Queshem and Draflo walk back tot he ship, taking their time and enjoying the day. The streets are busy with people and they even linger over a few juggling street performers and an old sailor telling tales of his trading days in the Mwangi Expanse. Although Queshem feels most of it is lies, the graybeard tells the stories well.
Down at the ship Queshem finds a traffic jam around her vessel. There are a few rather seedy looking handcarts from "Coopers and Son's, filled with bags and casks, presumably the supplies send by Crowther. An evil-eyed old man is arguing loudly with Parcell, pointing and cursing. The old pirate seems to be getting grumpy about something.
Meanwhile another cart has arrived, carrying yet more bags, although this one is unmarked and well-guarded. They all have the look of adventueres about them and Queshem guesses this is Starra's delivery.
The two caravans are inter-mixed and tensions are rising under the tropical sun. To cap it all off, Queshem's own crew are arriving and adding to the bottleneck.
Dralfo looks worried and says unnecessarily, "This isn't good. We don't want a general brawl to break out."
Can't take a moment off Abadar preserve me Queshem mutters before striding into the midst of it all. First she corrals someone from the newer cart Are ye from Starra? she asks quietly. If she gets an affirmative then she continues I'll get this sorted right quick. Just keep guard of whatever she's sent.
Then she raises her voice to address her own men. Hoi Sailors. Look Alive an' move back, ye'll need to be moving some supplies into the ship soon I reckon. Then she talks to Parcell and the old pirate. What be the problem here? I be the captain of this vessel and I'll no have chaos in front of her.
As Queshem approaches the carts from Starra, she sees a slender figure jump out of the back and face her. A colorful wool hood falls away and Queshem is faced with a smiling female face, with skin nearly as dark as her own. The inquistor is instantly arrested by her eyes which are a soft, glowing blue, faintly pulsing. Looking closer at the delicate frame, Queshem guesses she is teifling.
She holds out a hand, still smiling and says in a breathless voice, 'Oh, you must be Queshem! Yes, we are from Starra. My name is Thasha." When Queshem notes the crowd the woman nods, "Of course, of course! Sort things out, we'll wait."
Queshem notes, when she shakes the woman's hand, the skin is ice cold to the touch.
Turning to the crowd, she finds Parcell. The old pirate grumbles, "This man is trying to bring all this stuff aboard without us inspecting it."
The carter bursts in, 'I'm a busy man and I'm not going to let a bunch of dirty sailors paw through the goods and steal half of it. My orders are to take this on board this ship, and I will." An older man, he lifts a heavy oak club from his cart seat and waves it threateningly.
Her own crew is still pressing in, confusion reigning. Making things worse, the new gnome carpenter, Pokimbell is trying create and elaborate block and tackle pulley system to load the boat which seems to be confusing everyone and threatening everyone with a giant iron hook flailing about.
Queshem puts two fingers in her mouth and gives a *loud* whistle to bring attention to herself. It's also a signal for Key to come to Queshem.. which she hopes will happen for some added focus on her.
Grumbling to herself at Key's sudden bout of disobedience she nevertheless soldiers on.
I be the Captain of these sailors and o'COURSE they're dirty. What'dye expect hard working men and women to look like eh? Now Draflo here will write ye a receipt for the delivery to take back to Coopers and Sons signed by me own hand and that'll be good. If need be I'll come down to the place meself later but I trust that will NO be necessary. Now if ye'll be so good to move out of the way sos I can make my dirty sailors even more dirty? Thank ye fer bringing the stuff so fast, truth be told we weren't expecting it till later!
Then she raises her voice to address her own people. Oi, ye lot move to the side to let the Coopers and Sons carters through. Then get ready to start organizing the barrels and crates so we can take 'em aboard all neat and proper. Look alive ye lot! Oi and Pokimbell. Swing that hook OVER THE SEA until ye figger it out yeah? Rather have it clip a gull than one of us!.
While Key doesn't listen to her, everyone else does. The carters grudgingly agree to Draflo's hastily written up receipt of delivery and leave the barrels and crates, mostly of food, on the dockside. Once they muscle out the carts, the press eases greatly and things get less hectic since a giant metal hook isn't ready to impale someone.
On her orders, they start carrying the boxes of everything from cured meat to pickles on board ship. Queshem can tell at a glance that, for his other faults, Crowther (or his steward) knows how to stock a ship. This will keep her crew in feed for quite awhile.
Starra's delivery stays off tot he side, out of everyone's way but the teifling woman watches everything with a wide smile.
Warl, that could have gone worse Queshem grins, relieved that things hadn't descended to chaos. Draflo, can ye go get Xiakon and ask him to go over these supplies? Make sure it all be on the up and up as far as magic be concerned? Then I want ye to come to the cabin and we'll greet Thasha here proper.
