Captain Clapp nods and scratches at a budding rum-blossom on his nose. "Well, I'm not much for long good-byes. Just wanted to offer my best wishes for happy hunting. Your mention of the Shackles made me yearn for warmer seas so Imp's Fart is southward bound. I don't think that you all said where you're headed, but I have a feeling that it's the opposite direction"
"Fair winds and following seas, mate. Good hunting!"
Alfhild shrugs, "Ve are goink de oder direction, but I think varther nort zo I vill zay zo long as vell."
The third and newest captain gives a slight bow to officers of the Bloody Fortune. "Catarro said to tell you that he is deeply in your debt and asked that I share some information that might aid you in recovering from Bilious Cujo's blight. In my homeland of Varisia there is a city. The name in my language means 'Angel's Landing', but outsiders call it Magnimar. There are powerful spirits there that sometimes bestow gifts for good deeds. Perhaps they will look favorably upon your act and help you regain your strength. That is where we are heading. I do not know if that is too far off your planned course, but I would advise giving it a try. I know of no temples along the lost coast that would be able to help otherwise."
Jim nods gratefully. "It's better than going back to Freeport, hey?"
Corliss prods into his slightly-recovered memory banks to fish for old memories of this Magnimar city.
The Taldan likewise tries to remember anything useful about Magnimar.
Corliss and Jim seek to recall what they know about Magnimar. They both recall that it is a port city in the territory of Varisia and known as the City of Monuments. Most of Varisia is wildlands and nomads aside from three minor city-states: Korvosa, Riddleport, and Magnimar.
Korvoas is the largest and oldest city which is ruled by Chelish loyalists. Riddleport is a pirate stronghold in the north. Jim knows that Magnimar is a relatively new settlement that was formed less than a century ago by those seeking independence from Chelish influence. It is a vibrant trade port and is on a trajectory to surpass Korvosa due to its more liberal social and trade policies.
K'Stallo sways and flicks his tongue in what might possibly be a display of joy. "That is excellent news, cousin. Yes, as I believe that you have now realized, this Fang of Ydersius is dangerous. It drives its possessor to murder human innocents. I was hoping that you were not too deeply influenced to see this. I can dispose of it deep in the yet molten heart of Mount A'Val if you wish."
"Certainly more allies would help, but be careful, as you say there is much animosity, not entirely unwarranted among the humans. I might be able to help you find your mates. Where did you see them last?"
Dingus absentmindedly sways in time with K'Stallo as he ponders the questions. "I...I'm not sure. Things are pretty cloudy... must have smoked or drank something wrong". Then he stops swaying and starts alert. "Wait! What is the date? Last I recall I was onboard the Bloody Fortune with my mates getting ready to sail... then talking with Richard and going back to my cabin. That's the latest I remember. I hope you can help me find them. They'll surely die without me to watch over them".
He then finds he is fingering the dagger beneath his robes.
Sense Motive
"No! You just want to steal my dagger and use it for yourself. If it's going to be destroyed, I'll throw it in the lava myself".
K'Stallo nods, "That is fine. I had hoped not to expose you to the dangers below. From what you say, I fear your friends have departed. It is late in the day already. If you will but wait a little longer, I will see what I can find out and make preparations for the journey below A'Val."
"What! I can't believe they'd leave me without at least leaving word of where they could be found"!
Dingus rises to his feet pacing in outrage only to almost trip on the too long hem of his fine yellow saffron robes.
"I guess I can wait for a bit. Do you have anything I can read while I wait"?
K'Stallo gives a hissing chuckle. "Do I have anything to read?, you ask. I have the entire library at the Temple of Knowledge available to me. The question is, what languages can you read? Nevermind, there is no time now. I have some texts relevant to our quest that might be of interest. I will bring them to you and be off."
The serpentman leaves and returns shortly with several books, promising to return as quickly as he can. Dingus is left to spend the day contemplating the following selections: Hymns of the Empyreal Lords, Founder's Flame: The Birth of Magnimar, Folksongs and Dances of Varisia, and Traces of Thassilon.
