The tengu nods at her thank you then says, "It is...it is very different. Very cramped and everyone is right on top of each other. But...I am...interested, you have crew from several faiths on board ship and yet it seems to work. That in itself is very different."
Different from Schenchu Bay fer sure. But there be other places not just on ships where different folks get along better than other places. Absalom fer example. Now that be a place where Abadar's presence be felt strongly. Queshem says making a sign of devotion to Abadar at Xiakon's makeshift shrine. She turns back to the cleric. I be an inquisitor though and that why I be in the lawless Shackles. Ye were in a lawful place on the other hand and were forced to come with me. Tell me true Xiakon, what happened there that led to you being whipped and why the followers of the God of Ditches and Walls would be so glad to see the back of ye even though ye have his favour?
The tengu has a strange mix of attempted deception as well as earnest forthrightness.
"Why I was whipped..I told you that. I disagreed with on the slavery question as well as being disrespectful to my elders...on theological issues...." He pauses, obviously hiding something he doesn't want to hide.
"I can't say more then that right now. Have I not be a faithful part of your crew?" He spreads his feathered hands wide.
That be true but... Queshem tilts her head to give Xiakon a fortright stare Most everybody on the ship can tell that ye be hiding something that bothers ye and that puts 'em off. It'll make ye feel better to not keep it in anymore I figger and make ye better at ministirin' to the crew. So, I won't force ye, but it would be good if ye let it out to me sooner rather than later, yeh?
Xaikon slowly nods, "I understand Captain. "
A pause then, "What are our next plans? Do we return to Schenchu Bay?"
Hah, no. I will be needing yer counsel a bit on what I'm going to do next actually. Come on up, let us see what news Magner has fer us from his journey.
Xaikon nods and follows Queshem carefully, up the main deck. The Deadly Bolt is already tying up in the next berth, the sailors scurrying all over her, making her fast. She looked good, and well-kept.
On her deck she spots Magner and Parcell, the former deep in talk with a dark, shadowy figure she doesn't recognize.
Queshem sends across a hail Magner, Parcell, good to see ye two. How did yer expedition go?
Both wave back, the stranger taking a step back. It is hard to hear over the distance and the two bobbing ships but Magner shouts, 'We got a good deal for you! The funds are below and perhaps a future ally...' he waves vaguely to the man behind him. "Permission to come aboard?"
Permission granted. Come to the cabin. We'll talk.
Everyone squeezes into the cabin, pushing past the small writing desk and trying not to mess with the maps and charts on the wall.
Draflo takes her accustomed place right next to Queshem, within whispering reach. Polos stays near the door, leaning against it, at ease. Xiakon finds a place in a distant corner, obviously looking more to observe then speak, nervous.
Parcell seems, oddly, looking to put distance between himself and Magner and finds a place near Tound (the portly man taking up more then his fair share).
Last, but not least is Magner and the stranger, directly across from Queshem. Magner is is usual tanned self, hard to read and quiet. the stranger, it is revealed is a male halfling, wearing well-worn oiled leather and is obviously used to being at sea. He has dark hair, a a fringe of black beard and two roving eyes. He nods to Queshem saying, 'Greetings, Captain Queshem. Your Mate here has told me much."
Ye have the advantage of me then. Queshem says holding her hand out. From Beachcomber?
The halfling, eyes her outstretched hand, unable to reach over the table to get it. After a moment, he walks around the table and grasps it, and Queshem can tell it is the hand of a frequent seagoing man, with a deep tan and calluses.
'Aye, you can call me Gnarea." His voice is low and soft, and carries well despite the crowded nature of the room. "Your man here is impressive and represents you well." he nods to Magner.
Queshem nods sizing Gnarea up
First things first though, no problems with selling the ship and the ram?
Queshem can detect little from the man except he has a strong personality. one that she doesn't think will bend easily.
Queshem, up close and shaking his hand, sees a tiny holy symbol peeks from beneath his oiled sea coat. It is a tiny, one-eyed mask, the symbol of Norgerber.
The halfling steps back and clears his throat. 'That matters has been settled. I believe we gave a fair price that should fill your stores..."
Queshem sees Parcell nod.
