Getting up from the table Clove excuses himself and steps outside. Letting Koda, the bat, have some time to stretch his wings. Having not done so since their arrival
Funderburk smiles, and accepts the small talk with the sailor, noticing also Clove come outside to enjoy the open air with his beast companion. "My name is Funderburk," he tells the sailor, "I am on a journey now to discover and unfold this mystery surround this 'Death Curse.' Although I am with friends, I am currently trying to understand the ways of the world and its adventurous surroundings, to maybe make myself a successful author to a wonderous book." He walks with the sailor to wherever he goes, telling him of how grateful he is for their help no matter how small, and how life is going in general. Making small talk with the sailor about families and lives. he then gets back to the Death Curse and asks, "If I may sir, have you happened upon any adventurer along their way to find this temple too? We are headed towards a Fort to meet merchant princes to receive any help. Although I believe any helped received is the best help offered." He gives a bow either way, letting the sailor know that he is grateful for the chat and the time he kept Funderburk from boredom.
“Now that we seem to be at the end of our confession round I propose this course of action. We look for a guide and a pack animal tomorrow morning, while Zindar aquires our provisions for overland travel to Fort Beluarian. Once our business there is finished, on way or another, we return here to restock, get a boat and another guide to journey into the jungle. If we have any new information with the Death Curse we will share it with our allies and see if we need to make another strategy.“
Everyone can add 500 xp to your characters for good roleplay and some nice detective work. Each of you is bringing something unique to this digital table.
"Agreed. We should start by securing a guide and a pack animal, as for water would one of those devices Funderburck found earlier work?" As he says this, Boosey refills his cup.
"These Merchant Princes sound fickle and difficult to deal with, might My Lady Sthara be the best person to guide us on this. It would be unfortunate if there were to be a misunderstanding due to unintentional cultural differences." He doesn't look round the party but instead stares into his cup. "And while it may seem I'm not big on trust, it may be wise to keep as much information from them as possible. That would be a fine way of having news of our business spread through the city like wildfire."
"Still, I look now to Fort Beluarian. If my sources are correct, Liara should be able to guide us in the right direction," and he laughs somewhat humourlessly. "Hopefully".
Zindar stands and exhales a deep sigh of relief. Nodding as he goes, he once again looks Allister, Boosey, and Sthara over and says, "Very well. It is settled then. I agree to these terms and will see that everything you need for your journey is brought here. Water device...? Oh, are you referring to a rain catcher? I plan to send two with you. They are invaluable and should be more than enough to keep you hydrated as long as you take care of them." He gestures to the hallway that Captain Horace went down earlier and says, "As I said earlier, you may rest here if you like. The three cabins on the left are vacant and the crew knows you might be here."
Are the merchant princes known by name, or are they hidden? I know that they're supposed to hold sway over specific types of trade in Nyanzaru.
Once the dragonborn has parted and left the party to their own devices, Sthara addresses Boosey.
"I would be happy to work as interpreter for you with the princes. I cannot say whether or not they speak your tongue, but I can ensure all cultural requirements are met so that you do not offend them, in that way at least."
The merchant princes are widely known by many and make no attempt to dissuade that. It's true that they hold sway over specific types of trade, but it's more of a monopoly. Law prohibits other traders from selling those items, punishable by death. I can break down what who sells and all their names if you need that information. There are seven merchant princes. Sthara would know all of this.
Allister tries to stifle a yawn while streching in his chair. „Looks like this evening is coming to end. If you don’t mind I’ll sleep in the first cabin. Good night to all of you.“ Scratching his backside copiously Allister leaves the room and enters his cabin. After undressing he balances his cutlass on the door handle. (Or in any other way that it will fall over and create noise if the door is opened.) Out of habit he keeps his rapier within reach and a dagger under his pillow.
As always, feel free to backup if there was something you wanted to do or say in case I moved the scene too fast. I'm assuming all of you slept in the schooner, but that's not necessarily a must.
