"I asked Zalen about the Wave Riders," she says not meeting Astrianna's eyes. It was a sensitive subject if Donovan was any indicator. "After what I saw last night I can't afford to tip toe around the subject. I need to know more. So I asked him what he remembered and if their were any still around. He gave me some names. Aeron Chambers who works for the dragoons. Belok Talorg, a Broken Skull fighter. Jalia Ramires, but Zalen doesn't know where she is. Donovan obviously but I don't want him to go back to drinking. And Xander Brim. My only concern Chambers. I might be making too much of it but with what's going on I can't be too careful. Zalen said the Kraken knew they were coming and sent Sahuagin ahead to attack them. That makes me think there is foul play. And we know some of the Dragoons are with the Kraken. Its why Archibald was killed. He noticed the marks and started asking questions. And Chambers just happens to hold a high position in the Dragoons. I don't like jumping to conclusions about people before I know them but this seems too...suspect." Chell speaks low and nervously. Her eyes scan the surroundings as they walk, expecting some tentacle thing to come out and grab her. She sighs and her whole body slumps lower as se walks. "It was so much easier just healing people. Fixing a broken leg is a lot easier than fixing a whole city."
"Well, there is certainly nothing wrong with your eyes."
Bri smiles at the older man and she sits down and place an order for the both of them. "Two plates of eggs please, some bacon and toast please along with two cups and a bottle of brandy."
Despite her ring, Bri still enjoys a hearty meal when she can get it. She will pour both cups up with the brandy when it is delivered.
"My name is Embrianna, nice to meet you Xander."
Emmy does a lazy circle around Bri's neck as she pours.
Astrianna raises her eyebrows a little as Chell mentions asking Zalen about the Wave Riders. She says nothing for a while, letting the priestess speak. Astrianna does look surprised and guffaws when Chell mentions the name Xander Brim, but she waves dismissively at Chell and lets her continue.
She places her fist over her mouth for a moment in thought, and then speaks. "I agree. I was planning on asking him about the matter myself. You have uncovered some interesting information. I am acquainted with Belok Talrog at the Broken Skull- he just fights and gets drunk after his matches, and has fallen far according to what I've heard. Others say his comeback is soon, and I won a bit of coin betting on him. I have his address, and he invited Embrianna to.. visit, in fact."
"Did you say Xander Brim? A wizard? That sneaky old man... I actually met him last night at the Green Dragon. He's a homeless gambling addict and an alcoholic. He pawned his spellbook to Sagacious Sam to put more money down at the Skull in an effort to strike it big. I spoke to him at length and he said he was interested in doing some work for us- had him make me a fine scroll in fact. He asked me for money to get his spellbook back from Sam but I wasn't willing to risk the 500 gold he wanted unless he proved to me he could hold onto his coin. Perhaps we can convince him to clean up, get his spellbook back, and do some work on the Dragon's Tail, if he and Donovan still get along."
She shrugs her shoulders. "Never heard of Jalia Ramires but I'm sure we can ask around."
The half-elf sighs and thinks about Chambers for a moment. "It certainly sounds suspicious about Chambers, doesn't it? Donovan says the man is a weasel... my limited interactions with Chambers makes me think he's a slippery one, certainly. I once saw Chambers entering Old Fish's Supplies, which I believe is a front for an exotic poisons market. We could start there and look into his activities."
Astrianna lays a hand on Chell's shoulder. "Chell, I've been a professional adventurer for several years now. In this line of work you see and experience things that would make most people die of fright, cause you to question if the gods love us at all, or wonder if there is any limit to the desires of even civilized people. We fight monsters, solve problems, and face the unknown for the benefit of those that do have our skills, blessings, or strength because they cannot do what we do." Also, it's a great way to get filthy rich.
She continues to walk forward, looking ahead. "I could be touring Avistan bringing joy through music and storytelling myself, but think about what you're doing. You are helping far more people now than you ever would acting as a doctor. Keep heart. Your continued growth in power as a cleric is direct evidence that Quell approves of your deeds and will see you through this."
