After finally finding familiar faces, Lecian walks briskly towards Lothan and the woman. When close enough, he calls out, "Lothan! Are you alright?" Soon he faces and address the woman. "Uhh...hello." Lecian looks over the woman momentarily. "I'm sorry, but you look familiar and I can't place a name to your face..."
"Lecian! How goes it with you? Yeah, I'm alright, just a few bumps and bruises. Nothing a little time won't heal."
"Oh, um, Lecian, this is Samaritha Beldusk. She's with the Cyphermages. Samaritha, this is Lecian, an acquaintance of mine." Turning back to Lecian, "We're trying to get as many people help as we can. This was devastating."
"I barely managed to avoid being swept up, but I am unhurt." Lecian turns to Samaritha. "Yes, now I remember." To Lothan and Samaritha, "I'll help. Where should we start?"
"Just whatever you can do to help. We're trying to bandage as many wounds as we can. I don't have any healing abilities, myself, but I can stabilize some wounds. Obviously the internal injuries are beyond me, so we're aiding those who can't make it to a healer by either finding one or assisting them to one." He runs his hands through his hair. He's noticeably covered in a smattering of blood. Some of it his, some of it others. But he looks no worse for the wear. "Thanks for the help, Lecian. I don't have much faith in many in this city, so it's nice to see there are some out there extending a hand." He gives him a weary smile and continues aiding Samaritha with the victims.
More tying off loose ends from 1 Pharest.
Lecian and Lothan: Plenty to do. Minor first aid, hunt for missing people, dig some survivors out of a collapsed building. Samaritha is positive and determined to do her best throughout. Get a good night's sleep. You've earned it.
Except maybe Lecian. He returns to a Golden Goblin which is slightly worse for wear.
Tyrrol: Captain Marks is harried and a little short of temper. "I'll think about it. Come back in the morning." He catches sight of the label on the bottle. The corners of his mouth twitch upward. "Duel's Red?! You can leave the bottle."
Dawn, 2nd of Pharest.
The city awakes to find yesterday was no nightmare. The waterfront is a shambles, a thrid of the buildings damaged or destroyed. The ships in the harbor are largely ruined or will require days or weeks of repair. Anxious owners are already bidding up the shipwright's services. And dozens of people, maybe hundreds, are injured, dead, or missing.
For some though, there is possibly a bright spot. During the night, Avery Slyeg's ship, the Black Bunyip, has come in. She sits alone at the quay.
Foamrunner has already been hauled out of the water at Pearson's Yard. Captain Marks must have paid a pretty penny to get the yard to work overnight.
Desna's Delight has been hauled to the east end of the harbor. She's waiting for the tide to run out at noon to begin work. It's going to be a long muddy slog out to her, Mordecai.
When he gets wind of the new ship, Tyrrol will cruise down to the harbor to see what is happening, but as he is unwilling to abandon his investment, he will also swing by the Foamrunner...
The Bunyip is a hive of activity. Apparently, she's trying to leave port before the height of the noon tide. A cordon of men armed with cutlasses ring her gangway.
The Black Bunyip -- know(local) DC 12
Foamrunner is surrounded by shipwrights. Two other ships lie deserted in the yard. Captain Marks is not to be seen. Apparently he worked late last night and retired once the ship was hauled out. He's probably at his inn.
Awakened to a new day, Lothan readies himself to travel back to the waterfront to see about any more survivors and possibly if there is a chance there is a boat intact. Still a little sore from yesterday's events, he gathers his things and heads out.
I really need to find may way to that rock. If it is adamantine, or some such like Samaritha said, it's got to be worth some money. Samaritha. What a bright spot she was for such a dark day. A smile creeps upon his face. Oh that's right! I've got tea tonight with her at the Gold Goblin. Can't forget that. Now, what was I thinking about before?...something about...oh yeah! the rock. Or hopefully, money I can get for the rock. If it's worth enough, I can finally get out of this corrupt stinking city and be free. Completely lost in thought, he mindlessly walks the wrong way, "Crap." He says as he groans in frustration just realizing it. "I really need to pay attention to where I'm going." As he turns and heads the correct way toward the waterfront.
Lecian eats breakfast at the Goblin this morning. When he can find Mordecai, he addresses the cleric.
