As for himself and with the morning free he finds Rain to see if she wanted to walk along the city as well until the appointed time. Nothing planned or any direction in particular, but as we have the time we might as well stretch the legs and see what this city has to offer. Unless you have plans that is.
"No other plans. I will take a walk through the city with you." His hand felt warm entwined with hers as they disembarked and headed for town. Rain's eyes looked around for any awaiting minstrels or little girls with baskets filled with rose petals. Variel appeared more at ease at this docking and she hoped it would continue that way.
Jiro, you are greeted and shown in to the temple but you have to wait a little bit before Selenia is brought to you. She smiles when she sees you and says I thought you were going to be away longer. I hope your trip was satisfactory. Taking your arm she leads you to a side room with a table and chairs and tea is brought for you.
Holding Rain's hand and escorting her off the ship he sees Adular and Sandara nearby. We can leave Rosie in charge Adular. That way you can take the esteemed Sandara to visit the temple.
Adular nods "Alright, Rosie, you're in charge it seems, don't go sailing off without us, eh?"
Rosie nods and begins to order the crew about, making sure they are doing what they are supposed to and setting the rotation for shore leave.
Sandara smiles brightly at Adular and says So where are you taking me Bosun?
Horatio watches the others leave the ship.
He turns to see that Rosie is now seemingly the Officer of the Watch and his eyes narrow thoughtfully.
Despite his plans at the town, as there is no formal officer on the ship, he will wait on the ship so that there is at least one officer present as Rosie’s formal rank is only a “Swab”.
He turns to Amen-set at this point.
”Take Shix and Reevah as guards; they’re hard fighters and they’ve been with us long enough that we can trust them."
"Go to the merchant’s quarter and sell the mundane gear we took from the caster,” he says, handing Amen-set the bag of the mundane gear that he had taken from the caster personally.
”Once that is done, divide the coin seven ways. One for the mates and the other six for the officers and bring it back here when you’re done,” he adds with a brisk voice.
List of Mundane Gear:
Spyglass – 1,000 GP
Periscope – 20 GP
Bicorne hat – 5 GP
Spell component pouch
Magical Stuff:
Potion - Cure Moderate Wounds
Scroll - Invisibility
Scroll - Knock
Scroll - Wall of Force
Scroll - Water Breathing
Wand - Shield (19 charges remaining)
Cloak - Resistance +2
Rope - Rope of Climbing
- 6 points of plunder worth of spices, silk, and lumber.
- 2 sets of sails recovered from previous wrecks
- 2 additional longboats
- an alchemists laboratory (crude)
In a sea chest hidden underneath what you presume to be the female leaders bunk is:
- a mithral dagger set with a quail egg sized aquamarine gem
- A Shackles Ensign - This red-and-black naval ensign displays the grinning skull and crossed manacles of the Shackles. While the flag feels as sleek as silk, the material is stronger than the toughest sail canvas. Openly flying a Shackles ensign improves the initial attitude of
most hostile or unfriendly pirates by one step, and worsens the starting attitude of those opposed to piracy by one step. The ensign has no effect when not properly mounted on a ship. Once per day, a Shackles ensign can be hoisted and unfurled on a ship to impose a sinister sense of doom upon an opposing ship’s crew. It takes two full-round actions to
raise the flag. All non-pirate creatures (defined at the GM’s discretion) within 300 feet who are able to see the flag take a –1 penalty on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, and skill checks for 1 minute. This is a visual mindaffecting effect. In addition, all allied creatures aboard the ship flying the Shackles ensign gain a +1 luck bonus on attack rolls, weapon damage rolls, saving throws, and skill checks for 1 minute.