Hopefully that cheers her up, I think it's what she wanted to hear. Most goody-good types love a higher calling, and we do happen to be helping people.
Xander Brim. Archmage of Port Shaw. Was a homeless drunk? How the mighty can fall. "That...is awful cheap for a spell book. I have the coin. Do you think we could trade? The money for his spellbook for information on the Kraken?"
Chell also looks ahead, not slouching quite so much. "You certainly could the way you play. I thought I was going to be sailor. Then I thought I was going to be healer. Now I am fighting four-armed gorillas and tracking down an evil cult. Two actually. Almost forgot about Dajobas. Its awful but...it is kind of exciting. So different from the stories though."
"Ah, a friend to bite an unknowing hand." Seeing Emmy.
He accepts the cup of brandy. "I can say my day has gotten off to great start." He saviors the flavor of the drink on his palate. "Not bad for Port Shaw. I once had a bottle of Taldor Gold that had a palate of grilled almond and apple sugar. I think it was aged 20 years," He chuckles, "That's probably longer than you've been alive. But I regress, what brings you to this fine establishment?" His eyes glance at the bottle. "It's fine day to drink a bottle of brandy, if I do say so myself, young lady."
"Well, I could hardly sleep on the streets and this Inn seemed suited to my needs. It is certainly better than a cramped bunk on a ship."
"And it surely is a fine day to drink some brandy. This is day for some rest and recreation before I gotta get busy again. Might even look up a fellow for some fun later."
Bri rummages about in her bag to see if she still has that address in it.
Astrianna is intrigued by Chell's idea to exchange the money for information. "A bold idea, I like it. Cheap, yes, because Sam wanted Xander's spells to claim as his own. I wouldn't be surprised if that sod raises the price if Xander goes back for it, but they may have a mutual respect I don't know. I wanted Xander to work for us, but if he's willing to talk about the Kraken it could be just as valuable. Of course, he might just gamble that money away and not get his spellbook back, but if we have our information it's not exactly our problem."
She laughs at the mention of the Gorillan and cults. "I do wonder what the Dajobas cult is up to, kidnapping little girls and ravaging villages. Grymmer Reefstead was spouting some serious apocalyptic prophecies... We should do some research on the matter sometime. I would like to talk to Jasmine about it, in fact."
Deciding the priestess could use a little more cheering up, she goes on an amusing anecdote. "This actually reminds me of one time I was in the Verduran Forest investigating a blight that was killing off some of the hardy, ancient Darkwood trees. Turns out it was a cult of druids driven mad by an unexpected source. So me and my adventuring partner Delshad Faridoon, which, by Shelyn, was the most handsome man I've ever seen, started searching for the source of the blight..."
Astrianna tells the story in full to Chell as they walk, talking about all of the bizzare and hilarious antics this druid cult got up to. They particularly enjoyed ingesting the urine of a deer that ate mind-altering fungus and getting higher than a roc, then transforming into trees and attempting to cross-polinate trees to make bipedal tree-elf hybrids. The lower druids that couldn't turn into trees would instead pretend to be trees for hours at a time.
Over time the drug took their sanity, however, and as their plans to create the hybrids failed the druids acted in a love-spurned rage and began to kill the trees with a potent magical blight made from the extracts of the mushroom they loved.
Now, he did mention some names on his payroll, dragoons. Know about any of them? Figure we should vet the names before deciding whether or not to inform the Commandant. . Sorrin shares the names discreetly.
"Permission Granted."
Rowland listened to Sorrin and claps him on the back when he hears his sister, Carna, can start over.
"Yes Sir, I know each of those men. Always thought they were crooked or on the take. Seemed to have more coin than what the job paid. That one, Falcon, I had him pegged as on the take after I took down a dockside gang called "The Low Tide Crabs." I recieved my promotion to Major after that round-up, but I never could establish a case against Falcon."
As modest as it may be, Roland. Do you... feel we have the start of something, here? Nothing grand mind you, just decent people doing decent work?
