Del relays what he knows as they get underway in the morning We should have lodging at the Abbey, it is plain but friendly. The bad news is that we'll be walking into some unrest. Kids are supposedly being recruited for piracy - which sounds to me like a hag-scam in disguise. If you remember that fat-cat Lord Flaume from the big court meeting, the oligarchs are squeezing the workers, many are out of work and ogres and soldiers are in place to suppress protest. Pirates are free to raid up the river. So the Red Sails business seems to fit into a pattern of bad news. The assistant Abbess sends that they are in need of heroes, which I guess means us amateurs.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
"I'd hardly call us amateurs anymore." Quentin tells Del looking at his pocketbook as he says, "I don't have enough funds to scribe any spells of note at this moment. I will need to replenish my gold before I can do any of that. I just hope we can safely start picking out more and more of the hag's resources. Cut off their supplies and they will not be as powerful anymore."
Raven listens to a long lecture by Allistane on the conduct and behavior he expects of a wielder, and then listens to him nostalgically laud the praises of the elves who have wielded him in the past. He then says he approves of the party's mission and goals, as well as the new scabbard, and finally yawns and shuts up. As Raven falls asleep, she feels a new power, and a special attunement with the phases of the moon...she realizes that the half moon (and whatever terrible event the captured hags hinted at) is only two days away. She also knows she no longer needs to fear the full moon. She can feel the power of the bear, still in her blood, but now tamed by her bond with the sword.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
((re gold - did you take a share from the siege haul? it was 846gp worth of small coins; 632gold))
It is half ironic, my Lordly Bother Del replies to Q It makes me laugh to think of Lt Hooleran scolding us right before we solved the case. An the other half? Well, you say "anymore" but we are pretty new at this. We met about 25 days ago in that carriage. We have grown in skill and ability faster than any legend I recall. But still, basically kids, and it is us, not the great and mighty, that stand between the innocent and the Archwitch. Amateurs means we are taking on responsibility voluntarily, when those with the duty won't even believe us
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
(I did not. Must have forgot with all the Zanderfell stuff going on. What is the total amount again?)
Quentin chuckles as he says, “Unless we found gold after the siege, I’m afraid if we did I might have forgotten to take my share while dealing within Zanderfell. I’m constantly in need of more gold for Inks and paper for my spellbooks. There is a lot to copy over from Melvarins as well as put in my backup book as well. And well it is quite expensive, 600 gold just to copy over his three strongest spells.”
(So, does Quentin pick up some ink on the way to the boat?)
Captain Bampf and his crew gnomes cast off from the docks and head down river. His riverboat, the Tricky Trout, seems to live up to its reputation for speed. Soon you are cruising down the river, passing by barges and cargo boats at an exhilarating speed. The current carries you, and the crew (cousins of thiers, Skizzix tells you) seem to know how to coax every last bit of acceleration out of the light winds, constantly adjusting the sails to shifting conditions.
The hours go by and the sun climbs higher. Along the riverbanks, you can sometimes see lonely farms or fishers casting their nets, but for the most part, it's the untamed wilderness of the Westwoods. Trees lean over the river, curtains of moss and ivy trailing down into the water. Along the shores, you can see animals coming down to drink, kingfishers fluttering on branches near the bank, diving to snap up minnows, and waterfowl swimming in the shallows. At one point, a small herd of deer bursts from the forest and leaps into the water, swimming across the river all around the Trout. You can hear the snarling of whatever predator they are evading, though you can't see it through the shadowed underbrush. Fish leap from the water, flashing in the sunlight, only to splash down and out of sight into their watery haven. "If you're ever not in a hurry, we also offer fishing and hunting expeditions," says Captain Bampf hopefully.
Around noon, the woods thin out, and you see more farms and residences. Eventually, you notice a barricade across the river. Heavy wooden pilings have been driven into the river bed, rope nets strung between them. Beyond the net, you can see that the river runs through a city. There is a dock with many boats lined up beside it.
A riverboat propelled by several sets of oars moves toward you. From its deck, his voice magnified by magic, an official shouts, "By the order of the Mayor of Flitheret, please tie up at the dock. Your cargo will be assessed, and your toll determined. You may not proceed until you have paid your toll."
