Dolgrin judges the weight of the coin purse before handing it off to Lithandra. "Good doin' business with ye, Cap'n," he says before moving off to the side of the docks with his elven companion, but motions for her to wait as he stands to the side.
"Le's see jus' wha' is gonna shake down, 'ere."
Turanerra takes a deep breath. She hadn't really planned on engaging the captain directly, not without a lot more information, but now that the opportunity has presented itself she could hardly walk meekly away.
"Captain...Gorn, was it?" Turanerra steps forward, her hand extended. "I'm just so honored to meet the captain of such a famous ship. Well, famous to me at least. I have a picture of it up on my wall; I look at it almost every day. I wasn't even sure your ship was real -- maybe just the rumor of a ship put to paint. But here it is, and here you are. Were you the captain ten years ago, when the painting was made -- if I looked at it under magnification would I see your tiny figure in paint?
Turanerra looks down shyly, then looks the captain full in the face.
"I don't suppose it would be possible to get a tour? It would mean a lot to me personally, to step foot on such a ship. It would be like being inside a Maricelli. Can you imagine?"
Sirith decided to aid her friend and besides she was interested in a tour as well.
Indeed Captain Gorn it would be an honor if you give us all a tour of your vessel. Why even Dolgrin here was quite interested in your ship, even though he's a dwarf and most dwarves have no desire to be on a ship.
Sakaan is standing still observing the interactions and looking for an opportunity to guide the interactions.
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Captain Veddig Gorn seems a bit taken aback by all of this attention.
"That's most flattering, madam... I'm sorry, what was your name? I fear I am not familiar with this painter, Maricelli."
He turns to Sirith. "I'm also flattered; it's a simple ship, and I don't know why you would find it of particular interest, but I do take pride in the Broken Bough."
Turning back to Turanerra, he says, "I've been sailing her for six years now; I bought her from another retiring captain in Katapesh just over six years ago. I don't know where she had been before that, and if Maricelli painted it, it wouldn't have been when I was on it. But, she also had another name -- I was the one who gave the ship the name she bears right now. I don't know a painting of this ship with this name would have been created ten years ago."
Back to Sirith. "Again, I'm most flattered, but I fear I must decline your request for a tour just now. I have some business I need to attend to."
To Dolgrim. "Thank you for your work; it looks to be most impressivel."
To Sakaan: "I expect to be in port for no more than one additional day; I trust that will not be a problem?"
With that, he turns, and starts heading down the pier to the gankgplank where he can board his ship....
Let me know how you proceed.
"None at all Captain"
Sorry to hear that Captain. I was hoping to treat you tonight with a relaxing massage accompanied by soft music at my temple, the Heart of the Ocean's Passion. You can even bring your friend there...what was your name sir? I'm afraid I didn't catch it.
She turned and looked at the captain's servant, waiting for a reply.
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Veddig Gorn smiles at Sirith. "Perhaps later, if there is time, but right now, I must head back to my ship. Thank you, and good day."
The Osirian man behind the captain hears Sirith's question, and looks towards Captain Gorn for guidance, but Gorn appears to completely ignore Sirith's acknowledgement of the other man.
Gorn walks down the pier to the gangplank, followed closely by the man, and on to the ship.
There, he sees Amara and Esh; she's not sure if he recognizes them in
their disguises.
He does not seem to recognize her in her disguise.
"Alistair?" he says when he gets on the ship. "Is there something I should know?"
The first mate responds. "These folk are good folk, but they were interested in a tour of the ship. She says she's a close friend of yours....?"
Let me know you proceed.
Amara looks faintly disappointed. "Of course I'm a close friend, Veddig and I go a long way back, lots of shared experiences, business deals, information sharing and so on".
Shrugging slightly, Amara continues on "I wanted on the ship because frankly, two women draw attention standing at a gangplank, not going in, not going out. This idiot (gesturing at the first mate) didn't know who I was, and I couldn't very well sit waiting in my temple for you to eventually come around, some information is time sensitive. So can we not simply stand here looking awkward and go someone on the shit away from prying eyes?"
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Veddig Gorn nods, and says, "Come, let's talk in my cabin."
He leads the two women on the ship into his cabin. The osirion man doesn't follow him, but heads below deck.
In the cabin, Captain Gorn turns to Amara and says, "Tell me, what do you have? And what is that crowd of assorted people out at the end of the dock? They seemed... overly friendly."
Out on the dock, many of you are still there.
Let me know how you proceed.
So what's our next course of action, Prakar asked. He was wondering about what to do. He was suspicious to what the captain was up to.
