"Might be Father Zalen is willing to fight...he's got good bloodlines. You say you're willing to do things in your own ways...what have you done, what's your end goal?" He drinks more of the fire whiskey. His tongue is a bit heavier now. "Beside young Priestess you haven't told me your thoughts on magic use?'
"Hey and why you're at it would you rather have a sorcerer or wizard on deck of ship, in the heat of stormy battle?"
the alcohol getting to him he continues.
"Since the defeat of the Wave Riders five years ago, I've retained my morality and uncompromising virtue. Such dedication to wholesomeness has earned me no favors in a pit like Port Shaw. I never failed to bail out my companions out of danger before, and the citizens of Port Shaw blamed me for the fiasco that dragged them beneath Harthagoa’s tentacles under the sea. People lost all respect for me, and I hear the nasty rumors, calling me “a two-bit charlatan.” He takes another bite of his potato. "I watched my surviving friends fall into petty thievery, lose themselves in the rush of combat, drown themselves in drink, and align themselves with council and dragoons."
He straightens up a bit, "I may nitpick and ask for free meals, drink, parchment and help. I'm not too proud to ask. It beats stealing. I've sold or pawned nearly everything that I own including: a ring of evasion, wand of lightning bolt, wand of stoneskin, wand of whispering wind, and my crystal ball. Sure, it would have been easier to be lured to the dark arts but I've never taken the easy out. So before you pass judgment on this hobo, ask yourself what route would you've taken." He waves over the the serving wench.
"Can I get an order of fried clams, mussels, and oysters over some noodles, dear. Oh, just put it on her bill." He motions to Chell.
Bri nods along. "I'd probably take a similar route with a little whoring thrown in. Despite what some other think, I see nothing wrong with selling whatever it is you need to to survive, body included. Of course that likely wasn't an option for you, you don't quite have the body for it. Not unless you cast a polymorph spell first."
"Now, what I really want to know is: What are your thoughts on Witches? You keep talking of sorcerers and wizards, but they aren't the only users of magic you know."
He chuckles, "Now that is excellent use of spell. I should have thought of that before i pawned my spell book to Sam."
"Of course...witches, so that's what you are." the light bulb goes off. "I despise sorcerers, they have greatly decreased the amount of work on a ship, but I have no issue with witches. They have some dozy hexes."
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?
Astrianna welcomes Torgue as he enters, but she looks at him with a tad bit of confusion. "Treasure? Sam? Ah, yes I've heard he makes treasure maps for Garr Bloodbane's treasure hoard, but did you actually get a map from him? On top of that, how do we know it's truth if he makes them?" She is definitely puzzled at the last part. "...invisible beer canteen?"
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."
Astriana scoffs, swallowing a mouthful of steak. "There is no way to distribute magical power, it's not some kind of democracy. In any case, what else is magic used for but its power? It allows its user to transcend our mortal limitations. As such, I find your question silly. Why choose? Do both. A powerful individual, especially one employing magic, can do whatever they please, because few can stop them. Who's to say you couldn't get rich while helping others?"
She takes a drink of wine and continues. "Yon-Gol once said "A twitch of my fingers keeps kings and nations in check. My whispers stop wars and tame dragons. Those who wish to abuse the free peoples know my all-seeing eyes are upon them. My will keeps the free people unshackled." His power was used to keep others in check who would abuse their power to force their will onto others." She seems quite passionate about the subject, the man appears to be an ancient idol of hers.
"Might be Father Zalen is willing to fight...he's got good bloodlines. You say you're willing to do things in your own ways...what have you done, what's your end goal?" He drinks more of the fire whiskey. His tongue is a bit heavier now. "Beside young Priestess you haven't told me your thoughts on magic use?'
"Hey and why you're at it would you rather have a sorcerer or wizard on deck of ship, in the heat of stormy battle?"
Astrianna stabs a potato, a little riled up. "A wizard, of course. I know what's it like to have a limited selection of spells, and sometimes you need an obscure spell on the fly. There are so many problems that can be solved through simple magic."
"Since the defeat of the Wave Riders five years ago, I've retained my morality and uncompromising virtue. Such dedication to wholesomeness has earned me no favors in a pit like Port Shaw. I never failed to bail out my companions out of danger before, and the citizens of Port Shaw blamed me for the fiasco that dragged them beneath Harthagoa’s tentacles under the sea. People lost all respect for me, and I hear the nasty rumors, calling me “a two-bit charlatan.” He takes another bite of his potato. "I watched my surviving friends fall into petty thievery, lose themselves in the rush of combat, drown themselves in drink, and align themselves with council and dragoons."
