THE SAVAGE TIDE ADVENTURE PATH
 Module One: There is No Honor... (Dungeon #139)
 Chapter Four: Tracking Down Vanthus

The next day dawns bright and clear and the characters each wake and go about their day in a different way... but one this is the same. Each of them feel more confidence in their abilities and know that they have learnt something from the ordeals of the last couple of days.

For Angati there is something even more - she feels a slight spring in her step and when she peers in the mirror... is that possible? Has she actually grown younger overnight?

Please describe what your characters do on their day off.

Congratulations and welcome to LEVEL TWO! PM me with your new level decisions, hp, skills, feats, etc. Note: for hp make a roll then either keep the roll or take average hit points.

Angati, you also loose 10 years of apparent age.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:02, Sat 15 Aug 2015.

Depending on what we had agreed, if at least some of the other characters want to join at an Inn taking long term rooms, or renting a house, she would probably spend the day finding one such house with them.

Otherwise, I am horrible at shopping, I pretty much hate it real life and in-game. Angati I guess not so much. She would probably try to find a better shield or armor maybe masterwork or something ? If anyone has any good Ideas I'll be glad to take them.

As for her apparent age, what do you suggest it has happened over night ? or shall it happen gradually next few days ?. If overnight, its just great that I have just left the shrine.... and I would need to settle an appointment with my sister to let her know... but probably so that others dont see this change. Otherwise if its gradual, we will see as we go.

Well, I just made it overnight so that there would be a definite point where she gained her lost ability score point back. BTW, don't forget to select and change that. But please make it quick or gradual as you wish, whatever you think will be more interesting.

Logan's probably going to be spending most of the day finding someplace new for his mother to live (possibly with Celene's help) and then actually moving her there.  Bonus points if he finds a temple with someplace he can stay nearby.

Kassius walks home the long way, taking the time to work through his thoughts slowly and deliberately. This new income is hardly a large fortune, but it is substantial. More importantly, it is his money, rather than inherited wealth from his parents. Kassius' father had always been proud of having earned his own money through sweat and blood. Now Kassius had done the same. Perhaps there were more lessons to be learned from his father.

When the half-orc finally reaches home, he does something he has not done in some time. He actively starts a conversation with his grandfather. "I have recently come into a regular income, and would like to discuss a business proposition with you, grandfather..." Kassius begins. This discussion was likely to go long into the night.

In the morning, Kassius does something else rather rare for him. He reads some books, looking up where the exotic animals and plants he had seen in Lavinia's book might be from. He had a suspicious feeling it might be important.

With my new rank in Knowledge (geography), let's see if I can get anything useful:
18:01, Today: Kassius rolled 21 using 1d20+3. knowledge (geography).

Kassius has a good memory for flora and fauna, and sets about trying to match the sketches in his memory with any of the descriptions in the small library of his grandfather's house. Fortunately, although the library is small, it is focused on the creatures and plants of the tropical jungles of Davninia (the continent that Sasserine sits on) and the nearby islands.

The first match he gets is for the strange plant he saw an illustration for - sort of like a huge giant fly trap.



He gets a definite match in a book on exotic jungle flora - it is called a 'greenvise' and they can grow large enough to trap and consume small mammals. Hmm... actually, he'd heard of them before - he should've known that without a book! Perhaps a possibility for an exotic challenge in the arena? They didn't grow anywhere near Sasserine though, only out on the islands in the Sea of Dread.

The small marsupial he'd seen an illustration of took a little longer to find.


Friggen ewoks. Ruined Return of the Jedi for me.

That are apparently called Phanatons and live on the Isles of the Thanegioth Archipelago (to the north west of Sasserine on the main map) and the isle of Dawn (proto England). Not found on islands with large human populations.

To research the last sketch he can recall he pulls down a thick book of bedtime stories - 'Big Barbarian Adventures' - one that he had begged his father to read to him time and time again when he was a kid. He turns to one of the stories in the middle without hesitation and looks at the illustration.



'Thunder Lizards' the fable had called them. Giant reptiles that could eat men (and little half-orcs who were naughty) in one bite. Bah! Silly children's stories. Apparently they lived on the 'Isle of Dread', a mythical island somewhere in the Eastern Thanegioth Archipelago. He closes the book with a thump. Surely only fairy tales to scare the young ones?

OOC: Any other characters up for this idea? just need to know.

Logan: What type of temple are you looking for. The Shrine of Liir, goddess of art and beauty just had an opening appear if your mom doesn't mind the attic.

Logan was following Celene's lead, but the goddess of art and beauty sounds like a good place for Tessara.

The party members spend their 'day off' doing various things and deciding how they are going to spend their 100 gp/month.

Kassius negotiates with his grandfather and manages to convince him to go 50/50 in a business venture to build a ranch on the family plantation about half a day's ride from Sasserine. His intention is to breed exotic animals that are difficult to handle but will fetch a high price in the markets of the city - the plan is good and should eventually provide a decent payback on the investment but for the time being most of his salary from Lavinia will be disappearing into setting up that business.

Angati says a sad farewell to Karthack and a rather less sad farewell to Sister Agnes in the library, and heads out into the city to find a place to live. She finds pleasant lodgings which are lively, sometimes a little rough, but always interesting. Compared to the Shrine it is heaven for the Oracle.

OOC: Please have a look at the Sasserine map and decide which tavern or inn you would like to stay at. Not in the noble or champion district since these are out of your price range if you also want to have money to eat.

Celene decides that the time is right and takes her vows to Wee Jas that morning although these do not pass without incident (to be role-played later). After that she meets up with Angati and she decides to join the oracle and stay at the same place (after clearing it with Magnus Eseriel of course).

Logan struggles to find anywhere to look after his catatonic mother. After almost giving up, he gets a hint from Angati that the Shrine of Liir might have an opening and sure enough, he is able to secure the attic space that had been Angati's. It is perfect - the dwarf that runs the place is kind and promises that her needs will be seen too and she will spend most of her time in the enclose garden or the library. The only issue is the price... 100/gp a month... does Logan do it?

Alohan spends the day focusing his mana and deciding what he wants to do with his life. He decides to develop his native unarmed combat just has his master back in the islands always told him to do. He feels an inner calm once the decision is made.

Logan tries to haggle for a better price, but it quickly becomes obvious to the rogue that his skills at negotiating with the people of Shadowshore fall flat outside his home district, and the acolytes of the Liiran Shrine seem turned off by his advances.  With a sigh, the half-elf agrees to allocate his entire retainer from Lady Vanderboren to his mother, resolving to find other ways to live.

At eight o'clock the day after, the party assembles in Lavinia's private dinning room for another breakfast - this one has excellent food that hasn't be pre-chewed by the Jade Ravens. As they dine Lavinia speaks and explains her next task for them.

"My brother and I were quite close growing up since our parents were rarely around - they always seemed to be out on some adventure or another. We grew to depend on each other, and also to get into a fair amount of trouble! It all come to a head one day when I was 13 and he was 11, with one particularly complex prank involving several elixirs of love and the mansion's rainwater barrels. Well, I don't know how it happened but..." Lavinia blushes. "Somehow Vanthus and I also ended up drinking some of the water with the potions in it and... then things got really weird."

"Anyway, our childhood together came to an end that day with me being sent to the Thenalar Academy for Fine Young Women, and Vanthus being sent south to the family plantation which Uncle Kellum looked after. It's a small place called Rothsted. About two years later there was a fire within which dear Uncle Kellum died, so Vanthus was send to a military school in Alphatia where he stayed until turning 21 a couple of months ago."

"I like to think that I benefited from my time in the Thenlar Academy, but Vanthus seemed to have spent his time away nurturing his bitterness. He no longer had time for me, slept all day and spent the nights with..." Lavinia sighs. "...associates of doubtful character. Eventually he quarrelled with our parents, and moved out the mansion entirely. I do not know where he went."

"One month ago when..." Lavinia looks down at the floor. "...our parents died, Vanthus returned for a week to live here at the manor, but he had changed even more. Gone was the easy sense of humour he'd had in our childhood, and in its place was a bitter cynicism and a morbid streaks that..." She shudders. "Sent chills up my spine."

"We had several arguments and then at the end of the last one..." She rubs her cheek. "...he struck me with his fist. I was so shocked! And for a second I think he was as well but then he was back to his new self, all scowls and menace. He gathered up the last of his belongings and left - I haven't seen him since."

"So that is the situation. I know that something profound has happened to my brother at some point to change him, but I'm not sure what it was. Perhaps it could be as simple as the crowd that he has fallen in with, perhaps smugglers, or thieves or even killers if he is mixing with people like this Soller Vark."

"But when all is said and done he is still my brother and I don't think it is too late to save him. I think he can be brought back to my side if I could just talk some sense into him and redeem him... before it is too late and he passes forever onto the wrong side of the law. The problem is I don't know where he is gone."

"So here is your mission. Find him, where ever he may be in Sasserine and bring him back to me. I know that this will be a difficult mission since he could be anywhere in the city, but on the other hand I don't think he is hiding. Please at least try for a couple of days, how hard can it be?"

This message was last edited by the player at 20:41, Thu 30 July 2015.

OOC: That is very noble of him! He trudges back to Shadowshore, which looks to be his home for a little longer... I'll post an update on his Mom at a later date.

When Angati learned that Logan was to move his mother to the Shrine, she came to him and helped with all the introductions. She was leaving the chamber for his mother, so she left a few of her things there so as not to have her enter on an empty alcove like it had been her case... a few candles, a basin, a pot with flowers...

She made the introductions for him to all the acolytes and to Kartach hoping that she would have a warmer welcome that way.

"Look if you are going to be using all your money on your mother, I propose sharing mine, and find a lower end tavern... your skills with those districts will probably get us further mileage out of the money... so you might want to pick a good tavern there for the two of us, separate rooms of course, and I'll share my allowance... while we have it" she said to Logan.

---

When Lavinia finished speaking Angati said, "Well, we know from the smugglers that he is involved in these Jade Dragons, and that they seem to be putting lot's of pressure on the former thief guild... maybe we could start by locating some of the former thief guild and asking there ?" she said looking at Logan.

