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Post by cadellin on Jun 20, 2008 10:46:37 GMT -5
I think we should start looking for a nice local dungeon now.
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Post by AxeMental on Jun 20, 2008 13:00:30 GMT -5
Calhagan heads down to the "Merchants Quarter" an area of seedy warf taverns and hotels adjacent to the warehouse quarter. After hitting about a dozen taverns he finally has some luck at the "Silver Bucket", a dark seedy place known for easy hores and strong bitter ale. It's a favorite for cut throats and sailors alike. Most that dine here would be kicked out of the Iron Eagel on dress and looks alone.
Calhagn searches the crowded room for anyone who might know the wear abouts of some of his old crew. I assume Subdolus and TIberious come for back up (and anyone else interested for that matter, let me know if you don't want to do this) .
After several hours of searching you finally hear about one of your old comrads. A pirate named Fazeal a small thin dark skinned sailor orignally from some distant desert he claimed, who fell in love with the sea.
Fazeal served on Cal's boat for several years as his first mate before getting his own boat. As you remember he wasn't really in it for loot like the others, but, like you, wished to fight the empire at the time. Once the empire fell apart you assume he got out of it like you.
Now your looking at a girl you haven't seen in years. 10 years ago she was rather attractive, the now chubby hagard vixen, Cyota, tells you, while eyeing you up and down in a provocative manner, that ol' Fazeal's gotten himself into trouble. "sposed te be hanged in two days so I hear' ",
After pumping her with booze, she tells you the old sea rat, gone thief apparently he was captured in some old library in the Saphire quarter, a library belonging to a chuch, a church thought to be blacker'n'black, so rumor has it.
Cyota tries to hug Cal pushing her breasts against him, "hunny, I ain't seen that Fazeal in ova a year lets forget about him. Anyhow it two days ol' Fazeal aint gunna matter non anyway. For now they got'm locked up in dat tower outsida Merf's Mercantile on Raven lane (you remember the city has dozens of these old prison towers, many of them run by the local malitia of that block, who in tern are heavily influenced by the local thugs and wealthy. No doubt Fazeal is in one of these towers waiting for his execution.
"From what I heard from one da guards who frequent's da Silver Bucket, He was babblin' about some old map he'd found...said he'd share da treasure if day broke'm out". The girl laughs for a long time before suddenly choking and then spitting out copious amounts of flem.
"Yep my pretty, Uym gunna do yaz for cheap, seein how I'm tinkin your cute". She starts making eyes at cal.
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Post by AxeMental on Jun 22, 2008 0:19:27 GMT -5
Other rumers (besides Cals friend about to hang).
Fletcher heres about a border war on the northern fringe of the empire with forces of chaos and evil pushing in. Powerful fighters and adventurer types are in high demand.
One character that cetches the rangers attention is a Sir Dargus Azuron, a one time paladin who turned a year ago and has since committed all sorts of horrendous offenses. He was last seen several days ago with a powerful gang of cut throat raiders outside a resort town 50 miles east breaking into a bank in one of the wealthy estate communities (cleaned them out its said). The take was huge and they are thought to be heading toward Bone Hook swamp. None dare enter that swamp as its controlled by a powerful enchantress. "Only a fool would go in there" says the old bar keep relaying the story.
Zargon hears about a shepard who uncovered a secret door inside cavern (3 days ride). He'll show the group the door, but it'll cost you...
Let me know if you want to persue any of these other rumors as well. Its day 1 in the new town at your new levels.
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Post by cadellin on Jun 22, 2008 5:16:47 GMT -5
"A secret door in a cavern, hmm? That sounds intriguing."
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Post by trp2fan on Jun 22, 2008 11:16:37 GMT -5
Cal will investigate to find out how much gold it'll take to save his one time comrade from the gallows' pole.
OOC: Just a quick check-in from the airport. I'll post more later this evening when I get home.
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Post by AxeMental on Jun 22, 2008 12:40:47 GMT -5
Cal and his companions thank the wench and head over to the prison tower mentioned. You ask to meet with the captain of the guard, a greasy bearded heavy man of about 45, some might say huge (both fat and muscle, like an x-wrestler). The two scouts wait outside the prison I assume. The captain states this fellow can't be freed for any price. "The bishop Gruzzlebolt himself will be attending the hanging. We've been torturing him for a solid week under his request. Honestly, there's not much left of him." The fat lump of muscle and lard grins at you. "Perhaps I'll give you a piece after he's been cut up and fed to the guard dogs...another special request from Gruzzlebolt. He grins and thens stops. In a gruff voice "Normally execution is beheading, but for some reason they want him hung and then dismembered and fed to dogs. But who am I to argue. Hehehehe"
5 massive guards dressed in breast plate and helmets with red plumes stand behind the captain just waiting to pounce on you.
