Level: 2
Start: Pompano, Inn, København
Introduction
It seems to be shift-change at The Mermaid, as employees take over shifts at bar and hotel. Little cleaning bots, fashioned to resemble fish, scurry about the floor. Patrons chat while artificial sounds of crashing tides and sea shanties flow through speakers shaped like star-bodied marine organisms. A familiar face is worried and anxiously darts his eyes around expectantly.
The concierge, Pompano, holds his arched hands over his drink while sitting at a table in the Inn. His fingertips fidget as he passes a glance between the entrance portal of the Inn and the path that leads to the Guest Rooms. His beady eyes, kindly, but nervously, fix on you with a smile of acknowledgment. He lifts the huge, floppy pirate hat from the table and places it atop his head in the hopes that you will recognize him in return.
You have accepted the "X Marks Our Shot" mission.
- Avoid getting involved with Pompano and walk away.
- Approach Pompano and ask him how he is.
Approach Pompano and ask him how he is
Pompano, although anxious, smiles at your approach.
Pompano says: Ahoy, matey. I hope you found the poor widower, Maximillion, was it?
He heaves a sigh and shakes his head.
Pompano says: I’m sorry. It isn’t my business. I suppose I have enough that ‘isn’t my business’ on my mind right now. I'm uncomfortable speaking about the personal business of someone who was a guest of the hotel….And, well, I normally wouldn't pry, but …
- Ask Pompano if he needs assistance.
- Convince Pompano to tell you what’s wrong.
Ask Pompano if he needs assistance
Me: Are you needing something, Pompano? Is there anything I can do?
Pompano lifts a sullen shoulder with a slight tilt to his head.
Pompano says: I shouldn’t care about the private lives of the guests.
- Sit with Pompano and listen to his troubles.
- Close the conversation by agreeing that he should mind his own business.
Sit with Pompano and listen to his troubles
As you pull up a chair, Pompano eases and looks to you. He seems comforted by your interest.
Pompano says: I never got your name, ser.
- Tell him your name.
Tell him your name
Pompano nods once with a smile.
Pompano says: <name>. I’m Pompano. Nice to meet you, now that I’m not working. But, this thing bothering me - it’s really bothering me. It’s about a guest, you see. A regular guest. I just don’t know what to do.
- Ask him about what happened.
Ask him about what happened
Me: I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what you’re needing. What is going on? You’re having a problem with a guest?
He sighs and shakes his head, chewing his lip.
Pompano says: We have a regular guest up at the Mermaid Pools, the hotel up above. Captain Drake, the captain of the Revenge, usually docks on København, usually rents the same room every time, usually stays alone while her crew enjoys shore leave. She is very kind, to me at least. She tips well and keeps a regular schedule while docked. As a concierge, I appreciate and notice a regular schedule; it helps me anticipate her needs. This time, there seems to have been a major change. I’m worried about it.
Me: What has happened differently this time?
Pompano hesitates. He looks to his hands, folded on the table.
Pompano says: Some of her crew have come around looking for her. I think she may be missing. But here, she shared her rented room with her navigational officer, LeTestu. In itself, it is what it is, not my business who she spends her time with, although it is very out of character for her. It is this, seemingly small thing, coupled with a few other things that has me feeling very uncomfortable. She is, you see, incredibly solitary and private when docked. She’s never had anyone in the rented rooms with her, that I know about. And she seemed unusually nervous. She’s always so calm. And then there’s the issue of DZ looking for her, too.
- Ask about DZ
- Press for more information.
Ask about DZ
Me: What can you tell me about DZ? You said DZ is looking for Drake too?
Pompano begins to sweat and quickly glances around the room before lowering his voice. He leans close to speak.
Pompano says: Bad business, <name>. Consortium black ops. Shadowy types. They seem to turn up when anyone uncovers anything about the past. It’s been said that their interest is specifically the Catastrophe and artifacts. I don’t know what Captain Drake did to get their attention.
- Press for more information.
Press for more information
Me: Does seem odd, but I don’t see what you’re needing help with. Seems like her crew is on the lookout.
