Stefan bows graciously at the orders of Taissa and heads below to work on repairing some of the problems with the ship in the hull.
The goblin glances between Polux and Hack, his eyes darting between them.
”They said more will come – they said they bring legion – they said they make high places for their dark gods… Their magic is made stronger through sacrifice; so it seems that sacrifices can make casters more powerful and their spells more powerful… They come from the south and east…”
”More are coming… but I do not know when, or their number… the priest always looked to his book; maybe you will find answers in it?”
White Fang rolls over to lay on his back and waves his paws in the air, his tongue lolling out – the picture of dignity.
”You may be older than me, Alpha, but I have bigger fangs – rawr!” he says, and bares his fangs in a gesture that might be fierce if he didn’t look so ridiculous.
Then he flips over on his stomach, and sits up on his haunches in front of you, his head cocking to the side, as he looks at you.
”I will bite like this – rawrm, rawrm, rawrm,” he adds, making little bitey faces and chomping in the air as he starts to scoot his rump against the boards of the deck by dragging himself forward with his forelegs.
”And then you will say – Oh White Fang – you are the strongest! To show I’m sorry I shall give you a million tummy rubs all day; and because I love you I shall let you do this,” he says matter-of-factly and rolls back and forth on his back as if trying to scratch an itch.
Taissa watches his antics sternly.
"You run around without direction and waste energy."
”No, no - I have lots of direction – see? My direction is in a circle, so I run that way!" he says, and demonstrates for a moment.
"And I don’t waste energy, I use it. I you-you-uuuusseee it!” he adds with a happy howl to prove the truth to his words.
”Besides, Alpha, what is energy if we don’t use it? It’s for running all over the place and exploring new things and chasing rabbits over the fields and catching tasty chickens for snacking on!”
Taissa observes his wisdom with a gleam in her eye – but whether it is from rising anger at his action or rising mirth – or some combination, is hard to tell…
"You will learn. Now rest. And you seem to have a good ear for the Common tongue. I will teach it to you as we sail."
”Noo… noo… noooooo!” he says, his puppy voice swapping into a little howling at her words.
”Resting and learning are stupid! Teaching words is boring… you should teach me how to chase rabbits; which is a very important lesson, mmm-hmmm!” he says with an emphatic nod.
”Also, if it is dangerous, than you should teach me how to run all over the ship safely... Oh! and… we must practice barking at invisible enemies that no one else can see… and discover how fast we can run in a circle without falling over… Oh! Also we must see who among the pack has the most tastiest boot to chew on!” he answers, providing a litany of subjects that he knows are far more suitable for packmates to practice all day than speech lessons.
However, it is probable that Taissa disagrees with his assessment.
Therefore, rather than lead him on a quest to discover who has the tastiest boot or how fast they can run in a circle, she just gives him a stern look and he lowers his tail between his legs and slinks below to rest, muttering something in his puppy voice about – ”Stupid resting” as he goes below to nap.
On the plus side, Taissa is confident that his napping will allow him to wake up later full of plenty of regained energy and eager for lots of interaction with everything.
Finally, the leader of the company on The Scorpion calls out to John’s ship –
”Ahoy; we’ve dealt with the prisoner and got all the information we can from him. We’ll send over the news soon enough, but the day is wasting. I’m ordering the crew here to weigh anchor and set full sails – we’re tacking course to Korvosa to get new supplies and sell the gear we’ve got.”
John nods at the succinct plan that the company has given him, and quickly orders his own men into action to mirror the crew of The Scorpion.
”Damn! Sounds like a hell of a plan? Anything else?”
”Aye!” the leader adds.
”When we go to Korvossa we’re going to find out what we can about hiring on some new mates to help with the ship, and – if we’re lucky – hire on a new healer, too. If we can’t find one there, we’ll do what we can to find one in Osirion, or possibly Cheliax.”
”Meantime, this ship is terrible and your ship is a hell of a vessel – I’ve never seen one of these mysterious “corvette” ships you’ve got; never even heard of it. Mind having a copy of her specs sent over so we can check it out?”
”Why sure…” Johnny says, pleased to see that the leader decided to ask that question.
”You said it was custom-made, right?” the leader asked.
”Well, yeah… why?” Johnny calls back.
”The thing is – if we can get a copy of her lines – and she’s worth it – maybe we can get a decent shipwright out of Beacon or Magnimar to make us one like yours. She’s a hell of a beauty, and from what we’ve seen so far you can move fast in her and she doesn’t take much to con her.”
John nods, agreeing that the question is good and reasonable.
”Sounds good! I’ll write a copy of her specs in a document. When we reach Korvosa I’ll have it delivered into your hands personally – if you like it, you might take the investment you earn from selling that tub and have one commissioned as soon as you get back home. And of course – while she’s building – you could be out doing some knife-work in the highlands during spring-time, and by next Fall you’ll have your own ship to do missions with – a better ship – one that’s better suited for you – if you’re interested, that is?”
”You could make some tweaks to it, too – you know, a place for extra grain; smuggling compartments, a place to have mates like a bigger Daya sleep… that sort of thing, if you’re interested in it…”
Naturally the rest of the crew doesn’t answer at this time, but the leader of the company is clearly interested in the stats and hopes to get things taken care of directly.