Gnarea goes on, "I'm more interested in your bigger plans, Captain. I hear you are here to finally rid the Shackles of the scourge of slavery and piracy?" he sounds eager, nearly quivering with excitement.
That do be true and that do be our aim. Are ye an ally on this? Queshem says carefully.
The man nods firmly, 'I have spent many years ridding the sea of their scum. We have several small ships in Beachcomber, and are a force to be reckoned with in our local waters. The slavers to the north fear us and it is why they nickname Bag Island the 'halfling coast'. Any we capture....do not slave again." Gnarea's dark eyes flash, "We could do great things together."
He waves a short hand to Magner, 'Your Mate tells me you are very devout and this is good. The Shackles need better gods then Besmara."
Well there be Besmarans aboard and she'll always be around in the Shackles so maybe be more diplomatic about that Queshem says with a smile. So ye are a sailor and a slave breaker? Or do ye have other skills as well? And not Besmaran?
A flash of darkness spreads over the face and he glances at Parcell and mutters, "I know of this, recruiting pirates into your ranks. Unwise if you ask me.." he coughs and goes on, "Providing we can stop that behavior, I can offer you support and allies for your mission."
At her talk he shakes his head, 'No, not Besmaran. That is a faith that only lets the strong take from the weak. More of a guidline then an actual rule."
Parcell tenses at this but says nothing.
'The Shackles would be better off if the the Black Lady had never come here...." Then the halfling stops, wondering if he has gone too far.
Well this be mighty interestin' Queshem says before asking What kind o' support and allies would these be, exactly?
The halfling nods, "Myself and my ship for one, and the anchorage of Beachcomber. Full access to our stores and supplies. Not to mention, information from our network in nearby island including Nalt's Island, Kepre Dua, Quent, and others. With your addition, we'd be a force to be reckoned with in these waters and even the Pirate Lords would have to listen to us."
And who are ye? Queshem asks.
And what force is this that ye be asking us to join up with? Ye seem to have quite a spy network set up and control of Beachcomber.
The halfling looks at her and takes a long moment..."A force of concerned residents of Bag Island who are unhappy with the current state of affairs and are looking for a change. You appeared to be a gift from the Gods, was I right? Your Mate here seemed to indicated you'd jump at the chance for allies."
Magner nods once.
That do be true. Reliable allies do be exactly what we need. I do have a question about Bag Island now that ye bring it up. I been having a right devil of a time trying to get to meet Jolis Raffles. Do ye have any idea why? Everytime I do his servants seem to keep me from doing so. What does Beachcomber think of Raffles anyhow?
Gnarea leans back, considering this, "Once upon a time Raffles was exactly what we needed. A strong man who knew the dangers of slavery and piracy. He was willing to take the fight to them, and it was a good time. "
"But of late he has gone soft, far as I can tell. Less raids, more political dealings, I have even heard they are selling captives back into slavery if they do not wish to join his navy." The halfling is obviously enraged at this, "I do not know how much of this is Raffles or his lackeys, but Beachcomber is its own place and while he respect who he was, we care little for what he is."
Interesting. That would explain some things. I suppose we came here hopin' to meet the Raffles that was, rather than that Raffles what is... Now Gnarea, I hope ye don't mind but I'll have to discuss this over with me crew. No discourtesy meant but some privacy?
The small man doesn't move but leans forward a bit saying, "I eagerly await to see if you are the leader I hope you are, and not just another political animal, willing to compromise for power."
Without saying anything else he leaves the cabin, pushing past Polos a bit roughly.
'Well, that was certainly something." Draflo mutters.
It certainly is Queshem says. Polos, Tound, Parcell, could ye three make sure that our new friend is comfortable on deck?
Once the three others have stepped out Queshem drums her fingers on her table Good work on the ship sale Magner, but I do be surprised by ye. I didn't think ye'd be so willing to ally with a follower of The King o' Thieves
Polos gives Queshem a long look but then nods, and he Parcell and Tound leave.
