"Huh?" he says as Mr. Rat nears his nethers."I...I warn you, I know magick!"
"And tell us who sent you and what were your instructions. Now. Lest I accidently snap one of your fingers by shifting my weight."
Intimidate roll:
Tsi' brandishes the starknife.
"Speak true, and you won't find this in your guts...and I shall not strike as shallowly as you did, cur."
"Oh, ho ho, boy. I'll suck the magic from your bones and turn you into my undead love-slave if you don't start talking. Who sent you?"
Molgo picks up one of the torches and starts walking towards the boy.
Katapesh: The boy spits defiantly at you and Captain Eron, Tzi. The Captain raises his sword when Akh-met calls out,"I would strongly advise against that." He steps out from behind the bar and slowly makes his way towards you. The young man casts his eyes downward as Akh-met approaches.
"Let me go, oaf! your charge chokes out as your weight presses down upon him, Hako. Awrl comes to your side and he "accidentally" kicks the boy in his side.
Stonespine The boy stumbles to his feet. "Kill me if you must. My masters do not forgive those who tell their dark secrets. And what does it matter? Soon you and everyone on this island will be dead and grim magicks formulated by the Adepts of--oh. Um..."
And he turns to run away. In the dark. Without a torch...
Hako makes himself comfortable, "Who sent you?" But Hako's going to wait and see what Akh-met does before breaking any bones.
"Mr. Rat! Subdue him, Mr. Rat!"
Molgo mentally commands his friend and companion to chase the boy, because he's guessing Mr. Rat can see him clearer. Molgo also deduces that the boy's strange eyes might be giving him some help in the inky blackness.
"Our apologies, Akh-met...we can gladly take this outside," says Tsi' courteously. He reaches for the spiteful and spittleful young man.
The 'Pesh:Akh-met begins speaking to the boys in a tongue you've all heard spoken in some parts of the city, but you aren't familiar with it. He seems to be chiding the boys, who in turn get angrier and angrier. After a few tense exchanges, it would appear that Akh-met has won the argument. He begins to walk toward you, Hako.
"I have learned it is more than my life is worth to tell a fighter when not to fight, but your discretion...or perhaps LUCK is a better word for it...will prove to have served you both well today. These are the eldest sons of Qi'Star Annoush, the so-called 'Prince of Merchants.' Their tempers are short and their ambitions are long, but they are children at the end of the day. Had you slayed them, their father would've been...unhappy with you. You can let that one up now, he won't be doing you any further discourtesy."
Molgo, Mr. Rat runs several steps ahead of you as the adept gives chase. His steps are sure, though he runs back down the main path and you match him step for step. He nears a bend, looks around frantically for cover. He takes a deep breath and produces a vial from his robe. "Stay back! Let me get away and your life is safe, or you die here when I drop this!"
"Thank you, Akh-met. I've not survived this far by drawing blood every chance I get. That this one is merely bruised shows the extent of my restraint. Although he is lucky he didn't make me really mad... But I'll not let him return to his daddy until I know why he and his friends attacked me and these others." Hako gestures towards Tsi and the Captain.
"Because Ruriel disrespects our father by hiring filthy half-breeds and outsiders to do the work of our merchants!" The youth held by Tzi and Eron spits at them again. Eron lifts the tip of his blade to meet the disrespectful young man's cheek."[/b]
"You'd be wise to not try that again while my blade is so close to your tongue. I may slip and cut it out."
Akh-met gracefully bows before you, Hako. He offers a hand to the prone young man, who stands before you, eyes towards the ground."Your employer is highly regarded, and I choose my words carefully. I encourage you to let these young men go that their FATHER MAY SHAME THEM. They will live to curse your name and spread tales of your actions..."
Hako is inclined to let them go, although he gives Awrl a glance to make sure Awrl is in accord, since Awrl has been in Ruriel's employ longer. Assuming Awrl interposes no objection, Hako gets close to the face of the youth he just let up and says "Your father is a wise businessman. I'm sure if he had an objection to any aspect of Ruriel's business he'd work it out with Ruriel or, failing that, send MEN to TRY to make his point or, even more effective, some good strong FILTHY HALF-BREEDS!" Hako laughs heartily and gives Awrl a sharp knowing jab with his elbow. Then he sends a deadly glance to the other youth, who I think is the one who made the "half-breeds" comment.
