Planejammer Factions: Yellow Party

[afroakuma]

Having just returned from a whirlwind first mission for your new guild, you find yourself in Ways & Means Plaza in Sigil's Market Ward. As your recruiter's untimely and rather gruesome death left him little time to discuss guild policy with you, a guild official is to give you a formal orientation.

The Plaza is vast and crowded with all manner of beings. Five of them, roughly as tall as humans and draped in pitch-black cloaks, huddle together in a nearby alley, with colored glows escaping the folds of fabric from time to time. A wanderer with a light-emitting head strides by, and you note that his cranium is separate from his body. Two oxlike creatures reeking of sulfur banter with a large, blue, six-armed worm. A being like a housecat with four giant arachnoid limbs glides down a main thoroughfare. Wings, horns, snouts, auras, reeks and tails of all manners assail your senses.

You've been given a letter containing directions to Radical Avenue and the Wayfinders' Guildhouse, where you are to meet with one Paumpa Sas.

[Haven]

The Plaza is vast and crowded with all manner of beings. Five of them, roughly as tall as humans and draped in pitch-black cloaks, huddle together in a nearby alley, with colored glows escaping the folds of fabric from time to time. A wanderer with a light-emitting head strides by, and you note that his cranium is separate from his body.

"I like this city!" Niddler exclaims. "Always nice not to be the only one in the room who's glowin', yeah?"

He grins toothily at his companions. "Anyway, I know we've got an appointment to keep, but what say we pick up some refreshments on the way? After all that, I know I could use a bit of R&R." With that, he starts following the directions towards the Guildhouse, keeping an eye open for any promising-looking taverns, street vendors, et cetera.

[afroakuma]

The flow of the crowd leaves a wake behind a tall horned creature, making it easy to follow. A pair of dabus levitate along the plaza, and numerous shops, eateries and taverns come to your attention, with myriad wares and names. Here a wizened gnome sells sparking wands; there, clay pots coated in a translucent blue jelly. Vendors of gases, of pastries, of vegetables, of spices, of ephemera and phantasmagoria, as well as the occasional arcane apothecary, are all present nearby. Down an alley or two you see darker storefronts that seem to vanish when they catch your eye.

The Sulfrous Stain, the Silver Skipper and the Ten-Eyes Tavern all catch your attention. It looks like there is a more elite pub on the third story of a nearby building, La Merchant.

[Gorgondantess]

Heath strides through the crowds, not necessarily standing out here. He has dark, grey-blue skin, with black-blue hair and grey eyes. Scaled batlike wings sprout from his back, and his face has highn cheekbones and a drawn-back, almost feline look to it. His hands end in three thick, black, gnarled claws, and his feet are similar, but with 4 opposable claws; they seem to grip onto the ground with each step.
Aside from this, he wears a cloak wrapped around his chest, a thick dark red and black open vest beneath it, along with heavy gauntlets among his wrists and a pair of worn, loose pants.
He walks with an air of collectedness, ignoring all the people he passes and sounds he hears no matter how interesting, as he makes a beeline for the guildhouse, abstaining from the proposed drink.

[Qooroo]

Pryderi flits along above the crowd, paying only enough attention to avoid running into any other flying customers. Distracted by both his own thoughts and the fascinating surroundings, he almost doesn't hear Niddler's suggestion.

"Huh? Drink? Yeah, I guess we could. Wait, how much time do we have?"

[Haven]

"Huh? Drink? Yeah, I guess we could. Wait, how much time do we have?"

"Well now, that's a question with at least two different perspectives. From one point of view, we're already late. From another point of view...we're more than early enough to make the next meeting."

"Besides," he affects a Sigilian accent, "a Clueless Prime basher like me?" He returns to his usual Rock-of-Bral twang. "Needs to go to a tavern to mingle with planar society before he's even sophisticated enough for an orientation. Not to mention get a little rum in him. With that in mind," he points out the Silver Skipper. "that place looks promising, yeah?"

[Qooroo]

"Yeah, sure. Sounds like a plan."

Pryderi flys into the tavern and lands neatly on a bar stool. He orders something in Sylvan from the large, furry creature tending the bar, who produces a tall, thin glass containing a sparkling green liquid that occasionally emits small jolts of lightning.

[Haven]

"Yeah, sure. Sounds like a plan."


"Glad you see it that way! Jagger? Heath?" Niddler proceeds over to the tavern, excited for what might lay behind the door if the rest of the city so far has been any indication.

[afroakuma]

The large, furry creature grunts angrily at Pryderi. Apparently it's a patron, and that's it's drink.

The actual bartender comes around the counter to shoo the beast away. He's a large humanoid with a face like a hippopotamus, wearing a skipper's hat and puffing away at a pipe.

"And what are we having?"

[Haven]

Niddler is pleased at the familiar sight: a pipe-smoking giff in a bar. He wonders if that means this place is pandering to his type, but shrugs it off.

