Eventually, even the most doughty of you feels tired and heads to bed.
The next morning greets you with a sky filled with skudding grey clouds and white crested waves as a steady wind blows into the bay from the Northwest. The weather doesn't presage a dousing yet, but it does look forbidding.
You eat and pack your gear quickly. The townsfolk see you off with many thanks and promises of great hospitality whenever you return. Your group extricates itself quickly and heads to down to the strand where the sleek dark wooden form of the Mako awaits, bobbing in the surf.
Vaelos screes loudly as he flies overhead, anxious to be on his way. Straehan and Ushari leap into the vessel, quickly store the gear, and make ready to set sail as Jayse and Jofram shove the vessel deeply into the water before clambering aboard.
With the loss of Fin, there was some concern about having only one trained sailor aboard. Fortunately, it seems that Straehan is a quick study and all his hours of watching Ushari and Fin have paid off. He looks almost comfortable manning the conn.
S's Sailing
It is pleasant to be on the water and, if we're being honest, away from townsfolk in need of rescue. But the chop of the sea and the persistent headwind forces the Mako to tack frequently to make any headway. Your progress is slow and the water is choppy and cold. Vaelos and Skitter hunker down on the gun'ls brooding under the slate sky.
By nightfall, you haven't quite made it around the horn and are still heading westward, though the hills are beginning to meld into dunes. With the fierce wind and choppy water, you decide to seek shelter and head in to shore. If not to get on dry land, at the least, you can find calmer waters in which to drop anchor. You discover a rocky and well concealed cove in which to hide the Mako. Running afoul of the Reavers seems like a poor idea based on what you've seen of the common pirates around here.
Concealment:
Ushari stands at the tiller of the Mako and once the anchor has been dropped gazes towards the shoreline. Her gaze is intense as if she is trying to divine whether it would be safe to disembark.
She sighs, recalling one night where the Mako had anchored on another beach, with near disastrous consequences. She turns to Jofram, "Jofram, what say you and Jayse head ashore and see if there are any signs of tracks. If the beach is deserted, then I say we rest ashore."
Jofram is glad to discover that he does not suffer from seasickness. At Ushari's suggestion, he searches the beach for signs of traffic.
Jofram leaps from the boat in the shallow surf and strides onto shore. A brief check of the area shows signs of many different animals and seabirds but nothing overtly dangerous.
Jayse watches the half-elf jump onto the beach as he ties off a few lines. His hands moved with a new deftness; Fin and Ushari had been good teachers.
Without looking back at Ushari and Straehan, he asks, "So we're crashing on the beach tonight? Well… maybe 'crash' was the wrong word. And should one of us share the watch with our new friend? Not trying to be paranoid, but it just seems like we get hit by unexpected events a lot."
The night passes uneventfully on the quiet strand. In the morning our heroes gather driftwood, edible seaweed, and a large collection of razor clams. Over the modest fire, the clams are cooked in their shells and eaten with some seaweed and rations. As breakfasts go, it is quite pleasant.
Soon enough, you throw sand on the fire, pack up, and pilot the Mako out into the sea. The Northwest wind still beats against your sail forcing you to tack in the growing swell. The sky is a uniform slate color but no obvious storm is on the horizon.
You sail West until noon passing into the open ocean briefly as you see land's end and the coastline doubles back on itself to sweep almost directly northward. The hills on the shore give way to persistent sand dunes and endless beaches. Red-billed gulls screech and dive briefly at your boat - first in curiosity and then in alarm at the massive eagle sitting haughtily on the gunn'l.
Danger Level:
Hour:
Watch Jayse - HR 21-23
Watch Strae - HR 24-02
Watch Jofram - HR 03-05
Watch Ushari - HR 06-08
ALL UP - HR 09-20
U's Sailing:
S's Sailing
The next three days pass uneventfully. Rounding the horn, you sail along the coast heading East with the wind somewhat on your flank. Your progress is swift until the coastline turns Northeast and you again are heading into the wind.
Each night, you harbor near or on the shore. As the terrain opens up to dunes and sandy beaches, hidden shelters are harder to find. Each night you step the mast and hang the sandy colored canvas tarp to break up the Mako's silhouette.
