The priest looks at Chell, "I've a few potions remove disease that are strong enough to help, but I've sold a few lately and I should hang onto one myself. Just in case." He shrugs. "Killing the source would help with the spread or if you can kill his followers that will help when the night of reckoning comes." He eyes Falken Drango, who simply shrugs.
Falken shrugs when Alyi'ensi looks towards him. "Tell 'em I don't care. It's their necks if they go."
"Capt Drango and I have a good idea where two separate groups make their home. One somewhere around Beacon Island about 150 miles to the Northeast the lighthouse itself went dark recently and nobody has heard from the lighthouse keepers lately." He pauses thinking about the next piece of information. "The lighthouse on Beacon Island is haunted since old man Daynor snapped about 5 years ago,...er...he killed his family there, so replacement keepers do come and go frequently." He drinks his wine. "To make matters worse we believe this is the main grouping." He lets the information settle in.
She chuckles at the flattery, and gladly accepts it. "Yes, we purchased the ship from Boneduece. We've done some work for him, but we have no loyalty to the Dragoons. I've heard some particularly unfortunate things about the man, but I can't deny he's probably my only equal in fiddling here in the Razor."
She waves a hand over her glass, using Prestidigitation to cool the wine. "As for the Baron, it's a fine vessel. We've got some work planned for it. Flynn the Mouse, the fool that attacked us outside of Port as you heard, was put down by us and our crew. He deserved it, the dog, put a hit on Ptahh here back in Shaw that got one of our crew killed. Captain Dre was breathing down our necks the entire battle, ready to pick our freshly won carcass of the Weasel from our weary grasp. Our Captain, Donovan Montogmery- yes, that one, he's...
"I don't trust Boneduece or the dragoons, working for the man can be hazardous to your health. If you ever out fiddle the bastard you'll wind up floating in the sewers or rotting in a cell." He sneers, then spits on the floor.
"You interested in selling that extra ship you've got? Your run-in this morning could prove helpful. Ol' shakes is fine Capt, till his nerve breaks. Sell the ship for a fair price and earn a favor. Those who know me, know I don't forget the rare favor that I do."
He eyes a few people in the pub, they each turn form his steely gaze quickly. "I'm dangerous and I'm a pirate, but I kill when given no choice. I can't steal from you twice if I've killed you." He makes sure that has sunk in. "I did not kill my crew. My troubles began over a month ago when a damnable witch-breath fog rose-up, and an evil wind carried my ship NIghtslink into a reef down the coast from Port Shaw. I left my crew to defend the ship's full hold, then I took a longboat to Port Shaw. I figured I could get some help there or worst case scenario steal vessel and return to the Nightslink to rescue the crew. When I got back they were gone but the cargo remained."
"Removing the worshipers would certainly help but we're in a bit of a time crunch. Only a few days until the full moon. I suppose they intend to use it to their advantage. Best not to give them one." Chell thinks it over for a bot before circling back to another concern. "You wouldn't happen to know anyone proficient at hunting sharks would you? The Chosen of Dajobas. We saw it. Some here might have seen it too. A shark as big as a whale. You think this place would pay good money for a shark that big, considering the name?" The last question was in an effort to find a payoff for removing its corruption from the sea. The crew would likely not want to mess with a shark that big unless their was a payoff.
Astrianna is very interested in what Falken Drango has to say about all these matters. Her hands are steepled in front of her, and she looks at Falken with eyes that hunger for information and an edge. "Hmm. You're the second person to warn me not to outfiddle Boneduece. This is a problem, considering how I aim to be the best in Shaw, and he's the one to to surpass." She sighs and takes another sips of wine. "I'll deal with that problem when it comes, but I appreciate the advice."
She chuckles when Falken asks if they're interested in selling the ship they brought in. "You and I seem to share similar thoughts on many matters, because I was about to ask you if you were interested in purchasing a ship. To be known as the crew that did Falken Drango a favor is worth far more than whatever the harbormaster was going to offer."
The half-elf draws a circle around the rim of her mug. "I'm more than willing to sell you the Rabid Weasel, if my companions are in agreement. It's a fine vessel that unfortunately had a greasy barnaclebrain as a Captain. In your hands it will do much better. Maybe name it something else, though. You can either come along later or after we leave to take a look at it."
