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Kuva's voice drags Shiver's attention back to him. He laughs out loud. "Tackle me and you'll end up flat as a pancake, little squirrel. You want to earn your way onto the Bunyip? Give me one of archer boy's pointy ears."
Archer boy is of course Lothan.
"Your threats are empty, and your ears as rounded as your gut. I say again, I seek to prove myself against your crew, not some... the word, goat of scaping that you pull from the crowds. Are you too mice-like to fight one of the little folk in front of your men?"
"Wow." Lothan says, impressed with the halfling. "Well gentlemen, that settles it. I've got my money on the halfling." He says loud enough for everyone to hear. Especially Shiver. "The way I see it, I think the scumdog wets his pants, before our halfling friend here, makes him." He then directs his comments directly at Shiver. "You know, you're not looking real well. Do you need to leave? Fear does that to a person, I hear. Makes them want to leave." He explains mockingly. He then whispers at Shiver, yet still loudly enough to where everyone hears, "Don't worry. We won't tell your buddies about your fear of, um...how did you put it? Oh yes, 'a little squirrel'." He nods reassuringly, mockingly.
"I would prefer to be as well-prepared as possible, based on on what you have said about the area, so if you have some map-cases as well, you have a deal for all three."
Pleased with his purchases, Tyrrol makes his way back to the docks.
Hopefully, this should make it a little easier to get to that blasted island...
As he approaches the area of the docks where the Bunyip is, he hears raised voices, and notes the 'stand-off'.
Well well, it would appear that I am not the only person seeking passage. If that group manage to talk their way on to the ship, I might just tag along, or if they don't, I can try to find another ship with them.... Assuming they survive, and are not thrown in jail, of course. This should prove... interesting.
Tyrrol then finds a nearby pylon to lean against, as he waits for the show to unfold.
Lecian calls out, "Lothan, this isn't getting us anywhere! We need to find another ship."
Lecian calls out, "Lothan, this isn't getting us anywhere! We need to find another ship."
Having a difficult time letting go his anger, Lothan eventually gives in to the truth of Lecians words, "Agreed." Turning to the halfling, "Sir, I think I speak for the lot of us," he motions toward Mordecai and Lecian, "we would more than welcome you to our group. We could look for a more respectable boat together." He says making sure Shiver heard that last bit clearly, "It could improve your, and our, chances if we teamed up."
"What say you?"
Kuva's and Lothan's mocking floods Shiver's face with crimson. His thickly veined hand drops to the whip at his belt. "I'll have both your guts for garters and your kidneys for pie."
Even as Lecian is calling for calm, the Taldan is off his feet, "Shiver! We don't need any trouble with Cromarky's gang!" He tips his head to the left where a dozen of Overlord Cromarky's Gendarmes stand in their fog blue cloaks about 100 feet down the wharf.
Shiver looks around and backs up a step or two. His hand stays near the whip as he fires what he hopes will be his parting salvo. "Lucky for you! Next time we meet I'll claw your eyes out."
Orders are called from the quarterdeck. The hawsers are drawn in and the sailors with the long poles start to push the Black Bunyip away from the wharf. Shiver leads his crew back across the gangplank. The Taldan waits until last.
"Choose your ship well. May you find better shipmates than mine. " He spins on his heel, takes three steps and leaps the growing gap between the Bunyip and the shore.
Mordecai bows his head to the Taldan, saying Fortune to you, as well., emphasizing 'you' to suggest that the wish does not extend to his shipmates...
He turns to the others, speaking in a confident and resonant tone cultivated for persuasion.
The Foamrunner seems the ship most likely to be repaired and ready to sail quickly. I had considered the Desna's Delight, but the captain appears to be waiting for the noon tide before even beginning repairs... Shall we attempt to offer our services to the captain of the Foamrunner, and together find success, where our diverse attempts have failed?
Tyrrol pushes himself off the pylon he has been leaning against, and approaches the group.
"That might be a little difficult, as the Overlord has commandeered that particularly vessel - it is not allowed to take any 'additional' passengers."
He then gives a curt bow.
"My name is Tyrrol Radanavich, and I too seek passage to where the meteor fell. If you deign to join forces, I bring a fair amount of leverage with me - I know the piece of land where the meteorite hit, and I have one of the few maps of the island, as well as some others detailing the surrounding reefs."
