IC: Vengeance of the Vanderborens

[ccanary]

Seraphina Stormborn

Seraphina Stormborn — Half-Orc Skald 1 (Fated Champion)
AC/T/FF 16/11/15 | HP 10/10 | Init +1 | Speed 20ft | Fort/Ref/Will 5/4/2 | Darkvision
Raging Song 12/12 | Hero Points 01/01
Active Conditions:
Group buffs: raging song (allies who accept gain +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws, but also take a –1 penalty to AC. While under the effects of inspired rage, allies other than the skald cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except Acrobatics, Fly, Intimidate, and Ride) or any ability that requires patience or concentration.

Spells

1st: (1/2 remaining) Heightened Awareness (10 minutes), Saving Finale
Cantrips: (unl) detect magic, ghost sound, prestidigitation, read magic

On the Flirty Frigate

"It's always the ones you most expect, "

Seraphina leaned in closer to Alura on hearing the news about Vanthus.

"Nice instincts on the inquiry about who's been in the vault. "

On hearing of their new assignment she had a question or two for the Lady.

"So, uh, just a question or two about the mission. Um, how would you like him brought to you? I mean alive obviously, right?"

Right?

"But otherwise, if he doesn't want to come how, um, persuasive are we allowed to get?"

Regardless, she and her new crew had some inquiry around taverns in the Azure district and beyond to look to. Time to get that drink they'd talked about.

Mechanics

Temporary conditions:

• Heightened awareness (10 minutes remaining) +2 to perception and knowledge-based skills, can dismiss for +4 to initiative

AoO:
Standard:
Move:

Free:

Trained Skills

Acrobatics*	+6
Climb*	+9
Knowledge (local)	+8
Knowledge (nobility)	+6
Other knowledges (untrained)	+2
Perception	+2
Perform (Sing)	+8
Swim*	+8
* -4 ACP to str and dex skills

 

 

[Kylia Quilor]

Current Mental Focus Investiture

3 Points Invested in Her Monocle (Divination), granting a +1 Insight bonus to Perception Checks
2 Points Invested in her Bracers (Abjuration), granting a +1 Resistance Bonus to all her saving throws.

Well, a 'theft' by another authorized party was hardly the same thing. But Lavinia had the money to keep paying them to find her brother and help sort out this little family spat, then that would do. Iridni would be saving most of what she'd been paid so far, the retainer alone would cover her basic expenses, and given time she might actually have the resources to make a go at at least going on a minor expedition herself. One could only hope, anyway.

"I have to suspect Vanthus didn't mourn the passage of his parents, from the sound of things," Iridni noted. "Nor do I think he has much concern for the family's solvency. A man like that, with an influx of money - failing any leads by going to his new, unsavory friends, we might benefit by simply checking the taverns and gambling houses of the city for anyone who seems to be spending quite freely." She could only assume Lavinia's comment about the prospect of him burning through the money suggested he was the sort of man who would do just that.

[Wiz]

Alura ponders for a moment, then asks, "Do we have a discription or one or more images of your brother to help us identify him?"

Statblock

Alura Undertow
Female LN Merfolk (Seasinger; Secret Magic) Oracle (Ocean's Echo), [B]Level[/B] 1, [B]Init[/B] 2, [B]HP[/B] 10/10, [B]Speed[/B] 5/40
[B]AC[/B] 12, [B]Touch[/B] 12, [B]Flat-footed[/B] 10, [B]CMD[/b] 11, [B]Fort[/B] 2, [B]Ref[/B] 2, [B]Will[/B] 0, [B]CMB[/B] -1, [B]Base Attack Bonus[/B] 0,   [B]Action Points[/B] 1
 (+2 Dex)
[B]Abilities[/B] Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 7, Cha 20

Actions

 

 

[Fiery Gift]

 

Fair question, but I'd like him alive please. I really don't think I could bear to lose more family members at the present. Also, given the depleted state of the coffers, I can't really afford to idly spend money on a raise dead spell. Lavinia replies to Seraphina. I am very interested in seeing him. I don't think you'll need much more persuasion than saying "she'll make it worth your time". If he's taken as much as it appears he has, I'm sure he'll be interested in getting more money. However, if you need to "talk with your hands" I wouldn't want him to be more than unconscious with a few bruises. Honestly, it might set the right tone for a "heart to heart" when he and I actually talk.

Also, if you can find out some clues as to what he's actually done with the money, I would appreciate it.

your patron concludes.

The most recent image I have is the portrait in the dining room, but feel free to study it fir as long as you need. Lavinia offers to Alura.

