5-29-24; 7th Eleasis early evening

 Game Notes 5-29-24

7th of Eleasis continued (early evening)

As the worried adventurers finish eating the sandwiches at the common table Kyle races down the stairs to announce the arrival of Mother Bettewhyte.  She follows him down the stairs and greets those she knows (Nevil, Atalaya and Vasilya).  Nevil approaches her and sprinkles her head with holy water before really acknowledging her.  When there are no negative responses to the holy water, Nevil apologizes and Mother Bettewhyte is introduced to the others.  

She asks, “Are you dealing with a shapechanger?”
Nevil explains what has happened to Sorrow.  She explains that we seem to be dealing with some type of demon.  It is identified as a succubus.  Mother Bettewhyte explains that a succubus will look for the person who is most hurt for losing their bounds/beliefs.  She explains that we will have to (completely) kill it before it can blink out if we want it to stay dead.  If we kill it on this plane it cannot come back.  

We discuss possible ways to kill the succubus.  Mother Bettewhyte explains that the creature wants to wreck/corrupt people.  

We ask her about Frost’s place.  She says that it is on the west side of town near the beach.  It used to be a tenement.  It is a tall building in comparison to those around it.  Nevil asks about the political climate of the constabulary.  Mother BW says that many of the constabulary most liely enjoy going there (Frost’s Place) and will look the other way as long as there are not violent crimes being committed. “Payments are made.”

We make a “donation” of 90 gp for Mother Bettewhyte’s services, asking her to stay on the ship while we go to retrieve Sorrow in case Pencheska (the succubus) decides to show up at the ship while we are trying to rescue Sorrow.  She is asked to help protect the crew and Cirilli if that happens.  (Possibly using the spell “Magic Circle”.)

Atalaya, Nevil, Vasilya and Inman head out to Frost’s Place to attempt Sorrow’s rescue.   They head through the dock district, heading west, along the small narrow streets.  They smell food cooking.  The streets are poorly paved and full of smelly gooey messes.  This area is definitely a slum.  (Head to #6 on the map.)

When we reach Frost’s Place, it is a big building that was at one time a tenement.  The doors are open and we can smell food.  Atalaya and Vasilya scout around the building/block to get the lay of the land, while Nevil and Inman watch the front door to the place.  Inman takes this time to call his familiar, a rat named Nigil.  While Atalaya and Boz continue to scout the area, Inman sends Nigil into the building, going up and down different stairways.  Inman is able to see through the rat’s eyes, but isn’t aware of what’s going on around him (blind and deaf but is able to speak about what he is seeing through Nigil).  Nigil ends up in a basement full of crates, boxes that seem to be food stuff.  Inman whispers to Nevil, “The basement is clear.”

Inman sends Nigil upstairs (the main floor of the establishment).  The rat sees a couple of orcs, a robed white dragonborn who is tending bar, swaggering and looking as if he owns the place.  The orcs seem to be his “muscle.”  No one seems to notice the rat as it moves around the room. 

Nigil heads up one set of stairs to the second floor.  He sees a drunk guy in the hallway and hears people talking (a man and a woman).  He climbs down and up another set of stairs.  Here some of the rooms do not have doors.  They have hay ticking rather than beds.  

The rat goes up to the next level which seems to be in even worse shape than the 2nd level.  The rat goes back down to the main floor.  

Rat goes back up (a different stairway?) to the 3rd floor.  He doesn’t hear anything but sees a guy that looks like a pirate.  Nigil does detect a slight scent of brimstone.  He follows the scent very slowly, sniffing the beds.  He has to go down and come back up.  He continues to sniff.  He hears heavy footfalls of someone wearing armor.  He sees a long red cloak and weird tattoos on her face.  Nigil runs by her feet and she kicks at it as she asks, “Why do we have to stay in this place?  It’s disgusting.”

Nigil hangs out in an empty room and watches the hallway.  Inman tells him to stay there.  

Inman comes out of his trance and says, “I’m smelling brimstone on the 3rd floor.”  

Atalaya and Boz have made their way around the building and block, noting secondary doors and alleyways and hears Inman’s remark.  

Boz asks, “Thayian warriors?”

Inman responds, “Definitely a warrior.”  He continues, “We need to go in and order a drink and let Nevil do ‘her thing’.”

Boz replies, “I don’t think the warriors have magic, but they fight hard.” 

They enter the tavern and Boz begins pawing at Atalaya and acting very amorous.  Nevil, Atalaya and Boz sit at a table while Inman goes up to the bar to order.

The Dragonborn asks what he can get Inman.  The orcs are watching all of us.  Inman orders a round of drinks and asks for 2 rooms-the nicest available.  While at the bar Inman is accosted by a lady who wants him to buy her a drink.  When Inman declines, saying he is here with someone, she offers to make it a threesome.  

The drinks are 2 coppers a piece.  Inman throws down a silver piece and asks the Dragonborn to start a tab.

The Dragonborn offers two rooms on the second floor. (Go up the steps behind the bar, go to the left and to the right… 2 rooms.  Inman nods and asks for the drinks to be sent to the table as he goes to check out the two rooms.  One room is a suite that includes a bedroom and a sitting room with a bath.  The other is a bedroom with a bath.

Inman makes his way back down to the table and sits with Nevil and explains about the rooms he rented.  

Nevil starts kissing Inman and goes into her own trance state, casting Divine Sense.  She does not detect anything on the first floor.  While Nevil is “kissing” Inman, Atalaya turns to Vasilya and kisses him too, copying Nevil’s behavior as she is in trance.  