Parcell! she calls out to the old pirate. Do Polos be around? If so get him to bring out some of his mates. There be a few more bags that need to be taken to the captain's cabin directly!
That done. Queshem turns to Thasha and sticks her hand out with a grin I take it yer going to be my minder Thasha? Make sure our mutual friend's investment be bearing fruit?
Draflo nods and heads into the ship, looking for the tengu cleric.
Parcell breaks off giving the evil eye to the retreating carters and replies, "Aye, I think he is belowdecks someplace, looking at the guns I think. I'll go find him." he pauses, glances at Thasha and mutters, 'teifling is terribly bad luck. I think it would be best if you conducted your business on land with her." Then the old pirate is gone, climbing the gangplank as nimbly as a monkey.
As Queshem grabs Thasha's hand, she once again feels that icy cold, as if the smiling young woman was made of carved ice.
"Minder?" the woman says, shaking her head, making blue-black braids flip back and forth, 'No, no. Just a helpful addition, I hope." She nods at the ship, "It has been months since I've been out on an adventure, I look forward to it. Our...mutual friend, says you have a knack for excitement, I'm hoping that streak continues."
The teifling eyes the literal tons of food going aboard, "You don't travel light, I see." she notes conversationally.
Depends on what we be aimin' to do honestly Queshem says I hope yer real good at makin' friends though. I'm sure ye know better then me how superstitious sailors be. Queshem pats Thasha on the shoulder companionably while she waits for Polos and his friends to come get the second shipment.
Even through the robe, the teifling's shoulder is chilly, like a stone in midwinter. It sucks Queshem's h eat right out of her hand.
Thasha's smile dims a bit, 'Yes, I've run into that sort of thing before. Our...mutual friend doesn't put any stock in it of course, but she has had to talk tough to some crews." her smile dips a bit more, 'I hope I don't make things too difficult for you. I don't want to be a problem, I'm just a teller of stories and maker of music."
Shortly Polos arrives with a few other trustworthy sailors. The big fighter nods, "Parcell says we have some stuff more special then pickles?"
He eyes the cart, 'This stuff isn't going to make me turn into a toad or anything, right? Or more weird metal?"
Thasha grins and says, 'No, nothing like that. This is all good stuff, speicla magical stuff, some items for the crew."
Warl, everyone likes a good storyteller, and I think ye come bearing gifts. So that be another thing in yer favour. Queshem sighs, nothing was ever simple, This be Polos, he's my brother, and Head of the Marines, Polos, this be Thasha, she'll be comin' with us as the ship's bard. Come on up then Thasha, let's go to my cabin first, Polos have the stuff brought up. Put the big stuff on deck close to the cabin door and keep a guard on it. Bring the small stuff into the cabin. We'll have a look-see and go from there..
Queshem nods at the rest of the adventurers who had brought the equipment and bids them thanks and farewell.
Queshem makes a show of chatting and joking with Thasha as they make their way to the cabin. ueshem asks Polos to come in so there's just her, Draflo, Polos, and Thasha in there to begin with.
Together, they weave through the thronging sailors, who are carrying supplies of all sorts. Queshem notes, to her dismay, many of the ex-pirates and even some of the Sea Dragons stop talking and stare as the blue-eyed woman is escorted up on deck to the Captian's cabin. She doesn't see any muttering, but the inquisitor has a feeling as soon as they are of sight, gossip will explode.
For her part Thasa leans into the plan, talking and laughing, and telling a hilarious joke about a bugbear, a dwarf and an angry kobold.
Soon the four of them are in her cabin, Polos having the small sack on his back, carrying what Queshem presumes is the magic items and the breastplate quite easily.
The teifling looks around with interest, muttering appreciatively at the spartan but well laid out room.
"This ins't your first voyage." She mutters, "Not by a long shot."
Then she turns and bows her head, 'I am at your service, Captain. Let me show you the items." With a grin she jumps up and pulls the sack off Polos' shoulder (it is a bit of a reach for the slender woman).
In hand, she starts pulling items out, acting like a fairy godmother with a magic sack.
"And here are some magical scrolls. Magic Circle against Evil. We also threw in some blank ones, if you want to scribe some yourself." She winks at Draflo, who blushes, thrown by the instant camaraderie.
Next she pulls out a satchel, impregnated with iron. 'A familiar satchel. May I ask what it is for? I don't see any cute animals about?" She looks like the type who would enjoy petting a dog or cat (although not sure if they'd like her cold touch).