"Hey! I'll take one of whatever you've got that's mixed with some rum."

[afroakuma]

"Three gold," as he hoists a pitcher of some black syrupy substance, pours it in along with a jet of hissing, spitting water and adds a generous twist of Bytopian rum.

[Haven]

"Three gold," as he hoists a pitcher of some black syrupy substance, pours it in along with a jet of hissing, spitting water and adds a generous twist of Bytopian rum.

"Now this looks promising!" Niddler says as he puts down three gold. He raises it to his lips and takes a huge gulp.

"Mmm, that hits the spot." He then looks around and takes in the scene around the tavern, particularly looking for a good game of cards to get involved in.

Leaning back against the back counter, he says "So Pryderi, my good scholar, I didn't get a chance to ask in all the confusion--what made you decide to join the Wayfarers?"

[Gorgondantess]

Heath, as already stated, abstains from the drink. He ignores the needless question, and goes to the guildhouse.

[afroakuma]

Heath
Your directions were to come to the public boardwalk, though as you approach the main public plaza outside of the guildhouse, you don't see anyone resembling a guild proctor. Perhaps you are late. A few miscellaneous creatures, possibly other guild initiates like yourselves, are waiting around, looking expectant, concerned and confused.

[Gorgondantess]

Patience is the best of virtues; at least today. Inhaling deeply through his nose, relaxing, he leaps up onto a nearby perch and sits crosslegged, in a state of total relaxation; he sits, contemplates, and waits.

[Qooroo]

Leaning back against the back counter, he says "So Pryderi, my good scholar, I didn't get a chance to ask in all the confusion--what made you decide to join the Wayfarers?"

"I wanted to see the planes, y'know? Get my nose out of the books and into the things they were written about. 'Course, wandering the planes alone isn't easy - or safe. I figured the Wayfinders would provide me with means, companions, and pay to do something I'd like to be doing anyway. And hey, so far so good, minus the violence.

How about you?"

[Haven]

"I wanted to see the planes, y'know? Get my nose out of the books and into the things they were written about. 'Course, wandering the planes alone isn't easy - or safe. I figured the Wayfinders would provide me with means, companions, and pay to do something I'd like to be doing anyway. And hey, so far so good, minus the violence.

How about you?"

"The same in many ways!" He takes another huge gulp of his drink. "For many years I trained under Master Jahril, one of the finest warriors on the Prime! After completing my training I returned to my port of call, the old Rock of Bral, and was about to search for a Spelljamming vessel to serve on again when a recruiter for the Wayfinders pulled me out of the crowd, and offered me everything I was looking for: pay, a chance to see the universe, and a way to help people. And yeah, except for our poor guide--" he downs some more rum-- "it's going pretty well, I'd say."

Niddler thinks for a second, then looks around worriedly, realizing he basically just admitted he was totally Clueless to a whole bar in Sigil.

[Qooroo]

Pryderi smirks jovially and rolls his eyes before downing his drink in one go.

[Haven]

Niddler finishes his drink alongside the pixie.

"Well, if this place is so slow right now I can't even get a good bar fight started that way," he chuckles, "we might as well just head to our appointment." He gets up, leaves a gold coin as tip for the bartender, and starts heading for the door, then, their destination.

[afroakuma]

Niddler and Pryderi join Heath outside the sprawling guildhall amidst a roiling throng of adventurers. Shortly after you meet up, a blue-skinned, duck-billed humanoid with several large, floppy ear-flaps emerges from the main entryway. He looks extremely disdainful, and speaks in a nasal, condescending tone.

"I am Paumpa Sas, your guild proctor. You are late for your scheduled orientation. Follow me inside now so we can get this over with."

Sas leads you inside the main pavilion, within which is a massive lobby teeming with adventurers, with flashes from transportation magics going off in every which way.

"This is the main lobby of the guild," says Sas. "Much of your sundry business with the Wayfinders will take place here. The public," he gestures around to various beings, "is permitted to enter this lobby, and it is here where they meet individual guild members, post contracts and charters and otherwise integrate themselves into guild functions."

"Now, this lobby plays host to most standard guild parties. You'll note the black and ivory sash guild members wear. To the right you will find our mercenary and security services; Euan Watarhme is the head of that department. Should you need to, you may retain the services of a guild security officer there."

The tour passes by the far wall, beyond Watarhme's hallway.

"Here we have the quartermaster's. The guild issues rations as required by the contract you serve, and may also issue other products as need be. Of course, you may make purchases yourself, but might I remind you that your guild membership does not entitle you to a discount here."

Passing the long lineups at the quartermaster's, the tour exits the lobby and begins ascending up the guildhall's core in a slow spiral.

"Our numerous departments and facilities branch off from this central area. We have festplazas, festhalls and private bazaars to hire, and the public auctioneers' is below as well. Our port- yes, what is it?" Paumpa Sas sighs, as one trembling bariaur raises a hand.