The schooner rocks gently on the harbor water throughout the night, which brings a much easier sleep than the rougher waters on the sea between Chult and the mainland of Faerun. The night passes uneventfully and the morning brings a steady rain that plays its pitter-patter rhythm atop the roof of the guest cabins. Voices can be heard out in the hall, as the life of a sailor starts early.
Got it. Yes, can you provide the names and the monopolies they hold, as well as any common knowledge like their demeanor or willingness to interact with strangers? Thanks.
Sthara wakes feeling sick to her stomach.
"Tej is an evil substance."
She makes her way out, into the hall, praying that she find something to quell the unease in her stomach. Whether or not she finds sustenance or someone who can point her in the direction of it, she'll take a seat somewhere out of the way.
Just in case, here are the merchant princes and their respective trades:
Ekene-Afa deals in weapons, shields, traveling gear, rain catchers, saddles, wagons, and canoes. She's and honorable woman who's impressed by physical prowess and often holds impromptu sparring matches in the streets. Ifan Talro’a deals in beasts and beast training. His face is molded into a permanent scowl and seems to trust no one. His prices often go up when trying to barter with him. He is mysterious and publicly holds no love for Wakanga O'tamu nor Ekene-Afa. Jessamine deals in plants, poison, and assassination. Quiet and reserved, this woman might be the most mysterious of all the merchant princes. She prefers to speak through gestures if she can manage it. Jobal deals in guides and sellswords. A greedy man, even by prince standards and the youngest of all the merchant princes. He earned his wealth by, miraculously, being the only one of his caravan to make it back from finding a stunning jungle cache of gold and jewels. Kwayothe deals in fruit, wine, ale, tej, oil, perfume, and insect repellant. She is calm and contemplative. To settle unpaid debts, she personally tortures the debtor with fire or hot coals until the debt is paid or the debtor dies. This is done in the streets for all to see, and she is never without her two, mysterious escorts. Wakanga O'tamu deals in magic and lore. As a dealer in knowledge, he will hear out any story. He's some what of a dandy who is easily seduced by smart women. Zhanthi deals in gems, jewelry, cloth and armor. She claims royal blood in her veins and anyone who disputes it disappears. She loves to barter and is known to trade item for item if she deems the cost equivalent.
Can you make an insight check to see where your past experiences with the princes has gotten you? I'll update the other post with more information in accordance with your roll.
Funderburk awakened, refreshed and ready for the day. He was an early bird, working in the library for so long had taught him much about the blessing the morning can offer. The first thing he did was writing down notes about what had all happened to him from the day before. Ranging from the inn, all the way to the temple to the night on the ship. He got up, and went to the dining hall, hoping to find anyone there to talk to. Perferable not the captain, he just felt off about him. Trusting his friends about the captain instead of the captain himself.
Being in a library all life do I know any of the merchant princes? Such as ones dealing in magic, history, famous inventions?
I don't think it's unreasonable that Funderburk knows of the merchants princes, but none in specific. His knowledge would probably tend to revolve around common book history like that Chult was once a territory of Amn, but became independent after a time. He can probably align those thoughts with the Amnian architecture throughout the port city.
The mess hall is occupied by several of the schooner's crew this morning, all talking among themselves. There's a real sense of camaraderie as they laugh at each other's jokes and fool around. The round windows are open on each side of the mess hall, letting a breeze and some of the rain in on the starboard side. As the party filters in a crewman gestures to the bread and fruit set out on the long table. He laughs and playfully says, "Captain said to feed ya and boot ya out. We're setting out for the outer banks again today." Another crewman cries out, "The outer banks!? We were just there!" and another taunts the second man to speak, "Shut yer pie hole, Collin. Afraid yer gonna fall again? Haha. Rigger my ass." The whole room bursts into laughter at the man's expense.
Allister gets up early, feeling rested and getting slowly used to not worrying about being killed in his sleep. He washes himself quickly and makes his way to the galley to grab something to eat. He goes to his companions‘ cabins, knocking on the doors and shouting „Wake up, lubbers, get ready and come to the mess hall. We got a lot to do today.“ He goes to the din room and waits for the others to arrive.
