No Goblins Allowed
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Heroes of Westerwind
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Author:  DungeonCrawlingGnome [ Sat Jul 04, 2015 6:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Heroes of Westerwind
The last vestiges of fog rise from the bilge-crowded waters of Cliffport harbor, signifying the beginning of late morning. One particular street seems as all the rest. Old vegetables, wisps of straw and chaff, and the feces of animals litter its gutters. People - humans, Halflings, Dwarves, and Gnomes - bustle up and down its rough, dirty cobbles. The houses jut over the road as if they love each other and long to touch shingles in the middle. One of these buildings, a two-story wooden affair, nothing remarkable, has, hanging over its door, a grungy wooden sign that sways slightly on creaking hinges. On it are the words, 'The Drowning Cat.' For the sake of the more numerous, less literate denizens, there is also a picture - a ginger cat perched on the edge of a foaming tankard, looking down into the froth.
Inside the tavern it is warm - some would say too warm. People crowd the place, heat emanating from their bodies, along with sweat, the latter of which mingles with the smells of ale, fat, and smoke, all hanging over the room like odorous clouds.
Men are in the tavern, wide-brimmed or tricorn hats pulled down over their faces. Their chins and cheeks are unweeded, covered in bristles. Bar wenches hang on their arms or lead them up the rickety stairs to the second floor (its purpose now quite clear). Halflings also sit around, trying not to get squashed against walls. Gnomes, Dwarves, and a number of Hoblins also patronize the room. Voices compete with each other in rowdy songs, dirty jokes, and slurred demands for more ale. Visibility is hindered somewhat by the hazy smoke from a dozen pipes and the wood stove, and one must watch where he steps to avoid kicking a Halfling who has had too much than is good for him and now lies, puffing and staring up at the wooden ceiling, in between two stools.
Overall, the tavern is like many such establishments that line the streets of the rather disreputable section of town that lies between the tradesmens' district and the docks.
Adventurers can sometimes be found here as well, and it is upon these we shall focus. A number of patrons (their ethnicity and vocation varying widely) sit or stand around the tavern, their lifestyles very different from one another, but all sharing one thing in common: Each is looking around for a man they plan to meet here.
Author:  DungeonCrawlingGnome [ Mon Jul 06, 2015 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
The door swings open and a man enters the smoky atmosphere of the tavern. His hair, which might be brown, is largely hidden by a tricorn hat, while a long coat covers him from neck to knee. He glances around and sidles over to a corner booth. All watchers tense; this is the booth their correspondent had specified. This must be their contact!

Spoiler
Author:  RPJesus [ Tue Jul 07, 2015 8:01 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
A large man with mottled black and white skin stood on the second floor balcony tapping his foot agitatedly. This sort of establishment certainly wouldn't have been his first choice of venue, though he supposed if his aim was to purge the world of some corruption, this might be a good place to start. His train of thought was interrupted as he saw his contact enter the bar. Sighing slightly, Oha'na waded his way through the crowd, sitting down at the same booth as the newcomer.
"So, I take it you're the one?"
Author:  DungeonCrawlingGnome [ Tue Jul 07, 2015 9:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
The man has been glancing about, fiddling with a dry spot on his fifth knuckle. At the approach of this person he starts, instinctively placing a protective hand to his left side. He peers forward at the man, trying to make out his features in the dim light. "Ah. You are one of the people I am here to meet. Sit down. Now which are you?"
Author:  Tequilasaurus [ Wed Jul 08, 2015 1:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
As the pair sit at the designated booth, Selias quickly bumbles over toward the cornered seat, bumping apologetically through the tide of bar patrons. He squeezes uncomfortably close to the two men, standing too narrowly and bobbing slightly off balance. A look of genuine simplicity gleans in his greenish eyes. "Oh. Gentlemen! I'm supposed to meet someone at this booth, actually."
Author:  DungeonCrawlingGnome [ Wed Jul 08, 2015 10:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
Your contact blinks several times and glances around the room. One or two patrons shake their fists at the bumbler, but nobody pays much heed, thinking him a drunkard. "Yes. I am your contact. We shall wait for the others to arrive."
A wench comes over and leans over the table with an empty platter. "Anything to drink, loves?"
Author:  Garren_Windspear [ Wed Jul 08, 2015 11:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
The door of the Drowned Cat is pushed open, the rush of cool morning air providing a temporary reprieve from the sweltering heat and stench of bodies within. Those few patrons who care enough to turn to face the new comer are quickly persuaded to look back to their drinks by the heavy-set hobgoblin glowering back at them from beneath the rim of a beaten tricorn hat. Pulling the door closed behind him Kurat slowly scans the crowded bar with his one good eye, his gaze finally settling on the corner booth and it's unusual occupants. He begins pushing his way through the crowd, making no effort to dance around the other patrons, until he stands before the booth. For a moment he simply observes those within, the glow of his smoke providing some small illumination, before leaning forward slightly, a toothy grin spreading across his face.

