Chell stares at Sorrin for a good long moment. Then she just shakes her head. "I'd tell you what I thought you did wrong from my point of view but I know you would ignore it for there is no point of view but Sorrin's. And I am just a goblin-brained child. I doubt a spell to remove Blindness from the Dawnflower herself could cure you of your arrogance. You say I am naive, that I wouldn't last a day in your home. I have to wonder how someone so childish managed to survive there. Nothing is ever your fault. You think yourself above reproach and ignore everything others say. And when you get angry you attack others or pout. You actually gave us the silent treatment because we didn't do what you said.
Someone died, Sorrin, and you think no apologies are necessary? That we don't need to reevaluate what we did? That we shouldn't learn from this? Does your arrogance know no bounds? Do you care at all? How many have to die for you to change? Whatever it is, its too much. The Razor Coast or not, that is just not acceptable.
Fear not though. The rest of us will learn from this. We will do better. And we will cover our weak link until the day his arrogance forces him to leave or destroys him. I can only hope that one day you will face a truth your petty ego cannot explain and you quite this line of work before you kill yourself. I'll put in a good word for you to the Dawnflower at your eulogy."
Chell, please... Attack me if it helps you focus. I'm a very bad man, self-centered and arrogant. I care about no one and no thing. I embrace chaos and all things wicked.
Oh, and I cannot be trusted... ever.
Yes, vile minion-priest I am, building a fleet of eight ships... one for each tentacle, mind you. And we will form a ring out there in the ocean. From the depths, the Kraken... From the skies, as we dance beneath the moon and sacrifice villagers... A... one-eyed... one-armed... flying... purple... people-eater!
Astrianna can set it to a tune, I'm certain. And let's not forget the mark of the ring, but mine is on an appendage I can't show in public.
"See? Childish. You do this every time someone speaks to you seriously. You brush it off with insults, sarcasm, and...whatever it is you are talking about. I don't understand half the things you say. Flying, purple, people, eater? Your own brain is fed up and now your ass is doing the talking. So go on. Continue. Get it all out and maybe we can have an actual conversation."
Chell... What do you know about me? My... situation?
A very bad man holds my family, essentially hostage... across the sea, near a land called Qadira. I was made to leave, or he'd kill them. I knew this was true, after he had my betrothed, killed.
The only way for me to save them is by force, overwhelming force. That's why I need a fleet...
I threw in with this... lot, because we complemented each other. Seemed a recipe for success.
Astrianna is exasperated, and looks at Chell. "I think he might actually be insane."
She turns back to Sorrin. "Look, we all have scars to show, and most people don't choose the adventuring life. Your story would get a few free drinks at the bar, but do you think any of us are in any better situations? At least you have a family. I know if said family wasn't being held hostage you sure as the nine hells wouldn't be here. But you ARE here, with us. I don't like you, but it doesn't mean I don't want to work with you. You're good at your job. All I want is to know you aren't going to keel haul us for a third time."
She looks at him with a measure of doubt. "Can you even do it? Can you look out for your team mates instead of your own agenda? Because if you can't, I'm not going to work with you."
Torgue decides now is as good a time to start drinking again. Beer for breakfast!
Finally, the truth. The beginning. She knew he had left his homeland. But she didn't know the reason was so...dark. She knew he wanted a fleet to return home on and now she knew why. Revenge. A terrible burden on any shoulders. "Sorrin. I am sorry for your loss. Truly, I am for what is worth to you. I know you don't want pity. But none of that is an excuse for your attitude. Its nice you have a long term goal but you can't forget the here and now. I bet if you walk up to anyone here in Port Shaw you will find an equally awful history. The man that died, the Tulita you are trying to help, are prisoners in their own homeland. They didn't have a chance to escape and now their own land is being held hostage."
She reaches out to place a hand on his shoulder if he will allow it. "I know you are stronger than this place. Don't let it consume you like it has so many others."
This was good she thought. Sharing. Understanding. Maybe this was the right way to go to stay together.
"Alcohol," she says without warning. At the odd looks she gets she elaborates. "We should celebrate. Have some fun. Drink. Anyone know where Torgue lives? I want to try whatever it is he keeps drinking. Maybe it will make us strong enough to pound a wight into dust."
