"Finn, even if the Lady Vanderboren did not put me on retainer, I would ask to come with you. You saved me from a peril most dire. Also, to be absolutely blunt, I have no place else to go. I sunk my entire fortune in that shipment and only have 8 rugs to show for it. So, I hereby request membership in the Millineum Falcons."

I'll spend some time learning the city and doing as Finn asked.

I'll take 20 or even 10 if I can. I have time. If not, here's my rolls.
K: Local1d20 + 8 ⇒ (12) + 8 = 20
Diplomacy 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Daurros is more than happy to make a wondrous item, provided he meets the caster level and spell requirements (and Guard pays the bill ;-)).

Ardanto is, for once, uneasy with the attention their new found fame garners him and does not party as hard as he normally would, even going so far as to fake his drinking so he can keep a relatively sober head. He sees assassins waiting behind every corner, now not sure if the "things" that are after him, can take over any mind and thus even turn old acquaintances into enemies. His hand strays often to his sword hit and loud bangs or sudden movement leave his nerves frayed.
"Daurros, I like not this clear head I have these days, the women seem less comely and the food less tasty than it does when we have had a few brews to sharpen the senses. Yet I trust not that what ever these creatures are that can jump from body to body, using them like some shell or host, have finished with us. And so alas, I think we shall have to keep our wits about us for the short time. What say ye?"

He tries to gather any info he can on their assailants and pays a visit to Rowyn to see if she can shed any light on how she was possessed.

Gather Information is now part of Diplomacy: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Am I correct in Rowyn being a nobles daughter? If so she makes an excellent contact for Ardanto.

He decides after the return visit to the cove and a few weeks in the city that maybe the open sea is a safer place. He makes plans to retain the crew (Amella Venkalie and co) they hired and seeks out Brangons Smiggles to make an appointment with Master Kring. He intends to offer the services of his (technically our) ship, he will also wishes to use Master Kring to sell any of the cargo that has a good price here and to take tips on where to sell the remainder.

Seeker, do we technically have two ships now, The Sea Wyvern and the Windward Sprite? If so, we have the start of a trading empire.

Ardanto's attitude to Lavinia has changed quite dramatically, where as before he always had a feeling she was maybe not all she seemed and may even of been manipulating them, he now trusts her implicitly. This is a very obvious change to any who have seen him around her before.

What sort of person is Liamae? Ardanto will obviously spend some time getting to know her.

Rowyn is delighted to see Ardanto, and invites him in. Although she wishes to put the whole experience behind her, she does tell Ardanto what she recalls. She has full memories as her time under the control of what she calls "the other" and even if it is hazy she does recall she was taken while visiting the Riedran embassy. she holds back tears as she recounts the skimming, and plotting. How she ordered peoples deaths and herself killed more then one. But more then that she does not know as the others mind was cold and closed to her, she describes it as a totally aliens mind set, like tentacles of some great unknown shadow wrapped around her mind. After that she tries and change the subject to Ardanto and his adventures wanting to hear his latest goings on and she heard he even sailed a pirate ship into port!

Brangons Smiggles happily makes an appointment for you with with Master Kring. Master Kring, congratulates you in the good fortune of having your own vessel, one he has heard tell of "You truly have possession of the Sea wyven, do ya?' he laughs "Well wonders never cess, the ship was well known during the war, watch yourself near the Belish cost with her. Some folks have long recalls' He is however happy to give you contacts in Q'barra, Valenar and Aerenal for the cargo you have. He is willing to give you contacts int eh city for the rest of your space and in the ports you will hit, for a mere 30% of your profit.

You do not have the windward sprite as that went back to the enclave, it was just on loan

As for Liamae, she is not as sure of herself, or her power as she used to be. She is a person that seems to pay a great deal of attention and put meaning in signs, and omens. She seems to have taken a real interest in ardanto, as he put himself in harms way for her , when her magic failed her. She also seems to have an interest in the sea and sailing from what little time you have spent with her that much you can tell.

