Wat why don't you and your friend grab your hammocks, and come set up by us. We told your mum we would look out for ya. Hobart pointed over to where the rest of the gang were set up. There you go lad lets get you out the way in case we have trouble here.
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Lilo swings up into his hammock and watches the light patterns on the walls humming softly to himself. He pays little attention to the others until Rosrse has finished his conversation then hops down and wanders over to his fellow halfling
"Lilo Deepburrow..Merchant of Andoran..Pleased to meet you" he says holding out his hand "Thats a fine dog you have there"
Kuras looks at Hobart and takes a quick step back. He holds up his hands. Hey, man, no worries here. We're just having a conversation, that's all. It's too crowded up here with another person, and I don't care for wolves, that's all.
Wat and his dumb-looking friend take their hammocks and head over to where Hobart indicated.
Imogene chuckles her smoky laugh as she comes up beside Hobart. She runs her right hand up his arm, across his shoulder and caresses his cheek. My, my, you would be a lot more interesting to slip a leash on than Kuras ever was; too bad I don't need that kind of excitement. Tell your little friend that we aren't interested in his ... generous offer, but we're content to make our way to Arcadia as well. As he said, it's all about redemption. Surely you can understand one not wanting to always be looking over her shoulder? She pats his cheek and turns away. Hobart catches her actually wiping her hand on her trouser leg as she does so.
The sailors pause their work to look at Titus. Talk to First Mate Theodremir once we get clear of the harbour, and he might be able to hook you up with something to do.
Hobart coldly stares at the red haired woman walking away from him. As if you could make me your poppet. Ha! There may be more to her then simple womanly charms though I will have to keep alert of her. Perhaps letting the Lads know if I take a sudden liking to her then something is amiss. Seeing that there will be no trouble Hobart heads back to where his friends are set up. Looking at Wat and Goon he smiles Well now Wat. I am Hobart, and you and your friend here are welcome to bunk with us here, and when we get where we are going. I think that ol' centaur will allow it. We will get you big and strong. By the time your mum and the little ones get here they will see a fine young man where once a boy was. Looking at Goon he sticks out his hand. Hobart is the name. Well met Friend.
As Goon sticks his hand out to return the shake, Hobart notices for the first time a truly nasty scar, running horizontal across the man's throat, right where his Adam's Apple should be.
He doesn't talk,Wat says. Kuras started calling him Goon, so that's what we call him.
Hobart scowls Well that doesn't seem to be very friendly does it? Can you right? He looks at Goon. If not then he will have to think of something better than Goon.
Goon shakes his head.
Hmm, Wat what do you think surely we can thing of a nicer name for your friend. What do you say? Hobart looks to the boy
Titus will find the First Mate and ask him if he needs a hand. Other than that, he's avoiding most social interaction for the time being, unless approached. For now, he's content to take in the ship's environs and watching how the different groups interact with one another.
Well, we could just ask him what his name is not...but that might take awhile.
Asking around, Titus learns that the first mate is on the aft deck; the sailors point to the man manning the wheel. As Titus climbs the ladder, he's stopped by two soldiers at the top. Hold up, sir. What's your business? Upon learning that he's looking for First Mate Theodremir, the soldier nods and asks Titus to wait where he is as he goes to tell Theodremir. While he's waiting, however, the well-dressed clean-shaven man finishes his conversation with the older, frumpy man, and approaches the ladder, and Titus. The remaining soldier stiffens as the man approaches.
Good morning, sir, the man says, nodding politely to him. You were one of the last colonists to come on board, were you not? Sir Kheiron tells me that you and your friends are adventurers. If that is true, I would very much like to speak with all of you once you're settled.
Hobart thinks for a moment, snaps his fingers saying How bout we call you Drag-Kul for for now? It means quiet one in Orcish. Only until Wat here figures out what your true name is eh. He looks to them both to see if they are keen on the idea. Hoping he has that settled for the moment he goes about squaring away the area that he, and his friends had claimed as their bunk space.