Sirith shrugged.
Well the fact that his companion wasn't able to identify himself tells me that the captain does tell me that he deals with slaves.
Amara and Esha follow the captain, both of them elegantly taking a seat in the cabin when offered. Amara considers her surroundings for a moment, planning what she has to say, before beginning.
"The rumor going around is that you, Captain, are a slaver. As you know, slavery is not illegal in Absalom, although there are specific conditions that must be adhered to."
Amara stops speaking for a minute, and gestures to Esha to narrate this part of the account.
"I searched the city, discreetly looking for any rumors that might concern you, before I encountered the second in command of a powerful information network rather similar to the one Amara runs. The man was eager to inform myself and others that you were in fact, a slaver and promptly left after distributing this information. I then relayed this information to Amara, and together, we heading to your ship, in disguise naturally, to wait for you".
Esha glances at Amara, checking to see if she had covered everything Amara wished, receiving a nod in acceptance from the later. Amara then took over the narrative, quickly attempting a summary.
"The man Esha met concerns me, because he was quick to distribute this information to whoever could pay. Obviously, if the rumor is true or otherwise unwelcome, this naturally puts you in an awkward situation, because by nightfall, anyone who can afford his price will believe this about you. If I was him, I'd be having you followed, while I contacted someone high on the food chain to garner a favour. So depending on how discrete this person is or was, some significantly powerful people might believe this latest information about you, true or not. As for me, this rumor puts me in a difficult situation. Its either true, in which case I resent the fact that relevant information such as this was kept from me, or its a false rumor designed to bring unwanted attention down on your head, which also displeases you, because its dragged me into this along with you, and I do so hate it when someone messes with me. The third option is that the rumor was spread by you or an ally, purely to manipulate a third party, or find a spy or untrustworthy source, in which case I'd still be frustrated I was kept out of the loop, although I'd feel more understanding."
Amara has been speaking for some time now, but she feels that its important to stress her final points of the discussion, before giving the Captain time to speak his turn.
"I have been honest with you, and I would prefer you to follow my example. Yes, you could lie to me, but I would find out eventually, and a client that deceives me is a client that finds himself isolated very quickly. I need to know how truthful this rumor is. I care not for whether someone is a slave or slaver, but it impacts on my position. Those people out there, they believe (rightly or wrongly) that you are a slaver. Most of them are unfavourable to slavery in general, hence why they were so friendly when they met you, I suspect they were trying to determine for themselves if the rumor was real before they took appropriate action. One of those people in particular is a priestess of Calistria herself, a member of a rival temple that seeks to help slaves. Naturally considering just this one example that affects me, I'd prefer to know where exactly I stand - I'd prefer to keep inter-temple politics separate from my business and therefore would dearly like to know the story behind the rumor (if any), so I can figure out my next move."
As Dolgrin watches the Captain board his ship without any action taken by the impromptu party of rabble rousers, Dolgrin scoffs and nudges Lithandra with his elbow. "See thar," he says as he reignites his pipe. "All talk an' nary any proof. I feel sorry for tha poor souls tha' fall ta a life o' slavery, but fact is it is legal 'ere. An' if'n they bring proof again' tha' man ta show 'e is goin' about it illegally, then tha's a whole differen' story. But, till then, we got a temple ta build, lass."
Dolgrin turns to head back to the coins, but Lithandra lingers a moment longer watching, clutching the fancy wooden case against her chest as she observes. Dolgrin takes a few steps before he too pauses and looks back, wondering what the elf is doing.
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The captain makes a steeple with his fingers, and taps them against each other. "This is...."
After a pause, he continues. "This is not entirely unexpected. Word will get out, of course. How many of the people gathered at the end of the dock know this rumor? Is that what has drawn them there?"
Amara: give me a diplomacy check. Esha can aid.
Amara never likes admitting that she doesn't know something, so she approaches the captains question in a roundabout way."I would guess maybe...four or five of those people would know for certain, maybe more depending on how word of mouth spreads. Its possible that yes, all of those present know this rumor, although I suspect many of them came to the boat for different reasons. Dolgrin for instance, met with you more to drop off your purchase, than to enquire whether you were a slaver".
"It doess not appear that we have anything to go on at the moment. . I will continue my dutiess and advisse ass I can"
Sakaan walks back to his office to get a status report on the maintenance of the ship
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Captain Veddig Gorn sighs. "The story is... not simple. I don't mind if the rumors that I am a slaver get out. I expected it would happen, which is why I enlisted your aid. However, it's also important to me that the rumors stay suppressed. Not because I don't want anybody to know-- but because I don't want very many to know. Because I want people to have to work for that information."
