Stefan raises an eyebrow.
Layla? Well, no worries lass, we will make sure you are safe for now. Perhaps later you would like to let us know where we can take you and the rest."
Suny quickly uses what ever material is at hand to begin helping these new people clean up etc. She's very gentle, calm, quiet and soothing to the other Elven lass. Her voice soothing and low as she speaks to the other girl in Elven.
Hack paces on deck as the others help the prisoners.
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As the girls are free you are better able to move through the ship and search it more thoroughly.
In a very short time you are able to locate heaps of warmer sailor’s clothes in the hull near the hammocks. Warmer trousers, warm jackets, long-sleeved shirts and other gear can easily be found to give the girls something to aid from the chill.
Meanwhile, you are also able to find various other sundries – including cases of dried figs, dates and dried breads which are not unlike hardtack. There are also casks of olive oil mixed with various herbs and spices and dried meats as well. Large quantities of coffee beans are found, as well as kegs of beer, fresh water, and some rare wines.
In due time you are able to find the girls warmer clothes to put on, and soon you also have some extra lanterns lit throughout the hull for better light.
Someone informs John what is going on and he agrees to the actions quickly and alerts Ren on the other ship and instructs him to move the ships closer together and see what can be done to get some decent food and drinks broken out for everyone on both ships.
While this proceeds, it seems that this “Layla” is keeping an eye on the girls much like a guardian or parent might; making sure they are better dressed and clothed and asking for some kettles to be set on a blaze so that hot water could be brought to them and they can bathe the filth from their bodies.
She supervises this process as if she was in charge of them; but it is clear this is because she is being protective of the girls – that she doesn’t want to see them come to any harm.
Despite her mothering of the other slaves it becomes clear that she is not very old – perhaps only eighteen or nineteen at most; but she possesses a charisma and force of will that makes her seem far older.
As she goes about the task of seeing that the girls are bathed and clothed – as well as herself – she takes time to study and observe you all.
In roughly a half hour she and her comrades are clean and dressed in the sailors clothes that you found. John is still examining what he found in the officers quarters and Blackroot and Taissa are still working on the beach getting gear together while the others are doing what they can to make preparations to transship some of the goods and gear from the enemy ship to their own.
As all of this activity unfolds above you, the girl Layla continues to study all of you casually. As you are free to move about the ship, she takes some of the gear of the fallen pirates herself and soon claims a scimitar that she has hanging from her hip easily and slides a curved dagger in her belt as well.
She does this with a matter-of-factness that seems to suggest she has no issue with claiming these goods and that her being armed is merely a matter of course.
As she takes the weapons and puts them on, the other girls continue to get warm and eat and drink the food that you have found, seeming to be fairly hungry, she looks at you all and watches you carefully.
”I thank thee for thy assistance in our liberation,” she says slowly.
”Those who sit before yon fire… They have shared with me that they hail from a village near here. I deem that they wish to return to their kin, yet I do not know if their village is even still standing, for they have said that it was sacked by the corsairs who thou hast defeated in battle.”
She frowns.
”Further – the elven girl Elliana – she was found a mere fortnight ago in a small ship and her family was massacred and the enemy burned the ship to the spines.”
”Therefore she has no family left, for her kin were aboard the vessel before it was torched,” she says simply.
”I do not know thy plans as of yet for either myself or these who I am protecting, but I would know them better ere we set forth,” she says regarding you, her hand resting casually on the hilt of the sword.
Upon hearing of Elliana's fate, Suny does her best to help her in her time of pain and sorrow.
Upon hearing of Elliana's fate, Suny does her best to help her in her time of pain and sorrow.
"They need sanctuary - where shall they find it?" she says, watching you all.
Still quietly chatting to Elliana Suny almost instantly replies,
"Oh...I can be takin' in tha' lass. Though me obligations to th'a group will 'prolly be havin' us movin' around fer a while. But, best chance I get? I'll lead her home an' let her settle in wif tha' rest of me kin." Suny thence spends a good amount of time explaining to Elliana in Elvish the longer, broader version of what she out lined to Layla.
Then Suny's head again catches up...and she looks to Layla,
"Um...whut I meant ta' say were...I can be lookin' after Elliana right proper...But...well...I in't sure how ta' take care of these other lasses..." And now Suny looks to her companions in regards to the other girls.
Still quietly chatting to Elliana Suny almost instantly replies,
"Oh...I can be takin' in tha' lass. Though me obligations to th'a group will 'prolly be havin' us movin' around fer a while. But, best chance I get? I'll lead her home an' let her settle in wif tha' rest of me kin." Suny thence spends a good amount of time explaining to Elliana in Elvish the longer, broader version of what she out lined to Layla.
Then Suny's head again catches up...and she looks to Layla,
"Um...whut I meant ta' say were...I can be lookin' after Elliana right proper...But...well...I in't sure how ta' take care of these other lasses..." And now Suny looks to her companions in regards to the other girls.
Layla cocks her head to the side and watches Suny for a moment.
"So! Thy shall take with thee the elven girl on thy voyages, eh? And how, then, shall thy protect her from harm? Thou art still besmirched with the carmine of the recent skirmish - What? Shall thee be a bastion to her even as thy own self needs protection?"
Layla's eyes flick to the other girls, but she continues to speak to Suny.
"Slavery is common in most lands, even in mine own - yet I would not see them as slaves... Yet where shall they go if their village was destroyed and seek a new life?"
She studies Suny intently a bit.