- 320 gp
- The Spellbook of Vakarla - Contains all sorcerer/wizard cantrips plus
Knock, Wall of Force, Water Breathing, mirage arcana, overland flight, fear, hallucinatory terrain, phantasmal killer, Wall of fire, haste, invisibility sphere, major image, stinking cloud, vampiric touch, false life, fog cloud, invisibility, mirror image, rope trick, scorching ray, burning hands, color spray, grease, mage armor, magic missile, ray of enfeeblement, silent image, vanish, major image, nightmare
- Wrapped in oilcloth you also find the Golden Vespal, a solid gold wasp
Stats for Captured Ship’s Boat
Amen-set looks at the sack of the mundane gear before taking it, then looks up at him.
”And what of the magical gear that was found? And what of the gear which was discovered upon the island? Which of that shall be kept and which shall be sold, if anything?” she asks him.
He turns a fierce look at her.
”How the hell should I know? Just get the stuff sold and get back here quick,” he responds.
It’s clear he’s very uncomfortable with sending her off without him; but he says nothing more about it.
Then he moves to the foredeck and strides up to the main cannon and pulls out some gear and begins tinkering with the guns.
Amen-set watches him for a moment and then bows and obeys.
|
As Rain and Variel head off relaxing in the mid morning light of day Variel takes the opportunity to chat with some of the people near the pier and see if they remember anything about the Brine Banshee. While it might have been a bit for them to remember Variel isn't worried as he has time and is just enjoying being next to Rain and spending time with her. He makes sure that his hand hardly ever leaves her hand, waist or shoulder letting all know that she is spoken for and if Pierce shows up again =they will tell him. While around the docks he will also try and see if there are any rumors of treasure or sunken ships that might interest the officers of The Lady.
diplomacy for gather information
Variel was uncommonly attentive to her as they moved about the docks, even as he spoke with the locals and made his inquiries. Rain attempted to aid him in the endeavour. Two people were better than one at finding information about mysterious ships with mysterious propulsion methods. Or at least learning of any rumours thereof.
Rain was cautious, even as she smiled beside Variel, casting her gaze about the dock and the ships in port for anything out of the ordinary.
She smiled encouragingly to any local who stopped to answer Variel's questions; hoping not to appear too eager or interested in the ship itself lest it draw the wrong kind of attention.
When Selenia arrives, Seijiro bows in greeting to her, though that is not the greeting he'd like to give. He accepts her welcome and sits down, grateful for the delivery of tea.
"We took much less time than I thought... our time on Bag Island was much shorter than expected, as our business there was concluded with great speed. As for our other business, it basically came to us, rather than us having to go search it out. So we are back sooner than anyone could have predicted. Are you disappointed? I am not."
He awaits her answer before going on.
"I... brought you a gift." He holds out the soft wrapped package containing the kimono, holding back the necklace until she's opened the first present.
Rosie nods and begins to order the crew about, making sure they are doing what they are supposed to and setting the rotation for shore leave.
Sandara smiles brightly at Adular and says So where are you taking me Bosun?
"Well, anywhere you like, but the temple is among them. I believe we have something to return to them, and possibly, if you wish, the use of a private room with silk sheets and just the two o us."
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Flynn, Amen can get 65% of the purchase price with that roll instead of 50% and she can find people to sell to for all that stuff so it shouldn't be a problem. Shix and Reevah are happy to accompany Amen.
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Adular, you and Sandara see Seijiro waiting when you enter the House of Stolen Kisses just before the beautiful kitsune woman comes down to greet him. Smiling she takes him into a side room where a table is set for tea before shutting the door.
You are brought directly to Dindreann who takes the Golden Vespa with reverent hands and says My thanks to you Captain. We feared this relic lost for good. Now I am a woman of my word, here is the information you seek. A patron of this temple by the name of Jaymiss Keft, a half-elf scrimshander of some note, claimed in the throes of passion to have knowledge of a spy operating in the shackles for a foreign power. He makes his home in Drenchport and I would search there if I were you.
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Selenia smiles in delight at the kimono and says How beautiful! Thank you Seijiro! The fabric is exquisite, and the color is just the perfect shade of green jade. She seems genuinely delighted by the gift.
Flynn, Amen can get 65% of the purchase price with that roll instead of 50% and she can find people to sell to for all that stuff so it shouldn't be a problem. Shix and Reevah are happy to accompany Amen.
