"I am unsure for I do not know the breadth of the magic possessed by all those on this vessel. I, unfortunately, do not presently know the magic to create water. My magical aptitude is minor compared to the others. I am sorry."
"Blast!" she says, slamming her fist into her palm.
"Well, we shall have to make the best of it, then," she adds.
"But at least we have fresh supplies in the meantime; so hopefully it will not matter overmuch."
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Variel is slightly concerned when Flynn brings back another dead body onto the Lady. Variel still remembers the meal Flynn tried to serve moments after defeating Plugg and Scourge. Added to that was the incident with the manticore. It was with some relief then that Variel overheard Flynn asking Adular about questioning the body to find its home so people could avoid their territory.
Leaving them to their discussion Variel visits Dhaavan, How is all of the work progressing with your crafts? It seems if you aren't sleeping or with Amen-set you are closeted up behind the door. If you wouldn't mind another presence I would like to watch your work and learn a bit of your craft. Even if I do not develop a taste for such work, the learning and theorycraft may still be intriguing.
After spending some time watchin Dhaavan work providing he is willing to have an audience, Variel will rendevous with Rain and see if she is willing to give him some more lessons. It would seem that the experiences of the night before with the assassin have created a larger thirst for knowledge and wonder of this world in which Variel resides. He may not understand or retain much of what is explained to him, but the enjoyment in listening and learning is there. Rain, if you are able to step away from the helm for a while, I was wondering if you would be willing to impart some more knowledge of the seas and sailing? With everything that has been going on lately I have failed to do due diligence in keeping up with my studies. Keeping an eye open and trained on Neko for any adverse reaction, Variel takes Rain's hand and gives a gentle kiss. Hopefully this is acceptable to Neko as Variel wants to spend time with her but is unsure of exactly how to proceed with such a stern guardian. That and Variel still owed Neko for warning him of the assassin. The question was just how the debt was to be paid.
"But at least we have fresh supplies in the meantime; so hopefully it will not matter overmuch."
"Aye, little sister, we replenished the water barrels before we left port. It shall be fine. But it is good that you care about the sailors onboard this vessel."
”But that’s all for later,” he adds a bit more easily.
"I'll be sure to have the spell ready on the morrow then," He grins toothily.
After spending some time watchin Dhaavan work providing he is willing to have an audience, Variel will rendezvous with Rain and see if she is willing to give him some more lessons. It would seem that the experiences of the night before with the assassin have created a larger thirst for knowledge and wonder of this world in which Variel resides. He may not understand or retain much of what is explained to him, but the enjoyment in listening and learning is there. Rain, if you are able to step away from the helm for a while, I was wondering if you would be willing to impart some more knowledge of the seas and sailing? With everything that has been going on lately I have failed to do due diligence in keeping up with my studies. Keeping an eye open and trained on Neko for any adverse reaction, Variel takes Rain's hand and gives a gentle kiss. Hopefully this is acceptable to Neko as Variel wants to spend time with her but is unsure of exactly how to proceed with such a stern guardian. That and Variel still owed Neko for warning him of the assassin. The question was just how the debt was to be paid.
Rain motions over Jiro and asks him to take the helm if he is not otherwise engaged in another task. (If Jiro is then one of the other trusted crew who can sail will take the helm.)
Rain felt Variel's mouth on her hand and relished the small physical contact. She had affection for her golden cat, Neko, but her keen vigilance could be taxing, even though Rain understood her intentions. She wondered if Variel understood them.
"Aye, I am willing to share more of my seafaring knowledge with you. Is the Captain's cabin vacant at present?" Rain smiled gently but warmly at Variel.
To Neko who was lazing in the sun on the rail, Rain inclined her head slightly and whispered, "I will be teaching him. No need for concern, Neko."
Seijiro will shake off the lethargy that was taking him as the day progressed, and take the helm to spell Rain while she worked with Variel. It was a rare treat to work the helm while the ship was actually underway. He gave Rain a little semi-conspiratorial wink as she slipped off to the cabin with Variel, not aware of the restrictions placed on them by Neko.