Next she reaches in and pulls out a shimmering metal breastplate. It s finely made, and sparkles with the blue light glowing from Thasha's eyes. It looks less rigid then a normal breastplate, using cunningly crafted hinges and ringlets, instead of clumsy straps or simple welds.
'This is a fancy thing for you, Queshem. Our mutual friend found it in a Katapesh market for a steal. It is quite good for you because, it changes size to fit the wearer. I or Polos could throw it on and it would magically adjust." She tosses the light, silvery metal to Queshem with a laugh.'Go ahead, try it on."
Then she says, a bit nervously, 'Do you like it?"
Queshem gives an appreciate whistle and wastes no time shrugging off her chain shirt to try the new one on. Not that her old armor was lacking in anyway. It was made of the same silvery light blue material that the new breastplate was after all. But she could tell right away that it wouldn't restrict her in anyway while providing far more protection. She takes up the Satchel as well and adjusts it to be comfortably set on her back with the top of it peeking over her shoulder with the strap slanting diagonally over the front.
We better be successful in our mission sos we can pay Starra back for this is all I can say. As fer animals you'll meet Key soon enough I think.
Then she turns her mind to the matter at hand. Polos, the price for all these fine gifts be pretty minor as far as I'm concerned. I gave up the location of the treasure we found to Starra and we'll be doin' business just with her in Quent when we have other stuff to sell. Also Thasha will be joining our crew just to make sure that we don't just run off.
She turns to Thahsha. What we're going to be tryin' to do will be quite dangerous Thasha. I don't know what yer experience is but there's a lot of conflict involved. And it not be just in self defense either. I'd expect for ye to see blood and quite a lot of it. I hope that won't be a problem. In fact I hope that ye'll be able to help us with it, even if it's just in auxiliary capacity.
Queshem watches Thasha to see her reaction.
So.. since I do like to know what all crewmembers be capable of... what do your skills be besides storytellin'?
Queshem watches carefully, reading the tiefling's face for her reaction. She gets a confusing welter of emotions. There is some nervousness and worry, but no fear. Queshem guesses Thasha is the type to want to prove herself valuable and be an important part of a team. There is an edge of sadness though at going in, knowing there will be blood. She isn't blood thirsty, that is clear.
"I was told who you are going up against. Some of the things I've heard..." The tiefling shudders.
At Queshem's second question she looks thoughtful and says, 'I have some magic, for healing and defense. I can make your fighters better or block evil influences on them. I can see in the dark and move quite stealthy, when I put my mind to it." She smiles, her bright teeth oddly offset by her glowing blue eyes.
'Do I sound useful?"
Well I do like not dyin' Queshem says with a wide grin. So yeah, you do sound real handy. Alright. Polos can you bring Parcell and Xiakon in as well, and heck Rabbis too and we'll introduce Thasha to everyone.
Once everyone is assembled. Queshem makes introductions.
So we're heading out. And it won't come as a surprise to all of ye in the room where we're goin'. Back to Bag Island. We've got a load of unfinished business there of many kinds and I ain't one to let stuff like that fester. We got stabbed in the back and the people who stuck the knife in are turning what was a pleasant isle into an evil and vile place. Well I won't be letting that stand. That's why we've turned The Deadly Bolt into a faster and deadlier ship than it was. Parcell ye've done a heckuva job with 'er. Queshem nods at the old pirate.
But that tapped us out. And I'll no be going back to fight the followers of Blackfinger unprepared. So. We got patrons. Two of 'em in fact. One of 'em made sure that we're well stocked for a long campaign. Th'other.
Queshem grins Well, the others has ensured that we're well set for the fight that we're heading into. That be the stuff in the sacks outside the door. But more'n that. We've got Thasha here.
Quehsem claps Thasha on the shoulder She can scout, she can bolster our fightin' spirit, she can even stop the influence of evil from getting its hold on us. Which I don't need to remind ye, is exactly what we're going up against.
Queshem locks eyes with Xiakon and then lets it travel over the rest of the leaderso the ship to come to a rest on Parcell. Now I know what some of ye be thinking, and I know what a large number of the crew be thinking also. But I ain't having it. The crew looks up to ye, if all of ye make clear that ye won't be havin' the prejudice either then those waverin' on it will back off and the committed bigots will keep it to 'emselves. Thahsha is going to be a valuable member of the crew while we go after Gnarea and Magner. Do I make myself clear?
Queshems words roll over her crew with the finality of the tide. On deck, full of power, with the light of destiny and purpose in her eyes, who would disagree. As a final point, Key suddenly swoops down, alighting on her shoulder with a savage cry. Apparently Abadar approves.
The crew says nothing, but she can see in their eyes they understand. In particular, she notes the former slaves nodding in agreement.
