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"Why not? We took the ship and slaves after they attacked us first. As far as I'm concerned, it is our right, and if they disagree, we can do it again.""I'm not thinking of what will happen immediately, but rather what will happen if we depart and leave these men and women to their fates. I hope they have the strength to stand up for themselves, but they have been sorely weakened by their ill-treatment."
"I am not their babysitter. If you wish to be, I suppose that is your decision, my friend. Again I mention that our primary concern should be the fate of our expedition, and not the fate of these men and women. Frankly, as Toxim is learning, they seem to feel little gratitude towards us, anyway."
The bows of the Sea Wyvern plunge through a deeper trough in the waves than most as the ship comes around the jutting-fortress encrusted -headland of Fort Greenrock.
The surge of water washes high over her bow. Sluicing in through the hawse-holes and then across the bowsprit planking, before spraying down through gaps in forecastle to swirl and splash across the decks as it showers downwards. Thence ultimately to swash amongst the lower holds dark spaces. Here it comes to rest joining with the other amount of the water that has invariably found its way on board from the ocean outside that lays swilling along the stem of the rolling ship. .
Even as the water settles, moving languidly around with the constant motion of the wave induced undulation of the ship, something else happens to the fluid. It shifts some how, oddly seeming to have strange eddies and currents all its own. Over a time there is a distinct difference to the water in the bow-stems bilges. The fluid becoming clearer, less brackish and dank.
After some while this water swirls anew, then bulges and humps upwards against the very pull of gravity. Roiling and building until a small curved mound has formed. Swelling and undulating, this gelid form seems to grow taunt-Almost seeming bloated-as if the clear water were holding 'something' within its shifting form.
Suddenly, with a burst of spray, the giant liquid bubble 'bursts' and a figure springs forth. Even as the patter of water droplets is settling back to the planking, the lithe figure is slowly standing, stretching and flexing as her gaze seems to take in the darkened ships hold about herself. At her bare feet a small bundle of material has also 'emerged' from within the liquid cocoon
"Hmmm...wood, rope..." She sniffs the air, "Tar and wet canvas. Yess, this be a ship all right." Bending over she begins to sort through the backpack transformed from the ocean at her feet. "Now then; to get attired and be off to seeing if this be the right ship I should be finding myself on." She talks to no one but herself, and any attending rats, in the darkness of the ships hold.
Ardanto doesn't emerge from the captains quarters for the remainder of the trip to Fort Greenrock, sitting in self imposed mute isolation. Once the ship begins her turn into the port he finally emerges into the sunlight, several days growth of beard blurring covering his face, his hair tangled and matted. A stench of stale alcohol and sweat covers his body.
Wrinkling his face at the sunlight he scowls at the pirate hobgoblin ship before wandering over to the others. He speaks, his voice crackling as he breaks his silence, "we should signal Thovin to warn him to fly flags of salvage as he comes into port, so we don't get any issues with those scum," he hooks a thumb in the direction of the slaver vessel as he finishes. "I'll see to it," turning he moves away giving orders to fly the appropriate flags to communicate the message to the Freedoms Wings.
As the ship nears the fort, you can see a small rowboat making its way toward your small armada. Finn and Daurros are busy arguing as Ardanto makes his way to the deck, reaching of rum.
The crew is busy singling the Freedom wing and the small boat growing nearer as the great water spout runs across the deck, knocking crewmen down. A few yell as the water starts to move on it's own "We're under attack!" someone yells as the crew race for the weapons locker.
Amella calls out to Finn and Daurros as she drawls her on weapon. And before much more can happen a muttering elf is standing on the deck with crew scrambling for weapons, seemingly unaware shes about to be attacked.
As the ship nears the fort, you can see a small rowboat making its way toward your small armada. Finn and Daurros are busy arguing as Ardanto makes his way to the deck, smelling of rum.