 

 

Edited July 25, 2023 by Fiery Gift (see edit history)

[Kylia Quilor]

Current Mental Focus Investiture

3 Points Invested in Her Monocle (Divination), granting a +1 Insight bonus to Perception Checks
2 Points Invested in her Bracers (Abjuration), granting a +1 Resistance Bonus to all her saving throws.

"Ammonia?" Iridni noted the smell, and resolved to check her books later to see if there was something to be drawn from that information. "Depending on what your brother likes to do with his his free time, we might endeavor to start with the Drunken Dolphin or the Sasserine Sleigh Ride, which sound like the sort of place a young man flush with money might decide to go, if he seeks to spend all that money on... dubious, short-term pleasures."

It wasn't much of a lead, but it was what she could think of without more information to go on. "At the very least, he might be known there, even if he's not spending the money he... appropriated, there."

[Starhawk]

 

 

Tann Hauser (AC 17)

Character Short Form

Female  Neutral  Elf Wizard,

Level 1, Init 5, HP 8/8, Speed 30 

AC 13 (17 Mage Armor) Touch 13, Flat-footed 10 (14), CMD 12, 

Fort 1, Ref 3, Will 3, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus  0,  

Dagger -1 (1d4-1, 19-20/x2)
Light Crossbow (10 Reusable) +3 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
 
Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 10

Cantrips Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost 1d3+1

1st level Spells Burning Hands 1 (3d4+1), Colour Spray, Crafter's Blessing, Ears of the City, Expeditious Retreat, Fabricate Bullets, Grease 1, Mage Armor 1

Skills

+10  Knowledge Local, Knowledge Arcana

+8  Alchemy, Spellcraft

+6 Heal, Perception (+9 in low light), all other knowledge skills and professions

Condition

Darkvision 60' but dazzled in bright light.

Entomophobe Drawback (penalties with vermin and swarms)

Sheet Link

https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744372

 

Tann, nods at Iridni's words. This was after all where investigation overlapped with magic. She then examines the potion bottles with something of a thousand yard stare, clearly concentrating. "Transmutation magic, though the exact spell is impossible to say.", she murmurs. "Transmutation changes the shape and abilities of things. This would include disguises. To gain access to the vault, you would need the ring and merely the appearance of a vault owner.", she adds, apparently helpfully, possibly seeking to comfort their employer somewhat.

Edited July 26, 2023 by Starhawk (see edit history)

[Naimless]

Urthan

Urthan Dosk — Half-Orc Barbarian 1 (Armored Hulk)

AC/T/FF 15/10/15 | HP 9/13 | Init +0 | Speed 30ft | Fort/Ref/Will 6/2/4 | Darkvision 60
Raging 6/6 | Hero Points ??
Active Conditions: none

Carry That Weight

"Don't worry, ma'am." He offers that toothy grin of his again. "I'm sure we can figure out a way to persuade him." He pauses. "Politely." And failing that, well. Urthan's muscles could probably do a reasonable job at 'persuading' him impolitely. And who knows? Knocking some sense into a foolish lordling could be fun. Getting paid for the job would just be a nice side benefit.

Mechanics

 

 

[Starhawk]

 

 

Tann Hauser (AC 17)

Character Short Form

Female  Neutral  Elf Wizard,

Level 1, Init 5, HP 8/8, Speed 30 

AC 13 (17 Mage Armor) Touch 13, Flat-footed 10 (14), CMD 12, 

Fort 1, Ref 3, Will 3, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus  0,  

Dagger -1 (1d4-1, 19-20/x2)
Light Crossbow (10 Reusable) +3 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
 
Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 10

Cantrips Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost 1d3+1

1st level Spells Burning Hands 1 (3d4+1), Colour Spray, Crafter's Blessing, Ears of the City, Expeditious Retreat, Fabricate Bullets, Grease 1, Mage Armor 1

Skills

+10  Knowledge Local, Knowledge Arcana

+8  Alchemy, Spellcraft

+6 Heal, Perception (+9 in low light), all other knowledge skills and professions

Condition

Darkvision 60' but dazzled in bright light.

Entomophobe Drawback (penalties with vermin and swarms)

Sheet Link

https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744372

 

Tann glances at Urthan as he seems to insinuate, with his 'diamond in the rough' charm, bagging and tagging the errant brother. Not wanting to insinuate herself too much into an argument between noble scions, which could get messy, with her blood, amongst others, she decides to break her silence and speak on the issue.. "Instead of putting a bag over his head, it might be easier to lure him to a meeting at a place other than the family home. I regret I am unable to charm him and with enchantments bring him to a place he would not otherwise enter, it is not a spell permitted by my specialisation.", she purrs in her low, low contralto.

