It's now about 6:00 pm, it is nearing dusk.
The ship is at the far end of the dock, so it's real close to the wharf that you are walking on, but close enough to make you nervous and the possibility of running into someone you know form the crew.
*I put the Rabid Weasel on the map.
Astrianna looks up at Fort Stormshield sitting high and mighty on the hill. "Hopefully Boneduece has some time for us tonight. I'd rather get this deal sealed as quick as possible so we can begin hiring sailors and gathering supplies."
"I just don't enjoy drawing attention to myself. Most people don't cozy up to my kind. Twenty-two years of insults and beatings has taught me that."
With only the slightest turn of his head, Ptahh keeps a watch down the pier toward the Rabid Weasel as the group continues down the dock.
Makes sense, people can and will be petty.
"So, tell me of the ships you have. From the sounds of it, you have more than one at your command," Ptahh inquires.
Sorrin considers. The group owns one, the Dragon's Tail... We commandeered it when we took down a smuggler, Bonegnaw. A gnoll. But, it's not fit for the jobs we'd like to work up to. Just the one for now, but I need more... a tale for another night.
So, we're going to sell the Dragon's Tail and get a faster, more durable all around more capable vessel. You a sailor? The man smiles genuinely.
Bri follows along with the group.
Bri snorts at the half-orc's comment about people not cozying up to his kind. "Guess I'm not most people, I tend to do that literally."
You see three of your former crew members - definitely goons - and they are talking to 4 rough looking sailors. Those sailors all have backbacks/sacks over their shoulders and various weapons, it's pretty clear to you they have been recruiting new crew members. They're a good 30 to 40 feet away down the dock and near the Rapid Weasel.
One of your former crew members double takes and watches your group at the end of the dock.
Astri, Bri, Chell, and Sorrin you all spot Boris and his assistant about 120 feet, or so ahead, chatting with Capt. Longplank and Thalios Dondrel. Thalios and Boris are each very animated in what they are stressing. There are three crates nearby and Boris' assistant is sitting on one. A few spectators spare an occasional glance at the scene.
Here is another view of the dockside map a bit closer. I labelled a few items for reference. Also note the profile view that shows the docks, wharf in relationship to the street level.
So, how do you feel about the finer points of combat? What I call "the dance", footwork, positioning... flanking some call it?
The subtle shift in positioning before, between or after strikes. My training teaches and my style somewhat rely on flow, precision.
The group continues weaving through the crowd of workers, seaman, merchants, and laborers as they approach the exchange occurring with Boris.
Bri nudges Astrianna. "Hey look Astri, there's Dondrel."
Bri will wave if it looks like they glance in their direction.
Astrianna spots Thalios and Boris, a slight frown ceasing her lips. "Hmm. I see them, but they don't look like they're having a great time. Some kind of altercation between Thalios and Boris? Captain Longplank is as stoic as ever."
She approaches with her companions to see what's going on, stopping at the group with her hands on her hips and an inquisitive look on her face.
So, how do you feel about the finer points of combat? What I call "the dance", footwork, positioning... flanking some call it?
The subtle shift in positioning before, between or after strikes. My training teaches and my style somewhat rely on flow, precision.
"My style is a little more brute than precision but any advantage we could gain by, umm... positioning would always be welcome. I've seen seen some guys work together to gain even more advantage in those positions, especially after a vicious strike. If you like to mix it up, maybe we could... oh damn, Pttahh says as he tries to make himself smaller if possible.
Sorrin chuckles. I think I've heard Bri say something similar, about positioning and advantage. What's with you and those guys? Stand up, man... spread those shoulders. No fear. They holding something over your head?
I've got Red Brotherhood assassins after me, that's gonna be ugly when it needs to be dealt with.
"I need these crates delivered at the agreed price...period or I swear you'll there won't be any slips for your ship when you return." Boris is red faced, "And I know how much tobacco is in those crates you scoundrel...not pinching for your private use."
Ho-howh! The Son of Mordekai, a scoundrel? Now, you're just sweet-talking! Sorrin tries to lighten the mood.
"Oh you pierce my honor and integrity by suggestion that Thalios Dondrel, son of Mordekai, would pinch anything that was entrusted in his care. But alas, Thalios Dondrel, son of Mordekai, did not negotiate the orginal cargo shipment that was left to much lesser men. We will starve at those rates but for few coin more we call all prosper." He says with a grin that suddenly widens as he sees both Astri and Bri.
Captain Longplank is shaking his head chucking at the argument. "Mr. Harbormaster...we will honor the agreed price and I apologize for my excited officer, he is overly enthusiastic at his recent promotion. Let's get that cargo aboard."