"Mordecai, you share an interest in such things. What say you of the rock? Myself, I heard from a cyphermage that it could be made of adamantine, or possibly something else of value." Lecian hesitates before continuing, letting out a heavy-hearted sigh. "This business of ours...the Goblin...it's a sinking ship. I think you would agree. This fallen rock, however, could be something big; perhaps, it could even be lucrative, in both wealth of coin and wealth of knowledge." The mage pauses again, briefly. "Certainly, you see where I'm going with this."
"I intend on going to the harbor today. I am about to leave, now, in fact. How 'bout you come with me, and then we can see what we can make of the matter?"
Tyrrol will potter around the ship-yard, to see if there is anything that he can do. If there is not, he will head across to Captain Marks' inn, and check whether he is awake. If he is not, Tyrrol will purchase another bottle of the Captain's preferred rum, grab some breakfast, and wait at a table in the inn for him to make an appearance.
To Lecian;
"It's as you have read my mind once again, Diviner." Mordecai says, between bites of his own breakfast. "The Goblin is indeed a sinking ship, and I fear that if I do not chart another course, it will instead be an anchor around my neck."
"I am very interested in seeing what this fallen piece of the heavens portends up close, although I have not yet found a ship capable of making the journey, as so many were heavily damaged in the wave."
He rapidly finishes his meal, and joins Lecian as they make their way to the docks.
Wilam wakes up early the next morning and heads down to the docks to try and glean information about which ships might be setting out soon. Once there he tries to fade into the background as as one his size can. Occasionally when he hears others talking about people setting off to where the star fell he asks a question or two. "So they are going to investigate the star? I don't suppose you know if they are looking for more muscle?" and another time "Hrmmm, how close do you think that one is to being ready, and do you know if they still need more help?"
"How is your arm friend?" Wilam asks as he looks over the makeshift bandage "Good, I don't see any infection. Hmmm, any chance you are planning on setting off to the island where the star fell and need some extra help? I almost as handy with a sword as I am with a bandage."
Morning 2 Pharest, On the docks:
The crowd is thicker than usual this morning. Sailors and fishermen milling around waiting to find out about their ships. Carpenters and masons repairing damaged buildings. Common laborers clearing wreckage and hauling supplies. Food vendors to support them all. Cutpurses to share the wealth.
The armed cordon around the Black Bunyip rejects all unauthorized attempts to gain the ship. Their conversational opener is, "Where the eff are you goin'?" escalating quickly to "Get your skinny yellow livered lame-ass out of here!" accompanied by shoves and the butts of pole arms.
Rumor has it that she's sailing for the falling star.
***
Lines form outside the major shipyards. The yards are hiring and paying well for skilled labor.
At Pearson's Yard fresh planks are being patched into the hull of Foamrunner and a new foremast has been stepped. Even to the inexperienced eye, the work is progressing quickly. She might be finished by tomorrow.
At Hershov's Yard, the crew working on the Gold Dragon, which was hauled out last week, has doubled in size. She should be ready soon.
And so it goes all along the waterfront.
In the eastern end of the harbor where the low tide leaves long stretches of exposed mud and sand, a number of smaller ships and boats have been anchored and await the noon's falling tide to begin work.
***
Can I get a Diplomacy (gather info) or know(local) check from everyone for rumor mongering?
Tyrrol:
While he listens to your proposal, he stares down at his coffee and pulls off small bits of toast which he places in his mouth with jamsmeared fingers. When you finish he sighs and says, "I'm sorry, but I can't help you. I made a deal with the devil to get Foamrunner into the yard first. If you were going on to Magnimar I would take you, but the Overlord's terms were quite specific that I would only take his party to Devil's Elbow."
Wilam:
Lecian and Mordecai: As described, it's busy at the docks. Your plan? [ooc] Set, OOC tread please.
Local:
"Well, I can hardly fault a Captain for doing what he had to in order to get his ship back to top form as fast as possible. I guess I will have to look elsewhere for transportation. Thank you for at least listening to my proposition. I don't suppose you happen to know whom exactly is making-up the Overlord's party?
Hmmm... 'Devil's Elbow', hey? I may have to do some research...
Tyrrol will then make his goodbyes, and head back to the docks, looking for another ship...
I am happy to look for a ship of any size that is willing to take me to the 'Devil's Elbow'...
