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Chronicles PDF last updated: August 12, 2012
Westgate Campaign Chronicles
Moderator:Carlo
October 2, 2011 session
On Alturiak 28, the group split up after breakfast in order to spread the word about the fight night at the Rusty Cutlass. As the sun was setting, the four adventurers made their way back to the Vulture's Roost, Shanni being the last to arrive and joining the others in the common room.
After a short wait for Darrow to get fully ready, during which time the others speculated on exactly how much ale he intended to drink before combat, the four made their way to Helga's establishment, which was tricked out for the fights. The half-orc proprietoress went over the rules with the dwarven fighter, which were quite simple: no real armor or weapons; and the choice of fighting barehand or with clubs would go to Darrow's challengers. When asked, the dwarf said that he was "born ready" and went off to a side room to divest himself of his armor.
Once he emerged, Helga went over to say something to him privately, then the show was on. Helga began whipping the crowd of mercenaries, adventurers and other sundry types into excitement, while also taking care to point out where they could buy ale. She declared that there would be five challengers - five of the meanest fighters around, all of whom wanted the 50 gold that Darrow had put up as a stake. The combatants had to stay in a square carpeted area, keeping at least one foot in or be declared the loser. Once a fighter went down, that would also be considered a defeat.
The first fighter was announced by Helga and turned out to be a drunken halfling, who was there to show his "HIN PRIDE!" Darrow quickly stomped him into the ground, to the roars of the crowd, then took a rest break by Aerikoth and Dermot, who had cheered heartily for his dwarven companion. The dwarf looked wistfully at the ale keg, but eventually decided against a drink. Meanwhile, Shanni was chatting up Juril from the Scarlet Company.
The second challenger was a mercenary who chose to use the clubs. He went at Darrow hard and got in a few painful hits, coming back gamely after Darrow's answering blows, but the dwarf's power and skill in the end were too much and the man finally fell to the ground, unable to move. One of the guards hauled him away and Darrow used his rest time to apply some healing, with Aerikoth complimenting him on his performance.
Darrow declared himself ready and Helga enthusiastically announced NUMBER THREE! who turned out to be a big bruiser of a half-orc mercenary. The half-orc chose fists and boasted that he would make Darrow eat dirt. The dwarf remained silent and got to work as soon as Helga called for the fight to start. While the half-orc was a good fighter, Darrow's fists repeatedly struck him in his kidneys and other vulnerable areas, making the large brawler eventually collapse to the floor.
This time, over in his corner, Darrow accepted a drink along with some more healing. A private word was exchanged with Aerikoth and the dwarf put a ring on, but was then quietly upbraided by Helga, who had witnessed the action. The dwarf readied himself and walked back into the fighting area, displaying his ringless hands to her.
Next up was the mercenary fighter Jenks, famed for his fisticuffs, whom Darrow had encountered at Bagra's Tavern. Jenks naturally chose fists and the fight was on, to the roar of an excited crowd. Jenks struck quickly from his fighting stance, cutting open Darrow's lip, then traded jabs with the dwarf, expertly moving to take advantage of openings. After landing a solid right to Darrow's head, however, Jenks left himself open to a massive combination from the dwarf, who laid the mercenary low. After Jenks managed to get up, he shook Darrow's hand, congratulating him on being the first ever opponent to beat him, then limped away.
Darrow retired to the back room for a few minutes' rest and to apply more healing to his battered body. Helga meanwhile was whipping the crowd up, announcing that the last challenger was a SHE! Darrow then stepped out of his room and stood before the crowd, ready to face his final opponent, to a mix of yelling and drunken cheers.
Helga swung open a door and called out to what was in it...a pig in a dress. As the crowd catcalled, Helga paraded the pig around, yelling out that Helten knew her well, having "given her the SHAFT plenty o' times!" The pig indeed squealed when it looked in Helten's direction. The large half-orc's face turned beet red and, after shaking his fist silently at Helga, stormed out. A grinning Helga raised Darrow's hand and declared him the victor, as he and his companions looked on bemusedly.
As the crowd got some more drinks and started thinning out, the Scarlet Company members present came over to congratulate Darrow. Slipster thought the whole thing had been great, while the fighter Juril was obviously a little shocked. Firewine, their cleric, was solicitous of Darrow's health. Juril somewhat shyly said goodbye to Shanni, as Firewine explained that the Scarlet Company was having a meeting the next day at the Order of Kainen, which they were welcome to join.
As they watched the other adventurers depart, Darrow, Aerikoth, Shanni and Dermot also noted the presence in the crowd of Helena and her bodyguard Myrghal, whom they had previously encountered at the Vulture's Roost. The four then talked some more about the fights, agreeing to go see Helten in the morning and find out then what sort of mood he would be in to receive them.
----------------
Darrow Ironhelm: Well, haven't had a good series of fights like tha in a while!
Darrow Ironhelm: tha' half orc could punch!
Darrow Ironhelm: Whoo.
Shanni Krowe: *rolls eyes with a smile* At least someone is happy.
Dermot Kenner: Yeah, yeah that one was a good one.
Darrow Ironhelm: Well, gotta find a bit of a bright side somewhere.
Shanni Krowe: So how long do we wait before going to test Helten's mood?
Darrow Ironhelm: Although th' whole plan did go ta muck.
Darrow Ironhelm: Tomorrow mornin'?
Aerikoth: Perhaps in the morning after he has slept
Darrow Ironhelm: Doubtin' it'll get much bettern' tha.
Dermot Kenner: No later, tho'.
Shanni Krowe: No, definately not.
After a short wait for Darrow to get fully ready, during which time the others speculated on exactly how much ale he intended to drink before combat, the four made their way to Helga's establishment, which was tricked out for the fights. The half-orc proprietoress went over the rules with the dwarven fighter, which were quite simple: no real armor or weapons; and the choice of fighting barehand or with clubs would go to Darrow's challengers. When asked, the dwarf said that he was "born ready" and went off to a side room to divest himself of his armor.
Once he emerged, Helga went over to say something to him privately, then the show was on. Helga began whipping the crowd of mercenaries, adventurers and other sundry types into excitement, while also taking care to point out where they could buy ale. She declared that there would be five challengers - five of the meanest fighters around, all of whom wanted the 50 gold that Darrow had put up as a stake. The combatants had to stay in a square carpeted area, keeping at least one foot in or be declared the loser. Once a fighter went down, that would also be considered a defeat.
The first fighter was announced by Helga and turned out to be a drunken halfling, who was there to show his "HIN PRIDE!" Darrow quickly stomped him into the ground, to the roars of the crowd, then took a rest break by Aerikoth and Dermot, who had cheered heartily for his dwarven companion. The dwarf looked wistfully at the ale keg, but eventually decided against a drink. Meanwhile, Shanni was chatting up Juril from the Scarlet Company.
The second challenger was a mercenary who chose to use the clubs. He went at Darrow hard and got in a few painful hits, coming back gamely after Darrow's answering blows, but the dwarf's power and skill in the end were too much and the man finally fell to the ground, unable to move. One of the guards hauled him away and Darrow used his rest time to apply some healing, with Aerikoth complimenting him on his performance.
Darrow declared himself ready and Helga enthusiastically announced NUMBER THREE! who turned out to be a big bruiser of a half-orc mercenary. The half-orc chose fists and boasted that he would make Darrow eat dirt. The dwarf remained silent and got to work as soon as Helga called for the fight to start. While the half-orc was a good fighter, Darrow's fists repeatedly struck him in his kidneys and other vulnerable areas, making the large brawler eventually collapse to the floor.
This time, over in his corner, Darrow accepted a drink along with some more healing. A private word was exchanged with Aerikoth and the dwarf put a ring on, but was then quietly upbraided by Helga, who had witnessed the action. The dwarf readied himself and walked back into the fighting area, displaying his ringless hands to her.
Next up was the mercenary fighter Jenks, famed for his fisticuffs, whom Darrow had encountered at Bagra's Tavern. Jenks naturally chose fists and the fight was on, to the roar of an excited crowd. Jenks struck quickly from his fighting stance, cutting open Darrow's lip, then traded jabs with the dwarf, expertly moving to take advantage of openings. After landing a solid right to Darrow's head, however, Jenks left himself open to a massive combination from the dwarf, who laid the mercenary low. After Jenks managed to get up, he shook Darrow's hand, congratulating him on being the first ever opponent to beat him, then limped away.
Darrow retired to the back room for a few minutes' rest and to apply more healing to his battered body. Helga meanwhile was whipping the crowd up, announcing that the last challenger was a SHE! Darrow then stepped out of his room and stood before the crowd, ready to face his final opponent, to a mix of yelling and drunken cheers.
Helga swung open a door and called out to what was in it...a pig in a dress. As the crowd catcalled, Helga paraded the pig around, yelling out that Helten knew her well, having "given her the SHAFT plenty o' times!" The pig indeed squealed when it looked in Helten's direction. The large half-orc's face turned beet red and, after shaking his fist silently at Helga, stormed out. A grinning Helga raised Darrow's hand and declared him the victor, as he and his companions looked on bemusedly.