When K'Stallo returns, he explains that the ship has indeed departed, but if they were headed northward as was reported, perhaps Dingus can catch up with them at some point for K'Stallo says that the Shrine to Soralyon that he had intended for Dingus to visit is on the continent of Avistan in the port city of Magnimar.
"Of course, the journey to the deep heart of A'Val may greatly delay your departure. Can I not offer you something in trade for the Fang so that you do not feel that I am attempting to steal it from you. I swear that it is my only intention to destroy it and prevent further harm."
Veric smiles, "Catarro will be glad to hear that you will be joining us. I don't think that anyone aboard the Black Goat cares to return to the Cove Cave so help yourself to the supplies that remain there. It will be a week or more travel to Varisia and I don't imagine you would mind replenishing your stores after sailing so far from the Shackles. We will depart when you are ready."
Kaul chuckles at the notion of him doing good deeds;
"Hur. You got Ol' Kauly wrong Cap'n Veric. I wasn't puttin' the shade down on account o' it's evility. Jus' got in me way. Just as soon been Catarro or one o' the swabs. Risen or breathin' me an' Lopps don't discriminate. All are fair game when me waters been chummed! Hur-hur-hur"
The brute-bosun chuckles as his hatched eye stares menacingly at any and all.
By the time the Bloody Fortune has loaded and secured the ale, flour, and sundries from the Cove Cave, the Imp's Fart and Stormwind have departed. Once everyone is ready, Belinna sends the signal and the remaining two ships depart.
The weather is clear, but the air grows ever colder as the ships press northward keeping clear of the coast and well outside Conqueror's Bay. Distant sails are spotted now and again, but not close enough to tempt an easy raid.
Near the end of the first week, a pair of golden galleons appear from the west and sail parallel for a whole day before disappearing the next morning. Belinna says that they are from the island of Hermea which lies under the secretive and heavy-clawed governance of a dragon.
It is only when the ships approach the southernmost tip of Varisia after over two weeks of easy travel that the weather turns and an icy rain falls over the ships reminding those used to more tropical weather that they are far from home.
The ships' progress slows as the Bloody Fortune's riggers find themselves unused to working in the cold and the resulting ice that stiffens the lines and sails and creates hazardous footings aloft. Estabo does his best to protect his meager store of kahve and keep his work area clear as the crew is drawn to the stove's warmth like moth's to light. Finally, the weather breaks and the slush is cleared from the decks after several long and unproductive days.
The weather remains cold and overcast, but spirits rise again when land is spotted again. First a marshy coast and then a city clustered around a river's mouth and slowly rising uphill around the sides of an immense stone ridge that projects into the sea.
As the ships draw closer and more details are seen, it becomes startling obvious that the ridge is no natural feature, but a colossal bridge that extends from the city to hang hundreds of feet above the water before ending abruptly. The remnants of the piles of various heights continue west where the great bridge once spanned the entrance to the Varisian Gulf.
Magnimar's docks describe the shore between the immense bridge and the river's mouth. The Black Goat leads the way toward a tall stone lighthouse with its upper extents shaped in glass and bronze into a dragon's head with the light blasting out its fanged mouth and glittering eyes. More towering statues of stone and bronze are easily spotted poking up over the surrounding homes and businesses. Veric hails the Bloody Fortune to suggest that the partnered crews take a couple jolly boats over to see the harbormaster and find some moorings.
"Kaul, mate, if you want healing you'll have to act proper-like, hey? Don't mention any of that in front of the priests, for they're not all so understanding as Brother Peg-Leg."
K'Stallo gives a hissing chuckle. "Do I have anything to read?, you ask. I have the entire library at the Temple of Knowledge available to me. The question is, what languages can you read? Nevermind, there is no time now. I have some texts relevant to our quest that might be of interest. I will bring them to you and be off."
