M3: Assassin's Knot (Patlin judging)

[Manzanita]

James the serving boy brings the party their food.

For what its worth, this adventure depends upon your initiative. No one is going to attack you, and nothing much will happen for awhile unless you trigger it. Take some chances. Feel free to ask me to advance time to the evening or night or whatever

 

[Knight Otu]

Spot Check Again (1d20+5=21)

Ashnar nods sagely, seeing what is important. "The birds should be fit for a Prince. I think there were some predominantly in the local royal colors, too.
A shame that I'll have to keep my current robes for our audience, but the colors would notsuit me. Three days, I believe the tailor said, along with your vest.

Yes, Eanos, I think we should head back now."

 

[Velmont]

"Let's finish the meal first... there is some time left before we can go take it anyway. I doubt he will have finished his work at that time." Rinaldo eats his plate before going back to the tailor.

OOC: I suppose we will then proceed directly for the Prince, or someone want to speak with the tailor again?

 

[jkason]

OOC: Princely visit's fine by me.

 

[Manzanita]

A Rowboat is docked at the end of the pier. The guard nods and ushers you through to it. A wiry middle aged man sits in the back with two oars. “I be Hutchinson” he says. “I’ll take ye to ther island. Be nice if one of yous helped row.”

As the boat approaches the island, you are able to see it well. The island is a rocky outcrop that is hardly larger than the tower structure atop it. A single tower just upwards at least 6 stories. Further smaller structures may exist, but are concealed by a stone wall that seems to go all around the island. The tower and wall are plain, but sturdy looking.

The boat rows around to the north of the island where you see a single pier jutting into the sea. A pillbox-like guardhouse stands at the place where the pier connects to the island wall. Hutchinson parks the boat and secures it to a post with a rope. He then leads you to the pillbox, where a single lightly armed guard opens the door and ushers you inside. You then walk through a domed wood and stone tunnel, about 7 foot high at its apex, on a curvy path leading to a sturdy metal-enforced oak door. Sunlight occationally peeks through the domed roof as you walk.

Hutchinson knocks twice on the door and an eyeslit is pulled back. An eye is placed at the hole briefly. Then the sound of a bolt it heard being pulled back, and the door opens. A pretty young woman, neatly dressed in black and white, smiles curiously at the party and invites them in. Hutchinson nods good bye and returns the way he came. You enter a solidly built stone hall. Torches burn on the walls and several benches trunks and suits of armor dot the sides. The woman leads the party to the nearest door and ushers them into a waiting room, with soft plush couches and low tables. “My name’s Lana. I’ll get you some refreshments. Let me know if you need anything else. The Prince will see you shortly."

 

[Velmont]

“I be Hutchinson” he says. “I’ll take ye to ther island. Be nice if one of yous helped row.”

Rinaldo make a sign at Eanos. I hope he doesn't mind thinks the merchant.

“My name’s Lana. I’ll get you some refreshments. Let me know if you need anything else. The Prince will see you shortly."

"Thank you." Rinaldo sits down and take a look at the decoration.

 

[jkason]

Eanos takes Rinaldo's lead, helping with the rowing as his "employer" requests. Once they're waiting for the Prince, he joins the merchant in examining their surroundings.

 

[Manzanita]

The small group waits in the room. It is sparsely furnished, but the decor is tasteful and looks quite costly. Lana is a bit shy, and doesn't speak much unless spoken to, but keeps glancing at the party. She brings some pastries, fruit and coffee and bustles out.

About an hour later, a sharp rap is heard on the door. The door is then opened and two men enter. "Greetings, I am Prince Phillip and this is Croft my animal keeper. Your names?"

Phillip is tall and gaunt, with thinning, greying hair. He wears a clean royal blue robe with three interlocking gold rings embroidered on the back and arms. Underneath a plain brown tunic is visible. He looks to be about 55, has bad teeth, and smells of age.

Croft is of medium height, burly and gruff. He wears studded leather armor and has a longsword and whip on his belt.

After introductions, Phillip sits on a woft chair while Croft remains standing. "You are animal dealers, then?" Phillip asks. "What have you got?"

 

[Velmont]

"My name is Rinaldo di Senzio. I am a merchant of exotic animals. I present you Ashnar. One of my associate. He is an animal catcher, both using his falcon, skills and magic to catch the animals we sold. We have a third associate, who know the region where we hunt our animals. He has stayed there, as he is a local."

He says with grace and a smile. "And Eanos here is my guard." he adds quickly.

"Sadly, we have nothing to present you for the moment. Why we have come to see you is not to sell you something now, but to know what you are searching. We do some prospect for new client and we desire to offer them exactly what they want. I wanted to meet you to see your collection and to speak with you, so I can find you something that will interest you."

 

[Manzanita]

Prince Phillip

"Well, I'm a busy man, so let's get right to the poin. I need apes. Any age, but not too old, and preferably large. I also need giant bats, young or adult. Both of these species can be found in the swamps to the south of here. I can also use a few large brown bears, and giant owls. These are harder to find in these parts. What region do you hunt in?"

Phillip takes off his wire-rimmed glasses and places them on his knees. He runs his hands over his face. He appears tired.

"I might be interested in other animals and beasts as well. What region do you frequent? And do you only hunt animals? How about people?"