Parcell, looking slightly chastised says, "To Bag Island then?"
He adds, "So, you have something for the crew at large?" a glint of that old piratical gleam enters into his eyes. Loot is loot after all, either earned by cutlass and powder or sweet words.
Queshem nods, satisfied at the response. She turns to Thasha with a grin. Well, yer the one who brought the good stuff. Ye want to do the honours?
Giving the newbie a chance to curry favour with the veterans was a good idea, plus, Queshem hadn't gone through the stuff herself!
Thasha nods, 'Yes, actually something special."
The teifling rummages through the heavy looking sacks and pulls out what looks like a leather vest or jacket. It is black, with no sign or ornament.
"It is armor, of a sort. Made of tanned hides, lacquered and treated. It is quite strong."
Then she smiles, "This one actually is the 'master' one. Starra rushed the job, but she told me something." She pulls the vest out and holds up the blank vest. "If you mark this one, the same mark will be replicated on all of them. Like a uniform." Then, blue eyes shining she frowns slightly, "Only I can't do the spell."
Draflo pipes in, "I can cast Arcane Mark." She turns to Queshem, "What will it be?"
Thasha adds, "Once altered, it cannot be changed. So pick something you'll want to keep."
Queshem gets a faraway look in her eyes, lost in a memory. Ya know, my ma had these scales on her counter. And she used to let me play with 'em. Putting weights on one side or t'other. Just kid's stuff. But she told me something. 'The scales always balance' she said, 'And if they ain't balanced, then you make 'em balanced.' Queshem comes back from her remembrance to the smell of sea spray and the sound of the mast of The Deadly Bolt creaking as it adjusted to the winds and the tides.
She locks eyes with Draflo. Make it a set of golden scales. Balanced O'course.
Key lets out a soft cry in response and the wind gusts for a moment, riffling Queshem's hair.
Then Draflo nods and mutters the incantation. Suddenly the jacket is emblazoned with a set of balanced golden scales.
Parcell eyes it and says, "I'd have gone with something a bit more, you know, terrifying. Bloody hearts or skulls. That's traditional. Who surrenders to a set of scales? Merchants?"
The crew laughs but it is good natured. They know they don't follow any pirate captain, or indeed, a pirate at all. The uniforms are handed out, and replaced many a ragged shirt or tattered jacket. Queshem notes that some of her crew had even been going bare-chested, which while effective wasn't offering much safety. This armor might even prevent injuries in day to day activities.
Next the teifling reveals some bags of black powder and shot, to be used for practice. Under that are some new cutlasses and other weapons to arm the crew.
Thasha looks to Queshem and whispers, 'Should I tell them who gave this to you?"
From below Xaikon comes up, looking slightly anxious.
Well, what do ye think Starra would prefer? She don't seem the showy sort. Queshem asks Thasha before turning her attention to Xiakon. Xiakon. This be Thasha new member of the crew. What're ye worried about?
Thasha shrugs, 'She didn't tell me one way or the other. Really up to you. I wasn't given that it was meant to be secret. Starra is fairly well known in these waters. Your ship though." he tail starts to hand out cutlasses to Parcell who finds the action amusing, despite his early misgivings.
Xaikon nods to Thasha, and lets out a low whistle of greeting. He turns to Queshem, " I found something in amongst that food we took on."
Queshem instantly pushes thoughts of Starra's reveal out of her mind. What'd ye find Xiakon? I've had an escaped slime on board and I don't want anything like that again!
Xakion holds up a feathered hand, "No, no, nothing like that. No monster or anything. But.." he lowers his already low voice, "There have an artifact that is allowing us to be tracked as well as possibly sending sounds. Someone is spying on us."
Queshem hrms.. then nods at Draflo and Thasha. Right you two let's go down and have Xiakon show it to us. Quietly. Maybe between the four of us we can figure out what the range on this thing be.
Xaikon, Draflo, Thasha and Queshem head belowdecks. It is clear that Thasha has spent time of ships before, and she moves easily in the dim world belowdecks, a place of low ceilings, little light and packed quarters. Most ships would be rank down here and it smells more then Queshem would like. Parcell lacks Tound's sense of cleanliness apparently.
Soon they find the piled goods, and, holding his feathered hand to his beak, Xaikon points to an open bag, revealing shiny waxy beans as well as a small metal object, round and covered in glyphs.
Queshem doesn't know what this thing is, but she sees expression of recognition on both Draflo's and Thasha's faces. Both look reluctant to speak however, glancing meaningfully at the little orb.
Queshem nods and jerks her thumb up and leads them back out into the sunshine. Cabin? she asks and if yes proceeds to the captain's quarters and shuts the door behind them. Well?