"Daurros, I like not this clear head I have these days, the women seem less comely and the food less tasty than it does when we have had a few brews to sharpen the senses. Yet I trust not that what ever these creatures are that can jump from body to body, using them like some shell or host, have finished with us. And so alas, I think we shall have to keep our wits about us for the short time. What say ye?"

“But why not take a break from the city, if it has you on edge so badly? Take the Wyvern for a spin, and unload all of that cargo? It would turn a hefty profit for the Falcons, I can see. And it would give you a chance to … clear your head a bit. Maybe you can even ask Lavinia … or Liamae … or Rowyn … to come with you. Give you a chance to get to know one of them better, eh?” Daurros gives Ardanto a sharp elbow and a big grin.

Daurros’ first order of business will be to copy the spells in the found spellbook into his own, trade some 1st level spells with his new apprentice Toxim, and purchase/copy some other new spells (as well as a second spellbook).

After that, he will decide to pay a visit to the Witchwardens, bringing both the pearl fragments and the captured spellbook. Basically, he will give them the pearl fragments, while doing whatever research he can on it himself, and see if the arcane guardians of Sasserine will purchase the captured book. As well, he is interested in joining the organization, if they would like to have him.

Knowledge (Arcana) 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (17) + 12 = 29 +whatever bonuses from research with the Witchwardens, if accepted

Once we’ve decided on a course of action for the magic items and cargo, I’ll determine what magic I want to buy/craft/scribe. I’ve also finished updating Daurros to 5th level.

Daurros you are interview with the witchwardens at the witchwarden tower in the noble district. Your interview goes well and they are pleased with your skill, and with the fragments you have brought them. As a member you will have to pay a due of 10gp per month, however you will have access to the guilds many library's, spells and powerful casters, as well as access to laboratory's and even some rare components. If it's magic and moving though the city it's in the witchwarden tower.

They also agree to pay you a some of 520gp for the spellbook as it has some spells that were unknown to the guild. And Daurros is given his witchwarden badge( a disk with a circle of runes with 8 daggers inside hilts touching}

Ardanto is happy with the deal Master Kring proposes and accepts his terms and conditions, he does also enquire if there are any Privateer Contracts available as Ardanto is not above sinking enemy ships or even other pirates.

I am guessing the Sea Wyvern being a pirate ship is also equipped for doing pirate like activities, and Ardanto is more than happy to do some legalised privateering.

Now this leaves him needing a crew, the type depending on if he is heading out as just a merchant or if he is going to do some privateering on the side. He would preferable re-hire Amella Venkalie (the foul mouthed wench who took them to the pirate cove) as his first mate and use her as a starting contact for a crew.

Liamae, Ardanto will offer her a place on the ship as she shares his interest and it never hurts to have a spell caster along for the ride. He will not pursue a romantic interest in her, but if it develops naturally then he will not avoid it (See my character sheet for Ardanto's personality notes and alignment).

On a side point, Ardanto is planning on spending the majority of his money on a suit of (Mithral or Glammered maybe?) Platemail and then have it enchanted to at least +1. I'll list that up in the Off Topic Thread. He will also be looking at 2 masterwork Longswords (one possible magic depending on how his initial 3k investment with Master Kring worked out)

Daurros you are interview with the witchwardens at the witchwarden tower in the noble district. Your interview goes well and they are pleased with your skill, and with the fragments you have brought them. As a member you will have to pay a due of 10gp per month, however you will have access to the guilds many library's, spells and powerful casters, as well as access to laboratory's and even some rare components. If it's magic and moving though the city it's in the witchwarden tower.

They also agree to pay you a some of 520gp for the spellbook as it has some spells that were unknown to the guild. And Daurros is given his witchwarden badge( a disk with a circle of runes with 8 daggers inside hilts touching}

** spoiler omitted **

Did Daurros discover anything new about the pearl?

Does Finn get a nifty affiliation score for fighting in the arena?

As the weeks go by, Daurros does come to enjoy a bit of the attention and recognition that comes with the Falcons’ successes, but at the same time doesn’t mind when it begins to subside a little. Despite his initial thoughts and discussion with Ardanto, Daurros will still head to tavern a few times. Going by himself he finds both unwise and boring, so he’ll invite any of the other Falcons who may want to come, especially Toxim or Finn. He assumes Guard would likely not be interested, and Thoven … well, he’s still unsure just how stuffy the usually quiet priest is.

