“I’ve come to expect no kindness from strangers, such as you are showin’ me. I am grateful. But the guards of Rumbottom ‘ave a reputation, too, and I’ll not put you to the risk. Better I strike out on me own than see you all punished for yer kindness.”
”I’ll wait for ye on t’shore, p’raps ye’ll bring a boat, yer captain, or a squad o guards. I’ll leave that t’you.”
Turning back at the suggestions of his fellow officers and crew, Virt nods his head at Orlys final decision, saying,'
"So be it. We'll not forget ye, of that ye have me word, though i'll make no promises regardin' those who come to call or ye eventual fate. Shall we?"
Nodding by way of farewell, the ships mage of the Shore Shark begins to the hike Nortwards down the dirt road towards the approaching cart and town beyond, even as Orlys moves West across the rough tree, rock and scrub dotted ground towards the rocky shelter at the base of the Harbour's Southern bluffs.
Perception to see more about the cart being pulled by the oxen and the rider(s): 11
Vaken looks over at the apporaching cart,"Could we hide him in there and sneak him to the ship?"
As the cart draws alongside those of you heading down the declining road, you note that it is largely full of hay, with a few tied bundles of wooden slats and rough cloth beneath. The single scruffy human farmer leading the oxen looks warily at our group as he nears, but does not seem interested in social interaction, pulling his dirty woolen cap down over his ears and leaning on his wooden walking stick as he coaxes his sturdy beasts up towards the top of the rise that you just left.
Beyond the old stone bridge at the bottom of the rise, you see the three Wardens that you saw earlier as well as another three who look to be in the process of relieving them. Of the three who are finishing their duty, Tarpin and the previously garrulous Garrett are packing up a few plates, cups and personal goods, while the burly Beatrice is speaking with one of the relieving guardswomen, the half-orc Sharn with the distinctive mohawk.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Orlys will take the rope and lantern, and make his way down to the shore where Kay indicated. He will take some time to be sure he is not out in the open should a passing person glance this way, then he will rest. Blessed, fleeting rest. Maybe a short rest. Maybe a long rest. Fate will tell.
;)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Orlys will take the rope and lantern, and make his way down to the shore where Kay indicated. He will take some time to be sure he is not out in the open should a passing person glance this way, then he will rest. Blessed, fleeting rest. Maybe a short rest. Maybe a long rest. Fate will tell.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Orlys’ Stealth (at Disadvantage for Exhaustion, saving Inspiration for later, hoping I don’t regret it...): 7
Orlys makes his way wearily across the several hundred feet of rough ground between the dirt road and the harbour shore, making what use he can of the rolling terrain and odd copse of trees for cover. The bugbear is forced to move down the hard pebbly beach and across the slippery rocks the last eighty or so feet in the open, but does not encounter any townspeople, though a medium sized fishing boat lies anchored only a few hundred feet out in the harbour, its occupants scurrying about with their work as they throw out nets and draw in lines. Wading through the occasional shallow pool before pulling his soggy form up onto a long, rust-brown rock shelf, the exhausted barbarian navigates the wet, stony ground with only a few stumbles.
Nursing scraped hands and banged up knees, the thoroughly wet and tired former-pirate collapses beneath the wave-like overhang, within a shallow alcove-like depression in the surf-cracked bluff face. Unless someone happens upon this exact spot, Orlys judges it unlikely that he will be discovered, while with a modicum of effort the dishevelled goblinoid could lean out far enough to spy on a wide swath of shoreline and nearby water.
[OOC] Orlys may make a perception check DC10 and read the below spoiler:
Peception DC10:
'Just before ducking into the shallow rocky alcove to hide out, Orlys catches sight of a single humanoid form on the distant fishing boat, one arm raised and waving, though the bugbear can't be certain that the sea worker is gesturing towards him. Slumping against the rough, wet and cold stone wall of his temporary sanctum, the grizzled warrior notices that the shallow depression only goes back another half-dozen feet before ending in solid stone. A single crudely scratched figure has been scored into the nearby rock wall, while wedged into a crack in the back terminus of his santuary is what appears to be half an empty carapace of a crab of considerable size.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Noting to himself that nothing is easy, and wondering if he’s been cursed, or perhaps in need of some sort of penance, Orlys investigates the scratched image.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Noting to himself that nothing is easy, and wondering if he’s been cursed, or perhaps in need of some sort of penance, Orlys investigates the scratched image.
The scratched image is crudely imprinted into the stone, the obvious result of an unskilled application of rock against rock. The image itself appears to be nothing more than a huminoid stick figure holding something oval shaped in its poorly etched arms.'
[OOG] Lol. Something to keep in mind in my games, is that not all that glitters is gold, and not all that is seen is important or relevant. I'm a big fan of scattering flavouring, peripheral lore and incidental 'stuff' in my games amongst the actually relevant information and meaningful incidents. :D
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
A'ro just give a wave to the bugbear "Thanks for helping us back out there, in case we don't see ya again."
As they continue on their way he just smiles waving at the towns guard "Hey - hows your day been?"