As the crowd got some more drinks and started thinning out, the Scarlet Company members present came over to congratulate Darrow. Slipster thought the whole thing had been great, while the fighter Juril was obviously a little shocked. Firewine, their cleric, was solicitous of Darrow's health. Juril somewhat shyly said goodbye to Shanni, as Firewine explained that the Scarlet Company was having a meeting the next day at the Order of Kainen, which they were welcome to join.
As they watched the other adventurers depart, Darrow, Aerikoth, Shanni and Dermot also noted the presence in the crowd of Helena and her bodyguard Myrghal, whom they had previously encountered at the Vulture's Roost. The four then talked some more about the fights, agreeing to go see Helten in the morning and find out then what sort of mood he would be in to receive them.
----------------
Darrow Ironhelm: Well, haven't had a good series of fights like tha in a while!
Darrow Ironhelm: tha' half orc could punch!
Darrow Ironhelm: Whoo.
Shanni Krowe: *rolls eyes with a smile* At least someone is happy.
Dermot Kenner: Yeah, yeah that one was a good one.
Darrow Ironhelm: Well, gotta find a bit of a bright side somewhere.
Shanni Krowe: So how long do we wait before going to test Helten's mood?
Darrow Ironhelm: Although th' whole plan did go ta muck.
Darrow Ironhelm: Tomorrow mornin'?
Aerikoth: Perhaps in the morning after he has slept
Darrow Ironhelm: Doubtin' it'll get much bettern' tha.
Dermot Kenner: No later, tho'.
Shanni Krowe: No, definately not.
Oct 9 2011 session
The next morning on Alturiak 29, Darrow returned to the Rusty Cutlass, accompanied by Aerikoth, Dermot and Shanni, in order to pick up his share of the previous night's take. Helga cheerily greeted the dwarf and spent an entire minute counting out his gold. Shanni however looked none-too-pleased and Dermot stood off to one side, scowling with his arms folded in front of him. Aerikoth remained silent and watchful, as was his wont.
Once the coins were all in his pouch, Darrow expressed some doubt as to whether they would do him any good, considering what had happened the night before with Helten. Helga shrugged and stated she would keep her part of the bargain, as the "pig-humper" had kept his. The group then took their leave, with Dermot making some threatening comments that appeared to make little impression on the half-orc proprietoress.
After the group had started making their way through the streets to the Muddy Ogre, Darrow announced that he planned to keep his mouth shut with Helten, as it only seemed to land them in trouble. He hoped that the coin at least would be enough to pay Helten off, although he said it ws not that much, less than a hundred gold. Shanni was not surprised and said that she had expected Helga to fleece them with that, as well.
At the tavern, Helten was found in the middle of making his rounds. Darrow tried to hide himself behind his companions, while Shanni assumed a sheepish expression and apologized to the large half-orc, who unleashed a torrent of cursing and complaining, Dermot meanwhile attempted to appear stern and immovable. Helten after a while grudgingly admitted that the "she-devil" had kept her word, however, and no one could say that he would go back on his.
Helten asked them to tell him again what they planned to do with Barzog. When Shanni said they had work for him that would get him out of town, Helten said he would get the "scum of a half-brother" out of jail as long as they blew town within two days. After that, he said he might remember something else that Barzog needed to be locked up for, along with anybody he might be with. As he departed for the jailhouse, the half-orc proprietor made it clear that he never wanted to see either Barzog or the party again.
After discussing possible ways to get rid of Barzog after obtaining what information they could from him, the group exited the Muddy Ogre. Aerikoth headed directly for the Vulture's Roost, their agreed-upon meeting point, while the others took more indirect routes. Shanni said she wanted to purchase a cloak with a hood to keep the rain off, as well as perhaps check out the docks and see about picking up Barzog from jail.
Shanni and Dermot decided to stop first at the prison. The sergeant of the guard indicated that they had just missed Helten and indicated that some paperwork still needed to be completed before Barzog was freed. Somewhat frustrated, the the two then departed for the Vulture's Roost. Upon entering the inn, Dermot and Shanni noticed Aerikoth at a nearby table and also saw Helena and her bodyguard Myghal, who departed immediately after they arrived.
As the two joined Aerikoth, the wizard inquired regarding how things had gone at the jail. In response to a question from Dermot, he informed the others that he had been speaking with Helena and Myghal, who were from the Order of Kainen. Helena had been interested in knowing if Aerikoth, as a fellow mage, was aware of the activities of Wiljur, the local practitioner of the art. Aerikoth noted that Wiljur was under suspicion of working towards dark ends.
Darrow arrived and noted there was no Barzog; the others explained the delay with the paperwork. After discussing their options, the four decided to head back to the prison to see what was going on, despite the rain and hail outside. Once at the prison, the sergeant greeted them again, observing that they seemed impatient. Shanni indicated that they would wait there, so as to not miss Barzog's release. The sergeant then noted that these things took time, pausing and then coughing meaningfully. The import of his actions was not lost on the group. Uttering a short oath, Darrow "accidentally" dropped a small stack of coins on the sergeant's desk. The paperwork went remarkably fast after this and soon the group was standing in front of Barzog's cell, where the sergeant informed the half-orc that he was to be released into the custody of the four adventurers.
---------------------
Starmantle Sergeant: So! Back again.
Dermot Kenner: *leans against the stone, folding his arms.*
Starmantle Sergeant: You seem....er....impatient.
Shanni Krowe: Yes, we thought we'd just wait here save missing him.
Starmantle Sergeant: Ah, yes.
Starmantle Sergeant: Well, you know....these things take time.
Starmantle Sergeant: *coughs*
Starmantle Sergeant: *coughs again, meaningfully*
Shanni Krowe: Oh, I see.
Dermot Kenner: *flat look.*
Darrow Ironhelm: Oh Moradin's balls.
Darrow Ironhelm: *drops a small stack of coins on the table as though it were an accident*
Starmantle Sergeant: *gazes at the ceiling*
Darrow Ironhelm: *proceeds to gether them back up* Lookit me, how clumsy.
Darrow Ironhelm: *leaves a stack of ten gold*
Starmantle Sergeant: Ah, well, let me check again....
Dermot Kenner: *dark look.*
Starmantle Sergeant: *rummages through some papers*
Darrow Ironhelm: Wot?
Darrow Ironhelm: I'm clumsy.
Starmantle Sergeant: Why yes! Just lacks the one seal. I can take care of that.
Starmantle Sergeant: *looks pleased*
Starmantle Sergeant: Now, let's see about getting you your prisoner.
Shanni Krowe: *folds her arms*
Barzog: Ughhh?
Starmantle Sergeant: *looks around*
Shanni Krowe: *low voice* It's getting hard to decide who are the thieves around here.
Dermot Kenner: We didn't need to do that.
Starmantle Sergeant: Hey, you all want him, you better come get him.
Starmantle Sergeant: I was told to release him directly into your custody.
Dermot Kenner: Fine.
Starmantle Sergeant: Hear that, Barzog? You're now in the custody of these four.
Shanni Krowe: Where are his things?
Starmantle Sergeant: Helten said you could be released to them.
Barzog: Hrrrrkkk.
Barzog: *scratches his butt*
Starmantle Sergeant: That's all we found him with.
Starmantle Sergeant: Maybe you can go ask Helten.
Barzog: My heroes!
Shanni Krowe: *resigned look*
Once the coins were all in his pouch, Darrow expressed some doubt as to whether they would do him any good, considering what had happened the night before with Helten. Helga shrugged and stated she would keep her part of the bargain, as the "pig-humper" had kept his. The group then took their leave, with Dermot making some threatening comments that appeared to make little impression on the half-orc proprietoress.
After the group had started making their way through the streets to the Muddy Ogre, Darrow announced that he planned to keep his mouth shut with Helten, as it only seemed to land them in trouble. He hoped that the coin at least would be enough to pay Helten off, although he said it ws not that much, less than a hundred gold. Shanni was not surprised and said that she had expected Helga to fleece them with that, as well.
At the tavern, Helten was found in the middle of making his rounds. Darrow tried to hide himself behind his companions, while Shanni assumed a sheepish expression and apologized to the large half-orc, who unleashed a torrent of cursing and complaining, Dermot meanwhile attempted to appear stern and immovable. Helten after a while grudgingly admitted that the "she-devil" had kept her word, however, and no one could say that he would go back on his.
Helten asked them to tell him again what they planned to do with Barzog. When Shanni said they had work for him that would get him out of town, Helten said he would get the "scum of a half-brother" out of jail as long as they blew town within two days. After that, he said he might remember something else that Barzog needed to be locked up for, along with anybody he might be with. As he departed for the jailhouse, the half-orc proprietor made it clear that he never wanted to see either Barzog or the party again.