Danger Level:
Hour:
Watch Jayse - HR 21-23
Watch Strae - HR 24-02
Watch Jofram - HR 03-05
Watch Ushari - HR 06-08
ALL UP - HR 09-20
Danger Level:
Hour:
Watch Jayse - HR 21-23
Watch Strae - HR 24-02
Watch Jofram - HR 03-05
Watch Ushari - HR 06-08
ALL UP - HR 09-20
Danger Level:
Hour:
Watch Jayse - HR 21-23
Watch Strae - HR 24-02
Watch Jofram - HR 03-05
Watch Ushari - HR 06-08
ALL UP - HR 09-20
On the third day, the dunes rise higher and begin to encroach on the shore as modest carpets of plants cling to the sandy hills. Towards evening of the fourth day of your journey, the dunes meet the shoreline, buttressed by slabs of rock. As you look for a spot to berth for the night, Jayse calls your attention to a deeper waterway that winds between the hillocks of sand and stone. As you slide slowly past, you catch sight of a dock concealed deep in the gorge and what appears to be a small village nestled among the hills.
Jayse points at the small dock and village, "Might be a good place to get our bearings before we try for Orfallen. Maybe a bed for a change, and possibly get some word of any going-ons that await us in Orfallena s well."
Ushari nods in reply, "Good idea, Jayse. Although I would not expect the Reavers to strike this close to Orfallen, it would be good to confirm that, right?
"I wasn't really talking about the reavers, though I guess it's worth asking about them. I just meant knowing what kind of environment we're stepping into in Orfallen might be advantageous to us. 'Know the battlefield, as they say."
Ushari sighs, I have the feeling no matter where we go, it will be a battlefield.
"Yes, we should check it out." She nods decisively, as she prepares the Mako for approaching the dock. As she looks across the water at the village, she turns to Straehan. "We should signal our intentions before approaching, I think."
"Why are you looking at me when you say that? Moreover, I'm not sure how to 'signal' my intent to get in and out of this town in one piece."
Ushari grins, "Gee, Strae, I would think you would not need to signal your intentions, as it is naturally assumed!"
She laughs and then calls on her sailors knowledge to help here.
Jayse barks out a laugh as he pulls up some canvas,"I think she wants you to shoot some of your impressive fireworks into the sky. That'll get their attention."
Our heroes bring the Mako around, her sail fills with the tail wind, and she heads into the concealed strait. Straehan begins stepping the sails to curb their speed. Ushari is about to call out to the fellow watching them from the dock when the realities of piloting the waterway take precedence. Sitting at the bow, Jayse sees sandbars and created reefs springing up in their way. He yells to Ushari "Hard to PORT! NOW! NOW! NOW!"
Ushari wrenches the tiller over and the sprightly Mako dances to the side. She nearly capsizes as the wind catches her half-stepped sail fully abeam. Vaelos goes shrieking into the sky agitated by the wildly rocking boat. Jofram leaps to the far gunn'l attempting to counter-balance the leaning boat, while Straehan and Jayse tackle the rigging and shout directions to Ushari at the conn.
Ushari whips the tiller back and forth navigating through a series of blocks designed to tear the hull out of any boat coming straight in. In fact, between the reefs and rising sandbars, it seems clear that the passage was designed to stop anything but nimble, shallow-drafted vessels. Thankfully, the Mako is both.
The sound of coral scraping along the hull elicits winces from our heroes. You wait for a sound of rent timber and rushing water... which thankfully doesn't come.
Past the maze of reefs, Ushari rights your course as you move between two close hillocks. Your sharp eyes see a heavy spiked chain running into the water from a winch. As look over the side of the boat, you can see the chain rests a feet underwater and stretches across the narrow gap. Evidently, the brutal chain can be winched above the waterline to stop ships from entering or leaving the small bay.
As you fully enter the secluded bay, you realise your intentions may not be much of a concern. Watching over the bay, concealed by the hillocks, are two sets of armed and manned ballistae. The vicious machines follow your progress towards the dock where an unkempt and vaguely disreputable looking fellow awaits your arrival.
You survey the dock and 'town' during your approach. Bobbing against the dock or anchored offshore are about a dozen small boats. All of them look well-used and seaworthy but a couple appear beaten. If there is a commonality among their diverse styles, it is that all of them are painted in muted colors. If you didn't know better, you'd think they were funeral barges. The Mako is, by far, the best looking boat in the bay.
The town itself is a strange affair. It is mostly comprised of large shacks that aspire to be more. They are made of driftwood and salvaged boat hulls. On the far end of the beach is a full galley, upside down, with a doorway cut in the side. Light and music pour from it. Its keel greets the sky. Someone mounted a weather-vane on it. All of the buildings are squat and nestled among the hills. Not one of them rises above the hilltops. There are only three buildings in town that look like actual houses. Two are well constructed but unpainted. The third, and prettiest, is almost Victorian in style, with steep roofs, curlicue moldings, fresh paint, large windows, a wrap-around porch, a garden, and the whole affair is surrounded by a white picket fence. It sits near the 'center' of the town.