”You may be older than me, Alpha, but I have bigger fangs – rawr!” he says, and bares his fangs in a gesture that might be fierce if he didn’t look so ridiculous.
Then he flips over on his stomach, and sits up on his haunches in front of you, his head cocking to the side, as he looks at you.
”I will bite like this – rawrm, rawrm, rawrm,” he adds, making little bitey faces and chomping in the air as he starts to scoot his rump against the boards of the deck by dragging himself forward with his forelegs.
”And then you will say – Oh White Fang – you are the strongest! To show I’m sorry I shall give you a million tummy rubs all day; and because I love you I shall let you do this,” he says matter-of-factly and rolls back and forth on his back as if trying to scratch an itch.
Taissa watches his antics sternly.
"And I don’t waste energy, I use it. I you-you-uuuusseee it!” he adds with a happy howl to prove the truth to his words.
”Besides, Alpha, what is energy if we don’t use it? It’s for running all over the place and exploring new things and chasing rabbits over the fields and catching tasty chickens for snacking on!”
Taissa observes his wisdom with a gleam in her eye – but whether it is from rising anger at his action or rising mirth – or some combination, is hard to tell…
”Noo… noo… noooooo!” he says, his puppy voice swapping into a little howling at her words.
”Resting and learning are stupid! Teaching words is boring… you should teach me how to chase rabbits; which is a very important lesson, mmm-hmmm!” he says with an emphatic nod.
”Also, if it is dangerous, than you should teach me how to run all over the ship safely... Oh! and… we must practice barking at invisible enemies that no one else can see… and discover how fast we can run in a circle without falling over… Oh! Also we must see who among the pack has the most tastiest boot to chew on!” he answers, providing a litany of subjects that he knows are far more suitable for packmates to practice all day than speech lessons.
However, it is probable that Taissa disagrees with his assessment.
Therefore, rather than lead him on a quest to discover who has the tastiest boot or how fast they can run in a circle, she just gives him a stern look and he lowers his tail between his legs and slinks below to rest, muttering something in his puppy voice about – ”Stupid resting” as he goes below to nap.
On the plus side, Taissa is confident that his napping will allow him to wake up later full of plenty of regained energy and eager for lots of interaction with everything.
A ship was not the best place to rear and train an animal, especially an exuberant, mischievous worg pup. Taissa would have her hands full with this one and even though part of her chuckled at the prospect of his antics, the other serious side of her worried about them. She had time still and it wasn't like the pup couldn't be trained -- he seemed to be picking up the Common tongue faster than she imagined. Still, the ship was not the place for a pup getting underfoot. She had to teach White Fang some restraint. Perhaps start off small and train the pup to stay put where he's told to. Safer for all aboard.
In her spare time, when she is not required to undertake a task aboard the ship, Taissa will attempt to start off teaching White Fang an easy trick - Stay.
Hack heads topside with Polux after the questioning. He addresses the others before laying his head down to sleep on the final night before their anticipated arrival in Korvosa.
We have talked with the prisoner, and there are more threats to come to the area under the dark god. He could not say how many or when, but just that the Half-orc threatened it. Can we now message Beacon to warn of the danger while we are away? If not, we need to send word from Korvosa.
Stefan spends the first day doing a thorough inspection of the interior of the hull. He may not have any carpentry skills, but he feels confident he can at least identify problems. After he finishes, he will report any problems to Kat as she is probably the most qualified to determine any actions needed.
As they approach Korvosa;
"Ah, civilization . I look forward to a nice inn and a bath!"
Tying and gagging the goblin securely, Polux heads up top to share the information they have obtained.
Hack heads topside with Polux after the questioning. He addresses the others before laying his head down to sleep on the final night before their anticipated arrival in Korvosa.
We have talked with the prisoner, and there are more threats to come to the area under the dark god. He could not say how many or when, but just that the Half-orc threatened it. Can we now message Beacon to warn of the danger while we are away? If not, we need to send word from Korvosa.
Polux nods at Hack's assessment as they address the others to convey the details about what information they have been able to obtain from the captive goblin - "It would seem that, as usual, the goblins were pawns in all this - they serve strength, and the priest definitely had it. They followed in the wake of his planning to bring about dark gods to the land, and apparently unleash them on this neck of the woods" - he ponders for a moment - "What the goblin has said seems to hint that the previous inhabitants of the area were sacrificed to these gods - I'm guessing as an offering, or to increase his powers - once he was done with those, he started on the worgs, ignoring the blood of goblins as it seems they do not make for much of an offering. Whatever it is that he was planning, it seems safe to assume he was not alone in all this, and as Hack said, we should expect more troubles heading our way" - the man stares out at sea as if expecting an armada to pop in the horizon.
"The goblin did say that the priest referred to his book frequently - we should take a look at it, though I am not sure if we will understand the language it is written in - who has it?" - he inquires of his companions.
"The goblin did say that the priest referred to his book frequently - we should take a look at it, though I am not sure if we will understand the language it is written in - who has it?" - he inquires of his companions.
Kristin glances at Polux from the helm.