Almost ready to leave, Wilam stuck around to watch the scene play out. He quietly waited as the situation defused itself and then watched with more interest as Tyrrol introduced himself to the others. He pauses in thought for just a moment and then steps forward.
"Wilam is the name, and I couldn't help but notice the situation you are in. I am in the same boat as you, looking for a boat." He pauses for a second as if trying to figure out why that sounded strange then grimaces when he realized the unintentional pun. "Tyrrol is right, the Foamrunner has been commandeered and is not available for others to use. However I was just about to head over to the Gold Dragon, I have heard she might be seaworthy soon and it is possible her captain would be willing to take on passengers. With luck I might be able to help with repairs, and if we do get to the island I am handy in a scrap if some of the others heading there are less than friendly."
"Lothan Robgard. A pleasure," He looks at Tyrrol and then Wilam. Lothan, noticing Wilam being human, forms a suspicious look on his face but then returns with a slight bow of his own. "to meet you," pausing a moment, "both." And then finishing, albeit with trepedation towards the human.
"Well, gentlemen," Turning back to Mordecai and Lecian, "the way I see it, unless either of you have issues with these others joining us, it looks like the size of our group has just doubled." Turning back to the halfling, "That is, of course, if our fiery spirited friend here also chooses to join us? Also, I didn't catch your name good sir. You would be?"
The will of the goddess makes itself known, Mordecai thinks, putting his hand to his chest, feeling the comfortable presence of his holy symbol beneath his shirt.
Let us make haste then to this Gold Dragon gentlemen, and may our fortunes rise together with the tide.
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Kuva glares at the retreating sailor's backs, thinking darkly of the swift death that his blade would bring to the bald one. His blood will darken my steel if he chooses to mock me again, he mentally vows.
At Lothan's question, he turns to the party. "Kuva Gadib Azul, of Katapesh," he says, bowing - the others realize that the stream of nonsense words spilling from his mouth are actually a foreign name. "I am investigating this fallen star as well, and would be glad to have companions of such a stand-up nature to aid me. Shall we go find this Gold Dragon?"
Lecian listens and watches as the strangers approach and introduce themselves. He strokes his chin for many moments before responding to Lothan, "No, I suppose I don't have an issue with these men joining us." Lecian introduces himself and then follows the way to the Gold Dragon.
After Mordecai and Lecian acknowledge their approval, Lothan steps in behind and follows the others.
As the new companions move to seek out the Gold Dragon, Mordecai takes the opportunity to speak, Neither Clerg nor the Overlord's men are likely to balk at the idea of increasing their bosses share of any wonders to be seized by attacking each other, or raiding the shares of others, such as ourselves, particularly so far away from even Riddleport's laughable pretense at 'justice.' We should be ever alert for villainous behavior.
Or the opportunity to commit same, against them. he adds, in his own thoughts.
A crowd has gathered in front of the offices at Hershov's Yard. The master of the Golden Dragon has set up shop in one of the offices and is accepting applications from passengers.
You wait in line more than an hour before being shown in.
The Captain Terenius Hearth is a big round red-haired man. Despite the pleasant temperature in the room he is sweating and mops his head with a handercheif.
"Ahh. I remember you! Tayhorn, right? When I spoke with you last, I didn't quite realize how valuable a commodity my ship had become, but I'll stand by the bargain we proposed. Get out to the yard and ask for Tasker Fent. "
"Who are these friends of yours?"
"Gentlemen, I appreciate your interest in the Dragon. My terms for passage are these. I understand there are three or four likely islands where the falling star may have landed. I'll drop you off on whichever one you like on my way down to Magnimar. Five marks per head up front and a tenth share of whatever you find when I pick you up on my return trip in three or four weeks."
Best to seize the initiative... Mordecai thinks, feeling confidence return to his heart, after the mis-starts of the morning.
Your terms are fair, Captain. Mordecai says, removing coin from a coin-purse secured beneath his shirt, on a cord around his neck (a not uncommon precaution in a town such as Riddleport), and counting out thirty gold coins. This should cover the six of us. He leans in and says softer, Although Tayhorn may have made previous arrangements, I would not want those in line to feel that anyone received any special treatment.
Leaning back, and resecuring his lighter coin-purse beneath his tabard, Mordecai asks, When will we be departing?
Hearth counts five coins off the top of the stack and hands them back.
"I'm a man of my word. Tayhorn has his berth if he helps in the yard."