Having had a decent nights sleep the gnome breakfasts and for once sits for a while enjoying listening to the banter of the crew. "The outer banks?," he asks through a mouthful of bread.. "What is it you've been doing out there to make a man fall out a mast?" and he gives the unfortunate sailor a friendly wink.
The sailor spouts out, "What!? I didn't fall!" then harrumphs his way out into the rain. This only causes the room to explode in more laughter. Through tears in his eyes, the taunter explains that they tied him off after he fell asleep and gave him a little push from on high. He says something more about the rigger swinging like a something, but it's unintelligible through his laughter.
Once everyone has gathered, Sthara will address them all.
"I have given some thought to the merchant princes and I believe I know with whom we should try to meet with."
She holds up three fingers and points to her upright thumb.
"Ekene-Afa. She deals in equipment to travel as well as blades and shields. She is impressed by strength and feeds her desire to see acts of strength by occasionally holding sparring matches in the streets of Port Nyanzaru. Were we to have someone win one of these fights, we might catch her ear."
Sthara moves points to her index finger.
"Wakanga O'tamu. He deals in knowledge, information, lore and magic. His appetite for stories could be a way for us to catch his ear. There is another appetite he has for comely women, which we might also snare him with."
She moves to her last finger.
"Zhanthi. She deals in precious stones, raw and set into jewelry, as well as armor. While there are stories that make her seem dangerous, she loves to do her bartering herself, and if we find something she is interested in gaining, we can trade it for her ear."
She touches a fang with her thumb lost in thought, before adding another name.
"Jessamine is another. I do not think that she is one whose ear we should try and catch, but if there was any of the princes who is most likely to be suffering from the curse, it might be her. She deals in plants and poisons, as well as their application, if you understand me. She is, in my opinion, the closest to Death."
Getting up from the table Clove excuses himself and steps outside. Letting Koda, the bat, have some time to stretch his wings. Having not done so since their arrival
Funderburk smiles, and accepts the small talk with the sailor, noticing also Clove come outside to enjoy the open air with his beast companion. "My name is Funderburk," he tells the sailor, "I am on a journey now to discover and unfold this mystery surround this 'Death Curse.' Although I am with friends, I am currently trying to understand the ways of the world and its adventurous surroundings, to maybe make myself a successful author to a wonderous book." He walks with the sailor to wherever he goes, telling him of how grateful he is for their help no matter how small, and how life is going in general. Making small talk with the sailor about families and lives. he then gets back to the Death Curse and asks, "If I may sir, have you happened upon any adventurer along their way to find this temple too? We are headed towards a Fort to meet merchant princes to receive any help. Although I believe any helped received is the best help offered." He gives a bow either way, letting the sailor know that he is grateful for the chat and the time he kept Funderburk from boredom.
Made you look.
“Now that we seem to be at the end of our confession round I propose this course of action. We look for a guide and a pack animal tomorrow morning, while Zindar aquires our provisions for overland travel to Fort Beluarian. Once our business there is finished, on way or another, we return here to restock, get a boat and another guide to journey into the jungle. If we have any new information with the Death Curse we will share it with our allies and see if we need to make another strategy.“
Everyone can add 500 xp to your characters for good roleplay and some nice detective work. Each of you is bringing something unique to this digital table.
"Agreed. We should start by securing a guide and a pack animal, as for water would one of those devices Funderburck found earlier work?" As he says this, Boosey refills his cup.
"These Merchant Princes sound fickle and difficult to deal with, might My Lady Sthara be the best person to guide us on this. It would be unfortunate if there were to be a misunderstanding due to unintentional cultural differences." He doesn't look round the party but instead stares into his cup. "And while it may seem I'm not big on trust, it may be wise to keep as much information from them as possible. That would be a fine way of having news of our business spread through the city like wildfire."
"Still, I look now to Fort Beluarian. If my sources are correct, Liara should be able to guide us in the right direction," and he laughs somewhat humourlessly. "Hopefully".