Logan smiles at Angati as she helps set up his mother's room and offers to share the expenses for a new one.  "Thanks, I...I really can't say enough.  Living in Shadowshore, you get used to a certain attitude: people not caring about you, and everyone suffering right next to everyone else.  It's good to know that the entire city isn't like that.  Maybe all I needed is to get out of that hellish place."

---

A little while later, as everyone's eyes turned him, Logan had no choice but to smile.  "But it seems that me being from Shadowshore has its advantages after all, especially when it comes to finding rogue nobles.  Yeah, I'll ask around, see if any of the people I know in Shadowshore know of the thieve's guilds or about Vanthus.  If he's not hiding, I should be able to find him.  Maybe some of them'll even spill some information about the Jade Dragons."

OOC: Great, just let me know if you have any questions for Lavinia and then which district you want to search, and write a few lines about how you are going to conduct this search. I'll make the necessary gather information rolls and tell you what your character discovers.

Oh, and LOTUS DRAGONS please!

Logan thought a few moments longer.  "Lavinia, do you have any idea of the names of any of Vanthus's associates?  Just having a lead would give me some place to start.  Even a description?  I can ask around about your brother, maybe someone flashing too much money or clothes that are too nice for Shadowshore."

The rogue shrugs.  "If that doesn't work, maybe I can try to get a lead on the thieve's guilds that were pushed out by these Jade, er Lotus Dragons.  That might work."

---

Information in hand, Logan sets out to Shadowshore.  He goes to his usual watering holes and criminal contacts, asking about activity that might match Vanthus.  He'll give a description of the nobleman.  He'll also ask about thieve's guilds that were pushed out of the way by the Lotus Dragons and try to get a lead on any of them who might still be around.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:48, Sat 01 Aug 2015.

The native sat in silence, deep in his own thoughts. He was going through some shit -an internal struggle of wants and desires that all young, handsome, powerful people tended to suffer through. His conviction to follow through with his pa uma training regiment -even if he was miles from his master- had left him with an inner calm he hadn't felt in years. For once, he felt as if his head was clear. He could think. Feel. Manifest his desires into a clear destination in order to better set his life's course. He felt alive, if not a bit lost. Yet therein laid the conflict. Despite his sudden clarity of mind, Alohan's destination to happiness was undefined. Empty. He lacked a clear goal, especially now that he had sworn off all things women. Lavinia and especially Rowyn.

After his troubling encounter with Rowyn, Alohan realized how naive he had been. He was quickly coming to the realization that there were bigger fish in the sea and a young prince such as himself couldn't go through life so carelessly. His lust for the female anatomy had remained but the Islander made a promise to himself -celibacy. No more would he let his eel swim freely in the vast ocean of female vulva. The desire was a distraction, an obstacle in preventing him from finding the happiness he needed.

It was time to grow up. It was time to put on his big-boy banana hammock.

Alohan followed Logan out. He cared for the boy. His mind was sharp and he kept his cool in combat. Primarily, the native wouldn't be good on his own and he much rather assist Logan in his search than the females in the group. Especially now with his sudden shift in life choices.

Angati followed the rest slowly out of the meeting while trying to search her mind for any information that might help them towards information. First regarding the city... where was it most likely that they Vanthus could be  or that they may find information about his whereabouts and... did she know anyone in Nobility that was most likely to be involved with these Lotus Dragons, or who might give her information or clues as to where to go ?.

"Guys, there is also this asshole of a detective... hmm this Victor... maybe for some money he can give us a clue or point us in the right direction"

OOC:

07:57, Today: Angati rolled 11 using 1d20+8. Knowledge Nobility.
07:57, Today: Angati rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Knowledge local.

Angati wracks her brain for a contact in the nobility that might be able to help, but just can't think of anyone. Well, there is Amarilde Vanderboren of course... but that is the only person that comes to mind.

In terms of local knowledge... the old ladies who volunteered at the shrine of Liir were usually up to date on gossip and maybe Vanthus was notorious enough to appear on their radar. Of course there is no telling how much is true and how much is just malicious rubbish.

Victor Saint-Demain was another possibility, although surely going to that self-aggrandizing show off would be a final option.

OOC: OK, I'll wait until all the players have said how and where they are going to look for clues before I reveal the results. I still need input from Kassius and Celene.

Leaving the mansion, Celene stated her intentions to the rest. "If you are going to sift through the more illicit parts of city life, I'll try more out in the open, and less criminal parts. I'll start by heading to Azure, where Vark had his little show, supposedly on behalf of Vanthus. Maybe people around the docks or in the harbour taverns have seen him. Of course, anyone wanting to come along are welcome?" If no-one else are inclined, she heads off alone into the city.

Diplomacy to gather information (DC at GM discretion):
13:00, Today: Celene rolled 12 using 1d20+8. Diplo - gather information.


Another line of thought had occured to Celene regarding Vanthus though. A line that sent shivers down her spine, as it was memories she did not wish to awaken ever again. But it could not be denied access to her mind.

When she had briefly encountered him in the past, he'd been in cahoot with a priest of Kord, if her dreams were to be trusted. Were there a temple of Kord in the city, and if not, were they under cover? She seemed to remember they'd been banned from the city, but she may be wrong. If need be, she'd return to the temple of Wee Jas, to learn more.

13:01, Today: Celene rolled 19 using 1d20+5. Know religion - Kordians in the city.

This message was last edited by the player at 11:04, Tue 04 Aug 2015.

"I'll try checking out the gossiping forces of the city... I am sure if anything moves they have a sniff on it... of course, at times, they get a sniff even if things don't move... but well... it's a starting point".

OOC
12:25, Today: Angati rolled 19 using 1d20+9. Diplomacy to gather information.

Lavinia shrugs. "I am sorry Logan but I never met any of his new 'friends'. He didn't bring any of them back to the house so I can't help you at all."



"Oh, my goodness, I don't think he would've been in Shadowshore, I'm sure he never got involved in anything THAT bad," says the noblewoman before realizing who she was talking to.

"Oh, not that there aren't some very nice people in Shadowshore. I mean, at least I guess so..." she let's her voice tail off as it appears that she doesn't know more than one person from that part of the city.



Logan heads into Shadowshore to investigate what can be discovered able this disreputable nobleman in his old haunts. Alohan tags along, mopping around behind the rogue as he goes through this whole 'poor little rich boy' phase.

Logan begins to realize just how successful the Lotus Dragons have been over the last couple of months as he learns that guild after guild of thieves have been wiped out by these guys. Sure - after Sasserine regained its freedom 10 years ago there was a power vacuum that created a host of little thieves guilds sprinkled over the city, so some attrition was to be expected, but it looks like the Lotus Dragons are close to becoming the ONLY organized crime group in Sasserine. Even so, Logan can find precious little hard information on them and nothing first hand - if any of his contacts are members they aren't admitting it - but a lot of people tell him over a beverage about the strength and brutality of the Lotus Dragons and their crazy initiation test which requires candidates to wrestle a green dragon in a sewer or variations on this.

Eventually the pair stumble across a lead in 'The Velvet Hatch' - Shadowshore's notorious brothel. Apparently Vanthus has been hanging out with a Shadowshore dwarf with a long history of violent crime called Penkus - Logan had a few run-ins with this dwarf when he was younger and had learnt to stay away from him. Apparently Penkus and Vanthus were seen going into 'It Still Floats!', a rather miserable second hand boat yard located at the eastern side of Barge End.

They also run into somebody else in the Velvet Hatch.

“Oh, ehh. Hello Sire!” says Remmi as he bumps into both of them in the common room of the brothel. “I was just… ehh… trying to find you some replacement socks,” he says, rather uncertainly.

OOC. I'm going to say that Kassius heads out with Celene to the Azure district since this is a pretty tough place, only a little better than Shadowshore, so she needs some backup.

Oh, but Azure wasn't where Vark was... he started in the merchant district by robbing the shop then moved back to Barge End in Shadowshore. I am going to say that you go to the merchant district instead, as I think that is what you mean.

Celene and Kasius head to the merchant's district and starting from the little dressmaker's shop, work their way around this area of town seeing if they can get any information...

...they are unsuccessful. Nobody hear admits to seeing or hearing anything about Vanthus or even Soller Vark.



The worship of Kord, the god of Athletics, Sports, Storms, Brawling, Strength, and Courage, was an extremely common religion in Sasserine with almost everyone in the Champion district being a member of the faithful (no religion check required). There was a huge temple to him in the Champion district (no religion check required!). Yes, there had been tensions between the churchs of Wee Jas and Kord in the past, but relations were at least cordial now, although there was a fundimental difference between the two faiths - Kord was a disoraganised by goog god (CG) while Wee Jas but the law above all (LN).

Angati heads for the everflowing well of gossip that is the shrine of Lirr in the noble district, the spot where elderly ladies with far too much time on their hands came to waste some of it. Since Angati could blend in with them seemlessly she was able to learn a lot... just not much of it useful.

Old Biddy #1: That Vanthus Vanderboren is a bad boy!
Old Biddy #2: He is very close to his cousin, far too close I hear!
Old Biddy #3: I hear he is shacked up with some 'artist' (she uses air quotes when saying artist) in the Azure district.
Old Biddy #4: What is her name? She is one of the Santos bunch, right? They aren't much better than pirates.
Old Biddy #5: I hear he has got a lot of women pregnant!
Old Biddy #6: There was something funny with his sister... Years ago now, but I remember!
Old Biddy #7: He's a bad one alright!

Kassius had said little during the discussion of how to find Lavinia's brother. Kassius was skilled in tracking, but more of the droppings and footprint type, and less the asking people type of tracking. So he agreeably follows Celene around the Azure district as some obvious muscle.

As he walks, he gets an idea himself. "You know, if these Lotus Dragons really do have a dragon in town, there's got to be some sign of it. A creature that big, it needs lots of food, and will have lots of waste to be cleared away. I wonder if we could find those fellows that way?"