"What the--? When did this start? You pompous, greedy bureaucratic pikefish!" shouts the captain indignantly. Then, aside to the crew, the party and Skizziks, he mutters, "It's probably better if they don't get a look into the cargo hold..."
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
Amid the general strife Del reports many are taking counterproductively selfish measures - patience and restraint are helpful. But to help you, we need to know the cargo and the customer. The hag conspiracy may be using unwitting intermediaries - we won't make you lose your fees or lading - but we need to know what we are hiding
Thinking back, Del adds Speaking of what we heard at the Hall, the river also has pirates and a scaly monster as we get downstream. No guarantee of a pleasure cruise...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
"Nothing like that," Bampf says hastily, and still very quietly. "Several of the jewelers in Yonpinagel asked us to sell some of their...raw materials, and bring back food and supplies. We have bars of gold and platinum for ballast. I have a feeling this bunch will take a pretty hefty toll if they find it. And rumors might spread if anyone knows what we're carrying."
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
"We'll do our best to make sure they don't find out," said Elwin, gritting his teeth while hoping they actually could do something to prevent the exposure.
Yes, Quentin bought and then immediately used 400 gp worth of ink to copy over, Remove Curse, Shield, and Leomund's Secret Chest over the travel. As they are stopped and told the predicament Quentin nods as he says, "Distract them and we can hide. Del get the tapestry up and we'll put it in there for now."
It would be great to have one of those illusion spells I put off learning Del thinks aloud And charm is risky. Ooo - is the 'ballast' laid flat, such as beasts could walk on it? He asks Bampf. Assuming yes (it should be if they follow good shiploading practices) Lord Mindartis, lay down straw from our tap-a-stable; I canConjuresome fearsome beasts to fill the space plus Bongo and Laughtrack if need be; we say the Zoo of Yonpinigel is selling some predators they cannot afford to feed off to the menagerie of some rich toff in S.C.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & -Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
The stuff is crated up and lying flat on the floor of the lower deck. As Bampf and his crew bicker with the official on the boat, and then pull up to the dock to wait their turn to be searched, you have plenty of time to make whatever arrangements you choose.
As much as Captain Bampf shouts about the delay and demands that the customs inspectors get on with it, the closer you get to the front of the line, the more he sweats. Finally, you are at the front of the line, and a team of inspectors and bodyguards prepares to board the Tricky Trout. Bampf nervously asks, "Will one of you talk to them? I'm really not very good at ly-- er, dealing with legal complications."
The boat is tied up to the dock and the inspectors tromp on board, looking around suspiciously. The leader of the customs team asks in a bored tone, "What cargo and destination?"
(Anyone speaking to the inspectors should roll deception, intimidation, persuasion, or whatever seems most pertinent to your approach.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
((Q also a good idea, we can do both - real cargo hidden, replaced by something believable and repellent))
The hold just has a clutter of giant spiders Del says truthfully after we make it true The Zoo has had bad business and complained about feeding their dangerous animals (also true) We are passengers - the spiders are in my care - heading for Slate City. Yonpinigel needs revenue, and some magnates in S.C. have extra, and have been using unique security, as you may have heard (all true!) Let me show you Del has a deck hand open the hatch Not too wide, please, they probably won't bite you but they are better off below decks. I hope the assessment isn't too high - we could pay with one of the spiders if it is more coin than we can afford. You will have to be careful of the fangs, mind.
Elwin sat in a corner, leaning back comfortably in his (magically) gleaming armor, doing his best to look like a noble passenger bored to death by the search. "You'd think they could speed these searches up," he grumbled under his breath, trying to be just loud enough to be overheard.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
11419
The head of the inspection team looks down into the hatch with no sign of fear, and goes below to inspect. Her bodyguards refrain from following, shuffling nervously on deck.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
The inspector comes above, having noticed nothing untoward. "Livestock, Exotic: 5 silver per head. I saw ten creatures below, you owe the base toll of 10 gold, plus 5 gold cargo assessment." Captain Bampf pays out the 15 gp toll with a token show of reluctance and grumbling, but evident relief on his face. Fortunately, the inspector pays no attention to the slightly suspicious attitude, and the team leaves. The Tricky Trout is allowed to pass through the checkpoint.
