You can all ignore random numbers from me. That's just the gears turning behind the scenes. I'll ask for a roll if you don't automatically make one for something indicated.
The merchant smiles from ear to ear and holds his hands out wide to indicate the rest of the market. His vibrant yellow cloak rises with his hands, giving the facade of wings as he speaks, "Sure to be someone sellin' dis paper you are wantin', but I tell you, dis rain catcher save lives. Da water from the river migh' not be so friendly. Sure you can fit another five pounds in dat pack if da five pounds save you life? eh? eh? Three gold all I ask." As a street merchant, he yells at a passerby trying to sell some more of his products just as he finishes giving Funderburk his pitch. When his attention returns, he attempts to peddle more wares on the two of you, none of which looks like it would be of any use to you in a jungle journey.
Some quick directions from the dock workers gives the party a location for the harbormaster's office. You're to follow the docks east until you come to the end. The harbormaster's office is the large building sitting alone nearest there; the local man claimed it would be impossible to miss. The four of you keep your eyes trained on the scenery about you along the way. Large reptilian creatures move cargo all along the docks and ships are both loading and unloading here and there. Nothing interesting sticks out to the four of you any more than the new sights already afford you, but the last dock sports a pair of impressive schooners. The ships sport flags all bearing the symbol of a fist surrounded by flame - a well known mercenary company based out of Baldur's Gate, a northern city far from here along the Sword Coast.
A well-maintained warehouse sits across from the flaming fist dock. The two story building looks sturdy. It's bottom half is made of stone and any windows have shudders to hold out the storms this area must get. Flaming fist soldiers mill about the crowded area. There are several men who are obviously captains about the area as well, probably checking their respective ships into the port logs.
Allister would know that they are an expensive militia force that are well worth their weight in gold. That being said, they are mercenaries and while loyal to whatever cause hired them they are not unknown to take brides so long as it doesn't compromise their post.
It's unlikely that Allister encountered them in battle. They are efficient forces and any illegal activities on the open seas are smart enough to avoid their positions.
I walk towards one of the captains that stands a bit aside the others. "Greeting, good sir. I see you are an officer with The Flaming Fist, by all means a truly remarkable company with an untarnished reputation. I come to you as a fellow Faerunian because I need help with a delicate matter." I open my hand and show 10 gold pieces. "Since you are about to register your vessel to the harbor log I ask you to make a simple inquiry. I´m interested in a galleon that usually registers under the name of Drunken Triton, hailing from Baldur´s Gate and selling dyes and lamp oil. I want to know if this ship is still anchored and if the whereabouts of the captain are known. Any information leading to a meeting on my terms with said captain is worth another 10 gold pieces. Maybe we can meet this evening in the establishment where you reside during your stay."
Funderburk raises his hands in a polite mannerism, giving a slight bow also to show gratefulness. "Thank you, but I believe my companion has need of me. I shall return back if I do in the end need such a mechanism." He smiles and once more bows. He begins to leave and to stand once more by the Tabaxi, Clove.
"I am in need of maps my friend. Scrolls are always a bonus, but what our group may need is navigation throughout this land."
Funderburk, begins to look around, once more looking for vendors either catching his eye, or selling what he needs. He decides that if he cannot find any, he along with his friend would just continue onwards.
"I do hope," he said, "that our companions intend to come this way. It would be a much unnecessary and bothersome mess to find each other if not so. Especially once it gets dark." With a tired sigh, "And if it has to come to it I could survey the thoughts of creatures and try to find them that way also."
After giving the letter to Captain Fisk, I thank him and tell him not to worry about the delay. As this is a regular port of call for him (?) I might call on his services again periodically and would leave any further correspondence c/o the harbourmaster. I shake his hand and palm a single gold piece into it. "I hope your next voyage is less eventful, sir."
Returning to the others I follow to the harbourmasters office and engage in conversation with Sthara in an attempt to learn more about her and Ubtao. Eventually he sighs and says to her, "You'll have to forgive us all for not seeming very trusting, but our journey here has been rather fraught. We may have a way to remedy that, but you would have to agree to our Vedalken friend reading your thoughts. I know it can be", he waves his hand in the air, making an inarticulate gesture while trying to find the right word, "intrusive, but it could save us a lot of time if we can be sure that you aren't actually planning a sacrifice." He gives her a wink and a gentle smile, "Especially a live gnome sacrifice."