It is obvious the bard is mentally cataloging Falken's side of the story, searching for any kind of hook for a song or a fabulous tale. "How mysterious... A month ago you say? There has been a lot of strange happenings that started a month ago. What force in this wide world would take your crew but not your cargo...? Something that didn't need material possessions, perhaps..."
"So, I acquired sloop and made my way back to the Nightslink but I had a damn dragoon frigate on me arse. But my crew seasoned and that frigate would be no match for my crew, if I lead the frigate in proper. But when I got there the Nightslink's decks were washed in blood but the cargo holds were full. That caught me as strange...seasoned crew that could defeat most, gone. But leave the goods...makes no sense."
He fills his tankard again and drinks it back in one long gulp. "Now word reaches me that there's a group of thugs running around calling themselves the Nightslinks. Putting two and two together and I started to think they were attacked by this chosen one of Dajobas and maybe they have that fel lycanthrope affliction." He drinks more wine. "My sources tell me they form a company called the '5th column' but they somehow retained some independence." He makes sure they are following his story. "Now, my former crew are stockpiling goods near another lighthouse...the one that's near Port Shaw."
"As far as how I ended up here...I sailed of course." He gives a roguish grin.
"With your feet strapped to the backs of a pair of sea turtles no doubt."
"With your feet strapped to the backs of a pair of sea turtles no doubt."
"So the legend will say!"
"Removing the worshipers would certainly help but we're in a bit of a time crunch. Only a few days until the full moon. I suppose they intend to use it to their advantage. Best not to give them one." Chell thinks it over for a bot before circling back to another concern. "You wouldn't happen to know anyone proficient at hunting sharks would you? The Chosen of Dajobas. We saw it. Some here might have seen it too. A shark as big as a whale. You think this place would pay good money for a shark that big, considering the name?" The last question was in an effort to find a payoff for removing its corruption from the sea. The crew would likely not want to mess with a shark that big unless their was a payoff.
"Well doubt you're gonna get a bunch of takers hunting down a giant wereshark. Just a hunch, mind you." He waves to Orn to bring another bottle of wine. "If you had those jaws to hang of dock, I guess they'd pay well." He scratches his head.
Sorrin considers the man’s question.
My intention... is to assemble a naval force, ships, officers, sailors and marines to sail back and pay my once-home a visit. But, that’s a story for another time. Before I can do that, I have to pass through the crucible that is The Razor Coast.Often a man cannot manage all that needs be done alone and must align with others. A Wave Rider captain, a priestess of Quell, a silver-tongued fiddler, a voracious witch and a misunderstood half-orc. Each have their reasons and each makes of it what they will.
He lets his words sink in. What do you... want to sign up for, gentlemen?
There will be purpose and profit. The thrill of chase and the din of battle when not gliding across open water. Horrors imagined and real. The most horrible will be other men.
But... If we make the right choices, both smart and courageous for the twain are not mutually exclusive... We protect what we care for, be it our selves or loved ones, life, freedom, beauty... Perhaps command the sea or settle down on a piece of land. We get to choose, that's what's important.
Sorrin let's it sink in.
Never fancied being a slave, to any one or any... thing. But, I believe every man can choose what's important to them. Free Will.
Dawnflower protect us.
"So, I acquired sloop and made my way back to the Nightslink but I had a damn dragoon frigate on me arse. But my crew seasoned and that frigate would be no match for my crew, if I lead the frigate in proper. But when I got there the Nightslink's decks were washed in blood but the cargo holds were full. That caught me as strange...seasoned crew that could defeat most, gone. But leave the goods...makes no sense."
He fills his tankard again and drinks it back in one long gulp. "Now word reaches me that there's a group of thugs running around calling themselves the Nightslinks. Putting two and two together and I started to think they were attacked by this chosen one of Dajobas and maybe they have that fel lycanthrope affliction." He drinks more wine. "My sources tell me they form a company called the '5th column' but they somehow retained some independence." He makes sure they are following his story. "Now, my former crew are stockpiling goods near another lighthouse...the one that's near Port Shaw."
