Darius will be at a table talking with Captain Longplank when Astri and Bri arrive. The two gentleman appear to be in good spirits but each has a serious business look about them.
"Good Morning."
"Good morning Captain, mind if we join you two for breakfast?"
My they look rather serious, wonder what they were talking about?
Astrianna saunters up to the table, smiling at Captain Longplank. "Good morning, Captain. What's the agenda for today, chaps?" She sits down at the table with the two, putting her steaming cup of coffee down next to her plate. The bard crosses her legs and picks up the cup, taking a sip while watching the two men.
"Overseeing the ship repairs and discussing with Darius a business proposition."
"It's been an, er...interesting first day here in port Shaw." He pauses for a long moment. "With all that has happened I think it's best if I stay aboard the Mother's Blessing. The Captain liked the training that I did with the crew and well, ...I really enjoy the sea. So, I'm thinking of staying aboard."
Astrianna glances between the two men, forking a mass of over-easy egg. "Oh? Darius, is this the business idea you were talking about before? I'm intrigued, do tell."
She listens to the man's speech, chewing slowly, and in the end she seems a little disappointed. "That's a shame, I was thinking of asking around today about purchasing a ship of our own." The bard gestures to the Captain. "I have to say though, I don't blame you for wanting to serve on the Mother's Blessing, best Captain and crew I've ever experienced." She says with a smile at Willie.
Great... Darius was fantastic to have around in a fight. Where am I going to find some more muscle?
Coming down into the dining area for breakfast, Sath notes the Captain and her companions sitting together. Making her way over to the table, she gestures for a server to come over when they are free.
"Good Morning all, room for another?" Sath inquires, taking a seat at the table.
When the server comes, she will order a pot of tea, two poached eggs, and a grapefruit.
"So, what sort of trouble shall we getting ourselves into today?"
"Well, I was just telling the others that I've decided to stay aboard the Mother's Blessing, overseeing the training and the repairs, Captain has some runs down the coast, so I may be around." He looks at a few strangers entering the inn. "Besides, if a contract was put out on me this is best for everyone...including you all. Heck, I'm already wanted on two continents, I'd be safer at sea for the time being."
"Has anyone seen Dirk, the room wasn't slept in and the staff hasn't seen him since last night. I heard from someone on the staff that he went out for a walk after a pretty woman took her leave."
Reaching into her enchanted pack, Sath takes out a dusty bottle of dark blue glass and hands it to Darius,
"I'm sad to see you go, but take this to help keep you safe aboard the ship- if you ever have need to breathe underwater, just drink this and think of us."
Astrianna greets Sath as she sits down at the table, the bard absorbed in her eggs for the moment. She raises an eyebrow as Darius mentions a contract on him. "Because of Falken? You sure know how to make friends Darius." The teases him, but she looks mildly concerned about Dirk missing. "Haven't seen him. That's rather odd he didn't stay in his room. I'm sure he'll turn up eventually." The half-elf gives a dimissive gesture. "Speaking of him..."
She leans forward to Darius, speaking quietly. "The two of you went out to poke around town yesterday while we were getting fitted for clothes, did you find out anything interesting?"
"See...I don't know if it was Falken, it could have been someone who thought I helped him escape. I simply don't know. Heck, it could be someone knows there's money on my head from my former life." He looks around suspiciously, 'I ain't a runner, but this opportunity seems to be the right course of action for me."
Astrianna thinks for a moment, and then shrugs. "True, but given the timing I feel it's associated with Falken. If someone comes looking for you, I'll send them on a wild goblin chase, at least."
She sighs and drinks some more of her coffee, looking over to Sath. "Embri and I were thinking of doing some more shopping today, and asking around about a few things. I need to find an armorer and visit Fiddlesticks at least. Then Embri wanted to see about buying some makeup and finding a nice tattoo parlor. Maybe ask around about a small sloop or something to invest some coin into. Not that we have anywhere to go right now."
She leans in close to the druid. "Also, I'm contemplating asking Sam about that map you saw him drawing... I could go for some buried treasure if it's real..."
Darius smiles, "we did pick up a few tidbits of information. Nothing concrete but different points of view, I suppose." he will go ahead and relay the following:
"Falken Drango made a dashing escape today."
"The Dragoons planned his escape, chains just popped off."
"Some pole wielding fool broke Falken out."
"There is new sergeant who almost stopped the escape today....wonder where they brought him in from. Already has 150 gold on his head."
"There's a big Dragonsmoke drop tomorrow night. Idiot t'git caught wit that stuff. Lot's of jail time."
Falken's crew were loyal, he paid well, no reason for him to go on the rampage they claim...he's being framed.
"Falken's a greedy bastard he loves his loot, women, and he has killed before.
'Damn roaches have been swarming at night, they eat everything we need those sewers cleaned out.
"Sam's enchanting a new cutlass for me expensive but he is the best."
"Dugan's fighting tonight he kicked that brawler's off the Flyfish arse the other night. I hear Varion's fightin the winn'r."