A'ro and the rest of the party crosses the old stone bridge and approaches Rumbottom's Southern palisade gate just in time to see Beatrice, Garrett and Tarpin walk off into town while Sharn and two unfamiliar Wardens assume positions either side of the open gates. As A'ro calls out with a wave, one of the unknown Wardens, a massive bald man with an equally impressive beer gut begins to step forward with a hand outstretched, but stops when the only slightly smaller half-orc with the mohawk calls him back, shouting,'
"It's alright, Nork. This lot is with that new ship's crew. Golm says they're to be left to their own devices... so long as they don't do anything to break the peace."
Casting a hard glance at each of you as you approach the gate, with her dark eyed stare taking note of your somewhat battered and torn state, before lingering noticably on Kay, Sharn continues without in anyway obstructing your access to the town,'
"Of course, we're still to do our duty and apprehend any law breakers... but I doubt we'll be having any more problems with these fine sailors. The Cove Warden went and had a little chat with their captain this morning, and I've never known Golm to leave folks uncertain as to his intentions when it comes to lawlessness."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
Moving into the town, you all turn left inside the gate to follow the palisade wall West towards the wharf. The usual assortment of local traders, merchants, hunters and trappers mingle with a slightly larger than normal crowd of townsfolk and visitors. Many of the visitors have the appearance of sailors fresh in from the sea and eager to spend some coin. The chatter of barter and haggling, involving accents familiar to Luskan and even more distant Sword Coast locations, hangs over the town's streets as Rumbottom vendors do their best to take advantage of new arrivals with gold to spend.
After a couple of minutes, you pass a large warehouse with a sign reading 'Boomptins Wags and Nags' that has been converted into a stable and stockyard, outside of which are parked a number of carts, wagons, with a row of varied horses tethered nearby. Inside the yard you notice a delicately handsome moonelf man dressed in silk shirt and suede pants and jacket, with a tilted red satin cap atop his flowing blue hair, standing beside a drably robed older bald man of exotic Eastern features. The older man in the robes appears to be bartering with the proprieter on behalf of the smartly dressed elf for the purchase of a tall white stallion.
Reaching a busier than normal pier front, you all turn North towards the Shore Shark which is moored a few hundred feet up the wharf, though you all immediately notice a second ship moored directly opposite her at the wharf. The ship is a caravel, though a typical two-mast lanteen sailed vessel, of slightly shorter mast and broader beam than the Shark. Her blue-grey sails snapping in the stiff wind, you can clearly make out the designation Foamrunner on her port-starboard side. A handful of the ship's motley crew appear to be loading and unloading crates, barrells and boxes, whilst keeping an eye on the now fully loaded Shark and her own watchful crew.
Passing the Foamrunner to approach the base of the Shark's gangplank, you see the reliable senior sailor Lionel standing watch on the wharf while the tall, scarred black dragonborn Druhut keeps a look out from the ship's rail. At your approach, Lionel nods as though expecting you and steps aside to allow access to the acending walkway, saying,'
"Aye, good to see ye all. The Cap said ye'd be back around now and that I was to send ye all to his cabin immediately upon yer return.
Oh, and before I forget, that lookout came by earlier, the one everyone says can punch like an ogre, and left this for ye all."
The veteran sailor reaches into a pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper, which he holds out for you to take.
[OOC] Anyone who takes and reads the message may read the spoiler:
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
'Kay does her best to keep her composure, giggling every once in a while at Token's antics. She gives Rudd a gentle pat, to make sure he doesn't think she forgot about him, and follows the officers into the captain's cabin when summoned.'
A'ro just takes the notes from Kestrell and reads it, a small sigh escaping his lips"Shame she was a fun one, guess I'll have to owe her that dance. We don't get to decide where someone goes though, hope it's nothing to serious that called her home."He just holds out the note for anyone else that will take it.
"Thanks Lionel - hopefully it's been a quite day for you."he says passing him as he heads to the Captains Cabin and just knocks"Sir, we're back...with the package."
A'ro just takes the notes from Kestrell and reads it, a small sigh escaping his lips"Shame she was a fun one, guess I'll have to owe her that dance. We don't get to decide where someone goes though, hope it's nothing to serious that called her home."He just holds out the note for anyone else that will take it.
"Thanks Lionel - hopefully it's been a quite day for you."he says passing him as he heads to the Captains Cabin and just knocks"Sir, we're back...with the package."
Overhead, you notice the colours of Rumbottom flying atop each of the three central masts - a field divided horizontally with a light blue stripe above a dark brown stripe. You notice a glowering six-foot tall half-orc with crossed muscled arms and a shaved head tatooed with a black sun standing before the captain's door. The sailor guard is wearing a too-tight leather vest and carries both club and dagger at his belt. While he gives you all a hard once over, he quickly steps to the side with a *grunt* to allow access to the room beyond.
Stepping through into the relatively spacious and well furnished captain's cabin beyond, you see golden haired Captain Aundrey Farseeker himself seated at a large mahogany desk, writing some missive upon parchment with quill and ink beneath the light of an ornate brass table lamp. The thick woolen rug and bank of clear windows behind him situated along the upper ships aft lets in some light and warmth, enough to give the room a welcoming feel, a welcome only emphasised by the tray of drinks and food set upon a well-carved side table near the door. Along the port wall of the cabin runs a shelf of knick-knacks, while hanging on the starboard wall is a finely crafted longsword.