Xaikon actually gasps and Draflo blanches a bit at the news. Magner looks stolid however and says, 'Did you not ally us with Tian sailors and let pirates join our very crew? What room do you have to judge me on finding willing allies who wish to fight pirates and slavers? Or should I perhaps have went off into the jungle after treasure?" His tone is full and strong, obviously this is something he has wanted to say for a long time.
Queshem grins I ain't judging ye on the move... yet Magner she says Just said I was surprised by it is all. Good to know that ye know what he be though. If the Master of the Vault hadn't graced me with quickness of sight just now I wouldn't have known what Gnarea was meself. Draflo, do ye know if Beachcomber be known for this sort o' stuff? Anything ye know about halfling followers of The Gray Master that I may not?
Draflo begins to shrug but, to her surprise, Xaikon speaks up from his corner.
"The Norgerber temple in Beachomber is an open secret in this part of the Shackles. They are bloody warriors, who are said to ritualistically sacrifice the slavers they catch."
A pause then the tengu blurts out, "You can't honestly think of working with servants of Blackfingers?!"
Well I be already working with Besmarans... Queshem says with a sigh And Abadar don't approve of her either. Queshem steeples her hands for a moment. Xiakon, I be a devoted servant of Abadar, as be Magner and Tound and most of our crew. What is yer honest opinion of both Besmara and Norgerber?
The tengu looks puzzled for a moment and says, "Besmara is not an evil god. She is...willful, at times and promotes independence at the cost of Order. Her disrespect for the law concerns me sometimes, but I think this crew you have proves it is workable, with good direction."
A long pause then, 'Norgerber...is an evil god. His followers live by deception, be trickery as an ends of itself. Assassination, murder, anything to achieve their own ends of power. Poison is in his portfolio for good reason. How can you work with someone who views trust as a weakness to be leveraged?"
Magner frowns and says, 'Who do you think we should work with, cleric? Paladins of Abadar and that is all? Welcome to the Shackles, I didn't think I had to introduce you."
Xaikon grows quiet.
Whatever else our differences be Queshem says I think we have found common ground on slavery. Now I don't think Norberger himself be having any problem with slavery of the worst sort, but the halflings of Bag Island do and that be our concern. Seeing what a right mess Slipcove is, I think it be obvious to me now that the Beachcombers, with the help of the cult of the Reaper of Reputation, be the only thing standing between this pleasant island and full domination by slaving Rakashas. Queshem nods Ye did well Magner. I'll do some more digging and then we'll have a chat with Gnarea.
She pauses and drums her hands on her table Now a update from our side. The treasure hunting were a success Queshem digs out a pebble from the sack and flicks it to Magner Give it back after yer done cause this sack can fill our holds with supplies in a place like Quent. Now since ye've filled our holds already we can maybe use the surplus to hire some more talented sailors, or make The Deadly Bolt a finer ship, or train up our men with live fire... Abadar be smiling on us on this front praise be.
She sighs Now as fer Bag Island. We'll ally with Beachcomber. We've thrown in our lot with the anti slavers and they be at the forefront of that fight. Unlike Slipcove. Another benefit of our treasure huntin' was that we were able to get an audience with Raffles even though the leadin' family here did everything they could to prevent it, Draflo can back me up on this but Raffles be of sound body but may not be of sound mind 'cause of his advisors. The halfling be having no idea how much his reputation his suffered over the last years. It would be good for us, and good for Beachcomber, and good for Bag Island, and good fer the Shackles at large if we could knock some sense into him. The only way to do that is to remove him from this unfortunate situation. Gnarea might be able to help with that. Ah by the way, we have to leave Slipcove by nightfall as we've been exiled.
Xaikon, usually quiet, speaks up again in his high-pitched, accent Common, "You will regret this..." and goes silent.
Draflo breaks in, 'Xaikon is right. If you think this is best Queshem, I'll follow you. But Norgerber followers use strange and foul magics...we must remain on our guard." She pauses, looks at everyone and then goes on, obviously self-consciously.
'Why are we obsessing over slavery? We are here to bring law and order to the Shackles. Slavery is part of the just law in many lands, including Absalom, in a fashion. Are we not becoming distracted by allying with every anti-slaver group we come across? You can hardly argue Beachcomber is lawful."
