Nodding, Elek asks for directions to the boat. Finding it's mooring, Elek calls out, "Captain Farhaven, may I come aboard?" Not waiting for an answer, he draws his estoc, telling the cursed prosthetic, "Chéngwéi dàpào" He raises the brass and pewter cannon to shoulder height, and carefully proceeds onto the small boat.
Your call is met with silence, so in you go! Inside, you find a tiny dead devil on the floor next to an ichor-stained anchor, and a sealed glass bottle containing a rolled-up scrap of parchment lying on the cabin's single bunk.
The paper inside the bottle is blank, but you can smell a faint chemical aroma about it.
Half considering taking the small ship and selling it, Elek decides to leave it, just in case the retired captain returns. Slipping the bottled note into his bandolier, he picks up the tiny dead devil by the neck, figuring Giffer, Sandara and Iryani they could sort out the devil and the note. Stepping to the gunwale he tells the cursed prosthetic "Fēi." Launching himself into the air.
Landing on the upper deck of the 'Revenge' he nods to Sandara, holding up the small devil. "Found this dead on the captains boat." He gestures towards Iryani, "Put your head together with Ms Iryani, tell me what you think it is." As he walked off the deck towards the Sea Witch, he holds the thing out. "Ms Iryani please work with my first officer Ms Quinn and tell me what you can about this." Handing her the small devil he moves to where Giffer is adjusting one of the ballista, "Ms Tibbs. I've found something I need your help with." Drawing out the bottle with the note, he holds it out. "The paper is blank, but I smelled a faint chemical aroma. Invisible ink possibly?"
Iryani immediately identifies the devil as an Imp. One of the lowest ranks of devils, these can serve as familiars to sufficiently powerful mages. They're also occasionally used as spies, as their ability to turn invisible and detect both magic auras and good-aligned creatures are very useful for reconnaissance. They're extremely common in Cheliax and cities with a strong Chelish influence.
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After a few quick tests, Giffer determines a heat-activated ink has been used on the note. Once revealed, it's a simple instruction to report to a warehouse in Hell Harbor managed by Roweena Kellet.
Thanking both his officers, Elek heads straight to the upper dexk, "Mr Ironbeard, set a course for Hell Harbor please." Calling up to the crow's-nest, "Mr Rakkaw, keep an eye out for any passing ships, no reason not to do a little pirating if we get the chance." Speaking the name of the wind, he pushed the strong breeze into the sails.
As you sail toward Hell Harbor, a ship's longboat bumps into your hull. Three corpses lie inside - all appear to have starved to death.
Curious about the longboat Elek releases the wind, letting the 'Revenge' slow enough to inspect the three corpses. Lowering himself down the cargo netting, Elek ties the boat off to it, and attempts to carefully inspect the longboat itself and the corpses. Looking for any identification on either the longboat itself or the three bodies.
According to the name on the bow, the longboat belongs to the Grinning Pixie. That ship's notable for being off-limits to pirates. It serves as a mobile lodge for the Pathfinder Society, so any hostile act toward it is sure to rouse their ire.
Climbing back up the cargo net, Elek turns to Breaker, "Mr Bones collect the bodies and bring them aboard. Then tie off the longboat."
Turning to Sandara, "Ms Quinn, please see that the bodies are preserved as best as possible to turn them over to the Pathfinders when we are able."
Moving towards the upper deck he calls out, "Mr Ironbeard, full sails towards Hell Harbor."
As he heads to the upper deck he stops near the witch, "Ms Iryani what would be your opinion on speaking with one of the pathfinders to find out what happened to them and their ship?"
Iryani shrugs. "I can do that."
Thinking about how easily Iryani can speak with the dead, sends a shiver up Elek's spin. But he nods to his Sea Witch and tells her, "I'll join you below shortly." Turning to Ulfric he tells the Helmsman, "I am going below to asks questions of the dead. Keep our heading towards Hell Harbor, send word if anything is seen on the horizon." Nodding to his officers, he goes to his map room where one of the pathfinders lay on the table.
