You have a reliable and trustworthy contact who acts as your liaison to a network of other criminals. You know how to get messages to and from your contact, even over great distances; specifically, you know the local messengers, corrupt caravan masters, and seedy sailors who can deliver messages for you.
It doesn't sound like his kind of folks. At most, he may have (knowingly or unknowingly) moved items for them in the past, but don't think he'd have sought them out. But they may have used him in the past. I think we'd said that his Criminal Contact had set up the meet between him and Ess? Now that he knows the Red Bros are in play, he may reach out for intelligence on them.
Perception: 12
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Yeah, I definitely remember picking up Ess because of the feature, but I wasn't sure if you have different contact opportunities in different cities or if it was just the one shot deal. Looking at this brotherhood group more, I do agree that Korrik likely did some work for them before. You'll see what I mean once we get into it.
For Ben
The itch is getting really bad, and you're having a hard time hiding the fact that you can't stop scratching your junk. You are able to manage though without Korrik seeing.
This is going to be just a mild STD which will require an antibiotic ointment likely sold an an alchemy shop or a temple. One treatment and boom, you're good to go. You'll have to likely make some deception rolls though or something similar once we get there if you want to continue hiding this from Korrik as well as when you buy the stuff. I wonder if it'll be expensive?!
"Might be I've done some work for these Red Bros in the past, if they've got operations beyond Marshswamp. Folks hiring u... me weren't always up front with who they were."
The three of you ride up to the gate with your carriage. You can see that this town was built on the ruins of a much older settlement. One sign of this is that the town has a small stretch of wall and a single town gate. The wall is old, crumbling, and badly worn by centuries of rain and wind coming in from the Sea of Swords. The entrance to Marshswamp isn't busy, but the town itself from what you guys can see from the gate is starting to get lively.
Town is probably the wrong word - this place is more like a village.
Image of the town added the sheet as discussed. Ben knows all of the info on the Overview tab, and has told all of it to Korrik and Ess.
There are three guards at the gate. They are older human men.
One of them greets you. "Afternoon, gents. Ye don't look like citizens here. Heading into Marshswamp for the eve are ya? What you got in the back there?"
It seems at first like a normal gate check and questions from guards who don't recognize you, but then another guard sees Ben and realizes he's a tiefling. He says: "Yeah... HE'S gonna have to show us what's in that carriage, or none of 'em get in." and looks at Ben.
The first guard does a double take at Ben, and then nods at the second guards statement. "Yup. Let's see what you folks are bringin' in here. And your reasons for visit. Standard practice here, gents."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Busren smiles and hops down, following Korrik,
"Absolutely gentlemen, I can come around as well. We've got our bags packed in there along with some feed and a creature we met along the road and put down. Some sort of eight-legged lizard like my friend says."
He will steps back and looks non-threatening as Korrik takes the lead. He will ask as he stands there, shifting from side to side,
"You wouldn't know of anyone that would be interested in buying it would you? The local apothecary perhaps?"
Wisdom save for Klein knows what: 14
Before they can answer he turns and says,
"What was that Ess?"
He turns and takes a few steps towards the front of the carriage,
"Did you say something? No? I must be hearing things."
Sleight of hand for Klein knows what: 20
He will then turn back to the guards with a mildly relieved expression, but still maybe a bit distressed.
"Wait... so he has to show you? You won't let me show you? I'm small, but I'm perfectly capable..."
Korrik hops down and keeps up the fast talking patter to distract them from getting more uppity about Ben.
"You guys have crocodiles around here by the way? We were headed down the High Road, and came across an overturned wagon... turned out it wasn't empty!"
He throws open the carriage and hops back as the waft of dead not-croc rolls out.
"Ever seen one of these before?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Crocs? By the water? In a place called Marshswamp? Are there bears in the forest, lad? HAHAHA! Ok ok ok... Hmmmmmm.... lemme see."
One of the guard takes a peek inside and indeed Korrik your fast talking and almost bumbling does take their attention off Busren for the time being. I mean, the guards aren't completely turned off with tieflings, they are just more wary of them and it is likely stemming from more curiosity and ignorance of the race if anything than an actual dislike for them.