After watching the chest thumping play out between the two groups, Eriniyes decides she will move her "bed" closer to the boy. The other group seemed to be more selfish and untrustworthy, not to mention that foul mouthed one.
Approaching Hobart and the boy, I hope you don't mind another neighbor. She feels herself opening up, a smile even crosses her face. That is something she hasn't felt in quite a while. For now, the blinding anger is pushed back. She knows that is no way to act around a frightened child.
Goon, or "Drag-Kul" shrugs his shoulders and nods.
He doesn't really look like a "Drag-Kul", but oh well, Wat says.
Hobart looks at Eriniyes not at all miss. he turns to Wat Well if you can think of better then by all means. I said it was just temporary till you discovered his real name. Remember we've got about two months ahead of us before we get where were going. He ruffles Wat's hair. After all tis better then Goon, yes? he looks to Goon/Drag-Kul for confirmation.
Titus manages a grin. "Adventurers,eh? I suppose that's one way to put it. How can we be of help to the Lady Iona?" He hopes going along with the story will dismiss any suspicion on the dubious pack of characters.
GDK shrugs and nods.
The older, frumpy man steps forward angrily. Is that how you address a lord, good sir!?
The lord waves him away, irritated. Hold your peace, Falcon. The man can hardly be expected to know who we all are. Forgive me, sir, for failing to introduce myself; my name is Brycen, commander of this expedition, and there are many ways in which you and your friends may be of service, not only to the Lady Iona, but to myself and the colonial expedition at large. Please tell your friends that I would like to speak with them all this afternoon. I will send a soldier to let you know when I am free and able.
Rorse as amiable as he ever is smirks up at Kuras. Yup, Well I guess since we are done with our conversation and you don’t seem interested let me know if you change your mind. they still looked like a group that could be put to some task. Like doubling for them if the law caught up with them once they got to Absalom. He laughed in his my half orc is bigger than yours.
Come on Vero, and Hey Red he called to Imogene. you just told me yourself. Rorse walked forward to where the rest of Cassomir crew was set up. He still got a big hammock which looked funny when he was dragging it around but Vero wasn’t sleeping on the floor if he wasn’t.
He paused as Lilo confronted him with a genuinely friendly hello, it was hardly a mind rattle insult to his heritage, but he supposed he would let Hobart’s effort to stem his fun last a bit longer than seven steps to the next passenger of the ship.“Well met Lilo, though I guess you’ll be changing that to merchant of Arcadia if you’re staying on for the ride. You were the Halfling next door I take it? He tilted his head and asked Vero are you a dog Vero? Vero responded only by pointing his nose in the air and going and sitting near Eriniyes.
Rorse listened to the conversation Hobart and Wat and Goon were having, Well Wat and Hobart anyhow. “ I’d go with syllables, and then sounds. For instance you name is one, Wat! he clapped one beat for wat. While ho bart is two. Ho bart. he clapped two beats for hobart. my last name has three grain clap break clap er clap How about yours? he asks up to goon.
You try to figure out the first sound in his name. ah, bah , cah, dah, eah,fah,gah, and so on. Once you have the first you move on to the next. Rorse found an empty spot and tacked up his hammock.
Wat looks at Rorse, uncomprehending for awhile, and then eventually gets what Rorse is saying. It takes about 10 minutes of Goon nodding and shaking his head to determine that his name is (as best Wat can figure it) Chase Rendall. It would be hard to find a man more happy than Chase as people finally seem to know his name. The big man gives Wat the first hug, and then comes over to Rorse and picks him up, practically squeezing the life out of him in his massive arms. The man slowly mouths the words thank you to Rorse before returning to his hammock, whistling to himself.
Hobart Laughs Heartily Smiling a big toothy grin that verges on frighteningWell done all around. Let me say nice to meet you Chase Rendall!Hobart watches Rorse get the hug of his life hoping he wasn't going to react badly. It surprises me how that halfling's mind works.
