Korrikchafes at Aubreck's balking, and kicks it into fast talking halfling mode, telling Aubreck what he thinks he wants to hear, "We are operating under the authority of the council, and have their full trust and support. The Captain sent us because we are the most capable crew of problem solvers and ass kickers within a hundred leagues of here, and he knew how important your plight was. That would be our group mascot knocking, if you'd be so good as to have Vertheg let him in? He was discussing some other matters with the Captain, but we wanted to rush right over here to get started. The little dragon is unlikely to bite, but it's really Ben, the fellow at the door, who is able to keep it under control, as long as he's let in, I guarantee there will be no draconic issues."
He pauses for a breath, continuing at a slower pace.
"Now, you said it was a few years ago that you purchased and then lost the ship, do you recall the specific date you purchased it from Tresten?"
Ash gets the sense that more is going on here than she’s aware of. That’s fine. She has Korrik’s back no matter what. She just tries to remain alert to any danger as the situation develops...
Korrik, Aubreck says "hmmmmmmmm..." and rubs his chin and whispers out of the corner of his mouth to Vertheg "its ok, its ok. Go get the door, will you?"
Aubreck pauses and lets Vertheg answer the door. Ben, you see the half-orc open the door, and he says nothing to you but just holds the door open and greets you into the foyer.
((yep, there would've been people around Aubreck's mansion door!!)
Aubreck says to Ben when he enters "This must be the mascot Ben! Please, come and sit." and then he says to Korrik in a sarcastic way "Now, are there any other mascots or anyone else who might be joining us that I should be aware of, hmmmm??" and kind of raises an eyebrow and then continues "I don't remember the specific date when I bought her, but it's gotta be close to 3 years ago, but that doesn't...." he looks kind of frustrated and irritated at the question, and then continues "look, now that you're all here..."he eyeballs Korrik again, "let me give you the specifics of this mission..."
Aubreck explains that his ship, the Wave Widow, was lost close to 3 years ago. He was sailing to Chult, and a storm separated the ship from its escort, and it was never heard from again. Aubreck managed to board the escort ship and return home, but he sustained a huge financial loss when the Wave Widow was lost.
He would explain that the ship holds a magic box containing promissory notes and property deeds worth a total of 100,000 gp. He offers the party a fee of 10 percent (10,000 gp) to recover it.
As a gesture of good faith, he offers them an advance payment of 200 gp.
He says that the ship was recently spotted adrift, approximately five days out from land.
He's worried that someone else might claim the ship’s goods as salvage if he doesn’t act quickly. He has already hired a ship, Soul of Winter, and a crew to mount a mission to the derelict. Now he needs properly skilled adventurers to go along and board the Widow once they reach it, then find the box and bring it back.
There are other details about the mission and the ship he hired, but I will pause here and let any of you ask any questions of Aubreck that you might have so far.
"Tresten. He was never in your employ, was he? You merely purchased the ship from him?"
"I know I've asked a lot of probing questions, but as you may have guessed, I have run into him before. He owes me a debt, and I was... curious if this job might provide an opportunity to collect on it. But it seems you've not had contact with him in the last three years?"
"You've no wish to reclaim the ship itself, just the box?"
((Five days trip from where we are now, or five days off shore from somewhere farther away? Just trying to reckon this in or timetable for the Queen, etc.))
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.
Ben pauses when the big half orc dressed in a butler's outfit opens the door. He shrugs mentally and rolls with it,
"Hello good sir, I seem to have misplaced a small man-child, a regular man and an elegant cat woman. I believe they went in here?"
He follows Vetheg in and gives Kay and Ess a glower, especially at the mascot comment. He gives Ash raised eyebrows and a hurt expression. He hisses quietly to Kay and Ess,
"We were talking business with Albrek! It is bad form to simply run out."
He turns to the shabby lord and gives a small bow and a warm smile, despite the insult. He looks openly confused as to why they would care about when the ship was purchased but just lets the man talk, hoping it leads somewhere. When the talk of money comes up, big money Ben gets a focused look and is quiet for Korrik's questions and takes a step back to mutter something to him self and steps forward, after Aubreck answers Kay and says,
"Aubreck was it? A pleasure, I'm Ben. And these are the Heroes of Marshswamp, you've heard of us I presume? We have a pre-existing engagement that your salvage mission will put in jeopardy so will need 25%of the value of the recovered contents of the magic box along with whatever else of value we find on the ship. You may keep you 200 gold, as sign of our goodwill."
