Sunlight peaked through the clouds, thin rays that brightened the dockside. Herr Johannes could feel droplets of water from the bay on his face as waves collided with the pier. Across the Bay of Andor they could see the Lower District of Herrod, a thick mass of thousands of buildings, their details barely discernible from this distance. "The merchant streets should be this way," Jacqueline said. They had lost sight of the others behind them, who didn't have any need for supplies. This part of the pier was lined with ships and merchants. Many of the traders sold their goods out of sheltered stalls facing the water, thin frames of wood and fabric.

Herr Johannes walked up to a fruit stall. Different colors and shapes piled high in baskets arranged on a counter, many of which he didn't recognize. Next to him, an elf purchased some odd looking assortment of vibrant purple berries. "What are those?" Johannes politely asked. The elf smiled, "They're called cranberries. They grow in plenty where I come from." "Strange," Johannes said, curious. Jacqueline spoke with the merchant woman who ended up handing her a free apple. She walked away happily biting into the crisp red fruit, followed by Johannes and the elf who continued chatting together. The elf said his name was Mikael as they continued speaking of foreign fruits and nostalgia.

Then there was sobbing. Wandering the pier, nearly hysterical, a man trudged down the walkway. Seeing the adventurers he lurched forward, falling onto his knees. "Please!" he cried, desperate. "Help me. . ." Johannes' face grew resolute, recognizing a person in need, "We'll help you sir." "As will I," Mikael volunteered. Johannes gained an immediate respect for the elf. Jacqueline compassionately asked, "What's the matter?" "They- They took my daughter," he sobbed. "Who's all I have. . ." They could barely understand him, between his accent and tears. He was black of hair and had a short beard to match; from the sand-brown color of his skin, they tell he was once from the isle of Olseen.

He continued, "I'm just a poor merchant. I had debt, debt I couldn't pay, to the Pirates. When I couldn't pay, they took my daughter! She's only fifteen. Please, they'll sell her as a slave! I haven't any money, but please help. . ." Johannes responded firmly, "Don't worry. We'll help you." The Olseen merchant looked up almost in disbelief, afraid to hope. "But you must tell us where there went." He stuttered, "I- I show you." Barely able to stand under the weight of his grief, the merchant led them a little further down the pier, until he pointed toward an ordinary stall. The stall he pointed at sold fabrics, set up against the side of a building; it was made of white sheets, apparently from old sails. There was nothing particularly unusual about it except for the seller, who wore a dull reddish cloak, matching leather armor, and his face was masked by white wrappings – an odd appearance for a trader of fabrics.

"That's the doorman," the Olseeni merchant said, controlling his emotions. "Behind him is a door to the Serpent Galleon, an establishment of gambling, harlots, and drink. It's not for the common sailor; only the wealthy and vile can go in there – rich pirates, prosperous thieves, and cruel merchants. Please. She was taken by a wealthy local pirate named Lox. He has a long braided goatee. My daughter, Aisha, is only fifteen with hair black as night. Please save her!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:32, Mon 15 Dec 2014.

Lady Jacqueline nods once and glares around them, keeping a steady eye and ear out. She then turns to Johannes and asks, "What's the first step, you think?" Her hair spills over her shoulders as she looks at him. "I'm going to quick gather some stuff before we go." She quickly beelines for the bazaar and purchases a few items.

(x40 arrows, 5 bags of marbles, x5 pitons, and rope to replace the other rope that was lost.

Cody helped with this list; no idea how much it costs, but I know I have plenty of gold to get it, I'm sure.)

{19:38, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 21 using 1d20+6. Listen Check for sidequest.
19:38, Today: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 14 using 1d20+6. Spot Check for sidequest.}
This message was last edited by the player at 04:50, Mon 15 Dec 2014.

A serious tone takes hold of my voice as I speak forth proclaiming our goals and objectives, with intensity. "We will do our best to help you sir. With the help of Almighty God, we WILL see your daughter rescued and well. If possible, we will also see to it that these pirates never hurt you or anyone else ever again. These wicked men will pay for their deeds. The innocent shall suffer no longer." I speak it forth, looking directly at the man at first, then looking to my friends, and finally looking toward heaven, accepting my call.

Speaking to all I continue, responding to Lady Jacquelines question, (which was actually very important she asked).
"Now, to how we shall do this.

