This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Insight check to make sure it's safe/they're telling the truth: 9
If so (or if he's totally oblivious) Genren looks at the group and half shrugs as he puts his bow over his shoulder for the time being. "I guess I won't have to get my hands too dirty this time. What's the cargo? and Stormloard you say? What power does he grant you?"
If the group agrees to proceed he'll walk up the side of the ship casually with his boots of spider climbing to get a closer look at the pirates.
As Tallow walked onto the ship he chattered incessantly ”This will be fun. I may not look it but I’m super strong. When I arrived I lived with some gnomes who taught me to butcher. They gave me these gauntlets they got from orcs that make me strong...”
If they seem genuine, Wakka will follow the others onto the ship, but before doing any menial labor, he'll add on to Genren's comment with, "And before we help you, tell us who else is on the item and what we can expect."
If they're lying, Wakka will hold the group up and whisper to them that they're lying. "Let's pretend we're playing along, and at the first opportunity, subdue them..."
Putting some clues together, Wakka realize that these men are cultists of Talos, the Stormlord. But they are honest in letting you be if you help them move the cargo (You had two above-the-needed-DC Persuasion checks! Besides, I figured you all were tired of always doing combat =) If you continue to work with them, everyone give me both an Acrobatics and Athletics check.)
Manfred looks askance at his friends ‘Manual labour?! Again?!’ he whispers ‘We’re seeing far too much of that recently!’ he sighs, slinging his lute over his shoulder and getting to work.
Acrobatics: 25
Athletics: 15
‘How did you get involved with the Stormlord?’ he asks the pirates conversationally….
The party puts to, hauling crates and barrels. You notice the rest of the crew seem to be taking a break while you work. Manfred finds a pirate who looks like she would be particularly open and starts chatting her up. The halfling's infectious grin and honesty soon have the guard talking.
"Oh, you know, the usual story of no prospects, stupid boys who always slobbered all over me who would never grow up to be good men, a rough trail trying to make it on my own. I met three others here on the road, and we looked out for each other, having to steal food and clothes to survive. Well, one day we all have this same, strange dream promising a better life full of money and power. Eventually we find ourselves here in this group of Talos-followers. We lure unsuspecting ships close to the caves, wreck the ships on the reefs, capture the crew, and drag the wreckage into the caves. Anything worthwhile is salvaged and sold, and the prisoners are either sold to slavers or sacrificed to Talos." She stops and looks away after that last - obviously uncomfortable with this aspect of the operation. "Hey, look if you're sticking around here, stay from the caves to the east of here..." she trails of, then grabs a barrel and walks off after getting a disapproving glare from the man who seems to be overseeing things.
After a couple of hours of labor, you manage to move everything without dropping anything or tripping over the uneven rocks higher up in the cliffs. You notice the tide is coming in, and most of the beach is under water, with water steadily approaching the cave entrances. (What do you want to do? Stick with these cultists on the wrecked ship? Move into the caves? Fix your rowboat and leave? Something else? =)
"Whelp, that looks like all of the stuff you wanted moved. You probably didn't notice in all of the hustle and bustle who I am but you're all in for a real treat. I am none other than Bubulae Tallow! I promised a meal and I will fulfill my promise! I am so happy for you all."
(OOC - I can't change the color) Tallow will look at the pirates and wait in anticipation of recognition and applause
‘Hey Wakka… I think we should drag the rowboat into the cave here. I’ll be able to spend some time fixing it up properly then?’ he coughs significantly, ‘Umm, of course, when I say “we” should drag the rowboat in…’ he grins to soften the blow.
"Oh, you know, the usual story of no prospects, stupid boys who always slobbered all over me who would never grow up to be good men, a rough trail trying to make it on my own. I met three others here on the road, and we looked out for each other, having to steal food and clothes to survive. Well, one day we all have this same, strange dream promising a better life full of money and power. Eventually we find ourselves here in this group of Talos-followers. We lure unsuspecting ships close to the caves, wreck the ships on the reefs, capture the crew, and drag the wreckage into the caves. Anything worthwhile is salvaged and sold, and the prisoners are either sold to slavers or sacrificed to Talos." She stops and looks away after that last - obviously uncomfortable with this aspect of the operation. "Hey, look if you're sticking around here, stay from the caves to the east of here..." she trails of, then grabs a barrel and walks off after getting a disapproving glare from the man who seems to be overseeing things.