When Nevil comes out of her trance, Inman goes back into his trance to control and see through Nigil’s eyes.  He sends the rat up the stairs @ 13.  On the third floor it squirms under a door and sees another warrior.  It is able to hear voices from under one door.  

Inman whispers, “Two warriors, found Sorrow.”

Next door – filthy mattress, parts of the floor is missing, no one in that room.

Inman comes back to himself and enjoys Nevil’s kisses.  After the couples finish the drinks and their “public displays of affection” they make their way up the stairs to head towards their rooms.  

In the sitting room, they find a woman, Ravi.  Nevil speaks to her, she is from Seaton and wants to get back there, but doesn’t have any money.  Nevil gives her a  gold piece and she leaves.  

After the public sitting room is cleared out, we “go in” (the bedroom portion? The public sitting room?) and discuss where we want to go.  Inman says that we need to go up one more floor at this stairwell.  Atalaya undoes the tiedown on her sword and strings her bow and has an arrow at the ready.  Boz prepares also.  Nevil wants to try something, but then realizes that it won’t work. 

Nevil leads the way up, her mace at the ready.  Turning a corner she sees a Thayian warrior and starts wailing on it with her mace.  She takes two swings at the warrior and both hit (12 points and 9 points of damage).

Atalaya follows, shooting two arrows, the first hitting the warrior for 14 points of damage. She then places a Hunter’s Mark on the warrior. (1 extra point of damage per hit).

Llith (Thayian warrior) has a longsword and yelling, swings the sword at Nevil twice.  Both swings miss.  She yells something in a language none of us understand. 

Nigil distracts Ilith by crawling up her and sits on her arm.

The Door opens and we hear shouting. 

Nevil runs to the room where the door just opened.  Lilith takes another swing (attack of opportunity) and hits Nevil for 8 points of damage.

Nevil goes into the room and casts Protection Against Evil on Sorrow (giving him advantage to resist charms and on his saving throws.)

Sorrow looks at Nevil, his brows furl as he says “Flee!”  Nevil feels the command start to take hold, but then shakes it off. 

Pencheska (who still looks like Joan)Looks at Nevil and tries to charm her but is not successful.

Atalaya moves her Hunter’s Mark to Pencheska as she pushes her way past Nevil to block the doorway out of the room.  Using her Wand of Paralysis she attempts to use it on Sorrow, (but he makes his save and is not affected by it).

Inman calls a Witch Bolt and strikes Llith with it, and kills her.

Boz shoots his shortbow at Asha (Warrior in room with Pencheska and Sorrow?) and hits her for 10 points of damage.

Nigil runs up to Nevil and leaps onto Pencheska’s face.

Asha swings her longsword at Boz.  Her first swing misses, but she hits Boz with the second. Boz dodges taking only 5 points of damage. 

Nevil smacks Pencheska with her mace with Divine Smite doing a total of 30 points of damage. On her first attack.  Her second attack also hits for 5 points radiant damage. 

Sorrow: Looks at Atalaya and she feels/thinks that she is engulfed in fire.  She feels like she is burning and believes that the building is on fire.  She takes 5 points of damage.

Pencheska tries to charm Nevil again.  Nevil saves against it.

Atalaya, feeling like she is on fire again uses her Wand of Paralysis, this time managing to paralyze Sorrow.  As she does, the fire disappears.

Inman casts Phantasmal Killer at Pencheska.  She takes 19 points of damage this turn (and 4d10 each turn until Inman breaks his concentration on the spell). 

Boz attempts to hit Asha with his sword but misses.  He disengages and moves back into the hallway.  

Rigil bites Pencheska 

Asha swings her longsword at Nevil. The first swing misses, but she causes 9 points of damage with her second swing.

Nevil using her morningstar with divine smit hits (Pencheska?) for 16 points of damage.  Her second swing also hits for 11 points of damage.

Sorrow is able to break through the paralysis by the end of his turn.

Pencheska looks at Nevil and her mouth starts to smile at her, and then she grabs Sorrow and kisses him.  Sorrow grows pale and grey faced and stumbles against the bed.  She is then able to shake off the Phantasmal Killer spell (makes her save).

Atalaya uses her +2 arrow on her first shot at Pencheska.  It hits for 12 points of damage.  Pencheska dies with Atalaya’s second shot.

Boz shoots at Asha, but misses.

Nigil crawls out of the dead demon’s mouth.

Asha attacks Nevil with her longsword, taking two swings, with both swings missing Nevil.

Nevil fumbles her swing with the morningstar, missing Asha. Her second swing hits for 8 points of damage.

Sorrow shoves himself off the bed and lurches across the room towards the warrior (Asha).  He grabs her and does 14 points of necrotic damage.  

Inman pulls out his scimitar and swings twice at Asha.  The first swing misses.  She takes 5 points of damage with the second swing.

Boz holds his action.

Nigil runs up Nevil and jumps onto Asha’s face, not quite make ????

Asha turns on Sorrow and swings her longsword, causing 4 points of damage to Sorrow.  

Nevil swings her morningstar at Asha again.  The first swing misses, but she causes 9 points of damage with the second swing and Asha goes down.  

Someone comes up the hallway, says, “Fuck!” and heads back downstairs.

Nevil lays her hands on Sorrow to provide healing.  Sorrow gets up and is very dizzy.  He sits down on the bed.  “I dreamt things,” he says to the room at large.

We investigate the room, and loot the bodies.  

The Thayian warriors have holy symbols on chains (2), their longswords, robes and armor (all X2).

We find a gold necklace on Pencheska.

