The First Limps
The pitch-black necrotic storm crackles above as Dane, Praetorius, and Belor flee Gallowspire, the bodies of their fallen compatriots draped over backs or stuffed in overlarge bags of holding.
The only one breathing heavily is Dane, as he's had quite a rough day - pushed off of the Tower by Adivion Adrissant in the very beginning of the fight, he had to watch his friends die at the hand of the forsaken lich while he was powerless to strike back - being too busy climbing the tower again. Still, though, he had gotten his vampiric allies to promise to pay for their resurrection, and he was happy about that.
What nobody was happy at all about was the promise of the huge ravener dragon that they had shaken with the loss of the airship. Another harrowing fight was the last thing that any of the three were looking forward to, honestly.
Emerging from the bottom-most gate on Gallowspire, the trio was, then, treated to quite a sight. The ravener dragon, in pieces scattered across a hundred-foot distance, the infernally blue fires in its eyes just guttering out. Standing atop its head was a large, muscular human man wearing the shining white armor of a Knight of Ozem. His muscles and skin were darkened and shriveled, and the man had several deep rake wounds across his torso and arms from the creature's talons, but his longsword was deep in the ravener's dead, and the ravener was destroyed. The man, however, was too injured and directly after the ravener's collapse and crash into the ground, the man slumped stop his sword, dead from the energy drain. Two more of the man's compatriots were crushed within the remains of the ravener's claws, and two further more were found incinerated or energy drained elsewhere on the large, ravaged battlefield.
The huge, flying ship that the party had seen earlier on their approach to Gallowspire lay on the ground, its hull cracked open and bodies hanging over the edges of the deck and out the portholes. About a half-dozen humans rush around the wreckage site, along with two or so dozen corpses, trying to pick up the pieces of their ship. Directing them in a loud, authoritative voice full of derision and frustration is a very tall humanoid woman, her eyes glittering with an otherworldly light and her skin patterned all over with blue, red, green, yellow tattoos.
Needless to say, the three survivors out of Gallowspire quickly ingratiated themselves with the woman, and bartered with her for their passage out of Virlych. They would help her repair her skip, and pay her a small share of their gold earnings, and in return she would use her ship to carry them out.
The first thing Aiesha did was to take Praetorius to the ship's core, a large metal contraption, spherical, silent and cold when Praetorius saw it first. Using their combined repair magics, they were able to restore some basic function - it began to hum and vibrate, and the energy receptacle opened. Then, focusing all of their electricity magics in the hole, they were able to kick-start the ship. The engine began to crackle, and the remains of the cracked-open ship lifted itself a few feet off of the ground. Meanwhile, crew members were aiding Belor in hoisting the remains of his gyrocopter into the cargo bay of the ship. Once everyone was onboard, with all of the loot they had gathered from the city and the heavy things they needed to carry, Aiesha began to guide the ship back to Caliphas.
The trip was a limping one, and it took nearly a week to get back due to the low speeds that the damaged ship was forced to adopt, and the ship had to maintain a very low altitude, but it was destined to get back, and to be repaired.
A Diviner's Good Fortune:
To say that Sparel was on the run would be a technically incorrect statement. Running, as it turns out, is very little of what one does while one is on the run. Most of it involves lying about one's name and one's hometown to human strangers and sleeping in inns, honestly. And for Sparel (most likely more than other runaways) it means a lot of teleporting.
Always on the lookout for something...interesting ... to do, Sparel ended up spending a little bit of time nearly everywhere that was any good. Over the course of a few months on the road, he impersonated an Osirian noble with a simulacra, was captured by Shackles pirates, rescued by Taldan corsairs, chatted with an erinyes in Egorian, and rained fiery death down on a bandit crew for daring to steal from him. To put it simply, his self-imposed exile started out interestingly.
His magicks, though, never did seem to leave him alone, and the strands of fate reached out to him on one winter evening and whispered to him in his dreams to turn his eye to the sky.
And so he did. Beginning to search for what that mysterious dream could have meant, he scoured Avistan, using his divinatory powers to lead him to his next target. Every time, it seemed a dud. One time, it seemed that his spell was so strongly aligned towards a target. When he arrived, it was no omen of the sky. Merely an overconfident human noblewoman in Nidal.
Sparel's resolve weakened, as false lead after false lead presented itself. Then, one day, on another teleporting-trip, he stumbled across something remarkably close to what he might be looking for - an immense galley-like ship...hovering in the air! Swarms of men climbed all over it, nailing loose planks in, replacing shattered wood, and otherwise repairing the obviously ruined ship. A quad of figures, all imposing and larger-than-life, stand away from the action, directing the efforts of the workers.