”Don’t you remember? Ya’ll gave it to Johnny so that he and his priest and that little chickee from Osirion could try to figure out what the writing says as there’s lingo in both Osirion and in the gods-languages; you know, with constellations and other symbols and all that…” she calls out to him.
Arriving at Korvosa you see a large cluster of various ships in the harbor.
Unlike the town of Beacon this is truly a formal City State.
A company of musketeers marches down one of the main streets. You notice dozens of lads unloading freight from various skiffs and boats near the docks. You identify the flags and lines of various ships – including vessels from Cheliax and as far as Rhahadoum.
Men carrying rapiers and pistols; men with scimitars and holding light spears; men with mysterious robes and head-coverings; shoanti tribesmen playing dice with sailors from the Sodden Lands; mail-clad knights and lightly clothed barbarians, gladiators, musketeers, rogues, duelists, scoundrels, cutthroats, smugglers, thieves, assassins and beggars.
Kristin smiles as you ease the ship into the harbor and she can take in the sights.
”Well – nothing like the sights of civilization,” she says somewhat drolly.
White Fang promptly rushes back and forth over the main deck so that he can see everything all at the same time, and so that everyone can see him. He does what he can to aid the crew getting the ship into the harbor by barking loudly at everything.
Even though the crew was up all night, it's clear that he is full of energy because he had a very good night's sleep.
More darkness to contend with. What had this half-orc priest unleashed? Her anger grew when she heard Polux say the priest had sacrificed the worgs. Thank the Spirits, White Fang had lived.
"Aye, Polux. I gave the ledger to Ren last night as he and the others would work on deciphering the language and diagrams. They have not returned it as yet."
***********************************************************************
"Hush!" Taissa called over to the rambunctious pup.
Daya was standing on deck on the other side of Taissa and gave a loud screech at the pup's antics.
Civilisation, Kat had called it. Taissa felt uncomfortable immediately. She wondered how she and the animals would fit in here, or, whether the noble society Stefan seemed to long for would ostracise and ridicule her. There is danger here, she reminded herself to stop other thoughts clouding her focus.
Calling to her companions, Taissa asked casually, "Where to first? Did Priest Vale give us instruction?"
She looked over to The Seahawk, wondering what further they had uncovered in the ledger. Turning to Kat, she asked, "Should we wait for Captain John and the others?"
Suny works hard to bring the ship into harbor and safely tied up against the piers of the dock. Once everything is safely away after their journey she helps Elianna gather their things and gets ready to head off.
Setting their combined things down at the top of the gang-plank Suny takes time to offer each of her parting friends a gentle hug and a few, quiet words in parting Elvish as way of good bye. Then, with her usual bright grin and a jaunty wave she and Elianna skip down the plank and onto the bustling docks.
Although she had Suny had not formed a close friendship, Taissa bade her and Elianna a sincere farewell. She hoped the Spirits would guide them to find what they sought, and, that they would not encounter the danger waiting in Korvosa. Least they had each other and could find safe berth on another ship.
"Fair winds to you both."
Stefan smiles as the ship pulls into the harbor.
In response to Taissa,
"This would definitely be the place to sell any goods. Also, there will a more varied availability of goods we might need. I would suggest that we spend at least a couple of days here. We at least need to investigate the Grand Mastaba, as well as looking for the connections to the half-orc cleric."
And a few nights in a real bed and a bath too :)
After assisting in docking the ship, Hack turns to Kristin and Taissa.
We need to have some words with the priest before goin' ashore. I want to know what the book said, and I could use some more healin'. I am still under the weather.
More darkness to contend with. What had this half-orc priest unleashed? Her anger grew when she heard Polux say the priest had sacrificed the worgs. Thank the Spirits, White Fang had lived.
"Aye, Polux. I gave the ledger to Ren last night as he and the others would work on deciphering the language and diagrams. They have not returned it as yet."
***********************************************************************
Calling to her companions, Taissa asked casually, "Where to first? Did Priest Vale give us instruction?"
She looked over to The Seahawk, wondering what further they had uncovered in the ledger. Turning to Kat, she asked, "Should we wait for Captain John and the others?"
"Indeed Taissa, I was under the impression we had given the ledger over to Vale and his crew for them to study - some things from the last couple of days are still a tad fuzzy I guess" - Polux acknowledges.
"And you are correct, lets make sure we split whatever needs to be split, and sell the rest - we should take care of it right away" - he adds moving towards the recovered goods are stored - "Lets see..."
We need to have some words with the priest before goin' ashore. I want to know what the book said, and I could use some more healin'. I am still under the weather.
"Yes Hack - I will however steer away from dealing with the priest for the time being" - he nods at Taissa - "I think it would do more harm than good if I am there anyway. After we split the loot amongst us, I'll move ashore, find us suitable accomodations for at least the day today, inquire around about the Grand Mastaba, and try to sell the remaining goods we wish to get rid of. We can meet up back here at around lunch time?"
Turning to Kat, he adds - "I am assuming we need to at least pool a part of our resources to resupply - how much do you think we will need for that Kat?"
Stefan smiles as the ship pulls into the harbor.