Alohan looked at Remmi puzzled, unsure if the 'socks' he sought -in a brothel no less- were a euphemism for something else. "Nonsense hoaloha. We not be wearing socks," he announce, looking down at his own feet and back to his loyal friend. "You be looking to bury ya eel in a different type of sock, dis no secret." The crown prince waved away Remmi's overly false, poor feigned offended reaction. Alohan stole a glance at Logan, switching to his native tongue.

[Language unknown: "E ioiswe sangce. Ck adkor ncdiek ill k ndsa dinintoun fi altass. E wa hiindi K cato mi p o pl. Sa anne dius is teto ll sheanttin ill ent vor La n aiad dinur N us day cehi ll ect ut."] Alohan switched back to include Logan. "We be lookin' for two people -Vandus Vanderboren and de dwarf Penkus. I be doubtin' Vandus be frequenting this establishment but de dwarf Penkus be a regular customer. Find what ya can for me Remmi," he demanded.

Celene looks at Kassius, realising that he's just about said more in these sentences than he's said during their entire previous acquaintance. He doesn't speak much, but when he does, it's obviously worth listening to. "Kassius, that's... a good idea! It doesn't make it easy, but it's a lead. Of course, there is that 'if'. Boasting of a green dragon is much easier than actually keeping one. I guess."

Celene stowed away her ponderings on Kord and Vanthus, switching to Kassius' idea - but just for the moment, it was not forgotten. "But where to start? Lots of waste spells 'sewers' to me. Do you know anything about the sewage system beneath the system?"

OOC: (if there is such a system here?)

I dunno much about sewers or cities, but they do seem a likely place to hide a dragon. Also maybe we should ask at the gates if anyone's been bringing in suspicious amounts of raw meat?"

Angati chitchatted her way out of the old crones, to try to get some time to think on her own before taking her next step.

She did not know much about artists and all, but maybe she knew someone that would, that Diamond Back fellow, he/she might know something about who Vanthus might be hanging with... after all, the entertainment world was not that big and everyone knew of everyone...

With her mind set, she set off to try to find Diamond back and speak with him for a while...

OOC: Let me know or roll yourself any rolls needed please. When the day is over I'd go to the tavern to meet with Logan. Else, if there is still time left, Angati would pay a visit to her sister to let her know how things were... maybe she'd be happy to see her affliction seemed to have slowed down a bit...

"Oh, yes, thank you sire!" says the man in their native tongue.



"Well, I could use a few contacts here to feel things out," he says without any hint of double meaning.

OOC: What level does Angati get 'Cure STD' at? Between Alohan and his cohort that spell is going to be required very soon.


Remmi disappears deeper into the building to ask around and comes back a few minutes later. As it turns out, Penkus was well known and quite feared in the establishment - he had a fearsome temper, espiecially after he had been drinking. He was a regular visitor normally, coming by every couple of days, but hadn't visited in over a week. Remmi couldn't get any other information, and didn't find out anything more about Vanthus.

That just leaves the lead with the 'It Still Floats!' boat yard in Barge End.

OOC: Nope, Sasserine has no sewer system other than its streets, and the canals and waterways that these empty into. At least the frequent rain washes the worst of the waste away every night.

The city is like Venice in that it is built on sandy islands in a lagoon, although the islands that Sasserine stretchs across do have a little higher elevation than Venice - some of them are 10-20 feet above the sea level - but the urban myth of there being a green dragon in tunnels beneath the city is very difficult to support since:

1) There are no sewers beneath the city nor other large natural chambers. Any dungeon would have to be cut out of the sand, and then the rock beneath the sand.

2) Dragons are big and even if a small dungeon complex could be created, it would never be large enough to house a dragon! The water table is high and it would be hard to dig anything other than a small basement like Aubrek did.

As for checking at the gates if lots of raw meat has been brought into the city, almost everything that is brought into the city comes by boat and thanks to Keltar's mismanagement almost none of that is checked - as the recent shipment of exotic animals on the Blue Nixie showed.

No knowledge checks required to figure all this out, it is common knowledge and can be seen just by looking around the place.

Sorry, but I think it is going to be difficult to track down the green dragon - if it even exists.

OOC: Heh. Diamondback is actually an androgynous woman, not a dude. I think you made that mistake at the wedding as well, which is pretty funny :D You learnt from Diamondback that she normally performs with her team in the merchant district so you can head over there and try and find her if you like. I need a gather information (diplomacy) DC10 check for that thanks.

Angati headed for the merchant district trying to find Diamond Back, and see if she knew anything about this woman hanging out with Vanthus.

OOC I didnt recall if it was an androginous woman or a feminate man or if it was never clear what she was... Anyway... a woman it is :)

08:57, Today: Angati rolled 17 using 1d20+9. DC Diplomacy Check gather Info.

Angati doesn't have to wander far into the merchant district to find the bizare street performer as she is up on stilts with the rest of her team in the middle of the main market. Diamondback takes a few minutes away from juggling flaming torches and daggers to come down and talk to the oracle. Her make-up today is just as severe as the last time Angati saw her - but this time there are a series of black diamonds carefully drawn on top of the white foundation making her face look a bit like a chessboard on an angle.

"Greetings Madam Lidu. Your window remains closed thus far? I am so glad!"

OOC. Just to remind you, Diamondback kept going on about life being a bird trapped in a room and all it takes is one thoughtless person to open a window and then a life is ended - or some such rubbish.

The exotic Alphatian woman listens as Angati describes Vanthus and asks if Diamondback knows him. After pausing for some time, the performer shakes her head.

"I am sorry great lady, but I have never met him. I have not been in the city long and when you walk on silts all day you do not gain the acquaintance of many people. I will let you know if I cross paths with this brooding and disreputable character. Until then. Guard your exits Madam Lidu!”

This message was last edited by the player at 08:16, Wed 05 Aug 2015.

Logan eyes Alohan's...valet?  Guard?  I wonder what he actually does, other than visit prostitutes?  The man can certainly take care of himself in a fight, but he orders Remmi around.  Finally, the rogue gives a small shrug.  Eh, none of my business."

"Well, off to Barge End, I suppose.  We'll see if we can catch sight of Vanthus or Penkus there.  'It Still Floats...I wonder.  First Vanthus had the Vanderboren ship out in the channel, getting ready to sail.  Now he's at another boat yard.  I wonder if he wants to escape and where, exactly he wants to go?  And what his plan is.  It can't be very far if he's looking to buy a ship from that dump.  Most of the things they sell there will likely only be 'boats' for as long as it takes to sail a few hundred feet down the channel."

OOC: Just want to point out that Vanthus (and Vark) had set the Blue Nixie up to smuggle illegal animals out of the city - there was no evidence he was going to sail with her and 'escape' - but it is an interesting theory.

Logan's estimation of the sailing vessels that are available in the ship yard 'It Still Floats!' proves to be dismally accurate. Alohan's sailor's eye is horrified at the condition of boat after boat as they walk down the short wharf to where a flimsy hut poking out over the water serves as a primate office - it looks like the building might have originally been an outhouse before be repurposed for commerce. Alohan feels that Logan's comment 'they can't be going far if they're looking to buy a ship from that dump' was spot on. He doesn't see anything he would personally want to untether from the wharf while he was sitting in it.

On a rough wooden bench outside the hut sits an old and worn looking dwarf, smoking a pipe the emits a terrible reak. "Aye... I'm Panchi the dwarf and I own this place. Are you two lads here to build a vessel? No, I suppose not. Frakken jerks. I'm going out of business this month for sure. I don't know why I bother..." the dwarf continues in this vein and shows no sign of stopping.

Kassius continues where he left off, muttering, "Eh, even if we tried nobody in the frakking city likely knows if food is being sent in suspicious quantities, thanks to that decaying louse Keltar Islaran's idea of "security." Kassius continues, spitting off to the side.

"Maybe searching for dragon spoor won't work. Do you have any ideas besides continuing to wander around accosting random merchants?"

Celene recognized the sarcasm in Kassius' comment, but really couldn't be bothered taking offense. She was feeling hot and tired after searching aimlessly around.

"We can't easily hook up with the others, scattered as we are. The second best thing would be to check up on Amarilde, to see if Vanthus has made any more absurd intrusions in her life, or otherwise left a clue to his whereabouts. She might also have an idea to his preferred waterholes and such. Agreed?"

OOC: on the way (around or back) Celene would like to shop some scrolls (spend that money burning in her pocket). Is that ok, and should I write it, or just assume it done?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:22, Wed 05 Aug 2015.

Alohan shook his head the poor shape these 'boats' were in. His people were excellent sailors -seafaerers by birth. It is said the best Nuari sailors are able to guide their boats without the use of tools, able to sail hundreds of miles in open water with just their skill and the lights of night. His Uncle -one the more infamous Nuari sailors- educated Alohan on some of his techniques. "When you let yourself free, you can feel the ocean," he would say over coconut liquor. "You can feel it deep inside of you." Sure enough, his uncle would sail completely naked, sitting in the middle of his outrigger canoe with his testicles dangling below deck, 'feeling' the swells of the ocean. Alohan was admittedly never the sailor his uncle was but it was something he wanted master.

And now that he had forsaken the female genitalia Alohan needed a hobby.

"Greetings Panci. I be looking ta buy a boat," he said, matter-of-factly, ignoring the dwarf's gruff, dismissive attitude. "With dis boat, I be needin' some information. Since we be in a position to help each oder -me wit de monies, and you wit de boat- I be believin' this shall be a fruitful exchange." Alohan looked back at the wharf, motioning to the boats. " Lead me to ya best piece of woodwork and tell me wat ya be knowin' of a customer named Vandus."

---

Boat: I want to buy the best boat this place has
Source: http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/frie...ology_of_Oceania.pdf
This message was last edited by the player at 23:22, Wed 05 Aug 2015.

Kassius merely grunts, signifying his acceptance of Celene's plan. It seemed as good an idea as any other, and the hunter was worried about Amarilde. She seemed quite naive, but genuine and good. Kassius would hate to see those traits be abused.