Inman lays his hands on Sorrow, but nothing seems to happen.

We make our way down to “our rooms” and prepare to head back to the boat.  

Atalaya makes 10 Goodberries and gives Sorrow two of them.  They seem to not have an effect on him.  She then takes off her cloak and puts it on Sorrow, pulling the hood up over his head to hide his horns.  

5-16-24; 7th Eleasis Afternoon

 Game notes 5-16-24

7th of Eleasis:  Afternoon

After meeting with Hawk

Atalaya, Nevil, Boz, and Skarne drink, smoke, and speculate action to decompress at the cafe after meeting with Hawk.  

The group discusses the bounty on Boz.  Nevil asks if Boz has ever considered faking his death and starting over with a new persona.  She says that they could make a false id for him.  

The group discusses a strategy for errands.  We expect that Sorrow and Inman will be searching the Countess's library for Candlekeep worthy books.  

Atalaya asks Nevil how much the floor is going to cost us.  Nevil replies that they have been given a very good price for the work, 125 gp, half now and haft upon completion of the work.  

Skarne is returned to the ship.  Cirilli and crew stay on the ship to watch over Skarne and the hired workers.  We are told that Sorrow and Joan never returned to the ship. 

Bookstore and Raven

Seeing that Annie is handling the goods orders for the ship and a courier was sent with Nevil and Inman's personal supply list, the group decides the primary task was to find rare or valuable books for Candlekeep.  So, Atalaya, Boz, and Nevil, enter a nondescript bookstore) (Stumpy’s Fallen Leaves) in the more affluent portion of town.  Nevil explains to the shopkeep, a gnome named Stumpy, that she is looking for collectible books in order to impress her friend who is a wizard.   While the gnome shopkeep is busy in the back searching for his best pieces, the group feels an odd wind then notices a raven pecking a black covered, weathered, thin book on the doorstep that had not been there when they entered the shop..  There are many chips and cracks in the cover of the book.  The behavior of the large bird is felt to be “weird” by the group as they watch it peck at the book.  The book is not titled and given its appearance they hesitate to open or read it, although Atalaya does pick it up.  The bird allows her to do this.  The book is bound with black wire.  It is very thin and the pages appear to be yellowed and wrinkled by moisture.  Nevil’s Detect Magic spell did not show any magical auras on the Gothic book nor any other book in the shop.  Boz questions whether or not the bird brought the book, but no one is certain one way or the other.  Nevil says, “Maybe.”  The gnome returns with mundane books, while not appropriate for Candlekeep, some prove useful for education purposes. Atalaya purchases a book on Gwaeron Windstrom, the rangers’ patron,   and a book about animal tracking. The Gnome didn’t claim ownership of the book the raven dropped.  

The gnome also has language books covering Abysmal and Deep Speech.  He promises that he will search his archives and see if he has anything else, if we will just tell him what we are looking for. 

Temple of Chauntea

Nevil, still worried about any lasting effects from the cursed morningstar that she had fallen under the spell of, and of Boz’s recent unconsciousness at the Sea Hag’s hands wants to speak with a cleric about checking for ill effects on any of the group.  She also wants Atalaya checked, as she worries that something about her immersion during the katas may be problematic.  After talking to some of the townspeople they get directions to the Temple of Chauntea outside of the town proper.  On the way there Boz is constantly looking over his shoulder for the Raven.  He asks Nevil if there is magic that can cover up the detection of magic from the spell she uses.  She replies that she is not sure.  

 The group makes their way to the temple.  Nevil asks whether or not this is a healing temple.  When she is assured that they are able to provide that type of help Nevil asks for them to screen the three of us for any “negative effects from our adventures.  Sister Betty White and acolytes screen Boz, Atalaya, and Nevil.  They undergo a ritual involving being sprinkled with earth and water, while within an area of focused sunlight.  It also involved rose petals and wheat sheaves.  The ritual is actually very calming and invokes a light state of meditation on the three of us.  Nothing is detected on either Nevil or Boz.  The forgotten geas on Atalaya is rediscovered.  Nevil is informed of the nature of the agreement [that once she feels that she and her group are ready to have a reasonable chance of defeating Zanather, a beholder crime boss in Waterdeep, she is to kill him]. The group donates 10 gold per person for services.

Nevil asks about information regarding unique or rare books

The priestess offers tomes of religious records and tomes for an appropriate donation.  They are to return the next day while the sister selects appropriate selections.

She also asks if it would be alright for her to come to pray at the temple, even though she worships Eldath.  Sister Betty happily and readily agrees to that.  Nevil plans to spend some time in prayer here tomorrow. (When we come to check on book possibilities?  Early morning by herself?  Not clear from gameplay/notes.) left open, anyone welcome, could play in writing.

Countess' Library

Boz is worried that we haven’t seen Sorrow today and wants to check so see that he is in fact with Inman at the countess’ library.  Her mansion is a little smaller than Orsino’s mansion in Riverport.  It is well kept.  [Pond?]  Guards are present around the property and at the entrance. 

The party goes to the countess’ library to seek Inman and Sorrow and inform them of the progress for the day. Entrance guard consults a list of people who have entered the manor and tells us that Inman is there and escorts us to the library.  There are several people there besides Inman, but Sorrow is not found and Inman has not seen him.  Inman is excitedly informed of the morning’s deeds [the finding of the raven’s book and the trip to the temple] to the shushings of others in the library.  He has also found three books appropriate for Candlekeep and asks the guard for a meeting with the Countess to discuss purchasing the books.  The group moves to a private room where the Countess Olivia and her accompanying jester question the group.  She asks why they need the book and expresses concern.  Inman explains that we are researching something important and that if we aren’t able to defeat this foe there will be dire consequences for the kingdom.  She is asked if she is aware of the current threat to the kingdom from outside our borders.  She replies that she is.  She then asks us where we are from.  Atalaya replies that she is from the High Forest.  She correctly guesses Boz’s background/home territory.  She doesn’t ask Nevil where she is from.  