Zindar stands and exhales a deep sigh of relief. Nodding as he goes, he once again looks Allister, Boosey, and Sthara over and says, "Very well. It is settled then. I agree to these terms and will see that everything you need for your journey is brought here. Water device...? Oh, are you referring to a rain catcher? I plan to send two with you. They are invaluable and should be more than enough to keep you hydrated as long as you take care of them." He gestures to the hallway that Captain Horace went down earlier and says, "As I said earlier, you may rest here if you like. The three cabins on the left are vacant and the crew knows you might be here."
"Many thanks to you, Zindar."
@DM:
Are the merchant princes known by name, or are they hidden? I know that they're supposed to hold sway over specific types of trade in Nyanzaru.
Once the dragonborn has parted and left the party to their own devices, Sthara addresses Boosey.
"I would be happy to work as interpreter for you with the princes. I cannot say whether or not they speak your tongue, but I can ensure all cultural requirements are met so that you do not offend them, in that way at least."
Sthara:
The merchant princes are widely known by many and make no attempt to dissuade that. It's true that they hold sway over specific types of trade, but it's more of a monopoly. Law prohibits other traders from selling those items, punishable by death. I can break down what who sells and all their names if you need that information. There are seven merchant princes. Sthara would know all of this.
Allister tries to stifle a yawn while streching in his chair. „Looks like this evening is coming to end. If you don’t mind I’ll sleep in the first cabin. Good night to all of you.“ Scratching his backside copiously Allister leaves the room and enters his cabin. After undressing he balances his cutlass on the door handle. (Or in any other way that it will fall over and create noise if the door is opened.) Out of habit he keeps his rapier within reach and a dagger under his pillow.
Day One:
As always, feel free to backup if there was something you wanted to do or say in case I moved the scene too fast. I'm assuming all of you slept in the schooner, but that's not necessarily a must.
The schooner rocks gently on the harbor water throughout the night, which brings a much easier sleep than the rougher waters on the sea between Chult and the mainland of Faerun. The night passes uneventfully and the morning brings a steady rain that plays its pitter-patter rhythm atop the roof of the guest cabins. Voices can be heard out in the hall, as the life of a sailor starts early.
@DM:
Got it. Yes, can you provide the names and the monopolies they hold, as well as any common knowledge like their demeanor or willingness to interact with strangers? Thanks.
Sthara wakes feeling sick to her stomach.
"Tej is an evil substance."
She makes her way out, into the hall, praying that she find something to quell the unease in her stomach. Whether or not she finds sustenance or someone who can point her in the direction of it, she'll take a seat somewhere out of the way.
Sthara:
Just in case, here are the merchant princes and their respective trades:
Ekene-Afa deals in weapons, shields, traveling gear, rain catchers, saddles, wagons, and canoes. She's and honorable woman who's impressed by physical prowess and often holds impromptu sparring matches in the streets.
Ifan Talro’a deals in beasts and beast training. His face is molded into a permanent scowl and seems to trust no one. His prices often go up when trying to barter with him. He is mysterious and publicly holds no love for Wakanga O'tamu nor Ekene-Afa.
Jessamine deals in plants, poison, and assassination. Quiet and reserved, this woman might be the most mysterious of all the merchant princes. She prefers to speak through gestures if she can manage it.
Jobal deals in guides and sellswords. A greedy man, even by prince standards and the youngest of all the merchant princes. He earned his wealth by, miraculously, being the only one of his caravan to make it back from finding a stunning jungle cache of gold and jewels.
Kwayothe deals in fruit, wine, ale, tej, oil, perfume, and insect repellant. She is calm and contemplative. To settle unpaid debts, she personally tortures the debtor with fire or hot coals until the debt is paid or the debtor dies. This is done in the streets for all to see, and she is never without her two, mysterious escorts.
Wakanga O'tamu deals in magic and lore. As a dealer in knowledge, he will hear out any story. He's some what of a dandy who is easily seduced by smart women.