Panci's demeanor brightens - marginally -  at the chance of making a sale. "Well, why didn't you frakken say so," he mutters as he gets to his feet, and starts walking up the wharf.

"I have a wide selection of water borne vessels - but barges are my speciality. They are a good solution to the over-crowding in Shadowshore, just park one of these in Barge End and you are good to go. Take this fine specimen for example," Panci points to a rotting hulk with a deck that is barely above the waterline. "Sure, she ain't fast but you get a lot of deck space for minimum financial outlay."

Alohan doesn't think much of this vessel. The only good point might be that it will be easy for him to dip his testicles into the water.



Panci's attitude greatly improves when Alohan states that he needs something in better condition and a more ocean going state. "Why of course young Master! Come this way. This racing yacht could take you back to the Pearl Islands and even further if you want. Only one previous owner - a grandmother who only took it around the canals in the weekend."

Panci is pointing at a dingy with an obvious crack stretching down below the water line that looks like it has been patched up with tar. The mast is also broken.

"Such a fine vessel doesn't come cheap. But we are having a sale this week, so, shall we say... ten gold crowns?"



Panci freezes. "When you say a 'fruitful exchange', you don't mean that you are going to pay me in fruit, do you? Because I don't know how things work in the islands but here on the mainland we expect payment up front and in Sasserine gold crowns," he says, back to his sour demeanor.



"Yeah, I remember him. Came in with that dwarf Penkus a couple of days ago." The dwarf looks at Alohan carefully. "Yeah, I could tell you what they bought and which direction they went." He folds his arms across his chest. "But the boat costs fifteen crowns now. Take it or leave it."

OOC: Sure you can pick up a magic item, just let me know either in the OOC thread or via PM what you want. No, please do not role play that! But I will write a little about it so we can bring Angati into the loop.

No one else for items? Not even a potion of CLW?! I understand, you're all saving up for that +5 weapon...


Celene and Kassius head towards the Champion district, but on the way they stop at the main market so Celene can pick up a few items. They bump into Angati who has just finished her cryptic conversation with the street performer Diamondback, and agree to head over to the Toregson manner together to see if Amarilde can give any clues on how to track down Vanthus, and also to see how married life is treating her.

It is noon by the time that they reach her mansion, so it seems likely that even she would be up by that point, but there were surprised to see her at the lunch table looking happy and alert ie not hangover at all.

"Hello you guys! How is my favorite adventuring party? Still working for dear cousin Lavinia? Where is Alohan?"

She listens carefully as Celene and Angati explain Lavinia's mission for them, but shakes her head when asks if the scoundrel has contacted her recently or if she knows where his drinking holes are.

"No, I haven't been in contact with him recently, thank the goddess. I'm pretty sure that Soren would kick is ass if he ever turned up at the house... Actually, I am sure that Soren would and could kick his ass, he trains really hard you know. As for his favorite drinking establishments... <pft> I don't know, he goes everywhere, you'll have to look in every gambling den and flophouse in town to find him, although..." she chews her lip thoughtfully.

"I did hear that he has shacked up with some girl in the Azure district. What was her name? She's part of the Santos family and her first name is... <clicks fingers> Brissa Santos, that's it. I hear that she was a pretty notorious pick-pocket but now is working as an artist or something like that. You should check her out."

Alohan gave Logan a weary look. It wasn't about the money. He just couldn't bring himself to purchase such a horrible vessel, even if it was given to him for copper pieces. "Dirteen crowns." He said in his best authoritative tone. "Dat boat be no more den a dingy wit a broken mast. I can fix de ding but dat crack in the hull be more trouble den its worth."

"And Panci, when ya be lookin' ta sell dis place, I be lookin' ta buy. Give me a number."

OOC: Opps, looks like Angati won't have time to visit her sister today. We'll find time to do it after the next adventure segment (if the oracle is still alive at that point).

"Dirteen crowns? Oh, thirteen crowns. Aye, well," he rubs his nicotine stained beard thoughtfully. "At that price I'm not making a profit at all mind you, but... I'm in the mood to make a sale. Al right, deal!" The grotty dwarf slaps his hand into Alohan's and shakes vigorously.

"Aye, and in relation to Penkus and that young bearded nobleman. They bought a dingy, and filled it up with all lanterns, lantern oil and all sorts of rope. Then they rowed off to the west. Ha! I hope that information was useful. Ha ha!" Panci obviously he doubts it is going to be useful at all.



OOC: What?! For real? What is Alohan going to do with a grotty wharf at the edge of Barge End with two dozen rotting ships in it? Well, OK...

"Huh? Sell out? Oh, I could never... I mean, I have spent my life building up this business to what it is now," he swings his arm out over the collection of rotting and leaking barges, dingies and wreaks. "And then here is the office as well," he looks back at the converted outhouse hanging out over the water. "I couldn't possibly sell out for less than...<takes a deep drag on his foul smelling pipe, holds breath and then exhales> five hundred gold crowns," he says, half choking on the number.

For his part, Logan merely kept his silence, trying not to ogle the sums of money being tossed around.  Granted, the rogue was accumulating his own stash of money by now, and had just managed to put his mother up in accommodations that took up his entire retainer from Lady Vanderboren, but that was for her.  Logan couldn't imagine spending 13 gold crowns on a piece of barely-floating wreckage.  And yet...the bribe seemed to work.  Logan would have preferred a more direct method involving threats or guile but this seemed to work as well.

After they had gotten the information, Logan thoughtfully choked his chin.  "Rowed off to the west with lantern oil and rope, huh?  It sounds like they're going exploring, someplace dark.  What's west of us?  There's the Champion's District and the Cudgel District, but you can just walk there.  The only thing you'd need a boat to get to is...."

Logan pauses in recognition.  "Parrot Island!  That's where the secret lair of the Lotus Dragons must be."

What does Logan know about Parrot Island?
This message was last edited by the player at 10:52, Fri 07 Aug 2015.

OOC: Logan doesn't know much about it - there isn't much TO know. It is a small uninhabited, marshy island - more of a sand bar than an island really - covered with dense troppical vegetation in the middle and home to thousands of parrots. It rises about 15' above sea level at its highest point.

Celene considered the new information and lead. "This Santos family, they are nobles I assume? Yet she was a pick pocket? What else can you tell of these Santos people? Do they support any other noble families we know? Do you have any contacts with them?"

Having acquired what knowledge might be gained, Celene looked around? "So, anything else we need to know? Or should the three of us head over there to see if we can find her? Or can we somehow get in touch with our last two friends?"

Alohan smiled at Logan's sudden realization. "We be in luck! I be just buying a boat!" the Native noticed Logan's worrisome look and laughed. "Shall we get ta oders? Take de boat to de Parrots?" he asked.

Turning his attention back on the dwarf, Alohan narrowed his eyes. He wouldn't spend 500 crowns on this lot, no matter how much he wanted to purchase real estate. "Nonsense Panci," Alohan growled, shaking his head at the unbelievable 'price tag.' "Ya be selling dis ta me for a lot cheaper. But not now, no. I be havin' something to take care of. Allow dis time ta help ya come with a more reasonable offer." Alohan fished out fourteen crowns from the purse on his hip, quickly giving them to Panchi. "Derteen for de boat, and one crown. Allow me ta moor my vessel here for de time being. If ya can, see about a replacement mast. I fear I be needin' the Punani sooner den later."

"Last we heard the others were goin' to Shadowshore. I don't like our chances of wandering through there hoping to find them." Kassius says. "Let's just follow up on this, and if it bears out, we'll actually have something to report tonight."

OOC: No check needed for that.

"No, they are not. They are barely one generation away from being pirates, and what little wealth they started with has dissipated quickly since they breed like rabbits. I know about them because they are so notorious for their bohemian lifestyle - most of them live in the one big house in the Azure district and even the adult kids tend to not move out."



OOC: Oh yeah, that is a good point! Stupid module. OK, I'll try and wriggle out of this one.

"Well, she isn't exactly the shinning star of the family and it is a pretty disreputable family to begin with."



"No I most certainly do not have any contact with them! Even in the middle of my worse drinking binges I stayed away from them - I have more sense than that. <sigh> Although, as it turns out Vanthus wasn't any better to hang out with."

09:02, Today: Amarilde Vanderboren rolled 18 using 1d20+6. Nobility knowledge +6.

"I guess that they have some connection to Keltar Islaran, and the Steveadores in general, as Brissa's two older brothers, Frank and Otus, serve as Keltar's default bully boys. Those guys are psychotic, stay away from them! Like I said, they have a big house in the Azure district, I've never been there and don't know where it is but I'm sure you could find it if you were crazy enough to try..."





OOC: There's no way to meet up with your friends, so you'll have to do this with just the three of you. I'll move you over to the Azure district with another post when I get the chance.

OOC: Yes, indeed that is the question. The Lady Lotus, a green dragon, the 'crucible' plus numerous Lotus Dragon thieves all wait you. Share the fun with the others? Or just go it alone with the two of you?



"Poo-and-ni? Oh, the boat. Yeah, sure young fella. For one gold crown I'll keep it here in the yard for a month for ya, but after that I'll feel free to sell this fine vessel to someone else!"

Logan smiles as Alohan finishes his dealings with the crooked dwarf and they leave the optimistically-named "boat" yard. "Some people wouldn't take this as a compliment, but you seem to fit in Shadowshore pretty well. I think we should gather all the others before we explore this Parrot Island, especially if it turns out to be the den of the Lotus Dragons.  Before that, how about a celebratory drink?  I know the perfect place, on of my favorite haunts: The Skinned Man. How about it?"

Kassius, Angati and Celene wind up their lunch meeting with Amarilde and head on over to the Azure district. It isn't difficult to get directions to the Santos house, the first person they stop in the district knows where it is and directs them to Whale Street in the outer harbour area.