Pompano says: LeTestu was arrested from the room for the murder of Drake’s first mate on the Revenge, Doughty. Drake called for security to have him removed. Once security took LeTestu, Drake returned briefly. She collected something cylindrical, but kept it under her arm, as if she didn’t want to be seen holding the thing. She seemed frazzled, panicked. She hasn’t returned since, the Revenge is still docked, various members of her crew keep turning up, looking for her, they don’t seem friendly.
- Ask what can be done to put Pompano at ease.
- Decline to get involved or discuss the matter further.
Ask what can be done to put Pompano at ease
Me: What can I do? Are you just wanting to know if Drake is alright?
Pompano says: I would like that very much, yes. She left in such a strange state. And with her crew looking for her? Doesn’t make much sense. I’m worried harm has come to her. I have to get back to work, <name>. Other guests, other needs. If you could ask around, about if she’s been seen, I mean, I would really appreciate it. She hasn’t checked out, but also hasn’t returned. Check down in the bar, perhaps? Crews often congregate there while on shore leave.
Pompano bows his head in gratitude and adjusts his nametag and floppy hat before turning to return to his work.
New goals: Pompano suggests checking the bar for information regarding Drake’s whereabouts.
Get to the bar and talk to Lunt
Next NPC: Lunt, Bar, København
- Look for information about Drake in the Bar.
The room is filled with boisterous talk. Over the rumble of conversations, a clearly inebriated man, speaks across the room to a cluster of people as if answering an inquiry.
Lunt says: What? Drake’s Revenge?
A few people chuckle and howl an affirmative response which causes the man to fall back into his chair with cackling laughter.
- Quietly watch the man.
- Approach the man.
- Loudly ask the room about Drake’s Revenge.
Quietly watch the man
The man continues his laughter while turning his attention to a pair of multi-sided holodice. He rolls the dice on the table and glances up while taking another drink of his beer. Someone from a nearby table mumbles something to him and responds loudly.
Lunt says: LeTestu? No way, mate. Ain’t no way.
- Approach the man.
- Loudly ask the room about Drake’s Revenge.
Approach the man
You quietly make your way across the room to the inebriated man’s table.
Me: Excuse me, did you say something about Drake?
Lunt says: The name’s Lunt, ser. You’re asking for trouble when asking for Drake.
He shakes his holodice while waving to an empty chair.
- Ask Lunt if he knows where Drake may be.
Ask Lunt if he knows where Drake may be
Me: Do you have any information that would help me find Drake, Lunt? I know someone who is looking for her.
Lunt smirks and shakes his head.
Lunt says: Looking for her? Who isn’t?
- Ask about those seeking Drake.
- Ask about Drake, specifically.
Ask about those seeking Drake
Me: What can you tell me about the people who are looking for Drake?
Lunt shakes his head and grins.
Lunt says: Bad folks. Then again, Drake, herself is bad folks. Reckon it to even out.
- Ask about Drake, specifically.
Ask about Drake, specifically
Me: What can you tell me about Drake?
Lunt stifles a faux cough, as if refusing to speak.
- Ask about the holodice.
Ask about the holodice
Me: What’s with the holodice?
Lunt says: You like games of chance? I’ll play you for information. 5 credits for as many rolls as you want. Up to four bits of info. All that I know.
Lunt chuckles and kicks out a chair for you to sit.
Lunt says: You get a question for every right number picked, ser. Want to play?
- Agree to game.
- Decline game.
Agree to game
Me: Okay, I'm in.
You have given 5.00 credits.
Lunt grins.
Lunt says: Ah huh! Excellent! Pull up a chair! Pick a number, ser. Every correct guess on a roll earns you a nugget of information. I’ll give you up to four pieces of insight. We don’t even need to use two 9-sided dice, we’ll use just one.
He hands you the single 9-sided die before clapping and rubbing his hands together.
Lunt says: Alright now, mate. Let 'er rip
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a nine.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a six.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a eight.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a seven.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a one.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a five.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a four.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a two.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a three.
Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a nine
Me: Nine.
The die rolls to show a nine. Lunt nods, impressed at the luck of the roll.