Looking up with a smile from his writing, the broad shouldered young ships owner smiles openly and putting the quill in his inkpot, stands with arms out stretched to indicate both the refreshment laden side table and the row of chairs arranged before his desk. His deep though youthful voice bids you a friendly welcome as he says,'
"Ahh, excellent! My special retrieval party has returned alive and well, hungry and thirsty I take it? Come friends, eat, drink and sit. I would hear of your adventures this morning and, hopefully, of your success in securing that which I asked you to bring back."
The captain's clean white shirt and unsoiled, finely stitched leather vest bearing the curled shark emblem of the Farseeker family crest are a marked contrast to your own largely torn and dishevelled states, which Aundrey seems to notice after a moment. The captains smile wavers a little as his smooth brow furrows slightly in concern, his voice saying with a worried cast to it,'
"It would appear that whatever it was that the apothecary requested of you was something dangerous... though thankfully not beyond you, it would seem. I knew that I had chosen well in first selecting such capable crew, but also with entrusting you with such an important matter!"
[OOC] PCs may make a perception check OR insight check DC10 to take note of additional things around the captain's cabin or himself by reading ONE of the spoilers below:
Perception DC10:
The food on the side-table is well-prepared, though clearly not made aboard ship, with small dried meats, grain breads, wheat crackers and aged cheeses sitting aside grapes, sliced oranges and an assortment of berries. Wine both red and white, as well as a small decanter of what smells like brandy sits next to a half-dozen small finely cut glasses.
The thick rug is russet brown and somewhat course in appearance, possibly from some exotic beast rather than a sheep or goat. The shelf of curiosities contains small photo frames, carved stones and wood items, the odd metal ring or chain necklace and what look to be other trinkets and momentos from home or travels abroad.
Hanging horizontally on the starboard wall is a magnificantly crafted silver handled longsword with turquiose insets in the hilt and pommel, and saphires and mithral chasing down the electrum and black leather scabbard. The weapon appears to have a small fine golden chain wrapped about the handle that runs in a spiral down the entire length of the sheathed weapon.
Insight DC10:
Despite his usually well-kept attire and groomed appearance, closer scrutiny reveals the captains previously meticulous hands to be somewhat ink stained and his shirt on one side is uncharacteristically loose and untucked. Aundrey's clear blue eyes likewise seem somewhat troubled and his perpetually friendly tone covering perhaps an underlying note of worry.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
A'ro just walks over picking up a plate and placing some meat and cheese on it. He then pours wine for himself and looks to his companions and then the captain noting the smaller details about his composure. Though he was a little intrigued by what would be causing such a change, he knew it wasn't his place.
As he moves to sit down he begins to speak"It was definitely rough at moments sir, but we managed to obtain your package. A little curious why we wen through so much trouble for a dog." He just points to Token as he lifts the mug again.
He then thinks for a moment before deciding to just rip off the bandied about their acquaintance on the waiting for a meeting "We met an interesting character who would like a word with you about joining the crew. Before I give you the bad part I will say that he actually was very useful the success of our mission and most likely we would all be dead without his assistance. I think it would be worth giving him a moment to pitch why he should be allowed on the crew and how he would be benefical."he just takes a moment wondering if he should mention the smaller details. Inside he can feel the tension build up inside of him unable to keep it from the Captain as he tries to spin it, after all he only promised to help try and get a meeting"I think he could provide good insight into pirates and their craft sir, which leads me to the bad part that you may not be to happy with..." he quickly bites some cheese and swallows"He may have been a former pirate forced into the life by circumstances outside of his control."
He stops for a moment letting the captain process the information "Sir, only promised to convey his request to you. If I can speak personally though, I think it is worth meeting with him. He had a chance to kill us all during this request and take our items. Yet he choose to help us and choose to ask if he could join our ship - he was even honest about his past. I don't think it would hurt to hear him out. I'm sure the rest would support this idea." He just waits for his companions to speak up.
Vaken stood at the back of the room letting the others get their drinks and refreshments first. When he heard A'ro's request for Orlys, the goliath felt compelled to say something as well.
"I'm not as good at speaking as Mr. A'ro here, but I just want to say that I think this person, and he is a person, sir. This person would make a fine addition to the crew."
Finishing his speech, the goliath steps back into his spot at the end of the food line.
[OOC] If it's not too late, I want to help A'ro with his persuasion check.
A'ro just walks over picking up a plate and placing some meat and cheese on it. He then pours wine for himself and looks to his companions and then the captain noting the smaller details about his composure. Though he was a little intrigued by what would be causing such a change, he knew it wasn't his place.
As he moves to sit down he begins to speak"It was definitely rough at moments sir, but we managed to obtain your package. A little curious why we wen through so much trouble for a dog." He just points to Token as he lifts the mug again.