...A secondary objective is to find a Cartographer that can sell me a map of this Elbow.
Years of mastering the diplomat's arts, if only to keep his foul-tempered mistress from gutting him for insolence, prove to translate poorly to attempts to extract any useful information from the harried dockworkers and rude bumpkins clustered around the docks watching the goings-on.
Wilam first heads to the Foamrunner quietly getting the attention of someone who seems to know what is going on. "Friend, I offer my services, I have a strong back, am handy with a sword and even handier with a bandage. But more importantly and even more useful I can shape wood to whatever form I wish, I am sure you can see how this can be useful in the present circumstances? All I ask is for passage on the ship to help investigate the fallen star." If his words fall on deaf ears there, he then heads to the Gold Dragon and repeats his offer.
Wilam first heads to the Foamrunner he tries to find someone leading the repairs and asks "Friend, I see you have many bodies assisting you but I offer one more strong back to help with the repairs. After that you will be needing experienced swords to help with the retrieval of anything you find on the island. The lads on the Black Bunyip don't look like the sharing type, and I am handy with a sword, and even better with a bandage." If no one there seems interested he repeats his offer at the Gold Dragon.
:
|
Kuva is generally considered by the public to be impossible to talk to. When he didn't like one sailor's answers, he'd pushed the sailor into the water - the sailors tended to avoid talking to him after that. He's taken to sitting on the quay near the Black Bunyip, watching for any sign of a way to stow away on it.
Kuva vigilantly watches the Bunyip. The crowd steers clear of him and he doesn't hear much.
Tyrrol, Mordecai, Lecian, Lothan, and Wilam:
Tyrrol, Mordecai, and Wilam:
Tyrrol:
A chart maker is easy to find. What scale would you like? Are you interested in just the island or the surrounding waters, or the entire local region?
"Haunted you say? Tell me more..."
Tyrrol:
The shop keeper pulls out a double-ended leather scroll and rolls it out on his table. he weights the rods at the end with small smooth stones. Stitched to the leather is an old parchment map. The ink is fading to a brown a few shades darker than the yellowed paper. It shows a crescent shaped island with the convex side to the north. Tip to tip length is about 5 miles. In the center on the northern shore is a spot marked harbor. Judging from the jagged line marked as reefs, the harbor can only be approached from the east. Near the center of the southern shore is a spot marked Witchlight. The tips of the crescent are marked West Light and East Light. A squiggly line, presumably a road connects Witchlight and the harbor. A smoother line runs along the southern shore connecting the three lights.
"There's historical interest to this map. Some scholars think it may have been penned by Yaris Neraken himself. "
He pulls out two more maps. "Now I've got Doantello's chart of the Varisian Gulf. The scale is a little large but will show you where the Elbow is. I've also got Jegand's 'Outer approaches to Riddleport.' Devil's elbow is right on the southern edge, but it also shows Devil's Hand and the Wand."
Haunts: "Oh sure. The siren Virashi lived there time out of mind and brought many good sailors their doom on the reefs. She murdered the whole town of Witchlight in a thunderstorm there 50 years ago. It's said that on stormy nights you can still see her and Yars Venraken fighting in the lightning at the edge of the cliffs."
Dang! I've got to find a way to get to that rock. If the Overlord gets there first, there's no chance for the rest of us. Looking about, noticing others seeming to hope to jump on the first available boat, Lothan sees a couple of familiar faces and walks towards them, "Lecian, Mordecai." He nods. "How fares the Goblin? I haven't been there since yesterday's events. I'm assuming something's not right, seeing how Mordecai is here instead of there." He pauses a moment squinting at Mordecai as if trying to discern something, "You really should get out more, Mordecai. You're looking a little pale." He says then returns back to his previous thought.
"Or," he surmises, "you are also here to find a way to the rock. I'm having the worst time getting any kind of information on the boats available. Have either of you had better luck? If so, traveling together might prove more beneficial than going it alone. Especially considering who'll be over there before we get there. I guess you've heard the Overlord has acquired the Foamrunner for his own personal use." He says with a matter of fact tone. "I think we could help each other, and who knows, maybe there are a few others out here that wouldn't mind helping us out for a small profit. It's a big rock, there ought to be enough money for the lot of us and then some." Pausing a moment to let it all sink in,
"Well gentlemen, what do you think?"