When Amen-set returns, Horatio nods, pleased at her results.
You are brought directly to Dindreann who takes the Golden Vespa with reverent hands and says My thanks to you Captain. We feared this relic lost for good. Now I am a woman of my word, here is the information you seek. A patron of this temple by the name of Jaymiss Keft, a half-elf scrimshander of some note, claimed in the throes of passion to have knowledge of a spy operating in the shackles for a foreign power. He makes his home in Drenchport and I would search there if I were you.
Being pleased with the results of the sale Horatio turns to Amen-set and studies her.
”Right; so here’s the next thing I’d like you to do,” he begins as he looks at the line of ships at the docks.
”I want you to go poking around the docks and find out of the ship belonging to that lad who’s been trying to woo the Pilot-Major might have showed up while we were gone. If it has, see where it’s docked.”
”That captain may be following us for some reason; and that reason doesn't need to be for as something as mundane as something as simple as trying to win a girl… Remember; I shamed Harrigan in front of that bloody Pirate King and he may have decided to hire an independent to see where we’re headed; what we’re up to and who we’re allied with.”
”If anyone in the port knows what’s going on with that guy and his ship then get the news and come back here. I know your mates with the Pilot-Major, but don’t try starting trouble with that sod on her behalf. Remember; if he’s a threat we don’t want him to know that we’re on him right away.”
”Finally, if you get a chance after before we get back, ask some of the veteran guys on the ship what they think of Harrigan’s cabin girl. Is she really the innocent lass she’s been acting like, or is there reason we should suspect her? I figure they'll be more free with their thoughts if there are no formal officers around...” he adds slowly.
Amen-set nods and then sets out to work on the next task with the two bodyguards.
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Rain and Variel, through your walk you find a few people that direct you to a man by the name of Heneilius Fitch, a former ship's doctor whom claims to know how to find the Brine Banshee but is looking for someone to finance the trip. He is based out of the port of Ollo.
After Selenia opens the package containing the kimono, Seijiro smiles at her, happy that she likes it. "I'm glad you like it... the color suits you... I hope this does too." He hands her the second, smaller package, wrapped in silk. "It is something won in battle, and I chose it for you. I hope you like it too."
If she asks, or seems interested, he'll then tell her the tale of the encounter with the wreckers and how the plunder was won... Using his 'realistic likeness' shapechange to take the form of the different characters in the story - friends and enemies alike, and acting out their roles as best he can.
Rain and Variel, through your walk you find a few people that direct you to a man by the name of Heneilius Fitch, a former ship's doctor whom claims to know how to find the Brine Banshee but is looking for someone to finance the trip. He is based out of the port of Ollo.
Rain pondered the information they had gathered regarding the mysterious Brine Banshee.
As Amen-set asks the mates on the ship about Caulky he heads into town and finds Variel and Rain.
"Hey!" he calls out and waves at them, then moves over to chat.
"So I did a little checking to see if that whore-son Pierce may have stopped by the town since we're gone; the good news is that he's not around and he hasn't stopped here while we were away which feels like a good sign."
"Meantime I sold the mundane gear I pinched from that caster. Thanks to Amen-set we managed to get a better deal; so here's your cut of the loot," he says, and hands them out their cut of the loot.
"Now, from what I hear the sails are roughly 1,500 gold and I hear you two have put up the loot for them out of your own pocket?"
He frowns and shakes his head.
"Yeah, that's not good. The thing is; we're all in this together. There are six of us so that means I owe you guys 250 gold pieces for my part of the deal," he says and hands them over the loot without further debate.
He runs his fingers through his hair and eases the dark locks back thoughtfully.
"Anyhow; given that the loot is now open to any and all I'm going to go back to the ship and take the loot on board with Amen-set and sell it off so we can get supplies and head out faster. After all, we kind of made a promise to that priest of that dark god and I just don't feel comfortable with that debt over my head, you know?"
