Your conversations continue through the morning. (OOC: Feel free to continue what you were talking about that day, even though I'm going to push the story forward a little).
Before noon, Port Damali comes in sight. Three Earrings stands by the wheel, looking out at the city, and gathers you all together. This will be a quick visit, she says. We won't be spending the night. If you have business, get it done and be back on the Wavechaser by sundown. She hands two sealed letters to Pockets: Take this one to Hektor Grommen; he has a small smithy not far from the waterfront. Give it to him, and he'll be able to sort out a means of breathing under water. The other is addressed to Juliana Copp, a herbalist who has a shop right on the waterfront.
Mind you don't open the letters. This is business between me and the traders concerned, and private. Paying off old debts, you might say. She smiles, showing her sharp feline teeth.
The ship docks, and Three Earrings meets an official who comes for an inspection; they talk quietly on the pier and you walk down the gangplank. The refugees follow you, gawking at the city. Joao and Elanza look enraptured, Aurelio looks nervous, and the five older refugees just look tired and resigned.
You have only a few hours, enough time to visit the smithy, the herbalist, and perhaps one more location. What would you like to do?
No, mostly I was just thinking you should pick up a spear or trident just in case. The Sahuagin live and thrive underwater, and I figure they probably know how to best fight in that environment.
With that Pockets has a suggestion for the others after they arrive in Port Damali. We could split up. I'd like to go to the Smithy, myself.
I'm always up for a round in a tavern. I'm not interested the weapons as much as getting a drink. I'll ask about this nobleman. You never know what people will let spill over an ale.
Arael looks to Pockets,
Just be sure to get enough of whatever it is you need so we can all go swimming.
"Well, there are a few things I could pick up, so I might go check out the market. I think I have an incantation that could prove pretty valuable to us under water. I just need some charcoal and some incense."
Alright, then. Silent and I will go to the smithy. Keyo will visit the herbalist and pick up his materials along the way. And Arael will check out information on this noble. Seems like we’re all set.
(OOC: Can I roll for finding the tavern/pub? Someplace mid-level, not super-fancy, but not total dive bar? Also, I have zero GP. That's ok, I can ask for a loan, but I didn't know if I should have some.)
You find the smithy without trouble; it's the only one nearby, with others concentrated more in other parts of the city. The building smithy is a bit ramshackle and could do with a touch up - in this it's rather out of place in its surroundings - the neighbouring buildings are lavish and garish in their decoration and colour. But the smithy is busy, which is always a good sign. A human woman is busy hammering at the forge, while a male human speaks quietly to some customers. He smiles and approaches you. New customers, welcome, welcome. Hektor Grommen at your service. What do you need this fine day?
At the herbalist's:
The herbalist's shop is visible from the pier where the Wavechaser is docked. You approach and see a clearly recently-repainted sign above the door: Lorens Copp's Tonics and Remedies. The surname matches your letter, so you push open the door; the inside is fragrant and very clean. A middle-aged half-elf stands behind a counter, furiously cleaning what might be a glass vial in a large basin of water. She smiles as she sees you, takes her hands out and starts to dry them. Good day, young man. How can I help you?
At the tavern
Arael, no need to roll, the dock district of Port Damali - though a bit smelly down by the waterfront - are busy, and most of them are a bit nicer than the part where your previous ship the Blue Torrent was docked. There are a mix of taverns at varying price ranges, and you settle on one called the Light's Marvel which faces due west and no doubt catches the sun well in the evening. At this time of day, it's not too busy inside; there are a few tables with customers - one pair of tieflings, a group of half-orcs and dwarves, and three elderly female gnomes playing cards. A half-elf at the bar glances up as you enter, nods, and resumes wiping the surface lazily.
Pockets hands the smith the letter with a smile. We've been sent by Captain Three Earrings to pick up some supplies. On an unrelated note, do you happen to have any tridents or spears available?
Arael saunters up to the barkeep and perches on a barstool.
(OOC: Scanning the tables, how well dressed are the groups and are any groups particularly loud or secretive? Do any of them seem to notice/care about Arael's entrance?)
Hello friend. It's been a rough few days, could a girl trouble you for a drink?
The smith frowns; I don't recognise the name. We do have tridents and spears, he points to a rack on one wall which holds a number of ordinary-looking weapons. He opens the letter and goes as white as a sheet; he almost drops the letter. I... um... yes. Yes, of course. Please wait here a moment. He practically runs off into a back room, and you hear signs of things being moved and opened. The woman looks at you curiously, but continues with her work.
A short time later, Hektor returns carry a large round object, a translucent bubble-like sphere. Here, sir. Umm, just the one or... how many did you need?
At the tavern:
The groups are modestly dressed, neither poor nor wealthy. The elderly women are gossiping and laughing loudly. The others look relaxed and are enjoying the drink and seemingly friendly conversation. Make a Perception check.
Sure thing, love, the half-elf replies. What do you need? We got a couple different ales and wines, the usual. You hungry? We do a good fish dinner. She never stops idly cleaning the bar as she speaks.