Now together in the cabin, Drafo says, "It is a listening device, Captain. It listens around it and sends it to the original maker as well as well as letting that person plot us on a map. Rather powerful magic actually, that thing probably wasn't cheap."
Thasha nods, adding, "They'd be able to track you to Riddleport and back with that thing in your hold. Not very nice of them, whoever it was."
Thing must be incredibly valuable eh? Queshem says thinking it over Any way the two of ye could... disable... it in such a way that it could get fixed again?
There is a moment as the half-elf and teifling look at each other. They are an odd pair, Draflo shorter and academic looking and the smiling, glowing eyed bard.
Finally they simply shrug, and Draflo says "There is no way to tell. We should be able to do disable it, but it may be trapped in some way."
Thasha adds in, "And no matter what we do, they will know we have found it and turned it off. You will be tipping off your foe."
Xaikon says, 'Well, we certainly can't leave it on board! Who knows what that information is being used for."
Well I would have liked to sell it Queshem grouses But can't have everything. Right this is what we're going to do. We'll be doin' live fire exercises with the extra powder and shot that the Free Captain Starra was kind enough to provide. We'll do it asea halfway between Quent and Bag Island. While that be goin' on we'll make it sound in the hold that we're bein' attacked and things are going REAL poorly fer us. Then we plop the damn thing in the sea. Easy. That should throw Crowther off and keep it possible to sneak into the Island wihout bein' noticed. Queshem grins. Starra already be knowin' that I treated with Crowther as well as her fer help with Bag Island. That's where the spy artifact is from. Meanwhile. We keep it hush hush. Xiakon, go an' put that thing back in with the beans quietly. Right I think that be enough.
Back outside Queshem takes a deep breath of the salty air. It'd been a long while ashore but the blows they'd taken warranted the extended period of recuperation. She'd prepared as best as she could. She had gained information and sold her treasure for a good deal. She'd used the funds to make her ship faster and deadlier. Her crew had not been idle. Her stores were overflowing. The time for preparation was done and her thoughts turned to action. She thought she might have to wait another day for Starra and Crowther to come through but they'd surprised her with their efficiency. No need to not take advantage.
The tide be good, the wind smells fair! she calls out on deck. Prepare to push off. We'll set a course when we're out of sight of land. Let's bid Quent farewell yeah?
Everyone nods at Queshem's skulduggery and Xaikon goes down below to replant the magical object among the beans.
As Queshem goes over the last month in her mind, she feels the Deadly Bolt slips free from the docks. The familiar thrill fills her as they set out to sea, the deck beginning to rock slightly, the sails filling out. Behind them Quent slowly recedes, the details being lost as they head farther out to sea.
The smells change from those of dead fish, smoky fires and unwashed humans to salt, tar and fresh sea air. The sky is a blue as a robin's egg above, with not a trace of a cloud. The wind is brisk and the sea slightly rough, just enough to whitecap some of the waves, dashing against the new copper hull. The crew scurry about, breaking in the long-beached vessel, Parcell barking orders, Rabbis hauling at lines, Tound checking on sails.
It had been too long.
**
Out of sight of Quent, Queshem relaxes. That was a place that demanded secrets be given up. She had been as careful as she could have been to prevent the pirates of the city from finding out her true purpose but Abadar only knew how successful or not she had been. She finally allowed herself to act like a Sea Dragon of Abadar again.
Ye lot think that scales not be fearful? she calls out to her crew as they work efficiently and capably Well the kind o' bastards we're plannin' to go after fear justice more'n most anything. And if they be too thick to know what's comin' for 'em then, Abadar willin', they'll find out soon enough and they'll learn to fear the golden scales!
***
Queshem introduces Thasha to Key, the bird behaving itself for a change. Well this be what the Satchel is for. Don't know if the bird'll take to it but one can hope.
Now I know ye're here as an agent of Starra's and that's fair enough. It's hard to keep big secrets on a ship though and ye look like the sort to dig into thinks so I'll come clean and save ye the bother. It'll all become obvious soon enough anyhow if things go right Abadar willing. And ye've probably started to figger some things out already.
Queshem sighs
I didn't exactly lie to Starra but I did lead 'er to believe that I'm a fair bit more mercenary than I actually am. I ain't a treasure seekin' adventurer. I'm a Sea Dragon from Absalom. Most of the crew are fully trained Dragons and devout Abadarans, like I be. We're here to try'n make the Shackles a place that facilitates trade across its waters rather'n bleed it hard by piracy. It ain't an easy cause to have picked by any means. But it do be ours. I did have no idea how Starra would react to such a thing so I kept it quiet. In any way I'm more than happy to have her be a middleperson fer any treasure that we do come across.