"What exactly is in the east that we should be avoiding?" Wakka asked the pirate once she was done talking before pausing mid-step with a crate in his hands. "And why are we doing all of your work!" he huffed at her afterwards.
‘Hey Wakka… I think we should drag the rowboat into the cave here. I’ll be able to spend some time fixing it up properly then?’ he coughs significantly, ‘Umm, of course, when I say “we” should drag the rowboat in…’ he grins to soften the blow.
"Et tu Manfred?" Wakka sighed audibly after the hearing the halfling's request. "Fine. You're right, we should probably fix it before we go exploring on this island. Let me know where to drag it."
"Also..." he added, as he leaned closer to the halfling while Tallow was occupying their attention, "We should probably decide what we're going to do with those pirates. Though they may not seem quite as bad as some of the other cultists we've faced so far, I don't know how I feel about just letting them roam free once we're ready to go. Maybe we should tie them up or something?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
While the others engage, Genren listens inquisitively, and he waits sometime on the side. If Tallow and the others keep enough of the pirate attention, he waits for a good moment to slink away as he tries to slink away and snoop around. He'd be looking for any sort of incriminating documents or clues to connection with other cultist groups etc. (if this isn't feasible, then he'll stick close to Tallow while the other two repair the boat. )
The water is quickly rising as the tide comes in, the sandy beach where you landed now covered in a few inches of water. Your rowboat can by hauled over and tied to the wrecked ship if you want. The cave where you brought the crates and barrels is higher and dry - looks like the tide doesn't get in here, but there is nowhere else to go from here.
The cultists of Talos don’t get a lot of time for relaxation and socializing. They spend most of their time out on the sea, luring unsuspecting ships into the reef, then salvaging the wreckages. So they are pretty excited about the prospects of a decent meal and invite you to come to their barracks. But they warn you to stick with them and not go wandering around - their leader is a zealot and probably a bit crazy. The woman Manfred charmed tells the bard about their leader’s cruelty in dealing with those she deems unworthy.
When Gadrille the Reef-Reaver believes a cultist is lacking the proper amount of faith to be a true servant of Talos, the cultist is dragged to a certain area in the caves and tossed into the water of a blowhole to be judged. Sometimes they are pulled down into the bottom of the shaft, sometimes a geyser of water blows them up through the top of the shaft, and sometimes nothing happens. If nothing happens, Gadrille takes that as a sign Talos approves...
Wakka dragged the row bot into the cave with the the crates and the other supplies. He didn't like the idea of having the boat out in the open, mysteriously disappear overnight or somehow get dragged out to sea...
While Tallow was cooking up a storm for the cultist, Wakka, as casually as he could, shimmied up to one of the friendlier cultists and tried to pry any more information about the place and the cult as he could. "That Gadrille sounds pretty nasty. Is she the leader of the whole cult? And I'm assuming she's in the Eastern caves where you said not to go no?" He wasn't doing a very good job.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tallow finishes cooking for everyone and presents the meal with a flourish. He uses a combination of his fine ingredients, skill, and a little bit of prestidigitation to make the meal truly delicious. Tallow will chat with whichever cultist is next to him and ask more about the island and the cult. "Tell me about Talos. As you may know, my people haven't been around long so I am new to the ways of the Gods."
Persuasion 9
Depending how the conversation goes, Tallow will share his story about being created by That-Which-Endures and that Talos and That-Which-Endures would probably be friends because they are all about chaos.
There are 8 cultists in the cave with you. There are 5 bunk beds along the walls, and an old wooden table in the center with some stools and a bench. Not glamorous by any stretch of the imagination! Wakka was given a cold shoulder by the cultists - he was trying too hard and they clammed up around him! Tallow, on the other hand, was attracting more attention with his take on a spicy fish taco - significantly better than the squid stew they were starting to make...
The cultists talk about their operation and the power that Talos will grant them for expanding his power here in the Sword Coast.
**Adding** The cultists are hesitant to reveal much else - they seem genuinely afraid of their leader...**
"I didn't want to talk to you either..." Wakka grumbled petulantly to himself after repeatedly being given the cold shoulder. Shuffling back to the others and waiting till they had a bit of privacy, Wakka eventually turned to the grop and whispered, "I wasn't able to get much out of them. Hopefully you all faired better? Either way, we can't play Pirates with these cultists forever and Gods know Stands in Tar is not going to wait on us a second longer than she has to. I say we leave to search the rest of the island once the others fall asleep; either tonight or tomorrow night. Thoughts?"
