Kilarra considers this. "Fine. We'll do both. Now go ask the First Mate what she wants done with this guy."
At that Kilarra turns, leaving the others to go top deck while she sits with the spy, keeping guard over him.
Kilarra yawns. It's been a long night...
After much pacing and thinking, Uruelleth finally comes up with something he thinks is at least partly clever. He joins the discussion about how to keep the ship safe for the rest of the journey.
"Teams of three," he begins. "We make strict orders that everyone is to be in teams of three. That way, if there are two left, we cannot accidentally put the two together by themselves. What do you think?"
"I like it." Kilarra replies. "Done and done. Let's do it."
She stifles a yawn, and moves to watch the prisoner .
Despite Kilarra's sleepiness, the man doesn't appear to be doing anything suspicious and in fact falls asleep in his chair less than half an hour after you stop interrogating him. His head droops down and his chin touches his chest.
Talia yawns slightly at the idea of more interviews, but knows that the more tired the crew members are, the easier it is for things to slip, and besides, she wanted as much information as she could before resting, in order to maximize her spell rotation the following day.
Talivar explains the plan to Driara, "We suspect there are two more agents on board. To combat this we're going to do three things. Firstly strict that everyone is to be in teams of three at all times. Secondly we, the chosen, will patrol the boat starting from now. Thirdly we want to try and force their hand. We fear you specifically may be a target, because the crew will fall apart without you. If you're willing we have an idea that could unmask them although it's far from guaranteed. The idea is simple enough, we announce and carry out some more drills, including another fire drill with most of the crew involved. We'll make it known Jimell will be overseeing this one while you are elsewhere, perhaps at the wheel. The enemy may attempt to strike during this time, if they do most of us will be ready to intervene. What do you say, are you up for this? If nothing else it'll keep them busy."
Talia resumes her interviews and begins with the two other individuals that Kilarra found suspicious: another human man and a female elf.
You suspect this man knows something about the murder. He doesn't necessarily act as though he is guilty, but he is acting suspiciously enough that he is likely complicit in some way. If you ask about his association with the other man, he looks particularly troubled.
The elf seems incredibly frustrated. Her frustration seems to be mainly directed toward the two human men who Kilarra found suspicious, but she also seems a bit frustrated at Ragnar. It's a bit harder to tell what part she plays, but she seems to be involved somehow.
-----
Driara listens closely to Talivar as he lays out the chosen's plan. She seems troubled when you tell her you suspect there are two more agents on board.
Once Talivar finishes speaking, Driara says, "Teams of three seems wise in light of the possibility you have mentioned. I have no objection to you patrolling the boat. I thought you would have already been doing that anyway. As for your plan to force their hand, I'm open to the possibility. You should know that I can hold my own just fine. That said, if we can discover the assassin or assassins then capture or kill them, the more help we have, the better."
The first mate pauses for a moment and seems to be considering her next words before saying, "As for the traitor you have discovered, he must be dealt with swiftly. While the Captain is incapacitated, I have final say on such matters. The man is to be executed. We won't be barbaric and keelhaul him, but it will be public. People should know the consequences of actions such as his. We'll carry it out tomorrow afternoon once the rest of the crew has had a chance to rest and the sea has fully calmed."
Bored and sleepy, Kilarra watches the spy.
Talivar watched the interrogations but he just can't read either the man or the elf. Hopefully somebody else would have a better sense if they where being evasive.
Bored of guard duty, Kilarra leans her head out the door. "How's it going?" she asks Vorya. "Hey! Why aren't you in the interview room? Dammit, old man! Get in here. Watch this fool!"
Kilarra forces Vorya to guard the spy, and heads off to the interview room.
"You're in my seat." she tells Talivar.
Suppressing a yawn, Talivar stated the obvious, "The crew needs sleep, heck I need sleep. I don't think we're going to learn more tonight."
---
"Nonsense!" Kilarra replies with a smirk. "You know about the murder. You're complicit."
"Now's your chance to speak. You might as well. You're body's speaking for you... It'll turn out better for you if you do it willingly."
"How do you know the man in the other room?"
---
"You seem frustrated. Why's that?"
Kilarra lets out a caustic laugh. "Ha! Nice try. YOU are frustrated with your companions. The other agents working here on behalf of the Red Mantis. Ragnar, and the others... But, don't worry! They don't bear all the blame. YOU'RE to blame, as well."
"So tell me. What are you supposed to do on this boat?"