Ten minutes later they are standing outside a large and dilapidated two storied white house with the faded words 'The Falls Hotel' still partially visible in flaking black paint on the second floor. The wooden building is in terrible condition and both the veranda that circles the entire ground floor and the balconies on the second floor all sag precariously. A hotchpotch of bohemian looking folk are loitering around the building, sitting in small groups on the veranda in rough wooden chairs or hanging out on the second floor balcony. A couple of guys are leaning against the door frame of the main entrance. From somewhere on the second floor, the sharp tones of someone learning the banjo can be heard.

OOC: There are about six guys and four ladies visible - none of them really paying attention or keeping watch, just hanging out. Two of the guys are in the front door way as mentioned. None of the guys are the two that Kassius interacted with the previous day.

Angati smiled at Diamond Back "Good to see all your windows are closed too dear. I am keeping myself in good health and it seems that time is forgiving for the time being...." she chuckled at the word play she had done unwantingly.

Angati thanked Diamond Back profusely and wished her well before moving on.

Meeting with Celene and Kassius was quite a surprise... she told them what little she had learned which was confirmed by Amarilde in greater detail.

Thanking Amarilde she said to the others, "I am staying in the same tavern as Logan, I think we could head that way, and meet with them, or at least with Logan, that is.... or if you have any better ideas...".  Angati thought that had Amarilde known any more information she would have shared already so it was pointless to continue the interrogation.

OOC: Sorry, but you have been 'teleported' to the Azure district to try and find Brissa, but you can head back to the tavern after that.

"Should we not just try and talk our way through? Simple say that we are looking for Brissas friend Vanthus on behalf of his sister, to find out if he is safe - that's true - and that there has been a development about their common inheritance. That aught to get their attention and cooperation..."

OOC: don't have more time before tomorrow, but orherwise happy to let Angati lead the talking, if that is how we go.

Alohan smiled at Logan's compliment, momentarily reflecting on his words. "Dese people I be understandin'" he begins, motioning to the downtrodden natives of Shadowshore. "Dey be missin' what others have. Like ma people, dey not be havin' much. Dey be living by their means" He stopped to look at Logan, hoping to gauge his reaction.

"But unlike ma people, dese peoples want and crave the crowns and silvers dat ya society says dey need. Dey measure deir happiness by how much dey possess. How big deir house be. How much stuff dey be having. We be talkin' about dis before," he said abruptly. "but ma people don't have monies. Neither do dese Shadowshore." Alohan was slowly coming to grips with Sasserine's culture. The more he learned of it, the more he was intimidated by it. He was thankful his people weren't greedy. At least, if they were greedy it wasn't amplified by the concept of material worth and money. Did money not make people greedy?

"But enough on dis," he said, motioning for Logan to lead the way."Take me to dese Skinned Man."

As they approach the rather dilapidated building, Kassius slinks to the back, allowing either of the two ladies to take the lead here. The last few times he had tried human interaction, it had worked poorly, including with two of these people's family members. He rather doubted he'd be any better at getting the cousins or siblings to talk. Kassius was content to stay in the back with Kibeti, ready to provide some muscle in case all of the Santos' were as eager to fight as the two Kassius had met.

Angati sighed, they would need to get in, and possibly without getting into more trouble than they could handle... that meant social skills and anyone could botch this for they knew next to nothing about these guys and Brissa.

"Ok, guys... come here for a minute... I am going to cast a spell on you to help you make a better impression... it won't last for long, probably only our first interaction... but I hope this little cheat will be enough to get us through" she said as she pulled them back to a corner outside the looks of the others to cast a spell on each one including herself.

She closed her eyes for what seemed like a second.. Angati in truth could hardly meassure time when she casted, at times it seemed faster other times it seemed shorter... at any rate, she soon had the spell cast on the three of them.

OOC: Cast http://www.d20pfsrd.com/magic/...e/enhanced-diplomacy on each of us. +2 competence bonus on a single Diplomacy or Intimidate check. You have to decide to use it before the roll.

"Ok, I hope we are all set... let's go" she said as she advanced towards the guys at the entrance.

"Good day to you fellows... My name is Clarissa, and my master sends me to see if I can find something that will amuse him... he has gone through all the bards, singers, artists and rope walkers of the city, and still he is unsatisfied in his search for true talent.... and has set me to this search. Truth be told I am really tired and just want to show him someone new... good or bad... and I heard there is a member of your family that has recently got into the artist's business... now... this could be a one time opportunity for her, or a loss of my time like the guys I have sent to him before... but at least the guy pay's well, and its only an hour's worth of work for her... if nothing else she can get to know the right people for other jobs.... Brita or Bricha I am told her name is, do you happen to know where I may find her ?".

OOC:
13:03, Today: Angati rolled 31 using 1d20+11. Diplomacy Check.
Wow Natural 20 I hope that helps... normally diplomacy results shift for the better by each 5 difference with the DC.

OOC: Wow, that is an impressive number. You can only increase people by two steps in a single check, but you bump these guys up from unfriendly to friendly. Also, in reward for your super result, your get to neutralise the first failed check but anybody in your team.

The two young men in the doorway smirk as Angati approaches, but their demeanour quickly changes as she launches into her spiel. Maybe it is the hope of helping a family member, maybe it is Angati's posh accent or maybe just the bag of coins clinking at the oracle side - but they stop slouching and have an eager look in their eyes by the time she is finished.

"That's our little sister Brissa you're thinking about!" says the first young man. The second man butts into the conversation.

"Yeah, she is right talented! Paints pictures of the city and mountains and anything like that... so real it is like you can reach out and touch them."

"Come on," continues the first one. "She's upstairs in her room, I'll take ya up there and then you can see her stuff, alright?" The other young man looks put out that he didn't think of being the guide himself, but the other one - who is slightly bigger and maybe a bit older gives him a shove and then motions the trio to come in.

"Err, the big cat will have to stay outside, alright?" he says.

<MINI SKILLS CHALLENGE UPDATE>
Diplomacy DC10
Passed: 1/4
Failed: 0
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:04, Sun 09 Aug 2015.

"Oh, don't worry about Kibeti. He's really quite friendly, aren't you old buddy." Kassius says, rubbing Kibeti's head in an affectionate way. The albino panther allows for a half-second, than bares it's impressive teeth and playfully chomps on Kassius' hand. Kassiu' exclamation of "Ouch!" is hardly likely to assuage men of the cat's harmlessness.

Well, that didn't work so well. See, this is why I let other people interact with people.
15:01, Today: Kassius rolled 4 using 1d20+1. diplomacy (with bonus).
Angati, I think I just used up your boon for your good roll.
 

Celene feels the tingling from Angatis mystical energies, and notes how the oracle intones her spell and any telltale signs of the casting. As always, magic in any form intrigues Celene.

She decides to prepare for aiding in their endeavour herself, and draws upon her new powers of Wee Jas. A simple orison, and not useful in itself, but it will last long, allowing her to channel the divine power for other uses at will.

"Kassius, I have the feeling you're not much for sweet-talking these people, and I agree with your sentiment, but they are too many for a more ... physical course of action. But we're in it together, and both Angati and I, and my goddess, will be there to aid each other."

Feeling Kassius' reluctance to talking their way in, Celene prepares to bestow the boon of Wee Jas upon him, if she can manage it along the way.

OOC: GM, asked you by PM if Divine Vessel could work like that, you just let me know if it's possible. If it is, Celene would have aided prior to Kassius first interaction, giving a +2 sacred bonus, in vain unfortunately (but used one 'charge'). Celene casts Read Magic now to have divine power for it.

Letting Angati take the lead - she is quite creative in her deceptions -  Celene tries to follow her story, letting the ruse go on. Something, buried deep in her, seems to just slide along with the little lies and stories. As Kibeti unsettles the Santos bunch, Celene notices a girl jolting from her perch on the veranda fence, slinking off, perhaps to warn or fetch someone. Celene quickly smiles at the young girl, "My goodness, what a beautiful face, such perfect lines! You are simple adorable. Are you perhaps posing for any of the statues on Ancestor Island off noble district? No? You should be. Say, our master has already several artists employed, and both he and they would be thrilled to have you pose for some of their works of art. All perfectly proper, mind you! Would you be interested in a job like that?"

OOC: Celene first uses the +2 bonus from the short term Divine Vessel, if you agree that it's possible to use prior to Kassius' attempt. She then saves the +2 from Angati for the next roll if she has time (it lasts one minute, right)?

quote:

22:54, Today: Celene rolled 24 using 1d20+10. Diplomacy check with +2 from DV, saving the +2 from Enhanced Dipl. for next.

Oh wow, a success, who'd have guessed? :-)

"Er... yeah... the cat 'll have to stay outside," says the young man with a concerned look on his face. "And tie it up so it doesn't eat any of the wee ones."

<MINI SKILLS CHALLENGE UPDATE>
 Diplomacy DC10
 Passed: 1/4
 Failed: 0 (Boon used)
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:07, Mon 10 Aug 2015.

Well, since that is all resolved, let's say that she found a way to cast it on Kassius AFTER his social faux pas - eg after he went across the street to (pretend to) tie Kassius up.



OOC: Err, no, Celene can't 'save' the +2 enhanced diplomacy bonus, that is not how I imagine it works. Sorry, she blows it all on the first interaction... which yes, surprise surprise is a pass.

Don't worry, with Angati's MF trick backing you up, your guys have totally got this. Just don't forget to use it!

"Oh, what, me?!" exclaims the girl, totally forgetting that Pa Santos had firmly told her to come and get him if ANY strangers turned up at the front door. "Well Ma always said I had a nice chin! Sure... I wouldn't mind modelling," the young lady looks a bit concerned for a second. "...but gee, do you think I could keep my clothes on? Big sister Brissa always seems to need to take her clothes off when she is modelling for her artist friends and I don't think it is proper, ya' know?"

Celene says a few more words, reassuring the young lady that all the statues on Ancestor Island were fully clothed, and that she would give the girl the necessary information to get in touch with the 'studio' when they had finished their business with Brissa. With Kibeti now parked outside, their Santos guide leads them into the house.