After discussing possible ways to get rid of Barzog after obtaining what information they could from him, the group exited the Muddy Ogre. Aerikoth headed directly for the Vulture's Roost, their agreed-upon meeting point, while the others took more indirect routes. Shanni said she wanted to purchase a cloak with a hood to keep the rain off, as well as perhaps check out the docks and see about picking up Barzog from jail.
Shanni and Dermot decided to stop first at the prison. The sergeant of the guard indicated that they had just missed Helten and indicated that some paperwork still needed to be completed before Barzog was freed. Somewhat frustrated, the the two then departed for the Vulture's Roost. Upon entering the inn, Dermot and Shanni noticed Aerikoth at a nearby table and also saw Helena and her bodyguard Myghal, who departed immediately after they arrived.
As the two joined Aerikoth, the wizard inquired regarding how things had gone at the jail. In response to a question from Dermot, he informed the others that he had been speaking with Helena and Myghal, who were from the Order of Kainen. Helena had been interested in knowing if Aerikoth, as a fellow mage, was aware of the activities of Wiljur, the local practitioner of the art. Aerikoth noted that Wiljur was under suspicion of working towards dark ends.
Darrow arrived and noted there was no Barzog; the others explained the delay with the paperwork. After discussing their options, the four decided to head back to the prison to see what was going on, despite the rain and hail outside. Once at the prison, the sergeant greeted them again, observing that they seemed impatient. Shanni indicated that they would wait there, so as to not miss Barzog's release. The sergeant then noted that these things took time, pausing and then coughing meaningfully. The import of his actions was not lost on the group. Uttering a short oath, Darrow "accidentally" dropped a small stack of coins on the sergeant's desk. The paperwork went remarkably fast after this and soon the group was standing in front of Barzog's cell, where the sergeant informed the half-orc that he was to be released into the custody of the four adventurers.
---------------------
Starmantle Sergeant: So! Back again.
Dermot Kenner: *leans against the stone, folding his arms.*
Starmantle Sergeant: You seem....er....impatient.
Shanni Krowe: Yes, we thought we'd just wait here save missing him.
Starmantle Sergeant: Ah, yes.
Starmantle Sergeant: Well, you know....these things take time.
Starmantle Sergeant: *coughs*
Starmantle Sergeant: *coughs again, meaningfully*
Shanni Krowe: Oh, I see.
Dermot Kenner: *flat look.*
Darrow Ironhelm: Oh Moradin's balls.
Darrow Ironhelm: *drops a small stack of coins on the table as though it were an accident*
Starmantle Sergeant: *gazes at the ceiling*
Darrow Ironhelm: *proceeds to gether them back up* Lookit me, how clumsy.
Darrow Ironhelm: *leaves a stack of ten gold*
Starmantle Sergeant: Ah, well, let me check again....
Dermot Kenner: *dark look.*
Starmantle Sergeant: *rummages through some papers*
Darrow Ironhelm: Wot?
Darrow Ironhelm: I'm clumsy.
Starmantle Sergeant: Why yes! Just lacks the one seal. I can take care of that.
Starmantle Sergeant: *looks pleased*
Starmantle Sergeant: Now, let's see about getting you your prisoner.
Shanni Krowe: *folds her arms*
Barzog: Ughhh?
Starmantle Sergeant: *looks around*
Shanni Krowe: *low voice* It's getting hard to decide who are the thieves around here.
Dermot Kenner: We didn't need to do that.
Starmantle Sergeant: Hey, you all want him, you better come get him.
Starmantle Sergeant: I was told to release him directly into your custody.
Dermot Kenner: Fine.
Starmantle Sergeant: Hear that, Barzog? You're now in the custody of these four.
Shanni Krowe: Where are his things?
Starmantle Sergeant: Helten said you could be released to them.
Barzog: Hrrrrkkk.
Barzog: *scratches his butt*
Starmantle Sergeant: That's all we found him with.
Starmantle Sergeant: Maybe you can go ask Helten.
Barzog: My heroes!
Shanni Krowe: *resigned look*
Oct 16 2011 session
Barzog expressed his gratitude and his expectations that the group would set him up with something to wear besides his filthy underclothes, all that he had on him when he was arrested. In response to a question from Dermot, the half-orc indicated that he had nowhere in particular to go, so would be happy to go wherever "da bosses" wanted.
First on the list was getting some clothes for Barzog. He led the group to a nearby store, where a halfling merchant was happy to sell Barzog an old suit of leathers in his size, for the ten gold that Darrow had provided the half-orc. The merchant was less happy when Barzog stripped down in the middle of the store to put on his new outfit, as was the rest of the group, who averted their eyes too late.
After perusing the rest of the merchant's stock, the group headed out into the city. Somewhat disoriented in the rain, they took a roundabout route to the Vulture's Roost, passing by the headquarters of the Order of Kainen, which Barzog regarded uneasily, but denied having anything to do with. Once at the Roost, the half-orc became very enthusiastic about the prospect of getting some ale. Dermot said that they could get one round, but then would need to talk, and went off to order some ales from Devins.
Once Barzog was happily drinking, Shanni took the lead in alternately cajoling and interrogating the half-orc. She explained that Helten had been difficult to persuade, but that in the end he wanted to see Barzog busily engaged in work somewhere. (Somewhere far from him, Darrow added under his breath.) Barzog confessed to having some friends who sometimes had work, as he put it, although they did not like strangers. Barzog offered to introduce them to his "friends" who the half-orc explained needed "tough guys" and also might be interested in Aerikoth, since they did not have a wizard of their own. Despite Shanni's repeated questioning, Barzog would only say that they sometimes had to escort cargo for a couple days, starting in Starmantle and then leaving the city.
Barzog then said he could go talk to his friends about having the group work with them, with everyone meeting together at night; he noted that his friends did not like doing business in the daytime. Darrow was the first to observe that Barzog could simply just run off, prompting the half-orc to express his incredulity at the idea. Barzog however ceded the point and then asked which one of them wanted to accompany him for the rest of the day. After the adventurers spent some time looking at each other and then arguing about who should go, Darrow volunteered.
The dwarf and the half-orc were gone for about an hour, leaving Aerikoth, Shanni and Dermot at the Vulture's Roost. On their return, Barzog happily accepted another round of ale from Darrow, who explained to the others that they had a meet set with Barzog's "friends" at dusk, by the docks.
-------------------
Shanni Krowe: You're out of gaol. But could be back in there very quickly if we don't get along.
Barzog: Huh.
Barzog: How you get me out, anyway?
Dermot Kenner: We-
Shanni Krowe: You're brother wasn't too keen on letting you out, but we managed to persuade him.
Dermot Kenner: - huh. That's kind of a long story.
Barzog: You got silver tongue? *looks at Shanni* I bet you do!
Shanni Krowe: *tilts head and looks at him curiously* I don't know about silver, but maybe gilt.
Barzog: Yeah girl.
Dermot Kenner: *unamused look.*
Barzog: What'd ol' Helten say?
Shanni Krowe: That he'd like to see you busily engaged in work somewhere.
Barzog: He said dat? What a guy.
Barzog: *belches*
Darrow Ironhelm: Preferably somewhere far from him *under his breath into his mug*
First on the list was getting some clothes for Barzog. He led the group to a nearby store, where a halfling merchant was happy to sell Barzog an old suit of leathers in his size, for the ten gold that Darrow had provided the half-orc. The merchant was less happy when Barzog stripped down in the middle of the store to put on his new outfit, as was the rest of the group, who averted their eyes too late.
After perusing the rest of the merchant's stock, the group headed out into the city. Somewhat disoriented in the rain, they took a roundabout route to the Vulture's Roost, passing by the headquarters of the Order of Kainen, which Barzog regarded uneasily, but denied having anything to do with. Once at the Roost, the half-orc became very enthusiastic about the prospect of getting some ale. Dermot said that they could get one round, but then would need to talk, and went off to order some ales from Devins.
Once Barzog was happily drinking, Shanni took the lead in alternately cajoling and interrogating the half-orc. She explained that Helten had been difficult to persuade, but that in the end he wanted to see Barzog busily engaged in work somewhere. (Somewhere far from him, Darrow added under his breath.) Barzog confessed to having some friends who sometimes had work, as he put it, although they did not like strangers. Barzog offered to introduce them to his "friends" who the half-orc explained needed "tough guys" and also might be interested in Aerikoth, since they did not have a wizard of their own. Despite Shanni's repeated questioning, Barzog would only say that they sometimes had to escort cargo for a couple days, starting in Starmantle and then leaving the city.
Barzog then said he could go talk to his friends about having the group work with them, with everyone meeting together at night; he noted that his friends did not like doing business in the daytime. Darrow was the first to observe that Barzog could simply just run off, prompting the half-orc to express his incredulity at the idea. Barzog however ceded the point and then asked which one of them wanted to accompany him for the rest of the day. After the adventurers spent some time looking at each other and then arguing about who should go, Darrow volunteered.