In response to Taissa,
"This would definitely be the place to sell any goods. Also, there will a more varied availability of goods we might need. I would suggest that we spend at least a couple of days here. We at least need to investigate the Grand Mastaba, as well as looking for the connections to the half-orc cleric."And a few nights in a real bed and a bath too :)
Taissa nodded her head at Stefan. "We made arrangement to sell to Captain John's lot first. If we have remaining items, aye, we will need your sweet manners Stefan to search out and persuade the Korvosan merchants."
After assisting in docking the ship, Hack turns to Kristin and Taissa.
We need to have some words with the priest before goin' ashore. I want to know what the book said, and I could use some more healin'. I am still under the weather.
"Once they have docked, I shall go to The Seahawk and have a word to Captain John, Ren and Vale. Any other, apart from Hack, want to join me? Who else requires further healing?" Taissa does not look to Polux as she knows his prior history with the strange priest.
"Yes Hack - I will however steer away from dealing with the priest for the time being" - he nods at Taissa - "I think it would do more harm than good if I am there anyway. After we split the loot amongst us, I'll move ashore, find us suitable accommodations for at least the day today, inquire around about the Grand Mastaba, and try to sell the remaining goods we wish to get rid of. We can meet up back here at around lunch time?"
Turning to Kat, he adds - "I am assuming we need to at least pool a part of our resources to resupply - how much do you think we will need for that Kat?"
Returning Polux's nod, Taissa continues, "I will deal with Priest Vale; he and I have an understanding. We have some coin set aside for ship supplies that we can use to resupply some of what The Scorpion has lost with the flooded hull. Aye, Kat, what is it we require and we can add it to our list."
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White Fang stops running around and looks at Taissa.
”Yes, but how will they know we’re coming unless I let them know? Those packs need to see us and mark our power! Then they will say – Ah ha! It is the Blood Pack – they are fierce; they are strong; they are powerful; we must all get out of their way and give them treats to make them happy! Don’t you know these things Alpha?” he says with a shake of his head, pleased that he can at least teach his Alpha something abut the wisdom of barking a lot to show that your pack is best; and also that is very tricky to see lots of new and exciting things and not bark with what can only be defined as... dignified respect... which is clearly what he was doing all along...
Whatever was said between the two, it is clear that White Fang has - for now - stopped running around and barking.
Suddenly, a bright gleam flickers in his eye and he gives Taissa a knowing look.
Then he sits by her and lifts his head up and howls very long and loudly – which, as Taissa knows – is not technically barking, and therefore it is clear that he’s not being a bad pup, but technically obeying her orders to the letter.
The others may not understand this, but everyone can see that at this time the little tail once again seems wag rather smugly.
As this display goes on, Taissa almost seems like she is grinding her teeth at the pup's display, but for now she says nothing and instead turns to Kristin.
"Should we wait for Captain John and the others?"
Kristin glances at the shore thoughtfully.
”Hell no,” she says with a grin.
”Way I see it chief, we got to signal the harbor master and let ‘em know we’d a like a berth. There’s a little paperwork to handle, and likely some coin to be paid for port tax, but it shouldn’t be more than a gold piece a day, at most – then we find a place to sack out.”
”If we pay the harbor master the dues and register we can leave our ship unattended and the harbor guards will watch it. Otherwise we got to leave a lad or two behind to keep an eye on things,” she explains quickly.
As Kristin runs up a flag to signal the harbor master, Polux moves over to her.
"I am assuming we need to at least pool a part of our resources to resupply - how much do you think we will need for that Kat?"
Kristin glances over at Polux, and Taissa hears him, offering her own opinions.
"We have some coin set aside for ship supplies that we can use to resupply some of what The Scorpion has lost with the flooded hull. Aye, Kat, what is it we require and we can add it to our list."
She nods at Taissa.
”She's right, boss," she says to Polux with a glance at Taissa about the gear.
"Remember, as it stands we’ve made the cut eight pieces as there’s seven of us – not counting Geser and Suny... 'Course, they've skipped out, making it five, but they took their cut up front... But anyhow, we put eight parts aside so that we’d always have at least one part for the ship. That’s the part that we dip into for crap like foodstuffs for all, and supplies to repair things – maybe new weapons or gear... you know, that sort of thing…”
She squints as she watches the longboat from the harbor master moving leisurely to your vessels.
”As for the cost of the foodstuff's in general? Well, I’d reckon it depends… As in, do we want to stock up all the way for Osirion, or just until we get to another port? We could load up gear ‘till we reach Cheliax and re-supply there; or we could load up all the food we can and skip any port between here and Osirion in general.. Hell, it’s up to ya’ll on that score, but as for how much we need, well, that'll effect the price.”
”Of course, foodstuff’s likely to be a lot cheaper in Cheliax though; that’s for sure. They got a lot more folk to work the crops and much more of it than this place does and it's a lot cheaper for folk to grow food when you ain't paying them naught to do the growing, if you get my drift?" she adds with a dry voice.
”Of course, this assumes you want to buy from a Imperial Lord of Cheliax… but, uh, not for nothing… thing is, there are other ways of picking up loot while sailing…” she says with a somewhat neutral expression, turning to glance at you all with a somewhat appraising eye.
Hack seems to consider this last statement with some interest, but then his words tack to another point.
We need to have some words with the priest before goin' ashore. I want to know what the book said, and I could use some more healin'. I am still under the weather.