"The gods themselves have thrown the dice, and here we all stand, hoping to make the greatest gamble." Mordecai says, obliquely, before turning to regard Lothan, "Indeed, I am also interested in seizing this opportunity that has fallen before us, and am at a similar loss to find a suitable ship. I remember you as being handy with that blade at your side, from when that fat Qadiri thought you too in your cups to note as he tried to snatch your purse. Your skills would no doubt be of use in what I suspect shall be a lively race to claim this treasure."
"The Goblin is destined for bankruptcy," Lecian says dejectedly, "and there doesn't seem to be anyway to save it, now." Brightening a little with hope, he continues, "Yes, we are here to get to the rock. Unfortunately, I am not sure as how to get a ship to take us there. I've heard about the Overlord snatching one of the working ships for himself."
"I think teaming together would be a great idea."
"Excellent." He shows a slight smile. "Now, there may be a few more out there more than willing to 'jump on board' with us, no pun intended. I only say this because, it may be possible to claim a ship if we have five or six, instead of just the three of us. I would rather not, personally, but if that's what it takes to get to that island faster, then so be it." He stops a moment looking at all the people out here.
"I guess we could start on one end and work back the other way. I would suggest splitting up, but then that would look like we are alone and that probably would not be to inviting." He continues looking, then stops abruptly and turns back to the others,
"Unless either of you think we would do well enough with just the three of us?" He questions.
"If not, maybe we can find one of the few who has been lucky enough to find his way onto a ship, and is just waiting on a departure." He pauses a moment and then smiles,
"That's, of course, as long as he doesn't own my luck."
Sailors carrying long poles appear along Black Bunyip's rail. A pair of the guards pull the heavy hawsers off the shoreside cleats ophold them. A jib and the fore and main topsails billow open. It is only a matter of minutes until she leaves the quay.
"It does sound like the region is cursed. Forgive me for asking, but who was Yaris Neraken? I am afraid that I am not from this region, so I am not familiar with the name..."
Tyrrol also leans over the maps appreciatively, taking a close look at the details.
"Now, I take it that since the map of the Elbow has historical value, you will not want to part with it lightly, but would it be possible to get a copy of it, and if so, for how much?"
He glances towards the other maps that were unveiled.
"Also, what price do you place on Doantello's and Jegand's maps?"
|
|
With a grimace, Kuva takes off down the quay towards the Black Bunyip. The first boat there will have first crack at the wealth inside - the Pactmasters need me to be there. He halts at the edge facing the ship. Here goes nothing... "Hail the Bunyip!" he yells, loud enough for his voice to be heard over the noises of departure.
"Forget what I just said. Looks like that ship there," he points, "is preparing to leave. Now's the time, gentlemen! Let's see if they'll take us on." He smiles real big with thoughts of finally being free of all the debt he owns, and this town, as he turns and heads toward the Black Bunyip.
His eyes narrow as he watches the commotion surrounding the departure of the Black Bunyip. Wilam had already been fairly sure that he wasn't going to be the first to reach the island and unless the situation rapidly changed in the next few moments his suspicions looked to come true. 'All these fools can think about is the potential wealth that just fell from the sky.' he mused 'Still it would be nice to get there sooner rather than later if only so I can see with my own eyes that this is nothing more than a natural occurrence.'
Lecian stands still as Lothan rushes off. "Wha...ah...but, I'm not prepared to leave. I don't have my stuff with me."
With a grimace, Kuva takes off down the quay towards the Black Bunyip. The first boat there will have first crack at the wealth inside - the Pactmasters need me to be there. He halts at the edge facing the ship. Here goes nothing... "Hail the Bunyip!" he yells, loud enough for his voice to be heard over the noises of departure.
A couple of sailors on deck look over quickly, but also quickly return to work before their officers notice . The guard detail takes notice of Kuva though. The four well-armed men led by a stocky balding northman with a whip at his belt and a two handed axe slung on a cord over his shoulder turn toward Kuva and the bald one takes three steps towards the halfling.
"What's yer bus'ness with t'e Bunyip?"
|
|
"I offer myself as an able-bodied crew member for the journey to the fallen star," Kuva says. "I am a representative for a powerful merchant group - allowing me to accompany you will prove lucrative for you, if everything goes well. I am strong and agile - and more than capable of fending off any ill-bearers, should your competitors come to that." Kuva stands tall and fearless, staring down the northman.