Lunt says: There’s an allegedly unmanned ship at play, here. Apparently, a fairly wide-spread rumor is floating around about some ancient pre-cat style ship appearing and disappearing around the system. Word is that the ship is loaded to the hull with tech, and riches. Maybe even seeds and resources … Plenty of privateers would love to snare the thing. LeTestu charted a star-map with a predictive path. May be nothing, but LeTestu is renowned for his maps. Pity about that whole murder rap.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a eight.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a seven.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a two.
Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a eight
Me: Uhm, eight.
The die rolls to show a six.
Lunt says: Ain’t that sad? Get it? You rolled an ain’t? Ain’t eight? Never mind.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a two.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a one.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a four.
Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a two
Me: Hmm … two.
The die rolls to show a two. Lunt smiles and leans close with a quiet voice.
Lunt says: Drake turned in her navigational officer LeTestu for the murder of the first mate of the Revenge, Doughty. Thing is, there be folks from the Revenge that suspect Drake, herself, of the deed. LeTestu, the brilliant cartographer, is now in the brig.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a one.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a five.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a six.
Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a one
You shake the die in your hand.
Me: One.
You let go! It rolls around the table top and it shows a four.
Lunt says: Aw, 'fraid not.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a six.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a five.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a seven.
Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a six
Me: Hmm … six, this time.
The die rolls to show an eight.
Lunt says: Bad luck, this sign of infinity, isn’t it?
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a five.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a eight.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a seven.
Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a five
Me: Five.
The die rolls to show a five. Lunt snaps his fingers and laughs.
Lunt says: Drake was looking to sell to me, or anyone, an item in her possession, right? Too rich for the nanos of any sad sod here, so she claims to have a buyer waiting for her at the bank. As if claiming to have a buyer would make any of us any richer. None of us got any richer. That thing is too pricey for the average star dog.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a one.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a three.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a four.
Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a one
You shake the die in your hand.
Me: One.You let go! It rolls around the table top and it shows a four.
Lunt says: Aw, 'fraid not.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a eight.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a three.
- Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a six.
Roll the holodice and predict it rolls a three
Me: Three?
The die rolls to show a three. Lunt nods three times and sighs drunkenly.
Lunt says: So, Drake is wandering around looking to sell a star-map that she claims will lead to a great treasure – an unmanned ship! Strange chain of events, if you ask me.
New goals: Drake turned in the Navigational Officer and cartographer, LeTestu for the murder of the first mate of the Revenge, Doughty. Some think she was responsible. LeTestu charted a predictive path of an unmanned pre-cat ship on a star map and Drake might have a buyer. Continue to look for Drake.
Go to the bank and talk to Pia
Next NPC: Pia, Bank, København
- Ask the woman working as security if she's seen Captain Drake.
The bank security officer, Pia, yawns as you approach.
Me: Excuse me, I was wondering if Captain Drake of the vessel Revenge has come through here?
She seems suddenly shaken and straightens herself.
Pia says: Who? Um, sorry. I don’t know who you’re talking about.
- Thank her and move on.
- Forcefully demand information.
- Politely ask for help.
Politely ask for help
Me: I heard Captain Drake might be looking to sell something that interests me. Are you sure you haven’t seen her?
Pia, with a dry swallow, sighs tiredly. She casts a glance about as if speaking on the topic would place her in a bad position.
Pia says: DZ came through earlier, asking if I had seen her. They put me on an official statement. I heard she was selling something pretty special. She only came by briefly, but seemed to be in a hurry, or hiding. Maybe check the market. Careful about buying things from pirates, traveler. You can never really know what you’re paying for. She’s fairly well known. I’d steer clear.
She shakes her head and turns her back to you, saying no more.
New goals: The security guard at the bank suggested that Drake may be at the market.
Go to the market and talk to Icos
Next NPC: Icos (NPC), Market, København
- Search the market for Drake.
The København market is buzzing with movement. The constant murmur of haggling and deal making reverberates through the atmosphere. A shop keeper waves his hand close to your arm as you pass. He speaks.
Icos says: You look to be looking, huh? You looking for something?
Icos grins and unfurls his hands while presenting the wares on display at the front of his shop.
- Seek information from the shopkeeper.
- Walk away.