She offers to part with the three books for 500 gold.  When asked if she will accept the silvery pearls she agrees to the trade. The group pays in slaver pearls  [25 of the Silvery Pearls].

The countess informs the group of an abandoned estate [ruin] that had belonged to an older man who she believed had a small book collection.  She offered to trade/pay for any books we found but did not need for our trip to Candlekeep.  Nevil gets detailed directions to the ruin. 

The level of worry in the group rises as Sorrow is still not present.  Surely he would have not passed the opportunity to pursue a library. They go back to the Wind Rose Tavern to check on him and Joan.  

Confronting Joan

While Sorrow is not found, Joan is easily found eating a late lunch at the tavern.  She seems annoyed at the questioning and unconcerned that Sorrow is missing and explains that he ran off the night before with a human wench in a blue skirt.  She frequently admonished the group for working with Skarne and allowing him to live.

Nevil walks with Joan to question the barkeep.  The proprietor, a rough looking dude, said he didn't see the wench described but that he did see Sorrow leaving with Joan last night.  He has not seen him today.  Nevil and Joan grow more tense as it appears the stories are not aligning.  Moving to the alley behind the tavern where Joan said she last saw Sorrow, Nevil casts Detect Magic [no magic detected] and Joan continues to tell us that there was a girl in the alley that was throwing herself at Sorrow and that he left with her.  

Joan then casts Zone of Truth.  Joan fails her save and may not speak a lie.  Nevil asks her name and Joan refuses to answer and abruptly leaves.  Boz expertly grapples the imposing Joan.  Atalaya grabs an arm and asks, “Who the hell are you? And, what happened to Joan?”  

The being struggles in Boz and Atalaya’s grasp.   The demon replies with a dark grin and says “Yes”.  

Hoping to elicit some information from the demon, Nevil speaks the darkest words she has been heard to utter.  With promises of torture in a relentless pursuit of their friend Nevil barely but successfully intimidates the demon into believing that she would follow through with her dark words.  Pencheska moans with delight and begs for more. [She attempts to charm Nevil, but at the last moment Nevil thwarts the attempt.]  Nevil then realizes the strength of their foe.  They gag and bind her and discuss what to do.  

Nevil begs for help from Shen, the cook Harper contact, for help with the prisoner.  He takes us upstairs to the biggest room at the Inn as a secluded place to deal with the demon.  As we go upstairs to the large bedroom we realize that there is a loft area for eating that overlooks half the lower tavern room.  Nevil quickly writes a plea to Mother Bettewhyte to assist post haste and sends the message with a courier.  Shen is invited to stay to witness the nature of their work as a gesture of trust.  Shen seems to pale as the work continues.  Atalaya confronts her again, saying, “Pencheska, are you having fun?” 

The demon who does seem to be Pencheska seems to be pleased that she was recognized.   Before the group could decide what to do, the demon blinks away and escapes yet again, her clothes and the ropes binding her dropping to the floor. 

Demon Escapes Again

Boz explodes. “Why him?  Why does she keep going after him?”  Atalaya asks Shen if either Sorrow or “Joan” had a room the previous night.  Shen replies that they did not.  Nevil tries to use her Divine Sense to detect Pencheska but cannot.  We decided to keep the room overnight and pay Shen the cost for the night [cost???}   We ask Shen to please request that Sister Betty join us on the Hond Ebrath when she gets to the Wind Rose. 

 Nevil suggests that Boz should try his gifts, but Boz is already finishing her sentences.  Shen is instructed to send Sister Bettewhyte to the ship where Boz will attempt to scry for Sorrow using the Saint Cuthbert Scrying Altar kept on the ship.  Atalaya, Boz,and Cirilli work to use the scrying tool.  Boz does spectacularly and Sorrow is able to help make a connection as well.  As Boz falls into his trance he says, “Alley… I’m seeing a white dragonborn… cheapside tenement or inn or hall… lots of people… prostitutes… pirates… guards … there are guards… our place… our place… our place… dirty ticking… dirty beds… dirty straw… He’s there.”

Atalaya tries asking Boz for clarification.  “Is this in Blue Haven?”  Boz replies, “Yes.”

Meanwhile Nevil and Inman speak with Skarne.  She is wanting to judge his reaction to the discovery of Pencheska.  Her tone starts as threatening and moves to understanding as she believes Skarne’s surprise and worry.

Boz is able to divine enough detail (without hurting himself) so that when he  describes what he saw to Skarne, Skarne is able to identify a little known speak-easy and brothel called Frost’s Place that is the likely prison of Sorrow.

Skarne is asked about the size and manpower to expect at the hideaway.  Skarne describes Frost’s place as a down low establishment on the cheapside.  He says that it is pretty big.  He says that he doesn’t know what Frost’s deal is.  He says that he doesn’t think that the local constabulary goes there. He also says that Captain Hawk would not likely go there and that he didn’t like for his “boys” to go there either.  