Silent raises his eyebrows at Pockets before turning to Hektor. 4 should do it... hopefully that's within our budget. Everything all right by the way? Look like you saw a ghost for a second there, heh.
Just a mug of ale is fine, for now. But I appreciate the heads up on the fish dinner. I'm actually looking for a bit of information. A friend told me a local noble was looking to hire somebody for some treasure hunting.
I don't trust anybody, I'm sure you can understand. I was looking to find out some info about the man before I went looking to apply for this job. Do you know anything about a Collector 'round these parts?
Oh, there's no charge for the helmets, Hektor says very quickly. No, no charge at all. Wouldn't dream of it. Please give my regards to your fine captain. No, nothing is amiss at all, please rest assured of that.
And the weapons... he blanches again as the women stops her work to give him a steady look. I mean... perhaps... would you be willing to pay half price? Just to cover costs, you understand. The woman rolls her eyes and resumes her work.
(A spear normally costs 1 gold piece, so he will sell one for 5 silver. A trident is 5 gold, so will cost 2 gold 5 silver. Both will function well underwater and avoid the penalty that most other weapons have. However, check you have proficiency to use it - a spear is a simple weapon, a trident is a martial weapon.)
At the tavern:
Arael, the half-elf gives you a curious stare. Nobles are strange, and always wanting weird stuff. Not heard nothing recent about one hiring for collecting, mind. He shrugs, and hands you your ale. This guy have a name?
(OOC: Mark off 4 copper pieces for the ale. If you started with 2 gold, that would leave you with 1 gold, 9 silver and 6 copper)
No-one is paying particular attention to you, other than the bartender. The tieflings look like they're engrossed in conversation, and you notice that one of them has hung her pack over her chair behind her in a way that might it might be lifted if one wanted to do so.
Silent will test the weight of one of the spears. Yeah,this really takes me back, he says with a smile. He will lean forward and hand Hektor a full gold piece for it instead of 5 silver.
With his voice lowered to a whisper, he will add We're new employees of this captain you seem to know. You willing to share some information with us? In total confidence, of course. If she's someone you wouldn't want to cross... I'd like to know about it.
Your conversations continue through the morning. (OOC: Feel free to continue what you were talking about that day, even though I'm going to push the story forward a little).
Before noon, Port Damali comes in sight. Three Earrings stands by the wheel, looking out at the city, and gathers you all together. This will be a quick visit, she says. We won't be spending the night. If you have business, get it done and be back on the Wavechaser by sundown. She hands two sealed letters to Pockets: Take this one to Hektor Grommen; he has a small smithy not far from the waterfront. Give it to him, and he'll be able to sort out a means of breathing under water. The other is addressed to Juliana Copp, a herbalist who has a shop right on the waterfront.
Mind you don't open the letters. This is business between me and the traders concerned, and private. Paying off old debts, you might say. She smiles, showing her sharp feline teeth.
The ship docks, and Three Earrings meets an official who comes for an inspection; they talk quietly on the pier and you walk down the gangplank. The refugees follow you, gawking at the city. Joao and Elanza look enraptured, Aurelio looks nervous, and the five older refugees just look tired and resigned.
You have only a few hours, enough time to visit the smithy, the herbalist, and perhaps one more location. What would you like to do?
No, mostly I was just thinking you should pick up a spear or trident just in case. The Sahuagin live and thrive underwater, and I figure they probably know how to best fight in that environment.
With that Pockets has a suggestion for the others after they arrive in Port Damali. We could split up. I'd like to go to the Smithy, myself.
Fair point. Wouldn't mind going to the Smithy myself, maybe scope out the spears and armor they have.
But, if we want to gather some intel on Lord Whatshisname... one of us could do some snooping around, maybe in some of the local taverns.
I'm always up for a round in a tavern. I'm not interested the weapons as much as getting a drink. I'll ask about this nobleman. You never know what people will let spill over an ale.
Arael looks to Pockets,
Just be sure to get enough of whatever it is you need so we can all go swimming.
Pockets nods in agreement with Arael. What about you, Keyo?
"Well, there are a few things I could pick up, so I might go check out the market. I think I have an incantation that could prove pretty valuable to us under water. I just need some charcoal and some incense."
Alright, then. Silent and I will go to the smithy. Keyo will visit the herbalist and pick up his materials along the way. And Arael will check out information on this noble. Seems like we’re all set.
(OOC: Can I roll for finding the tavern/pub? Someplace mid-level, not super-fancy, but not total dive bar? Also, I have zero GP. That's ok, I can ask for a loan, but I didn't know if I should have some.)
(OOC: Pockets can spare a gold or two.)
Pockets and Silent descend the gangplank and head into Port Damali in pursuit of one Hektor Grommen, smithy.
At the smithy:
You find the smithy without trouble; it's the only one nearby, with others concentrated more in other parts of the city. The building smithy is a bit ramshackle and could do with a touch up - in this it's rather out of place in its surroundings - the neighbouring buildings are lavish and garish in their decoration and colour. But the smithy is busy, which is always a good sign. A human woman is busy hammering at the forge, while a male human speaks quietly to some customers. He smiles and approaches you. New customers, welcome, welcome. Hektor Grommen at your service. What do you need this fine day?