Sitting at his desk he gathers his thoughts, writing down the questions:
What is your name and the name of your two companions?
Were you pathfinders?
How were you put adrift at sea.
What happened to the Grinning Pixie'
Where is the Grinning Pixie' now.
Approaching Iryani with his list he nods. "Go ahead."
What are your names? "Krosger Windhand. Hudi Starbreath. Nehmet Veskeel."
Were you pathfinders? "Yes."
How were you put adrift? "Fled."
What happened? "Sevenfingers."
Where? "Gloomspires."
Sempet Sevenfingers is a pirate who had an infamously successful career in the Shackles around three centuries ago. Near the end of his life, he hid his treasure in the mist-shrouded and shifting Gloomspires.
Looking from the corpse to Iryani, Elek frowned. and asked, "Was the Grinning Pixie sank? What happened to the rest of the crew? Did you find Sevenfinger's treasure?"
Sunk? "No."
Crew? "Captured."
Treasure? "No."
Shaking his head in disbelief, Elek asked, "Captured by who and why?" Not able to figure out what the dead would do with some prisoners but put adrift others, he continued. "So, if they were captured why were you three put adrift?" He looks from the witch to the corpse and back, remembering old Captain Pilk. "Is Sempet Sevenfingers Still alive or did he become undead?"
Captured? "Guardians."
Adrift? "Fled during fight."
Sevenfingers? "Ghoul."
Nodding, Elek could feel the cold from his prosthetic knowing the time for questions was drawing to a close. He gives a smirk hearing the three died of starvation fleeing the battle, better to have died by the sword. Not sure what the guardians were or when it happened, he asked his last questions. "What are the guardians, What was the date when you fled and how did you navigated the Gloomspires?"
Guardians? "Cannibals."
With that, the corpse falls limp.
Feeling the cold escape the room Elek knew he would get no more information from the dead pathfinder. Nodding to Iryani " We will have to investigate the Gloomspires. Thank you Ms Iryani, your hiring is already paying dividends. If there is something you desire, just let me know."
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Leaving the Cabin and the corpse in the care of his new officer, Elek returned to the upper deck. Looking towards the north as he spoke the name of the wind and pushed it into the sails. Asking, []"Mr Ironbeard how long until Hells Harbor."[/b]
You'll reach Hell Harbor by the end of the day as long as the winds remain in your favor. With your magic, that's almost a certainty.
Realizing the hour was getting late, Elek turned to Sandara, "Drop anchor here in Hell Harbor, we should be leaving first thing in the morning. Have Ms Lonegan and Mr Kroop resupply water and fresh food, but keep everyone else on board." he gestures towards the docks, "I'll find out about Roweena Kellet and her warehouse."
Casting his mantle on himself Elek called the wind and flew to the docks. Finding a few local establishments he began asking about Roweena Kellet and the warehouse's location.
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Even at this late hour, Elek decides to head to the warehouse. Taking a few minutes to observe it from the shadows, he walks up to the main door and after inspecting it for traps, attempts to open it.
As it turns out, Roweena manages two different warehouses. Checking both of them turns up nothing - both are empty. Since she's gone missing, the goods within have been transferred to other holdings. Of greater potential interest is the fact that Roweena's home was broken into around the time she went missing. Hell Harbor guards performed a brief investigation, but it doesn't sound like they did a particularly good job. If you're interested in poking around yourself, someone can easily give you the address. Apparently the only things left are 'shipping reports and other worthless papers.'
Not surprised to hear that she had gone missing, Elek learned where her house was. Even if he couldn't find anything other than worthless papers, they may prove useful. He had a very smart team. So, he headed to the house to see what he could find.