"Personally I'd rather not be doing business with that priest, but as we've entered into a bargain with the priest, I don't want to take any more time getting started than we need to," he says, intentionally not mentioning the name of the dark god, as if speaking the name may somehow "conjure" bad luck somehow.
"That being the case I figured you might want to head back to the ship and let me know if you want to keep any of the stuff we found," he says breezily.
"Whatever you don't want to claim, I'll ask Amen-set to sell; and then split the earnings equally, as usual."
He pulls out a smoke and then looks up at the two Elves, his eyes shifting between them both for a moment before he lights it.
"But the way I see it; well, we got a lot of gear to offload and there's no reason to dally. So, that said... Well, what are we waiting for?" he asks them with a small smile.
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Surprised at finding a lead on the Brine Banshee Variel tips the man with the information a gold piece for his time. Thanks for the lead. holding another gold in his fingers he asks, What else do you know about this man?
After they get the information and if it corroborates with the information that Rain has, Variel is content to relax looking at different wares and buildings in the area. Soon though it would be time to meet with Dindreann and see about the Golden Wasp. Before he does so a particular business catches his eye. Giving Rain a look he pulls her along to the shop.
The shop was a jewelry shop and Variel had a particular purchase he needed to make. I realized with the suddenness of the engagement that I did not properly buy you an engagement ring. I wish to correct that mistake. Please look around and should you find a ring that you like then I would be pleased if you would let me purchase it for you now.
Jsut let me know how much this ring is going to cost me. This could hurt the money pouch a bit as I want it to be expensive but not gaudy either.
Leaving the shop Variel espies Horatio coming towards them. Having gotten the split of the money from the sales of the mundane items Variel decides that he is good with just giving the ship Horatio's share as Variel is content at the moment with his earnings. Thatnks Horatio. This will help offset the cost. As for the items in the hold, perhaps wait till we hear from the others for now. If you think Amen-set can get a good rate for some of the plunder he have then go ahead and sell a couple shares of that. I would leave some of each that we have in the hold should we come to a port that is looking for certain items. Variel noticed the reference to Pierce but stayed away from it as he did not want to be foul the nice time he was having with dark thoughts.
Thatnks Horatio. This will help offset the cost. As for the items in the hold, perhaps wait till we hear from the others for now.
Horatio's eyes widen in surprise.
"I don't know; I asked everyone if they wanted to keep the gear or sell it before we reached Bag Island - no one claimed any of the gear except Jiro-san and that magical hat he gave Tomo, oh - and you and that wand. Now personally I wouldn't mind the cloak, but I figure I can't afford that kind of stuff," he says with a shrug as he takes a draw from the smoke.
"But if you'd rather hang on to it, I won't protest," he says with an easy grin.
If you think Amen-set can get a good rate for some of the plunder he have then go ahead and sell a couple shares of that. I would leave some of each that we have in the hold should we come to a port that is looking for certain items.
Horatio nods.
"Yeah; I'd rather Dhaavan gave it a swing, but as he's not able to, then Amen-set will do her best to offload any plunder we got."
He considers Variel's comments about what ports may be seeking specific plunder.
"For what it's worth we may want to check the logs that we've picked up and find what ports are looking for specific items," he says.
Horatio rubs his chin thoughtfully.
"As soon as we head back to the ship we can have Amen-set unload the plunder we don't want; while we're getting that packed up, maybe we could try to figure out the value of that mithril dagger, too? It's not magical; but still - mithril's mithril," he adds.
Horatio glances to Rain to see if she has any other ideas.
"Did you guys pick up any news on that ship we're hunting?" he says, not really expecting many details.
"If not, no worries; we should be able to find the real news when we meet up with Adular at the whorehouse."
"Hey, that reminds me - when we take the gold statue there do you guys have an angle to pursue when we hand it over?" he asks them, hoping that they'll be making their way to the ship.
Soon though it would be time to meet with Dindreann and see about the Golden Wasp. Before he does so a particular business catches his eye. Giving Rain a look he pulls her along to the shop.