Baldy swivels his head back toward his cohort. "Hear that,lads? Squirrels are offering to defend us." He chuckles somewhat more heartily than the others before turning back to Kuva.
"A little slip like you's got nothing on our crew. Run out in the woods and climb a tree little squirrel or I'll chop it down."
Mordecai sees the bold halfling hailing the Bunyip as she casts off and readies to sail, and moves up behind him, hoping to seize the opportunity to invite himself along, if the brash fellow manages to secure himself a berth.
If given an opportunity, he introduces himself, giving the implication that he is with the halfling, if the halfling seems successful, and suggesting that he has nothing to do with the fellow if he fails to brazen his way into passage.
Making a brief invocation to Urgathoa to center himself, he attempts to speak persuasively and quickly, knowing that the men are in a hurry and have no patience for petitioners...
I offer my services as healer and spiritual advisor, on behalf of the Pallid Princess. The goddess has shown me that this venture is blessed in her eyes, and I wish only to be present to see the wonders that your mighty lord will uncover from the fallen star.
Hrm. he thinks, Perhaps the goddess does not wish me to take this boat, but to find another means of transport...
I offer my services as healer and spiritual advisor, on behalf of the Pallid Princess.
Two of the guards flick their hands across their face to ward off evil. But a tall handsome Taldan quips, "You might get on with him, Shiver. He might share your taste for dead little boys." The Taldan smiles charmingly at the bald one and Mordecai while looking back and forth between them. His hand is on the hilt of his long knife.
Edit: Set, I see you're taking a page out of my playbook and editing after sending your post.
"I don't believe there is a need for such talk." Lothan says to the Taldan. "We are all," Lothan motions to the others including the halfling, "here to seek passage to the island. If there is payment that needs to be negotiated, then let us speak on that."
Shiver, the bald man, looks angrily at the Taldan before refocusing on Lothan. "The Bunyip takes no passengers and sails at Slyeg's pleasure. We won't be stopping at any islands so move on."
Tyrrol frowns.
"It does sound like the region is cursed. Forgive me for asking, but who was Yaris Neraken? I am afraid that I am not from this region, so I am not familiar with the name..."
The shopkeeper knits his brows. "Neraken tried to set up a colony on the island decades ago. It failed. Most of the people died. Done in by the harpy whose ghost still haunts the rock."
Tyrrol also leans over the maps appreciatively, taking a close look at the details."Now, I take it that since the map of the Elbow has historical value, you will not want to part with it lightly, but would it be possible to get a copy of it, and if so, for how much?"
"Ahh. It's true that map is uniquely historical, but I'm a business man. I could let you have it for 15 marks. A copy would take 4 or 5 days to make. Petryr Ilsan would do it for a mark, but to my mind you'd be better off going to Cressida Greentwig. She's twice as much but she does a better job and uses the best materials.
He glances towards the other maps that were unveiled.
"Also, what price do you place on Doantello's and Jegand's maps?"
"You can get either Doantello's or Jegand's for a pair of marks each."
Kuva's voice drags Shiver's attention back to him. He laughs out loud. "Tackle me and you'll end up flat as a pancake, little squirrel. You want to earn your way onto the Bunyip? Give me one of archer boy's pointy ears."
Archer boy is of course Lothan.
Lecian watches the conflict unfurl at the Bunyip. "Oh no..." he mutters, briefly burying his face in his palm. He steadily approaches the ship, stopping thirty feet from Mordecai, Lothan, and the halfling, keeping quiet, and keeping a careful eye on the halfing, especially.
Hearing all he can stand from this scumdog human, you notice Lothan's jaw flexing. He looks to Mordecai and then to Lecian and then returns his gaze back at Shiver, along with a glare. "You know it's humans like you, no offense Mordecai, Lecian, that have the ability to give the few good ones, and I mean the very few, a bad name. I'd put my money on this halfling here to shut your goblin butted face up." He retorts back.
Bad as Riddleport is, open murder isn't legal, but it's not always enforced. Depends on whether Cromarky has an angle, or if the cop on the spot needs some quick cash, or if the judiciary needs to make an example. It's risky. Also definitely at odds with my idea of neutral good. Self-defence is a sound legal defence in Riddleport though.