The Boxers

Paulie

Paulie sat alone in the common room of the newly acquired Boxer safe house.A small candle, the only thing keeping the darkness at bay, flickered as an ocean breeze moved past him unimpeded. Until all of his deals where complete he thought leaving the structures with a vacant appearance would be the wisest course.

“Play to your strengths” he said quietly. As if to continue an ongoing conversation with the darkness,  “I am proud of our organization; the range of skills held by our members is astounding. When anyone asks me for guidance I always say play to your strengths. Be the best at what you do, mediocrity is a death sentence”. He said this with certainty as he locked eyes with Wally creeping up in the darkness. “Your strength is in the workshop and dealing with magical hang-ups the rest of us cannot overcome.   Stealth without magic will only get you killed my friend”.

Wally

Gritting his teeth Wally recognized another failed attempt. “I will get your pipe without magic” he said smiling as he dropped into an adjacent seat at the small writing table. “Speaking of the workshop, I have finished your most recent request” Sliding a small wooden box across the table he glanced down at four identical letters Paulie had just finished penning. 

“Look them over” Paulie said gesturing to the letters.” We both know your deciphering skills could use a lot of work” he said sarcastically, never looking up from the box that had been presented to him. Eagerly opening the box he was delighted to see a platinum and sapphire ring as blue as the Mediterranean. The new magical energies surging through the ring could be felt the moment he cracked the lid. “I thought you said it would take a month or more? You couldn’t find a suitable ring, where did this come from?”

“Your newest charge” Wally said gesturing to the letter he was struggling to decode. “Lex?” Paulie asked “as payment for what?”

“A gift” Wally said laying the parchment down unsure if he had accurately deciphered the message. “He said it was to help prosper our relationship. Naturally I assumed it was your ring and you were just using him to deliver it. Turns out it was a gift, apparently to both of us. I am still unsure how he knew we needed it”? 

“He and his friends are special” Paulie said.“The night we retrieved the statue they eliminated the guard with amazing efficiency. There movements suggested experience well beyond their years. If I didn’t know any better I would have said the whole combat was rehearsed. Then there is the night at Warehouse Lex told me to be ready for trouble. He asked if I would stand by with a fast getaway instead of watching the games. The cannon balls ripped right through my section of the building. I know if he didn’t warn me out of there I wouldn’t be here to receive this wondrous gift.”   

Wally was appreciative his old friend still admired his work “As long as we are discussing them Charlie said the Bonded Mind set sail this morning. It appeared a ship was positioning to follow. I sent word to Metas to alert the group, however I fear the ship will arrive in Bugibba before the warning. But if they have means of divining the future”?

“I never said that” Paulie quickly interjected. “Perhaps its instincts or the favor of the gods, I don’t pretend to know. I said there is something special, and I am not the only one to have noticed it. As for the Bonded Mind your warning should be adequate. I helped prevision the ship before its departure. The majority of the crew seemed capable but they have a few guys with real potential. If they are being followed I trust them to be able to handle it themselves”.

“Then why don't you believe Lex and company can do the same”? Wally asked holding up the first encoded message.

“We have seen many people, some I would call friend disappear into the clutches of a slaver never to return. These guys have been targeted by two of the most notorious collection groups we have seen on the island. Not only have we not been able to assess any buyers but I am not even confident we know all the players involved. Usually these groups operate fairly discreetly but there was nothing discrete about the most recent events. Someone even went as far as to destroy the Half-Tower and you know the group of people that attack will offend!It appears these collectors are starting to hasten their efforts. They may even reach a point of public exposure in fear of missing out on the bounty.There’s a competition of some kind and our new found friends are the spoils.So yes I am using the network to spread misinformation about their agendas and to have members keep ears open for any word on Tengu activity.  The Hunter is an enemy you can see, my concern is for the unseen enemy. After all the Tengu are the reason it’s called a murder of crows.”

Wally grinned. While he appreciated the cleverness of the joke he knew it wasn’t far from the truth. “I will get these messages delivered to our other guilds then. Where would you like them sent?”

“Rysywe and the Sharks can be found in Buggibba. 

Rysywe

Percy

Percy runs the Honeyed Trade Post in Dingli. 
Brodie heads the Smelters currently operating out of Cirkewwa. And the Onyx Lady is of course still in Victoria.