He raises a hand to forestall any counter argument and continues,
"We are far and away the best Marshswamp has to offer for this type of job. I know that 25% seems steep but consider that 75% is still far more than the nothing you will get should you waste time and the vessel sinks or you send people under-qualified for this and they fail after reaching the vessel. We can be on your ship out within the hour."
He has Bimz land on his shoulder and flare his wings majestically as he concludes his hard sale.
Persuasion (min 20): 17
Also Insight on this not being a trap: 20
((The whole stepping back thing was to cast enhance ability on himself.
Ben has moved on from the queen deal, this pays much better. He'll try to figure something out depending on how this negotiation goes.
Edit: Added the insight roll stupidly in the same post and it messed it up. Also it keeps changing? Somehow fixed it?))
"Ah. Tresten owes you. Well you should've said something earlier. Makes a lot more sense now given your questions. But no. He never worked for me. I don't hire smuggling pirates. HA! Just bought the ship off him. And that's not public knowledge and I'd appreciate it stay that way! Anyhow, it matters not... it was a long time ago, and yeah you're right, I haven't seen him since the day I bought the Widow from him. He was in a hurry, that's for sure. Like I said, I had to clean the entire ship myself. Well, *ahem* my workers had to clean it but wow, never seen so much blood." he rubs his chin and continues "how much does he owe you, anyway? Can't say that I'm not curious now, seeing you brought it up and all!"
"The Wave Widow's a derelict at this point... she's been at sea or gods know where for close to 3 years now so I suspect nothing's left of her to bring back. Who knows what she's been through. The fact that she's still afloat though must mean that my box is intact. I have to be sure."
((approximately 5 days SW of Marshswamp, yep! Exact travel time TBD. Aubreck had continued to send out sailing scouts in search of the Widow over the last 3 years, and was about to give up hope until recently when it was spotted.))
Ben, Vertheg grunts and then cant help himself but laugh out loud when you mention the small man-child, the regular man and the elegant looking cat woman. He leads you in with a grin on his face and then he would leave the foyer again.
Aubreck responds to Ben"Ben. Pleasure to meet you. Heroes of Marshswamp?! I can't say that I have heard about you, although I suppose I've been so busy with this recovery mission I haven't really been keeping up with the happenings of the town. Last thing I heard, some haunted mansion on the pier was keeping the guards busy? Argh. It matters not. All that matters is that my box is retrieved. Then I can start to get my life back on track."
"25 percent!! Are you MAD!!"he manages to get out before you interrupt him, and then he reflects for a few moments on the last part that you said and all of those points and responds (given his situation and all of your points made, keeping the goodwill, etc. etc. and the minimum persuasion roll of 20):
"*a LOT of annoyed sighs*Fine. Yes. All of your points are valid. 25 percent. Twenty-five thousand gold. That is the most I can possibly afford."and then he kind of gives you a look of slight pity and annoyance and says "And yes. Sure. Fine. If you want to freeload anything else you find on my long lost ship, have at it."
He sighs again, and says "I'm sorry. Yes. You can have whatever you find. I just need that box back. If you can be on the ship out within the hour, then you have yourself a deal." and he would extend his hand towards Ben to shake it. "Let me give you the remaining details." (in the spoiler below)
((the fact that you said you'd be on the ship within the hour was the final clincher for him though. Time is of the essence with this one. Not taking away from that hard sale though... nicely done!))
Ben, Aubreck seems honest in what he is asking of you. You get a sense that this guy is (or was, until he lost his investments and main asset) a business man and seems pretty desperate to get his money back. 75,000g will get most folks back on their feet. Aubreck likely doesn't understand all of the potential risks of the mission, but what he is asking of you seems genuine.
Aubreck would then say to Korrik"See? That's how you make a deal, friend! Not by bringing up matters of no importance!"
If Ben shakes Aubreck's hand and the party accepts the offer right there in that moment, here are the other details that Aubreck tells you:
- Aubreck describes his box as made of shiny blue metal. It is packed inside a wooden crate branded with a large letter A. The crate was in the cargo hold although that was 3 odd years ago. Only the gods know what happened to that ship from then until now. He thinks the entire ship will have to be checked.