She glances from Suny to the others.
"The elven girl in your company shows much consideration for her own kind; but what, then, is the fate of the humans I watch?" she asks, still not wholly sure if having a pre-adolescent elf traveling with you with be a good decision given the way you make your living.
Hack, after listening to the conversations, approaches Suny and Layla.
Why not have layla return to Beacon with the others to settle? While we have not set ourselves up yet, we will returnh there by spring and will be settlin' on some land soon enough.
Polux nods at Hack's words - "We are not captains of this ship, and for that reason we cannot simply offer to take them all to their respective villages - it is not something in our reach, and would have to be taken up with the captain" - he ponders for a moment - "I do agree with Hack though - if that is your wish, I think there is the possibility of finding you a place, and some earnest job in Beacon - that is one way of trying to start a new life"
He scratches his chin, then continues - "Obviously I can understand if they would want to make sure if no one remains from the places where they were abducted from" - his expression turns grim, as if he remembers some distant past - "Perhaps a passage can be secured from Beacon towards such purpose, towards their homeland, if they so wish"
Looking straight at Layla, he finishes - "As far as I am concerned, I make no distinction between elf or human - so the options are the same for everyone here. However... I do not understand how you assume anything about Suny here - you do not know her, never saw her in battle, have no idea if the blood she carries was not obtained from wading through a throng of enemies... Yet you seem to presume a lot, while you know nothing about her - I think the only assumption you should make is that she is trying to be helpful, and leave it at that, to prevent misinterpretations and jumping into conclusions about the competence of others"
Standing up. he picks up his stuff - "If you are alright for now, I'll take my leave - I am going up top to catch some fresh air - I have put in my two cents about this matter - you are now free to do as you wish - go back to your homes and see if they still exist, stay in Beacon and try to start something new, whatever... Heck, I will even lend you a couple of gold to get you started on your way. In return I ask only one thing - don't presume to think that you know anything about me, or the others on this ship" - as he moves topside, he growls something under his breath about everyone thinking they have the right to demand answers.
As the prisoners are being freed, Geser excuses himself to go up top. They've been traumatized, they really don't need to see him right now. The others standing around covered in blood are enough of a sight. Geser takes a look around for any parts of the ship the Captain hasn't searched yet.
Hack, topside with Geser, also seasches around for anything that may have been left behind.
"Ah, Layla, I do believe you offended our boon companion. However, I see your point, though indelicately put. Obviously we could not have the girl accompany us on dangerous quests, but I believe we could act as benefactors for her in Beacon. The other girls may wish to settle there also. The mayor is adamant in his hold against slavery. Perhaps they could be better able to find their kin from there."
"As far as I am concerned, I make no distinction between elf or human - so the options are the same for everyone here. However... I do not understand how you assume anything about Suny here - you do not know her, never saw her in battle, have no idea if the blood she carries was not obtained from wading through a throng of enemies... Yet you seem to presume a lot, while you know nothing about her - I think the only assumption you should make is that she is trying to be helpful, and leave it at that, to prevent misinterpretations and jumping into conclusions about the competence of others"
The girl merely looks at Polux, her feet widening a bit into a more comfortable stance and she rests her hand easily on the hilt of her sword, saying nothing but watching him intently.
"If you are alright for now, I'll take my leave - I am going up top to catch some fresh air - I have put in my two cents about this matter - you are now free to do as you wish - go back to your homes and see if they still exist, stay in Beacon and try to start something new, whatever... Heck, I will even lend you a couple of gold to get you started on your way. In return I ask only one thing - don't presume to think that you know anything about me, or the others on this ship"
Her eyes follow him as he heads aloft, but she says nothing; then her muscles relax like a cat’s and her hand loosens a bit from the sword hilt.
Why not have Layla return to Beacon with the others to settle? While we have not set ourselves up yet, we will return there by spring and will be settlin' on some land soon enough.
She turns to glance at Hack.
”Thy companion speaks of a place called “Beacon”? What, then, is this place? Is it a city, a temple, perhaps?” she asks.
As no one has really explained to her or the other girls what Beacon is, or where it is – or its place or purpose, she glances at Suny and Stefan, hoping for some sort of explanation on the matters.
As she waits for more details, she finally shakes her head.
”Whatever it is, I deem that from thy attitudes and disposition on the matter that it is possible that the others may find refuge in it – for me, nay. I shall be returning to my homeland in Osirion.”
”These others may find peace in such a place as your "Beacon"; but for myself, I have business in my homeland.”
”If the captain of thy ship shall escort me to my home I assure thee that he shall be rewarded for his efforts,” she adds with a sincere and absolutely confident voice.
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As Geser, Hack and Polux have gone aloft to aid the captain they discover what he has found already and are also able to add their own work to the rest of the ship.
Firstly you find that John is very pleased at what he finds in the aft quarters below the helm. Specifically; charts and the ship’s log.
John (like any sailor) knows that a ship’s log is not merely a record of various places the ship has sailed but a potential treasure trove of useful information. Coordinates for safe havens along the coast in case of storms will be noted – information regarding the various natives that are passed; who are friendly, who are hostile and what arrangements can be made to secure their aid – and other notes on other potential issues; the tides, currents and weather patterns in certain points on the journey; various trade goods that can be found and the profits earned for certain commodities; areas that have plague, poison, curses or more substantial threats or possibly rare and hidden valuables… all of these things can be found in a ship’s log, and now you have one at your disposal.
This makes John very, very happy.
That is not all that is found, however.
