Session 103
General Summary
- Grogery borrowed Baxton's Ring of Mind Shielding to discuss his book of elven poetry.
- Dazki and Marvin hatched a plan for Marvin to distract Lance while Dazki tries to convince Kiirni to help them get to the other side of The Wall™.
- Dazki got Lance out of the room, and Marvin distracted him almost too well: between Marvin and Victor (and then Marvin some more, capitalizing on the opportunity to the point where even Captain Orcanus gets involved), Dazki was left alone with the prisoner for over an hour.
- After some mostly-not-plot-relevant activities to pass the time, the next evening arrived, and Victor called over everyone on the ship, claiming that he knew of a massive secret that someone on the ship was hiding, "threatening the safety of this trip".
- He gave the individual a chance to come clean. When nobody did, he moved to torture Kiirni, but she jumped away and slammed into a barrel, destroying it.
- The barrel contained some sort of drug that amplified everyone's emotions, and nobody quite remembers what happened immediately after that.
- Everyone woke up on the main deck of the ship around midday, each with some sort of confusing object that doesn't quite fit with anything that they remember doing. There's also been a murder: Vic Thomson is dead, his throat sliced clean open. They decide to do an investigation. Editor's note: it's kinda a lot to summarize, especially since I risk being too spoilery if I try to pick out just what's important, so here's a link to where this part picks up in the details below.
Full Recap
Captain Orcanus has named the dog "Kraken".Dwardazik: Where do you think that dog even came from, eh? Is there even a settlement nearby? Maybe Hythe? Grogery: He looks healthy enough. Obviously not in the best of shape, but he hasn't been starving out in the wilderness for too long. Dazki: He could be a farm dog, maybe, that got lost? Grogery: Dog from another ship that fell off?Dazki pulls Marvin away from the rest of the group for a private conversation:
Dazki: Hey, Marvin? Marvin: Yeah? Dazki: I need a hand. Marvin: Sure! Do you need a big hand, or...? Dazki: No... so, I was thinking, we should probably try to talk to Kiirni a little bit. Marvin: Like... like we have been doing, or are you saying, in-person? Dazki: Like in-person. I'm thinking, with what Grogery told us about Lance's eye, I go in there, talk to him about it, and see if I can get him uncomfortable enough about it that he has to leave. You run interference while I chat with the dark elf a little bit? Marvin: I could give it a shot. Dazki: All right, great! (GM: Lance isn't the one on guard duty, just Vic is. Lance is there, though.) Do you want to try to get them both out of the room, or do you want to wait until it's just Lance? Marvin: I get the feeling that Victor is going to be a problem. Let's find an opportunity when it's just Lance that we have to distract. If he trusted Grogery enough to have Grogery just watch her for a few minutes, then we might be able to do something. Dazki: Sounds good.
As Dwardazik patrols around the ship, the dog follows him. He reaches down to try to pet it behind the ears, but (Animal Handling 8) it's unsure and tries to bite at his hand a bit. Dwardazik takes off a gauntlet and slowly tries to gain its trust and pet it again, but (Animal Handling 12) it dodges his hand, urinates on his boot, and runs away.
Grogery meets up with Dazki while he's waiting for an opportunity to get in close to talk with Kiirni.
Grogery: Hey Dazki? Dazki: Yeah, what's up? Grogery: Can I borrow the ring for a few minutes? I want to talk to Baxton about some stuff. Dazki: Sure, what do you want to talk to him about? Grogery: Just some interesting things I noticed while going through this book. I wanted to ask him if rings are important and if arrangement is more important than composition. Dazki: Oh, the book of poetry? Grogery: Yes. Dazki: Got it. Yeah, sure. I can't promise he'll be cooperative, but, you never know. Grogery: Eh. If he is, then... progress. He takes off Baxton's Ring of Mind Shielding to hand to Grogery. While the ring is off... Grogery: Also, I looked over the maps a little more closely. It seems like the place of interest is actually on this side of The Wall™. Dazki: OK. Well, he's probably getting Turmoil from somewhere, so there's probably a way for them to get to the other side. Grogery: It would be interesting if this hole was, like, right on top of the spot. Dazki: Yeah.Grogery goes back upstairs with the ring. The dog and Barry arguing. You get the sense that it started over who should have a particular item, but it's gotten strangely existential since then.
Grogery: What's going on with the dog, Barry? Barry: Nothing! Grogery: OK...Grogery takes some time to talk with Baxton.
Kesmet goes to offer the dog one of his smoky caramels. it's not interested: what it really wants is a big, shiny stick. Kesmet throws one of his daggers across the deck, and it runs off to fetch it, prancing away seemingly proud of itself.
The dog goes over to bother Grogery. (Animal Handling 7) You've interacted with various hunting dogs and what not, and you naturally have a slight hesitance towards it when it gets a bit defensive, so you will not be friends with this dog today. It's not going to get terribly close to Grogery, but it's going to sit there and stare and distract you, to make sure you don't do anything weird. As Grogery sits there, just focusing on the ring, the dog will eventually get bored with the goblin and wander downstairs.
Dazki goes down to study the engines a bit more, and the dog follows him. Turns out that Grimes absolutely hates dogs.
Marvin talks with Captain Orcanus.
Marvin: So, Captain, I really have to admit, you got me curious about your past travels. Being a bard, I'd be very grateful to hear some of the more crazy / entertaining / twisted things that you've discovered on your travels! Orcanus: I do love me a good bard. Marvin: If that's the case, I'd be glad to write a tale about the great things that Captain Orcanus has done! Orcanus: The Great Black Whale already has plenty of tales sung about him! Marvin: "Great Black Whale", that's you?! Oh my goodness, I have heard such tales! Orcanus: All good, I hope? Marvin: Very good, but — Orcanus: ALL GOOD, I HOPE? Marvin: Yes, they are good! Just, at first, they sound unbelievable, but now meeting you in person, I can definitely tell that they should be believed.
Kiirni
Dazki waits for a couple of minutes after Victor leaves the room and then heads in. The dog is still chewing on something in the corner.Dazki: Hey, uh — "Lance", right? Lance: Yeah, that's me. I'm Lance. Dazki: Right. I just wanted to say, I heard about your... injury... and I wanted to apologize. Lance: Which "injury"? Dazki motions to Lance's eye. Dazki: I know we were involved in stopping that man, and I'm sorry for the people who got hurt because of it. Is it particularly painful? (Persuasion 22) Lance: It's... it's fine, really, just... slightly different. Dazki: How so? I'm sorry, if you don't mind me prying... Lance: Well, first of all, I do mind you prying. But if it eases your guilty thoughts, sure, fine. It's just — like any other wound or injury — it always leaves scars behind, and sometimes it can be hard to focus. Dazki: I see. Is there any advice you can give? I have a woman under my employ who was injured the same way, and I was wondering if there was any advice you could give that I could use to assist her? Lance, defensively: Why, what are you insinuating? Dazki: You said, it leaves scars. I'm sure there's, you know — externally and internally. Lance, still defensive: I'm fine, I'm handling it myself! Dazki: No, I know you're handling it yourself! I want to help someone that I know handle it. I'm seeking the advice of an expert, that's all I'm trying to do. To help another. Lance: I'm no expert. Dazki: Well, you certainly are experienced in handling it, since you're doing so well. (GM: You don't even need an Insight check to know how NOT WELL he's handling it right now.) Especially since they're trusting you on this important mission, clearly, you've got it all under control. Lance: ...are you mocking me? Dazki: No, not at all! I'm being entirely honest! (Deception 18) Lance: ...I mean, you did kind of help before. Don't think I didn't see your shtick. You guys are awful card players. Dazki: I'll have you know that I'm actually decent at cards. When I want to be. Maybe you can join us for the next round? Lance: No, no, that's fine. I don't need to accrue any more debt! Um... ... ... ... um... Dazki: Yeah? What is it? Like you said, we're... relatively friendly people, here to help. Lance, getting in closer: Look, I don't really agree with the way Vic deals with things. It's frankly making my job twice as hard, because I feel like I have to guard two people. Dazki: Mm-hmm. I can certainly see how a man of good conscience would feel that way. Lance: And he's been really breathing down my neck, and I just... — ...it's my job to make sure that this prisoner gets to the other end of this journey. Dazki: Mm-hmm... Lance: And so far, she hasn't messed up yet. Dazki: What do you mean, "messed up"? Lance: She's being fully accepting of the terms. Dazki: What are the terms? Lance: She's cooperative. I mean, this is a caster who hasn't said anything since we've been on this boat. Dazki: That's fair. Will something happen to her if she speaks? Are the chains enchanted, somehow? Lance: That's just it, they're not. She's cooperating. Dazki: OK. Then why is Vic being so difficult with it? Lance: I don't know, man! I don't know! But he does mind stuff, and I just want to make sure everything's OK. If he does stuff that makes this information no longer viable, I kinda need to know. Dazki: Mm-hmm... Lance, getting shaky and anxious: You know what, never mind, this didn't happen. Dazki: Yep. Hey, listen, listen. Take a deep breath. I can sit here for a minute, you can head up to the deck, get a swig of something from my dwarven friend and come back down here, all right? How does that sound? You can even take the key to the chains with you and everything, I promise she will remain there. (Persuasion 17) Lance, after a beat, pointing his finger at Dazki: Don't do anything. I mean it. Dazki: Absolutely, yep! Lance: Few minutes. Dazki: Of course! Hurry back!Lance leaves. Marvin is on the other side of the door, staring at the boilers, scratching his head trying to figure them out. When he notices Lance walking by, he engages.