Seek information from the shopkeeper
Me: Excuse me. Have you seen a captain around here trying to sell something? Her name is Drake, captain of a ship called the Revenge.
Icos laughs and pauses before speaking.
Icos says: I see many captains, trying to sell many things. Alas, that captain, Drake, seems to wish to sell one thing. Unless you have a few million credit, it is of no concern to you.
Icos grins and offers a slight bow.
Icos says: In fact, should you actually have a few million credits, I would like to show you some of my wares.
- Ask for more information.
Ask for more information
Me: A few million credits? No, no. Do you know anything else that might help me find Drake?
The character that Icos tries to maintain while working fades slightly. He drops his lips from a shady smirk into a sincere frown and shake of his head. With a sigh, he offers words.
Icos says: You do know to not get involved with black market affairs, yes? These captains, these crews: pirates all. These are thieves, smugglers, and killers, by-and-large.
He pauses as if weighing his words. Drawing closer, he mutters.
Icos says: You aren't the first to ask after Drake, this day. DZ has come about with similar questions. Everyone knows something is off. Members of her own crew have come around … Do you know how far bad a pirate needs to fall to trigger a mutiny? A mutiny is certainly what it seems like … and LeTestu is in the brig for the murder of the Revenge first mate. Get away from this mess. You don't want to get caught up in whatever DZ is investigating.
With a wave, Icos expresses that he can't comfortably discuss the matter further. He turns away, glancing around to see if the chat had been noticed.
New goals: Someone somewhere must have information about Captain Drake. Keep searching København to learn more.
Go to Brig and talk to LeTestu
Next NPC: LeTestu, Brig, København
- Sign in and ask to speak with the prisoner LeTestu.
The brig guard scans you in and directs you to a holding cell. LeTestu stands in quiet solitude. His clothing and dark hair are disheveled.
Quietly, he speaks with a tired and gravely voice.
LeTestu says: I don’t know you.
- Explain the situation.
Explain the situation
The concierge of the hotel is worried about Captain Drake and asked me to find her. I found out that she turned you in for murder. Apparently the crew of the Revenge and DZ are all looking for her.
LeTestu frowns and crouches to sit against the wall.
LeTestu says: Did she leave København? Did she take the Revenge and leave?
- Drake and the Revenge are probably gone.
- Not sure about either Drake nor the Revenge.
- Drake and the Revenge are probably still on København.
Drake and the Revenge are probably still on København
LeTestu lets off a soft, defeated laugh.
LeTestu says: My map. I charted a path, a predictive path, of a huge old ship. We thought it would be filled with resources and riches. Me, Drake, and Doughty. I thought it might pass close by København, on its way to the Jump Gate. So, we charted its course, then Drake commanded Doughty into an escape pod. She beheaded him. Sent the pod off. She swore Doughty was plotting mutiny. I believed her.
- Ask LeTestu for more information.
Ask LeTestu for more information
Me: She had you arrested for Doughty’s murder?
He nods and looks down.
LeTestu says: She did. I had worries, so I made sure the internal cams of the escape shuttle were set to record. The evidence is all there. I told a few crew mates for safety. I told security. Security doesn’t care. We’re pirates. One in the brig is as good as any in the brig.
- Conclude that you've done enough and return to Pompano.
- Offer to help LeTestu.
Offer to help LeTestu
Me: Is there anything I can do to help?
LeTestu says: You might have better luck with security than I did. Let them know that there is evidence on the video feed of the escape pod missing from the Revenge. I told them, but I’m not worth listening to. Then maybe check the Shipping Bay for the ship. There was cargo to unload. If it’s gone, I’m in a worse way than I originally thought.
- Agree to report to security.
- Conclude that you've done enough and return to Pompano.
Agree to report to security
You agree to help LeTestu and report that there should be a video feed on the escape pod from Revenge that exonerates him. The security guard seems interested. Now, to the Shipping Bay.
New goals: Travel to the Shipping Bay to see if the Revenge is docked.
Go to the Shipping Bay and talk to Drake
Next NPC: Drake, Shipping Bay, København
- Notice the suspicious woman.
Looming near the entrance to the star ship Revenge, is a woman cradling a cylinder. She scowls at your approach and produces a handgun.
