(waiting on each of you to tell me what name you write on the ledger and if you do anything else of note as you enter)
As your companions scrawl their names and hand over the extortionate gate fee, your gaze drifts beyond the walls. Sails ripple against the horizon, tall masts jutting skyward where the city meets the Western Ocean. Dozens of ships lie at anchor in the harbour, their hulls groaning with cargo and secrets. Another breath of the air—rank with rot, salt, and the promise of trouble—snaps you back to your present predicament.
As you pay the guards and sign your name in the ledger, you are issued a city pass. The guard at the book says,
"This city is ruled by Lord Azzur and he not a very tolerant man. When you rule over a city like this, you must be that way or you die. I should warn you that if you don't have this pass with you at all times, you are as good as dead."
As the guards see you complying, they lower their aggression somewhat. However, a sharp eye notes two or three additional guards in a tower at the top of the gate, with crossbows loosely trained toward the entrance. Lira is able with fast hands to trick the guard as she slides the (4/5) gold into his bag.
Iólinder's blessing does not go unnoticed. "Thanks believer." the guard says. "I hope it works as my son is sick with the whooping cough."
Jherak will also sign his name after forking over the gold. He enjoys Lira’s trick, and thinks to himself how that could come in handy, and he should practice it in his spare time.
Lev gave Iolinder a nod when the cleric said they'd talk more later. He's not really sure what more there is to say on the matter, or if he even wanted to bother pursuing answers any further. Regardless only a fool turns down help when its offered so he'll talk whenever Iolinder wants... so long as the questions don't dredge up unwanted memories.
When faced with the now frozen Morric Lev's expression turns grim, or rather, grimmer than it had been already. He'd barely even spoken to the strange man, and had never really been sure of why the paladin had joined them in the first place, but still... he'd been one of their company. It was another loss that Lev had been unable to prevent. He lowered his gaze, silently promising the paladin that they would serve justice to the ones responsible for his death.
Upon reaching Blacksand and their guards, Lev stays at the back of the group. He'd pulled up his hood prior to them approaching the gates... just in case. He pulls out the gold begrudgingly but without hesitation, not wanting to spark conflict before they even enter the city. However, when it comes his turn to write his name down he quickly reads over what the others wrote and then writes, 'Kalin' instead of his own name. Once they're out of earshot he'll have to let the others know about this choice, as it wouldn't do for someone to find out he lied here... at least, not so early on in the mission.
As each pays the exhorbadent fee and puts their real or other name down, some note the book keeping guard study the names. He has another book that he quickly cross-references.
"Ok, your clear to enter the Port."
Entering from the north side of Port Blacksand at Weaver gate, you enter a section called: The Harbour District
The Blacksand harbour district is the oldest and most ramshackle part of the city, built from reclaimed ship’s timbers and other washed up detritus. This is also the most cosmopolitan part of the city, and is frequented by sailors, marines and passengers just arrived from long sea journeys. The streets are often crowded with carts taking away or bringing cargo, sailors enjoying the delights of the city and the thieves who prey on the crowds.
Immediately upon entering the gate, (Weaver Street) you see a tavern on your right, a sign with a mermaid hangs from the doorway.
A blind beggar sits at the entrance to an alleyway, a copper cup in front of him.
Lira slows as they pass through the gate, her eyes taking in the press of people and the ramshackle sprawl of the Harbour District. The tavern’s sign sways lazily in the salt breeze, but it is the blind beggar that catches her attention. She turns to the others briefly.
“Hope you don’t mind...I’ll use a little from the party purse. Might buy us more than ale.”
Without waiting for objection, she approaches the beggar, her steps light but sure. Kneeling slightly so her voice will carry to him without sounding pitying, she lets a single gold piece chime as it falls into his cup.
“There you go, friend. A little coin for your troubles. Tell me, have you heard anything worth knowing lately?" Her tone is gentle, but her eyes flick around the alley mouth and street, weighing the beggar’s reaction as carefully as she weighed the crowd.