Marvin: Hey — "Lance", was it? Right? Lance clearly doesn't want to deal with Marvin right now; he just wants to go down to the cargo hold. But he will stop, because he's a professional. Lance, sharply: Yeah, yeah what's up? Just... every... it's fine. Marvin: Oh yeah, yeah, no worries, I was just wondering if you know how these things work? I can't make heads or tails of it! Lance: No-no, we — no. (He resumes walking down again. Marvin follows.) Marvin: Oh, all right! No worries! Hey, you look like you've seen a lot of combat. You wouldn't mind if I were to write a few tales about your adventures, would you? Lance: I... I mean, I really gotta get back, I don't have time for all this. Marvin: For reals, though, we can walk and talk. I'm just curious about what you've done! Lance, defensively: I haven't done anything! Marvin: I'm not saying you've done anything bad! You clearly look like a warrior of some renown! Lance: Ugh... can you give... can you give me a few minutes? Marvin: Oh yeah, no, dude, take your time. I probably interrupted something.Lance proceeds to the foremost room in the cargo hold. Marvin thinks to himself, "If the roles were reversed, and I was Dazki, I would try to jam the door... but I'm Marvin, and I don't know how to do that...".
Dazki sits on the bed and addresses Kiirni directly.
Dazki: Hi! Your name is "Kiirni", right? If you're worried, just nod your head "yes" or "no". Kiirni nods after a second. Dazki: I'm Dazki. Pleasure to meet you. I'm told you've been — well, it doesn't matter why they have you. Vic has been particularly unfriendly towards you, it seems. Is that right? Kiirni just glances downward. Dazki: Would you like some help? (He slips a lockpick out of his pocket.) No response. Dazki: If you don't want that, that's fine. I'm here to try to talk to you. Try to help. You're a person too, you don't deserve to be treated the way he has been treating you. I'm not here to judge, on anything you've allegedly done. I just want to make sure that you can be OK. Kiirni: Your words are a trap. What do you want? Dazki: I potentially need to get into The Phantasmagoria. And, I do want to make sure that people are treated fairly and properly, and I certainly don't think Vic has been doing that. So yes, I do have my own goals, but I don't see why I can't help you at the same time. Kiirni: You put me in danger, and you know what I've done. Dazki: It's been alleged that you've smuggled some people and goods. There's a lot worse things that can be done. I don't particularly care about that. Kiirni: I have done worse. Dazki: I've killed people. I've done worse too. (He shrugs.) Everyone deserves a true second chance. Kiirni: I've already used mine. Dazki: How so? Kiirni: ...I also feel like the world has used its second chance. Dazki: What do you mean by that? Kiirni: Some people believe in karma. I don't. The world is cruel and filled with cruelty. Dazki: It is. I don't argue that. But it's up to people like us to try and make the world better. Kiirni: The moment there is any shining light, the world moves to snuff out that candle. So I live in darkness. Dazki: There is light that can be seen. It takes a lot of work, I don't deny that. And it can absolutely seem like it's not worth it. But the light exists, and we have to continue to move towards it. And to make that light shine brighter, so that others can see it as well. Please, help me find that light. Help me show that light to others. Help me protect it. Kiirni: Then why do you want to know what I know? Why do you endanger me, for your benefit? Dazki: There is someone who has been using Turmoil to hurt people, in the vicinity of where we are going. Of where you have been doing your operations. And we want to stop them from hurting others. Kiirni: I don't think I'm interested in helping. Dazki: You'd rather let the world die? Everyone and everything you care about in it, as well? I'm sure there's got to be someone, something that matters to you? Kiirni: The world would wish the same to me. Dazki: Prove you're better than the world. I don't wish the same to you. Kiirni: Prove that you are. Dazki: How? What are you asking of me, to prove that I'm better? Kiirni: Surprise me.Dazki thinks on it for a bit, and then he pulls out his copy of The Book of the Mirage and moves closer to show it to her. He briefly explains to her its history, an overview of its contents, and the questions it raises: whether Turmoil is really the "curse" that people say it is, or if it's more like a force of nature like a hurricane or thunderstorm. Partway through, Dazki receives a Sending spell from Marvin saying that Lance is on his way back, but then Marvin follows it up, mentioning that Vic is also helping to distract Lance, so they are ultimately left in the room for over an hour.
Lance seems to have finished whatever he needs to do in the cargo hold. Marvin sees this and Sends to Dazki that Lance is on his way back, then follows Lance and starts chatting him up to try to stall him (and, of course, make more noise so Dazki will be able to hear where they are).
Marvin: So as I was saying, Lance, if you have any stories? How's a man like you end up being a primo guard escort for a crazy, crazy, dangerous fugitive? Lance: Listen, I don't — I have to get back to that "crazy, crazy, dangerous fugitive". So we're not going to have this discussion down in the bottom of the ship. Marvin: Sure, maybe we can talk about the crazy, crazy fugitive in front of her face? I'll be she really wouldn't like that! Lance: There's been worse. So, let's just do that. Marvin: Yeah!Upon Lance arriving upstairs, he is immediately confronted by Vic.
Vic: I see we're slacking off on the job again! Lance, practically growling: You stay out of this, Vic. This isn't about you! Listen, at least I do my job, all right? You know how much extra work I have to do after your shift?! You know people require basic things to live, right? Like, the most basic of shit, you don't seem to understand! Vic: Don't you take that tone with me, young man. I've been in this profession since long before you were shitting in your own pants!They take their argument into the dining room off to the side, where they start hushedly whispering accusations towards one another. Marvin Sends to Dazki again, "Apparently, Vic's doing my job for me! They're arguing in the kitchen."
Dwardazik calls Kesmet up to the Captain's quarters.
Dwardazik: Why do you hate Dennis? Kesmet: Well, until recently, I was firmly under the belief that he was solely responsible for the death of my entire family. Seems like as good a reason as any to hate a person. But now, with this Turmoil and time bullshit shenanigans, there might be a person over Dennis. So I gotta figure out exactly what's going on. I don't like being uncertain about shit. Dwardazik: I've always given people a fair shot, right? Kesmet: ... ... ...sure! (Deception 21) Always! Dwardazik: I mean, I'm just lookin' out for what's best for you guys! Come on! You agree, right? Kesmet: I feel like your heart's in the right place, but I don't know... sometimes, you tend to fly off the handle a little bit. Kesmet: ...which is very weird, coming from me. Dwardazik: Explain it to me, then. What's wrong with distrusting that damn — ... ... ... — that drow? Kesmet: Oh, the drow thing, that's what you're talking about. I dunno, just don't light your fist on fire and burn everything down. 'cause that's my job. I dunno about the drow. I don't really care about the drow! I guess maybe she could help us get to Dennis / "The Metronome Man", maybe? Dwardazik: I'm just sayin'... ugh, I can smell something bad. And, I tell ya, it's comin' from the lower decks. Kesmet: I thought that was the fish smell, from the river? Dwardazik: And also this damn dog! You think you can do something about this? (He points to his boot, where the dog had urinated on it.) Kesmet casts Prestidigitation to clean it up. Dwardazik, holding out a hand for a shake: Thanks, man. Kesmet shakes Dwardazik's hand. Dwardazik: I understand that there exists a situation where that drow could be a good person, I suppose. Just like how not all people in The Spire of Beasts are bad, and I understand that. I mean, for Pete's sake, we even went into the city of the de— oh wait, you don't remember that. Kesmet: I do now, ever since the weird nonsense. Dwardazik: Oh. Yeah-yeah-yeah. For Pete's sake, we even worked with the undead! Ugh. Kesmet: I think I threw up on one. Or somebody threw up on me. Dwardazik: I just don't trust this, man. I just don't trust this. (He turns to look out the side.) I'm tellin' you, man, this is bad trouble! Kesmet: Look, you don't gotta trust the drow. She's, like, chained up and imprisoned. Even if she's as bad as you say, what's she gonna do? She's got two people guarding her — (one of 'em is a bit fruity, but whatever) — and... it's being taken care of! All we gotta do is worry about us. We gotta make sure we're safe, but that doesn't mean getting a count of murder! Self-defense is different. We've got many counts of self-defense. Dwardazik: I wasn't gonna murder the stupid drow. That would've been stupid. I'm just saying, she's no good. And I had to make it clear to everyone here that she's no good, before someone does something stupid! But you know what? (He holds up a finger.) I'm gonna give Dazki the benefit of the doubt, because I've learned a thing or two about trusting elves. And you know what? Dazki's done me right more times than not. I'm gonna trust him on this one. Let's see what he does. (He goes back to staring out at the river.) Please-oh-PLEASE don't get us in trouble with Ashport for no reason! Kesmet: Whatever happens, we'll take care of ourselves. What's the worst that could happen? Dwardazik: Damn straight we will. Knowing our luck, we'll get framed for something. We might as well be ready to deal with anything. Kesmet: Framed?! We've handled worse things this week! Dwardazik: I'm just tellin' ya, be on the lookout. I just feel like that drow could be — I don't really trust any of those people, down below deck! But frankly, I distrust that drow even more. Ugh, whatever. Just let me sulk here. Kesmet: Hey, want to see this cool fire trick I came up with? Dwardazik: Yeah? What is it?Kesmet manifests his fire in the shape of a small bunny.