I do intend to hold 'em to arm's length Xiakon, fer one thing his hatred of Besmara ain't helpful to us. she then turns her attention to Draflo As for why slavery? 'cause it's a common cause that'll unite more folks in the Shackles than talk of trade security and the rule of contract; not to mention our own crew, Abadarans can go along with it as can Besmarans, and now these Norbergerans too. And Draflo, ye've seen the way slavery be practiced in The Shackles, it be as offensive to Abadar as corruption and thievery. We were never going to be in a situation where we'd have the alliance of both Bag Island and The Rampore Isles and of the two, which one would ye pick? I pick Bag Island and that means I be currying favour with abolitionists. Even then I would not advocate goin' after the slavery of Schenchu Bay though I would advocate laws against the terror I saw in the slave hold heading there. Wouldn't ye? Wouldn't Abadar himself? Now I don't expect ye to be happy about all the moves I make and I don't want ye lot to clam up and not speak up if ye disagee but we are to be a united front to the outside world yeah?
Queshem then moves on to another topic Alright, what do ye lot think of extracting an unwilling Raffles from his house and home? We've been banned from Slipcove already so we don't have much to lose, and if we ally with Beachcomber then we can leave Slipcove to rot under Greenbarrow misrule, but if we can slap some sense into Raffles then we'd get a friendly voice on the Pirate's Council which would be a grand step ahead fer our aims
At her first remark, most silently nod or mutter an assent, with Magner and Xaikon being the two who don't more or say anything.
At her remark about Raffles though everyone jerks upright. "Extracting? You mean kidnapping?" Magner says, confused, "Why? He seems to be a foolish old man who doesn't want to help us."
Xaikon is still silent but is looking at Queshem with a betrayed look on his face.
Draflo looks like she bit into a lemon and adds, "You still wish to do this? To kidnap a lawful ruler of the island?"
Queshem holds up a hand It do be less important now that I know Beachcomber is strong and keeping Bag Island safe but I am very certain that Raffles be addled magically by his gnome servant. If we can get him away from that influence and that fixes his foolishness then Bag Island be even stronger and we get a friend right on the council. If it don't fix it then we just dump him back on the island and call it a lost cause. Abadar don't abide corruption and there be plenty of it on Slipcove at the moment and it all comes from his soft headed rule addled by magic or not. One way or t'other it'd be only a temporary kidnappin'. It be a bending of the rules most surely. But I be an inquisitor not a Paladin. It ain't like I'm going to holding the old man fer ransom. And it serve the cause of rootin' out corruption. Which be an Abadaran tenant
Queshem gets up and places her knuckles on the table. The choice, lady and gents is simple. Either giving up on Slipcove and a vote on the Pirate Council or giving it one last try.
As Queshem states the question baldly, she gets a curious set of stares at her.
Draflo speaks first, 'If you think his rule, for whatever reason is unworthy or illegitimate in anyway....I'm with you."
Magner looks torn on things and then says, "If you do this, we would need to break the power of the Greenbarrow's totally or we would simply be making enemies."
Xaikon remains silent, tense, hunched over in the way of tengu's when stressed.
The Greenbarrows rule on lies. That is certain. As fer their power... they control the wealth of Slipcove, but their political hold on the island comes solely from the memory of what Jolis Raffles was. It all turns on Raffles. He's the reward. If we are to balance with the risk then let me tell ye what I know
Armed with saps and disablin' magic we can keep it non lethal as we go, the aim be to grab Raffles and run, using distraction. Biggest threat as far as I can see be the damn gnome, I picked up some thunderstones and that may be enough to take care of him Abadar willin'. They don't got any real defense from a naval landing or extraction. We'll bring boards to provide total cover from range. If things go sideways then we get out.
Queshem sighs Look I don't like this either. If things had gone as I'd wanted I'd just have had a nice chat with Raffles upon landing and then we'd be on to the next port.
No one looks excited at the prospect but no one else protests. Then Magner speaks, 'Do we bring Gnarea with us? He may have skills helpful for this."
Queshem nods, Perhaps, can ye and Draflo keep him company? send Parcell and Polos in also. Xaikon can you stay? I need to speak with ye as well. Then I'll speak to the Beachcomber.