Quote from Charwoman_Gene >>

[[I'm pretty sure we just go back to bed.]]

(OOC: Agreed.  Sir Kipeien woke us up, but there's nothing we need to do right now.  Back to sleep, and finish our Long Rest!)

Alright well you all head back to your cabin and take a Long Rest. What’s the next part of the plan?

Khessa wakes early (as she's accustomed to from her previous life in the countryside), rested and in good spirits. She immediately begins her morning routine of bodyweight exercises, martial arts drills, and, last but not least, reviewing her arcane notes and spells, during which she joins in with Theldrin: "Overwhelmed by events, we haven't had time to properly compile notes yet... And today will probably be too busy for that, too. But I hope we can carve out a chance soon... Your wealth of arcane knowledge is always impressive for a self-taught makeshift caster like me!"

Once ready, the blonde arcane warrior summarizes the next steps: "First, we need to argue with the 'greens' and report their secret to Shuro, so Shuro will then more readily agree to descend (allowing us to 'descend' poor Alaric). Arguing will be easy; we already agreed. But we'd better think carefully about the 'greens' false secret. We mean that they're cultists hoping to collaborate with Iuz and apparently plan to impress him by harming the Wegwiers and placing the blame on the Horned. It seems like a credible lie to me and one that won't attract unwanted attention, allowing them to escape easily."

Xanrym is slower to wake, but he agrees that they need to execute the parts of their plan that will help them get Lord Alaric and Clayton off of the ship.  At least some members of The Company should be seen talking to the Greens and maybe squabbling with them a bit.  The Company needs to be seen interacting with "the Greens" before we go talk to Captain Ironsmile about descending to a lower altitude. 

Quote from Painted_Beyond >>

they're cultists hoping to collaborate with Iuz and apparently plan to impress him by harming the Wegwiers and placing the blame on the Horned. It seems like a credible lie to me and one that won't attract unwanted attention, allowing them to escape easily."

Xanrym isn't sure whether the Knights of the Hart seem much like cultists, and he's worried that Nithrissa will try to talk to them herself before the Company can get the note from the Horned Society priest.  He originally had a different idea about what to tell the Captain about the Sir Kipeien's group:

Quote from Ben_Evolent >>

From a timing perspective, we don't want Captain Ironsmile to throw the Knights of the Hart off of the ship before The Company gets the note from the Horned Society priest for them.  He proposes that we tell Captain Ironsmile that we've learned that "the Greens" are Knights of the Hart (true) and that they have a secret mission in Iuz (false, unless that's where Prince Thrommel is) and that they're on their way to meet a trusted contact in Dorakaa (false, I hope).  If Captain Ironsmile gives us more time, we hope to learn the purpose of their mission and who their contact is.

But if Khessa thinks that it's better not to reveal that they are Knights of the Hart, he's willing to try her suggestion.  

Xanrym proposes that the Company should actually split up and interact with all three of the other groups of passengers this morning:

• Greens (Knights of the Hart)
• Horned Society
• Wegwiur

Maybe we'll learn something about one of the other groups that we can share with Captain Ironsmile, which might reduce the focus on the Knights of the Hart.  "Besides," he says, "if we need to get something from the Horned Society's head priest, it'll be useful to know which one that is and how easy it is to get close to their group."  If the others agree, we just need to decide who's talking to which group.

Khessa fears that talking about 'Knights of the Hart' might arouse Shuro's desire to harm or betray them (in case the Captain is on good terms with Iuz and fears seeing them compromised) and points this out.

"But, you're right, Xanrym..." the tall adventuress concedes to the bard. "Since they're not actually Cultists, something could give them away. How about we stick to my story (that they want to impress Iuz), but claim they're Veterans seeking carnage and plunder?"

"As for the split-up, I'm not very good with words, so I could go and argue with the greens..." the blonde arcane warrior offers. "Even alone, if it suits us, since we know it's an interaction with zero risk of escalating into physical confrontation."

Coriana chimes in, "We don't have a great 'in' with the Wegwuir, so I propose that I and maybe one or two others, visit them and hit them up for a little friendly game." She shakes her dice in their pouch. "We can try and tallk over the game and see what their deal is."

Quote from Painted_Beyond>>

"But, you're right, Xanrym..." the tall adventuress concedes to the bard. "Since they're not actually Cultists, something could give them away. How about we stick to my story (that they want to impress Iuz), but claim they're Veterans seeking carnage and plunder?"  

"OK," Xanrym concedes.  "We'll start with that when we meet the captain."

