The Mad Monkey (SS17)
The Mad Monkey is situated right on the edge of Stoessel, a square building almost hanging out over the Brunwasser. There are steps cut into the cliff face, and it would be possible to reach a small vessel from the back door of the Inn. Despite the obvious benefits this would have for smugglers, Klaus Kegger refuses to have anything to do with such a crowd, insisting that his Inn is "a respectable establishment".
The Mad Monkey acquired it's name from the ship of one of the Inn's patrons, an explorer. The Inn has no ordinary sign, rather the figurehead of the ship, carved out of wood and now extensively weathered. The leering monkey head has become quite unstable but Klaus refuses to part with it. The Inn has become a place often frequented by travellers, and plays host to an informal "Explorers Guild". The decor of the building reflects this - charts are stuck on the walls from all corners of the world, and there is a library full of journals and diaries of many famous explorers, including the famous Maxinique Journal.
Common Knowledge
"That place is amazing if you're an explorer, and you look just that. They've got the Maxinique Journal in the library there, my great great granddad were on that expedition discovered the new world they did. Take a look, you might find something of use or employment."
"It's a smuggler's cove that is. Don't listen to them fools who says it's explorers IT'S SMUGGLERS! It's obvious ain't it what wif them steps down to the canal out back, a smugglers paradise."
Klaus Kegger, Inn Owner (SS17a) Social: C8
"Look, I know that many people around here aren't afraid of turning a blind eye for a few Guilders, but I'm not one of them, do you understand. I've got some idea of what's right and what's wrong, unlike some I could mention."
"You're going by THAT route! Are you crazy? Three groups have tried that before, all far more experienced than you louts, and they were lucky to return alive!"
Klaus is a fairly short man with neatly cropped grey hair and beard. His brown eyes always have a twinkle in them. He wears fairly neat but weathered clothes, which usually look the same from day to day. He moves quite slowly, and with deliberation, but is still very fit, despite his age.
Klaus is a fairly quiet, intelligent, peaceful man. He finds that the explorers that come to his inn are most interesting, and he often joins groups that are talking about possible journeys. He has heard stories and accounts from a lot of people, and although he has never participated in an expedition himself, his advice and knowledge is accorded great respect by those who know him. He is sympathetic to these types of people, and being generous, will lend up to 100 Guilders to anyone who asks him to finance an expedition. It is a loan however Klaus will take offence if it is not returned. Klaus would dearly love to join an expedition to some far off land, and see what his customers see. If the party make it known that they are looking for someone to accompany them, Klaus will offer. He is an honest man rare in the Suiddock perhaps, and honour has prevented him from accepting a deal with the smugglers indeed he gets very angry if the topic is mentioned.
Klaus knows all his regular patrons well, as well as many of the dock hands that operate on and around the Stoessel warehouses. He intensely dislikes Thijs Modegekker, the ring leader of a group of smugglers. He supports the Knights of Purity (C38) when he can, seeing it as merely a charitable organisation, and also sister Marianne's orphanage (SL14).
Age: 56
Alignment: Neutral (Manann)
M 4; WS 36; BS 27; S 3; T 3; W 6; I 34; A 1; Dex 36; Ld 32; Int 43; Cl 30; WP 31; Fel 41
Skills: Animal Care, Cartography, Charm, Fish, Read/Write, Ride, Row, Secret Language Guilder (Explorers), Swim
Possessions: Rowing Boat, Fishing Equipment, Guilders, Charts, Knife
The Explorers Guild
The Explorers guild was founded 15 years ago by a collection of adventurers who wanted to be able to share information about places they'd discovered. Klaus agreed to host this guild, and one of the private rooms upstairs has been turned over to its use.
The guild is little more than an informal club, with about 6 or so "core" members. Many other explorers throughout the city belong to the guild, but never actually attend meetings etc. The guild has a charge of 3 Guilders a month, which is put towards "Guild Finances". These finances can be used to support expeditions, and to pay the rent for the room. The members can generally be found at The Mad Monkey when not on an expedition. The Explorers Guild is useful for many, as finding people to finance expeditions is easier. Investors are more likely to consider an undertaking that has the backing of the Guild because of the security it offers.