That’s about as wide a net as we can cast, hopefully we catch something. Now let’s go over the message in case you are asked any questions.”

Onyx Lady

Friend of the Church,

Let it be known that a group of Gatherers are attempting to assume control of my newest Flora.

Each of these Boasters has infiltrated holy ground! Will you stand by and allow it to continue?

Xlendi has been kind enough to house my charge for the foreseeable future.

Everyone must be vigilant if we are to bringing these Nameless assailants to justice.

Let us all work together and our garden will be lush for many years to come.

If you have any information regarding these Shrouded bravos please send word to your local magistrate.

Surveyer of the sacred gardens, Oxeyes.

Malta Session 23: 01/24/2018 The Black Rose, the Rat-Folk Casino, and A Man Trapped In An Ogre’s Body

We begin a few hours after the storm subsides on small island. We survey the Bonded Mind and notice some minor damage, but what prevails is the crew’s feeling of superstition that the storm was unnatural. By the morning calmer weather returns although the seas coloration indicate unfavorable conditions in the upset currents.

It is around dusk of that day our characters see a slow moving ship; the ‘Black Rose’ appears to be a drift approximately a half mile out from hurricane harbor; we decide to sail out to investigate. Closer our characters will see evidence of cannon fire that crippled the ship as evident in the ship’s slightly tilted drift as it leans to one side; it appears to be abandoned. Carlo, with the help of his new cloak scouts ahead as a manta ray.

Underwater Carlo sees a small tear causing the tilt but no threats and not much else. Above the water we can see the ship had been boarded and notice damage from battle; not much is believed to be in the hold. Our characters tow the crippled Black Rose to the harbor. On board the smell of death is strong as we eventually find dead sows and in the sailors quarters we find four dead (3 humans and a half elf) dehydrated husks with rictus expressions. Upon further inspection none of the bodies have wounds but share a single blackened marking- they seemed completely drained by vampiric touch.

We beach the ship and take the Black Rose name placard off the crippled ship to disguise the Bonded Mind, and we smoke and salt the pork. By this time it is dark and we spend the rest of the night preparing a morning feast. We leave a fully cooked pig as well as a barrel of water for the surviving gnolls the next morning before we cast off for points east.

It is not long before we see a large plume of black smoke to the south. We divert our course and notice debris and find that whatever is burning has been so for some time. It occurs to us that we are sailing closer to the center of where we believe the hurricane originated. Several bodies are in the ocean and eventually we find two exhausted Egyptians a male and a female. Our characters heal them to consciousness. Further investigation reveals the debris is of several ships- four total; Carlo dives into the water as a manta ray and sees a shark fest underwater. In the end we rescue 6 people total: 2 Egyptians, 2 human Greeks, and the final two are formless humanoids- changelings. Our characters heal them as well.  Just as we do the changelings change into a couple Greeks. The source of the fire; off in the distance we see the pirate galleon, highly damaged where the hurricane started.

Through the spyglass our characters intuit the galleon engaged several other ships as the hurricane started, it was clear the pirate galleon was winning before suffering some kind of catastrophe: a leviathan attacked and likely was responsible for the storm. A great priest likely summoned a leviathan. Currently gunpowder is burning off.

Satisfied we continue on our course to Selmunett. The survivors indicate they are of the four ships and not of the war galleon; the changelings however are having a harder time convincing every one of their intentions. We keep the fake Greeks separated from the other survivors.

Eventually our characters, now as the Black Rose, come to Selmunett Rock. To our fortune the main Rock as well as the satellite islands are littered with anchored ships. Testing our sailor’s skills, we anchor near the south west island. Caro and Jabari Keep Watch as Marco, Lex and Lete as well as three sailors visit the smaller dock island for some information gathering.

There are about a half dozen boats between the Black Rose and the small south west docking island. Marco, Lete, Lex and the three sailors try to make their way quietly to the docking island but are eventually seen by a couple ships along the way.

Nearer to the docks we find better than reported docks and see workers about, more than one volunteering to help. We find this area also adheres to the grid system of mapping. On the islands the three characters find the docks overrun with individuals from the anchored ships waiting for a variety of reasons (waiting to dock, waiting to leave); these folk pose a variety of questions about the seas and current conditions.