He also realizes that of the group, it was Ardanto who primarily kept tabs on their employer, and Kaskus being the only Jade Raven left in Sasserine (if, in fact, they were even a functioning group anymore), someone needed to ensure she remained safe. This job was a pretty good thing, and it wouldn’t due to have anything happen to jeopardize it. Besides, Vanthus was still out there, and Daurros was still looking forward to meeting him …

A good portion of Daurros’ time is spent in research at the Witchwarden’s Tower, crafting or scribing magic items, copying new spells, and training his new ‘apprentice’, but he will still try and check in on Lavinia several times a week. The first time, he will explain, “Ardanto takes his charges seriously, my lady. With he and Liamae at sea for the next several months, I feel it is my responsibility, as both his oldest friend and your employee, to continue ensuring your safety until he returns. After all, your brother is still out there somewhere, and who knows where these mind-controlling beings may turn up next? I know I cannot match Ardanto’s skill with the blade, but I hope I will suffice in the interim. I am at your disposal, should you need anything.”

While cleaning up the Vanderboren estate, Finn hauls the corpse of the weird antenna-creature down to the arena as a trophy. The bizarre beast causes a fair amount of head-scratching and speculation; some of Finn's fellow gladiators are impressed, but others scoff.

Finn swears to the nay-sayers: "I'll bring back a beast that will make your eyes pop, by the Flame! And I'll bring it back alive." To that end, he spends the last of his wealth on enhancing his spear with mighty dweomers designed to tame a beast without killing it -- even if that beast is named Vanthus Vanderboren. The spear also proves to be a hit with the managers of the arena; he can fight men and beasts with demonic ferocity (as indeed he does) without leaving any permanent damage.

So fond is he of his new spear that he carries it around night and day. Even the few women that the half-elf brings into his life -- and back to his room -- remark that they seem to come in second place to his prize weapon. Written on the haft of the spear in Finn's childish script are the following words in Elven runes: "VANDERBOREN'S JUSTICE".

Some days after the banquet Guard hauls a cart, loaden with throwing axes, some leather armors and clubs towards the main office and(/or) trainingsground of the city guards. Kerinith, walking besides him, looks confident, if a bit nervous.

The warforged seeks an officer he can talk to, about the weapons and armor they gathered from the bullywugs attack at Vanderborn manor.
He wants to sell them in bulk, and also establish a business connection of his shop and the city guards.

Though it was Guard's idea to sell the equipment to the city guards, Kerinith suggested to build up an extended business relationship, making Guard's shop (hopefully) the sole supplier in all things out a forge.

That would mean for the shop to grow, seeking a place in the city where there would be more space, hiring more workers and so on.

Thanking him for this good idea and for his work and support, Guard promotes Kerinith to be his partner, requiring his help in the negotiations with the city guard.

Daurros's days are busy with training Toxim and spending his time lost in the library of the witchwardan tower. Not much has been learned of the pearl other then it had strong Transformation magic. The wardens are unsure who made it, it does not bare the normal markings of House Cannith, but they are unsure who could have crafted something capable of such devastation other then the House

Ardanto finds getting the sea wyvern ready to sail takes up much of his time but Liamae does take him up on the offer to be away from the city for a while and soon the ship slips from port toward Q'Barra. He does run into some trouble off the coast, but the sea wyvern is a swift vessel and outruns the vessels. Soon after he sails down the coast toward Valenar bringing goods to the elven ports and picking up some cargo and contacts to the elven homeland the ship has no weapons, you may buy one if ya wish

Finn and his spear do indeed become popular in the area and his ablity to bring down foes without killing them makes him popular with the area hunting partys and he finds himself outside the city on hunts for area fodder with the rest of the Horns more then once. He finds no trace of Vanthus in the city however. No one he talks to has seen he man it looks as if he has washed his hands of his sister and Sasserine.