Astrianna nods at the mention of the gang called Nightslinks. "If what you believe is true, then your crew has become quite notorious for harassing and enslaving Tulita in Shaw. If they have been infected with the Kiss then there is most certainly something sinister afoot for their stockpiling. They are probably spreading the disease in Shaw as well." She takes a sip of her wine. "Looks like we'll be needing some silver." The bard is clearly referring to weapons.
She pushes the mug away for now, her head swimming enough as it is. Astrianna looks over to Chell and chuckles. "You're serious about hunting that beast? Falken just says he thinks that monster wiped out his whole crew of hardened sailors. I'm not sure how well we'd fare right now. We'll need some silver ballista bolts in the very least, but it would be safer to hunt it with more than one ship. Perhaps we could strike up a deal with one of the other Captains in Port if you want to take this thing down before the full moon."
You'll need to do some research to acquire any more historical basis of knowledge. That being said, you've seen, heard, and pieced together enough information to reasonably state or believe:
1. The large black shark is The Chosen of Dajobas. You are fairly confident about this fact.
2. The Chosen is some unholy herald of the savage god, Dajobas.
3. What you suspect The Chosen of Dajobas is probably a victim of her master's lust for slaughter and was granted unholy powers, such as the Kiss of Dajobas.
4. You suspect that this is to pave the way for the second coming of the deity.
The Captain nods to Astri's offer to come and see the Rabid Weasel, "Once I acquire a proper ship, and crew, I have some investigation to do. I need confirmation that those at the lighthouse outside Port Shaw are my former crew. I need to see if I can help them recover. Hence my meeting with our mutual friend here." He means the half-elf. "I'll help you if I can, unless you're working with the dragoons."
He looks up to Ptahh speaking directly to him for the first time. "If a hit was put on you, check with the Old Fish, it would have passed through him or he'd know about it. B'ware he's deadlier me. He also purveys interesting goods, if you get my meaning. 'Tricks of the Trade' should get you in." He starts to laugh, "Don't get Old Fish and Old Craw confused at least for Old Craw's sake, Old Craw missin' a few limbs but can be helpful with news if you listen to his tales."
He stands up. "So lets look at a ship." Wide berth is given to Capt Drango when he moves through the crowd.
The cleric rises with the others. "Are you interested in those remove disease potions?"
The cleric rises with the others. "Are you interested in those remove disease potions?"
"Of course. We have a few and I can prepare it but no matter which path we take its going to run us right into Lycanthropy."
The half-orc nods at Drango, "I already intend to visit Fish when we return to Port Shaw. Thanks for the information." He finishes his drink then rises from the table.
Astrianna briefly considers what she knows about the Chosen of Dajobas, and concludes she doesn't know enough right now. Still, fighting a giant cursed shark doesn't seem like the best idea right now.
She nods at Drango's plans. "We need to decide our next move. If the main cult group is by the lighthouse to the north we may move to take them out before they do more damage, and get answers. We'll see. But first, let's get you a ship." Not siding with anyone can sometimes mean you make an enemy of everyone... we need to be careful how we handle Drango and Boneduece. They're both lucrative sources of income and power. If only they didn't hate each other so much...
Astrianna stands up with Drango to go inspect the Rabid Weasel. She's thinking 7,000 at least given the damage to the ship, but she needs to give it a good look before she makes an appraisal.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"I'll go with the lighthouse option. I don't think we could handle that shark right now."
Bri will head back to the Weasel with them for now.
The cleric rises with the others. "Are you interested in those remove disease potions?""Of course. We have a few and I can prepare it but no matter which path we take its going to run us right into Lycanthropy."
"You have remove disease prepared by a someone of exceptional experience (caster level 12)?' He asked quite surprised.
"She had all her sails when she came in this morning, does she still? How about ballista, rowboats?" As the group in the jolly near the Baron, his eyes move to that ship and he smirks. The docks are buzzing as the group walks by, the harbormaster glares at everyone but Capt. Falken.
"So you've a price in mind?" Not bad, some damage to the prow, 7500 gold maybe more, getting a crew shouldn't be an issue.
"You have remove disease prepared by a someone of exceptional experience (caster level 12)?' He asked quite surprised. Your CL are lower than 12th. To remove lycanthropy it needs to be by a 12th level caster or higher. the potions he is offering were prepared by a 12 level caster.