Queshem pauses and then plunges on, revisiting a very recent, quite horrific failure of hers.
Plus what happened on Bag Island do have been my fault. I put anchor in Slipcove to try and make a friend of Jolis Raffles as I have thrown my lot in with the anti slavery sentiment in The Shackles. I hoped to get an audience with him but found myself blocked by a halfling clan that seemed to be keepin' him ignorant and confined to his mansion. I went in and... extracted Raffles... to bring 'im back to my ship The Second Wind sos I could have a frank talk with 'im. My former First Mate, a Sea Druid by the name of Magner, fell under the sway of Gnarea and I, in my foolishness didn't recognize it. Gnarea took advantage, burned Raffle's mansion and had Magner toss me and Xiakon overboard capturin' Raffles in the bargain. The Deadly Bolt rescued me and Xiakon and.. well... here we be. We're goin' after Magner and The Second Wind as much as we be goin' to relieve Bag Island of Gnarea's foul domination.
***
Queshem calls out to set course for Bag Island. Then she goes belowdecks to the prospector dwarf who, apparently, is a bit of landlubber.
Ye feelin' well? It be a bit of an odd thing fer someone not fond o' the sea to setup in The Shackles. Ye up to a bit of a talk about Bag Island?
**
About halfway through the journey Queshem calls out to Parcell and Polos, making sure Tound is nearby and informs them that it's time to teach the crew a thing or two about how to really conduct a naval engagement. The extra powder and shot that Starra provided is going to be used for a live fire exercise. She wanted the crew to work in concert when they were goin after an enemy vessel and that meant the gunners and the sailors working in concert and that's what that the live fire drills are meant to enforce.
Discipline! Precision! Discipline! Precision! I want ye sorry lot workin' like a godsdamned CONSTRUCT ye hear me? She yells at the crew as they go through the motions.
During this she nods at Thasha, Draflo, and Xiakon, trusting them to put on a good show in the Hold of The Deadly Bolt being actually attacked. Then they bring up the artifact in a small sack and Queshem, brings it close to one of the firing guns before dropping it into the deep blue. She tips a wink to a former pirate watching her. A little somethin' for Besmara, fer luck, yeah?
It is good to have her full crew working around her again, everyone working like a well-oiled machine. She is gratified to see they have no lost their touch. her speech about golden scales just earns her some grins and quiet laughter however. No matter how eloquent her speeches, they just can't seem to take the idea seriously.
Parcell does add though, 'Have you considered a flag, Captain? Most ships have them, to strike fear in the hearts of their enemy. Some of the lads are good with a needle and thread, could knock something up for you." he lowers his voice, "I don't know if a set of scales will terrifying anyone."
***
Thasha tries to pet Key while she listens to Queshem's words.
Key merely screeches and flies up to a nearby rope, glaring down with a single golden eye, proud as ever.
Thasha doesn't look offended however, and is soon distracted by Queshem's tale.
After the inquisitor finishes, the teifling sighs heavily and nods, 'I won't lie and say you just saved me a great deal of work. Starra wanted me to find out the truth behind you and your goals. She said you had the eyes of a dreamer, not a mercenary. I suppose she was right. Starra always seems to be right about such things."
The glowing blue eyes lock on Queshem's, "So, not pirates? The Shackles is built on the concept of 'take what you can and give nothing back'. You have set yourself a lofty goal, Queshem, and let no one say otherwise." She gives an impish smile then, "But I like it. I like the big dreams, that's why I follow Starra. Things always seem to happen around her."
Then she goes on, "How likely is it we run into your turncoat officer at sea? Does he know you hunt him?"
*******
The pirate grins back and nods, "Aye, the best of luck. Especially after a long time on land, the Black Lady gets jealous. I know you hold with Abadar Captain, but it warms my heart to see you give Besmara her due." A pause then in a rush as if not to loose his nerves, 'There be plunder on this trip? It isn't that you haven't paid us well, but a man misses the thrill and the feel of gold."
** Parcell **
Hah, do it. Black field and gold scales for the flag she says to Parcell We could make it more piratey, but we ain't pirates. I think it's time to let the Shackles know we be something different.
** Thasha **
I have no idea what be going on with the backstabber Queshem says to Thasha The sea be a big place but Bag Island not be, so it be possible that we'll run into the man. He ain't well suited to spending them ashore. He might not know that I'm after 'im but he would be worried about The Deadly Bolt. And who knows what eyes and ears the Norborgerians have in Quent? We should have outrun any news of us heading to Bag Island, but mebbe not.