The tower is 6 stories tall. SUbdolus finds out this prisoner is most likely held in the top 2 floors (where those tortured are kept). The main prison is actually in a small dungeon underground. Infact, you see the entrance to it (a barred door with stairs behind it).
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Post by trp2fan on Jun 23, 2008 8:42:24 GMT -5
Cal thanks the gentleman for his time and leaves.
Fazeal may have drawn a dud card, but he chose to play the game.
On another note, it's Calhagn's opinion that the Freebird is group property, and he'd like to hear others chime in on what should be done with her.
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Post by cadellin on Jun 23, 2008 9:57:29 GMT -5
Sell her, imo.
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Post by Ska on Jun 23, 2008 10:47:19 GMT -5
OOC:
Axe, Tiberious had a ring of warmth that also did something else.
Was the monk able to have the MUs who checked our magic figure out what the extra power was?
Tiberious will let the fighter decide what to do to with the boat. (It might be nice having a quick escape by sea option if needed)
The monk is also interested in the just discovered doorway.
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Post by AxeMental on Jun 23, 2008 10:57:12 GMT -5
No Tiberious, the Wizards looked at it and said even they can't say what it does, its something very special. They do say it will activate when the time comes. They are certain though that its something good (not a curse).
OOC: I'm going to assume the party chooses to go with the door then.
For now the group holds off on choosing what to do with the vessel (I'll assume having it cleaned up, and prepared to sell or sail).
The group outfits itself with new equipment and supplies (go ahead and send me an updated character sheet. I'll need to know your new HPs, all your magic items, and what supplies your bringing (with deducted amounts of GPs). I'll assume that Zargon lends each PC 1,000 GPs to buy supplies with. (that doesn't have that amount left after training). Be sure to pay him back at the end of the adventure (assuming you have found treasure and are still alive).
(I'm going to assume you travel on horse back. For those that want to buy a war horse let me know what you choose and deduct the cost. You can include barding and role HPs).
The group leaves in the early morning after a good breakfast. They meet the shepard Petro (still drunk) on his poney and head out of town. The shepard tells the group he expects a share of treasure, and would like 10GPs up front for his trouble. He is obviously very poor, and you think, extremely lucky he wasn't found by someone who'd have forced the information out of him and simply killed him.
The journey through the civilzied lands goes rather well. You see a countryside steeped with great wealth and prosperity. Farms are full of crops, homes are well kept, and regular malitia keep the roads free of bandits. Your quiet impressed with large aquaducts that bring water to the city from some distant mountains you can't even see. Surely vandal is one of the gems of the civilized world.
The shepard takes a road hardly used by others and heads into a pine forest in hill country which climbes steeply. On the 3rd day you reach a small settlement 1/2 mile high on a platue. 20 huts surround a central deep well, and miles of fertile grass cover this highland area. You see miles out little dots of white in the 100s with shepards following their herds. The village has 45 people living at it. A pit 10 feet deep and wide surrounds it filled with mud and spikes. A small fence on the inside of this ring is used at times of raids. Despite being poor these herders have managed to find a secure place to live.
"The hill I found the cave in with the door is 10 miles from here. We could rest at the village or go straight on. Its up to you".
What does the group wish to do?
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Post by trp2fan on Jun 23, 2008 13:43:36 GMT -5
BOOKKEEPING: 4 more hit points for Cal.
Cal sinks Zargon's 3K GP into the boat and uses the other grand Zargon offers to upgrade to plate mail, large shield and great helm. He also picks up a footman's mace, and he pockets the remainder. He'll repay Zargon after the next haul. If Freebird is sold, then Zargon gets a 3,300 gp skim off the top, before profits are shared. If we use Freebird as a trading vessel (whether we sail her personally or not), then we'll work out an equitable return for Zargon based on our profits each run.
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Post by trp2fan on Jun 23, 2008 13:46:18 GMT -5
If it's morning, then Calhagn would prefer to push on, but if it's later, we could rest here. However, Cal doesn't have any strong opinions about whether to push on or wait here.
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Post by AxeMental on Jun 23, 2008 15:03:20 GMT -5
Its mid afternoon, about 50 degrees with a light misty rain and dark grey skys. Its much cooler up here in the highlands.
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Post by cadellin on Jun 23, 2008 17:58:47 GMT -5
"I'm impressed with this village's defences, for a place with such strong patrols. Before we decide whether to stay, I'd like to know what they're defending against?"
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Post by Ska on Jun 24, 2008 9:40:42 GMT -5
Tiberious will take some time to see if he can call a hawk to act as a scout while heading to the hills.
OOC: Axe---I will send you updated Tiberious sheet later.
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