"As for the split-up, I'm not very good with words, so I could go and argue with the greens..." the blonde arcane warrior offers. "Even alone, if it suits us, since we know it's an interaction with zero risk of escalating into physical confrontation."

"Say -- rather -- that you are good with words, Khessa, when you can be honest and plain-spoken," Xanrym replies.  "But, yes, I agree.  If we must conceal our true intentions, better to send me or Coriana." 

Quote from Charwoman_Gene >>

Coriana chimes in, "We don't have a great 'in' with the Wegwuir, so I propose that I and maybe one or two others, visit them and hit them up for a little friendly game." She shakes her dice in their pouch. "We can try and tallk over the game and see what their deal is."

Xanrym agrees, "Good idea, Coriana!  See what you can discover about what they're doing on this ship, but be careful.  We don't know anything about them or whether they're in league with anyone else on board."  

Xanrym says, "I shall try to make the acquaintance of these followers of Hextor from the Horned Society.  We know what Sir Kipeien said about them, but let's see whether they'll claim to have some other reason for sailing on the Malachite Hierarch."

(OOC: Where do Avery, Theldrin, and Syllen want to help?  Once we decide, we can split up, spend some time with each group, before we come back together and meet with the Captain about flying lower as we pass near Critwall.)

Avery will work with the greens, knight to knight

Quote from Painted_Beyond >>

Khessa wakes early (as she's accustomed to from her previous life in the countryside), rested and in good spirits. She immediately begins her morning routine of bodyweight exercises, martial arts drills, and, last but not least, reviewing her arcane notes and spells, during which she joins in with Theldrin: "Overwhelmed by events, we haven't had time to properly compile notes yet... And today will probably be too busy for that, too. But I hope we can carve out a chance soon... Your wealth of arcane knowledge is always impressive for a self-taught makeshift caster like me!"

Theldrin smiles and replies humbly with a nod, "Ah yes, I would love that... truly one of my favorite things to do, studying with you.  Well, I'm sure we shall have time for it soon enough if the gods are willing..." He adds with a wink as his grin widens, "And let's hope for some cabbage soup as well." 

Quote from Charwoman_Gene >>

Coriana chimes in, "We don't have a great 'in' with the Wegwuir, so I propose that I and maybe one or two others, visit them and hit them up for a little friendly game." She shakes her dice in their pouch. "We can try and tallk over the game and see what their deal is."

Theldrin looks up with obvious interest, "A game eh? That sounds intriguing..." While seeming like he would like to accompany Coriana to visit the Wegwuir, he also is clearly open to whatever the party thinks is the best way to split up and accomplish the day's tasks. 

Quote from werelemur >>

Theldrin looks up with obvious interest, "A game eh? That sounds intriguing..." While seeming like he would like to accompany Coriana to visit the Wegwuir, he also is clearly open to whatever the party thinks is the best way to split up and accomplish the day's tasks.  

Xanyrm purses his lips, considering.  Then he smiles and nods at Theldrin, saying, "Yes, that may be best.  The histories say that after the Invoked Devastation, the Bakluni fled from the now-barren Dry Steppes and moved east.  They founded the Sultanate of Ekbir, where I believe you studied.  Isn't that right, Theldrin?  But some of the Bakluni also went south as far as Bissel.  Or east and north, settling in the lands north of Perrenland and Lake Quag.  There are two kingdoms in the north, Chakyik and Wegwiur, though 'kingdom' is not the right word.  They're a nomadic people, and I have read that there are many independent clans who are only loosely organized by some sort of commander or lord.  Still, the Wegwiur are a Baklunish people, distantly related to the people of Ket and Ekbir."  Xanrym means to imply that the Wegwiur might be more trusting of someone who looks more like them. 

Xanrym asks, "Syllen, will you come with me to speak with passengers from The Horned Society?  I expect that they'll be suspicious and guarded, and I could use your wisdom to help guide that conversation and figure out how to approach them later today.  And if you happen to notice who is carrying the letter Sir Kipeien wants, even better!"

(OOC: @drumdigby - If @JehanO doesn't object, I think that we're all set.

• Khessa and Avery -> Knights of the Hart
• Coriana and Theldrin -> Wegwiur
• Xanrym and Syllen -> Horned Society

After those initial interactions are done, we can reconvene and share what we learned. Then, we go to Captain Ironsmile with our "story" and the request to descend to an altitude < 600 ft.)

"Ah, that's a good point..." Theldrin replies with a thoughtful nod as he glances down at his Baklunish outfit.