Chell, I am not rabid. Your hand on my shoulder is not unwelcome. And, I was not explaining my predicament as excuse... The warrior's path has no place for excuses. Certainly it looks like vengeance is what I'm after, but no.
You see, my family being held hostage means my entire people are held hostage and in peril. My father is king, leader of a nomadic nation, ruler of The Tribes. Vengeance is petty, redemption a better driver. I must follow an accelerated path of continual improvement, choose the proper alliances and allegiances, muster a water borne military force and reclaim the sovereignty of my people.
Here, in Port Shaw... I've come to find resonance. These people in some sense are also captive. Their leaders, both civil and spiritual are being driven off, hunted or slain. I respond poorly to death, captivity and ugliness. That is because I revere life, freedom and beauty.
I have come to understand that Port Shaw must be freed or helped before I can return and help my own people, my own land without guilt and with clarity of purpose and conscience. I would never abandon you, as it may at times appear. For, as differently as we walk it, we are on the same path, Priestess.
Now, Chell... that was over-arcing. The big picture. I'll try my best to address the watery temple.
The villagers being caged, was something I could not abide. The gatormen cutting the ropes, from my own perspective needed to be neutralized. And, to be fair your clever plan was a secret, yes? I apologize, that I feared the boat would not hold... And also, should it have not held... It would have been harder to reach the captives with it in the way.
He paused.
Had the last gatorman been slain or hampered, I would have advanced as fast as mortally possible to the druid.
My judgment may have been flawed, as it turns out... But, I made the call to free the helpless captives. I do not understand how this translates to selfishness. I am not in the least bit selfish and everything I do is to help and honor others.
Lastly, as the first out... The scout, crashing into enemy lines... I'm the one that needs to be able to trust the team will do as I suggest, because I am the first to commit to engagement. If it doesn't look like what I needed done will get done, I have no choice but to do it myself.
I don't see that as to much to ask in return for leaping into the figurative jaws of doom... Or, maybe it is.
So, if any of us soiled our big girl panties back there... We can can always buy fresh ones.
Bri snickers, "Can't soil what you don't wear."
"As for the rest of you story. it's just a bit hard for me to connect to. I've never had any real family or anyone that could be held hostage against me."
Astrianna taps her foot as Sorrin continues to speak. She seems much more accepting when she finally takes her turn, however. "Finally. The light of understanding begins to shine through. I don't agree with the assessment of the situation with the boat, but your actions are at least understandable now that you've explained them."
"While you might be going in first, we're in this together, and as such we should decide our actions together. It's clear we all need to communicate better in a fight. I know some of you are concerned the enemy may hear our plans, but most of the time the people and things we're fighting can't do anything to disrupt us anyway."
On the subject of Sorrin's plight, she is neutral. "As you've seen, if you stick with us you will be acquiring large sums of money and powerful magical items. Keep us in mind first and you'll end up with all the power you need to rescue your lands and family. I may even be convinced to assist in freeing your family if you prove to me we can work together as a team efficiently."
She starts walking down the road. "That's all I wanted to hear. Now, I desperately need to visit Miss Molly's and arrange our finances." The bard chuckles at Chell's suggestion. "If Torgue is willing to share his alcohol, I suppose, but I know Sorrin doesn't drink."
She also has another point to address, one she thinks may take a bit of convincing. Reaching into her haversack, she withdraws the gnarled old staff the wight was using to rain wasp-based death and destruction on them. "Chell." She says, extending the staff to her. "I'd like you to take this staff and use it. The item itself is not evil, and the spell contained in it is very powerful. I believe you can make great use of it, and make it do some good instead. I would use it if I could, but the magic is divine and beyond my comprehension."
Chell nods at Sorrin's points, happy to see the sarcasm has been put on hold. Not an excuse? Then why bring it up. Everyone's past affects them in different ways. "Your duty is to your people. That is respectable. But mine is here. That is probably the main contention. Were it not for the problem's that plague Port Shaw I would be there helping. But this place...I can't even put it to words how bad it is. It is going to need a lot of help and probably a lot of time. But with Astrianna's accounting, I doubt there is a faster way to both our goals."
Then to Astrianna. "I know you mean well but talking of both working together and individuality is confusing. But you are right. We need to communicate more and better understand what we are going to do in a given situation. If we know each other we should be able to better predict what others will do in combat."