The dwarf and the half-orc were gone for about an hour, leaving Aerikoth, Shanni and Dermot at the Vulture's Roost. On their return, Barzog happily accepted another round of ale from Darrow, who explained to the others that they had a meet set with Barzog's "friends" at dusk, by the docks.
-------------------
Shanni Krowe: You're out of gaol. But could be back in there very quickly if we don't get along.
Barzog: Huh.
Barzog: How you get me out, anyway?
Dermot Kenner: We-
Shanni Krowe: You're brother wasn't too keen on letting you out, but we managed to persuade him.
Dermot Kenner: - huh. That's kind of a long story.
Barzog: You got silver tongue? *looks at Shanni* I bet you do!
Shanni Krowe: *tilts head and looks at him curiously* I don't know about silver, but maybe gilt.
Barzog: Yeah girl.
Dermot Kenner: *unamused look.*
Barzog: What'd ol' Helten say?
Shanni Krowe: That he'd like to see you busily engaged in work somewhere.
Barzog: He said dat? What a guy.
Barzog: *belches*
Darrow Ironhelm: Preferably somewhere far from him *under his breath into his mug*
Oct 30 2011 session
Over the next couple of hours, Barzog remained immune to further questions and blandishments, instead producing a large quantity of gold and starting to drink his way through it. The half-orc's speech become even cruder than normal, but more incomprehensible, so there was a positive side to his drinking binge. Only after he was physically unable to continue did he stop. Devins, having made a fair amount of coin that afternoon, allowed Dermot to take Barzog up to a free room in order for the half-orc to sleep it off. Aerikoth meanwhile had found a room of his own, in order to study his spellbook.
Shortly after Dermot had returned to report on Barzog's condition to Darrow and Shanni, all three were quite surprised when Rahnee stepped through the inn's door and greeted them with a wry smile. Her companions were pleased to see her, noting that they had only been in Starmantle for a couple of days themselves. Rahnee explained that she had been dropped back at Jandrico's establishment in Westgate, where she was informed of the others' destination. She then eagerly listened as Shanni brought her up to date on the group's efforts to track down possible leads to Janatha's whereabouts.
In response to a question from Rahnee, Darrow described the "friends" of Barzog that he had met earlier that day as a bunch of bandits - tough, skilled, possibly pirates. The dwarf had some doubts as to their professionalism, however, if they employed Barzog on a regular basis.
As the four were discussing whether or not to venture out into the rain, the former stowaway Errend walked in, looking much improved from his previous state in his new squire's tunic. Errend also showed some newfound manners and gallantry while being introduced to Rahnee. He explained that he had been looking for them in order to properly thank them for their help. He informed them that he was now a bonded servant to one of the Order of Kainen, Sir Robin, known as "the brave" in some minstrel songs. Before departing, Errend invited the group to visit the Order and talk to Sir Robin, should they wish.
----------------------------
Errend: *to Shanni* I have agreed to serve my master for two years, after which I may become a squire in the order.
Shanni Krowe: Oh.. oh that's alright then.
Dermot Kenner: This sounds like a pretty good deal.
Errend: It shall be difficult, no doubt, but I am looking forward to the adventures!
Dermot Kenner: Who'd we speak to if we got interested?
Errend: I am bonded to Sir Robin, you are certainly welcome to speak to him.
Dermot Kenner: *another wry smile, with a nod, at the mention of 'adventures'.*
Dermot Kenner: Robin. Right. Thanks.
Dermot Kenner: Care for a drink?
Errend: He is known as "the brave", I believe the minstrels have a song about him.
Errend: Aye, that would be nice!
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *chokes on her ale*
Shortly after Dermot had returned to report on Barzog's condition to Darrow and Shanni, all three were quite surprised when Rahnee stepped through the inn's door and greeted them with a wry smile. Her companions were pleased to see her, noting that they had only been in Starmantle for a couple of days themselves. Rahnee explained that she had been dropped back at Jandrico's establishment in Westgate, where she was informed of the others' destination. She then eagerly listened as Shanni brought her up to date on the group's efforts to track down possible leads to Janatha's whereabouts.
In response to a question from Rahnee, Darrow described the "friends" of Barzog that he had met earlier that day as a bunch of bandits - tough, skilled, possibly pirates. The dwarf had some doubts as to their professionalism, however, if they employed Barzog on a regular basis.
As the four were discussing whether or not to venture out into the rain, the former stowaway Errend walked in, looking much improved from his previous state in his new squire's tunic. Errend also showed some newfound manners and gallantry while being introduced to Rahnee. He explained that he had been looking for them in order to properly thank them for their help. He informed them that he was now a bonded servant to one of the Order of Kainen, Sir Robin, known as "the brave" in some minstrel songs. Before departing, Errend invited the group to visit the Order and talk to Sir Robin, should they wish.
----------------------------
Errend: *to Shanni* I have agreed to serve my master for two years, after which I may become a squire in the order.
Shanni Krowe: Oh.. oh that's alright then.
Dermot Kenner: This sounds like a pretty good deal.
Errend: It shall be difficult, no doubt, but I am looking forward to the adventures!
Dermot Kenner: Who'd we speak to if we got interested?
Errend: I am bonded to Sir Robin, you are certainly welcome to speak to him.
Dermot Kenner: *another wry smile, with a nod, at the mention of 'adventures'.*
Dermot Kenner: Robin. Right. Thanks.
Dermot Kenner: Care for a drink?
Errend: He is known as "the brave", I believe the minstrels have a song about him.
Errend: Aye, that would be nice!
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *chokes on her ale*
Nov 13 2011 session
By dusk on Alturiak 29, Aerikoth had not emerged from his studies and the others were disinclined to disturb him. Rahnee decided to take Errend up on his offer and visit the Order of Kainen while Darrow, Shanni and Dermot went to meet Barzog's "friends". Barzog first had to be woken up, Darrow again volunteering to deal with the half-orc after an underwhelming show of enthusiasm from his companions.
Once Barzog was downstairs and mobile, the three followed him out of the Vulture's Roost to the Northern Docks. There, the first mate of The Blind Man, who was called Red Ortho, welcomed Barzog back with a barked order to get down to the ship's hold to help clean up, while he talked business with Darrow and the others. The half-orc protested, but then slunk away, muttering, to obey the order.
Red Ortho then turned his attention to Darrow, who he admitted looked pretty tough. He said he had done some checking around and that Darrow had quite a rep in the city. If the dwarf and his companions could get a job done for him, he said, then they could sail with him when the ship left at midnight. Dermot played the part of an enthusiastic ruffian, while Shanni decided silence was the best option.
Ortho explained that he needed his crew working on the ship and could not afford to send them off to collect certain things owed them before they sailed. Cutting to the chase, he said that Councilman Jebers owed him 100 gold and a token, the latter item apparently conferring priviliges on Jebers that were now revoked. Ortho did not care how they accomplished this and in response to a question from Darrow said that Jebers should not be talking about what he had done, if he was smart. Shanni broke her silence to confirm that they should not involve the name of either Red Ortho or his ship, but pointed out that Jebers would surely know who was behind them. Ortho said that of course he would know, but again would not be talking.
Since the group were evidently up for the job, Ortho told them that Jebers normally went from the Council building to the baths in the Eastern sector and gave them a description of their target. He also mentioned that the usual fee for a group sailing with The Blind Man was 500 gold, to be split however they wanted once the voyage was over. Ortho was a little confused when asked by Darrow and Shanni about their duties, but said that if they were willing to collect for him, they would be all right, as the coin was good and they were not the types to be talking about it afterwards.
The three headed off the docks and toward the Council building, which they found closed for the evening. A passing mercenary pointed them in the direction of the bath house, which was just north of Bagra's Tavern, after Darrow mentioned he could use a bath after his long journey. The three discussed some preliminary plans on the way there, the basic idea being for Shanni to lure Jebers out of the baths to a place where Darrow and Dermot would be waiting.
The three entered the bath house and were greeted by a chatty attendant, who explained the rules of the place and pointed out the changing area. After they had changed, they scoped out the place further, noting the steam room below as well as the bathing pools on the main floor. As the steam room was otherwise unoccupied, they modified their plan to have Darrow and Dermot waiting there, while Shanni would attempt to find Jebers and have him accompany her downstairs. Darrow and Dermot decided to get back into their normal clothes, in order to be more intimidating.
After some time had passed, Darrow and Dermot heard Shanni and a man approaching their hiding spot in the steam room. Stepping out suddenly, they blocked the exits as Shanni faked surprise at their appearance. Jebers made a show of protecting Shanni, who was included in Darrow and Dermot's threats to have Jebers disappear if he did not hand over the gold and the token that they wanted. Talking fast, Jebers said that he would go upstairs and get what they wanted from his locker, asking them not to harm the girl. Darrow and Dermot allowed him to leave, again menacing Shanni.