The grin fled from Titus' face swiftly. "Of course, my lord, I'll speak with them and wait for your, er, soldier." He bobs a quick bow, much out of practice, and backs away a step or two before turning and hustling down into the quarters again. He was annoyed, he shouldn't try to be so easy-going.
The first he found was Hobart,and he saw that the others were nearby as well, entertaining the boy and his bodyguard. Progress had been made in leaps and bounds to befriend the two, it seemed. There were also ladies about. It made him nervous, to say the least, that this would be a co-ed set up. The old man hadn't interacted with a woman in a long, long time. Clearing his throat, he speaks to his friends, "A fellow by the name of Brycen, the expedition's commander, says he wants to talk to us. Seems someone told him we're adventurers, so he wants to have lunch with us. Best be on your behavior, too, he's a lord, and he's got hardasses around him that like to remind you of that."
Rorse watches fascinated by the game like process of what is happening infront of him. Wat and Cha were doing great. The big man lookedlike he was going to cry when he had his first name, he watch him vigourously hug Wat when his name was completed and couldn't help but smile. He knew good and well that he could count these two into the fold. Yes loyalty was. Wait! why was Chase coming towards him, he placed a calming hand on Vero's nose to ensure that the wolf knew that it was ok that he was being Squeezed. Rorse's legs kicked a bit as he was starting to really have his breath get knocked out of him.
"Your Welcome Chase." he replied to the mouthed words. When he was set down, He leaned back on Vero, it wasn't his habot to let anyone get that sort of hold on him.
His ears perked as Titus brought news of what they could be expecting soon.
"Well it sure as heck wasn't me! I didn't tell them anything, I just signed my name, but then I guess you cold tell from the looks of us."
He smiled at Lilo, it was the first sensible thing he had said, even if it was still wrapped in sugar cubes.
"you two mind keepin an eye on our set up?" he asked wat and Chase.He decided at the moment that Chase might become more useful if he could comunicate more efectively...perhaps between him and how bart, they could teach him to write.. He wondered a moment or two how, but then he thought of the way they learned with string in halfling burrows, it kept the litters of young from wasting parchment.
His eyes then fell to Eriniyes, Vero seemed to think something of her. " what about you m'lady? care to visit a lord with us?" speaking of Ladies. He glanced around for Corvus...while they were in jail he was going to help the woman out by releiveing her of an annoying and persistant bloke but by the time he had decided to do so the man was almost in tears...he hadn't seen what she did, but he decided right then he wouldn't be telling her a lude word. Reguardless, she would be more than welcome if he knew where she was and she had the mind to come with them. hmmm. He was building a solid group around him, Yes, he had hoped to win the prison group over, knowing how resourceful prisoners could be.
Hobart had a scowl on his face he didn't think to highly of lords since the Palfrey incident got him locked up. I guess I shouldn't judge the whole lot by the actions of one bastard. He had never had much interaction with nobility though; oh sure he knew how they expected to be treated, but they didn't often come interfering at the temple. He sat back on his hammock sharping his spear Why did someone have to take "Nessa"? I loved that falcion. He sighed the boat jerked again, and it felt like his stomach rolled over in his belly. Oh, I hope this doesn't take long to get use to.then he smiled You said lunch right? that means decent food surely. I mean he is a lord. with a brightening of his mood he went back to sharpening his spear.
Your lunch comes shortly after midday; either this ship has an unending supply of bountiful food, or the powers that be are putting out the good grub now so nobody jumps ship in Absalom. You receive a hearty stew with meat and vegetables, served with fresh bread.
The prisoners, you notice, receive a mealy gruel with very little if any meat.
Some of you manage short catnaps (if you wish) before a soldier comes to summon your group up to the main deck. Titus recognizes Lord Brycen up on the fore-deck.