Guard does manage to hammer out a deal with most of the city watch, cutting them a good deal for armor and equipment, his status as a hero of Sasserine and contacts with two noble familys goes a long way to brokering this deal. Kerinith is a driving force in the negotiations and in a few short months Guards little shop has expanded to include 12 workers and four apprentices. Soon armor, and weapons are in an almost constant flow out from his shop. With guild connections Kerinith also spins Guards reputation as a city hero to land a few other deals with the cities noble family's

Tozim spends most his time under the watchful eye of Daurros, however he finds himself drawn toward the seekers lodge on many days. When he makes his way in he finds himself in a place of exploration, a place of trophy's and journals, large over stuffed chairs, drinks stories abound shared among explores. It is a place of debates, stories and secrets. Joining is not hard if he wishes. Your expected to tithe 10% of your income of donate rare book or items to support the lodge, other then that keeping a journal is a must to be chronicled by the seekers

While Finn's days are filled with arena fighting and searching for Vanthus and the Lotus Dragons, his nights are filled with uneasy dreams and sinister recollections from his childhood. Night after night he begins to remember more of unspeakable blasphemies he witnessed, and sometimes he wakes up from a dream with cruel talons on his fingers and his bedsheets torn to shreds, filled with a wild exaltation. On those nights it is a long time before he can rest again.

Thoven Spends his days as most like he spent his days before as possible. He considers himself a servant of the Silver Flame first and foremost, and hardly a hero, although he certainly appreciates the praise and hopes that his example will lead the community to live more noble lives abiding by the tennets of the Church of the Silver Flame. He will visit his party members regularly, Inviting them to join church services often. He takes special time to speak with Finn, who he sees as troubled, but with great potential for good works.

Daurros actually begins to find the time he spends in research and tutoring to be enjoyable, something he never expected to admit to himself. Still, he does miss the benders he and his friend used to do ... and so once Ardanto returns, Daurros does insist on buying his friend a drink in celebration of the successful trip (regardless of Ardanto's protestations - "One ale, my friend ... no need to get drunk!").

Over the ale, Daurros mentions his membership in the Witchwardens, the little bit of information known about the pearl, and that Toxim seems to be learning magic quite well. "Finn dragged him and Guard along on a few excursions outside the city walls; I think they were looking for exotic beasts of some sort. Guard himself is doing well with his smithy; I'm not sure he's going to want to keep adventuring, his business is taking off so fast! The little free time I had, I kept an eye on Lavinia for you. Pretty boring, to be honest; as far as I'm concerned, you can keep that part of the job! Vanthus seems to either have given up on coming back, or at least is keeping his head low for now. And none of those mind-controlling things have shown up, either. (Assuming that's the case, of course; should something come up, we can disregard the previous couple of statements.) So, tell me about your trip!" Daurros takes a long pull from his ale.

The falcons are not the only ones who have been busy over the past months. Lavinia seems to have taken to fencing and been training almost daily, as it seems her fortunes have also turned around. The manor now has a full staff, and the coffers seem to be full or at lest doing very well. She also has been seen frequently with her mothers journal and Toxim has seen her at the seekers lodge more then once going though records. Some of you may have traveled with her to the city's record halls, and the varied guilds at some point over the last few months

The two remaining members of the Jade Ravens also seem to have refilled there ranks, being joined by a Human named Kol and a half orc calling himself Jasper.

It is Early in the month of Barrakas, late summer though still warm and very sticky in Sasserine,nearly six months after the events at the manor Lavinia summons the Millinum Falcons to the Manor.

Over the summer Guard has made it a habit to use the cannals as main route for his travels throughout the city, if he doesn't have to look 'dressed up'.

To attend the summons of Lavinia, the warforged doesn't take that path, but walks along the streets and bridges of Sasserine.
He is quick to follow her call, only taking time to pat Kerinith on the shoulder lightly, letting him know that he's going to be out.

As the newest member of the Millennium Falcons, I know what it's like to be the new guy on the team so I'll make nice with the two new Jade Ravens, though unless there's a shared interest I won't go out of my way to befriend either. BTW can we get their descriptions?
When we are at the Seeker Lodge or on Seeker business, I will assume to be on equal ground with Lavinia, otherwise I will behave subordinate to her. I hope that her summons has to do with the hints I've dropped about my increasing desire to travel some.