The next 12 days pass without incident and the heat breaks about halfway through, giving way to cool September winds. Clear and bright the sailing is excellent and invigorating.
The next 12 days pass without incident and the heat breaks about halfway through, giving way to cool September winds. Clear and bright the sailing is excellent and invigorating.
The dawn of the 9th Horatio will move with Adular to attempt to communicate with the Sahuangin that wore the necklace.
The Sahaguin seems to put up a mighty fight against answering Adular's questions, wanting to protect his people.
Variel and Rain, Neko watches you as you move to the cabin but doesn't seem to interfere even when Variel gives the kiss. She appears to be enjoying baking in the heat along one of rails too much to move. She does give a gentle hiss as you enter the cabin though as if to say I'm giving you some slack...don't hang yourselves with it.
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Variel face lights up when Rain accepts the opportunity to have some quiet time together. Even though Variel is not the most perceptive sometimes, he does see Neko's reaction and the small hiss that accompanies his offer. Giving Rain a wink, he places his arm across her back with his hand on her waist. Not looking at Neko to see the reaction VAriel continues on to his studies.
The Sahaguin seems to put up a mighty fight against answering Adular's questions, wanting to protect his people.
1. Horatio will spend the first few days crafting projects below deck for himself (and one for the ship, if the others desired). During his “downtime” during meals he’ll spend time with the main crew below decks doing what he normally does; singing, joking around, a little friendly gambling, that sort of thing.
2. During the evenings Horatio will spend time with Amen-set; speaking to her on the aft deck at length, getting to know her, about her culture, her religion, her values and background. Basically trying to learn who she is and what she is about.
3. Horatio will continue to enjoy time with Risa; but he is also encouraging the others of the gun crew to work as a team. Despite his team efforts, he generally treats the gun crew slightly different; giving them special perks from his own pocket and different attention in general. It seems that this is to foster a sense of esperit de corps with them; and also to make sure that they are able to function well using the weapons.
He’ll let them know that Amen-set and Piper are now part of the “team” though they normally don’t use the guns; Piper is their backup repair agent, and Amen-set will assist them in healing if the ship is under attack. Simply call out “medic” and she will come.
4. Horatio will do what he can to learn the lore/background of everyone on the ship; he’ll start paying attention to the original crew – specifically Ambrose; Rosie; Sandara, Conchobar; Arretta and Ratline.
5. During the afternoon Horatio will give the majority of the officers latitude to do what they need to. HOWEVER – in the spirit of togetherness and “team effort” he formally requests that (duty permitting) the main officers convene for a dinner in the “officer’s mess”. He hopes the dinner will be a chance for them all to share what they’ve been up to during the day; as well as a chance to simply hang out for a while and bond and have a good time.
6. Horatio will bring out his “finished” crafting projects once we get closer to Rock Island; but mainly I’m looking from the go-ahead by the GM before I say what I bring up.
Okay; that’s it. Please let me know if you have any comments/questions/concerns.
1. After she is finished crafting what Horatio needs she will meet with the gun crew to aid them in their daily duties for at least four hours of the work-day. During each day she will do what she can to use her own Diplomacy skill to get to know the crew better and specifically bond them as a team.
2. She will spend particular time with the gun-crew and try to bond them especially better as a team.
3. She will spend more “relaxed” time with Rain; talking about sailing and “girl stuff” and Dhaavan; but generally harassing him and being a bit of a nuisance (her best efforts to be flirty). At night she’ll be more amorous, and fool around with him more, provided he respects her virginity; other than that, she’s pretty much good to go to have a fun time with him; but will still formally sleep below decks when she’s not having fun.
4. Amen-set will spend time with Piper and get to learn the ways of crafting and work on the ship.
Okay, that’s pretty much it; I’ll have rolls up later, but I’m late for work.
"O'course Cap'n, feel free to come in while I work. I'm afeared it ain't all that interestin as it's mostly diagrams and workin reagents, lot o guess-work on my part ta be honest," Dhaavan agrees with a non-chalant smile and shrug. "I'll try teach ya sommat o' how it works eh?"
Dhaavan has busied himself with his projects, making Jiro his Daredevil Boots of the Cat, and Gloves of something...