Kristin glances back to Hack and seems to think of that for a moment, but before she can answer, Taissa offers her own thoughts on the matter.
"Once they have docked, I shall go to The Seahawk and have a word to Captain John, Ren and Vale. Any other, apart from Hack, want to join me? Who else requires further healing?"
Kristin nods at her.
”Sounds reasonable – once we’ve hit shore we can talk with all of them and see what’s the next move. But I think it’ll be easier to do that on land, as I don’t think they’ll be staying long on their ship to chat – but we’ll see…”
As they all move closer to the shore, Suny tosses out her suggestions about refitting the ship with different sails and gear, and Kristin considers it, and glances at the others.
”You know, that’s not a bad idea – outfitting the ship could take about a week, but it’ll make it more seaworthy and possibly up her value for resale later. Meantime, if that ain’t your plan, we maybe could send some feelers our and see if any lads up from Rahadoum might be interested in buying her? After all, those folk hail from the south – they might be interested in buying the ship outright as she's better rigged for southern waters anyhow.”
”Hell, if they are interested, we maybe could take that cut now and head back to Beacon quick-smart overland while Johnny heads out to Osirion?”
She light up a smoke and glances around.
”Just saying… anyhow; what do ya’ll think?” she asks you as the harbor master comes to the ship and asks for the crew to pay the cut keep the ship moored in the harbor safely .
John and his crew are doing that even now and are quickly moving to the docks. They will wait for you there to discuss things with you, if you are interested in that.
Suny works hard to bring the ship into harbor and safely tied up against the piers of the dock. Once everything is safely away after their journey she helps Elianna gather their things and gets ready to head off.
Setting their combined things down at the top of the gang-plank Suny takes time to offer each of her parting friends a gentle hug and a few, quiet words in parting Elvish as way of good bye. Then, with her usual bright grin and a jaunty wave she and Elianna skip down the plank and onto the bustling docks.
”Yes, but how will they know we’re coming unless I let them know? Those packs need to see us and mark our power! Then they will say – Ah ha! It is the Blood Pack – they are fierce; they are strong; they are powerful; we must all get out of their way and give them treats to make them happy! Don’t you know these things Alpha?” he says with a shake of his head, pleased that he can at least teach his Alpha something abut the wisdom of barking a lot to show that your pack is best; and also that is very tricky to see lots of new and exciting things and not bark with what can only be defined as... dignified respect... which is clearly what he was doing all along...
Whatever was said between the two, it is clear that White Fang has - for now - stopped running around and barking.
Suddenly, a bright gleam flickers in his eye and he gives Taissa a knowing look.
Then he sits by her and lifts his head up and howls very long and loudly – which, as Taissa knows – is not technically barking, and therefore it is clear that he’s not being a bad pup, but technically obeying her orders to the letter.
The others may not understand this, but everyone can see that at this time the little tail once again seems to wag rather smugly.
The growl was low at first, then began to build, a deep rumbling sound. It was coming from Taissa who stared at the pup with annoyed sapphire-blue eyes.
"We heard you proclaim such. No one will question our power due to your barks or howls. Desist, so we can work in peace. The crew have had very little sleep and the noise you are generating cannot be helping them complete their duties." Taissa had affection for the little worg pup but he seemed intent on bypassing her instruction and doing as he pleased. She did not have this much trouble with Daya as a hatchling. Spirits, lend me your patience.
"Kristin glances at the shore thoughtfully.
”Hell no,” she says with a grin.
”Way I see it chief, we got to signal the harbor master and let ‘em know we’d a like a berth. There’s a little paperwork to handle, and likely some coin to be paid for port tax, but it shouldn’t be more than a gold piece a day, at most – then we find a place to sack out.”
”If we pay the harbor master the dues and register we can leave our ship unattended and the harbor guards will watch it. Otherwise we got to leave a lad or two behind to keep an eye on things,” she explains quickly.
As Kristin runs up a flag to signal the harbor master, Polux moves over to her.
**********************************************************************
As they all move closer to the shore, Suny tosses out her suggestions about refitting the ship with different sails and gear, and Kristin considers it, and glances at the others.”You know, that’s not a bad idea – outfitting the ship could take about a week, but it’ll make it more seaworthy and possibly up her value for resale later. Meantime, if that ain’t your plan, we maybe could send some feelers our and see if any lads up from Rahadoum might be interested in buying her? After all, those folk hail from the south – they might be interested in buying the ship outright as she's better rigged for southern waters anyhow.”
”Hell, if they are interested, we maybe could take that cut now and head back to Beacon quick-smart overland while Johnny heads out to Osirion?”
She light up a smoke and glances around.
”Just saying… anyhow; what do ya’ll think?” she asks you as the harbor master comes to the ship and asks for the crew to pay the cut keep the ship moored in the harbor safely 3 Gold Pieces a day; if you’re interested in protection while it’s in town.
John and his crew are doing that even now and are quickly moving to the docks. They will wait for you there to discuss things with you, if you are interested in that.
Taissa informs the crew that someone must stay aboard The Scorpion at all time and they can take shifts going into town. The dockmaster may say he can provide protection but she would rather not test the promise. It didn't hurt to have a reliable sailor remain while others hit town.