"At your service my Lady"

Toxim

Toxim

Ardanto returns to Sassarine after several months at sea, his hair lightened by the sun and his skin tanned and weather beaten by the wind.

After attending with Master Kring to sell any return voyage cargo he immediately seeks out his employer to check all is okay with her.

Seeing that the manor is looking better and that Lavinia is looking more confident and radiant than ever, he appears pleased (although part of him is a little upset that she has faired so well with out him).

He searches out his companions one by one to give them there share of the money (I am going to assume this is some sort of paper form rather than him walking around with great big sacks full of coins).

He hopes that they will all join him for a meal to celebrate a successful and fairly uneventful trading trip.

It is noticed that Ardanto still looks uneasy in Sassarine, jumping at loud noises and nervous around strangers. He confesses as much to Daurros over a beer, "My friend, I fear this legitimate trading may not be to my taste, while it is good money, I do not feel I could take the monotony of life as an honest man." he downs a beer and calls for a refill for everyone. "I miss our days on the open seas, you can take the pirate off the sea, but you can't put the same pirate back on the sea and expect him not to do some pillaging and looting." "I think my next voyage may not be as legitimate as the last."

Ardanto is gearing up for a second trading voyage, this time with the addition of some weapons for the boat when the call to attend the manor comes.

Seeker

Toxim

It is noticed that Ardanto still looks uneasy in Sassarine, jumping at loud noises and nervous around strangers. He confesses as much to Daurros over a beer, "My friend, I fear this legitimate trading may not be to my taste, while it is good money, I do not feel I could take the monotony of life as an honest man." he downs a beer and calls for a refill for everyone. "I miss our days on the open seas, you can take the pirate off the sea, but you can't put the same pirate back on the sea and expect him not to do some pillaging and looting." "I think my next voyage may not be as legitimate as the last."

Ardanto Valanto wrote:

It is noticed that Ardanto still looks uneasy in Sassarine, jumping at loud noises and nervous around strangers. He confesses as much to Daurros over a beer, "My friend, I fear this legitimate trading may not be to my taste, while it is good money, I do not feel I could take the monotony of life as an honest man." he downs a beer and calls for a refill for everyone. "I miss our days on the open seas, you can take the pirate off the sea, but you can't put the same pirate back on the sea and expect him not to do some pillaging and looting." "I think my next voyage may not be as legitimate as the last."

Daurros laughs a bit, then confesses, "Too true. While the research has been ... interesting, I could also use a bit of action. I think the real pirating days may be over, though; I'm afraid our new-found fame would turn to infamy very quickly."

"I agree with Guard. Staying in the city is not for me if it can be helped. I have a little of the money left, maybe I can try my hand at being a merchant again. Try to make some money, legitimate or otherwise."

"I wonder if Lavinia has found a trace of her brother. My own inquiries have come up dry for these past months. I would be delighted to meet him again," Finn says with a sardonic smile, stroking his spear "Vanderboren's Justice".

I have yet to meet him, but you all paint quite the picture, especially you, Finn. I'm rather beginning to look forward to meeting him as well.

"I doubt we will be seeing him again, that Pirate Captain Lass didn't seem too pleased with him either, I expect they have probably keel hauled him already," he looks round at the others and notices some do not understand the term, "What is keel hauling?" "You tie a rope to a man's hands and pass it under the ship, you then tie another to his feet and you drag him under the ships hull, if he doesn't drown, the barnacles rip him to shreds and the sharks get you." as an after thought he adds, "that reminds me, I probably need to beach the Wyvern so we can clean her hull."

He grabs a passing serving wench and spins her round onto his lap, "Another round anyone?" he asks trying to change the subject, "you know I would be delighted to have you all along for the next trip, I was thinking we could also do some privateering, take out some of the local pirates and turn them in for the bounty, unless you want to take a safe trading trip first to get your sea legs?"