But with 12 days of crafting I should be able to get everything done, and IIRC I can pass all my checks by taking 10
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Variel nods in appreciation to Dhaavan when he is allowed to watch and learn from him regarding his spellcraft. Although somewhat lost at first, as Dhaavan continues to work and explain the diagrams he uses Variel slowly gains a small understanding. What was puzzling at first to Variel was exactly how you imbue an object with magic and have that magic last for such an extended period of time. Not that the effects were constant, but rather that they could be utilized at any time. All of Variel's experience dealt with the present and the effort he put in himself. So what you are doing and able to create is based not on your own power but your manipulation of the reagents and spell forms combined. That is were I always got lost. If I cast a spell, the power and duration of that spell is in a direct correlation to how powerful I am. If I choose to cast a spell to enlarge myself I know that I can only make it last for 5 minutes before the power I placed in the spell is exhausted. The same is true for scrolls and potions. In those cases the power of the effect is based on the power placed in the medium, only inert until used. Not true with what you are doing here. The power is always there albeit limited in some regards, but today, tomorrow and the next it is still the same.
After speaking aloud his thoughts, Variel muses quietly waiting to see if he is right or if Dhaavan has anything to add.
Adular sighed when the spell didn't work, "I'm thinking I may give up on that spell entirely and just go back to blasting folks with Besmara's wrath. More fun anyway."
Variel face lights up when Rain accepts the opportunity to have some quiet time together. Even though Variel is not the most perceptive sometimes, he does see Neko's reaction and the small hiss that accompanies his offer. Giving Rain a wink, he places his arm across her back with his hand on her waist. Not looking at Neko to see the reaction Variel continues on to his studies.
Rain had heard and noted Neko's warning, even though the cat's demeanour was more languid as she enjoyed the sunny day. She also noted Jiro's subtle wink and knew the meaning. She would have to explain to Jiro the situation she and Variel now faced with Neko's guardianship.
Variel's hand on the small of her back felt warm and good, even on such a hot day. As they entered the cabin, Rain smiled at Variel and asked quietly, "Now Var, where would you like to start?"
Adular sighed when the spell didn't work.
As the creature’s corpse opens it’s somewhat glassy eyes, it can be heard to hiss at Adular in Aquan…
”Ee chu ta!” it says, hissing an old Aquan profanity.
As Adular presses harder with the spell, it growls in response.
”Ya koo tocha ka poonoo nee sok nyee!”.
Horatio leans back and looks at it with disgust.
He glances at Adular.
”He says – Your mind powers will not work against me, boy,” Horatio explains, translating quickly, then turns to spit on the creature’s head and raises his pistol.
”Chone manya weesh asha beecho!” Horatio retorts hotly.
Then he crushes the creatures skull with the butt of his pistol.
Glancing at Adular, he shrugs.
”Oh, I told him – I shall enjoy watching you die,"
He takes out a smoke and holds it in his hand a moment before lighting it and looks up Adular.
"Earlier I said I’d wake him from the dead and send him back to hell if he hurt our folk.” he adds dryly as he wipes the pistol on the creatures clothing, than he sighs and lights up.
”Want a smoke?” he asks the priest.
As the ship nears the mysterious Tidewater Rock, Horatio ponders the feasibility of the Double Hackbut.
Thus far, only Variel seemed interested in the idea, but wanted more details.
Horatio had not heard from any other officer on the ship. He knew that time was short; and suspected that their personal affairs was what kept them from this issue.
That said, he approaches the last member of the officer corps to get her opinion on the matter specifically.
”Sandara, I’ve been looking to make a new weapon for the ship with the ship’s funds. I know everyone is busy getting ready; but at this point I’m at a loss and I'm not sure if I should go ahead with the project or not.”
He takes a pull from his smoke and shrugs.
”At this point, I’m going to try asking you for a little feedback. I’m ready to go below, take what I need, and just use it now. So far Nightstorm suggested a Corvus. I could make that, sure; if that’s the way to go. I can do either the gun, the Corvus, or both. I have plenty of time; but I honestly am looking for an answer from at least one other person because I don't know what to do.”