Kesmet: I can control fire now! ...a little bit better than I could before. Dwardazik: Well, I'll be damned! (He pulls out a cigarette.) You think you could get that thing to hop past and light this cigarette?
While Lance is confronting Vic about ensuring the health of the prisoner during his watch, Vic insinuates some things that — though it's off-topic — it pretty much makes Lance completely shut up. Perhaps Vic has something on Lance?
Marvin: Vic, I can't believe you would say how pathetic it was that he deserved to lose his eye! Marvin casts Gift of Gab, making Vic forget that Marvin said that last sentence, remembering only that Marvin said what they both hear: Marvin: Man, do you guys have any good grub around here? (Deception 27) this infuriates Lance enough to make their argument become loudly physical. Marvin: And Vic, I can't believe you called Lance's mom a whore! Same thing: Gift of Gab, so Vic only remembers the next sentence: Marvin: Oh wait, that's right, they did have good breakfast yesterday... Lance: My mother was a SAINT!The commotion is loud enough to be heard throughout the ship. Through the doorway, you see this mass of black dragon scales, furyful red eyes, smoke practically coming out of his head, teeth bared. The captain immediately grabs Lance by the shoulder and shoves him against the wall, knocking him prone, and then grabs Vic. As soon as the captain leaves, Dwardazik rushes to the wheel to keep the ship straight.
Orcanus, fury in his eyes and voice: I've already warned you once, you son of a bitch. Marvin: Captain, I'm so glad you broke this up! Orcanus, immediately taking on a pleasant tone: Oh, hey, how's it goin'! Marvin: Good! I was just minding my own business in here, getting some grub, and damn, these two... I couldn't stop 'em! Afraid they might've taken me prisoner next if you hadn't stomped in! Orcanus: All right, which one of you two fuckin' slimebags is supposed to be doin' your job, and which one of you is gonna deal with me? Marvin, very quietly and respectfully: Umm... Lance is supposed to be doing his job... Lance, standing up: OK... yep... yep... goin' right now! Marvin: I'll leave you to it, Captain.Lance and Marvin leave, going straight to the room with Dazki and Kiirni.
Dazki, standing up: See! Everything's fine, nothing has changed. Lance: Man, I'm sorry it took so long. Dazki: Don't worry about it! Got some nice time to sit and think quietly. Lance: No, no, it was really unprofessional of me. You shouldn't've even been in this situation! Marvin: Hey, man. You're dealing with possibly the shittiest coworker ever! No one's blaming you. Dazki: Seriously, I've had to do a lot worse things. So don't worry about it, OK?Dazki pats Lance on the shoulder and exits the room with Marvin. Once they're out of earshot:
Marvin: Yeah, consider them thoroughly distracted! Dazki: Yeah, jeez, what did you do?! Marvin: Oh, I'll tell you all about it later. I actually don't know how Vic is holdin' up, though, after Captain Orcanus sat to have a word with them. Dazki: Oh, really? Hmm... Marvin: You think he threw him overboard? Dazki: I mean, we can only hope, right? Marvin: But did you get any good info? Dazki: A little bit. She seems to be very reluctant to help. She's definitely given up on a lot, so I don't know how much help we're gonna be able to get from her, but we still need to make sure she's OK just in case we can persuade her to change her mind. Marvin: Right. Right. Well, let's go see how the others are doing.
Dwardazik is up in the quarterdeck, steering the ship.
Dazki: ...do you even know how?! Dwardazik: Yeah, I keep it straight! If it starts turning, I turn it back a little bit. Turns the other way, I turn it back a little bit. Marvin: ...he's not wrong... Dwardazik: I don't know much about the speed controls and other things, I'm just keepin' it straight! Marvin: Should we go get the engineer, Grimes? Dazki: We can certainly go see if he knows. Goodness knows I have no idea how to steer this thing! Dwardazik: I was up here watchin' him for a while. Marvin: Well, it's just like a horse, right? Dazki: I don't think this is "like a horse". Marvin: Like a big, mechanical horse! Dazki: I'm gonna go ahead and say... probably not. Marvin: All right. Maybe Grimes should be up here. Dwardazik: I'm not so sure, maybe Grimes should stay down there and make sure he's doin' things that need to happen. Marvin: Yeah, like gettin' jiggy with the fire elemental down there? ...not sure how I feel about that... not great, that's for sure... Dazki: I mean, maybe they're just talking? Dwardazik: What the hell was goin' on with all that noise? The captain just ran down! Marvin: Yeah, Vic and Lance got into some crazy argument. I can't believe the sorts of things Vic was saying about Lance's mom and stuff about Lance's past. He said some pretty unflattering things, they kinda got into a brawl, and Vic was left holdin' the bag. Dwardazik: Hmm. Right. Marvin: ? Dwardazik: Naw, I'm just sayin'... that sounds like something that would happen. Marvin: Well, you can ask 'em yourself about it. ...when the ship captain comes back. Dazki: Yeah, once Orcanus is done. 'Cause, uh, he did not sound happy. Dwardazik, with a sigh: Everyone's not hurt, right? They didn't hurt anyone? Marvin: I think Vic and Lance are kinda hurt, but they're the only two involved. They look like they've seen a lot of shit, I'm sure they'll be fine. Dwardazik: Two damn unstable passengers, we don't need that kind of uncertainty. Marvin: I assume that's why the captain's laying down the law. Dwardazik: As long as they keep it to themselves and don't do any more shit. I can barely keep this thing straight! If I wasn't watchin' the captain for as long as I was... rrgh. Dazki: Well, it's just a few more days, right? Dwardazik: ...rather be on the ground... Grogery: We're about six days into a twelve-day trip. Dazki: All right, fine, we're halfway there. Dwardazik: Gosh, I could use some good food. (He takes a big swig of his ale.) Dazki: Dwardazik, do you really think it's a good idea to drink and drive? Dwardazik: Hmm? Marvin: He's not driving, he's... Marvin: What do you do on a boat? You don't "drive" a boat. Kesmet: Sailing! You "sail" a boat. Marvin: Yeah! He's drinking and sailing! Two very different things. I heard in some parts of the country, that's actually a requirement to sail. Dazki: I guess I'll take your word on that. Dwardazik: It's not a problem. Marvin: So what are you doing? How complicated is... why are there six pedals if there's only four directions? Dwardazik: It's kinda complicated. I think these pedals control the speeds of each one of those paddlewheels. This in the center clearly controls the rudder, it's sorta similar to one of those sailboats we rode in on — oh, well, you didn't ride in on it, but — it's a little strange. I'm just tryin' to keep it straight. I've overcompensated a little bit on starboard just to account for the spinning of the one wheel, but I don't really know what I'm doin' with the speed, so... Dazki: Why don't we go get the bosun and see if he can help? Dwardazik: By all means, but I'm stayin' up here to keep it straight!Dazki goes down to the cargo hold to fetch Grimes. He also asks if the captain is away from the helm often / if this is something to worry about.
Grimes, looking side-to-side shiftily: What's it to ya? Dazki: I'm just worried about us being able to properly... not sink. Grimes: You ain't gonna sink, he's just used to having more crew. So yeah, he might wander a bit, but whatever. Yer gonna get where ya gonna go. Dazki: Will we run aground or something if he steps away? Grimes: Bah, that's kinda his problem. Dazki: No, it's kind of all of our problems, since — you know what? Whatever. Fine. Fine. Whatever. Do you know how to steer the boat? Grimes: Yeah, I know how to steer a boat. It's not that hard. ... ... ... who's askin'? Dazki: Uh... me? Grimes: ...oh yeah. Why, you need somebody to steer the boat? Dazki: Uh, yeah. The captain is not currently at the helm. He is busy yelling at Vic. Grimes: Hehehe. That guy's an asshole. All right, sure. I'll "play captain". Dazki: Thank you. I appreciate it. Please make sure we don't run aground. Grimes holds out his hand. Dazki shakes it. Grimes, with a shrug: Doesn't never hurt tryin'.Grimes goes to deal with steering the ship.