Zhanthi deals in gems, jewelry, cloth and armor. She claims royal blood in her veins and anyone who disputes it disappears. She loves to barter and is known to trade item for item if she deems the cost equivalent.
Sthara:
Can you make an insight check to see where your past experiences with the princes has gotten you? I'll update the other post with more information in accordance with your roll.
Funderburk awakened, refreshed and ready for the day. He was an early bird, working in the library for so long had taught him much about the blessing the morning can offer. The first thing he did was writing down notes about what had all happened to him from the day before. Ranging from the inn, all the way to the temple to the night on the ship. He got up, and went to the dining hall, hoping to find anyone there to talk to. Perferable not the captain, he just felt off about him. Trusting his friends about the captain instead of the captain himself.
Being in a library all life do I know any of the merchant princes? Such as ones dealing in magic, history, famous inventions?
Made you look.
@DM:
Insight 14
I don't think it's unreasonable that Funderburk knows of the merchants princes, but none in specific. His knowledge would probably tend to revolve around common book history like that Chult was once a territory of Amn, but became independent after a time. He can probably align those thoughts with the Amnian architecture throughout the port city.
The mess hall is occupied by several of the schooner's crew this morning, all talking among themselves. There's a real sense of camaraderie as they laugh at each other's jokes and fool around. The round windows are open on each side of the mess hall, letting a breeze and some of the rain in on the starboard side. As the party filters in a crewman gestures to the bread and fruit set out on the long table. He laughs and playfully says, "Captain said to feed ya and boot ya out. We're setting out for the outer banks again today." Another crewman cries out, "The outer banks!? We were just there!" and another taunts the second man to speak, "Shut yer pie hole, Collin. Afraid yer gonna fall again? Haha. Rigger my ass." The whole room bursts into laughter at the man's expense.
Allister gets up early, feeling rested and getting slowly used to not worrying about being killed in his sleep. He washes himself quickly and makes his way to the galley to grab something to eat. He goes to his companions‘ cabins, knocking on the doors and shouting „Wake up, lubbers, get ready and come to the mess hall. We got a lot to do today.“ He goes to the din room and waits for the others to arrive.
Let’s pretend I posted before DM 😉
Having had a decent nights sleep the gnome breakfasts and for once sits for a while enjoying listening to the banter of the crew. "The outer banks?," he asks through a mouthful of bread.. "What is it you've been doing out there to make a man fall out a mast?" and he gives the unfortunate sailor a friendly wink.
The sailor spouts out, "What!? I didn't fall!" then harrumphs his way out into the rain. This only causes the room to explode in more laughter. Through tears in his eyes, the taunter explains that they tied him off after he fell asleep and gave him a little push from on high. He says something more about the rigger swinging like a something, but it's unintelligible through his laughter.
Once everyone has gathered, Sthara will address them all.
"I have given some thought to the merchant princes and I believe I know with whom we should try to meet with."
She holds up three fingers and points to her upright thumb.
"Ekene-Afa. She deals in equipment to travel as well as blades and shields. She is impressed by strength and feeds her desire to see acts of strength by occasionally holding sparring matches in the streets of Port Nyanzaru. Were we to have someone win one of these fights, we might catch her ear."
Sthara moves points to her index finger.
"Wakanga O'tamu. He deals in knowledge, information, lore and magic. His appetite for stories could be a way for us to catch his ear. There is another appetite he has for comely women, which we might also snare him with."
She moves to her last finger.
"Zhanthi. She deals in precious stones, raw and set into jewelry, as well as armor. While there are stories that make her seem dangerous, she loves to do her bartering herself, and if we find something she is interested in gaining, we can trade it for her ear."
She touches a fang with her thumb lost in thought, before adding another name.
"Jessamine is another. I do not think that she is one whose ear we should try and catch, but if there was any of the princes who is most likely to be suffering from the curse, it might be her. She deals in plants and poisons, as well as their application, if you understand me. She is, in my opinion, the closest to Death."