U's Sailing:
S's Sailing AA:
You near the dock and the man signals where you should tie up. He doesn't look any more reputable up close and his hand rests lightly on the cutlass hilt that hangs off the rear of his belt. He eyes you all and the Mako carefully, almost trying to smell trouble.
"Most folks don't come in here the first time without a guide. It costs a bit - but less than repairing your hull would... What's your business here, strangers?"
Jayse finally relaxes a bit after the quick maneuvering, straightening a bit from where he had been using his body as a rope anchor since he wasn't quick enough to get it tied down legitimately. He ties off the line, then rolls his shoulders as he stands, looking at the man that awaits them. Jayse's skin is slightly reddened from head to waist-line, the ocean's sun has left an obvious mark on his usually pale skin. His intricate tattooing stands out in stark contrast on his naked skin.
He grins his winningest to the man and waves, trying to hide his distrust, "Just looking for a place to lay up for the night. On our way to Orfallen when we saw your little cove here." He barks a laugh with a friendly grin, "Can't say that we foresaw all the sandbars and what-not. What is this place?"
Jofram lets out a sharp whistle, calling Vaelos back. Tossing the aft line onto the dock, Jofram disembarks and secures the thick rope on the doc.
Ushari lags behind, trying not to draw extra attention to herself. Being a female, and the captain would certainly be enough to do that. As she finishes docking and stowing the gear, she takes the opportunity to look across the town trying to determine the use for all of the boats, also checking for any unusual items out of the ordinary.
The man seems to find Jayse's answer acceptable.
"This here is Shiv. We're a uh... 'independent community', ya might say. We don't pay much attention to Orfallen's rules and our visitors don't seem to neither. There's some salty folks in town whose business is... 'trade', if you unnerstand me. Everyone is welcome here so long as they don't cause trouble. If you're looking for a place to stay," he points at the upturned galley at the far end of the beach, "That'd be the place - if you have the coin."
He eyes the Mako again, "You are free to drop anchor in the bay - no charge. Or you can berth here for the night - that'll cost you a silver. OR, seeing that handsome boat, you can berth here and I'll make sure nothing happens to her - for a gold."
Ushari stares hard at the man, trying to determine whether his offer for the berthing privileges is sincere or if he was hiding something underneath his tone.
Ushari senses no overt lie in what he's saying or any feeling that he is scamming them. How much danger the Mako will be in if they go with either the silver or free rate is a matter of debate.
Vaelos swoops in and settles on Jofram's gauntlet with a sharp scree of retort at the indignity of being upset by the rocking boat.
Ushari pulls the others aside for a private conference. "Hmmm...this guy is certainly trying to gouge us but I still think we should take the offer. They already know we have money to spend, and leaving the Mako out in the bay unattended does not seem wise either."
She pauses, waiting for a reply.
Straehan's nods. "Gouge or not - it's just a few coins and I'd rather stay on the good side of the locals and not come back to an empty boat or an empty slip tomorrow morning. Besides, a few coins may loosen his tongue some. Cash we have, information is what we lack."
The gnome turns a charming front to the dock-master. "Would some answers come with guarding our boat for that gold piece?"
The fellow rubs his chin, considering the money. "Some words are like to fall outta my mouth when my mood is fair and my pouch jingles. Do we have a deal, then? If so, I'll be seeing the color of your coin now."
Straehan digs a gold coin from his pouch and hands it over.
"It'd be nice to have the name of the guy watching our girl here. And what do you here in Shiv?" Jayse takes this time to throw his shirt and coat on, checking the small throwing blades hidden in his sleeves and pockets.
"Most folks call me 'Barnyard' or 'Barnyard Bill'. Billu is my name. Around here, I run the dock and do a bit of boat repair when there's work."
Ushari speaks softly, almost afraid to draw attention to herself. "Is there anything you would recommend us to watch out for?"
Jayse hops down off the small ship, still grinning as he approaches Barnyard Bill. He continues to give his most clueless smile. "So, what do you like to be called? My name's Jayse, and I find myself looking' to have a bit of fun now that we're finally on dry land. Floating around is fun and all, but a guy gets an itch for some excitement, no? So what do you do when you're not fixin' boats or running security at the dock? And where should I go for that same fun?"