He then thinks for a moment before deciding to just rip off the bandied about their acquaintance on the waiting for a meeting "We met an interesting character who would like a word with you about joining the crew. Before I give you the bad part I will say that he actually was very useful the success of our mission and most likely we would all be dead without his assistance. I think it would be worth giving him a moment to pitch why he should be allowed on the crew and how he would be benefical."he just takes a moment wondering if he should mention the smaller details. Inside he can feel the tension build up inside of him unable to keep it from the Captain as he tries to spin it, after all he only promised to help try and get a meeting"I think he could provide good insight into pirates and their craft sir, which leads me to the bad part that you may not be to happy with..." he quickly bites some cheese and swallows"He may have been a former pirate forced into the life by circumstances outside of his control."
He stops for a moment letting the captain process the information "Sir, only promised to convey his request to you. If I can speak personally though, I think it is worth meeting with him. He had a chance to kill us all during this request and take our items. Yet he choose to help us and choose to ask if he could join our ship - he was even honest about his past. I don't think it would hurt to hear him out. I'm sure the rest would support this idea." He just waits for his companions to speak up.
Captain Aundrey listens calmly, almost subdued as A'ro begins to speak, though at the mention of your success at retrieving Token, some of the usual vigour and cheerfulness of the man as he strides up to gladly take the puppy from the master of sail, making a fuss as he rubs and pats the dog, before remembering you all and saying,'
"Ahh, but he's a fine looking fellow, aren't you? Yes you are, yes you are, you handsome little rascal! Just perfect - that's what you are. Excellent!
Umm, yes, well I'm unsure what this Naskeen woman had you do, but by the looks of you all, it was not an easy task, so I guess I owe you something of an explanation. You see, this here puppy is a gift, MY gift, or will be. To my betrothed, that is. Or to she who will be my betrothed... once she accepts the proposal that I will soon make to her! The most beautfiul and capable woman on these seas, she is. Discerning and then acquiring the perfect gift for my future bride was not easy, as you yourselves obviously know. But by Tymora's favourable smile, it will SURELY be worth it. After sailing the kinks out of the Shark here and taking care of our business here in the South, I plan to sail us up to Fireshear to present little Token here as part of my proposal. I hope that you can see now why I entrusted such an important task to some of my most capable crew!
Another possible crewman you say? Wonderful! A most useful chap by the sounds of it, just as you were asked to find us, then? Why not bring him here in person, then we could have taken care of... Oh, I see..."
As A'ro tactfully reveals the truth as known about Orlys' past, Aundrey's smile dissapears to be replaced by a frown, as the ships master pours himself a brandy before walking back to lean against the corner of his own desk. Swirling the amber fluid as he looks first out the window and then back at your group with a somewhat resigned look on his face, he begins to say,'
"Alas, good A'ro, I might be inclined to accede to your suggestion, were my situation not so complicated as it now currrently is. You see, there was another incident in the town this morning while you were all away. Apparently one of our new crew, a common sailor named Syraine, got in a fight with someone over at a pub called the Rusty Crate, on the wharf just North of here. Got herself stabbed, the poor woman did. Bosun Drannick isover at the Warden's Lodge now with her and what passes for a healer in this town, though by all accounts her chances of surviving are slim. Perhpas not surprisingly then, little more than three hours ago, I had the Cove Warden in here threatening to have the Dubol revoke our mooring licence if there were any more incidents involving the Shark or those who sail her.
So you see, not only might it be unwise to trust someone who says that he's a reformed pirate of poor circumstance, but we could possible risk further incurring the wrath of the Cove..."
Vaken stood at the back of the room letting the others get their drinks and refreshments first. When he heard A'ro's request for Orlys, the goliath felt compelled to say something as well.
"I'm not as good at speaking as Mr. A'ro here, but I just want to say that I think this person, and he is a person, sir. This person would make a fine addition to the crew."
Finishing his speech, the goliath steps back into his spot at the end of the food line.
[OOC] If it's not too late, I want to help A'ro with his persuasion check.
As Vaken steps forward to say his earnest, if brief piece on the matter, the Captain pauses to study the tall ships cook, who as he usually does aboard ship, is forced to crane his neck and head to the side and walk with something of a hunch. The seconds tick by as Aundrey considers the goliath's few words, the captain's usually open face going through a number of motions as he seems to consider what he was about to say...
[OOC] A'ro can make another persuasion check due to Vaken's help action, taking the highger number rolled.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
'Kestrell also picks up a plate and loads it up, as a sudden hunger overtakes him, he devours a second plate while listening to the discussion.'
"Captain Aundrey, who is this fair maiden in Fireshear, would we know of her or her family?"
'As A'ro and Vaken tell the Captain about Orlys, Kestrell hesitates, unsure if chiming in will help or make things worse. When he hears about Syrainne and the concern over the Shark's mooring license, he speaks up.'
"Captain, if I may...We, well, he, Orlys the Bugbear, didn't want to come into town so we came up with a plan for him to hide beneath the cliffs on the shore not far from here, and we would pick him up with a dinghy, and bring him straight back to the ship for you and the Bosun to meet, thereby bypassing the town's guards. And I must say, Orlys saved me not once, but twice, maybe more. And from giant spiders with huge fangs dripping with nasty, nasty, poison nonetheless."