"The...er... 'facilities?'"

"Centauroid, two at the sides of the stairs, two at each plaza, one on the previous terrace and one on the next. Mind the basins, they connect to Water and Vacuum, and don't concern yourself with your mess, it's replenished from Earth." Sas' ear flaps fan out broadly in irritation.

"To continue, there is a private tavern for guild members upstairs, as well as transitory quarters. As a member of the Wayfinders, you gain access to our exclusive bazaar."

You stop several levels up, at a waiting area with several chairs and other, more exotic supports, in a red carpeted antechamber fronting a massive pair of marble doors.

"Now then, you may wait here until Guildmaster Wey's orientation presentation. Are there any questions for me?"

[Haven]

"Of course, you may make purchases yourself, but might I remind you that your guild membership does not entitle you to a discount here."

Niddler grumbles.

When Mr. Sas calls for questions, he asks ""What're your training facilities like?"

[afroakuma]

Niddler misinterprets. You don't get a discount at the quartermaster's. Other departments will give you cut rates.

"Our training facilities are superb," sniffs the proctor in his savagely nasal voice.

[Haven]

Niddler misinterprets. You don't get a discount at the quartermaster's. Other departments will give you cut rates.

"Our training facilities are superb," sniffs the proctor in his savagely nasal voice.

oic

Niddler nods, and starts looking somewhat antsy to try them out.

[Qooroo]

Pryderi, who has thusfar been more concerned with surroundings than with what is being said perks up when he realizes the guide has solicited questions.

"Oh, hey, what do you have in the way of library facilities? Or archives? Or records of previous expeditions?"

[afroakuma]

"We have large and complete archives, as well as massive libraries. Some resources are, naturally, allocated only by special dispensation. Records of previous charters are held by Finance and are not open to the rank and file."

[Gorgondantess]

Sade just flies to a high perch and waits for the presentation. He has little interest in that outside of introspection, for now at least.
Hey, Afro, did you get the PM I sent you on alternate spellscale meditations?

[afroakuma]

I did not. Please resend.

[afroakuma]

A sound from behind signals a glorious reprieve from the nasal squawking of Paumpa Sas. Turning, you see that the stone doors have opened, and the crowd of would-be fortune seekers slowly moves into the auditorium.

As you enter, you see a main podium with several smaller podiums, each manned by a different being, save the one at the center. When the crowd is settled, your hated tour guide walks up to the stage, formally introduces himself and then, perhaps sensing the general sentiment in the room, introduces the guildmaster, Avery Wey.

As Sas leaves the stage, the rear wall begins to convulse and ripple. Arcane lightnings and sparks dance across its surface. A rift, blazing with blue and prismatic light, widens the length and height of the wall, revealing a cloudy gray sky and the branches of a tree of fantastic size. The prow of a great ship comes through the portal, and a humanoid jumps down from it, stepping up to the podium to fair applause. He appears to be a human with tousled brown hair and wild blue eyes, wearing ivory and black with weapons stowed liberally around his person.

"Greetings, all! I am Avery Wey, the Guildmaster of the Wayfinders' Guild! Ten years ago, in the wake of the lich Vecna's attack on the city, I founded this guild to..."

Wey begins veering off into the history of the guild, but snaps back quickly enough when he senses the loss of interest in the room.

"Now then! The Wayfinders' Guild has obviously grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade, and we now maintain affiliations with the Sensates, the lillendi, the Indigardi and many local partners on Toril, on Krynn, on Oerth and the Rock of Bral. Our interests are both Prime and planar, and we reinforce this with a network of dedicated and hired portals, as well as our own fleet of spelljammers and planejammers."

"As members of the Guild, you will represent our diverse interest in your own fashion, taking the resources we offer and using them as an investment to provide a high-class service to individuals, communities, peoples and worlds. And yes," he smirks, "those individuals might be yourselves."

"For a nominal percentage, you will gain access to the services of the guild, both the material and the intangible. We have exclusive agreements with the mercane and arcane, as well as a sweeping contract to rent charter helms for spacegoing missions."

"In the Guild we follow simple rules, and you will follow them as well.

Rule 1: Maintain the Guild's image. We don't mind critique, but the public and those who hire you should look favorably upon guild services. We like return customers.

Rule 2: There is to be no killing within the Guildhouse or on guild premises. We enjoy a certain amount of autonomy within our domains, and we don't need to give the authorities a reason to come prying.

Rule 3: Do not engage in any reckless, dangerous or antagonistic release of supernatural forces within the Guildhouse or on guild premises. It makes a mess, and we don't like having to clean it up.

Rule 4: The Guild takes 10%.

Rule 5: Let me repeat this to make it perfectly clear: the Guild takes 10%.

Rule 6: Once you take on a mission, it's your commitment. If you can't handle it, then you'll have to arrange for the task to be done.