We come with our own brand of questions however: we learn heavy bribes are required for immediate docking, and the walkway on the SE island is damaged from the hurricane. Some have heard of the destruction of the pirate galleon and Lete hears there is word of survivors on the NE docking island. Marco speaks of Egyptians is asked to indicate what ones? The Lagoon (Boffa family casino) or Thanatos? The majority head to the Lagoon, we learn, but the Thanatos is another casino as well as a Greek rebellion that works with a faction of Egyptians. Most of the sailors here react well to the Thanatos family.

The Four Casinos: The Lagoon (Boffa Family), Thanatos-Port, The Luna Knights and Crown (where our delivery is to go), and House Mortuus.

Lete asks about slavers and at first is looked at sideways assuming necromancers and denounces the  group of ‘servants of decay’ and it was believed that some of the pirate survivors were meeting with the Hunter at the NE island.

Many sailors are making deals to lessen their ship’s value at the open seas to discourage piracy; lots of weapons and hints of gunpowder to be had. Eventually we hear of clerics on the docking island: Uskeright, a cleric who is very superstitious and speaks of the doom of the leviathan. We head further in to seek this cleric of doom and gloom.

The individual in question was found performing his sermon on top of a stone building tentatively holding the attention of about twenty sailors. Uskeright speaks that when the Leviathan comes it is the sign of a coming war and destruction will soon follow. The path of salvation is to make offerings to the sea, return home and pray you are judged worthy in the war to come. Uskeright carries a long sword and the gods symbology he bears is unique and subtle. Lete gets a closer look and connects the pantheon symbolage to a Babylonian faith from back in payola and is certain it is not Tiamat. With darkvision Lete also sees the door to the building is ajar. Meanwhile Lex blends in with the ‘enthralled’ who are listening to Uskeright. Marco interjects a counter point to the sermon only to incite Uskeright even further who also claims to have had visions. Marco suddenly overcomes spell.

Lete makes his way closer to the building and is able to subdue a female fetchling and escape with masterwork scorpion whip, cloak of resistance +1 (Marco), a normal dagger, wand of silence (15 charges CL5) (Lex), wand CLW (50 ch CL5) (Lex), as well as a pouch with a potion of invisibility (Lete) and a Scroll of owl’s wisdom and undetectable alignment both CL5 and 3 50 gp gems, and 100 gp (Lete).  

Back at the Black Rose Carlo and Jabari find the changelings escaping, and end up letting them go in the night.  Three hours later Lete, Lex and Marco return to the Black Rose with the information and booty from the fetchling.

In the morning several ships disembark from the docking islands making room for more. We learn that Radan’s Troops control the island from the local dock hands. On the Rock there is no cargo inspection but a degree of haggling and bribery to have cargo moved. Dentach handles most of the negotiation informing a select few about the destination of a casino house alleviating a lot of hassle. But it will be afternoon before the delivery takes place.

We are led by some of Radan’s men to the dock island and then the bridge to Selmunett to deliver the message to Addelmy at Spiderhouse apartments. When we arrive to a side road we are met with a pair of ogres who offer their guide services to which Marco haggles with a well spoken ogre named Lermang before arriving to an agreement. We are led off the main path and learn that a great warlord is responsible for the original fortress on Selmunett, pointing out that even the walls are intact. Along the way we also notice a sewer grate in the old road. We inquire and find out it has another name ‘the ratfolk casino’.

We arrive and find a three story apartment building that stands out because of the shutters in the form of spiderwebs and now that we are led here, our characters are somewhat comfortable finding our way back but arrange for Lermang to remain a while longer. Lex pays the ogre for information on the casinos:  if you are here to gamble and enjoy pleasures= Lunas or Thanatos port; some gamblers who wager more than just coin= Lagoon (Boffa); but as far as House Mortuus he wouldn’t suggest it- that is worse than necromancers, they like to create monstrosities. But no matter what, don’t linger outside at night. Lex inquiries about the danger: the ratfolk and other under-races (fechlings, drow) some out at night which lead the ogre to warn against forays underground.