Kilarra and Uruelleth go back and forth between keeping watch over the ship, interrogating the other two suspicious crew members, and keeping an eye on the confessed Red Mantis accomplice. They don’t notice anyone acting suspiciously during their joint patrols.
The second man rolls over when Kilarra catches him in his lies. He turns particularly pale when the slayer mentions that she already has one accomplice in custody.
He says, “Yes, yes I was complicit. I was stupid and ended up in way over my head. I know what you’re thinking. I didn’t kill Ragnar. As for the man in the other room, I didn’t know him before we were given our same commission. Honest. I’m from Osirion and he’s from Taldor.”
As far as Kilarra can tell, the man is telling the truth
-----
The female elf, for her part, remains tight lipped. Even if you decide to use all the same techniques you used on the first man, she won’t break and remains silent, refusing to answer any of your questions.
-----
Toilday, the 17th of Lamashan, 4717 AR
The next day, after most of you and the crew get some sleep, Talia and the rest of the chosen go to the Captain’s quarters and find Makori still dutifully attending the man. The Captain looks a bit better than he did the night before.
After Talia treats the Captain and administers a casting of cure light wounds, he stirs and opens his eyes.
He looks quite groggy and takes a minute to look around and sit up in his bed, before he clears his throat and says, “Is it really necessary for all of you to be here? There’s still a ship that needs managing.”
Driara smiles at the Captain and says, “You underestimate your importance, Captain. I’m not very much of a first mate without a Captain at the helm.”
Dakon shakes his head and says, “I don’t have the energy to debate you, so what brings you hear and compels you to interrupt my extended rest?”
You all take turns explaining what has transpired over the last day or so since he was knocked unconscious by a lightning strike. He listens carefully throughout your account, but it’s clear he’s still not back to full strength.
Once you’ve finished explaining about the assassin, the accomplices, and your plan, the Captain says, “Since I’m taking all this in second hand, I have to defer to you on most of those decisions. If you want to set a trap, please do so. The sooner we catch the rest of those bastards, the sooner the crew and myself can rest easier. As for the man’s execution, I have to agree with Driara. Perhaps he’ll serve a better purpose in death than he has so far in life.”
The Captain looks directly at his first mate when he says, “Be sure to make it quick. I won’t condone torture on this vessel.”
Driara replies, “Of course, Captain. I’ll make sure the rest of the crew see what happens to a known traitor.”
The Captain nods, seeming satisfied with his first officer’s response. He turns back to the rest of you and says, “I would much prefer to be out running the ship, but I’ve been a Captain long enough to know how dangerous it is to try operating a ship when you’re not at full strength. So was there anything else in particular you wanted to discuss or can I get back to recovering my strength?”
Talia wakes for the next day, and immediately casts Insect Scouts. While useless against actual spy's, the insects would be very good at spotting any sabotage while they track down any remaining agents.
Sending them scattered around the ship, she rises, and heads into the captains quarters, noting with some satisfaction he was looking marginally better. Closing her eyes for a moment, she unleashes a blazing array of what light, healing his remaining injuries.
Spell List
Special Attacks channel positive energy 5/day (DC 16, 2d6), hexes (chant, evil eye, misfortune[APG])
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 4th; concentration +8)
1/day—daylight
Shaman Spells Prepared (CL 4th; concentration +9)
2nd—insect scouts, visualization of the mind (2); hypnotic pattern[S] (DC 17) or lesser restoration[S]
1st—burning hands (3, DC 16), heightened awareness[ACG] (2); color spray[S] (DC 16) or detect undead[S]
0 (at will)—create water, dancing lights, detect magic, guidance
S spirit magic spell; Spirit Heavens Wandering Spirit Life
"Who else was given a task like yours?"
"How were you contacted by the Red Mantis?"
"What do you know about them and their agents on this ship?"
---
"What's the matter? Mantis got your tongue?" Kilarra asks the elf woman. "Would you like me to loosen it?"
"Last chance to play nice, hon. You're obviously guilty. So, tell me. What are you supposed to do on this boat?"
Kilarra smirks cruelly. In infernal she replies:
Kilarra gives the woman one final chance to speak, but if she doesn't, Kilarra leaves the woman alone to ponder her impending death.
---
To her companions, Kilarra says: "The man's guilty, same as our other spy. Sounds like he had the same job as the other one. The elf's harder to pin down. She's involved, alright, but tight lipped. She's not denying or admitting anything. Still, she clearly had involvement with the other spies and is frustrated with them for being caught. What I'm not sure of is if she's here as another spy or as the killer..."