A couple minutes passed and then the bath house attendant appeared, presenting Shanni with a token. He explained that Councilman Jebers sent his regrets, but had been forced to leave suddenly, and had asked the attendant to give it to her, saying he was sorry. Shanni accepted it and then went back upstairs to change, before meeting the other two outside the bath house.
--------------------
Dermot Kenner: Now, now. Best make no noise.
Councilman Jebers: What are you doing in here!
Dermot Kenner: Ssssh.
Shanni Krowe: Oh my..! *throws a hand to her mouth*
Councilman Jebers: You'll not harm the girl!
Councilman Jebers: *throws a protective arm around Shanni*
Dermot Kenner: We'll be th' judge of that, Councilman.
Darrow Ironhelm: *stands silently*
Dermot Kenner: You know why we're here and what we want.
Shanni Krowe: *tries to cover herself up looking frightened*
Councilman Jebers: Uh....no, I don't.
Dermot Kenner: ... fine.
Dermot Kenner: A hundred gold, an' a certain token.
Councilman Jebers: *suddenly starts coughing*
Shanni Krowe: *half hiding behind the councilman*
Darrow Ironhelm: *runs a gauntleted hand along the edge of his axe*
Councilman Jebers: The steam....
Councilman Jebers: getting to me....
Councilman Jebers: *eyes the door*
Darrow Ironhelm: *shakes his head*
Councilman Jebers: *looks at Darrow*
Dermot Kenner: Yeah, yeah. There's two ways this can go, Councilman.
Darrow Ironhelm: Din't think about t.
Dermot Kenner: Either we leave with what we want,
Shanni Krowe: *mouth sliently to Dermot upstairs*
Dermot Kenner: Or all four of us leave by that door, an' two of us are never seen again.
Councilman Jebers: *frowns as he attempts to do the math*
Shanni Krowe: Please no! *hands go to cover face and cowers*
Dermot Kenner: I'd decide quick, please. We're busy men.
Councilman Jebers: All right, look.
Councilman Jebers: No need to make a scene.
Councilman Jebers: All the gold I have on me is in the wardrobe, along with the token.
Shanni Krowe: *presses in close hiding behind him*
Councilman Jebers: I'll go up and get it and bring it to you.
Councilman Jebers: Just don't harm the girl!
Dermot Kenner: Th' girl stays til you come back.
Shanni Krowe: Are you going to leave me with them?!
Dermot Kenner: She'll be safe... until she's not.
Councilman Jebers: *looks back at Shanni* well, if it has to be that way.
Councilman Jebers: *looks into Shanni's eyes* I'll be right back.
Once Barzog was downstairs and mobile, the three followed him out of the Vulture's Roost to the Northern Docks. There, the first mate of The Blind Man, who was called Red Ortho, welcomed Barzog back with a barked order to get down to the ship's hold to help clean up, while he talked business with Darrow and the others. The half-orc protested, but then slunk away, muttering, to obey the order.
Red Ortho then turned his attention to Darrow, who he admitted looked pretty tough. He said he had done some checking around and that Darrow had quite a rep in the city. If the dwarf and his companions could get a job done for him, he said, then they could sail with him when the ship left at midnight. Dermot played the part of an enthusiastic ruffian, while Shanni decided silence was the best option.
Ortho explained that he needed his crew working on the ship and could not afford to send them off to collect certain things owed them before they sailed. Cutting to the chase, he said that Councilman Jebers owed him 100 gold and a token, the latter item apparently conferring priviliges on Jebers that were now revoked. Ortho did not care how they accomplished this and in response to a question from Darrow said that Jebers should not be talking about what he had done, if he was smart. Shanni broke her silence to confirm that they should not involve the name of either Red Ortho or his ship, but pointed out that Jebers would surely know who was behind them. Ortho said that of course he would know, but again would not be talking.
Since the group were evidently up for the job, Ortho told them that Jebers normally went from the Council building to the baths in the Eastern sector and gave them a description of their target. He also mentioned that the usual fee for a group sailing with The Blind Man was 500 gold, to be split however they wanted once the voyage was over. Ortho was a little confused when asked by Darrow and Shanni about their duties, but said that if they were willing to collect for him, they would be all right, as the coin was good and they were not the types to be talking about it afterwards.
The three headed off the docks and toward the Council building, which they found closed for the evening. A passing mercenary pointed them in the direction of the bath house, which was just north of Bagra's Tavern, after Darrow mentioned he could use a bath after his long journey. The three discussed some preliminary plans on the way there, the basic idea being for Shanni to lure Jebers out of the baths to a place where Darrow and Dermot would be waiting.
The three entered the bath house and were greeted by a chatty attendant, who explained the rules of the place and pointed out the changing area. After they had changed, they scoped out the place further, noting the steam room below as well as the bathing pools on the main floor. As the steam room was otherwise unoccupied, they modified their plan to have Darrow and Dermot waiting there, while Shanni would attempt to find Jebers and have him accompany her downstairs. Darrow and Dermot decided to get back into their normal clothes, in order to be more intimidating.
After some time had passed, Darrow and Dermot heard Shanni and a man approaching their hiding spot in the steam room. Stepping out suddenly, they blocked the exits as Shanni faked surprise at their appearance. Jebers made a show of protecting Shanni, who was included in Darrow and Dermot's threats to have Jebers disappear if he did not hand over the gold and the token that they wanted. Talking fast, Jebers said that he would go upstairs and get what they wanted from his locker, asking them not to harm the girl. Darrow and Dermot allowed him to leave, again menacing Shanni.
A couple minutes passed and then the bath house attendant appeared, presenting Shanni with a token. He explained that Councilman Jebers sent his regrets, but had been forced to leave suddenly, and had asked the attendant to give it to her, saying he was sorry. Shanni accepted it and then went back upstairs to change, before meeting the other two outside the bath house.
--------------------
Dermot Kenner: Now, now. Best make no noise.
Councilman Jebers: What are you doing in here!
Dermot Kenner: Ssssh.
Shanni Krowe: Oh my..! *throws a hand to her mouth*
Councilman Jebers: You'll not harm the girl!
Councilman Jebers: *throws a protective arm around Shanni*
Dermot Kenner: We'll be th' judge of that, Councilman.
Darrow Ironhelm: *stands silently*
Dermot Kenner: You know why we're here and what we want.
Shanni Krowe: *tries to cover herself up looking frightened*
Councilman Jebers: Uh....no, I don't.
Dermot Kenner: ... fine.
Dermot Kenner: A hundred gold, an' a certain token.
Councilman Jebers: *suddenly starts coughing*
Shanni Krowe: *half hiding behind the councilman*
Darrow Ironhelm: *runs a gauntleted hand along the edge of his axe*
Councilman Jebers: The steam....
Councilman Jebers: getting to me....
Councilman Jebers: *eyes the door*
Darrow Ironhelm: *shakes his head*
Councilman Jebers: *looks at Darrow*
Dermot Kenner: Yeah, yeah. There's two ways this can go, Councilman.
Darrow Ironhelm: Din't think about t.
Dermot Kenner: Either we leave with what we want,
Shanni Krowe: *mouth sliently to Dermot upstairs*
Dermot Kenner: Or all four of us leave by that door, an' two of us are never seen again.
Councilman Jebers: *frowns as he attempts to do the math*
Shanni Krowe: Please no! *hands go to cover face and cowers*
Dermot Kenner: I'd decide quick, please. We're busy men.
Councilman Jebers: All right, look.
Councilman Jebers: No need to make a scene.
Councilman Jebers: All the gold I have on me is in the wardrobe, along with the token.
Shanni Krowe: *presses in close hiding behind him*
Councilman Jebers: I'll go up and get it and bring it to you.
Councilman Jebers: Just don't harm the girl!
Dermot Kenner: Th' girl stays til you come back.
Shanni Krowe: Are you going to leave me with them?!
Dermot Kenner: She'll be safe... until she's not.
Councilman Jebers: *looks back at Shanni* well, if it has to be that way.
Councilman Jebers: *looks into Shanni's eyes* I'll be right back.
Nov 20 2011 session
Once they were sure no one was following them, Darrow, Shanni and Dermot returned to the Vulture's Roost. Rahnee was nowhere to be found, however, and Aerikoth remained locked in his room, studying his magic. As there were still some hours before midnight, the three decided to provision themselves in advance of their upcoming voyage into the unknown, as well as reconnoiter the ship some more. Shanni went over to Devins and let the innkeeper know that they would be gone for a short while, out on a little stroll, in case their friends asked about them.
The cold, snowy night lent a certain urgency to their movements, although they were careful not to be seen by the ship's watch as they made their way to vantage point near it. A passing patrolman did query their intentions, but Darrow fed him a story about taking their bearings while they looked for an armorsmith, which satisfied the man. After the patrolman had continued on his rounds, however, Darrow got the idea to question him further about the ship and took off after him, leaving the other two at their station. Returning shortly afterwards, the dwarf reported that they had a nice chat, up until he had inquired about the ship, at which point the patrolman became real quiet and rather peeved.