Lete, Carlo and Lex head into the apartments the rest remain with the ogre. Our characters make contact with Addelmy and mention Metas. We are led in and meet Addelmy’s husband and brother who stand tense with weapons in hand. Lex mentions Esterhat and learns she is in a cage above Mortuss and not in fact in the debtors prison. There is a second option as Lunas and Mortuss are at odds and while we could attempt free her on our own, resourceful individuals could use the existing friction to our advantage. Addelmy will be working at The Luna Knights and Crown this afternoon where she can refer us to someone who could help us.

Addel-oh-myyy

While inquiring about the casinos, we lean of a third floor wing of the lagoon where a bald dwarf is known to be. And while it’s never been proven, with certain wagers the house can be bribed to make sure you win.

While there we notice an absence of children and that they could be held in duress. Lex offers aid to the trio in hopes of getting her to reveal something. She politely refuses in front of the men, but in secret she asks Lex to revisit the offer later this afternoon.

She will not have a response no earlier than three days and if we are still here we are welcome to deliver a reply. Carlo inquiries about paying a fine; we are told to look for Therrod (a sabasan a winged humanoid) at house Mortuss. It is when we leave we realize the men had their weapons drawn to strike her down.

Meanwhile Jabari is making fast friends with Lermang who takes us to great midday meal served with a variety of beers Tayback’s Restaurant. Lete inquire about House Mortuss and is warned about a mist that settles around the casino and circumventing this could cause imprisonment in the cage; that or other minor gambling infractions. Lex eventually asks Lermang why he stays on the island: until he improves his situation. But what is his situation? Lermang was not originally an ogre and is working toward a ‘more acceptable’ existence, he understands the threat his new form would scare most folk. Before this, he was Greek.

We head back to the Black Rose to prepare to deliver IL-Kataniz cargo where we will pick up next game session.

Malta Session 22: 01/10/2018 Traveler Seeks Information, A Ruby of Approximate Value, and Leviathan’s Warning

Our session begins with our characters depositing their coinage before the journey to Selmunett island: Marco 1,500 gp, Carlo 5,220 gp, Lete 2,500 in Ripae (these totals reflect to date deposits). Filling the day Lete goes to the message boards looking for information on the Battalion; some messages indicate help needing plumbers as some of the elite houses have running water and other menial tasks. However, not long after a young man comes to remove some of the notices as all posts are removed after a week. Lete was able to talk him out of one of the posts (one of the plumbing jobs) and tips the boy a silver piece- it is then when Lete notices the background of the message board “traveler seeks information” but the message is some kind of code dated four days ago. On his way to the Bonded Mind Lete gathers dinner for the characters and retrieves our character’s personal items from the Gypsys heart as he ponders the traveler seeking information.

Back at the North Docks it was apparent that early in the morning the Moon Shadow disembarked and by midday a heavy persistent shower begins and with it, the superstitions of our sailors. Meanwhile most of the remaining characters busy themselves on the Bonded Mind making themselves helpful and gaining the confidence of the crew while Lex returns to the South docks, in disguise, to build trust with the criminal element.

 

Peren

In the meantime our characters review our plans for the immediate future: deliver a message to  Addelmy (casino dealer, resides at Spiderhouse Apartments) and bring Esterhat back from Debtor’s Prison (Metas promises to reward us with 1,000 gp [her debt is 500]). Also, transport the tiefling passenger Sciortino; as well as transporting crates to a Selmunett  for IL-Kataniz- delivered this morning along with two individuals: Dentach (physically impressive who carries a great sword) and Peren (a functioning alcoholic who wears a holy symbol of Neptune with lapel emblems of Mercury and Mars) both are trainers recognized from IL-Kataniz. They supervise the transportation of the crates and carry a message from IL-Kataniz who finds no indication we are wanted in Paola.

Dentach The Large was born on Selmunett island, suggests taking a half day determining the disposition of some of the smaller islands scattered around Selmunett and not dock on the main island but instead use the bridges to get to the main island. He laments that no one leaves a ship unattended for long and that change is the only constant on Selmunett. We desire a variation of flags in our port, a place with no obvious power broker. Lex asks about the debtor’s prison and is told of dangerous tunnels that lead to the prison that is 40-50 feet underground and that some people could be hired to locate individuals in the prison.