As we approach the office, Boosey can't help be impressed by the Schooners and the slick presentation of the ships and crew. As Allister is talking to a Flaming Fist Captain, I hail a passing crew member, identified by his uniform. "Hello my friend. I can't help but admire your ships here. Anything exciting happen on your travels?"
ooc: I'm assuming Boosey has heard of the Flaming Fist, being from the Sword Coast, but apart from the odd swashbuckling story, knows very little about them.
History check 24 if needed (when you want it to roll badly and crit instead :lol:)
Sthara considers Boosey's suggestion for a moment, touching the pearl at her neck.
"Mistrust is a sign of a weak and damaged heart, but I have faith that I was meant to meet you. He may enter my mind and will see I have no sacrifice in mind."
Her gaze drifts to the ships. Their banners and size make them reminiscent of hulking, wooden dinosaurs. She smiles at the thought.
Clove and Herman, are you guys just quiet or are you having trouble keeping up? Just curious since I'm not hearing much from Herman and even less from Clove. Is the pace alright?
Allister: 7 The well-muscled and tan man in front grins a crooked smile out of the corner of his mouth. The movement is far too easy than it should be, probably from smoking too many cigars for too many years. “Yeah, I’ll ask about your ship; I was just about to head in. Give me…ten minutes?” The man looks you over, pausing over the scars, as he pockets the coin.
Funderburk and Clove: The two of you wander about purchasing various fruits and dried meats to grease a few palms. Asking about a reputable inn gets you a few names, but the Sad Pony comes up many times. The locales claim that the place favours adventurers eager to try their mettle against the forces of nature that surround the port.
A cartographer presents herself in a small stand between a silk cloth merchant and a peddler of small knives. The dwarven woman looks hardy and wild. She visually measures the crowd as they pass by, preferring to let her shop stand signs do the talking for her. As you approach, she stands with a nod and asks quite simply, “Where ya headed?”
Boosey: 6 The crewman politely makes some small talk with Boosey, passing the time. You get the impression that most of his time is spent waiting for his shift to end, rather than dealing with too much trouble. He does make a reference to an interesting bit of information though, "Last time I caught any real trouble in the field was against those pterafolk. Those things make me wish for a post up north in the snow." He shudders visibly at whatever thought he is imagining.
"Well at the moment I do not know. I came here merely for the sake of myself." He looks at her sign and through her wares. "If I may, can I purchase a map of the local area, and the some distance off from this city? That would be of great help to my companions and I."
With the new information of where they may stay, he decides to stay with Clove, after hopefully buying a map, but disappointed in some way or another that he could not find any scrolls. He made sure to not be too disappointed, he knew they couldn't be just found everywhere.
Feeling better about this inn and its reputation made him feel better about himself. He never liked reading the minds of others, but never complained when it is needed in any situation. Funderburk once more began to fidget with his cloak, waiting to buy.
This vendor would have blank paper if tjat's what you mean by scrolls, but if you're referring to magical spell scrolls, that is not something generally found in stores. Like anything though, there are exceptions and that sort of thing would take days of searching and some coin to encourage tongues to wag.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Not weak and damaged enough that trust cannot be found, my Lady", Boosey replies to Sthara. "Being careful is a good way of avoiding trouble, after all. I suspect that we all may come to realise my friends all have bigger hearts than anyone realises. As for my own," and he gives her a quick bow, "I'll leave that for you to decide. Hopefully I might be able to convince you otherwise"
"The Pterafolk?" The way the soldier says the the name makes him shudder, although he does have to bite his tongue for a moment too as his mind works through the many obvious puns.
"Here on Chult? Are they some kind of lizard folk?", he asks, taking a wild stab in the dark. "If they give soldiers such as yourselves trouble, they must be wild indeed! What are they like?"
History check (if needed) on Pterafolk 23
At some point after this (if the soldier replies and at the end of any conversation), I suggest that if Allister gets what he's looking for from the Captain, that we head towards the market to see if we can find Funderburk and Clove. "They may have found us a suitable Inn by now."
Clove and Herman, are you guys just quiet or are you having trouble keeping up? Just curious since I'm not hearing much from Herman and even less from Clove. Is the pace alright?
ooc: FOr me it is difficult to keep up: especially because it looks like you all have been posting much when I am asleep (I am from Italy). Anyway, trying to keep up.
Ath the moment It's actually good that Herman is not very talkative
Herman waits ten minutes with Allister, while also listening (a little worried but also amazed) at this pterafolk he know nothing about
You can all ignore random numbers from me. That's just the gears turning behind the scenes. I'll ask for a roll if you don't automatically make one for something indicated.