"Now you go ahead an correct me if I'm wrong in ma assumin' but I'll be damned if I don't think that the three of you ain't the ones that I'm looking for." He let's out a deep laugh while thrusting a scarred hand towards whoever feels like taking it. "Names Kurat and I 'ave to say it's a pleasure to be meetin' folks such as yourselves."
Author:  DungeonCrawlingGnome [ Thu Jul 09, 2015 9:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
The man blinks and tentatively shakes the proffered hand. "We are. Have a seat."
Author:  Tequilasaurus [ Fri Jul 10, 2015 4:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
Selias looks to the barmaid before gawking at the Hobgoblin newcomer. At the invitation to sit, he joins the Darfellan in the booth. His attention turns back to the barmaid. "I'll have a water, please."
Author:  RPJesus [ Fri Jul 10, 2015 11:09 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
"I'm Oha'na, I was told you'd be able to aid in my quest to rid the world of as much evil as possible.". Turning to the barmaid, he replied "Iced tea if you have it." He surveyed the new arrivals with a hint of curiosity. "I take it you fellows are my comrades in this enigmatic endeavor?"
Author:  DungeonCrawlingGnome [ Fri Jul 10, 2015 1:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
The barmaid raises her eyebrows. "Ale please." She then stumps off.
The man leans in close.
"My name is John Seaborne and I'm captain of the good ship Salty Scallion."He makes a face. "Or.. at least, I was. My father was a great collector of maps - cartophobe I think they call it. Anyway, among his old collection I have had the fortune to find a gem. While looking at charts of old trade routes in the Sea of Sails I came upon a scrap of parchment, ragged and torn. I have it here." He pulls out an old, yellowed sheet of paper. Water stains and worm holes dot its surface, and written in a thick, business-like hand is a note written in faded black ink. It reads thus:

To my son, or, in the case of his demise, those who find this paper.
I am both a collector of maps and a lover of puzzles, but I am also an insatiable explorer. I have trawled the Gulf of Ginal for the five-foot long cod they have there; I have sailed up the river into the jungle of Mendolo Kai. I have traversed routes from Zigilburg to Arizakan. And in all my travels I have seen wonders, yet never have I discovered anything such as a treasure they speak of in legends. Nor had I ever encountered any fabled clue or direction to the whereabouts of such a cache. Until now. While scouring the wreck of a brigand schooner shipwrecked on the Jagged Coast I discovered a clue. A clue to a horde of treasure beyond the conjurings or imaginings of anyone. I have hidden the clue to this ten times king's ransom in my trusty vessel, and you, my son, must continue what I could not. If you are not my son or are reading this on behalf of him posthumously, I wish you also good fortune and a stiff wind behind your sails!