Nevil asks Atalaya whether or not we should ask for Hawk and her crew’s help to get Sorrow away from there.  Atalaya is very uncomfortable with the idea.  Nevil asks her if she would prefer to trust the constabulary.  Atalaya responds that before having met Nevil she would have.  Now she is no longer sure about that choice either.  Someone asks if Countess Olivia is in charge of the constabulary and suggests that we ask her for help.  Atalaya asks why the Countess hasn’t done anything about that place already and no one has an answer for her. 

The group ponders options for the rescue of Sorrow as they wait for Sister Betty to arrive.  

5-1-24 ; 6th/7th of Eleasis - Skarne and Hawk

 

6th of Eleasis

Chapter 1: Late morning, Vasilya’s new skill

After fighter practice was finished and gear stored and tunics changed, Boz called everyone together because he wanted to show everyone something that he had been practicing.  He took a cup and fork from the galley and placed them on the table.  Sitting down in front of them he placed the fork on top of the cup, making sure that it was placed securely, and not falling off with the motion of the ship.  Atalaya sat next to him and everyone else gathered around the table to watch.  

Boz stared at the fork for a while, and it fell off the cup, clattering on the tabletop.  After it fell, Boz took a deep breath and looks like he had exerted himself.  

Everyone is a bit confused at what they just saw

Nevil says that she has never seen that before… i.e. a fork falling off a cup.  Boz replies that he hasn’t been able to do that before.  That the Gur drabarni has had him working on control and deliberate focus to help expand and control his mental psych powers.  

Nevil is confused.  She thought that he was working on improving his ability to use divination skills, not focusing.

Boz says that this is working on focus.

Nevil wants to know what the source of this magic he just did was: the weave or from the gods.

Boz says that it is from his mind, not the weave.

Nevil replies that he is “Kind of messing with my reality,” and then asks if other people can do this.

Boz replies that other Gur can in fact do this. 

Nevil asks again what the force behind this is.

Inman states that the Gurs sometimes do this and that Boz is a Gur.

          Nevil repeats that what he is doing is not divine, it is not the weave, so what is it?  She seems very concerned about what Boz just did.

        We talk about Boz needing to continue practicing on his control and focus so that he can control/use his ability to see visions without all the severe effects that he experiences, especially when tries to force it.

         Inman says that we should play marbles, but require Boz to move them with his mind.

Chapter 2:  Sighting The Blade, Talks with Skarne

           As we were talking about playing marbles, Kyle comes down and reports that a boat has been seen and that it seems to be gaining on us.  

            We open up the door to Skarne’s room and tell him that we need for him to be restrained while we deal with the oncoming ship.  We cover the window so that he can’t signal the ship.

             Skarne tells us that if we are worried about his ship following us, that it is possible that it is.  He describes his ship, The Blade, as having red sails and fine intricate woodworking on the rails.  He claims that his ship is faster than ours.  “A better ship.” 

Skarne tells us we can just tell his crew (if the ship is his) that he is dead.  Or  he can tell them to stand down.  He says that he is not happy with the current situation that he finds himself in with the Red Wizards and he doesn’t want to go to prison to be hanged.  He claims that he can and will help us find Captain Jade Hawk if we let him retire without giving him over to either the Harpers or the War Wizards.   He doesn’t want to go to prison as he knows that is a death sentence.

When asked how he plans to help us, he says that he knows his way around the docks in many towns.  He is offering to help by knowing the “undersides” of the docks.  He says, “I can probably help you find her, but I’m not going to do this if the ending is the same.”  When asked why, he says that he doesn’t agree with the aims of the Red Wizards, but felt like he couldn’t refuse them.  He wants a way to get out of their influence without being killed by the crown.  

When we ask him, “How can we trust you?”  

He says, “You can’t.  I’m a pirate.”  He then adds, “I don’t find myself in a good place and I’d like to retire.”

We bind Skarne and go topside to find out what is happening there, to see if the ship following us seems to be The Blade.  It is a “blonde ship” with red sails.  

We converse with Ivar and ask him to try to outrun it.  

Nevil wants to interrogate Skarne with Sorrow.

Sorrow agrees, saying that “We don’t like each other.  I’ll do my best.”

The rest of us discuss options.  “I don’t know how we can convince them he is dead.  They wouldn’t follow the ship if they thought he was dead.”

Nevil asks, “What happens if we kill him?”  We question her about how this fits in with her vows and she replies, “I was going to dress up a pell (like him) and throw it overboard.”

Sorrow comes back, “Near as I can tell he is telling the truth.  

Nevil takes Atalaya and Inman and Sorrow back down to talk to Skarne (again).  

Skarne says that Sorrow is “an interesting character.”  He asks if we know that he is from the Wendre family? clan? in Baldur's Gate.  Atalaya replies with a flat immediate, “Yes.”

       (Sorrow is from a wealthy family in Baldur’s Gate involved with the slave trade)

We ask him what we can expect from his crew.  He replies that his ship is fast.  That the crew is the same size as our crew.  (Did he mean the 5 crew members (4+Ivar) or 11 (everyone we have on board)?)

Skarne states that he will be happy to come out and to tell his crew to stand down.  

Nevil asks Skarne what he thinks about Harpers.  He replies that they have some similar goals with the Sea Princes with regard to the crown.  

Nevil says something about the fact that the Harpers are against the slaving they have been doing.

Inman is asked if he can give over turning Skarne into the War Wizards (who would then turn him over to the crown).  Inman looks pained but agrees to this.

Atalaya asks how many wizards he has on board.  He says one deck wizard.  Atalaya asks what spells he typically uses.  Skarne replies  that he uses things like wind gusts, little arrows, lightning bolts and counter spell.  He adds that a lot of the wizard’s spells are defensive.  Inman listens closely to this. We send Inman topside to borrow Ivar’s telescope to see if he can pinpoint the wizard on the approaching ship.