It occurs to her that someone with so much cash would likewise have henchmen on retainer. She rather hoped he did. There was nothing like combat to advance one's ability.. 'tried and died' being a great motivator towards success.

"Perhaps the charm casters, Alura and Seraphina, can remedy my lack.", she adds.

Edited July 26, 2023 by Starhawk (see edit history)

[ccanary]

Seraphina Stormborn

Seraphina Stormborn — Half-Orc Skald 1 (Fated Champion)
AC/T/FF 16/11/15 | HP 10/10 | Init +1 | Speed 20ft | Fort/Ref/Will 5/4/2 | Darkvision
Raging Song 12/12 | Hero Points 01/01
Active Conditions:
Group buffs: raging song (allies who accept gain +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws, but also take a –1 penalty to AC. While under the effects of inspired rage, allies other than the skald cannot use any Charisma-, Dexterity-, or Intelligence-based skills (except Acrobatics, Fly, Intimidate, and Ride) or any ability that requires patience or concentration.

Spells

1st: (1/2 remaining) Heightened Awareness (10 minutes), Saving Finale
Cantrips: (unl) detect magic, ghost sound, prestidigitation, read magic

On the Flirty Frigate

"Dubious short term pleasures is practically my middle name, " Seraphina laughed at Iridni's assessment of Vanthus.

"Maybe it'll help track dear brother down? Best idea I have so far is to go visit the Dolphin or the Sleigh Ride, ask around discreetly and see what we come up with. What's the worst that can happen? Maybe some of that divination you got can guide us, Iridni?"

On Tann's question about charm she replied with a slightly too toothy grin, "This is about as charming as I get and magic doesn't enter into it. Still, we can be plenty persuasive. And we don't really have to worry about how to convince him to come meet his lovely sister until we find the bugger. Let's get started on that. We can sell the junk we got off the Nixie while we're at it."

Unless there was something else to do in the vault, she was happy to be off to one of the taverns Iridni mentioned and start asking around.

Mechanics

Temporary conditions:

• Heightened awareness (10 minutes remaining) +2 to perception and knowledge-based skills, can dismiss for +4 to initiative

I'll throw a diplomacy gather information roll here, but it'll be bad (and untrained) until level 2!

AoO:
Standard:
Move:

Free:

Trained Skills

Acrobatics*	+6
Climb*	+9
Knowledge (local)	+8
Knowledge (nobility)	+6
Other knowledges (untrained)	+2
Perception	+2
Perform (Sing)	+8
Swim*	+8
* -4 ACP to str and dex skills

 

 

[Starhawk]

 

 

Tann Hauser (AC 17)

Character Short Form

Female  Neutral  Elf Wizard,

Level 1, Init 5, HP 8/8, Speed 30 

AC 13 (17 Mage Armor) Touch 13, Flat-footed 10 (14), CMD 12, 

Fort 1, Ref 3, Will 3, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus  0,  

Dagger -1 (1d4-1, 19-20/x2)
Light Crossbow (10 Reusable) +3 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
 
Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 10

Cantrips Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost 1d3+1

1st level Spells Burning Hands 1 (3d4+1), Colour Spray, Crafter's Blessing, Ears of the City, Expeditious Retreat, Fabricate Bullets, Grease 1, Mage Armor 1

Skills

+10  Knowledge Local, Knowledge Arcana

+8  Alchemy, Spellcraft

+6 Heal, Perception (+9 in low light), all other knowledge skills and professions

Condition

Darkvision 60' but dazzled in bright light.

Entomophobe Drawback (penalties with vermin and swarms)

Sheet Link

https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744372

Tann grinned.. "I just figured bard minstrel type", responding to Seraphina's declaration of lack, and adding a shrug for good measure. She pondered where Bad Bad Brother might be in the Azure District, but nothing came to mind. She wondered how urgent it was that Bad Bad Brother be ushered into an audience. Knowing who his confederates were, if any, would be information worth acquiring, since in this profession surprises could be lethal. An owl familiar was useful in such circumstances. Not coming up with anything immediately, she decided she'd sleep on it and ponder again after a nap. "Selling the loot would be a good start.", she agrees.

 

Edited July 27, 2023 by Starhawk (see edit history)

[Fiery Gift]

GM Question

At which establishment does Seraphina want to visit first to utilize that "8" or is that just to be used in the Azure district in general?

