After fifty days at sea, the Pathfinder lodge at Heidmarch Manor in Magnimar is a welcome place to spend the night on dry land. In the shade of the gazebo on the shore of the manor’s exotic carp pond, the resident venture-captain, Sheila Heidmarch, speaks to the assembled Pathfinders in a low, breathy voice.
“I hope you’ve found your brief stay here in the City of Monuments relaxing. The Pathfinder Society owes you a debt of gratitude for engaging in such an important and lengthy mission. When you set out from Absalom nearly two months ago, I’m sure you never anticipated the monotony of a life at sea, but I’m happy we can put you up as the ship restocks before the final leg of the journey to the Mordant Spire.
“Thus far, you have done an excellent job of representing the Society as the escorts of the Mordant Spire’s envoy, the distinguished Sephriel, whom we hope had a productive meeting with the Decemvirate regarding the Azlanti ruins over which the Mordant Spire elves hold such a protective position. If he was pleased with the meeting and doesn’t find you too reprehensible, perhaps we can launch full expeditions into the lost continent of Azlant from this very lodge in the near future.” She winks, and her eyes glance around the assembled agents. With a wry smirk, she continues. “Keep up the good work, and ensure that Sephriel’s final two weeks on the Throaty Mermaid are as pleasant and event-free as they can be on as disreputable a smugglers’ ship as it is. Thus far, it’s provided an unassuming cover for such an important dignitary. Let’s hope the unscrupulous crew delivers their current cargo on time and in pristine condition. When you arrive at Riddleport after dropping Sephriel at the Mordant Spire, a chartered boat will be waiting to take you back to Absalom. May Desna’s blessings be upon you.”
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Although a decent fisherman, Barley was no sailor. During the watery journey, he had shared one of every three meals with the fishes. ”Thank the gods we're off that barque. I don't think I have any more-!” ::barf!!::, Barley sleeve-wipes his mouth,”...I was wrong.” Moving the planter off the gazebo, Barley returns to take mental notes on the mission ahead. His apprenticeship in the Pathfinders had been successful; now he was ready for some real… ninja stuff.
Wait, we're going back on the boat?
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Kryssa raises her eyebrow at Chamius and asks in an astonished tone, "'ಹೇಥೆನ್ ಬಡಬಡಿಕೆ'? ಮತ್ತೊಂದು ಭಾಷೆಗಳ ಅದೇ ಹೇಳಬಹುದು."
She clears her throat, smiles, and says very articulately, "I'm so sorry. I'll try to speak in the oh so common language of Taldane."
The heaven-touched warrior mumbles, "ગેરકાયદેસર દાવાઓ કઠોર વ્યક્તિ."
"Yes, Klaidingo." Sheila grins. "Just drop him off. It should be an easy mission."
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The "other" aasimar in your group comes over and pats Barley on the back. "Easy me new friend. You'll get yer sea legs one o' these days!" Johender begins reciting a little sea shanty. "Along the quay at Absaloom, the lasses stand aroon, Wi’ their shawls all pulled around them and the salt tears runnin’ doon; Don’t you weep, my bonny lass, though you be left behind, For the rose will grow on Troollheim’s ice before we change our mind...."
He then turns to Kryssa. "છોકરી હા, તે જેમ હંમેશા છે?"
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Chamius shakes his head at the Venture-Captain's comment. "You had to go and say that, didn't you? We're in for it now, sure as anything."
While the new arrival sings, the Taldan taps out the beat on the table, then continues, "For it's cheer up, my lads, let your hearts never fear/When you stay home from the sea lanes for to be a profiteer. Or something like that, anyway."
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"Ah, your cheery hymns are waiving off the rolling illness already. Your company will be very welcomed."
