Voyage of the Golden Dragon.

[shizukanashi]

The Grand Event
Location: Sharn, Breland.
Date: Evening, Rhaan 10, 998 YK


http://images.lazygamer.net/2012/11/wintersday-concept-art-2.jpg

A massive floating airship fills the night sky, suspended 200 feet off the ground alongside Lyrander Tower. The housing for not one but two elemental rings surround the giant vessel-one blazing and crackling with flame, the other dormant and dark. The ship herself is nearly 250 feet long and over 60 feet across at her thickest, truly a marvel of engineering and magic. The Sovereign Host alone knows what device or artifice could keep such a behemoth aloft. Soarwood tinged with gold and carved with scale and talon motifs makes up her body. Her front bow is rendered into an enormous dragon's head with fanged mouth gaping wide.

Well dressed guests bustle to board the ship by one of four retractable ramps from the docking tower extending to the main deck. This open-air space offers a splendid view of swirling clouds and dancing stars, as well as an overlook of Sharn, the famous city of towers. From this height the lights of Sharn can be seen reflected off the 'The Hilt' as the locals call the waterfront bay. Waiters and valets serve drinks and hor d'oeuvres on silver platters, as well as check coats and other valuables. Brass railings wrought into twisting dragons swallowing each other's tails surround the area above deck, the observation deck and forecastle are both accessible via similarly adorned brass stairwells. Two accessways behind the bridge and quarterdeck are marked "Crew Only" Most passengers take the spiral staircase amidships when moving between decks.

Large Image:http://brennor.dyndns.org/~steve/Eberron/GoldenDragon/GD-Full.jpg

Ship Manifest:

In addition to yourselves here is a full list of persons aboard the ship when it leave Sharn.

Captain Alastair d'Lyrandar Alistair takes his position seriously. His duty is to his ship, his crew and his passengers. His career has had ups and downs and he is determined to prove himself worthy of the Golden Dragon

Lieutenant Mazzia d'Lyranar A professional and accomplished rising star among the ranks of House of Lyrandar.

Velgam Linntorm The ships bosun, a towering half-orc who is kind and jovial.

Manten Dramgrin Chief Artificer, a Dwarf with a love of music can often be found in his stateroom practicing his violin.

Torren Blackfingers an elf artificer who has arranged long term passage on the Dragon and access to the Laboratory.

Jaeden Kovane Ship's cook. He has a reputation for being extremely surly and belligerent, but his cooking is sublime.

Kalibar Jenks Proprietor of 'The House of Chance'

Zan An elf monk who offers massages and other services to the passengers of the Dragon

Desrida, Tarla, and Nicolette: three elven bards that work in the house of chance, they are sisters.

Lucius: Jaeden Kovane's dog.

Ambassador Sedge Avadarrn: Karrnathi ambassador to Breland. A tall blond-haired human with cool blue eyes.

Cardinal Manasos Bethenade: Thane's ambassador to Breland. a fiercely pious raven haired man.

Logar Vericrosst: A house Orien courier. A fire-haired half elf with a temper to match.

Sir Gedavin Brant and Dame Hollia Keln: Paladins of the Silver flame and personal bodyguard of the Cardinal. Gedavin has golden locks and cool gray eyes. Hollia's head is shaved.

Skarad: Chief Bodyguard to Avadarrn, A Karrnathi skeleton with flaming red eyes. Commands 3 other Karrnathi skeletons.

Gunter Hegerin: A scribe in the service of Ambassador Avadarrn. A small human with a bookish demeanor.

Halas Martain: Legendary explorer, relic hunter, and braggart. Heading to Xen'drik for adventure.

Sea Baron Paldrith Malinko: A self made man, a rich sea captain from Lhazaar Principles. he is collecting a ship from in Stormreach.

Azango, Jackrin, Skrakes, and Meldrin: Malinko's crew and bodyguards.

Medani Sentries: 19 remain of the two dozen assigned to the trip. They take 12 hour shifts only half are awake and on duty at any give time.

Goblin waiters: 4 goblin waiters serve both Kalibar Jenks and Jaeden Kovane in the house of chance and the reception hall respectively. They are awake for three meal services and evenings in the house.

Windwright crew: 8 Lyrandar sailors answer to Velgram Linntorm the ships Bosun, Alistair the captain and Mazzia the first mate. Like the guards only 4 are actively serving at any given time.

[Galvin]

Glimbur Butterbur, gnome bard, sat on a stool near the bow of the Golden Dragon. His fingers dashed magically across the strings of his lute, as he finished the last few chords of The Green Dragon's Fury. As the last note left his lute, there was a moment of silence, and then applause. He got up and took a bow, replacing the lute in it's case. i better go get a drink. he said to himself, as he shouldered his lute and hopped over to the drink table, getting himself a mug of dwarfish beer and taking a big swig. ah that hit the spot! Better finish this before my next act...

[sunwukong]

As she approaches the Golden Dragon, Alkitho looks up at the night sky and Eberron's twelve moons. Dravago and Lharvion are bright tonight, she observes, just as they were when I was born.

At the dock, Alkitho is greeted exuberantly by Fletcher d'Lyrandar, an airship officer whom she had met in the course of her work with the Windwright's Guild. "Alkitho! Welcome aboard! Isn't she beautiful?"

In her typical fashion, Alkitho mumbles a barely audible "Hello," then adds, "Yes, she is." Generally, she only appreciates airships because of her love of flying, and not out of any admiration for technological progress or luxury. However, she can't help but be impressed by the sheer bulk of the Golden Dragon.

Once aboard, she heads for the raised forecastle deck, where the view is best. She accepts a few seafood hor d'oeuvres and a cup of cider as she sits down to listen to a gnome play the lute.

The music spares her from having to socialize, though she doesn't really know anyone at the party anyways, except for a few Lyrandars. For the most part, the guests are aristocrats and other members of the elite, and they barely spare her a glance, except perhaps to wonder for a second how a lowly shifter received an invitation.

While she mostly just takes in the view of the city below, she also occasionally looks around the deck of the airship. The Medani guards seem to have security handled, as befits their reputation. That's interesting, I thought Medani and Lyrandar didn't get along too well. I guess this was just too big to pass up? No matter, it wasn't every day that she got to enjoy this vantage point above the city.

While the gnome performer takes a break, Alkitho remains seated by the railing, letting the chatter around her fade into the background.

[shizukanashi]

https://si0.twimg.com/profile_images/2261073307/Imp.jpg

"Bravo, bravo master Glimbur." A Halfling makes his way toward you from out of the crowd. He is Kalibar Jenks, Proprietor of the 'House of Chance', a gaming hall below deck. He is also your employer for the evening, at 100 golden Galifars plus tips, though the crowd is rather stingy, it is a good gig. "You play admirably, truly a stunning rendition." You can not tell by his tone and inflection if his compliment is sincere or simply honeyed words. "Would you be so kind as to fetch me the sister's three from the 'House' I shall have them play up here for their next set. You shall play the house for yours." He turns to mingle with others in the crowd before reconsidering and turning back on you. "Oh and go easy on the booze. I am not paying you to drink. I have need of your dexterities on this important night, yes?"

Area 9 is the 'House of Chance'

http://nsa25.casimages.com/img/2011/01/16/110116115740666268.jpg

"Alkito! So glad you could make it!" A familiar voice, that of Mazzia d'Lyrandar an old friend and the newly appointed First Mate of the Golden Dragon, a well deserved appointment "How long has it been? Oh, did you see Fletcher? He's here somewhere. I could not think of anyone else I would rather see here than the two of you! Try the Aundair crème cake, its wonderful!" Mazzia seems unusually more jovial than what you remember, but why not. Her astute professionalism and diligence had gotten her this prestigious position, she deserved to enjoy herself on such an important night. Looking out to the crowd, her eye catches something and she suddenly seems more herself. Er...welcome aboard. Can I have someone give you the tour?" She motions for one of the valets.

[Galvin]

Oh of course Master Jenks. I'll head right down. My apologies about the booze, but sometimes a bard finds it necessary to loosen his nerve before performing, if ya know what I mean.

Glimbur wipes the last bits of foam from his thick white goatee before opening the hatch and heading down to the House of Chance. Oi! Sisters three! Jenks wants ya on the deck! I'm ta take this round.


He says as he hops up onto a stool.

Let's give these folks something to forget about their sorrow, perhaps... The Dwarf's Last Drink? Said the voice coming from his lute.

Ah! That will surely lighten the spirits! He gleamed as he burst into a rowdy song, more fit for a fiddle in a peasent's tavern than the Golden Dragon. As he played, he imbued his notes with the musical magic of the bards, slowly drawing their attention away from their games and towards his music.

I'm activating my Fascinate Music Ability

DC 29 Will Save to avoid being fascinated.

Ah! Excellent! Let's keep going, shall we?

Tally Ho! Old chap! Glimbur then went further into his magic repretoir and began to weave even more powerful music than before into his song.

I'm using my Suggestion ability.

DC 34 Will to resist, fail means effected by a suggestion spell.

As Glimbur reached the climax of his song, he shouted NOW JIG ME HEARTIES! (This is an order with the Suggestion affect)

Glimbur stops playing altogether and falls over laughing as he sees all the gambler's drop what their doing and dance like peasants.

[unseenmage]

An average Warforged climbs the stairs. His face and arms are covered in what appear to be great thick tattoos. Closer inspection of appropriate Knowledge reveals these to be Embedded Warforged Components, he doesn't hide what they are, just has them stylized as tattoos.

He was himself this evening, though wearing his best illusory version of his traveling clothes. It didn't take much for him to turn a Traveller's Outfit into courtier's finery. Anyone capable of seeing through a hat of disguise see's a Warforged adventurer instead of a dressed up partygoer.

As he stepped onto the deck Curiosity (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=652968) found the source of the music he'd been following. It sounded nice. [roll0]

He arrived just in time for the spell to settle on the crowd. He didn't mind. The music was nice. He played along until he could step away and find a seat.

After securing a seat with a good view of the deck he drags it over to a wall and props himself up. Now, with a decent view of the crowd and an eye on the stairwell, he begins his search for a nice drunk mark.

[Stannum (IV)]

Sir Henry steps onto the boarding ramp dressed in his formal uniform. It still felt strange to be boarding a vessel such as this without any arms and unarmored, but such was the adjustment of peacetime. It seemed somewhat odd though, that the ship was still modeled after a dragon. Such a warlike decoration for a civilian ship.
No matter, he thought to himself. I shall see if there are any other military men aboard.
Thoughts (Well, some thoughts are expressed in such format anyway. I'll figure it out.)
"Spoken words"
Assumption: His luggage was delivered to his room.
I edited this spoiler in. This shall be a spoiler I keep to say what ally-boosting abilities I have up at any given time (I plan on acquiring quite a few). Currently allies within 60ft gain +5 to INT-based checks, and +1 to saves. I'm going to say this is because of his directing the conversation to more intellectual matters, and see if anyone challenges that :smalltongue:.

[sunwukong]

Genuine affection actually causes Alkitho's voice to be more than a murmur, for once. Mazzia is one the few individuals with whom she actually feels some degree of comfort and familiarity. "Mazzia! Congratulations!" Thankfully, she is relieved of the need to think of responses to Mazzia's rapid stream of questions and small talk, as the half-elf regains her dignified composure.

"Um...a tour would be nice. Thanks." Alkitho's voice falls back to its usual volume. She passes on the offer of Aundair crème cake, and follows the valet about the ship.

[shizukanashi]

Below Deck, The House of Chance, Area 9

Three elven sisters, singers each, and each more beautiful then the last bow to the Gnome before passing through the reception hall where dinners are enjoying a feast before heading up the spiral stairs.

No sooner are they gone than does the gambling hall burst into song and dance, and raucous laughter. Their forgotten gambling chips catch the eye of a disguised Warforged watching from the the wall northmost bulkhead.

Even the quartet of Goblins, in green and gold tailed surcoats, serving drinks and cashing chips stop to enjoy the music and laugh as many a patron dance a jovial jig.

Main deck, open air, Area 1

Mazzia excuses herself and begins a conversation with a well dressed woman, the mark of making clearly displayed on her open backed dress. The summoned Valet begins his tour. The speech is clearly rehearsed. "The Golden Dragon is a ship without equal, larger by far than any other airship ever dreamed of. Not one but two bound fire elementals power the rings. One provides propulsion, the other keeps her afloat for unlike other ships that float because of their lighter than air soarwood hull, the Dragons sheer size requires a unique hybrid elemental technique. A third bound water elemental helps to augment the fire elements natural abilities. The ship was originally designed as a warship and though now a luxury cruiser, still has a few of its military applications. On the aft Observation deck you will notice three harpoon guns. These have been converted into recreational sporting weapons, used for sky fishing....

As the valet continues his narration a crowd begins to gather and listen in, Sir Henry among them. Though he is absently listening his natural training cause him to seek out security. All total you count 10 armed House Medani sentries on the main deck alone. Two on the Quarter deck, amidships, above the bridge. Two more on the forward housing were watching an Elf and a Dwarf arguing over what appeared to be the mixing of alchemical reagents. Another two observed the coming and going of what now looks like hundreds of guest. Finally there are four on roving patrol around the main deck. The security seemed to be in order. The figure that drews your attention now though was all together different, a Man dressed in the finest of attire, his medals displayed on his chest and the golden frill on his shoulders clearly identified him as the Ships Captain. It was not a strickly military dress, but that of the a ranking officer in the Lyrandar windwrights guild. Sir Henry knew by reputation that this was Captain Alastair d'Lyrandar. He radiated authority, like a torch radiates light and everywhere he went a small crowd of well wishers and admirers followed.

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p4/StubbornMule/Caldon.jpg

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss enters the gambling den. He walks straight to the bar and orders a drink. He's not working tonight, after all, not that he had any say so in the matter. It's not that he disliked mingling with people, in fact he rather enjoyed it. But he always felt naked without his blade and armor. He was given that weapon when he finished his initiation in the tribe all those years ago, when he was finally considered a man. His weapons are all he has left from his previous life, so he never enjoys going to functions that do not allow them in.

After passing for his drink, he heads to the dance floor to see if he can find someone interesting to talk to.

[sunwukong]

As a crowd gathers, Alkitho fades into it as unobtrusively as a shifter at a civilized party can do so. She finds herself standing next to a human dressed in a Brelish military uniform, with some sort of insignia of rank clearly displayed. He must be a high-ranking officer, better not bump into him! And that's Captain Alastair, I don't think I've ever actually seen him before. This Golden Dragon is much more...serious than the ships I've served on so far. I suppose this tour guide did just say that it was designed as a warship. It still feels like one, a bit, even with all the fancy people here.

[shizukanashi]

Below deck, The House of Chance

Kalibar Jenks, the Halfling proprietor of the club returns to see the disarray caused by the Bards magic. "Dammit, Glimbur, If they are singing and dancing they are not gambling, are they?" His mood is fowl, clearly concerned about his profit margins. "Take a break. It is going to be a long night."

He is accompanied by two well dressed halflings. All three eye the Talenta Halfling at the bar, before finding a dark corner and begin to talk in hushed tones.

Main Deck

The valet continues his tour, "Amidships is we have our Bridge and Quarterdeck. From within these chambers the Captain and First Mate can control a plethora of magical controls, as well as steering and navigation. Some of the state of the art capabilities of the ship are still proprietary trade secrets of House Lyrandar. For this reason the Bridge is strickly off limits to everybody except the crew. Forward of the bridge is a second housing, once a command deck and war room, the top level has been converted into a well equipped Laboratory for our Chief Artificer, Manten Dramgrin" He indicates the dwarf arguing over the finer points of artifice that Sir Henry noticed earlier Ahem...will him is Torren Blackfingers, a prestigious guest who has rented out our master suite, the former command deck, below the lab." The elf and the dwarf seem oblivious to the attention they are receiving and continue to bicker. The valet pauses long enough for the announcement magically amplified throughout the entire ship, it is the voice of Mazzia d'Lyrandar the First Mate. The announcement is preceeded by a whistle and two dings of a bell.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, Cathan ir'Demell, Lord Mayor of Sharn, arriving." The whistle and bells repeat. All attention is turned to the docking ramp as the nights most prestigious, and rarely public, guest boards to boisterous applause.

[unseenmage]

Having missed his chance to take advantage of the music induced commotion, Curiosity follows his ears once again to a rather loud argument concerning artifice. He moves closer and tries to listen for anything concerning the animation of the inanimate.

His fingers absentmindedly trace back and forth over a portion of his blackened scar at his collar"bone". He barely notices the loudspeaker announcement interested as he is in pursuing his favorite intellectual hobby.

[Pesimismrocks]

Castor absent mindlessly clapped at the announcement of the mayor. Despite his importance Castor was far more intrigued at the dwarf and elf arguing. He'd like to meet this Manten fellow, to complement him on his work and see what he thought of the plans castor had made. He turned his attention back to the arriving guest and took a sip of wine. Deep in thought he strokes Delta's head and smiles to himself.

[Galvin]

Glimbur slings his lute back into his case, and marches over to the refreshment counter and orders another beer, nothing too strong this time.

I wonder what's going on up on deck?

Said the voice in his lute.

I'm curious myself. Let's go check before Old Jenks looses even more of his sense humor. Very stern, that one.

Glimbur shoulders his lute and heads above, hoping to catch a glance of this Lord Mayor figure.

Edit:

DM, you spelled "Suite" wrong. If you were describing the flavor of something, you would spell it Sweet. If you were describing a high quality hotel room, it's Suite. :smallsmile:

[Stannum (IV)]

Sir Henry approaches the captain, hoping to be able to talk with someone about the finer points of tactics, or some other matter not based primarily on the local gossip, as was all to often the case at these events.
"Greetings, Captain Alastair. Your house has certainly put its best into this ship." he begins, but is cut off by the announcement of the Lord Mayor's arrival, which he joins in the applause of. He had not met the Lord Mayor, but had yet heard nothing bad about him. Then again, he spent relatively little time in Sharn these days.

[sunwukong]

As people jostle to catch a view of the elusive Lord Mayor of Sharn, a drunken human suddenly careens into Alkitho, causing her to stumble slightly. She catches herself gracefully and quickly, just in time to avoid collision with the Brelish officer. She flicks a glance at him, then looks down again and offers an awkward "Sorry."

[Stannum (IV)]

"No issue," Sir Henry replies to the woman who nearly bumped into him, as the captain seems to be drawn away by the Lord Mayor's arrival. Now clearly addressing the woman, he offers a handshake. "Colonel Henry ir'Narthen, of Breland. First time aboard an airship? I've seen more than a few men stumble on them, but mostly only after the the ship was underway."

[sunwukong]

"Alkitho Oleiai," the shifter replies, obviously somewhat nervous as she accepts the proffered handshake. "Actually, I'm an employee of the Windwright's Guild, spent the last several years on airships. It's crowds that I'm not used to..." Her last sentence trails off, and she doesn't seem to be capable of maintaining eye contact.

Trying desperately to be conversational, she asks the Colonel, "You've flown before? In the War?"

Man, trying to roleplaying that Charisma of 5 is kinda rough, but I really didn't want to put that 7 into any other stat.

[shizukanashi]

Normally I would not put an announcement here, but it looks like you guys have not found the OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302692) Thread yet.

First thanks for the sweet/suite thing. I make stupid mistakes like that often.

Second I was confused about littlebum2002s character. I thought he was a Half-dragonborn Half-Halfling and made some posts under that assumption. That is not the case. He is a Halfling that was reborn as a Dragonborn. I assume through a reincarnate spell. I will refer to him as a Dragonborn from here on out in descriptions. You should do the same.

Finally I had intended to slowly reveal the crew and the map legend throughout the mini game, but since The majority of the adventure takes place on the ship you should probably know it well as soon as possible. FOr this reason I will be shortly adding the map and the legend to the OOC (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302692) thread for your convenience.

[Stannum (IV)]

"Yes, and after it. Mostly on supply missions and the like. Supervised cargoes when I was a lieutenant, I did. Never on a ship such as this though. Quite an occasion." He pauses. "Well, I meant to get myself a drink." He bows slightly to Alkitho, and smiles. "Hope you do all right with the crowd."

Yeah, I'm not sure how to play this 8 WIS. Perhaps a Leeroy Jenkins or two.

[unseenmage]

"Where has it gotten to?", Curiosity mutters to himself. He'd lost track of where the bits of argument were coming from because of some commotion or another. Someone important must have arrived.

Realizing he'd lost track of where he was he resolved to stop and ask for directions. This ship was just as overwhelmingly large as it's appearance led one to believe.
He'd been where the music was playing, then followed snippets of that fascinating argument... He really wasn't sure where he was.

Stopping the first servant he found he politely inquired, "Excuse me, I seem to be a tad lost. Could you tell me where I might find the personage responsible for giving this grand vessel flight?" Might as well start somewhere, he thought.

His original goal of petty theft forgotten he now pursued more interesting information wholeheartedly. Besides, he had a certain Wand in his possession that he was quite eager to have answers about.

[Pesimismrocks]

As the crow blocks Castor's view of the artificers he frowns and sighs. Delta guard my table. Echo, Gamma with me. He strolls across the deck, his defenders parting the crowd. When he gets close enough to the two bickering mechanics he decides to listen in.

[sunwukong]

"Hope you do all right with the crowd." "Um...thanks," Alkitho replies to the Colonel.

As she makes her escape from the press of the crowd, she crosses paths with a warforged dressed in a fine outfit who is being led somewhere by one of the servants. Now that's something you don't see every day, she thinks to herself as she steps out of their way.

[shizukanashi]

The two arguing patrons appear both be artificers, or at least both well educated on the finer points of artifice.

"I was simply using the Lacara root as an accelerant to enhance the alchemical binding of the adamantite to the spell form."

"MY LACARA ROOT! in MY Laboratory! Your spell form is highly unstable, accelerating it is unsafe and unethical!"

"Perhaps to a simpleton like yourself, I am perfectly capable of simple measurements. Now please let me to my experiments and feed that rotund belly of yours!"

"You pompous gasbag! If we were not in the most highly populated city on Eberron I would toss your pointy eared waste of intellect over the railing!"

"I don't have time to listen to your threats, Dwarf. I have artifice to attend to!"

With that the Elf leaves and heads back to the laboratory, leaving the Dwarf fuming. He does not look like he is interested in entertaining guests.

[unseenmage]

Thanking the servant Curiosity enters the room where that interesting argument apparently just ended. Seeing the elf storm off and the Dwarf so agitated he thinks better and, tapping the already distracted servant's arm, quickly asks, "Excuse me, I wonder if you'd know which of those verbal combatants more studies the giving of motion to the motionless?"

Seeing the servant's befuddled expression he simplifies, "Which of them would be more amused by this?", and as he asks he taps fingers to his left palm revealing the spider-like construct incorporated into his palm. He has it scuttle around his wrist before settling it back in it's place. On his command it bows dramatically before deactivating.

After the servant answers he thanks them with his last four coppers regardless of their answer's usefulness.

It is high time I made a new friend.
His mind wanders to the Wand stowed in his gut as he makes his move.

Curiosity will follow the advice of the servant. If no advice is preferred he'll approach the dwarf with the same trick with the spider and a Cha check.

[sunwukong]

Alkitho is about to continue on her way in her search for some breathing room, but she spares a quick second glance at the warforged. She notices some sort of spider-like construct pop out of the palm of the warforged. Whatever will they think of next! A 'forged with its own mechanical spider! Nolan Toranak and his anti-'forged group would love to see that, I'm sure. To say nothing of the Ashbound... She shakes her head slightly at the thought of the extremist Eldeen druid sect, then continues walking towards the railing of the ship, but keeps an eye on the warforged to see what unexpected thing it might do next.

[Stannum (IV)]

Sir Henry takes a glass of whatever drink seems most interesting from the waitstaff. Drinking it slowly, he watches the crowd for suspicious persons. Not that he expected the party to be lacking in suspicious sorts of people, that was ever the case with large social events. But it always seemed a bit more likely that one of them might actually be up to something with the war over. Never seemed clear anymore who was a civilian and who wasn't.

Sense motive: [roll0]
Probably not the right skill, but it never hurt to try and all.

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss doesn't see anyone who looks like they could be useful.

"Oh well" he thinks. When in doubt, ask the bartender"

He goes back to the bar, and finds the least snobby looking bartender. He gestures him over to a quiet end of the bar. He slips a gold piece into the barman's palm

"My...friend has a room for the upcoming voyage, but I seem to have forgotten his room number. Is there anyone on the staff who might be able to help me with this problem?

The bartender knows he's lying, but doesn't care. The stranger's money glitters just as well as anyone else's. The question is, is it worth getting fired, or arrested? The stranger better be willing to pay more than one gold piece...


gather information[roll0]

[shizukanashi]

Curiosity:

"Excuse me, I wonder if you'd know which of those verbal combatants more studies the giving of motion to the motionless?"

Seeing the servant's befuddled expression he simplifies, "Which of them would be more amused by this?", and as he asks he taps fingers to his left palm revealing the spider-like construct incorporated into his palm. He has it scuttle around his wrist before settling it back in it's place. On his command it bows dramatically before deactivating.