The PCs can become involved with the Explorers Guild very easily they may ask (or be asked) to join an expedition, and this is a good way of taking the characters away from the city for a month or so if the adventures are becoming a little stale. The adventurers may be able to provide or know someone who can provide a service (such as outfitting). Adventures can be created around what the explorers bring back with them, whether it is finding a spice merchant willing to buy, or neutralising a sentient artifact from the crypts of the dark lands.
Count Cardio di Solina, Explorer, Ex Navigator, Ex Student, Ex Noble (SS17b)
"I know you think I'm being cruel. But I'm telling you the truth. It was probably tactless of me."
"No thank you, I don't need or want anything."
Cardio is an enigmatic character. He has a very commanding presence, and stands tall, tanned and handsome. His dark brown hair has been sun bleached, he rarely shaves leaving a permanent mask of stubble around his chin and his clothes are plain, dust stained and simple. He is gritty and rugged, but many woman find him irresistibly attractive. Despite the attraction, he shows little interest in the formalities of courtship, or in fact any social formalities, and can come across as tactless, abrupt and rude. He is not brash or vulgar, but merely finds social graces superficial and pointless. As a result he alienates many people with ease. To his closest friends, however, he is a truthful, dedicated and talented companion. His self sufficiency, sense of honesty and an iron will, conspire to make him a brilliant explorer.
Cardio was born in the Border Princes, the son of one of the minor lords that rule over that land. The Border Princes are steeped in war, and closely associated with war is travel. The practical, cosmopolitan and occasionally violent nature of his homeland more than adequately prepared him for a life of travel and adventure. However, at a young age, he had a keen desire to learn, and a personal tutor was procured. When most of his family were killed in a Orc Border raid, Cardio took to travelling, looking for answers, and his tutor accompanied him. His tutor was an old man when Cardio was young, and as Cardio grew, the Old man grew older still. Eventually, he was unable to teach further, and instructed Cardio to travel to Marienburg, and enrol at the University. The one piece of advise given to him by the tutor before he died, was "never let go of your purpose" and Cardio has held this to his heart ever since.
Travel had become a great part of Cardio's life, and he felt restricted in Marienburg. He trained to be a navigator, a career which would allow him to fulfil his desires, and employment along such lines was easily found in the largest port in the Old World. He travelled to Cathay and Araby on Merchant Ships, and has spent much time travelling and learning the cultures of those lands. He has grown to like Marienburg, seeing it as somewhere to return to rather than the cage he first perceived it as. In addition to lodgings in Marienburg, he owns a small building in Copher, the Spice Port of Araby.
Cardio was one of the earlier members of the Explorers guild, and it was his funding that got it off the ground. He is currently planning a journey to Lustria, and is the leader of the team, which is comprised of the other main members of the Guild. When not in the Mad Monkey, he can be found at the University of Marienburg (C2), studying the books, or elsewhere in the Suiddock buying provisions or negotiating contracts.
M 4; WS 51; BS 42; S 3; T 5; W 10; I 53; A 1; Dex 41; Ld 56; Int 54; Cl 46; WP 51; Fel 38
Age: 31
Alignment: Neutral (The One God)
Skills: Arcane Language Magick, Astronomy, Blather, Consume Alcohol, Cartography, Drive Cart, Dance, Evaluate, Follow Trail, Gamble, History, Heraldry, Identify Plants, Linguistics, Law, Luck, Lightning Reflexes, Orientation, Read/Write, Ride, Swim, Sailing, Secret Language Classical; Guilder, Speak Additional Language Arabic, Specialist Weapon Fencing, Wit
Possessions: A leather pouch with 30 Gu, Sword, leather jack, Map Case with Map, Diary, Exploration Books, Working Clothes, Horse,
Ari Dakkani: Explorer, Ex Calligrapher, Ex Artisan's Apprentice, Ex Physician, Ex Physician's Student (SS17c)
Ari Dakkani is a young, very dark skinned Arabian man. He is quite short, has brown eyes, and cropped, black hair. His clothing is worn and obviously very old, although it is clear that at one time it must have been bright and colourful. He wears a gold earing and funny Arabian shoes, which are not really suited for the streets of Marienburg, and show it. He is cheerful, friendly and talkative, almost the opposite of Cardio, his travelling companion. Although outwardly they are different, they both share many experiences. They have both been profoundly affected by death, after which they both began looking for something immaterial.