9
"Well all be! HEY GUYS, GETTA LOAD OF THIS! Seems these gents bagged themselves a Basilisk! Where in the blue hell did ye get this sucker? And how the hell are ye both not statues right about now!? You say it was in the overturned carriage?! Was there anyone there?? 'Tis quite the story, lads." these guards kind of talk and mumble to themselves as they return to their post and are kind of in awe of you two now. They know that Basilisks are no joke. "So, you guys really kill it yerselves? BUY IT?! Good lord fellas, I'm not sure who's going to want that blasted carcass, haven't heard of anyone eating this type of meat! Those things are poison, are they not? Hmmmmm.... Hey Boris, you think any of those creepy merchants at the market might want the poison outta this god forsaken thing? Bah. Who knows. You might want to try although they're likely closing up soon if not now. Pardon me? Apothecary? Well whoop-de-doo my good man, there's no apothecary in this place! It's not Neverwinter, ye know!"
"Anyhow, you boys are free to pass. Enjoy yer stay. And whatever you do with that thing, please don't have it stinking up the entire town yeah?"
Ben, Ess is confused by your actions, but no one including Korrik notices what you were doing. "Huh? What did you say man?"
To make it easier, I will summaries the locations that the guards would've told you about prior to letting you pass. They would've told you how to get to these locations:
28. Winston’s Store - potential buyer, it is a general store of sorts 26. Temple of Procan - no apothecary which the guards found very funny, but there is a temple in town. 15. Weekly Market - there are sometimes alchemists who set up booths at the weekly market in town. 3. The Wicker Goat - Inn/Tavern 13. The Snapping Line - Inn/Tavern
Let me know if I missed anything in that interaction. If not, where are you guys headed with this carriage? Also, you still have the stone body parts in that carriage too, right? The guards did not do a thorough check of the thing, there was no need.
Let's say it is 5:00pm in game. Beautiful late afternoon, clouds have cleared and it seems we are in for a gorgeous evening.
"No worries Ess, just misheard." He gives him a strained smile.
As they roll on he asks,
"You two want to see if you can find a buyer for that 'basilisk'? Seems the market or that general store would be good places to try. I need to make a quick stop but will meet you at the Wicker Goat, if I don't spot you earlier. Sound good?"
"Sorta like a croc, but double the legs and double the mean! Just closed my eyes and swung until it was dead!"
"So apparently that's a Basilisk. Good to know if we're looking for a buyer... or whoever the cart and the... pieces belonged to."
He gives Ben a dumbfounded look when he talks about going off on his own.
"No offense man, but from what you said and the way those guards were looking at you, you're the last one that ought to be going off on your own. We can stick together til we get a lay of the town. If the cart came from here, the general store might know whose it was."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
"We can see the lay of the town. It's tiny. Just trying to be effective, I'll just into pop into the temple there while you two are checking at the general store and market. I will ask in there if they want to buy the basil-isk. Definitely not going to be a problem finding me again and if you can't, well then I'll be at the Wicker Goat."
He looks with a deep yearning towards the temple as he trails off,
"I get that you're uneasy, sorry we weren't able to find that hat... but if you get singled out by troublemakers, that's gonna take us more time. And... well, I'd rather be on hand in that case, since shooting people or insulting them would tend to... ah, escalate things. You need a halfling at your side that can knock some heads, if need be. No human street tough is gonna want to tell their buddies that guy a quarter their size whupped 'em. But if a tiefling calls their mother names and shoots them, you can bet they're coming back in numbers. Besides, from what the guards said, the general store and temple are on the far side of town, the market's on the way. I say we swing by the market, see what's what, then continue through to the north end and check out the general store and temple. We could split up there, I suppose, worse case is they temple folks take you for a devil and try to smite you.", Korrik says with a grin.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM:Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
"I appreciate your concern for my well being Korrik, it is just that I have...urgent concerns I need to address with the temple. Remember what I did to Ess? I can do that to anyone I need to. Also, far side of town is what,"
He squints at the village,
"1,000 feet from the market? I'm confident I can yell if I need help then I can meet up with you at the store."
He shifts uncomfortably again and takes a deep breath before looking back at the temple,
"I'll ride with you to the market then make my way to the temple, meet you at the store. Quick errand, gods willing. No one needs to be beat up."
It doesn't sound like his kind of folks. At most, he may have (knowingly or unknowingly) moved items for them in the past, but don't think he'd have sought them out. But they may have used him in the past. I think we'd said that his Criminal Contact had set up the meet between him and Ess? Now that he knows the Red Bros are in play, he may reach out for intelligence on them.
Perception: 12
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Stealth: 20
*Cough*
For Korrik
Yeah, I definitely remember picking up Ess because of the feature, but I wasn't sure if you have different contact opportunities in different cities or if it was just the one shot deal. Looking at this brotherhood group more, I do agree that Korrik likely did some work for them before. You'll see what I mean once we get into it.