Is there a decent chance that Zarbyn can bring Twiggy back from the pocket dimension and have her become invisible, and finally hide (stealth roll?) so that I can use her for an extra set of eyes that might go unnoticed as she flies 15 feet above the ground (most everyone will be watching for others at ground level wouldn't they? this place being so dangerous and all?)
Twiggy's Stealth: 25
Twiggy's Perception: 23
(WOW! Twiggy is a beast with these rolls! Only use if needed, lol.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
(Twiggy easily appears and becomes invisible without (You think) anyone noticing).
The beggar takes the potion, thinking it, alcohol, and swigs it. It cures him of several ailments including at least one disease. In addition, his cloudy eyes clear and he looks at you for a moment.
“The Crimson Legion and the Black Fangs crossed blades two nights ago, but that was just the beginning. Word is, they’ll finish it tonight—steel in the dark, blood on the cobbles. Folk say it’ll be a show worth watchin’, with the alleys turnin’ into an arena."
Lira raises an eyebrow at Iolinder's words, wondering if he understands the value of a single gold piece when one is starving. Still, his heart is in the right place. She thanks the beggar for his information and heads to follow the others, letting them know to look out for a boy with blue paint on his palm. She has no coin on her to worry about, so will focus on keeping watch for the others.
(the the left (if facing south) is a public garden. To your right the Mermaid tavern. The Lobster Warf is to the west, and various Inns, Taverns, and shops line the busy streets here.
(I can describe some of the shops as you choose a direction to go, please see map)
Zarbyn looks at the mermaid sign. He seems to almost zone out but gives himself a shake like someone just walked over his grave, to bring his focus on the tavern.
"Hey, how about this tavern right here?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"A rightful place awaits you in the Realms Above, in the Land of the Great Light. Come in peace, and live beneath the sun again, where trees and flowers grow."
— The message of Eilistraee to all decent drow.
"Run thy sword across my chains, Silver Lady, that I may join your dance.”
— A basic prayer.
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(waiting on each of you to tell me what name you write on the ledger and if you do anything else of note as you enter)
As your companions scrawl their names and hand over the extortionate gate fee, your gaze drifts beyond the walls. Sails ripple against the horizon, tall masts jutting skyward where the city meets the Western Ocean. Dozens of ships lie at anchor in the harbour, their hulls groaning with cargo and secrets. Another breath of the air—rank with rot, salt, and the promise of trouble—snaps you back to your present predicament.
As you pay the guards and sign your name in the ledger, you are issued a city pass. The guard at the book says,
"This city is ruled by Lord Azzur and he not a very tolerant man. When you rule over a city like this, you must be that way or you die. I should warn you that if you don't have this pass with you at all times, you are as good as dead."
"Iólinder Corrach, of Libra, of Telak" in stylised cursive.
Will pay 5 gold as I offer a blessing to the guard's health and family.
As the guards see you complying, they lower their aggression somewhat. However, a sharp eye notes two or three additional guards in a tower at the top of the gate, with crossbows loosely trained toward the entrance.
Lira is able with fast hands to trick the guard as she slides the (4/5) gold into his bag.
Iólinder's blessing does not go unnoticed. "Thanks believer." the guard says. "I hope it works as my son is sick with the whooping cough."
Jherak will also sign his name after forking over the gold. He enjoys Lira’s trick, and thinks to himself how that could come in handy, and he should practice it in his spare time.
Amdaeng just scribes ' Amdaeng'.
Lev gave Iolinder a nod when the cleric said they'd talk more later. He's not really sure what more there is to say on the matter, or if he even wanted to bother pursuing answers any further. Regardless only a fool turns down help when its offered so he'll talk whenever Iolinder wants... so long as the questions don't dredge up unwanted memories.
When faced with the now frozen Morric Lev's expression turns grim, or rather, grimmer than it had been already. He'd barely even spoken to the strange man, and had never really been sure of why the paladin had joined them in the first place, but still... he'd been one of their company. It was another loss that Lev had been unable to prevent. He lowered his gaze, silently promising the paladin that they would serve justice to the ones responsible for his death.