Sighing slightly at being overruled by the Captain, Thalios Dondrel quickly changes his focus. "Good day...my friend....pardon me for my heart has just fluttered skipping three beats as my worthless eyes gaze upon two purrrrrrrrfect," he rolls his tongue, "roses." He pauses. "I Thalios Dondrel, son of Mordekai, am honored to be in the presence of such beauty." He bows with his hat in his hand waving it wide. When he straightens up, one thin eyebrow raises, "Oh...and who is your large friend, Thalios Dondrel, son of Mordekai does not recognize you."
Sorrin smiles. I don't know how I can stand it myself, Dondrel. Being in the presence.
This is Ptahh.
Turning his attention to the harbourmaster. Boris! You've smoothed things over, man!
While your men load cargo, let's conduct some business so we can celebrate with a Monkey Red or Elven vintage.
"Anyone but him." He points to Thalios, "Get him away from me...go skedaddle." He waves at Thalios, "That man WILL drive me to drink!"
Well, Boris...
How far away are you sending him. How long will you be breaking Port Shaw's feminine hearts?! How long are they to endure the absence of Dondrel, Son of Mordekai? Sorrin smiles, chuckling. Then he affects a grim smile.
Astrianna grins as Captain Longplank gets everyone out of a bind, as usual. The half-elf approaches Dondrel and extends her hand for him to kiss. "Thalios Dondrel, Son of Mordekai, can make even a rose blush with his wandering eyes and silver tongue." She flashes him a smile. "I thought we wouldn't make it back in time to see you and The Mother's Blessing off, but the gods have been kind these past two days."
She gestures to the half-orc. "As Sorrin said, this is Ptahh. Our new sword- Torgue decided to take his cut from our last job and start a brewery."
Emerald eyes track over to Boris... she chuckles at his opinion of Thalios, and pats the scoundrel's shoulder. "We have some business with the harbor master, we'll speak in a little bit." Approaching Boris she reaches into her haversack and pulls out a high-quality tultian cigar, and a tindertwig to offer a light. "You look like you need this, Boris."
"See...see how she is..." He's still grumbling at Thalios when he expects the tultian cigar. "Yes...what kinda business today."
Disappearances, Thul, Sharks, Dajobas, Harthagoa, Drugs, Slavers. And keeping an eye on here comrades. To say her mind was occupied was an understatement. That and she didn't care much for the upcoming deals and the back and forth bartering that went along with it. So when she finally noticed the large person travelling with them that was obviously not Torgue, she was a little startled. She leans over to Embrianna and asks. "Um...who's that?" But then Astrianna explained it to Thalios. That was quick. Quell works in mysterious ways apparently.
"We ship out in a couple hours...we're behind of schedule a bit, so we are making up time. The winds favor us." Thalios and Capt. Longplank take their leave.
Astrianna hopes the tobacco will help calm the man's nerves, Thalios obviously frazzled him. She gets on with business. "We're here to accept your offer concerning the Dragon's Tail. We have taken her out to sea and while she is a worthy vessel for transportation we seek a faster ship. We're willing to sell her to you for the amount discussed previously- 5000 gold pieces, and she's yours. We ask for one day to transfer supplies and sailors out and over to The Baron Of the Tides, which we will negotiating the purchase of today."
"First Thalios, now you insult me. That hunk of driftwood is wanted on the high seas and will be sunk by the first lawful patrol, it's not even worth 2000 gold on it's best day. No, no, no." He puffs on the cigar which appears to start to calm him. "Look I like you all, but if my memory's right, you're liking that pirate criminal Drango." He pinches his chin and scrunches his eyes. "Didn't I withdraw that offer come to think of it." He eyes his assistant who nods affirmatively as he look in his journal.
Astrianna goes in to full-on acting mode. She puts a concerned look on her face, as if she has forgotten something. "Drango?" Recognition drawns on her face after a moment. "Ah, Falken Drango, the escaped convict accused of multiple counts of pirating. Yes, I remember now, Cir made the comment about how Falken was falsely accused."
The bard spreads her hands wide and makes an apology for the elf."Elves live on a different plane of thought than us sometimes- after you've lived a hundred years the world might look different as well. Sometimes they believe everything that comes out of their mouth is right because they have had "so much more experience" than the rest of us, and neglect to consider what all of the hard working "mayflies" living under their lofty clouds have to go through to get by in this world." She bows her head. "Please forgive her comments. In any case, she is no longer with us, and we do not share her opinions."
A smiles comes back onto her lips. "The usefulness of the Dragon's Tail is easily debatable as a short-range transport ship, a vessel for a new, well-off Captain looking to get into the trade. Just one possibility that comes to mind- After all you were quite excited to purchase it when we arrived, and a man with as much knowledge about ships as you must have something profitable in mind for it."