Rule 7: You do not speak for the Guild. You do not represent yourself as speaking for the Guild. You do not use your guild membership as a form of coercion or bargaining. We will know.

Now, the various departments, faculties and facilities maintain their own rules, fee schedules and all that sort of thing. You can deal with them directly; guild proctors staff most of our branches and can assist you with your needs.

You've all been recruited because you have something special - or because we couldn't find anyone better," he jokes, "and I hope that you'll find in your time with the Guild the same thing that we found in you.

"Are there any questions?

[Gorgondantess]

Heath just leans back and waits for what comes next.
So... how about them spellscale meditations?

[Haven]

You've all been recruited because you have something special - or because we couldn't find anyone better," he jokes, "and I hope that you'll find in your time with the Guild the same thing that we found in you.

"Are there any questions?

"Just one," says Niddler. "When's the next chance to show you we're the former, not the latter?" He gives a wide grin.

Come to think of it, my character's face is probably a permanent :D Well...space apes are :awesome: like that I guess.

[Qooroo]

One the talk drifts into rules and administration, Prdyeri's attention drifts from the speaker to the room and its fascinatingly diverse inhabitants.

[afroakuma]

We all good with the rules, then? Shall we get to the bulletin board?

[Haven]

We all good with the rules, then? Shall we get to the bulletin board?

Sure :smallcool:

[Gorgondantess]

Yeppers!
Damn the 10 letter minimum, damn the 10 letter minimum to helll!!!!!!1!!11!1111

[afroakuma]

Wey takes a few more questions, and then closes the orientation, bowing deeply to the crowd as he vanishes in a crackling swirl of light and mist.

The others on stage begin to depart, and a trio of guild proctors open the stone doors, leading you to be outfitted. You note with relief that none of them is Paumpa Sas.

Down the spiraling rampway, you arrive at a large room teeming with unusual creatures, as well as with several beings that look like fluorescent gnomes and a few tall, lanky, blue-skinned humanoids. The gnomes swarm over each of you in turn as you get to the front of the line.

"Here is your guild sash. You are to wear it or keep it on your person at all times." Each of you receives a black and ivory sash in your size.

"Four iron rations..."

"Letter-of-Service... please sign this..."

"Spyglasses..."

Each of you continues through the line, ending up at the other end fully outfitted and provisioned. A proctor leads you out into the main lobby and wishes you luck.

Amidst numerous posters advertising service in the Blood War, various faction advertisements and several merchants' notices you see the assignment board, where many parties are removing postings to go make a contract while members of the public come by and post new ones.


Assignment Board



WANTED: Huyzur
We know Huyzur's been disrupting civic post services and causing minor mischief. Now it seems he's rallied other mephits to interfere with diplomatic movements on the lower planes. We're expecting a lot of unrest because of this miscreant. Find him and snap him in two.
Bounty: 10000 gp.


Needed - Adventurous, Hardy, Strong-Willed, Persistent, Raisable Interviewers!
Do you like to travel?

Do you like meeting new, exciting and unpredictable creatures?

Do you think you can stand up to savage mental bombardment?

Then sign on to track down and interview one of the mysterious, fascinating balseloths!

Fees to be negotiated based on raising requirements.

Charter of Recovery in the matter of the Merchant Jade
The spacefaring vessel Merchant Jade was lost two days ago outside Realmspace. Divinations reveal it to be scuttled, all crewmembers lost. The proprietor, Cerule Charters, has authorized a recovery salvage.

The proprietor desires the unconditional return without questions or examination of the Merchant Jade's spelljamming helm. Any other spoils found among the wreckage are forfeit to the salvagers.

Seeking Security Crew
Our survey team is set to explore the fifth planet of Rundaspace. As we are not familiar with the fauna of this planet, we seek additional forces to maintain our initial camp until we are firmly established. We will pay fees of 200 gold pieces per person per day once landed; provisioning and quarters will be supplied.


Hisan At-Jabb
Director of Rundaspace Exploration
Great Orrery Astrometrical Society


Urgent - Exotic Beast Required!!!!!
The peoples of Ethurgha have lost their god-beast and are attacking their neighbors in retribution. A new beast (or the old one) is needed to reinstate their religious leadership and quell the savage warring.

The fee will be in Yndavian scrolls, plus monetary recompense for expenses.


Planar Wizard Needed
A leaky portal from the Positive Energy Plane has been eluding the authorities deep in the Hive. Anyone capable of tracking down this rogue portal and dealing with any fallout that has already transpired should contact Witzen Dono, the local warden.


WANTED: Aver Walcris
The faithful of the deity Kelemvor request any available information, and if possible the detainment and safe transport, of Aver Walcris or any spiritual remnant thereof.

Bounty: 4000 gp.


To the Faithful of Zeus
Our great lord, Father of Gods and Men, requires aid in retrieving an important relic of the faith. This is a secret mission, to be undertaken for the glory and wonder of mighty Zeus. Please consult with Zethus, proxy of great Zeus in Olympus.