For Ben
The itch is getting really bad, and you're having a hard time hiding the fact that you can't stop scratching your junk. You are able to manage though without Korrik seeing.
This is going to be just a mild STD which will require an antibiotic ointment likely sold an an alchemy shop or a temple. One treatment and boom, you're good to go. You'll have to likely make some deception rolls though or something similar once we get there if you want to continue hiding this from Korrik as well as when you buy the stuff. I wonder if it'll be expensive?!
"Might be I've done some work for these Red Bros in the past, if they've got operations beyond Marshswamp. Folks hiring u... me weren't always up front with who they were."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Busren nods like he is listening as he shifts in his seat a bit.
"Interesting. Very interesting. Is that the town there?"
The three of you ride up to the gate with your carriage. You can see that this town was built on the ruins of a much older settlement. One sign of this is that the town has a small stretch of wall and a single town gate. The wall is old, crumbling, and badly worn by centuries of rain and wind coming in from the Sea of Swords. The entrance to Marshswamp isn't busy, but the town itself from what you guys can see from the gate is starting to get lively.
Town is probably the wrong word - this place is more like a village.
Image of the town added the sheet as discussed. Ben knows all of the info on the Overview tab, and has told all of it to Korrik and Ess.
There are three guards at the gate. They are older human men.
One of them greets you. "Afternoon, gents. Ye don't look like citizens here. Heading into Marshswamp for the eve are ya? What you got in the back there?"
It seems at first like a normal gate check and questions from guards who don't recognize you, but then another guard sees Ben and realizes he's a tiefling. He says: "Yeah... HE'S gonna have to show us what's in that carriage, or none of 'em get in." and looks at Ben.
The first guard does a double take at Ben, and then nods at the second guards statement. "Yup. Let's see what you folks are bringin' in here. And your reasons for visit. Standard practice here, gents."
Busren smiles and hops down, following Korrik,
"Absolutely gentlemen, I can come around as well. We've got our bags packed in there along with some feed and a creature we met along the road and put down. Some sort of eight-legged lizard like my friend says."
He will steps back and looks non-threatening as Korrik takes the lead. He will ask as he stands there, shifting from side to side,
"You wouldn't know of anyone that would be interested in buying it would you? The local apothecary perhaps?"
Wisdom save for Klein knows what: 14
Before they can answer he turns and says,
"What was that Ess?"
He turns and takes a few steps towards the front of the carriage,
"Did you say something? No? I must be hearing things."
Sleight of hand for Klein knows what: 20
He will then turn back to the guards with a mildly relieved expression, but still maybe a bit distressed.
"Wait... so he has to show you? You won't let me show you? I'm small, but I'm perfectly capable..."
Korrik hops down and keeps up the fast talking patter to distract them from getting more uppity about Ben.
"You guys have crocodiles around here by the way? We were headed down the High Road, and came across an overturned wagon... turned out it wasn't empty!"
He throws open the carriage and hops back as the waft of dead not-croc rolls out.
"Ever seen one of these before?"
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Busren is more than happy to let Korrik take the attention... (edited a bit above)
((Oops, we were writing at the same time!))
Korrik sees that Ben seems uncomfortable and fidgety, and does what he can to pull attention.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
"Crocs? By the water? In a place called Marshswamp? Are there bears in the forest, lad? HAHAHA! Ok ok ok... Hmmmmmm.... lemme see."
One of the guard takes a peek inside and indeed Korrik your fast talking and almost bumbling does take their attention off Busren for the time being. I mean, the guards aren't completely turned off with tieflings, they are just more wary of them and it is likely stemming from more curiosity and ignorance of the race if anything than an actual dislike for them.
9
"Well all be! HEY GUYS, GETTA LOAD OF THIS! Seems these gents bagged themselves a Basilisk! Where in the blue hell did ye get this sucker? And how the hell are ye both not statues right about now!? You say it was in the overturned carriage?! Was there anyone there?? 'Tis quite the story, lads." these guards kind of talk and mumble to themselves as they return to their post and are kind of in awe of you two now. They know that Basilisks are no joke. "So, you guys really kill it yerselves? BUY IT?! Good lord fellas, I'm not sure who's going to want that blasted carcass, haven't heard of anyone eating this type of meat! Those things are poison, are they not? Hmmmmm.... Hey Boris, you think any of those creepy merchants at the market might want the poison outta this god forsaken thing? Bah. Who knows. You might want to try although they're likely closing up soon if not now. Pardon me? Apothecary? Well whoop-de-doo my good man, there's no apothecary in this place! It's not Neverwinter, ye know!"
