Queshem nods Abadar bless us, this be a friendly harbour. It's a trader's island through and through. We'll be heading for Cho-Tzu next with a nice letter of introduction to one of the Three Council members there. If we do well there, build relations, and maybe even get some paying work we might just have a base of operations to work out of. She nods in the direction of the Port Office. I'm going to go and see if there's anything we can haul from here to Cho-Tzu since we're headed there anyway.
Draflo. Parcell. We're taking another trip! she shouts to bring the two of them out.
As they head towards the Port Office she says Draflo, you translate if we need to. Parcell you let me know if you think we're being taken for a ride but only talk to me. These folks got strange manners and we've got to keep on their good side, yah?
As they continue walking she asks
Draflo, you ken deep enough to know what Haigui Wan and Cho-Tzu trade with each other?
Parcell what's the rest of the Shackles think of Schenzu Bay anyway? It feels more like the Tianese district of Absalom than the Shackles on the streets
Queshem's words are underscored as a wide wagon, pulled by a water buffalo trudges past. It is piled high with terra-cotta pots, all the same dull shade of red. The driver a stumpy Tian man whips the animal cruelly, cursing at it.
Draflo's face turns red, so the man must have been quite vigorous.
"I'd imagine local goods. Things like those pots, maybe some silk and rice? I believe the truly fine good s are bad in Cho-Tzu. Well, and slaves of course." The half-elf adds. "Schenzu bay is a slave exporter."
Parcell looks at the muddy street, and the small strange looking houses. "It is a place where they look down on you for being who ya are." Parcell says shortly and nods at a tea shop. As they walk past, Queshem can see the owner, a older lady send them a stony glare.
"They really only care for Tians, see." Parcell goes on, voice low. "I've sailed with a few. Strange folks. Obsessed with honor, being clean and weird foreign gods. Never cared for devout people myself." he pauses and says, 'Except you, Captain."
'I doubt we'll get a fair share at the Trade Office, since we ain't Tian. And you...well, you aren't even Avistani, Captian, if you don't mind me saying so."
Queshem's face turns a little stony at the mention of slaves but she grins at Parcell You don't need faith to have a stick up yer arse Parcell She considers what the two have said. What we need is a little patience and a little luck...
At the Trade Office she nudges Draflo. Act like yer in charge and Parcell and I are your unwashed barbarian bodyguards. Should make things a mite easier. Think elves have it easier 'round here than the wrong kinds o' human. Parcell keep an eye on the fine goods, silks and pots, see which ones seem like the best value. I'm looking fer something different...
The Trade Office is an open air series of wooden posts strung with fine silk awnings. The bright tropical sun is muted to soft tones of pink, blue and green. The smells of ceder and incense fill the room. Whatever else, the Tian's know how to make even a commercial area feel luxurious.
Across the street is a much rougher set of stages and wagons. Men and women are being led about on chains and manacles. A Tian man, slim and eager is barking out orders and prices. A slave market. Even in the cool, comfortable environs of the trade office Queshem can make out the haggling going on over flesh and souls.
In the Trade Office she spots a few non-Tians, arguing over cargo and loads. They are a tiny minority though, and every official (wearing a bright red sash) is a Tian. Two heavily armed guards stand in corners, hands on sword-hilts. Still, no one spits on them, although a few give them hard stares. As Queshem suspected Draflo is treated much nicer then her two 'servants'.
Draflo swings her head side to side, peering at the merchants, traders and others. Basic materials seem to mostly be on sale. Timber, raw silk, terra-cotta, not many finished items.
Queshem spots three likely suspects and Draflo agrees.
One is a rich young nobleman, sitting with his feet on the table. he sneers at everyone who walks past, while cleaning his fingernails with a jeweled blade. No one seems to pay much attention to him however, and he tries to catch Queshem's eye.
Another is a fat Tian man with a sign that indicates he is looking to transfer live animals to a zoo in Cho-Tzu.
Finally, and somewhat crowded is a man selling porcelain rice bowls for the capital. They look fragile, delicate and beautiful. The man handles them as if they were his children.
What do ye think about the bowls Parcell? Queshem mutters to her fellow 'bodyguard'.
Seperately
I'm going to talk to the fat man a bit Draflo.
She approaches the man The ship I am on has some spare capacity and the mistress of the vessel would like to know the nature of the animals and the fee for transporting 'em
Later
Queshem meets the eyes of the nobleman and raises her eyebrow questioningly.