Seeking a Procurement Crew
Archmage Ampotens seeks procurers to obtain esoteric arcane components for an experimental potion. Great haste would be preferred.


Wizardess Gysfyne
Tower Council of Arynchratus


Cash For Wands!!!
Tired of that old wand of gust of wind? Feel like having a bit more gold to spend? Why not come to Hevius Blohard's Apothecary and Arcane Quartermastery and sell that wand for gold GOLD GOLD!


WANTED: Darian Gatelock

Wanted for High Crimes against the City of Sigil as well as Petty Crimes, named here as Astral Arson, Common Arson, Assault upon a Planejamming Vessel, Sealing of the Lady's Doors, Theft, Robbery, Assault upon a Guilded Being, Assault upon Property of the City of Cigil, Magical Disruptions to Lawful Notices of Arrest, BlBlBlbgrrrUngrrhjksosi, Assault upon a Chartered Guild, Disruption of the Laddie's Doors, Murder, Theft again, Theft once more because, hey, I did it several times, Murder once more for the hell of it, Luring a Creature of the Astral Plane within the Confines of the City of Ciggle and Public Misconduct within the Sitty of Giggle

Gatelock is a renegade of the Wayfinders' Guild, known to have made off with a valuable relic destined for a very important buyer. His retrieval has not been possible via conventional divinations.


WANTED: The Mablight
The Mablight has made off with a copy of the protocols for an important private planejamming dock. We feel that he is planning to sell these protocols to a hostile purchaser. He has been traced to Silkspace, a sphere known to be dead to divination magic. We require that you slay the Mablight and return the protocols.

Bounty: 15000 gp.


Transporters Needed
A certain precious cargo of vital importance to the Blood War needs to be transported to a hidden location in Stygia. Several precautions will need to be taken at each step of the voyage, and no common portals may be used. Fees for transport will be generous.


- Incendius Frigidus


Convoy Investigation
The Effluvius Vintners of Ysgard have missed their last three shipments of wraith almonds. The problem appears to be in transportation. Track down whatever is disrupting delivery so smoked wines can once again flow from Ysgard.

[Qooroo]

Pryderi flitters around the board, scrutinizing and abandoning the offers, until he comes to the one looking for Balseloth hunters.

Ooh, this one looks fun., he says, jabbing at the parchment. "What do you think?"

[Gorgondantess]

Heath looks it over. "Mmm. This could either turn out to be very, very promising or very, very destructive. Judging by the terminology, I assume that this is a yugoloth... therefore, we'll probably have to travel to the Gray Wastes. We'll need suitable protection; I certainly hope our employer will be providing it."

[afroakuma]

Who's intrigued by the assignment board? I know I am!!! :smallbiggrin:

By the way, the postings are first come, first served... I'd recommend everyone file opinions quickly.

[Haven]

"Can't say I like the sound of that "raisable" specification," Niddler says. "And the Grey Wastes are no place for a colorful guy like me, of course." He points out a few other ones that caught his eye.



Charter of Recovery in the matter of the Merchant Jade
The spacefaring vessel Merchant Jade was lost two days ago outside Realmspace. Divinations reveal it to be scuttled, all crewmembers lost. The proprietor, Cerule Charters, has authorized a recovery salvage.

The proprietor desires the unconditional return without questions or examination of the Merchant Jade's spelljamming helm. Any other spoils found among the wreckage are forfeit to the salvagers.

Seeking Security Crew
Our survey team is set to explore the fifth planet of Rundaspace. As we are not familiar with the fauna of this planet, we seek additional forces to maintain our initial camp until we are firmly established. We will pay fees of 200 gold pieces per person per day once landed; provisioning and quarters will be supplied.



WANTED: Darian Gatelock

Wanted for High Crimes against the City of Sigil as well as Petty Crimes, named here as Astral Arson, Common Arson, Assault upon a Planejamming Vessel, Sealing of the Lady's Doors, Theft, Robbery, Assault upon a Guilded Being, Assault upon Property of the City of Cigil, Magical Disruptions to Lawful Notices of Arrest, BlBlBlbgrrrUngrrhjksosi, Assault upon a Chartered Guild, Disruption of the Laddie's Doors, Murder, Theft again, Theft once more because, hey, I did it several times, Murder once more for the hell of it, Luring a Creature of the Astral Plane within the Confines of the City of Ciggle and Public Misconduct within the Sitty of Giggle

Gatelock is a renegade of the Wayfinders' Guild, known to have made off with a valuable relic destined for a very important buyer. His retrieval has not been possible via conventional divinations.


WANTED: The Mablight
The Mablight has made off with a copy of the protocols for an important private planejamming dock. We feel that he is planning to sell these protocols to a hostile purchaser. He has been traced to Silkspace, a sphere known to be dead to divination magic. We require that you slay the Mablight and return the protocols.