The serpentman leaves and returns shortly with several books, promising to return as quickly as he can. Dingus is left to spend the day contemplating the following selections: Hymns of the Empyreal Lords, Founder's Flame: The Birth of Magnimar, Folksongs and Dances of Varisia, and Traces of Thassilon.
When K'Stallo returns, he explains that the ship has indeed departed, but if they were headed northward as was reported, perhaps Dingus can catch up with them at some point for K'Stallo says that the Shrine to Soralyon that he had intended for Dingus to visit is on the continent of Avistan in the port city of Magnimar.
"Of course, the journey to the deep heart of A'Val may greatly delay your departure. Can I not offer you something in trade for the Fang so that you do not feel that I am attempting to steal it from you. I swear that it is my only intention to destroy it and prevent further harm."
"Hmmm... I don't know. It is quite valuable both as a historic artifact, and sentimentally. In addition, it is magic...however it doesn't hurt to listen to what you might offer, and since you claim you're going to destroy it anyway... What you got"?
Kaul flashes a mako grin back towards Jimmer;
"Hur. Don' you worry 'bout Ol' Kauly Jimmer. I say as I please an' do as I says. Ifin' the gods or their clergy are o-ffended by me words, then fingers crossed me deeds go unnoticed... Hur-hur..."
The brutal bosun emits a hacksaw chuckle, then pauses suddenly, looking all wistful;
"Didn't need tae court other pulpitters when we 'ad Dibbs onboard. His indifference would knit bones an' mend souls... An' he didn't judge neither...
Corliss looks a bit forlorn at Kaul's comment but says nothing. Well, that's not exactly true: The Besmaran's repeatedly muttering a phrase, trying to sound like less of a sailor and enunciating the G's at the end of words.
"Eating pudding without spilling is pleasing. Eating pudding without spilling is pleasing...."
The Taldan nods morosely. "I fear this weakness is beyond even him, though, if Corliss' magic can't touch it."
Kaul's scarred brow deepens;
"Hur. Ain't nuthin' on Blackboots 'ere. He knows Ol' Kauly is damned. Bessie wants nuthin' to do with me. Reckon that's why 'e can't heal me proper."
"...however it doesn't hurt to listen to what you might offer, and since you claim you're going to destroy it anyway... What you got"?
K'Stallo nods, "You are right that I should offer you something of equal value." His long neck lowers his head below his chest so that his arms can remove his necklace. He holds it up so Dingus can closely inspect the amulet that he holds; it is jade as well, but formed as a snake with a head at both ends of its body which forms a loop so that the two heads face each other. "This is another ancient treasure of our people. Still powerful, but safer. It will enhance the natural powers passed down to you through your inherited serpent blood."
"Hmmm. It is very pretty. It will clash with some of my favorite robes... but it is safer than the dagger. Throw in this copy of Hymns of the Empyreal Lords and you got a deal".
Dingus spits in his hand and extends it towards K'Stallo.
K'Stallo stares at the hand a moment. "That is saliva, not venom, correct? You have certainly acquired some strange human habits." Nonetheless, K'Stallo mirrors the gesture and shakes.
"So let us find you passage to Magnimar now."
"Hur. Ain't nuthin' on Blackboots 'ere. He knows Ol' Kauly is damned. Bessie wants nuthin' to do with me. Reckon that's why 'e can't heal me proper."
Old carpenter Cobb frowns at the discourse among the officers. "Eh, why'd you be damned, Bosun? Don't bring no more misfortune down on yeself by asking for her scorn. I'd say Besmara'd approve of you serving your own bloody whims. Not sure what she thinks of Corliss though. What's he whispering about puddings for? I'm thinking that he lacks a bit in the ruthlessness that I expect the Queen would want in her priests, if you ask me."
"Yes. I would like to find my trunk of clothing... I mean my shipmates and it sounds like I might find them there. I'm ready to leave. How do I get there"?