To the group as a whole. "I should not have charged in without telling you what I was doing but at the time I didn't want the Wight knowing either. I have a better understanding of ships so I knew the swan boat would be big enough to support the cage or, if nothing else, it would clog the hole. And I certainly shouldn't have tried to fight. I am not a fighter, you are."
My judgment may have been flawed, as it turns out... But, I made the call to free the helpless captives. I do not understand how this translates to selfishness. I am not in the least bit selfish and everything I do is to help and honor others.
"So they could do what? Wander through a dangerous, sinking temple and even more dangerous swamp? While still bound, they stood little chance to survive and they might have gotten in our way to help. By freeing them you also made them a target. The wight might have killed them out of spite just because he couldn't sacrifice them. While still in the cage they were still, to a certain extent, under his control and not worth thinking about. The wasps are another matter all together but in my opinion you wasted time, put them in danger, and avoided the real threat. He was obviously controlling them which made him the main threat."
She also has another point to address, one she thinks may take a bit of convincing. Reaching into her haversack, she withdraws the gnarled old staff the wight was using to rain wasp-based death and destruction on them. "Chell." She says, extending the staff to her. "I'd like you to take this staff and use it. The item itself is not evil, and the spell contained in it is very powerful. I believe you can make great use of it, and make it do some good instead. I would use it if I could, but the magic is divine and beyond my comprehension."
Chell leans away from the staff as if it was a snake ready to strike. It was a dangerous object, even in the right hands. It even looked creepy. All her spells focused on healing or improvement. She had one spell to call lightning and the rest only affected evil creatures or did minimal damage. She wasn't sure she wanted any more spells that could harm, especially since it already killed someone. "I...I don't. I don't think...I could use it." A pitiful excuse but all she could think of at the moment.
Bri shakes her head at Chell's refusal of the staff. "Well then, are options are either to sell it, or I can hold onto it and try to use if the circumstance is bad enough. Divine magics aren't exactly my specialty, but I have managed to use such items before."
Then to Astrianna. "I know you mean well but talking of both working together and individuality is confusing. But you are right. We need to communicate more and better understand what we are going to do in a given situation. If we know each other we should be able to better predict what others will do in combat."
Astrianna smiles lightly at Chell. "Have you ever been in a play before, Chell? Each of the actors have their parts. The script of their part has been rehearsed and practiced until it is second nature. At this point, you can truly get into your character, and think as they do. If you were to read the script as the play itself is being put on, you would notice some lines being added, left out, or changed. The actors are not forgetting their lines- instead, they often take liberties with the script and bring their character to life through ad libbing and improvising. Same of the greatest performances I have ever seen were completely spontaneous and improvised. Of course, the actors do not undermine the script writer's intention, or change the plot of the story... instead, their small freedoms enhance their characters and the story."
She clears her throat, clearly becoming a little excited about speaking on stagecraft. "So what I mean is we all have a script as a guideline... perhaps a plan we discussed before, or something we even come up with on the fly... but no one is prevented from acting out their own parts, as long as it does not interfere with the main plot.. err.. goal, of the plan. Does that make sense? it's nebulous, I know, but as long as we keep each other safe, that's the important part."
Chell leans away from the staff as if it was a snake ready to strike. It was a dangerous object, even in the right hands. It even looked creepy. All her spells focused on healing or improvement. She had one spell to call lightning and the rest only affected evil creatures or did minimal damage. She wasn't sure she wanted any more spells that could harm, especially since it already killed someone. "I...I don't. I don't think...I could use it." A pitiful excuse but all she could think of at the moment.
Astrianna quirks an eyebrow. The bard had anticipated a more... convincing refusal. "The staff isn't evil, nor is the spell it contains. Properly harnessed, it can be used for great good. Especially if we were to take to the sea, a swarm of wasps aboard the deck of an enemy ship would easily cause all the sailors to flee below deck. An excellent deterrent if some pirates attempted to board us, no?"
She looks over at Embrianna. "This staff would fetch quite the price... It would be a shame if it fell into the hands of a dubious buyer, however."
To Chell, I've tried to be clear, Port Shaw is the crucible I must endure before returning to my people. There is no contention.
And, if consistency or parity is to exist and sanity be questioned... I do not understand why we needed to free the captives at Bonegnaw's cove upon insistence. So they could run out and risk danger to themselves? Rife with man and monster on land and in sea... It was fortunate, none were injured.