Ardanto seems much happier talking about sailing and the open sea, it is almost possible to believe that he is some great Pirate Captain and not some would be actor who took a knock to his head.

"I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- if someone tries to leave me for dead, he had better make damned sure that he finishes the job!

Now maybe you understand why I was a little wary of you at first, Toxim. Betrayal and danger have dogged my steps since the day I was born."

Once you arrive at the manor your shown in by the new staff. The place is looking better and a bit fuller. Your taken to the main dinning room there you see Lavinia looking down at the table. From one side to the other the table is filled with charts and a large book that looks familiar to you. She smiles when you enter and she waves you over

""Do you recall this journal we recovered from my family vault? It turns out that it was my mother's. My parents, may the gods rest their souls, were brave-foolish and rash some would say, but I have never been one to criticize an adventurous spirit. On the contrary-" she
casts a wry smile at you all. "I admire it. In any event , it would seem that about four years ago, my mother and father undertook a risky endeavor. They sailed the Blue, Nixie , along with a ship full of
colonists , down south and down the Khorvaire coast and into the Thunder sea to a place they refer to as the Isle of Dread.

"You may have heard of this place-if you haven't, it seems apparent from reading my mother's journals that the place is aptly named. A jungle-covered hell infested with immense reptilian monsters, feral savages, and peril at every turn. Yet the southern peninsula remains relatively sheltered from the menaces on the isle main land , and it was here, among the villages of several friendly locals, that my parents founded the colony of Farshore" She says as she traces the route out on the charts
"The Isle of Dread represents an untapped trove of resources-exotic lumber, spices, animals, foods, and even minerals like silver and gold. Once Farshore was up and running ,the influx of trade would have guaranteed my family a relatively uncontested flow of wealth. Yet before mother and father were able to return to Farshore with
supplies and more colonists... my brother made his move and left. me in the state you found me in a few months ago ago"

Lavinia indicates her mother's journal. "Since we recovered this journal,I have not been idle.
lf Farshore fails,than my parents last legacy fails.I intend to carry on their work,and have planned for a journey south to the Isle of Dread to resupply and join the colonists at Farshore for the rest of the year.I have the Blue Nixie readying in the harbor to take fresh supplies to the colony, but I find myself a vessel short."

Lavinia's face breaks into a glowing grin as she continues,"You wouldn't know of anyone with stout
hearts who might happen to be interested in helping me mount this expedition, do you? I fear the journey itself might grow dangerous at times, and there's no way of knowing what state or condition Farshore
is currently in, but I suspect that danger is a vice you have."

Ugh I give up I can not get that last paragraph to format right

The Isle of Dread? As in The Isle of Dread. Ahh man, you have got to be jerking my chain, I love that adventure, I have fond memories of one of my players having his Ranger go feral and riding around the Island on a wooly mammoth he pulled out of a tar pit! If you can't tell I am a little excited about the prospect.

Ardanto moves confidently over to the maps and journals, "I have heard rumours of this place in old sea songs and from superstitious crew hands, I was led to believe it was just that, a rumour." he studies the maps, "but if it is true, then the possibility is too good for me to pass over." As normal when he is talking animatedly his pirate accent slips and his normal Sasserine accent pops back up. He looks at the others with excitement, "what say the rest of you, eh? This is the excitement we were looking for?"

Ardanto studies the maps:
1) Are these isle on the navigational charts he has?
2) Do you need any rolls off Ardanto?

Ardanto launches into a barrage of questions, who is her captain, when are we leaving, what route ect.

Toxim feels a wave of relief that he'll soon be on another adventure. His excitement easily matches Ardanto's.

"Ma'am, even if I had never heard anything about this island I would join in. Ardanto, how long until the Sea Wyvern can be ready for the voyage? Lavinia, I have a little money left and would be willing to invest in the colony as well. You've been very busy these last few months. What have you found out about the sailing conditions and weather patterns? How many stops do you have planned along the way? Will two ships be enough? I've always wanted to captain my own ship. You'll be a Commodore, commanding a squadron of ships.... Sorry, got a bit carried away there."

Toxim continues to smile half in embarrassment and half in excitement.

Finn juts his chin forward proudly.