After noting some of the items near the ship, including a caged wagon, the three moved on and stopped first at a strong-smelling leatherworkers' shop. Shanni was interested in a hooded cloak, but none were at hand. The three afterwards went to the Temple of Waukeen for some healing supplies, then found an open store which sold bolts of cloth which Shanni thought might be useful for crafting a hood.
---------------------------------------
Darrow Ironhelm: While ye two were shiverin' I was gettin' information.
Darrow Ironhelm: Had a nice chat with a guard, althoguh I din't make a new friend like I'd hoped.
Darrow Ironhelm: was a nice chat anyway, until I tried ta ask him about our ship.
Darrow Ironhelm: Got real quiet an' real peeved.
Dermot Kenner: Huh.
Shanni Krowe: *wary look* Didn't you remember they had a councillor in their pocket?
Shanni Krowe: If they can do that, what do you think they can do with the guards and a few coin?
Darrow Ironhelm: 'Course I tried ta slip him a gold when I asked. *shrugs* Coulda been tha too.
Dermot Kenner: They told to look the other way, mebbe...?
Darrow Ironhelm: *shrugs*
Darrow Ironhelm: Figured even dumb thieves try ta know who they're workin' for.
Darrow Ironhelm: Couldn't hold it against us.
Shanni Krowe: *doesn't look convinced*
The cold, snowy night lent a certain urgency to their movements, although they were careful not to be seen by the ship's watch as they made their way to vantage point near it. A passing patrolman did query their intentions, but Darrow fed him a story about taking their bearings while they looked for an armorsmith, which satisfied the man. After the patrolman had continued on his rounds, however, Darrow got the idea to question him further about the ship and took off after him, leaving the other two at their station. Returning shortly afterwards, the dwarf reported that they had a nice chat, up until he had inquired about the ship, at which point the patrolman became real quiet and rather peeved.
After noting some of the items near the ship, including a caged wagon, the three moved on and stopped first at a strong-smelling leatherworkers' shop. Shanni was interested in a hooded cloak, but none were at hand. The three afterwards went to the Temple of Waukeen for some healing supplies, then found an open store which sold bolts of cloth which Shanni thought might be useful for crafting a hood.
---------------------------------------
Darrow Ironhelm: While ye two were shiverin' I was gettin' information.
Darrow Ironhelm: Had a nice chat with a guard, althoguh I din't make a new friend like I'd hoped.
Darrow Ironhelm: was a nice chat anyway, until I tried ta ask him about our ship.
Darrow Ironhelm: Got real quiet an' real peeved.
Dermot Kenner: Huh.
Shanni Krowe: *wary look* Didn't you remember they had a councillor in their pocket?
Shanni Krowe: If they can do that, what do you think they can do with the guards and a few coin?
Darrow Ironhelm: 'Course I tried ta slip him a gold when I asked. *shrugs* Coulda been tha too.
Dermot Kenner: They told to look the other way, mebbe...?
Darrow Ironhelm: *shrugs*
Darrow Ironhelm: Figured even dumb thieves try ta know who they're workin' for.
Darrow Ironhelm: Couldn't hold it against us.
Shanni Krowe: *doesn't look convinced*
Dec 4 2011 session
Returning to the Vulture's Roost, the three ancily waited for their companions to arrive in the common. Aerikoth descended and joined them first, his studies completed. A while later Rahnee entered, stamping the snow from her boots. She informed them that during her visit to the headquarters of the Order of Kainen, she had received a polite reception, but had learned little of substance. Darrrow, Shanni and Dermot then explained about the "job" they had been able to obtain via Barzog's introduction. Dermot described their new "employers" as having dodgy shipping, guards looking the other way, and their fingers in local government. He also confirmed that they used the Astorian mark.
After some light banter to lift their spirits - from everyone except Aerikoth - the companions finalized their preparations for leaving the inn, retrieving their necessary gear and in Dermot's case asking the bartender to refill his hip flask. They rapidly made their way through the cold night to the northern docks, where Red Ortho was waiting for them impatiently. The first mate of the Blind Man was pleased enough, however, to receive the Astorian token from Shanni and 100 gold from Darrow.
Red Ortho then explained the rules of the ship to the adventurers, which were simple enough. They were to put themselves up in the cabins, taking two of them for the group. They were also welcome to gamble with "the boys" in the common cabin spaces if they liked. The group was not to show themselves on deck until the ship made landfall or unless called for. They were also ordered to stay out of the hold, unless someone called them there, which would not happen until after they picked up the "shipment" if at all. Dermot Kenner asked if they would be out at sea long, to which Red Ortho replied that they should be at their destination around sunup.
Per their instructions, the five companions headed for the cabins area, which at least was warmer than the outside. There, they were warmly greeted by Pincer, the head of the ship's guards, and introductions were made. A number of guards were either sleeping or conversing in low tones in the main cabin area, with a bunch of bedrolls close to the wall by the entry door. Pincer noted that additional guards were in the ship's hold, cleaning up, and clued them into the fact that Red Ortho ran the ship, with the captain just doing the sailing.
Pincer had already heard of Darrow, with the dwarf's recently-acquired fame as a pit fighter proceeding him, and eagerly asked the dwarf about the fights. The two chatted about Darrow's experience, Pincer's enthusiasm being evident, along with his disappointment at having missed the fights. Darrow casually mentioned that they had not received much detail about the job, leading Pincer to explain that the adventurers were there in case "something heavy" came their way; they made good profits, so hiring a little insurance made sense. Pincer then inquired what they had done for Red Ortho in order to get hired, which Shanni and Rahnee deflected without answering.
After the ship got underway, the companions picked two of the available cabins, conversing among themselves about their situation prior to going to sleep. The ship kept on a steady course during the night and the companions were up around dawn. Shanni was the first to brave the main cabin, quietly moving past the sleeping rank of guards and then striking up a conversation with the guard on duty by the door.
-----------------------------
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Ahhhh. How did your meeting go?
Shanni Krowe: The orc-blood came through for us, we have a departure at midnight.
Dermot Kenner: Managed to convince a ship to take us on as heavies for one o' their voyages.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: And this is a good thing for us? *looking at Aerikoth*
Dermot Kenner: *voice drops to a mutter.* They seem to be Astorians.
Shanni Krowe: *follows the look and brow creases a little*
Aerikoth: I was not present during these negotiations
Shanni Krowe: We've been working /hard/ to put this together.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Then excellent work, Shanni, Dermot.
Aerikoth: But I have faith this is the best course to take at this time
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Well done, indeed.
Shanni Krowe: *lips twitch a little and goes back to rearranging her pack*
Dermot Kenner: *flicks glances from face to face... and nods.* We'll see, we'll see. It *feels* right.
After some light banter to lift their spirits - from everyone except Aerikoth - the companions finalized their preparations for leaving the inn, retrieving their necessary gear and in Dermot's case asking the bartender to refill his hip flask. They rapidly made their way through the cold night to the northern docks, where Red Ortho was waiting for them impatiently. The first mate of the Blind Man was pleased enough, however, to receive the Astorian token from Shanni and 100 gold from Darrow.
Red Ortho then explained the rules of the ship to the adventurers, which were simple enough. They were to put themselves up in the cabins, taking two of them for the group. They were also welcome to gamble with "the boys" in the common cabin spaces if they liked. The group was not to show themselves on deck until the ship made landfall or unless called for. They were also ordered to stay out of the hold, unless someone called them there, which would not happen until after they picked up the "shipment" if at all. Dermot Kenner asked if they would be out at sea long, to which Red Ortho replied that they should be at their destination around sunup.
Per their instructions, the five companions headed for the cabins area, which at least was warmer than the outside. There, they were warmly greeted by Pincer, the head of the ship's guards, and introductions were made. A number of guards were either sleeping or conversing in low tones in the main cabin area, with a bunch of bedrolls close to the wall by the entry door. Pincer noted that additional guards were in the ship's hold, cleaning up, and clued them into the fact that Red Ortho ran the ship, with the captain just doing the sailing.
Pincer had already heard of Darrow, with the dwarf's recently-acquired fame as a pit fighter proceeding him, and eagerly asked the dwarf about the fights. The two chatted about Darrow's experience, Pincer's enthusiasm being evident, along with his disappointment at having missed the fights. Darrow casually mentioned that they had not received much detail about the job, leading Pincer to explain that the adventurers were there in case "something heavy" came their way; they made good profits, so hiring a little insurance made sense. Pincer then inquired what they had done for Red Ortho in order to get hired, which Shanni and Rahnee deflected without answering.
After the ship got underway, the companions picked two of the available cabins, conversing among themselves about their situation prior to going to sleep. The ship kept on a steady course during the night and the companions were up around dawn. Shanni was the first to brave the main cabin, quietly moving past the sleeping rank of guards and then striking up a conversation with the guard on duty by the door.