And, please Roland... with respect to the dragoons, I need you to help me and stay cool. Stone cold. Everyone will get their comeuppance. But, we're going to be discreet. This, I swear by The Dawnflower. Sorrin awaits the man's response.
Then... And, and. We must spar! You've got some experience on me, and I can't get better toying with amateurs.
"The Capt and Jenkie were hustling some folks they knew form the docks that's how you ended up with those extra men. They seem seasoned...if that's the right term for experienced seaman. Most the others don't know much about ships, but they seem like they will be loyal. although danger does weird thing in men. Those two elves that I was speaking to are book smart...they will understand the business side of things."
He draws his sword, "Back blade touches let's try not to draw blood today." He bows. "Five touches to win."
He waits for Sorrin to be ready then quickly side steps and flicks his wrist as training and fighting comes naturally,
"Don't drop the left arm so much."
Astri and Chell arrive at the Green Dragon and spot Astri laughing and enjoying a bottle of brandy a man Astri knows as Xander Brim. To Chell the man is older wearing a patched cloak. They seem to be sharing stories of adventure and you notice the bottle is 2/3 finished.
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Torgue rushes into Sagacious Samuel's shop to explain his invention idea of the invisibility beer canteen. The wizard listens and shakes his head then mumbles, "Seriously, this is watch you want to use my gift for? An invisible canteen for your beer? I should turn you into a toad for suggesting such a ridiculous idea." You remember stories of how pompous this man is.
Torgue you do notice he has several wands on his person. More interesting to you are three maps of the same area laying on his workstation, each looking slightly different though.
Sorrin barely had time to take a defensive stance, getting tagged three times.
He tries to give as much as he was given.
As Astrianna walks into the Green Dragon, she quickly cases the room. A musical laugh escapes from her throat, and she points to the man in the patchwork cloak. "That's Xander Brim. Seems him and Embrianna are becoming well acquainted."
The half-elf saunters over to the table with Chell. She looked quite different from last night, well-armed and in her shining mithral breastplate. "So Embrianna, did he tell you he's the best safe-cracker or the best wizard in Port Shaw?" She jokes with a smile, sliding up to the table and taking a seat, leaning back in her chair and throwing an arm over the backing.
Astrianna nods to the wizard. "Good morning Xander. I doubt I need to introduce you to my magically gifted and well-endowed friend across the table, but allow me to offer you the acquaintance of another companion- Chell, Priestess of Quell." She gestures to human woman as she sits with them.
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Torgue laughs just a bit nervously. Hahha. well it wouldn't be just for beer and you can make it look like other things. Like, say a magic potion! The bottle would be unseen by everyone except the one who would use it, he could carry it around until needed, and then say, he really needed a strength potion he would just tip the invisible bottle to his lips and 'WAGHHHHHH!!!' muscles everywhere and people would be going 'What is this? I don't even!'
Torgue looks at the treasure maps. These are cool, where do they lead? Anyway! I mean a smart wizard like yourself could probably make good money on these. 'Samuel's Secret Vials'! Drink in plain view! Spy's best friend when the guards frisk you!.
"Good move there, but watch the eyes they betray movement."
"See now you'd be bleeding and getting desperate, probably taking a risk, when a withdraw could preserve your life."
The wizard shuffles the maps under a book, "Oh, these there nothing. Why are you a seeker of Garr's lost gold?"
"Hmmm, so you'd need a masterwork canteen, an invisibility spell, a locate object spell, and two permanency spells. I'm sure I can make one of those items for you but it's gonna be expensive."
Sorrin smiles, bowing in defference.
When you're right, you're right... I am not worthy.
Thank you, that was inspirational. That a man could move that fast and maintain accuracy.
Always up for a treasure hunt! Lots of opportunities and no doubt there would be stuff I can't use like wands, books and stuff wizards like.
Just how expensive?