 

[Wiz]

Properly informed of how old the painting in the dining room is, Alura goes to examine it and make some notes as to the brother's appearance as well as pertinent detains. She returns to the group and says, "Lets select a place to start"

Statblock

Alura Undertow
Female LN Merfolk (Seasinger; Secret Magic) Oracle (Ocean's Echo), [B]Level[/B] 1, [B]Init[/B] 2, [B]HP[/B] 10/10, [B]Speed[/B] 5/40
[B]AC[/B] 12, [B]Touch[/B] 12, [B]Flat-footed[/B] 10, [B]CMD[/b] 11, [B]Fort[/B] 2, [B]Ref[/B] 2, [B]Will[/B] 0, [B]CMB[/B] -1, [B]Base Attack Bonus[/B] 0,   [B]Action Points[/B] 1
 (+2 Dex)
[B]Abilities[/B] Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 7, Cha 20

GM Only

On the way, Alura will look out for some of the Orphans of Sasserine and finding one will ask them to contact Dodger and pass her notes on the brother's name, appearance and possible activities and ask her to gather information for Alura on where he might be and what he might be up to.

 

Edited July 27, 2023 by Wiz (see edit history)

[Starhawk]

 

 

Tann Hauser (AC 17)

Character Short Form

Female  Neutral  Elf Wizard,

Level 1, Init 5, HP 8/8, Speed 30 

AC 13 (17 Mage Armor) Touch 13, Flat-footed 10 (14), CMD 12, 

Fort 1, Ref 3, Will 3, CMB -1, Base Attack Bonus  0,  

Dagger -1 (1d4-1, 19-20/x2)
Light Crossbow (10 Reusable) +3 (1d8, 19-20/x2)
 
Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 18, Wis 12, Cha 10

Cantrips Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Ray of Frost 1d3+1

1st level Spells Burning Hands 1 (3d4+1), Colour Spray, Crafter's Blessing, Ears of the City, Expeditious Retreat, Fabricate Bullets, Grease 1, Mage Armor 1

Skills

+10  Knowledge Local, Knowledge Arcana

+8  Alchemy, Spellcraft

+6 Heal, Perception (+9 in low light), all other knowledge skills and professions

Condition

Darkvision 60' but dazzled in bright light.

Entomophobe Drawback (penalties with vermin and swarms)

Sheet Link

https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=2744372

Tann almost sighs on finishing her inspection of the alchemical vial, almost but not quite as this would undermine her 'it is what is' pragmatic pessimism. "Aside from the usual bars there's a couple of whaler bars and well.. what can only be described as an assorted diversions establishment in the Azure District. Let's start with the Dolphin, shall we?", she suggests, unable to move past the feeling that her newly acquired gold is practically burning a hole in her pocket.

 

[Kylia Quilor]

Current Mental Focus Investiture

3 Points Invested in Her Monocle (Divination), granting a +1 Insight bonus to Perception Checks
2 Points Invested in her Bracers (Abjuration), granting a +1 Resistance Bonus to all her saving throws.

"Seems as good a place as any to start," Iridni agreed with Tann. "The Dolphin first. My one worry is that if we go all at once as a large group, we may spook him if word gets out. Perhaps we go in smaller groups? And some of us can watch to see if mentioning Vanthus makes someone try to leave." It was perhaps a cliche rooted in stories and fiction, but it seemed plausible someone who knew Vanthus might leave to warn him, or leave because they knew something, and if someone was watching for that -

Well, that was something she could do, since persuading people to talk was not her forte.

[Wiz]

Alura nods, "Oh, and we might want to keep an eye out for that Soller Vark guy... the one Calyx let go; You know, in case Soller was working for the brother and has informed him about our takeover of the ship. That could really blow any chance we have of surprise."

Statblock

Alura Undertow
Female LN Merfolk (Seasinger; Secret Magic) Oracle (Ocean's Echo), [B]Level[/B] 1, [B]Init[/B] 2, [B]HP[/B] 10/10, [B]Speed[/B] 5/40
[B]AC[/B] 12, [B]Touch[/B] 12, [B]Flat-footed[/B] 10, [B]CMD[/b] 11, [B]Fort[/B] 2, [B]Ref[/B] 2, [B]Will[/B] 0, [B]CMB[/B] -1, [B]Base Attack Bonus[/B] 0,   [B]Action Points[/B] 1
 (+2 Dex)
[B]Abilities[/B] Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 7, Cha 20

OOC

Nothing special. 🙂

 

Edited July 28, 2023 by Wiz (see edit history)