One is a tall and muscular man, clad in mithral breastplate and with a pair of huge greatswords crossed on his back. The second, similarly muscular but but more lithe and quick, wearing mithral chain under a thick, obscuring cloak, dozens of daggers rattling in the folds of the clothing. The third, a tall and lithe jann woman, a shortsword at her hip and her skin patterned with multicolored tattoos. The fourth, a somewhat smaller and thinner man, carrying an immense firearm slung across his back, and the bipod for the very same gun held in his hands.
"That's probably it. In my dream it wasn't quite so worse for wear, but such is the nature of dreams.". Sparel thought to himself.
"I don't want to startle anyone, so let's make ourselves seem friendly. I can probably manage that. Perhaps. "
Sparel casts a short spell and takes to the air. He'll place himself a couple hundred yards in the path of the ship. He makes no effort to hide and does is best to make sure the crew can see him. When the ship gets closer Sparel calls out,
"Ahoy! Ahoy! May I speak to the captain please? I'd like to ask permission to come aboard." Sparel flies along side the ship if it keeps moving until he gets permission. He read in a book somewhere that you weren't supposed to board a ship without permission. Superstitious nonsense, but it was the custom.
Sparel merely followed the strands of fate that his divinations brought him to. Really, he had no idea why his teleportation spell brought him to a random grassy field in the middle of nowhere. Trekking around for a few moments gave him his answer, of course - the floating airship. However, a simple look around would tell him that he's actually on the outskirts of a rather large city.
One of the four figures steps towards Sparel, the tattooed janni woman. her shortsword flashing into the air. She shouts, her voice carrying far and easily reaching Sparel's ears. "State your business with us. Now!"
Local
Praetorius recognizes a chance he may never get again and hurls a javelin at the ground before the strange man
Sparel merely followed the strands of fate that his divinations brought him to. Really, he had no idea why his teleportation spell brought him to a random grassy field in the middle of nowhere. Trekking around for a few moments gave him his answer, of course - the floating airship. However, a simple look around would tell him that he's actually on the outskirts of a rather large city.
** spoiler omitted **
One of the four figures steps towards Sparel, the tattooed janni woman. her shortsword flashing into the air. She shouts, her voice carrying far and easily reaching Sparel's ears. "State your business with us. Now!"
Landing gently on the ground and standing well away Sparel casts a cantrip. Sparel's tone is calm and doesn't rise above a normal speaking voice, though it is carried to the Janni woman's ears as if he's standing a few feet away.
Holding his hands up and palms forward in a conciliatory gesture Sparel shows he holds nothing and intends no ill will.
"Calm yourself fair lady. I know you don't know me, but believe it or not I'm here to lend aide. I presume I'm speaking to the captain? My name is Sparel Radtymah. I am a caster of great skill and I believe you and I could be mutually beneficial to one another. As a show of good faith I'll offer two things immediately. First, you're probably wondering how I found. Among other things, I am a diviner. I have some skill in pulling data from the ether. Your ship was difficult to find, but luckily our destines are intertwined in a manner which I've yet to fully understand. Divination is a fickle mistress (Sparel jests) Secondly, if you are feeling threatened by me in any way, I'll permit you to bind me if you wish until we can come to an accord. May I approach, Lady of the ship?"
Praetorius recognizes a chance he may never get again and hurls a javelin at the ground before the strange man
** spoiler omitted **
Not knowing if it's going to hit him or not Sparel throws up a wall of force in an instant. (swift action)
Emergency force sphere
When it lands short Sparel recognizes that the man never intended to hit him.
Assessing the situation Sparel releases the sheild. His voice carried on magic Both the man and the lady (along with whomever else is deemed important enough) hear sparels calm tone near them.
"Please don't to that again. It's not productive for anyone involved. "
It's hard to say for sure, but there's probably a mild threatening undertone to that last statement that wasnt there previously.
Going back to his conversational tone, "Now where were we? ..."
Belor lets loose a chilling laugh at both his comrades action and Sparel's quick and calm response. He stares at Sparel sizing him up before yelling out to him.
"Don't mind him, he is just seeing what your response would be and I believe you have passed. I knew a Diviner once. He was handy until he didn't predict his own death. Come here and perhaps we can discuss your interest in joining our venture."
With that he beckons him closer.
Belor lets loose a chilling laugh at both his comrades action and Sparel's quick and calm response. He stares at Sparel sizing him up before yelling out to him.
"Don't mind him, he is just seeing what your response would be and I believe you have passed. I knew a Diviner once. He was handy until he didn't predict his own death. Come here and perhaps we can discuss your interest in joining our venture."
With that he beckons him closer.
Sparel walks closer, though cautiously. As he walks his voice continues to be carries on magic to the ears of all present.
"That diviner sounds like an idiot. An ill prepared mage is a dead mage. Divination is useful, but no one can know everything."