In the officer’s quarters the real “treasures” of the ship are properly housed; specifically the various gold and silver that was brought for the purpose of purchasing trade goods and possibly other supplies. These are stored in locked chests for security. John has not fiddled with all of the chests – instead, selecting one at random. Inside he found bars of gold with a curious mark on it – as if it was a family crest. Testing the weight, he finds that the bar is roughly ten pounds and is therefore worth about five-hundred gold pieces. The chest has eight such bars and there are eight such chests, as well as another modest chest with various loose coins of various amounts for smaller transactions.
The forward part of the ship has a small storage cabin below the foredeck and is filled with various casks of food and drink.
Even more than the gold, John seems to be more interested in the log.
He is somewhat discouraged as it will take him time to decipher it seems the base language for the coding is the Osirion tongue.
Rules for Taking 10 and Taking 20 on Skill Checks
”Thy companion speaks of a place called “Beacon”? What, then, is this place? Is it a city, a temple, perhaps?” she asks.
Beacon is the town we hail from. It is along the coast of Varisia and they are looking to grow. In addition, as I mentioned, they are dead set against slavery. I think the girls would find it an excellent place to stay."
While on their search, he comments to both Geser and Hack - "Is it just me, or everyone feels very full of themselves around here? I mean... We have just released that one down below from captivity, after gods know what kind of fun the boys on board had with them, and in a heartbeat she's all full of poses, and constantly taking her hand to the hilt of the freaking scimitar, acting like she owns the place - kinda makes me feel like dumping her in the island and that's that" - he growls under his breath.
-------------------
After they had the opportunity to search the place thoroughly, his curiosity takes the best of him, and he goes to have a word with John - "So. I was curious - I know nothing about sailing, but it seems that anyone that is someone around this place does, or at least they think they do - that being said, would it be ok to inquire about the info contained in the log? Anything interesting?"
She talks like she has seen much death, but I too, Polux do not trust such big talk outright.
Beacon is the town we hail from. It is along the coast of Varisia and they are looking to grow. In addition, as I mentioned, they are dead set against slavery. I think the girls would find it an excellent place to stay."
Layla nods at Stefan.
”Thy speak the truth?” she says in surprise that a town could function without slaves.
”This town that thy name “Beacon” – it sounds like it is a good and honorable place. If the others are pleased with it, this is a good thing,” she says with a nod of her head and a friendly bow to Stefan as if she finds such a place agreeable, though certainly unusual as slaves are clearly common in her culture.
”My heart tells me that thy crew is both good and honorable. I am not certain, but I suspect that thy companions are somehow offended with my manner? Why is this the case?” she asks sincerely.
”I did not slight them – I sought only to protect mine own – yet they seem offended?”
She shakes her head.
”This seeming discord is not acceptable. If I have caused them grief than I must right that error; I do not wish them to take offense over misunderstanding. Come, then, sir – we shall go aloft and make peace with thy companions for the boon that they have done for me and mine allies,” she says in a matter-of-fact way.
”I will set things aright between us; I do not wish there to be offense between our companies,” she adds with a sure voice and nods to herself then turns to Suny.
”Elven born –I was distraught and did not know thy measure. Thy companions have enlightened me and if my speech has wronged thee I ask thy pardon,” she says to Suny with a sincere voice.
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"So. I was curious - I know nothing about sailing, but it seems that anyone that is someone around this place does, or at least they think they do - that being said, would it be ok to inquire about the info contained in the log? Anything interesting?"
John looks up at Polux and beams.
”Uh – can I say “Hell yeah”,” he says with a wide grin.
Gesturing expansively to the stacks of gold bars he laughs aloud.
”That’s worth it already, mate – never mind the loot we make when we sell this gods damned ship, you know? And you lads get equal cut of it; that’s how we roll on my ship, so I gotta figure that would make ya’ll damn happy, savvy?” he says with a grin, clapping you on your shoulder.
Then he stretches out his legs and rests them on the deck by you and gestures at the log.
”But between you and me, that’s the real prize, you know?”
He takes out a thin strip of paper and rolls himself up a cheap cigarette which he lights on the sputtering oil lamp.
Leaning back in the chair he watches you.
”Say you’re running low on surprise and you come to a village – is it full of friendly lads who will trade you food and supplies for a bit of coin, or maybe they’re a bunch of cannibals who’re eager to lure you in to their village, feed you poison and then feast on you, you know?”
He grins a little and exhales a stream of smoke.
”And if you plan on trading with those villagers – what do you suppose they want? Maybe they’ll trade you gold if you bring them a type of sea shell that’s common all over Varisia – or maybe they have ore that’s pretty common to them but you know a village down the coast that wants that ore pretty bad... you could make a tidy profit right there if you're ready to be the go-between.”
”Or maybe you come to a fresh spring but in the bottom of the water is a bunch of serpents that're ready to swim up and poison you? Well, if the captain of this ship’s been there already you can bet it’s in his log – and then we’ll know it,” he says with a pleasant sigh.
”The tough part of all of this is that we got to hack the code.”
He takes another draw from the cigarette.
”Now I don’t got to tell you that it’s a pain in the ass to crack a code, but it’s a lot easier if you know the language that the person writing the code uses."
"For example – in the Common Tongue the most common letter is “E”, and the most common word is “The”. So if you look for the most commonly used symbol on a paper it’s likely an “E” and if you find a series of three symbols in a row over and over on the page, it’s likely that’s the word “The”. So now you know three letters and you start plugging them in all over the paper and start making guesses on the next set of letters.”