Bounty: 15000 gp.


Convoy Investigation
The Effluvius Vintners of Ysgard have missed their last three shipments of wraith almonds. The problem appears to be in transportation. Track down whatever is disrupting delivery so smoked wines can once again flow from Ysgard.


"Even though I took this job to get out of Realmspace, I know the place and I know spelljamming ships. That might make our job a bit easier if we take on that one. Plus, always good to look out for my fellow sailors.

"Exploring an entirely unknown world sounds like a fantastic opportunity, and if there's something we could be said to specialize in, "security" is probably it!

"This Darian berk--bringing in a rebel from the guild sounds like a great way to rise in ranks around here. He sounds like a real menace, challenge and probably a profit to subdue! Same for that Mablight, too.

"And finally, Ysgard sounds like my kind of place, and restoring the flow of liquor is a cause I can really believe in!" He glows a little. "What do you think, friends?"

[Gorgondantess]

Heath shakes his head. "Any of these assignments have a definite danger about it; at least this one is straightforward and honest about it." He snatches the balseloth notice from the board, and motions for the rest to follow him, brooking no argument.

[Haven]

Heath shakes his head. "Any of these assignments have a definite danger about it; at least this one is straightforward and honest about it." He snatches the balseloth notice from the board, and motions for the rest to follow him, brooking no argument.

"Hey," Niddler says, grabbing the notice back from Heath as his fur darkens, "that's no way to get people to agree. And all the bulletins are pretty straightforward, but walking into something that says 'we expect you to die and trust us to resurrect you' is not the best decision I'll have ever made--and I frequent the taverns of the Rock, my friend.

"But beyond that--we are not a group well suited for this mission. None of us are trackers, none of us exactly fit in in the Gray Wastes or have any way of getting a yugoloth's attention--any way that ends well for us, that is--and I don't think any of us have a good reason to trust their word that they'd pay for our resurrection instead of just hiring more adventurers. Let's try something else."

[Gorgondantess]

Heath raises his eyebrow, then flares up his batlike wings. "If this is a yugoloth, that means it is probably a mercenary, which means it'll be fully willing to deal with a fiend. What do I look like to you? All it takes is a bit of creativity. I want this assignment."

[Qooroo]

Pryderi inserts himself between his two arguing partners. "Woah woah woah. Everyone relax. There's a lot of good stuff here. Maybe Niddler's right. I'm keen to go chasing a yugoloth, but I'm not keen to get killed. Realmspace has a lot worth seeing, and its familiar ground - maybe a good place to cut our teeth?"

Knowledge (The Planes) about Yugoloths/The Grey Wastes/Anything else potentially relevant: [roll0]

[afroakuma]

Pryderi
Nope; you've not heard of balseloths before either... perhaps that's why the client is so keen on the interview?

You recall most of the important details about the Waste, though. Three floors, lousy service, mean neighborhood, aura of wasting despair, all that good stuff.

[Haven]

Niddler looks unimpressed at Heath's display.

"Alright, alright, I get your point," he says, waving his hand. "But even if the fiend agrees to speak with you, I don't think there's anything we could offer him that he couldn't just take. I don't know much about fiends, other than that it's a legendarily bad idea to try to deal with them.

"I'm fine with salvaging the Merchant Jade. I feel fantastic salvaging the Merchant Jade, in fact. Could we bring you around, friend?"

[Gorgondantess]

Heath gives them a mellow look. "I'd like to take this assignment. If you're both avidly against it, I can do without, but I won't like it."

[Qooroo]

"As much as I'd like to try reasoning with a fiend, if it doesn't go too well it turns quickly into us having to fight a fiend. And, to be perfectly honest, I don't think we could take him. And despite the oblique promises of ressurection, I'm firmly against putting myself in a position where it needs to happen. Let's do the salvage."

[Haven]

"Right--there's nothing interesting about certain death. Let's investigate the ship."

[Gorgondantess]

Heath tacks the balseloth notice back up, and takes down the Merchant Jade notice. "Right. A salvage operation. This will certainly be an elucidating experience."

[Haven]

Can I make a Knowledge (local) check to see if I know anything about Cerule Charters or anything else potentially relevant?

[roll0]

[afroakuma]

Niddler
Apparently not.

[Haven]

Niddler
Apparently not.

The dice server is not my friend :|

Oh well. Is there a front desk or somewhere where we officially sign up for the mission? Or do we just find a portal over to Realmspace?

[afroakuma]

Nope. Just steal the notice and head on down.

They already know. And they'll be waiting with the 10% rake when you get back. :smallsmile:

[Haven]

Nope. Just steal the notice and head on down.

They already know. And they'll be waiting with the 10% rake when you get back. :smallsmile:

Well that's vaguely ominous :p

Do we know how to get there, or is there anyone around to tell us? I re-read the last few posts and couldn't find any indication. Is there a big "Portals This Way" sign somewhere?