Syllen gives Xanrym a simple nod. Having no qualms with interacting with a worshiper of evil gods, Syllen is happy to join.

“Yes, of course I will be your eyes and ears in hopes that we can discover the location of that letter. We should easily be able to escape if things get too heated.”

Avery and Khessa - Go onto the deck of the ship, where they meet the Knights of the Hart, Sir Kipeien at their head with two squires behind him. He gives you both a nod as he steps forward, clearly waiting for one of you to say or do something.

Xanrym and Syllen - The Horned Society all walk around the ship, clearly thinking themselves the natural honored guests. Their head priest breakfasts in the Mess Hall, surrounded by subordinates, when they part to let you speak to him you're faced with an incredibly strange sight. A muscular human, equipped with a skull-motif shield, a half-suit of blue scale mail armor with a red and black studded shoulder pad, and most notably, a helmet complete with "bat wing"-like ridges. One of the priests announces him, "You are in the presence of his holiness; Hierarch Warduke. State your business, we are very busy with our breakfast!" You can't make out the eyes behind the helmet, but feel them staring at you silently.

Coriana and Theldrin - You find the Wegwiur in their rooms, which they have adorned with wolf pelts and small tables for tea. Four females sit int he center of the room eating dried rations and drinking tea, while 4 males practice some slow moving martial art/exercise in the corner. The women turn around as you enter and one asks briskly, "Who interrupts Wolf-Sisters while they eat? You wanting to get bit friends?" She wears a smile on her face that doesn't carry to her grey eyes.

Khessa steps forward with her usual cheerful demeanor and greets the knights as if they don't know each other: "Good morning! We haven't introduced ourselves yet—and this journey would be deadly boring if we didn't have a little chat, wouldn't it? My name is Khessa, Khessa Cabbagefield! And do you guys have a name? And what made you want to embark?"

Before leaving the cabin Theldrin casts Mage Armor on himself.  As he and Coriana are addressed by the Wegwiur, he waits for her to take the lead in the conversation.

"I'm Coriana, and this is Theldrin. Honestly, I was just kinda bored and we were looking for fresh participants for a game of chance. Would any on you be up for a dice game? Some friendly wagering of course."

Deception to conceal her intentions in finding out their deal: 24 (Tactical Mind on fail: 10)

Khessa and Avery - Sir Kipeien smiles and spits on the ground at your feet, then mutters. "Do we really need to do much talking? Let's just put on a show for this lot." The two squires behind him also get ready to draw weapons. The Broken Crown guards standing around, including Darci, look up from their patrols to see what's happening.

Coriana and Theldrin - The Wolf-Sisters smile to one another, "You want to play Omens with us? OK, what is your dowry; your wager? Or do you submit to our laws: We wager truth for truth. Win, and we tell you what you seek. Lose, and you answer us in kind."

Coriana feels a bit like she's walked herself into a trap, expecting to be dicing some patriarchal muscleheads and getting this instead.

"Sure, I'm up for that. Your part of the ship, your rules, I guess."

[[drumdigby, let me know if I used tactical mind up, it isn't clear]]

Khessa is glad she started with a speech, because a simple display of hostility would have seemed less credible—now, at least, the rudeness of the 'greens' can spark an altercation.

"What manners!" the blonde arcane warrior is indignant, raising her voice for everyone's benefit. "To think I was toying with the idea of ​​joining you... But you know what? Your closeness reminds me too much of a past I've already left behind... the one where I shoveled manure!"

For good measure, the tall adventuress utters a quick formula, at which point a faint smell of manure begins to emanate from the interlocutor's clothes: "This will make it clearer to everyone how pleasant it is to approach you!" She dramatically pinches her nose with her fingers. "Come on, Avery, let's go get some cleaner air - unless our 'gentlemen' would prefer to be humiliated with weapons as well..."

Quote from drumdigby >>

Khessa and Avery - Sir Kipeien smiles and spits on the ground at your feet, then mutters. "Do we really need to do much talking? Let's just put on a show for this lot." The two squires behind him also get ready to draw weapons. The Broken Crown guards standing around, including Darci, look up from their patrols to see what's happening.

Coriana and Theldrin - The Wolf-Sisters smile to one another, "You want to play Omens with us? OK, what is your dowry; your wager? Or do you submit to our laws: We wager truth for truth. Win, and we tell you what you seek. Lose, and you answer us in kind."

 "Works for me, action speaks louder than words, is that not so?" Avery states with a grin.