Skarne reiterates that he has a nice ship, that it is newer than ours, and has carvings on the rails.  It does not have cannons, but does have ballistas.  

When asked if he knows of the Tamarind.  He says yes, that they are a slovenly crew and that he has little respect for them. Nevil says that displaying their ‘colors’ as a trophy wouldn’t help things then.  Skarne asks about that and we say that we sunk that ship.  

We decide to agree to Skarne’s proposal and untie him and bring him topside.  The other ship is catching up with us and has a parley flag flying.  

We tell Ivar to go ahead and let them catch up so that we can talk to them, having our crew ready at the ballistas and with Cirilli in the crow’s nest.   Ivan lowers our sails and lets The Blade catch up with us.  

Chapter 3:  Meeting The Blade

A middle aged bald guy comes forward to talk to us.  His name is Mr. Shoe. 

Skarne greets Mr. Shoe.  

Mr. Shoe asks him if he has been captured.

Skarne says no, that he is on a mission for the Red Wizards.

Mr. Shoe asks again if Skarne is being held  captive.

Skarne tells him that he wants Mr Shoe and his crew to meet him at the meeting place in Riverport.  

Mr. Shoe says that our ship is not one of the Sea Princes’ ships.

Skarne replies that he knows this.  

As they talk, The Blade is edging closer to our ship. 

Skarne and Mr. Shoe continue to talk back and forth.  It would appear that The Blade’s crew is buying Skarne’s story.  Skarne tells them to “just wait at the meeting place.  I should be back.”  His crew doesn’t look happy about it but are not yet willing to fire on our ship. 

Mr. Shoe says that they are going to be in Pelagia for 4 days and then they will head to Riverport.  

Skarne warns them that there was a problem with the constabulary at Pelagia and to be aware that the place may be compromised.

The Blade heads off.  The crew does not look like they were 100% convinced.  

Inman asks Skarne if he thinks his crew bought his story.  Skarne replies, “I guess… I don’t know.”

Nevil calls out to Ivar to hoist sails and continue on.  

Ivar wants some ale.  He says that we should be in Blue Haven by dinner time. 

(Available time for writing: Lunch to the Arrival at Blue Haven)

Chapter 4:  Arrival/Dinner in Blue Haven

It is dusk as we arrive in Blue Haven.  The sky is purple.  The town appears to be laid out differently from Riverport, less planned.  The harbor is protected and has a curved shape.  The water is a very intense blue color.  It is a crescent harbor in shape. 

Nevil tells Skarne that he will be staying on the boat tonight, but asks if he would like to request anything from the town.  He asks for a brown ale.  Nevil coaches him to ask for some new clothing. 

A couple of us take a dinghy to find the Harbor Master and discuss a docking place and to pay him.  It will cost us 2 gold pieces per day.  We pay for 3 days.  We are told where we can dock the Hond Ebrath.  (pay him 6 gold pieces for 3 days).  

Atalaya mentions Hawk; dock master balks:  When the dockmaster realizes that our ship is the Hond Ebrath, he tells us that there was a woman looking for that ship.  Atalaya asks if it was Hawk.  The dockmaster seems upset at the thought and tells us that he doesn’t want any trouble.  

Nevil asks for shipwright recommendations:  The dockmaster asks what kind of work she needs done.  Nevil cuts off his attempt at mansplaining, explaining that she wants someone to do “Lady stuff inside.”  He asks if she is sure that she needs a shipwright.  Nevil reiterates that yes, she does.   The Harbor Master gives her the address to a small repair yard that Nevil can try. 

Nevil asks for tavern recommendations:  The Harbormaster suggests the Wind Rose Tavern as a very good tavern in town and gives directions.  He says that they do have musicians sometimes, but not every night.  

The Harbormaster then explains that the lady looking for us has long hair, is tall and carries a bow.  

Joan arrives, Sorrow joy:  About that time Atalaya and Sorrow recognize Joan walking towards us.  Sorrow bolts down the walkway and throws his arms around Joan.  Nevil and Inman can eventually make out her greenish skin and tusks.  Joan is a half-orc.   Once she is done greeting Sorrow she nods at Inman and Nevil and introduces herself.

Joan explains that she has been waiting in town for us to get here for about a day.  She had gone to Salt Marsh and talked with Raven, and he sent her here to meet up with us.  

The group returns to ship to make way to assigned mooring

warm greetings from all to Joan

introductions to nevil and Inman

Atalaya explains Joan’s connection with Seraphina and the Master

Earlier Cirilli had agreed to stay on board with Inman while Sorrow, Nevil, Atalaya, Boz, go into town.  However, when Joan shows up Cirilli changes her mind and wants to go to dinner at the Wind Rose Tavern with everyone else (except for Inman) to make contact with local Harpers and to get to talk to Joan.

Inman, Kyle and  Rogelio agree to keep watch over Skarne … with Kyle and Rogelio promised tomorrow evening liberty. 

Group enjoys dinner at the Wind Rose Tavern.   Joan enjoys several rounds of ale and buys the rounds for the table.  Atalaya allows Cirilli to try the ale, and although she says that she likes it, her face tells the story.  Atalaya orders her a mug with half hard cider and half regular cider which she seems to prefer to the ale.  After that mug, Atalaya has her drink regular cider.  

Sorrow plays to the delight of the tavern, with generous tips in hand and joy for Joan, Sorrow pays for dinner for everyone.  