Dentach brings up the necromancers explaining two groups of cabals that operate on the island; one group traffics in body parts and the other vile group, cultist of the mother of dragons, are fond of sacrifices to raise dark and horrible undead (or worse). Several mage cabals can raise and fall from power. Finally, each casino has a special trade each will traffic in anything and anything can be wagered. Our characters bring up the former Egyptian thrall ‘the Hunter’ that operates out of the Boffa family, but what’s disturbing Dentach states, is the Hunter’s use of the Egyptian harness that utterly controls the wearer and removes all free-will forfeiting their soul.

Dragon Cultist

(planning footnote) On our way back our intention is to travel to Ghallis Rock with the hopes of meeting  Naxxzr before returning to Bugibba.

Late in the evening Sciortino arrives under cover of darkness and his hood to hide his race from the rank and file dock hands; he comes to the Bonded Mind with libations, cigars and deep sea fishing gear, hopeful for fishing trade. Also in the late hours individuals comprising of rat men, crab men who offer their services to the Bonded Mind as it is obvious we are getting ready to depart. We politely refuse, in the meantime our characters look forward to a 15 hour sea trip plus a half-day to sail the smaller islands looking for a prime docking berth. About an hour later a message from Garamaldi indicates he will not be accompanying us to Selmunett but informs us he will be at the Gypsy’s Heart or a small room at the Bards College in Paola should our characters come looking for him.

Our characters set up watches for the night- Lete offers to Keep Watch with Marco tag-teaming for the first half of the first watch. It was around 1:30 am when a couple- man and woman, are seen in the dark motioning to our ship and begin to head in the direction of the Bonded Mind. Sven Jarlsson and Meeka introduce themselves and claim to be sent to us by Cian; they are interested in booking passage “north east”. 50 gold one-way, 100 gold round trip per person, no Egyptian gold; Jarlsson goes to retrieve their personal gear while Meeka negotiates with Marco 100 gold; however because we cannot guarantee a round trip Marco offers 75 gold with 25 more if there is a return to Malta. She hands Marco a Ruby of approximate value for payment.

At about 4 am Lete notices several small boats manned by approximately four medium sized individuals, these small boats were not heading towards the Bonded Mind so Lete disregards them; besides that the rest of the night passes uneventful. The next morning the winds pick up as we depart granting us a boon as we leave, as we depart the North Bugibba port we notice a few small overturned boats with holes as if a creature bit through the wood.

Our travel is laborious in the rough waters and for the next three hours we see other ships also toiling on the rough Mediterranean. Jabari takes time with Dentach to get a knowledge skill on Selmunett (local), while Lex and Peren spends time getting to know Sciortino. At the 4 hour mark we all hear a dull thud on the air that seems to spook Peren who fears a hurricane is coming. It is advised we find a rock or small island to hold up. We decide to head north (F2) toward Ghallis rock (4-5 hour away) looking for a safe haven along the way.

Within ten minutes we skirt a reef where we can get to a small cove with a cave known to some of the crew and a short time later find ourselves out of the direct path of the hurricane. Peren feels someone has angered the sea gods but our successful escape bodes well for us: the boom was ‘leviathans warning’. Within a half hour the winds and rain set in, the worst since leaving Malta. The crew maintains the Bonded Mind as well as Jabari and Carlo, Dentach and Peren. The remaining characters lead everyone else safely to the cave. Marco guides a small craft into the cave after producing some sunrods where our characters discover two smaller wrecked crafts. Sounds indicate we are not alone… gnolls.

In the end one gnoll surrendered and was ordered to bind up his surviving companions (6 survivors) as the storm rages on. Each of them carry potions and had armor nearby, their flind-bars are masterwork and some possessed four magical rings with a feather etched into each of the bands; 8 CMW potions and an expeditious retreat, 8 masterwork breastplates and a total of 40 daggers. Evagara detects something strange in the back of the cave where a leather cloak of the manta ray has been buried.

We begin next week’s session at Hurricane Harbor after the hurricane. We are awarded 500 xp.

Sven Jarlsson and Meeka

He cut an imposing figure. At 6 feet and 6 inches tall, he was big even for a viking warrior. Blonde hair hung past his shoulders wrapped into thick braids, and his eyes squinted nearly half closed to battle the brightness of the Mediterranean sunlight. His hands, though, are what stood out. They were as big as a northern bear's paw, bigger even than some of them. At 28, he had felt his youth slipping away, and decided to sail the world before he settled himself into the Great Hall of Vahalla.