** Pirate **
The Besmara comment had been a throwaway comment since Queshem was aware of the practice of dropping something valuable in the sea to appease the Pirate Queen.
Well we won't be hurtin' for thrills Queshem says And as far as I'm concerned, anythin' belonging to true followers of Blackfingers be fair game since we do be goin' to war against them. So I suppose there'll be plunder to boot. But anything we do take we'll distribute fairly and evenly. And we ain't goin' to be pillaging or hurtin' innocent folk. Besmara's going to get her due since we'll probably be doin' pirate work but we're not pirates yeah?
Queshem sees the man off and ruminates over what he had said. The pirate had been borderline insubordinate but truth be told his attitude wasn't much different from how most rank and file soldier's thought on a campaign. The lure of riches was always one of the only thing that made the tedium and terror of a martial life bearable. She'd be a terrible commander if she pretended otherwise. She'd have to talk to Thasha and Xiakon.. but that was for later.
Queshem finds Targund Thorsson hiding in a bunk belowdecks. While the dwarf doesn't seem to mind the dim gloom, the pitching of the ship seems to bother him. As Queshem approaches she hears him groan and turn over, facing her.
The usual tangle of dwarven braids is unkempt and does a poor job hiding a pale greenish face below. A pile of sick is already lying by the hammock, recently expelled by the seasick dwarf.
"I can't help it. I've alwasy been that way." The dwarf wetly coughs, "I try to spend most of my time on land. I'm a prospector, not a sailor."
Queshem nods sympathetically. The life of a sailor no be fer everyone 'tis true. But I imagine the Shackles be givin' you a lot of scope fer prospectin'. And we'll be headin' underground too, which might be more comfortable fer ya.
Queshem takes a seat on another bunk and continues Let me know if ye don't feel strong enough to continue. But what I be looking fer is the underground caves of Bag Island that ye said ye have knowing of. How much do ye know of 'em?
Thorsson sits up, or tries to. After a moment he holds his head and lies back down with a sigh. "Oh my. Head hurts. If you have any ale on board, that would go down right smooth, it would."
After shifting uncomfortably on the hammock (Queshem guesses he is used to a real bed), he goes on, "As you said, I like being underground, natural for me. I was on Bag island once, a few years back, following some rumors of sky metals inland. Even found a crazed wizard to back it, but the forest was haunted." The dwarf shivers, quite unlike his queasy moments and says, 'I won't go back there, no matter what you offer."
'Anyway, while I was there, my ship stopped in Beachcomber to pick up fresh water. A nasty storm kicked up and we stayed in dock for a few days. With some time on my hands, I went looking about as I always do. Was obvious to me in a moment there were caves underground. Course, I went down and looked."
He pauses, seeing if Queshem had any remarks as well as to hope for that ale.
Queshem grins. Thorsson's story of the starmetals checked out perfectly and was no news to her. It made her far more comfortable about the new information he was going to reveal to her though.
Go on. she says.
The dwarf nods, 'Well, the caves themselves were the usual limestone. Worn away by the tide and such over many years. You find them on most of the islands here, but these ones were big. Dry as a bone too."
He shrugs, beard twitching, "Sometimes you find treasure in them, you know, old loot and booty from pirates who hid it away. I didn't find anything like that but..."
He lowers his voice, 'I found bones. Piles of them. Humans, half-orc, halflings, even tengu. All over the place. Scared me stiff so I left."
Suddenly, the ship hits a slightly larger swell and the whole vessel shifts. Queshem barely notices, her instincts telling her this was perfectly normal. The dwarf on the other hand stops and begins adding to the pile of sick on the floor.
I'll get you a swig from my personal stache soon Thorsson Queshem says soothingly. My ship's scholar, Draflo, she's got about as good maps of Bag Island as we're likely to get. Based on what ye've seen and know. Can ye try and find entrances to these underground caves that be accessible by sea? I'm lookin' for a place where we can bring The Deadly Bolt in, that provide a safe spot in all tides. And then from there we can follow the tunnels in. Rumour says that there be half-orcs hidin' from the Beachcombers in there and I have a mind to find 'em. Do ye think that these underground caves and tunnels could criss-cross the island?
Thorrson rubs his chin with blunt yet surprisingly nimble fingers. 'All over the island? I doubt it. The entrance tunnels I found were in town, through a cellar." A pause then, "I wouldn't know how far out we can go and still get connected. I can try but there is no guarantee and even if we do find something, we might travel for miles only to find out the systems don't link up."
He looks up at Queshem, 'Unless you are willing to dig shafts down? Or are we only looking for natural access points?" Queshem notes, when talking about mining, his vocabulary becomes far more technical.