The interior is musty but pleasantly cool compared to the outside, and it is also surprisingly clean. A large staircase leads up to the next floor and this is where the young man leads them towards. They had only just started on their way up the staircase when someone starts walking down from the floor above. Kassius instantly recognizes him - it is Otus, one of Keltar's two thugs who assaulted him yesterday!

"Oh, hi Otus!" says their guide.

The hunter has told Celene and Angati all about the events of the previous day and mentioned the names of 'Frank' and 'Otus', and additionally the way that the half-orc pulls up his hood and tries to face the wall makes it obviously that something is up. But it seems unlikely that Kassius won't be recognized unless some action is taken...

OOC: ...hopefully by Kassius himself, that would be most funny!

Oh yeah, Kassius needs to make another roll in this skills challenge so that we have a threat rating of at least two. Otherwise it is just boring :D


<MINI SKILLS CHALLENGE UPDATE>
 Diplomacy DC10
 Passed: 2/4
 Failed: 0 (Boon used)

Frak! Frakking son of a misbegotten Frakker! Kassius thinks to himself at the name Otus. Of course there was a chance of running into one of those louts in this house. Kassius thinks fast. If Otus recognizes him, Keltar Islaran's incorrect suspicion is likely to be transferred to the rest of them. Thinking quickly, he glances out a nearby window and exclaims "Would you like at the time. Sorry, ladies, I'm late for my morning prayers. Go on without me, I'll catch right up!"
And then turns into a corner, swaying murmuring in what he hopes sounds like a suitably ancient and holy language, but is actually nonsense. Or at least, that's what he tries to do. Sadly, as he turns, he manages to stumble right into Otus, staring the man straight in the face.

11:26, Today: Kassius rolled 0 using 1d20-1. diplomacy/bluff?
Sigh. Don't suppose I could have a misfortune reroll?

In reply to Kassius (msg # 68):

Sure, you decide when you take your daily MF.

**OOC** Have at it Kassius I doubt you can do worse :)

Fortune fell on Kassius, for his bumping into the man seemed to knock the man senseless for half a second. Hardly believing his luck, Kassius quickly turned to the corner, obscuring his face from any further sight.


14:48, Today: Kassius rolled 14 using 1d20-1. misfortune reroll.
Hah!

Angati climbed the stairs cringing when she noticed the guy recognise Kassius, pointing at him as he took his knife out of his belt... almost instinctively, she blinked, the kind of blinking she did that made things happen... and it was as if it had been a déjà vu. The man bumped somewhere just as he was going to notice Kassius and the only bad outcome of all this was her heart that had almost jumped inside her chest.

She tried to bring herself back to the matter at hand, and so, she rummaged her head trying to keep off any subject that might fall back down to getting them to ask questions. Finally she decided to go for the one thing she thought everyone likes.... talking about themselves. "So, you have a big family here... I wish I did... I mean I do some, but they all keep to themselves, we hardly see each other... it must be good to have your family around you to support you and protect you, like you do".

It didn't come out as casual as she had intended but it would have to do... at any rate, it only had to last until he took them to Brissa right ?.

07:51, Today: Angati rolled 14 using 1d20+9. Diplomacy Check DC10.

OOC: Well that is no fun! How are we going to handle MF from now one? I always imagined it as though the original event never happened, not that the original event gets something added to the end.


<MINI SKILLS CHALLENGE UPDATE>
 Diplomacy DC10
 Passed: 3/4
 Failed: 0 (Boon used)

 Kassius MF Used

OOC: aren't we at 4/4 now?

<MINI SKILLS CHALLENGE UPDATE>

SKILLS CHALLENGE PASSED!

 Passed: 4/4
 Failed: 0 (Boon used)

 Kassius MF Used


"Oh yes!" says the young man. "Us Santos folk stick together. Ma & Pa Santos have thirteen children and it looks like the next generation will be having just as many. If it happens in the Azure district or down at the docks then we know about it."

The party arrives at a door midway down the hall on the second floor. "HEY BRISSA!" yells their guide. "YA GOT SOME VISITORS. ARTY TYPE FOLK."

"Heh heh, she'll be right out. So, do you think Brissa will be needing an agent?"

The door is opened by a beautiful young red-headed woman wearing a fine white silk bathrobe and nothing else. It is only loosly tied up at the front and a large gap shows some impressive cleavage. "What? You lot are after some art?" she says, looking a little surprised. Angati certainly looks the part as a mature lady dressed in decent clothes, and maybe Celene could be explained despite her novice robes - the church of Wee Jas did buy a lot of art. But Kassius' rough clothes more suitable for the jungle were out of place.

The young lady has paint brushes in her hand and a few spots of paint smeared across her face.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:45, Tue 11 Aug 2015.

Yep, was writing while you posted!

OOC It never happened. I just like explaining it based on her Time Mystery... so... as if it had just happened in her head. No one else sees it or has a recollection of it. I think that fits better than a lucky roll given the character, and effect wise its the same.

Angati smiled broadly "Oh wow, you also have the looks dear... thats something no one mentioned" 'though it was to be expected if she was going out with Vanthus... the guy had a taste that was clear... a slutty taste if anything...  damn concentrate on the matter old lady !!!!' she berated herself.

"Anyway, I have been sent to evaluate your work first, and if deemed good enough to make an appointment for you to meet my master and show him in person. He would pay you for this visit if it comes to that, and for any work of art that he buys from you or that he commissions you to do, of course. So... " she said still by the door.

"... would you care to show us your work ? Its been quite a walk and I'd hate to leave without having seen it, I have been told it feels like one can almost touch and feel your paintings. I am sorry though for not having sent a kid or someone before to let you know in advance that we were coming. It is embarrasing but alas, I hope you will forgive this slant of politeness."

OOC: Bah, Angati is just jealous!

The young red-head smiles at the compliment. As usual Angati finds a way straight into her victim's heart.



"Well... why, yes!" says the girl enthusiastically, opening the door wide so the three of them can come in. “Who did you say your master was again? And are you all from the same place? Why is there a cleric of Wee Jas here?” she asks innocently enough. “No-one is getting married… At least not today!” she giggles.

Brissa’s room is surprisingly large – it looks like the wall with the adjoining room has been knocked down to double the area – and is filled from top to bottom with painting equipment. Up around the walls are hung a host of unfinished sketches and paintings, and also some completed watercolors – all of them landscapes. No-one in the party is an expert, but the paintings do look good – they mostly show recognizable views of the cityscape of Sasserine and the surrounding coastline. The temple of Wee Jas, Castle Teraknian, the broken giant bridge across the harbor mouth, the arena in the champion district. There are also some more exotic landscapes including many tropical islands and a very peculiar island that appears to be made out of a tangle of sea weed.

“So what do you need? As you can see I can draw or paint any building or landscape in the city - or further away if required.” She seems to notice Kassius staring in the direction of her chest and self consciously tightens the silk robe around her. “Please excuse the mess,” she says. “I wasn’t expecting visitors.”

Nodding a polite greeting at the young woman, Celene touches her clerical robe and symbol and smiles. "No, no wedding today, I haven't been to a wedding since the Vanderboren Toregson marriage some days ago - but I was really just a spectator, I don't perform the rituals - although I could of course. I am here to evaluate any magical aspects woven into pieces of art, they are so popular these days. It is just a favour to Clarissa here. My name is Tarylee, by the way. But you ask like a wedding may be forthcoming - are you perhaps engaged to be married soon?" Celenes takes her time talking along the lines of marrige and boyfriends a bit, in case an opening should present itself.

Else, moving further in, Celene takes in the room. "Oh, impressive. You certainly are productive. And very talented. Hmm, I recognize a lot from the city, but these are not from around here. Waht is that strange island? Intriguing motive!" Celene points out the weed island.

"Giggle. Well, I ain't meant to say anything."

OOC: Diplomacy check to push for info. DC15 for partial, DC20 for full.


"Oh, that. That was just a bit of fun. Papa Santos used to be a pir... err, a sailor, and he tells us stories about the sea. That place is called 'Journey's End' and it is a giant island made out of seaweed or something like it. My father said that he saw it once when he was sailing in the middle of the Sea of Dread with his crew - but that must be rubbish because he said another time that all who encountered it were becalmed in the gyre and starved to death or worse, the seaweed would actually eat them!" She laughs. "Silly tales to keep the children amused, and terrified. I'm far too old for that now."

But Angati doesn't feel it is an amusing story. As she looks at the greenish undulating mat of sea weed that forms the island and the thick mist that seems to roll in off the centre she gets a feeling that makes her skin crawl - she can almost smell the stink of the salty weed and it is not just rotting vegetation she smells. It is death. A noxious sensation of dread builds in her stomach. She knows that her timeline will take her to this place one day and she will die.

OOC: FRAK! Although glad it was Angati getting THAT feeling!

20:39, Tue 11 Aug 2015: Celene rolled 14 using 1d20+8 ((6)).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:40, Tue 11 Aug 2015.

OOC: yeah, sucks to be her. Celene's efforts to get additional info prove fruitless. Want to MF it?

OOC: no, let one of the other's try their luck or rp.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Tue 11 Aug 2015.

Kassius stands motionless, trying to avoid having his eyes drift to Brissa's impressive and quite well displayed assets. The way they moved when she... Frak it, stop it! He thinks, returning his eyes firmly to the woman's face and blushing slightly when he realizes she had caught him looking.



"Surely a p-pretty girl like you has loads of suiters." Kassius says, trying to be suave and prodding Brissa to stay more, but stumbling over his own words hesitantly ruins the attempt.

Angati's thoughts about following on the conversation about the wedding were completely shattered by the vision she had while looking at the picture.

A chill ran down her spine and she visibly shuddered, her face changing from a heartfelt smile to to a look of despair... she couldnt pull her eyes from the picture, but it wasn't the picture that she was seeing, it was the island, the waves moving, the sticky heavy breeze on her sweaty cheeks.

She could feel her sister there with her, her presence was even more real and material than it normally was, and ... she was holding her hand... afraid of the island too.