Whispering to his companions: "Why don't we try to take a bit of a rest and then sneak off at first light. I have a feeling we may need to eventually deal with the leader at some point though."
OOC - have we met the leader? Are they in the cave with us?
(You have not met the leader yet. But you gather she is in the cave complex in her own chambers. There is also a second-in-command in the caves, also with their own chamber, but the low-level cultists are pretty tight-lipped about him for some reason... =)
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Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
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Insight check to make sure it's safe/they're telling the truth: 9
If so (or if he's totally oblivious) Genren looks at the group and half shrugs as he puts his bow over his shoulder for the time being. "I guess I won't have to get my hands too dirty this time. What's the cargo? and Stormloard you say? What power does he grant you?"
If the group agrees to proceed he'll walk up the side of the ship casually with his boots of spider climbing to get a closer look at the pirates.
As Tallow walked onto the ship he chattered incessantly ”This will be fun. I may not look it but I’m super strong. When I arrived I lived with some gnomes who taught me to butcher. They gave me these gauntlets they got from orcs that make me strong...”
Sorry for the delay!
If they seem genuine, Wakka will follow the others onto the ship, but before doing any menial labor, he'll add on to Genren's comment with, "And before we help you, tell us who else is on the item and what we can expect."
If they're lying, Wakka will hold the group up and whisper to them that they're lying. "Let's pretend we're playing along, and at the first opportunity, subdue them..."
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Putting some clues together, Wakka realize that these men are cultists of Talos, the Stormlord. But they are honest in letting you be if you help them move the cargo (You had two above-the-needed-DC Persuasion checks! Besides, I figured you all were tired of always doing combat =) If you continue to work with them, everyone give me both an Acrobatics and Athletics check.)
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Athletics: 21
Acrobatics: 30
Manfred looks askance at his friends ‘Manual labour?! Again?!’ he whispers ‘We’re seeing far too much of that recently!’ he sighs, slinging his lute over his shoulder and getting to work.
Acrobatics: 25
Athletics: 15
‘How did you get involved with the Stormlord?’ he asks the pirates conversationally….
Persuasion: 22
The party puts to, hauling crates and barrels. You notice the rest of the crew seem to be taking a break while you work. Manfred finds a pirate who looks like she would be particularly open and starts chatting her up. The halfling's infectious grin and honesty soon have the guard talking.
"Oh, you know, the usual story of no prospects, stupid boys who always slobbered all over me who would never grow up to be good men, a rough trail trying to make it on my own. I met three others here on the road, and we looked out for each other, having to steal food and clothes to survive. Well, one day we all have this same, strange dream promising a better life full of money and power. Eventually we find ourselves here in this group of Talos-followers. We lure unsuspecting ships close to the caves, wreck the ships on the reefs, capture the crew, and drag the wreckage into the caves. Anything worthwhile is salvaged and sold, and the prisoners are either sold to slavers or sacrificed to Talos." She stops and looks away after that last - obviously uncomfortable with this aspect of the operation. "Hey, look if you're sticking around here, stay from the caves to the east of here..." she trails of, then grabs a barrel and walks off after getting a disapproving glare from the man who seems to be overseeing things.
After a couple of hours of labor, you manage to move everything without dropping anything or tripping over the uneven rocks higher up in the cliffs. You notice the tide is coming in, and most of the beach is under water, with water steadily approaching the cave entrances. (What do you want to do? Stick with these cultists on the wrecked ship? Move into the caves? Fix your rowboat and leave? Something else? =)
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
"Whelp, that looks like all of the stuff you wanted moved. You probably didn't notice in all of the hustle and bustle who I am but you're all in for a real treat. I am none other than Bubulae Tallow! I promised a meal and I will fulfill my promise! I am so happy for you all."
(OOC - I can't change the color) Tallow will look at the pirates and wait in anticipation of recognition and applause
‘Hey Wakka… I think we should drag the rowboat into the cave here. I’ll be able to spend some time fixing it up properly then?’ he coughs significantly, ‘Umm, of course, when I say “we” should drag the rowboat in…’ he grins to soften the blow.
"What exactly is in the east that we should be avoiding?" Wakka asked the pirate once she was done talking before pausing mid-step with a crate in his hands. "And why are we doing all of your work!" he huffed at her afterwards.
"Et tu Manfred?" Wakka sighed audibly after the hearing the halfling's request. "Fine. You're right, we should probably fix it before we go exploring on this island. Let me know where to drag it."