He flicks some errant ashes on a clay plate and continues.
”But let’s say the language ain’t Common; let’s say it’s from the land of Irressen, you know? They got thirty-three letters in their alphabet and some of them are really damn bizarre, like the letters “Ь, Э, Ю, or Я”."
"Or maybe it comes from Katapesh and the language looks like … hell, you tell me– which of them letters are the most frequent when you’re hacking a code?” he asks with a frustrated shake of his head.
”Anyhow, I’m figuring the code’s in Osirioni – but I don’t know that language. If I did, it’d be a lot easier to crack it, you know?” he says.
”Hey – you don’t know it, do you?” he says looking at you curiously.
”If you did we may find a lot of useful stuff in here,” he adds eagerly.
"That could be real handy for figuring out what they're doing so close to Beacon at the least - if they're coming back, and if so - when?"
He looks at you seriously at this point.
"I don't got to tell you, figuring out if and when they're coming back is damn important to all of us that makes Beacon their home..." he adds the last with a dark frown.
As you move around the ship you find a small area that look like a modest shrine to some sort of religious figure. The general feeling is cold and uncomfortable around it, and you’re tempted to toss it in the ocean because it makes your skin crawl.
You do not touch because touching such things may awaken a foul curse, perhaps – but as you stare at the squat, ugly totem you notice that the base of the woodwork that the shrine rests on the paneling seems to be somewhat unusual.
On closer inspection you discover that one of the wooden panels is false.
You pry it apart and discover a thick velvet cloth. Unfolding it you see a small statue made of a red crystal. The statue looks like it is carved in the likeness of a toad.
You suddenly feel that all the dark energy that seemed to radiate from the shrine comes in fact from this statue.
It seems to shimmer with a dull inner light, and it feels warm when you move your hands near it.
We need to let the Priest know about this, no?
We need to let the Priest know about this, no?
John takes another drag from the cigarette and swings himself up from the chair and walks out of the cabin with Polux.
”Come on, lad – let’s go share the good news with the others…” he says cheerfully.
”As for the log? We’ll crack it sooner or later,” he adds with an optimistic voice.
As John moves onto the deck he notices Layla come up from the hold and observes that she is currently armed. Further, he clearly doesn’t recognize her and this takes him aback a bit, but he does his best to take it all in stride.
Taking a drag on the smoke he looks her over a moment.
”Uh… okay… so who the hell is this?” he quickly asks anyone in earshot.
Sensing the question may be rhetorical he flicks the cigarette over the side of the ship.
”Yeah… so; name’s John Dodger, I’m the captain of The Seahawk… and you are?” he says in curious voice.
Noticing the man in front of her mentioned his rank, the girl folds her hands over her breasts and drops to her knee, then rises to stand before him and stares at him.
”I am Amun-ta Menhai,” she says in a cordial tone, dropping her alias and apparently revealing her true name.
”As thou art the captain of the ship that assisted me, I offer thee my thanks,” she says.
Then turns to the rest of the crew.
”I offer all of thee my thanks and apologies if my manner below was not as courteous as it may have been… I was not myself,” she adds.
”The shock of such sudden deliverance unnerved me; I apologize for any concerns that may have raised,” she says sincerely.
”I am willing to aid thee in whatever purpose thy may have until I am able to return to my own country,” she says to all of you, her tone a bit more contrite than it was below.
”I am skilled sailor and can handle a blade – I will be valuable to thy purpose on the sea, and I shall do what I may to aid thee in whatever quest that thou may embark upon,” she says.
John looks her up and down, studying her carefully. He seems to notice that she is not only well educated but she seems to be familiar with weapons and has a certain confidence about her. He comes to his own conclusions quickly and nods.
”Well, I guess no one can ask more than that,” he says after a moment, then shrugs.
”Oye – all hands on deck,” he calls out, summoning anyone who may be below or elsewhere on the ship to him.
Then he hails The Seahwak.
”Ren – send out a longboat to the beach and fetch Taissa and the padre and the gear they salvaged. I want it back in one turn of the glass, savvy?” he says in a brisk voice and Ren dispatches Uraga and Khal to the beach to pick up the goods and the rest of the crew.
While that goes on John speaks to all of you.
”I want a deck watch on both ships; whoever ain’t on deck watch I want you to sack out. It was a long night and we set sail for home in the morning. I want everyone to get a good sleep as we’ll have some work to do to get us home.” he adds.
He turns an appraising look at Amun-ta and rubs his chin thoughtfully, then he turns back to the others.
”You scanned the ship – you find anything else of note?” he says looking at them quizzically.
Yeah, no one is willin' to touch the damnable thing, but there is a hidden statue in the small shrine that sickens me with its evil. I think we ought to leave it for the Padre to look at, Cap'n. Feel free to glance at it yourself, but be warned, it'll turn ya' insides.
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”Thanks, Hack,” he says and moves forward to the ship to see what they’re talking about.
Looking at the small statue his eyes narrow and he frowns.
”Gods, that’s… yeah… I’m going to let the padre handle this for damn sure,” he mutters at the sight of the thing.
Shaking his head he looks at it again and walks back to mid-ship and looks around at the others.
”So we got one lass below decks – and she was just talking to herself, eh?” he asks his crew, wondering why no one is providing him with details, then shrugs and chalks it up to the fact that after the massive combat that nearly claimed most of their lives it’s likely that everyone still a bit frazzled.