-Posted with Wayfinder
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A broad, muscled half-orc with a savage grin and a shifty look in his eye steps up behind Barley. He openly wears a tarnished breastplate bearing the symbol of a bloody hand; how much of the blood is just part of the image, if any, is uncertain. His thick leather boots are thoroughly muddied, but his cotton pants, once tan but now sharply faded, seem quite clean. They even hold a slight crease where not stretched taught by his thick legs. From his waste dangle a fine scabbard from which the hilt of an apparently plain yet well-crafted sword protrudes, a long and cruel-looking leather whip coiled around a few times, and a set of manacles as much red from blood stains as rust. He slaps Barley on the back with one big hand. "Aaahhhg, you don't need those sing-songers. Shake it off kid. No room for yellow-livered boys among sailing men."
With no more questions Venture-Captain Heidmarch concludes the meeting and you spend one more evening resting on the dry land. In the morning, as you gather your affects and prepare to board the Throaty Mermaid, you discover letters that have been slid beneath your doors sometime during the night. It would seem certain factions within the Society have an interest in this voyage and it may not be such a simple task after all.
Letter for Chamius and Johendar
***
You board the Throaty Mermaid and stow your trappings among makeshift bedding strewn amid the barrels, casks, and crates stored within the forward cabin. It's cramped and smelly, and has been your home for the last two months. Meanwhile, the envoy Sephriel and his bodyguard Thanzeril return to spacious quarters that normally belong to Marzack Mallick, the first mate of the ship. Though you have traveled with the elves for nearly two months you really don't know much about them. They are cordial, but keep their own company and almost never fraternize.
The Throaty Mermaid sets sail from Magnimar at high tide and soon enough you find yourselves settling into the familiar routines adopted on your previous journey. In that time you have gotten to know a few familiar faces among the crew of the ship:
Captain Veane is the Throaty Mermaid's master and commander. He is as a successful smuggler and has sailed the seas of Galarion for many years.
Azuretta is the ship’s resident harlot and spends most of her time in the captain's cabin. She has been in the employ of Captain Veane for five years, and has become quite adept at providing the Captain and his crew exactly what they want when she spends time with them. As part of her employment, Azuretta’s services are provided free of charge to any crewmember, but her company is considered to be a benefit the captain enjoys by default. She is very forward and has given Klaidingo a run for his money with innuendo and outright propositions.
Marzack Mallick is the First Mate of the ship. He is uncouth, surly, and not exactly a friend to anyone, but he is an experienced sailor and good at his job.
Killik is the Throaty Mermaid’s shipboard medic. He is an unscrupulous cleric of the Pirate Queen Besmara, who doles out healing only when financially rewarded. Killik has a long history of piracy and smuggling and his experience is invaluable to Captain Veane as the ship moves contraband in and out of the Inner Sea region’s most lawful ports.
Ulamon, a Bonuwat shaman from Sargava, employs his mastery of wind and waves to keep the ship on course and moving faster than pirates with eyes on their cargo or authorities who might frown on the Throaty Mermaid’s less-than-legal activities.
Anera is a Taldan woman with shoulder-length brown hair pulled back into a ponytail and a large scar across her cheek. She performs odd tasks around the ship and holds no position of authority. On the long journey from Absalom she has muttered insults openly about elves, and seems to harbor a racial hatred of them.
Shira Acidaxe can be found in the galley at almost any time of day. This one-eyed dwarf serves as the Throaty Mermaid’s cook and has for the last twenty years. Her time at sea has not been kind to her, and in addition to her tattered eye patch, she sports a mouth of silvered teeth, a nasty scar on her cheek, and is missing half of her left ear.
Velagon Dorhay is a smuggler of rare creatures, which he keeps penned up in the lower hold.
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Hule spends his days pacing the deck, casting a stern look upon anyone that dares glance his way. His heavy boots provide a solemn drum beat by which one could almost keep the time. He offers the captain his services in keeping the crew in line as he has some experience in that department. He also takes up Azuretta's generous offer, but in the privacy of their encounter, he makes a counter-offer of his own.