Turning to Astrianna, I've asked you multiple times, yet you insist on questioning my loyalty and honor. If you do not understand the concepts or how they manifest in me, perhaps the lacking is in you. I will ask once more, as a reminder. Please, stop.
Otherwise, I'm glad I've been able to shed light on my motivation. Communication is fine. I follow your lead from time to time, yet... I've yet to see the behavior reciprocated.
Moving to Embrianna, and laying a hand on her shoulder. I cannot imagine not having had family. I'd be glad to call you sister, brave heart. You were fearless, selfless, back there and as I've said, inspiring.
Now, Torgue! What's this I hear about quitting this not-so merry band of malcontents? We had a run of bad luck, nearly bit of more than we could chew. But, with spear or club, you were glorious! Besides, who will be my partner when we buy Barret's? I understand it's a buyer's market, man! We could move Clarisse and live there. That swamp temple and Patches would leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth.
Astrianna clicks her tongue as she thinks about Sorrin's comments. "Hmm... fair enough." She feels a level of understanding has been reached, at least, and lets the matter drop.
Chell just nods and smiles at Astrianna. She wasn't sure what the bard was talking about. The last time she saw a play was a puppet show at a fair. But she got the gist of it. Maybe.
On the staff. "No, I mean it not like I couldn't use it, it's just...I don't know if I could willing cause someone that much pain. Especially after seeing what it could do. My first instinct is to help not harm. That's all that thing can do. I don't doubt it would be...helpful. Long range, large swarms, it would certainly be a boon against casters."
Chell pauses for a long moment. Had she had something like that or something similar, that Wight would have been far less difficult to deal with. Just one of those swarms would have occupied it enough to prevent easy casting and hampered sight. And their were other casters out there. Evil ones that could blast a whole in a ship from a distance. She never wanted to take a life but she could certainly save a few with it. And this was another step outside her comfort zone. Something she needed to practice. This was a dangerous step. But she knew herself. She would only use it when absolutely necessary and with the minimum amount of force.
"I'll...look after it," she says hesitantly. "If that's okay?" She seems scared to touch it but takes a firm grasp of it. She trusted Emrianna would also use it appropriately but it used divine spells and it was only guaranteed to work for her. She decided this was another test for her.
And, if consistency or parity is to exist and sanity be questioned... I do not understand why we needed to free the captives at Bonegnaw's cove upon insistence. So they could run out and risk danger to themselves? Rife with man and monster on land and in sea... It was fortunate, none were injured.
Chell didn't bother explaining the difference. It would only fuel another argument and she had enough for today.
Astrianna smiles when she offers to take the staff. A step in the right direction. I'm sure she can be convinced to use it. "Of course, it would be best if you looked after it."
Thinking for a moment, she comes up with another concern. "Chell, I've had a strange fear of the water ever since we were in the temple... I believe one of the karikanti put a curse on me. Anything you can do for me?"
Chell looks up from the dangerous item. "What? Oh yes. I forgot, sorry." Her eyes and hands glow as she touches Astrianna and seeks out the curse. It was a mental aversion to water so it resided in the head. She found the cursed rune floating around in the bard's subconscious and...
though it resisted her push, wiped the rune away with a burst of positive energy. "There. Oh also."
Turning to Sorrin she does a similar number, searching his body for the poison's affects and repairing them in record time.
On the subject of Sorrin's plight, she is neutral. "As you've seen, if you stick with us you will be acquiring large sums of money and powerful magical items. Keep us in mind first and you'll end up with all the power you need to rescue your lands and family. I may even be convinced to assist in freeing your family if you prove to me we can work together as a team efficiently."
As he receives Chell's ministrations... Astrianna, you're of course correct, and make my point for me. Should any of you not believe in my loyalty to the group or my honor, consider this. From a personal motivation perspective, even if I lack these qualities in your eyes or in actuality. I am committed to keeping you alive, because it is my best chance to accomplish my eventual plans.
So, I mention my situation... Not as excuse, not for pity. But, to plainly illustrated that whether for altruistic or mercenary reasons, your survival is a priority of mine. That said, believe what you will or accept both.
Some attacks or special abilities cause ability damage or drain, reducing the designated ability score by the listed amount. Ability damage can be healed naturally. Ability drain is permanent and can only be restored through magic.