Meeka

Meeka was a raven haired, buxom beauty of the Northlands. Her deep green eyes continuously sparkled with mischief, lust, and trickery. Other emotions came and went with the shifting winds, but those three never dimmed in her youthful face. At  22, she had decided to build her legacy as a skald and as a woman by following Sven and chronicling his view of the parts of the world that, according to legend, never froze. While appearing small and delicate at Jarlssons side, she was taller than most Mediterranean men, and she had discovered an intensely satisfying ability to dominate the tanned women of the islands.

Together, they hustled through the early dawn hours of Buggiba toward the docks. A scant two days ago, The High Priest Cian had told them of a group of sailors and adventurers was going to Selmunett Island, and moreover they were honest and good men. The two Norse-landers had been very successful in their journeys and had mind to visit this den of sin, and they took Cian's quick recommendations as a sign that this was their ship. They were looking for a sleek ship named "Bonded Mind", or a Captain Jabari, and as they hustled, Sven constantly berated the young rickshaw driver for pulling their gear and gold laden cart too slowly. They wanted to make that ship, and word at the big bank said she was making away with today's first tide.

Malta Session 21: 01/02/2018 Dogtown, Jabari’s #7, and the Seafoam Embassy

We begin this week’s session late evening about an hour after Lex’s side plan of getting associated with the local criminal underground to garner information on the Balor and its mysteries. Lex’s conspirators provide him meager rations and bananas as appreciation along with four ‘sea gods’ silver necklaces (20 – 30 gp each). Not long after Lex reunites with the rest of the characters at the North dock.

Our characters decide on a late meal at a street café run by halflings that has dog races in the back called “dogtown”. Lete arranges a couple wheels of cheese for the crew of the Bonded Mind and gambles a bit with Jabari on the dog races. We travel on to the Gypsy’s Heart and pass a statue of two lovers in front of an elite brothel called Ishtar’s Blessing that steals Lete’s attention and 100 gp for the rest of the evening.

At the Gypsy’s Heart Tazed pulls the characters aside and asks for Lete but confides with the rest of the characters that there are in fact two individuals looking for our group. One is at the restaurant, an older fellow he describes as Garamaldi; the other one is a tiefling our characters correctly assume to be Sciortino. Carlo tips Tazed 10 gold for his astute attention to detail.

Garamaldi is not amused. 

The character’s catch up with Garamaldi as Jabari, armed with a divination, detected no illusionary magic thereby confirming the man is Garamaldi and very much alive. Garamaldi explains that he was not at his residence at the time of the pirate attack on Paola. He was able to track the Bonded Mind to Bugibba and logic led him to the Gypsy’s Heart. He has not returned to Paola and believes he and our characters have been targeted and thought it would be best at this time is that everyone thinks he is dead. Garamaldi is very suspicions of Zallas who he believes controls the Tengu there. It was pointed out she was quick to support accusations against us. In Bugibba Garamaldi has allies he can stay with but wanted to make contact with our characters first. Jabari states our intentions on sailing to Selmunett and offers such passage to Garamaldi; he asks the night to ponder on it. Our talk wanes to who our enemies are: Zallas and the tengu, as well as the Hunter and grey warriors and whoever is the Hunter’s client are- Lex intuits that it is likely High Priest Rudjek and Kasok.

Sciortino

After a time the characters enter the Giraffe’s Respite and the company of Sciortino. There are about twenty individuals who are being entertained by the tiefling who seems adept at telling stories. Our entrance attracts a couple of waitress but does not draw overt attention from Sciortino at first but soon excuses himself to a more private setting for a palaver. After indroductions are made our characters expressed curiosity about beating the portal at the Seven Churches three times, “we’ll I was innocent” he maintains. He asks if we are familiar with Ghallis rock? Here he found a solution and purchased magics that ‘blanks his mind’ and used that before attempting the portal and each time it did not take him. And he has never seen it not take someone. We inform him of the conspiracy facing us in Paola and our near run in with the portal. We learn the tengu are usually found on the other side of Malta somewhere between Dingli and Hagar Qim. Sciortino says his passage to Selmunett and length of stay depends on the first night, however offers his services as a guide in the meantime. Before departing we arrange a way of identifying each other.