Ari's first career as a physician ended quite suddenly when he accidentally caused the death of an important Arabian during an operation. As well as being professionally unable to continue, he was deeply sorry for the suffering caused by the death, and blamed himself for it. He changed careers, becoming a calligrapher at the city temple, copying beautifully illuminated manuscripts of prophets to The One God. In this religious activity he seeked redemption, and answers.
Ari met Cardio as he was visiting the city temple, Cardio a recently converted follower of The One God. In each other they recognised a kindred spirit, and became friends. When Cardio wanted to leave, he asked Ari if he would accompany him. Ari saw this as an opportunity studying texts had not procured answers; perhaps the answers were in the world The One God had created? Ari and Cardio travelled together for four or five years, before they finally split, Cardio to go to Cathay, and Ari to return to his homeland. Ari has recently arrived in Marienburg to track down his old friend.
Ari knows few people having recently arrived in Marienburg, but all the people at the Mad Monkey know him. He rents cheap accommodation in the Havensdijk.
M 4; WS 44; BS 28; S 4; T 3; W 9; I 53; A 1; Dex 66; Ld 36; Int 55; Cl 43; WP 51; Fel 54
Skills: Art, Acute Hearing, Cook, Cure Disease, Charm, Cartography, Concealment Rural, Drive Cart, Evaluate, Heal Wounds, Law, Linguistics, Magical Sense, Manufacture Drugs, Prepare Poison, Read/Write, Ride, Scroll Lore, Secret Language Guilder/Classical, Secret Signs Artisan, Speak Additional Language Reikspiel, Surgery
Possessions: Purse with 15 Gu, Faded Arabian clothes, Sword, Medical Instruments, Mail Shirt, Horse
Age: 29
Alignment: Neutral (The One God)
Anna Belucci: Explorer, Ex Scout, Ex Prospector, Ex Thief (Clipper) (SS17d)
"You don't really want to fight me do you? Because if you did you'd lose!"
"Who do you think you are talking to me you filthy beggar!"
Anna is a hard, practical middle aged woman, who has lost none of her ruthless wit. She can be cruel, but she expects the best, and doesn't suffer fools. Her careers have made her self sufficient, both in the town and the wilderness, and she is perfectly capable of looking after herself for months at a time in the wilds, an excellent trait for an explorer. She has a faded beauty about her, which is subtle in its nature, and this could be what Attracted Cardio to her.
She began her career as a petty thief at a very young age, as the child of a poor Tilean family. However, as she grew older, she found the money she made was too little, and so she joined the gold rush to the Ichilia Mountains (below the vaults). Here she made a substantially better living than before, and learnt the Tilean countryside. Such was her knowledge of the mountains, that many mercenary forces travelling to the Border Princes employed her as a scout.
Cardio met Anna by chance as he himself was travelling the Ichilia mountains. He respected her abilities, and surprised himself by falling in love with her. When he asked her if she would travel with him, she laughed, and asked if "he would travel with her!" She is definitely in control of the relationship, although she refuses to admit that she loves him as much as he does her.
She has been welcomed by the Explorer's guild, although she "needs no such welcome thank you" and has become actively involved in the group's next expedition. She is a relative newcomer to the city, and word that a Tilean with an illegal background has come to stay personally has got around. This has made Adriaan Swaan (C50a) very nervous as he is convinced she is a hitman who has finally tracked him down.