"By all means, BOYS, go home to your father and tell him what you've done. We'll be waiting for your apology." Awrl snorts and slaps you on the back, Hako.
Molgo wonders how he would die while the boy would live. Is the whelp just nervous about his life or this all a bluff?
Tsi' considers the young man in front of him. "I trust you not one bit, ill-gotten scion, and your supposed motives even less. Run home to daddy before I spank you with the flat of the blade."
He gestures at the lad, sheathing his starknife. "We'll be leaving Katapesh soon enough. Should you meet me on the open water, you'll be out of the range of any protections you may enjoy here. The ocean swallows many a fool; I suggest you steer clear of it."
Hako nods approvingly at Tsi's comment. Tsi did get poked, so letting the boys go unscathed takes admirable restraint on his part, and the parting comment is well justified.
Molgo the boy is terrified. You can see that there is something roiling in the vial, but he's a bit too far away to make out what it is. He moves a bit closer to you...
"Oh what does it matter. Take this, it's a wonderful last resort. You want to know the truth? My life is forfeit now, so I may as well tell you." He approaches with the vial.
"Come Umed, let us go now. This filth is not worth our trouble any longer," says Hako's charge.
"This shall not be forgotten, villain. I come with you, Brother Mot." And with that the two young men collect themselves and quickly leave the bar. Akh-met turns to both pairs of combatants in turn.
"All is well, gentlemen?"
"Lovely, lovely. I do like a good tale. And a good tail! They may sound different, but they are the same, my boy. Out with your secrets!"
Molgo hands the boy a skin of water.
"Now, calm down and speak your speak."
"I'm left with the bad taste of spoiled children in my mouth, but it's nothing that a mug of Jerkal's homebrew on the house for myself and my friend here can't cleanse," says Hako, gesturing to Awrl. "And I'm sure that Qi'Star Annoush will be happy to compensate your for your cleaved table..."
"Make it a quartet of ales, Akh-Met, and all will be well." He nods at Hako and smiles. "You'd think they'd like us filthy half-breeds in this town."
Tsi' then busies himself with his shirt, torn across his abdomen, and his cuts. Hand around his devotional objects to Shimye-Magalla, he mutters a mix of words in Celestial and Mwangi that sound like gentle winds on the waters.
His cuts fade and vanish.
Akh-met lets a sly grin cross his lips. "Of course. Enjoy your evening."
Awrl slaps you on the back, Hako. "Ruriel won't forget this. But don't let this favor go to your head. Let us collect our drinks and have a word with our charges, what say?"
"I agree, Awrl. Tsi, I seem to have underestimated you just because you're puny. In the arenas, you can usually judge a ale by its froth. Not out here. It will be good to have you on the ship."
Tsi'kazochi stands up...all six foot five of him...to wink at the half-orc. He flexes a rather small bicep and grins.
"Hako, the fates were not exactly with me this evening...but I assure you, luck tends to follow me--and can help me slip through situations where someone...bulkier...may not be able to follow. If you follow me. It will be good to have you on my ship, although we may need to keep you walking the center by the mainmaist, lest we list hard to port or larboard should you walk towards the side. Ha ha! A great ballast you half-orcs are! Perhaps if we teach you two the Varisian Mirror Dance..."
Tsi' mimes two dancers coming forward and back in symmmetry, eyebrows dancing with mischief.
Hako laughs heartily. "Don't worry about me. I've probably spent nearly as much time on board ships as you have, although they mostly had me scrubbing the decks and cutting onions. The arenas were more fun, but I didn't like the job contract any better, not that you could really call it that."
"I'm impressed they impressed you," puns Tsi'. "Mother of Storms, I could use that ale." He scans the room looking for his usual devotional objects: winsome females and games of chance.
Hako, Tzi-The evening passes without any further incident, though your every whim is indulged as the patrons have sufficiently been impressed with your deeds of daring-do. Though when Awrl starts bear-hugging people, the free drinks stop coming. The hours pass and grow small, and finally Captain Eron tips over in his chair.
"This Navy man has had enough to drink. HOMEWARD, MY BOY!"
