Three sets of wooden stocks hang from the northern wall of this room, pitons chaining the devices to the rock. Light flickers into the room from the water out in the cavern’s main chamber to the west, and small holes in the ceiling act as skylights, ensuring that the room needs no torches to light it during the day. Several natural stone columns break up the center of the cavern, sending shafts of shadow across the dimly-lit chamber.
You carefully move closer. Gaeldrung raises his hands to stop you moving in as he seems to have heard some shuffling feet.
A woman steps half way sideways from behind one of the rock pillars - careful to keep her cover. She has an old Tien human slumped in front of her. Clearly a prisoner. Two humans - seemingly her thugs - step left and right to give her cover.
"Well - doesn't this look like a rescue party. Not to disappoint you - but you better let me go or I will kill this scholar.
She has her cutlass rested on the throat of the bound prisoner. The pirates seem to be waiting for your action, delaying theirs.
Akvius whispers "What should we do?"
Capt Alejia Netrav smirks at Gaeldrung's attempted bravado. "I use whatever means that are available to me. You have my word that I will release this prisoner, unharmed, if you let my crew and I leave peacefully on that ship. No blood need to be shed here this day."
Alejia lowers her shimmering cutlass from the prisoner's neck and slowly starts to walk towards Lukaas. Her two crewmates stare at her dumbfounded. "Cap'n?" asks one curiously and the other whispers, "She done lost 'er mind, she has!"
Both crewmen raise their crossbows anxiously but do not shoot.
When Alejia reaches Lukaas she asks in a calm tone, "My crew and I willing to depart peaceful. Thank you for agreeing to see this through."
“In a few days, a ship called the Topaz Titan is scheduled to arrive in Riddleport Harbor from Minkai, bearing the acclaimed Tian scholar Hirako Gurukaza—who is also a former member of our Society. We fear that he may be Alejia’s next target, and your task is to prevent her assault at all costs, both ensuring Hirako’s safety and shoring up our relationship with Tammerhawk. I have heard rumors that some of Alejia’s cronies have been storing their stolen goods somewhere in the Wharf District, so that might be a good place to start your investigation. While in Riddleport, keep a low profile and try to avoid pulling any of the crimelords into the situation. Tammerhawk would appreciate discretion and subtlety if possible. Regardless, there is little time to waste, as there is no knowing exactly when the pirates will choose to strike the Topaz Titan.”
"Beyond discretion, have we been given the authority to deal with this (Alejia) with any means neccasary?"
Shelia Heidmarch considers this statement a moment before responding. "I will avoid answering this question too specifically to give you leeway in pursuit of your actions. You are obviously forbidden from breaking any laws or regulations or doing something that is in contract to the principles of the Society." She clears her throat and continues, "That being said, this treachery must be stopped. Is that still unclear?"
"You mentioned the crews were being attacked and ships destroyed, do you believe Pirate Alejia is killing the scholars or taking them prisoner? Is there an indication as to what the Vudran pirates have to gain from these actions?"
"All we know is that they are not seen again. We hope that they are still alive, but believe she is killing them off for some unknown reason. As of yet we have not been able to identify a motivation for her actions, no."
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Lukaas bows slightly, after sheating his rapier, and extend his hand to the piratess, ready to kiss her hand
Milady, I'm glad we could resolve this situation without violence. Would you care to share a few drinks and a meal with me, maybe? I would be honored. Of course, your crew would have to take the night off. I'm ready to give them a few coins to spend at their leisure.Just you and me...Just you, Aleija, in fact, the magnificence of your skin, the silk of your hair, the pearl of your teeth, the gentle breeze of your voice...
The man's voice is nearly purring, and the sentence ends with wordless promises
Glancing at the woman's prisoner
Of course, Miss Aleija, you will understand that this person's presence isn't required any more for the rest of the evening.
Aleija Netrav, pirate captain of Riddleport sees absolutely nothing illogical with this charming proposition. Glancing at his companions, the only one that she was wary of was that foul half-orc, but he had been silent since his outburst. She smiles and nods to Lukaas, "I accept."
Turning back to her men she says sternly, "Put your weapons away lads, these fine folk mean us no harm. Please escort the prisoner to the ship and take your leave while I-"
She walks up to Lukaas and extends her hand to be kissed.
The two pirates jaws both drop open in complete and utter amazement. Having never once seen anything remotely close to compassion or kindness from her, they are dumbfounded. One rubs his eyes and the other looks at his companion and mutters. "But captain, are you sure that this is-"
Without breaking her gaze on Lukaas she cuts him off with a stern clipped voice, "Just do it. Unless you want to swim back to Riddleport. I'll be busy for the rest of the evening, please make arrangements to depart at first light."