Ah, excellent, Lord Brycen says, his Taldane accents clear. He sizes you up, one after the other, and nods. What are your names? Lord Brycen files away your names as you give them. When we reach Arcadia, we will have need of scouts. Soldiers make fine scouts, but they usually have little in the way of practical diplomatic knowledge, and we will very likely encounter natives within the first few days of our arrival. I do not feel it an exaggeration to say that the success or failure of our colony will depend on our relations with the natives. If we are constantly fighting barbarian warriors who know their land and terrain, we will never establish farms, never be able to hunt, or otherwise feed ourselves. This is why, against Sir Kheiron's best advice, I wished to have adventurers on board. Are you up for being my front line diplomat/scouts?
Certainly, and as my first act of diplomacy might I suggest that the "prisoners" are given the same rations as the rest of us. It will go along way to their loyalty, and goodwill if they start getting treated like they are valued members of the community just like everyone else. Instead of being treated as slave labor. You know flies , honey, and vinegar and all that.Diplomacy Hobart says confidently, but with no malice.
Titus wolfed down his own grub, enjoying the fact that it actually had taste and seemed to be made with care. A few of the others shared with the prisoners, but Titus wasn't of the same mind. Kindness could easily be mistaken for weakness by some. With his belly full, he reclines in his hammock for a brief period, until the soldier shakes him awake. He starts, a bit annoyed that he had fallen so deeply asleep so quickly, but tries not to let it show.
He gathers with the others to meet the Lord, and keeps to his feet, listening intently, but keeping quiet, letting the others talk and make agreements. I wonder what these natives would be like. If they can be reasoned with, all fine and dandy, but if not, we're just the expendables.
Lord Brycen raises an eyebrow at Hobart. You say, "prisoners" as if the word is merely some sort of moniker. To a man, and woman, they are all rapists and/or murderers in the eyes of the law, and have been given this opportunity, as slim as it may be, to redeem themselves with a visit to Arcadia rather than a one-way trip to visit the headsman. They are still prisoners in every sense of the word, and will be treated as such until they have made the efforts necessary to prove their worth.
Now, I would be very interested to learn some more about you and your group. For how long have you been traveling and adventuring together?
Rorse was pleased to see that he wasn’t the only one being fed, someone had thought of Vero as well, a decent amount of bones and other bits of scraps were bundled together and brought to the wolf, He would have to buy up some Dry rations to ensure that Vero stayed happy over the next few months, he’d also have to take him up top to run around on deck every so often. It wouldn’t due to have him get lazy. Lilo offered some of his food and Rorse was right behind him, He had more than he would eat, but at the very least Wat and Chase would be well fed. Maybe the others would take note and realize that they took care of their own. Rorse patted Vero stay here with the guys. And Vero hunkered right back down looking bored.
After they were with the lord of the ship it was an interesting sight to see their lot up top.
“Sir Rorse Grainbreaker of the order of the Cockatrice. And while I hate to be all business, there is business at hand. M’lord you have told us of the heavy responsibilities that would lie on our shoulders as the diplomats and scouts of the colony. The whole of the colony’s success could be made or broken by our efforts. I won’t hesitate to say that the lot of us wouldn’t have come if we didn’t think that we could help this effort to be a successful one. More than that we all obviously have a bit of the same adventurous spirit as yourself. Into the Wild to claim it for civilization, it is the root of many a legendry Ruler. I would like to know how our efforts would be rewarded, particularly since success will be ensured. Rorse gives his best smile.
I don’t like to disagree, but I must say I agree with Hobart, They are more likely to redeem themselves if given the opportunity from the start. in my opinion the colony would do better starting off with all of our murders and rapists, accounted for and made ready for normal interaction with society, no? It’d be a waste of two months not to make an effort at the least to reintroduce them to society before they are stigmatized, as well…rapists and murderers. I would hate to see the colony suffer for not being unified from the beginning. But then you very well may have that in mind.
Diplomacy:
All hints of amiability are wiped from Lord Brycen's face after Rorse's speech. His voice grows colder too. Well, sir Rorse, I believe I shall wait upon evidence of your success before I give away the entire continent of Arcadia. For now, you receive the same benefits as all other colonists; when the colony is established and we no longer need communal farms to support us, land will be divided and parceled out as I and my advisory council see fit. Your position is not so pivotal as to 'make or break' our expedition, but it is certainly more dangerous than others, and for that you do receive one thing of value; a seat at the planning table.