The half-elf listens to his exposition with a small frown, even though she is pleased that her tactic to liquor him up has worked. "A shame. Xander, though I question your ability to manage your fiances, you are a great wizard. They can't take that from you. You have the power to change your situation whenever you wish."
The only one of the Wave Riders I can't place is Jalia... is she a thief of some description?
"Might be Father Zalen is willing to fight...he's got good bloodlines. You say you're willing to do things in your own ways...what have you done, what's your end goal?" He drinks more of the fire whiskey. His tongue is a bit heavier now. "Beside young Priestess you haven't told me your thoughts on magic use?'
"Hey and why you're at it would you rather have a sorcerer or wizard on deck of ship, in the heat of stormy battle?"
"He does. And I respect him for that. My current goal? It is simply to help. I realize that is vague and, considering the location, incredibly difficult, but it is what Quell has tasked me do. So I will do it to the best of my abilities. As for a sorcerer or wizard, if we are in combat, a sorcerer. They have more spells. But in general, a wizard. Like clerics, they are more versatile. We can prepare any spell that best suits the circumstance if we have an idea of what is going to happen."
the alcohol getting to him he continues.
"Since the defeat of the Wave Riders five years ago, I've retained my morality and uncompromising virtue. Such dedication to wholesomeness has earned me no favors in a pit like Port Shaw. I never failed to bail out my companions out of danger before, and the citizens of Port Shaw blamed me for the fiasco that dragged them beneath Harthagoa’s tentacles under the sea. People lost all respect for me, and I hear the nasty rumors, calling me “a two-bit charlatan.” He takes another bite of his potato. "I watched my surviving friends fall into petty thievery, lose themselves in the rush of combat, drown themselves in drink, and align themselves with council and dragoons."
He straightens up a bit, "I may nitpick and ask for free meals, drink, parchment and help. I'm not too proud to ask. It beats stealing. I've sold or pawned nearly everything that I own including: a ring of evasion, wand of lightning bolt, wand of stoneskin, wand of whispering wind, and my crystal ball. Sure, it would have been easier to be lured to the dark arts but I've never taken the easy out. So before you pass judgment on this hobo, ask yourself what route would you've taken." He waves over the the serving wench.
"Can I get an order of fried clams, mussels, and oysters over some noodles, dear. Oh, just put it on her bill." He motions to Chell.
Chell stifles a snort at the first part. It was hard to get past the beggar look. But he was right. And he may look like a hobo but he was once a powerful wizard. Could still be if he had his spellbook. She had seen what happened to Donovan and therefore, had right to judge. She waves her hand at the serving wench to get what he ordered. "I honestly don't know. I am just now coming to understand what an undertaking it was to fight against such evil back then and now. I still have family out there on the sea. I pray everyday for them and hope they never have to come here. I have lost some of them but not like you or Zalen has. I can't even imagine what that would be like."
She looks down at her hands. Tries to imagine what it be like if someone she loved were slip through them into oblivion. Forever lost. It makes her sad for certain but, imagining it would never compare to the actual feeling. There are just some things you can't comprehend unless its actually happened. "But I am not here to judge. I can't do that. Only you can judge your actions. But if you did everything you could to save them then I wouldn't blame you. Doubt they would either. I highly doubt they would appreciate what you have turned into though," she says, the inkling of an idea starting. Maybe a little divine inspiration.
"You were once the Archmage of Port Shaw right? Now you are being beaten out of jobs by sorcerer's?" she says playing off his obvious distaste and gaining momentum. "They can't match a wizard on their best day. One trick ponies. Even worse, Sagacious Samuel is doing better than you. That pompous windbag. He even has your spellbook. If the other Wave Riders knew they would never let you live it down. Right? So are you going to continue to sit her and stew in your own self guilt, or are you going to get back out there and show them what Xander Brim can do? Are you going to let the name Wave Riders fall to the wayside or are you going to pull yourself back together and show them, the town and that stupid squid that the fight isn't over?" By now she is standing up and getting well into her own speech, eyes boring into the old man and trying to instill some life into him.