Turning to Kat, "How much will it cost to overhaul this vessel and make her faster/better? Before I, or the others can make a decision, we must consider cost. Otherwise, the alternative to sell her to the Rahadoumi is a sound one."
Taissa goes to the pouch holding the ship's funds and pulls out 9 gp. When the dockmaster approaches, she hands him the coin and requests three days mooring/protection at present. If they would tarry longer, she would return and inform the dockmaster and pay the extra coin.
White Fang’s eyes look pleased that she is growling in concert with his howls, and he wags his tail happily, but when he hears her words, he stops his howling and lowers his head to his paws, seeming to be rather upset.
As usual, no one knows what was said between White Fang and Taissa, but the pup has stopped howling and he has laid his head on his paws and now his tail now droops rather sulkily.
Taissa then turns to Kristin.
"How much will it cost to overhaul this vessel and make her faster/better? Before I, or the others can make a decision, we must consider cost. Otherwise, the alternative to sell her to the Rahadoumi is a sound one."
Kristin’s eyes narrow thoughtfully at the question.
”Hard to say,” she says after a moment.
”It all depends on what you want specifically…”
”If you plan on keeping her, or trying to sail her to Osirion from here direct and are just looking for making her more seaworthy in general; well, that could take about two or three days – maybe – and maybe about five-hundred to seven-fifty on gold pieces; but you might get a deal on it, especially given the current weather. That'd be pretty useful if we keep trying to sail her; you know - keep her from leaking and all...”
”On the other hand – if you decide to upgrade her sails and all that – you know; try to make her faster in this water… well; upgraded sails will be a lot more expensive but I reckon that they might only take a day or so, if we can find a place that has a copy of our lines with spares to sell. But if they got to make ‘em from scratch, it could take longer…”
”It’d help more if I knew what you were looking for specifically, though,” she says blowing out a stream of smoke thoughtfully.
She glances at Taissa for a bit, her eyes tacking briefly to Polux, observing what he has said so far, than her eyes move back to Taissa.
”Good enough, then – so it looks like you’re the new Top, right? I mean to say – you’re the bloody Captain-General of the ship?” she says somewhat rhetorically giving the red-head a wry grin.
”Congratulations, boss, but I always figured you’d be the one, especially after watching you with the birds and beasts; men ain’t that much different, as I’m sure you’ve noticed,” she adds, clapping Taissa on the arm.
As Taissa pays the Harbor Master the dues, Kristin nods appreciatively at the choice.
”Three days time is good with me. I’m not likely to be getting a berth ashore – I’ll probably bunk here – why spend the coin, right? But there may be fun stuff to do in town,” she says grabbing her kit and slinging it over her shoulder as her eyes travel over the shore and the others who have already disembarked.
Her eyes suddenly narrow and she frowns.
”Bloody hell…” she mutters angrily.
”Right! Well, looks like things started without me,” she growls.
Turning to Taissa she pauses.
”So I’ll see you at maybe Four Bells at tomorrow’s Middle Watch?” she says with a sudden determination as she hefts her gear and strides with a fierce purpose down the dock toward where the crew from The Seahawk went.
Hack looks to Taissa.
Captain, eh? I like it!
As for the goblin, we have what we need from him. I will head below and end him before dropping him overboard. Unless someone has a problem with that?
Let's not forget about talking with the priest about additional healing when we touch land, eh?
She glances at Taissa for a bit, her eyes tacking briefly to Polux, observing what he has said so far, than her eyes move back to Taissa.
”Good enough, then – so it looks like you’re the new Top, right? I mean to say – you’re the bloody Captain-General of the ship?” she says somewhat rhetorically giving the red-head a wry grin.
”Congratulations, boss, but I always figured you’d be the one, especially after watching you with the birds and beasts; men ain’t that much different, as I’m sure you’ve noticed,” she adds, clapping Taissa on the arm.
Polux stares back at Kat as she looks at him, then his eyes drift towards Taissa again, nodding as she is formally recognized as the ship's captain.
After her conversation is done, he approaches his companion with a few short words - "Congratulations are in order" - he states - "I believe it a good choice" - then returns to getting himself busy packing his stuff.
As it is referred that someone needs to stay aboard the Scorpion, he pauses what he was doing, turning back to Taissa again - "I will stay on board for now" - his pack remains ready in any case.
As for the goblin, we have what we need from him. I will head below and end him before dropping him overboard. Unless someone has a problem with that?
Let's not forget about talking with the priest about additional healing when we touch land, eh?
"I don't think I like that idea Hack" - Polux starts - "I am all for executing an enemy in the heat of battle, but not here, and not like this - I think it should be an easy matter for anyone going ashore right now to simply hand him over to the authorities - I doubt there will be many questions asked" - he comments to the barbarian, then ponders for a few further moments and adds - "I believe Vale may want to have a word with the critter before we do that though" - he looks back at Taissa.
-------------------------
While on watch aboard The Scorpion, Polux stays put for most of the time, honing the blade of his kukris, momentarily interrupting his methodic procedures to stretch his legs, climbing up to the nest, watching over the city, or simply moving back and forth along the deck.
Ok, Polux. Tai and me will ask the Priest if he wants to talk with the bugger when we see him onshore.