-----------------------------
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Ahhhh. How did your meeting go?
Shanni Krowe: The orc-blood came through for us, we have a departure at midnight.
Dermot Kenner: Managed to convince a ship to take us on as heavies for one o' their voyages.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: And this is a good thing for us? *looking at Aerikoth*
Dermot Kenner: *voice drops to a mutter.* They seem to be Astorians.
Shanni Krowe: *follows the look and brow creases a little*
Aerikoth: I was not present during these negotiations
Shanni Krowe: We've been working /hard/ to put this together.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Then excellent work, Shanni, Dermot.
Aerikoth: But I have faith this is the best course to take at this time
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Well done, indeed.
Shanni Krowe: *lips twitch a little and goes back to rearranging her pack*
Dermot Kenner: *flicks glances from face to face... and nods.* We'll see, we'll see. It *feels* right.
Dec 11 2011 session
Once Shanni had finished getting what she could out of the guard, she returned to her cabin and checked on Rahnee, who was apparently seasick. After a while, she and the others heard sounds of activity from the cabin deck. Shanni, Darrow and Dermot came out of their respective cabins to see a group of guards heading out, with their overseer commenting that the hold wouldn’t finish cleaning itself. Aerikoth meanwhile remained in his room to study, unconcerned about the guards’ activity.
The other three observed a pair of half-orc guards on the deck, then retreated to the men’s cabin to discuss things privately. Shanni noted that she had not been able to obtain much more detail about the ship’s “cargo” from her earlier conversation, as the guard had become suspicious. Hearing some muffled voices outside, Darrow put his ear to the door and relayed that the talk was about the ship arriving at an island in two hours, where their cargo would be picked up.
After some further discussion, the group was hungry enough to go see what was for breakfast, announced by a thud and some cursing. Pincer by then had joined the two half-orc guards, who were now manning a cauldron filled with food looking vaguely like oatmeal, and helpfully pointed out that the food was at least well-cooked, with nothing possibly being alive in it. Shanni, apparently both the hungriest and bravest, tentatively tasted a bowl of the glop, then shrugged and finished it off. Dermot and Darrow then followed her lead.
As soon as they had finished their food, the larger of the two half-orc guards, called One-Eye, asked Darrow if he was a gambler. Having heard of Darrow’s reputation as a brawler, One-Eye challenged him to a fight, with fifty gold as the stakes. Darrow not being one to turn down a good fight - or a bad one, for that matter - deposited his stake with Dermot and stripped himself of weapons and armor, as did One-Eye, under Pincer’s supervision. Aerikoth emerged from his cabin and stood at the door, watching the two prepare.
With the rules being simple - no killing, no leaving the deck’s open space, and the last one standing wins - Darrow and One-Eye got to it, after exchanging some verbal barbs. The scarred half-orc had the swagger of a veteran and after planting his feet, got in a vicious right hook to Darrow’s jaw, snapping the dwarf’s head back. Darrow immediately shrugged it off, however, and stepped in to start pummeling the half-orc’s torso. One-Eye could not keep up with the flurry of blows and Darrow laid him on the floor with a blow to the head. The half-orc struggled up for a moment, but then his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he fell back down.
Darrow collected his winnings as One-Eye’s companions revived him. Pincer was suitably impressed by Darrow’s fighting prowess, commenting that this was why he thought it was good to hire “specialists”. Shanni pulled out a handkerchief to dab at Darrow’s cuts. Pincer was noncommittal in response to a question from Dermot about their jobs, saying he would return later with their orders.
In order to pass the time, Dermot suggested a bit of storytelling, as both he and Shanni were interested about how the adventuring group had originally got together. Aerikoth and Darrow took turns talking about their adventures, explaining how they had first joined the group and describing the different enemies and encounters they had together. Aerikoth’s story focused on the group’s discovery of and struggle against the ancient lich Ashnakzeroth, while Darrow’s tale revolved around the descent into the Clan Ironhelm Deeper Delves and the recovery of the clan’s legendary axe named Haelgrim.
----------------------------------------
Shanni Krowe: Has to be /something/ to do for a couple of hours?
Darrow Ironhelm: Might go catch a few winks myself.
Dermot Kenner: ... anyone bring a pack of cards...?
Darrow Ironhelm: Or try to.
Shanni Krowe: *shakes head* I /suppose/ I could check on Rahnee. *doesn't look too enamoured at the prospect*
Shanni Krowe: Stone, net, knife?
Dermot Kenner: Guess someone better...
Dermot Kenner: Ha, s'pose that's somethin'.
Darrow Ironhelm: This is when th' bard wouldha been useful fer once.
Shanni Krowe: It sort of smells of ... uck in there.
Darrow Ironhelm: Swear, that elf could talk fer ages an' ne'er stop.
Shanni Krowe: Why? Does he have a pack of cards.... oh.
Darrow Ironhelm: Blather about this an' that.
Darrow Ironhelm: Sometimes even blather about useful information.
Darrow Ironhelm: *shrugs*
Shanni Krowe: You could tell me about how you all came to be together?
Aerikoth: Did he? I failed to notice
Dermot Kenner: Bit of storytellin'd go down alright.
Dermot Kenner: Oh yah. That wouldn't be a bad thing.
The other three observed a pair of half-orc guards on the deck, then retreated to the men’s cabin to discuss things privately. Shanni noted that she had not been able to obtain much more detail about the ship’s “cargo” from her earlier conversation, as the guard had become suspicious. Hearing some muffled voices outside, Darrow put his ear to the door and relayed that the talk was about the ship arriving at an island in two hours, where their cargo would be picked up.
After some further discussion, the group was hungry enough to go see what was for breakfast, announced by a thud and some cursing. Pincer by then had joined the two half-orc guards, who were now manning a cauldron filled with food looking vaguely like oatmeal, and helpfully pointed out that the food was at least well-cooked, with nothing possibly being alive in it. Shanni, apparently both the hungriest and bravest, tentatively tasted a bowl of the glop, then shrugged and finished it off. Dermot and Darrow then followed her lead.
As soon as they had finished their food, the larger of the two half-orc guards, called One-Eye, asked Darrow if he was a gambler. Having heard of Darrow’s reputation as a brawler, One-Eye challenged him to a fight, with fifty gold as the stakes. Darrow not being one to turn down a good fight - or a bad one, for that matter - deposited his stake with Dermot and stripped himself of weapons and armor, as did One-Eye, under Pincer’s supervision. Aerikoth emerged from his cabin and stood at the door, watching the two prepare.
With the rules being simple - no killing, no leaving the deck’s open space, and the last one standing wins - Darrow and One-Eye got to it, after exchanging some verbal barbs. The scarred half-orc had the swagger of a veteran and after planting his feet, got in a vicious right hook to Darrow’s jaw, snapping the dwarf’s head back. Darrow immediately shrugged it off, however, and stepped in to start pummeling the half-orc’s torso. One-Eye could not keep up with the flurry of blows and Darrow laid him on the floor with a blow to the head. The half-orc struggled up for a moment, but then his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he fell back down.
Darrow collected his winnings as One-Eye’s companions revived him. Pincer was suitably impressed by Darrow’s fighting prowess, commenting that this was why he thought it was good to hire “specialists”. Shanni pulled out a handkerchief to dab at Darrow’s cuts. Pincer was noncommittal in response to a question from Dermot about their jobs, saying he would return later with their orders.
In order to pass the time, Dermot suggested a bit of storytelling, as both he and Shanni were interested about how the adventuring group had originally got together. Aerikoth and Darrow took turns talking about their adventures, explaining how they had first joined the group and describing the different enemies and encounters they had together. Aerikoth’s story focused on the group’s discovery of and struggle against the ancient lich Ashnakzeroth, while Darrow’s tale revolved around the descent into the Clan Ironhelm Deeper Delves and the recovery of the clan’s legendary axe named Haelgrim.
----------------------------------------
Shanni Krowe: Has to be /something/ to do for a couple of hours?
Darrow Ironhelm: Might go catch a few winks myself.
Dermot Kenner: ... anyone bring a pack of cards...?
Darrow Ironhelm: Or try to.
Shanni Krowe: *shakes head* I /suppose/ I could check on Rahnee. *doesn't look too enamoured at the prospect*
Shanni Krowe: Stone, net, knife?
Dermot Kenner: Guess someone better...
Dermot Kenner: Ha, s'pose that's somethin'.
Darrow Ironhelm: This is when th' bard wouldha been useful fer once.
Shanni Krowe: It sort of smells of ... uck in there.
Darrow Ironhelm: Swear, that elf could talk fer ages an' ne'er stop.
Shanni Krowe: Why? Does he have a pack of cards.... oh.
Darrow Ironhelm: Blather about this an' that.
Darrow Ironhelm: Sometimes even blather about useful information.