Soon you are sailing through the city of Flitheret, Captain Bampf cursing about the wasted hour, but thanking you for your ingenuity and clever deception. "Those pikes would have skinned us something terrible if they know what we were carrying below," he says. "Probably would have lost a third of the food we are meant to bring back to the city. A lot more people will be able to feed their families, thanks to you."
Cargo and fishing docks line parts of the river, and you can see what look like some common areas, before the buildings on the banks give way to what seem to be homes of the wealthy. Eventually, you come to more docks and another barricade, but as you are leaving the city, you are permitted to pass through without further interruption of your journey.
The river quickly carries you out of the populated region and back into the wilderness.
At one point, you see a boat that seems to be hidden beneath overhanging branches. "River pirates," says Captain Bampf with some trepidation. "The Trout can outrun them...probably." But it seems there is no need. The river pirates don't even bother to try chasing you down. "Maybe someone from the city signaled them what cargo we're carrying," one of the gnome crew chuckles. "Not even river pirates would try to steal giant spiders and hyenas."
Your journey goes on, past the evening and into the night. The boat slows, the gnomes keeping careful watch to avoid any unexpected collisions. The only lights are the stars and the almost-half-moon above. (How will you spend your time/night on the boat?)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) WoodElf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2 Last Tree StandingTabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1 Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
Del relays what he knows as they get underway in the morning We should have lodging at the Abbey, it is plain but friendly. The bad news is that we'll be walking into some unrest. Kids are supposedly being recruited for piracy - which sounds to me like a hag-scam in disguise. If you remember that fat-cat Lord Flaume from the big court meeting, the oligarchs are squeezing the workers, many are out of work and ogres and soldiers are in place to suppress protest. Pirates are free to raid up the river. So the Red Sails business seems to fit into a pattern of bad news. The assistant Abbess sends that they are in need of heroes, which I guess means us amateurs.
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
"I'd hardly call us amateurs anymore." Quentin tells Del looking at his pocketbook as he says, "I don't have enough funds to scribe any spells of note at this moment. I will need to replenish my gold before I can do any of that. I just hope we can safely start picking out more and more of the hag's resources. Cut off their supplies and they will not be as powerful anymore."
Before bed Raven will attune to the sword.
(Thought moonblades were attuned as soon as the blade accepted you, so sorry I forgot to have her do so.)
"Need gold?" Mindartis asks Quentin, "I've got a bunch that I haven't used on anything."
Elra Skylash - Human Cleric | Vanzaren Tanidoni - Half Elf Wizard
Mindartis Liadon - Eladrin Barbarian | Naivara Siannodel - Half Elf Ranger
Arrila Evenwood - Half Elf Paladin | Callaphe of Setessa - Human Rogue
Katernin Nemetsk - Aasimar Cleric | Melody - Tiefling Bard
Raven listens to a long lecture by Allistane on the conduct and behavior he expects of a wielder, and then listens to him nostalgically laud the praises of the elves who have wielded him in the past. He then says he approves of the party's mission and goals, as well as the new scabbard, and finally yawns and shuts up. As Raven falls asleep, she feels a new power, and a special attunement with the phases of the moon...she realizes that the half moon (and whatever terrible event the captured hags hinted at) is only two days away. She also knows she no longer needs to fear the full moon. She can feel the power of the bear, still in her blood, but now tamed by her bond with the sword.
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
((re gold - did you take a share from the siege haul? it was 846gp worth of small coins; 632gold))
It is half ironic, my Lordly Bother Del replies to Q It makes me laugh to think of Lt Hooleran scolding us right before we solved the case. An the other half? Well, you say "anymore" but we are pretty new at this. We met about 25 days ago in that carriage. We have grown in skill and ability faster than any legend I recall. But still, basically kids, and it is us, not the great and mighty, that stand between the innocent and the Archwitch. Amateurs means we are taking on responsibility voluntarily, when those with the duty won't even believe us
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
(I did not. Must have forgot with all the Zanderfell stuff going on. What is the total amount again?)
Quentin chuckles as he says, “Unless we found gold after the siege, I’m afraid if we did I might have forgotten to take my share while dealing within Zanderfell. I’m constantly in need of more gold for Inks and paper for my spellbooks. There is a lot to copy over from Melvarins as well as put in my backup book as well. And well it is quite expensive, 600 gold just to copy over his three strongest spells.”