"The yard is planning to float her at the midnight tide. If they hold that schedule, we'll start stowing our cargo tonight. We'll likely leave with the midnight tide tomorrow night."
Watching the exchange between Mordecai and the Captain, Lothan is relieved this endeavor turned out far more postitive than the last one. "Thank you, Captain. Dealing with you has been far more pleasant than with the last bunch we dealt with." He issues a slight bow.
After dealing with the Captain, Lothan turns and speaks to Mordecai directly, "Thank you, as well, Mordecai. But I cannot let you cover my cost. I may have debtors' issues, but this I can cover." He hands him his share of the cost.
"So we leave tomorrow night then. Excellent. Enough time to gather what we need and be ready to set sail." It won't be soon enough. The quicker we get there, the more rock we can acquire, the more money to be made, the quicker I can get out of this wretched city. "Unless there is some other business that needs taken care of, do we just plan on meeting here tomorrow night then?"
I may be able to offer some small assistance to the work-crews, with the Lady's blessing. Mordecai says, touching his chest reverentially, which, in light of his keeping his money pouch there, seems less an act of devotion and more secular...
He puts away the ten coins returned to him without comment, and considers the ship and what possessions he intends to take, and what will be abandoned at the Goblin, likely to be long gone by the time he returns.
"Aye, I was on my way to help like we agreed when I met these folks. I appreciate you being a man of your word, and will look for Tasker Fent shortly." Wilem turns towards the group "Well maybe lady luck was smiling upon us, the terms are fair, and if Tyrrol's information holds true we know where we are going. If you will excuse me I have work to do, and if you need me further I will be here."
He nods curtly towards Captain Hearth and then turns and leaves in search of Tasker Fent.
The sun is high when you step out of the office. It is nearly noon.
Mordecai's offer is cheerfully accepted and Wilam is put to work with unskilled labor after his spells run dry.
That leaves Kuva, Tyrrol, Lothan and Lecian unemployed for the afternoon. What are your plans gentlemen?
Mordecai will follow Wilam to this Tasker fellow, and consult with whomever is in charge of repairs as to exactly where his magical assistance would be most helpful, as he has only the pair of make whole spells, and some mending cantrips, to lend to the task.
After his magic is expended, he will assist with the physical labor. Despite a sturdy frame, he appears to be quite unaccustomed to physical labor, soon sweating and panting like a man twice his age, or half his size, and yet refusing to take off his shirt, or take other measures that might make the work easier.
Lecian goes with Wilam and Mordecai. Despite this, he does little or nothing to help with the repairs. He spends a bit of time looking over the scene...mainly the ship, but also the crew and work being done. Once his curiosity is sated, he leaves, heading to the Gold Goblin.
At the Goblin, he packs all belongings he'll take with him.
Lothan will head back to his humble abode and ready his belongings as well. He will then head to the Cypherlodge, to see if Samaritha is still on for tea that was intially planned for later in the day.
Lothan: Samaritha is surprised to see you ahead of time, but pleased too. She's still on for tea, but has some duties to finish up before she will be free.
"I know where we are headed, and have a map of the island, but I would like to see if I can find out a little more about it... Being forewarned equates to being forearmed, after all..."
Tyrrol will go back to the Cyphermages' Library, to see what information he can dig-up about the history of the island that he is intent on visiting.
Once finished there, he will head back to the ship to see how he can help with the repairs, if at all.
After the day's work, Mordecai will offer the others a room at the Goblin, to stay the night, as he intends on returning to gather his belongings, and raid what's left of the wine cellar on the way out the door...
After Lothan leaves Samaritha, he will then offer whatever aid he can to help get the ship up and running. A couple hours before he is to meet Samaritha at the Gold Goblin, he will already be there. Partly to see how much damage it took.
Lecian at the Goblin: While the others are still working on their respective tasks, Lecian returns to the Goblin. A burly halforc is waiting for him. He's playing catch with a hand ax, tossing it up in a tight end over end spin and catching the handle. Upon seeing you he stops. "Pinkskin, you running the Gold Goblin now? Boss Croat wants to see you tonight. At his place."
Work on the boat seems to be going well.
Tyrrol, puts together a short history of Devil's elbow.
On sight of the thug, the mage approaches cautiously, waiting until he gets an explanation before saying anything. "Oh yeah? For what reason am I being honored with this invitation?" Lecian says caustically.