"I have no fear of travelling to an island of devils and monsters -- those are like mother's milk to me. Moreover, I suspect that you and I are not safe here in Sasserine as long as your brother and his Lotus Dragons are still on the loose. If I know Vanthus, he is plotting your death even now. So even to do nothing is a great risk.

I would be proud to join this venture."

"I think it goes without saying that I'm in as well, Lady Vanderboren." Daurros hopes this doesn't interfere with any expected duties as a Witchwarden, although he thinks this may give the opportunity to discover lost magics. What does he know about the Isle of Dread?

Knowledge (Geography) 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28
Knowledge (history) 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (19) + 10 = 29

"Well... seems like most of the Millenium Falcons are in, and so am I.
I mean, you pay us to run errands and to keep you save, how could we not partake in this adventure?
Finn's probably right too, with his warning of Vanthus activities towards you."
Guard is as excited as Finn to get off his butt and out of the city. Even though the shop is bustling with work and live, and even though he likes to work metal and produce something for others (and make a little money out of it) he sure takes the opportunity to get out of town once in a while.

Daurros will also try and determine how long of a voyage we're talking here, based on the Knowledge (geography) result.

Thoven listens attentively to Lavania and smiles gently at the enthusiasm of his allies and their employer. " Wherever there is the absence of light, I shall do my best to provide it." he states whimsically as his mind wanders to the three days below parrot island and the heroes he shared the room now who rescued him from his demise." Wherever our adventures take us, I shall follow, as it is the least I can do."

Daurros

Smiling at Ardantos questions she points to the charts on the table "We will be using my parents charts for the most part, and would like to leave within the week. I have hired a very experienced captain Named Valen Rose to captain the Blue Nixie. I had planned to hire a navigator for the voyage, but I have been told you have some experience at that yourself?

Ardanto

Daurros

Ardanto relays all the information he knows, talking rapidly and animatedly Feel free to have a look at his spoiler above.

He comes up with a few more questions for the party:
1)If the ship can hold 30 (40 max), but there are only currently 24 spaces filled, how many "spares" should we take? Ardanto is in favour of swelling the ships ranks to 30, giving us the ability to lose 6 crew members en-route and still be at full strength.

2) Balliasta, the ship can hold two of them, any idea where to purchase them, given that we only have one week.

3) Ardanto has +12 in the Navigation skill with the charts, do we feel this is going to be adiquate or should we hire a Navigator as well. Ardanto is of the opinion that it will be no problem for him and will pout if anyone disagrees. I have no idea what the DC of rolls required will be.

Ardanto

Ardanto don't forget that your current crew doesn't include myself or other party members who have sailing experiance (though I will accept nothing less than an officer's position) and we may wish to take on passengers.

I'm against a ballista. It will take up precious cargo space.

I have no reason to doubt your Navigation skills. Though I think Lavinia would be wise to have one on the Blue Nixie as well.

Seeker, I know it's not much, but how much cargo (supplies for the colony) can 2000GP buy?

"The Isle of Dread. Very interesting. Legend said it was a few hundred miles off the western coast of Aereanl, and home to a lost civilization of elves. No one in recent memory has discovered any proof that it even exists; looks like we've got a leg up, there.

"If these charts are right, this would look to be about 3000 miles from Sasserine; about 70 to 80 days on the ocean. Not a quick trip, by any means. And very dangerous."

Looking up at the rest, Daurros adds, "Sounds like a blast!"

Finn frowns. "Three months...that's a long time to go without having my feet on solid ground. I'm not much of a seaman, I'm afraid. But as I said, it's probably no more risky than sitting around Sasserine, growing more complacent day by day."

"It won't be three months, Finn. We'll be making stops along the way to re-provision and see a sight or two I'm sure. At most it will be just over a month in open waters."

Daurros looks at Toxim, oblivious to his attempts to make Finn feel a little better. "Actually, my estimate of 3 months was actual sailing time. Stops along the way for a few days here and there will add to the trip accordingly."

Daurros stares at the maps; is there an island or other land feature that is approximately half-way between Sasserine and the Isle of Dread?