Insight's "The Isle of Dread" - Chapter One

[Rhun]

Vrashek attempts to assist Nafije in her efforts, but his gruff half-orcish presence isn't all that much of a benefit.

Streetwise +4 is a bit better than Vrashek's history +3

 

[Insight]

ON THE TRAIL OF RORY BARBAROSSA
Our heroes search the grand city of Specularum for clues as to the whereabouts and activities of one Rory Barbarossa, creator of the journal that sent them on this quest in the first place.

Cassi tries to track down Barbarossa's abode using her skills as a researcher. She tries her hand at a subtle disguise, in changing her hairstyle and clothing to match a native of the city rather than her native Republic of Darokin, and if she runs into leads she thinks may run into Veiled Society interests, she tries to ask her questions one person removed.

Cassi successfully disguises herself as a native of Specularum and no one with whom she interacts seems the wiser. Cassi's research seems to indicate that the Veiled Society is quite territorial and may have staked out a part of Specularum as a sort of "base of operations" within the city. Cassi seems to think this is likely to be in the seaward districts somewhere.

OOC: One success!

Geirgrim is content to let others find the Captain's house. He focuses his efforts more on spotting and avoiding members of the veiled society. He turns his keen hunter's senses to looking for telltale signs that someone is not right--people loitering, more heavily armed or armored than seems appropriate for their profession or simply 'going through the motions' of an activity while really watching.

He tries to apply what he knows of nature as well-birds being startled, cats or dogs behaving strangely, trampled grass or bent branches suggesting someone is lurking in a hedge, etc.

As the heroes go about investigating Barbarossa's whereabouts, Geirgrim notices peasants, merchants, and even soldiers watching them, perhaps a little too intently. This happens wherever the heroes go throughout Specularum. After a while, Geirgrim sees a sort of pattern in whom is watching the heroes. With this, Geirgrim thinks he can help the others avoid being spied upon, at least somewhat.

OOC: Two successes!

Nafije accompanied Geirgrim around town, but maintained a respectful distance to give him room to work discretely.

While she did, she talked to people. Her beloved parrot was an excellent icebreaker for conversations that seemed to be about nothing, but obtusely worked out the possibilities as they existed in her own mind. She didn't ever mention Barbarossa- she didn't need to. A man could keep his name secret forever, but not his nature. Barbarossa was a gambler, a drinker, a social and colorful character. Nafije was certain he would leave a trail, and like an arcane equation she would crack it.

Nafije is easily able to mingle with people at various levels of Specularum's social strata. She finds that the parrot is not all that unusual, but is still a fine talking point when a conversation hits a wall. Nafije learns that sailors who are keen on gambling often find themselves at one of three casinos: the Unfettereed Lady, the Winsome Walrus, and the Swan King's Larder. Many of the older patrons frequent the Larder in particular.

Through the course of her investigations, Nafije learns that a local leader within the Veiled Society, a man named Vas-Hathoth, sent out feelers to find an old sailor in particular, one who had been to the Isle of Dread and had lived to tell about it. Rumors are that Vas-Hathoth is looking to sail to the Isle of Dread himself and wants maps and navigation aids (and perhaps even a navigator) for the journey.

OOC: Three successes!

Vrashek attempts to assist Nafije in her efforts, but his gruff half-orcish presence isn't all that much of a benefit.

Vrashek manages to upset some fragile and snooty merchants who were just about to provide Nafije with a better idea where the Veiled Society might be headquartered. The merchants tell Nafije and Vrashek that it wouldn't surprise them at all if word got back to the Society that adventurers were asking annoying questions.

OOC: Three successes, one failure!

 

[Rhun]

Vrashek manages to upset some fragile and snooty merchants who were just about to provide Nafije with a better idea where the Veiled Society might be headquartered. The merchants tell Nafije and Vrashek that it wouldn't surprise them at all if word got back to the Society that adventurers were asking annoying questions.

Vrashek hangs his head in shame as they leave from speaking with the merchants. "My apologies, Nafije. Perhaps I should leave such things to the experts.