"NO !!" she almost yelled taking a step backward and breaking from the vision closing her eyes. Her sister Anansi was equally shaken and she did what she always did... dropping some stools to the floor with the materials they held on top.. Whether Brisa had spotted something strange happening or had thought it had been Angatis movement was yet to be seen.

"Oh God ! ... that island does exist indeed... I... I just saw myself dying there !!... Oh I am sorry... I am sorry.... your ... your paintings... they don't hold any magic to them ?"

"Hey hey! Don't mess the place up!" yells Brissa. "Err.. Madam," she adds, realising that she's still trying to make a sale.



"What? Dying on the island?" She looks at the painting of  'Journey's End'. "Yeah, it is a creepy looking spot, but no <chuckle> I don't think any of my paintings are magical." She looks serious. "Unless that would put the price up, in which case yes. Definately."

Brissa just stares at him. "Are you their bodyguard?" she asks in a confused tone of voice.

OOC: No, 10 does not do it. Care to roll Angati?

"I am sorry dear I am sorry... please allow me to sit... I am feeling a bit shaken... but... your work is very good... and I think we should extend you an invitation to meet with my master" she said trying to find an empty stool or anything to sit down and calm her dizziness a bit.


10:05, Today: Angati rolled 11 using 1d20+9. Diplomacy check vs ??
Leaving it there... I would like to leave her some gold for the time to do the visit. (please let me know how much would be ok)
And I would organice the meeting somewhere public where she would not suspect... say the Shrine or maybe some other place that might be good for that. Alohan might be a good buyer :) *lol* with all his eccentricity and all. (please let me know where)
Also would like to know what might be a good price for one of her pieces... that island in particular....

Now... I am doubting wether to through a bone here or not... the idea would be something like:

"I have still not recovered from the other day's mess what with Vanthus taking that wedding dress from the bride and all... too much for my old bones" as if she was talking to Celene or Kassius of something unrelated so that they would not worry for her sudden frailty..."

What do you think... it might be risky... but if she is a girl about to get married, she would worry more about her husband having anything to do with other peoples wedding dress than about wether we are here about Vanthus... and we are not asking her directly... if it were my wife, she would bite the hook...  it's risky though so I don't want to take the decission without passing it through you guys.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:16, Wed 12 Aug 2015.

"Hm, let me investigate it a bit..." Celene casts her detect magic to do her role, looking intently at both that particular image, but also others around the studio.

OOC: sure, sounds fun for a hook, go ahead. Regarding a 'meeting with our master' i'd say it's taking it a bit far, but... Maybe just buy that picture and be done with that?

"Oh, sure. You poor thing. Gee, your master? That sounds swell, who is he?"




OOC: What? So you actually want the painting of Journey's End? To remind yourself of your mortallity every day by looking at the exact spot where you know you will die? Sort of gruesome. A painting from an unknown artist like Brissa might featch 10 gp if she were lucky.



OOC: So is that the plan? Why don't you MF your diplomacy roll?

OOC:
@DM I don't know what was I rolling... you told me to roll but did not tell me what... although looking at it, maybe that was for Kassius?

As for the painting... no, its not to be reminded of that... its to see if further looking can give a hint as to how to avoid it. (Don't stress over it, no need to do anything from your side :) just what I think she would do... no further need to work on the rp over that painting :)

By the way Kassius excuse the little puppeting I did here... I think it would have been natural anyway on someone with reflexes to stretch to help someone from falling

As Angati had Kassius and Celene's attention having just let her ass fall on the stool, and holding her slightly swaying head in her hands she said to Kassius as she patted the half orc's hand that had stretched to keep her from falling "Do not worry dear, no need for you to do anything... its just age, I have still not recovered from that silly incident of that poor girls wedding dress and... what was his name,... Vanthus ?... anyway... thats no matter, but one gets too old for such emotions...."

Turning to Brissa as she had just brought her back to the present with her question she said "Excuse me Dear", she said still holding her head with her hands... "one comes to an age when suddenly... little things make such an impression but... I'd like to buy you that one picture for myself if I may... "

OOC: Hopefully those two things are more than enough to pull her out of her questions, and bring new ones to play

While Angati slowly recoers in the arms of Kassius, and having the attention of Brissa, Celene quietly returns to investigating the pictures for signs of magic. However, she uses the opportunity to search the works for any portraits of Vanthus. Surely a young artist in love would be making images of her loved one.

OOC: It was DC15 to convince Brissa to spill the beans, so your roll of 11 was not enough.



OOC: :) Good, I will leave you to fill in the details of your own demise :P Avoid it?! You are an oracle of time, and one of the bad things about that is that as your get closer to the end of your own timeline you start feeling it. Well, maybe there is a way to get past it - but it would take something exceptional to change your fate...



OOC: Better to use him for catching than talking to people - we tried the later and that did not turn out well.




Brissa pauses, her face taking on a shocked look. "Vanthus. Wedding dress?" But then she smiles. "Oh, how thoughtful of him - but I want to sort the dress out myself. Oh, he said not to tell anyone, but it seems you know so much already. We're going to be married!" she gushes. "Oh, but you mustn't tell Papa yet. Even though Vanthus is a nobleman, my father doesn't approve of him - but I am sure he will come rounnd." She hugs her stomach and adds in a whisper. "I'm pregnant! We're going to make a happy family together!"



OOC: Bah! She takes the bait.

Celene looks carefully but she doesn't see any paintings or sketches of the young nobleman. In fact, it seems that Brissa only does landscapes.

No signs of magic on anything in the room.

"Oh !" said Angati... without much need to feign surprise, for she was with the news of the baby "Well, congratulations on your pregnancy my dear...".

She paused for a while trying to collect he thoughts "But... have you known him for long ?... you see, we work for his sister, Lavinia... she is dead worried about him for he has been acting strangely as of late, and there are even rumours that he is joining (if not already joined) the Lotus Dragons... she gave us the task of taking care of him and making sure he doesnt get into anything dangerous.... She is a sweet Lady, she is, you know ?. I am thinking that, maybe you would like to meet her... after all you are going to be family soon...".

"Anyway dear... it is your call, and you are old enough and talented enough to make your own decisions so, it may be that his sister is over worried about him... but if you see or think of anything that doesn't seem completely right... would you consider letting us know ?.... just... just try to keep all the options open in your mind... the way I see this... the matter with the wedding dress... well, it could be that he was trying to get it for you... or just a prank... or something else... after all, he had a relation with Amarilde, the girl he was stealing the dress from, in the past... that was time ago, so don't worry.. but just keep your options open... and know that his sister, would look out for you and the baby no matter what.... Hey, did you know that their parents were also pira... hmmm adventurers of the Sea ?..  there you go common roots and all. Now, that you are going to be a mum, you have to remember that first comes your child... before all else... I am just asking you to play it safe and to try to give him (or her) all the chances in the world. Meet Lavinia, listen to whatever your father has to say, I am sure he has your best interests in mind, keep your ears and eyes open and then judge for yourself. We are here to help the Vanderboren family, and now you are part of it... marriage or not.".

OOC: 07:26, Today: Angati rolled 20 using 1d20+9. Diplomacy Check.
So, anyway, touching on jealousy and the soft spot in the heart... trying to give her options to protect her baby.
This message was last updated by the player at 06:33, Fri 14 Aug 2015.

“Lavinia?! Lavinia Vanderboren?! That witch?! The way she has treated him is despicable! Got their parents to cut poor Vanthus out of the will. Kicked him out of the house.” She crosses her arms firms across her chest. “I’m sorry, but if you work for her then you need to leave. I won’t sell anything to that harlot! Do you know how many men she has slept with?”

“We’re going to die! Oh no, we’re going to die Angati! Waaaaaaaiiiillllllll”



“… more like she is worried that Vanthus has figured out her fiendish ways. Do not trust her!”

“… why? Why must we go there sister? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh… <sob>”



“Well there is one thing I’ll say about my Vanthus. He is a man of the world. He deals with all sorts of people across town.” She looks down at Agnati a little scornfully. “He is having to make his way in the world and can’t just live in some fancy estate, even if that was his birthright.”

“…we must run sister! Get up and run now <crying> please, help us! Run!”



“Bah! I bet she gave you such a task. She wants to get him back under her thumb. Do you know what she did to him when they were kids? She is sick in the head!”

“…this way sister <running towards and through a wall> run this way! <knocks painting items off chair>”

“Hang on! So you’re not here to buy anything, are you? Well, the cheek of it! Hey, stop messing this place up! What, are you crazy?”



“Shut up, shut up! You stupid old lady! You’re just jealous. I bet you’ve never even been married you stupid old biddy. I bet you've never even been frakked. Pathetic! I’m going to marry a nobleman and have a family! Frak you!”

“Waaaaaaiiiillll <re-enters through the wall, knocks over more stuff> We need to run sister! It will get up. WE WILL DIE SISTER!”

"Hey, stop breaking stuff! AAAAEEEEEEEE!" Brissa screams at the top of her lungs... But nothing immediately happens (since your threat level is zero!!)

Angati:

"or just a prank... or something else... after all, he had a relation with Amarilde, the girl he was stealing the dress from, in the past... that was time ago, so don't worry.. but just keep your options open... and know that his sister, would look out for you and the baby no matter what.... Hey, did you know that their parents were also pira... hmmm adventurers of the Sea ?..  there you go common roots and all. Now, that you are going to be a mum, you have to remember that first comes your child... before all else... I am just asking you to play it safe and to try to give him (or her) all the chances in the world. Meet Lavinia, listen to whatever your father has to say, I am sure he has your best interests in mind, keep your ears and eyes open and then judge for yourself. We are here to help the Vanderboren family, and now you are part of it... marriage or not.".

OOC: 07:26, Today: Angati rolled 20 using 1d20+9. Diplomacy Check.
So, anyway, touching on jealousy and the soft spot in the heart... trying to give her options to protect her baby.

OOC: Sorry, very clever comments and excellent roll ignored because 1) I want to get your guys out of here and back into the main thread  2) Anansi is being a pain in the ass and freaking out and stops Angati using her normal crazy good diplomacy skills  3) It's more interesting   4) I'm a bad, arbetrary DM!