Parcell looks at the bowls and then spits. (Spitting gives him a evil look from half the Tian's in the tent, and even two of the Avistani traders).
'They look very fragile. One bade wave and...smash." he claps two hands together to emphasize it, and again earns a reproving stare from a few Tians.
The fat man, with a tiny thin black beard eyes Queshem superciliously, "I would prefer to speak to the master of the vessel." he says, his Common heavily accented but understandable. "I hope she speaks a civilized tongue?"
His tone and manner though suggest a bit of this is an act to drive up the price. He is interested in doing business, not trading racist insults.
The nobleman meets Queshem's eyes and licks his lips slowly.
Queshem nods at Parcell and sighs We'd need magic to transport 'em. and she walks by. She also resolves to get out of the place soon.
Unfortunately the mistress is in a hurry. Her ship leaves at dawn tomorrow and so there is not much time for many personal appointments Queshem grins She was just looking to do some quick business. Since that ain't acceptable I guess we'll move on
The fat man grunts and says, 'Oozes, actually, destined for the personal menagerie of a powerful man. One of the Wise Council of Three himself, Lo Shei Wen."
The man shrugs then, playing at nonchalance. 'The containers will be supplied, but I suppose you are in too much of a hurry to inspect the creatures?"
Such a powerful man would appreciate the oozes being transported to him so fast. Truly ye are lucky that we're leaving so soon. Queshem says thoughtfully. But my mistress does not appreciate her underlings acting without due dillegence. She would not wish her ships being put in danger. Are the containers close by?
As for the nobleman Queshem will just turn away.
The nobleman smirks at Queshem turns her back.
The fat ooze trader ponders Queshem carefully adding, 'Shall you bring your master along?" he remarks, "I have one of the containers over here." he steps to a pile of jumbled crates in a corner.
It is wooden, with a metal inside. The man opens a heavy latch and says, A thin layer of lead, water tight, inside. No way for anything to escape. You'll have five of them aboard. Hardly a full cargo, but it was hard to capture even that many."
Turning back, Queshem can see the nobleman with the dagger has walked over to Dralfo and is talking with her.
They seem very dangerous to have such protection. What kinda oozes they be? Expect extra for transportin' hazardous livestock. Payment up front or on delivery?
Then Queshem wanders over to see what's going on between Draflo and the arrogant nobleman.
The fat man smiles, "we found them in the forest. Some kind of plant ooze, but you won't even have to see them. We can deliver them to you, all sealed and locked. And you can turn them over that way." he holds up a pudgy hand.
'I know you don't want sealed containers on your ship so you can inspect them if you wish, just saying it isn't like you will have to open them often."
Queshem wanders over, but the nobleman and Draflo are talking in Tian, all a blur to the pirate captain.
Please write up a contract and I will carry it over to my mistress for her approval and come back to inform you either way. Sealed and Locked should be fine however I belive she will want the key
Queshem nudges Draflo meaningfully Miss, are we be ready to leave now?
'I have a pre-written one right here." he hands her a contract written in strange letters. With a state she realizes it must be Tian. it is an oddly flowing script. Hopefully Draflo can read it.
Draflo looks at Queshem and waves her back. For a bit longer the nobleman and Draflo talk until the man turns his back and stalks away, angry.
'Sorry." She says quietly, 'I will explain." Then she gets louder, 'What of the merchant there?' She says, taking on her role again, pointing to the fat ooze trader.
A contract for transport of dangerous animals miss. Oozes. Does it seem reasonable to you? Also miss is it safe to transport fragile material in a Handy Haversack?
Parcell makes a face, "Oozes. What if they get loose? At least with the cups, they will only shatter, not try and eat us."
Draflo looks curious and says, 'It would be interesting to study them...as for the Handy Haversack, I think they would be fine, but you wouldn't be able to hold many. That merchant has boxes of them."
How much are we being paid for the ooze transport? It's all risk vs reward on that. Maybe we can test a case of the cups and note it down for next time. See how much a case would cost Draflo.
Draflo goes to haggle with the man with the fragile cups, but first she reads the Tian script.
'A princely sum, cap-" She stops herself, in case any of the Tians speak Common, 'Very well. We'll be able to keep the ships supplied for quite some time and a nice bit of coin for the men."