Editor's note: this part got really chaotic with a bunch of confusion about who was where because the tokens were never accurate, except when some were accurate and it became important, but others still weren't accurate even while it was important, but "it's fine", but it wasn't... I know the details don't matter in the big-picture, and even in the small-picture, a slight adjustment or minor intentional omission on my part at editing time isn't going to be noticeable, but it does take me a lot longer to consolidate all the different versions of reality.
Marvin: Hey guys, actually, now that I think about it, wasn't Victor... he's some kind of spellcaster, right? Uh, I mean I know Captain Orcanus is a big guy and he can handle himself and all, but if Vic got threatened and got off, like, one bad spell on him... shit. He might, like, fuck with his head or something. Dwardazik: Someone go check up on 'em! Marvin: Yeah, let's go do that! I'm kinda worried. Dazki: Sure, I'll go with you. Dwardazik: Grogery, go with 'em, please. Grogery: OK.The captain comes back, and Marvin asks him if everything's OK.
Orcanus: Yeah, yeah. All sorted. Everything's super fine. Marvin: Did he give you much trouble? Orcanus, escalating: "Did he give me much trouble"... what do you take me for?! Marvin: I'm just sayin', he's kinda crafty — Orcanus, escalating further: You think I can't handle somebody on my own ship?! Marvin: Not at all! But... I'm... I'm worried about... Orcanus, escalating still further: You're what? You're what?! You're stammerin', boy! Marvin: I was worried about ya! Orcanus, completely de-escalated: Aww, thanks! Dwardazik: I kept the boat straight. I don't know what those pedals do, so I didn't touch 'em. Orcanus: Can you believe it? A dwarf sailing a ship? With the big beard and everything? Dwardazik: What's wrong with that? Dazki: I've seen crazier things. I'll have you know that this dwarven gentleman is quite capable! Dwardazik: Huh? I know how to turn a wheel! What, do you think I can't turn a wheel' cause I'm short? Is that what you're saying? Orcanus: Listen here, little man — Dwardazik: Listen here, big tall guy! Dazki: Please, let's not get into an argument? Orcanus aggressively bends down to Dwardazik's eye level. Dwardazik: I challenge you to an arm wrestling competition, big man! Orcanus, whispering to him: Listen here, you little barnacle. I'm not gonna make you all embarrassed in front of your little friends, here, because you did so well with my little boat. But if you so much as say one more nasty word about me and my crew, I'm turning your kidneys INTO sausage. Dwardazik, whispering back: ...best of three. Orcanus, standing back up and addressing everyone: Well, I'm famished! Dazki: Do you have any sausage onboard? Dwardazik: I think we should find ourselves a nice sturdy table somewhere! ...to go eat! Marvin: You really think you can take this guy in an arm wrestling contest? Dwardazik: ? Marvin: Dude, he's like four times your size! Dwardazik: I can take 'im. Marvin: Oh, this I gotta see! Dazki: Maybe another time... Orcanus: Aye, why not? You don't have to be such an asswipe to have a good competition, you just gotta ask nicely! (He leaves the helm again.) Dwardazik: Let's do it! (He leaves too.) Dazki, calling after Orcanus: Captain, is it OK to leave the ship — No response. He's long gone. Dazki, to the others: Who volunteers to steer the ship? Grogery, looking at himself and Marvin: Darn it, we're two short people. Marvin: We can just hold onto the sides. It'll be fine, it'll take both of us.Dazki leaves to follow Dwardazik and Orcanus.
Dwardazik and Orcanus go down to the table and do an arm wrestle. It's roughly neck-and-neck for part of it. (Insight 22) Dwardazik gets the sense that the Captain isn't used to losing, and it might be somewhat sensible to purposely lose, in order to avoid whatever the consequences are of winning. He doesn't do that thing, and he wins instead.
Dwardazik, out of breath: Damn! That was a really good match! I feel safe with a captain like you at the helm. Orcanus: ...everybody out of my room!They leave Orcanus alone in the room. Dwardazik thumbs his chest as he passes by Kesmet:
Dwardazik: That's how I do it! Kesmet: Huh? What'd you do? Dwardazik: Exactly. Wasn't even something special to me.Orcanus eventually huffs and gruffs, returning to the helm and pushing Marvin and Grogery out of the way.
Dazki: Good job, Dwardazik. That was actually impressive! Dwardazik: Oh man. He's a strong lad. I'll give him that much. And it was a fair match, too, can't complain about that! For a moment there, I thought he was gonna bend my plates!
Some more time passes. Dwardazik and Grogery to make progress on The Book of the Mirage, failing to unlock any milestones.
Later in the evening, as the guard would normally be switching, Victor calls out excitedly for everyone to gather into the bunk room.
Dwardazik: What's got you up in a tizzy? Vic, absolutely giddy: I am full to the top, you see! FULL TO THE TOP of other people's dirty little secrets! I have one that now demands immediate attention. Dazki: Can we get this over with? I'm sure we all have other things we'd rather be doing. Dwardazik: You called us down for this?! I thought there was a hole in the boat, or something. Vic: Oh, there's a hole, all right. A security risk. The best kind! Now, I am honorable man. I am going to let the individual come forth and speak up, and explain why they are interested in threatening the safety of this trip. Kesmet: Dude, I was being careful with the fire! Vic looks around excitedly, making eye contact with everyone else. Marvin: What are you talking about? Kesmet: Did the moon go out? Marvin: You're being very dramatic, here. Vic: This is fine! This is fine. I understand. Dazki: Have you been spending too much time on the deck? Has the heat kinda boiled your brain a little bit? Vic: I understand you're a little shy, but I'm pretty good at getting people to open up. I know exactly how to get you to speak up.Vic's hand begins crackling with lightning energy. He spins around, making eye contact with the convict. As he begins to approach the fore, Kiirni cries out:
Kiirni: Don't let him do it! Vic: Oh, good! Now what I'm about to do to you is sanctioned. Dwardazik: What the hell is going on here?! Did you call us all down here so you can watch us torture this drow? Is that all you've done? If you have somethin' to say, say it!Vic moves to grab Kiirni by the face, but Kiirni dives out of the way towards Lance, slamming into a barrel. This causes the barrel to topple over. The shattering sound of pottery begins to echo endlessly, and there is a blindingly bright mist. It hits the room like a flashbang. You brain and body feel numb, and you swirl with strong emotion. This shit is not a good thing to be inhaling. Your memory is a bit hazy, and the last thing you remember is the gurgling sound of a distant teapot and the crimson red petals of a rotting fruit tree riding in the breeze.
Dude, How Wasted WERE We Last Night?
(Constitution Save: Pass) The next thing that Kesmet, Dwardazik, and Grogery remember clearly is being awoken by the boat suddenly lurching, to the blinding heat of the midday sun, on the deck of the ship. Captain Orcanus is already rushing up to the helm to regain control of the ship. Everybody else seems unconscious, just drooling on the deck. Whatever substance was in that pot still hasn't fully worked its way through your system, but at least now you get a sense of what's going on; you're at least lucid. You feel cathartic, but strong emotional pressure is still exerting itself from within you. You have no idea how you've spent the evening.Grogery: Ugh... what happened last night? Dwardazik: Where's Dazki?! Where's Dazki?!Dwardazik runs over to Kesmet and wakes him up. Kesmet is wearing fancier clothes than what he had on last night, and Grogery is damp with ale.
Dwardazik: Grogery, are you OK? Grogery: Yeah, I'm fine. Dwardazik, jumping on Lance and aggressively shaking him awake: What did you do?! Lance: ...oof... what? Dwardazik: Never mind, you're useless. What did you do?! (He runs over to others before Lance can respond.)Grogery wakes up Marvin.
Marvin: Grogery, what happened? Grogery: I don't know, I'm just really happy you're alive. (Hug.) Marvin: Oh. Yeah, I'm happy I'm alive too. Grogery: OK, don't... don't do anything stupid. Marvin: Why would I do that? When have I ever done anything stupid? Grogery: I don't know, we were just out? I don't know what happened. Marvin: Shit. Is everyone OK? Grogery: I... I don't... I definitely don't feel OK, but... Victor and the drow are down below deck. Orcanus is trying to make the ship work. I think the rest of us are still coming to.Kesmet sees Dazki unconscious. He looks around nervously and seems indecisive about what to do... he eventually just kicks Dazki really hard.