"Someone had better inform Driara we'll have more than one traitor to deal with come morning."
---
While patrolling on and off with Uruelleth, Kilarra remarks:
"Swabbing, storms, spies, assassins..." she yawns loudly. "Lack of sleep... Is it sad that no matter how crappy this trip gets, I'm just happy to be here?"
She scoffs and shakes her head at herself. "Never mind. I'm just tired."
After another moment, she turns to leave, continuing on her patrol.
---
When the others stir, Kilarra makes sure they know that we've got three traitors who need executing, and she shares what she knows with the others.
"And now," she remarks. "I leave this shitstorm in your hands. I'm going to bed."
Kilarra stomps off to her bunk and hurls herself into her hammock. She lays there for a moment, then shuffles and lays there some more.
If Ruel's around she asks, "Think you'll sleep?"
Despite her misgivings and worry over assassins, she's too exhausted to resist sleep for long. After fifteen minutes of tossing and turning, she passes out in exhaustion.
Talivar was relieved to see the Captain recovering, "Good to see you back on your feet sir!" Of course the exact circumstances of the attack were of great interest to Talivar so he asked, "Sir did you see your attacker or notice anything suspicious before you where attacked? Apart from the attempt to breech the hull that is."
Later in conversation he'll also say, "Once the execution is over would you mind announcing another round of drill for this afternoon? I'm thinking 2pm sharp. I'm hoping if we get Jimell to lead this one and let be known Driara will be steering that will set the wheels in motion. Of course there's no guarantee this will work, but at worst it'll give the ships' company something to do rather than dwell on things."
Finally Talivar offers to go patrolling that morning. He asks Talia if she'd like to join him, explaining, "I could do with another pair of eyes..."
Uruelleth patrols while the rest of the ship sleeps and Kilarra works. He is quite ready for sleep by the time the rest of the crew and his companions are awake and ready to relieve him of his watch. He still eyes his hammock with trepidation, however.
When Kilarra asks if he thinks he'll sleep, he gives her an unsure smile. "Sleeping with an assassin on board? I wish there was some other way. I wish I could die in battle, not to a knife to the throat while I sleep." But he yawns anyway, knowing that staying awake and becoming exhausted would render himself completely unable to fight. He had to risk it.
Soon, his fatigue won over his fear and he slept.
Three days ago, I decided to personally follow Mellisar. I was determined to finally ascertain his guilt or innocence. What happened will require more than one journal entry to record.
After he left the palace, he passed through the more affluent sections of Iadara before passing into an alleyway. I feared the worst as I rounded the corner to follow him. I expected to find him speaking with a would-be Mantis assassin. To my surprise, I found him crouching behind a couple crates. He was observing another pair of individuals engaged in a quiet conversation.
The longer I lingered, the longer I feared for Mellisar’s safety as well as my own. Eventually, the pair’s conversation ended and they moved to exit the alleyway on the opposite side from which Mellisar and I were observing them. Mellisar still didn’t know I was there. He moved to follow the pair only to be foiled by a board cracking underneath his foot.
The pair instantly turned and spotted him. In a flash, they had him surrounded on both sides. Both wielded a pair of sawtooth sabres. I had but a moment to react as Mellisar’s fate hung in the balance.
From the journal of Queen Telandia Edasseril of Kyonin
Dated the 2nd of Pharast, 4710 AR
----
Kilarra finds her interrogation techniques are quite effective when it comes to the human man.
He says, “There were four of us originally. Ragnar was one of them. The man in the other room was another. There was also a female elf. I don’t know her name, but I could identify her if I saw her.”
He continues, “A woman offered us payment for our services. The pay was too tempting to pass up. It was a whole lot more than I was being paid as a regular crew member. We were to observe and gather information. That’s all I know.”
As far as Kilarra can tell, the man is speaking the truth.
-----
The female elf continues her silence and merely spits out a bit of blood when you punch her in the face. She’s quite stoic. Kilarra’s efforts to intimidate her appear to have no effect.
Even when Kilarra speaks to the woman in Infernal, she remains silent. It does at least appear that the elf understands Kilarra’s words. The slayer is forced to leave without an actual confession.
-----
The Captain smiles and nods his thanks to Talia for her healing.
As for the two new prisoners, the Captain says, “I am reluctant to condemn someone without a confession in hand. Perhaps there are magical means by which you could compel the elf to talk? You may proceed with the executions of the two men. The sooner we have this behind us, the better.”