”That said, you’re smart, you’re savvy; you’ve sailed in these waters longer than we all have – what is your opinion on the matter?” he says to her directly.
"Aye, I don't partake often, but a pipe might be relaxing right now."
A bit later, he'll be smoking and blowing little smoke rings. Should it be needed, he'll create water to either fill the supplies, or to help the swabs clean the decks.
Getting back to work he adds, "I'd bet that if yea tried yer hand at it, yea'd do more figgurin how the stuff works, make a circle to create a kind o magic rather'n have magic an figurin how to bind it."
Dhaavan is in the captain's quarters working while Jiro is sleeping and Rain is piloting the Lady, allowing Jack to Patrol and report on the goings on on the ship, taking the ossasional break to enjoy the work of the crew and the sae air. Then in the evenings he vacates the study and gets back into the rancorous rapport he's fostered since he got on the old Wormwood. Yet these days he seems to drink more yet retain sobriety to a surprising degree based on how slight of build he is...
When Sejiro takes the helm, Dhaavan takes what time he can convince his playmate, Flynn's lovelie young ward to spend with him in his vacant cabin, He shows the utmost respect for her wishes as not to miss out on enjoying everything else he can get away with.
2 days on the gloves
If it's daredevil boots o' the cat it's 3 days and about 1475 gp cost IIRC which is no problem
2 days for Flynn's stuff
And if he's got the funds and stuff, I can make a headband of Wis for adular in the remaining time and we be set for the rock!
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As the two weeks pass by quickly a routine was established once again that had been missing from Variel's life. Wake up prepare himself both physically and mentally for the day ahead, check on the condition of the ship and crew, spend time with Dhaavan watching him work his craft, and spending time with Rain as she instructs him on the finer points of nature, geography, and sailing.
During the evening if Variel is not giving a Jiro a break at the helm, he is interacting a bit more with the crew. He tries to limit his interactions as he is unsure if the crew wants to really have the captain around playing the same games they are playing. Trying to ease the situation Variel purposely loses with good natured cheer. Variel doesn't lose much but still enough to participate with the crew.
When the officers convene for one of their weekly meals as they near the Rock, Variel broaches the topic ofhow to crack it. From what we have gathered so far, it seems like the current owner of the Rock has no love for Harrigan. Neither do we. Do we appeal to her loss and align ourselves with her completely or do we try to have Dhaavan smooth talk her into a mutual accord? Either way we keep our eyes open if hostilities are inevitable for a weakness that we need to exploit. Any other thoughts on this?
"Aye, sounds like a good Fore mounted weapon, along side a catapult what we can use ta toss Fire-pots an' such. Yer powder weapons are mighty devastatin, although the feel o em is off ta me personal-wise, Be good ta hit a target what's harrassin us as we come up and have a traditional siege too.".
Horatio nods briskly.
"It will be done, then. I'll have it finished in about 2 or 3 days, tops. I just need the supplies from below," he adds.
"As for where we put it? I thought we could mount it on the fighting top for when we're trying to board another ship and we swing to a broadside. As it's a large gun, I reckon we can move it anywhere we need to, depending on the situation."
"Aye, I don't partake often, but a pipe might be relaxing right now."
Horatio grins as he shares the smoke for a bit.
When they're done he fishes out a small pouch (about 4 ounces) and tosses it to Adular.
"Here; it's Longbottom Leaf. Halfling's grow the best! Piper bought about 3 pounds of this in port a few days back. Enjoy it; it's the good stuff," he adds with a wink.
From what we have gathered so far, it seems like the current owner of the Rock has no love for Harrigan. Neither do we. Do we appeal to her loss and align ourselves with her completely or do we try to have Dhaavan smooth talk her into a mutual accord? Either way we keep our eyes open if hostilities are inevitable for a weakness that we need to exploit. Any other thoughts on this?
Horatio stabs his fork into some pickled cabbage as he listens to Variel’s thoughts and lifts the food to his mouth, chewing slowly.