Mid step Sparel makes a gesture and the spear flies into his hand.
Continuing the walk Sparel tosses the spear gently back to Praetorous giving him a level stare. He then walks before the Janni woman and holds out his hands.
In a normal voice unaided by magic
"Do you wish to bind me or do you at least believe for the moment that I'm here with .. (sparel struggles to find the right word) ... Well, lets just say Honorable intentions."
Regardless of her reaction Sparel continues (either while he's being bound or after she indicates it won't be necessary)
"I'll cut right to the chase. I am looking for my next great adventure and I wish to join your crew. I'm formidable alone, but moreso as part of a group. Your ship looks a bit worse for wear, but I can help you fix it in short order. All I ask during my tenure is my freedom, a healthy respect for my talents, and a fair share of any bounty gathered. Also, if you want me to craft magic items for you i'll need a room to work in. In exchange you'll get the loyalty of a master caster, A healer, and all around problem solver. Not to mention I can facilitate long distance day trips should you need supplies, to go on a raid, or simply wish to take a day trip to a remote deserted island I know of. It's great for sunbathing with a rum served in a coconut. " (The last part, though not kidding was said light hearted.)
"Oh, I almost forgot. You'll actually get two crew members. Myself and an extra planar friend of mine. He's a creature of air with several useful abilities. It seems appropro for a flying ship to have such creatures around. I'll call him once we've reached an accord. Basically if you leave him to his own devices he'll prove useful."
"To that end do we have an accord? If you wish to add anything I'll consider it."
Sense motive rolls indicate he's being honest.
"Approach if you want," says the jann, imperiously, "But try anything and you're dead."
At Sparel's mention of honorable intentions, she bursts out laughing, snorting and belly-laughing for about a minute. She takes a couple of deep breaths, and turns back to him. "None of us will feel the need to bind you to gain your loyalty or safety from you. If you are a danger, you will be killed, and if not, there is no need to restrict you in such a way."
"Magical abilities will always be valued, but it is not my choice whether to allow you on the ship." she continues, turning to Belor and Praetorius, the two heavily armed humans. "These are our co-captains."
"As long as you are willing to do whatever we ask and not betray us you may be a useful companion to us. But how do we know you wont betray us? is there some collateral we could take?"
"Approach if you want," says the jann, imperiously, "But try anything and you're dead."
At Sparel's mention of honorable intentions, she bursts out laughing, snorting and belly-laughing for about a minute. She takes a couple of deep breaths, and turns back to him. "None of us will feel the need to bind you to gain your loyalty or safety from you. If you are a danger, you will be killed, and if not, there is no need to restrict you in such a way."
"Magical abilities will always be valued, but it is not my choice whether to allow you on the ship." she continues, turning to Belor and Praetorius, the two heavily armed humans. "These are our co-captains."
** spoiler omitted **
Religion
"That's a fair bargain. And yes, Honorable isn't quite the right word. I meant my intentions were honorable, though our actions may not be. Piracy and all that I'm guessing."
"Co-Captains? That's a ... well, Unique situation. it's been my experience that captains of ships are not usually willing to share their power, but i suppose I've seen stranger things. "
"As long as you are willing to do whatever we ask and not betray us you may be a useful companion to us. But how do we know you wont betray us? is there some collateral we could take?"
"Respectfully, co-captain, I've been earnest in my expression of desires. If I had intended you harm it would already be upon you and it's unlikely you'd even know it was me. Frankly, i'm at a loss to think of anything tangible to give you that will prove any kind of guarantees. On some level you're just going to have to roll the dice and take your chances. Naturally you'll just have to kill me if I prove to be anything other than what I protest to be. Perhaps that I'm aware that you and him (pointing at Belor) are most likely vampires and that knowledge still doesn't bother me. As a matter of fact I even know a spell that will keep your hunger satiated. Well, more accurately I can turn water or wine into blood that will nourish you. I even have a couple of ideas for items to keep the rays of the sun from killing you."
" Further, The phrase 'whatever you ask' is a bit open ended. You must understand that I have no intention of being your slave or anyone else's. I will be loyal if that's what you mean. In the end it's your co-decision. However, I assure you that once I am an ally I will stay that way unless by your actions you force me to do otherwise. The latter is unlikely as long as you keep to our accord. I'm nothing if not a consummate pragmatist. Treat me fairly and compensate me accordingly and I'll follow you to the edges of the outer realms."
Looking past for a moment at the ship.
"I can't say I know exactly how that works, but if you need rare parts I imagine you'll be able to find them in the City of Brass. It's difficult to reach, but I've been and can show you the way."
"I'm fully aware of the looming threat of death should I betray you. Honor among thieves will only go so far. I'd also like to point our the the reverse holds true as well. I will not be your slave, but I will be your crew member. I ask again, are the terms set forth acceptable and do we have an accord? If you say yes, I guarantee you will not be disapointed."