We don't have the resources or time to go drillin'. Queshem says Natural access points be what we need. Even if we don't find the people I wish to find at least it'll give us somewhere where we can hide and prepare. I'll get ye some port and then I'll bring Draflo and her maps in.
Queshem seen returns with both a bottle of fine port and Dralfo in tow, carrying her maps. The instant the wizard steps into the area she wrinkles her nose and waves a hand, magically removing the vomit.
"Honestly, Queshem, couldn't you have cleaned it up a bit?" She sniffs.
Thorsson apologizes but is cut off as he gags at the ship's latest roll.
It is awkward unrolling the maps in the crowded dark area, but with Draflo's magic, they manage. [ooc[Mage Hand is a useful spell![/ooc]
Then the three of them enter into a long discussion that requires Draflo's cartographic knowledge, Thorsson's geologic guesses and Queshem's seamanship. After pouring over the map, arguing, debating and discussion, they work out three landing sites, each with drawbacks and advantages.
The first is a small sandy cove near Beachcomber. Thorsson is sure there will be natural entrances there, easily accesiable but it is closest to town, so close, a casual veiwer might notice them, doubly so if they use any lights at night.
A second place are some rocky islets farther away. Thorsson is also guessing there are entrances here, but they might be tricky due to changing tides and wildlife. Queshem and Draflo also guess there may be dangerous shoals and rocks, a tricky maneuver to get in.
Lastly, there is a small bay farthest away, several miles from the town. Thorsson is skeptical of caves that reach far, but it will be out of range for detection from the Norgerbites. Queshem also notes markings on the map that may indicate various natives of some sort. Weather that is good or bad remains to be seen.
Looking at the map Queshem raises a question. How easy would it be to travel from one of these places to th'other overland? And what do ye know about these Bag Island natives Draflo?
Peering at the map Draflo answers both questions, "Theya re only a few miles apart, although in some places the town lies between them, making them more distant. The rocky area and the most distant one are on side of the town, while the easy access spot is on the other. Communication between those would be difficult."
The half-elf looks up, 'Do you plan on landing at multiple locations, Captain?"
At her second question Draflo looks puzzled, "None that I know of. You'll note we encountered none on our jaunt into the jungle there."
Thorsson starts at this and peers at Queshem sharply.
'Maybe it is means animals, not natives. I'm not sure."
Queshem looks a bit quizzically back at Thorsson
As for Draflo's question.
Nah, nothin' like that. I aim to find allies on the island while renaming hidden from Beachcomber. Right this be what we'll do. Forget the easy access spot. We'll pass by the rocky area to assess it and then make anchor in the bay. Need to keep the ship safe and get the lay of the land and this accomplish both. From there we'll scope out the markings and if nothing comes of it, we'll trek overland to the rocky area if we see somethin' hopeful there. If neither of these bear fruit then we'll see about the spot closest.
Dralfo nods, 'That sounds like a good plan."
"I'd be surprised if the rocky area doesn't have caves linking us tot he town." thorsson says, 'I'm just worried we'll find things living in that that won't mind the company. No offense, Captain, but how good at you in a fight? I mean a real fight, not dueling on deck with cannons. I've seen some nasty creatures in the deep places of the world. Who knows what might be down there?"
Queshem grins and tosses the dwarf the small lead pouch she wears around her neck onboard the ship as a memento. It's got a grain of the starmetal.
Take a look at what's in there Thorsson. Time we let you in on what we're about. See, that crazy elf ye were talkin' about werl.. we've met her too, turned out to be a good friend of Draflo here...
Queshem tells the dwarf about the star metal adventure.
Now when we were leaving, my first mate, introduced me to Gnarea. Trusting fool that I was, I let myself get roped into his schemes which led to Raffles getting kidnapped by the bastard and me getting tossed out of my boat by my former first mate. It was a hell of a way to quit let me tell ye. So to answer yer question, yeh we can fight, and to answer another question ye probably have. I'm coming back here to balance the scales with Gnarea and the traitor.
Thorsson's eyes grow wide at even a grain of skymetal. The dwarf fingers the small bag reverently when he hands it back, unconsciously reluctant to.
At her story he seems rather amazed and cowed, and by the end he is nodding saying, 'Sorry I doubted you. If a third of that is true, I'm in safe hands. But you can't be too careful, all sorts of fools and fopps roaming about these islands. I didn't know you were solid stone."
'As for vengeance, it is a worthy task. I hope we run into him then, for your sake."
We be going up against some vicious bastards so let's no be too happy yet Queshem nods at Thorsson while tugging her pouch back. We do well and ye'll see more of this than a grain mayhaps! Now. I think that be it. Let's get on with it and see what Bag Island has in store fer us.