"Da boss heard dat Saul's dead. Saul borrowed money. Boss wants da money back."
Lecian retorts annoyedly, "Yes, well...I'll think about it. You can leave now." He gestures towards the exit.
If the half-orc leaves, Lecian will watch him until he's out the door.
Lecian retorts annoyedly, "Yes, well...I'll think about it. You can leave now." He gestures towards the exit.
If the half-orc leaves, Lecian will watch him until he's out the door.
The halforc smiles revealing a broad swath of chipped and pointed yellowing teeth. He swaggers out of the Goblin.
Wilam thanks Mordecai for the offer of a room, and after a moment of thought, "I think I will take you up on that offer. I will have a few things to take care of tomorrow before we leave at midnight but tonight I will stay at your inn." As he finishes up the last of the days labor he tells Mordecai "I will see you at your inn shortly I have a quick detour to make."
He quickly leaves the city to reassure Sora that everything is ok, and to continue to wait. As soon as she has settled down he heads towards the Gold Goblin. Seeing Lecian at the door he awkwardly half smiles and says, "Oh, ummmm, your friend, Mordecai mentioned that you might have a free place to stay, this isn't a problem?"
Tyrrol:
Except for a (few) harpy/siren/succubus of uncertain name(s), Devil's Elbow was always uninhabited until Yaris Neraken was marooned there. Neraken was able to escape the island, but thought it a good place to try to establish a colony.
At the time large numbers of people were leaving Korvosa and to a lesser extent Cheliax. They were looking for a place to set up on their own. Neraken was able to talk a sizable number into trying Devil's Elbow.
The island is too steep and rocky for much vegetable farming, so they purchased large stocks of cattle, goats, sheep, even rabbits to stock the island for grazing. They also built some light houses and an inn. For a while (months or a year or two) it looked like things were going well.
The colony suddenly died mysteriously. --
dates, another name or two, and any clues found about the fate of the colony to follow when I can access reference material. You'll be all afternoon researching.
Wilam:
Early evening at the Goblin:
The crowd is a thinner than usual. A group of mostly younger men finds great amusement using the hole in the wall rather than the door and cycle in and out between games or whenever they think they need a laugh.
Lothan shares a table and a pot of tea with a very pretty half-elf woman.
"It's not a problem, Wilam." Lecian says. "Before you get comfortable, though, you may want to hear what I have to say when Mordecai gets back. It could be a matter of danger to oneself."
When Mordecai finally returns, Lecian tells him about the visit from Croat's subordinate. He recounts this story to Wilam, "He said Croat wants to see me at his place. Now that Saul is dead, Croat wants to collect from the Goblin's new owners. Honestly, I don't intend on going anywhere tonight, so we may have visitors soon." Lecian shares this story with Wilam, Lothan, and any others staying the night at the Goblin.
Noticing Lothan, you can tell he seems much more at ease and relaxed around Samaritha. I still wonder how someone like her ended up in place like this. "So Samaritha, I'm curious to know if the Cyphermages are going to sail to examine the fallen star?" He takes a sip of his tea and then continues, "I'm actually part of a crew that's heading over there this time tomorrow. That's why I ask."
"[EXPLETIVE!] This is why I hate this place! There is no freaking way I'm letting these stinking criminals screw us over! What's the plan, then?! 'Cause you know, they're probably gonna show up in the middle of the night, to kill us in our sleep! The whole freaking lot o' them! [EXPLETIVE!]" Lothan's anger getting the better of him.
Samaritha smiles at Lothan. "Yes they are. Quite a few of the Mages would like a look out there. Absalom itself could have harbored no deeper intrigue; all the masters were trying to call in favors and make deals to lead. Fortunately, my tutor Fenella is going to be leading the expedition, but we don't have a ship yet. We spent the day contacting captains without success. How are you getting out there?"
Samaritha smiles at Lothan. "Yes they are. Quite a few of the Mages would like a look out there. Absalom itself could have harbored no deeper intrigue; all the masters were trying to call in favors and make deals to lead. Fortunately, my tutor Fenella is going to be leading the expedition, but we don't have a ship yet. We spent the day contacting captains without success. How are you getting out there?"