Drake says: Have you been following me? What do you want?
- Ask her to clarify.
Ask her to clarify
Me: Following you? If you're Captain Drake, I've been looking for you, sure. But I haven't been following you. The concierge from the Inn, Pompano, he sent me to find you. He's worried.
Drake's teeth clench.
Drake says: You’re not with Red Jane’s crew? Pompano? I don’t know you. Whatever you think you can do to get this star map from me, I already have a buyer. I have a way to rid of this cursed business once and for all!
- Ask about Red Jane.
Ask about Red Jane
Me: Who is Red Jane?
Drake says: A business associate with enough finances to meet the cost of this item. She's backed by the smuggler Foster Tafts, someone who would crawl out an airlock for a map like this. She's a heavy and not a woman to cross.
- Ask about LeTestu.
- Ask about Doughty.
Ask about LeTestu
Me: What about LeTestu?
Keeping her uncertain eyes and gun trained on you, she frowns and offers a single shake of her head.
Drake says: There's no room for regret when there's deals to be done.
- Ask about the unmanned ship.
- Ask about Doughty.
- Ask about the star map.
Ask about Doughty
Me: What happened with Doughty?
Drake says: Headless and adrift … just as LeTestu left him.
Me: LeTestu said it was you who killed Doughty.
Drake raises an eyebrow while waving her aimed gun your way.
Drake says: Well, he would, wouldn't he? Genius could predict the path of a thing with no pulse, but couldn't see the slight motives of the human mind. What he says is of no consequence. Doughty is dead. LeTestu is in the brig. I have the map and here I wait to hand it off to someone coming for Red Jane.
Holding the star map cylinder close, she steadies her careful aim to your head.
- Ask about the star map.
- Ask about the unmanned ship.
Ask about the star map
Me: Is that the star map?
Drake grips the cylindrical case closer.
Drake says: Yes.
Me: May I see it?
Drake says: No.
- Ask about the unmanned ship.
Ask about the unmanned ship
Me: What can you tell me about the unmanned ship?
Drake's eyes narrow.
Drake says: I can tell you to mind your own frizzing business and that any information about said ship is worth its weight in credit. I could tell you that tougher than you have died in search of so much as a tip and that I'm not about to stand around with a no-crew to sort out the things you should or shouldn't know.
Drake sneers and appears to be seriously considering shooting you.
- Try to explain why you're following her.
Try to explain why you're following her
Before you could speak, and without warning, a woman emerges from behind the Revenge and plunges a knife into Drake’s neck.
The hooded woman hastily whispers to you through a smirk.
The Hooded Woman says: LeTestu sends his gratitude.
Drake crumples as the woman snatches the cylinder and dashes down a corridor. Dock workers immediately call for security.
- Chase the hooded woman.
- Wait for security.
Chase the hooded woman
You turn the corner and dart down the corridor after the woman. At the end is a sharp turn which lands you in the arms of a man wearing a suit jacket with the letters DZ emblazoned on the breast pocket.
DZ Agent says: This is official Consortium business. Walk away.
The DZ Agent shoves at you to push you along. A shot, unseen down a twist in the corridor, rings.
DZ Agent says: Go back to the concierge.
New goals: Return to Pompano.
Go back to Pompano at the Inn
Next NPC: Pompano, Inn, København
- Return to Pompano
Pompano descends the stairs from the hotel with a grim frown.
Pompano says: Security came by already. I know what happened to Drake. I don’t want to speak on it. Thank you for all you did. It isn’t your fault. I shouldn't have asked you to get tangled up in this mess. Neither of us should have.
With a sniffle, Pompano presses the credits into your hand and speaks quietly.
Pompano says: Had I known … I would have never asked this of you. Steer clear of pirate business, here on. I will too. She left something in her room. I'd like you to have it … would rather not think of it being collected then destroyed.
You have received 10.00 credit.
You have received 1 'Mama's Pride'.
You have completed the "X Marks Our Shot" mission.
Chronicle Summary
Someone’s looking for a ship, København seems like the right place to do that. Thing is, something about this ship makes it important enough to kill for, which somebody did, right in front of me!
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