J. Seaborne Sr.
Author:  Tevish Szat [ Sat Jul 11, 2015 2:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
"Now, I suppose this might be related to your correction regarding your captaincy." Jonas says, leaning over Seaborne's shoulder "Fascinating, in any case."
Author:  Tequilasaurus [ Sun Jul 12, 2015 3:05 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
Selias watches quietly. Treasure maps were serious business.
Author:  DungeonCrawlingGnome [ Sun Jul 12, 2015 9:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
"Yes indeed," continues John. I have a... unique take on the rules. I consider customs checks and import taxes to be... less than important, and they slip my mind. A week ago, I was importing some textiles when I was intercepted and boarded. They impounded my ship and I have recently heard tell that the customs officials have released it. Into the care of a Dwarf named Hordon Ironfist. Hordon is a brute, a bully, and a thug. He runs a shady business in which merchants pay for him and his goons to protect their cargo from a band of warf Goblins who periodically raid the dockside warehouses for supplies, food, and valuables. And yes, I suspect that this Hordon is in cahoots with the Goblins, as do some others I know.
That's not all. I was quite... well, quite soused a few nights ago and I may have gone on about my map. Most must have passed it off as drunken babbling, but I have heard that Hordon is all but tearing my ship apart. I fear he may have heard or heard of my rambling somehow, and we must get to him before he discovers the map's hiding spot."
Author:  Tevish Szat [ Thu Jul 16, 2015 11:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
"Interesting. I doubt such a man is hard to locate, but what to to do with him when we do? I might have an idea or two, but I'm interested in yours."
Author:  drvonwolfen [ Fri Jul 17, 2015 7:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
Among the regulars a young man by the bar keeps speaking to the bartender while embracing one of the maids, patting her buttocks from time to time and laughing. He is wearing a flamboyant shirt and a hardy coat over it with sturdy leather trousers. His hat is on the counter but a bandana covers part of his hair. From time to time he stares at the table where the group is sitting. He leaves a small pouch on the counter which the bartender makes disappear instantly and kisses the maid before grabbing a bottle of wine and a glass from behind the counter and coming towards the group.

"Katya bring me some cheese and onion as well, would you honey" he says to the maid he was kissing only moments ago.

When he reaches the group he bows in a flamboyant way and hops on a chair.
"I apologize for being late, some busyness just couldn't be postponed I'm afraid. I am Devan Ar'Faust, at your service sirs."

He pulls the stopper from the wine and pours a healthy glass for himself before placing the wine on the table...a little closer to the Hobgoblin and the contact than the rest.

Putting his feet on the table he relaxes on his chair throwing short glances back at the bar waiting for the cheese platter.
Author:  DungeonCrawlingGnome [ Fri Jul 17, 2015 11:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
John nods, "Hello. I'm sure your fellow compatriots will explain to you all I have just related." He looks behind and up to Jonas, "Most likely aboard MY ship, looking for the map. The Scallion's anchored in the harbor near Bungo & Ring's Warehouse Emporium. She's the one with the green trim."
The maid has now arrived with cheese, onions, and the table's drinks.
Author:  drvonwolfen [ Sat Jul 18, 2015 5:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
As Katya starts serving, Devan uses the opportunity to put his hands again on her, only to slide a coin between her breasts and kiss her perhaps whispering something in her ear before she leaves their table. He then cuts a slice of cheese, a bite from the onion and washes down with the red nectar.

After getting the rest of the story from the others he turns to John

"So...Captain John...right?, if I'm getting this straight, we have to find the map, avoid or defeat the dwarf's goons and goblin allies and get to the treasure together. Well, I might have a better idea, but what's in it for us? No offense intended Captain, but clear pacts make good friends."

NOTE
Author:  DungeonCrawlingGnome [ Sat Jul 18, 2015 9:15 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
John nods. "I expected as much. No, you won't be looking for the map and finding the treasure, just getting that Dwarf-scum off my ship. And then, my friends.... then we shall find this treasure! Gold, jewels, magical items beyond your wildest dreams! That is, if you're up for the task..." he takes a swig.
Author:  drvonwolfen [ Sat Jul 18, 2015 9:55 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Heroes of Westerwind
"So you are saying we need the ship as well, right Captain?" Devan says posing his now empty glass on the table.

"And that we should hurry before the dwarf dismantles it or finds the map himself."

He pours himself some more wine but instead of drinking it instantly like the glass before he brings it close to his nose and steers it to enjoy its aroma, barely distinguishable in the sweaty tavern.
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