The shop was a jewellery shop and Variel had a particular purchase he needed to make. I realized with the suddenness of the engagement that I did not properly buy you an engagement ring. I wish to correct that mistake. Please look around and should you find a ring that you like then I would be pleased if you would let me purchase it for you now.
Rain was taken by surprise at Variel's gesture. Aye, she had thought about rings, but had not said anything to Variel lest it vex him. The business with Pierce had not made him happy and she did not want him to feel that he had to buy her a ring because Pierce had gifted her the earrings.
"As my betrothed, I am to give you a ring, as well. Perhaps we can select a matching design - a pair in silver or Mithral if they have it in Quent. What say you, Variel?" She looked curiously at the Elf she was to marry.
"So I did a little checking to see if that whore-son Pierce may have stopped by the town since we're gone; the good news is that he's not around and he hasn't stopped here while we were away which feels like a good sign."
Rain inwardly cringed at Flynn's colourful reference to Pierce. The Free Captain did not deserve such a slur, for his only transgression (from what Rain could tell) was professing his love for her.
"Flynn, please, there is no need to speak so unkindly of Captain Jerrell. But thank you for checking to see if he was on the island."
"Meantime I sold the mundane gear I pinched from that caster. Thanks to Amen-set we managed to get a better deal; so here's your cut of the loot," he says, and hands them out their cut of the loot.
"Now, from what I hear the sails are roughly 1,500 gold and I hear you two have put up the loot for them out of your own pocket?"...There are six of us so that means I owe you guys 250 gold pieces for my part of the deal," he says and hands them over the loot without further debate.
She accepted her share of the coin Amen-set had made on the mundane gear. "Well done to Amen. Thank you."
As to Flynn's contribution toward the silk sails, as they had already been paid for, Rain did not know how to accept his coin. She looked to Variel. "Flynn, they are already paid for, and there is no need as we have not asked any other officer to give coin. It would not be fair to ask it of you."
After the discussion about the coin was resolved, Rain answered Flynn's next question,
"Did you guys pick up any news on that ship we're hunting?" he says, not really expecting many details.
"We were directed to locate a former ship's doctor, named Heneilius Fitch, who claims to know how to find the Brine Banshee. He is looking for someone to finance the trip. Apparently this Fitch is based out of the port of Ollo."
"Flynn, please, there is no need to speak so unkindly of Captain Jerrell. But thank you for checking to see if he was on the island."
Horatio's eyes flick to Variel as they walk at Rain's comment, and he turns back to her.
"Sure! But I'm not entirely sure about how peachy he really is..." he says slowly.
"Now on the one hand, it's possible he may be angling for you on account of the fact that you've the beauty of a sea goddess and the spirit to match," he says glancing around as if suspicious that even now they may be followed.
He clears his throat after a moment, then leans in toward them.
"Still; I wondered about this Pierce guy - he may just have a yen for you, sure; but then again, he may be using that as a front to follow us for something more insidious. Like, he may be hired out by Harrigan - or some other party - to shadow us and track out progress?" he says looking around again, his eyes watching the crowd as they walk.
"Speaking of which; I put Amen-set to figure out what the former cabin girl of Harrigan's is really up to," he adds, he says, watching the sky and tasting the wind, trying to gauge the weather...
"She said that the girl is just a regular opportunist - she's not going to be stupid enough to betray us when she's sailing with us. Point is; we shouldn't have anything to fear from her," he says with a nod to them as they walk.
She accepted her share of the coin Amen-set had made on the mundane gear. "Well done to Amen. Thank you."
As to Flynn's contribution toward the silk sails, as they had already been paid for, Rain did not know how to accept his coin. She looked to Variel. "Flynn, they are already paid for, and there is no need as we have not asked any other officer to give coin. It would not be fair to ask it of you."
He looks at her with surprise.
"You're right; that probably wouldn't be fair. Luckily for all, you didn't ask," he says with a sudden grin.