Praetorius's face droops with boredom as Sparel drones on.
"I will gladly accept a verbal IOU of a trivial favor to be redeemed later"
Praetorius's face perks up as he speaks obviously enjoying whatever mental image he is conjuring
"A slave? No most decisively not. I do not think we could make you a slave if we tried. I think what my comrade means to say is that we are in charge of this ship, bizarre as it is with two captains."
Belor chuckles a little.
"We won't ask anything from you we would not expect from our own selves, merely that you defer to our leadership if you wish to join us. We can offer someone of your talents a fair share of treasure and a room on aboard the ship. Do you accept THESE terms?"
Belor holds out his hand for a handshake.
Praetorius's face droops with boredom as Sparel drones on.
"I will gladly accept a verbal IOU of a trivial favor to be redeemed later"
Praetorius's face perks up as he speaks obviously enjoying whatever mental image he is conjuring
** spoiler omitted **
"That's acceptable, though you could simply have asked once I was a crew member. It would have accomplished the same thing."
"A slave? No most decisively not. I do not think we could make you a slave if we tried. I think what my comrade means to say is that we are in charge of this ship, bizarre as it is with two captains."
Belor chuckles a little.
"We won't ask anything from you we would not expect from our own selves, merely that you defer to our leadership if you wish to join us. We can offer someone of your talents a fair share of treasure and a room on aboard the ship. Do you accept THESE terms?"Belor holds out his hand for a handshake.
"Naturally I'd defer to you. It's your ship and I'm asking to be part of your crew. That's how smaller societies that prey on larger work." Sparel says as though it's the most obvious thing in the world and a bit confused as to why it was even a question.
"I assume that no feeding on myself of my familiar is implied and will be strictly enforced. If you need blood I can provide it, but not from my own veins."
"It would appear that we understand each other and I believe we have an accord. I do accept those terms."
Sparel says with nod and reaches out to shake Belor's hand.
"One moment." Sparel puts his fingers in his mouth and whistles loudly. A halfling sized blue blur comes flying out of some nearby underbrush and lands just behind Sparel. The small blue creature has a disturbingly human face and blue wings. He looks around cautiously and eyes everyone present making sure to keep Sparel between itself and those present. "This is Ringwald. He'll be useful, but moreso if left to his own devices. He's a creature of air, so he's a bit...well, Flighty. Pardon the pun. "
"Now, how would you like to start, Captain? Err, Captains, rather. That's going to take some getting used to. I assume you're going to want to get the ship back together. What do you need to do so? "
The small creature looks around curiously. His form doesn't seem completely substantial.
With the agreement of employment forged between Sparel and the remainder of the crew, the master caster was accepted on-board the Good Intentions. He was thereafter instrumental in the quick repair of the ship, using his formidable transmutation magicks to pull together the hull of the ship and repair the energy conduits in between the engine and the propulsion devices.
The ship was able to move before, but barely a couple of days after Sparel boarded it, the ship was complete and ready to speed off into the distance. The men that the current crew had hired to refurbish the ship were dismissed - there was no crew quite yet.
During the time that the ship was being repaired, Belor and Praetorius, along with Beaufort, boarded the gyrocopter and chopped off back to Renchurch. Together, they very carefully unscrewed the Lazurite Focus from its place in the old chapel and took it onto the gyrocopter, bringing it back to Caliphas to keep with the airship.
A Noblewoman's Secret:
For Lucrecia, life in Nidal was dull. And no, we're not just talking about the colour that everything is - grays and blacks reigned supreme in the country of the Midnight Lord, but so did oppressive boredom.
It was really quite lucky that Lucrecia was wealthy, though. Life wasn't really very nice for the poor of Nidal.
Besides convenience and the questionable motives of the people there, there was an actual reason that Lucrecia made her home in Nidal. The information network provided by living in a big city, being wealthy, being in a trade-heavy port, those opportunities were priceless. Well, sorta. They cost Lucrecia quite a bit, actually, but it was worth it by far.
And so, lounging around her manor home with Lima, it came to be that word of the Good Intentions reached Lucrecia's ears. Imagine it! A galley, flying through the air with all the ease that she herself flies through the air. And crewed by vampires! Their intentions were, as of yet, quite unknown (well, unless they were "Good") but the interest that it stirred within her was impossible to ignore.
At some point during the reconstruction process:
Having just completed the 10 minute casting time the boards previously broken had shunted themselves back together as if they'd never been broken. (make Whole)
"Captain's, I know we're short handed. I have a spell that can replace a great many crew members for a time. Living crew or better, but in a pinch or if you just want to make the lives of the crew slightly easier this spell is quite useful."