"What. Oh nonono. No. I wish i could. I wish someone in Port Shaw could." She sounds both sad and frustrated at her own inability and the loss of the two most capable clerics in the Port. "I mean i could handle recent cases. Before the curse sets in after 3 days. But after that i am...less helpful." She catches herself just before saying useless. She takes a look at her funds and blanches.
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Um...unless you care to take a prayer and pittance of their cost i cannot afford one." Of course that deal with the gnome was biting her in more ways than one. Then she perks up. "Wait, what would you give me for this? If you made those potions or the one who did then maybe you could use it." she says holding out the staff of Insect Plague. "i never felt comfortable with it."
-Posted with Wayfinder
-Posted with Wayfinder
"Um...unless you care to take a prayer and pittance of their cost i cannot afford one." Of course that deal with the gnome was biting her in more ways than one. Then she perks up. "Wait, what would you give me for this? If you made those potions or the one who did then maybe you could use it." she says holding out the staff of Insect Plague. "i never felt comfortable with it."
He looks at the staff, "What does it do?" Interesting wood but that's at least $6750 and these aren't the run of the mill remove disease. "Father Trafalgar sent you, huh?" Young, idealistic he'd owe me...big time.
Astrianna walks with Falken towards the Weasel. She notices him eyeing the Baron... Need to watch him... I feel he'd easily steal the Baron if given the chance. Not that I need an excuse to watch him.
"As far as I know, no sail has been stripped from her rigging. If I had to guess everything else has been stripped by our crew, though I can see from here the ballista are still intact. Ah, the fore mounted ballista has been removed, they must have taken it over to the Baron."
Astrianna considers a rough price as they move towards the ship.
"I haven't had a good look at the Weasel yet because I've been on the Baron the entire time. Sorrin, our first mate who brought her into Port, will probably be able to give a better price.I was thinking at least 7,000 given the damage."
When the jolly is rowed near the Weasel she shouts up to Sorrin. "Permission to come aboard, Captain Sabbah!" Gods, I never thought I'd say that.
"It is a Staff of Insect Plague. Its highest spell is one I cannot cast myself and I cannot recharge it. But I am sure you can." If these potions were as powerful as he said even the staff wouldn't go far. 3, maybe 4 if he was being generous. Precious cargo.
"You know how many charges the staff has left?" As the jolly approaches the Rabid Weasel. "yeah I'll swap you few potions, you're doing difficult work."
Sorrin the jolly being rowed by a couple crewman returns to Rabid Weasel, it has officers that went ashore and they have two passengers with them. One passenger is half-elf man who bears many of the his elfish features. The other is tall chiseled human that is covered with tattoos, he's wearing linen shirt that mostly open.
A few crew man begin to chatter out loud.
"Six working ballista? It looks like it took some fire damage on the foredeck but I don't see and damage to the riggings, sails or mast." He runs his hands over the wooden prow as the jolly gets near. "Rammed you, did he."It was more of statement than question. He pulls a dagger from his belt and grips it in his teeth then suddenly dives into the water, he disappears below the water line you can follow his hands as he examines the ship below the waterline.
"About half I believe. It was used by an undead druid of Dajobas. Nearly killed a dozen Tulita if we hadn't showed up. Almost killed them all and us anyway as powerful as it was. I...learned a lot that day. But I am a healer. I rarely prepare any spells that wound. I am the only one of the group that can use it and eventually charge it but I don't like what it represents. It is a tool only used to harm. I don't like that. I would rather others benefit from its sale."
After they board the Weasel, Chell grabs a bit of detritus from the ship while neither Belon or Drango are around and pockets it. Should it become necessary in the future, she wanted to be able to find the ship. She tells no one and intends not to. Drango had been fair to them and was willing to buy. But he was also a pirate and did not get along with Boneduce. She didn't blame him on that point. But it might benefit them in the future to know his location.
"I'll give you 8 of those potions - I need to keep one back for me....just in case - for the staff, 200 gold and say 30 ballista bolts. Looks like the ship gonna need a few supplies so the coin will come in handy. Add in a cast of grog, ale, and wine I bet that's in their hold and we'll need seven days of base provision and water. That seems fair neither fleecing the other."