"Anyhow, you boys are free to pass. Enjoy yer stay. And whatever you do with that thing, please don't have it stinking up the entire town yeah?"
Ben, Ess is confused by your actions, but no one including Korrik notices what you were doing. "Huh? What did you say man?"
To make it easier, I will summaries the locations that the guards would've told you about prior to letting you pass. They would've told you how to get to these locations:
28. Winston’s Store - potential buyer, it is a general store of sorts
26. Temple of Procan - no apothecary which the guards found very funny, but there is a temple in town.
15. Weekly Market - there are sometimes alchemists who set up booths at the weekly market in town.
3. The Wicker Goat - Inn/Tavern
13. The Snapping Line - Inn/Tavern
Let me know if I missed anything in that interaction. If not, where are you guys headed with this carriage? Also, you still have the stone body parts in that carriage too, right? The guards did not do a thorough check of the thing, there was no need.
Let's say it is 5:00pm in game. Beautiful late afternoon, clouds have cleared and it seems we are in for a gorgeous evening.
"Thank you sirs! We'll do or best."
He hops up next to Ess,
"No worries Ess, just misheard." He gives him a strained smile.
As they roll on he asks,
"You two want to see if you can find a buyer for that 'basilisk'? Seems the market or that general store would be good places to try. I need to make a quick stop but will meet you at the Wicker Goat, if I don't spot you earlier. Sound good?"
"Sorta like a croc, but double the legs and double the mean! Just closed my eyes and swung until it was dead!"
"So apparently that's a Basilisk. Good to know if we're looking for a buyer... or whoever the cart and the... pieces belonged to."
He gives Ben a dumbfounded look when he talks about going off on his own.
"No offense man, but from what you said and the way those guards were looking at you, you're the last one that ought to be going off on your own. We can stick together til we get a lay of the town. If the cart came from here, the general store might know whose it was."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Ben grimaces then shifts a bit,
"We can see the lay of the town. It's tiny. Just trying to be effective, I'll just into pop into the temple there while you two are checking at the general store and market. I will ask in there if they want to buy the basil-isk. Definitely not going to be a problem finding me again and if you can't, well then I'll be at the Wicker Goat."
He looks with a deep yearning towards the temple as he trails off,
"It is just good time management."
"I get that you're uneasy, sorry we weren't able to find that hat... but if you get singled out by troublemakers, that's gonna take us more time. And... well, I'd rather be on hand in that case, since shooting people or insulting them would tend to... ah, escalate things. You need a halfling at your side that can knock some heads, if need be. No human street tough is gonna want to tell their buddies that guy a quarter their size whupped 'em. But if a tiefling calls their mother names and shoots them, you can bet they're coming back in numbers. Besides, from what the guards said, the general store and temple are on the far side of town, the market's on the way. I say we swing by the market, see what's what, then continue through to the north end and check out the general store and temple. We could split up there, I suppose, worse case is they temple folks take you for a devil and try to smite you.", Korrik says with a grin.
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
"I appreciate your concern for my well being Korrik, it is just that I have...urgent concerns I need to address with the temple. Remember what I did to Ess? I can do that to anyone I need to. Also, far side of town is what,"
He squints at the village,
"1,000 feet from the market? I'm confident I can yell if I need help then I can meet up with you at the store."
He shifts uncomfortably again and takes a deep breath before looking back at the temple,
"I'll ride with you to the market then make my way to the temple, meet you at the store. Quick errand, gods willing. No one needs to be beat up."
"You can do that to ONE person... fine... watch your back."
DM: Forged in Chaos, Spiders of the Abyss, The Sundered Way, Champions of the Citadel
Active Characters:
Breldo, Halfling Ranger | Kathryn, Wood Elf Rogue/Ranger | Kroshav, Dragonborn Paladin | T'laren Farsiel, Wood Elf Fighter | Trill, Kenku Bard | Val "Janellae", Mark of Shadow Elf Warlock
Before I make the next post, Ben you really need to make a stealth check with all of this back and forth. And Korrik, a perception check please.
"I can take care of up to three doing that, but I will."
Once at the market he hops down and fast walks to the temple waving and calling,
"You got this! See you shortly."
((It's not concentration, surprisingly!
Klein, do you want to handle the temple visit in 1:1?))
Stealth: 18
(Same time posting...
Well Busren is busted haha.)