As he considers options, he dips one of his biscuits into the rich chowder like gravy and takes a bite, enjoying the taste of the bread mixed with the seafood, which was broiled in spices and cream. He glances around the table at the others.
With little to offer on the subject, he contents himself to listen.
It sounds like there is more to this place than he expected; not just a simple assault on a military fortress.
Lifting a glass of wine to his lips, he sips sparingly; his thoughts tacking back to his homeland for a bit, and he briefly wonders how Amen-set is doing.
I wonder what plan they’ll settle on. Well, whatever it is, I’m sure things will work out.
The voyage goes well after the ambush by the sahuagin and at about noon Ratline calls out in his familiar gravely voice Land Ho!
Looking in the direction he indicates, you see a beautiful rocky isle in the distance with a solid looking tower rising up from a small sheltered harbor. Windward Isle looks to be sparse with the exception of a few buildings surrounding the harbor. Rough shingle and gravely beaches make up the majority of the island. A few small areas that look to be cultivated can be seen on several of the low hills. The island is approximately 2 miles long by 1 mile wide.
The harbor is a lagoon that looks to be able to hold no more than 3 seagoing vessels and abuts the tower which you immediately recognize as Tidewater Rock. Water ebbs and flows against the tower, occasionally throwing up a high spray when a particularly powerful wave hits it.
Tidewater Rock is a fortified tower over 70' in height and is built on the same stone shingle that the western shore of Windward Isle. A stone stair rises 10 feet to a heavy front door. The tower itself appears to be made of reinforced masonry. The pounding surf rolls around its base and partially covers the steps that lead up to its front gate. A few arrow slits pierce its walls here and there, and a single shuttered window opens high upon the face of the fortress. A roof of metal shingles rises from its battlements where sentries keep lookout and a pair of cannons stand ready on corner turrets.
"I can certainly have a word with the lovely widow," Dhaavan chuckles. "So what's the aim here, Cap'n? I mean, taking the rock to take it's enough for me, but our end-game is determines our methods. If we want access to her port, we gets resources from the fortress, an a safe base, we can try make a deal, let ehr keep the place, an we goes about ur business, eh? Or do we want to run it, install one o' ours in command so we displace her and them loyal to 'er."
Lacking a vision for what to do with a ship, and motivated by his personal agenda, Dhaavan is glad he wasnt' made captain, but rather gets to enjoy this pleasure-cruse. "Whatcha need me ta do exactly, eh?"
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Well that is a good point there Dhaavan. To be honest I am great with the note that they keep the Rock as long as we have access to it. Of course that means the harbor the keep, and the island. In fact I would prefer this offer claiming it ourselves. I have enough people after my head for other reasons I don't need anyone coming after me trying to prove themselves against the captain of the crew that took the Rock. Of course some of this will be decided once we know the state of affairs of the keep and the island. We may find that it would be better burnt to the ground and the stones removed and just keep the harbor for all the good it will do. I trust your silvered forked tongue enough for you to get us in and out.
When the island comes near, Variel indicates to run up a flag for parlay. It is a ways out but surely the sentries will see it and report the approaching ship
Rain listens to Dhaavan and Variel talk. As she steers the Lady, keeping a fair, steady speed, she offers her thoughts on the discussion. "I am certain others have offered something similar to Agasta Smythee but it was mere pretense to take what was hers. The widow may not be swayed so readily. I would suggest we approach the matter patiently and openly with the woman and her advisors. Be charming and clever sorceror, but do not lie or boast this time."
Rain looks up at the top mast as the black parlay flag goes up and then she looks out across the water again and the visage of the Rock's tower in the distance. During the past two weeks of sailing, Rain had contemplated a great many things. She stole a quick glance at Neko and then at Variel but said nothing. Returning her gaze to the ocean and skies she put all other thoughts from her head for the time being.
"Dhaavan, she's a widow, a woman alone in a lonely place... use that, without being vulgar, that is.... she may be amenable to your charms, you know." Seijiro gives Dhaavan an odd look, tilting his head to one side, then shrugs and smiles.
Horatio finishes his meal and wipes his mouth with a kerchief by his plate, then drinks a long draught of port.