Dazki: OH! Ah... ow, my side... Kesmet: Sorry! Are you OK? Dazki: Ugh... did someone get the name of that horse? Dwardazik: Grimes! What did you do?!?! Grimes, waking up, apparently nursing a headache: Quit yellin' so loud! Dwardazik: I'm not gonna stop yelling until I find out what happened! Grimes: I swear to god, if you touch me right now, I... I'm gonna do somethin' bad. Dazki: Hey-hey. Let's, uh... let's take a deep breath... Dwardazik: ...THE DROW.Dwardazik rushes downstairs, Dazki following right after him.
His Name is Vic Thomson. His Name is Vic Thomson.
The scenes have definitely changed since the last time you were down here. Vic is dead. Kiirni is still in the room, over in the corner, trying to stay far away from everything that's going on right now.Dwardazik, stomping towards Kiirni: What did you do?! Dazki, rushing in front of Dwardazik to put himself between them: Dwardazik, stop! Dwardazik: I don't think so! I want to check those chains and everything else.Dazki pushes Dwardazik away.
Dwardazik: You don't know what you're doing, you're too naïve to be trusted! Let me look at the facts! I'll find out if she did it or not! Dazki: Look, you don't need to be angry, just be gentle. Be calm. It's gonna be OK. Whatever happened here, we'll figure it out. But... deep breath, all right? Don't worry. Dwardazik: I'm checking these chains.The others head downstairs, hearing all the yelling and commotion.
Kesmet: Is everyone OK? Grogery: Probably not, but who actually cares... Marvin: Holy shit, that's a lot of blood! Lance: What is the meaning of this?! ...oh god! Marvin: That's... that's a lot of blood! Kesmet: I mean... sort of? Lance: That's a lot of blood! This has got to be an investigation now. Oh god, this is all my fault, isn't it? Dazki: We don't know what happened! It might not be anyone's fault.Dwardazik checks out Kiirni's chains. The chains are solid. The ball-and-chain isn't a lock; it's set by a blacksmith, which is pretty common. No blood streaks to imply that she's moved from this spot: she is completely clean. Dwardazik leaves down to the cargo hold in a huff. Grogery checks the body. (Medicine 27) it isn't super fresh. It probably died early last night, due to an incredibly obvious and fatal injury. A blade was unceremoniously stabbed through the side of the neck and then drawn forward to slit everything. The blood spattered all the way across the room. This guy was dead from his injuries almost instantaneously. The only thing keeping this dude's head on right now is that spinal cord. The whole neck is wrecked, one clean cut.
Grogery: Whoever did this to him would have had to have been completely soaked in blood. Dazki: Maybe if they were in front of him? Grogery: It looks like the blood spatter... probably came at him from the door, slit his throat, uhh... there's a lot of blood. They would have had to have left footprints or something, unless they were able to clean themselves off very soon afterwards with magic. Dazki, looking over to Kiirni: Hey, hey, are you OK? Is everything... (deep breath)... are you all right here? You can just nod your head, or shake it yes / no. Kiirni is nonresponsive, just curled up in a ball. She doesn't want to be in this scene. Dazki: OK, come on, come on... uh... Lance, I think given the situation, I think we should move her. Can you help me, please? Lance: Um... I... uh, where? I... what if... I don't know... Dazki: Look, just — kitchen, or the dining hall, or the galley. Somewhere that's... not... with a corpse? And bloodstains? Lance: I guess that makes sense. Usually, we secure a scene for investigating and... listen, I... we... the captain's gonna find out. And this is definitely illegal. Oh no... Dazki: All right, let's get her safe, and then we can get everyone on the deck of the boat and have a conversation and figure out where we need to start, OK? But first, let's take care of anyone that might be traumatized or injured or anything like that. Everyone look, check yourselves over. Do you see any blood or anything like that? Marvin: I've got somethin' in my pockets that I don't recognize... Grogery: Yeah, I have a bloody handkerchief in my pocket. It looks like I, uh, ugly-cried and blew my nose all over it. Marvin: I've got a list of names on a little note, and a bunch of caltrops.The captain bursts through the door menacingly, interrupting this.
Orcanus: What is it, a murder?! Marvin: It's somethin'... Orcanus:Orcanus leaves in a huff to go back to steer the ship.Orcanus: You listen here. We're gonna have to dock early, and unless you guys figure out who I'm givin' to the authorities, I'm givin all of you to the authorities! I ain't playin' around! Dazki: All right! OK. We'll get this solved. (He wraps Kiirni in a blanket and tries to usher her out of the room, but he will need help moving the ball.) Dwardazik: What the hell! I'm not going to the authorities for doing nothing wrong! Orcanus: How do I know you didn't do nothing wrong?! You better fuckin' give me evidence of who did, then! 'cause every single one of you is gettin' caught up in that system! Dwardazik: I'm not gonna get caught up in that damn system for somethin' I didn't do! What the hell was in that room that caused that, anyway?! Dazki: Guys, guys! Let's take care of people first, all right? We have someone here who does not look like she's doing well. And then we'll go up on the deck, have a discussion, and we'll figure things out from there, OK? Dwardazik: What do you mean? There was just some kind of thing in there that made us all pass out, or whatever the hell that was! Why was that even on the ship?! Orcanus: Figure it out. Dwardazik: It's your ship! What was it?! Marvin: To be fair, captain, I don't know if the authorities would just take your word for it either. They might suspect you too. Orcanus: Well, all the more reason to not get locked in a cell with me. Marvin: Oh, I don't want that! I really don't! Dwardazik: What was that thing that we smelled and saw? This is your ship, right? Grogery: Like, what even was that?! It doesn't seem like a poison, more like a drug or something. Orcanus: You think I know?! Grogery + Dwardazik: It's your ship! Orcanus: Figure. It. Out. Dazki: Grogery, since Lance isn't helping, will you help me take care of her? Get her out of the room? Grogery: Yeah, yeah, I can do that. Dazki: Thank you.
Dwardazik, calling after him: You've got some dangerous chemical just in the bunk rooms? (He follows after the captain.) Marvin: To be fair, it was probably the goods from Vic, if I had to guess. Grogery: Vic and Lance were here for the prisoner. The captain doesn't know what it is. We didn't bring that onboard. Process of elimination, I think we need to talk to Grem next? Dazki: Well, first, we need to get her to the galley and then see if we can call everyone up onto the deck.
Dwardazik: This is ridiculous. Orcanus: You're tellin' me, man! Dwardazik: Look. I didn't bring that, I know my party didn't bring that, and I'm guessing you don't know what the hell that is. And I'm sure you don't want no problems. So what the hell are those other three up to? Orcanus: You think I know?! Dwardazik: All I know is that that damn drow can't be trusted, and it all started when something was about to happen to her. It's either her or Lance. Orcanus: Well, I ain't gettin' into no rough with the authorities. If you can find solid proof — Dwardazik: Well we're fucked anyway! If it's Lance, he's already got a mission from Ashport and he's fucked. And if it is the drow, then Lance probably fucked up, and there's no way to prove it! Orcanus: Listen-listen. I may be used to the laws of the sea, and not the laws of the land. But I sure know people high up, all right? Whoever's done this, we'll make sure they get what's comin' to 'em. And if it's you, I swear to all the gods of the sea — Dwardazik: You think I would kill Vic, and not the damn drow?! Orcanus: I don't know. Figure it out! Dwardazik: Vic seems like an asshole, I'll give you that. But I'm not about to treating on something that's not my — Orcanus: I'm sure everyone on this damn ship wanted him dead, and I'm sure everybody's grateful to have his corpse rotting in the bottom of my bunks. Dwardazik: Not when it's gonna dock us! Our mission is more important than this! Orcanus: It's gonna dock us. It's gonna delay us. Dwardazik: What if... (evil dwarf face)... what if we just get rid of the body? Orcanus, leaning in close: What do I look like, a filthy pirate? Do you realize who I took this favor from? Dwardazik: We can say... he left, and we don't know why. No one has to know! (Persuasion 13) Orcanus: Quite frankly, I'm more interested in getting a murderer off my ship than a body. Dwardazik: ...we're all fucked... shoulda chartered our own boat... damnit! Orcanus: Hey! Hey-hey-hey! Dwardazik: Nothing wrong with the boat, it's those damn other passengers! ...fucking drow.Dwardazik storms off to the main deck.
Grogery: This bloody handkerchief could've been used to wipe down whatever weapon it was. I don't use bladed weapons... I think we need to look throughout the ship for clues, stowaways, that sort of thing. Dazki: Let's get everybody onto the deck of the ship, and we can talk about what we remember, and go from there. Marvin: Yeah. So, I got a list of names.As they walk up, Grogery spots a bunch of food crumbs, bread, broken barrels, puddles of blood and ale mixed together just outside the kitchen.