”By thy leave, captain – there are yet three other humans below decks and one elf who is not with thy company… they were taken on the way here… As they are northern folk such as yourself they are thus rare in my homeland and would fetch a higher price as slaves, for though the priests ran this ship, it’s captain was a man who dealt in slavery and wished to enlarge his profit on this venture,” she adds.
John shakes his head in disgust.
”Are they alright?” he asks Amun-ta.
”They are now healthy, cleaned and fed. More than that, only the gods truly know… yet thy companions have spoken of offering them refuge in the township that thy sail to. It sounds as if it is a good place for them to begin their lives again,” she adds.
He seems surprised, but not unpleased.
”Sounds good to me,” he says glancing at the rest of his company, then back to the girl.
At that point a noise from alongside The Seahawk startles you all, but it is merely Taissa hailing Ren to haul up the boat and gear onto their ship.
As that is being done, John calls over to his ship.
”Padre! I got some things that need looking on when you got the time,” he bellows with a loud voice getting a quick response.
Then he looks at the girl again.
”You seem pretty smart – can you read and write in the Osirioni tongue?” he asks her.
”Verily,” she responds.
John grins.
”Good – then maybe I got a job for you, too….”
Then he shakes his head.
”But that’s for tomorrow! For tonight, I want Taissa on watch on our ship and Stefan on watch on this ship – neither of you’ve been hurt as I can see, you don’t need much sleep. The rest of you I want in the sack getting full bed rest, savvy?”
”In the morning we’ll make plans – but for now I need the padre for a bit to figure out what’s going on with all that gods damn little statue you found forward; but the rest of you sack out, that's an order," he says with a friendly but weary grin.
”We sail for Beacon in the morning…” he adds.
Polux hits the sack without much additional talk, his mind wandering about the statuette they have found on board, and the decisions still to make regarding his immediate future.
Having to pull the blanket over his back, a pungent reminder of the cold, almost immediately makes up his mind to move along to a warmer place, and he falls asleep thinking about sun drenched shores.
Stefan volunteers to watch extra as he is unhurt. He will catch up on sleep in the morning.
To Asan he says, "What that pirate said worries me. I do not want to cause extra harm to any of you because they ignore me. Perhaps we should devise some strategies for those instances."
The new dawn is fairly cold and the wind is icy from the bay.
Before they set sail John has a quick conference with Ren and after some quick work shifts the bulk of the goods from the enemy ship to their own. They leave only the foodstuffs behind… and the crude idol which is untouched.
John shifts the girls to his ship and has his own crew working that vessel as well. You are all on the enemy ship with Ren – at least until you reach Beacon.
As you move out of the bay into the harbor Ren gives you the run-down from what he learned from John who had a conference with Vale and Amun-ta.
As you’re sailing you all observe that the ship is a very different vessel then The Seahawk. It’s not made for the heavy chop of these seas and is soon lagging behind Given the heavy frost in the air and the cheaper quality of the sails, Ren is not eager to let the sails go full-on because he is afraid it will rip the sails or sunder the rigging, so the voyage is a bit slow.
As you are all working Ren tells you what he has learned from John.
”Alright, lads – here’s what we know…”
”First, the girl’s from Osirioni, as you know – but she was pinched by some thugs who wanted to take her for some reason that we haven’t figured out.”
”They took her all the way from her home to these waters, but they didn’t do anything to her – she was roughed up a little, but they didn’t have any fun with her, or the others, for that matter. Slavers make better money if the ladies are untouched, you know?”
He shakes his head in disgust.
”They had other slaves with them from their homeland that they sacrificed that night; we tried to stop them, but it didn’t work… but those folk were their slaves, as in – they didn’t capture them or kidnap them or anything like they did with the girl. So she’s still kind of a mystery at this point,” he adds with a small frown, then continues.
”The sacrifice is to some kind of snake god that is popular in small cults in Osirion; the god is called Apep... It is a dark and evil god; that is why we are turning the relics over to priests in Osirion – they know how to deal with such relics. But as to the nature of the god? It is evil and lusts for blood offerings… we shall leave it at that,” he says making a warding sign, as if even speaking the name of the god will conjure dark things.
”That takes us to that idol you found,” he adds.
”We do not know much about the idol, and what worshipers of this snake god would have to do with it, but we do know one thing – the idol is from the Thassilonian culture,” he says, glancing at the rest of you.
”As far as I know, there is no connection between the two gods, so I have no idea what is doing on their ship, but we do know that these folk have been doing some raids on the coastlands – that’s where they found the idol, we think… but we are not sure…not yet, in any case” he adds.
”We are hoping to learn more as they manage to decipher their log,” he says musing to himself a bit, then he shakes himself out of his thoughts.
”This takes us to you.”
”John is fairly adept at haggling a good deal. His plan is to take the collective gear we found and attempt to pool it into a lump sum and earn the most coin from it. Once he has achieved that, he will then give us all an equal share of the wealth, minus two shares which are paid out to the ship first, which is our standard practice,” he says as if it is a matter of course.
”However, you may feel that you could do better then us at haggling; if so, you can take what goods you wish from gear we found and deduct the price from your eventual cut.”
”We shall give you that gear at a reasonable deduction, if you prefer – if not, we’ll take the gear completely and give you your cut.”
”Soon we arrive in Beacon. We shall be giving the girls that we found on the ship a cut of the loot we found; 250 gold pieces each. Further, John knows a few people in the town to get them work. The humans are from a fishing village – they can earn wealth in a town such as Beacon, and the elven lass will be able to find sanctuary with some comrades we know until she grows older,” he adds.