The boat drawls near and the sails are furled and A clean cut man in a Navy uniform Hales the Sea Wyvern as it is the first into the harbor. "Where is your port of call, and where are you heaed sirs? And what brings you to Fort greenrock?" The man calls out in a crisp Cyrain accent as the boat floats of your starboard
In the bilge of the Sea wyvern
Phantom finds herself in a darkens space, water around her knees, and now soaking her belongs. Filthy water is soiling her cloths as it drips around her, mixing with harsh scents and sea water.Your deep vision makes out the small room and the hatch above. Lifting the hatch and pulling yourself up, you find yourself in a hold. The ship rocks as you drip the bilge water unto the floor. No one seems to be near, the hold seems empty.
On the Freedom wing
A chores of cheers goes up among the crew as the moss covered walls of fort green rock come into view, a few crew however seem less then happy with the former Cryian hold. Still the ship speeds forward near the Sea wyvern as the crew puts real effort into speeding the ship along. Still dark looks and mutters of discontent spread along the deck as the Ships flying the Darguun Flag and its Hobgoblin crew come into view
On the Blue Nixie
The crew is busy about the chore of bring the ship into port as Guard come on deck. He had talked to Lavina a few times and she seemed like she was going to bring more help aboard to toughen up defense on the ship. But over the last few days she has been busy with a very angry noble.
Avner seemed less the Fop he had to Guard before what ever madness possessed Ardanto to whip him. He seemed driven now, angry and seemed to have a purpose, Guard had not seen him get drunk in days. What ever had caused it, something had changed in the Noble, and Guard was not sure if it was for the better as Avner stood on the deck looking toward the Sea Wyvern with a calculating look, a look of a man playing chess that just put you in check
The tall, lithe Elf hums to herself. Closing her eyes and concentrating upon some point within herself. Quickly and suddenly-seemingly from the surrounding air itself-water begins to from and wash over her, sluing away the more turgid water of the bilges.
She seems unconcerned about the state of her silks and the well treated canvas of the back pack, more intent on making sure her things are clean-as opposed to dry.
With a few inquisitive sniffs, she eventually is happy with her state of being and begins to slowly wander around the crates and boxes lashed down and moves towards where she can see the stairs/ladder that joins this lower deck to the one above.
On the Blue Nixie
The crew is busy about the chore of bring the ship into port as Guard come on deck. He had talked to Lavina a few times and she seemed like she was going to bring more help aboard to toughen up defense on the ship. But over the last few days she has been busy with a very angry noble.
Avner seemed less the Fop he had to Guard before what ever madness possessed Ardanto to whip him. He seemed driven now, angry and seemed to have a purpose, Guard had not seen him get drunk in days. What ever had caused it, something had changed in the Noble, and Guard was not sure if it was for the better as Avner stood on the deck looking toward the Sea Wyvern with a calculating look, a look of a man playing chess that just put you in check.
Standing close to the railing, Guard sees Avner watching the Wyvern. Thoughts pass through his mind, things he hadn't thought of in the last week, but now, close to a port they are to be thought of:
I still don't know if that ass is more of a pain dead or alive... I'm going to warn... hmm... who to warn? Ardanto? wouldn't care. Finn? Daurros? They'd understand, but what would they do?Who's left then? Karkalla? She spoke somewhat against Ardanto...
Toxim's captain of the Freedom Wing for now...
Letting his mind wander, and his eyes as well, he spots Lavinia. The warforged decides to go over to her, bowing.
Once she has a free minute and is out of earshot of Avner, he asks: "Mylady, that has been an eventfull journey up until now, and I think it's not going to change until the end.
May I ask whether you have decided to keep Lord Meravanchi abord your ship or should I expect to see him on the Sea Wyvern for the next part of the journey?"
Lavinia lets her gaze settle on Avner as she speaks "It has taken days to even calm him down, Avner is a fop Guard, but he is a Meravanchi. A Man raised as one of the top nobles in Sasserine. His family is paying for most of this trip, his family is rooted in the colony even now and they have a foothold here as well." She lets her Gaze settle on the mighty moss covered walls of the fort.