You don't find anything more than shipping and mercantile papers on first look. None appear to contain anything of interest to you. However, after another, more thorough, search , you find a ledger listing the names of numerous major pirate lords - each with a large number beside it. You believe the numbers represent estimated bribes, either to have the named pirate lord turn traitor, or to have their followers overthrow them. Of these names, one stands out: Arronax Endymion has no number - only a dash.
Scribbled at the bottom of one page of the ledger is the line, "Send with Corlan."
Finding the shipping and mercantile papers, Elek studies them, spending some time looking at each carefully. Realizing he's found what he believes to be estimated bribes, he begins to fold the papers to take to Tessa. Seeing Corlan's name, he remembered the dead Tengu killed by the crossbowman. 'We'll at least we know it's all connected.' After gathering all the related papers, Elek calls on the wind and flies back to the 'Revenge.'
Landing on the upper deck near Sandara, he opens his jacked and showed here the papers. "I didn't find Roweena Kellet, like everyone else she's missing. But I did find some interesting numbers." He turns to his Helmsman, "Mr Ironbeard, we'll be needing to get these papers back to Port Peril. But were going to go the long way about. Set course for Shark Island I want to see if we can pick up the trail of the 'Dryad's Grave. before she learns were looking for her." In a better mood, than when they left Quent, Elek pushes the wind into the sails. "Fulls sails and Heave ho ya lubbers, we've a fish to fry."
You're in luck! You're a day southeast of Ollo when Rakkaw spots the Dryad's Grave. It spots you at the same time and raises the flag of parley. Once you're within hailing range , you're hailed. "This is Captain Milksop Morton. Where are you heading, and whose fleet do you serve?"
'How fortuitous.' Raising an eyebrow, Elek watches the parley flag raise. Carefully releasing the wind, so as not to draw attention he nods to Conchobhar, "Mr Shortstone raise our parley flag as well." As the 'Dryad's Grave' hails him, Elek calls back in answer. "We sail to Shark Island, I serve in no mans fleet, I am my own man." Lifting the prosthetic so it was visible. "I am Elek Kardforgató Captain of the 'Banshee's Revenge.' Lord of Tidewater Rock and admiral to a fleet of four other ships. And you are?"
He waives his right hand to indicate they sail closer, "Come, let us meet, I've the finest chef in the Shackles, come be my guest. Let us swap stories over a fine meal."
Captain Morton laughs. "Lord of Tidewater Rock, eh? Well, I'm the lord of these waters. Yer ship be trespassing. Before there's any feasting done, you gotta pay the toll. Half of whatever's in your hold."
As you draw closer, you notice that Captain Morton's ship is festooned with elaborate woodcarvings. His figurehead is particularly nice: a leaping satyr. You also notice that Captain Morton appears to be alone on deck. He doesn't even have a lookout in the crow's nest.
'That's even better.' lifting a finger, he calls back, "Let me confer with my officers." Turing as if he was speaking to Sandara, Elek gives the cursed prosthetic a few commands. "Yáncháng tiānqì Dìmàn" Looking from Sandara to Ulfric, "Close with her as quickly as possible. If she flee's give chase." calling to Conchobhar, "Mr Shortstone lower our parley flag."
Stepping to the edge of the Gunwale, he speaks the name of the wind, "Fēng Gāojǔ." telling it to bear him aloft. As he flies towards the 'Dryad's Grave' he tells the cursed prosthetic "Chéngwéi dàpào." As the harpoon hand changes to the brass and pewter cannon and the wind begins to howl, he calls out an alternative offer. "Since you don't want to play nice, I have a counteroffer, your ship or your life, pick one, I'll take the other."
As you lower your flag and close in, the Dryad's Grave does the same. Rather than fleeing, Captain Morton's attacking! Suddenly, the figurehead animates and picks up a ballista from the deck. At the same time, the elaborate woodcarvings begin launching themselves at the Banshee. As they hit your deck, they begin to scuttle around like enormous spiders, attacking anyone close by.