Please post how you get out of here. There is a window that leads out onto the balcony ringing the building. Don't forget there are people lounging around on it and Otus will be charging up the stairs at some point.

Completely baffled by Angatis earlier outburst, things falling over and down around them, Brissa screaming and the potential crititcal situation they might be in, Celene reflexisively reaches out for her arcane powers for support. Hoping to soothe the girl, Celene casts charm person.

Putting a hand on Brissas shoulder, she tries to talk her Down. "Brissa, please calm down. I now see you have heard things of Lavinia Vanderboren we haven't. We will think about what you have told us, and act accordingly. There is no reason for us to be upset now. We'll be going now and perhaps contact Vanthus to ask him about Lavinia too. Do you know where he is? Come, will you walk us down while we talk?"


OOC: Sorry, but that's how Celene would react. Jumping out a window is not for her!

We're not still in a skill contest, right? I assume only Angati can hear her sister? As you said, we're not a threat to her, right? DC16

OOC. Ha! Like she was ever going to pass that with MF on top!

14:09, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 12 using 1d20. save versus charm.

Brissa immediately calms down - and the party do not here anybody running up the stairs or approaching the room. It is pretty chaotic house so maybe people screaming isn't that uncommon?

"Oh, sorry I got excited there... it was just strange with all the stuff being knocked down. So... Vanthus. Oh, he often goes out of town for business, he has too look after the family plantations you know because Lavinia is totally incapable of doing anything but folding napkins. He said he'll be gone for a couple of days... <sigh> he's often gone."

She begins to walk them downstairs. "I don't know where he is exactely, because I've never been out of the city. But he will be back, and sure, I'll tell you when he is back in town!"

No skills contest, we need to join everybody up again. All ready for that?

OOC: ok,hope i'm not over-zealous in my party caller role, but i say we move on now, if no objections arrive before tomorrow morning, europe time (or whenever you have time to post again, GM). I believe we got what we came for: exciting news of an imminent baby-Vanthus. Lavinia will be thrilled:-) Let's go find the guys.

EDIT: but remember Angati wanted to buy the picture... Maybe to torture her sister? :-)

This message was last edited by the player at 07:46, Sun 16 Aug 2015.

Being somewhat a masochist, Angati purchases the picture titled 'Journey's End'. It is a small watercolour, only about 3 feet wide and 2 feet tall and unframed so the oracle is able to get it for ten gold (the fact that Brissa was charmed may have also helped negotiations).

The young painted then walks them down and out of the house, meaning that Celene, Angati and Kassius are able to retrieve the cat and make their way out of the Azure district in good time.

When they arrive at the tavern Angati is now living at (as to WHICH tavern this is, that is still for Beni to decide upon wink wink) they discover Logan and Alohan already waiting for them in a private room - the two young men are well lubricated with liquor by this point. All of the party members recount their stories so that everybody knows all of the day's going-ons.

OOC: A summary of what was discovered.

Vanthus has been seen in the company of a cranky dwarf called Penkus.
Penkus is well known in Shadowshore as a thief and a troublemaker.
Another cranky dwarf called Panchi sold Vanthus and Penkus a row boat, and they rowed west from Shadowshore.
Logan guessed that they were heading for Parrot Island, and this was confirmed by his contact Fartellamous.
Fartellamous stated that there were some old smugglers' tunnels under Parrot Island and that he and Penkus used to visit when they were kids. He provided instructions to allow the entry point to be easily located.

Vanthus has been 'seeing' Brissa Santos.
Brissa things Vanthus is a nice guy and they are going to get married. Brissa is pregnant.
Angati is going to die.

Kassius listens intently as the others tell their various discoveries. His own contribution is little more than the occasional agreeable grunt when Angati and Celene discuss their revelations with Brissa, but despite his silence the half-orc is clearly listening intently. He just seems to prefer not saying very much.

Kassius does particularly perk up about the smuggling tunnels and Parrot Island. He intends to run his business completely legally and above water, but keeping his eyes open once they got to Parrot Island seemed rather wise.

Despite the seriousness of their current business, Celene cannot help herself giggling at their two tipsy companions. Well, as long as they are sober when they need to be...

Discussing their findings, Celene is happy to quip in with what they learned at the Santos house. She considers going to Lavinia with these news in themselves, but drops the idea again. Their mission was to find him, and bring him back. The information could act as a slight compensation if they should fail finding him.

"So, I guess we're going after him to the island. Tonight it is? If you two are capable then?"

"Do we know anything about what to expect over there? Is it just Vanthus and Penkus, or are we going to face the Lotus Dragons as well?"

An isolated yet closeby place such as this Island seems a perfect hideaway for many secretive characters. Celene wonders if the island has been home to others over the ages, the remains of whom they might stumble upon. Not just the Lotus Dragons, but also someone like those cabbanites she has just gained a glimpse of...

Knowledge check? Pftt.
11:10, Today: Celene rolled 14 using 1d20+8. Knowledge history on Parrot Island.
Used Guidance + one Divine Vessel
This message was last edited by the player at 09:20, Mon 17 Aug 2015.

Celene wracks her memory for any historical information that she can remember on the island. Unfortunately, Celene is much better acquainted with the history as recorded in the temple library, and the murky past of Parrot Island is something that has been very much 'off the books'. Nothing comes to mind - it is just a small muddy sand bar sitting in the harbor as far as she knows.

Logan smiles and raises a glass.  "Of course we're capable!  Everything's easier after a few drinks, anyway."  The rogue smiles.  "No, I just introduced Alohan to the finer varieties of rotgut available in Shadowshore, and we had one more drink here.  We'll be perfectly capable of exploring Vanthus and tacking Parrot Island."  The rogue looks confused and shakes his head.  "Tracking Vanthus and exploring the Parrots, I mean."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:11, Tue 18 Aug 2015.

OOC: You're going at night? (DM raises one eyebrow). OK. Sure, why not.

Alohan raised a glass to meet Logans, clinking them in celebratory fashion. "De boy be havin' de right of it! Let us go dis very night. Catch dem wit dere eels in dere hands!"  The room tilted and the native found himself steadying himself. "We be catchin' dem unawares." He sipped what was in his glass and turned to the rest. "What be everyone' dinkin?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Tue 18 Aug 2015.

OOC: Alohan and Logan pls make a DC 15 fort save or enter stage one inebriation.

Logan returned the gesture, only managing to spill a little bit of his drink in the process.

11:12, Today: Logan rolled 14 using 1d20. Fort vs 15 for Drunken Fun Times.

Kassius groans slightly, rubbing his head. He glances over at Kibeti, who simply yawns, as if to say he wasn't responsible for the people Kassius chose to hang out with. Heading over in the dark, with two members drunk off their gourd seemed a recipe for disaster.

"I say we rest for the night, and then go early tomorrow morning. Let you fellows sleep off your booze, and then go while it's still dark enough to be stealthy, but there's enough light that we aren't stumbling around like a bunch of blind fools. I'll bet the hangovers will encourage you to be extra quiet." He says, with a slightly cruel grin.

OOC: FYI, Logan just has level one drunkeness which is purely beneficial I think...

Angati kept silent for most of the time... her sister's screaming had her out of her sorts and she could just stare here and there and speak softly apparently on her own, as she tried to calm her down.

She got the picture, and kept it wraped all the time, afraid to even unwrap it. She just concentrated on her sister, and other than a few 'ok's here and there, she passed her time in a near-shock state of mind.

OOC: I'd say wait for the day before leaving. I hope we don't meet the island on the trip. Angati might be a little bit more upset than ussual to take a boat trip...

Alohan frowned at the half-orc's slight. He wasn't a blind fool and could move about a jungle as well as anyone. He wasn't even drunk! Just in a good mood. Unfortunately his happy demeanor was souring, especially with Kassius's overly brash, misguided angst at the likes of him and Logan. The two of them were able to peg their next location quite easily. Alohan could only guess Kassius's mood reflected the poor luck he had during the day.

"No," he said standing. He finished his drink and set the glass down quite aggressively. "If we be leavin' in de mornin' so be it. But I be dinkin' know be de best time. We spent de day askin' about town for dis Vandus and his dwarven hoalhoa. We move now and de chance of dem being alerted is slim. Yes dere be some risk but remember how well we did at de harbor. We be quick. We catch dem unawares."

Alohan looked at Logan for some backup, not even sure if the boy agreed with him.

---

Plan': Since we are at an impasse, I think Celene has to decide. Should we stay or go.  I say we go and at least see what we see...
Boozin':07:14, Today: Alohan Nuari rolled 16 using 1d20+6. Fort Save vs Boozin'.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:28, Wed 19 Aug 2015.

Celene sighs. "Why can't these men agree on anything? They keep on bickering." Realising they were expecting to get an oppinion from her to support one or the other, she spoke up. "Drinks aside, Kassius has a point about the darkness. Most of us will be blind unless we carry torches, which will light us up for target practice. Let us go early in the morning, to take advantage of the dim dawn light. That also allows some us to be rested after our ordeal at the santos house. Any preparation we need? I heard tunnels. We need some rope for them?"

OOC: How is the party going to get out there? ie gondola, Alohan's new boat... you could even swim, it's only 100 yards.

Logan smiles.  "Going tomorrow is the best idea I've heard all day."  The rogue frowns.  "Well, maybe the second best."  He holds up his drink.  Getting this was the best idea..."  the half-elf trails off, obviously thinking.  "Or maybe getting that information from old Farty.  Regardless, that is a good idea."

"I wonder if our gondolier friend is available.  He seemed a trusty enough sort for our escapades on the boat."

Assuming Alohan mentioned his recently acquired flag ship (HMS  Alohan?) during our general talk:

"No, let us not use the gondolier again, he has no need to be involved, and we need the return boat to be available continuously. We use Alohans new yacht, and find somewhere to hide it."

Now I am no good at planning a tunnel crawl, but I am guessing we could use some rope and torches? What else?" And who can carry all this?"