"After the war the Meravanchis were one of the reasons this place didn't become abandoned. I have talked Avner out of any reprisals for Ardantos actions here, but I do not think he should return to Sasserine for some time. And it seems out lord Meravanchi has decided to take a more...Active, role in this expedition" she says looking toward the Sea wyvern as she speaks
The boat drawls near and the sails are furled and A clean cut man in a Navy uniform Hales the Sea Wyvern as it is the first into the harbor. "Where is your port of call, and where are you heaed sirs? And what brings you to Fort greenrock?" The man calls out in a crisp Cyrain accent as the boat floats of your starboard
Finn gives a disapproving glance to Ardanto as he replies to the hail.
"Ahoy. This is the Sea Wyvern and the Blue Nixie, sailing from Sasserine en route to the Isle of Dread. We wish to take on supplies and to deal with a prize we seized after being attacked by pirates."
"I know Sasserine, never heard of this Isle of dread. Your have to pay docking taxes of 20 gold per ship and no weapons are allowed within the walls of the fort, any Violence in the harbor will be meet with deadly force by the forts siege weapons and soldiers. Are we clear?" the man calls out and as you look up you notice a few of the tower weapons have turned toward your ships
With that he tips his hat at you "As we understand each other, Welcome to fort Greenrock, you can pay your docking fees at the dock office." with that he motions toward the dock, and his boat turns and starts back toward the fort
"As long as your 'no-weapons' policy applies equally to the hobgoblins, we shouldn't have a problem. We just had a difference of opinion with some other hobgoblins, you see."
Finn turns to Ardanto and says: "I think we had better wrap up our business here as soon as we can. I'll stay on board the ship, watching for any further signs of our saboteur."
If Ardanto notices Finns glare he doesn't let on, once finished sending the message across, he nods at Amella leaving her to guide the ship into port and heads towards the main deck. "You go into town if you wish, I will be staying on board," he doesn't meet Finn's gaze, looking anywhere but at his face, "I'll be in the cabin if you need me,". He turns and heads through the cabin door, letting it slam behind him.
Working her way through the main hold of the ship she has found herself upon, Fathom soon comes to the ladder/stairs that lead up to the main deck above, as evidence of the days sun pierces through the slight gaps in the deck planking and dappling across her face.
She moves to the ladder/stairs and climbs to the deck above.
Ardanto stops just shy of the cabin door and nods, "your best bet is to ransom it back to the hobgoblins, I doubt anyone else would want to buy it." he muses for a while his back still to Daurros and Finn, "unless there is a bounty on the ship, I doubt the Fort is too happy with the hobgoblins attacking ships that are coming to trade with them, the harbour master would be your first point of call either way." He calls up to Amella on the deck above, "I suggest we keep an armed crew on board as well, just in case the slaver scum do not want to play nicely." He sighs, "rotate the guards in shifts so everyone gets shore leave and check for any replacements for anyone who decided they no longer wish to sail with me."
Daurros disembarks from the Wyvern, leaving his weapons on board (but not his spellbooks, which are in his pack). He makes his way over to where the Freedom's Wing is docked, and looks for Toxim. Once finding him, he says, "Well, that was certainly a fun trip, wasn't it? Once our ... guests/crew have left the boat, shall we go find the harbormaster and see about unloading this thing? I have some other purchases to make, and the cash would be welcome."
"Interesting if not fun. I didn't think anything could ruin seeing Avner get his comeuppance, but somehow that's just what happened. Maybe I'm not cut out to be a captain. But we do have business to tend to so let's get to it."
I'll release the crew and passengers from the Freedom's Wing, though without any money I suspect they have nowhere to go. I'll remind them we plan to sell the ship and give them a fair cut of the proceeds. They are welcome to use it as a place to rest until other arraignments can be made. I'll tell them that they we will be looking to take on more crew to replace those we lost and they would get first dibs on the positions we have available. Finally, I'd be willing to sponsor anyone of them with a skill that would be beneficial to the colony, paying for their passage.
As Daurros leaves the Sea Wyvern, Finn spots a moving figure from the corner of his keen eye. Not recognizing the strange elven figure, he leaps into action, charging her and trying to get her into a grapple.
"All hands on deck!! We've been boarded! Prepare to defend the ship!" he roars as he charges.
Grapple check vs. "Fathom":
As she straightens from closing the 'tween-deck hatch, Fathom is startled by the yell-which given the smallish confines of the ship is almost in her pointed ear.