 

[Leif]

Questor, Halfling Chaos Sorcerer 6

"That was my thought as well, Vrashek. Care to have a seat here next to me while we wait for the others to do the heavy lifting?"

 

[stonegod]

OOC: I'm going a bit off script skillswise, so let me know if this is an issue. But the timing is perfect.

Vrashek manages to upset some fragile and snooty merchants who were just about to provide Nafije with a better idea where the Veiled Society might be headquartered. The merchants tell Nafije and Vrashek that it wouldn't surprise them at all if word got back to the Society that adventurers were asking annoying questions.

From the shadows in the back of group, where he had gone unnoticed, the handsome Skaros can suddenly be felt, looming even at this distance as the merchants speak their "suspicions". Oh, shall the Society hear this? And just how likely will they be to welcome the news that yonder merchants were collaborators with said adventurers, only letting their association known in a weak attempt to protect themselves. The Society punishes those that try to protect themselves as much as those that act against them. It would be... unfortunate. As he words echo in their low tone, the warlock retreats back to the shadows, a glimmer of flame in his eyes as he fades away.

OOC: Use Intimidate + Wrathful Aspect: 33

 

[Walking Dad]

Adam of Brightcastle

"What he said... but naturally, we take care of our ... informants. They will kill you, we would help you. Which side will you choose?" Adam tries to be the bright part to Skaros' dark.

[sblock=OOC]
tried a bit 'good cop' to Skaros' 'Bad cop'. Maybe the check was just enough...

[/sblock]

 

[Insight]

ON THE TRAIL OF RORY BARBAROSSA

OOC: The skill challenge continues...

OOC: I'm going a bit off script skillswise, so let me know if this is an issue. But the timing is perfect.

From the shadows in the back of group, where he had gone unnoticed, the handsome Skaros can suddenly be felt, looming even at this distance as the merchants speak their "suspicions". Oh, shall the Society hear this? And just how likely will they be to welcome the news that yonder merchants were collaborators with said adventurers, only letting their association known in a weak attempt to protect themselves. The Society punishes those that try to protect themselves as much as those that act against them. It would be... unfortunate. As he words echo in their low tone, the warlock retreats back to the shadows, a glimmer of flame in his eyes as he fades away.

OOC: Use Intimidate + Wrathful Aspect: 33

Adam of Brightcastle

"What he said... but naturally, we take care of our ... informants. They will kill you, we would help you. Which side will you choose?" Adam tries to be the bright part to Skaros' dark.

The merchants look at Skaros, barely at Adam, and move back from the warlock. "We... we mean you no harm, great and powerful one!" they say, scurrying into the ratnest shops from whence they came. Adam and Skaros have a feeling that those merchants won't be informing anyone for a long while.

OOC: Four successes, one failure!

 

[Rhun]

"That was my thought as well, Vrashek. Care to have a seat here next to me while we wait for the others to do the heavy lifting?"

Vrashek shrugs and takes a seat. "Why not?"

 

[JustKim]

Vrashek hangs his head in shame as they leave from speaking with the merchants. "My apologies, Nafije. Perhaps I should leave such things to the experts.

"Don't worry, Vrashek," Nafije said pleasantly. "Experience is the best teacher."

When more of the group came together, Nafije relayed what she had learned, and emphasized a couple of things in particular. "The Swan King's Larder appeals to the sensibilities of older patrons. I think perhaps it was there that Mr. Barbarosa did his gambling, and where the Veiled Society has cast its net."

"This man Vas-Hathoth seems to be at the center of the Veiled Society's interest in the Isle of Dread. That note that Astra found in the tunnels, it was signed by a Vas. And the bookseller, Mr. Boloum, told me that he had sold a map of the Isle to someone. Though his discretion prevented him from saying whom, it wouldn't surprise me that Vas-Hathoth has it in his collection."

Nafije pulled thoughtfully at her lip, and Goldie nodded amiably along to the sound of her voice, as though they were in agreement.

 

[Leif]

Questor, Halfling Chaos Sorcerer 6

"Excellent work, Nafije! I can only hope that we eventually face a challenge that permits me to show my worth to the group as well as you have done. And may I not snooze or even blink at the crucial moment!"