That is all you pick up from the street.
The bard seems intrigued about the dragonsmoke drop. "Hmm... A big dragonsmoke drop tonight?" I don't know how to profit from that at the moment, other than maybe meeting some of the big-shots and getting in on the trade...I could ask around.
"Thanks Darius. You know, maybe we could track down Thalios Dondrel as well, I bet he has some jobs for us... Ah, infinite possibilities my friends. Shopping first, of course."
"Well, we are sorry to see you ship off without us Darius, but it does sound like it may be the best option for you. It is rather hard to sneak an assassin aboard a ship at sea." Good thing it takes more than one great night in bed for me to fall for a guy, otherwise this would be rather painful.
"Should we go poking about for Dirk? Do you think something happened to him or do you think he just got an offer or work or something and bailed on us?"
Astrianna drinks the last of her coffee and folds her hands in her lap, thinking a moment. She ends up shrugging. "We should definitely ask around- I hate loose ends. But I'm not too worried. Hawkins can take care of himself."
The bard looks at the gathered party. "Are we staying here another night or checking in at one of the other inns? This place is phenomenal, and the food is incredible, but it's a bit too hard on my coin purse." She looks at the Captain.
"Captain, have you ever stayed at The Green Dragon? I have the feeling it's a bit more in my price range."
Adriel catches the conversation as he sits down, Leaving? Really? That explains why I beat you so easily this morning, your head was clearly somewhere else. Take heart friend, this IS a mighty group we have formed, let assasins come. But if you cannot be swayed from your course I assure you our 3 swans will be well defended.
He looks thoughtful a moment.
Never would I have imagined being in a group with 3 such extraordinary ladies. Honestly, if we can remove the stick from David's a$$ there's no telling how much trouble we could get into.
Bri rolls her eyes at Adriel's comment. "And of course we would be helpless without you to defend us."
Not at all Rose, but I thought we already had an understanding that when it comes to actual combat, I will be the one getting blood on my clothes
A sulfuric smell lingers to the air in the morning, the volcano on the horizon looms, and business on the street continues as usual. Armed with directions, Astri and her entourage are able to find Fiddlesticks. Along the way you see a talented street performer who is burning his strings. The the people on nearby stomp and clap in rhythm, a few tossing a copper or silver piece.
Adriel's eyes spot "Jaspar Jak's Weapons and Armor" which is near Fiddlesticks. From the outside the shop looks well maintained, it's sign appears to be freshly painted as the lettering looks crisps.
* Here is map in case you are curious.
Locations of Note:
Shops:
Fiddlesticks - music shop (map)
Jaspar Jak's - Weapons and armor (map)
Sagacious Samuel's Magic Empotium - magic and potions (map)
Dontorian's House of Haberdashery (no map yet)
Miss Molly's Bathhouse - (map)
Taverns and Inns:
Broken Skull Tavern - (map)
Captain's Wheel - (map)
Churches:
Quell's Chapterhouse - (no map)
Astrianna claps as she walks by the street performer, smiling. I can't wait to get in on some of this fiddling. I bet these people will love some Varisia slip jig sets.
The bard walks into fiddlesticks with the group, and she stops for a brief moment, eyes sweeping over the instruments. A smile creeps across her face at the few customers gathered here. Ah, my people!
She looks back over her shoulder at her companions. "I never asked before, do any of you play an instrument? Never seen you with one, but that doesn't mean you don't play."
The bard immediately goes towards the wall where the violas and violins are hanging, her eyes caressing their fine woodwork expertly, to ensure this is a quality store. Once satisfied, she will seek out the shopkeeper if they have not already made themselves known.
"Astrianna Sparacello, and my companions." She says, gesturing to her entourage. " I'm an actor, singer, and classically trained violinist. But I've always had a passion for fiddling, and Shaw seems to be the place. I'm in the market for an assortment of scrolls, your finest violin fitted for fiddling, an extra traditional bridge, several bows, and the most rugged case you in your inventory."
Adriel shrugs and follows along, happy to see the girls at play, but he was a little more vigilant than usual. Darius had been the only other one that he could consider a warrior and he was gone.
Even the always uptight, David had disappeared (though the two had never really gotten along)
Enjoy yourselves ladies, I am happy to be in such company, but I would like to stop by that armorer's later...
Astrianna nods to Adriel. "As would I, Bladedancer! I need a buckler so certain maguses don't beat me in duels anymore."
As she watches Astri's eyes light up in the instrument shop, Sath answers her question- "No, music was never one of my passions and I have no talent for it. I believe I shall wander over to the weapons shop I saw outside, enjoy yourself."
Sath then leaves Fiddlesticks and wanders over to Jak's shop to see what weapons he has in stock.
The bard gives Sath a nod. "We'll be there in a while. Though I suppose the rest of you could go as well, I can handle things here. Do me a favor Sath, ask if they carry any darkwood or mithril?"