Darrow Ironhelm: *shrugs*
Shanni Krowe: You could tell me about how you all came to be together?
Aerikoth: Did he? I failed to notice
Dermot Kenner: Bit of storytellin'd go down alright.
Dermot Kenner: Oh yah. That wouldn't be a bad thing.
January 1 2012 session
As Darrow finished his tale, Aerikoth excused himself and went into the cabin he was using to study his spellbooks, shutting the door after he entered. Rahnee then staggered out of her cabin, looking pale and complaining that the grog Darrow had given her must have been off, because she does not get seasick. The dwarf in response just shrugged and pithily observed that “Sometimes ye get th' troll, sometimes th' troll gets ye.”
Pincer arrived and invited the group to come up on the main deck, noting that he had no intention of bothering the wizard. Shanni and Rahnee leapt at the chance of getting some fresh air and were followed up by Darrow and Dermot. The dwarf expressed his amazement at the amount of water visible as Pincer pointed out that their island destination was visible at a distance off the starboard bow, through the fog. Dermot disappeared down the ladder to the hold, but was immediately noticed by Pincer, who called Dermot back immediately, advising him not to try the captain’s patience, since the hold was off limits.
After the group had a chance to catch their breaths and adapt to the movement of the ship, Red Ortho clambered up from below deck. He told the group that they were more or less on schedule to land at their “resupply island” in two hours. He described how the ship captain would need to time the tide and then beach the ship in some soft sand by the island, there being no pier or other facilities for the ship to dock. Shanni questioned whether that would harm the ship, but Red Ortho reassured her that it would not, if done right.
Red Ortho then moved on to describe the situation they would face. He related how the last time the ship had been at the island, they had encountered problems on land. Three of their camp guards had disappeared at night, with no sign of a struggle or anything else that had happened to them. Dermot threw in a jest about giant tortoises, but Red Ortho was not amused. He added that some of “the boys” had felt something cold during the night, but that was all; he noted that the island was not very big. When Rahnee incredulously questioned how three men could have simply disappeared from camp, Red Ortho cursed and said that was why the adventurers had been hired, to tackle the problem.
Following some additional questions about the island and the three guards’ disappearances, in which it was spelled out to Shanni that the ship was run by slavers, the four fell to discussing what could have been responsible, with speculation running from invisible dragons to shades. Some color commentary was also provided by One-Eye, who came up from below decks to puke his guts out at the ship’s rail, one of the lingering results of his fight with Darrow.
Pincer at this point came up on deck and then offered to show Darrow something in his cabin. After several minutes, the dwarf came back up on deck and casually motioned his companions over where they could speak privately. Whispering, Darrow told them that Pincer had provided some additional information on the incident with the guards. Apparently two of them had decided to take a girl from the slave pen and had gone off with her into the night. Later on, however, the girl had returned alone and screaming, unable to say to anyone what had happened. Despite the guards being doubled, another one of them also disappeared. The four companions considered the ramifications of this, speculating that a desire for revenge might be behind the actions.
-------------------------------------------------
Red Ortho: Last time we did this run we had....problems.
Red Ortho: Not with the cargo. With something on the island.
Dermot Kenner: Damn giant tortioses.
Red Ortho: At night, we lost three of our men. No sign of a struggle. No sign of anything at all.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *smiles slightly at Dermot's words*
Red Ortho: I doubt it was giant tortoises. *spits off the side*
Shanni Krowe: *looks at him a little puzled*
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: From on board or on the island?
Red Ortho: From the island.
Dermot Kenner: *there's a smile for a moment, but the talk of casualties sobers him up.*
Red Ortho: It's not a very big place. But they just vanished.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Day or night?
Red Ortho: Some of the boys said they felt something cold during the night. That's about all we could figure out.
Red Ortho: At nighttime.
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks to Rahnee* Could be undead?
Darrow Ironhelm: Wraiths or somesuch?
Darrow Ironhelm: *shrugs*
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Were they in sight of the ship, like guard duty?
Darrow Ironhelm: Or just a really good skulker type.
Red Ortho: Anyway, we can deal with the cargo. It wasn't touched by whatever it was, in any case.
Red Ortho: They were in camp.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *nods at Darrow's words*
Red Ortho: Like I said, not a big place.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: In camp? *incredulously*
Red Ortho: Look, we didn't spend a gods-bedamned fortune to bring you here to solve something easy.
Red Ortho: You're here to protect us from....whatever it is.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *holds hands up* Didn't say you did.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Just trying to make sure we understand the full situation.
Red Ortho: Once we put in at the island, I'll ask you to explore it. See if you can find anything we missed.
Red Ortho: If you don't find anything during the day, then you pull guard duty all night.
Shanni Krowe: *turns to look back over board at the land faintly visible ahead*
Dermot Kenner: What a great prize.
Pincer arrived and invited the group to come up on the main deck, noting that he had no intention of bothering the wizard. Shanni and Rahnee leapt at the chance of getting some fresh air and were followed up by Darrow and Dermot. The dwarf expressed his amazement at the amount of water visible as Pincer pointed out that their island destination was visible at a distance off the starboard bow, through the fog. Dermot disappeared down the ladder to the hold, but was immediately noticed by Pincer, who called Dermot back immediately, advising him not to try the captain’s patience, since the hold was off limits.
After the group had a chance to catch their breaths and adapt to the movement of the ship, Red Ortho clambered up from below deck. He told the group that they were more or less on schedule to land at their “resupply island” in two hours. He described how the ship captain would need to time the tide and then beach the ship in some soft sand by the island, there being no pier or other facilities for the ship to dock. Shanni questioned whether that would harm the ship, but Red Ortho reassured her that it would not, if done right.
Red Ortho then moved on to describe the situation they would face. He related how the last time the ship had been at the island, they had encountered problems on land. Three of their camp guards had disappeared at night, with no sign of a struggle or anything else that had happened to them. Dermot threw in a jest about giant tortoises, but Red Ortho was not amused. He added that some of “the boys” had felt something cold during the night, but that was all; he noted that the island was not very big. When Rahnee incredulously questioned how three men could have simply disappeared from camp, Red Ortho cursed and said that was why the adventurers had been hired, to tackle the problem.
Following some additional questions about the island and the three guards’ disappearances, in which it was spelled out to Shanni that the ship was run by slavers, the four fell to discussing what could have been responsible, with speculation running from invisible dragons to shades. Some color commentary was also provided by One-Eye, who came up from below decks to puke his guts out at the ship’s rail, one of the lingering results of his fight with Darrow.
Pincer at this point came up on deck and then offered to show Darrow something in his cabin. After several minutes, the dwarf came back up on deck and casually motioned his companions over where they could speak privately. Whispering, Darrow told them that Pincer had provided some additional information on the incident with the guards. Apparently two of them had decided to take a girl from the slave pen and had gone off with her into the night. Later on, however, the girl had returned alone and screaming, unable to say to anyone what had happened. Despite the guards being doubled, another one of them also disappeared. The four companions considered the ramifications of this, speculating that a desire for revenge might be behind the actions.
-------------------------------------------------
Red Ortho: Last time we did this run we had....problems.
Red Ortho: Not with the cargo. With something on the island.
Dermot Kenner: Damn giant tortioses.
Red Ortho: At night, we lost three of our men. No sign of a struggle. No sign of anything at all.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *smiles slightly at Dermot's words*
Red Ortho: I doubt it was giant tortoises. *spits off the side*
Shanni Krowe: *looks at him a little puzled*
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: From on board or on the island?
Red Ortho: From the island.
Dermot Kenner: *there's a smile for a moment, but the talk of casualties sobers him up.*
Red Ortho: It's not a very big place. But they just vanished.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Day or night?
Red Ortho: Some of the boys said they felt something cold during the night. That's about all we could figure out.
Red Ortho: At nighttime.
Darrow Ironhelm: *looks to Rahnee* Could be undead?
Darrow Ironhelm: Wraiths or somesuch?
Darrow Ironhelm: *shrugs*
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Were they in sight of the ship, like guard duty?
Darrow Ironhelm: Or just a really good skulker type.
Red Ortho: Anyway, we can deal with the cargo. It wasn't touched by whatever it was, in any case.
Red Ortho: They were in camp.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *nods at Darrow's words*
Red Ortho: Like I said, not a big place.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: In camp? *incredulously*
Red Ortho: Look, we didn't spend a gods-bedamned fortune to bring you here to solve something easy.
Red Ortho: You're here to protect us from....whatever it is.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: *holds hands up* Didn't say you did.
Rahnee' Roaringhorn: Just trying to make sure we understand the full situation.
Red Ortho: Once we put in at the island, I'll ask you to explore it. See if you can find anything we missed.
Red Ortho: If you don't find anything during the day, then you pull guard duty all night.
Shanni Krowe: *turns to look back over board at the land faintly visible ahead*
Dermot Kenner: What a great prize.