The 'pre-first' step (step 0) is pray. 'Lord, we seek to rely on you wholly and completely, our abilities and strengths we recognize came only from you. We, once again, look to you for our wisdom and ability in this time of need. You are our victory and success. Thank you that you let us be the instruments to carry out your will upon this Earth. You teach our hands to war. In Jesus name, Amen.'

Now, the first step is to gather as much information as possible to determine a clear objective and way to go about it as soon as possible. {I speak to Mikael and Jacqueline this separately: "This may be the most difficult part of the mission actually"}."

I turn and speak to the merchant specifically.
     "I know it may be difficult to answer some of these questions, but it is for the best that you answer them to the best of your ability so that we may better carry out your daughters rescue.
     What is your name? How large was your debt? How long ago did they take your daughter? Do you remember how many men came to take her? Can you describe what happened when they took her? Do you know how many men work for Vox (approximately)? Do you know anything about the layout of this place (inside and out), the Serpent Galleon? Were you ever taken inside? Can anyone enter? Is there a password? Do you have any idea where this Lox would be inside this building? Does he have a ship -is he a captain (of one ship?) or an admiral (of many ships)? Do you know how many approximately are inside it? Do you know if there are other entrances/exits? Is there any other distinguishing features about your daughter we should be aware of?

I then turn and speak to my team seperately.
     "I know we just met, but it is important now that we speak about each of our abilities in combat so that we may best deploy our team. I want to first confirm that you are fully committed to this objective. I know we only just met... Mikael? Was that what I heard you called?. {I assume you answer yes, by being in this side quest ;) }
     My name is Herr Johannes, I specialize in melee combat, polearms and 2 handed weapons are my specialty (reach and melee). Doing a lot of Damage with them as well. I also often find fire a useful tool in the execution of war. I have a decent amount of flaming oil flasks prepared.
     Lady Jacqueline, you may introduce yourself and explain your specialties.
{After she introduces herself} Oh and you picked up those marbles like I mentioned to you, right? If not, quick go buy some in the market, they usually are not more than a few silver at worst I believe. You may want 5 bags even. You may also want to buy more arrows, pitons, and rope. I can pay you back for the cost of the loss due to our last quest.
     Mikael, you may introduce yourself now. Do you specialize in ranged, reach, or close quarters combat? Also, what armour are you wearing? Do you have much agility and dodging ability in a fight? Know any tricks? Is your gear/kit all set?"

[Private to GM: {23:19, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 4 using 1d20+1. Knowledge Adventure, Mikael, SQ.
23:38, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 15 using 1d20+1. Spot Check, Mikael's equipment, SQ. To see what armour, equipment, and weapons he has.
}]

"Now, our final issue at this time will be how to proceed from here. Shall we attempt to infiltrate to gather more information by using the front door? or do we need disguises? or do we find another way in -like on the roof? Each has its bonuses and drawbacks. One allows us to sneak in undetected and find infor easily, but poses the risk of if we are exposed. The other gets us in, but information is harder to come by. After we hear the answers to the questions we will have a much better idea of how to proceed."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:00, Mon 15 Dec 2014.

Lady Jacqueline bows her head as Johannes prayed. Later, she then nods at his list of items that she purchased a few moments before he'd asked. After he was finished, she turned to the Elfin man and introduced herself. "I am Lady Jacqueline," she curtsies respectfully. "And I specialize in long-distance combat. How about you?"

"Lady Jacqueline, don't forget your abilities in sneaking, infiltrating, and sniping. They will be most useful in this situation." I say with a smile.

Giving them both a very practiced half bow, "Yes, I am Mikeal Vaeltaja." Pulling my light spear from my back in a quick, but graceful, flurry of spins. "I prefer the spear, and to be close and personal with my opponent. So that they may see the face of the one who bested them. Although, I will take advantage of the shadows and the unexpected when the opportunity presents itself. You could say I am a bit of an opportunist when it comes to combat." With a very quick motion my hand springing out from within my robes with a dagger. "And I never find myself truly unarmed." I am wearing what looks like mere robes that look to be fit for court. "I don't weigh myself down with heavy metal armor. I rely more on my speed and reflex and this leather padded robe does just the trick. It also allows me to move with great silence. And I am in this with you. I have a deep hatred for the pirates and I would enjoy nothing more than to send a few more from this world."

I then also turn to the merchant {After the merchant has responded to Herr Johannes}
"And what is your name? What are you a merchant of?"