And as for the prisoners, I will hear no more discussion on the matter. They stay where they are; feel free to rehabilitate them on your own time.
Now, I believe I asked a question earlier which has yet to receive an answer. Perhaps you'd like to try again.
Once on ship, Corvus resorted to type. She kept herself to herself and listened. She made it appear that she was not listening of course - as if other people's business was of no consequence - but she filed away every conversation for possible use later.
As well as knowing that keeping quiet tending to make people ignore you - to the point of forgetting you were there - she also wanted to use the time to analyse. To plan and scheme. What was the pecking order among the former inmates? Who thought they were in charge and who was the real power? And what of the rest of the crew and those she'd escaped with? How had they changed since their escape?
Corvus thought these things through long and hard.
Yes, some of us have know each other longer than others, but truly only recently have we worked together in any cause. As for myself I was raised in the church of Pharasma, and have dedicated myself to her will. I send undead where they belong and, deal with those wretches who would bring them forth. I have been know to champion the cause of the common folk from time to time who have need of such help. Hobart can see that despite having no greasy little beard Brycen is a noble through and through. It would be interesting to see what happened when they got to Arcadia. I will work with you if you are a fair man Brycen, but I doubt you have the abilities to keep us heeled to if we decide to make our own way. especially if some of the colonist feel the same.
A faint hint of smile returns to Lord Brycen's clean-shaven features. He addresses Hobart. I too have had many adventures fighting the powers of unlife, throughout the River Kingdoms. I would be pleased to exchange tales at some point.
Turning to take in the group as a whole, Lord Brycen continues. I pray that we will not need your skills until we arrive in Arcadia, but we have still to get passed the damned Chelaxians at the Arch. We rendex-vous with our sister ships, the Desert Rose and the Cloud Climber in port in Absalom in two days, and then make for the Arch; should take us 4 or 5 days to make that leg of the journey. I would suggest that, in the mean time, as you have not adventured together before as a group, that you learn each others' strengths and weaknesses. If you would like to drill, I will clear it with Captain Theodric.
He moves towards the ladder leading back down to the main deck. It has been good to speak with you all, but now I must beg you to excuse me, as I have further duties that require my attention this afternoon. He nods politely to everybody, bowing slightly to Corvus and Eriniyes with warmer smiles, and goes a few steps down the ladder before stopping and turning around. It is admirable that you care for condemned men and women, even if most of them don't deserve your compassion. Prove to me your worth at the Arch, and I will order them given the same rations as the rest of the colonists, and grant them time above decks too. That's as far as I can go, though. While we are at sea, we follow the rules of the sea, and Captain Theodric is their principal arbiter. A faint flash of annoyance crosses his face before he is able to suppress it and replace it with a smile. Also, are any of you wizards?
I posses a touch of magic, but it is granted to me from The Lady of Graves. Hobart replies looking to his fellows It wouldn't hurt to know who else possessed magical gifts, but he wasn't going to rat on anybody who didn't speak up either.
Ah, clerical magic. I have great respect for clerical magic, which reminds me, Captain Theodric will be looking for people with detect poison and purify food and drink orisons, to keep an eye on our food and water stores, and also create water. Please try to prepare those if you are able. He waits on the ladder, looking around to see if anybody else has anything further to say.
I have create water prepared, and can pray for detect poison on the morrow, but purify food and water is beyond my capabilities. Hobart adds.
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"I know a couple off tricks..I don't know how, I just think off them and they..happen. I don't think you'd want me to show one of them them off in here though..fire and ships don't go together. But I can do this"
The halfling suddenly swells to twice his normal size, taller now than Hobart, at the same time as sharp claws like razors spring from his hands..
He smiles at Rorse.."Wanna have fun with their half orc, cousin?"