He then explains in detail the Unseen Crew spell. He covers the high points and then continues into the extremely complex magical theory behind it. A lot of it makes absolutely no sense, but you get the gist.
"It's merely an option I want you to be aware of. I can make twelve per casting and they'll last for twelve days. If I cast it every day it maxes out at 144, which is excessive, but it demonstrates how many of these things we can have available. Of course as soon as I leave the ship they'll dissipate. "
Noticing yet another piece of the ship that needs to be reconstructed. "Pardon me. This needs my attention and I'll need to concentrate. Consider the invisible crewmen food for thought should you need it. "
"Thank you for the information. We might have to take advantage of that at some point. While the crew works on the ship itself I have matters to attend to in the city. There is the matter of acquiring weapons for this ship, because what respectable ship would go out unarmed. Aside from that I need to get some groceries..."
"Praetorius I believe we have business to attend to with Luvick. We have something which he may be interested in. Sparel you as well are welcome join me. We have much to sell and could use your advice on what to purchase for the ship. Would you care to join me in town?"
When the stagecoach finally arrived, the sun had already set. But only a few minutes earlier. It was deliberate - if some of the more sinister whispers were to be believed, she would be hard pressed to find an audience with the captain otherwise. Still it irked her to have to wait, to endure the bumpy ride. With a sight she stepped outside and peered towards the ship trough the twilight gloom. Another sigh. The cowardly driver had clearly heard those whispers too - he had stopped far away. After her Tris stepped down and lastly Lima with the luggage. Lu turned back at her companions and snapped her fingers, conjuring a sphere of light for each of them. Lima was staring at the ship, looking equally worried and amazed. Tris merely grinned and grabbed her knapsack. In her free hand, she held her rod. Lucrecia had suggested that she should keep it hidden - since it looked (and was) solid enough to bash someones skull in with, in an effort to look less threatening. On the other hand, Lu hadn't bothered to hide more of her collection of weapons then usual. Eh, if zey are stupid enough to mistake us for raiders, I wouldn't want to stick around for long! she thought as she shrugged at set out for the ship. Lima followed closly in her trail, while Tris followed in a leisure pace.
From the ship, the three approaching women are clearly visible. Two appear human, but one is exceptionally tall. As she comes closer, a bit of it can be attributed to her boots, but most appears natural. The last is clearly halfling or child-sized. The shorter of the humans quickly takes the lead, while the halfling keeps up in her wake, despite carrying two large coffers. As she comes within speaking range, the woman stops and calls out at no-one in particular.
"I wish to speak with ze Captain of this vessel!
Her accent hints of Chelaxian decent, something that goes well with her complexion and the cut of her cloth. The tone is commanding, belonging to someone well accustomed to power. A silvery armour protects her torso - and at her belt hangs a variety of weaponry. At her heels, the halfling hides behind her and peers up at the ship, with wonder in her eyes. The tall woman stops a few steps behind and focuses her attention of one of the Unseen crewmembers.
"Thank you for the information. We might have to take advantage of that at some point. While the crew works on the ship itself I have matters to attend to in the city. There is the matter of acquiring weapons for this ship, because what respectable ship would go out unarmed. Aside from that I need to get some groceries..."
"Praetorius I believe we have business to attend to with Luvick. We have something which he may be interested in. Sparel you as well are welcome join me. We have much to sell and could use your advice on what to purchase for the ship. Would you care to join me in town?"
" I find the ship fascinating, but I find repetitive labor tedious. I could use the break. Plus you never know what you might find. "
...Snip..
"I wish to speak with ze Captain of this vessel!
Her accent hints of Chelaxian decent, something that goes well with her complexion and the cut of her cloth. The tone is commanding,...
A small blue creature was flitting about and noticed the group.
Sparel looks up from his work as the creature flies over and tugs on his shirtsleeve. Noticing the group in the distance Sparel sends a magical message to the captains.
"There's a woman here who is looking for 'the captain'. She looks...formidable."
Belor looks on at the three of them with curiosity. An odd bunch to be sure, something not quite right with the tall one, something off. He then whispers to Sparel as she looks around.
"Well now Sparel here is your chance to prove just how useful you are. Predict the future. Is this someone we should be talking to?
He then calls out to the lady beckoning her to come up to him.
"You are speaking to one of the two in charge of this ship. Please tell me what it is I can do for someone such as yourself."
"One of two? How ... peculiar." She looks bemused, and ponders Belor's suggestion for a moment or two. With a barely noticeable shake of her head followed by a more overt nod, she snaps her finger and turns insubstantial. The wispy shape quickly traverses the gap and she turns solid again a few feet away from the vampire.