[afroakuma]

With the notice in hand, you are torn between the guild's docks and the guild's portal service. There are information desks arounds the main lobby that may be of help.

[Haven]

"Well alright then!" Niddler says cheerfully. "Let's...hm." He pauses, and heads over to a nearby information desk.

"Excuse me, my good [man/woman/being, as appropriate]," he says, somewhat affectedly. "How can my team and I make our way to the Merchant Jade for our mission there?"

[afroakuma]

The xorn at the desk takes the notice, examines it and then gives an analytical pause.

"The guild maintains portals to several locations in Realmspace. Alternately, you could rent a charter helm and fly."

[Haven]

"Rentin' a charter helm--that come out of our pockets? Or is it covered by our 10%?"

[afroakuma]

"You would of course have to pay for the service of a charter helm. The guild is not responsible for extracurricular transportation arrangements."

[Haven]

"You would of course have to pay for the service of a charter helm. The guild is not responsible for extracurricular transportation arrangements."

"Ahh, fair 'nough. How about a portal--any that take us near we need to go?"

[afroakuma]

The xorn flutters its mouth for a moment. "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with your destination. Perhaps the portals lobby will be of further assistance?"

Idly, you turn over the posting, revealing additional information. It states that the company runs charter helms on behalf of the Wayfinders Guild.

[Qooroo]

"It might be worth asking if they'd consider a charter helm part of expenses. Tell you what Niddler...you go ask about that, Heath and I will look into the portals, see what we can come up with. We'll meet back here in an hour?"

[Haven]

"It might be worth asking if they'd consider a charter helm part of expenses. Tell you what Niddler...you go ask about that, Heath and I will look into the portals, see what we can come up with. We'll meet back here in an hour?"

"Sounds good, though maybe we should head over to the Realms and talk to our new client in person about that, convince 'em that giving us a ride's the best way to get their helm back"

[Qooroo]

"Sounds good, though maybe we should head over to the Realms and talk to our new client in person about that, convince 'em that giving us a ride's the best way to get their helm back"

I have to admit I'm lost...doesn't getting a ride necessarily precede us heading over to the Realms? And isn't our client in Sigil? Or am I screwing up some terminology here?

[afroakuma]

Yes, yes it does. And yes, your client is within Sigil.

[Haven]

I have to admit I'm lost...doesn't getting a ride necessarily precede us heading over to the Realms? And isn't our client in Sigil? Or am I screwing up some terminology here?

I thought our client was in Realmspace. Though I suppose it's possible it's something that charters Spelljamming ships in Realmspace but is based in Sigil.

As for the first question, we don't need a ride to the Realms--we have portals to get there--but we do need a ride when we get to the Realms, so we can get to the wreck of the Merchant Jade, which is just outside Realmspace (in the phlogiston, presumably).

Ninja'd. Oh, okay :smallredface:

Niddler checks the back of the posting for an address for Cerule Charters.

[afroakuma]

Niddler hardly has a need, for he can see banners for Cerule Charters down one of the lobby's major hallways.

To explain; yes, you need a ship at some point. You could have taken a portal to Realmspace, but that too would cost money.

[Haven]

Oh, okay. ...If there are banners right there, I'm just going to go ahead and strike that post out entirely. Niddler's spot check isn't great, but he can still see a freaking banner :p ...Now if it was something he had to hear that's a different story.


"It might be worth asking if they'd consider a charter helm part of expenses. Tell you what Niddler...you go ask about that, Heath and I will look into the portals, see what we can come up with. We'll meet back here in an hour?"

Niddler nods. "Sounds like a plan!" and heads towards Cerule Charters.

[afroakuma]

Down the corridor are several desks and lineups, as well as mockups, tapestries and models of spelljamming vessels, with the blue Cerule Charters banners hanging everywhere. Virtually all of the desks are staffed by various humanoid females, all slender and smiling. Star charts and destination boards also catch your eye.

Heath and Pryderi follow the crowd descending to the portals lobby. Coming to a large room, you see a few dozen apertures, as well as a bank of desks, several lineups and a directory. Down a further hall you can hear the occasional loud snap, howl or scream, but the populace seems to be generally ignoring them.

[Qooroo]

Pryderi flies up to one of the directories, and starts scanning it.

"Realmspace, Realmspace..."he mutters to himself. ...they must have at least one or two working portals."

[Gorgondantess]

Heath just stands, completely passive. He obstinately doesn't offer any help.

[Haven]

Down the corridor are several desks and lineups, as well as mockups, tapestries and models of spelljamming vessels, with the blue Cerule Charters banners hanging everywhere. Virtually all of the desks are staffed by various humanoid females, all slender and smiling. Star charts and destination boards also catch your eye.

Niddler adjusts the color of his fur, now looking like a brighter shade of the Cerule Charters banner. He walks over to the nearest desk with an extra wide grin.