"But that's not the point - the point is; we're mates. We split things equally; both the good and the bad," he says as he walks, making no move to take back the money.
"We were directed to locate a former ship's doctor, named Heneilius Fitch, who claims to know how to find the Brine Banshee. He is looking for someone to finance the trip. Apparently this Fitch is based out of the port of Ollo."
Horatio nods slowly, wondering if he recognized the doctor from his studies...
"Well, if the guy knows our target then let's track him down," he says.
"For now the Captain-General wants Amen-set to try to offload about Five Parts of the Plunder we picked up. She'll do that as soon as we get back to the ship."
"Then we need to make sure that the padre's done doing whatever he's doing with Sandara and then we can drop off that gold wasp thing. Once we've dropped it off we can ask the girls at the whorehouse what they know about this ship, too."
He looks around at the people as they head back to their ship, his eyes suddenly looking a little nervous.
"We made an accord with that priest and his god - that's not a deal I want to screw up. I got a strong feeling that you don't want the god of that priest - or any of the priest's followers - to decide to take a personal interest in you, you know what I mean?" he says.
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The town of Ollo is one of the largest settlements in the Shackles. It is ruled by the cruel pirate Avimar Sorrinash, one of the members of the Pirate Council.
Ollo is on Shark Island, and is plagued by raids from the sahuagin who live in the sea near the island. These raids are carried out with Sorrinash’s permission, and the people of Ollo live in daily fear of a sahuagin attack.
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Seijiro, Selenia is stunned by your performance and claps enthusiastically at the end. You spend a few more hours together and it seems that at the beginning you were a good client, towards the end you get the feeling that maybe...just maybe...you two could be something more.
The town of Ollo is one of the largest settlements in the Shackles. It is ruled by the cruel pirate Avimar Sorrinash, one of the members of the Pirate Council.
Ollo is on Shark Island, and is plagued by raids from the sahuagin who live in the sea near the island. These raids are carried out with Sorrinash’s permission, and the people of Ollo live in daily fear of a sahuagin attack.
As the three of them walk, Horatio tugs at his beard.
"Memory serves me this Ollo place is on Shark Island... By the way; the name might be well deserved as the whole place is routinely hit and raided by those sahuagin basterds."
"Of course, the "raids" are allowed to happen by the scum who runs the place - a pirate named Avimar Sorrinash - sits on the Council with other sods like Harrigan..."
"I'm guessing that the town pays Sorrinash protection money for him to watch out for the raids and likely that Sorrinash has arrangements with the sahuagin to be somewhere else when they attack; after which the sahuagin will likely pay him kick-backs for looking the other way."
"But that's just a hunch... The point is; now that we know that, what do we do now?" he says asking the others.
Adular, you and Sandara see Seijiro waiting when you enter the House of Stolen Kisses just before the beautiful kitsune woman comes down to greet him. Smiling she takes him into a side room where a table is set for tea before shutting the door.
Adular smiles, then whispers to Sandara, "I do believe the lad is smitten. Good on him, I hope she's gentle with his heart. He's a good friend."
You are brought directly to Dindreann who takes the Golden Vespa with reverent hands and says My thanks to you Captain. We feared this relic lost for good. Now I am a woman of my word, here is the information you seek. A patron of this temple by the name of Jaymiss Keft, a half-elf scrimshander of some note, claimed in the throes of passion to have knowledge of a spy operating in the shackles for a foreign power. He makes his home in Drenchport and I would search there if I were you.
"Ah, thank you in return, priestess. I've great respect for Calistria, for my mother found her calling with the Savored Sting. We'll seek out this Jaymiss. Can you tell us a bit on what the fellow's like? We may want to approach him all diplomatic like. If there's a gift or somewhat we can bring in advance that he'll like, it might just loosen the riggings in negotiations," He inquires.
After he gets that answer, Adular adds, "And, if I might impose on your good temple in another way? If the lady with me be willing, I'd like access for a room with just the two of us she and I. Something with silk sheets she might feel it against her skin?" He glances to Sandara to see if she's amendable.