Grogery: OK, so, the fact that there's blood over here might mean that whoever killed the person washed themselves off this way... OK, I don't look like I'm in a good spot right now. Please help me prove my innocence, guys! Marvin: You don't have a bladed weapon? Grogery: I... actually do have a machete in the bag of holding. Dazki: I have a "bloody but slightly damp" rag too, Grogery.Dwardazik throws a bunch of weapons onto the deck, each one seeming to have been wrapped in either cloth or leather, and he unwraps each one in turn. There's a bunch of sharp weaponry from the party (including several of Kesmet's daggers), all carefully wrapped so that it's not pointy anymore. Same with a bunch of the sharp kitchenware.
Dazki: All right! Well, — Dazki: You'll have to forgive me for this, Marvin, I've wanted to — yeah, reading too many books as a kid. Dazki: — it appears we have a murderer! So, the first thing we need to do is figure out how the murder occurred. It seems Grogery has already done that. Now, who here has motive to kill Vic? We have:(Insight 20) Grem is a shady and dishonest man. He's definitely planning on committing more problems on this ship. In fact, he's definitely hiding a secret. The emotion he's feeling right now seems to be fury.Dazki (cont'd): We all have motive, so none of us are away from being suspects here. Dwardazik: I wouldn't've done it, because then we'd be screwed from Ashport. Kesmet: ..."unstable"?! Dwardazik: To be fair, I probably would've done it... I wasn't gonna sit by and let the torture happen right in front of me, even to a drow. Marvin: So, obviously, the ship is in disrepair. Maybe not broken, but clearly, things have been messed around everywhere. We saw a little bit of it just walking back up here. We gotta figure out the state of things. Everyone here has a lapse in memory, we have to figure out, try to piece together what happened. Dazki: Here's what we can do. (He turns to Orcanus.) We have an assassin onboard. Are you the assassin? Confess! Orcanus: The fuck you mean, "confess"? You think I'm gonna murder my own — oh, this whole murder investigation is bullshit! I'm definitely docking at the next town! Dazki, turning to Grimes: We have an assassin onboard. Are you the assassin? Confess! Marvin: Dazki... Dazki, that's not gonna work... Dazki: Just... just let me. If it doesn't work, then we'll go on with the regular investigation. Marvin: Fair. Grimes: Aww, shit! You got me! I'm the assassin! Marvin: ...wait, what? Dazki: You're the assassin. And who are you here to assassinate? Grimes: But... I confessed. What else do you wanna know? Dazki: Who are you here to assassinate? Grimes: Oh, none of that matters! It's fine! Dazki: No, no, it matters. Tell me now! Admit! Dwardazik: ...this is ridiculous. Marvin: ...is Grimes being serious?! I can't tell! Grimes: I've been smuggling drugs! Dazki: But you said you were an assassin! Kesmet: How does smuggling drugs assassinate someone? Grogery: He just confessed, "I'm the one who did it"... so, the pot that did all this was your doing? Dazki: The drugs you admitted to, what do they do? Grimes: Uhhhhh...... mmmmmmmm.......... aaaaaaaaahhhhhhh... Dazki: Tell me. Grimes: OK. I will tell you. I picked up a few... extra missions on our mission, all right? And one of them is to supply Fervor to people lookin' for it. Marvin: Fervor? Grimes: Yup. That's probably the thing that got us real good. Marvin: Does it explode? Grimes: Ugh... I just... just stop talkin' to me! What's with these questions?! Marvin: You seemed to have been harboring something that got us into this mess in the first place. Grimes: You're tryin' to get me to admit to all these crimes that I did, or am planning on doing, and... Marvin: You just freely admitted to one of them. I'm focusing on that one. Fervor. What does it do? Grimes: It helps one kinda experience true emotion. You get, like, a catharsis after. Marvin: And if one were to experience a lot of emotion, would they forget a period of time? Forget some memories? Grimes: That seems to be the case. Marvin: Oh, so you don't know? Great, we're dealing with an idiot. Grimes: You callin' me an idiot?! You did NOT just call me an idiot. C'mere! Dazki: We don't care about the drugs! We just want to know about the assassin onboard! Grimes starts moving towards Marvin, but Dwardazik jumps at him. Dwardazik: No one's gonna touch my allies like that! Marvin: Captain, do all — Grimes dodges out of the way and grapples Marvin. Dwardazik: Dazki isn't wrong. There's no way it was one of us! Grogery: Guys, I think we're still under some of the effects of Fervor, so this is not ideal, but we don't really have a lot of time to resolve this.
- the captain, who was suspiciously put on a smaller boat than he is used to, on an unusual prison transfer,
- Lance, the disgruntled coworker,
- Grimes, the one who will do anything for a dollar,
- the violent dwarf, Dwardazik,
- Grogery... I can't think of a reason for you?...
- the unstable Kesmet,
- Marvin, who wants nothing more than a story, and
- myself, the... uhh... (Dwardazik: the lustful elf who would kill anyone who would harm the drow!)... the overprotective elf,
- and the drow. So — (Barry: Wait! Wait! Wait!)
- ...yes, and Barry, the man with a million secrets.
Marvin, casting Command: Off. Grimes gets off, and Dwardazik slaps manacles on him. It takes a few tries, but he gets it. Marvin: As I was saying, before I was tackled to the ground... Captain. Do all of your crewmates smuggle drugs under your watch? Kesmet: Isn't that his only crewmate right now? So, technically, if he is doing the things, then doesn't that mean his entire crew is doing the things? Marvin: ...I guess so... Orcanus: Listen here. I prefer to stay out of my friends' business. I give 'em freedom to do what they want. As long as it doesn't affect me — which, apparently, now, it is — I don't give a shit what they're into! Dazki: All right, listen. Captain Orcanus, please, we're just trying to figure out what's going on here so all of us can remain free as we are, and find the right person onboard who is an assassin. Orcanus: Well, why don't you figure it out, instead of randomly shouting at people to get them to confess? Because I swear to god, that's the most Victor-like thing I've ever seen. Dazki: All right, fair enough. Orcanus: I could probably shout at a couple of you and get you to confess to anything! Dazki: All right. Fair enough. We'll go downstairs and start actually actively investigating. Orcanus: Now, if you don't mind, I've got a ship to pilot. Use your brains or somethin', because shoutin' at someone until they confess is not gonna hold up. Dazki: Yup. Dwardazik: ...I don't buy it! Dazki wouldn't be wrong on a hunch like this! Dazki: I could very well be wrong. I've read too many crime novels, how's that? Dwardazik: ...you shouldn't just trust him like that, Captain! He could very well be wrong on something like this! Orcanus: ...fuckin' bullshit. (He storms off.) Grimes: Wait, you're just gonna let 'im — Marvin: Oh yeah, you're gonna get tied up. And you're gonna stay here, on the deck, without your drugs. You're never gonna get your drugs again! Grimes: I don't take drugs. Marvin: Well, you're not gonna sell 'em either! Even if you're not the assassin, you're still goin' to jail when we dock! Grimes: I didn't do nothin'! Marvin: That's not what you just admitted to. Grimes: I was under duress! Grogery: We should search the ship for clues. Dwardazik: There's no enemies down in the lower levels. I checked. Grogery: But we should still search for clues. Dazki: Lance, what about you? What do you know? Lance: This whole thing is my fault, and I'm a terrible guard. Dazki: Why do you say it's your fault? Lance: I... I don't have to explain anything to you! Dazki: Come on, man, we're friends. We're just trying to get everybody out of here safely. Lance: It's... Dwardazik: Look, tell us what you know! We know you didn't like this guy. If you tell us what you know, maybe we can help you! Lance: You think I did it?! Dazki: We don't know who did it! Lance: Who's to say any of you didn't do it?! You've been trouble since you've been on this ship! Dazki: That's fair, but we're just wondering if you know anything about anyone onboard maybe having a mission to kill someone. And you certainly seemed to not get along particularly well with Vic. Lance: Well, yeah! Nobody "got along" with Vic. Have you seen him? His fuckin' stupid smug-ass face. Marvin: I think we can all agree that no one's sad to see him gone. But we need to figure out why. Grogery: We need to figure out who, and how. Dwardazik: Wouldn't it be easier to just, you know, blame the drow? Dazki: We don't know that she did it. Marvin: Yeah, we don't take the easy way out, Dwardazik. Grogery: Plus, think of it this way: if we presume that it is the drow, then if there's still a murderer onboard and someone ends up finding enough clues to be like "wait, it wasn't the drow", then they're in danger of something happening to them. Dwardazik: I mean, it still could be the drow. Dazki: I don't think it was, based on how she was still shackled and barely able to move. Lance: All right, well, we should probably interview everybody instead of just shouting around. Dazki: Yep. Kesmet: What if we ask her if she remembers anything? Did she say anything to — Grogery: She's catatonic. Dazki: She's in shock. But let's go down and investigate the room. Marvin, you're pretty good with conversations, you can start interviewing people. Marvin: I think I'll do just that. (He goes to his list of names.) Dazki: What's that note you're looking at? Marvin: I don't see the connection between these... it says:Dazki inspects his dagger to see if there's anything unusual about it. (Inspection 20) It's fine, it's a dagger. Barry suggests that everybody do things in pairs, and then he immediately throws up over the side of the boat.Dazki, cracking a laugh: Uh... OK? Grogery: Wait, is this a list of possible suspects? Marvin: The way it's worded, it makes it sound like it's a shitlist? Like "oh, I'm gonna get these people!", you know? Kesmet: It sounded like people that might want to, you know, get Vic? Like, "everyone he ever knew", and "Dwardazik", maybe? Marvin: But Dwardazik didn't have an issue with Vic, other than that he was an asshole, and that was it. Dwardazik: But maybe I did do it! (He shrugs and takes out a piece of paper.) It looks like I was writing my will. Grogery + Dazki: Wait, what?! Dwardazik: Yeah, I just found this on me, and it looks like I was writing my own will. Grogery: What does it say? Dwardazik: "I, Dwardazik Stoneturner Boulderhearth, upon my death, do hereby —", and that's about as far as I got. I dunno. Grogery: So you thought you were gonna die? Dazki: Do you remember doing it, Dwardazik? Dwardazik: No, but I do remember absolutely nothing about how I got all these swords and daggers and knives. I guess I needed to get them away from people? Grogery: You do seem to be very concerned about people's safety. Dazki: Let's go downstairs and start looking around. Dwardazik: I don't know why, but I don't need all these weapons. But, you know what, until we find out exactly who the murderer is, I only trust Dazki with his. (He gives Dazki his weapon back.) Dazki: Uh... OK? Thank you.