"Well, I'm the best in town...heck I'm the best in the region, so my spells don't go awry. People pay for that benefit. You're looking at 2 GP canteen, plus multiple spells. Two foundational spells invisibility and locate object are 120 gold pieces. Making those items permanent is the issue. Permanent invisibility on the canteen is 5000 gold, permanent locate object is 5000 gold, plus casting services will be an additional 200 gold. So you're looking at 10,322 gold, so you can drink on the job undetected."
Torgue hauls out 6680 gp. Would this make a good down...down..Whatever that thing is called.
As Astrianna walks into the Green Dragon, she quickly cases the room. A musical laugh escapes from her throat, and she points to the man in the patchwork cloak. "That's Xander Brim. Seems him and Embrianna are becoming well acquainted."
The half-elf saunters over to the table with Chell. She looked quite different from last night, well-armed and in her shining mithral breastplate. "So Embrianna, did he tell you he's the best safe-cracker or the best wizard in Port Shaw?" She jokes with a smile, sliding up to the table and taking a seat, leaning back in her chair and throwing an arm over the backing.
Astrianna nods to the wizard. "Good morning Xander. I doubt I need to introduce you to my magically gifted and well-endowed friend across the table, but allow me to offer you the acquaintance of another companion- Chell, Priestess of Quell." She gestures to human woman as she sits with them.
is Xander?" Chell asks truly surprised. The man looked like a hobo. She approaches the table stiffly and Astrianna introduces her he can feel the tension in her hand. At first she is not able to anything but eventually she finds some words. Poorly chosen but words they were. "Your the man Father Zalen called the Archmage of Port Shaw? Oh geez." Chell shakes her head as if trying to deny her fauxpas. "I am sorry. He said you had...hit hard times but I didn't realize how hard." Chell sits down at the table and leans in close. "I didn't think I would meet another Wave Rider so soon but I have a few questions if you have the time."
A fool and his gold, who am I to complain. "Why certainly that will do for a down payment. When will you be returning with the remainder of the funds? I'll be able to finish the item the day the funds are completely paid." I should throw in a funnel and long see through tube as a lark. I bet he'd use it to drink.
"Oh, one of Quell's pearls is here with the lovely Lady Astri, I'm pleased to meet your acquaintance." He stands as Chell is introduced. "dear Priestess, I was wondering if you'd be so kind as to...purchase a man lunch?" He smiles and waggles one of his bushy eyebrows.
"And yes, these are for you. He turns over the alarm scroll, then slides them to Astri. Sort of weak but that's what you paid for, I mean, I could have made them so much better. But alas, I am to please."
Oh well Not quite that soon, but I will certainly be hurrying to get the gold. Torgue's eyes look over to the map. There could be a good oppurtoonity to get more payment, I mean if these things are accurate and lead to Gar's gold, well my team and I could do the heavy lifting and locate it. I'm sure they would be happy to let you have any wizard type items.
"Of course," Chell responds quickly and with a smile. "But you didn't my question." She looks at Astrianna, wondering if he was always like this.
Roland, we barely have enough men to operate this vessel. The plan is to acquire a larger one. Put some feelers out among old timers, Tulita and the young... People who would appreciate the opportunity to prove themselves and be genuinely valued.
Can you arrange uniform clothing? Grays, tans, white and black. Like I'd chosen for you, but simpler, serviceable but well fitting. I want them to feel brotherhood across race, origin and ethnicity. If the haberdasher is too busy or to fancy, ask the Tulita if they know seamstresses and can buy fabric.
Sorrin beams at the Captain and Jenkie.
I'm impressed. But, somehow not surprised. Thank you.
Let me know if there is anything you need or want, you have my full backing. Personally, financially.
is Xander?" Chell asks truly surprised. The man looked like a hobo. She approaches the table stiffly and Astrianna introduces her he can feel the tension in her hand. At first she is not able to anything but eventually she finds some words. Poorly chosen but words they were. "Your the man Father Zalen called the Archmage of Port Shaw? Oh geez." Chell shakes her head as if trying to deny her fauxpas. "I am sorry. He said you had...hit hard times but I didn't realize how hard." Chell sits down at the table and leans in close. "I didn't think I would meet another Wave Rider so soon but I have a few questions if you have the time."