Leaning back, he lights a cheroot and lets his mind drift.
He ponders the nuances of what will happen as he smokes in silence.
He considers Sandara’s refusal to answer him when he had attempted to engage her.
His mind ranges over the methods he attempted to employ on improving the gun crew; even now he has no idea how successful those methods are, or are not.
He ponders that nature of the others’ insight on this island and the seeming ease that they have digested the particulars of what will likely unfold, and juxtaposes it with his own guesses, which are clearly far from the mark.
He thinks of the projects that he was going to make to improve the ship and realizes that no one on board wishes them made. Then he mentally files them away.
He overhears suddenly that there is some talk of a widow. After hearing Seijiro’s comments to Dhaavan, he wonders if the plan is to have Dhaavan try to seduce this widow in some way.
His eyes frost a bit as he suddenly considers Amen-set; and he wonders what the girl would think if her she knows her lover would seek another.
He wonders if Dhaavan does not try to do so, will the task fall to Variel.
If so; it seems likely that such an action – for Variel to seduce another – may not please Rain.
He considers Adular, and suspects that, of any of them – if the plan is to now use some form of sexual intimacy to motivate action; that Adular will cause the least issue with the others if he is the one to proceed.
Blowing a stream of smoke, he doubts Adular will do it, though.
Bored with proceedings, he excuses himself from the table politely and decides to go below and get prepared.
He dresses in his old clothes that he had when he started this expedition; now finely pressed and washed.
He buckles on his weapons belt and over it and he slips into his silk topcoat with the ship’s crest on the back. Over that he hangs his satchel with the few medical supplies and some other odds and ends.
He brushes his hair mechanically, and ties it back. Then he picks up his new item which he made below. Checking to see that it is in order; he slings it over his back.
He confers with Amen-set and Piper. Though their skills might be useful, if what happens is what he thinks will happen; Horatio does not want Amen-set to be present.
Then, having finished his work, he goes aloft and waits to see how their signal is received.
Having heard Jiro's suggestion, Rain had a fair idea what Amen-set would have to say to Dhaavan using his particular "charms" on the widow Smythee.
"I do not believe using such a tactic would be wise in this situation. It could backfire on us in different ways. I would rather interact as honestly as possible with Agasta Smythee than use her loneliness in such a way and toy with her emotions. That is if she is amiable to listening to our cause."
Rain's eyes flicked to Variel's for a second. She hoped he would not entertain such an idea and would counsel Dhaavan against it.
A sudden thought occurs to Horatio.
This place is often called “tide water” rock.
The harbor looks like a calm lagoon and seems peaceful enough; but a full moon is less than ten days from their arrival and moon cycles affect tides in general.
He observed that the waves were crashing against the rocks near the tower; including covering the steps of this tower.
Knowing something about nature and the wild, he guesses that the tower and the stairs may be far more drenched when nighttime comes and the moon is out.
With little to do, he examines the fortification in general and the island as a whole.
At this point he merely assumes that the others will do the work and the talking.
With nothing else to do and no one else to talk to, he leans against the rigging and sings softly to himself to pass the time.
Horatio continues to stare dully at the island, wondering when the populace would notice the armed ship in their harbor, and when they would respond to the signal flags.
Though his companions had some general ideas on what they wanted to do; the flag was already flown and the ship was already in the harbor.
Surely the people on this place would react soon; either signaling with flags, sending out a delegation, or simply attacking.
Any way you slice it, we’re waiting for a reaction…
"Woa there now, Jiro, Rain, I weren't suggestin any sort o vulgarity or impropriety, nor dishonesty o' any kind. But as Jiro says, for a lonley woman, she may appreciate the attention, an all i'd be doin were makin a good impression so as she listens with an ammenable ear. Ain't nut'in untoward about that, right?" dhaavan assures the officers with a smile, although it may be difficult to tell if the lacivious sorcerer is serious as he has yet to set foot in port without a leason on at least one evening.