- Dwardazik
- Everyone Vic ever knew
- That one red-headed dwarf at the bar
- This one lady who looked at you funny
Dwardazik: I want to go with Dazki. Dazki: All right. Who wants to do what? Dwardazik: I'm sure Dazki will make the right decisions, so I'd rather just go with him. See if I can help him. Grogery: Well, we've got four levels to the boat: Cargo Hold, Lower, Main, and Quarterdeck. Quarterdeck is pretty small, though, so whoever's doing that one can probably go to the cargo hold. Dwardazik: Who's gonna be on guard duty for our grimy murderer over here? Grimes: Ooh! Or you can unlock me, and I can help with the investigation! Dazki: That depends. Are you the assassin? Grimes: ...this bullshit question... Grimes: If I were the assassin, then we're goin' as a pair, you just stab me! Dazki: Or you would stab us, which is also concerning. Grimes: Do you see any knives? Grogery: Well, see, here's the thing. If you stab anybody — if you're the assassin, and you choose to stab your partner, and that partner turns up dead and you're still alive, then you're screwed. The concern with him being a part of the investigation is that if he's investigating around the ship, then he can try to hide evidence of other stuff he's done. Grimes: C'mere, we'll figure this out right now. Look in my eyes. (Grogery does.) I didn't kill Vic. (Insight 14) he says he didn't murder Vic. Grogery: I... think he's telling the truth? Grimes: Your bard's a mind man. Mind me! Dazki: Well, if you weren't here to murder Vic, are you here to murder anyone else? Since you have admitted to being willing to take up an extra job or two? Grimes: What's that got to do with anything? Dazki: Are you here to kill anyone? I'm worried for the safety of myself and my companions! Grimes: Of course I'm here to do crimes! Dazki: Yes, but are you here to do crimes of murder or assassination? Dwardazik: Yeah! You a murderer? Grimes: ...I haven't murdered... shouldn't we concern ourselves with the murderer? Grogery: You're being very dodgy. Dwardazik: That's what a murderer would say, right, Dazki? Dazki: I don't know. Maybe, maybe not. But are you here to murder anyone else? Yes or no, it's a simple question. Grimes: Are you here to murder anyone else? Dwardazik: If I need to. Dazki: I just want the question answered. Yes or no. Grimes: If I need to murder somebody, I'ma murder 'em. Dazki: Do you need to murder somebody else on the boat? Grimes: I don't need to do anything. Dazki: Are you being paid to murder anybody else on the boat? Or employed or — Grimes: Little goblin fella. Why am I gettin' all these degrees when there's an active murderer around?! I have not murdered. Grogery: The reason why you're getting all these degrees is because you're not answering him straight. Grimes: When have I ever answered anything straight?! This whole thing is bullshit! Marvin, casting Command: Confess. (He saves.) To be honest, though, I don't see how he had a motive to kill Vic. As much as I despise this poor excuse for a man in front of me, I don't see a motive. Grimes: If you let me help with the investigation, I will tell you another secret. Marvin: Oh, is it about all the little lucky charms you've stolen? Grimes: I ain't stole shit from none of you! I wasn't gonna steal no shit until we got off the boat! Dazki, pulling out five platinum pieces: All right, look. Are you here to kill anyone else? Yes or no. Answer honestly, and this is yours. Grimes: My secrets are worth more than platinum. Dazki: Well, this is a lot of money. Yes or no? Grimes: If you don't believe me, investigate me. Dwardazik: Dazki, what about the prisoner? Dazki, pocketing the money: All right, fine, I guess you don't want the money. Marvin: I think we should start looking for clues. Just leave this asshole here. Grimes: Wait, no! I can help with the investigation! I can pay? Marvin: Why are you so desperate? Dazki: Yeah... Grimes: It's hot up on this ship. Marvin: There's a nice cool breeze! Grimes: You guys are awful. Marvin: We've been called worse by better people. Let's start looking. Dazki: Whoever takes the main deck, keep an eye on him to make sure he has water and everything like that. We don't know that he actually did anything other than a little bit of drug smuggling. Dwardazik: Dazki, don't second-guess yourself. I know you got this!Teams are:
- Dwardazik + Dazki + Lance to the cargo hold
- Grogery + Kesmet to the lower deck
- Marvin + Barry (who just threw up again) to the quarterdeck
Marvin: I thought you'd be OK on a boat? Barry: I am OK on a boat... the sun's not agreeing with me. Marvin: What did you eat last night? Barry: I dunno, man! None of it matters!They tie Grimes up to a railing (or something) so he stays put and then split off.
Grogery + Kesmet: Lower Deck
Grogery investigates the kitchen area. In the kitchen, there's food and ale everywhere. Some blood is mixed in with this spilled ale. An entire drum has been "somewhat dealt with", and it's made a sticky mess of the whole affair. Somebody in the kitchen has tried to cook something, but they're bad at it. (Wisdom 29) Grogery is a bit of an emotional wreck right now, which makes sense after he got sprayed with so much blood... Just, like, "gosh, why do I have to be covered in so much blood?", and you noticed that Lance was just as sad about it. Luckily, there was a bunch of ale and food for you to eat away your emotions. You were feeling slightly better, even when Barry came down; the three of you cried it out. It was mentioned that ale is really good for hair. You don't know if that's true, but it made you feel better to just be surrounded by people who were also going through some difficult times and were willing to share their difficulties with you. Lance was feeling guilty — he felt like he was failing at his job, over and over again. He could never do anything right, and Barry was just grieving for a lost person that's probably dead by now. There's no way they would've kept her alive that long. Emotional states learned:- Barry: grief
- Lance: guilt
Kesmet goes to investigate the scene of the murder. (Investigation 19) You find two interesting things. First, the shattered ceramic pot. It seemed to have been hidden inside the "empty" barrel. Shattered now, it has a little spout on it that you imagine you could use to draw the gas from it, and these crumbly little mushrooms just actively withering away, poured out of it. They glow faintly. As you bend down to look at the mushrooms, you look over towards one of the bunks, and underneath the bunk is one of your daggers. Kesmet uses Mage Hand to bring it over closer. It seems like this is the murder weapon.
Kesmet: Hey, uh, Grogery? I found one of my daggers. Grogery: Huh. And it is covered in blood. Kesmet: Let's... put that back... right here. (He Mage Hands it back.)Based on how the wound looks, the blood sprayed in a very particular direction. It all went forward, at an angle. A lot of people have since trampled through, leaving footprints everywhere, making it hard to determine. Strangely enough, nobody seems to have bothered the body during your drug-fueled rampages. Kesmet asks Grogery to take a look at the footprints. (Survival 24) there was a lot of moving around and confusion. A lot of people leaving this room, to go do whatever else filled their fancy. One person did not leave (other than the drow and Vic). There are fewer unique footprints in here than the number of people who were originally in the room: somebody stayed with the drow until after the blood had dried. Lots of scrambling around and smudging makes it difficult to tell who's who.