Later, Jabari keeps watch using the Keep Watch spell and is awake when Lete is delivered at 6 am thoroughly fatigued. In private Jabari returns to Dogtown to heal the injured animal and gets to name a puppy as Jabari’s #7. The rest of the characters awake around 8 am. Carlo has a meeting with an engineer Elding, Jabari checks the docks for the Bonded Mind, Marco intends on visiting Ripae and the embassies there.

In a meeting with Elding the gnome, Carlo learns the mechanics of the fourth and fifth floor of the Gypsy’s Heart at one time had a correlation to the stars and somehow a time cycle. There were several maker’s marks on the device and the gnome believes it to be an ancient creation.

Meanwhile Jabari finds the Bonded Mind was being brought in and will be in berth at midday; Moonshadow is berthed where she was expected.

A short time later Marco, Carlo and Lex head to Ripae and the Italian Embassy looking for Metas at the Seafoam Embassy. Marco inquiries about messenger services equipped with a ready authored letter to Marco’s father in Italy. Carlo grills Metas on the mechanisms on the Gypsy’s Heart, the gnome indicates the Gypsy’s Heart was here before Malta was an island and part of a larger land mass. Talk wanes to an elven makers mark, a mark Metas last seen was in Stormhaven. What’s it purpose? The gnome produces a sketch book where he points out is an elven letter “N” but does not know the original purpose. Bohinest he owns the gypsy’s heart and has expressed interest in selling the business because of its upkeep. Metas believes the Architect to still be alive but thinks he is the most powerful singular being on Earth.

Lex informs Metas of our future travels and a short time later Metas gives Lex a message to a Addelmy and Esterhat and to bring Esterhat back, he believes she will be wanting to return to Malta, its believe she’s in a debtor’s prison- he promises to reward us with 1,000 gp (her debt is 500).

Meanwhile back at the docks, the crew of the Bonded Mind are delighted to find Jabari waiting for them. They tell him they Bonded Mind was tracked for a length but believed they lost the two fast ships around some rocks. Jabari promptly pays the crew their gold and before long the rest of the characters arrive to discuss our next plans: first we exchange our money and leave the next day, this gives the crew a day off.

Going to the Bank at Ripae we exchange 2000 gold Egyptian coins, 2000 silver Egyptian coins 4 Platinum bars each valued at 1000gp, 50 Gold Bars each valued at 100gp, 50 Silver Bars each valued at 10gp, each bar has an Egyptian stamp with cuts that include the crew as an equal share. 10,530 gp total (-10% figured). 2,000 gp each, Evagara gets 530 gp and for ship payment which is 100 gold a week for the entire crew. Later, Metas pays 6,000 for 200 +1 blessed bolts. 3,000 to the crew and 600 split to the characters. All coin are Carthaginian.

When we begin next session it will be the next morning, we plan on leaving for Selmunett tomorrow morning. 

Malta Session 20: 12/27/2017 The Gypsy’s Heart, A Secret Way Into Ripae, and That’s A Heavy Sack You’ve Got Right There

We begin this week’s session at the Gypsy’s Heart where along the way our characters learn the basics of our destination, its design and about its owner. Our characters choose to wear our Ripae tassels in the open but keep the Friends of the Battalion coin secured until we arrange room. Our characters are offered cigars as Lete looks for signs and images of chess pieces before a woman arrives with a cart of libations, Wimuso introduces herself and explains the rates by night or by the monthly rate: 1. One suite for 30 g. as friends of the Battalion (non-consecutively), extras for an extra 20 g- +5 g per individual. We agree with the suite arrangements of: Marco and Evagara in one suite; and Lex, Lete, Jabari and Carlo for now.

Tased

Lete asks Wimuso to meet the head of security- Tased later when the rooms are ready; Carlo asks about the architecture and asks to speak to management Adengale to see the marvels of the Gypsy’s Heart but is told of a 9 pm tour. We are taken to a second floor restaurant in the meantime while our rooms are being prepared, however Marco and Evagara head to the baths. At the restaurant there is an air of high society when a painting of two dandys catch Lete’s eys and he and notices the floor of the artwork that is worked into the wall is actually chess board and the two dandys are in fact a bishop and a rook. The shark sandwiches are fantastic.