The two pirates lower their crossbows slowly, still nervous and anxious about what is happening but following orders just the same.
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Would you allow me a favor, mylady? I would enjoy to pay my respects to the great scholar Gurukaza before we go for a delicious evening, you and me. And I just promised your men a few golds for their own night out, I want to be true to my word, and give everyone...
Kissing her hand, then her neck if she allows
his.. or her.. just reward.
Alejia considers the offer from the skilled seducer. She lets him kiss her hand and thinks on the particular request.
Aleija struggles against Lukaa's obvious abundance of charm. The cloud in her mind clears enough for her to shake her head in protest. "I'm afraid not. Let you and I have our moment together, my mend will see to the prisoner. He will remain unharmed."
She turns to face the two men. "Take him now, I will rendevouz with you in later evening." Turning to face Lukaas, "Or perhaps at first light."
The woman leans in kiss Lukaas, lost in the moment and unaware that the poor bard doesn't realize he's actually trying to kiss a Vishkanya. On purpose. You know, the type with poisonous saliva?
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Gaeldrung grins and lifts his ax off his shoulder. Normally be would go for the back of the neck, but such a strike would probably break Lukass's pretty face, so he swings for the side of the head instead and is sure to use the flat of his ax. Noone should experience kissing someone while they are decapitated. For the first time in combat he calls on the power of Gorum to aid him.
The Vishkanya never knows what hits her. Gaeldrung's axe explodes through the captains head, hitting her so hard he nearly breaks her neck. She drops immiedately unconscious from the massive blow, completely slack in Lukas's arms.
Only one pirate has a view of what happened and he looks on in horror. He shouts, "Traitors! Itsa trap! To arms! The big one dun killed da capt'n!"
The other shouts in confusion, "Cap'n? What's happened!?"
The pirate holding the prisoner stops screaming, looking to Lukaas and then nodding to what Periel says. "That be soundin' reasonable. I think we should hand over the prisoner to them Fark."
The other pirate is totally confused now, 2/3 of his team willingly going to the other side. "What be goin' on here! Snap out of boy!"
Akvius steps up around the corner to finish what the party has started. In a firm voice he bellows to the remaining pirate, "DROP."
The pirate is unable to resist the command and immediately falls prone to the ground, dropping his blade.
Once there is no visible threat, the pirate runs for cover towards the party. Wide eyed and wounded, he cowers behind Gaeldrung for safety.
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Lukaas ties the lady pirate, using bits of clothes-his own clothes, not the lady's, of course, as he is a gentleman- checks on her health
before going to the ex hostage and greeting him
Sir Guruzaka, it is a pleasure to be able to finally meet you. Sorry for the delay. My name is Lukaas Penn, and me and my companions are Pathfinders.
The pirate captain is definately out. The inquisitor hit her so hard that she'll be napping for quite some time.
"Gurukaza." he corrects. [b"Very well done Lukaas! I am Hirako Gurukaza, and I am in your debt for saving me. Rest assured, I will send word of your bravery and dedication to your superiors. I shall do my best to honor the debt of gratitude and I will repay you with my knowledge whenever possible... But if you don't mind, could we please leave this damp place? I have seen quiet enough of it I'm afraid."[/b]
Hirako explains, "When we stopped in Kalsgard we were approached by several guards who required a ship inspection. During the inspection the guards attacked the crew of the Topaz Titan, killing them and seizing control of the ship. That disgusting filthy," Hirako looks towards where Aleija ," woman slaughtered the innocents and took me hostage bringing me here."
The trip back to Riddleport is subdued and quiet. Once in Riddleport, the party delivers the scholar to the Cypherlodge. Business returns to normal rather quickly for Tammerhawk and his academic associates, and the political tension between the crime-lord and Cromarcky wanes. Word spreads quickly through Riddleport of the party's defeat of Alejia’s gang, and after she is handed over to the authorities the Pathfinders develop a reputation as a formidable force within the town.
Venture-Captain Heidmarch expresses her thanks, as does the rescued sage. Gurukaza promises the party any aid he can offer should they ever be in need of his assistance in the City of Cyphers, and vows to do his best to ensure that Tammerhawk and any allied to the crime boss know the extent of the party's deeds.
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As our mission is completed and the Venture Captain briefed on the events,Lukaas rise from his seat
I'm glad we managed to defeat the piratess without too much bloodshed. Words and wits can be a tremendous weapon too. Now, if you will excuse me, I have an appointment with a certain Cyphermage lady... See you tomorrow morning!
With a bow, Lukaas departs