Bri looks over the shops around them. "No Astri, I've never learned to play any sort of instrument. I also don't have much interest in an Armory shop. I'm sure that we can find some kind of store that is interesting to me around here though."
Sath - Sagacious Samuel's Magical Shop is not far away, the whole district is pretty easy to get around.
"You surely have come to the right shop, we cater in the finest musical instruments in the Razor. Yes...yes, I do ...I do have fine fiddle for you." The merchant hands you a fine fiddle and bow. "Make the air ignite in fury."
The long red braided beard of the dwarf jiggles with his laughter, "O'course, I can make yer little friend the leather lamellar. Won't take long eith'r...lets measure 'em up. Be ready t'morrow." He spits some black chew into a spittoon. "Y'want a pinch" ...He drops his tobacco chew pouch on the counter and stuff's his cheek full. "How 'bout you little on." He ask Thrasher.
Astrianna takes the fiddle, laughing about igniting the air. She inspects the staff, strings, and overall construction. "This certainly looks nice, and it's so light..."Well-trimmed fingers pluck at the strings, noting their tension and pitch. She nestles the violin beneath her chin, extending her arm to ensure it's the correct length for her. Taking a bow in hand, the bard slides it over the strings in a tuning exercise, adjusting the pegs as she goes. "This sound is wonderful... It's so lively. I haven't practiced in months, but... let's see... How about a Varisan slip jig?"
She exhales slowly and begins to play, starting off slow at first.
It only takes a few moments before the tempo increases, and the bard is swaying about as she plays, bow sailing across the strings as her fingers dash from string to string, the pitch soaring up and down. Her eyes are closed as she is taken in by the lively tune, her boot making a soft thump-thump in time with the music.
The patron that was plunking a the harp in the middle of the room stops and pays attention as do the other clerks and customers. The merchant who was helping you picks up a bouzouki and joins in adding another layer to you jig. Soon the everyone claps.
Astrianna draws her bow over the strings one last time, flipping her bow with a flourish. She opens her eyes and smiles brightly to the crowd in the music shop, giving a curtsey. "Thank you everyone!"
Grinning, she turns to the merchant. "I'd be a fool not to keep this violin, I'll take it. Does it have a name?" The bard glances about the shop for a moment. "Speaking of which, who owns this shop? Are they named Lefty, by chance?"
"The name will come to you." The merchant states. "Y..yes Lefty owns the shop." Yous see someone's head crane when he hears his name.
"That was a treat and yes, I'm Lefty. Have we met?"
The bard thinks for a moment. "You're right, I'll have a name soon enough, especially if it keeps playing this well."
She smiles at lefty, giving him a small curtsey. "My pleasure, Lefty. I'm Astrianna- new to Shaw. This is an excellent shop you have here, and I believe I'll be spending quite a bit of coin here if my endeavors pan out." She begins to pack the beautiful violin in its case, making small talk with the man about the violin she just purchased and flattering him.
The bard laughs as they start to get along swimmingly, giving him a clap on the back. "I like you. You know, being new to Shaw and all, I was wondering if you could answer some questions for me, maybe fill me in on the town's movers and shakers..." She leans in closely, whispering. "You know... who do I talk to for the....good stuff...who has the real power in Shaw? We could discuss this in private...."
She taps her chin with a finger, looking thoughtful. "I'm also curious where one might go to purchase a ship around here. Nothing too big or fancy. Also, I'm looking for an individual, goes by the name of Hawkins, or Dirk, or David, about this tall, wears a rapier... heard of him or seen him?"
"I'm always willing to assist you in redistribution of your excess coin, Mame." He smiles. "good stuff? Like what? I've the best instruments in town....non-finer."
The rest of the shop goes about their business, your items are gathered by the clerk as Lefty talks to you. The sound of another violin being tested by patron drowns out other sound. So it's safe to talk, especially since the player is not that talented compared to what everyone just heard.
"Ships...well in the Tides of course. the Harbormaster should be able to help you out. There a couple for sale or for rent down there. Not much of sailor myself. I know the smithy...oh, what's his name Relgin is looking to sell his cousin's fishing sloop,Rita. His cousin, Harok Mcfarrows waiting the gallows." He shakes his head.
"Now if you be looking at movers and shakers that's Commander, Gregory Boneduece, he's the best fiddler around and I think he is looking to sell a ship he captured from a smuggler."
"Now, THE mover and shaker of course is Elder Barrison Hargrove aint nothing happening in this Port that he doesn't know about. He is the Grandfather of Port Shaw. Lot's of people get rich with him, or get poor without him if you know what I mean. Beware, he does not like the Tulita." He lets that statement sink in. "He believes their Dragonsmoke is the cause of much of crime, a bit of the smuggling, in Port Shaw. Rumor has it he lost his mother to the smoke and a Tulita."
He shifts subjects, "I know there are a few other ships for sale, Captain Bethany Razor and her first Mate, Korg, brought in the Black Rider last month that damn slaver wrecked havoc on the coast for decades. Heard she is looking to sell her. I don't know the other ships."