"In fact, I am an agent for the Twilight Talons. I work with the government of Andoran fighting against the slave trade. But I do so as much undercover as I can. I will sometimes take a ship, but when I do so, it's a bloody affair. Nobody on the crew can be allowed to spread word of what I've done, if you understand what I'm trying to say. Slaves are taken to Andoran and freed. But, I always have to be careful, for the slavers know of the Twilight Talons, and know that they operate under cover. I fear that in order to maintain my cover, I do have to traffic in some slaves; it pains me to do so, but I have convinced myself that I am serving the greater good. I will say that I have never sold a free person into slavery, and I have freed more than I've trafficked, but still I suspect that there may be a difficult reckoning when I arrive at the Boneyard."
He pauses to see Amara's reaction.
Sakaan: your people tell you that the ship is in good shape. What meager cargo it has has long been unloaded, and it's ready to push off at any time.
Amara doesn't react favourably or unfavourably to the story, it was interesting, sure, but she did not consider it her place to judge. "It seems to me that you are in a quandary of sorts. I could attempt to discuss the topic with those people outside, but that blows your cover as a Twilight Talon. That said, if you do nothing, these people begin spreading word that you are a slaver because well, thats exactly what they believe".
Esha leans forward slightly "That women Amara spoke of before, she buys slaves and then free's them...its possible that occasionally you could sell a slave to her...and end up freeing a few more than usual."
Amara smiles at the suggestion her protege made, before signing slightly. "I prefer staying neutral in this slavery vs freedom debate that remains in this city, but in your situation, I could make a small time suggestion. Expanding on my friend's idea here, you could sell some to me, and I can simply transfer them to my temple opposite, our religions are the same after all. I admit, this makes me more involved that I would like, but then again, I protect my client's interests where appropriate".
Still I don't like the fact that the other man with the captain was a slave. I could try and bargain with the captain to free that poor soul.
She jotts down the address and directions to her temple and asks the lizardfolk to give this to the captain when he sees him, in case he doesn't come back out onto the docks.
"Of coursse it would be my pleassure.."
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Captain Veddig Gorn looks thoughtful. "How many of those people do you know, and how well do you trust them? If this other priestess is interested in freeing slaves, then perhaps it could be good for me to get into a business relationship with her. I would prefer if nobody but yourself knew that I actually had contacts with the Twilight Talons. And, while I do want there to be -- very limited! -- rumors about my slaving, I don't want there to be rumors out there that my slaving is just a cover. Still, finding allies in this fight is always something I'm willing to do, if they can be discrete. Tell me what you can about them. If only she can be trusted, then perhaps at a later time when there isn't a crowd outside my ship, you could introduce the two of us."
Amara thinks for a moment, turning over her acquaintances in her mind, attempting to make a few judgements. "Don't work with a man who calls himself Nameless or "The Librarian, or a combination of the two. Likewise someone known only as Fist. These two are loyal to their purse which makes them easier to manipulate or feed false information to, rather than work with, its just unpredictable whether they would sell you out to someone who paid more".
"As far as the women goes, Sirith is a Calistrian, like me. She prioritizes slightly different aspects of the goddess than I do, but I would consider her reliable. Like me, I would imagine she would be very loyal if you can work out a business relationship with her. The girl Turanerra and the lizardfolk Sakaan I don't know well enough to form an opinion. The former cares more about painting than anything else, while the latter you could know better than I. As for the dwarf Dolgrin, him and I have clashed on occasion but he still strikes me as a loyal individual, impartial to slavery, provided its not being carried out illegally. You already have a standing arrangement with him I assume, since he crafted something for you, so I imagine that like Sakaan, you could make an informed decision on your own".
"So in closing, I would feel confident about recommending Sirith, and to a lesser extent Dolgrin. The others...I don't know well enough to make an informed judgement as to how they would react or handle a sensitive issue like this. I can put you in touch with Sirith if you wish, although she already invited you to her temple, so an audience wouldn't be a problem. I could escort you there in person or send Esha to ensure that the discussion is completed amicably...and maybe bring something water related, I imagine being an undine she loves that sort of thing."
Turanerra takes in all that the captain told her, before he disappeared onto his ship, trying to tamp down her excitement.
Keep it together Tur -- just because he said it doesn't make it true. But if it is, this is great evidence of a prophetic painting. Which could be a miracle. Of course, to be a miracle, there has to be relevance, and scope, and I forget what all else -- Zirnan will poke as many holes in this as he can, but I can't worry about that now. Right now it's about documentation. And keeping calm.