Noh - It is not what you can do for me, Half-of-Captain. It is what I can do for you." With a sweeping move, she gestures towards the ship and the (Unseen) crew currently working it. "This is a marvellous vessel - but most of the crew is meek, feeble and no good in a fight. And everyzing as beautiful as this is desirable and a cause for conflict. I merely offer you another sword to hold it." She grins widely "I ask only for a cabin and a share of ze spoils... Should opportunity arise!"
Back on the ground, the halfling looks a bit worried about being left behind - her gaze searching for some way aboard the ship (with the coffers). The tall woman merely rolls her eyes at both her companions.
Belor looks on at the three of them with curiosity. An odd bunch to be sure, something not quite right with the tall one, something off. He then whispers to Sparel as she looks around.
"Well now Sparel here is your chance to prove just how useful you are. Predict the future. Is this someone we should be talking to?
Whispering back "It doesn't work that way. Though, wether we should or shouldn't talk to this woman is probably irrelevant. Our only other option would be to open fire and hope for the best. The latter is ill advised. She could be anyone. Also, the repairs alone I've made to the ship in a short amount of time should prove at least part of my worth. "
"One of two? How ... peculiar." She looks bemused, and ponders Belor's suggestion for a moment or two. With a barely noticeable shake of her head followed by a more overt nod, she snaps her finger and turns insubstantial. The wispy shape quickly traverses the gap and she turns solid again a few feet away from the vampire.
Noh - It is not what you can do for me, Half-of-Captain. It is what I can do for you." With a sweeping move, she gestures towards the ship and the (Unseen) crew currently working it. "This is a marvellous vessel - but most of the crew is meek, feeble and no good in a fight. And everyzing as beautiful as this is desirable and a cause for conflict. I merely offer you another sword to hold it." She grins widely "I ask only for a cabin and a share of ze spoils... Should opportunity arise!"
Back on the ground, the halfling looks a bit worried about being left behind - her gaze searching for some way aboard the ship (with the coffers). The tall woman merely rolls her eyes at both her companions.
Standing near the captain Sparel watches the woman warily. When she moves in an unexpected manner Sparel mentally prepares to cast, but realizing it was merely showmanship he lets the spell go harmlessly.
"Ha. Merely a jest Sparel. I feel that there is nothing we could do to stop her from talking to us."
"Well now my lady I have but two questions for you. The first being what is that we may call you and the second being of what use would you be on this ship?"
Praetorius emerges from below deck to look upon the current noisy development
" have you gotten a girlfriend already, OR perhaps she is ... breakfast"
"Ha. Merely a jest Sparel. I feel that there is nothing we could do to stop her from talking to us."
"Well now my lady I have but two questions for you. The first being what is that we may call you and the second being of what use would you be on this ship?"
"Even the otherwise educated can have some strange views of what magic can do. Glad to know you're smarter than that. "
Praetorius emerges from below deck to look upon the current noisy development
" have you gotten a girlfriend already, OR perhaps she is ... breakfast"
"The situation has yet to sufficiently develop to make any determination. "
Lucrecia glances at Sparel when he readies his magic, but her eyes quickly darts back to Belor when it dissipates. Raising an eyebrow she replies with a teasing smile.
"Only two? 'My Lady' would work perfectly fine..." With a quick laugh her expression eases and she continues. "But noh, zat might wear zin soon enough. My name is Lucrecia. You will have to excuse me for not taking your hand, Half-of-ze-Captain ...?" She ends the sentence with an unspoken question, no doubt fishing for a name in return.
"And yes - 'Use'. I am merely assuming this ship plans to be more zen a glorified donkey cart, yes? Stop me if I'm mistaken. Zen you will need people whom knows which end is which on a sword - no matter if you plan exploration of hidden frontiers or other ... 'activities'. I would make zat claim for myself. I would show you - but I doubt I would improve my chances by waving a sword around, noh?" She pauses and glances at the helm. "Besides, if you give me the chance I am sure I could get a hang of steering zis zing. I was born to fly!"
She meets Praetorius comments and appearance with a brief, thin smile and an indignant snort. "Two faulty guesses in one sentence - a bad start perhaps, don't you zink? I assume you are the ozer Half-of-ze-Captain zen?" She pauses again and blinks at Sparel, giving him an evaluating look. So, zis elf lurks here willingly wiz zese two... The wicked glimmer in her eye returns and she continues. "And if you are looking for snacks, go for ze elf. He looks a bit scrawny, but nozing zat a bit of spice can't fix. I'm afraid I had a healzy dinner wiz garlic, so I might not be palatable today. My breath could probably knock you off your feet!"
Despite her warning, she doesn't actually smell noticeably of garlic. Lima, however, took the tales to heart and ate one garlic at each meal, in addition to keeping a pair in her pockets. Anyone, vampire or not, wouldn't really want a kiss from her now.