A red flag goes up, the sign in the shackles that parley is given but weapons are still readied. A woman is now standing on the parapet. She has long full blond hair and is a thicker woman who looks like she may have been very beautiful in her youth. That said, she is still a very attractive woman and looks down at you all at you approach. When you get within hailing range, she calls out, her voice carrying over the crashing waves. Husky and strong, she speaks with the cultured accent of the well educated and bred. Ahoy the ship! What business have you at Tidewater Rock! She wears a silk gown of deep purple and has a crossbow held easily in one hand.
Ahoy the ship! What business have you at Tidewater Rock!
Horatio’s eyes open in surprise at the presence of the woman.
Not sure what the plans are formally, he decides it is better to respond than keep the woman waiting.
As he’s on the fore deck of the ship and can see her clearly, he ascertains that she is likely nobility, and conducts herself well.
Therefore, he quickly stands up straighter away from the rigging and bows cordially at her presence. Then, he cups his hands around his mouth and calls back.
”With respect, we are sailors who seek an audience with the lord or lady of these estates. We ask permission to dispatch a small deputation to meet peaceably and perhaps discuss matters more privately,” he answers, hoping his manners and behavior come across as both polite but dignified.
Addular takes another draw, "Longbottom, eh? You're right...the halflings do know their wares. Goes down cleaner than most."
When the officers convene for one of their weekly meals as they near the Rock, Variel broaches the topic ofhow to crack it. From what we have gathered so far, it seems like the current owner of the Rock has no love for Harrigan. Neither do we. Do we appeal to her loss and align ourselves with her completely or do we try to have Dhaavan smooth talk her into a mutual accord? Either way we keep our eyes open if hostilities are inevitable for a weakness that we need to exploit. Any other thoughts on this?
"I'm more for even footing in these things but I yield to the majority..." When chatter turns to wooing the widow, he chuckles, "I think any woman might enjoy flattery, but never take one for granted. They can be like Calistria themselves when wrong, taking terrible vengeance just because a lad might mistake them for an object o' desire." He tips his hat to Rain and any other women in the room, "Meaning no disrespect to the shapelier sex."
.........
Husky and strong, she speaks with the cultured accent of the well educated and bred. Ahoy the ship! What business have you at Tidewater Rock! She wears a silk gown of deep purple and has a crossbow held easily in one hand.
Seeing that Flynn has spoken, Adular tips his hat, this time at the widow. [Thought]Gods, she must have bewitched all the lads at one time, and she's still to fire![/Thought]
Addular takes another draw, "Longbottom, eh? You're right...the halflings do know their wares. Goes down cleaner than most."
Horatio grins around the taste of the tobacco.
”Aye, it does. It's a smoother taste, that's true. Of course, there’s lots of blends and varieties I’ve tried. They all have their perks, to be sure," he says, exhaling a thin stream quickly.
"I picked up the habit a few years back when I started learning the way of lead,” he adds, patting the butt of his pistol.
”My mentor told me that smoking is very good for gunfighters; it calms the nerves, keeps a nervous hand from shaking so your aim is better for it,” he adds with a grin.
”I don’t know about all that, but what is clear to me is that it tastes damn good.”
Taking another draw, he looks Adular over, his eyes studying him.
”You know, you like you could probably handle yourself pretty good with one of these things,” he adds thoughtfully, putting his hand on the pistol again.
"Your aim is steady enough, and you got something else... heart, maybe... but plenty of fire and grit in a tight spot, I'll wager."
”I know you’re a priest, but any time you’re eager to learn one of these things, you just let me know. I’ll show you the ropes,” he adds with a friendly smile.
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Prep time with officers: It is true that we do not want to abuse the woman with her loss and all, but we do want to use the situation to our advantage. There is a fine line there but in that space we may find our best chances of success. We must be careful with our words and how we present ourselves if we are to avoid any unnecessary conflict.
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AFter the tower signals and Flynn responds:
Variel keeps quiet while he lets the others do the talking. No sense revieling himself at the time if Flynn and Dhaavan are going to do the talking. Besides, the island's allegiance is unknown at this time an VAriel does not want to have them at his throat because of his unknown ancestory. If the tower responds favorably and the Lady proceeds into the harbor, Variel will still remain quiet but keep his eyes open for any subtle change in mood from the sentries.