"Well that was...not quite what I was expecting." Turanerra says at last. "I'd hoped for a little bit more -- maybe a tour -- but I think for now my business here is done. I don't suppose" she looks around at the others, especially Sakaan and Sirith, "one or two of you would be willing to come by the gallery later today or tomorrow and talk to Zirnan about what you've seen here today? I could certainly return the favor by helping you out in any way I can."
Turanerra frantically scribbles some notes to herself, then fumbles about with putting her materials in order as she plans out what she will say to the Shelynese investigator.
"C'mon, lass. Thar be nothin' left fer us ta see 'ere. We got work ta do, anyways." Dolgrin says as he stands waiting for Lithandra. Once she turns and catches up to him, the two return to the Coins District.
"So...what business do you have left to do now, Dolgrin?" she asks.
He hands her the coin purse for the remainder of the Captain's payment, and replies, "I've gotta find a way around these damned road blocks I keep hittin' in gettin' me a recognized temple, lass. 'Avin' a smithy is good an' all, but it's not all I 'ad in mind fer the property when I acquired it. Take the coin back ta the smithy, see that it is put to proper use on supplies, wages, an' such."
He takes another puff from his pipe before tapping out the soot from it and stowing it away, then waves farewell to the elf before stamping off to head to find whoever it is he needs to talk to to find out just what he has to do to get his temple off the ground.
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Turanerra cannot detect any duplicity in what the captain says. For the most part, he seemed to be nonplussed that there was a collection of associated people at the pier where his ship was docked, and thought that they were either crazy, or after him for some reason....
Dolgrin goes and learns a bit more about the city bureaucracy -- but also learns that, perhaps to his chagrin, most temples don't tend to really follow the letter of the law, and really what matters is getting some worshippers to start spreading the word of mouth about your temple.
Sirith stretches her muscles a bit before saying, Its best we get moving as well. Turanerra, I'll see about coming by tomorrow late afternoon if possible. And Sakaan, it was nice seeing you again and thank you for agreeing to give that message to the ship's captain. Come Prakar let's be off.
The two said there goodbyes and headed back to their temple, stopping by to leave a few silvers in a beggar woman's cup.
I really much get in touch with my Eagle Knight friends. I'm sure that they'll love to hear about that captain.
With the discussion over, Amara makes her excuses and leaves, heading to Sirith's temple as her next stop.
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The group on the docks disperse as people go about their daily business.
(Everybody, feel free to tell me what you want to do or look into next. I expect that the current day will continue for a bit, as there are still some more meetings and such planned. After that, depending on what people get started, we might fast-forward a bit in time, meaning some organization upkeep stuff.)
The Librarian arrives just after everyone disperses, still in his Chelaxian disguise. Seeing the dock empty, he shrugs as he wanders up to the ship, looking for a small splinter to take from the ship. After he does so, he wraps it up in a handkerchief and stashes it in one of his pockets.
He wanders up to the gangplank, stopping at the foot of it to shout, Permission to come aboard?
"Oi.. ooh are you? You should see Mr Sakaan if you have business on his pier"
Amara sweeps past the threshold of the Calistrian temple, casually brushing aside any temple attendant blocking her way, "I'm here to see Sirith", she responds quietly but imperiously to any objections as she navigates the temple spaces.
Sirith was puzzled by the stranger but she was bit annoyed by the rudeness of the entrance nonetheless.
What is going on here? And who wishes to see me?
Amara pauses, closes her eyes, and her form ripples transforming into the shape Sirith is more recognisable with. "Amara, here with Esha, I believe earlier in the morning you invited Esha to encourage my person to stop by, and I took you up on that offer. Is something wrong with this?"
Smiling a bit, Sirith nods of course.
Yes I did mention it to her. And no there is nothing wrong with you visiting me. Still...I'm curious...since you are a shapechanger what is your true form? If you are who you say you are then let me see your true form. And don't worry I don't plan on telling anyone.
"I've never shown anyone my true form. That form is private, personal, its for me and me alone. Besides, you know its me, who else would stroll in here with Esha, or about what you said this morning, the invitation, the information Fist gave us, and so on. In fact, its in connection to that information that I came here today, if you were interested in hearing it."
Laughing a bit the undine attempted to calm her down, Calm down! I was testing you. I know that the true Amara would be so protective of her true form. Along with everything else you said. What can I do for you? Is this about the captain of that ship? I'm hoping to send a message to my Golden Eagle friends about him.