Chell wondered how long Sorrin planned on lying to himself. Family held hostage? Betrothed murdered? Exiled from his home? And he expected them to believe that didn't affect him. Didn't have sway over his actions? That kind of life would scar anyone.
It also brought to light terrible questions. This...fleet he wanted to put together? He had been mostly seeking the Tulita to join him. It sounded like a good cause but what happens after? Is he only doing it because he knows they will be eager to join someone who won't treat them like second-class citizens? Does he plan to take them from their home to wage war in his? Is he going to try and seize control here and use the resources for his own agenda?
Would that necessarily be a bad thing? She didn't think he had ill intentions. She believed what he was doing, at least in the short term, was a good thing. Helping the impoverished and trying to free them from captivity was a noble goal. So was removing the corruption here and hunting down pirates. And the ones that exiled him sound evil but she was only hearing his side. What else was going on.
She groans in confusion and exhaustion. She was overthinking things as usual. And so much thinking was starting to actually hurt. Especially after this emotionally charged conversation. "Molly's sounds great right now," she says more to herself than anyone else. "Let's talk about what we want to do after."
"Yes, stripping off these grimey clothes and soaking in a tub of hot, soapy water sounds like a wonderful way to spend the evening after swimming around in that muck."
Epilogue
Torgue parted ways with the group once they got back to town and promptly paid his debts and got his beloved invisible beer canteen. He then decided to start concentrating on brewing and got to work with Clarisse on making the best brew he could.
Not long after, Torgue's Battle Brew showed up in the Broken Skull, ready to refresh those who watched the fights and numb the pain of those on the losing sides of things. Along with Trollbelly Whiskey ('Enough punch to keep a troll down for good!')
Traveling with me comes with a price... apparently, there is an assassin guild after me. The Red Brotherhood.
Think me, a little less charming and less loving. Swarthy and a hint of red. You can't make this stuff up, right?
Bri snickers and playfully smacks Sorrin on the ass. "Don't worry Soren, we will cover your rear for you against any foes. They can't be much worse than what all we just went through, right?"
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"Join the club. A Kracken god is after me."
If I'm calling you sister, watch those hands... The Red Brotherhood is no laughing matter. They are cunning and opportunistic. Be wary.
I can join you at the bath house, unless you have plans on other company.
"Right now I am more concerned with cleanliness than company. Seriously, I feel like I brought half that swamp back with me."
Whatever you feel like, I'm happy to wash your back... in exchange. Unless it's too forward.
I'm relatively easy going when lives or souls aren't at stake.
Astrianna shrugs. "I have a lot of fans, I suppose. I could get mobbed by them in a crowded public place. Though I've only been here a week, perhaps I'm not that well known yet." The incident in the Verduran forest has probably been forgotten by now, honestly. I doubt they're still looking for me, and why would they be looking for me here of all places?
The thought of a bath makes her sigh in undisguised anticipation. "My boots are filled with some plant I don't even want to identify."
It's the little critters, plants might just give you a rash.
"Ugh. Please stop talking. I don't want to know about smells and rashes. I have my own to worry about. Besides the days not yet up. What should we do after selling the stuff? We have enough for a ship finally."
-Posted with Wayfinder
"We have to thief to track down, as per our agreement with the Commandant. Our informant, Lester, is at the Run Aground Tavern. I also wanted to see off the crew of Mother's Blessing, but they most likely left at dawn today."
"Miss Molly's before anything else though. We may as well go to the Tavern afterwards for some food. I think we've managed a most of a day with no food."
The girls cringe every step of the way as mucky water and sea life squishes through her toes. Sorrin notices his loan shark's location on the way to Miss Molly's. Several people fan themselves as you walk by, stinky day old swamp water is quite unpleasant even to those living in near slum conditions. The oasis of Miss Molly's is just ahead.
Astrianna isn't too concerned with Sorrin's loan situation, and they shouldn't be removing his hand considering he's about to pay it back.
When they enter Miss Molly's Astrianna puts down two platinum pieces. "Private bath for the three of us ladies. Extra soap, cloths, some sponges, scrapers just... extra everything. Wash our clothes as well please. Oh, I would also like some Kyonin lavender hair oil."
"And plenty of fragrances, lotions and powders for after the baths as well too please."