Yes Quell damn it. You are gong to get out of this stupor, get back out there and kick some ass." Chell ends with her fist clenched before her and breathing heavily. She is the picture of a motivational speaker, eyes forward, head high, straight posture. A picture she ruins by reverting back to her normally timid self. She sits back down quickly and lowers her head, trying to hide from the odd looks people are now giving her.
"Sorry."
I didn't get a map since I don't want to buy one unless we would be heading out, and the invisible beer canteen is something that people could hide potions in or even secret messages. I could also drink on the ship without annoying Sorrin because the captain is trying to quit drinking. Torgue swipes the bottle of wine and starts chugging, utterly unworried about decorum.
His bushy eyebrow raises at Astri, "Your young and rash, a careless spellslinger out for her own good. The sort of person I genuinely detest. Power does not equate to right; might is not right, and only a fool would argue otherwise." he shakes his head in disbelief. "Magic can and should be used for good, otherwise you end up like Sam putting fake charms on silly treasure maps for extra gold pieces." He looks hurt by Astri's revelation.
He glances at Chell, "I'd take that battle any day with a sorcerer. I can change the terrain, the manner, the method, the number of foes, and dimension or plane a battle takes place. Most experienced sorcerers are worthless toads. Try slinging a fireball when your floating under the plane of water."
He chuckles at Torgue's use of magic. "Now that's creative, I like Sam but beware of those maps. If he knew where Garr's Gold was he'd have teleported there and raided it's already. Although that being said, i did here a map was found and LT. Commander Perrin was ordered to hunt it down. Quite a buzz on the docks actually, he had just arrived back escorting that evil slaver Bonegnaw and barely had time to step on dry dock before he was sent out again."
Astrianna shakes her head slowly. "I understand your view point, but I am far from a fool. Why does Hargrove and the council control Shaw? Why does the Kraken control the sea? Why do people fear dragons, and the monsters that inhabit the untamed places of the world? They all have one thing in common- power. In order to enact change, to improve anyone's lot, you must have power to back up any action. It is the only way to enact change, especially for the better. That's what I do, and will continue to do. On that note, why should I be expected to do all of this without compensation? I have to buy my own equipment and scrolls and wands and feed my own mouth."
She sighs, and gulps down the rest of her wine. "I'm not two-dimensional, Xander. I like you, and I'd prefer you didn't detest me on the basis of viewpoint alone."
Astrianna guffaws at Torgue, and a smile returns to her face. "I'm impressed, Torgue, that's a fantastic idea. I wish I had a ring of invisibility so he couldn't even find me for a lecture. Though, to be fair, he's calmed down recently. Tolerable, even." She gestures at Xander."I'm not surprised Sam was making maps to trick people... but... Did you say Lt. Perrin was ordered to hunt down the gold? Hm. We actually witnessed the exchange of his orders personally, but we were told he was going to investigate the disappearance of Quell clergy south of black bear forest, near Shark's Folly."
What is the truth here? Did the Commandant lie? To be fair, if he had given me a whiff of the location of that treasure, I'd brow-beat everyone into purchasing the Baron of the Tides and shove off in an instant.
"You actually think someone would tell you the truth, when treasure is involved. And you don't think your a fool?" he dabs his mouth with a napkin. He reaches inside his tattered looking back and pulls out a knotty darkwood quarterstaff from his small bag. "Well old Brim doesn't want to impose on you any more." He stands up from the table with the assistance of the staff. "I wish you well on your endeavors."
Astrianna is impressed by Chell's speech, but it seems Xander has a knack for ignoring anything he doesn't want to hear.
Astrianna sighs, and suddenly feels like she's dealing with Sorrin. The alcohol has had more of an effect than I wanted. "We had no idea there was even treasure involved, but if there is I wouldn't be surprised if someone pulled one over on us."
The half-elf looks at him strangely as he rises and prepares to leave. She stands up and spreads her hands out. "Xander. Please. Stay. You've drank half a bottle of brandy and a fourth of fire whiskey by yourself. If you're going to storm off at least do it later, sober." She is genuinely concerned, if for her own motivations. I don't want to be on any wizard's bad side, and he still has plenty to tell us.
She puts her hat on and gestures at Chell. "Chell still wants to talk to you. I'm going to get some sleep if you're upset with my viewpoints." Walking away from the table, she shakes her head. It's like I said I'd kill my own mother for some coin. Ridiculous. Can't even have a civil discussion about morality anymore. Washed up wizard that hawks his own spell book blabbering about magic being only for "good". Fat lot of "good" it did him. The bard walks up the stairs and heads to her room to get some sleep before they go to the Skull in the evening.