'Kestrell trails off and shudders at the memory.'
[OOC]: Not sure if a roll is needed, don't want to interfer with A'ro and Vaken. But in case: Persuasion: 6. Edit: Hopefully it is not needed!
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
A'ro nods taking in what the Captain says"I understand sir, that is quite the predicament..."A'ro looks at Kestrell"I don't think the Captain would favor from smuggling a pirate into town Navigator. Additionally, I don't know what the we you speak of is since I disagreed with that plan."he turns back to the Captain"Sir, I recommend that we give him justice under law of the sea. We bring in a known pirate, our first successful catch as a crew and subject him to sea justice. No pay and he works as a source of intelligence for us, it also provides a crew member helping to fill one of our missing voids." A'ro just watches the Captain as he spins the tale for him about how their ship caught a pirate and convinced him to turn for a semblance of freedom.
"I understand."
Looking at the rest of the crew.
"Well, let's head back into town. I need to try down Virgil as well do some shopping."
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Turning back at the suggestions of his fellow officers and crew, Virt nods his head at Orlys final decision, saying,'
"So be it. We'll not forget ye, of that ye have me word, though i'll make no promises regardin' those who come to call or ye eventual fate. Shall we?"
Nodding by way of farewell, the ships mage of the Shore Shark begins to the hike Nortwards down the dirt road towards the approaching cart and town beyond, even as Orlys moves West across the rough tree, rock and scrub dotted ground towards the rocky shelter at the base of the Harbour's Southern bluffs.
As the cart draws alongside those of you heading down the declining road, you note that it is largely full of hay, with a few tied bundles of wooden slats and rough cloth beneath. The single scruffy human farmer leading the oxen looks warily at our group as he nears, but does not seem interested in social interaction, pulling his dirty woolen cap down over his ears and leaning on his wooden walking stick as he coaxes his sturdy beasts up towards the top of the rise that you just left.
Beyond the old stone bridge at the bottom of the rise, you see the three Wardens that you saw earlier as well as another three who look to be in the process of relieving them. Of the three who are finishing their duty, Tarpin and the previously garrulous Garrett are packing up a few plates, cups and personal goods, while the burly Beatrice is speaking with one of the relieving guardswomen, the half-orc Sharn with the distinctive mohawk.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Orlys will take the rope and lantern, and make his way down to the shore where Kay indicated. He will take some time to be sure he is not out in the open should a passing person glance this way, then he will rest. Blessed, fleeting rest. Maybe a short rest. Maybe a long rest. Fate will tell.
;)
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
[OOC] stealth check please. :)
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Orlys’ Stealth (at Disadvantage for Exhaustion, saving Inspiration for later, hoping I don’t regret it...): 7
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Orlys makes his way wearily across the several hundred feet of rough ground between the dirt road and the harbour shore, making what use he can of the rolling terrain and odd copse of trees for cover. The bugbear is forced to move down the hard pebbly beach and across the slippery rocks the last eighty or so feet in the open, but does not encounter any townspeople, though a medium sized fishing boat lies anchored only a few hundred feet out in the harbour, its occupants scurrying about with their work as they throw out nets and draw in lines. Wading through the occasional shallow pool before pulling his soggy form up onto a long, rust-brown rock shelf, the exhausted barbarian navigates the wet, stony ground with only a few stumbles.
Nursing scraped hands and banged up knees, the thoroughly wet and tired former-pirate collapses beneath the wave-like overhang, within a shallow alcove-like depression in the surf-cracked bluff face. Unless someone happens upon this exact spot, Orlys judges it unlikely that he will be discovered, while with a modicum of effort the dishevelled goblinoid could lean out far enough to spy on a wide swath of shoreline and nearby water.
[OOC] Orlys may make a perception check DC10 and read the below spoiler:
Peception DC10:
'Just before ducking into the shallow rocky alcove to hide out, Orlys catches sight of a single humanoid form on the distant fishing boat, one arm raised and waving, though the bugbear can't be certain that the sea worker is gesturing towards him. Slumping against the rough, wet and cold stone wall of his temporary sanctum, the grizzled warrior notices that the shallow depression only goes back another half-dozen feet before ending in solid stone. A single crudely scratched figure has been scored into the nearby rock wall, while wedged into a crack in the back terminus of his santuary is what appears to be half an empty carapace of a crab of considerable size.'
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
A'ro just give a wave to the bugbear "Thanks for helping us back out there, in case we don't see ya again."
As they continue on their way he just smiles waving at the towns guard "Hey - hows your day been?"
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Noting to himself that nothing is easy, and wondering if he’s been cursed, or perhaps in need of some sort of penance, Orlys investigates the scratched image.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
The scratched image is crudely imprinted into the stone, the obvious result of an unskilled application of rock against rock. The image itself appears to be nothing more than a huminoid stick figure holding something oval shaped in its poorly etched arms.'