"Blackfingers is an expert on Xen'drik, his work is legendary. Dramgrim is a skilled artificer, but he is really little more than a glorified magewright...I did see a gentleman here with a trio of mechanical dogs."

Henry:
Scanning the crowd on the main deck three things stand out. One, The Captain is much more nervous than his outward confidence would let on. Two, The first mate occasionally makes furtive glances at the half-orc bosun who is a giant towering a good foot above the other guests and just as wide at the shoulder. Finally the Dwarf has hatred in his eyes.

Rauhiss

The goblin looks the coin over, an image of the once great king galifar stares back at him. He pockets it.

"Whut you frien' luk lik?"

An elf woman sits at the bar next to you. One of the singing sisters. Her speaking voice is just as sweet as her singing voice. "The Goblins don't know anything, sweetie. What exactly would you like to know?"

[sunwukong]

You know, I wonder...

When she gets the chance, Alkitho approaches Lieutenant Mazzia and asks, "Um...I was wondering, is Medani doin' all the security for the trip? Last I heard, they can see into the future, but they're not so good at flyin'." Obviously, she is angling to get a job, though she usually deals with House Deneith's airship-oriented mercenary service, the Hall of Steel and Clouds.

Captain Larinard will be furious if I bypass going through Deneith to get a guard job. On the other hand, he probably wouldn't mind one of his employees showing up Medani. And more importantly, I'll get to fly on the Golden Dragon's first voyage! That's a one-time opportunity! I'll deal with the consequences later...

[Pesimismrocks]

Castor walks up to Dragrim, defenders in tow. What was that about? He takes a sip of wine.

[unseenmage]

Looking where the servant gestures Curiosity too sees a gentleman with some mechanical dogs, and is instantly riveted. How fascinating!

Striding up just as the dog's master asks his question Curiosity breaks in, "Forgive the interruption, but would either of you perchance be knowledgeable Artificers willing to answer a few questions for an amateur?"

"I wish to know about...", and as he's talking he activates the Spider Thief in his palm and whispers to it to fetch THAT wand. It nods and scurries into his clothes. It seems to instantly disappear only to reappear carrying a battered an extremely old worn wand, of obviously Druid make.

"...this.", Curiosity finishes his statement while deftly deactivating the Spider (it again flourishes a bow at his direction) and proffering the wand for both the angry Dwarf and the dog-owner to examine.

"I acquired it in a Curio Shop, one of my favorites as they specialize in this sort of thing. I'm told it is mostly spent but that if used correctly it can make a Ha-muhn-cue-luss?" (Unsure of the correct pronunciation Curiosity makes a show of making this sound like a question in miniature.)

"I now know that without the proper training I could not use it to command the creature, I could only access the spell. I'm curious if there would be some way for another's training and my spell access to allow for my command of the thing. It's a hobby you see, motion to the motionless and all..."

I'm babbling the fool tonight, oh well. Let's see if they're interested.

If someone hears my whispering they catch the Spider's name, Skitter, and hear me tell it to fetch the item covertly. Curiosity has no interest in giving away the true depth of his special "pocket", nor in accidentally letting the Spider Thief do so either.

[shizukanashi]

"We have two dozen Medani aboard, for the whole trip." Mazzia laughs. She respects you, but it is clear she finds the idea of you doing a better job than the Warning guild comical. "your concern is appreciated, Alkitho, but if you want to come along all you have to do is ask. I will have a talk with the Captain."

"More of you! What is this a convention!" The Dwarf bites back, before calming when Mazzia shoots daggers at him through her glare. "I am sorry. I judged you to harshly. That Torrin has no respect for the craft." Pulling a monocle from his pocket, He takes a look at Curiosity's wand, picking it up and examining it for about a minute. "Imagine that, a slave owning slave. I can not help you." Manten returns your wand then turns and heads below deck, returning his monocle to his pocket. "Unless I am needed I will be rehearsing Respian's 4th Concerto." He calls back to Mazzia

[Pesimismrocks]

Castor frowns. How rude. I must apologise but my specialities lie within consructs and a little dabbling of weapons and armour. Wands and such are not really my thing. However if you are asking about making a Homunclus you're talking to the right guy. It's not just my hobby, it's my life, my dream. He emphasises the homunculus part and smiles. What kinda spell does it contain? Arcane eye I'd imagine, course you'd need other spells too. He scratches his ear and thinks for a moment. We could perhaps craft one together, but it isn't cheap and you need an artificer to give them upgrades. Any specific one? Finally someone to share my interests, this party is quite, quite dull. And that Dragrim was awfully rude. I'll have to talk to that elf fellow too. Come, sit with me. He grins and beckons to the table.

[unseenmage]

Noting who it was that could stifle the Dwarf, Curiosity visibly shrugs away his distaste at the angry little man's comment. Slave indeed.

Turning to follow the gentleman with the dogs, "Suppose no one can blame a man for returning my poor manners with poor manners of their own. Return kind with kind as they say."
"Hello...", Curiosity offers his hand in greeting, "...name's Curiosity. Pleasure to meet you." If taken his handshake is vigorous if light of touch.

As he takes seat at the offered table he kneels to the dogs and offers his hand to be smelled as though they were actual dogs and mocks offense when they ignore him, smiling all the while. "I was surprised to see such creatures at a party like this, but then they do make quite the spectacle."

Suddenly he gets a mischievous look in his eye. "You wouldn't mind if I took a moment to make a little mischief for our rude and rotund friend would you?" "Nothing serious, just from his shouting match earlier I infer he prizes this 'lacara root' and I'd hate to see someone so rude monopolize something they find so precious." His voice is low as he explains this so as not to be overheard beyond their table.
With that he activates his spider, and whispers to it for a moment or two, then sends it off. It disappears into his clothes without the effort of a bow or flourish this time.

He tells the Spider Thief to fetch the all the 'lacara root' that Manten has in his possession and bring back without being detected. The Spider goes through his clothes to the floor to get a Hide check before scurrying off to do what it does best. That'll show him. Slave indeed.

Now what did that old woman say about this wand...? He looks obviously contemplative, returning to the conversation as if sending a mechanical spider built into his palm on a mission were completely mundane.
"But back to the matter at hand, the spell in this wand is Beget Bo-ghun." (Again he makes the unfamiliar word a question in it's own right.) "Something about a 'more natural'; Ho-mun-cu-lus you say? Ah yes, Homun-culus. I think I have it now." He plays with the word some before continuing.

Ah, I remember now. I should get a diary and keep notes for this hobby.
"Anyway, I was told they have more free-will, or are made to approximate it in any case, than my little spider or your fine dogs. Sometimes they'll ignore a command completely even!", his excitement at this last is obvious.
It is apparent that the only thing which fascinates him more than animating the inanimate is giving will to that which has none.

[sunwukong]

Alkitho laughs along with her friend, acknowledging her true intentions, and the ludicrousness of how she attempted to broach the subject. "Um...yes, that's actually what I was hopin'. Could you? You can't blame me though, right? You're excited to fly on this ship yourself!"

Alkitho becomes a little less introverted, now that she has a distinct possibility of traveling aboard the Golden Dragon. "Hey, how're the captain and the crew you'll be servin' with?" she asks, trying to get a feel for what her friend's new life is going to be like.

[shizukanashi]

Main Deck:
"The captain, Mazzia pauses to compose her thoughts. "He deserves the position, he has just been unlucky. Perhaps you have heard of the tragedy that befell the Cloud's Destiny? Completely not his fault, but the man seeks redemption." You catch her making the same flitting glance this time you are sure she is looking at the Half-Orc bosun who is currently helping a passenger with his baggage. "They are a fine crew, befitting such a ship."

[sunwukong]

"I heard a few rumors about the Cloud's Destiny," says Alkitho. "What really happened?"

Alkitho notices Mazzia's periodic glances towards the half-orc, but doesn't say anything until she gets a better sense of her friend's mood. Despite her social awkwardness, Alkitho's watchful nature sometimes helps her understand what is going on when other people interact.

[sunwukong]

Sense Motive:[roll0]

[Pesimismrocks]

Castor He says with a grin. He takes you Han and shakes it vigorously Artificer extraordinaire. This is Delta, Echo and Gamma He indicates to each of his defenders. Gamma is siting patiently, Echo is sniffing at your leg and Delta is growling at a nearby woman. Ues, they may cause a little spectacle an fright. But they're my companions, my friends. I couldn't abandon them, even for a party. That's the thing bout homonculuses more intelligent then golems or effigies. They like to act like dogs yet are quite capable of planning and intelligent thoughts. He chuckles as you take out your spider. Men like that give us artificers a bad name. Would you like some wine? He pours two glasses irrelevant of Curiosities answer. He thinks for a moment before frowning. Forgive me if I'm wrong but are you a 'forged? Just that echo never takes an interest in the biological, but she alway likes to befriend constructs. . When you talk about Boguns he frowns and scratches his head. ah, Boguns. They are a little more complicated. Not difficult to make but they aren't true constructs. More like a sort of mix between a construct, a familiar and a wondrous item. Weird intuat magi holds the body together instead of the bldy holding te magical energy. Could be made and I wouldn't charge ya much, especially with you already having one of the spells but there is a problem. As you say they do have free will. And that means that if I order it to treat you as it's master everything might go, err..., pear shaped. They can be stubborn little things. I'd need a body too. I'd charge you about, I dunno 2,000gp to animate it. Or if you posess a means of crafting woul you prefer I create the scrolls. actually now that I think about it they can't go far out of my range so you'd have to actually make it. Sorry. He shrugs and sips his wine and gives you an apologetic look.

[littlebum2002]

I'm lookin' for a gnome. Little bugger, about me height. He's a "holy man",too. Got his self a robe, necklace with the liddle symbol, the whole nine yards. Got himself the Sivis mark, too. He's a big shot, too. Gonna have a few bodyguards, prob'ly. Think yoos might know who I'm talking about?

[Galvin]

Glimbur steps up onto the deck, looking around for the warforged he saw in the House of Chance earlier.

[roll0] Spot to find Curiosity.

Glimbur looks around, finally spotting the warforged's legs, then triumphatly pushing his way over to his location, and knocking on his hip. Then, motions for him to follow him to a quiet spot.

Sorry, Mr. Artificer, just need to borrow your pally here for a moment, he's my friend, you see, I just need to talk to him for a quick second, then you can talk about robotic parakeets or whatever Artificers do.

As he is saying this, he is pulling the warforged's hand away into the corner.

Hey, Warforged. I saw you in the House of Chance. Over by the stairs. You looked like a thief, and a darned good one too. Look, I'm a bard, a sort of enchanter, and I can create a distraction, and you can pick some pockets, and we can split the dough.

I don't think that's such a good idea, Glimbur whispers the voice from the lute into his head.

Glimbur hisses sighlently down,

Hush up, Syn, look we need something to pay for our ride to Stormreach, I'm not exactly King of Breland over here, I'm just a traveling Bard, I'm not so rich.

Glimbur looks up at the warforged again and says

So whatta ya say? Ya up for it?

[unseenmage]

Curiosity listens intently to Castor's offer. That's definitely a promising price! He tries not to let his excitement show. "I like the way you think sir. I'd be more than happy to barter off one of the last few uses left in this wand in exchange for your help. I am a little light on funds right now, something I was hoping to remedy at such a nice party as this evening's but..."

Suddenly cut off, Curiosity feels a rapping at his hip and looking down notices the gnome musician from before. Ah, it's mister nice music. He barely has time to excuse himself before he's being gently drawn away.

He silently hears the little musician out. After the proposal is pitched he thinks to himself, smiling as he does, 'How interesting! Even so...'

Leaning back against the wall and slouching so he doesn't have to bend over or crouch he chances a look around to see that no one is watching them.

Active Spot check
[roll0]


Liking his odds he responds, "Well, I'm more of a tomb raiding thief than a sticky hands thief. Being ageless means patience is sort of a built-in feature, y'know. I may not be the 'forged for the job."
Seeing the little man's look begin to sour he adds, "However, if you can a)...", here he holds up one of his three fingers, "...guarantee no-one will be any the wiser I'm game. Or b)...", here he holds up a second finger, "...we could find a nice safe somewhere filled with pawnable valuables or even the gambling den's take for the evening?"

If only I hadn't sent Skitter off on a fool's errand I'd feel much more confident here. Could nearly double the haul from a nice pocket lightening spree. Oh well, nothing for it now. Or...

Thinking better he leans in closer to the gnome, "Hey, my partner is out at the moment, sent him off to the Artificer's quarters on an errand. No chance you would be willing to help me retrieve him before we try something is there? Truth be told, he's better at what you're asking than I am. Besides, with his help we could double the haul. Might even find ourselves some nice expensive artifice components along the way even."

With a decisive nod he adds, "Also, I'm a Warforged, not a Golem. I wouldn't be any more immune to your music this time around."

"What do you think, I'm game either way, we could try for a score now or explore this ship a little bit and find my partner. I'll follow your lead sir as I'll be at the mercy of your lutestrings either way. You take a moment to decide while I go excuse myself from my engaging conversation.", with that he walks back over to Castor and his dogs to make his excuses.

Less an excuse than I'd like, I do worry about that spider so.

Once at Castor's table.
He politely begs Castor's forgiveness and promises to meet back up with him for some future debate and possibly business. "I'm sure we can work something out later Mr. Castor. Right now though, I've been apprised of an opportunity and I'd hate to miss another one this evening. Enjoy the party."

He begins to walk away and calls back, "And if you arrange to meet with that loud elf who so disturbed the rude dwarf please come find me, I'd love to hear another opinion on my wand.", he waves and returns to the gnome in the corner.

As he's returning to the dark corner you see him fiddle around under his clothes for a moment then he produces a pair of padded gloves. They look odd though, they seem to be made of sand. He runs his fingers over a peculiar scar or tattoo on his scalp and they become white dinner gloves which match his finery.
The gloves are a masterwork Sleight of Hand tool made of Shapesand for anyone curious. Not sure what kind of check it'd be to recognize them though. Tapping the scalp tattoo is really him activating his Embedded Hat of Disguise. That one has a set DC for recognizing a magic item activation IIRC.
Such a busy evening. He's still smiling at that thought when he reaches the gnome. I likes busy evenings.

[shizukanashi]

Main Deck:

Mazzia continues her conversation. "What you heard is true, it crashed under his command, on the border with Darguun, just south of Sterngate. Tribunal confirmed his reports of pirates and found him not at fault, though there are some among my house that did not want him captaining the Dragon."

Meanwhile, though you see no one listening into your conversation with Glimbur, Curiosity does notice Torren Blackfingers exiting the Lab, and as he opens the door a skittering spider like creature jumps out of a crevice near the door and scurries into the Lab before the door shuts again.

Below Deck, The House of Chance

The elf woman suddenly looks uninterested but she does her best to assist you. "I don't know anyone that matches that description. There is a holy man from Thane Cardinal..B-something. He has two paladins of the Flame with him. Dol d'Sivis is here somewhere, he is well to do enough to have someone watching over his safety. The only other gnome I know is that musician who just left here. Neither of them are holy men as far as I can tell." She looks at you flirtaciously "Why don't you by me a drink and tell me why you are looking for this holy man."

[Galvin]

Glimbur smiles at the warforged's request.

Of course... Yeah, though Artificer's don't need all those fancy things, and they might be fetching a pretty penny...

Glimbur considers his options for a moment, then says:

Alright, let's go. I might be able to arrange a special escort, wait here a moment.

Glimbur bids the warforged to wait then walks over to one of the goblin servants.

Hey, excuse me, sir.

After he catches the goblins attention, he focuses his magical abilities into a spell, whispering the words of power, then intruding into the goblin's mind and says:

I suggest that you escort me and my companion to the artificery. I am Gemble Snitzverbin, renowned artificer and part time musician, and I wish to see the lab.

I cast Suggestion on the goblin servant. DC 16 Will to Resist. 1d20+14 Bluff if needed, though I don't think it would be, if he is enchanted. If he makes his save, but believes the bluff, I think he would still think I was the artificer.

Glimbur motions for the warforged to follow.

I got us a VIP escort to the lab. Let's go find your partner.

[sunwukong]

"Well, pirates is a security issue, and sounds like you got that covered this time 'round," says Alkitho, with a small grin. "Still, let me know if I can help you with anything, even if it's personal business. I always try to repay a favor, you know."

After all, if I'm to be a moonspeaker, I'll have to find a way to be of service wherever I go, she thinks to herself. The thought reminds her of something she has meant to ask Mazzia for a while now, "Oh hey, what moon were you born under?"

[unseenmage]

Seeing the elf leave the Laboratory, Curiosity motions to the musician and nods adding, "Should be nice and empty now. Also, I'm sure my partner has only just made his move and lies within."

Smart, very smart; he thinks to himself while watching the little musician conscript their 'VIP escort'. He grins at that last bit. Heh, VIP.

Following their escort and the musician to the laboratory door, Curiosity tries to keep a watch out for anyone moving to stop them.
Active Spot again [roll0]
He wonders, with so many attending this party, what measures have been taken to secure so delicate an area as the Laboratory and mentions as much to the little musician. "Do you suppose it is merely a locked door or perhaps a guard or two which our goblin friend here will be escorting us past?" Especially with he door just right out here on the deck like this, how odd.

Before they reach the doorway proper he makes the effort to get right beside the musician and leans down so as to make himself heard over the party, "So that I'm clear, we are collecting my partner then what? Loot the laboratory? Make withdrawals from pockets? Or is there any chance there is a nice remote vault on this ship where the hard cash for that gambling parlor is kept?" His emphasis is solidly on that last.

Cold hard cash is just that much easier to fence.

[littlebum2002]

Bartender! 'Nother round, and one for me lady!


Thanks for the help, hun, but that's nat who I'm lookin' for. I have nah problem with those that follah the Flame. No, this guy's different. He's bad, REALLY bad. He follows the Dragon Below. He might seem like a nice guy, but if ya piss him off, yoos'll have a dagger through yer back before you know what hit ya.

But enough being serious. This is supposed ta be a fun night, right? This is quite a ship they got here. What's yer story? I'm sure it's more interesting than mine, unless yer trying to rid the world of evil as well.

[Nickknack]

Baiorn walks into the gambling room and gulps. "I knew this would be a bad place to start my investigation." the dwarf thought to himself. Fully adorned in his clerical armour, Baiorn drew a lot of attention onto himself. Baiorn's akward movements led him to the nearest games table. The coins called his name. Sweating profusely, Baiorn knew he had a mission and would not let his lust for gold get in the way. With his mind off the coins, Baiorn began to notice all the eyes watching him. paralyzed by their gaze, the dwarfs mouth tool over and exclaimed "I am Baiorn Bravehelm, Cleric of the The Sovereign Host, This ship is under my protection and any agents of chaos or servants of evil aboard this ship will have to deal with me!" already dreading his actions Baiorn sunk into the shadows of the nearest dark corner.

[shizukanashi]

Chapter One: The Dragon's Fall

Below Deck, The House of Chance

As the boisterous dwarf enters the house and so loudly announces his presence the Elven bard turns to Rauhiss with a smile. "That is one ugly Gnome. Alas, no House Sivis marks that I can tell, but we are getting closer to your quarry, yes?"

In a flash, as if in answer to Baiorn's declaration of pious sanctuary, an man runs into the Reception Hall, visible from the Casino. He is clearly one of the Medani guards. His sword is drawn and he is covered with sprays of blood. Through hurried breath he manages to produce a few words. "Bandits!..In the Cargo bay...A Warforged, and Minotaurs! ...Coming!"

Main Deck

The goblin leads you up the stairs on the forward housing. "Here you be, sirs. I trust youse have youse key." the Goblin places his hands in his lap, but stands around, clearly hoping for a tip. Though no one pays you to much interest, you are now on an elevated walkway, and within sight of perhaps a hundred guests still on the deck below.

Mazzia seems to relax and actually enjoy a conversation with her old friend. It is clear that even the position of First Mate weighs heavy for those that bear its burden. "I was born under the moon Barrakas. I know shifters hold great weight in such things, but I find it has no influence on my life. Are you still dreaming of becoming a Moonspeaker? Oh, there is the captain, come I will introduce you."

The Guard is still below deck at this point. Only Rauhiss and Baiorn know about the boarders. The rest of you on the Main Deck should proceed as if you are unaware.

[sunwukong]

"Ah, the Lantern! That makes sense! It keeps you from gettin' lost, which is a very good thing for a ship's first mate, yeah?" says Alkitho, happy to be talking about what she knows best. "And yes, I'm still learnin' to become a Moonspeaker, it shouldn't be long before I can be initiated."

"Yes, I'd like to meet the Captain," she says, though she seems to become more shy just thinking about it.

[Galvin]

Glimbur fumbles around in his pockets for a moment before saying to the goblin,

Ah, sorry, I seem to have misplaced my key... I trust you have a spare set? [roll0] bluff.

As he and the war forged follow the goblin to the laboratory, he leans over and says to the warforged,

If there are any more guards I can charm em. I can be very persuasive sometimes he says with a wink.

By the way, my name is Glimbur, what's yours?

Sorry for that misplaced bluff.

[littlebum2002]

Sorry hun, that's my call.

Rauhiss jumped up at the mention of bandits. He doubted this was related to his Mission, but bandits were bandits, after all, so it was his duty to stop them. But his weapons! He had his armor on, as it was made from beautiful polished darkwood, and elegant enough that he could wear it to even the most formal . But he needed a weapon...

He ran to the next table.

Sorry! Duty calls, mate!

He took the man's food and drink of the table. He put the plate in the man's lap, pried open his fingers, and put his drink in his stiff outstretched hand. He then flipped over the table, and kicked off one of the legs. Grabbing it, he ran over to the guard.

Lead the way, mate! Let's get some bandits!


Table leg= improvised club

[unseenmage]

Ah, I see now. Walking up above the deck proper Curiosity realizes that the door they seek is guarded by basically everyone on deck all at once. Bah, I for some reason I assumed this to be a more privately located door.

And as the goblin guide declares their need for a key, 'Ah well, suppose I'll wait and see how the little musician handles this.'

He nods at Glimbur's solution to potential guards and responds, "Nice to know your name, now I can stop referring to you as the 'little musician'." Curiosity grins wide. "My name is Curiosity; I liked your music."

When Glimbur asks the goblin about a key Curiosity shakes his head and declares, "No need for that little friend." We have stepped in it now havn't we. With that Curiosity raises his fist high and bangs on the door loudly and strongly three times and speaks loudly enough to be heard through the door but not so loud as to be heard by more than Glimbur and the goblin, "Skitter, desist and return. Come Skitter. Come."

Seemingly unfazed by the crowd of stares he's drawn Curiosity raises his fist and knocks again, this time at the door jam. Then he grabs the door handle and shakes it vigorously, rattling it this way and that.

With a satisfied 'harrumph' he looks at the goblin and declares, loudly enough to be heard below. "Yes, yes. A fine strong door. You were right about this ship my friend, the doors are quite solid." Then he tips the goblin a full silver piece and takes Glimbur by the arm, dragging him gently back to the deck.
"I feel much safer now I've tested a door at random. Perhaps we will rent a cabin after all." Curiosity does his best to sound pompous and snobby, his goal to appear to be an entitled merchant simply throwing his weight around foolishly, as it were.
Bluff [roll0] I'll leave it up to the DM to decide if my Hat of Disguise induced finery grants me a miscellaneous bonus or not.
As a reminder, without the Hat I appear as an adventurer without his weapons.

A trip on board this grand a ship would be lovely, I've just no desire to spend it in the brig. He says as much to Glimbur when they reach the deck proper again.

I'd best change now.
First chance he gets he ducks into a privy or the nearest private place and he'll use his Hat of Disguise to appear human.
At least for a while anyway.

[Galvin]

Glimbur looks around, confused, for a moment, then realizes that this warforged must have a plan.

Ah, I take it you have retrieved your companion, however you do that. Are you ready to go about the plan, you two? Er, you.

Glimbur says, accidentally refering to Syn, his item familar.

My strings are ready, Glimbur. Though I must say I am not in approval of this, we could wind up in the brig.

Ignoring the lute, Glimbur presses further.

So, yes or no? You ready to lighten some pockets?

Does Glimbur know if the house keeps a vault of all the coin that they make in the House of Chance?

[Nickknack]

Seeing an opportunity to get out of the akward situation he put himself into, Baiorn snaps one of the remaining legs off the table and rushed after the Dragonborn.
"Wait for me! I can help with the bandits!

[shizukanashi]

Below Deck

As you run out of the House of Chance you see that the bandits have already come up the stairs and are filling the Reception Hall taking hostages. There are 3 Minotaurs, each carries with one hand an axe that would be a two-handed weapon for anyone in the room. 8 Hobgoblins join them, 7 wear leather overalls. Aside from the longswords and shields they carry, they look like dockworkers. Each is now also holding his blade to the throat of some unlucky dinner guests. The 8th with a warhammer that is clearly made of some dark and hardened metal, is the one that does the speaking.

He starts by hurling a stone at the far wall which explodes with a deafening BOOM and a flash of bright light. "Now that I have your attention. I am Brimstone Barrakas. I am taking this ship. If everybody would please accompany me to the main deck where I will reveal my demands, no one will get hurt." He looks directly at Rauhiss now and readies his warhammer. "Do I make myself clear, lizardman?"

The two Medani guards in the Reception Hall as well as the three in the House of Chance, nod to you. "Do as he asks, friend. They have us at a disadvantage."

Main Deck

Mazzia starts her introductions "Captain, this is my dear friend Alkitho, we worked together as windwrights, what was it 2 years ago?" Her attention moves to the lab. Apparently there is some commotion. A Medani guard is quickly approaching some figures, near the lab.

"What are you doing? Get away from there. I don't see you on the access list for the lab. Who are you?"

Before he can further interegate the duo there is an audible explosion from below decks. He turns to another guard. "Thunderstone! Lets go check it out!" He points at a group of four more guards "You four with us. Everybody stay calm. Let House Medani handle this." They draw steel and head toward the stairwell, leaving only 8 guards on the main deck.

[Stannum (IV)]

"You all heard the man, there's nothing nothing to worry about. Mendani's guards are among the finest, and I'm sure no one could touch us while we are still in Sharn. Why, you should hear about the defenses this city has had put in over the years..." Sir Henry continues, while carefully moving into a position between the crowd and one of the stairwells. Last thing we'll need here is a panic. Nothing more vulnerable than a bunch of civilians in formal dress when they don't even have their sense.

Sir Henry attempts to calm the crowd/prepares to make sure htey do not grow agitated. Using the captivating speech function of the master manipulator feat, the 6 most agitated looking individuals must make a will save or diplomacy check(DC[roll0] either way) or take a -4 to spot, listen and sense motive, as they are captivated.
The rest of the crowd is reassured by his general efficient military demeanor. +6 to will saves, +1 to fort and reflex. (auras)
Here's another diplomacy check, in case they need convincing [roll1]
He readies an action to inspire a courageous and orderly evacuation, if need be.

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss studied the situation. The dwarf was obviously a cleric, and was a veteran at battle judging from his armor. Together they could PROBABLY take out the gobbo with the nasty looking hammer, assuming no one came to his aid. Which they would. And, if they both somehow got a real weapon, they MIGHT be able to take out the other 7. But then there were the minotaurs. If all the guards joined on, they could POSSIBLY take them out as well. Maybe. But not before they killed plenty of hostages. 7? More? It just wasn't worth it.

After all, the bandits weren't killing anyone yet. Maybe they just wanted the money in the gambling hall. Or even the ship itself. Neither is worth the life of a dozen or so hostages.

Besides, maybe he could get them alone and pick them off one by one. At least, he could if he hadn't revealed himself as a warrior by springing info battle mode.

So he turned to the dwarf. Whispering, he said
Unless yoos got a couple good dwarf axes under that armor, I think we better stand down mate

[unseenmage]

Curiosity emerges from the privy a changed man, so to speak. He walks up to Glimbur gesturing to his face, "What do you think, human enough? It's me Curiosity. Sorry for botching your approach. My partner should be along shortly. I'm definitely ready to empty some pockets once he gets back."

What was that!!
His demeanor changes when the explosion echoes up from below. "Sounds like our plans may've just changed Mr. Glimbur."

Curiosity notes a man's voice taking charge of the crowd. Good, easy as it would be to rob trampled passengers, it's no fun.

Talking to Glimbur, "That explosion, was that from belowdecks? I wonder, does this count as everyone distracted or everyone on high alert?" Curiosity doesn't grin this time. That explosion didn't sound very funny. "You armed little friend? If not I have a spare dagger or two stowed away I could loan you."

[Galvin]

Glimbur draws his song blade and says

Im assuming that the rapier was aloud on board because fencing blades like rapiers are more ceremonial and acceptable that say, a battle axe. If it wasn't aloud on board please tell me.

Aye,friend. I'm armed. Let's go, there could be injured folks, or worse, raiders. Glimbur rushes to the stairs, motioning for Curiosity to follow him.

Hey, I've got a spell of Invisibility readied, and I'm gonna go invisible. You wanna as we'll? After Glimbur is done speaking he speaks the words of the incantation, and disappears.

Come on Glimbur whispers, as he heads for the stairs, creeping very silently. ([roll0]) MS.

I cast invisibility and creep towards the stairs, if C wants it, I also invisibility him.

[Nickknack]

Eying up the bandits, Baiorn knew it wasn't a fight they could win without many casualties.
Baiorn thought to himself "My best course of action will probably be to wait things out for now and think of a way to get these civilians out of danger. Maybe we can talk our way out of this problem..."
Instantly remembered the fiasco in the other room. "Maybe I am not the best person to solve problems with words. This Dragonborn fellow seems like he could talk himself out of a most prediciments. Maybe I should just leave the talking to him."
"No axes here. I'll just follow your lead; may the nine smile upon us in our time of need." The dwarf whispers back to the dragonborn.

[unseenmage]

Curiosity's hand pauses, "I was just about to fetch my wand of the same, but as it's almost spent and as you're offering Mr. Glimbur I'd be more than happy to accept your spell." Great minds do think alike I suppose.

Curiosity gladly follows his new ally, though he is distracted some by keeping a look out for Skitter's return. What could be keeping that little spider?

Active Spot looking for Skitter, [roll0]
Sleight of Hand to quietly retrieve and equip his Bandolier, [roll1]
Move Silently to follow Glimbur to the stairwell, [roll2]

[Pesimismrocks]

Hearing the explosion Castor jumps. Hmm... What was that. Bah it was probably an experiment gone wrong by the artificers, nothing to worry about. He returns to tinkering with echo before thinking for a moment. Just in case, I should probably send a message to alpha. He takes a piece of blue dyed parchment, folfs it and let's it fly into the wind. High above a circling construct notices the paper readies its weapon, remembering its instruction to approach the ship should no other notice be given within 5 minutes.

[sunwukong]

"Yes, I was a sentry on the Winged Vict--" Alkitho starts to say, but is cut off by the Medani guards springing into action, first due to some incident at the artificer's laboratory, then in response to the thunderstone detonation. She notices the Brelish Colonel she met earlier keeping the crowd from panicking, and his confidence inspires her to act as well. She'd just been saying that she was a professional guard for House Lyrandar, after all.

"Looks like Medani's handlin' it, but just in case, let me cast some spells to protect you two," says Alkitho, and she begins chanting in Druidic: "Olarune's wards upon you, Alaistar d'Lyrandar. Olarune's wards upon you, Mazzia d'Lyrandar. Lharvion, give guidance to your daughter and servant, Alkitho Oleiai."

"Now," she says, "let's get you two to the Bridge, in case we need to start flyin' for some reason."

Cast barkskin +3 on Captain Alastair and Mazzia, owl's wisdom on self (increasing all spell DCs by 2). Barkskin lasts for 70 minutes, owl's wisdom for 7 minutes (70 rounds).

[shizukanashi]

Below Deck

Curiosity and Glimbur easily sneak down the spiral stair in time to witness the events taking place in the Reception Hall. The Medani guards who rushed down the stairs still have weapons drawn but have stopped cold at the sight of the hostages with blades to their throats.

"Wise choice, now come along." Brimstone quips as everybody stands down. "Now everybody upstairs. I have an appointment to keep." For the first time you notice two alchemical sticks tied into the hobogoblins boses thick fur.

The hostages, guards, and bandits slowly start to file up the stairs to the main deck.

Main Deck

Sir Henry does a tremendous job calming the frightened guests, and nobody panics when armed hobogoblins begin coming up the stairs hostages in tow. At Alkitho's words the two lyrandar officers look at each other with silent understanding. "Lets hurry!" And the three of you make your way to the bridge. Allistair produces a key and you slip in unnoticed. Castors message floats into the sky and he is the first to notice two other objects floating in the sky. Before you can give a warning two Harpies streak toward the deck. They head straight for the Lord Mayor and cause a brief panic as they tackle him and force him to the ground. "We got the Mayor, Love, but I don't see the Captain." One of the Harpies states as Brimstone Barrakas arrives on deck. "Find him!" he orders.

Bridge

The command center of the ship looks like something from another world. A strange wooden contraption is in the center of the room with dials and levers and embedded crystals that glow with a rainbow of various colors and intensities. The captain approaches a large Crystal ball in the center of the device and with a waive of his hand you are looking down at an image of the events taking place on the main deck through the scrying device. "Ready the release on the second ring, but wait for my command." He orders Mazzia. "Yes sir." she responds, and messes with some levers at another station. "Have a seat Alkoitho, enjoy the show." She smiles, clearly privy to some private knowledge.

[Galvin]

Damn! They got hostages! Glimbur whispers under his breath. What do you think, Syn? We can't do anything Glimbur says quitely.

After getting no reply, Glimbur looks over his shoulder and says Hey Curiosity, what do we do? They got hostages. Know anyplace we can hide?

[littlebum2002]

"Now, here's the deal, dwarf" Rauhiss whispered to his new companion as they followed the hobgoblins, unarmed.

If we catch a gobbo alone, we take him. Heck, we could prob'ly each take one. If we can thin out theah numbers a bit, and get our hands on some REAL weapons, we could prob'ly take 'em all. If we can't, then we just play follah the leader and find out where this is headed.

[Stannum (IV)]

Seeing that the people are suitably calmed, Sir Henry turns his attentions to the new arrivals, though with some discretion. They had hostages, but that would only make them overconfident. The perfect time to devise a plan, he thought to himself, before something came out of the blue and attacked the lord mayor.
Auras are now +5 to all INT-based (not actively being projected to others, least not in such a way as to appear to be working against the goblinoids, but flavor would allow for it simply being that he allowed people to collect themselves and think better thus), +1 all saves.
Knowledge devotion on harpies: [roll0] (=+2 bonus)
Knowledge devotion on minotaurs: [roll1] (=+2 bonus)
Knowledge devotion on hobgoblins: [roll2] (=+3 bonus)
Knowledge checks to identify the creatures and their powers/vulnerabilities:
Harpies:[roll3]
Minotaurs:[roll4]
Hobgoblin:[roll5]
Readied action to use the command word to summon his armor if it looks like a hostage or himself might be subject to attack (called property is awesome).

[unseenmage]

Double damn, they do have hostages.

Carefully counting the enemy Curiosity whispers to Glimbur, "How long 'till the Invisibility wears of? With everyone being herded upstairs it would seem like hiding here below should be fairly easy."

A thought occurs, "Hey Glimbur, please quietly make a quick sweep of the ship, but only down here. See if you can figure where they got in and how. Make sure there aren't still more of them below. I'd hate to make a move and have there be more of them behind us." He reaches out a hand and grasps at where he assumes Glimbur's arm to be, "Be careful little musician, to the stationed guards you and I are just more invisible intruders. I'm going to stay here and keep an eye on our friends. I'll try to meet you back at this exact spot in one minute."

Curiosity assesses the scene, watching for invaders who wander off and watching for invaders lagging behind to guard this level.
Active Spot [roll0]

As he's watching for stragglers and making sure none of the invaders are being left behind Curiosity overhears what appears to be a short lizardman and a dwarf discussing their lack of weaponry. Hmm, now that's a thought.
Moving quickly but quietly Curiosity unsheaths two daggers from his bandolier and steps up behind the lizard-person and dwarf. He whispers between their heads so as to be heard in one ear each and not need to repeat himself, "Now don't startle, here's a gift from a friend to use as you see fit."

With that he gently, so as not to attract attention or stab the prisoners, slips one dagger each up under their shirt or armor, so only the barest bit of a handgrip will show once he lets go and the daggers become visible again.The more hands have weapons on our side the better I suppose.
- Move Silently to move into line.
[roll1]
- Sleight of Hand to quietly unsheath my daggers and slide them onto Rauhiss and Baiorn.
[roll2]

His task completed he steps back out of line and retakes his position to await Glimbur.

[Nickknack]

With a weapon now in his possesion, Baiorn finds hemself overflowing with confidence. Baiorn shoots a quick thumbs up to the lizardman and smiles. Knowing stealth and subtlety is by no means in is area of expertiese, Baiorn feels he better leave the first move to his new lizardman friend.

[Stannum (IV)]

Assumption: Those creatures are appropriate challenges for our level, and thus the checks were high enough to identify them by name at least. If not, we're all screwed.

"You sir, I trust you are in charge?" Sir Henry addresses the hobgoblin talking to the harpies. "I am a senior officer of the Brelish military. I am thus in a position to talk with you about the predicament myself and my fellow passengers are in. Perhaps we can get this worked out before the city watch arrives in force"

Diplomacy: [roll0]
Bluff: [roll1] (Sir Henry in no way believes that the city watch will arrive in good time, let alone in force, certainly not a force great enough to do better than what house Medani would provide. But then again, he has a low opinion of the city watch)
Sense motive: [roll2] What are they trying to do? Is this an attempt to get hostages to ransom, a hit being carried out, or what?

[Galvin]

Right Ho!, Friendo. Glimbur whispers as he begins to make his sweep. Syn, keep a look out. We needa find where they got in.

[roll0] Move Silently

Alright. Thinks Glimbur. Let's head to the cargo hold, maybe they hid inside, or maybe they disguised themselves are guards. I better find out.

First Glimbur is headed to the cargo hold, but he stops any workers on the way and asks them if any hobgoblins were staffed today. [roll1] Diplomacy to convince them to tell.

[shizukanashi]

Main Deck (Sir Henry, Castor, Ruahiss, Baiorn...Alkitho via scry)

The harpies pull the Lord Mayor back to his feet. He has a cut on his head, but is otherwise unharmed. Brimstone turns to address the Brelish officer. "Good, you are just the man to hear my demands. Somewhere below my feet is a magical device that will banish any elementals within 100 yards." He points to the flaming ring that surrounds the ship, and keeps it afloat. Common knowledge tells you it is powered by a bound fire elemental. "I trust you know what that means. Wheeeerrrrrrrr BOOM!" He makes the falling sound and ends with a crash as he pantomimes a falling airship. "My demands are simple. 200,000gp in bars, 2 hours. Do you think your 'town guard' can handle that?"

"Yes, yes, whatever you need. Just don't hurt anybody. If this is about money it is a simple task." The Lord Mayor interjects. The party guests seem to calm even more, clearly accustomed to hostage situations.

"Quite. I trust there is a Sivis messenger aboard?" Quickly enough a Gnome steps from the crowd with a tiny crystal. He concentrates for a second then responds, "I have seen to your demands. A represtative from Kundark should arrive shortly."

"Excelent!" He snatches a tray of food from a nearby waiter. "Well, we will wait then. Anything else, Mr. Brelish Officer?" He jokes as he starts to eat.

It is not long before he begins to talk into a ring on his left hand. "Telgin, the ship is under control, how is our banishment bomb?

Stannum, you know that Harpies are known for their charming songs that draw people to them. You also know that Minotaurs are known for devastating charge attacks. Finally your sense motive check reveals that Brimstone is being truthful about his intentions and his threats.

Below Deck (Curiosity and Glimbur)

As Glimbur makes his rounds he encounters a single Minotaur guarding the stairs down to the Cargo Bay as well the door to the water elemental chamberArea 12 on the map. Slipping past him you can make your way down to the Cargo bay where there is a powerful looking warforged covered with spikes. A massive crablike claw has replaced one of his arms. 5 dead Medani guards are also scattered around the cargo bay, their weapons laying next to their bodies.

Curiosity as you wait in the Reception hall you hear something moving around, but see nothing. Perhaps you are not the only invisible creature in the room.

[littlebum2002]

Up on the main deck, Rauhiss looked around. As always, his first instinct was to fight his way out of the situation. The only people he was reasonably certain he could count on in a fight were the dwarf and the guards. The civilians, even if they were to be rescued and given weapons, likely had no experience in fighting. They would simply get in the way or get killed, it both.

There was also the military man. Maybe he was a fighter, but it was also possible he was just a quill pusher. Rauhiss out him down as a "maybe".

4 warriors and some guards, best case scenario, against 5 powerful foes and a bunch of hobbos. They might stand a chance, but it wasn't worth the HUGE risk. After all, this would be a tough battle if he knew the capabilities of his allies. Without knowing, it would be suicidal, daggers or no. If only the machine had stuck around after giving the dwarf and him daggers!

The dwarf have him a questioning look. He shook his head almost imperceptivly.

Same plan as before, mate. Knock 'em off 1 by 1

[littlebum2002]

1 by 1... 1 by 1...

That's it! It was a stupid idea, but no one accused Hobbos of being smart. It was certainly worth a try, since it was marginally better than crashing the entire ship.


Oy, mate!

The head hobgoblin looked his way.
"Who, me?

Yeah you, you dumb bugger. Why are yah listn'n to him for? He's just a bloke in a suit, doesn't know his momma from akobold!"

Brimstone walked over to the dragonborn.
"What exactly are you trying to say?

I'm trying to say you're an idiot, mate.

Brimstone's hand instinctively moved to his hammer at the insult.

No, no, not like that mate. About the money! Do yah really think they're gonna drop 200 thou in your lap and let you leave? Of course not. No money is coming. You just announced your presence, so before you know it you'll have the city watch all over you like lice on an orc.

The hobgoblin looked somewhat less sure of himself.
"So what do you expect I do, then?

Tell them to call off the money. If anyone comes near tha ship, it falls right out tha sky

And you called ME an idiot?

No, in not done mate! This is a cruise ship mate! Them high fallotin folk got more money than they know what to do with. I'll bet the safe in this shop has at least a hunnred thou in it, maybe more. They do need lots of cash for the gamblin room and to pay the help. Plus, you could probably get a thou each if you rob them rich folks

And why are you telling me this? So you want some of the money? Tough luck. Or are you going to try to tell me that you're really a bandit in disguise? Please. Every adventurer i meet expects me to believe he's on my side

Nah mate, I know you're too smart for that! I just don't want ya killing all those civilians is all. Look, just being the gambling den owner with us to the safe. He'll open it for ya then it's all yours. Plus, you can have your little pals over there start cleaning out the rich buggers.

It was true, after all. Every word. He was sure the gambling den kept large amounts of cash on hand, they had to. They also have to have money for everyday expenses on board. He just hoped the hobgoblin would take him up of his offer.

He also hoped the Invisible machine man was still downstairs...





roll for diplomacy
1d20+9

Roll for intimidate
1d20+13

Don't know which is appropriate. Hopefully the higher one! I didn't roll for bluff because
1) it WAS all true, and
2) I stink at it. No reason for my character to use his weaknesses instead of his strengths

[Stannum (IV)]

"Nothing else as long as these people are all right." Sir Henry replies coldly. It was humiliating enough to have to back down to such a loathsome individual, let alone have him making such crude attempts at humor.

A short time later, he sees the reptilian creature attempting to beckon the leader downward. What is that creature doing doing?! he thinks. This is, at the very least, a leader among hobgoblins. He got on here, he took House Medani by surprise. This is no small time fool to be so easily distracted!

Opinions of the character, tending to emphasize his own importance, not those of the player, etc.

[unseenmage]

Upon hearing a noise other than himself which wasn't visually apperant Curiosity blanches some. Blast, why do I send away my reinforcements so readily! Last thing I want to be is trapped down here with some sort of unseen mage or something.

With that he stops stock still. And listens... ... ...
Active Listen to pinpoint [roll0]
And again [roll1]
And once more [roll2]

He tries desperately to detect where the other noise is, if there are more than one of them, and if they're patrolling or searching. He is especially interested in hearing a patrol pattern. If it, or worse if they, are patrolling then I have a slim chance of catching them in a trap or bottleneck.

He also surveys the room, and marks his position in it in his mind, 'Would be best if I could find my way back to the point where I said I'd be after all.'

Active Spot [roll3], just looking around. Can I get a description of the room and what's available? Tables to hide under, where I am relative to my opponent, useful debris.
I warn you, I'm the sort of player who solves his problems with his environment whenever possible, if fairly vivid descriptions of my surroundings are too much to ask for then please warn me now and I'll adjust accordingly. Thank you.

Where are you my unvisible enemy. Where are you...

[shizukanashi]

Main Deck

"Telgin! Why are we not robbing the Casino and all these fancy people too?" Brimstone talks to his ring again.

"Because the money was never the plan, my ignorant friend. His ring says back to him

"Who you call ignorant? I will eat you like I eat this lizard man who call me an idiot!"

"Fine then, my naïve friend. Is that better. What I mean to say is I only needed you to think we were after the money."

"We are not after the money?"

"You can spend it in Dolurrh, when you get there."

"What are you saying?"

"I am saying this bomb is going off. Welcome to the dragon's fall."

Bridge

"I have heard enough. These are no burglars. Do it." Allistair is stone-faced. He knows a few people will die, but....the greater good. These people had to be dealt with.

"Yes sir." Mazzia responds. Then pulls another lever.

"Elemental. I order you to destroy that hobogoblin!"

Main Deck

The crowd listens to the conversation and slowly begins to grow restless, there are a few screams as they realize that mere money will not solve this problem.

When the 36 foot tall Fire Elemental manifests on the main deck and charges Brimstone, full blown panic ensues and the guests, as well as the bandits begin to run to the docks.

Okay if you want to fight, give me your Actions (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16038358#post16038358)

[shizukanashi]

Below Deck, Reception Hall

Staying perfectly still, Curiosity listens. What he hears is voices from the House of Chance.

"Jenks! You in there?"

"I am here Jaeden."

"I brought you an invisibility potion, lets go save the Lord Mayor."

"More work? Right-o."

This time the unseen entity is moving the opposite direction, and there are two of them.

[unseenmage]

Hearing all hell break loose on deck, and being relieved that the unvisible thing he was so worried about wasn't after him exactly, Curiosity waits for Glimbur to return.

He takes the time to reset his illusory disguise beneath the Invisibility effect to match those Hobgoblin invaders. Might as well look the part if I'm to be discovered anyway.

Suddenly a thought occurs! He nearly slaps himself in the forehead from frustration. 'I called Skitter off, told him to come and then I went and wandered off all invisible. No wonder he hasn't returned yet. I am such a... Ugh, I have got to think these things through more thoroughly.'

By the time he's done with this inner tirade he's practically muttering to himself and is in nowhere near a pleasant mood.

As an afterthought he reaches in to fetch his modified crossbow and begins the short task of reassembling it. With a twist and a pull and another twist or two and it's done. I'd be all sorts of intimidating armed with this thing and all decked out as a hobgoblin. 'Least I would if anyone could see me.

With a sigh he trains the crossbow on the top of the stairs and waits for a decent shot at anyone who isn't passenger or crew.

Readied action to fire at anyone who is neither passenger nor crew if he gets a clean shot at them as they pass above the stairs.

[Nickknack]

looking wide eyed at the fire elemental, the dwarf felt that now was the time to act.
The dwarf turned to his new lizardman ally and questioned in an urgent tone "NOW?"

[Galvin]

Glimbur dashes up the stairs, completing his sweep. Curiosity, hey, you here? Yeah, I found a Minotaur and a warforged below decks.
Then, after seeing the 36 foot tall fire elemental, says, What the **** is that?

We better stay hidden. What's the plan?

[littlebum2002]

While the goblin with the hammer is distracted by the elemental, Rauhiss stabs him in the back with his dagger.


"Yes, now" he said with a grin.

I guess we're rolling?

Initiative


Attack (-2 for power attack)
[Roll]1d20+12-2

Damage
1d3+3+2

[unseenmage]

It doesn't take too many seconds before Curiosity's curiosity gets the better of him. I wonder where Glimbur is. He could be in trouble. Yes, I'm going to go see if he's in trouble.

Having convinced himself he's about to turn and head farthur into the ship where he assumes Glimbur to be when he hears a familiar voice from an unseen form. Ah, there he is.

Curiosity does his best to relate what little info he's gathered, "Staying hidden is a decent plan. Two invisibled persons headed up to save the mayor, several voices have been authoritative and at least one has been attacked."

"I'm not sure what quite exactly set it off but the situation above has either deteriorated or is well in hand. Either way, I cannot stab an elemental in the giblets so I think you and I should go eliminate ourselves a couple of invaders conveniently located here belowdecks with us."

Curiosity grins, "And, if we stumble upon some discarded valuables, looted staterooms, or even a broken into ship's vault we'll be sure to investigate like the good samaritans we are, right?"

With that he stands, stretches, and declares, "Okay Mr. Glimbur, lead the way. Show me to your minotaur and warforged; let's see what business was so interesting they neglected their party guests upstairs."

"Oh, and by the way, you wouldn't be willing to tell me what spells you've got prepared today would you? I'm the sort of thief who could help you exhaust them faster by taking one or two of them and casting it myself."
Curiosity does his best to relate to Glimbur that he is in fact a Spellthief and that with a touch he can cast from Glimbur's spells if the need arises.




Upon reaching the minotaur Curiosity is delighted to see it standing with the stairs to it's back. That gives me an idea.

He mutters for a moment with Glimbur, "Say, which of us do you think has the better chance of sneaking up to Mr. Handsome-horns there and walking this rope around his ankles? Remember, it'll stay invisible with us so long as we don't move too far from it."

Curiosity's idea is to have Glimbur simply drop the rope across a stair or two in such a way that when the minotaur tries to descend he'll trip and fall down the stairs. If need be he can loop it around the thing's ankles but only if that wouldn't count as an attack and dispel the invisibility. The silly thing even looks like it was built for it, it's just so top heavy.

Handing Glimbur a length of silk rope from his belly, "I figure, one of us rigs this rope to interact fall-inducing-ly with that minotaur and those stairs, while the other wanders downstairs and uses his Animate Rope spell to entangle the 'forged in chains. The noise from the chains draws the minotaur to the stairwell and bomm bam bang, down he goes."

"Means we'll both have an enemy to subdue but I like our odds against tripped and tied up opponents a lot more than I do in a pitched battle. Best of all, we do this right, and we'll still be invisible when they fall so we'll get the jump on them after they're both down."

He thinks better and hands Glimbur the length of hemp rope too, "Whaddaya think? Can you trip and hog tie a minotaur in the time it takes me to tangle up a warforged?"




If Glimbur agrees Curiosity sneaks past the minotaur and seeks the warforged, he stops for a moment on the stairs and quietly sets his crossbow bayonet as though it were set against a charge, if the minotaur falls down the stairs he's hoping it will impale itself on the bayonet as though it were charging. And if it charges down the stairs then so much the better.

- Sneak past Minotaur, Move Silently [roll0]
- Move Silently while wedging the crossboy into the stairwell, [roll1]
- Craft Trapmaking to set the crossbow correctly, [roll2]
The crossbow bayonet can be set against a charge as though it were a spear.
With any luck the minotaur will be knocked out and the little musician can just tie him up and join me in attacking the warforged.

On his way he quietly retrieves his Shapesand chain so it's to hand when he needs it. Upon finding the warforged Curiosity sneaks right up to him and, as quietly as possible, deposits his load of Shapesand chain while simultaneously casting his Animate Rope spell.

- Sneak up to Warforged, Move Silently [roll3]
- Quietly drop chain within enwrapping distance of the warforged, Sleight of Hand Move Silently [roll4]
- Though the chain likely gives away my position when I drop it I want him having as few chances to locate me as possible so, quietly cast Animate Rope, Move Silently [roll5], 60 feet of chain isn't quite my maximum allowed but it'll do.

- At this point the Warforged gets a DC 14 Ref save to avoid being Entangled.
Though made of Shapesand this chain is 6 times as long as the stock length of chain, and it takes minutes equal to the DC to shape Shapesand (10-15 minutes for this much chain I'd imagine) and an initial DC 16 Wis check to commandeer control of it in the first place. So I have a while before I have to worry about him stealing my sand.

If things have gotten this far I draw a dagger and begin to attack the warforged.

[Galvin]

Yes, I can do that, friend. Glimbur says as he swings the rope onto his shoulder. But before you go, here. Glimbur reaches into his magical pool and pulls out some energy, using it to magically bolster himself and his companion. (Cast Heroism on himself and his companion)

Oh, and these... yes, if your a spell thief, these could be of use. Glimbur once again reaches into his magical pool and retrieves some energy, casting it out to Curiosity. Use them as you need, friend, and good luck.

I am going to donate the spells Glitterdust, Silent Image and Lesser Confusion.

Glimbur silently creeps down the stairs towards the minotaur. ([roll0] Move Silently) Glimbur then silently walks around the minotaur and executes the trap as Curiosity instructed (I haven't figured it out myself, it's up to unseenmage to say what happens.

Glimbur on the opposite end of the stairs of the minotaur and reaches into his magical reserve, getting ready to cast if his friend fails.

Readied Action. Cast Confusion, DC 17, if the trap fails.

Was I instructed to execute the trap?

[Galvin]

Ok, I was, let's keep going.

Glimbur reaches into his purse and pulls out a gold coin, and drops it on the floor, trying to attract the minotaurs attention.

As the minotaur grunts and heads up the stairs to find out what happened, the trap activates, and his is entangled and knocked prone, and tumbles down the stairs, to where Glimbur was waiting.

Is this correct?

Sorry, friend, gotta run. Glimbur draws his rapier, and quickly slides it into the minotaurs throat. Glimbur cringes as he slides the blade in, bur reassures himself that it was absolutely needed. Sorry, bud. It's needed to be done.

Coup de Grace attack.

Fortitude save needed to survive: [roll0]

Now that that bloody work is done, let's go find my friend.. He says as he re casts his invisibility spell, and runs off for the room where he saw the warforged.

[Nickknack]

"Lets get this done, friend. I will call upon divine favor to aid us!"
I cast Prayer
+1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saves, and skill checks, while each of your foes takes a –1 penalty

[shizukanashi]

Main Deck Combat

Initiative order:
25 Fire Elemental
19 Alkitho
18 Baiorn
14 Henry
8 Castor
8 Brimstone
5 Ruahiss

The Fire Elemental roars and slams a flaming fist into Brimstone who immediately catches on fire. Alkitho slips out of the bridge and adds fuel to the inferno with a devastating Flame Strike

"Akitho! Find that device!" Mazzia says as she closes the door behind her.

Baiorn says a Prayer for divine favor. Sir Henry speaks a command word and shining plate mail manifests on his body, the hobogoblins abandon their hostages and run. In the sky a shiny metal beast appears and pepper 6 of the fleeing hobogoblins with needles. 4 of them don't stand back up. The iron defenders chase the harpies off the deck and they also flee. Brimstone now on fire, flails about and activates his noxious smokesticks, then runs for the docks. Rauhiss jumps at the Hobogoblin and buries a dagger in his back, but Brimstone only staggers slightly as he continues his retreat. The Medani guards spring to action and easily have the situation in hand, capturing any hobogoblin's and minotaurs who give up and slaying any that don't. Brimstone continues to burn as he tries to make it to the deck, and is cut down by the guards.

Matters are easily in hand on the Main Deck. The Medani guard have matters taken care of. Rauhiss is nauseated.

I just finished watching Ironman 2. It was very hard for me not to describe Sir Henry flying into the sky and shooting proton blasts at everything after his armor magically appears on his body...definantly seems like Stark Tech to me. I guess Castor's Manticore Warmachine covers that though.

[shizukanashi]

Below Deck

Glimbur's blade opens the Minotaur's throat. Grasping for air and choking on blood he rushes to the doorway that leads to the water elemental chamber, but does not make it, losing strength before he reaches it the Minotaur collapses to the floor.

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the stair, Curiosity's sandshape chain envelops the massive warforged who struggles and bellows at his sudden confinement.

The hostile actions are enough to cause the glamour to fade on both of you and you are now visible.

[littlebum2002]

Let's go find that bomb!

Rauhiss starts toward the stairs, but before he came make more than a couple of steps, he collapses to his knees in intense pain. He turns towards the dwarf.


Oy, mate. D'ya think you can help me with this?

[Galvin]

I recast the invisibility spell after I killed the minotaur.

Done with his bloody work, he rushes to the room where he saw the warforged, only to see it entangled in chains, Curiosity standing nearby.
Oi! Curiosity! The minotaur's down, what now?

[Nickknack]

"Sorry pal, but I didn't prepare any spells for getting rid of poison today. You are just going to have to man through it."
Baiorn pats Rauhiss on the back.

[unseenmage]

A loud thud from minotaur's direction followed by thrashing and a gurgle assure Curiosity that Glimbur is all right. Good to know the little musician can be counted on.

Curiosity focuses on his spell, he runs his will through the chain and attempts to get it to actually tie up the warforged with little success, the best he manages is to keep it entangling his victim.
Move action to direct the chain, I'd like to be able to make Use Rope checks through the spell but the description doesn't say I can.

Not knowing what else to do Curiosity draws and attacks with a dagger.
And here we use up that attack roll I misplaced earlier. As long as that's okay.

I remembered something, I made myself appear to be dressed as one of the invaders and adopted the likeness of a hobgoblin earlier. And it turns out that using the Hat of Disguise is a standard action, I'll remember that for the future.
Suddenly Glimbur appears in the doorway. Upon seeing his startled face Curiosity smiles. Oh, I'd forgotten that I look like one of them right now.
"Good to see you handled yours so deftly Mr. Glimbur; I wonder if you wouldn't mind helping me with mine a little. He seems none too happy with me at the moment."

Here Curiosity takes a moment to really examine the room. He lets his gaze wander around it and notices the odd claw the warforged wears.
What could that be.
Knowledge Arcana as to what is up with the weird arm on the warforged. [roll0]

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss struggled to think through the pain. What needed to be done? He needed to find the bomb. But there were more bandits downstairs, he knew that, and he needed something more powerful than a dagger

"First things first. Find a weapon. Find a weapon..." he thought to himself. The pain was so intense, he couldn't concentrate, so he just kept repeating it in his mind: "Find a weapon, find a weapon..."

He spotted a dead hobgoblin a few yards away. He limped over, and picked up the sword he had dropped.

"Got a weapon. Now find the bomb. Where could the bomb be?" He had no idea, but he remembered the bandits came from downstairs. Maybe it was there. So he headed toward the stairs.

[Nickknack]

"You stay and rest buddy, I'll be back for you later. I will go search for any extra problems."
After seeing to his pal, Baiorn ran towards the stairs.

[Pesimismrocks]

A Bomb? Castor looks shocked and slightly scared. Guardians with me down to stairs. Search for any small compact mechanical or magical device you can find. Alpha, take care I any trouble on deck. He jogs towards the steps, canines before him.

[Galvin]

Glimbur, seeing his new friend wrestle with the warforged, begins to dance, working his feet in the ways that one of his friends taught him, years ago. Imbued with bardic magic, these steps enhanced Glimbur's skill with the blade.

Activate Snowflake Wardance for +4 Attack Roles. :smallamused:

Then, with the wardance active, he beings to hum and chant, infused with music magic, to inspire him and his companion.

Inspire Courage on Curiosity and I, giving a +1 Bonus.

Actions:

STANDARD: Attack Warforged: [roll0], if hit, [roll1] piercing damage.

MOVE: Move to Warforged.

FREE: Maintain Snowflake Wardance.

Edit: Am I supposed to be posting this elsewhere? If so, my apologies.

[shizukanashi]

Round 2 Summary:

Initiative order:
23 Curiosity
19 Alkitho
18 Baiorn
16 Hobogoblins
15 Telgin
14 Henry
9 Glimbur
8 Castor
7 Kray
5 Ruahiss

Down in the cargo hold, Curiosity attempts to backstab the Warforged, but his dagger bounces harmlessly off the Monsters adamantine skin, only succeeding in making Kray angrier.

With the situation on the deck in hand, The captain calls off the Elemental and it returns to its binding ring. Alkitho casts read magic and runs to the stairs, where she is soon joined by Baiorn, Castor, and Rauhiss . They reach the spiral stairs just in time to see two hobogoblins exiting the steam room (Area 12).

Sir Henry runs to Brimstones burned corpse and wrests the ring from blackened fingers hoping to use the ring to communicate with the would be terrorist.

Glimbur hurrys down to the cargo hold to assist his new friend the spell thief. Despite Glimburs stance and the chains around the warforged, Kray still manages to dodge the thrust of his blade.

The Spikey, armored Warforge roars with rage as he attempts to break the chains that bind him. He fails, and instead begins to trash around wildly. It is a task for Curiosity and Glimbur to dodge his spikes.

KRAY:This is the Warforged in the Cargo holdhttp://brennor.dyndns.org/~steve/Images/EnemyIcons/Eb-Kray.png

[Stannum (IV)]

Sir Henry breathes deeply for a moment, then slips the ring on one of his fingers. He looks at it briefly, hoping to glean some clue about its capacity or origins, then begins to talk in soft, measured tones.
"Hello. Your agent has perished, much as you likely expected. But what more would one expect of Darguun's planners," he begins, hoping to perhaps draw out the person on the other end's true intentions, or at least distract them if they have a detonator.


In action format:
Swift: Switch to motivating INT (5 of the boost goes from will saves to INT-based checks)
Free: Analyze ring briefly (I've got spellcraft +13, knowledge (history) +14 (for clues to its origin), and Knowledge (arcana) +14, I'm just not sure which to roll. In any case, determining its range is the primary interest)
Move: Put on ring
Free: Talk to ring

[littlebum2002]

Oy! Get back here!

Rauhiss runs at the hobgoblins.

Listen, you heard what your boss said. He's blowing up that bomb! If you don't tell us where it is, you're going down with us. Cooperate and i'll make sure ya get out of this alive.



Move: run toward hobgoblins
Standard: tackle one (grapple check)
Free: talk (intimidate check)

Grab:
Base attack (7)+strength (3)+ size (1)+prayer (1)=12
[roll0]

Grapple check:
Base attack (7) + strength (3) - size (4)+prayer (1)=7
[roll1]

Intimidate
+13+prayer (1)
[roll2]

[Galvin]

STANDARD: Stab Kray. [roll0] if hit, [roll1]

MOVE: Move back away from Kray.

FREE: Activate Mithrilmist shirt. I have concealment for 7 rounds. I can do this 7 times a day.

[Galvin]

That attack was a critical so, confirm.

[roll0] confirm. If this hits as well as the last one, [roll1] damage.

[Galvin]

That roll was a critical rest as well so I auto confirm.

[unseenmage]

The Spikey, armored Warforge roars with rage as he attempts to break the chains that bind him. He fails, and instead begins to trash around wildly. It is a task for Curiosity and Glimbur to dodge his spikes.
Emphasis mine.
As I didn't see an attack roll for them, I am going to assume this requires a Ref save just in case, if not then please disregard.
Ref save avoiding spikes. [roll0]


Curiosity stares at his dagger marveling at it's uselessness. I am most certainly definitely going to need a better weapon. He once more commands the Shapesand chains to enwrap his victim as though making sure the chains don't forget to do so. 'Just in case.', he thinks.

With an almost audible, "Aha!", he calls to Glimbur, "I am going to try and incapacitate him. When I do move quickly and bind him with the chains so he cannot move."
Right now he's suffering from Entangled status, it doesn't do much more than hinder him slightly, I'm going to try to Stun him and bind him so he's Immobilized completely. This is also the information Curiosity is relaying to Glimbur.

Okay, now I need to focus...
Curiosity begins by murmuring his spell, "...kluchud'ssussun...", as he holds his hands just so, while crushing a paper packet of colored sand between his fingers, now the spell takes effect and a vivid cone of clashing colors springs forth from his hand washing over the enemy warforged, assaulting it's senses...
Casting Color Spray (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/colorSpray.htm) at Kray (Will save to negate), who is affected based on his HD.
Warforged normally aren't immune to being Stunned. And, thanks to that abysmal Knowledge roll, Curiosity doesn't know if this dude is more than just another stock-model Warforged. So he's going to try for it.

Curiosity can't help but wonder...'Did it work?'

[Pesimismrocks]

Don't let them escape. The three dogs bound after the hobgoblins.

3 Grapple attempt: First one on the guy Rauhids tackles and te other two in the other guy
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]

[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[Galvin]

Right Ho! Friendo! Glimbur says.

ACTIONS:

MOVE: Move up to Kray

FREE: Sustain Snowflake Wardance.

STANDARD: Stabby stab. With Songblade. [roll0] Attack, [roll1].

I ready an action to secure the chains in event of Curiosity stunning the warforged.

Durations of Effects:

Inspire Courage: 2 Rounds
Heroism: 68 Minutes Left
Snowflake Wardance: 4 Rounds

Curiosity: Remember you have Heroism and Inspire Courage active on ya!

[sunwukong]

Alkitho, Round 3

Seeing two hobgoblins moving about in the Reception Hall, Alkitho whispers a quick spell, summoning flames from the Plane of Fernia to appear in her hand. She then descends the stairs and demands of the two hobgoblins, "Where is the bomb?"

Alkitho knows that her slight stature doesn't give her the most intimidating presence, but she hopes that the open flame in her hand and the presence of a dead minotaur can convince the two hobgoblins that they are outmatched.

Standard: Cast produce flame (can attack 7 times with it, can make attacks of opportunity).
Move: Descend stairs to Reception Hall. (Unless we've already done that (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16053386&postcount=116)?)
Free: Talk.

Shifting: 10 more rounds after this one
Prayer: +1 attack, damage, saves and skill checks.

Current Statblock:
Alkitho Oleiai (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=653208)
Female NG Swiftwing Shifter Druid (Shifter Substitution), Level 7, Init +5, HP 47/47, DR 2/silver, Speed 30', Fly 30'
AC 21 (+1 extra dex, +1 dodge bonus shifting), Touch 16, Flat-footed 16, Fort +7 (+1 prayer), Ref +10 (+1 extra dex, +1 shifting, +1 prayer), Will +10 (+2 extra wis, +1 prayer) Base Attack Bonus 4, Action Points 8
+3 Leather Armor (+5 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 19, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 22, Cha 5
Condition Light Load: 31.5 without pack, 42.5 with pack.

[shizukanashi]

Round 3 Summary

Initiative order:
23 Curiosity
19 Alkitho
18 Baiorn
16 Hobogoblins
15 Telgin
14 Henry
9 Glimbur
8 Castor
7 Kray
5 Ruahiss

Curiosity lets loose with a dazzling color spray from his fingertips stunning the giant warforged Kray, who stumbles still filled with rage.

Alkitho descends the stairs and produces flame "Where is the Bomb?" She demands as shadows dance on her face. The hobogoblin's do little to answer and instead draw longswords.

Baiorn, already on the second floor slashes at one as it tries to attack. The wound is small but flows red blood. The Hobgolin's swing each at Alkitho and Baiorn but your quick reflexes enable you both to step away.

"Cowards!" A voice from in the room sounds, followed by the door the hobgolins ran out of being slammed shut again. A clicking sound confirms the door being locked from the other side. "Kill anyone that enters!" the voice, now muffled says from within.

Sir Henry does not get a response from the ring, but he can here the voice on the other end and the sound of a door slamming.

Glimbur takes advantage of the stunned Warforge's inattention and slashes with his songblade leaving a scar in the thick metal that is Kray's skin.

Finally Castor's metal dogs rush down the stairs and force the two hobgoblins off their feet and to the ground.

When Rauhiss reaches the Hobgoblins they are already on the ground. I response to his questions the two only look at each other then the closed door. He begins to bash on the door with little effect.

Round 4...Action!

[littlebum2002]

Alright, that's it mate, I'm tired of playing games!

Rauhiss relinquishes the fragile hold he has on his anger, and lets it take control over him. His body enters a rage, and he can think of nothing but breaking down that door and destroying whoever is behind it.

He backs up to the far wall, and runs at the door, slamming into it as hard as he can.


Free: rage
Action: strength check to break down door
Strength modifier +5
Destructive rage +8
Size -4
Prayer adds +1 to skill checks, but I'm not sure if that applies to ability checks, do I'm not going to add it. If I'm wrong, add +1 to result
[roll0]

EDIT:
If that didn't break down the door, I'm gonna keep hitting it until I do. Is it possible to take 10 on hitting a door?

[unseenmage]

"His feet! You get his feet!", he calls to Glimbur.

Curiosity notes sounds of battle from up the stairs. Maybe a voice or two he recognizes. No time for them now, I've a more pointed problem to deal with.

As the spell washes over him the spike covered warforged's face goes blank and his struggles cease briefly. Excellent!
Dropping the useless dagger Curiosity reaches to his belly and produces a set of fine manacles. He deftly spins the unresponsive enemy warforged around and claps him in irons.

Curiosity's shoulders slump in relief. He nods as he says to Glimbur, "A few more chains to be sure and he should be held nice and tight. Then maybe we can get some answers as to what in blazes is going on 'round here.", his hand moves to produce just those chains.

[Galvin]

After helping his new friend secure Kray, Glimbur looks to Curiosity and says. what are we going to do now, friend? There's a mass of commotion going down on the deck, any thoughts?

[sunwukong]

Alkitho, Round 4

Alkitho takes a moment to open her case of scrolls and look through it, then finds the one she wants and casts it on the small lizardman who is trying to smash the door. Hopefully, Zarantyr's blessing of raw strength will be able to help him.

Move: Retrieve scroll of bull's strength.
Free: 5' step towards Rauhiss. The map shows that the bottom of the staircase is within 5' of the entrance of the steam room.
Standard: Cast bull's strength on Rauhiss (+4 str, lasts 3 minutes).

Shizukanashi, what is the door made out of?
LittleBum, if you didn't break down the door this round, you could try spending an action point next turn.

Shifting: 9 more rounds after this one
Prayer: +1 attack, damage, saves and skill checks.

Current Statblock:
Alkitho Oleiai (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=653208)
Female NG Swiftwing Shifter Druid (Shifter Substitution), Level 7, Init +5, HP 47/47, DR 2/silver, Speed 30', Fly 30'
AC 21 (+1 extra dex, +1 dodge bonus shifting), Touch 16, Flat-footed 16, Fort +7 (+1 prayer), Ref +10 (+1 extra dex, +1 shifting, +1 prayer), Will +10 (+2 extra wis, +1 prayer) Base Attack Bonus 4, Action Points 8
+3 Leather Armor (+5 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 19, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 22, Cha 5
Condition Light Load: 31.5 without pack, 42.5 with pack.

[Nickknack]

Let's get this done, friends. We might not have our weapons, but whatever is behind that door doesn't stand a chance."
Baiorn lifts up the dagger, preparing to attack whatever threat lies beyond the door.


Move: move up behind Rauhiss, but far enough that I don't get in his way.
Action: prepare an action to charge into the room as soon as Rauhiss breaks down the door and attack any enemies.
[roll0]
[roll1]
Free:


statblock
Baiorn Bravehelm (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=654996)
Male LG Dwarf Cleric, Level 7, Init +3, HP 46/46, Speed 20ft
AC 25, Touch 11, Flat-footed 24, Fort +8, Ref +5, Will +8, Base Attack Bonus 5, Action Points 8
Dwarven Waraxe+1 +6 (1D10+1, x3)
+2 Full Plate, +2 Heavy Steel (+10 Armor, +4 Shield, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 10, Dex 16, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 12
Condition Prayer (until round 7) = +1 attack, damage, saves and skill checks.
+1 intelligence at level 4
-Domains: Law & Protection

[Stannum (IV)]

"Ugh." No chance here.
Sir Henry hands the ring to the Mendani, relays what he heard, lays his hand upon his chestplate, and mutters a few words of power.
"Etalp lluf ni deeps lluf"

Standard: Cast knight unburdened. Full plate no longer slows me down, for the next 2 hours.
Move: Begin moving towards the source of the insurgents.

Auras:
30ft: +1 morale to will saves, +3 sacred to AC
60ft: +1 all saves, +5 INT-based checks

[shizukanashi]

Round 4 Summary


initiative order
23 Curiosity
19 Alkitho
18 Baiorn
16 Hobogoblins
15 Telgin
14 Henry
9 Glimbur
8 Castor
7 Kray
5 Ruahiss

Curiosity has trouble getting the manacles around the massive warforged wrists, but with a little extra effort is successful. A task that would be impossible had he not stunned the Beast first.

Alkitho's scroll of Bull Strength strengthens the tiny Barbarian lizard.

Sir Henry unsatisfied with the results of his attempted communication runs below deck.

Glimbur manages to find another chain among the cargo strewn about the cargo bay. He wraps it around Kray's feet and ties it around itself. Together he and Curiosity have successfully subdued the hardened warrior who is unable to break the chains.

Rauhiss filled with vigor and rage easily smashes through the heavy wooden door and Baiorn and Castor's iron defenders rush in.

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/3600/fkf0.jpg
Hobgoblins=Red skulls
telgin=Black skull
Iron Defenders=wolves
Baiorn=Hooded circle
Rauhiss=Troll circle
Alkitho=eagle circle
Castor=wolf circle

The room is small and the heat takes you by surprise. Percussive bursts of steam echo through a twisting maze of piping and a heavy mist is in the air. Centrally located in the room is large metal sphere covered in arcane runes. A dragon shard at the top is a large dragonshard that pulses with a blue light. 6 Hobgoblins and a whip thin human with a variety of scars and burns are waiting for you. Two of the Hobgoblins spring to battle and rush the door. The human raises a crossbow.

Baiorn charges the first Hobgoblin but manages to only hit a steam pipe as the goblinoid dodges out of the way. The dogs rush to the back of the room and attack the goblins there.

Telgrin fires a bolt at Baiorn but it bounces off him to little effect. the first iron defender to enter the room takes a hit from a hobgoblin for 5 points of damage.

Please use the map above and a grid pattern to determine your movement. List row then column. ex. square 1,1 is the furthest wolf. Telgrin is in 3,3 Castor is in square -1,6

[unseenmage]

Curiosity helps Glimbur finish securing their prisoner making sure there's at least one longish length of Shapesand chain dangling free.
Now for some answers.

Taking the trailing Shapesand chain in one hand Curiosity runs the fingers of his other hand across his scalp and discards the Hobgoblin disguise. No sense in that now. "All right you brute, what's your business aboard this ship? Why are you here? I know you can still hear me." He gives the chain a warning jerk.

Seeing Glimbur's eagerness to investigate the sounds of battle elsewhere, 'Was that a door being broken down?!', Curiosity nods. "All right, there's little reason why this thug can't answer questions on the move. Come Mr. Glimbur take a length of chain and help me drag him. Maybe he'll come in handy."
Besides, I have no wish to leave him sitting with time and concentration to wrest control over that Shapesand.

Thinking better he calls to Glimbur, "Ware the spikes, be sure to take a length long enough that he can't thrash about and spear you Mr. Glimbur."

With that he nods to Glimbur and gives a great pull on the chain and begins dragging the prisoner from the room. The prisoner makes a satisfying thud against the floor as he topples over.; his spikes digging and scratching as they go.

He continues to quiz the spike covered Warforged about his intentions and purpose aboard the ship as they go. Asking what he was doing in the hold particularly, and how exactly he managed to get aboard. He remarks to the prisoner, "I know how I snuck aboard, but your means elude me as yet. Do you have a name? Who are you working for?"; his questions, like his namesake curiosity, seem endless at times.

Wish I knew where the vault was on this ship, would be nice to fill my pockets for all this hard work. Ah well.
- Standard action to use the Embedded Hat of Disguise to drop the illusion. Hat of Disguise (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CDEQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dandwiki.com%2Fwiki%2FSRD%3AH at_of_Disguise&ei=uUA-Uq_7HM20qQHOgYHwDw&usg=AFQjCNEd1w6DMaydHuwRcHM6faof2x5EdA&sig2=ax65lPIyTmCFwW23Pp02gA&bvm=bv.52434380,d.aWM) doesn't specify what kind of action to activate/deactivate so it defaults to a standard action IIRC.
- Minor action to take length of chain.
- Move action towards the commotion. If this dude's as heavy as he seems here's a Str check to drag him, unless I'm counted as not threatened in which case I'd have an 11.
- Possible Str check to drag big metal dude covered in spikes: [roll0]
- Curiosity isn't trained in intimidation or diplomacy so he's just going to annoy the answers out of this guy by not stopping talking. Raw Cha check to get him to answer my questions: [roll1]
- Again, the Shapesand takes some time to reshape and it's not really something that can be done while threatened. And Curiosity means to keep this guy good and threatened until he can regain his 'sand.

[sunwukong]

Alkitho, Round 5

Alkitho steps back so that she can see into the room, then pulls out a scroll that should be able to disable the banishment bomb if the human or one of the hobgoblins tries to set it off.

Free: 5' step to 7,1
Move: Retrieve scroll of dispel magic (Alkitho doesn't know that Baiorn has it prepared).
Standard: Ready action to cast a targeted dispel magic against the device if Telgin or one of the hobgoblins tries to activate it.

Dispel Check: [roll0]
Action Point: [roll1]
Duration: [roll2] rounds

Soft Cover: +4 AC vs. ranged attacks
Shifting: 8 more rounds after this one.
Prayer: +1 attack, damage, saves and skill checks.
Owl's Wisdom: another 6 to 6.5 minutes or so.

Current Statblock:
Alkitho Oleiai (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=653208)
Female NG Swiftwing Shifter Druid (Shifter Substitution), Level 7, Init +5, HP 47/47, DR 2/silver, Speed 30', Fly 30'
AC 21 (+1 extra dex, +1 dodge bonus shifting), Touch 16, Flat-footed 16, Fort +7 (+1 prayer), Ref +10 (+1 extra dex, +1 shifting, +1 prayer), Will +10 (+2 extra wis, +1 prayer) Base Attack Bonus 4, Action Points 8
+3 Leather Armor (+5 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 19, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 22, Cha 5
Condition Light Load: 31.5 without pack, 42.5 with pack.

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss steps forward and swings his longsword at the nearest hobgoblin.


Initiative
[roll0]
Attack
[roll1]
Damage
Longsword (1d8) +7 (strength) +1 (prayer)
[roll2]

[Nickknack]

Baiorn continues to attack the hobgoblin directly in front of him.

Initiative: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]

Prayer: +1 attack, damage, saves and skill checks.

[Stannum (IV)]

Sir Henry continues hustling down the staircase.

Move: Move.
Move: Movity move move.

Auras:
30ft: +1 morale to will saves, +3 sacred to AC
60ft: +1 all saves, +5 INT-based checks

[Galvin]

I, along with Curiosity, drag Kray along towards the source of the door breaking noise.

[shizukanashi]

Round 5 Summary

initiative order
23 Curiosity
19 Alkitho
18 Baiorn
16 Hobogoblins
15 Telgin
14 Henry
9 Glimbur
8 Castor
7 Kray
5 Ruahiss

Kray does not move it is like trying to more a mountain with a piece of string. He just glares at Curiosity with a deep hatred. It is at this time that a glint of light a gem catches Curiosity's eye. It is coming from the vault located here on the cargo bay, and it is open, apparently being loaded when the attack came. The dead Medani sentries reveal where the bandits entered the ship. A cargo ramp extends down to a loading bay on Lyrandar Tower. Castors added effort does little to move the Warforged.

Alkitho moves to get a better vantage point, and in doing so it is clear that the device in the center of the room is not the bomb but is actually a housing for the bound water elemental.

Baiorn slashes with his dagger and fells the Hobogoblin in front of him. Doing so he steps forward.

The hobogoblin to his right swings his sword and slashes Bairon for 6 points of damage.

Telgrin fires a second bolt at Baiorn but it too misses. Frustrated he retreats further into the room.

Sir Henry arrives at the base of the stairs, ready to do battle.

The Iron defenders in the back rip into the closest hobgoblin and tear him to pieces. The iron defender infront of Baiorn retaliates against the goblin who attacked him and rips out his throat. All 3 advance into the room.

Finally, Rauhiss rushes into the room in a rage. Attacking through the obstacle that is the many pipes in the room does little to slow his deadly advance and another Hobgoblin is felled by his blade. Only two hobgoblins and the burned human remain.

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/6154/8sgv.jpg

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss strikes twice at the Iron Defender in front of him

Rauhiss steps past the Iron Defender, turns right, and attacks the Hobgoblin in front of him twice


I don't know how much HP they have, if I kill the first one, my second strike is aimed at the second one instead. However, the second one will probably be killed by Iron Defenders anyway

Initiative
[roll0]

First attack
(Here's the math, just to make sure i'm right)
+7 BAB +7 STR +1 size +1 Prayer
[roll1]

Damage
(same math as last time
[roll2]


Attack 2
+2 BAB +7 STR +1 size +1 Prayer
[roll3]

Damage 2
[roll4]

[sunwukong]

Alkitho, Round 6

Alkitho notices the Brelish Colonel thundering down the stairs in full plate. Henry ir'Something was his name, she recalls, but he wasn't wearing any armor earlier. Reassured by his military presence, she rushes into the room. She feels a moment of embarrassment when she realizes that the device in the center of the room, which she had initially taken for the bomb, is actually a fairly standard elemental binding mechanism.

With her scroll of dispel magic clutched in her left hand, and magical flames still burning in her right, she scans the room for any sign of the bomb. She particularly focuses her attention on the scarred human with the crossbow. What is he doing with these hobgoblins? He must be in charge...

Move: Move to 5,4
Move: Spot check to locate bomb, which is presumably on Telgin's person somewhere. [roll0] (includes +1 bonus from prayer)

Shifting: 7 more rounds after this one.
Prayer: +1 attack, damage, saves and skill checks.
Owl's Wisdom: another 6 to 6.5 minutes or so.
From Sir Henry: +1 morale to will saves, +3 sacred to AC, +1 all saves, +5 INT-based checks

Current Statblock:
Alkitho Oleiai (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=653208)
Female NG Swiftwing Shifter Druid (Shifter Substitution), Level 7, Init +5, HP 47/47, DR 2/silver, Speed 30', Fly 30'
AC 24 (+1 extra dex, +1 dodge bonus shifting, +3 sacred), Touch 19, Flat-footed 19, Fort +8 (+1 prayer, +1 Sir Henry), Ref +11 (+1 extra dex, +1 shifting, +1 prayer, +1 Sir Henry), Will +12 (+2 extra wis, +1 prayer, +2 Sir Henry) Base Attack Bonus 4, Action Points 8 (since I haven't used dispel magic yet)
Ranged Touch Attack +8 (1d6+6 damage with produce flame) - prayer factored in
Melee Touch Attack +4 (1d6+6 damage with produce flame) - prayer factored in
+3 Leather Armor (+5 Armor, +3 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 13, Dex 19, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 22, Cha 5
Condition Light Load: 31.5 without pack, 42.5 with pack.

[unseenmage]

Draruuc stares in amazement at the enemy Warforged's sheer immovability. He casts aside the length of chain in disgust both with the wasted effort and the lack of response. "Bah, then just sit there until the Watch finds you then."

As he glares about his eyes light on the open vault. He smiles broadly and taps Glimbur on the arm, "We probably havn't long until the Watch comes up that gangplank. What say we make ourselves useful and help safeguard some of those valuables?" Unless you think those battle noises above are more important?

He walks over and investigates the vault while keeping an eye out for some gag or blindfold material. It is apparent that it was being loaded when the attack came he casts about trying to determine if it is half empty or half full. Hmm, I wonder where the bulk of the loot is, here or down on dock?

Having seen what he could Curiosity turns back to Glimbur, "You wouldn't happen to have a length of cloth to gag and blindfold our guest here would you? With my rope left behind I'm just left with more chains." With a glare at the Warforged, "He's obviously not talking to us anytime soon."

He walks over to the cargo bay door and peers down at the dock looking for enemies or the Watch. He scans about trying to determine if the invaders have their own vessel docked nearby or if they came from the tower.
And now I find myself regretting leaving my Crossbow in the stairwell. Oh well, that's what throwing daggers are for.

- Just a cursory visual Search of the vault, I'll toss in an Appraise check in case that's more appropriate: Search [roll0] or Appraise [roll1]
- Again just looking for a length of cloth or two to gag and blindfold Kray with: Search [roll2]
- And finally an active Spot check to look for bad guys outside, and a Search check for examining the scenery for docked ship and/or where the vault goodies were being unloaded from: Spot [roll3] and Search [roll4]

Trying to blindfold and gag Kray so he's not a witness to our potentially robbing the vault.
Trying to make sure the Watch isn't already here and that we won't be surprised by even more Hobgoblins from outside.
Trying to tell if the vault got mostly loaded or if the bulk of the loot still lies at dock.

[littlebum2002]

IF both hobgoblins are killed before my turn, then I run toward the burned human. Since he is cornered, I block his escape path, and point my sword at him.

We have killed all your minions with no trouble. Killing you will be no harder. Tell me all there is to know about the bomb. Where is it? Is it armed? What is your purpose behind doing this???

Intimidate
[roll0]

[unseenmage]

Suddenly Curiosity realizes something, 'Oh yeah I almost forgot!'

Calling over his shoulder at Glimbur, "Hey, do you have any desire for the honor of searching our prisoner?"

Then he moves over to the Warforged and lays a dagger at his throat threateningly, "No trying to impale us or I'll spill enough of your lubricants to keep the deck of this hold nice and shiny for a few weeks." Curiosity's tone is completely different now, it's easy to see he's deadly serious.


Just a visual Search check of Kray, looking for hidden compartments and the like: Search [roll0], unless Spot is more appropriate: Spot [roll1]
(Edit: though if Glimbur isn't interested he'll use his spare hand to Search as best he can.)

Intimidate check as Curiosity readies an action to slit the Warforged's throat should he give them trouble: Intimidate [roll2]
If an attack roll is needed here I'll roll it in the Combat Thread.

[Galvin]

Ah! You have a good mind, my friend. You stay here and "safeguard the valubles" and I will go clean up on deck, if you don't mind.


I move up on deck and survey the seen.

[Stannum (IV)]

Sir Henry follows Akitho.
"You're a windwright, yes? Where would the bomb be? We need to hurry, they're going to set it off!" he says, before muttering "Gnieesarua"

Move:Follow
Standard:Cast detect magic. Not that it will tell me anything of interest for a round or two.

Auras:
30ft: +1 morale to will saves, +3 sacred to AC
60ft: +1 all saves, +5 INT-based checks

[Nickknack]

Baiorn charges into the room, getting as close to the combat as possible.

I move 15 feet into the room, right beside the wall and the iron defender.

[Pesimismrocks]

Quickly Now. We must find the bomb. Two iron defenders rip their teeth into the first hobgoblin while the other bites at the second hobgoblins leg.
[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]

[shizukanashi]

Round 6: Summary

initiative order
23 Curiosity
19 Alkitho
18 Baiorn
16 Hobogoblins
15 Telgin
14 Henry
9 Glimbur
8 Castor
7 Kray
5 Ruahiss

Curiosity can see the vault is mostly loaded, there are chests and coffers of all sorts. Expensive clothing jewels and more mundane items such as barrels of wine and food stuffs. In the cargo hold is lesser items, crates of food and drink and supplies clearly bound for Stormreach. The dock is mostly empty, but there are a few chests and crates, evidence that the workers were still loading when the attack came, which explains why the vault is wide open.

Alkitho moves into the steam room scanning for the bomb. There is a second object directly behind Telgin that looks suspicious, he seems to check the device then pulls a potion from his waist pouch. Quaffing the blue-green liquid he vanishes in a puff of smoke that slowly seeps out of the room through a broken pipe.

Castor's dogs tear apart another Hobgoblin.

Rauhiss missing his chance to intimidate Telgin instead persuades the last remaining Hobgoblin to give up. He drops his sword and cowers. "I Live! I Live!" He repeats from behind his arms drawn up to guard his face.

Below deck Kray gives a sly smile to Curiosity. "Try to stab me and I crush your head, worm!" Though he is mostly incapacitated the fight has not gone out of him. "It is just me and you now, your friend, he is gone. Even tied you do not stand a chance. Untie me and I will let you live."

So I didn't put up a map as combat is for the most part over (at least up stairs). I also did not include things such as Glimbur and Henrys movement.

[sunwukong]

"Dolurrh!" Alkitho swears as the human vanishes, seemingly melting into the steam that pervades the room. She rushes towards the suspicious looking device, ready to cast dispel magic on it if it looks like it has been activated.

Spellcraft to figure out where Telgin went: [roll0] (includes +5 bonus from Sir Henry)
Spellcraft to figure out if the device was activated: [roll1] plus Action Point [roll2]

If it's activated, cast dispel magic using the roll from Round 5 (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16071248&postcount=119). Dispel Check 25, lasts 3 rounds.

[unseenmage]

Curiosity notices his dagger hand shaking with excitement at the thought of the mostly full vault. His prisoner notices too, and mistakes it for fear.

Curiosity sighs at his prisoner's response. Oh well, nothing for it now. "I ought to crush your head with a crate. But helpless as you are I just can't bring myself to. Guess that makes you lucky I am such a nice guy." While talking Curiosity finds some cloth lying nearby, a trampled fancy shirt by the looks of it, and gags then blindfolds his prisoner. A little darkness goes a long way to softening someone's resolve.

That done he produces two backpacks from his belly and empties their contents on top of the prisoner. One is full of chains the other is filled with miscellaneous adventuring supplies. Ah exchanging preparedness for riches. A worthy trade I'd think.

Now for that vault. Curiosity turns towards the vault intent of filling his packs with wealth while keeping an ear out for more trouble. Something always seems to go wrong just as I'm about to make a profit.

Standard action to blindfold and gag Kray.
Here's a Dex check to get Kray gagged and blindfolded without getting skewered by his spikes: [roll0]
Move Action to produce the backpacks.
Free or minor action to upend the backpacks onto Kray. There's a Spiked Chain and a length of chain in one, and many little bit of things in the other. This includes a flask of oil and a flask of acid so if Kray gets too wriggly he'll risk crushing them.
And finally a Listen check in case it's needed: [roll1]

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss screams in rage over the escape of his target. In his almost uncontrollable anger, he turns back towards those that followed him in and yells at them

Well? Can't any of you find that bomb? Or at least see where he went? I hope you're not all THAT useless!

Then he remembers the hobgoblin, who is now cowering in fear against the wall. Rauhiss turns to him, grabs him by the collar, and lifts him off the ground.

Where is your boss? Where is the bomb? Tell me or I'll break your neck!


Intimidate (Again)

[roll0]

[Galvin]

Glimbur, with his rapier in hand, charges up to the door that was just broken down.

Lizard! Friend or Foe?

If the lizard says friend, I cast heroism on 'im.

[Nickknack]

"Shifter friend, do you have the bomb covered, or do you need some assistance?"


Spellcraft to see if it is activated: [roll0]
If the bomb is active and Alkitho isn't able to dispel it, Baiorn casts dispel magic on it [roll1]

[shizukanashi]

"Dats it. Dats da bomb." The remaining hobgoblin quickly identifies the device in the corner, which is verified by Sir Henrys detect magic a short time later.

Alkitho looks it over and seeing that there appears to be a count down timer in to form of a wavering light that is slowly dimming, uses her scroll to dispel it, just as Manten Dramgrin, the ships artificer shows up on the scene. He is still gripping an expensive looking violin. Looking over the room, he makes a quick "Well done." Before he begins to examine the bomb. "We need to get this thing off the ship. Now!"

The device seems to still be active, though the light stays steady at its current intensity.

Below decks a group of 5 medani guards as Curiosity is empting his bags. They have weapons drawn and look like they mean business. The lead sentry points his sword at you. "Papers! Show me your invitation or taste my steel!" The others concentrate on Kray.

As an invited guest you have identification and a proper invitation.

[Pesimismrocks]

Castor moves into the steam room, with his defenders running along besides. Echo, block the stairwell. Gamma, delta block the doors. Hopefully the damned fellow hasn't escaped yet. He watches with fascination at the magical disarming of the bomb.

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss dropped the hobgoblin and he hit the ground with a -thunk-. He walked up to the device and looked it up and down. He turned and addressed the others in the room

Well, do any of you squishies have any magic to move this thing? Or am I doing it myself, like always?

Then, he noticeably calmed down. All the rage seemed to leave his face.

Err, that is, if you don't mind? Sorry if I was a bit of a bugger, I kinda lose control like that sometimes...

[unseenmage]

When the guards appear Curiosity immediately drops his bags and thinks with a heavy sigh, 'It's always something.'

"Just one moment good sir.", he turns to face the guards and produces a packet of officious paperwork from an interior pocket. "My name is Curiosity. Do any of you know what's going on around here? The lump at my feet wasn't forthcoming when I questioned him."

"You lot will be wondering what I'm up to here, as it happens I was reluctant to kill this one...", here he nudges the immobilized warforged with the toe of a boot, "...after myself and another passenger incapacitated him you see, and so was strewing these things about as a primitive alarm system before going off to assess another area."

"The other passenger, a very pleasant little gnome musician, just ran upstairs to determine the source of those very same sounds." Curiosity gestures up the stairwell with a nod.

"Before the lot of you run off to save the day, would you be willing to assist me in re-securing this large spiky fellow? That primary binding there, the long grainy looking chain? That's some Shapesand of mine and if he's left bound in that he'll just will it off of himself!", Curiosity emphasizes by speaking louder and clearer. "So I'd very much appreciate it if we could get him secured with something not quite so tenuous."

Here he stoops and begins gathering his things back in their bags and gestures to the junior-most guard to assist him.

Looking up at the apparent leader of their little contingent he adds, "Two more things, there is a minotaur at the foot of the stairwell on the deck above us, and in that same stairwell is my custom built crossbow, please be sure it isn't appropriated as belonging to these thugs. I've grown rather accustomed to the heft of it. Thank you."

Technically Curiosity isn't lying, but here's a Bluff check in case you want one anyway: Bluff [roll0]
Diplomacy check to get the guards to be bros and help out: Diplomacy [roll1]

[sunwukong]

"I've got it," says Alkitho, grabbing the device and running up the stairs with it. Once she gets onto the main deck, she runs towards the rail and jumps overboard, headfirst. As she does so, an elastic membrane between her arms and her sides catches the wind, providing her with a pair of bat-like wings.

Alkitho dives straight down and puts roughly three hundred feet between her and any airships docked at Lyrandar Tower (upon the assumption that the hobgoblin had no reason to lie earlier about the range of the bomb), then spreads her wings and begins to fly horizontally. She glances sidelong at the device clutched in her right hand, waiting for the light to start dimming again.

Her priority is that no airships fall, but she doesn't want the bomb to drop somewhere and wreak havoc on some other area of Sharn where there might be bound elementals. Also, if she holds on to it while it activates its magical effect, she can bring it back to the artificers on board to have them analyze it.

She whispers to her ancestors that banishment is the device's only effect upon detonation...

The dispel effect lasts 4 rounds. Should be a double move to reach the stairs, and a single move to climb them, right? That puts her 15' away from the edge, with a move action to spare.

Per the SRD, (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/specialAbilities.htm#fly) Alkitho can fly straight downwards at double speed. That's 120' per round with a double move, or 240' if the "run" action applies to flying (not sure if it does).

According to page 27 of Races of Eberron, "While airborne, the shifter can’t use his hands for anything other than flying, though he can still hold or carry objects."

[Galvin]

Glimbur hails the lizard. Ah apologies accepted, good sir. What's the status with the battle on the deck? Is it under control? A friend of mine is below decks. We slew a minotaur and captured a warforged.

[Nickknack]

Baiorn, curious to see what the shifter will do with the bomb, chases after Alkitho as best he can. "Wow, that sure is amazing." the dwarf comments after seeing the shifter take flight with the bomb. Baiorn can't help but imagine gracefully flying through the air; he also wonders how much gold people would pay to see a flying dwarf. "Good luck with that bomb, friend!" He shouts.

[unseenmage]

It occurs to me that perhaps not everyone has found the Out of Character thread (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302692&page=6) in which shizukanashi has told us we are no longer in Combat Rounds.
Just in case it matters. :smallsmile:

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss followed the Dwarf up to main deck and together they watched the Shifter dispose of the bomb.

"Wow, that sure is amazing."


Aye, mate, they sure are. Where d'ya think the bugger in the stream room went off to?

[shizukanashi]

Manten Dramgrin is clearly grateful for your help. "This was no mere robbery. It would seem there is someone determined to destroy this ship, someone with resources beyond my capabilities." The worry on his face is obvious. "When your flying friend returns I would like a word with you all." He turns last to Glimbur. "Master Gnome, please take me to your friend. I will assure the Medani guards do him no harm."

[shizukanashi]

As promised Dramgin vouches for Curiosity and gathers you all on the main deck as Alkitho returns having successfully disposed of the bomb over the waters of the hilt. After a quick word with The Captain, both he and Dramgin return.

"Our artificer informs me that you lot were instrumental in saving the ship, and my reputation as its Captain. He has suggested I offer you room and board throughout the maiden voyage. I am prepared to offer you 1,000gp a piece to assure this ship makes it to Stormreach and back again. Do you accept these terms?"

[sunwukong]

Alkitho's eyes widen at the proposed sum of a thousand galifars for one week's work. After Deneith takes its cut, she usually makes a fraction of that amount! They really are sparing no expense for this Golden Dragon!

"Y-yes, Cap'n. I'll take the job," she manages to say, before she falls silent again. She glances about at the odd assortment of individuals who had rushed to the ship's defense. Surely no one will turn down an offer this good! Looks like I'll be working with these people for the next week...

She is slightly surprised to see the gnome singer and the warforged-with-a-mechanical-spider among the group...she hadn't noticed them in the steam room. They must have been responsible for that dead minotaur, she realizes.

[unseenmage]

Curiosity is excuses himself on the way back up to the main deck. He takes a minute to regather his supplies and to find Skitter. Silly little spider.
He is careful to step into an isolated alcove to re-stow his belongings into his belly compartment. Though he leaves the bayoneted crossbow strapped to his back and lets Skitter ride on his shoulder for the meeting.

As he arrives he waves to Glimbur, and walking up claps him on the back and takes his hand with a hearty, "Hail friend Glimbur! It seems I did my guard job very well indeed below decks and that all of the strewn possessions were returned to their rightful owners." He holds his hands up in a gesture of mock surrender.

When the captain makes his announcement Curiosity rubs a hand across his chin in contemplation. How dangerous must this voyage be to pay so well?

Finally Curiosity speaks up sternly, "That sounds like quite the dangerous price for so short a journey...", then his demeanor changes to one of delight, "...but that being the case how can I refuse? I accept your offer good Captain and may our voyage be fascinating!"

[littlebum2002]

I reckon that'll be alright. After all, that whacka from the steam room's still around this ship somewhere, and I don't think he's given up just yet.

[Stannum (IV)]

"Agreeable." Sir Henry replies. "Though I shall request that you cooperate with the Brelish military in the investigation of this incident. We have a number of structures which could be vulnerable to similar attacks. Although I daresay we might have better security." he adds, with a hint of condescension in his voice.

Diplomacy: [roll0] (if it's needed).
30ft: +1 morale to will saves
60ft: +1 all saves, +5 all INT-based checks.

[Galvin]

Glimbur chuckles to himself and thinks Wow! 1000 gold! There must be something of... importance aboard this ship. Something very important. Snapping back to the present, Glimbur says Oh, of course. I'll take the job. I got really nothing else to do. I'm assuming room and board are payed in full, am I right?

After the group splits up, Glimbur takes some time to find Curiosity. Hey, friend. I'm a bit... well um, curious to what's on this ship that needs to be guarded so heavily. What say you that we look into it at a point during our trip. Those hobbos had to be after something, and I wanna know what. Now, if you at all live up to your name you'll come looking for me two days after the launch and we can look into things.

After speaking to his new found friend, Glimbur heads back to the inn he was staying at and retrieves all the gear he wasn't allowed to bring to the party and stows it away in his cabin (assuming it's provided).

After stowing his backpack and leaving his lute in his chambers, Glimbur heads to the Captain Alistair's quarters and knocks on the door. When the Captain answers it, he says Excuse me, Captain but OI have a question regarding the warforged that my friend and I captured. What will be done with him? Will he be sent to a prison? What?

[Nickknack]

"Of course I am willing to help, my good captain! I don't require any pay...but if you insist, I am wouldn't refuse your kindness." the dwarf hints.
Looking at his new teammates, Baiorn can't help but smile.
"It's always nice to meet new people. We haven't formally met, my name is Baiorn." enthusiastically stretching his hand out to Rauhiss.
Quickly turning his attention to the Shifter, "And you miss, with your amazing flight. That was a sight to be seen!

[sunwukong]

Alkitho looks bashful at Baiorn's praise, but is secretly rather pleased. "My name's Alkitho," she replies in a subdued voice. "Are you a priest, Baiorn? I heard you praying on everyone's behalf during the battle. And it would seem your prayers were answered," she says, looking around at the aftermath of the battle on the main deck. As part of her moonspeaker training, Alkitho has been studying comparative religion, though understanding worldviews outside of the shifter subculture has not come easily to her. If the dwarf is indeed a priest, she would value the opportunity to learn about his belief system during their trip together.

[shizukanashi]

"Very good! We depart just before midday on the 'morrow. Unless..." He looks to the sky and the stars and moons in the heavens. "Yes, I suspect it may be 'morrow already. Gather together whatever possessions you may need. I will arrange rooms for you, although it may be a little cramped. I will also arrange to pay you half your sum before we depart, the other half will be rendered upon our return to Sharn."

You have a few hours to prepare, and purchase any additional items. I will have a list of new NPC passengers and room arrangements when the ship departs.

[unseenmage]

Rubbing his hands together with eagerness Curiosity turns to those he hasn't met yet, "Well, this has been a pleasant evening. My name is Curiosity and I'm sure it is a pleasure to meet all of you. Who's up for some shopping?"

Such an eclectic group hired on so quickly. How odd yet also interesting.

Curiosity too is curious about the fate of the enemy warforged. And will mention such to Glimbur. He'll tag along to ask about the matter if Glimbur doesn't mind.

[littlebum2002]

"Agreeable." Sir Henry replies. "Though I shall request that you cooperate with the Brelish military in the investigation of this incident. We have a number of structures which could be vulnerable to similar attacks. Although I daresay we might have better security." he adds, with a hint of condescension in his voice.


Oy, mate! They're not gonna have better security than us, I reckon! We cut through those hobbos like a tangat through a tribex.





"It's always nice to meet new people. We haven't formally met, my name is Baiorn." enthusiastically stretching his hand out to Rauhiss.

Nice ta' meet ya, mate. My ma gave me the name Falco, but that was a long time ago. Ever since I was reborn to serve Eberron, the Great One, fightin' the good fight, I changed me name to Rauhiss.





"And you miss, with your amazing flight. That was a sight to be seen!

Aye, miss. Those wings are mighty impressive. A lot nicer than these old things. Rauhiss flexes his wings. They'll get me from place to place, but that's about it



Gather together whatever possessions you may need. I will arrange rooms for you, although it may be a little cramped. I will also arrange to pay you half your sum before we depart, the other half will be rendered upon our return to Sharn."

Alright, I get me weapons back. I just feel so nekkid without 'em!

[shizukanashi]

"As Sir Henry her has suggested The Warforged will be handed over to the Brelish authorities, and be left here in port. The Medani are not happy about this, he is responsible for the murder of 5 of them after all. That drops the company onboard down to 19, which is another reason I need you onboard."

[Nickknack]

"Are you a priest, Baiorn? I heard you praying on everyone's behalf during the battle. And it would seem your prayers were answered,"

"I am a cleric of the Sovereign Host, defender of all things good and lawful." Baiorn puffs out his chest in an effort to look important.

[Stannum (IV)]

"As Sir Henry her has suggested The Warforged will be handed over to the Brelish authorities, and be left here in port. The Medani are not happy about this, he is responsible for the murder of 5 of them after all. That drops the company onboard down to 19, which is another reason I need you onboard."

"Their circumstances shall be noted. If at all possible, I will see to it that their comrades are avenged. For the moment though, I am sure that my superiors will want a proper description of events ready for them, if you will excuse me."

Sir Henry asks the guards a few questions to confirm his assumptions, then disembarks the ship and goes to the nearest open office of some branch of the military, or, failing that, a Sivis message station, and begins drafting briefs of the night's events for his immediate superior, the relevant branch of military intelligence, and whoever should be informed of the status of the warforged, with regards to custody. He also sends a notice to his superior of his taking up temporary outside employment while technically on leave.

I shall note any relevant bill on my sheet.

[Pesimismrocks]

Good pay, free rooms, new people, possible death. He grins What's not to like? Great place to work on my companions, although may I ask for a place in the cargo bay for my construct? He looks around at his new companions. He smirks as he sees Baiorn try to impress Alkitho.

Rubbing his hands together with eagerness Curiosity turns to those he hasn't met yet, "Well, this has been a pleasant evening. My name is Curiosity and I'm sure it is a pleasure to meet all of you. Who's up for some shopping?"

Castor tilts his head to the right.Shopping?

[Galvin]

Thank you for the information, sir. If I may inquire further, do you have any past records of criminal offenses dealt by the warforged or any of the goblins? His claw must be distinguishing, to say the least.

After receiving his answer, Glimbur heads down to his cabin for some much needed rest.

[sunwukong]

Alkitho is impressed by Baiorn, and her eyes grow wide once again. Baiorn's presence on the Golden Dragon and his self-identification as a "defender" both suggest that he is one of the powerful "priests errant" of the faith, rather than just another preacher from one of Sharn's smaller neighborhood temples. Alkitho's attitude towards the clergy of the Sovereign Host is also influenced by the fact that their faith is the dominant one in Brelish society, while the Moonspeakers are merely a minority religion that some shifters (not even all of them) follow.

"I've been studying some of the Host's teachings, I don't understand them too well though. Maybe you could explain some of them to me during this trip? I'm training to become a Moonspeaker, and my teacher told me that I needed to learn more about other religions." Her nervousness increases noticeably as she talks about herself. Perhaps she is unsure of how Baiorn will respond...some theologians of the Sovereign Host have been known to look down upon druidic sects, claiming that the worship of the Host negates the need for other belief systems.

"Um...I have to go and get ready for the trip right now, though," she says hurriedly, and she makes her escape from the ship. She heads down to the Stoneyard district in Lower Northedge to let her parents know that she is going on another airship voyage. She also retrieves her travel backpack, pausing to transfer a wooden truncheon from the pack to her belt and strap a wooden shield to her back.

While she's in Northedge, she stops by the shrine of Aureon in the High Hope temple district (where the attendants are known to stay up late scribing scrolls), and "donates" the letter of credit for 500 galifars along with an additional 25 galifars from her coin pouch in exchange for a few scrolls. She heads back to the Golden Dragon as soon as she can, eager to take up her post as a sentry.

Spend 525 gp for another dispel magic scroll and a resist energy scroll. Last minute swap of bear's endurance scroll for another resist energy scroll. Also "buying" a heavy wooden shield for 7gp.

[unseenmage]

Castor tilts his head to the right.Shopping?

Recognizing Castor from the party Curiosity greets him more familiarly, "Well met friend Castor! You took part in defense of the ship as well then eh? Good on you. I'm sure your mechanical companions did you proud."

Looking more reserved, "I am most humbly sorry that I did not return to continue our discussion as I'd claimed I would." Then he brightens, "But it looks like we'll have more than ample opportunity to talk matters of artifice on our journey. And I've still to meet that elvish person, I don't recall their name with all the excitement."

"Ah but you were interested in shopping, yes? Would you care to accompany me? On hearing our daring companions tale of flight and courage it occurs to me that I am embarking on a journey with no means by which to protect myself from a fall."

Curiosity will just ask Glimbur about Kray's fate at a later time. No sense bailing on poor Castor twice in one day. :smallsmile:

Curiosity is intent on buying the materials to build a Hang Glider, he can't quite afford the finished product. While he's out he's buying a lot of parchment, he has a fun idea for once the ship takes flight.

[Nickknack]

With Alkitho gone, Baiorn's attention shifts back to Rauhiss.
"Now then, how about we go get a drink or two in celebration! If we see the Bard we should ask him to join us, something tells me he would be a heck of a drinking partner." Baiorn says while putting his arm around Rauhiss in a friendly fashion.

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss smiled. Aye mate, there's always time for a pint or two.

[sunwukong]

Alkitho returns to the Golden Dragon, asks either Captain or Mazzia where she should store her backpack and bedroll, then looks around the ship for the others who have been hired as extra guards. Better figure out a schedule for standing watches and such, though we won't want to step on Medani's toes too much, she thinks.

[unseenmage]

Unless Castor has more he'd like to do.

While out shopping Curiosity uses his embedded Hat of Disguise to appear human, but drops the disguise when back aboard ship.

Curiosity returns to the ship with his arms laden with bundles of Parchment, a bag of miscellaneous mechanical parts on his back, and a merry attitude. I cannot wait to see if my theory is sound!

After stowing his things in his assigned cabin he makes sure to hunt down the other passengers who helped defend the ship and make each of them a proper greeting, introducing himself as a Spellthief and asking their profession and names in turn. He is obviously more interested when he he learns someone is a spellcaster, and insists on having a later conversation with whoever he's talking to at the time at a later date.

[sunwukong]

Alkitho notices the warforged approaching her as she sits on the observation deck, and feels a slight sensation of discomfort creep across her skin. She knows that the warforged are excellent guards--it is what they were made for, after all--but she's never actually had a conversation with one before. She is aware that they're alive, on some level, and yet they're so different from any other living creature. Her thoughts are cut short as the living construct reaches her seat and begins speaking. It introduces itself--he? himself?--as Curiosity, and proclaims itself a "spell thief" before asking her for her name and occupation.

Caught off guard despite having seen the warforged walking towards her from a ways off, Alkitho stammers, "Uh...Alkitho. And uh...I've been working as an airship guard for a few years now. What do you mean, you are a 'spell thief?'" The city of Sharn is crawling with thieves of every kind, and yet Alkitho has never heard of a "spell thief" before. She narrows her eyes with suspicion: this "Curiosity" seems very different from the silent warforged laborers and sentries that she's seen before.

[unseenmage]

"Uh...Alkitho. And uh...I've been working as an airship guard for a few years now. What do you mean, you are a 'spell thief?'"

"Greetings Miss Alkitho. Oh and I mean just as I said. I am a thief who on occasion steals spells."
"My apologies for startling you, but I believe in honesty when it comes to communicating about oneself with one's allies." This is said with conviction, more so than anything you've heard him say thus far.

Curiosity rubs his chin contemplatively and asks, "Is your reticence at the declaration at all to do with some spell casting ability of your own, perhaps?"
Mistaking her shy pause as confusion, as is so often the case when others fail to reply to one of his questions, he adds, "No reason to fear Miss Alkitho. The theft is temporary and only with permission, or if I'm actively attacked by the spell."

"Though there was that one incident with that 'borrowed' spellbook, but that's neither here nor there.", he mutters to himself.

[sunwukong]

Alkitho is rather taken aback by the warforged's forthrightness. It is rather rare to meet a thief that declares itself to be such, and then proceeds to extol the value of honesty. I suppose these constructs are defined by their function, though, Alkitho thinks to herself.

The warforged's explanation that it can actually steal spell-casting ability, rather than simply being a pickpocket capable of casting spells, does indeed cause Alkitho to worry that it can somehow hinder her connection to the twelve moons. The remarkably insightful guess as to the cause of her momentary silence only further disconcerts her.

She is somewhat reassured, however, by the assurance that such a "theft" would be both voluntary and temporary, but she continues to stare at Curiosity while thoughts race through her head: everyone is subject to the moons' influence, of course, but not many people know how to channel it into magic! Can this warforged really do that? I suppose it's not that different from using a wand or a scroll, and it could cast the spell itself, without me needing to do so. That could be useful...

"Um...can you show me how it works?" she asks.

When Curiosity explains the "steal spell ability, Alkitho allows him to steal light in order to demonstrate. Also, I know that Curiosity has a male personality and isn't an object, but Alkitho doesn't yet. :smallsmile:

[unseenmage]

"Um...can you show me how it works?" she asks.

Curiosity carefully explains that he would have to touch her to take a spell voluntarily. And with her permission he does so, poking his index finger directly into the center of her forehead with all the social grace of the machine that he is, though his touch is light as a thief's should be.

As Curiosity leans in close for the spell taking demonstration, Alkitho will have little chance of not noticing the blackened scar running up his chest to his right temple. Unlike the similar marks on the top of his head and his hand where embedded components are located (the Hat and the Spider), the scar is markedly indented, carved into his frame. It still bears the look of a grave wound, even for a machine.

After demonstrating that the light spell can be taken, he explains that if she were to make him the subject of a spell it would work as well. Up to a point. He explains that there is a limit to the power of the magic he can absorb.

"So you're a spellcaster and yet you introduce yourself as a simple guard? Well, not so simple I guess. From what I've heard you saved us all from a rather messy fall. But still, it would seem that there is much more to you than just 'guarding'."



When Curiosity explains the "steal spell ability, Alkitho allows him to steal light in order to demonstrate. Also, I know that Curiosity has a male personality and isn't an object, but Alkitho doesn't yet. :smallsmile:

I understood. :smallsmile: Should be interesting to see how she and the other crew deal with a Warforged with more personality than they've come to expect.

Also, Curiosity is not sharing knowledge of his Spellfire ability with anyone just yet. He'll break that out if he needs it, but it's too tied to his past to be shared casually just yet.

[shizukanashi]

Part 2:Cloak, Dagger and Spell

When you return to the ship in the early morning hours after the events at the party you find a The Medani guards are much more prudent than before. The question you and check your identification papers before allowing you to board again. They then direct you to a berthing assignment posted on the main deck.

Henry is in 8g. Baiorn is 8h. The rest of you can sleep in either 8l or 8m. unfortunately there are only 2 beds in each room.

Only a few hours after your return the sun rises and the ship makes final preparation to hit the open skies. The day is blessed balmy southbound breezes. The Golden Dragon floats on a sea of clouds occasionally dipping below the billowy white to allow guests to view dolphins frolicking in the waves of the Thundersea.


http://www.grumblengrin.com/wp-content/photos/cloud_sea2-420.jpg

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss gestures the newcomer over.

How d' ya' do, miss. Looks like we'll be working together for awhile, don't it? The name's Rauhiss, and my buddy right here is Baiorn.

I hope you mind me asking this, but are you a shifter? I've heard a lot about ya, but I've never actually met one of ya before, thanks to those no-good Silver Flamers wipin' ya all out

[sunwukong]

The spell that causes an object to glow with summoned moonlight is a simple one, and Alkitho is running through the visualization necessary to complete the spell, when Curiosity gently pokes her in the forehead. Suddenly, it is as if the moons have re-aligned, and the spell is lost to her. She looks on in amazement as the warforged's fingers suddenly give off the bright light that the spell produces. "Wow..." she says.

In the illumination provided by the spell, she notices for the first time the long dent that runs from the warforged's face to its torso. She'd thought it just another one of the strange markings on Curiosity's body, but she realizes now that it is a poorly repaired wound. A thief with a scar down the middle...he bears the mark of Sypheros! she thinks, though she makes no mention of it to the 'forged.

"Well, I guess I'm not just a guard," she admits, before beginning to ramble about the history of druidry, "I'm what is known as a 'druid' in the Common tongue, from the Orcish 'dur'aad,' or 'knower of truth.' Well, some say that it comes from the Orc word for 'oak,' which is 'dru,' since most druids today are followers of Oalian. Um...anyways, I've been taught to draw magical power from the moons," she says, realizing that she might not be making any sense to the warforged.

She thinks for a second, then offers, "If there's another fight today, moons forbid, I could lend you the power of Sypheros, to deliver poison with a touch. Or even that granted by Zarantyr, to call lightning from the sky."

------------------------

Curiosity seems to be on a mission to introduce himself to the other newly-hired guards, and so Alkitho tags along and finds herself in the barroom. She notices the winged lizardman and the dwarven priest of the Host drinking together, and the changeling artificer at the bar. The lizardman hails her, and she approaches his table.

"I'm Alkitho. I met Baiorn earlier," she says, ducking her head slightly in acknowledgment. "Er...yeah, I'm a shifter. We're still around, mostly in Lower Northedge and the Eldeen Reaches, though." His negativity towards the Church of the Silver Flame brings a rare smile to her face, and encourages her to ask a question in turn. "Are you from the Poison Dusk tribe?" she asks, referring to the halfling-sized lizardfolk that live in the jungles of Q'barra. "I've never heard of a lizardman with wings."

Alkitho will take cabin 8L. The spells she is referring to (rather obviously) are poison and call lightning, both 3rd level spells.

Are Rauhiss and Baiorn still in the bar? Please correct me if I'm mistaken.

[shizukanashi]

"That is no Lizardman, my dear" A man suddenly appears from some dark corner of the House of Chance. He is ruggedly handsome with a strange outfit with dozens of pockets and a wide brimmed hat. "and I should know. I once fought off an entire tribe of the Poison Dusk with but a torch and a tin cup. They hunted me for 2 weeks in the Q'barra jungle before the attrition I caused them was to much, and they gave up the chase. No my dear, this is a Dragonborn, a rare thing indeed, by the look of his size and weaponry I would guess he was a Halfling of Talentia before his transformation. Oh I am sorry, I failed to introduce myself. I am Halas Martain, surely you have already heard my name!"

[unseenmage]

"If there's another fight today, moons forbid, I could lend you the power of Sypheros, to deliver poison with a touch. Or even that granted by Zarantyr, to call lightning from the sky."

Curiosity replies, "I will definitely keep that in mind. And I thank you for the instruction in the druidic magics, it was... illuminating.", it is clear that his words are sincere, as his attention was rapt throughout her speech.

-----------------------

"Er...yeah, I'm a shifter. We're still around, mostly in Lower Northedge and the Eldeen Reaches, though."

Curiosity awaits his turn to speak, adding after Alkitho's comment about wings, "It would seem my lack of capability in flight is just as unfashionable as I feared it would be."

When Halas Martain introduces himself Curiosity simply stares blankly, then continues with his own introduction.

Adressing Baiorn and Rauhiss, "Hello fellow defenders of the Golden Dragon, I am Curiosity, a Spellthief by trade and glad ally on our journey.", with that he bows to each in turn, including Castor and Alkitho at the end. "Oh, and it's a pleasure to meet you as well Halas Martain."

"I am glad to have both of our winged allies in one place, there is a little project I would appreciate your help with. Less a project, more an amusing diversion to entertain us during our journey. Though I require the assistance of those with wings specifically, everyone is free to take part.", Curiosity is sure to include all of the 'defenders' with his gaze and it's accompanying statement, but it is clear he intends his little project to be available to anyone who is interested.
"We could perhaps even make a game of it, possibly lay odds even."

A Warforged does not sleep, but one assumes he still needs 8 hours of non-sleep rest to regain his spells. So he will not be taking a bunk, but he will utilize one of the rooms for this rest during the evenings. He'll bunk with Glimbur so long as Glimbur doesn't mind, fastest friend he's made so far so it's only reasonable.

[Nickknack]

"A game you say?Count me in. I warn you though, I can get pretty competitive when it comes to winning money." Baiorn chuckles but then looks down in embarrassment.
"Probably not the best vice for a Cleric to have."

[littlebum2002]

"That is no Lizardman, my dear, and I should know. I once fought off an entire tribe of the Poison Dusk with but a torch and a tin cup. They hunted me for 2 weeks in the Q'barra jungle before the attrition I caused them was to much, and they gave up the chase. No my dear, this is a Dragonborn, a rare thing indeed, by the look of his size and weaponry I would guess he was a Halfling of Talentia before his transformation. Oh I am sorry, I failed to introduce myself. I am Halas Martain, surely you have already heard my name!"



Halas Martain, the legend'ry explorah! Indeed, I've heard a lot about ya, mate, but I'd be amazed if even half of it is true. For one, ya don't look like you could have beaten a Titan, much less one tha' had sundered yer rapier, I believe the story goes.

But ya certainly got me pegged alright! The name's Rauhiss, born as Falco, from the proud Clawfoot tribe in the grasslands of Talenta. Then a few years ago now some missionary convinced me to come fight the good fight, and now here I am, huntin' down Clerics who follow the path of evil.


---------------


"Hello fellow defenders of the Golden Dragon, I am Curiosity, a Spellthief by trade and glad ally on our journey."

A thief, mate? I've never seen one so honest about it! And that's a bit odd, askin' a thief to guard a ship, isn't it?



"I am glad to have both of our winged allies in one place, there is a little project I would appreciate your help with. Less a project, more an amusing diversion to entertain us during our journey. Though I require the assistance of those with wings specifically, everyone is free to take part."

Don't let these wings fool ya', mate. They'll get me airborn, but not much more than that. I can't do any fancy acrobatics like out friend here. And what's this project all about, anyway? I'm not gonna be party to any thievin'.

[Pesimismrocks]

Castor, bored of tinkering on his dogs, joins Curiosity and Baiorn thief, mate? I've never seen one so honest about it! And that's a bit odd, askin' a thief to guard a ship, isn't it?

Spellthief. Not thief. My brother was one. Cant remember exactly how he did it, but the names pretty self explanatory. So whats this project then? Flying or something?

Oh I am sorry, I failed to introduce myself. I am Halas Martain, surely you have already heard my name!

Castors eyes light up as Halas approaches
An adventurer? You must have such an interesting life. Whatdidyoufightlast? Howbigwassit? Wherethereanymagicalartifacts?

[shizukanashi]

Halas Martain returns the inattention Curiosity gave him and instead converses with Rauhiss. "All true, lad. All true. Why it was in Xen'drik only 3 years ago. The Barrow King they called him, after he sundered my rapier I was only armed with my superior intellect and the treasures I had stolen from his ancient coffers. I was sitting there with half a sword and he was barreling toward me, that's when I came up with a most cunning plan. Using the pointy end and a hunk of moldy cheese I built a makeshift caltrop, meanwhile....well its all in my book."

Another man approaches this one with a group of what appears to be bodyguards. He too is handsome but in a different way. He is tall and dark skinned, a pencil thin mustache and deep blue eyes. His accent clearly identifies him as a man from the Lhazaar Principalities. "Did I hear someone talking about a game? Do love a good game of chance. What is your pleasure? Three dragon ante? War of Regality? Perhaps you would play me a game of Conquerer? I am sure Mr. Jenks has a board here at this fine establishment."

[shizukanashi]

"My last adventure my good man took me to the Mournlands in search of a wonderous item I read about in a Cannith Journal. A device they were developing in Oakenhearth, a new weapon of war. Sadly the initial tests did not go well and the creation forges were getting all the attention, so the project was abandoned. When the mourning destroyed Oakenhearth all where gone." He reaches into his pack and pulls out a strange device that is much to long to fit in the tiny backpack. What looks like the hilt and trigger of a crossbow is attached to a long pipe carved with runes. There is no sign of a wench, spring or arrow of any kind. "All but one! I had to battle a Warforged Juggernaught the size of this room to get it. It is called a firebluster, an alchemically powered ranged weapon with devastating effect. Perhaps I can convince the captain to allow a demonstration."

[unseenmage]

A thief, mate? I've never seen one so honest about it! And that's a bit odd, askin' a thief to guard a ship, isn't it?

Spellthief. Not thief. My brother was one. Cant remember exactly how he did it, but the names pretty self explanatory.

"Friend Castor has the right of it. I was designed to take spells in battle much as a shield takes blows."
Curiosity explains about his ability to take prepared spells temporarily. And asks Alkitho if she'll help him demonstrate once again, this time by hitting him with a spell from afar.

"I am also a more traditional thief, but a bloodless one when I can be. To me thieving is the art of getting in and out invisibly without raising alarm or ending life. Those who invisibly end life are assassins, and those without the skill to avoid detection while committing theft are simple burglars. To a Warforged like me my function is my art you understand."

------------------------------------

"A game you say?Count me in. I warn you though, I can get pretty competitive when it comes to winning money."
Don't let these wings fool ya', mate. They'll get me airborn, but not much more than that. I can't do any fancy acrobatics like out friend here. And what's this project all about, anyway? I'm not gonna be party to any thievin'.
"So whats this project then? Flying or something?"
"Did I hear someone talking about a game? Do love a good game of chance. What is your pleasure? Three dragon ante? War of Regality? Perhaps you would play me a game of Conquerer? I am sure Mr. Jenks has a board here at this fine establishment."

"Well, it's less a game of chance, more a game of skill I'd imagine. Though the capriciousness of the winds will definitely play a role, you can be assured of that."
Curiosity puts one hand up into the wind and with a flick of his wrist he produces a page of parchment from his sleeve. The parchment flaps and flips in the wind, threatening to tear itself apart in the buffeting.

"I have purchased rather a large volume of parchment with the idea of using it to test wing designs.", as he talks he begins folding the parchment into the simplest of paper airplanes, "At first I was only going to buy a few, but then more and more ideas for wing designs occurred to me, and I imagined how I might be asked to share my stock of folding parchment."

He finishes his folding and holds the little paper flying machine into the wind again, "I'm not sure how we'd score the game, or even how we'd measure success. And my primary interest in our winged companions would be in simply having them pose, and perhaps asking them to retrieve the most intriguing designs perhaps." Here he releases the folded paper and it skips up into the wind only to immediately flip out of control and careen over the side of the ship, lost.

"But it is only supposed to be a diversion, a pass time during our journey..."

----------------------------

"All but one! I had to battle a Warforged Juggernaught the size of this room to get it. It is called a firebluster, an alchemically powered ranged weapon with devastating effect. Perhaps I can convince the captain to allow a demonstration."

With the introduction of such an interesting device Curiosity's attention is now rapt. Oh, what I'd give to be able to take that thing apart and see how it's insides fit together! And he stops mid sentence to stare...

[littlebum2002]

"Friend Castor has the right of it. I was designed to take spells in battle much as a shield takes blows."
Curiosity explains about his ability to take prepared spells temporarily. And asks Alkitho if she'll help him demonstrate once again, this time by hitting him with a spell from afar.


Stealin spells? What'll they think of next? That sounds like it could be useful, but not for me! Never had an use for a shield myself. Me ma' always told me the best defense is an even better offense!




"I am also a more traditional thief, but a bloodless one when I can be. To me thieving is the art of getting in and out invisibly without raising alarm or ending life. Those who invisibly end life are assassins, and those without the skill to avoid detection while committing theft are simple burglars. To a Warforged like me my function is my art you understand."

To each his own, mate. I prefer kickin' down tha door and askin questions later, if ya' catch my meanin'. But as long as you're on tha right side of tha law, you're fine with me.

------------------------------------



"I have purchased rather a large volume of parchment with the idea of using it to test wing designs.", as he talks he begins folding the parchment into the simplest of paper airplanes, "At first I was only going to buy a few, but then more and more ideas for wing designs occurred to me, and I imagined how I might be asked to share my stock of folding parchment."

He finishes his folding and holds the little paper flying machine into the wind again, "I'm not sure how we'd score the game, or even how we'd measure success. And my primary interest in our winged companions would be in simply having them pose, and perhaps asking them to retrieve the most intriguing designs perhaps."

Well, in that case mate, I'm down to help! These wings might not do any fancy tricks, but they'll let me glide as far as your eye can see, I reckon. Make some of these out of that paper and there's no tellin' where it'll land!

[Pesimismrocks]

"I am also a more traditional thief, but a bloodless one when I can be. To me thieving is the art of getting in and out invisibly without raising alarm or ending life. Those who invisibly end life are assassins, and those without the skill to avoid detection while committing theft are simple burglars. To a Warforged like me my function is my art you understand."

To each his own, mate. I prefer kickin' down tha door and askin questions later, if ya' catch my meanin'. But as long as you're on tha right side of tha law, you're fine with me.


Personally I'm more of a don't kill and don't steal guy, but with what I've seen of the residents of the ship, is odd within itself


"I have purchased rather a large volume of parchment with the idea of using it to test wing designs.", as he talks he begins folding the parchment into the simplest of paper airplanes, "At first I was only going to buy a few, but then more and more ideas for wing designs occurred to me, and I imagined how I might be asked to share my stock of folding parchment."

He finishes his folding and holds the little paper flying machine into the wind again, "I'm not sure how we'd score the game, or even how we'd measure success. And my primary interest in our winged companions would be in simply having them pose, and perhaps asking them to retrieve the most intriguing designs perhaps."

Well, in that case mate, I'm down to help! These wings might not do any fancy tricks, but they'll let me glide as far as your eye can see, I reckon. Make some of these out of that paper and there's no tellin' where it'll land!

Sounds like great fun. Points would be easy. Just the negative reciprocal of the gradient you descend at. Maybe some bonuses for acrobatics, style and convenience. If you'd like I could judge, considering I have made wings before

[littlebum2002]

Personally I'm more of a don't kill and don't steal guy, but with what I've seen of the residents of the ship, is odd within itself

Well mate, sometimes ya' havta' do what's necess'ry, even if it ain't pretty. I can't speak for this bugger, but he seems like a nice enough guy. And the people I kill are so vile they would slit yer throat in yer sleep without a second thought. So don't act all high 'n mighty just 'cause yer hands don't get dirty.



Sounds like great fun. Points would be easy. Just the negative reciprocal of the gradient you descend at. Maybe some bonuses for acrobatics, style and convenience. If you'd like I could judge, considering I have made wings before

That's a great idea! But ya' need to have a weighted average, mate! Ya' can't give equal scores for everything, ya' gotta give more points for what ya' find most important. Fer instance, ya' could judge distance based on tha negative recrip'cal, like he said, but give a 15% bonus for convenience, a 10% bonus for maneuverability, and a 5% bonus for style. Then, ya' let everyone re-evaluate their designs, takin' into account what worked in the last round, and do it again!

Rauhiss paused and looked around the table

What? Not all barbarians are stupid, mate.

[Nickknack]

"I am also a more traditional thief, but a bloodless one when I can be. To me thieving is the art of getting in and out invisibly without raising alarm or ending life. Those who invisibly end life are assassins, and those without the skill to avoid detection while committing theft are simple burglars. To a Warforged like me my function is my art you understand."

Baiorn stands tall and proud and stares at Curiosity with a mean expression. "All this talk of stealing, and in front of a defender of the faith. You warforged should are brave..."
Not being able to hold his angry expression Baiorn lets out a huge laugh
"I only joke my metal pal, feel free to borrow any spells you need to from me."
Just as quick as Bairon was to laugh his expression got serious again.
but please refrain from breaking laws while in my company, or then we might actually have a problem."

------------------------------------------------
"I have purchased rather a large volume of parchment with the idea of using it to test wing designs.", as he talks he begins folding the parchment into the simplest of paper airplanes, "At first I was only going to buy a few, but then more and more ideas for wing designs occurred to me, and I imagined how I might be asked to share my stock of folding parchment."

"Sadly I think you will have to count me out of this one. I am a man of faith, not science."

[sunwukong]

Alkitho fades into the background as Halas Martain swaggers into the room and attempts to take center stage, as usual. She has heard of him, of course, but has never seen him before. His books are wildly popular among the younger members of House Lyrandar, many of whom have taken to emulating his swashbuckling style. The more level-headed in the House see his frequent exaggerations for what they are, but recognize that he is a valuable client...his presence alone can attract more passengers. Alkitho leans towards the latter school of thought regarding Martain, but his loudness provides the perfect excuse for her to fall silent herself.

Alkitho keeps one of her large ears pointed at the simultaneous conversation between Curiosity and the others regarding flying, betting and thieving. The warforged's desire to fly surprises Alkitho, but also elicits a strong feeling of sympathy from her, as she can understand it well. As for the proposed competition, Alkitho has no intention of participating...she hates being in the spotlight.

When she gets the chance to get a word in, she says quietly to Curiosity, "I'll see if I can give you any tips. The biggest challenge is that you're so...heavy. One of the artificers on board might be able to offer you better assistance, though," she says, nodding towards the changeling Castor. She'd seen him commanding a vicious pack of metal dogs during the fight in the steam room earlier, and therefore assumes that he is an artificer.

As the Lhazaarite is drawn to their table by the talk of gaming and gambling, Alkitho watches him closely, paying particular attention to his retinue of bodyguards. The Lhazaarites are notorious pirates, and relations between them and House Lyrandar are tense at best. It seems unlikely that he would try to hijack the Golden Dragon, but the ship has already been attacked once, and a successful takeover would certainly earn him great renown among his countrymen.

Sense Motive: [roll0]
Like many shifters, Alkitho trusts her instincts. Once she has formed an opinion as to the threat level posed by the Lhazaarites, she'll stick to it. In the present moment, however, she needs to get some sleep. She tries to catch Baiorn's attention, then tells him, "I'm going to bed. I'm in room 8L, please send one of the crew to wake me if anything happens that threatens the ship. I'll be back at about an hour after moonrise, and I'll stand watch for the night." She yawns, baring her sharp teeth, then heads off towards her assigned berth.

As I understand the timeline of events, she basically stayed up all night, so I think my preferred schedule for her (sleep during the afternoon, prepare spells at dusk, socialize in the evenings and mornings, and keep watch during the night) works, at least for this in-game day. I'm hoping that shizukanashi will let me know if it doesn't work with future events. If that's the case, I'll adjust her schedule accordingly.

[shizukanashi]

The Lhazaarite man seems no more nefarious than Halas Martain, some blow hard drunk on his own persona, not enough to rouse and suspicion in Akitho. "Alas I have misunderstood. I was hoping for a game of chance, perhaps some other time." The man excuses himself and he and his posse find another table and begin to play a card game. The three sisters quickly join them and drinks and laughter are enjoyed by all.

As Alkitho makes her way to her room she notices a man emerge from room 8c. He is small and bookish, but smiles politely at the shifter and gives a small bow. "Off to feed the sea birds." He explains while holding up a loaf of crusty bread. A sickly looking Zan runs down the stairwell and ducks quickly into "Serenity Above the Clouds."

[sunwukong]

"That's nice," says Alkitho, drowsily. "Not too many people think about the well-being of our animal cousins, these days." She returns the man's smile...he seems like a good person.

Just as she reaches her room, she notices an ill-looking elf dash past her, but thinks little of it. He must be airsick.

[Stannum (IV)]

Sir Henry stifles a yawn as he enters the room. It had been a long night, as he needed to verify his reports, and he couldn't take anything more than a short nap before his absence would be noted. After all, he was an example of the excellence of the Brelish military displayed to diplomats, doubly so in that he had been hired to assist the security.
For the moment though, he was something close to off-duty. So he might as well make the most of it.
"Who's up for a nice game of conqueror?"

Gather information: [roll0]
Who IS up for a nice game of chess conqueror?

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss, lost in the revelry, suddenly notices the shifter is gone.

Does anyone know where that lass run off to?

[unseenmage]

Well, in that case mate, I'm down to help! These wings might not do any fancy tricks, but they'll let me glide as far as your eye can see, I reckon. Make some of these out of that paper and there's no tellin' where it'll land!
Sounds like great fun. Points would be easy. Just the negative reciprocal of the gradient you descend at. Maybe some bonuses for acrobatics, style and convenience. If you'd like I could judge, considering I have made wings before
"I'll see if I can give you any tips. The biggest challenge is that you're so...heavy. One of the artificers on board might be able to offer you better assistance, though,"

Still staring at the alchemical device, "Excellent! I look forward to hashing out the details tomorrow. Now that there are so many interested parties I suppose we should find a more public space to store the parchments. Perhaps bets could be placed in the same vicinity, eh?"

----------

"Sadly I think you will have to count me out of this one. I am a man of faith, not science."
"Alas I have misunderstood. I was hoping for a game of chance, perhaps some other time."

"That is too bad, on both counts, there is always time to change your minds later of course. If nothing else perhaps those uninterested in competing would be more interested in betting on our attempts."

------------

To each his own, mate. I prefer kickin' down tha door and askin questions later, if ya' catch my meanin'. But as long as you're on tha right side of tha law, you're fine with me.
but please refrain from breaking laws while in my company, or then we might actually have a problem."

"I will keep your law-enforcing natures in mind the next time I set out to commit larceny. I consider you both allies for this journey, and I sympathize with trusting someone with your life even while not accepting the morality of their decisions.", at this last Curiosity seems somewhat crestfallen, his shoulders slump and his gaze lowers, as though remembering something painful.

-----------

"Who's up for a nice game of conqueror?"

Curiosity looks up at Sir Henry's arrival, "I would welcome the distraction at this moment. I'm afraid you'll have to tell me the rules though."

Extending his hand in greeting, "Hello, I am Curiosity a Spellthief. Unless I am mistaken you would be the last of the passenger defenders whose acquaintance I have yet to make."

[shizukanashi]

After a few hours of travel, anyone looking out a porthole can see the sun is still up but the sky is darkening. Perhaps a storm is on the horizon you think, when two bells ring through the ship. This is the signal that indicates the evening meal is now ready, and passengers begin to assemble in the reception hall where Jaeden Kovane and 2 goblins begin dishing out Brelish roast duck, with selection of fine Karrnathi cheeses. A Thanite fruit salad is offered and it is all washed down with Bluevine, a stunning port from Aundair. The fine dining reminds you that this is a pleasure cruise.

"Perhaps some other time good sir." The Lhaazar man responds to Henry's offer of a game of Conqueror. "I am simply famished, and I understand it is Brelish duck on the menu, one of my favorites." He excuses himself with a small bow and he and his entourage exit the house of chance and find a set in the reception hall, among a large group of other guests.

The meal is open to anyone with a state room, and is offered 3 times a day. On that note you drink for free (though no chips are offered) at the House of Chance, and can visit Zan once per day for massage, meditation or martial arts training.

[sunwukong]

After an afternoon spent sleeping comfortably, Alkitho draws back the curtain on her stateroom's porthole and sees that dusk is rapidly approaching. She heads up to the main deck, then approaches the Medani guards on the quarterdeck tentatively. "Can I come up there? I want to look at the moons for a while..." her voice trails off, as she knows the request may seem somewhat strange to the two Khoravar (half-elves).

If the guards allow her onto the quarterdeck, she sits a ways off from them, and gazes at the moons for a long time. She notes that purple Dravago has swelled to full on the eastern horizon, while orange Olarune has waned to a half-moon, suggesting an increased potential for danger. After almost an hour has passed, she begins whispering prayers to her lycanthropic ancestors. She asks them to help her channel the magical spells that are most fitting to this night's energies.

When she feels the blessing of her ancestors and the moons fully settle upon her, she heads down to the reception hall. "Anything left over from dinner?" she asks one of the goblin waiters. "I thought I smelled duck..."

Prepared spells, updated character sheet.

[shizukanashi]

There are still two Medani guards on the quarterdeck at all times. They kindly inform you that only the Captain and trained crew are allowed on the deck, but the main deck is open as is the observation deck which grants you the wide view you desire. It is here that you find the kindly old man from the hallway still feeding the birds and lost in introspection. "They follow us out to sea from port and unless someone feeds them they will wander looking land and food. They will starve or die of exhaustion before they find any." he explains. "Such beautiful creatures, they are like good friends, you meet only once, but you hope they remember you forever." He says as he sprinkles the last bits of crumb and stares up at the moons. "Will you join me for dinner?"

[Nickknack]

"She went off to her room to sleep. Her loss because I can smell food cooking.How about we go get some food, I am sure hungry." Baiorn says to Rauhiss.
"What about the rest of you? Who wants to go and talk over a good meal?" Baiorn says to everyone who hasn't left, letting out a hardy chuckle afterwards.

[Stannum (IV)]

"What about the rest of you? Who wants to go and talk over a good meal?"

"I would be glad of it. We all should acquaint ourselves with each other, and a meal is likely a fine place to do it."
Sir Henry turns to Curiosity.
"And you I can give a basic explanation of conqueror. A good strategic exercise, I used to play a few games each week with my lieutenants."

[unseenmage]

Sir Henry turns to Curiosity.
"And you I can give a basic explanation of conqueror. A good strategic exercise, I used to play a few games each week with my lieutenants."

Curiosity nodding, "That's fine, just fine."


"There are a few conversations I still need to have with some of the crew and passengers so I believe I'll join you all for mealtime this time, if I may."


shizukanashi,
At dinner Curiosity is going to try to talk to the master of the gambling house, Kalibar Jenks, about setting up a betting pool for the folded paper wing competition, as well as signups for entry and a place to store the parchment etc.

Curiosity is also looking to introduce himself to the other artifice expert, Torren Blackfingers, who was arguing with Manten Dramgrin the Chief Artificer. He's curious if this one will share more of his own enthusiasm for giving life to the lifeless.

If these persons aren't present for the meal Curiosity will seek them out after learning what he can about the Conqueror game from Sir Henry.

[sunwukong]

Can we say that Alkitho had the required time and privacy to prepare her spells before running into the bird-feeder? If not, she tells him she needs some time alone but that she'll find him later in the reception hall.
"Uh...sure," Alkitho replies to the offer to dine together. "I hope we won't be too late."

[shizukanashi]

"very good, I just need to retrieve some papers from my room for the ambassador to look over, I shall join you in the reception hall shortly. Oh Gunter Hegerin is my name." He makes introductions before heading below deck back to room 8c.

When you arrive in the reception hall you are greeted by a rather heated debate taking place in the center of the hall. A tall, black-haired human clothed in ornate robes bearing the emblem of the Silver Flame slams his fist onto a table where a handsome blond haired gentleman sits enjoying his duck and cheeses. The sounds of conversation of revelry fade to silence as all eyes turn. Neither man is physically imposing, but the man and woman wearing full plate that flank the Thane priest certainly are. Behind the Karrnathi diner, five suits of armor that had been previously standing so still they appeared to be part of the rooms decor move forward in unison. The largest of these armored figures raises its visor to unveil a menacing yellowed skull and red eyes that smolder with malice.

"See, just like I said! They make the dead fight their wars for them!" The priest fumes pointing a finger at the 5 skeletons.

"Better than burning them as offerings to some ridiculous god." The Karrnathi answers coldly as he cuts and ingests another bite of succulent Brelish duck.

[sunwukong]

"Alkitho Oleiai. Ambassador...oh, you're with the Karrn delegation, right? Uh...I guess we can talk more at dinner." Alkitho and Gunter Hegerin descend the stairs together, then head in opposite directions: him towards his important papers, Alkitho towards the prospect of Brelish duck.

The tense confrontation in the reception hall causes Alkitho to stop short. She knows that she should probably try to help break up a fight if one breaks out, but her initial impulse is to take the side of whoever is against the aggressive clergyman of the Silver Flame. As the Karrn's bodyguard reveals itself to be an undead skeleton, however, the shifter druid recoils in revulsion.

She takes a deep breath, and forces herself to view the situation more analytically, as a true moonspeaker must. The religious and ideological conflict is both basic and obvious, but surely there's some detail from her comparative religion studies that she should be remembering?

Knowledge (Religion) for some particular insight into the situation beyond common knowledge, with another +5 if Sir Henry's Motivate Intelligence aura is in effect: [roll0]

[unseenmage]

Curiosity had just asked Kalibar Jenks his questions, in usual rapid-fire succession, when some commotion erupted from the next room.
What on Eberron could that be about? He absentmindedly excuses himself even as he's on his way to check it out.

Peeking around the corner he surveys the scene of another argument. The folk aboard this ship do not get along well, I wonder whose fault that is? He steels himself for what he might have to do. I can hope it does not come to that, but what must be done will be.

Catching sight of the skeleton an idea strikes him, and why not take a peek while he's at it?
"Oh wow, wow! What? Are those genuine Karrnathi skeletons? Fascinating!", Curiosity allows himself to gush as he moves to be as between the two sets of combatants as he can, as he does so he's sure to keep his scar turned towards the two potential spellcasters.

He strides right up to the open-visored skeleton and extends his hand in greeting, "Hello, hello? Is there anybody in there?"
Turning to the Karrnathi master, "Can they speak? Think? Are any of them 'forged bodies?"

To the angry Silver Flame member and everybody else in general, "Just think, perhaps someday these strange creatures will be just as obsolete as my kind. Wouldn't that be nice?"

In addition to making an ass of himself purposefully, Bluff [roll0] (though it's less bluff than pure Cha check, he really is Curious, just not as clueless as he's letting on) Curiosity is getting in between the combatants, breaking up formations, and reminding everyone that this is a social affair.

Additionally, he's prepared to use his Good Karma (CS76) feat to hijack the first targeted spell used against either group, and he's ready to eat that spell to fuel his Spellfire.
Move Action: Get to the Skeleton
Standard Action: Ready Action to absorb magic for Spellfire
(Good Karma uses an immediate action)

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss follows the group to the dining hall. He notices the commotion, and is relieved when Curiosity attempts to break it up. He, too, tries to put himself between the two, facing the angry Silver Flame priest.

"Just think, perhaps someday these strange creatures will be just as obsolete as my kind. Wouldn't that be nice?"

Aye, he's right, mate. Besides, this is supposed to be a pleasure cruise. We've already had enough trouble with those hobbos, so let's save the fightin' for after the trip. These people didn't pay good money to have a fight break out every night.


Diplomacy
[roll0]

[shizukanashi]

Kalibar Jenks always eager to earn extra money listens intently. He doesn't seem particularly interested but as long as you can work out a way so that he gets a cut he agrees to sponsor the game in the House of Chance. You are hashing out the details when the commotion in the other room starts.

Getting in between the two parties seems to cool the tension. Cardinal Menasos Bethenade the Thane priest still looks angry, "I am sorry. Such behavior is unacceptable, especially for the priesthood. Please excuse me." He snarls an apology and quickly runs from the room. In his rush he mows over Gunter Helgrin who is just arriving with a number of papers in his hand, and now he feels genuinely mournful of his actions. Stopping briefly to apologize and help the elderly man back on his feet, he and his two paladin guards head off to their staterooms considerably more docile.

"Well that was a timely intervention." Sedge Avadarrn, the Karrnathi Ambassador mocks. "Had you not arrived in time I fear we might have faced the flame. Were you the group then that saved the ship this morning? Please sit with us." He returns to his meal as Gunter sits down and the two begin to go over the papers apparently letters to be sent upon arrival in Stormreach.

Skarad the largest skeleton does not seem to appreciate your words. "I think you are a buffoon, and so I speak it! Mind your tongue greaser or we shall see who is obsolete."

"Skarad! That is enough. These men are our guests! Return to your post! NOW!" Even during the argument Avadarrn was calm and cold, mocking rather than inflaming. He loses his cool for the first time as he chastises his own guards. "Yes, they do think and speak for themselves, though as you can see they lack refinement." He smiles returning to his calm and cool demeanor.

[unseenmage]

"Had you not arrived in time I fear we might have faced the flame. Were you the group then that saved the ship this morning? Please sit with us."

"As we're on a giant wooden ship it would be nice if there was a shortage of flame facing, wouldn't you agree?", Curiosity gives the Ambassador the warforged equivalent of a smile.



"I think you are a buffoon, and so I speak it! Mind your tongue greaser or we shall see who is obsolete."

"No offense intended Undead Sir. I, like so many beings which fear undue pain and suffering, was simply referring to an end for war. I by no means meant to say that either of our races was unimportant or inferior.", having said his peace in response to the skeleton's aggression Curiosity devotes his full attention to the much more personable Avadarrn.
Though over his shoulder he adds, "And in any case, I'd rather seem the fool and be thought little of, than act the fool and be made less of."


Here Curiosity excuses himself and returns to finalize the deal with Kalibar Jenks, "Please excuse me, I'm afraid I have pressing matters to attend to. If I may, I would enjoy a conversation regarding the finer points of animating the inanimate at a later time if you're interested Ambassador?"
'No sense sticjing around and antagonizing that one any more than I have to.', Curiosity thinks with a glance at the large Skeleton.

Curiosity returns to finish his business with Jenks. Once the deal is done he will inquire of him as to where Torren Blackfingers can be found. "I didn't see the artificer Blackfingers among the dinner guests, is that common?"

[Stannum (IV)]

"Yes, your undead are a bit less than reliable in many circumstances." Sir Henry says, deliberately looking away from the skeletons. It turned his stomach to be near these vile things. Breland had been lucky enough to lose few corpses to the Karrnathi, but it was altogether likely that some other nation had been the target of that gross breach of any sense of civility. If he had supplies of holy water sufficient to drown the officers and cleanse the...
Sir Henry shakes his head briefly and sits down, and offers the ambassador a handshake.
"Colonel Sir Henry ir'Narthen, of Breland"

Bluff: [roll0] to appear to simply be uncomfortable with the undead, rather than loathing them.
60ft:
+1 all saves
+5 all INT-based checks

[littlebum2002]

"Had you not arrived in time I fear we might have faced the flame. Were you the group then that saved the ship this morning? Please sit with us."

"As we're on a giant wooden ship it would be nice if there was a shortage of flame facing, wouldn't you agree?",

Aye, mate. And when it comes to the SIlver Flame, I'd rather not deal with them, on a ship or anywhere. I'm sure they mean well, but they're all a bunch of zealots for all I'm concerned.

And yeah, we saved the ship. At least Sir Henry and the dwarf and I did. And a changeling, and a nice shifter gal, but she's restin' like those magic types like to do so much. Now they've got us guardin' the ship for the duration of the trip.

I'm not sure where that warforged bugger was when we were findin' that bomb, but he must have been doin' something, 'cause they got him and a little gnome fella' guardin' the ship with us.

On that note, how d'ya think that Silver Flame bugger would like to know that a shifter got rid a' the bomb that was suppos'd ta' blow up the ship? It'd blow his mind, i reckon.

[Pesimismrocks]

Castor bursts into the dining room late. His hair is sticking up and his face, clothes, hands and hair are covered in black powder. He looks thoroughly annoyed. He makes his way over to Rauhiss and interrupts him. What happened here?

[littlebum2002]

We had a Silver Flamer take exception to our undead friends over there. He tried to start a fight but we came to an understanding that fighting will not be allowed onboard.

[littlebum2002]

Rauhiss then notices that Alkitho has entered the room. She looks a bit sickly though, maybe she did not rest very well?

Hey look, Alkitho's up! He gestures her over.

[Pesimismrocks]

Castor studies Rauhiss for a second before giving him a strange look. If I may say, your not very barbariany for you know , a barbarian. Your intelligent, you stop fights, and you don't look the tiniest bit drunk. He looks down at his food and holds up a bit of duck with a disgusted look. This is what passes as food aroun here. Who eats animals, that's, that's barbaric

[Nickknack]

Baiorn remains silent during the fight, keeping his eyes averted from the skeletons. Baiorn follows his group without saying anything, keeping his fists balled up. "Evil creatures worthy of smiting, but how can I start a fight now when the ship is getting its first bit of peace? I will just have to let this one slide and keep a keen eye on these undead and their masters. Baiorn thought to himself.
ALthough Bairon is a vassal of the Sovereign Host, he always feels a bit defensive when it comes to other men of similar faiths; even those more...extreme, like the Silver Flame.

[littlebum2002]

This is what passes as food aroun here. Who eats animals, that's, that's barbaric

Rauhiss, obviously enjoying his duck thoroughly, hears this, stops, and looks at it in obviously fake disgust.

Oh no, is this a duck? Yea', that's....terrible. We should complain!

He pushes the duck aside and tentatively starts eating his lettuce one leaf at a time.

Dogonne vegetarians, always makin' ya feel guilty he thought


Of I may say, your not very barbariany for you know , a barbarian. Your intelligent, you stop fights, and you don't look the tiniest bit drunk.

Aye, mate, that might be true elsewhere, but not in Talenta! Sure, a lot of the tribes still follow the old ways, ridin' dinos and fightin' all the time, but most of us are just everyday people, same as you. We just become barbarians out of tradition. A rite of passage kinda thing. Some of us, like me, are good at it and stick with it, but a lot of us go off and do all sorts of stuff. My buddy was a barbarian, and he decided to be a wizard! He could throw a fireball like you wouldn't believe!

And you know, I love being Reborn, and would never go back for all the world, but ever since then I can drink and drink and never get drunk. It's kinda' a bummer, if you ask me

[Pesimismrocks]

Castor starts picking at his salad with his fork.

I can see that being difficult. What made you yunno decide to go for it? How'd you even do it? Do you have to swear fealty to someone or other?

[littlebum2002]

Castor starts picking at his salad with his fork.

I can see that being difficult. What made you yunno decide to go for it? How'd you even do it? Do you have to swear fealty to someone or other?

Well, mate, I could give ya' the long version, about the Evil threat caused by fiends, and our duty to fight 'em, but that'll put ya' ta' sleep. So here's the short version: There are creatures out there who aren't just evil, they ARE evil. As in, they are lit'rally MADE OUT OF EVIL, like you and I are made out of meat. And the great dragon Eberron gave this power to those that wish to fight them.

If ya' want to be Reborn, ya' go to the Priests, and they talk to ya' first, make sure it's somethin ya' really want to do. There's no goin back, ya' know. Anyway, once you make the decision, you climb into this big egg and kinda...go to sleep. When you wake up, you look like this! Rauhiss gestures to his scales and wings.

And there's no swearin', mate. Ya' can't do it if yer evil. It just....doesn't work. Don't know all the details, sorry to say. I bet the priests do, though.

[sunwukong]

When she sees the Thranish Cardinal literally run into her new friend Gunter, Alkitho hisses in anger. She calms down, though, when the Cardinal helps Gunter back up to his feet, and she settles for the satisfaction of the priest's obvious humiliation.

Alkitho notices the other ship defenders gathered around Ambassador Avadarrn's table, where Gunter is also headed, and is already walking in that direction when Rauhiss eagerly beckons her to take a seat. While she waits for Gunter to finish his private business with the ambassador, she listens in on the conversation between Rauhiss and Castor.

She pointedly ignores the changeling's advocacy of vegetarianism and eagerly tears into a leg of roast duck with her sharp teeth. He may have just called my people savages (what else is new?), but my mother always told me not to trust changelings or anyone who doesn't eat meat, she thinks to herself, and this one here's both!

Rauhiss' description of his transformation from a halfling to his current form is fascinating to Alkitho. She's heard stories of the greatest moonspeakers and shifter warriors being able to become more like their therianthropic ancestors, but she's never before heard of humanoids taking on the features and abilities of the legendary dragons!

She speculates that the transition to a reptilian body must have been easier for a Talentan halfling, since they have such close bonds to their dinosaurs already. It's almost like that hunting mask of theirs becoming permanent!

[shizukanashi]

Kalibar Jenks agrees to host a pool, and informs you that Torren Blackfingers usually takes his meals in his quarters "He's working on something." Jenks explains.

At the table everybody is getting aquainted and Gunter and the Ambassador finish up their business. "No no, this letter goes to Moranna ir'Wynarn THIS one goes to Etrigani. Also I don't like this wording here it should be 'with my most assured certainty' not 'I suspect' can you change that for me?"

"Yes sir. I shall redraft them at once." He turns to Alkitho "I am sorry my dear, but I must attend to this business, I see have found some dinner guests none the less." With that Gunter takes a plate of duck and a glass of wine along with his papers and returns to his stateroom.

His business concluded Avadarrn joins in your conversation. "So you are 'reborn' as a dragon. Truly fascinating. There are some of my countrymen who would be very interested in this, and Colonel ir'Narthan did you say? I have always enjoyed the company of Brelish officers. Such grace and dignity. It is said that Breland could have easily won the last war given a few years longer. But for Boranel's burning desire for peace, that the Treaty came to be."

[unseenmage]

"He's working on something." Jenks explains.

Curiosity inquires further, "Would it be too overly rude of me to seek him out at the current hour? You see I tried having a conversation with the other artificer, the dwarf, what was his name again? Anyway, he was less than enthusiastic about my ideas you see and I'm hoping Master Blackfingers will be more accommodating."

[sunwukong]

"Oh! Of course!" replies Alkitho, as Gunter explains that he must get back to work. As Avadarrn attempts to engage Colonel Henry in conversation, she turns to Rauhiss and asks, "What did your tribe think about your Rebirth? What did your tribe's priest or priestess say?" Alkitho chooses to leave questions of human nationalism and war to the humans, but she understands tribal politics well enough. Shifter society has a strong pack mentality, even in the cities, and she is curious how Rauhiss' rather unusual choice was perceived by his tribe...especially by its religious leader! Her own life has been dedicated entirely to following a very specific tradition, with the ultimate goal of helping and protecting her community. Has he abandoned his people, or is he serving them? she wonders.

While she focuses her attention on Rauhiss and his answer to her question, she also glances over at Baiorn. Whereas Rauhiss has been very vocal about his life, the dwarven cleric of the Sovereign Host has not spoken much and Alkitho isn't nearly bold enough to ask him any personal questions. Perhaps she'll ask him about a few confusing tenets of the Host's theology later.

[littlebum2002]

"What did your tribe think about your Rebirth? What did your tribe priest or priestess say?"

They thought I was a bit nutty, to tell ya the truth. You know what it's like in a tribe, all yer energies focused on huntin food an' keepin the tribe in shape. They're not to focused on the "big picture".

They understand that fiends are no good, but unless they're an immediate threat, they're not too interested. So they supported me decision, they just thought it was a little.... extreme

[Stannum (IV)]

"Yes, it was our king's interest in protecting his people from the ravages of war, and the similar interest of others after the destruction of Cyre, which ended the war.
He pauses, appearing quite sorrowful over some matter.
"It is a pity that the war could not be waged without horrors."
Sir Henry then stands up quickly, excuses himself, and goes to the bar to get a pint of a decent ale.

60ft:
+1 all saves
+5 all INT-based checks

[unseenmage]

With the conversations from the House of Chance clear in his mind, Curiosity makes his way to Torren Blackfingers door, and knocks as politely as he can considering the rain.

'I wonder, what will this one think of Skitter, or my ideas?', Curiosity wonders remembering the gruff dismissal he'd recieved from the Cheif Artificer during the party.

[sunwukong]

Alkitho nods slowly, clearly considering whether Rauhiss' answer is satisfactory or not, and deciding that it is. "So, how's your hunt going?" she asks. She laughs inwardly, as she realizes she just used a traditional shifter greeting in a conversation with a non-shifter.

[shizukanashi]

"Enter." Says a voice from beyond the door. Torren Blackfingers suite is four times the size of the staterooms below deck. The bed would barely fit in one of the "standard" rooms. Aside from a large desk and a wardrobe, the room is covered with skematics and various draftings. A large pile of lumber is neatly stacked in one corner. He watches from his desk as Curiosity enters. He is working and has not touched the plate of food that was delivered to him."I am sorry, I do not beleive we have met. What brings you through the rain?"

[unseenmage]

"I am sorry, I do not beleive we have met. What brings you through the rain?"

"Greetings Master Blackfingers. I am Curiosity. I was wondering if you had some time to discuss certain elements of your art with me. Though I myself am no expert I have a great desire to understand concept of 'giving motion to the motionless'."

Striding over to the desk, "I wanted to talk with you at the party but between the disagreement with your compatriot and that business with the hijacking the chance escaped me."

[littlebum2002]

"So, how's your hunt going?"

It could be goin' worse. So far this blade has ended the life of three clerics who aligned themselves with fiends. I heard there was supposed to be one on this trip, but do far it seems me sources were a bit wrong. Also, since I'm supposed ta be guardin the ship, it might be frowned on if I kill one of the passengers.

[Nickknack]

"It could be goin' worse. So far this blade has ended the life of three clerics who aligned themselves with fiends. I heard there was supposed to be one on this trip, but do far it seems me sources were a bit wrong. Also, since I'm supposed ta be guardin the ship, it might be frowned on if I kill one of the passengers."

"If you ever need help in any of your hunts or just want some company, let me know. Being a cleric of the Sovereign Host we mostly work within our own smaller churches which, in my case, gives me a lot of freedom in finding my own jobs and missions; leading me to mostly just hunt down agents of evil and chaos. I know first hand how lonely one can get on the hunt for heretics, and in the short time we have been friends, I consider you good company."

[shizukanashi]

Motion to the Motionless, huh? Yes, yes that is exactly right well in a sense. Perhaps I could use an assistant, Sovereign knows that bumbling dwarf is useless. He even had the audacity to hide away his presious Lacara root! To dangerous, he claims. He simply does not think big enough. I will be the richest man in Khorvaire once I find the right mixture. Do you have any experience with alchemy?

You of course know what really happened to the Lacara root.

[unseenmage]

Motion to the Motionless, huh? Yes, yes that is exactly right well in a sense. Perhaps I could use an assistant, Sovereign knows that bumbling dwarf is useless. He even had the audacity to hide away his presious Lacara root! To dangerous, he claims. He simply does not think big enough. I will be the richest man in Khorvaire once I find the right mixture. Do you have any experience with alchemy?

"Hmm. I do in fact not have alchemical training nor experience. However I do have some skill with magical devices, both in their activation and in disabling them. If that could be useful to you then I'd be more than happy to take a shift as your assistant."

"I, along with some other prior passengers, have been hired to assist with defending the ship and as such I have a prior obligation to maintain a guard shift of my own. If you're willing to work around that we could work together."

"If you don't mind my asking, what is this fantastic project anyway? Would be nice to know what I'm being invited to assist with."

Sense Motive [roll0] is his work actually dangerous or is he just a dedicated professional? The result of this will determine if I trust him with his Root or not.

[shizukanashi]

"Flight, child. Soarwood is only found in Aerenal, and the elves have begun to take offense to its harvest. I have been developing an alchemical salve that when applied to standard wood gives it the magical properties of soarwood. Come back in the morning and I will give you a demonstation."

Meanwhile, below deck the evening meal has ended and guests are returning to thier staterooms. The Ambassador from Karrn excuses himself and he and his skeleton guards return to thier stateroom. a short time later the Captain searches each of you out from where ever you find yourselves after the meal, either in your staterooms, the reception hall or the House, he even sends the Bosun out in the rain to fetch Curiosity "Please come with me." The captains mood is dark and ominous, though he says "please", it is not a request.

[sunwukong]

Alkitho is still sitting in the reception hall, resting after the feast of roast duck, when Captain Alastair approaches her. She stands up immediately and follows the Captain as he rounds up the other recently-hired ship defenders.

[unseenmage]

"Please come with me."

To Blackfingers, "It would appear my presence is requested, I shall seek you out in the morning. Here's to a fruitful collaboration, and thank you for your time."

Curiosity follows the bosun gladly, his errands, such as they were, all run and his mind pleasantly spinning with all of the new information he gathered since they set out.

[shizukanashi]

The Seven of you finally gathered up Captain Alistar leads you to stateroom 8c. It is here you are confronted by 4 skeletons, with weapons drawn ready for a fight. The Captain pays them little mind though and they let him and you pass. Inside the stateroom is the larger skeleton equally alert. Ambassador Avadarrn is kneeling over the pale lifeless body of Gunter Hegerin, his scribe. The captain explains "Gunter Hegerin was found dead in his stateroom when the Ambassador returned from his meal. My crew and I are extremely busy with the storm. I will have to shut down the main deck until it clears. In the meantime, I have assured the Ambassador that you will investigate."

"This stinks of Thrane treachery! What investigation is needed." the red-eyed Karrnathi Skeleton hisses and you can taste the venom in his words.

"Be quite Skarad, there is no evidence Thrane had anything to do with this, we must be level headed let these men do their jobs." He is calm, but resolute, and clearly mourning. "I implore you to investigate. I demand whomever is responsible for this be brought to justice. You may have the room." He stands and exits, when Skarad does not immediately follow the Ambassador gives him a stern look. "We will be right outside should you need anything from us." Though he is speaking to your party the Skeleton does not miss the implication and follows him into the hall.

[littlebum2002]

"If you ever need help in any of your hunts or just want some company, let me know. Being a cleric of the Sovereign Host we mostly work within our own smaller churches which, in my case, gives me a lot of freedom in finding my own jobs and missions; leading me to mostly just hunt down agents of evil and chaos. I know first hand how lonely one can get on the hunt for heretics, and in the short time we have been friends, I consider you good company."

Aye, mate. If we can keep ourselves from gettin' blown up before the end of the trip, then I'd love to have yer help in wipin 'em out.

Soon afterwards, the meal ended, and Rauhiss retired with some other diners to the reception hall. Shortly afterwards, Alastair rushed into the room, and asked him and the other guards to follow him. They followed him to a stateroom where Gunter Hegerin was found dead.


"We will be right outside should you need anything from us."

Rauhiss followed the ambassador into the hall.

Hey, mate. Sorry 'bout your friend. What was 'e workin on that was so important as someone would kill 'em? Or do you think maybe you were supposed to be the target?

diplomacy
[roll0]

[Stannum (IV)]

Sir Henry shows visible concern over the scribe's fate.
"Right then, let's begin with a search for evidence. We can split up to interview persons connected to this matter. There should be ample room in my stateroom, stateroom G, for us to coordinate from, and anyone who wishes to go off on their own or employ their own disciplines should do so," he says, with a nod to the spellcasters on the mention of their own disciplines, and a more subtle nod to Curiosity. "We should meet up again in about an hour. Is there anyone who finds this objectionable?"
Sir Henry then begins to look around the room for any out-of place items.

Search: [roll0]
60ft:
+1 to all saves
+5 to all INT-based checks

[sunwukong]

Alkitho is distraught to see Gunter lying dead on the floor. We were going to talk about seabirds! Just as it had during the battle in the steam room, Colonel Henry's air of military efficiency and confidence once again spurs her to action. She kneels down at Gunter's side, just as Avadarrn had been doing when they entered the room, and carefully inspects the scribe's body for any sign of injury. "May your spirit fare well in the next realm, Gunter. I promise you, I will hunt down whoever who did this to you," she murmurs quietly before rising to her feet again. Under Colonel Henry's direction, she helps search the room for any clues.

As she does so, she considers whether the skeleton's accusation could be true. The Thranes had recently had a confrontation with Avadarrn and potentially had political reasons to kill the Ambassador's scribe. However, the Cardinal had helped Gunter back up to his feet earlier, and had seemed genuinely apologetic about knocking him down. Despite what the skeleton said of Thranish treachery, Alkitho expects a more...straightforward angle of attack from the Church of the Silver Flame.

When the search of the stateroom is finished, Alkitho tags along with someone else as further avenues of investigation are pursued.

Wisdom (untrained Heal) check: [roll0]
Search check, Aid Another: [roll1]

[unseenmage]

Curiosity glares at the corpse, at the situation, at the travesty that is this loss of life.

When he speaks his voice is cold and harder than one would imagine a Warfoged's voice could be, "Personal or political. Those are the only two kinds of deaths in this world. Our job is to determine which this is, and who is responsible.", he mutters to himself.

Fist clenched Curiosity excuses himself from the room. His internal monologue becoming a muttered external one, "This is just like that time, just like it. Was he hated or used? Which was it!"

Curiosity marches into the corridor intent on finding the Karnaathi and getting some answers. "There is no honor in politics. Ever."

[shizukanashi]

Alkitho can not determine Gunter's cause of death, but the spilt wine glass is your first clue. The little bit of wine that remains has a foul odor that your druidic training lets you recognize as dark reaver powder, a deadly poison. There appears to have been no struggle or even convulsions. Gunter died quickly. The room seems to be otherwise undisturbed, nothing is missing and his letters are unmolested.

Rauhiss and Curiosity find Ambassador Avadarrn and his 5 guards just outside.

Hey, mate. Sorry 'bout your friend. What was 'e workin on that was so important as someone would kill 'em? Or do you think maybe you were supposed to be the target?

"There was nothing out of the ordinary, just standard correspondence. Most of it is due for Karrnath once we reach Stormreach. Gunter has been with me for years, he is a diligent scribe, but holds no more importance than that. I can think of no reason to kill this man. He was a friend, but he is little more than a clerk." Avadarrn stops short of speculating that he himself may have been the actual target, but the worry on his face proves that the thought had already occurred to him.

Lightning flashes outside the porthole, and the sound of rain on the deck above grows. There is a dangerous storm outside the ship. The magical announcement system chimes and you can hear the voice of Mazzia "This is the first mate. Due to heavy winds and torrential rains all persons are to remain below deck. No personnel should attempt to cross the main deck until the storm has cleared and the Captain has given the all-clear."

[unseenmage]

"...Gunter has been with me for years, he is a diligent scribe, but holds no more importance than that. I can think of no reason to kill this man. He was a friend, but he is little more than a clerk."

"So why is an unimportant man dead in the next room?"
"Who has what to gain by his death."
"What end is his death a means to?"
"Will he make a useful undead?"
"Like turning a housepet into a handbag?"
"Or worse, a living breathing man into a political tool?"

With each statement Curiosity's voice gets softer and he steps closer to the Ambassador's face. When the skeleton(s) inevitably intervene he turns on the first of them, "And what good were you in this? Where were you when a member of your delegation was slain? Is this your failure or your success?"

Whirling on Adavarrn, "I know your kind Adavarrn, living or dead, man or machine. A minion is just a minion to you. And a purpose just a purpose, death or no death."

"I had better not find that you killed a man just to create political opportunity Am-ba-sa-dor.", with exaggerated emphasis on the syllables of that last word Curiosity strikes out stomping after the Silver Flame delegation to give them the same sort of speech. After rounding a corridor he catches himself and stops to cool his temper.

Leaning against a wall, out of sight of the Karrnathi, he closes his eyes and contemplates the last few moments. Doing his best to visualize the Ambassador's reaction to his accusation. Memories of the Lord of Blades and certain incidents surrounding that figure rattle through his head, ruining his concentration as they'd ruined his composure.

Why must the political agenda's of the strong slay the weak in their wake? Curiosity bows his head in mourning for those pawns lost in the past and the present and steels himself for an official apology and the recriminations of his compatriots for his outburst.

[Nickknack]

Being no stranger to death, Baiorn is totally unphased by the body lying in the room.
"I'm no good at talking to people, and I don't have a good eye for catching small details, but their is one thing I can do that we might find very useful! In my clerical training I learned how to speak with the dead. Of course I will need a night of prayer and concentration before I am ready to talk to any corpses. So tomorrow, let's meet back here nice and early and I will ask the corpse some questions."

[Pesimismrocks]

As he walks into the room Castor whistles, quite insensitively. I am afriad I may not be of much help here. Neither politics nor Investigations are my speciality. Any clues as to how he died?

[shizukanashi]

The Ambassador takes curiosity's abuse with only a grief stricken face. Skarad however is furious at your accusations and when you storm off he begins to follow, until the Ambassador talks him down.

"Let him go, Skarad. Be still your anger."

The skeleton returns but turns on Rauhiss "And what about YOU! I heard you admit to the murder of a number of clerics at dinner! You even stated one is supposed to be on this ship! Well not everyone from Karrnath is an 'evil necromancer'. If I find out you had anything to do with this I will skin you and eat you alive!"

"Enough, Skarad! I am sorry, Rauhiss, we are all grief striken. Skarad channels his grief ...er...differently. I think I need a drink. If you have no more questions, I shall retire to the House of Chance."

[littlebum2002]

"And what about YOU! I heard you admit to the murder of a number of clerics at dinner! You even stated one is supposed to be on this ship! Well not everyone from Karrnath is an 'evil necromancer'. If I find out you had anything to do with this I will skin you and eat you alive!"

Aye, mate. If it turns out I was involved, i'll help ya' do it, too. But tha clerics I be fightin' are consortin' with fiends, not skeletons. I have no problem with tha' undead, and I have no reason to kill a man like Gunter. When we find out who did this, I'll be right next to ya' strikin' 'em down.



"Enough, Skarad! I am sorry, Rauhiss, we are all grief striken. Skarad channels his grief ...er...differently. I think I need a drink. If you have no more questions, I shall retire to the House of Chance."

"I'm no good at talking to people, and I don't have a good eye for catching small details, but their is one thing I can do that we might find very useful! In my clerical training I learned how to speak with the dead. Of course I will need a night of prayer and concentration before I am ready to talk to any corpses. So tomorrow, let's meet back here nice and early and I will ask the corpse some questions."

You all go off an' do what ya' gotta do. I'm stayin' right here tonight. I'm na' exactly thrilled with guardin' a dead body, but it'll be hard to ask 'im questions if the murderer comes back tonight and dumps his body off the ship. So I'm stayin' right here, and anyone who wants to stay will be rightly appreciated.

[littlebum2002]

Diplomacy Check on Skarad to try and improve his disposition towards me

[roll0]

[unseenmage]

Curiosity shuffles back to the scene of the crime, literally dragging his feet. He is embarrassed by his outburst and how much harder it must have made things for his new allies.

He finds the others still searching and investigating, "Everyone, I apologize for my outburst. I will try to refrain from letting my past command my passions so in the future. I assure you." Curiosity hangs his head in shame, his clumsy apology hanging in the air like a damp cloth.

Peering down the hallway, "Does anyone know where the ambassador has gotten to, I need to go attempt the daunting task of begging his and that skeleton's forgiveness. I may not be very good at it but it must be done nonetheless."

"Before I go though...", Curiosity removes the mechanical spider from the back of his hand, "...this is Skitter. He can search out treasure and hidden things like you wouldn't believe. And he can get into spaces that we larger creatures cannot." Skitter flourishes a bow.

Curiosity speaks to the spidery device, which looks like it's just a mechanical eye with legs that's about the size of a small mouse, "Skitter, I want you to search this room for anything hidden be it a door, a drawer, or a page. Anything suspicious you bring to Sir Henry here or at least bring to his attention; understood?"

With that the Spider Thief nods, with it's whole "body", and Curiosity releases it into the room. "This way I can assist you even while I deal with my hideous faux pas."

The Spider thief is intelligent and so can interpret my orders if it needs to.
However, it has a +0 to Search so it is taking 20 for a, you guessed it, 20.
Here's an Appraise check just in case it needs to make a decision about anything it finds, cuz that's how it sees the world: [roll0]

[Nickknack]

You all go off an' do what ya' gotta do. I'm stayin' right here tonight. I'm na' exactly thrilled with guardin' a dead body, but it'll be hard to ask 'im questions if the murderer comes back tonight and dumps his body off the ship. So I'm stayin' right here, and anyone who wants to stay will be rightly appreciated.

"Be right back." Baiorn says as he runs out of the room in a hurry.

Baiorn heads to his room and grabs his combat equipment and yanks off his bed sheets and pillow, leaving the room in a mess. Baiorn then heads back to the room everyone is in.

Trying to keep a grip on all his equipment along with the bedsheets and pillow, Baiorn almost runs into Rauhiss.

"Seeing as I am no good on the investigation front, I feel the least I could do is guard the body with you, friend." Baiorn says, letting his stuff fall out of his hands, making a large crash and an equally large mess.
"It'll be like a sleepover, like kids have!" Baiorn chuckles.

Baiorn turns to Castor and pats him on the back and says,
"Excuse me friend Castor, but you are an Artificer right? Does that mean you are able to make scrolls for spells?"