"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?
Sorrin smiles warmly. Excellent questions, Sir. But, I don't own her so I can't tell you. I appreciate what you've done and I can start paying the men immediately. As to how the others want to proceed, we'll have to wait for them to decide.
If you ever change your mind and want to work for or with me, then I can lay out a plan and make decisions. I'm not trying to sway you... On the contrary, I wish to learn from you. Just clarifying the situation, Sir.
Bri waves to Astri. "I'll see you later this evening then. I already had my nap for the day and will soon be out to pick up some odds and ends that may or may not be useful later. Including a few bottle for any trips away from civilization."
Bri asks for another bottle of brandy, one of rum and dark red wine. These get carefully placed in her haversack for later.
Torgue looks somewhat perplexed at all the drama at the table. Well, you have a good point about the maps, but what are we going to do now? We do have that thing at the plantation to check out and we should be looking into another good score like Bonegnaw.
He glances at Chell, "I'd take that battle any day with a sorcerer. I can change the terrain, the manner, the method, the number of foes, and dimension or plane a battle takes place. Most experienced sorcerers are worthless toads. Try slinging a fireball when your floating under the plane of water."
"What I meant was, the only situation in which the sorcerer is better is with no preparation. If you don't know what you're going up against then a sorcerer stands a better chance by virtue of the number of spells the can use. Bang your head on a wall long enough and you can get through. But any wizard worth the coin is always prepared to some degree."
"The former wave riders have their own problems, I thought I clear about that. The key word: former. I hear what you are saying about sorcerers, but I disagree." You realize that this is a extremely important issue with him and he is opinionated almost to an irrational end. "But I'm sorry I have an insurmountable philosophical differences on an issue: How to use magic. Young Astri has made her view known and I would rather pawn my staff and bag, then work with your group." His tone and attitude is defiant. "I believe in law, honor, and goodness. Moral integrity that does not bind itself to garnering power and riches. I've earned enough to book a passage, and I will start afresh elsewhere. Good day." he turns on his heels and walks away.
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Chell panics as Xander gets up and begins to leave. She looks at Astrianna and Embrianna for help but they are just as stunned too. He makes out the door before whatever grabbed hold of her before did again. She storms after him with righteous fury. "Stop." She says the word with authority and unintentionally adds some magic to it. Whether he stops or not she catches up and gets right in his face speaking firmly but softly.
"Do you know what I found out last night? Archibald Noeliss, the man who was supposed to be the head of the local chapterhouse, a man who also thought magic should be used to help people, was dissolved. A member of the cult of the Kraken dumped his body in a vat of acid to remove any evidence. And I bet it wasn't just him either. Many other priests have gone missing and I can only assume they met the same fate. Good people, whose only crime in life was caring too much. They healed for free, fed the homeless, tried to make this awful place livable." At this point her eyes begin to water at the how unfair the situation is but she resolutely holds them back. "And now you are going to walk away from that? Moral integrity my ass. You're just a coward. There are still people left trying to go real good here and you are going to leave? Then what purpose did their death serve?" She then steps out of his way and waves him on. "You want to leave? Go. But I believe it was Soloman Trafalgar that said evil wins when good men do nothing."
Astrianna is already walking upstairs to return to her room as Chell rushes out to stop, mumbling to herself about stubborn old wizards and their asinine beliefs.
Torgue eyes the confrontation between Chell and the wizard. She is right ya know. Found his ring just tossed in the corner, that was all that was left of a person trying. Torgue gets himself of the abandoned clams and pasta. We're trying, even if'n it doesn't match up with what ya belief. Stoppen dragon smoke, getting slaves back to their families and gonna be checking out about more missen peoples soon.
You should introduce him to Sorrin, I bet they would get on fine. He is plannen this whole city improvement thing with new shops and stuff.
Chell panics as Xander gets up and begins to leave. She looks at Astrianna and Embrianna for help but they are just as stunned too. He makes out the door before whatever grabbed hold of her before did again. She storms after him with righteous fury. "Stop." She says the word with authority and unintentionally adds some magic to it. Whether he stops or not she catches up and gets right in his face speaking firmly but softly.