After a bit Draflo comes back, 'Not a bad price. Not as good as the other, but fair enough. The downside? We smash any, we have to pay for it at full price. Could be risky."
Parcell agrees, 'Aye, we smash half of them, we'll be selling off our ships for salvage."
Queshem puts her head in close. Add to the contract that the seller takes out insurance and applies it to half of the fee. Half of princely is still pretty good and takes care o the risk.
The man and Draflo argue for awhile in heated Tian, but nothing unusual. Across the street there is a heated bidding war over a strapping young man, who looks Ulfen. He bears the heavy marks of the lash.
Soon Draflo comes back, 'He'll only insure a quarter, and it comes off our profit."
Parcell shrugs, "Less risk, less reward."
This is side business stuff, not worth risking our necks over. Will have enough o'that with pirates coming for our hides. Queshem says. We'll take the oozes. Get 'im the deliver them to The Second Wind at dawn tomorrow. Don't want 'em on my ships for any longer'n necessary. I think we're done here. Just need to get to a low market and get a lead pan large enough to put these crates in. With a high wall. These monsters get loose I want them staying put and in an easy place to shoot into if they seem like they can get loose.
Queshem grins at Draflo Really hope you won't get a chance to identify 'em, but if ye could prepare some spells that work well against oozes that'd be grand.
Draflo nods, obviously not worried. Just as obviously, Parcell is.
"You sure, Captain? If one breaks free, we might have the Hell's own time getting in back in the crates..."
Any one that tries to break out of the pan is gettin' killed.
From what I know oozes are pretty damn stupid though. Might be able to distract 'em by just tossing in food and letting it move onto it over and over...
Queshem indicates to Draflo to sign the deal and they leave the Trading House
Alright the only other thing interesting here is that fort but until we get in good with the council I don't think they'll be friendly with outsiders just waltzing in there. Let's head back to the ship
On the ship she talks to Draflo What'd that nob get angry about?
She tells Magner I struck up a deal to transport some dangerous oozes to Cho-Tzu. Abadar bless it's a risk but fer a decent reward for us all. They'll be secured in cases but in case they get out they'll stay contained in a lead pan. You got anything that can keep 'em calm?
Draflo shrugs, 'He demanded passage to Cho-Tzu, and was willing to pay for it but I got a bad feeling about it all..." The half elf says. 'I think it was best to tell him good bye."
Aboard ship Magner makes a face, "Oozes? No, not much effects them. What kind? I can try to get a spell that can counter them when they get loose." He holds up a hand. "We both know they will get loose, somehow. Oozes always do."
He adds, thoughtfully, 'Who wants them?"
Queshem nods at Draflo. Hope that don't come back to bite us but I trust your judgment.
To Magner
Bad sort. Lo Shei Wen. One of the three on their council. It's some sort of plant ooze. The crates have lead to contain 'em and I got an extra lead pan to keep 'em in.
Queshem does a quick walkabout to see what Polos is up to before calling it a day.
Polos is in a small, much grimier tavern, along with a fair amount of sailors. They are having a good time, rambunctious and rowdy, but nothing unusual. Indeed, they are spending coin like water and the innkeep, a dark skinned Tian, takes the money gladly.
Polos waves a hand to Queshem, 'Have a seat, Captain!" he slurs, and a roar from the rest of the crew goes up to the same tune.
Queshem grins and sits down Next round's on me! she says and spends a little while with the revelers. She only has the one beer though before heading back. We be leaving at dawn. Don't get left behind now.
She visits Tound on The Deadly Bolt. This is a fine ship. Not as well outfitted as The Second Wind fer now. What do ye think she needs most? Ye think Tianese sails on these ships would be of value? Heard they're prized greatly.
Queshem buys a round and chats a bit. The men are in high spirits and when Queshem mentions cargo that will mean a profit for all, they cheer again.
As she gets up to leave though, three Tian's walk into the bar. All are wearing formal robes of the naval force, dark blue with silver trim. The leader is a tall man, with flowing dark braids down his back. A belt of spell components swings from his hips.
He glances at the crew then remarks, to the barkeep, 'You have a pest problem. I will have to report you to the port authority.' His Common is good, with only a light accent.
Ah the port authority knows about us already. All signed in right and proper Queshem grins. Ye can go check the records. Two ships crewed by the peskiest pests in the whole of the Shackles. Ain't that right Boys and Girls?
A grumble of agreement meets Queshem's words, and not a few tankards banging.