As the ships close, Elek flies towards the 'Dryad's Grave' Seeing the ship come to life, 'impressive, I wonder if the'll still work once Morton is dead.' drawing his Estoc and he closes with the ship, he flies towards Morton, "Do I need to come down there and turn my blade against you?" Suddenly he stops, hovering at the last moment, lifting the cannon and firing three quick shots. as the volleys area way, he smiles. "Or not."
Using his martial focus for Flowing Feint, he tells the cursed prosthetic, " Chéngwéi sānchā jǐ" As it becomes the trident, he flies to the deck of the Dryad's Grave.' landing beside Captain Morton.
Your cannon absolutely hammers Captain Morton. In fact, he almost falls. However, there's still some fight left in him. "That was your only chance to defeat me. Now it's my turn!" He takes a step back, and the deck around him transforms into a dome, hiding him beneath a protective shield of thick wood. As this happens, the animate figurehead fires its ballista at you!
"You have got to be kidding me!" Frustrated that the crafty Captain could escape so easily, Elek saw the ballista bolt shoot past him. Rolling his eye, Elek told the cursed prosthetic, " Chéngwéi dàpào" As the trident returned to the brass and pewter cannon, Elek growled, "Do not make me destroy this ship!" Turning towards the animated figurehead, he told the cursed prosthetic, "Fēi" as he flew up and towards the figurehead he leveled the cursed cannon at the thing, telling it. "Does blowing you off my new ship make it worth less or more?" He then tells the cursed prosthetic "shèjí" Fireing the prosthetic three times.
Unfortunately, you fail to trick the construct. Mindless creatures are more difficult to feint, though, so you're not terribly surprised. You do manage to strike it twice with the cursed cannon, knocking out large chunks of its structure. It retaliates with another massive projectile.
Figurehead: 37pts damage
"You must really be dumb!" Realizing his feint did not work, Elek is surprised how quickly the creature fires it's weapon back at him. Unable to dodge the projectiles, it hits Elek in the right shoulder, almost ripping his arm off nearly causing him to drop his estoc. "Blast!" Cursing, he hovers in place, 'So it's like that, I'll just have to come down there and rip you limb from limb." With his verbal feint he leans forward moving slightly, acting like he's going to fly towards the creature. Instead he pulls up and fires three quick shots.
Hovering there he calls to the owner of the ship, "Captain Morton, last offer, your ship or your life. Surrender now and I'll put you ashore, if not..." He shrugs his shoulder letting the words hang.
Your cannon blasts finish destroying the animate figurehead as you extend yet another offer to Captain Morton.
After a long pause, five Small fire elementals *pop* into existence around Captain Morton's wooden shelter. The elementals' are keeping their flames under tight control, but you know it won't take much for them to set the ship ablaze.
A small speaking hole opens in the redoubt. "Yer too strong for me, but I have an army of summoned minions on my side. Be interesting to see if I run out of spells before you're too injured to fight. I'll burn this ship to the waterline before I let you take it. Got any other offers?"
"An army of minions?" Seeing the tiny elementals pop into place, Elek turns towards the frightened Captain. "An army of minions? I've got the finest crew in the shackles. We defeated the Gray Corsair the Chainbreaker, took the Chelish frigate the 'Devil's Plague' and The Caravel Slaver the Devil's Shackles' and returned Captain Pilk to the dead and sunk his ship the 'Deathknell.'"
He gives a shrug, "I don't think your tiny elementals will be a problem. But I believe you'd scuttle your ship before you'd let me have her. You would still die and I would take possession of your ring, your second most valuable item after your ship." Lowering himself to the deck. "See, I know who your are and what you do, I can kill you and not break my charter as can any Shackles Captain worth his salt." he gives a smile, telling the cursed prosthetic "Chéngwéi sānchā jǐ"
As the brass and pewter cannon turns to the coral trident he continues. "But that's not necessarily what I want." Lifting the trident, "What I want is your ship in my fleet. If you want to stay the captain of her, we could come to some kind of arrangement. You stop raiding Shackles ships, pay me a tithe and come when I call. I provide you with a first mate and crew, my protection along with four other ships and most importantly you are under my charter so no one in the Shackles can come after you for you past indiscretions."