Molgo, the boy hands you the vial as you hand him your waterskin. He drinks greedily from it.
"I am only an initiate. I wanted adventure, power...the Adepts of Blackfire promised me that, and warned me of the costs. There are those among us that chart the skies, and as the spheres move, the stars change. Now is a season of their falling, and we have charted the course of one that shall bring us the most power we've ever had. And it shall fall here in two days' time."
He continues to drink from your skin, draining it dry. You notice large beads of sweat running down his face, and the faint odor of cooking meat becomes apparent.
"Shimye-Magalla! Guide us to our berths! Ha ha!" Staggering himself, Tsi' barely manages to hoist up Captain Eron and unfailingly leads them North...
"Oh, boy. I wish you safe journey into the wild woods beyond. You seem to be in the flower of your youth and your plucking comes so soon. This is why you watch who you throw in your lot with!"
Molgo backs up a bit.
"Mr. Rat, I'd keep your distance. Boy, I hope you didn't sign anything or eat any of their fruits. Your soul might not still have a chance."
Hako will not drink enough to get fall down drunk, which still allows him to drink a lot. He'll follow Awrl's lead for the remainder of the evening, make sure Awrl gets home sound, and then gets home himself. If the plan is to meet at the boat in the morning, then he'll wake early, prepare his equipment, have a big breakfast, and get to the boat.
Tsi, Hako seemed to imply he didn't have sailor skills, but he didn't really explain his sailing history too much, although if Tsi asked him about it in the bar he might have explained more.
Molgo, the boy laughs at your naive words. Smoke begins to pour from his mouth and nostrils. His cloak is beginning to smolder.
"Brother, you have no idea how right you are. They are strong, but not invincible. I sense a touch of the art in you, and maybe...maybe if you can find others...overpower them...take the Star from their control you can-"
And as he lets out a blood curdling scream the boy ignites like a Wicker Man and flames out. Mr. Rat cowers near your ankle and the vial he handed you shudders and glows.
Meanwhile, back in the streets of Katapesh everyone manages to make it home without too much incident. Tzi, you manage to put the Captain to bed after a little bit of dry-heaving on both your parts, but eventually find rest. However, just before you head below decks for the last time, you DO notice a streak across the sky, gleaming and wonderful, headed to the northeast.
Hako, the few people that dare to cross the path you and Awrl follow don't linger as you two wend your way back to Ruriel's palace.
"'His' lordship will likely be up entertaining guests. If you don't fancy yourself a party to that kind of thing, I'd advise that we head for the back courtyard and make ourselves comfortable. But you've earned your keep tonight lad, so who could fault you for wanting to celebrate more?"
Hako won't miss an opportunity to get a look at the good life and to get more acquainted with Ruriel's operation and alliances, so if Awrl is certain they are welcome, he's up for it. "If you're sure the boss won't mind our ugly faces around, I could go for a little more food and drink before sleep." Hako will hang at the edge of the party and control himself (he'll eat more than he drinks), do plenty of observation for things of interest, and make sure Awrl doesn't get out of hand. He'll also watch for any signs that they aren't welcome.
perception:
sense motive:
Molgo looks deep into the vial.
Molgo, as you peer into the amber glass vial the liquid inside sparks and flames, though the vessel itself remains cool. Your imagination wanders and hovering on the edge of your memory is a bit of warning you read in a grimoire regarding the Blackfire Adepts, though you can't remember specifics. However, the puzzle pieces that are the mysterious boat, the scrolls therein, this arcane vial and the young man's gruesome exit lead you to believe that there are STRONG forces from the Primal plane of Fire at work here.
And you hate fire.
There are still many hours left in the night and many miles to travel. Shaken by your encounter and the words of Baba Yaga, you weigh your options.
Tzi, you are many sheets to just as many winds, and your perception isn't QUITE what it was earlier in the evening. So far as you can tell, it's just a particularly brilliant shooting star. Someone once told you they were good luck and to wish upon them...
Hako, as soon as you enter Ruriel's compound, you hear that there is INDEED a fete in full effect. About a dozen-and-a-half of the most beautiful women in all of Katapesh dance for a throng of assembled traders, entertainers and luminaries. Ruriel himself is dressed in a golden silk robe with a feathered headdress.