K'Stallo steeples his long scaly fingers. "Yes, I have booked you passage on the fastest ship that I could find. A young cooper has been building quite the shipping business of late and I hope making the Warehouse District a more legitimate place with Mister Wednesday in the custody of the Captains' Council. But that's neither here nor there. You'll stay in luxury at the Last Resort tonight and leave for Magnimar on the Winshin tomorrow."
Jim grins, though still a little more weakly than his usual wont. "'Sides, Kaul, d'you think the Captain couldn't raid your soul from out of the Abyss? Finest pirate in all the worlds, She is, and someday She'll have the respect that's Her due.
"Now, once we're ashore in Magnimar we're going to need to find a temple devoted to someone who doesn't like undead, and will be properly impressed that we put down old Cujo. Corliss, who might fit that description?"
Kaul affixes Cobb with a hard stare;
"Corliss is red 'anded enough to sail an' scrap with me... Question his edge again wood-whittler an' I'll split ye like one o' yer logs, shade drained or no... Savvy?"
Old Cobb wilts under Kaul's rebuke. He grows a bit paler and swipes his hat off his head and bows in supplication. He offers a stuttering apology to Corliss and scuttles off.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Corliss gives Kaul a quick pat on the shoulder. "Ye're bloody-handed enough fer the both o' us, mate." Unfortunately, it seems the Besmaran's knowledge of northern ports is a bit lacking.
Corliss rubs the bumps on his head and offers a couple guesses in response to Jim's query, but doesn't sound particularly certain. He thinks most Gods, at least all but a couple really evil ones anyway, wouldn't care for undeath siphoning souls away from Them. As for Gods that seriously don't like undeath, Pharasma for sure and maybe Sarenrae or one of the more crusader-type Gods. He think Iomedea is kinda like the Sarenrae of the North. He ends up saying that Veric seemed to have something in mind.
K'Stallo steeples his long scaly fingers. "Yes, I have booked you passage on the fastest ship that I could find. A young cooper has been building quite the shipping business of late and I hope making the Warehouse District a more legitimate place with Mister Wednesday in the custody of the Captains' Council. But that's neither here nor there. You'll stay in luxury at the Last Resort tonight and leave for Magnimar on the Winshin tomorrow."
"That is acceptable. Lead on".
K'Stallo nods and leads the way back through varied tunnels and passages. Some time later, the pair pause to rest and the priest casts a spell to change his appearance to that of a bearded human man. He prays again so that the pair do not attract notice and then they ascend and again pass out of the statue in the Temple District as the sun sets and shadows lengthen. No one appears to pay any untoward attention as the pair move south passing the tilted hull of Besmara's temple and following the Old City's walls until they hit Wave Street and take it through the Plaza of Gold all the way to Freeport's outskirts, climbing to the bluff where the famously opulent inn perches over the sea.
The town side of the Last Resort features a shaded veranda along the street where a number of well-heeled guests sip drinks on reclining chairs set among potted tropical plants. Beyond the large ornate entrance is an expansive room of polished white marble, fluted columns, polished brass lamps, and crystal chandeliers. The center holds a reception area and a fine dining area is off to the side that looks over the exclusive marina and sea between T'wik and Windward Islands.
K'Stallo immediately heads to the reception area and speaks with an obsequious halfling before returning to Dingus with a key. "You are in room 211. I will leave you here for the evening. A crew member of the Winshin will come and get you in the morning. I wish you a good voyage and look forward to your return."
Dingus gives his best effort at a friendly smile and extends his hand again this time without saliva. "Thank you. I suppose you're off to dispose of my... I mean your dagger now.... Umm... I don't suppose you have any coin... you know for food and drink and stuff. I have little as most of my wealth is on the ship with my shipmates. Don't mean to impose... but it would be a shame to waste these opulent surroundings by sitting in my room".
Sense motive (Judge the honesty of K'Stallo's answers)
Plea for funding.