Amara's expression clears "Ah, I see, that makes much more sense".
"As far as my reason for being here, I have as aspects I need to discuss with you. I'll start this from the very beginning, and I ask that you please let me finish before asking any questions, it will make things easier".
"To begin then, this morning The Librarian arrived at your temple, bearing information. You (and others) agreed to purchase this information before knowing what it was. By happenstance, Esha was also there, and agreed to listen. The Librarian told you that the captain was a slaver, one of the worse varieties of slavers,and then left. What The Librarian did not tell you was that the captain was actually a better man than most slavers you or I have met, and also happened to be one of my clients".
Amara pauses to let that sink in for a moment before continuing. "Intentionally or not, The Librarian manipulated you against me, via my client, and thats not something I'm prepared to tolerate. It is possible that The Librarian was entirely unaware of the man's good character, but since he prides his own information network so highly, I believe its more likely that he knew about it, and chose not to tell you. I don't know what precisely he set out to gain by pitting two Calistrian temples against each other, but I am not pleased".
"In any case, after hearing what The Librarian had said about my client, I investigated it for myself. It was me that managed to gain entry on the boat while you, Fist, Saakan and everyone else stood on the docks outside, and it was me that discovered the truth about the captain. My client asked me to keep his secret, and I will, but in the process we created an arrangement that might benefit you".
"In essence, the man is willing to secretly free slaves, he just lacked an effective medium to do so. I assumed, that since you and I are both Calistrian temples, any slaves he frees to me, I can transfer to you, under the disguise of swapping temple attendants. The captain himself is willing to enter into a business relationship with you, and is willing to personally meet you tomorrow morning at your own temple to discuss arrangements. Whatever you decide, I'm heading to talk to The Librarian next, and I'd prefer that you accompany me. Either his information network is overhyped, or he knew all along that my client was a good person, and mislead both you and I about it, bringing us into indirect conflict. I want to know which one it is, before I progress further."
After several hours of asking questions, Dolgrin finds himself only more frustrated at the results of his efforts. He would prefer to do things by the book, but it appeared that "by the book" around here was in fact NOT by the book.
He grumbled as much to himself as he returned to Darksteel Smithy, taking off his armor and flopping down in the chair in his bedroom/office.
A few moments later, Lithandra peaks her head in, "So, how did it go?"
Dolgrin grunted, "Poorly, as usual. Looks like Ah am gonna 'ave ta build me a followin' wit me preachin', but Ah ain't no orator! Maybe Ah can fund tha Temple's foundin' an' let another be tha 'ead priest...Ah dunno..."
Lithandra stands quietly for a moment before suggesting, "I don't want to bring up a sore subject, but maybe one of the people who helped you with information on Kordin could help you get the word out? Pull a few strings?"
Dolgrin thinks about it, but then shrugs. "Per'aps. Maybe later we can look some o' em up."
Sirith listened carefully to everything the shapeshifter said.
When she was finished, the bard rocked back and forth on her heels, thinking, and then she spoke, I see. I've heard tales of agents of the Golden Eagles working undercover as slavers while secretly freeing them but I've never thought they were real. Until now...and I agree. I don't like the idea of two temples of Calistria being pitted against one another if that was indeed his plan all along. If the captain is indeed doing what you say, it was good you came to me as soon as you did as I would be most open to the ideas you have put forth not to mention you averted me in causing some internal problems for my Golden Eagle friends and I don't think they would have been happy about that. Also another thought does come to mind as well: there is the possibility that the Librarian may have told others besides us. Three groups come to mind: the. Pathfinder Society, the Golden Eagles, and the Hellknights. All three would have a stake in this and it would be best if we speak with the Librarian as soon as possible. When do we leave? And Prakar will come with us. And luckily he's wearing pants this time! Still no shirt though...
Amara nods in agreement with Sirith's thoughts. "Personally, I would prefer to leave sooner rather than later, to reduce the chances of The Librarian spreading the information. With you and I, as well as Esha and Prakar, hopefully the four of us would encourage him to keep the secret".
They would be the best plan so let's get going, Sirith said as Prakar followed close behind her ready to move at once.
Well here we are now, Prakar said as he took point just in case things got messy.
I hope he's here or we are in trouble, Sirith added.
Fist arrives just behind all of you, moving to unlock the door. Only after opening the lock and twisting the handle does he turn towards all of you and say, The Librarian is out right now, dealing with other business. I can answer any questions you have though, if you wish to speak to me. If you're here for the reader, on the other hand, you'll need to make an appointment. He leaves the door open behind him, allowing you to enter as you please