The merchant smiles from ear to ear and holds his hands out wide to indicate the rest of the market. His vibrant yellow cloak rises with his hands, giving the facade of wings as he speaks, "Sure to be someone sellin' dis paper you are wantin', but I tell you, dis rain catcher save lives. Da water from the river migh' not be so friendly. Sure you can fit another five pounds in dat pack if da five pounds save you life? eh? eh? Three gold all I ask." As a street merchant, he yells at a passerby trying to sell some more of his products just as he finishes giving Funderburk his pitch. When his attention returns, he attempts to peddle more wares on the two of you, none of which looks like it would be of any use to you in a jungle journey.
@DM
Can I make a Perception check to see if Ubtao's emblem appears anywhere here at the docks? It's a 17 if I'm able.
Some quick directions from the dock workers gives the party a location for the harbormaster's office. You're to follow the docks east until you come to the end. The harbormaster's office is the large building sitting alone nearest there; the local man claimed it would be impossible to miss. The four of you keep your eyes trained on the scenery about you along the way. Large reptilian creatures move cargo all along the docks and ships are both loading and unloading here and there. Nothing interesting sticks out to the four of you any more than the new sights already afford you, but the last dock sports a pair of impressive schooners. The ships sport flags all bearing the symbol of a fist surrounded by flame - a well known mercenary company based out of Baldur's Gate, a northern city far from here along the Sword Coast.
A well-maintained warehouse sits across from the flaming fist dock. The two story building looks sturdy. It's bottom half is made of stone and any windows have shudders to hold out the storms this area must get. Flaming fist soldiers mill about the crowded area. There are several men who are obviously captains about the area as well, probably checking their respective ships into the port logs.
@DM:
Do I know more about the mercenaries? Any affiliations that hinder or further my investigations? Have I ever encountered them in battle?
Allister would know that they are an expensive militia force that are well worth their weight in gold. That being said, they are mercenaries and while loyal to whatever cause hired them they are not unknown to take brides so long as it doesn't compromise their post.
It's unlikely that Allister encountered them in battle. They are efficient forces and any illegal activities on the open seas are smart enough to avoid their positions.
I walk towards one of the captains that stands a bit aside the others. "Greeting, good sir. I see you are an officer with The Flaming Fist, by all means a truly remarkable company with an untarnished reputation. I come to you as a fellow Faerunian because I need help with a delicate matter." I open my hand and show 10 gold pieces. "Since you are about to register your vessel to the harbor log I ask you to make a simple inquiry. I´m interested in a galleon that usually registers under the name of Drunken Triton, hailing from Baldur´s Gate and selling dyes and lamp oil. I want to know if this ship is still anchored and if the whereabouts of the captain are known. Any information leading to a meeting on my terms with said captain is worth another 10 gold pieces. Maybe we can meet this evening in the establishment where you reside during your stay."
Funderburk raises his hands in a polite mannerism, giving a slight bow also to show gratefulness. "Thank you, but I believe my companion has need of me. I shall return back if I do in the end need such a mechanism." He smiles and once more bows. He begins to leave and to stand once more by the Tabaxi, Clove.
"I am in need of maps my friend. Scrolls are always a bonus, but what our group may need is navigation throughout this land."
Funderburk, begins to look around, once more looking for vendors either catching his eye, or selling what he needs. He decides that if he cannot find any, he along with his friend would just continue onwards.
"I do hope," he said, "that our companions intend to come this way. It would be a much unnecessary and bothersome mess to find each other if not so. Especially once it gets dark." With a tired sigh, "And if it has to come to it I could survey the thoughts of creatures and try to find them that way also."
Made you look.
@DM
After giving the letter to Captain Fisk, I thank him and tell him not to worry about the delay. As this is a regular port of call for him (?) I might call on his services again periodically and would leave any further correspondence c/o the harbourmaster. I shake his hand and palm a single gold piece into it. "I hope your next voyage is less eventful, sir."
Returning to the others I follow to the harbourmasters office and engage in conversation with Sthara in an attempt to learn more about her and Ubtao. Eventually he sighs and says to her, "You'll have to forgive us all for not seeming very trusting, but our journey here has been rather fraught. We may have a way to remedy that, but you would have to agree to our Vedalken friend reading your thoughts. I know it can be", he waves his hand in the air, making an inarticulate gesture while trying to find the right word, "intrusive, but it could save us a lot of time if we can be sure that you aren't actually planning a sacrifice." He gives her a wink and a gentle smile, "Especially a live gnome sacrifice."