The Captain scratches his head at some of Talivar’s words. He says, “Perhaps I’m not the only one who needs sleep. I wasn’t attacked, I was struck by lightning. If there was an attack, it wasn’t on me. Not that I’m aware of, at least.”
Makori raises an eyebrow at Talivar’s words and nods in concurrence with the Captain before saying, “There’s been no attack on the Captain since I began my watch. I will continue to attend his side till he has returned to full strength.”
As for the drill, the Captain says to Driara, “Do what you think is best. I’m sure we’ll all rest easier if we know there isn’t another assassin stalking the ship and its crew.”
Driara replies, “We’ll hold the drill at 2pm sharp, like Talivar suggested. I’ll make the announcement as soon as the executions take place. It’s nearly 9 o’clock now. The executions will take place at 10am sharp.”
Once the meeting with the Captain is over, Driara pulls the chosen aside and says, “I will need assistance with the executions. I cannot ask the regular crew to do this as many of them worked directly with the men we’ll be executing. Will you aid me in the matter? Someone will need to place the nooses and another will need to remove the stools from under the men’s feet.”
Kilarra makes sure to ensure the group knows that there were four spies, all of which have been identified. (The three suspicious ones and Ragnar). That means there's also whoever sabotaged the boat AND the assassin on board, which Kilarra thinks are different than the four spies.
She definitely makes sure to tell them that the elf speaks Infernal--the Red Mantis Assassins language of choice--and the elf is clearly neither Chelish, a linguist, nor a student of outsiders, so that indicates to Kilarra she's deeper into the organization than she's letting on.
"There's more agents than we assumed. The four were all spies, but there's still the saboteurs and the assassin who killed Ragnar. These spies aren't guilty of those crimes. We'll still need patrols, and for sailors to go around in groups of three..."
---
Kilarra groans when someone tells her she has to go speak with the stupid captain first. She's tired! What does she care what that fool has to say? Now her bedroll? THAT she cares about...
She hangs back in the room, leaning against the wall and yawning loudly. She's clearly displeased at being here.
When the captain says he'll only be executing two of the three spies Kilarra scoffs, finally taking an interest.
"I've given you three spies. And you want to let the only unrepentant one live?" She scoffs and shakes her head. "You're an idiot. Hang her with the others before she has the chance to make this worse."
- Kilarra noticed three suspicious people on deck and pulled them aside for special interrogation. During interrogating these three, we learned that there are four spies on board (Ragnar, who's dead, and the three suspicious ones Kilarra pulled aside).
- Talia ensured the captain was guarded and no one is allowed in but her. She lead investigations, asking every crew member where they were and who they were with, etc. It's hoped that when comparing these notes afterwards we might find some discrepancies to work with.
- Talivar realized that the damage to the ship was due to sabotage. In addition, the sabotage couldn't have been done by one person, and would have taken some effort. We do not know who these saboteurs are. Kilarra doesn't think it's the spies.
- We do not know who killed Ragnar. Kilarra doesn't think it's the spies.
- Ruel kept guard over the crew as they waited for the others to be interviewed.
- Ruel suggested no crew mates be aloud to congregate in groups less than three (to help prevent further sabotage and assassinations).
- Talivar suggested we lay a trap for the RMA onboard, by running more drills and leaving the First Mate 'unprotected.' It's hoped that they will attack Driara during this time and we can ambush them.
- After Kilarra and Talia finish with the interviews, we can also inform the group that one of the four spies didn't confess (the elf woman), but was pointed out as a spy by another of the spies. The elf also speaks infernal, the preferred language of the RMA (but is not a linguist, planar scholar, or Chelish). Kilarra thinks she's guilty as sin.
---
During the evening's chaos, you were supposed to help Talia and Talivar during the investigations, but Kilarra forced you into guarding one of the confirmed spies since Vorya had a momentary lapse of attentiveness:
Bored of guard duty, Kilarra leans her head out the door. "How's it going?" she asks Vorya. "Hey! Why aren't you in the interview room? Dammit, old man! Get in here. Watch this fool!"
Kilarra forces Vorya to guard the spy, and heads off to the interview room.
Watch that guy!
---
After Kilarra and Talia share what they learned (and finish the other interviews) Talia and Talivar are going to sleep the night off while Kilarra and Ruel stay awake overnight to keep watch and patrol the ship. Your call where you want to go. They'll probably need your sense motive skill during the daytime, though.