Meanwhile, Capt Drango reemerges a few times at various points around the ship. He has a bit of barnacle and other gunk hanging form a mess sea bag. He swims to the boarding ladder. 'Permission to come aboard, Capt?"
Those listen to Alyi'ensi get the distinct impression that he is going to be travelling with Capt. Drango.
More than fair. Chell is surprised by the generous deal but tires not to show it. 8 potions capable of healing an afflicted even after 3 days? A small fortune. Depending on how Zalen responded that might be enough. "I don't have the money and the bolts aren't mine to give. I will talk with the others but believe they will agree. Are you going with Drango?"
Permission, granted! Certain the man doesn't need any help, Sorrin is still there to greet him and offers a hand.
Qadiran hospitality.
"Yeah, I revere a traveling god and a few months with Capt Drango will spice my life up. Besides, he has a mystery to solve regarding his crew." He starts up the rope boarding ladder.
Falken quickly scurries up the ladder, like a rat running a line. He sheaths his dagger and his barnacle scrapper. "Aye Captain, your ship only has some minor damage below the water line but her haul is covered with this crud." He opens the mess bag and pulls out some barnacles. "That's slowing her down, she should be tipped and cleaned." his piercing eyes taking in and cataloging the layout. "Is that were the fire hit? See you've disassemble the ballista and mount." He nods "You mind if have a look from the nest?"
Most of the crew is awestruck and stands with gaping mouth.
Sorrin nods at the disassembled ballista comment. That... crud's not an accident, it's reserve in case we run out of food. Cookie can do wonders.
Your're free to move about the ship as you wish. You're our guest! Sorrin smiles genuinely.
Though we've not been formally introduced, it's a pleasure meeting a man of your renown.
Sorrin ibn Sabbah of Port Shaw, by way of Qadira.
Astrianna nods to the statement about ramming. "Indeed. Nothing a bit of magic won't fix though. Alyi'ensi seems more than capable."
She watches with a grin as Falken dives below the chopping water to inspect the hull, and she's not surprised when he comes up with a bunch of debris that caked the hull.
Climbing onto to deck, Astrianna chuckles when he mentions having a look from the nest. "Be our guest, but there isn't much of a nest to speak of. Looks like they slapped together some boards on the main mast and stood on it."
"That so called "nest" of theirs can barely hold one. We'll wait down here for you and then give you the below deck tour too."
Sorrin nods at the disassembled ballista comment. That... crud's not an accident, it's reserve in case we run out of food. Cookie can do wonders.
Your're free to move about the ship as you wish. You're our guest! Sorrin smiles genuinely.
Though we've not been formally introduced, it's a pleasure meeting a man of your renown.
Sorrin ibn Sabbah of Port Shaw, by way of Qadira.
He actually laughs loudly at Sorrin's comment about the barnacles. "I've eaten worse."
"Well Captain Sorrin ibn Sabbah, I'm Captain Falken Drango. I hail from the sea and call no port my true home, but my feet have been at Sharkjaw for a few days now, so that will do." It gets real quite on the ship when he introduces himself.
"So, I was told you just came to own her in fair battle and valiant act of bravery and best of all she is for sale. Luck shall have it I'm in need for ship. This one will do fine." He climbs the mast and looks over the rigging for about 20 minutes. When he comes down. "Astrianna Sparacello mentioned you were the person to strike the price with...lets walk the gun deck and hold and discuss this matter."
Astrianna watches Falken climb up the rigging like some kind of half-monkey and chuckles. She turns to Sorrin, hands on her hips. "Falken Drango is the most famous pirate Captain in all of Shaw. He's renowned for his feats of daring and the ability to steal pretty much any ship. He's a far cry from the ruthless scum like Dre or Flynn though."
She leans in to speak softly. "Frankly he's in a rough spot... This is an incredible opportunity to do him a favor that we can call in sometime in the future. You've been on this vessel more than I have so I told him to talk to you about the purchase. I was thinking 7000, at least."
Sorrin listens intently to Astrianna. Captain Drango, she said that? And you're self admittedly desperate?
Who is this? Sorrin indicates the Half-Elf.
Sorrin listens and waits for Drango to return.