As we approach the office, Boosey can't help be impressed by the Schooners and the slick presentation of the ships and crew. As Allister is talking to a Flaming Fist Captain, I hail a passing crew member, identified by his uniform. "Hello my friend. I can't help but admire your ships here. Anything exciting happen on your travels?"
ooc: I'm assuming Boosey has heard of the Flaming Fist, being from the Sword Coast, but apart from the odd swashbuckling story, knows very little about them.
History check 24 if needed (when you want it to roll badly and crit instead :lol:)
Sthara considers Boosey's suggestion for a moment, touching the pearl at her neck.
"Mistrust is a sign of a weak and damaged heart, but I have faith that I was meant to meet you. He may enter my mind and will see I have no sacrifice in mind."
Her gaze drifts to the ships. Their banners and size make them reminiscent of hulking, wooden dinosaurs. She smiles at the thought.
Clove and Herman, are you guys just quiet or are you having trouble keeping up? Just curious since I'm not hearing much from Herman and even less from Clove. Is the pace alright?
Allister: 7 The well-muscled and tan man in front grins a crooked smile out of the corner of his mouth. The movement is far too easy than it should be, probably from smoking too many cigars for too many years. “Yeah, I’ll ask about your ship; I was just about to head in. Give me…ten minutes?” The man looks you over, pausing over the scars, as he pockets the coin.
Funderburk and Clove: The two of you wander about purchasing various fruits and dried meats to grease a few palms. Asking about a reputable inn gets you a few names, but the Sad Pony comes up many times. The locales claim that the place favours adventurers eager to try their mettle against the forces of nature that surround the port.
A cartographer presents herself in a small stand between a silk cloth merchant and a peddler of small knives. The dwarven woman looks hardy and wild. She visually measures the crowd as they pass by, preferring to let her shop stand signs do the talking for her. As you approach, she stands with a nod and asks quite simply, “Where ya headed?”
Boosey: 6 The crewman politely makes some small talk with Boosey, passing the time. You get the impression that most of his time is spent waiting for his shift to end, rather than dealing with too much trouble. He does make a reference to an interesting bit of information though, "Last time I caught any real trouble in the field was against those pterafolk. Those things make me wish for a post up north in the snow." He shudders visibly at whatever thought he is imagining.
"I say go ahead and buy a local map. Then we wait around for the others and to shop for some new clothing.
Turning from Funderburk towards the harbor patiently waiting for their companions while the wizard continues to check for maps and scrolls.
"Well at the moment I do not know. I came here merely for the sake of myself." He looks at her sign and through her wares. "If I may, can I purchase a map of the local area, and the some distance off from this city? That would be of great help to my companions and I."
With the new information of where they may stay, he decides to stay with Clove, after hopefully buying a map, but disappointed in some way or another that he could not find any scrolls. He made sure to not be too disappointed, he knew they couldn't be just found everywhere.
Feeling better about this inn and its reputation made him feel better about himself. He never liked reading the minds of others, but never complained when it is needed in any situation. Funderburk once more began to fidget with his cloak, waiting to buy.
Made you look.
This vendor would have blank paper if tjat's what you mean by scrolls, but if you're referring to magical spell scrolls, that is not something generally found in stores. Like anything though, there are exceptions and that sort of thing would take days of searching and some coin to encourage tongues to wag.
I meant magical spell scrolls. I have parchments left. But I'll keep that information in mind, thank you!
Made you look.
"Not weak and damaged enough that trust cannot be found, my Lady", Boosey replies to Sthara. "Being careful is a good way of avoiding trouble, after all. I suspect that we all may come to realise my friends all have bigger hearts than anyone realises. As for my own," and he gives her a quick bow, "I'll leave that for you to decide. Hopefully I might be able to convince you otherwise"
"The Pterafolk?" The way the soldier says the the name makes him shudder, although he does have to bite his tongue for a moment too as his mind works through the many obvious puns.
"Here on Chult? Are they some kind of lizard folk?", he asks, taking a wild stab in the dark. "If they give soldiers such as yourselves trouble, they must be wild indeed! What are they like?"
History check (if needed) on Pterafolk 23
At some point after this (if the soldier replies and at the end of any conversation), I suggest that if Allister gets what he's looking for from the Captain, that we head towards the market to see if we can find Funderburk and Clove. "They may have found us a suitable Inn by now."
ooc: FOr me it is difficult to keep up: especially because it looks like you all have been posting much when I am asleep (I am from Italy). Anyway, trying to keep up.
Ath the moment It's actually good that Herman is not very talkative
Herman waits ten minutes with Allister, while also listening (a little worried but also amazed) at this pterafolk he know nothing about
Lizard men you say?!