Giving one of his famous smiles, "So do you want to sit down and have that fine meal and meet your new first mate and crew? Or do you want to go for a swim to Davy Jones Locker?"
"How do I know you're tellin' the truth? Soon as I break cover, mayhap you'll just shoot me."
Raising an eyebrow, Elek responded, "The same way I don't know that you won't double cross me and kill my crew as soon as you out of sight, you don't." He pauses for a moment to think. "Let me try and give you four reasons to assuage your fears." He sheaths the estoc, raising the forefinger on his right hand. "One, I assume if I kill you, your fire elementals would still burn this ship to the waterline." He shrugs lightly, "That would defeat my purposes." Lifting the middle finger of his right hand, 'Two, not only do I need ships to fight the Chelish, I need seasoned captains. If I can recruit you instead of replace you I can put one of my officers on a different ship." Holding up his right hand, he lifts the ring finger. "Three, I'm a Kardforgató, we've earned a reputation of brutal honesty. Reputations are hard to come by, I don't want to lose it." Lastly, he holds up the pinky giving a rakish smile. "Four, to quote a infamous old pirate, "Lie? me? Never! The truth is far too much fun."
He puts his right hand on his hip, pointing the cursed trident at the wooden cover. "So which will it be Captain Milksop Morton, take the chance and join me, or not?"
The deck slowly reshapes itself as the protective dome disappears, revealing Captain Morton. While he still looks injured, he's clearly been drinking healing potions or otherwise healing himself while you were fighting the animate figurehead. "Just a first mate and a couple others. No crew - I don't need them. Anything I summon or animate only functions while I'm conscious, so the fewer people around, the safer I'll be."
'Just a couple others?' Nodding, Elek, asks, "Just a couple others?" He shrugs, "You have nothing to fear, my crew will know better than to mutiny. If you take a full compliment, when you catch a ship, you could take the ship as well as its cargo. Send the crew with the ship to either squib it, or sell it. But It's up to you." He gestures towards the 'Revenge' "Come on I'll introduce you to my officers and chef. I wasn't kidding when I said I had the finest chef in the Shackles."
Casting his mantle on Captain Morton, he flies him over to the 'Revenge.' Sending word to 'Fishguts' to prepare a special dinner for the new captain in his fleet, officers and crew. He also told Syl to allow the crew to drink extra grog. Introducing Captain Morton to the officers they ate their dinner in the map room, inviting Aretta Bansion to join them since she be his first mate.
During the dinner he explained the rules of his ship. Also telling his new captain to drop off plunder at the 'Rock' every full moon. Once the dinner was over Elek sent Captain Morton back to his ship with Aretta Bansion and as many crew as he could talk him into taking.
Once the ships were parted Elek returned to the upper deck. "Mr Ironbeard, set a course for Port Peril, I've got some business to finish there before we head to the Gloomspires."
Rather than accept your mantle, Captain Morton dismisses his fire elementals and summons a Medium air elemental to fly him over the the Revenge. After a fine meal and much discussion about crew, he returns to his own vessel on the back of one of the spider-like constructs that leapt to your ship while you were fighting.
On the way to Port Peril, Jape trips over a mop bucket and breaks his leg. While Sandara can heal the injury, he'll be out of action until tomorrow when she's able to prepare the appropriate spell. "It's that sea witch's fault," you overhear some of the crew muttering. "She's put the ship under a curse to feed off of our misfortune."
Realizing that Captain Morton ship was the one refered to as 'Ship that sounds alive' Elek understood why he needs such few crewmembers. He almost felt bad promoting Aretta to a ship that she would never be able to command. Almost. Well, if something did happen to Morton hopefully she would be able to get hold of him and he could take a crew to her. As the four of them were returning to the 'Dryad's grave,' Elek made a mental note to invest in 'Sending Stones' for all of his ship.