M 4; WS 55; BS 49; S 3; T 4; W 11; I 58; A 1; Dex 54; Ld 45; Int 45; Cl 51; WP 50; Fel 47
Age: 36
Alignment: Neutral (Ranald Not Devout)
Skills: Animal Care, Concealment Urban, Concealment Rural, Carpentry, Drive Cart, Evaluate, Follow Trail, Fish, Game Hunter, Metallurgy, Orientation, Palm Object, River Lore, Row, Read/Write, Ride, Swim, Secret Language Thieves/Ranger, Secret Signs Thieves/Scout, Silent Move Urban, Silent Move Rural, Speak Additional Language Tilean, Wit
Possessions: Sword, Weatherbeaten clothes, Dagger, 10 Gu, Mail Shirt, Horse, Crossbow, Rope, Pick, Shovel, Pan, Pack
Jan Fransen: Explorer, Ex Mercenary Captain, Ex Mercenary Sergeant, Ex Marine, (SS17e)
"There is no work in the world anymore. No one is fighting. No one. It makes me sick. How can a bunch of violent mercenaries operate if there is no one to kill huh? You tell me."
For such a violent, strong, long lived mercenary, Jan has a surprising appearance. He is fairly short, and of a slight build. He has a short black beard, and clean black hair, which neck length. He has a few scars, but these don't detract from his appearance, and he doesn't look the type to have participated in 20 years of campaigns in some of the most vicious places in the old world.
He is completely confident of his own abilities, and can appear as smug to others, but he is not unpleasant. He has a very deep, long laugh, but a foul temper if anyone threatens him. He is fairly amiable, but intrinsically violent, and won't hesitate to kill others in a fight. He is resourceful, but jaded, and he tends to belittle others experiences. He doesn't do this on purpose, but he has seen so much that it is hard for him not to be blasé. He inspires confidence and loyalty in his men, whom he has known for many years.
Jan is the only core member of the Explorer's Guild to originate from Marienburg himself. He turned to Exploration due to a lack of suitable wars to fight in, and found it was less dangerous, more interesting and paid better.
Jan used to be a Member of the Mercenaries Guild, and before that the Stevedore's and Teamster's Guild (SR5). When not drinking in the Mad Monkey, he is drinking in The Pelicans Perch (SB12). He is a devout follower of Ulric, and often visits their temple. He is known by many of the men on the docklands.
M 4; WS 63; BS 50; S 6*; T 5; W 12; I 51; A 2; Dex 40; Ld 64; Int 35; Cl 62; WP 51; Fel 41
Age: 42
Alignment: Neutral (Ulric)
Skills: Cartography Consume Alcohol, Disarm, Dodge Blow, Drive Cart, Evaluate, Follow Trail, Gamble, Linguistics, Orientation, Read/Write, Ride, Row, Secret Language Battle Tongue, Sixth Sense, Specialist Weapon Two Handed Weapon/Flail/Parrying/Lance, Street Fighter, Strike Mighty Blow, Strike to Injure, Strike to Stun, Swim, Very Strong*
Possessions: Sword, Horse, Mail shirt, Helmet, shield, Bow with arrows
8 Mercenaries (SS17f)
o Stocky, hardened, sunbeaten, obviously tough.
o Loyal, brighter than most mercenaries, friendly to each other.
o Support Jan, get their money.
o "Did I tell you the one about the..."
o Generally not members of the mercenaries guild, know the people at the Mad Monkey.
M 4; WS 42; BS 33; S 3; T 3; W 7; I 30; A 1; Dex 28; Ld 32; Int 27; Cl 30; WP 29; Fel 31
Skills: Animal Care, Disarm, Dodge Blow, Ride, Secret Language Battle Tongue, Strike Mighty Blow, Strike to Stun
Possessions: Sword, Helmet, pack with cooking equipment etc. Bow with arrows, Mail Shirt, Shield.