Carlo and Lete pick up on two individuals who are keeping to themselves, talking: ‘how many people know? You mean other than the high priestess? Yes,..  she knows everything. It is uncertain, but it is clear that Ta’tabibu has a secret way into Ripae.’ (Fetchling crimelord) Is there an inventory? That is what I hope to find out this evening. You know this could be the end or the opportunity we’ve been looking for. Funny how they often come together.’

All of a sudden a striking woman with a bird on her shoulder Rayit picking up food, when she departs the two noblemen speaking in hushed tones stops and depart company, however not before the snow-white parrot called out Jabari as ‘caster! caster!’

Lete meets with Tased about the possibly of individuals looking for us, making up a story of a angry father who has ties to the Seven Churches in Paola and for the kindly but no nonsense security lead to warn Lete and company. Making small talk Tased says to Lete that there is a need for discrete talent for security employees; sizing us up in the process be is the most at curious about Lex and Carlo. Meanwhile, in the baths after a relaxing massage Marco and Evagara can’t help but fall fast asleep they awaken after a time refreshed.

After a time in the early evening we are lead to our suites and all the amenities. Alone, Lex warns Jabari and the rest of the characters of a mercenary evolker, not to be trifled with. This information was given to him by Wally.

The rest of the characters express interest in gambling except Carlo who meditates until his tour of the Gypsy’Heart. Jabari seeks and finds a courtesan who is also a linguist and leads Jabari around the gambling hall- Pheechche, a middle eastern (or Spanish) beauty. Lete accompanies his companions, handy with the Friends of the Battalion coin.

After about a half hour our luck attracts some attention, at this time one of the noblemen heard in the restaurant is seen heading to a private gambling room where we lose sight of him; overall the time takes the characters to 9 pm. Meanwhile Carlo is summoned for the upper floor tour to witness the engineering marvel of the moving rooms. Elding a gnome will meet with Carlo tomorrow.

Back at the casino fun is had all around as an Italian bottle of 10 year old brandy is supplied to everyone; paid for by a mysterious big winner. Evagara and Marco have an evening as well; making fast friends with another couple. Lex gains a unique coin whilst gambling from a fellow gambler: Rysywe. They depart to the balcony and Lex introduces himself and if time allows Lex is up for opportunity.

Rysywe, a friend of Paulie, mentions Ripae and there’s a rumor of a way in to Ripae that ‘they’ don’t know about and if such a thing were possible then that information would be valuable. Ta’tabibu would know locals looking for information, but an outsider may not garner the same type of attention. Start your search in the South bay on the ship called the Balor where you should be wary of Nalper (a mercenary evolker). Talk leads to Metas and the residence he maintains on the upper floor of the Gypsy’s Heart. He often frequents the Greek embassy in Ripae.

The next day after a morning meal our characters head out to check out the North docks to speak to a concerning dockmaster to inform them that the Bonded Mind is to be expected in the next couple of days, his name is Keeving- a serpent folk. When we arrive we witness the MoonShadow ship sailing in bearing a Finnish symbol. At the docks are city guards a-plenty proudly wearing symbology of Dis Pater. With our dock fees taken care of we convey our contact information for when the Bonded Mind arrives. We are lead to the slip where the Bonded Mind is scheduled to berth where we find crab folk working the docks and where our characters can verify the schedule.

While here Jabari casts magic about to look under the surface of the water to get a better view of the lifts that allow ships to be serviced by the crab folk.

From there we make our way to South Bay where we find unorganized private docks and eventually a watery field of broken ships. A ‘ship and a half’ bear the markings of the Balor, the ‘half’ is a beached hull on its side. Several hulking creatures lurk outside the structure Trox. Besides this there is an apparent population of rat folk.

Our characters formulate a plan to get the attention of a criminal element, when we find a group of rat folk preparing to pillage on a ship that fell aground the night before.

Unfettered, Lex succeeds in pulling off a bluff that finds Lex between two shacks; from within it sounds like tengu. Outside six common thugs noticed Lex and his caper and begin to follow: ‘that’s a hefty sack you’ve got right there’ his is brought the disguised Lex around to two tengu and a goblin. Axe introduces himself to Atemis (Lex disguised persona) and offers the disguised Lex a job dealing with the rat folk.

We begin next week’s session here.