- This is a rather far distance out to sea, and so you will depart to the Wave Widow derelict aboard a proper ship, the Soul of Winter Sailing Ship which is manned by a crew of sturdy dwarves (who aren't being paid for the mission other than transport and will not be part of the recovery team.)
- The Soul of Winter is run by her captain, Wolgar Windrune. He is likely at the docks right now doing final preparations on the ship and you can meet him there and he can get you aboard.
- Aubreck has purchased supplies for your mission. This gear, already aboard the Soul of Winter, includes: studded leather armor for any of you who want it, two light crossbows with twenty bolts each, five 50-foot coils of rope, two grappling hooks, twelve torches, two healer’s kits, six vials of antitoxin, two potions of healing, and two sacks for carrying treasure out of the ship.
- Aubreck would also tell you the specifics about the size of the Wave Widow. Some of you might already know this information... it's similar size to the Soul of Winter. Sailing Ship.
Ess simply blurts out "Well... big E's gonna be pissed we're gonna be gone so long, but hey, 25g's!? DAAAAMMMNNNN!"
"We'll do everything in our ability to get that box back."
He listens to the details and nods but then asks,
"How big is this metal box? I ask because it sounds like we will need to move said box from the Widow to the Soul of Winter and the Widow is not likely in good condition and I would like to avoid falling through the deck."
He then adds,
"What is inside it that is worth so much that you don't think someone would have already taken it? And can it be transferred to another, lighter and water proof container?"
---
Once they get outside Ben pats Kay on the head,
"Halflings are good luck. Well done Kay."
He then switches to high speed,
""This is sudden but at the potential payoff at the end of this too lucrative to pass up."
He doesn't even check to see if everyone agrees but does toss in Kay's direction,
"And maybe we can find something left over from the previous owner, Treston was it? No matter, I already have everything I need packed with me that I was going to take on the hostage mission, which by the way is already voided as the hostage was found dead. No rush there."
He waves that away absently as he walks back to where Eliander is at,
"I made a stir with Eliander about his not doing anything to handle the bandits but that will have to wait. And the queen..."
He turns and looks around before gesturing everyone to the side a bit and continuing in a quieter voice,
"I would like to fulfill that order if we can, but if we can't we'll just have to avoid Swampmarsh as the queen will likely tell the council. Thoughts on ways to fill that order? We can possibly do it if, once we are back, we ride full out to Helm's Hold and then back. That will be unpleasantly close."
He pauses,
"Perhaps we can have Eliander send away to get weapons and the like ordered from Helm's Hold and delivered here? Everything we need plus extras for Swampmarsh's needs? I will need to come up with a good explanation and we'd be paying full price."
"The box is bulky. 2 feet long, maybe the same height? And it'll be in a larger crate likely. At least that's where I had stowed it away."
"My magic box contains promissory notes and property deeds worth a total of 100,000 gp. If it's gone, I won't be surprised, but good luck to whoever took it when they try to open it. It is magically sealed."
"I'd rather not open the magic box. In fact, I insist on it. You all look able enough, I'm sure you'll be able to carry it without any issues. The crate should be easy enough to open, but again, the gods only know what the inside of the Widow will look like at this point."
"I'm paying you all well enough, and the box is magically sealed for a reason. Please. I just need this box back."
"Okay, we'll leave it closed. To confirm, it is a metal, 2ft cube? Is there really nothing else to describe it in case it isn't in the same crate after three years?"
"Thank you, Ben. Yeah, about 2 feet. Maybe 3. It's made of shiny blue metal. It is packed inside a wooden crate. OH... not sure if it will still be on there, but the crate is branded with a large letter A."
Ash looks over to Ben as they close the deal with this guy… And a look passed between them like they’ve had the same thought… She flicks one ear, as she almost imperceptibly nods, and her tail swishes back and forth…
"He was in a hurry, that's for sure. Like I said, I had to clean the entire ship myself. Well, *ahem* my workers had to clean it but wow, never seen so much blood." he rubs his chin and continues "how much does he owe you, anyway? Can't say that I'm not curious now, seeing you brought it up and all!"