"Perfect Hack" - Polux nods - "Thanks brother" - he finishes with the usual casual tone he's got accostumed to with the barbarian by now, without even realizing it.
Before Kat leaves the ship, she corrects the pilot, "Polux is Captain. I am First Mate."
She notes in her mind that Kat would return to the ship at 2 am the following morning and start her watch duty.
When Polux offers to stay aboard and take first watch, Taissa nods.
When Hack and Polux congratulate her on her captaincy, Taissa shakes her head, "I am not the Captain. Polux is. I am the First Mate."
As for the issue of the goblin, Taissa nods, "Agreed. No execution. I will ask Priest Vale if he'd like a word with the goblin and then he goes to the local authorities -- Hack and I will see to it before we go to The Golden Mermaid." Looking over at Hack, hoping the barbarian would accompany her in the task.
Hack smiles broadly at Taissa.
I'm with ya, First Mate. Let's get to it.
Taissa smiles in turn and goes below, collecting all the unwanted items to sell to Captain John and his folk. She asks Hack to ensure the goblin is secured (manacled) and to bring him up, so he too can be taken over to The Seahawk. She asks Daya and White Fang to remain on The Scorpion until she returns to get them. Taissa asks Daya to keep an eye on the worg pup and keep him safe.
Once permission has been sought to come aboard The Seahawk, the sale transactions are harmoniously carried out first and the coin pocketed by Taissa to distribute with the others later. Then she will inform Captain John, Ren and Vale what the goblin had already told them via Polux and Hack's interrogation.
Taissa focuses her gaze on the priest, "Priest Vale, do you wish to further question the goblin? Otherwise we take him to the local authorities to be dealt with accordingly. Oh, and if you would grant it, Hack requires further healing, if you have some to offer this day. We would be grateful."
Aye, and besides the normal healing, have you any restorative powers for my overall health?
Before Kat leaves the ship, she corrects the pilot, "Polux is Captain. I am First Mate."
...
When Hack and Polux congratulate her on her captaincy, Taissa shakes her head, "I am not the Captain. Polux is. I am the First Mate."
Polux stares grimly at Taissa - "I was under the impression that the matter was settled, and you were the captain - why the inversion?" - he questions as before him and in a flurry of motion Taissa and Hack set about carrying off the goods to be sold and the goblin all in one go, aboard the Seahawk.
Before he realizes, he is standing alone on deck, staring at Daya and White Fang. Looking all around, and realizing he is alone, Polux allows himself a smile, then turns back to the Roc and Worg almost bursting into laughter - "I guess you would be my crew then?" - he crouches down - "Well, lets go then!" - then moves quickly, bursting into motion and dashing around The Scorpion, trying to provoke Taissa's companions.
Settling himself down after the dash, the man begins methodically examining the ship and its structure, to try and garner exactly the shape they are in.
Polux stares grimly at Taissa - "I was under the impression that the matter was settled, and you were the captain - why the inversion?" - he questions as before him and in a flurry of motion Taissa and Hack set about carrying off the goods to be sold and the goblin all in one go, aboard the Seahawk.
Daya gives a low screech and fluffs her feathers at Polux's words. With cocked head, she fixes her golden eyes on him (not threatening, but curious) and answers in plain and simple Common, "T'ssa's command. We wait. I protect. Pup heeds."
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The party touches ground rather quickly and looks around as the Harbor Master is paid the trifling sum of gold to watch the ships. Everyone can clearly see that here – like in Beacon – there seems to be some sort of loose uniform of guards. Their weapons, armor, races and cultures are certainly varied, but they all have a sort of tabard that hangs around their torso and is belted at the waist with the standard of the town on it.
The Town Watch work with Harbor Master, and you can see an obvious barracks near the pier with several three-story towers and various cannon along the stone walls that make up the wharf. Beyond that group of folk are various sailors and such that are milling about.
Kristin – it seems – has moved down with a tense eagerness to stride with purpose over to John for some reason. In her sites you can see that the Osirion priestess has now become a bit comfortable around John, and it is possible that for some reason Kristin is a bit jealous of the way the girl seems to be draped off of his shoulder currently.
Before things get too far out of hand however, the rest of you move up after them to speak to the company and ask what they’ve learned from the ledger, as well as what they would care to do with the goblin prisoner, and if priest Vale wishes to give a more thorough investigation. And finally – what will happen next?
1. Priest Vale seems less interested in dealing with the goblin as he and the girl have made great strides with the ledger. To him, that lore is more important than the goblin. On that note, John suggests that now isn’t the time to discuss those details of what is found in the ledger (as it’s a bit too public and he’s suspicious of potential eavesdroppers) but instead recommends that you do what you feel is best this afternoon – buying what gear you’d like; seeking new allies, dropping off Suny and her mate; and looking for new recruits.
He will order Ren to prepare a full report for you all to examine this evening on paper (so it can be done with privacy) regarding the ledger and also various notes on possible information regarding your current ship – (the Dhow) and the stats for the class of his ship – (the Corvette). This secondary report will be given to your captain for examination later as well.