[OOG] Lol. Something to keep in mind in my games, is that not all that glitters is gold, and not all that is seen is important or relevant. I'm a big fan of scattering flavouring, peripheral lore and incidental 'stuff' in my games amongst the actually relevant information and meaningful incidents. :D
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
A'ro and the rest of the party crosses the old stone bridge and approaches Rumbottom's Southern palisade gate just in time to see Beatrice, Garrett and Tarpin walk off into town while Sharn and two unfamiliar Wardens assume positions either side of the open gates. As A'ro calls out with a wave, one of the unknown Wardens, a massive bald man with an equally impressive beer gut begins to step forward with a hand outstretched, but stops when the only slightly smaller half-orc with the mohawk calls him back, shouting,'
"It's alright, Nork. This lot is with that new ship's crew. Golm says they're to be left to their own devices... so long as they don't do anything to break the peace."
Casting a hard glance at each of you as you approach the gate, with her dark eyed stare taking note of your somewhat battered and torn state, before lingering noticably on Kay, Sharn continues without in anyway obstructing your access to the town,'
"Of course, we're still to do our duty and apprehend any law breakers... but I doubt we'll be having any more problems with these fine sailors. The Cove Warden went and had a little chat with their captain this morning, and I've never known Golm to leave folks uncertain as to his intentions when it comes to lawlessness."
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
Moving into the town, you all turn left inside the gate to follow the palisade wall West towards the wharf. The usual assortment of local traders, merchants, hunters and trappers mingle with a slightly larger than normal crowd of townsfolk and visitors. Many of the visitors have the appearance of sailors fresh in from the sea and eager to spend some coin. The chatter of barter and haggling, involving accents familiar to Luskan and even more distant Sword Coast locations, hangs over the town's streets as Rumbottom vendors do their best to take advantage of new arrivals with gold to spend.
After a couple of minutes, you pass a large warehouse with a sign reading 'Boomptins Wags and Nags' that has been converted into a stable and stockyard, outside of which are parked a number of carts, wagons, with a row of varied horses tethered nearby. Inside the yard you notice a delicately handsome moonelf man dressed in silk shirt and suede pants and jacket, with a tilted red satin cap atop his flowing blue hair, standing beside a drably robed older bald man of exotic Eastern features. The older man in the robes appears to be bartering with the proprieter on behalf of the smartly dressed elf for the purchase of a tall white stallion.
Reaching a busier than normal pier front, you all turn North towards the Shore Shark which is moored a few hundred feet up the wharf, though you all immediately notice a second ship moored directly opposite her at the wharf. The ship is a caravel, though a typical two-mast lanteen sailed vessel, of slightly shorter mast and broader beam than the Shark. Her blue-grey sails snapping in the stiff wind, you can clearly make out the designation Foamrunner on her port-starboard side. A handful of the ship's motley crew appear to be loading and unloading crates, barrells and boxes, whilst keeping an eye on the now fully loaded Shark and her own watchful crew.
Passing the Foamrunner to approach the base of the Shark's gangplank, you see the reliable senior sailor Lionel standing watch on the wharf while the tall, scarred black dragonborn Druhut keeps a look out from the ship's rail. At your approach, Lionel nods as though expecting you and steps aside to allow access to the acending walkway, saying,'
"Aye, good to see ye all. The Cap said ye'd be back around now and that I was to send ye all to his cabin immediately upon yer return.
Oh, and before I forget, that lookout came by earlier, the one everyone says can punch like an ogre, and left this for ye all."
The veteran sailor reaches into a pocket and pulls out a folded piece of paper, which he holds out for you to take.
[OOC] Anyone who takes and reads the message may read the spoiler:
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
'Kestrell was already walking down the road, so fortunately didn't hear A'ro's argument about Orlys. As they get into town, Kestrell says:'
"Let's drop this mutt off with the Captain, then I've got a few errands to run."
'As they approach the ship, he raises an eyebrow at the Foamrunner, but says nothing of it. To Lionel, as he takes the folded paper he greets:'
"Hello Lionel, thank you. We will go there right away."
'Kestrell reads the note and tries to hide his disgust before passing it on:'
"If you say you are going to do something, especially sign a contract to do something, you damn well better do it."
'With that, Kestrell heads for the captains cabin, and slips his Ring of Jumping on, hoping to tune to it while they are talking to the cabin.'
'Kay does her best to keep her composure, giggling every once in a while at Token's antics. She gives Rudd a gentle pat, to make sure he doesn't think she forgot about him, and follows the officers into the captain's cabin when summoned.'
~♡~
A'ro just takes the notes from Kestrell and reads it, a small sigh escaping his lips "Shame she was a fun one, guess I'll have to owe her that dance. We don't get to decide where someone goes though, hope it's nothing to serious that called her home." He just holds out the note for anyone else that will take it.
"Thanks Lionel - hopefully it's been a quite day for you." he says passing him as he heads to the Captains Cabin and just knocks "Sir, we're back...with the package."
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Overhead, you notice the colours of Rumbottom flying atop each of the three central masts - a field divided horizontally with a light blue stripe above a dark brown stripe. You notice a glowering six-foot tall half-orc with crossed muscled arms and a shaved head tatooed with a black sun standing before the captain's door. The sailor guard is wearing a too-tight leather vest and carries both club and dagger at his belt. While he gives you all a hard once over, he quickly steps to the side with a *grunt* to allow access to the room beyond.