Lucrecia glances at Sparel when he readies his magic, but her eyes quickly darts back to Belor when it dissipates. Raising an eyebrow she replies with a teasing smile.
"Only two? 'My Lady' would work perfectly fine..." With a quick laugh her expression eases and she continues. "But noh, zat might wear zin soon enough. My name is Lucrecia. You will have to excuse me for not taking your hand, Half-of-ze-Captain ...?" She ends the sentence with an unspoken question, no doubt fishing for a name in return.
"And yes - 'Use'. I am merely assuming this ship plans to be more zen a glorified donkey cart, yes? Stop me if I'm mistaken. Zen you will need people whom knows which end is which on a sword - no matter if you plan exploration of hidden frontiers or other ... 'activities'. I would make zat claim for myself. I would show you - but I doubt I would improve my chances by waving a sword around, noh?" She pauses and glances at the helm. "Besides, if you give me the chance I am sure I could get a hang of steering zis zing. I was born to fly!"
She meets Praetorius comments and appearance with a brief, thin smile and an indignant snort. "Two faulty guesses in one sentence - a bad start perhaps, don't you zink? I assume you are the ozer Half-of-ze-Captain zen?" She pauses again and blinks at Sparel, giving him an evaluating look. So, zis elf lurks here willingly wiz zese two... The wicked glimmer in her eye returns and she continues. "And if you are looking for snacks, go for ze elf. He looks a bit scrawny, but nozing zat a bit of spice can't fix. I'm afraid I had a healzy dinner wiz garlic, so I might not be palatable today. My breath could probably knock you off your feet!"
Despite her warning, she doesn't actually smell noticeably of garlic. Lima, however, took the tales to heart and ate one garlic at each meal, in addition to keeping a pair in her pockets. Anyone, vampire or not, wouldn't really want a kiss from her now.
Sparel chuckles quietly. "I like her."
As for Lima's way onto the ship, there doesn't actually seem to be any way for a person who cannot fly or at least hover to board the ship. There is a a section near the back of the ship that stands open, a glimmering copper gyrocopter sitting within, but because the ship is hovering several feet above the ground, Lima would have to lift the coffers above her head to toss them in.
No, it is most likely she will need to be helped.
In the meantime, a woman (Aiesha) emerges from belowdecks following Praetorius. She is tall, and her eyes sparkle with energy. Blue tattoos ripple over her whole body, and seem to wriggle slowly.
"If anyone's steering this ship," she starts, waving a finger around imperiously, "It's going to have to be me. You're not taking my baby."
Lu flashes a smile at the elf. "So do I!"
When Aiesha emerges, Lu tilts her head to the side and gives her a good look over. Zis is certainly no vampire, noh. How quaint. "Taking babies? Noh, I have some limits. Sometimes ..."
//
Down on the ground, the halfling resigns to her fate and walks back to Tris. The taller woman merely smiles and gestures for them to wait until Lu has finished with her dealings.
"Very well. You seem competent so we will accept you under the same terms that we have accepted Sparel here. As long as you recognize our authority as captains and pull your own weight you will be given a cabin and a fair share of the loot. We however wouldn't ask you to anything we ourselves would not do."
Belor sticks out his hand to seal the agreement.
"Do you agree to these terms?
"It's a good deal. I'm curious though. Will your Servants be coming as well?" Sparel says non-chantly.
"well we might ask you to go outside in the day time but yea what Belor said basically"
"My thanks. I have to say, you seem like the better Half-of-the-Captain." She winks at Belor and takes his hand, with a firm gloved grip. "And don't you worry, I didn't get her on the back of others. I will carry my weight and more ... Speaking of weight, yes they will come. But don't call Tris that or she'll be sully the rest of the week!"
"Ooh, daylight shopping. I can do zat !"
When she notices Lucrecia's handshake, Tris weaves herself a spell allowing her to Fly. With a quick glance down, she repeats the spell once more for Lima. With a dignified look, the tall woman flies up to the deck and lands. She introduces herself with a small bow, but doesn't offer the crew her hand.
"My name is Trisiphione - and I'm with Lu. Delighted to meet you."
Not long after, Lima follows in a less graceful trajectory but with a big grin on her little face. As soon as the halfling lands, she spots the pale vampires and worry becomes the predominant expression. Quickly she scurries up behind Lu, peeking out from behind her. Her eyes soon fix on Sparel - wondering what sort of monster that hides behind the guise of the elf.
When she notices Lucrecia's handshake, Tris weaves herself a spell allowing her to Fly. With a quick glance down, she repeats the spell once more for Lima. With a dignified look, the tall woman flies up to the deck and lands. She introduces herself with a small bow, but doesn't offer the crew her hand.
"My name is Trisiphione - and I'm with Lu. Delighted to meet you."