When Jape tripped over the mop bucket Elek was standing on the upper deck with Ulfric and Sandara. Seeing his crewman go down he moved quickly down the steps to check on Jape. Seeing the leg was broken, Elek waived for Breaker and Owlbear. "Mr Bones, Mr Harshorn please help Mr Jape to my quarters. Put him in the magic Hammock. It may not heal him completely, but It will make him comfortable." Turning to Sandara, before she leaves with the patient. he asks, "You'll be able to heal him tomorrow right?"
As Elek returned to the upper deck he heard one of the new crewmembers fretting about Iryani. He bit his tongue, resisting the urge to give the man a piece of his mind. Fear was like cock roaches. When you see one you know there are a hundred more still in hiding. Considering his options he waited until the last serving of Grog. Normally he did not partake at sea, but this time he got a mug from Syl winking at his Quartermaster. Telling the cursed prosthetic "Chéngwéi dàpào" As it turned to the brass and pewter cannon, he hammered it loudly on the gunwale. Lifting his Cup "I want to make a toast! As you know, we just added another ship to our fleet. A fleet were putting together to deal with the chelish who dare sail into Shackles water. After our last battle with the chelish devil I knew we would need stronger magic. So I brought aboard the witch Iryani." He hold the mug of Grog to Iryani. " We were able to go after that ship due to finishing a task we were given. We finished that task because of the fine work of our new officer Iryani. She has also learned the whereabouts of another ship and an ancient treasure to boot. Which we will go after once we finish shore leave in Port Peril" pausing, he looks around the crew."We've been profitable enough I will double your pay for that shore leave!" Making sure he makes eye contact with the new sailor who had been complaining. Then turning back to Iryani "To Iryani! A fine addition to our crew."
He drank the cup of grog, then wiped his mouth on the back of his hand. Banging on the gunwale again with his prosthetic. He continued. "I want to make an apology to the crew and specifically Jape." He tells he prosthetic, "Biànchéng yú chā shǒu." Lifting the cursed harpoon high so everyone could see it's dark glow. "Jape has served with me the whole time I've been on the 'Revenge.' He, like all of you, have had to live with the curse of this weapon. If there is a fault to his accident then the fault is mine and this cursed prosthetic." Elek shakes his head, lowering the harpoon hand. "Frankly I'm surprised more of this type of thing hasn't happened." He gestures towards Rakkaw with the empty mug. "I thank Mr. Rakkaw for being our Jinx-eater." He brow furrows and his face takes on a serious look. "I live with this darkness every hour of every day. It was given me to seek revenge on the Chelish navy that killed my parents. I promise two things to you all. First, that any curse that I bring to this ship I will magnify a hundred fold on our enemies." His gaze lightens, "Second, that in spite of this curse you sail with the finest ship and the finest officers in the shackles." He lifts up the mug, seeming to realize it's empty. Calling out to Syl. "Ms Lonegan, another round of grog to toast our Jixx eat Mr. Rakkaw and Mr Jape, May he be better tomorrow."
You make a fine speech, and the promise of double pay results in cheers from your crew. While they're still uncomfortable around Iryani, as long as you continue to make their lives profitable, they'll put up with it. As for Iryani herself? She seems to like it that way.
Arriving at Port Peril Elek rested his hand on his helmsman's shoulder. "Mr Ironbeard, take us into dock." Turning to Sandara, he asks, "Ms Quinn, would you go below decks and bring up the payroll, remember we're paying the double. The'll have two days of leave. Please see that Ms Lonegan and Mr Kroop get us resupplied." Stepping to the edge of the railing, he announces to the crew. "Well done you swabs, once were in port you'll have two days to celebrate, then we sail." He calls to Breaker, "Mr Bones, please assign watch detail." As he ship begins to dock Elek goes below and gathers the ledger listing the names of numerous major pirate lords.