”The girl from Osirion has promised to help us con the ship from Beacon to her homeland, providing she is ferried there.”
”We’ve considered trying to sell the enemy ship in Cheliax as there are many from Rahadoum who can use such ships, and many sailors from Rahdoum frequent the ports of Cheliax.”
”We may not get as much profit, but we shall at least be able to move to Osirion faster, then home to Beacon.”
He looks at all of you.
”I have shared a lot of information with you all; know doubt you have many questions for me.”
”Please – ask me what you will and if it is possible, I shall answer you,” he says to all of you.
, "What that pirate said worries me. I do not want to cause extra harm to any of you because they ignore me. Perhaps we should devise some strategies for those instances."
Ren glances at Stefan.
"You fear that enemies will ignore you and go after only your allies first?"
He nods.
"Indeed! This is a classic strategy of many enemies - they seek the weakest of the group and slay them quickly. Each passing moment they slay the next weakest and do what they can to endure the most powerful until he stands alone."
"In the end the most powerful may survive and best those around him, even as you did in the confrontation - but then that lone survivor shall likely fall in the next assault."
He shakes his head.
"It is a hard strategy to defend against... If you go after the most powerful it may take you some time to defeat him while his weak allies each wear you down collectively."
"If you know a good way to defend against such tactics that's good... I have to admit, I do not know how to defeat such tactics myself, but I would be willing to learn," he adds.
"It would be very helpful if we could garner additional information regarding the idol back in Beacon - perhaps we could contact a local church for advice on the matter?" - he ponders what he knows about Beacon for a moment.
"As far as the loot goes, I'll leave the haggling to John - I usually can fend for myself, but am not used to trading such lasrge quantities of gear. That being said, I am in fact interested in keeping one of those Single barreled muskets and as much Powder/Shots can be spared, depending on what the others may want. And if you are all ok with it, I would take the tobbaco and the pipe also"
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He raises his brow a tad when he hears that the girls are getting 250 gold as their cut, and to get their lives back together, but makes no comment.
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"I agree with trying to sell the ship in Cheliax - as I said, I am not an expert sailor or anything of the kind, but this one seems to lag a tad behind The Seahawk, and moving fast may be important in these waters - so even risking less profit, I say go for it"
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"If you know a good way to defend against such tactics that's good... I have to admit, I do not know how to defeat such tactics myself, but I would be willing to learn," he adds.
"Teamplay" - Polux responds without skipping a beat, his face locked in a frown.
"It is a double edged sword. Alone, I would have had a hard time taking down that pirate. It was Asan's help and distraction that allowed me to land the blows I did."
At the squawk from Daya Stefan adds, "Yes, you too Daya."
He continues, "However, after he found me such an elusive target, he instead targeted others. This worries me as I feel responsible for the undue attention Asan received in that fight and the wounds he suffered."
If you are just gonna' forget those I sent to the mud, I thinkin' you should reconsider, Stefan.
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"It would be very helpful if we could garner additional information regarding the idol back in Beacon - perhaps we could contact a local church for advice on the matter?"
Ren glances at you from the wheel.
”There’s a priest in town – he works at the hospice. He’s actually the man we planned on setting the girls up with. He is a honorable man. I recall that he used to do work as a missionary down in Sargava, he tends to be more personable than many priests that I have seen.”
He shakes his head after a moment.
”I do not know if he will know much about a Thassilonian idol, though,” he says with a frown.
”But so far our own priest thinks it is best to keep the idol within the chest that stores the relic.”
”The chest is designed to act as a barrier from the negative energy that such foul things emanate… but I do not understand why these foreigners would be interested in this idol if they are already followers of the dark snake god; as of now I see no connection, nor does our own priest… at least, not yet…” he adds.
He sees Polux's look about the wealth.
"There are four girls - at two-hundred and fifty coin each that means we shall lose one thousand gold pieces," he says thoughtfully.
"A thousand gold pieces for four slaves - one of them barely a child... this is a large sum, no doubt - but it was the suggestion from our own priest. He believes that as Fate delivered us to this adventure it is only right to remember Fate by offering coin to the innocents connected..."
He grins a little.
"Sometimes our priest is unusual... I would not think that he would be where such generosity is born from; but he often surprises me."
He Stefan’s words about the enemy.
"After he found me such an elusive target, he instead targeted others. This worries me as I feel responsible for the undue attention Asan received in that fight and the wounds he suffered."
He shakes his head.
”Do not let his words cause you further concern, my friend.”
”He could not harm you, he attacked you comrade. But do not blame yourself for that; besides, he is dead,” he says with a small smile.
If you are just gonna' forget those I sent to the mud, I thinkin' you should reconsider, Stefan.
Ren nods his head.
"Aye - think on his words and your mate Polux's... you are not alone, but you have friends who can aid you in the combat. As you learn each other's styles you will become more effective as a team in the future," he adds.
While on their search, he comments to both Geser and Hack - "Is it just me, or everyone feels very full of themselves around here? I mean... We have just released that one down below from captivity, after gods know what kind of fun the boys on board had with them, and in a heartbeat she's all full of poses, and constantly taking her hand to the hilt of the freaking scimitar, acting like she owns the place - kinda makes me feel like dumping her in the island and that's that" - he growls under his breath.