Sorrow works in the coded song. (Code:  Message, help, holy woman, grey and white.)   Nevil waits.  Shortly after the playing of the message song, Cook comes from the kitchen with a cake plate and a napkin. He tells her that it is the cake she had ordered, although she has not ordered any cake.   He asks how the cake was.  Written on the plate with icing is SHEN.  It is assumed that this is his name.  Nevil recognizes this is an attempt at contact but totally misses any of the subtle meaning as the cook returns to the kitchen.

 Nevil waits to space the encounter and to allow the cook to return to the kitchen.  With no additional response, she takes the plate to the kitchen and compliments the cook on the flavor she couldn't quite place.  The two exchange coded small talk to verify contact.  Nevil follows the cook to the alley behind the tavern  to complete their talk.  There is a dark alcove in the back of the building with an overhang, a brick wall and an  empty yard.

Nevil is never asked her name and she does not offer.  She asks for a meeting with a local or regional handler for a critical message for the chain and a need to send someone dark.  The two discuss where to meet the next day.  Nevil explains the ship is too exposed and it is agreed to meet again at the tavern.  Nevil supplies cover for later discussions by asking about rooms and accommodations.  She also asks for a room with a tub for Boz and Atalaya for tomorrow night.  She is told that they can get a tub, but it will cost extra.

Joan tries a couple of times to get Nevil talking, but keeps being interrupted.  

Shortly after Nevil returns from talking to the cook, the cook brings out a cake for the whole table.  

After the cook leaves Nevil winks at Boz and tells him that arrangements have been made.  It takes Boz a minute or so to realize what Nevil is talking about.  (Room and tub for tomorrow night.)  

Joan tries again to talk to Nevil and asks what she is going to do tonight.  Nevil responds that she plans on taking food and ale back to Inman (and Skarne).  

A serving girl comes by with the to go food for Nevil to take back to the ship.  

Sorrow pays for the group meal.  Atalaya leaves some coins for a tip on the table. 

We make our way back to the ship and feed Inman and Skarne.  While he is eating, Skarne says, “I’m assuming you want to find Hawk.”

We agree.  He asks how he is going to do that being kept on the ship.  We talk about ideas of what to do.  Skarne says that he knows some taverns that are not open to the general public.  We decide to take Skarne with us in the morning to start looking for Hawk.  He is reminded that he is on parole and if he wants a chance at a new life he needs to behave appropriately.  

When Skarne is returned to his room, Inman is informed about the contact having been made at the Wind Rose and that Nevil needs to meet with the Harpers again tomorrow night to hopefully meet with a regional director of the Harpers.  

See story thread for late night conversations

 

7th of Eleasis

See story thread for early morning/dawn activites

Chapter 5:  Morning tasks

Breakfast is had on the ship.  Joan and Sorrow are not on the ship.  

Skarne is fed and escorted to walk around the decks as we prepare for the morning activities.  Still no Joan or Sorrow.

We divide the tasks and break into two groups.  Atalaya, Boz and Skarne will go to look for Captain Hawk.  Nevil, Ivar and Cirilli will go to find the shipwright.  

Atalaya’s group spends about an hour walking up and down the docks looking for Hawk’s ship.  The Shalarin is eventually spotted although Hawk is not seen on deck.  Boz is a little disappointed to find out that Hawk is indeed here.  They discuss how to get to speak with Hawk in a gentile manner.  Skarne says that he thinks that they can find Hawk at the “speak-easy” called The Gale later in the day.  He will show us where that is.  Atalaya and Boz are uneasy with the idea of meeting her there.  Continued discussion yields a plan to send her a note inviting her to meet at lunchtime at a nearby cafe.  They return to the ship to meet back up with Nevil, Cirilli and Ivar and to be able to talk with Inman also about the plan.  

Nevil’s group finds the shipwright’s yard.  It is a small yard with a few ships in dry dock that are being worked on.  Nevil notes a dwarf with a big beard and a ledger who appears to be inspecting the work going on and who may be in charge.  

Nevil and her party are greeted by the dwarf.  Nevil says that she has received the recommendation that she look for “Keg” to do some renovations of their ship. 

Dwarf says that he is Keg.  He has to look up to see Nevil’s face.  

Nevil explains that she is looking for skilled woodworks to make a covering for the entrance to the hold on the crew deck.  She gets out the sketches that Atalaya drew and shows them to Keg.  Keg immediately understands what is wanted and states that they can certainly do the work.  They discuss the time frame for the project completion and cost.  Nevil wants good work done as quickly as possible.  The agreed upon price is 125 gold pieces … ½ now and the rest at completion.  While Ivar attended to some of this discussion, he has also been looking at the other boats that Keg is working on.  Keg gets to work immediately, snapping his fingers to call some of the workers to him for instructions.  

      The three return to the ship to be informed of the discovery of Hawk’s ship.

Chapter 6:  Meeting with Hawk

It was quickly decided that approaching Hawk directly was too bold.  Skarne suggests that he is aware of a popular speakeasy frequented by the underground inhabitants and visitors of the city.  While there was some discussion of when and who would go to the speakeasy to approach Hawk, Nevil suggests that a simple and direct note sent to Hawks ship may be easier and wouldn't potentially split the party between contact with Hawk and the Harpers.  It is decided that the note should read “Congratulations on the new ship, Red Wizards seek you.  We want to help.  Meet outside the (name of restaurant/cafe near the docks with inside/outside seating) at 1:30.” The note was signed by Nevil and Skarne. A youth is found to deliver the note to Hawk’s ship. (3 silver pieces)  Atalaya sketches a picture of Hawk so that Nevil can recognize her.  