---
After a long night Talia heals the captain and Talivar speaks with him. We update the captain and first mate. Talivar makes his suggestion about drills and a trap. Then:
The Captain smiles and nods his thanks to Talia for her healing.As for the two new prisoners, the Captain says, “I am reluctant to condemn someone without a confession in hand. Perhaps there are magical means by which you could compel the elf to talk? You may proceed with the executions of the two men. The sooner we have this behind us, the better.”
The Captain scratches his head at some of Talivar’s words. He says, “Perhaps I’m not the only one who needs sleep. I wasn’t attacked, I was struck by lightning. If there was an attack, it wasn’t on me. Not that I’m aware of, at least.”
Makori raises an eyebrow at Talivar’s words and nods in concurrence with the Captain before saying, “There’s been no attack on the Captain since I began my watch. I will continue to attend his side till he has returned to full strength.”
As for the drill, the Captain says to Driara, “Do what you think is best. I’m sure we’ll all rest easier if we know there isn’t another assassin stalking the ship and its crew.”
Driara replies, “We’ll hold the drill at 2pm sharp, like Talivar suggested. I’ll make the announcement as soon as the executions take place. It’s nearly 9 o’clock now. The executions will take place at 10am sharp.”
Once the meeting with the Captain is over, Driara pulls the chosen aside and says, “I will need assistance with the executions. I cannot ask the regular crew to do this as many of them worked directly with the men we’ll be executing. Will you aid me in the matter? Someone will need to place the nooses and another will need to remove the stools from under the men’s feet.”
Kilarra replies to the captain:
Kilarra hangs back in the room, leaning against the wall and yawning loudly. She's clearly displeased at being here.
When the captain says he'll only be executing two of the three spies Kilarra scoffs, finally taking an interest.
"I've given you three spies. And you want to let the only unrepentant one live?" She scoffs and shakes her head. "You're an idiot. Hang her with the others before she has the chance to make this worse."
No one else has replied yet to the captain, or Kilarra's opinion.
---
Immediately after the conversation above comes to an end, Ruel and Kilarra go to bed since they haven't slept in over 24 hours. Make sure we don't get shanked in our sleep, please. The rest of you are supposed to patrol the ship. Plus whatever else comes up in the conversation with the captain we're in the middle of.
---
As Kilarra stomps away from the captain's quarters Driara stops her and the others. Kilarra lets out a groan.
"What?" she asks caustically.
After hearing Driara's request Killara smirks. "Sure, I'll help you with the executions. But, you won't see me on deck."
Ignoring Driara, Kilarra tells her companions: "If you want me at the drills someone will have to wake me up."
Talia holds up a hand carefully at Kilarra
"Why don't you execute one person a day. Its a terrible thing to preview your eventual fate and to be honest, I'd prefer trying to break her mind with my magic before executing at least the woman, if anyone knows more its her."
Talivar shrugs at the Captain, "Lightning can be summoned by many creatures and by mages... Still I am glad to hear there's no other super natural assailant involved."
In answer to Driara's request Talivar nods, "Not a duty I relish but it needs to be done."
He glances at Talia, "I suppose that might be worth a try."
The Captain just shakes his head at Kilarra. Under normal circumstances, he likely would have berated her, but he seems too tired to comment further.
To Talivar, the Captain says, “As am I.”
Once the meeting with the Captain is over, Driara makes her request of the chosen. The first mate ignores Kilarra’s remark. The elf seems to think Kilarra wouldn’t be stupid enough to try such a thing.
To Talia, Driara says, “We won’t execute the woman today, but an example must be made, so we’ll proceed with the executions of the others. Perhaps it would be useful to let her watch. And if you have magical means by which to compel a confession, by all means, do so.”
Driara thanks Talivar for his willingness to help.
To all the chosen, Driara says, “We’ll commence the executions at 10 sharp, as I told the Captain. I’ll announce the drills afterwards.”
Once the short meeting with the first mate ends, she makes her way to the ship’s wheel and shouts an announcement of the impending executions. About an hour later, the two men are brought on deck along with the elf woman. She’s made to watch as the executions take place.
All of you but Kilarra and Uruelleth are present for the executions. Before they actually happen, Driara gives a short speech.
“We’re carrying out these executions to send a message. We want to make it clear to all of you what happens if you are discovered to be a traitor. Sabotage, murder, and insubordination are not tolerated on a ship such as this and so we are here to show you what happens when we find out you are engaging in such activities.