"I have an account here that you may use for your needs here at the Last Resort. Within reason of course. It is under the name, Mr. Steel, which is the name I use when I appear thus." So saying the apparent tall human with a neatly trimmed brown beard and elegant manner, bows once more and takes his leave of his companion.
Veric and a couple mates from theBlack Goat have their boat in the water by now and wave for you all to join them as they begin rowing to the docks.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"Rafe, I think I'll be needing one of those elixirs of yours, hey?" Once dosed, Jim carefully climbs down into the ship's boat.
"I'll let ye do the bulk o' the talkin'," Corliss tells Jim as he climbs into the boat. "I'll back whatever play ye makes."
"You bet, Jim. I made two for you. Captain said that Estaban and I could come along to find some spice for Estabo and reagents for my experiments. Onzu is to come along as well to keep an eye on the boat while we're exploring the city."
Kaul and mute Onzu take the oars and follow Veric's team toward the docks near the great lighthouse. Veric has some words with a group of fishermen and is allowed to temporarily leave your boats at the fishery docks while the fleet is out. While Onzu is left to watch and exchange scowls with the fishmongers that threaten to shove you off if you're not back to clear out before the fishherman return, the rest of the crew follow Veric along the docks.
Towering just behind the fishing stalls is a pair of statues some thirty feet high depicting monstrous four-armed, armor plated sea monsters, but Veric is on a mission and you are left to wonder what event that monument might be memorializing. Just past the Shipwrights' Guild is the harbormaster and Veric quickly catches an elderly, but quick Varisian man with his gray hair pulled back into a ponytail and dressed in a rather ornate and officious looking jacket.
Jim waits patiently, trying not to glower.
Veric leads off in a language that you can't quite catch. It could be a polyglot of the North: there are some bits of Taldane and maybe Orcish and a lot of other things. The harbormaster waves him off. "My Varisian has become a bit mossy, eh," he responds curtly exchanging a look with Veric that you don't quite follow. "Taldane is fine. You say that you have two ships to dock? Well, only got room for one tomorrow, you can check back the next day to see if anything opens up. Most captains schedule weeks ahead. This is a busy port."
Corliss examines the harbormaster to see if he's inclined to accept a bribe for faster docking privileges.
Kaul glowers , then shrugs with a matter o' fact comment;
"Hur. Bloody Fortune on the morrow, Veric an' his Goat can wait."
Dingus takes full advantage of Mr. Steele's generosity and eats more than enough rich food... making sure to store away several morsels for Richard, then with entirely too much drink in his system makes his way to the room to prepare for the mornings inevitable hangover.
Wouldn't know how to start a journey without red eyes, and a pounding headache.
The next morning after Richard nudges him from his drunken slumber Dingus makes his way down to the front of the establishment, his belongings stored in numerous bags and pouches and awaits his contact.
Corliss doesn't sense that the harbormaster is angling for any sort of bid or response to his assessment. As Kaul calls dibs, Veric snorts and turns again to the harbormaster. "Do you have a waiting list or something to make sure the Black Goat is next in line?"
The man smiles and taps his head. "Black Goat. I've got it up here, don't worry. Don't recall the Bloody Fortune or Black Goat being in port here before and I never forget a ship." He points at Kaul. "What's your waterline length and beam?"
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Moving slowly and gingerly into the glare of the overcast sky, Dingus finds a sturdy young gentleman in a clean, green uniform waiting for him on the veranda holding a sign that has 'Dingus' written on it. After Dingus waggles his hand at the man, he comes over and helps the cringing creature with his bags. "Are you OK, sir? Well, you'll have some time to rest and recover on the voyage. Not a great deal of time, mind you, being as the Winshin is one of the fastest ships around, but you'll have nothing to do other than rest and breath the fresh sea air. Come along now, I know Captain Cresilla is ready to go." The mate continues talking as he hustles Dingus seaward to the private docks near the Marina where a streamlined and elegant three-masted schooner awaits.
The crew looks very professional as they are all dressed in the same green uniforms and efficiently get Dingus to his berth and make ready to sail.