The group goes early to get good seating positions for Atalaya and Boz inside the eatery where they can watch/listen to the meeting.   While waiting, Nevil informs Skarne that arrangements have already been made in good faith to begin setting up his retirement.  They wait and patronize the eatery.  

On time, Hawk and a limited but impressively rough looking and disciplined group of bodyguards approach. Hawk is tall and well dressed.  Skarne and Hawk make pleasant initial introductions. Hawk introduces her bodyguards as Agosto (a tough looking woman with a sword) and Butcher Boy (a man with a beard (looks Norse).  Hawk greets Skarne and pulls up a chair for herself.  The bodyguards remain standing behind her.  Nevil is quickly introduced.  Hawk immediately asks for an explanation about being sought by the Red Wizards and Skarne’s involvement with the group.  

Nevil explains that we have approached Hawk out of respect and concern.  During our recent run in with the Red Wizard’s, we acquired written notes directly stating that Hawk was actively sought. Hawk says, “I guess they don’t like to take “No’ for an answer.”  

Nevil replies, “This makes me like you all the more.”  Nevil frowns at Skarne.

Skarne says something to which Hawk replies, “...But I don’t agree with your choices.”

 She asks of Skarne’s presence considering his involvement with the Red Wizards.  

Nevil explains that Skarne was on parole and has exchanged information with us for a chance at retirement in another area.  Hawk says that she knows him as a more honorable pirate.  She also admonished his decision to work with the Red Wizards, saying that there are lines one does not cross.  Skarne retorts he didn't think he had a choice.  Hawk replies that he did as she had declined their partnership.

Hawk asks exactly why the Red Wizards would be after her.  Nevil tries to lighten the mood, and beers are ordered. Hawk does order some for her bodyguards, but they continue to stand on guard while they drink.  Nevil explains that intelligence acquired with a recent encounter with the Red Wizards indicated that they sought her due to her assumed possession or knowledge of the location of an artifact. 

Hawk said she had many artifacts.  Nevil described the artifact from her memory of Atalaya's stories and called it “The Eye.”  Hawk spits that she lost one of her crew to that item after he looked at it directly. They buried the cursed item for safety.  

Hawk asked why they wanted it.  Nevil explained that the Red Wizards were using the Sea Princes to destabilize the region while they worked with a cult to use “The Eye” to raise Vecna.  For whatever distaste one has for the crown, these workings were deeply evil.  Nevil explains that the group hopes Hawk will give them the artifact so that it may be destroyed.  

Hawk asks how she can trust the story, especially with Skarne recently in their employ.  Nevil explains that she has taken vows of non-violence in service to Eldath and has made it her life’s mission to destroy “The Eye.”  Hawk smiles and explains that she cannot trust the word of a stranger.  Nevil explains that her group contains others known to Hawk as she gestures to Boz and Atalaya.  The three exchange several barbs of familiarity and mild aggression but also respect.  With regard to Boz’s kidnapping for the Waterdeep reward, Atalaya makes a comment on her having bought Boz back, which earns her a “look” from Hawk.   Hawk states that she knows Boz’s heart is good but it is still too great an ask.  

Atalanta asks Hawk how she came to be in possession of The Eye.  Hawk says that a street urchin sold it to one of her crew members.  Then Atalaya shows Hawk the note found from the desk of the Red Wizard in Pelagia.  Hawk turns still and almost pale upon reading it.  She asks again, what we plan to do with The Eye, should we have it in our possession.  Atalaya says that we are going to see that it is destroyed so that the Red Wizards cannot get their hands on it to use to make undead.   We also tell Hawk that if she gives us The Eye, that we will make sure that the Red Wizards know that she no longer has it in her possession, (which should decrease their interest in her).   She says she needs time to consider.  “I don’t know if I can trust you.”

Nevil boldly suggests that Hawk come dine on her old ship to see the newly made modifications and to better feel out the group. She laughs at Nevil’s ballsy suggestion and upon consideration agrees.  Nevil explains that the group has business plans for the evening but the group would still be in town tomorrow night.  The pair tentatively agreed and stated that notes of confirmation would be passed between the ships. Boz is squirmy and uncomfortable throughout the meeting.

Business in Blue Haven

• Transfer the captain to a faction … Harpers 

• messages to WarWiz and Harpers  started

• Candlekeep book shopping

• ship modification cargo cover/living room  started

• clerical health check, curse/magic free (atalaya and Nevil discussed week's ago)

• Sell unneeded treasure

• Night off

• Buy some games to play onboard during downtime with Cirilli

• Buy wooden longsword to for sword practice

• Atalaya to buy a shortsword for kata practice

• Items to make a small sitting room for Boz to practice in, or as a place for people to relax alone.  

• Find someone who can identify what is going on with the sword we took from the undead Battle Wright in Pelagia. 

• Sorrow to look for a recorder for Cirilli

• Clothing and a brown ale for Skarne

• Meal with Captain Hawk, on 7th of Eleasis

• Inman to talk to War Wizards about setting up an outpost at Wizard’s tower in Pelagia???  We talked about this at one point.  

• Firm up plans for dinner and continued discussion with Hawk regarding The Eye.  

• Items fon Atalaya and Boz’s personal shopping list

• Comfortable chairs (cushioned) or floor pillows, small table at height appropriate for the seating option acquired, (for the sitting room/practice area of Boz)

• New sketchbook

• Book about Gwaeron Windstrom for Cirilli

• Replacement bandages and sinew/thread for the first aid kit and other items to restore used healing kit.

• More bruise cream, styptic powder