"All right, miss! Name's Niddler, and my team and I are dedicated to retrieving some important property of your firm's! We thought, seein' as we're working for your benefit, it'd be in your best interests to arrange us a trip by the edge of Realmspace! Is there a way we can make that happen?"

[afroakuma]

Niddler
The lady smiles warmly. "Certainly, we can arrange your transport, Mr. Niddler. Our charter helms come at very reasonable rates for all sorts of service. What destination did you have in mind?"

Pryderi spots a few Realmspace portals, some to places he's never even heard of, others to cities of repute such as Waterdeep and Calimport. One portal is listed as departing to the Rock of Bral.

[Qooroo]

Pryderi copies down the pricing and the scheduling for the next two days, before landing near Heath.

"Well, that was surprisingly painless. Shall we try to catch up with Niddler?'

[Gorgondantess]

Heath just shrugs, and goes off in Niddler's direction.

[Qooroo]

...right.

Pryderi rolls his eyes ever so subtly and follows his companion.

[Haven]

Niddler
The lady smiles warmly. "Certainly, we can arrange your transport, Mr. Niddler. Our charter helms come at very reasonable rates for all sorts of service. What destination did you have in mind?"

Niddler slides her the job posting, and points to the location ((just the part that says "outside Realmspace", I guess, unless there's something on the back with specific coordinates or what have you)).

"So as I said, my team an' I are contracted to Cerule Charters. Is there an employee rate we can get for the trip, miss?" He smiles, more a return of her expression than his usual cheshire grin.

[afroakuma]

Niddler
She gives you a sad smile as she pulls a small stack of similar notices from under her desk. "Sorry, but with all of the crews attempting that retrieval mission, you understand that it's rather more of a buyer's market at this point."

She looks at the posting, then turns to a blue stone tablet and whizzes her fingers over the surface. Glowing light zips around, settling into numbers and letters.

"There are three small guild frigates available at the moment. I can set the charter for the entire salvage to 1000 gp."

[Haven]

Niddler
She gives you a sad smile as she pulls a small stack of similar notices from under her desk. "Sorry, but with all of the crews attempting that retrieval mission, you understand that it's rather more of a buyer's market at this point."

She looks at the posting, then turns to a blue stone tablet and whizzes her fingers over the surface. Glowing light zips around, settling into numbers and letters.

"There are three small guild frigates available at the moment. I can set the charter for the entire salvage to 1000 gp."

Ah, great, we're going to compete with other vultures...

"I see. Hold on miss, I'm gonna go find my team and talk to them about this."

Niddler then sets out in the direction of the portals lobby.

[afroakuma]

Rapid meetup ensues.

[Haven]

"All right, team! It looks like we can get a ship to our destination for about 1000 gold. What did you come up with?"

[Qooroo]

afroakuma, what did I come up with? I wrote down the pricing as it appeared on the board, but you never mentioned what the pricing was.

[afroakuma]

Pryderi
There was none. The board merely displayed destinations. Rates vary based on timeframe, utility, rarity...

[Qooroo]

Oops. Let's see if we can't salvage that oversight with the absent-minded scholar part of the character, shall we?

"I copied down some info. One of these numbers is the price, right?"

[afroakuma]

You hope not; the numbers 200, 500 and 1000 leap out at you. One of Pryderi's notes has a scratch next to it.... could this mean it's free?

[Haven]

((BTW, how does 1000 gold compare to usual spelljamming costs? Is it a ripoff or is it usually that much? Would it be significantly cheaper to go to the Rock of Bral and charter there?))

Niddler examines the note to see where the scratch is next to.

[afroakuma]

Niddler
It's...obscenely reasonable. Normally, you'd have to hire a ship, a crew, magical staff to fuel the helm, navigators... not to mention supplies. The price is enough to make you suspicious.

[Haven]

"Well then," Niddler says, "if we can come up with 1000 between us, or convince the guild to add it to what we'll owe them--I say we go for the ship; seems to be the most direct way there. And it's an obscenely good price too--I knew joinin' this guild had to have some benefits!" He tries to reassure himself. "Otherwise, we could try the portals--but I doubt they'll have one that'll get us straight there, which'd leave us in about the same place as we are now."

[Gorgondantess]

Heath waves a hand. "I have no money to contribute- one of the reasons I joined this place. I'm sure the guild would just deduct it out of our pay- it seems odd we'd have to pay them to work for them."

[Qooroo]

"Yeah, I've got a little cash, but not nearly that much. But hey, if the guild will dock it from our pay, whatever. I'm not really here for the money."

[Haven]

Heath waves a hand. "I have no money to contribute- one of the reasons I joined this place. I'm sure the guild would just deduct it out of our pay- it seems odd we'd have to pay them to work for them."

"True, true. This place does have some odd policies though. I'll go ask about making that happen."

Niddler finds the xorn from before and asks if they can have the cost of their transportation paid for now and taken out along with the 10% from the mission upon its completion.