Upon reaching Blacksand and their guards, Lev stays at the back of the group. He'd pulled up his hood prior to them approaching the gates... just in case. He pulls out the gold begrudgingly but without hesitation, not wanting to spark conflict before they even enter the city. However, when it comes his turn to write his name down he quickly reads over what the others wrote and then writes, 'Kalin' instead of his own name. Once they're out of earshot he'll have to let the others know about this choice, as it wouldn't do for someone to find out he lied here... at least, not so early on in the mission.
As each pays the exhorbadent fee and puts their real or other name down, some note the book keeping guard study the names. He has another book that he quickly cross-references.
"Ok, your clear to enter the Port."
Entering from the north side of Port Blacksand at Weaver gate, you enter a section called: The Harbour District
The Blacksand harbour district is the oldest and
most ramshackle part of the city, built from
reclaimed ship’s timbers and other washed up
detritus. This is also the most cosmopolitan part of the
city, and is frequented by sailors, marines and passengers
just arrived from long sea journeys. The streets are often
crowded with carts taking away or bringing cargo, sailors
enjoying the delights of the city and the thieves who prey on the crowds.
Immediately upon entering the gate, (Weaver Street) you see a tavern on your right, a sign with a mermaid hangs from the doorway.
A blind beggar sits at the entrance to an alleyway, a copper cup in front of him.
Lira slows as they pass through the gate, her eyes taking in the press of people and the ramshackle sprawl of the Harbour District. The tavern’s sign sways lazily in the salt breeze, but it is the blind beggar that catches her attention. She turns to the others briefly.
“Hope you don’t mind...I’ll use a little from the party purse. Might buy us more than ale.”
Without waiting for objection, she approaches the beggar, her steps light but sure. Kneeling slightly so her voice will carry to him without sounding pitying, she lets a single gold piece chime as it falls into his cup.
“There you go, friend. A little coin for your troubles. Tell me, have you heard anything worth knowing lately?" Her tone is gentle, but her eyes flick around the alley mouth and street, weighing the beggar’s reaction as carefully as she weighed the crowd.
Insight on his answer: 22
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
The beggar does not look up, but Lira sees thieves cant on his blanket. He is likely an informer.
The beggar mumbles:
“See a lad with blue paint on his palm? Best step away. That mark means he’s bait. While you’re watchin’ him, three others are takin’ your coin.”
Is there a decent chance that Zarbyn can bring Twiggy back from the pocket dimension and have her become invisible, and finally hide (stealth roll?) so that I can use her for an extra set of eyes that might go unnoticed as she flies 15 feet above the ground (most everyone will be watching for others at ground level wouldn't they? this place being so dangerous and all?)
Twiggy's Stealth: 25
Twiggy's Perception: 23
(WOW! Twiggy is a beast with these rolls! Only use if needed, lol.)
"perhaps this will help him a bit faster than a few indirect words."
Iólinder will pass him a restoration potion before following along with the others.
(Twiggy easily appears and becomes invisible without (You think) anyone noticing).
The beggar takes the potion, thinking it, alcohol, and swigs it. It cures him of several ailments including at least one disease. In addition, his cloudy eyes clear and he looks at you for a moment.
“The Crimson Legion and the Black Fangs crossed blades two nights ago, but that was just the beginning. Word is, they’ll finish it tonight—steel in the dark, blood on the cobbles. Folk say it’ll be a show worth watchin’, with the alleys turnin’ into an arena."
Lira raises an eyebrow at Iolinder's words, wondering if he understands the value of a single gold piece when one is starving. Still, his heart is in the right place. She thanks the beggar for his information and heads to follow the others, letting them know to look out for a boy with blue paint on his palm. She has no coin on her to worry about, so will focus on keeping watch for the others.
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts Manor |
(the the left (if facing south) is a public garden. To your right the Mermaid tavern. The Lobster Warf is to the west, and various Inns, Taverns, and shops line the busy streets here.
(I can describe some of the shops as you choose a direction to go, please see map)
"Where should we begin?"
Zarbyn looks at the mermaid sign. He seems to almost zone out but gives himself a shake like someone just walked over his grave, to bring his focus on the tavern.
"Hey, how about this tavern right here?"