Korrik goes still, but his lithe little body is tensed, and he manages to croak out, "He... he owes me however many gallons of blood your workers scrubbed off the deck."
He goes quieter after that, but is out of his seat to shake the noble's hand, maybe before Ben does.
Once it's decided, he's ready to grab gear and head to the ship.
((If when they leave, if Ben still would have chided him with an attempted head pat, let me know, so I can duck it and roll a nut tap attack. 😬))
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.
((Ben is genuinely happy with the result of Kay running off to find the BIG money, so he isn't chiding. He is definitely being his normal condescending self though!
Ben's dex save to keep from being mortally testicularly wounded: 17))
Depending on the how the above goes will decide how much gasping and coughing he does.
Ben turns on his heel and says to the others,
"Another plan that will require less explaining to the Council. Back to Aubreck."
He'll outline his plan before going in to give people a chance to object, if they don't he'll proceed.
Once back he'll knock and, upon meeting Aubreck and giving a short apology for returning so soon, will present the following:
"As I mentioned when we first came in, we have other outstanding missions that have been placed on hold to recover your box. As I was leaving it occurred to me that you, as a businessman with contacts, may be in position to help up complete one of the tasks.There is a conflict coming to the region soon, the details of which I am not at liberty to say but I imagine you'll hear about soon enough, and we have made agreements to help prepare for it. One of these preparations is the acquisition of weapons and armor. By pursuing your box we may need to delay getting them, which is where you come in."
He looks to make sure Aubreck is with him,
"We need you to obtain the following items (presents the list) and have them here when we get back, or as as close as you can manage. We will provide the full payment for the weapons, you only need to find them and get them here. We don't expect you to do this pro bono. If you can get the items on list for cheaper, you can keep the difference plus, on delivery and confirmation that no corners were cut in the quality, we will pay you an additional 300 gold for your service."
He considers for a moment and says,
"I would also suggest, if you are feeling enterprising, that you could invest in more than what we've listed here and offer it to the Council - after we have gotten our delivery, of course. Do you think you can handle this and would you like the opportunity?"
Persuasion (if needed, min 20, still rocking Eagle's Splendor): 27
((And if we all die he is going to be way ahead on the deal, not a metal box full of 100,000 gp ahead, but certainly ahead from where he is now!))
If he agrees, Ben will offer his hand on the deal then pull out 28 ingots of electrum and set them on something sturdy along with 25 gold from his pouch.
---
After that he is going to run into Eliander and say quickly,
"Eliander, I must apologize but something has come to our attention that we need to take care of immediately. We'll be back in a little over a week. We'll deal with the bandits then."
He turns to go and, pauses, turns again to say,
"Also, Eliander don't overthink the meeting with the lizardfolk. They are looking for allies, tell them honestly what Marshswamp can provide and it will go well. Likely better than you'd anticipate."
After that he will head to the Hook to make sure they keep taking care of the horses and carriage and if Hannah is there to say,
"I'm off again, when I'm back perhaps we'll have a chance to catch up!"
He will give her a rushed smile and a wink, grab a bottle of the best wine available, then hustle down to the docks and the Winter.
Ben waves the symbol away but the air around Kay takes on a distinctly unpleasant smell (briefly) before gingerly, and petulantly continuing on his planned rounds.
She checks (as she periodically does, not expecting too much new) all the usual places for any Thieves’ Cant messages scratched in doorways and under eaves (urgent messages, and new job leads, etc).
Then she heads down to the docks to catch up with the others by the boat.
Korrik chafes at Aubreck's balking, and kicks it into fast talking halfling mode, telling Aubreck what he thinks he wants to hear, "We are operating under the authority of the council, and have their full trust and support. The Captain sent us because we are the most capable crew of problem solvers and ass kickers within a hundred leagues of here, and he knew how important your plight was. That would be our group mascot knocking, if you'd be so good as to have Vertheg let him in? He was discussing some other matters with the Captain, but we wanted to rush right over here to get started. The little dragon is unlikely to bite, but it's really Ben, the fellow at the door, who is able to keep it under control, as long as he's let in, I guarantee there will be no draconic issues."
He pauses for a breath, continuing at a slower pace.