-------------------
After they had the opportunity to search the place thoroughly, his curiosity takes the best of him, and he goes to have a word with John - "So. I was curious - I know nothing about sailing, but it seems that anyone that is someone around this place does, or at least they think they do - that being said, would it be ok to inquire about the info contained in the log? Anything interesting?"
She talks like she has seen much death, but I too, Polux do not trust such big talk outright.
"The lady has been through much," Geser tells his comrades with considerable weight to his voice. He has experience with women after they have been violated--more intimate experience than his comrades seem prepared to anticipate--though they do not need to hear his life story. "I know something of the horrors visited on them. Do not be so quick to judge the lady for her actions; only pray that she is not with child...for the child's sake as well as her own. That you would be so callous as to leave her behind--" Geser shakes his head.
Upon sight of the statue, he makes a holy symbol in the air and calls upon Iomidae to offer protection.
We should destroy that foul thing!
We should destroy that foul thing!
Ren turns to Geser and nods.
"Aye! The priest agrees with you, so do all aboard, I think... yet we do not have the power to do that."
"We will take it to those skilled in the lore of the gods; they will know what rites must be performed to destroy it completely," he adds emphatically.
Nodding to Stefan,
"All turned out well in the end. In that none of us were lost. It is good to think on the events that transpired and how we can be better, though."
Then looking to Pollux,
"Teamwork indeed. I know that I myself let my emotions get the better of me when clearer heads should have prevailed. I hope not to repeat such a thing."
Asan, again quiet, listens carefully to everyone say their piece.
"Indeed. The idol is something of a mystery and should be handled carefully. I have heard, however, that sometimes...and again, I have no proof...but sometimes destroying the thing is just what it wants."
To all;
"With regards to the young Osiriani girl...I suspect Geser is right. A certain amount of... caution is to be expected. One need only look at the condition we found the women in."
And to the captain;
"I apologise for holding my tongue for so long, but oftentimes I find it is better to think things through thoroughly before acting. The many times I rushed into action have taught me valuable lessons.I too am amenable to the way of distributing the found wealth. As well, If this group is going to Osirion, I too will go. There is something to this band of folk, and I was led here with a purpose. I intend to see it through."
"I apologise for holding my tongue for so long, but oftentimes I find it is better to think things through thoroughly before acting. The many times I rushed into action have taught me valuable lessons.I too am amenable to the way of distributing the found wealth. As well, If this group is going to Osirion, I too will go. There is something to this band of folk, and I was led here with a purpose. I intend to see it through."
John grins a little and claps you on your arm.
”Good times!” he says eagerly.
”And no worries – I don’t figure this being a long caper – I’m telling you, maybe six weeks at most. Besides, we’ll have warmer weather and do some good until the snows start thawing around Beacon. Then we can go out and really kick some ass proper, you know?” he adds.
You recall some rumor that there are several references to the Old Ones that describe their features like a giant toad.
You recall one tale that was penned as such by a writer who met with a traveler from Khatapesh who recounted such tales of an ancient warrior who did battle in the far west before the Skyfall:
...and I read, too, of the lost, grim black cavern high in the hills where the horrified Shoanti hemmed a monstrous, bloated, wallowing being and slew it with flame and ancient steel blessed in old times by the gods, and with incantations that were old when the world was young. And even staunch old Selim's hand shook as he recorded the cataclysmic, earth-shaking death-howls of the monstrosity, which died not alone; for half-score of his slayers perished with him, in ways that Selim would not or could not describe.
Another tale comes to your mind: "... the amorphous, god-creature mentioned in the Pnakotic Manuscripts and the Necronomicon and the Commoriom myth-cycle preserved by the Atlantean high-priest Klarkash-Ton"
With these thoughts in mind, you suddenly recall another tale; one that makes you very nervous…
...It has been built in imitation of certain temples depicted in the vaults of Zin, to house a very terrible black found in the red-litten world and called Tsathoggua in the Thassilonian manuscripts…
None of this knowledge gives you peace, though you are not sure why; you sense a grave power that is wholly evil. If the relic is somehow related toa serpent god from Osirion, it is possible that this idol that they discovered may be linked in that both could have similar origins.
But if so, that is grim news, for it suggests someone, or some group, is seeking to find out more of these creatures than is healthy…
Taissa makes herself useful on the ship, helping where necessary, upon Ren's command or instruction.
She listened to the conversations around her. Taissa wondered at the characters of those she travelled with, observing and learning with each new day that passed. She remembered something a fellow traveller had once shared with her, It is not with the first stroke that the tree falls.
Daya was hovering overhead, not too far from Taissa but enough to purview the ocean from the skies and relay information to her friend.
Turning her attention to her fellow travellers, Taissa spoke in her low husky voice, "If you want to feint in battle, then do not strut along the shore. Mask the weakest so you do not show your hand. Then the enemy will not target the ally to get to you."
Then she turned back to the task at hand, waiting for Daya to relay news from the sky. She wondered why the others were so eager to travel to Osirion, but kept her tongue still. It was good they were returning to Beacon first.
To no one in particular, Taissa added, "A little hole will sink a big ship. There is much to learn."
"It be tha' size of tha' thing makin' tha' hole whut be sinkin' yon ship." Suny amends Taisaa's statement.
Taissa looked over at Suny but said nothing at the Elf's interpretation of what she had said.
Hack sets to work on deck with the rigging as they work their way towards Beacon. he is stillnursing his many injuries, but the salt air will only help the healing process.