Stepping through into the relatively spacious and well furnished captain's cabin beyond, you see golden haired Captain Aundrey Farseeker himself seated at a large mahogany desk, writing some missive upon parchment with quill and ink beneath the light of an ornate brass table lamp. The thick woolen rug and bank of clear windows behind him situated along the upper ships aft lets in some light and warmth, enough to give the room a welcoming feel, a welcome only emphasised by the tray of drinks and food set upon a well-carved side table near the door. Along the port wall of the cabin runs a shelf of knick-knacks, while hanging on the starboard wall is a finely crafted longsword.
Looking up with a smile from his writing, the broad shouldered young ships owner smiles openly and putting the quill in his inkpot, stands with arms out stretched to indicate both the refreshment laden side table and the row of chairs arranged before his desk. His deep though youthful voice bids you a friendly welcome as he says,'
"Ahh, excellent! My special retrieval party has returned alive and well, hungry and thirsty I take it? Come friends, eat, drink and sit. I would hear of your adventures this morning and, hopefully, of your success in securing that which I asked you to bring back."
The captain's clean white shirt and unsoiled, finely stitched leather vest bearing the curled shark emblem of the Farseeker family crest are a marked contrast to your own largely torn and dishevelled states, which Aundrey seems to notice after a moment. The captains smile wavers a little as his smooth brow furrows slightly in concern, his voice saying with a worried cast to it,'
"It would appear that whatever it was that the apothecary requested of you was something dangerous... though thankfully not beyond you, it would seem. I knew that I had chosen well in first selecting such capable crew, but also with entrusting you with such an important matter!"
[OOC] PCs may make a perception check OR insight check DC10 to take note of additional things around the captain's cabin or himself by reading ONE of the spoilers below:
Perception DC10:
The food on the side-table is well-prepared, though clearly not made aboard ship, with small dried meats, grain breads, wheat crackers and aged cheeses sitting aside grapes, sliced oranges and an assortment of berries. Wine both red and white, as well as a small decanter of what smells like brandy sits next to a half-dozen small finely cut glasses.
The thick rug is russet brown and somewhat course in appearance, possibly from some exotic beast rather than a sheep or goat. The shelf of curiosities contains small photo frames, carved stones and wood items, the odd metal ring or chain necklace and what look to be other trinkets and momentos from home or travels abroad.
Hanging horizontally on the starboard wall is a magnificantly crafted silver handled longsword with turquiose insets in the hilt and pommel, and saphires and mithral chasing down the electrum and black leather scabbard. The weapon appears to have a small fine golden chain wrapped about the handle that runs in a spiral down the entire length of the sheathed weapon.
Insight DC10:
Despite his usually well-kept attire and groomed appearance, closer scrutiny reveals the captains previously meticulous hands to be somewhat ink stained and his shirt on one side is uncharacteristically loose and untucked. Aundrey's clear blue eyes likewise seem somewhat troubled and his perpetually friendly tone covering perhaps an underlying note of worry.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
A'ro just walks over picking up a plate and placing some meat and cheese on it. He then pours wine for himself and looks to his companions and then the captain noting the smaller details about his composure. Though he was a little intrigued by what would be causing such a change, he knew it wasn't his place.
As he moves to sit down he begins to speak "It was definitely rough at moments sir, but we managed to obtain your package. A little curious why we wen through so much trouble for a dog." He just points to Token as he lifts the mug again.
He then thinks for a moment before deciding to just rip off the bandied about their acquaintance on the waiting for a meeting "We met an interesting character who would like a word with you about joining the crew. Before I give you the bad part I will say that he actually was very useful the success of our mission and most likely we would all be dead without his assistance. I think it would be worth giving him a moment to pitch why he should be allowed on the crew and how he would be benefical." he just takes a moment wondering if he should mention the smaller details. Inside he can feel the tension build up inside of him unable to keep it from the Captain as he tries to spin it, after all he only promised to help try and get a meeting "I think he could provide good insight into pirates and their craft sir, which leads me to the bad part that you may not be to happy with..." he quickly bites some cheese and swallows "He may have been a former pirate forced into the life by circumstances outside of his control."
He stops for a moment letting the captain process the information "Sir, only promised to convey his request to you. If I can speak personally though, I think it is worth meeting with him. He had a chance to kill us all during this request and take our items. Yet he choose to help us and choose to ask if he could join our ship - he was even honest about his past. I don't think it would hurt to hear him out. I'm sure the rest would support this idea."
He just waits for his companions to speak up.
[OOC]
insight check: 18
persuasion check for meeting with Orlys:
13Feeling inspired for that persuasion check: 15
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9
Vaken stood at the back of the room letting the others get their drinks and refreshments first. When he heard A'ro's request for Orlys, the goliath felt compelled to say something as well.
"I'm not as good at speaking as Mr. A'ro here, but I just want to say that I think this person, and he is a person, sir. This person would make a fine addition to the crew."
Finishing his speech, the goliath steps back into his spot at the end of the food line.
[OOC] If it's not too late, I want to help A'ro with his persuasion check.