"Do you know what I found out last night? Archibald Noeliss, the man who was supposed to be the head of the local chapterhouse, a man who also thought magic should be used to help people, was dissolved. A member of the cult of the Kraken dumped his body in a vat of acid to remove any evidence. And I bet it wasn't just him either. Many other priests have gone missing and I can only assume they met the same fate. Good people, whose only crime in life was caring too much. They healed for free, fed the homeless, tried to make this awful place livable." At this point her eyes begin to water at the how unfair the situation is but she resolutely holds them back. "And now you are going to walk away from that? Moral integrity my ass. You're just a coward. There are still people left trying to go real good here and you are going to leave? Then what purpose did their death serve?" She then steps out of his way and waves him on. "You want to leave? Go. But I believe it was Soloman Trafalgar that said evil wins when good men do nothing."
Chell races up to him issuing her command. At first the man smiles but when the spell is laced in her firm voice, he frowns. "My case in point regarding uncontrolled magic. Trying to use magic to bend the will of a man." He calmly keeps his temper in check as he hears the priestess prattle on about events. "Bravo. You seem a decent person, and you can carry the baton for this pit." When she concludes he continues on apparently unconvinced.
Torgue eyes the confrontation between Chell and the wizard. She is right ya know. Found his ring just tossed in the corner, that was all that was left of a person trying. Torgue gets himself of the abandoned clams and pasta. We're trying, even if'n it doesn't match up with what ya belief. Stoppen dragon smoke, getting slaves back to their families and gonna be checking out about more missen peoples soon.
You should introduce him to Sorrin, I bet they would get on fine. He is plannen this whole city improvement thing with new shops and stuff.
He nods towards Torgue.
Chell stood there for a good long moment, head down and body trembling, fighting the emotions threatening to consume her. There was more she wanted to say. More she wanted to know. But he was leaving and it was his choice to do so, no matter what she thought. There was one thing she had to know first. And he was spiteful enough about sorcerer's to answer honestly. "Was it Chambers? Zalen said the Kraken knew you were coming. Was it Chambers?"
Bri just keeps sipping her drink while the drama unfolds. No sense in talking someone into doing something they don't want to. Their heart won't be in it and then mistakes will happen.
Chell yells after the old man, he cringes. Why throw accusations in public? Ears are everywhere, put Zalen's life in peril with the Ring.
From a distance he responds. "He was there with us, in the heat of battle facing death he fought valiantly until he was pulled beneath the waves just like I was, watch what you say. He's a good man, who managed to dig himself out of the pits of despair unlike others." Foolish...just foolish.
One thing that is clear, there are at least a half dozen people around when the accusation was made.
Several people look up taking in the scene, wide eyed, while others quickly scurry out of sight.
Captain, think we can reach "Bonehead's Cove" and back by dark? We know where it is. Grab the barge and return.
Might boost the men's morale, give them something to talk about. There is that chimera, but... It may have flown off, or we can take it out with archers.
"Not back by dark. I've no problem making the run but we only have about 5 hours of light remaining, towing the barge back we won't get back till midnight assuming all goes as plan. Frankly when has that happened."
Story of my life, Captain. Are the winds favorable, how strong?
Do you have reservations? Barge itself have value?
Astrianna wakes up after a brief nap and feels refreshed. She is still a little miffed about Xander, but you can't win them all.
She puts on her courtier's outfit and fine Dontorian hat and hiding the magical silver dagger in her wrist sheath. She decides to spend the time until the Skull listening to what the town has to say. She knows a good spot...
The half-elf takes a small amount of coin with her just in case (100gp) and makes her way to the Native's Delight, where the old salts wag their tongues all day.
"No reservations. Barge's worth maybe a hundred gold."
Torgue hangs out and finishes the left-over booze, steak and pasta while waiting for anyone who needs his services.
Bri was still sitting there contemplating if she wanted to go pay Belok a visit at his house. Astri bounces down the stairs while Torgue's tongue is stuck in the brandy bottle.
Hundred isn't worth the risk, let's just take her out... Get the men used to her. Pick a direction, I don't care.
Sorrin moves to the mast and begins climbing the rope rigging. Slowly, deliberately... he gains the nest, looking out to see if any of the group is approaching.
He spots Torgue.
Torgue rolls up to the ship after his meal and stops at the gangplank. Perrrmussion to come aboard!
"Permission granted, Mate."
Torgue stomps aboard and looks for Sorrin. Hey there! We going to do some sailing?
Where is the fairer sex? Anyone else coming? If not, let's cast off.
Major Lawrence! Will you be joining us? Got your sea legs?
Looks like it is just us unless they come running along.