"Now, you said it was a few years ago that you purchased and then lost the ship, do you recall the specific date you purchased it from Tresten?"
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
He sends back some positive thinking and happy tunes to Bimz.
Ben sighs and runs his hands through his hair, noting the progress of the sun.
He knocks again and calls impatiently into the door,
"I know you're in there, open the door! We have other business to be about today."
((I presume this is a spot in town with people walking by? Ben is too refined to be seen listening at doors.
Mascot? Ha! That is great.))
Ash gets the sense that more is going on here than she’s aware of. That’s fine. She has Korrik’s back no matter what. She just tries to remain alert to any danger as the situation develops...
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
((LOL mascot!!))
Korrik, Aubreck says "hmmmmmmmm..." and rubs his chin and whispers out of the corner of his mouth to Vertheg "its ok, its ok. Go get the door, will you?"
Aubreck pauses and lets Vertheg answer the door. Ben, you see the half-orc open the door, and he says nothing to you but just holds the door open and greets you into the foyer.
((yep, there would've been people around Aubreck's mansion door!!)
Aubreck says to Ben when he enters "This must be the mascot Ben! Please, come and sit." and then he says to Korrik in a sarcastic way "Now, are there any other mascots or anyone else who might be joining us that I should be aware of, hmmmm??" and kind of raises an eyebrow and then continues "I don't remember the specific date when I bought her, but it's gotta be close to 3 years ago, but that doesn't...." he looks kind of frustrated and irritated at the question, and then continues "look, now that you're all here..." he eyeballs Korrik again, "let me give you the specifics of this mission..."
Aubreck explains that his ship, the Wave Widow, was lost close to 3 years ago. He was sailing to Chult, and a storm separated the ship from its escort, and it was never heard from again. Aubreck managed to board the escort ship and return home, but he sustained a huge financial loss when the Wave Widow was lost.
He would explain that the ship holds a magic box containing promissory notes and property deeds worth a total of 100,000 gp. He offers the party a fee of 10 percent (10,000 gp) to recover it.
As a gesture of good faith, he offers them an advance payment of 200 gp.
He says that the ship was recently spotted adrift, approximately five days out from land.
He's worried that someone else might claim the ship’s goods as salvage if he doesn’t act quickly. He has already hired a ship, Soul of Winter, and a crew to mount a mission to the derelict. Now he needs properly skilled adventurers to go along and board the Widow once they reach it, then find the box and bring it back.
There are other details about the mission and the ship he hired, but I will pause here and let any of you ask any questions of Aubreck that you might have so far.
Over to you!
"That's all of us..."
Korrik shuts up and lets him finish.
"Tresten. He was never in your employ, was he? You merely purchased the ship from him?"
"I know I've asked a lot of probing questions, but as you may have guessed, I have run into him before. He owes me a debt, and I was... curious if this job might provide an opportunity to collect on it. But it seems you've not had contact with him in the last three years?"
"You've no wish to reclaim the ship itself, just the box?"
((Five days trip from where we are now, or five days off shore from somewhere farther away? Just trying to reckon this in or timetable for the Queen, etc.))
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 pauses when the big half orc dressed in a butler's outfit opens the door. He shrugs mentally and rolls with it,
"Hello good sir, I seem to have misplaced a small man-child, a regular man and an elegant cat woman. I believe they went in here?"
He follows Vetheg in and gives Kay and Ess a glower, especially at the mascot comment. He gives Ash raised eyebrows and a hurt expression. He hisses quietly to Kay and Ess,
"We were talking business with Albrek! It is bad form to simply run out."
He turns to the shabby lord and gives a small bow and a warm smile, despite the insult. He looks openly confused as to why they would care about when the ship was purchased but just lets the man talk, hoping it leads somewhere. When the talk of money comes up, big money Ben gets a focused look and is quiet for Korrik's questions and takes a step back to mutter something to him self and steps forward, after Aubreck answers Kay and says,
"Aubreck was it? A pleasure, I'm Ben. And these are the Heroes of Marshswamp, you've heard of us I presume? We have a pre-existing engagement that your salvage mission will put in jeopardy so will need 25% of the value of the recovered contents of the magic box along with whatever else of value we find on the ship. You may keep you 200 gold, as sign of our goodwill."