"All hands on deck!! We've been boarded! Prepare to defend the ship!" he roars as he charges.
As the heaver man slams into her, his powerful arms pinning hers to her sides, she blinks in surprise at this turn of events.
Finally docked in Greenrock, Guard, having his belongings packed together, bows once again to Lavinia, then makes his way to the Freedom Wing.
Snem floats above him, showing a blue close to the sky's color, therefore being nigh invisible to most uncaring observers.
Meeting with Toxim and Daurros, Guard exchanges a quick greeting and follows them into 'town', going for some supplies and other things.
He hopes to find a Sage, preverably of dwarven heritage (as he has learned from Snem's memories that mostly those of the short, stout folk, tend to be knowledgeable to his remarkable source of power ), to learn more of the ways and practices of what he is able to do.
He'd also be happy to assist Daurros and/or Toxim however best he can, before returning to the Wyvern.
Ardanto bursts out of the cabin, sword in hand, any pretence of being drunk has suddenly disappeared. He glares around, looking for the attackers, his eyes finally alight on Finn and the elven woman he is wrestling. He stops short, sword wavering in the air before him and waits for Finn to make a decision.
Finn tries to wrestle the woman to the ground as he shouts: "Don't just stand there, Ardanto -- get a rope so that we can tie her up."
He sniffs and then wrinkles his nose in disgust. "Ye gods! I think our saboteur has been hiding in the bilges, from the stink of her!"
Turning to the elf, he says: "Who sent you? Was it the Riedrans, out for revenge? Speak!"
Finn tries to wrestle the woman to the ground as he shouts: "Don't just stand there, Ardanto -- get a rope so that we can tie her up."
Fathom does not resist the strong half-Elf's forceful actions, as she compliantly settles to the deck within his firm grip. She does wince at his loud words and shouted voice.
He sniffs and then wrinkles his nose in disgust. "Ye gods! I think our saboteur has been hiding in the bilges, from the stink of her!"
She sighs at this, ruefully making a mental note to acquire some soap. She sighs as she silently laments the way people treat the ocean and its waters.
Turning to the elf, he says: "Who sent you? Was it the Riedrans, out for revenge? Speak!"
At Finn's final shouted inquiry she turns her opaline gaze to regard him cooly,
"I know not of who dees Riedans be. I was sent wi't a different purpose." She informs him.
Finn has the woman pinned to the ground, one knee digging uncomfortably into her back.
"If it wasn't the Riedrans trying to sabotage the ship, then who sent you? The Lotus Dragons? Captain Harliss?"
Twisting her head so as not to have her face buried in the deck planks Fathom winces and sighs as she replies,
"I know nothin' aboot what you speak. My purrpose is my own." says in response.
"What's your purpose? Speak, but be warned that we're watching for any mind-twisting tricks."
Finn finishes tying her up and keeps his spear trained on her.
"Ardanto, or someone -- go fetch Daurros. We need his shapeshifter detecting skills here immediately."
With her hands tied and the Half-Elf off her back Fathom rolls onto her side, twisting so that her pale gaze washes over Finn,
"I be no shape changin' creature, but who be you to be askin' me dees t'ings?" She asks in return. "As for my purpose, I already said it was my own."
Karkalla
Dyndan takes a trip to the hold and clears out items from her trunk placing them inside a bag. She then goes to retrieve the item from Duarros and with a smile whisper to Karkalla "Hope ya can keep up sweety" before heading into town.
She first heads to a rundown looking in just inside the gate. The place is filled with roauty sailer, brimming with hobgoblins and whores. There seems to be a constent stream of people going up and down the rackaty stairs.
She rents a room and heads up stairs, with other close behind her. Karalla watches the stairs as Dyndan climbs them, but the sailor never come back down. But just as she starts to really worry a plain looking fellow in an eyepatch waves to her as he comes down the stairs. He is dressed in worn clothing of a military make, if patched and faded.
He heads toward the bar, has a few drinks and stops by her table on his way out. "You coming?" he says as he heads for the door. The guards at the gate say nothing as you approach, looking down upon the new comers with stern eyes. The man makes his way to a second inn, a well kept place with a large, front room and talks to the clerk, and heads upstairs.