“The two men before you are guilty of collusion with an enemy. I’m sure you want to know more, but it’s in your best interest not to know all the ins-and-outs. Now, without further ado, we will commence with the executions by hanging.”
Driara allows Talivar and anyone else among you who want to to assist her in preparing the nooses, placing them over the two prisoners’ necks, and placing the prisoners on the stools. Both men are sweating profusely. One remains quiet throughout the process while the other continuously begs for his life. The rest of the crew remain silent and simply look on as the executions take place.
The pleading man looks back and forth between all of you assisting in the execution preparations. He begs, “Please. You don’t have to do this. I’ll help. I’ll change. I have a younger sister I support. Please stop this. You don’t have to kill us!”
Once all the preparations have been made, Driara signals her assistants (you) to remove the pair of stools supporting the two prisoners. All the crew’s eyes, including those of the condemned criminals, turn to you, waiting to see what you do.
Talia resisted the urge to roll her eyes at the other man, which would be a rude gesture in his last hour. Reminding herself to be respectful, she turns and addresses him.
"You think you are the only one that had people to support? You think no-one else depends on us? What makes your sister more important than say, those that I care about? What about if the Red Mantis trained you to be a full agent, what were you going to say when your victims also begged for mercy? You had an opportunity for change to freely come forward, instead, you hid, hoped you wouldn't be ousted as a spy and only now do you ask for mercy. I Don't blame you for doing what you did - I'm sure you had a good reason, perhaps money for your sister? With that said, you knew exactly what the consequences would be, and pressed ahead anyway."
Talia paused, before her tone lightened somewhat. "That said, I, unlike you, am not blind to the consequences of my actions. Your actions might have endangered me, and what I care about, but I will not see your sister suffer for your actions. Whether I live or die, know that one way or another, I'll keep your sister supported financially - its unfair for her to be punished for your mistakes."
Talivar listens to the man's words but he finds no pity in his soul. Quietly he whispers to the man, "You have a sister? I had a wife and daughter until your lot showed up..." He then kicks the stool away.
Of course watching the man doing the hanged man's dance didn't make Talivar feel any better, in fact he found the whole execution process extremely unpleasant. He set his jaw, this was going to be a grim business and no mistake.
Kilarra is snoring below deck...
The man does his dance as Talivar watches. The other man's death follows shortly after. Driara watches from a few feet away. A grim look is painted across her face.
Once both men are dead, the first mate takes a deep breath and says to the crew, "It is done then. We will give them a burial at sea, then move on from this business. We still have a destination to reach. Don't forget that Jimell will be leading a crew-wide drill at 2pm sharp."
Driara and all of you but Kilarra and Uruelleth see to the men's burials.
The time draws near for the drill to take place and Jimell dutifully does his job. The (unofficial) second mate corrals the crew below deck. As he does so, he says, "Come on! Come on! No time to waste. You won't get to lollygag when this is for real, so you don't get to lollygag now. You in the back there, straighten up. And you! Show some decency and tuck your shirt in."
With the crew below deck, that just leaves Makori and the Captain in the Captain's Quarters and the chosen and Driara on the deck.
Driara paces nervously as the time draws near for the drill's official start. She turns to you all and says, "So... are we just going to stand around hoping I get attacked or were you going to hide or something?"
Vorya watches the executions with a heavy heart. Death was nothing new to him, of course, and much of it brought about by his own hand. Still, watching men hang was never easy. There was a certain...inevitably about death by strangulation.
The older man shook his head, and mutters, "Two men dead and not much closer to the truth of the matter."
Hearing Driara speak Vorya offers, "Do you think we just look too scary for the Red Mantis to even try?"
That said, he pretends to get involved in the rigging above.
Since Kilarra and Ruel are still 'sleeping' Kilarra intends to use that to her advantage. She slips out of her cot, quietly equips herself and slinks to the ladder that leads up to top deck. She hides nearby, within hearing distance of Driara but out of sight.
Talivar nodded at Driara, "Aye aye Ma'am." . Turning to the others he added,
"You heard the lady, lets get to it!" . Talivar knew he wasn't the best at staying hidden, so he decided to try a little subterfuge instead. He borrowed a large nautical ledger and climbed the forecastle ostensibly to read it with his back turned. In fact however his thoughts where terribly far from that, even if he did remember to turn a page now and then. His mind was racing, raring to go if somebody where to try something...