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Barley maintains his full gear except during sleep. And as Johendar's jovial nature helps to keep a calm stomach, Hule's intimidating face insists otherwise. Early after the first morning's catch, Barley visits Shira Acidaxe, minding that it's always good to be be friendly with the cook. "Good morning! Here's a big one for the crew!", he slaps the wet fish down in front of the dwarf.
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Johender spends his days among the ship's crew, doing what he can to aid in sailing the ship. He scales the mast and nearly dances across the rigging, thoroughly enjoying his time aboard the ship, always with a catchy tunes on his lips or a bawdy joke for the men.
In the evening, he spends his time making advances on Anera or providing assistance in the galley, making fast friends with the ship's cook, afterwards going above decks to share in some rum and grog, before taking a turn in the crow's nest for the night watch.
On one of your trysts you discover that Velagon Dorhay has a rare creature called a rust monster caged in the aft side of the lower hold. He was planning to sell it in Magnimar, but the seller backed out.
After finding a truly private spot you can make your proposal, but her mood is suddenly disinterested and you'll need a good diplomacy check.
Regarding Anera, she's a bit of a tough nut to crack but go ahead and roll diplomacy.
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Klaidingo freshens up and searches for Kryssa.
"Angel love, while I was investigating the lack of rats on a ship such as this. My new friend Azuretta and I began in the forward hold. I could not help but realize I was being watched as I investigated and explored every inch and orifice looking for answers to all sorts of mysteries. I believe I saw Mr. Snig, perhaps we should pay him a visit. Then maybe if you aren't too busy, you, Azuretta, and I can continue with the... exploration? Oh yeah I almost forgot there is an caged oxidizer monster down below as well so be careful with you metal objects."
Barley isn't quite certain, but the addition of a moldy dishrag might have actually improved Shira's food that evening.
***
As Klaidingo and Kryssa negotiate terms they come across Hule talking with a very bored looking Azuretta.
"I'm not really interested." The harlot is saying. "Perhaps we should have talked business after pleasure. Speaking of which, hello you horny devil!" She gives Klaidingo a lecherous grin.
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Johender watches Anera during the days, plotting his angle to ingratiate himself. "So...what brings you this ship?"
Meanwhile, Johender plies the crew for information as hi works side by side with them. "What has the cook's sail reefed so tight? Not enough shore leave? If ya know wat' I mean."
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Kryssa frowns, "It will have to be something else for tat. Sorry. Besides, I'm about to put a holy symbol on this daemon-kin. I'm really curious if my ink will set itself on fire once the mark is completed."
The Angelkin pulls a handful of random scrap metal from a pouch. "However, I was on my way back down to the hold. There's a rust eater I'm trying to train."
"I was an adventurer in my youth." She says, looking out at the sea. "Traveled with a good man named Masilk. One day, in the wilds of Kyonin, an elven patrol attacked us, said we were trespassing into elven lands. We both fought tirelessly, but we were incredibly outnumbered, and Masilk was killed." Her eyes turn back to the ship, in the direction of the lower deck. "Bloody elves."
You can consider her friendly for now.
In response to your question about Shira, you learn little. No one knows what her problem is, but a captain isn't usually afforded many options when finding crew for a smuggler ship.
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"Very well Kryssa, a marking of your choice."
As the two of them make it down into Azuretta's den of ill repute The hedonistic Klaidingo chuckles before talking to the apparantly boring Hule.
"My apologies Hule, it is quite the task indeed to follow me in matters of women. Next time we can indulge together and I can give you a few, or maybe just one very large pointer when it comes to the ladies."
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"Ah, you old crab. I'll speak to the sing-songers about it then." Hule says before marching off to find the sailor Johendar.
"You've not seen the last of me, good lady!"
-Posted with Wayfinder
Anera considers Johendar and Chamius' offer, and slowly nods. "If it means giving trouble to elves, tell your man I'm available."