Astrianna chuckles at Chell's bull-headed approach, turning her head to Xander. "My apologies, Chell is a very focused individual." She takes her hat off and hangs it on the chair, reaching up a second time to undo her braided hair to let the perfectly silky raven tresses down. The half-elf runs fingers through her thick hair to straighten it while speaking. "He did answer your question, Chell... he asked you to buy his lunch."
She is intrigued by the scroll slid her way, and once she's finished tending to her hair she picks up the parchment to inspect it. "Excellent, excellent.. let's see." She whips out a wand, giving it a waggle and a command word. The sweeping draconic starts to fall into familiar arcane patterns as the Read magic takes effect.
Astrianna inspects the scroll closely for its quality.
She uses the opportunity created by the Read Magic wand to take out the other scrolls she purchased today, spreading them across the table and briefly going over them.
"This town is full of such interesting individuals."
Bri finishes off another cup of brandy while Astri and Chell talk with the old man who is apparently an old mage.
He chuckles as Astri inspects the scroll he prepared. "I'm sure it'll suffice, I even wrote it in a manner that those less arcanely inclined could decipher." His stomach rumbles loudly. 'Lunch does sound good, Priestess you were buying right?" He pours himself another brandy and tops off Bri's. "I may have seen better day young lady, but I'm pretty sure I still have talent." He leans towards Bri. "If you could spot me say 500 gold and a few trivial supplies for preparing a scroll, I'm sure I can help your splendid adventuring group...how about a lightning bolt scroll? I've found that spell very handy when sailing. That's not that cumbersome to learn, sort of a middling spell to know. " He sips his brandy. Although down on his luck he does come across as bit self important due to his years of experience.
The bard turns her head to Embrianna. "Speaking of interesting individuals, we should go to the Skull in the evening. I'd like to do some fiddling, or maybe sing if there's a fiddler already there. And place some bets, of course." She says with a grin.
Astrianna nods her head at the Alarm scroll, rolling it up before slipping it into a scroll case. "Oh, it shall suffice, it's very good. Your skills definitely check out." She leans forward at Xander's mention of gold. "Actually, Chell and myself have a proposition for you. We are willing to fund the re-acquisition of your spellbook if, in exchange, you share some history and knowledge from your time as a Wave Rider with us."
"Astri my dear can you tell me your philosophy on how to use magic be it arcane or divine?" His bushy eyebrows waggle some.
"Carthias Delnor please give the gentleman a receipt confirming his deposit of 6680 gold. The magical canteen to be created on full payment $10,322 gold." A young assistant nods and writes out the receipt for Torgue.
Torgue grabs his receipt. Thank ye, kindly! I'll be back as soon as I can. Torgue hurries off to find the others, he was certain that they would want to hear about the treasure maps.
"Oh dear god," Chell says with huff, growing weary of the mans constant haggling and flirting. A man of his age and power should not be doing this. "The Kraken is back," she says with some force to get his full attention. "I will pay for lunch, for a lightning bolt scroll, your spellbook, all of it, if you will tell me what you know. I need to know more about them or more people are going to die, me included." There is a note of desperation in her voice and her eyes.
Astrianna pauses momentarily. We're going to have to get a lot of alcohol into him before he's going to talk about his time as a Wave Rider. He's only going to keep changing the subject.
When Chell starts to bull-rush the subject with her characteristic bluntness, Astrianna raises a hand to stop her. "Relax, Chell... Absalom was not built in a day."
A smile appears across her face and she waves over a serving wench. "Of course, but let's get some food and drinks for our discussion, shall we?" She orders lunch for everyone and a fine bottle of fire whiskey for the wizard, which she gives him full reign. The bard pulls out her everfull mug and taps the rim, causing it to fill with a delectably aromatic strawberry wine.