As the day dawns, Polux moves on deck, enjoying a short meal while up top. After he is finished, he addresses his companions when he comes across them, looking for an opportunity to get Taissa, Suny, Hack, Stefan, Asan and Geser together if possible - "What do you make of all this?" - he questions, while his eyes peer at the vast open water - "We didn't even have a chance to decide amongst us what we wanted to do - not that I am saying that what one decides the others have to follow, but I was just wondering your opinion on all that has transpired"
Looking back at them, he adds - "From my part, I still think there a couple of loose ends and wildcards on all of this - I don't trust the girl found below, and would prefer not to have her on board for one. And then there is this idol. I mean, I have heard about such things, but the wrongness of it when we approached was almost palpable - fortunately I am not a religious guy" - he shrugs - "I am up for going to Osirion - I am kinda sick of this cold weather, and it seems some good coin can be made out of it all, and that is always a good thing"
Pondering for a few moments further, he adds - "I'm just a loose cannon in all of this, but I remember our conversation back at the tavern, and some of you seemed really intent on assisting Beacon getting back on its feet, so I just wanted to hear your opinion on it all"
I feel much the same as you, Polux. We are stoppin' in Beacon before headin' South, and I was thinkin' that it may not be a bad idea to get things rollin' on a plot of land for our group to begin to set ourselves up as hired swords, or a company of mercs? We can add the gold we find in the south to the venture. We could all begin to set down roots and build Beacon from within, no? Just me thinkin', and that could be dangerous.
Hack looks to the others and smiles broadly, but briefly.
Ren cocks an eye at both Hack and Polux’s conversation and nods a bit to himself.
”Setting up roots is a good thing,” he says as he hears them.
”But do you have a plan in mind?” he adds.
”For example – I have observed that your company seems to be fairly friendly with each other and further, you work well as a unit. This is a good thing.”
”If you worked as a unit you typically have more power than alone – better for bargaining, gear is cheaper as you can buy it in bulk, and if you’re friendly enough to consolidate a land purchase you could put your joint property together and save money on construction,” he says as if he is well-versed in the development of cities and city politics.
”Of course, if you are situated well within the city limits – or nearby – that could make you a political power, in time. I believe that is what the head of the guild for bounty-hunters and trackers is hoping achieve: political power through a consolidated group of like-minded individuals. I should add, he has grown in power sense he did this.”
Ren glances aloft and checks the wind, watching Taissa and Hack work.
”Well done, lass,” he says encouragingly at her skill manning the helm.
Then he continues to talk to the others.
”Of course, you might also consider purchasing a vessel, such as this one.”
”If your company was suited for it, you could be doing multiple operations along the coast between Beacon, Riddleport and the various islands. But then – you’d need a ship,” he says, almost as an afterthought.
”A ship does not provide as much political clout in town, you are too transitory. To have real power and recognition in town you’d require land – a place that suggests permanency. For example – several tradesmen have purchased small warehouses to do business deals on the docks. They rent out space in the warehouses to smaller ships to store their freight in – such as ours – and they provide a staff to guard the merchandise and sell it for them when they are away.”
Ren watches Hack’s efforts with an impassive face, but he says nothing as Hack does his best at the helm.
”Of course, all of these things are mere suggestions, however – the real issue is whether or not you will continue to work together, and if so – what are your long-term plans?”
”Shall you purchase a ship, or conduct most of your work on land?”
”Land is more stable, true – but then there is the matter of income,” he adds with a grin, as if all these complicated computations and variables is something he has also spent much time working on, and you suspect that may be at least one reason he has chosen to be at sea.
He looks at The Seahawk, which is moving ahead with more ease.
”But that is up to you; if you shall continue to journey together, and if so, what your long-term plans will be. Like I said, however, John is fairly well-liked by certain members of the community. No matter what you choose to do, we will do what we can to get you started.”
Hmmm...good points, why not both? Why can't we start with a parcel of land, just outside town, but near to the shore? then we can add a vessel to trade n'run ops up and down the coast? Think John would let the craft go for a song?
Hmmm...good points, why not both? Why can't we start with a parcel of land, just outside town, but near to the shore? then we can add a vessel to trade n'run ops up and down the coast? Think John would let the craft go for a song?
Ren considers that option a bit as he helps guide Hack at the helm for a moment.
”It has possibilities, but it comes back to the central point – assuming you all wish to continue working together, what will you do?”
”What business shall you run to keep yourself employed? Will you be simple mercenaries, fishermen, shopkeepers?” he asks.
”For folk such as yourself I would see you one day having your own land – perhaps a small estate with your own protection and defenses to plan your ventures?”
”However – what, then, do you wish to do; if you continue to work together?” he asks, genuinely curious.
When night shifts into day, and the first rays of the sun can be seen, Geser finds a private place to once again practice his ritual of self-flagellation. Following this, in light of the discovery of the toad totem, he opens his holy book and reads a passage from it to center himself. He then checks briefly to see if there are instructions for one who is not versed in magic when such a dark totem is discovered. He doesn't trust it in the hands of the priest, but he can't very well share that publicly. Perhaps eventually to a select few, he will. He just can't mention it in front of Ren.
"First of all, I am interested in all of the ideas I have heard, with one caveat--a 'merc' can be hired to do evil work as well as good, which is precisely the reason I did not cast in my lot with the Bounty Hunters' Guild. Perhaps if we considered ourselves 'bounty hunters' or 'soldiers of fortune' who work only for those who have benign interests...then I will be wholeheartedly on board for the venture."