((632 gp + 846 gp worth of small coins = 1478 total... /5 = 295gp and 6sp though of mixed coinage))
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
(So, does Quentin pick up some ink on the way to the boat?)
Captain Bampf and his crew gnomes cast off from the docks and head down river. His riverboat, the Tricky Trout, seems to live up to its reputation for speed. Soon you are cruising down the river, passing by barges and cargo boats at an exhilarating speed. The current carries you, and the crew (cousins of thiers, Skizzix tells you) seem to know how to coax every last bit of acceleration out of the light winds, constantly adjusting the sails to shifting conditions.
The hours go by and the sun climbs higher. Along the riverbanks, you can sometimes see lonely farms or fishers casting their nets, but for the most part, it's the untamed wilderness of the Westwoods. Trees lean over the river, curtains of moss and ivy trailing down into the water. Along the shores, you can see animals coming down to drink, kingfishers fluttering on branches near the bank, diving to snap up minnows, and waterfowl swimming in the shallows. At one point, a small herd of deer bursts from the forest and leaps into the water, swimming across the river all around the Trout. You can hear the snarling of whatever predator they are evading, though you can't see it through the shadowed underbrush. Fish leap from the water, flashing in the sunlight, only to splash down and out of sight into their watery haven. "If you're ever not in a hurry, we also offer fishing and hunting expeditions," says Captain Bampf hopefully.
Around noon, the woods thin out, and you see more farms and residences. Eventually, you notice a barricade across the river. Heavy wooden pilings have been driven into the river bed, rope nets strung between them. Beyond the net, you can see that the river runs through a city. There is a dock with many boats lined up beside it.
A riverboat propelled by several sets of oars moves toward you. From its deck, his voice magnified by magic, an official shouts, "By the order of the Mayor of Flitheret, please tie up at the dock. Your cargo will be assessed, and your toll determined. You may not proceed until you have paid your toll."
"What the--? When did this start? You pompous, greedy bureaucratic pikefish!" shouts the captain indignantly. Then, aside to the crew, the party and Skizziks, he mutters, "It's probably better if they don't get a look into the cargo hold..."
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
Amid the general strife Del reports many are taking counterproductively selfish measures - patience and restraint are helpful. But to help you, we need to know the cargo and the customer. The hag conspiracy may be using unwitting intermediaries - we won't make you lose your fees or lading - but we need to know what we are hiding
Thinking back, Del adds Speaking of what we heard at the Hall, the river also has pirates and a scaly monster as we get downstream. No guarantee of a pleasure cruise...
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
"Nothing like that," Bampf says hastily, and still very quietly. "Several of the jewelers in Yonpinagel asked us to sell some of their...raw materials, and bring back food and supplies. We have bars of gold and platinum for ballast. I have a feeling this bunch will take a pretty hefty toll if they find it. And rumors might spread if anyone knows what we're carrying."
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
"We'll do our best to make sure they don't find out," said Elwin, gritting his teeth while hoping they actually could do something to prevent the exposure.
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
Yes, Quentin bought and then immediately used 400 gp worth of ink to copy over, Remove Curse, Shield, and Leomund's Secret Chest over the travel. As they are stopped and told the predicament Quentin nods as he says, "Distract them and we can hide. Del get the tapestry up and we'll put it in there for now."
It would be great to have one of those illusion spells I put off learning Del thinks aloud And charm is risky. Ooo - is the 'ballast' laid flat, such as beasts could walk on it? He asks Bampf. Assuming yes (it should be if they follow good shiploading practices) Lord Mindartis, lay down straw from our tap-a-stable; I can Conjure some fearsome beasts to fill the space plus Bongo and Laughtrack if need be; we say the Zoo of Yonpinigel is selling some predators they cannot afford to feed off to the menagerie of some rich toff in S.C.
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
The stuff is crated up and lying flat on the floor of the lower deck. As Bampf and his crew bicker with the official on the boat, and then pull up to the dock to wait their turn to be searched, you have plenty of time to make whatever arrangements you choose.
As much as Captain Bampf shouts about the delay and demands that the customs inspectors get on with it, the closer you get to the front of the line, the more he sweats. Finally, you are at the front of the line, and a team of inspectors and bodyguards prepares to board the Tricky Trout. Bampf nervously asks, "Will one of you talk to them? I'm really not very good at ly-- er, dealing with legal complications."