The Tian sneers, and mutters something in his own tounge to one of his backers. All three chuckle then the leader walks to the barkeep's counter. "Your pests are loud, Xia. Maybe we can help you." He touches the hilt of his sword and glares at Queshem.
Oh a thousand pardons fer botherin' yer tender ears Queshem says the grin still plastered on her face but with a little bit of an edge coming into her tone O'course my voice didn't seem to bother the Archbanker of the temple when I met him earlier as a fellow Abadaran and was received warmly and with courtesy. And it didn't seem to be a problem when I agreed to transport some dangerous cargo for Lo Shei Wen himself. Maybe I should mention you to them?
The man snorts and one of his followers says, in very bad Common, 'Abadar is our god, foreign pig. Stop fouling his name." All the Tian's laugh before the leader adds, 'This is a Tian bar. I'm not sure why Xia here let you in, but it is time to leave. Go crawl back to your dirty ship and sail home. Now."
Queshem shakes her head and crosses her arms This be a place of laws. And there be no sign saying this be a Tian only place. So. No. We will not be leaving.
The man's eyes flash. "You presume to tell me how to act on our island? Arrogant outsider. I will make you leave." He raises his hand, fingers spread. Lights flick from them, then in Queshem's ear she can hear a whisper.
I will not be gentle. Leave.
The bartender scuttles back, in fright as the other two Tian's draw long, shining blades.
Queshem speaks to the two fastest crewmembers Run out and scream that we're being attacked. The rest of you stay still and keep yer weapons in. Let's get the Guards involved. I'd like to see if this place be worthy of Abadar or no. And fetch Manger and Draflo as well. Now.
She also readies an act to cast Calm Emotion DC 15 if anything hostile happens.
The Tian's let two of Queshem's crew run off, smirking as they speed towards the ship. The leader strolls over and kicks the table over, spilling all the drinks over Queshem and Polos.
The leader then mutters a spell and Queshem can see a aura of force surround him, humming with power.
'Last warning, scum. Get out, or we'll make you go." His wand finds a wand in his pocket as he speaks.
The rest of you get out of here and go back to the ship. Polos! Stay here. We are right and proper customers of this place and I will not have our crew be disrespected in a place of law and order.
Queshem smiles and switches to Polyglot
It's a code word in a training game Polos and her played. The goal of the Rope a Dope game is to not get hit. She herself drops into Total Defense. Though she'll let the first attack on her get through her defenses. She's playing to an imaginary judge and jury now.
The man moves quickly, slicing with his blade at Queshem's midsection, apparently unworried about causing violence.
The blade connects, slicing a neat line of blood up Queshem's arm. There is not much pain and no sign of a spell, but he has a wand in hand now, pointing it as Polos. The other Tian men do nothing. Polos is trying very hard to not tackle this man, but he holds on,s taring at Queshem questioningly.
She calls upon Abadar to calm the situation by casting Calm Emotions
The three man pause at Queshem's spell, sword still out. They stare at Queshem's blood on the floor, as if doubting themselves. The leader shake shimself, makes to move forward but then the door bursts open.
A dozen Tian men pour in, dressed in some type of formal uniform. The Watch, of some form. Behind the heavily armed men, Queshem can spot her sailors, nervously peering in.
'What...what is the goings on in here?" The man in charge says in bad Common to Queshem, eyes flashing. He eyes the Tian who attacked Queshem with a mix of disdain and surprise. For his part, the man glares back.
Clutching her wound Queshem replies That... man... hurt me.. no reason! we called Guard for help! pointing at the wand wielder.
The man turns to the attacker and shouts at him in Tian. The argument goes on for awhile, with Queshem having no idea what is said. Voices are raised in anger though, on both sides.
Finally the Watchman turns back to Queshem, he bows shortly and says, 'Please, you goes. I will take care of this. Please, leave." He is trying to be polite but lacks the vocabulary.
Queshem does a little curtsy but doesn't move. Court! Justice! she replies.
The man frowns, "All these things, yes. Will be taken care of, but not need for...how say...punishment." he smiles at recalling the word. 'You go, he go, you both never together." he sends a glare at the glowering Tian who attacked Queshem. 'This good, yes?'
Queshem grimaces and shows him the blood dripping from her arm while she shakes her head Very together. Say not together then no Abadran justice. she replies trying to string together the words the man had used to reply in broken Common.