Astrianna takes a sip before beginning. "I have to say the most influential writing I have ever encountered on the use of magic was the Treatise on Arcane Divinity penned by the "Archmagibishop" of Nethys known only as Yon-Gol around -3200 AR, during the beginning of The Age of Destiny. Yon-Gol's philosophy hinged on the theme of duality in divine and arcane magic...." The bard speaks for some time on the subject, delivering a complete lecture, encouraging Xander to drink and interject wherever his experience is greater. She brings Chell in on the discussion as well, finding a unique opportunity to get two experts to weigh in on this ancient treatise.
In reality, she was just waiting for Xander to get drunk, but enjoyed the discussion.
"The Skull does sound like a fun place to spend a couple hours this evening."
The wizard listens intently frowns a bit, "Archmagibishop was a turd. He prized nothing more than complete power and combination of dualism of power, so he could reign supreme. Powerful magic can corrupt and solidifying so much in one hand leads to ultimate corruption." He sips his fire whiskey. "If you could use magic to gain riches or help a family which would you choose? Each of you can answer."
He enjoys the conversation, his 18 ounze T-bone steak and potatoes. "Never really like vegetables." He comments with mouth semi-full. "Once when I sailed with Capt Razor, we had nothing but corn and leafy sea weed for 5 days straight."
He turns to Bri. The Skull can be a fun time...especially if you have few coins to spend. A buddy of mine fights tonight, Belok, I'm sure he'd like to meet you. I can arrange that, if you'd like."
He drains his cup and exhales. "Course the Kraken's back. He never left but nobody's got solid backbone these days. Besides captains pay tribute and all seem intent on hiring those blasted limited sorcerers which are all the rage these days. Most simply pay homage or descend into the deep."
Torgue bursts through the door of the Green Dragon excitedly, then the soothing aroma of stale ale and mulled wine hits his nasal passages. Comfort food.
Sorrin beams at the Captain and Jenkie.
I'm impressed. But, somehow not surprised. Thank you.
Let me know if there is anything you need or want, you have my full backing. Personally, financially.
Roland replies, "Yes, sir."
Training continues on the ship.
Torgue looks around for his group and hurries over when he finds them! Hey there! I know of a great way we can find more treasure and stuff. The wizard Samuel has these treasure maps for Garr and we can head out to refill our bags! Sure it will be hazerdous but I betcha we can get a bunch. Oh, we can do it after the plantation as well since we agreed and I am going to need lots of money for the invisible beer canteen I ordered so we need to head out pretty soon, ok?
"Sorrin, a word if you could." the Captain looks over the next drill the crew is run through. "I brought on a few knowledgeable hands. When do you intend to take her out or are you planning on selling her and getting another ship?
The wizard listens intently frowns a bit, "Archmagibishop was a turd. He prized nothing more than complete power and combination of dualism of power, so he could reign supreme. Powerful magic can corrupt and solidifying so much in one hand leads to ultimate corruption." He sips his fire whiskey. "If you could use magic to gain riches or help a family which would you choose? Each of you can answer."
He enjoys the conversation, his 18 ounze T-bone steak and potatoes. "Never really like vegetables." He comments with mouth semi-full. "Once when I sailed with Capt Razor, we had nothing but corn and leafy sea weed for 5 days straight."
He turns to Bri. The Skull can be a fun time...especially if you have few coins to spend. A buddy of mine fights tonight, Belok, I'm sure he'd like to meet you. I can arrange that, if you'd like."
He drains his cup and exhales. "Course the Kraken's back. He never left but nobody's got solid backbone these days. Besides captains pay tribute and all seem intent on hiring those blasted limited sorcerers which are all the rage these days. Most simply pay homage or descend into the deep."
Chell slams her head into the table after seemingly being ignored. It seemed like nothing bothered him. When he finally touches back on the subject she realizes why. He thinks everyone has given up on Port Shaw. "Zalen still has one. He is still doing what he can and so are we...in our own way I guess," she says looking at Astrianna and Embrianna.