Island Empire, Part III, The Lich's Curse

[Leif]

Gnurl Whiskerling hp76/76,AC23

"Assume, Gentlemen, for the sake of argument, that this orc proves to be the typical, boorish specimen that is representative of his species, and we are able to learn nothing of any use from him while we refrain from extraordinary 'inducements.' Are we honor-bound to continue to honor the flag of truce with an uncivilized, and more importantly UN-CHURCHED, heathenous orc, or may we freely take whatever action we deem necessary against the filthy cur?"

 

[Scotley]

The boat draws closer. Zurrik is perhaps surprised to find no magic on the orc or the boat. Deftly handling the little boat, the orc swings it in toward the Radiant Sun, dropping his sail and stopping against the ship with a bump that can't even be felt by those on deck. A line is lowered and the orc ties off his boat and climbs skill fully up the rope. He wears a hunting knife on his belt, but leaves a bow and harpoon in behind in his little boat. Without a word, he bows and holds out an envelope.

OOC: Keep in mind that orcs are citizens of the Empire and while they are generally viewed as second class citizens and generally despised by other races, they are not considered 'monsters'.

 

[Leif]

Gnurl Whiskerling hp76/76,AC23

Without a word, the orc bows and holds out an envelope.

Gurl puts his hand on his Wand and stands silently watching, waiting for Geoffrey to act, since it's his Ship.

 

[mleibrock]

Radoon

Radoon stands behind and to the right of Geoffery and will also wait for him to act. Radoon has no knives drawn in an act of faith, since the Orc left most of his weapons behind, it seems he means no harm.

OOC - Scott, how big is his boat, does it ave even a cabin for him to sleep? How far are we from land? I'm an wondering how long he has been at sea to find us?

 

[Scotley]

Radoon glances down at the little Dory. The open boat has no cabin or shelter from the elements. It could not realistically travel fast or far enough to catch the Radiant Sun or Crest Dancer. It is logical to conclude that it came here from ahead of you or otherwise traveled a merging course. You have not made any attempt to travel in anything but a straight line toward your destination since you left the inner sea at Cambre. It must have come from nearby as there are no significant provisions aboard.

 

[J. Alexander]

Messenger

As his companions have more or less acted, Geoffrey will indicate to the ensign that the orc and his letter may be brought to the quartedeck. Once there he will show the letter to the entire party before breaking it's seal.

 

[Scotley]

The missive...

The letter is marked on the outside in common in a precise angular script. The ink is blood red on flesh colored heavy paper with a high rag content. The text on the outside is each of your names--Geoffrey, Grurl, H'Roosh, Radoon and Zurrik. The seal is the crown above crossed palm trees seen on the sail of the messenger's boat pressed into black wax. The envelop smells mildly of expensive man's cologne. Breaking the seal reveals a brief message.

'Most noble travelers,

I invite you to dine with me this evening. Join me at my home just after sunset for dinner and a hunt. If you do this I will return your crewmen unharmed at first light. If you do not wish the return of your crewmen then I bid you good day and success in your future endeavors. I will add them to my household. However, should you choose to accept my invitation, I can promise you a most engaging evening as well as the return of your men. To secure the release of the crewmen, you must all attend. You are free to bring any weapons or other implements you require to feel comfortable. However, I must insist that only those persons named on the outside of the this invitation come ashore. All others must remain at least a half mile out. You may come ashore in my man's boat or one of your own as long as I can see clearly that you are alone. If I or my many watchers see any treachery on your part it will cost your men their lives. I do hope you will choose to act in good faith and come as requested. Simply follow my man's boat home.

Yours sincerely,
Count Valdimyr Zarovych

OOC: Spot checks please

[sblock=0 to 20 spot check]The Orc stands silently awaiting you.[/sblock]

[sblock=21+ spot check]You make eye contact with the orc and he smiles briefly. As he does you catch just a glimpse inside his mouth and it appears that his tongue has been cut out at some time in the past.[/sblock]

 

[mleibrock]

Radoon

spot check (1d20 5=13)

"Well, it seems we will not have to bid the Crestdancer farewell after all, she will make a fine boat to take ashore, but Swabby will have to agree to stay with the Radiant Sun. My vote is always with the crew."

 

[Lou]

Zurrik Odeil, AC 25 HP 66/66

Zurrik looks the orc over carefully as well as the letter, but he sees nothing unusual.

OOC: Spot check 5

 

[Maidhc O Casain]

H'Roosh

"It is plain to me that we must accept this invitation for the sake of Captain Vassa's crewmen, but I do not trust anyone who must resort to such strongarm tactics simply to throw a dinner party. I do not think we should - or would be allowed to - use the 'Dancer as a shore boat. First, this . . . Count . . . would surely claim her, and second it does not meet his requirements as he could not be certain we weren't hiding armsmen below decks."

[sblock=Spot Check]1d20+12=31

What sort of creature would treat a servant so? I must not embarass the man by speaking of his disfigurement in front of him . . .[/sblock]