He raises a hand to forestall any counter argument and continues,
"We are far and away the best Marshswamp has to offer for this type of job. I know that 25% seems steep but consider that 75% is still far more than the nothing you will get should you waste time and the vessel sinks or you send people under-qualified for this and they fail after reaching the vessel. We can be on your ship out within the hour."
He has Bimz land on his shoulder and flare his wings majestically as he concludes his hard sale.
Persuasion (min 20): 17
Also Insight on this not being a trap: 20
((The whole stepping back thing was to cast enhance ability on himself.
Ben has moved on from the queen deal, this pays much better. He'll try to figure something out depending on how this negotiation goes.
Edit:
Added the insight roll stupidly in the same post and it messed it up. Also it keeps changing?Somehow fixed it?))Prisoners returned + 2 / 10:00AM / Aubreck's mansion
Aubreck responds to Korrik:
"Ah. Tresten owes you. Well you should've said something earlier. Makes a lot more sense now given your questions. But no. He never worked for me. I don't hire smuggling pirates. HA! Just bought the ship off him. And that's not public knowledge and I'd appreciate it stay that way! Anyhow, it matters not... it was a long time ago, and yeah you're right, I haven't seen him since the day I bought the Widow from him. He was in a hurry, that's for sure. Like I said, I had to clean the entire ship myself. Well, *ahem* my workers had to clean it but wow, never seen so much blood." he rubs his chin and continues "how much does he owe you, anyway? Can't say that I'm not curious now, seeing you brought it up and all!"
"The Wave Widow's a derelict at this point... she's been at sea or gods know where for close to 3 years now so I suspect nothing's left of her to bring back. Who knows what she's been through. The fact that she's still afloat though must mean that my box is intact. I have to be sure."
((approximately 5 days SW of Marshswamp, yep! Exact travel time TBD. Aubreck had continued to send out sailing scouts in search of the Widow over the last 3 years, and was about to give up hope until recently when it was spotted.))
Ben, Vertheg grunts and then cant help himself but laugh out loud when you mention the small man-child, the regular man and the elegant looking cat woman. He leads you in with a grin on his face and then he would leave the foyer again.
Aubreck responds to Ben "Ben. Pleasure to meet you. Heroes of Marshswamp?! I can't say that I have heard about you, although I suppose I've been so busy with this recovery mission I haven't really been keeping up with the happenings of the town. Last thing I heard, some haunted mansion on the pier was keeping the guards busy? Argh. It matters not. All that matters is that my box is retrieved. Then I can start to get my life back on track."
"25 percent!! Are you MAD!!" he manages to get out before you interrupt him, and then he reflects for a few moments on the last part that you said and all of those points and responds (given his situation and all of your points made, keeping the goodwill, etc. etc. and the minimum persuasion roll of 20):
" *a LOT of annoyed sighs* Fine. Yes. All of your points are valid. 25 percent. Twenty-five thousand gold. That is the most I can possibly afford." and then he kind of gives you a look of slight pity and annoyance and says "And yes. Sure. Fine. If you want to freeload anything else you find on my long lost ship, have at it."
He sighs again, and says "I'm sorry. Yes. You can have whatever you find. I just need that box back. If you can be on the ship out within the hour, then you have yourself a deal." and he would extend his hand towards Ben to shake it. "Let me give you the remaining details." (in the spoiler below)
((the fact that you said you'd be on the ship within the hour was the final clincher for him though. Time is of the essence with this one. Not taking away from that hard sale though... nicely done!))
Ben, Aubreck seems honest in what he is asking of you. You get a sense that this guy is (or was, until he lost his investments and main asset) a business man and seems pretty desperate to get his money back. 75,000g will get most folks back on their feet. Aubreck likely doesn't understand all of the potential risks of the mission, but what he is asking of you seems genuine.
Aubreck would then say to Korrik "See? That's how you make a deal, friend! Not by bringing up matters of no importance!"
If Ben shakes Aubreck's hand and the party accepts the offer right there in that moment, here are the other details that Aubreck tells you:
- Aubreck describes his box as made of shiny blue metal. It is packed inside a wooden crate branded with a large letter A. The crate was in the cargo hold although that was 3 odd years ago. Only the gods know what happened to that ship from then until now. He thinks the entire ship will have to be checked.