Not long after, Lima follows in a less graceful trajectory but with a big grin on her little face. As soon as the halfling lands, she spots the pale vampires and worry becomes the predominant expression. Quickly she scurries up behind Lu, peeking out from behind her. Her eyes soon fix on Sparel - wondering what sort of monster that hides behind the guise of the elf.
"Welcome aboard. The crew quarters are that way. (points) The door with the glowing rune (arcane mark) is my cabin and laboratory. I highly recommend you don't go poking around in there. If you choose not to heed this advice at least don't touch anything. Some of the materials can be volatile if handled incorrectly." Not entirely convinced the newcomers fully understand after a brief pause Sparel enunciates slowly as if to a child, "They'll explode if you touch them and you could die."
Seeing a slight look of concern not the captains faces (one or both). "Harmless reagents when handled correctly I assure you. However, if plebeians start mixing and pouring at random I can't be held responsible."
"I zink you underestimate what it takes to kill me, Mister ...?"
Lucrecia smiles and start walking in the direction indicated. Neither Lu or Tris seems overly worried about the prospect of living next to Sparels lab, and as they head towards their quarters the chatter about the things they see - and bricker a bit of whom gets the top bunk.
Lima however fixes Sparel with horrified eyes. Frozen with worry, she doesn't notice the other two of her company leaving before they are almost out of sight, causing her to quickly rush after them, coffers and all. She doesn't slow down until she is back in their reassuring aura and only then glances back at the elf.
"I zink you underestimate what it takes to kill me, Mister ...?"
Lucrecia smiles and start walking in the direction indicated. Neither Lu or Tris seems overly worried about the prospect of living next to Sparels lab, and as they head towards their quarters the chatter about the things they see - and bricker a bit of whom gets the top bunk.
Lima however fixes Sparel with horrified eyes. Frozen with worry, she doesn't notice the other two of her company leaving before they are almost out of sight, causing her to quickly rush after them, coffers and all. She doesn't slow down until she is back in their reassuring aura and only then glances back at the elf.
*Shrug*
"Here's hoping we never find out. "
After a few minutes Lucrecia returns to the deck, having instructed her underling how she wanted the room. Tris was at her side for a while, but seemed more interested in checking out the ship. Lucrecia herself was intent on collecting the names missing. It's no good if I can't even call out zeir name ... She had Belors, but there was others - Second Half-of-the-Captain, the ships 'parent' and the elf. And she had seen some some man with a big gun running around too.
Spotting one of them, she approaches and engages in conversation. "Ah, just whom I was looking for! I never caught your name - and zere can only be so many 'you there!' before zings get awkward." Her accent changes briefly during the ' ' part, pronouncing it in perfect Common.
After a few minutes Lucrecia returns to the deck, having instructed her underling how she wanted the room. Tris was at her side for a while, but seemed more interested in checking out the ship. Lucrecia herself was intent on collecting the names missing. It's no good if I can't even call out zeir name ... She had Belors, but there was others - Second Half-of-the-Captain, the ships 'parent' and the elf. And she had seen some some man with a big gun running around too.
Spotting one of them, she approaches and engages in conversation. "Ah, just whom I was looking for! I never caught your name - and zere can only be so many 'you there!' before zings get awkward." Her accent changes briefly during the ' ' part, pronouncing it in perfect Common.
Sparel had gone back to inspecting the ship and making repairs as needed. The invisible deckhands moving around coiling rope, placing things in the correct place, swabbing the deck, and generally getting the ship ready to sail. A blue blur flits among them high and low not causing trouble, but generally messing with them to amuse himself. He'll move something and watch them fix it then flit off to the next one when he gets bored, stuff like that.
Looking over as the newcomer approaches Sparel nods hello. "I am Sparel Radymah. I don't believe we were properly intrude..."
Sparel cuts off mid sentence. Looking past Lu Sparel notices something out of the corner of his eye. He points his finger in a slight swatting motion. A dozen or so feet away the blue creature makes a slight surprised noise and turns to make eye contact with Sparel. The invisible servant near the creature continues to strategically placing gunpowder (or something equally dangerous). Sparel says nothing, but he gives the blue creature a level stare and shakes his finger in a "no" motion. The creature flits off to do something else. The entire exchange takes about 10 seconds.
Looking back to Lu, Sparel continues "...Introduced. I'm the ships resident spell caster if you hadn't picked up on that already. Pardon my boldness, but I'm the direct type when it comes to knowing people. You're a bit of a mystery though, aren't you? You're clearly good with a sword and have a bit of magic about you, but I can't quite put my finger on what exactly is different. If I may be so bold you seem *brief pause* like there may be more. You've got a regal bearing about you. Perhaps you're a noble of some kind? Running from a crown you never wanted or something along those lines?"