2. John indicates that currently the bulk of their own gear is stored on their ships. He gives you a quick run-down on the current Town Watch for your information; but suggests that generally they’re fairly loyal men and that the typical opinion of most citizens is – “If you don’t start trouble, there won’t be trouble” – at least, with the Town Watch; regarding other folk – well, it’s a frontier town – it can get a little rough.
Total Level 3
Swashbuckler - 3
Base Stats (Modified By Species – depends on Species but average)
Str 13
Dex 16
Con 12
Int 12
Wis 11
Cha 12
HP: 28/28
Parade Armor: Korvosa
AC: 16
Favored Class – HP Bonus (Swashbuckler)
Feats (Class and Basic)
Level 1 – “Dervish Dance”
Level 3 – Power Attack
Class – Weapon Finesse
Class – Two-Weapon Fighting
Note: Humans typically take the “Combat Expertise” and bonus of +2 to Dexterity.
Generally they are armed with a dagger and a rapier.
According to John there are roughly 600 men in the “Town Watch”.
You also observe that there are men on the battlements; these type seem to be a bit different, they carry muskets and John informs you that they are “Musketeers”.
Str 11
Dex 16
Con 12
Int 14
Wis 10
Cha 12
HP: 28/28
Parade Armor: Korvosa
AC: 16
Favored Class – HP Bonus (Gunslinger: Musket Master)
Feats (Class and Basic)
Level 1 – “Deadly Aim”
Level 3 – “Point Blank Shot”
Class – Rapid Reload
Note: Humans typically take the “Precise Shot” and bonus of +2 to Dexterity.
Generally they are armed with a double-barreled musket, and a dagger.
John indicates that there are roughly 400 musketeers in the town.
Finally, he indicates that there are mounted riders of various groups. The formal “Dragoons” of the town belong to the lord of Korvosa; but he indicates that there is another faction that is independent of that Lord, though it still serves the town.
Despite their various weapons, they can all be marked by either their tabard or their Parade Armor which they wear. An example of the gear can be found Here.
John suggests that there is a second group and talks about them. They are made of almost entirely of females. He says that this second group often sends out scouts and explorers into the lands around the nation. He suggests that you may be able to recruit from their ranks an experienced warrior if you’re able to meet with them.
John finally recommends heading to ”The Golden Mermaid” as there are lots of folk who are rather decent folk and good to do business with (generally) as compared to some of the more “shady” parts of town.
3. John’s crew seems to be going about their business as follows;
A. There seems to be a bit of an uncomfortable situation brewing between Kat and the Osirion girl and John seems to be doing what he can to sweat it out.
B. Ren tries to make polite conversation with various members of your crew, but unfortunately the paperwork he’s assigned occupies much of his time.
C. Khal and Uraga head off to the smith to examine weapons.
D. Vale heals all that need to be healed to full health – then he says he’s going to shop for various foodstuffs.
E. Ella is bored and a bit upset that White Fang is not allowed to come. However, she decides to go to the local alchemist shop for supplies.
4. Your gang is free to do what they’d like to at this time, but for now if they head to The Golden Mermaid they will at least find two potential new recruits to hire for their ship, if they look for them…
White Fang watches in absolute and utter consternation that he would be left behind when there is adventure; excitement; battle, and probably lots of good snacks…
As Taissa leaves, he lifts his little head back and howls and howls in sadness.
"I guess you would be my crew then?" - he crouches down - "Well, lets go then!" -
White Fang stops howling then, and turns to Polux, his eyes suddenly looking very upset.
”You are not the Alpha and we are not your crew; I serve the Alpha – she rules! You can run with her pack, but she is the Alpha – she is the one who saved me from the darkness; she fed me and nursed me; she speaks nicely to me; she shares meat with her pack-mates in the morning; she cares for us all and speaks to me fiercely with great words!”
”Do you bring meat to your pack-mates? Do you speak nicely to me? Do you lay down with me at night to keep me warm?” he says watching Polux intently.
”I miss my Alphaa….” he wails sadly.
White Fang looks very despondently at Taissa leaving him on the ship without her and lifts his head back again and howls – this time switching to a word in the Common Tongue.
”Noooooo….” he wails, as most pups would when their mother leaves them.
As the others offer praise to Polux for his recent promotion to captain, the goblin moves before him.
”Oye, chief! I beg to you not to send me to be judged; if you do, I shall be hanged or beheaded or worse,” he says sincerely to him.
”Instead let me serve with you – let me join with you; I can help you – I will serve you.”
”You are the Chief now, if you’ll have me, I will be loyal to you – I am loyal to strength. If you let me live and serve you, I will help you… I am good at helping at certain things…” he says sincerely.
”You don’t believe me, maybe – because I obeyed my last Chief and tried to kill you and yours? But I give you a gift so that maybe I can change your mind…” he says.
The goblin is kneeling in front of you, his hands behind him in the manacles.
Yet as he mentions the “gift” he suddenly moves his hands forward and holds them up to Polux, having slipped the manacles with some ease.
”I slid them from my wrists two nights ago… I did not kill you while you slept nor try to escape, but I could have done either – I might have died, but I could have tried… But I didn’t. I wished to watch you all – to study you – to see who would be the strongest… the real Chief… that’s you, now.”
”If you do not send me to be judged and killed – if you keep me then I promise I will be very helpful to you and serve you faithfully.”