The boat is tied up to the dock and the inspectors tromp on board, looking around suspiciously. The leader of the customs team asks in a bored tone, "What cargo and destination?"
(Anyone speaking to the inspectors should roll deception, intimidation, persuasion, or whatever seems most pertinent to your approach.)
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
((Q also a good idea, we can do both - real cargo hidden, replaced by something believable and repellent))
The hold just has a clutter of giant spiders Del says truthfully after we make it true The Zoo has had bad business and complained about feeding their dangerous animals (also true) We are passengers - the spiders are in my care - heading for Slate City. Yonpinigel needs revenue, and some magnates in S.C. have extra, and have been using unique security, as you may have heard (all true!) Let me show you Del has a deck hand open the hatch Not too wide, please, they probably won't bite you but they are better off below decks. I hope the assessment isn't too high - we could pay with one of the spiders if it is more coin than we can afford. You will have to be careful of the fangs, mind.
Can I get away calling it Persuasion ? 15
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky
Elwin sat in a corner, leaning back comfortably in his (magically) gleaming armor, doing his best to look like a noble passenger bored to death by the search. "You'd think they could speed these searches up," he grumbled under his breath, trying to be just loud enough to be overheard.
(( Deception Check if needed: 8 ))
Tooltips Post (2024 PHB updates) - incl. General Rules
>> New FOW threat & treasure tables: fow-advanced-threat-tables.pdf fow-advanced-treasure-table.pdf
11 4 19
The head of the inspection team looks down into the hatch with no sign of fear, and goes below to inspect. Her bodyguards refrain from following, shuffling nervously on deck.
7
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
The inspector comes above, having noticed nothing untoward. "Livestock, Exotic: 5 silver per head. I saw ten creatures below, you owe the base toll of 10 gold, plus 5 gold cargo assessment." Captain Bampf pays out the 15 gp toll with a token show of reluctance and grumbling, but evident relief on his face. Fortunately, the inspector pays no attention to the slightly suspicious attitude, and the team leaves. The Tricky Trout is allowed to pass through the checkpoint.
Soon you are sailing through the city of Flitheret, Captain Bampf cursing about the wasted hour, but thanking you for your ingenuity and clever deception. "Those pikes would have skinned us something terrible if they know what we were carrying below," he says. "Probably would have lost a third of the food we are meant to bring back to the city. A lot more people will be able to feed their families, thanks to you."
Cargo and fishing docks line parts of the river, and you can see what look like some common areas, before the buildings on the banks give way to what seem to be homes of the wealthy. Eventually, you come to more docks and another barricade, but as you are leaving the city, you are permitted to pass through without further interruption of your journey.
The river quickly carries you out of the populated region and back into the wilderness.
At one point, you see a boat that seems to be hidden beneath overhanging branches. "River pirates," says Captain Bampf with some trepidation. "The Trout can outrun them...probably." But it seems there is no need. The river pirates don't even bother to try chasing you down. "Maybe someone from the city signaled them what cargo we're carrying," one of the gnome crew chuckles. "Not even river pirates would try to steal giant spiders and hyenas."
Your journey goes on, past the evening and into the night. The boat slows, the gnomes keeping careful watch to avoid any unexpected collisions. The only lights are the stars and the almost-half-moon above.
(How will you spend your time/night on the boat?)
Edeleth Treesong (Aldalire) Wood Elf Druid lvl 8 Talaveroth Sub 2
Last Tree Standing Tabaxi Ranger, Chef and Hoardsperson lvl 5, Company of the Dragon Team 1
Choir Kenku Cleric, Tempest Domain, lvl 11, Descent Into Avernus Test Drive
Poinki Goblin Paladin, Redemption, lvl 5, Tales from Talaveroth
Lyrika Nyx Satyr Bard lvl 1, The Six Kingdoms of Talia
Del will use his reaction (cutting words) to lower that high roll by 4 saying Nothing to be worried about innocentlynever mind, missed A's post about what happened
Galanodel Deacon Tosh - Less-than-Half-Elf Bard - & - Flitterbug - Pixie Sorceress : Meanwhile in the Westwoods
Amadow 'Tug' Rioux - Human Psionic Palooka : Revenge Heist - - - Gofer Bayut - Bugbear Paladin Messenger : Shrouded Sky