Once the ship was docked and the crew on leave, Elek called on his mantle and flew to Tessa's town house. Knocking on the door he asked. "May I speak with Captain Fairwind."
Once the meeting is arranged he will present her with the information he found in Hell's Port. He would also ask Tessa if she knew any 'Pathfinders' in Port Peril or anyone who was an expert on the Gloomspires or Sempest Sevenfingers.
Once you present the new information to Tessa, she's extremely pleased - and worried. The missives you gave her (once translated) were details of a widespread network of spies throughout the Shackles. Most of the primary players have been assassinated by a crossbowman named Giles Halmis, although apparently an imp devil was sent to kill Elliece Farhaven. Combined with the other information you've uncovered, it seems that whatever's been going on is nearly finished. And when you consider that quite a few of the clues hint at Chelish involvement, it's especially worrisome. Fortunately, Tessa is one of the members of the Pirate Council, so she can present these findings at their next meeting. Hopefully the other Pirate Lords will give it the concern it deserves.
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The only permanent Pathfinder Lodge in the entire Shackles area is the Grinning Pixie - a retrofitted merchant ship that primarily focuses on island exploration and shipwreck hunting. It hasn't been seen since the change of captains, though. The former captain (a half-orc named Calisro Benarry) now sails the Glorious Payoff. It's currently reprovisioning in Port Peril.
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On a lighter note, Tessa asks if you have any plans to enter the Free Captain's Regatta. If the cost is a concern, she'll cover the entry fee.
'A widespread network of spies. That is troubling.' Listening as Tessa shares her intent, Elek nods. He's glad he could help his parents oldest friend and glad that he was able to root out spies. As the conversation turned to the Captains Regatta he raised one eyebrow, confessing "I had totally forgotten about the Regatta." He smiles, "How soon is it? After I speak with Captain Bennarry tomorrow I plan to go looking for the Grinning Pixie."
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Later that morning, After he was done speaking with Tessa, he headed to the Magic shop. Picking up the Howling Estoc and his mothers linen handkerchief. Folding the bandana he ties it across his forehead like a headband and places the new sword and scabbard in the second frog on his left hip. Pausing he turned back to the wizard, drawing out his Sending stone and setting it on the counter. "This is a sending stone, it's mate is with Lady Smythee at Tidewater Rock. I would like to have more of them made so I could communicate with the captains in my fleet. Could you examine it and let me know what it would take to produce more. I've not got the funds for it yet." He gives a smile. "But I don't think it will be and issue."
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Once done at the magic shop Elek begins working the docks, looking for competent sailors to join his crew. That evening he found the pub his officers were drinking in and joined them for a while. Later that night, slightly inebriated, he returned to the 'Revenge.'
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The morning of the second day, Elek headed straight to the 'Glorious Payoff' to speak with Captain Benarry. Standing on the dock at the gangplank he called aloud. 'Ahoy! Permission to come aboard?" Smiling at the crewmembers that looked his direction. "I' Captain Kardforgató of the 'Banshee's Revenge' Lord of Tidewater Rock. May I speak with Captain Benarry about the 'Grinning PIxie'?
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After getting what information he could from the good captain. Elek returned to he docks, searching for more crewmembers. Later that evening, he again visited with his officers. Drinking less so he would be fresh for the morning, he enjoyed their company and returned to the 'Revenge' at a reasonable hour.
The Free Captains’ Regatta is a grueling nautical race held among the hazardous sandbars and reefs north of the Shackles among the dangerous currents and winds at the southern fringes of the Eye of Abendego. The race is open to any Free Captain with a ship who can pay the entry fee. In addition to the hefty prize purse, the winner gains lordship of a small island and a seat on the Pirate Council. Your parents never participated, as the race has been dominated for many years by a druid-captain known as the Master of the Gales.