"Also..." he added, as he leaned closer to the halfling while Tallow was occupying their attention, "We should probably decide what we're going to do with those pirates. Though they may not seem quite as bad as some of the other cultists we've faced so far, I don't know how I feel about just letting them roam free once we're ready to go. Maybe we should tie them up or something?"
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
While the others engage, Genren listens inquisitively, and he waits sometime on the side. If Tallow and the others keep enough of the pirate attention, he waits for a good moment to slink away as he tries to slink away and snoop around. He'd be looking for any sort of incriminating documents or clues to connection with other cultist groups etc. (if this isn't feasible, then he'll stick close to Tallow while the other two repair the boat. )
Stealth: 17
Investigation: 11
The water is quickly rising as the tide comes in, the sandy beach where you landed now covered in a few inches of water. Your rowboat can by hauled over and tied to the wrecked ship if you want. The cave where you brought the crates and barrels is higher and dry - looks like the tide doesn't get in here, but there is nowhere else to go from here.
The cultists of Talos don’t get a lot of time for relaxation and socializing. They spend most of their time out on the sea, luring unsuspecting ships into the reef, then salvaging the wreckages. So they are pretty excited about the prospects of a decent meal and invite you to come to their barracks. But they warn you to stick with them and not go wandering around - their leader is a zealot and probably a bit crazy. The woman Manfred charmed tells the bard about their leader’s cruelty in dealing with those she deems unworthy.
When Gadrille the Reef-Reaver believes a cultist is lacking the proper amount of faith to be a true servant of Talos, the cultist is dragged to a certain area in the caves and tossed into the water of a blowhole to be judged. Sometimes they are pulled down into the bottom of the shaft, sometimes a geyser of water blows them up through the top of the shaft, and sometimes nothing happens. If nothing happens, Gadrille takes that as a sign Talos approves...
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Wakka dragged the row bot into the cave with the the crates and the other supplies. He didn't like the idea of having the boat out in the open, mysteriously disappear overnight or somehow get dragged out to sea...
While Tallow was cooking up a storm for the cultist, Wakka, as casually as he could, shimmied up to one of the friendlier cultists and tried to pry any more information about the place and the cult as he could. "That Gadrille sounds pretty nasty. Is she the leader of the whole cult? And I'm assuming she's in the Eastern caves where you said not to go no?" He wasn't doing a very good job.
OOC: How many people are in the barracks with us?
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Tallow finishes cooking for everyone and presents the meal with a flourish. He uses a combination of his fine ingredients, skill, and a little bit of prestidigitation to make the meal truly delicious. Tallow will chat with whichever cultist is next to him and ask more about the island and the cult. "Tell me about Talos. As you may know, my people haven't been around long so I am new to the ways of the Gods."
Persuasion 9
Depending how the conversation goes, Tallow will share his story about being created by That-Which-Endures and that Talos and That-Which-Endures would probably be friends because they are all about chaos.
There are 8 cultists in the cave with you. There are 5 bunk beds along the walls, and an old wooden table in the center with some stools and a bench. Not glamorous by any stretch of the imagination! Wakka was given a cold shoulder by the cultists - he was trying too hard and they clammed up around him! Tallow, on the other hand, was attracting more attention with his take on a spicy fish taco - significantly better than the squid stew they were starting to make...
The cultists talk about their operation and the power that Talos will grant them for expanding his power here in the Sword Coast.
**Adding** The cultists are hesitant to reveal much else - they seem genuinely afraid of their leader...**
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
"I didn't want to talk to you either..." Wakka grumbled petulantly to himself after repeatedly being given the cold shoulder. Shuffling back to the others and waiting till they had a bit of privacy, Wakka eventually turned to the grop and whispered, "I wasn't able to get much out of them. Hopefully you all faired better? Either way, we can't play Pirates with these cultists forever and Gods know Stands in Tar is not going to wait on us a second longer than she has to. I say we leave to search the rest of the island once the others fall asleep; either tonight or tomorrow night. Thoughts?"
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
(To clarify - you're in a cave complex in the cliff face on the edge of the Sword Coast - not an island.)
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Whispering to his companions: "Why don't we try to take a bit of a rest and then sneak off at first light. I have a feeling we may need to eventually deal with the leader at some point though."
OOC - have we met the leader? Are they in the cave with us?
(You have not met the leader yet. But you gather she is in the cave complex in her own chambers. There is also a second-in-command in the caves, also with their own chamber, but the low-level cultists are pretty tight-lipped about him for some reason... =)
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?