"Well, there's a few things you should know, I guess. This is a rough and tumble crowd. You wanna mix things up with your fists a little bit - OK. Nobody is gonna have a problem with that. You start drawing down on another visitor with a weapon and you're likely to get hurt from all sides. We don't tolerate bloodbaths or anyone getting beat to death. Carving up a local will get you dead right quick." He casts a glance at the Victorian house, "Right quick."
"Probably don't need to be stated since you got a woman on yer crew, but we're short of women here... so abusing the ones we got ain't allowed. They call the tune, even the whores."
He casts an eye at the inlet. "The chain comes up at night and stays that way til dawn. No one goes in or out without special permission. Best if you don't decide to test that with a midnight sail. If you hear the bell sound, we got troubles. You can come running to help, run away, or hide. Choice is yours."
"While we try to keep things above board here, honor among thieves and all that, best to keep an eye on your pouch. Some folks have a hard time resisting the urge to practice their skills."
"Finally, no lighting fires on the hilltops. We try to keep ourselves unnoticed to avoid... problems. You start doing anything that looks like a signal from those hills and everyone is going to assume you ain't a friend and come for ya. Had a crazy fellow decide to suicide that way a few years back. It wasn't good."
Barnyard smiles, "Bill suits me fine, Jayse. There ain't much action in town but what there is, is at the Near-Sighted Slattern." He again indicates the inverted galley down the beach. "That's our Inn, Brothel, Tavern, and Gambling Hall all in one. If you're looking for rougher and cheaper company, you can find it around - but I'd suggest going there. The folks that manage the place are alright. They run their business square - the drinks aren't too watered down and the girls are clean. Giving a little extra early on will get you better service in more ways than one. I don't know how you are fixed for cash but I'd suggest you get a private room, or rooms, if you can. They're quieter. Ask for Salli and mention me... she'll set you up." He gives Jayse a fraternal wink. "Welcome to Shiv."
Jayse looks around as the man gives them his insights into Shiv, then looks at the completely out-of-place house with the white picket fence. "So who lives there?"
Billu unconsciously pitches his voice a little lower. "That's Ursuul's place. He's a good fellow but most folks give him a wide berth. He commands the dead."
Ushari had been watching the exchange between Jayse and Billu quietly, but when the mention of Ursuul reaches her ears, her eyes are drawn to the exchange.
Trying to keep her voice neutral, she asks "The dead? Really? Have you seen him do that?"
Jayse looks skeptical, "Commands them to do what?"
He glances back at Jofram and Straehan, "You fellas hear that? Bill here says the guy in that house commands the dead, but he says the guy's a nice guy. I thought only dark types with evil plans did that sort of thing."
Trying to keep her voice neutral, she asks "The dead? Really? Have you seen him do that?"
Billu gives Ushari an odd look before it dawns on him again that you're new here. He smiles and hitches a friendly thumb toward the street. A tall skeleton in a waistcoat, cravat, and silk hat walks down the street clearly on an errand of some sort. It navigates past locals who either pay it no mind or nod politely, as they would to their neighbors.
"Yeah, I've seen him do it... now, so have you." His grin is broad.
Jayse looks skeptical, "Commands them to do what?"
Billu shrugs, "Whatever needs doing - hard labor, defense, whatever. We got raided by Reavers last year. They took care of it. Killed all the ones that hiked into town and then swarmed and sank their boat. Damndest thing I ever saw."
He glances back at Jofram and Straehan, "You fellas hear that? Bill here says the guy in that house commands the dead, but he says the guy's a nice guy. I thought only dark types with evil plans did that sort of thing."
Billu's tone gains an edge of concern. "Best be careful with those kind of words, Jayse. He's a patron to this town and helped it survive. I can't speak about evil or no, but he's never harmed any of us. If you folks can't get your head around that, maybe it'd be best if you sail on." He hesitantly offers the gold coin back.
Billu's tone gains an edge of concern. "Best be careful with those kind of words, Jayse. He's a patron to this town and helped it survive. I can't speak about evil or no, but he's never harmed any of us. If you folks can't get your head around that, maybe it'd be best if you sail on." He hesitantly offers the gold coin back.
Ushari places a hand on Jayse’s shoulder and gives Billu a smile, ”That’s what you get when you get all your information from stuffy priests!” She squeezes his shoulder making sure he does not interrupt her, ”I am sure anyone who can take on the Reavers and send them back to the depths of Hell is an all right guy, in my book!”