"DANCE FOR THE PHOENIX!!! he says again and again.
Awrl grunts and lurks in the shadows. "I was hoping for a bit more rest before our journey."
"So, Mr. Rat. We shall see what we shall see when these Blackfire Boogiemen come. I've never known any flame that could stand up to the Wicked Wind of Winter. But no sleep makes for no clarity. A nap and maybe a nice dream of Baba Yaga's luscious, saggy breasts."
Molgo looks around quickly to make sure she didn't hear that as he starts to lay himself down in the dirt, using Mr. Rat as a pillow as always.
"We shall see what the morning brings. My head weighs heavy, especially with the knowledge of new Fiery Foes, but my eyes weigh heavier. That witch sure knows how to swing a pestle."
Hako will watch for awhile, admiring the dancers, and he'll eat some of the good food if it is available to him and if he can still stay out of the way. But, ultimately, this sort of party strikes him as a bit silly, and he'll pretty quickly let Awrl lead him to a place in the compound where they can crash for the night. In the morning, he'll equip himself and hopefully eat to his full on leftovers from the party. Then he and Awrl will make their way to the boat, unless further instructions are needed first from Ruriel.
After a long and taxing evening on everyone's parts, the sweet caress of sleep overtakes you. But, as it wont to happen after every night spent carousing or fighting for one's life, morning comes ALL. TOO. SOON.
Tzi, the gentle rocking of the Bonaventura and the early sounds of activity on the dock wake you first. The other crew members begin to stir. The Captain groggily sets about his day, heading back to the cargo hold to examine the contraband again before you set sail.
Hako, you're used to sleeping rough, so awakening in Ruriel's compound is always a bit of shock for you. One of the servants has set out a modest repast for you (likely leftovers from the fete, but tasty) and Awrl, which you both consume. As you down large cups of black Katapesh tea, your compatriot looks at you, grim faced.
"I get sea-sick. You are not to draw attention to it or mention it to anyone, EVER. Is that understood?"
Molgo, you awake from a night of placid dreams of haggish women in suggestive positions to find Mr. Rat eating grass near your head. The waves lap against the shore near the path you are on and a few wagons kick up dust as they pass. No one takes much notice of you or the mound of ashes that was formerly the young man nearby. The vial in your pocket seems to have calmed down substantially.
To Awrl: "Understood."
On the way to the boat, Hako will stop at a herbalist shop or booth and purchase some sea sickness remedy for Awrl. Awrl can wait outside or away, or go ahead to the boat, if he doesn't want to be associated with the purchase.
Hako will say that the remedy is for a merchant that he is accompanying on a short trip and will tell the seller that if he/she does good by Hako, then Hako will remember. And if he/she does bad by Hako, then Hako will remember that too. And he cracks his knuckles.
Intimidate:
Sense motive:
"But...but of course." squeaks the meek herbalist as she compounds a rich concoction of herbs before your eyes. She hand you the pungent mix in a burlap bag.
"Take it all. It tastes bad, but it keeps everything down at least. No charge, but please...leave without breaking anything?"
"Better give me one more bag for the return trip. And, yeah, I won't break anything on the way out. I'm not a clumsy as I look."
She fumbles as she makes up a second batch, sheepishly grinning at you as she does so. "This is good. I promise you, you won't find better anywhere!" And as she hands you the second bundle she slightly, but VERY politely gestures you towards the door.
"Are you FINALLY ready?" And you two make your way to the Bonaventura.
Once away from the shop, Hako hands the bags to Awrl, discreetly explaining the contents and instructing him to take one on the way there and one on the way back. "Hopefully this will be enough for the whole voyage. No shame in sea sickness. Most of our orc ancestors are not seagoing folk. I've had many years to get used to being on the water."
They walk to the ship. Before boarding, Hako pauses to take a deep breath, preparing to take to the water for the first time as a free man (so to speak). He climbs on board.
Tzi, you head back to the cargo bay where Capt. Eron is inspecting the large ornate trunk containing the 'Pesh. It is gaudy to the point that it is absurdly beautiful.
"I'm surprised that they were able to deliver this without incident. I mean...this is practically BEGGING to be stolen. You think we have a chance to make it to our destination without or throats slit or our purses emptied, Tzi?"