She places her closed hand on her chin to think for a moment before speaking. "You said yourself if we looked for a buyer we could turn it around for 6,000, but we are very busy and will take your advice on selling now. I know it's been a few days since your last offer, so to make up for the time we used for consideration..."
The half-elf places one hand on her hip and extends the other towards the man. "4500 gold pieces for the Dragon's Tail, no fuss, no muss."
He points to his ears, "Aren't you elf blood, so do you believe everything that comes out of your mouth as being right...or only half right." He smirks. "some times you should strike when the iron's hot...4500 is way too much today.
He sniffles a bit, "This is a good cigar. I tell you what 3750 for the ship...she's not armed and will need an escort in these waters to prevent pirates and raider." He puffs on the cigar a bit.
By the way, Boris... Your tip on the money lender was good, he was fair enough. I really appreciate it and look forward to taking more of your advice.
He certainly is friendlier than when the negotiations began. "Well careful with those money mongers they get their money back one way or the other, if you get my meaning."
the ember burns brightly as he nods.
Outwardly Astrianna convincingly laughs at his joke. Inwardly she doesn't find it the least bit funny. "Ah, you have it switched around, I'm completely right half of the time." She says with a winning smile. It's more around 95% of time, I'd say, really.
She listens to his reasoning on the escorts, and contemplates the reasoning. "I feel reputation alone will keep pirates and raiders at bay. I can attest first hand- all of us can, that Bonegnaw and his men were absolutely fearsome. One nearly ran me through, and the gnoll himself was prepared to fight to the death. No sane pirate would you risk boarding that ship, for fear of gnashing teeth and exotic beasties unleashed upon them. If it were stopped by the dragoons, simple compliance and papers should get one out of trouble. We were in that situation when Commander Perrin found us taking the ship back to Shaw."
He still wants the ship. I can get a bit more out of him. Astrianna goes in for the kill. "Understandable, we did deliberate for quite some time on this issue. How about we meet in the middle, Boris, say 4200?"
Astrianna, would it be fair to say... If we can get 4500, we can more readily get a deal going on the Baron of the Tides, today?
Would than mean someone collects a transactional fee on said Baron, sooner? And, we'd be happy to be considered for runs, much like Mother's Blessing. All that and future business!
"$4200 gold plus a bundle (10) of these cigars and we have a deal." He spit on his palm to shake on it with Astri.
Astrianna grins at Boris. "They are good, aren't they?"
She spits on her palm and slaps her palm into Boris's hand for a firm shake. "Deal."
SO disgusting. She thinks as the spit mingles in her hand. Of course, the thought doesn't show on her face, and she was quite pleased she had made a hell of a deal selling that piece of junk ship.
Taking her hand back, she makes a mental note to clean it magically later. "An excellent deal, Boris... I will get you the bundle of cigars when we come by to pay our docking fees. It would be most appreciated if we could have a day for transfer to our new future ship. Commandant willing, of course."
I was wondering, Boris... Are you authorized to negotiate on the Commandant's behalf?
she was quite pleased she had made a hell of a deal selling that piece of junk ship.
I was wondering, Boris... Are you authorized to negotiate on the Commandant's behalf?
"No...I can show the ship and I can convey offers but I have no authority." he looks to Astri. "Yeah, you can have a day to transfer off the ship."
Sorrin extends a hand after Astrianna finishes sealing the deal, so it and spit. Western barbarians.
Thank you, Boris. Now, what's with those jokers over there? Sorrin indicates the ship with the three men, the Rabid Weasel, discreetly.
Ptahh looks down Boris and nods approvingly, "Pleasure to meet you, Harbormaster. The name is Ptahh." Turning to Sorrin, "There is no fear, just trying to stay calm and show a little self-restraint. Don't want to make a scene today; probably wouldn't be a good way to start off."
"A pleasure doing business, Harbor Master. I will see you again soon."
While Sorrin speaks to Brois Astrianna makes her way over to the Mother's Blessing to say goodbye to Thalios and the Captain.
Thank you, Boris. Now, what's with those jokers over there? Sorrin indicates the ship with the three men, the Rabid Weasel, discreetly.
"Just another crew getting ready to depart...hired a few crew and restocked. New Captain...they never docked here before." His assistant makes a few notes in his journal and then hands you a slip of credit for the sale.
Commander Perrin been back? Decent man by the looks of him.
Oh, and here. Treat yourself and the men to some of those new little pastry things going around and The Run Aground or Barrett's, or whatever establishment you prefer. Sorrin passes two platinum openly to Boris, with a smile to the assistant.