- This is a rather far distance out to sea, and so you will depart to the Wave Widow derelict aboard a proper ship, the Soul of Winter Sailing Ship which is manned by a crew of sturdy dwarves (who aren't being paid for the mission other than transport and will not be part of the recovery team.)
- The Soul of Winter is run by her captain, Wolgar Windrune. He is likely at the docks right now doing final preparations on the ship and you can meet him there and he can get you aboard.
- Aubreck has purchased supplies for your mission. This gear, already aboard the Soul of Winter, includes: studded leather armor for any of you who want it, two light crossbows with twenty bolts each, five 50-foot coils of rope, two grappling hooks, twelve torches, two healer’s kits, six vials of antitoxin, two potions of healing, and two sacks for carrying treasure out of the ship.
- Aubreck would also tell you the specifics about the size of the Wave Widow. Some of you might already know this information... it's similar size to the Soul of Winter. Sailing Ship.
Ess simply blurts out "Well... big E's gonna be pissed we're gonna be gone so long, but hey, 25g's!? DAAAAMMMNNNN!"
Over to you.
((Unless someone stops him...))
Ben takes Aubreck's hand.
"We'll do everything in our ability to get that box back."
He listens to the details and nods but then asks,
"How big is this metal box? I ask because it sounds like we will need to move said box from the Widow to the Soul of Winter and the Widow is not likely in good condition and I would like to avoid falling through the deck."
He then adds,
"What is inside it that is worth so much that you don't think someone would have already taken it? And can it be transferred to another, lighter and water proof container?"
---
Once they get outside Ben pats Kay on the head,
"Halflings are good luck. Well done Kay."
He then switches to high speed,
""This is sudden but at the potential payoff at the end of this too lucrative to pass up."
He doesn't even check to see if everyone agrees but does toss in Kay's direction,
"And maybe we can find something left over from the previous owner, Treston was it? No matter, I already have everything I need packed with me that I was going to take on the hostage mission, which by the way is already voided as the hostage was found dead. No rush there."
He waves that away absently as he walks back to where Eliander is at,
"I made a stir with Eliander about his not doing anything to handle the bandits but that will have to wait. And the queen..."
He turns and looks around before gesturing everyone to the side a bit and continuing in a quieter voice,
"I would like to fulfill that order if we can, but if we can't we'll just have to avoid Swampmarsh as the queen will likely tell the council. Thoughts on ways to fill that order? We can possibly do it if, once we are back, we ride full out to Helm's Hold and then back. That will be unpleasantly close."
He pauses,
"Perhaps we can have Eliander send away to get weapons and the like ordered from Helm's Hold and delivered here? Everything we need plus extras for Swampmarsh's needs? I will need to come up with a good explanation and we'd be paying full price."
"Thank you, Ben."
"The box is bulky. 2 feet long, maybe the same height? And it'll be in a larger crate likely. At least that's where I had stowed it away."
"My magic box contains promissory notes and property deeds worth a total of 100,000 gp. If it's gone, I won't be surprised, but good luck to whoever took it when they try to open it. It is magically sealed."
"I'd rather not open the magic box. In fact, I insist on it. You all look able enough, I'm sure you'll be able to carry it without any issues. The crate should be easy enough to open, but again, the gods only know what the inside of the Widow will look like at this point."
"I'm paying you all well enough, and the box is magically sealed for a reason. Please. I just need this box back."
"Okay, we'll leave it closed. To confirm, it is a metal, 2ft cube? Is there really nothing else to describe it in case it isn't in the same crate after three years?"
"Thank you, Ben. Yeah, about 2 feet. Maybe 3. It's made of shiny blue metal. It is packed inside a wooden crate. OH... not sure if it will still be on there, but the crate is branded with a large letter A."
Ash looks over to Ben as they close the deal with this guy… And a look passed between them like they’ve had the same thought… She flicks one ear, as she almost imperceptibly nods, and her tail swishes back and forth…
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Korrik goes still, but his lithe little body is tensed, and he manages to croak out, "He... he owes me however many gallons of blood your workers scrubbed off the deck."
He goes quieter after that, but is out of his seat to shake the noble's hand, maybe before Ben does.
Once it's decided, he's ready to grab gear and head to the ship.