Campaigns:
DM - Waterdeep Dragon Heist PbP
Captain Aundrey listens calmly, almost subdued as A'ro begins to speak, though at the mention of your success at retrieving Token, some of the usual vigour and cheerfulness of the man as he strides up to gladly take the puppy from the master of sail, making a fuss as he rubs and pats the dog, before remembering you all and saying,'
"Ahh, but he's a fine looking fellow, aren't you? Yes you are, yes you are, you handsome little rascal! Just perfect - that's what you are. Excellent!
Umm, yes, well I'm unsure what this Naskeen woman had you do, but by the looks of you all, it was not an easy task, so I guess I owe you something of an explanation. You see, this here puppy is a gift, MY gift, or will be. To my betrothed, that is. Or to she who will be my betrothed... once she accepts the proposal that I will soon make to her! The most beautfiul and capable woman on these seas, she is. Discerning and then acquiring the perfect gift for my future bride was not easy, as you yourselves obviously know. But by Tymora's favourable smile, it will SURELY be worth it. After sailing the kinks out of the Shark here and taking care of our business here in the South, I plan to sail us up to Fireshear to present little Token here as part of my proposal. I hope that you can see now why I entrusted such an important task to some of my most capable crew!
Another possible crewman you say? Wonderful! A most useful chap by the sounds of it, just as you were asked to find us, then? Why not bring him here in person, then we could have taken care of... Oh, I see..."
As A'ro tactfully reveals the truth as known about Orlys' past, Aundrey's smile dissapears to be replaced by a frown, as the ships master pours himself a brandy before walking back to lean against the corner of his own desk. Swirling the amber fluid as he looks first out the window and then back at your group with a somewhat resigned look on his face, he begins to say,'
"Alas, good A'ro, I might be inclined to accede to your suggestion, were my situation not so complicated as it now currrently is. You see, there was another incident in the town this morning while you were all away. Apparently one of our new crew, a common sailor named Syraine, got in a fight with someone over at a pub called the Rusty Crate, on the wharf just North of here. Got herself stabbed, the poor woman did. Bosun Drannick is over at the Warden's Lodge now with her and what passes for a healer in this town, though by all accounts her chances of surviving are slim. Perhpas not surprisingly then, little more than three hours ago, I had the Cove Warden in here threatening to have the Dubol revoke our mooring licence if there were any more incidents involving the Shark or those who sail her.
So you see, not only might it be unwise to trust someone who says that he's a reformed pirate of poor circumstance, but we could possible risk further incurring the wrath of the Cove..."
As Vaken steps forward to say his earnest, if brief piece on the matter, the Captain pauses to study the tall ships cook, who as he usually does aboard ship, is forced to crane his neck and head to the side and walk with something of a hunch. The seconds tick by as Aundrey considers the goliath's few words, the captain's usually open face going through a number of motions as he seems to consider what he was about to say...
[OOC] A'ro can make another persuasion check due to Vaken's help action, taking the highger number rolled.
D&D is a game, but it's not just a game. It's the ultimate storyboard, a campfire to share with friends, an imaginary call to imaginary arms and a ship to sail to horizons yet undreamt of...
DM Trevails Upon the Trackless Sea
'Kestrell also picks up a plate and loads it up, as a sudden hunger overtakes him, he devours a second plate while listening to the discussion.'
"Captain Aundrey, who is this fair maiden in Fireshear, would we know of her or her family?"
'As A'ro and Vaken tell the Captain about Orlys, Kestrell hesitates, unsure if chiming in will help or make things worse. When he hears about Syrainne and the concern over the Shark's mooring license, he speaks up.'
"Captain, if I may...We, well, he, Orlys the Bugbear, didn't want to come into town so we came up with a plan for him to hide beneath the cliffs on the shore not far from here, and we would pick him up with a dinghy, and bring him straight back to the ship for you and the Bosun to meet, thereby bypassing the town's guards. And I must say, Orlys saved me not once, but twice, maybe more. And from giant spiders with huge fangs dripping with nasty, nasty, poison nonetheless."
'Kestrell trails off and shudders at the memory.'
[OOC]: Not sure if a roll is needed, don't want to interfer with A'ro and Vaken. But in case: Persuasion: 6.
Edit: Hopefully it is not needed!
A'ro nods taking in what the Captain says "I understand sir, that is quite the predicament..." A'ro looks at Kestrell "I don't think the Captain would favor from smuggling a pirate into town Navigator. Additionally, I don't know what the we you speak of is since I disagreed with that plan." he turns back to the Captain "Sir, I recommend that we give him justice under law of the sea. We bring in a known pirate, our first successful catch as a crew and subject him to sea justice. No pay and he works as a source of intelligence for us, it also provides a crew member helping to fill one of our missing voids." A'ro just watches the Captain as he spins the tale for him about how their ship caught a pirate and convinced him to turn for a semblance of freedom.
[OOC]
persuasion check: 18
Campaigns:
Wildemount: The Felderwin Irregulars (2020) - Balassar Silverstone - Dragonborn Fighter (Rune Knight) Lv. 5 | Rise of TIamat - Aiwin Aralana - Wood Elf Fighter/Ranger (Arcane Archer/Gloom Stalker) Lv. 9