Setting his drink down after taking another sip, he looks directly into Samaritha's eyes as he speaks, "We have managed to gain passage with a Captain Terenius Hearth. He captains the Gold Dragon. You know, he is quite a pleasant gentlemen." Doing so well intially, Lothan's nerves are beginning to get the better of him, Her eyes... "Maybe," he clears his throat, "Fenella can talk to him. I think he would...um.., would take you on." Starting to lose his train of thought, he then says dreamily, "Especially since you're so pr..." and immediately realizes what he's doing. Gathering his wits about him, "I mean...uhh...a Cyphermage. Since you all are Cyphermages." He raises his tea to take another long sip, totally embarassed. What the heck happened! I was doing so well! Why can't I stay relaxed! Such a fool!
'Well it seems as if I have found friends for this trip.' Wilam thinks to himself. 'Friends with, complications. It might be easier for me to leave now, regardless of what happens in the bar tonight I have passage on the ship. Yet bullies and thugs are mere nuisances, and who knows what we will find on the island. Besides I would rather learn now how they handle themselves in a fight rather than after we have been left on an island.'
He turns towards Lecian, "Well the ship leaves tomorrow but if we have to crack a few skulls before leaving this city so be it. Frankly I would rather you find a way to settle it without violence, but I will follow your lead on this since I know little of the situation leading up to this."
Wilam then walks up to the bar while checking his club to make sure it is easily accessible. He signals for a flask of ale and says to the barkeep, "Put it on his tab." nodding towards Lecian.
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After working on the ship, Kuva makes a detour to a certain known Qadiran merchant, packing his stall at the end of a long day. Kuva makes a point of examining a trinket before declaring to the merchant "I saw a bracelet like this in Katapesh once - it was of a different material though, one I'd never seen it's like before. I should have taken it when I had the chance."
Upon arriving at the Golden Goblin later, Kuva sits with his new companions and listens to their story. "Better to leave enemies buried here when we leave, the better to make your return later. We should greet them with steel," he says simply to Lecian. He takes a long drink of water - he calmly refuses any offers of alcohol.
Upon arriving at the Golden Goblin later, Kuva sits with his new companions and listens to their story. "Better to leave enemies buried here when we leave, the better to make your return later. We should greet them with steel," he says simply to Lecian. He takes a long drink of water - he calmly refuses any offers of alcohol.
"I agree." Lothan replies, still somewhat infuriated at the local thugs, but seeming to calm down a little.
Having finished his research at the Library, Tyrrol returns to the ship, only to discover that his new allies have all disappeared.
It would appear that you have not yet finished testing me, oh Groetus...
Sighing at the fickleness of his 'companions', Tyrrol attempts to get some floor-space on the ship for a quick nap...
Tyrrol: There's no quiet space to be had on board the ship. As you wander the yard, the captain notices you. "You there! You can't be here. --- Oh. You were with Wilam and his friends weren't you. They left at the shift change. Said something about going to the Groggy Golbin, or something like that."
Lothan: Are you going to rush Samaritha off or will you let her hang around?
Anyone else? Hanging questions? Actions in the eraly evening.
Having used his ship-repairing magics, Mordecai returns to his more typical spell selection, anticipating no need for make whole.
At the Goblin, he plunders the sodden winecellar for anything of interest, not intending to return to the Goblin, regardless of the success or failure of the mission to the island, as it is on the brink of forfeiture anyway.
Readying his gear for travel, he end up with slightly more wine bottles than he can comfortably carry, and offers a couple of bottles to each of his new companions.
Lothan will retrieve his gear and return to the goblin to stay the night. He will accept the wine from Mordecai. Although not really a drinker, Lothan figures he may eventually find some use for it.
"The Groggy Goblin? Must be some sort of inn..."
Assuming that is enough to eventually find the Goblin, Tyrrol finally shows-up an hour or so later, tired, but triumphant.
"Did you all have a fruitful day? I found out some interesting facts about our destination: Apparently, there used to be a small colony there, but it disappeared under mysterious circumstances... It was also rumoured to be inhabited by a few sirens/succubi as well..."
"Thank you for the offer, but it would be wasted on me." Wilam says as he refuses the bottle of wine. "One or two drinks a week is more than enough for me." and with that he proceeds to slowly nurse the single ale he ordered for the rest of the evening.
He looks up with interest as Tyrrol enters and listens to what he has to say. "Was this disappearance recent, or far in the past, and what sort of settlement, just your standard fishing community, or maybe something else?"