((If when they leave, if Ben still would have chided him with an attempted head pat, let me know, so I can duck it and roll a nut tap attack. 😬))
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 is genuinely happy with the result of Kay running off to find the BIG money, so he isn't chiding. He is definitely being his normal condescending self though!
Ben's dex save to keep from being
mortallytesticularly wounded: 17))Depending on the how the above goes will decide how much gasping and coughing he does.
Ben turns on his heel and says to the others,
"Another plan that will require less explaining to the Council. Back to Aubreck."
He'll outline his plan before going in to give people a chance to object, if they don't he'll proceed.
Once back he'll knock and, upon meeting Aubreck and giving a short apology for returning so soon, will present the following:
"As I mentioned when we first came in, we have other outstanding missions that have been placed on hold to recover your box. As I was leaving it occurred to me that you, as a businessman with contacts, may be in position to help up complete one of the tasks.There is a conflict coming to the region soon, the details of which I am not at liberty to say but I imagine you'll hear about soon enough, and we have made agreements to help prepare for it. One of these preparations is the acquisition of weapons and armor. By pursuing your box we may need to delay getting them, which is where you come in."
He looks to make sure Aubreck is with him,
"We need you to obtain the following items (presents the list) and have them here when we get back, or as as close as you can manage. We will provide the full payment for the weapons, you only need to find them and get them here. We don't expect you to do this pro bono. If you can get the items on list for cheaper, you can keep the difference plus, on delivery and confirmation that no corners were cut in the quality, we will pay you an additional 300 gold for your service."
He considers for a moment and says,
"I would also suggest, if you are feeling enterprising, that you could invest in more than what we've listed here and offer it to the Council - after we have gotten our delivery, of course. Do you think you can handle this and would you like the opportunity?"
Persuasion (if needed, min 20, still rocking Eagle's Splendor): 27
((And if we all die he is going to be way ahead on the deal, not a metal box full of 100,000 gp ahead, but certainly ahead from where he is now!))
If he agrees, Ben will offer his hand on the deal then pull out 28 ingots of electrum and set them on something sturdy along with 25 gold from his pouch.
---
After that he is going to run into Eliander and say quickly,
"Eliander, I must apologize but something has come to our attention that we need to take care of immediately. We'll be back in a little over a week. We'll deal with the bandits then."
He turns to go and, pauses, turns again to say,
"Also, Eliander don't overthink the meeting with the lizardfolk. They are looking for allies, tell them honestly what Marshswamp can provide and it will go well. Likely better than you'd anticipate."
After that he will head to the Hook to make sure they keep taking care of the horses and carriage and if Hannah is there to say,
"I'm off again, when I'm back perhaps we'll have a chance to catch up!"
He will give her a rushed smile and a wink, grab a bottle of the best wine available, then hustle down to the docks and the Winter.
🥜 Tap: 17
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
"OOOOOOOffff - hack"
Clutching the damaged goods he curls up on himself,
"What - huff- the hells -huff- Kay? How -hack- old are you! -gasp- Eight?"
Once he manages to straighten up he coughs and gets his breathing under control,
"Have a some care - unlike you I use mine!"
The walk back to Aubreck is done more gingerly.
After leaving Aubreck's again he will prestidigate an obscene symbol on Kay's forehead before heading to Eliander.
"Twenty-five, actually. Pat my head, I'll pat yours.", Korrik mutters.
Perception: 13
((I'm assuming he notices Ben do it, or perhaps more likely, Ess can't keep it together once he sees it.))
"Ben. Remove whatever it is. Now."
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 waves the symbol away but the air around Kay takes on a distinctly unpleasant smell (briefly) before gingerly, and petulantly continuing on his planned rounds.
"See you all on the Winter."
((Is Kay always wearing his helmet?))
((Nah, not in daytime on land. He'd wear it at night for the darkvision, and will be wearing it the whole time once on the ship.))
Korrik grabs whatever gear he had left behind in the room, and either walks down with or meets up with the others at the ship.
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
Ash checks and grabs the rest of her gear.
She checks (as she periodically does, not expecting too much new) all the usual places for any Thieves’ Cant messages scratched in doorways and under eaves (urgent messages, and new job leads, etc).
Then she heads down to the docks to catch up with the others by the boat.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss