DM Mark - On the Road... er ... Sea Again. Wednesday February 15th, 2023 12:57:19 AM Mak puts away his dress uniform and changes back to his normal clothes. Then tries to see what he can about Dirt City. Falco thanks Nyloth for stopping by and runs some errands. Wil thinks about what he knows about Dirt City and shares this with his friends. Elyas thinks there’s little more info about Dirt City or Nevras Canthil that can be learned outside of actually being there. He suggests posing as someone seeking more info about necromantic rituals, though the burnt book is no longer there to refer to. Ayotnom thinks he might be able to bluff his way through being a necromancer. Rolth suggests getting back on board the Rose and stopping by Froylot’s place for info on the way to Dirt City. He suggests some ways to bluff this Nevras Canthil once they get there. Kiwina tells Ramsey to lay in provisions for a long trip to Dirt City. Tsak is worried about pretending to be a dragon and its associates, instead posing as traders.
Mak finds that his knowledge of nobility yields little about Dirt City, other than the fact that it has little to do with a typical noble structure. He is able to learn that Dirt City was founded by thieves and is a haven for such activity. It’s not a safe place, so unsafe that normal people have to live in the sewers just to survive. The town is run by several family houses and they elect a Master Thief that just hopes to live long enough to amass wealth and escape. The place is always dirty, hence the name. Or maybe that name comes from all the dirty practices there. It is a place for smugglers and illicit goods as well.
Wil is able to provide a different perspective. He says there are a lot of tall tales about Dirt City, but it’s actually a pretty functional city with its own structure and rules. He says initially some folk did escape to sewers for safety, but this developed into an underground city where folks could lead normal lives. The City Below is a family friendly place and drawing a weapon there can get you jailed or killed pretty quick. The City Above is a bit more lawless, and the Houses enforce the rules. He says there are about 7 or 8 houses, each with their own structure and emphasis. The House of Keys is the biggest one and tries to keep order in the city.
His father was associated with the House of Darts. He recalls that the House of Darts is one of the more shadowy organizations, but the place to go if you need something nefarious done. His father was fairly high up in the House of Darts, but was killed under mysterious circumstances. Most said he was killed for stepping on the toes of a merchant from another house. Some say it was an inside job by someone in the House of Darts. His mother was also killed out of fear of her powers. Wil was forced to hide in the City Above, working as a Grubber for a time, since he lived in some fear of the House of Darts, and didn’t trust any of the other houses either.
The Petals bid farewell to Pelonius, the Purple Duke and the liontaur Council of Clans. With their service and well wishes, each of the Petals gets one Hero Point. The ship heads to drop Froylot and the liontaur fisherman that went with him off.
—-------------------------------------------------- The Petals go ashore to see what information Froylot may be able to get from the Sages Guild.
Froylot asks to see the note. He agrees the symbol is probably old Woldian, but knows nothing more.
As the Petals watch, Froylot will write in an elegant script.
Please send me all you know about the symbol on this note, and what you know about Neveras Canthil in Dirt City. Also, are there allies in Dirt City?
Froylot
He puts the note in a contraption that kinda looks like a large mailbox. He closes the lid, and the device hums a moment, and then there’s a ding. Froylot indicates that the ding lets him know his note has been sent. At which time he opens the door to confirm that it is no longer there. Froylot says it may take some time, but he will notify the Petals of what he finds out.
The Petals rest for a while in Frog Hollow, where they are also appreciated for what they have done, though this time by much simpler liontaurs. Later that evening, Froylot will go to the Petals to return the note and share what he has learned.
[b]”I heard back from the Sages Guild. As you have already determined, they said the strange symbol seems to combine the old woldian figures for life, death and dreaming or perhaps nightmares. But they know nothing more about this symbol or whom it may represent. They also said that Neveras Canthil is a taxidermist, but his current location was unknown. The Sages Guild will update their records that he may be in Dirt City.
“There are no allies of the Sages Guild in Dirt City. Regarding allies someone may seek, they recommend anyone staying in Dirt City stay in the City Below as it is much safer. The also included this scroll:
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: Protection from Energy (F+E)+ SoFaith | 84/84 HP | | AC 19(24) (T15/F15) | Channel (5d6) 5/7 DC18 | Wednesday February 15th, 2023 9:59:07 AM "Looks like we are off to someplace new again. No better way to see the Wold then the life of adventure."
______________________________ CURRENT SPELLS: 5th - 2+1 - Breath of Life (D) / Flame Strike DC2 / Heal 4th - 3+1 - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (3/3) 3rd - 4+1 - Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Blindness Deafness DC20 / Water Breathing 2nd- 5+1 - Cure Moderate (D)X / Lesser Restoration / Resist Energy (2/2) / Silence DC29 (2/2) 1st- 6+1 - Cure Light Wounds (D) / Bless / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith (2/2) / Comprehend Languages C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink
Mak(JamesM)(111/111)|AC:38AO/30/20T/--FF|CMD 35|Rapier +1|23/-/-/-/-|(AG,KN,*HY,WN,PS,WF,WS,AD)**|1d6+13+2d6(Evil)(15)x2)) Wednesday February 15th, 2023 11:33:14 AM
Elyas offered to pose as a wizard looking for Nevras Canthil, Ayotnom mentioned he had some experiece with necromancy spells, Rolth suggested one of them pose as Grovas, Kiwina tried to use an unauthorized name for Mak's Rainbow Rose Island and suggested Ramsay lay in supplies for a long journey, and Tsak suggested they could pose as a trade delegation.
"I agree posing as Grovas could have some problems. As Tsak mentioned our reputations or word of Grovas' death might bugger our plans. There is also the matter of Ledra. She could secretly work to expose us and endanger the mission. It would be good to know exactly where she is, at least so we know she won't interfere with us. I mentioned it before, but I think we should make land away from Dirt City and travel there overland and enter anonymously. Perhaps do some information gathering before we reveal ourselves? Maybe even try to make contact with the Undercity authorities or someone trustworthy to find out more about this Nevras Canthil. I also think we should enter separately and join up once inside. Anyone know of a reputable Inn in the undercity?"
Wilford Grimly(Matt S.) (HP:106/106- AC: 26; Touch: 15; Flat: 27; CMD: 23) Wednesday February 15th, 2023 2:15:21 PM
"As much as I have reservations, I wonder if we should talk to the Adventurer group that makes Dirt City home... the Petals. They may have some information on this Nevras Canthil. Maybe we could send one of those fancy posts to the group but it's been many years. Not sure if they even care to talk to me." "We had a place to stay when I was there, maybe we could stay there?"
Elyas (Ben A.) (92/92 HP | AC: 19; Touch:14; Flat: 16; CMD:15) | Status: mage armor Wednesday February 15th, 2023 4:36:50 PM "we definitely need more information. we should plan to spend some time gathering info from whatever sources we can find, or any old contacts that will still meet with Wil.
Do any of you have the ability to scry on a target? it might be good ot look in on Ledra and make sure she isn't trying to make things difficult for us. I don't think I could blame her, but we should watch our backs. I do not have any spells that can do it myself, though.
Kiwina (Steve M) 61/131 HP | Current AC:23 or 27 vs AoO | HeP: 2 | Status: none ! Swim 60' Wednesday February 15th, 2023 6:43:06 PM "Our reputations here won't be our reputations there, where we aren't known" Kiwina tells Mak. "We need to know whether the docks are associated with the city above or below." Either way, Mak had a point. The Rose was unique enough to attract unwanted attention in a city of thieves.
Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 87/87 | AC : 25; Touch 19; Flat 19 CMD 28(30 vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) Wednesday February 15th, 2023 8:42:18 PM
Ayotnom asks, "I guess it depends. Do they make underground docks at Dirt City or are all the docks above the ground?"
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC22(22) (T15/F14) 113/113 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow1 1D8+1 Status:Inspired, Hasted Thursday February 16th, 2023 1:00:15 AM
Tsak has a look at the scroll which includes a rudimentary map Looks like the docks are part of the top city. I'm not sure the lands around dirt city are at all safe. I don't understand why arriving by land is better. If you're that worried then Ramsay can just row us ashore at the docks and then take off again in the Rose. There are no trusted factions and the best way we can make friends is to be of value, hence the suggestion of traders. We can't just rock up ask a few questions and then start accusing people of necromancy. They won't believe us, or even care - and there'll be a lot of knives in dark places whereever we turn.
DM Mark - Discussions Thursday February 16th, 2023 1:00:20 AM Falco is excited about the adventure ahead. Mak goes over various plans and suggest anchoring the Rose well outside the city and approaching on foot. Wil thinks he might know a place to stay, but he’s not sure. Elyas suggests gathering information once the group is there. He asks is anyone has any divination spells that may help. Kiwina wonders if the docks are associated with the City Above or the City Below. He wonders if the uniqueness of the Rose may be a problem. Ayotnom also wonders about the docks. Tsak wonders if anchoring away is safer, and suggest posing as a trade ship.
The party discusses various approaches, but the DM is unsure what approach they will actually take.
Regarding where to park the ship, Knowledge Local or Knowledge Nobility DC 20 Highlight to display spoiler: {It's a tough call. You’re approaching an area known for illicit activities, but the place is far from lawless. You know there is robust trade with the city. Is it safer to put the ship where there are other ships and presumably some sort of code or rules, or do you anchor it away from the harbor and hope for the best? I mean, who would expect piracy in a place like this - especially with a lone ship, just sitting there, defenseless, all by itself?}
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: Protection from Energy (F+E)+ SoFaith | 84/84 HP | | AC 19(24) (T15/F15) | Channel (5d6) 5/7 DC18 | Thursday February 16th, 2023 9:20:24 AM "Wilford makes sense, finding another group of adventures would most likely help in our mission or at least give us a starting point."
______________________________ CURRENT SPELLS: 5th - 2+1 - Breath of Life (D) / Flame Strike DC20 / Heal 4th - 3+1 - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (3/3) 3rd - 4+1 - Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Blindness Deafness DC18 / Water Breathing 2nd- 5+1 - Cure Moderate (D)X / Lesser Restoration / Resist Energy (2/2) / Silence DC17 (2/2) 1st- 6+1 - Cure Light Wounds (D) / Bless / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith (2/2) / Comprehend Languages C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink
Wilford Grimly(Matt S.) (HP:106/106- AC: 26; Touch: 15; Flat: 27; CMD: 23) d20+9=10 ; Thursday February 16th, 2023 9:35:37 AM
"I think I'm afraid of pirates over meeting my old friends," Wil says. "I still don't know why they grabbed me but it could have been because I was having a hard time at the time. Wondering around without an adventuring group was not the smartest choice. They really know how to take advantage of a person in need... anyways I'm in a better place. I'm ready." "On a separate thought, we could still install some weapons on the Rose but once my Catacombs order comes through I'm pretty strapped for gold." (Know. Local: 10)
Elyas (Ben A.) (92/92 HP | AC: 19; Touch:14; Flat: 16; CMD:15) | Status: mage armor d20+22=24 ; Thursday February 16th, 2023 9:56:15 AM
Elyas thinks over the options a bit [know nobility = 24]
"the city might be known as a hub for illicit activity, but they still have ports and trade. If we dock close to many other ships with some level of security around I think we would be safer than mooring the Rose all by itself away from any possible aid. If i was a pirate, I would go after the lone ship, not the dock full of ships and people
In any case, we should get under way soon. I think we're in agreement that there isn't much more to do here to prepare.
Mak(JamesM)(111/111)|AC:38AO/30/20T/--FF|CMD 35|Rapier +1|23/-/-/-/-|(AG,KN,*HY,WN,PS,WF,WS,AD)**|1d6+13+2d6(Evil)(15)x2)) d20+10=22 ; Thursday February 16th, 2023 12:29:06 PM
Mak thought about the port at Dirt City and reconsidered. "We shouldn't let the Rose sit alone someplace, but perhaps a nearby port town would be better to travel from than advertising to Grovas ally in Dirt City that we've come calling."
Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (114/114 HP | AC: 21; Touch: 14; CMD: 27 Thursday February 16th, 2023 8:17:07 PM
Rolth thanks Froylot for attempting to gather information to help us. He asks whether there is known to be a WLA chapterhouse in Dirt City, perhaps that would be of help.
Otherwise he is ready to set sail, and is in favor of just sailing there directly, rather than walking in from downriver. It does seem that the sewers lead to the shore, so we might be able to go directly underground. He asks Wil, "Are the sewers in the underground city big enough for the likes of us taurs?"
Kiwina (Steve M) 131/131 HP | Current AC:23 or 27 vs AoO | HeP: 2 | Status: none ! Swim 60' d20+5=8 ; Thursday February 16th, 2023 8:21:41 PM
(Local knowledge = 8)
Kiwina decides to take a wait and see approach. He doesn't know of anything near Dirt City, and wouldn't trust anything too close not to be the same. "We've talked about arming the Rose before. I don't see arming it to defend it from an attack in port, and Elyas is more potent than any ballista while we're sailing. Maybe we just find someone who's sailed there before and find out more."
Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 87/87 | AC : 25; Touch 19; Flat 19 CMD 28(30 vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) d20+9=23 ; Thursday February 16th, 2023 9:20:49 PM
Knowledge: 23
Ayotnom says, "I concur. Dirt City is a trading hub of sorts. Perhaps we put up false flag on the Rose give her a different port of origin and name in case Grovas's ally is looking over his shoulder. As for if it is sized for us that is a good question. I thought a number of the smaller folk lived underground."
Tsak Rezar (Damien) AC22(22) (T15/F14) 113/113 HP| Falchion +4 2D4+3|Crossbow1 1D8+1 Status:Inspired, Hasted Thursday February 16th, 2023 11:10:28 PM
Tsak gets ready to roll, stowing his gear for sea passage and making sure there's enough suitable food for Esmerelda for a couple of weeks. Err, anyone know how long it will take us to sail to Dirt City?
He has a quiet word with Ramsay Dirt City will be a new thing for most of us. You'll have to watch the boat carefully. Don't take on board any new hires and make sure anyone that takes leave never travels alone.
Perhaps when we get there we could split up, as if this vessel were simply hired to take us from Taur Isles to Dirt City. Wil can take Capt Kiwina and Rolth to get in touch with his old friends. I will be this Cleric's body guard (pointing to Falco) and Elyas and Ayotnom can be retainers to his lordship (pointing to Mak)
DM Mark - Discussions and Plans Friday February 17th, 2023 2:03:44 AM Falco would like to find the adventurers Wil mentioned. Wil suggest equipping the Rose with weaponry. Elyas thinks about the Petals’ approach and would like thinks there is less risk approaching the City directly in uncertain waters. Mak would still like to seek out a nearby settlement and approach Dirt City by foot. Rolth asks if there is a WLA chapter house in Dirt City. Froylot does not know much about the WLA. He favors sailing directly into Dirt City, and wonders if the City Below is large enough for Taurs to visit. Kiwina thinks any sort of armament the Petals could install on the Rose would pale in comparison to what damage Elyas can do. He suggests seeking out someone who has sailed to Dirt City before. Ayotnom suggests sailing into Dirt City harbor under a false flag to throw any potential adversaries off. He also wonders if Taurs can fit in the City Below. Tsak wonders how long it will take to sail to Dirt City. He warns Ramsey about this the port there, and suggests the Petals pose as passengers and split up once they are there.
The decision is made to get underway and work out the details later.
Soon the ship is moving. How long will it take? How will you get there?
DC 15 Knowledge Geography Highlight to display spoiler: {The voyage is about 1000 miles so you should be able to make it in about 10 to 15 days, depending on the winds.}
The device you call Garmin can help direct you, but you need to input the correct location, which will require a DC 15 Navigation check. What steps do you take to make this check?
You’ll certainly have time to discuss how to approach things during your trip, but I don’t plan to take the trip day by day. Are there preparations you intend to make on the way there?
Mak(JamesM)(111/111)|AC:38AO/30/20T/--FF|CMD 35|Rapier +1|23/-/-/-/-|(AG,KN,*HY,WN,PS,WF,WS,AD)**|1d6+13+2d6(Evil)(15)x2)) d20+10=17 ; Friday February 17th, 2023 8:30:29 AM
It seemed the group was determined to sail directly into the mouth of the beast, so Mak stopped making suggestions about tactics. A barbarian would naturally want to charge directly into battle without any reconnaissance, Wil wanted to arm the Rose, and Kiwina wanted to ask someone else about the port city. Unfortunately it might be in a neighboring port they'd find that information. Also Mak didn't know of any port towns other than those in neighboring Aisildur.....and he'd rather not visit there.
Falco Ambersier (Ryan M) Status: Protection from Energy (F+E)+ SoFaith | 84/84 HP | | AC 19(24) (T15/F15) | Channel (5d6) 5/7 DC18 | Friday February 17th, 2023 9:50:29 AM
Before they cast off Falco quickly grabs a few changes of clothing, mostly in blacks thinking that will blend in more. He is not sure what a land with so much crime looks like but he guesses dressing in black would make sense.
______________________________ CURRENT SPELLS: 5th - 2+1 - Breath of Life (D) / Flame Strike DC20 / Heal 4th - 3+1 - Cure Critical (D) / Protection from Energy (3/3) 3rd - 4+1 - Cure Serious (D) / Bestow Curse / Dispel Magic / Blindness Deafness DC18 / Water Breathing 2nd- 5+1 - Cure Moderate (D)X / Lesser Restoration / Resist Energy (2/2) / Silence DC17 (2/2) 1st- 6+1 - Cure Light Wounds (D) / Bless / Endure Elements (2/2) / Shield of Faith (2/2) / Comprehend Languages C - Detect Magic / Light / Mending / Purify Food and Drink
Elyas (Ben A.) (92/92 HP | AC: 19; Touch:14; Flat: 16; CMD:15) | Status: mage armor d20+16=31 ; Friday February 17th, 2023 11:17:50 AM
Once the decision to set sail has been made, Elyas starts working on Garmin. He previously studied the device and learned how to use it, so hopefully at this point it is just a matter of setting the coordinates. He looks over a few different maps and begins tinkering with the device
[profession sailor = 31]
Wilford Grimly(Matt S.) (HP:106/106- AC: 26; Touch: 15; Flat: 27; CMD: 23) Friday February 17th, 2023 11:19:14 AM
"Galvos!" Wil says suddenly and loudly. "That's it! Those grubby things. Been trying to think of the name of those things for months now. We have any anti-Galvo defenses on this ship. I think the sea creatures have scarred my brain." "Outside of suddenly blurting out stuff I have not much else to say."
"Oh wait... I have updated armor, how's it look," He says showing off his armor and the tower shield with Wardd's symbol crudely drawn upon it. "We should take up Galvo/pirate-watching shifts on our way."
Kiwina (Steve M) 131/131 HP | Current AC:23 or 27 vs AoO | HeP: 2 | Status: none ! Swim 60' d20+11=22 ; Friday February 17th, 2023 4:04:38 PM
(Geography = 22)
Kiwina sees that Elyas is working on Garmin. As well as the Petals sail, he knows that Elyas probably won't need help but if he needs help he will be able to find it.
This will be the longest trip Kiwina has been on since coming to the Taur Isles, and he's looking forward to it.
When Mak and Tsak start talking about splitting up, Kiwina has to point out, "Splitting up means more chances for trouble and more likely to be overwhelmed. Of course, it wouldn't hurt around thieves if we seemed to have nothing worth taking."
But trouble is what we're going there for, isn't it? Tsak tries to look innocent, but makes sure he's out of Kiwina's reach as he baits him.
Tsak figures that making Garmin work is all up to Elyas, but tries to help as best he can to give some correnct coordinates by looking at the available maps.
He assists with sailing the Rose when he's not busy stirring up trouble.
Nice shield, not over-compensating?
Tsak's own armor now sits beneath his travelling clothes. He just looks like any other big, dumb half-orc. Should be just right for Dirt City.
Rolth Niheow (BatMark) (114/114 HP | AC: 21; Touch: 14; CMD: 27 d20+10=21 ; Saturday February 18th, 2023 9:24:09 AM
Rolth will use his survival skills to help follow the stars and other indicators as The Rose gets underway.
(Survival = 21)
As far as entering the town, perhaps a straightforward story would be best. Easy enough to be just another trading ship come to town, looking for business and profit. That would give us plenty of reason to explore the city and talk to a variety of folks. Rolth used to sail with the Hethult trading clan, before his adventuring days, so he's at least seen others go through the motions.
Ayotnom Ogini Hugh C 87/87 | AC : 25; Touch 19; Flat 19 CMD 28(30 vs Trip, Grapple or Disarm) d20+9=12 ; Sunday February 19th, 2023 10:25:43 PM
Knowledge : Geography = 12
Ayotnom goes to the crew of the Rose and asks if anyone has an alternative flag to the flag of Taur Islands they usually fly under. He also asks if anyone has any paint to temperarily change the name of the ship.
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