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"It starts in ten days," Tessa replies. "Haven't you heard? The Master of the Gales has agreed to officiate this year, so it's anyone's game. I even heard the Wormwood might enter."
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The shop owner examines your sending stone. "Never made anything like this before, and the magic's pretty powerful. I can do it, but it'll take some time, and I'll need to use yours as a template to copy off until I get the hang of it. How many are you looking to make?"
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Captain Benarry gives you a friendly laugh. "Permission granted, Captain! What can I do for you?"
'Hmmm, a chance to win my own island with a seat on the pirate council and beat the [i]'Wormwood' Elek smiles 'Accidents can happen in a race. This might be my chance to get revenge for Lady Smythee.' Nodding, "I believe I should be back in time. How much is the entry fee?"
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Doing a quick mental count, Elek answers, "Eventually one for each of my ship captains. I presently have five captains." He sets the stone on the counter. "Let me leave the sending stone with you overnight, but I will need to pick it up before I leave morning after tomorrow. I will bring payment when I pick up the stone. I will order one set for now, which I will leave here so you can use them as a template." He shakes his head, "I've got other irons in the fire, so it may take a little time to purchase more but I want to get the process started." As he begins to leave he turns. "If a message comes through please send someone quickly, those stones are my only contact with the Lady Smythee."
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Moving up the plank he extends his right hand, "Captain Elek Kardforgató of the 'Banshee's Revenge.' and Lord of Tidewater Rock." He gestures with his cursed prosthetic towards the 'Glorious Payoff' pausing to wonder if the name related to his change of ships. "A nice ship Captain Benarry. I inquired about any 'Pathinders' here in Port Peril, Your name was mentioned." He looks towards the captain. "Are you still affiliated with them?" Gesturing with his hand he gives a light shrug. "The reason I ask is because we found a longboat adrift from the Grinning Pixie with three dead men in it, they apparently starved to death. I wanted to turn the bodies over to friends or family."
Looking at the man for any reaction Elek decides to be completely open, continuing. "It has been a bit of a mystery, we've gleaned a little information, and I intend to pursue it further. We've gleened a few things. The mens names were Krosger Windhand, Hudi Starbreath and Nehmet Veskeel. The Grinning Pixie sailed for the Gloomspires assumably looking for Sempet Sevenfingers treasure. They apparently were thwarted by cannibals and the Ghoul of Sevenfingers." He gestures with the prosthetic the general direction of his ship. "As I said, I intend to pursue the mystery further. Is there any information you can give me?" He smiles, "Or that I may be able to purcase?"
"Not much: 500 gold pieces. You've been running all over the Shackles for me, though, so I wasn't sure if you'd had time to find any prey."
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"That works. I won't be done with the copy, but that'll give me enough time to get the framework put together. The rest is just a matter of casting the right spells in the right order, which I don't need the original item for."
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Captain Benarry grins. "Not anymore. I captained the Grinning Pixie for almost a decade. Took her on plenty of adventures. Captaincy's only supposed to be a two-year term, though, so the Decemvirate bought me out eventually. That's how I got this ship." She chuckles. "Took them a pretty penny."
She grows serious as you explain your reason for asking. "Can't say I recognize any of those names. Must be some of the new crew. Haven't kept up with any happenings since my retirement. I'll tell you what I know about the Gloomspires, though. Sevenfingers' treasure's always been an interest of mine, but the timing never quite worked out. If my information helps you find it, I'll expect a share of the loot. Fair?" She extends her hand for you to shake.
"The Gloomspires are ancient - even older than the cyclops empire. They're hollow and filled with a maze of passages. Exploration's tricky, because the spires have some sort of reality-warping effect. Teleportation magic doesn't work right, and the spires themselves shift position on occasion.
"The key - which I discovered by accident - is that the Gloomspires are tied to certain alignments of the stars. They stop moving for three days each summer and winter solstice. That's probably why the crew you found starved to death: if you take too long exploring, you'll get stuck until the next solstice."