Back to the team
"I think we will be better off with stealthier approach. We know very little of our enemy and of the circumstances. It sounds like this Lox has quite the reputation. I doubt the merchant's daughter will be simply left unattended and the place seems like it will have quite the force inside. We must tread carefully. In the matter of equipment, I travel rather lightly and I seem to have spent most of what I brought with me on food and wine" With a mild chuckle. "But I shall make due."

"That is an impressive display of martial skill. {Short spear, correct?}

Yes, equipment would be my next question. Do you have any equipment other than your weapons and clothes? Like rope, bandages etc. Does your cloak have a hood? Are you experienced or practiced at being undercover?" I make a short reply to Mikael {I will more fully reply a reaction to your skills later}
This message was last edited by the player at 06:02, Tue 16 Dec 2014.

In reply to Herr Johannes (msg # 7):

"Yes my cloak does have a hood and I do have experience going undercover and undetected. What I have is what I carry at the moment, just my clothes and my weapons. Once we have gotten what information we can from the merchant I will take the time to acquire what I can with only 12 gold pieces that I seem to have left."

{Given the appropriate opportunity I buy some more gear}

(I come back with rope, bandages, piton(x10), and a pitcher of wine)

Upon returning to the group. "Anything else we may need?"

Lady Jacqueline switches her gaze from Mikael to Johannes. "Sir?"

"I need to quickly buy a few things as well." I run off and buy a few items from stand I just walked by.

{I purchase 3 bags of marbles, oil to replace the amount I lost (2? or 1? pints of oil), bandages (5x), a scrap of fabric (for fuses... this I ask for, for free from a merchant with the oil... wicks for lamps would work), and 1 loaf of bread (for the parrot- or some other food he/she would like), and 2 bandanas, 3 if they are cheap (to cover my face partially ;) ) and 1 spare sling and 1 bag of sling bullets (10).}

The Olseeni merchant covered his face with his hands before managing to speak, his accent thickened by grief, "My name Shareef. I move to Herrod with daughter and started business, selling goods from my country, whatever trade ships brought and was profitable. But my store was robbed by rogue adventurers one year. Had to take loans to replenish stock. But city is bad now, and people don't buy such things in bad times. I couldn't make money back!" He was on the brink of tears again. The party patiently listened, though he was difficult to understand at times. "Had to come here once," Shareef pointed to The Serpent Galleon, "To beg for more time. You just pay guard and go inside. It's like tavern inside, but only the wealthy in there. There's a bar, and- and gambling. Lox a big gambler. Then I begged, but they said no. And then this morning they come, ask for money, and I have none. . . and then they took her. They took my daughter. . . f- for my debt!"

He was starting to break down again, switching from the common language to the Olseeni tongue, then remembering to switch back. It was becoming difficult to watch him speak, "Please- Please save her. Don't know anything else. I fear they sell her if she not saved soon, then I never see again!" As Shareef emotionally crumbled, Herr Johannes said, "We WILL save your daughter." Turning to the party he continued, "Grab what you need and meet back here." The party scattered among the merchant stalls and picked out supplies before returning to their spot. "Everyone have everything?" Mikael asked. They nodded. "Well then, let's do this." Johannes' parrot squawked, stretching its wings, "Do this. Do this."

[Private to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: The sound of crates and and goods hulled to and fro from ships echoed around the pier, as well as sounds from the merchant stalls. The house behind the doorman didn't look at all special, blending right in. The doorman himself leaned silently against a tall stool, looking actually rather bored.

Shopping:
Arrows (40) – 2gp
Bag of Marbles, Clay (5) – 1gp 1sp
Pitons (5) – 5sp
Rope, Hemp (25 ft.) – 4sp

Total: 4 gold pieces]

[Private to Mikael Vaeltaja:
Rope, Hemp (50 ft.) – 8sp
Bandage (1) – 1gp 2sp
Pitons (10) – 1gp
Wine (Pitcher) - 1sp

Total: 3 gold pieces, 1 silver piece]

[Private to Herr Johannes:
Bag of Marbles, Clay (3) – 7sp
Oil Pint (1) – 8cp
Bandages (5) – 6gp
Fabric (Scrap) – 1cp
Bread (Loaf) – 2cp
Bandannas (2) – 5cp
Sling (1) – 1cp
Bullets (10) – 9cp

Total: 6 gold pieces, 9 silver pieces, 6 copper pieces]

[Private to GM: HJ 28.91?+42.5(SQ)-6.96, LJ 36.40-4, MV 9.8?X 12-3.1, Total]
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:50, Tue 16 Dec 2014.