Dwardazik + Dazki + Lance: Cargo Hold
On their way down, Dazki checks up on Kiirni to make sure she has food and water, and a blanket over her. She's fine. Dazki heads towards the engine room. The door to the engine room is busted down, and there's a hole in part of the floor — not enough to cause a leak, it's not in the hull of the ship, but some of the planks by the door are beaten up and scratched. Steam is leaking from one of the engines, which appears to have been damaged by something.Dwardazik: That doesn't look very good... Dazki: You're right, it doesn't. Dwardazik: Damn, I don't know... I've seen some machines before, some boilers, but you gotta be careful around that steam. Dazki: Yep. I know. Dwardazik: More importantly is... how?! (Investigation 3) there's definitely physical damage: there's a hole that the steam is leaking out of. You're pretty sure that steam didn't leak out of here before. Dwardazik: Something hit this. So why was someone down here?! Who would've come down here during that whole altercation? Who do you think? Dazki: I don't know, I don't remember a whole lot of what happened.Dazki searches around looking for places that a stowaway could hide, assisted by Dwardazik who had been down here earlier looking for enemies. (Investigation 21) there's not too many good places for stowaways. If there were, then they would've had to have been pretty violent to have done all this damage. What you do find, stashed away — and this is the part that really interests you — despite being a coin purse, it's also wrapped in leather. Inside the coin purse: 38 silver coins. All silver.
Dwardazik: What's so special about that? Dazki: I don't know, but maybe we could talk to Grimes about it? He spends most of his time in the engine room. Dwardazik: It just looks like a bag of coins. Dazki: Yeah, but it being wrapped in leather like this says it's important to someone, for some reason. I don't understand why, but maybe we could ask some questions. Dwardazik: Bribe money? Hush money? Dazki: I don't think it would be bribe money if it was that well taken-care-of. It might be, but if it was Grimes's bribe money, then why didn't he take the platinum I offered him? That's worth a lot more than this. Dwardazik: Maybe we should keep inspecting. And more importantly, (He turns around) Lance?Lance has disappeared to the front of the cargo hold. Dwardazik goes after him to find out what he's doing. As he approaches, Lance turns to face him.
Dwardazik: What'd you find over there? Lance: Not too much. You find anything over there? Dwardazik: Yeah, a leaking boiler. (He calls out) Hey, Dazki! Let's check the front of the boat, I think we've got the back pretty good! (Dazki heads up front.) Lance: I'm quite capable of my job, you know. There don't seem to be any disturbances back here. Dwardazik: Bah, we're just gonna take a quick look just to make sure. Dazki, you want to do the honors? Dazki: Sure, if you really don't think Lance has it taken care of? Lance: I definitely have it taken care of. Dwardazik: What are you hiding? Lance: What do you mean, "what am I hiding"?! What are you insinuating?! Dazki: Look. Deep breath, all right? He's probably telling the truth. It's OK. Dwardazik: You say you want to come down here, and then the moment that we do, you slink off by yourself without even saying "hey I'm gonna go check this room". You just slink off. You're hiding something, I know it. Dazki: Can I come in and take a quick look as well, please? Lance: I'd rather you not. Dazki: Why not? Lance: 'cause, um, I've already cleared this room! It's just a waste of time. Dwardazik: Here's how this is gonna go, lad. You're gonna step out here all nice. One of us is gonna watch you. And the other person is gonna go in there and take a look, see if there's anything suspicious. Lance: Excuse me, sir, but I am a marshal! And you are not! I give the orders! Dwardazik: Oh yeah?! You and what sword? Dazki: Look. Why don't we relax, — Dwardazik: Yeah! Just relax! Dazki: — let us help you in this investigation. Please. Dwardazik: Yeah! Listen to Dazki! He knows what's best for you! Lance: Just... why don't you trust me? Why do you think I'm so bad at my job? Dazki: We don't. We're just worried for our own safety as well. It's just, after everything we've been through, call it a little bit of paranoia. Lance: OK... I'll sit here, and you guys can look around. (He sits up on a particular crate.) Dwardazik: Well, now I'm very curious about what's in that crate!Dazki investigates everything in the room other than the crate, as Dwardazik keeps a close eye on Lance to make sure he doesn't try to mess with anything in the crate. In fact... (Insight 26) Lance is definitely trying to hide something in that crate. And he would VERY MUCH like you NOT to find the incriminating thing in this crate. (Investigation 28) Dazki doesn't find anything in the room. Other than the one particular box (which isn't labeled or anything), the room is clean.
Dazki: So, listen. If what's in that box doesn't have anything to do with any murders, we don't care what's in it, all right? Dwardazik: I literally don't even care if it's drugs. Or bones. Or anything. I just need to know what's in it. Lance: You... don't care if it's drugs... "or bones"?! Dwardazik: Honestly, not really. Dazki: As long as it doesn't have to do with committing a murder, we don't care. Can we please take a look in the crate? Lance: All right. I'm gonna go stand outside and accept my fate out here. I know how good you guys are at yellin'.Lance steps outside, and Dwardazik places himself in the doorway to make sure Lance can't lock them inside. Dazki opens the crate. First of all, there's a lovely little taxidermy lion in there. But that's not what we came into this crate for. What we've actually come into this crate for are three small ceramic pots. Those are the only other contents. They have little nozzles drilled into the side like a valve, and they are sealed with tar. Dazki puts the lid back on and steps out of the room.
Dazki: Important question. The pots, do they contain any kind of poison or anything? Or is it just drugs? 'cause if it's not poison, I don't give a shit. Lance: Drugs are poison. Same thing. Dazki: The type of poison you would use to kill a person, intentionally.Editor's note: we cut this discussion a little short just to get the other team involved so that we could end the session before one of the players hit a hard stop. "Schedule a discussion with Lance. Put that in the book."
Marvin + Barry (+ Captain Orcanus): Quarterdeck
What a ridiculous seen you have found, up on top of the boat! Dried flower petals spread out on a little rug — it's got a few holes, but it's still kinda salvageable. A crate has been made into a sort of table, it's got a little candelabra on it. A couple of chairs have been dragged up here, unlit candles strewn about. There's another catapult in the room, but some bits of fabric have been thrown over it to make it prettier. (Investigation 17) the table / chairs are clearly set up for two people, but the space looks like it could have housed more people. This area has not been used yet for its intended purpose, but it was being set up. Marvin reaches over to get a closer look at the place settings on the table, and (Dexterity Save 16) there was a mousetrap there, which he avoids... so far. Nothing interesting inside the crate. (Wisdom 13) the mousetrap was slightly hilarious, and probably deserving of somebody. Like, this is just the sort of shit you would do to lure somebody that needs to be taught a lesson. They're lookin' for love, and then they get just an ever-so-slight betrayal. But of course, you figured this out after somebody else's plan. There was a plan in place to set up some sort of "love" get-together. Love was going to be in the air. Somebody demanded it, and you found this to be the perfect opportunity to get back at someone.Orcanus: Isn't this whole area just so beautiful? I mean, you never really stop to appreciate the lovely things, you know, being a sea captain. Marvin: You mean the river, or what we're looking at here on the quarterdeck? Orcanus: This cute little... it's just so cute! Marvin: Do you remember anything that happened? Did you want this? Orcanus: I dunno if I wanted it, but I sure as shit love it! Isn't love so amazing? I wonder which pair was going to fulfill that eternal bond of... everloving... love, you know? It's adorable! Marvin: That's what I'm tryin' to figure out myself, Captain... Barry, what are your thoughts? Barry: My thoughts? Uhh... Marvin: Yeah! Who do you think the two lovebirds are? Barry: I think love just... it's just there to cause pain later, you know? Maybe it's better to just not love at all. Marvin: Wow! I did NOT expect that from you, Barry! All right! Barry: And I know one thing. I feel underdressed up here. I think I gotta adjust my hat... Marvin: You do that, Barry. Captain, where would these candles have even come from? Would this have been stocked on the ship? Orcanus: What, do you want to read in darkness? Marvin: You have oil lamps for that, right? Orcanus: You want to bring something as flammable as an oil lamp up on the ship? You wanna use that, while thrashin' back and forth? Marvin: A candle's no better, a candle can get knocked over. Orcanus: Candle puts itself out if it gets knocked over, son. Marvin: That's not necessarily the case. Orcanus, escalating: Oh, oh it's not?! Marvin: It could get knocked over, into something that's flammable? Orcanus: That's what we're gonna do right now? Marvin: Regardless. OK, so, you have a bunch of candles. They didn't just come out of nowhere. That's all that matters.The crate is just a crate. The chairs are just chairs. Nothing under the rug. The drapes over the catapult are just drapes. The catapult is just a catapult. The flower petals are just flower petals. So there seems to be no foul play, other than Marvin's own doing, with the mousetrap. Which means Marvin left the crime scene.