Some time later a half orc enters the inn, talks to the clerk and winks at Karkalla as he leaves, and that is when you notice he is carrying Dyndan's bag. He makes his way across the street, stopping to eat a meal and talk with some guards then he moves toward the small cluster of homes , she has trouble following him in the twisting streets and before long he vanished down the ally.
Karkalla searches the ally but does not seem to she the half orc anywhere.
Toxim/Daurros/Guard
The crew happily disembarks form the vessel, glad to be free of its confines, but most are coin less and have no place to go. More then a few show interest in Toxims offer of passage.
Avner disembarks with Guard and he doesn't even look at Toxim or Duarros as he walks toward the fort. His man servants barely keeping up with the Nobles stride. He had the look of a driven man as he quickly passes you and heads into the crowd
Just inside the dock area paying the docking fees as a group of Hobgoblins approach, the are lean well built fellows, with the walk of one who has spent a life on the water.
"Who commands that vessel?" a rather tall, well scarred hobgoblin asks pointing toward the freedom wing.
Everyone else.
The crew keeps an eye on the newcomer, weapons ready as she talks to Finn and Ardanto
For a moment, Toxim considers lying or using a euphemism but quickly decides against it. "They attacked our convoy and tried to take us as slaves. They failed. I took their ship as my prize. She's for sale if you want her. She doesn't suit my needs at this time." He maintains his insincere smile.
Daurros decides that, being hobgoblins, they may respect might better than friendliness. "There actually would have been another for sale - this one's partner who also came after us. Unfortunately, the captain of that vessel, once he realized there was no possible way he could defeat us, decided to sink the ship instead. A pity, I suppose. But as Captain Toxim says, you can certainly make an offer for this one."
The Hobgoblin gives a hearty luagh "Did ya now? Well since the ship is for sail why don't we have a drink and talk about ships shall we?' The hobgoblin points to a ran down Inn in the shacks, a busy place it seems with men,hobgoblins and whores going in and out even as you near.
If you decide to follow the Hobgoblin, he and the others make there way inside, the crowded Inn, its well lite, but ran down, and women site on clients laps, some topless as others barely dressed serve drinks. The Hobgoblin selects a table near the back and has himself a seat.
"The whores may not be the fairest lasses, but they know what there doing, food is passable as well. Ales like dish water however" He ays as he orders ale anyhow from a topless half elf lass.
"Now to the matter at hand, I and Captain Calaag Vaskleen of the Bloody Maw and I am willing to take that ship off your hands. I would be needing to send someone to inspect it of coarse but I am not without means and would be willing to pay say fifteen thousand for the vessel."
Karkalla
Karkalla panics for a moment, then sees the drainage lid, lifting it she climbs down into the sewers of the fort, and sees foot prints leading toward the docks she thinks. Following those she come into a larger room with another lid above it. Climbing from the sewer she finds herself in an ally with a well dressed human man not far from the lid, stuffing clothing into a bag, a bag she knows.
Toxim allows his smile to fall into a more natural look. Smiling like that was beginning to hurt. He whispers to Daurros and Guard before following the hobgoblins. "Can either of you Detect Poison?"
Toxim takes a moment to get the feel of the inn. He orders something to eat, but no drink, not until after negotiations.
"After the inspection, you'll agree she's worth twenty thousand."
On the way in, Daurros whispers back, "Yes, I can. I don't think we'll need it, though. If I keel over dead, just make sure you avenge me." He laughs and slaps Toxim on the back, following the hobbos into the bar.
Daurros has no problem with the ale, and downs his first quickly before ordering a second and sips more carefully. He doesn't take part in the negotiations, letting the expert, Toxim, deal with it. His eyes keep drifting to the serving lasses; despite their lower caliber (as he agrees with Vaskleen) it has been a long time at sea ...
The sever refills Daurros ale, giving him a wink as she does so "I am available if your interested" she says before moving off to the next table. Captain Vaskleen gives Toxim a toothy smile. "Well know, twenty seems a bit high, without..cargo. But if the ship is in fine shape eighteen might not be so unreasonable."