"As for the other stuff..Well I can talk the hind legs off a mule Ma says..and then make it go for a walk afterwards.I know what things are worth and I can tell yer if its magic or not and usually what it does"
As Lilo begins to grow and sprout claws, soldiers all across the main deck cry out. The soldier manning his post at the bowsprit draws his sword and dashes to stand between Lilo and Lord Brycen, his knuckles going white against his sword hilt. Soldiers on the aft and main deck begin stringing bows and knocking arrows. Sir Kheiron draws his massive sword from the sheath at his back and begins galloping across the deck, shouting out, My lord, get down!
Titus consigns himself to listening to the conversation, grateful that His Lordship isn't interested in hearing specifics from each person present. His face darkens when Cheliax is mentioned. Again, Cheliax. Even as I move to the outside corner of the world, Cheliax ensures a presence along the way. Once away from the Lord, Titus is more at ease, and prone to take part in the discussion at hand. "Well, I've forgotten much, but I knew a bit about scouting tactics when I was a younger man. Haven't ever really trained how to wear armor or use most weapons, though. My mitts have always been enough." He displays the 'mitts' in question, big hands that look like they could engulf most of a halfling's head. Lilo begins his display and puts the deck into alert, and Titus tries like mad to defuse the situation. "No, no; it's just a display!" He looks first at Lilo, a mix of fear and anger in his gaze. His voice is a harsh whisper, meant for them all, "Would you cut it out? Not even a day from the box, and you're acting like it's a damn carnival, talking everyone's fool head off, championing the suppertime privileges of the prisoners, you're drawing too much damn attention! Don't think they'll turn this boat around to bring us back, either, we'll end up in chains quicker than you can giggle about what a fine mess it is!"
His eyes then fell to Eriniyes, Vero seemed to think something of her. " what about you m'lady? care to visit a lord with us?"
I am interested in hearing his offer. I certainly didn't sign up for domestic duties.
Eriniyes is bewildered by the transformation of the little halfling. Instinctively, she runs to cover Wat with her body.
His eyes then fell to Eriniyes, Vero seemed to think something of her. " what about you m'lady? care to visit a lord with us?"I am interested in hearing his offer. I certainly didn't sign up for domestic duties.
Eriniyes is bewildered by the transformation of the little halfling. Instinctively, she runs to cover Wat with her body.
Hobart is a bit taken aback by Lilo's display Ha! Didn't know the little guy could do that He looks around at the reaction from the soldiers. He looks to the lord hoping he will call them down before something dreadful happens. Ho now Lilo means no harm tis, but a demonstration for his Lordship.
The fates…or Rommin, were looking out for Rorse because the Halfling just didn’t have the sense to keep his mouth shut. Did he want to try again! Yes, he did how about with his great ax, would that answer your question? The Halfling turned red, obvious anger filling him to the brim.
This man intended to have them scout and be diplomatic envoys with no compensation! He didn’t care about land, he could claim land for himself. Brycen certainly didn’t own the land simply because he sailed the ship there. What he wanted was a days wage. Goodness! And didn’t he just say that he wouldn’t feel it an exaggeration to say that the success or failure of the colony will depend on our relations with the natives
And, oh he would rehabilitate the prisoners…right into loyalty for himself. Perhaps he would run right up to the first colony of barbarians and warn them that ships bring a plague of stupidity on them that pompous….Subconsciously his mind started to focus on Rommin’s words.
“Ah Yes, Vero could easily bear down any lesser creature on the ship. It won’t be our finest moment but it will give us something to do.” said in agreement with Rommin
Rorse calms visibly, at the thought of proving the lord wrong and the day that he would apologize for doubting his words. “I’m no wizard m’lord, I am a man of martial means. I look forward to giving you a sample of our worth at the arch or anywhere that our foes allow.”Rorse was careful to include that the lord and he were on the same side of that line.
Rorse hops to the side of his extremely extended cousin, ready to defend him if necessary. But not actively swinging, somewhere along the way Rorse must have tallied the odds of the soldiers fighting their small group because even he would be hesitant to start that fight.