At the herbalist's:
The herbalist's shop is visible from the pier where the Wavechaser is docked. You approach and see a clearly recently-repainted sign above the door: Lorens Copp's Tonics and Remedies. The surname matches your letter, so you push open the door; the inside is fragrant and very clean. A middle-aged half-elf stands behind a counter, furiously cleaning what might be a glass vial in a large basin of water. She smiles as she sees you, takes her hands out and starts to dry them. Good day, young man. How can I help you?
At the tavern
Arael, no need to roll, the dock district of Port Damali - though a bit smelly down by the waterfront - are busy, and most of them are a bit nicer than the part where your previous ship the Blue Torrent was docked. There are a mix of taverns at varying price ranges, and you settle on one called the Light's Marvel which faces due west and no doubt catches the sun well in the evening. At this time of day, it's not too busy inside; there are a few tables with customers - one pair of tieflings, a group of half-orcs and dwarves, and three elderly female gnomes playing cards. A half-elf at the bar glances up as you enter, nods, and resumes wiping the surface lazily.
Pockets hands the smith the letter with a smile. We've been sent by Captain Three Earrings to pick up some supplies. On an unrelated note, do you happen to have any tridents or spears available?
Arael saunters up to the barkeep and perches on a barstool.
(OOC: Scanning the tables, how well dressed are the groups and are any groups particularly loud or secretive? Do any of them seem to notice/care about Arael's entrance?)
Hello friend. It's been a rough few days, could a girl trouble you for a drink?
At the smithy:
The smith frowns; I don't recognise the name. We do have tridents and spears, he points to a rack on one wall which holds a number of ordinary-looking weapons. He opens the letter and goes as white as a sheet; he almost drops the letter. I... um... yes. Yes, of course. Please wait here a moment. He practically runs off into a back room, and you hear signs of things being moved and opened. The woman looks at you curiously, but continues with her work.
A short time later, Hektor returns carry a large round object, a translucent bubble-like sphere. Here, sir. Umm, just the one or... how many did you need?
At the tavern:
The groups are modestly dressed, neither poor nor wealthy. The elderly women are gossiping and laughing loudly. The others look relaxed and are enjoying the drink and seemingly friendly conversation. Make a Perception check.
Sure thing, love, the half-elf replies. What do you need? We got a couple different ales and wines, the usual. You hungry? We do a good fish dinner. She never stops idly cleaning the bar as she speaks.
(OOC: You can see tavern prices in the PHB here: https://www.dndbeyond.com/sources/phb/equipment#FoodDrinkandLodging)
Silent raises his eyebrows at Pockets before turning to Hektor. 4 should do it... hopefully that's within our budget. Everything all right by the way? Look like you saw a ghost for a second there, heh.
Perception 15
Just a mug of ale is fine, for now. But I appreciate the heads up on the fish dinner. I'm actually looking for a bit of information. A friend told me a local noble was looking to hire somebody for some treasure hunting.
I don't trust anybody, I'm sure you can understand. I was looking to find out some info about the man before I went looking to apply for this job. Do you know anything about a Collector 'round these parts?
Pockets returns Silent's sidelong glance. I agree, four should suffice. Is something the miss, sir?
At the smithy:
Oh, there's no charge for the helmets, Hektor says very quickly. No, no charge at all. Wouldn't dream of it. Please give my regards to your fine captain. No, nothing is amiss at all, please rest assured of that.
And the weapons... he blanches again as the women stops her work to give him a steady look. I mean... perhaps... would you be willing to pay half price? Just to cover costs, you understand. The woman rolls her eyes and resumes her work.
(A spear normally costs 1 gold piece, so he will sell one for 5 silver. A trident is 5 gold, so will cost 2 gold 5 silver. Both will function well underwater and avoid the penalty that most other weapons have. However, check you have proficiency to use it - a spear is a simple weapon, a trident is a martial weapon.)
At the tavern:
Arael, the half-elf gives you a curious stare. Nobles are strange, and always wanting weird stuff. Not heard nothing recent about one hiring for collecting, mind. He shrugs, and hands you your ale. This guy have a name?
(OOC: Mark off 4 copper pieces for the ale. If you started with 2 gold, that would leave you with 1 gold, 9 silver and 6 copper)
No-one is paying particular attention to you, other than the bartender. The tieflings look like they're engrossed in conversation, and you notice that one of them has hung her pack over her chair behind her in a way that might it might be lifted if one wanted to do so.
Silent will test the weight of one of the spears. Yeah, this really takes me back, he says with a smile. He will lean forward and hand Hektor a full gold piece for it instead of 5 silver.
With his voice lowered to a whisper, he will add We're new employees of this captain you seem to know. You willing to share some information with us? In total confidence, of course. If she's someone you wouldn't want to cross... I'd like to know about it.
The blacksmith hands over the fourth and last of the strange bubble devices. He looks at Silent and swallows. Silent, make a Persuasion check.