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A set of matching rings would do nicely but I don't know if they have anything on hand that will suit us. If they do not have anything matching would you want to have them custom make items not kowing when we will be back to pick them up or each select an item for the other? Although Variel tries to keep his voice even you think he noticed a ring that he would like you to have even if there is not a match to it.
Mithral Blue Sapphire ring for 1500gp. If available then Variel willpurchase it. Just let me know.
Walking back with Horatio, Variel answers him, It is simple. We travel there, kill any sahuagin that attack us. We find this fellow Fitch, convince him to come with us and go about our way. If anyone gets in our way then we do what we must.
Rain, you seem to recall something of Fitch from your time with your grandfather. He is thought of as slightly crazy but nothing nefarious and is obsessed with finding the Brine Banshee though he pretends not to be.
Adular, Dindreann is happy to provide a room since you brought back the relic. Sandara near tears your arm off sprinting for the room for some...alone time.
Rain looked among the beautiful Mithral rings the merchant was selling and happened across two not so dissimilar and motioned Variel to see them.
"Look Var, both in Mithral and deep blue sapphire. The designs are similar and I think would suit as a close match. What do you think?"
She wondered if the female ring was the one he had noted and desired for her.
She hoped too that he liked the ring she had chosen for him. It was masculine, but, at the same time, stately.
Rain was not sure what Variel was thinking for he had not said a word on the matter of how she felt about her position as his wife-to-be. And she did not like feeling as if she was waiting for approval or rejection. She shook off the thought as she looked upon the beautiful rings and waited for Variel's response. Mayhap this is him trying...
Having conferred with Flynn over Heneilius Fitch and the port of Ollo, Rain recollected something else and shared it with him and Variel/the others ,
"I believe my grandfather knew of this Fitch. If I recall correctly, there was talk of the man's sanity -- deemed a little mad but not in a dangerous sense. He was simply obsessed with finding the Brine Banshee, even though he attempted to mask the desire."
As Horatio walks back with Variel and Rain, he hears Rain offer her thoughts.
"I believe my grandfather knew of this Fitch. If I recall correctly, there was talk of the man's sanity -- deemed a little mad but not in a dangerous sense. He was simply obsessed with finding the Brine Banshee, even though he attempted to mask the desire."
Horatio nods at her words, but his eyes narrow as something occurs to him.
”What exactly do we know about this damn ship?” he asks the others, yet his statement is more rhetorical as he starts to list those points – as he sees them.
”So far we know that it’s location is requested by priests of a god who is dedicated to Theft; Murder; Assassination – as well as local clergy who are rumored to capture folk and sacrifice them... not to mention the fact that this same god is so sly and subtle that he was able to worm his way into the councils of gods who are more… good.”
”So finding that ship helps the priests of that god; which probably none of us really like, but we’re stuck doing the deal because – whether we like it or not – as of now we have an accord with those priests.”
”Meantime, if we break that deal with those priests then I think that’s a bad plan; they’re not the type of people to screw around with.”
He shakes his head and continues.
”That said; we know the priests are interested in this ship; we know the ship is near an area frequented by the sahuangin, which are undersea dwellers – oh, and as a fun aside, but one that may be worth thinking about – we also know we’ve had a rather epic tango with some undersea dwellers on almost godlike proportions lately, which may or may not be a coincidence…”
”Finally, we got some guy looking for this ship who’s supposed to be so obsessed with finding this gods-damn “Jonah” that his very obsession with it is driving him mad.”
He shakes his head, a sardonic light in his eyes.
”So yeah; dark cultists looking for a ship that's near an island constantly attacked by undersea dwellers who may or may not have connections with godlike undersea beings; and all of it so important that some people are becoming so obsessed with finding this ship that the obsession with it is causing them to lose their grip on their sanity..."
He rubs his hand over his face slowly and looks at them sidelong.
”You two get the fact that this is all potentially pretty dangerous, deadly, and possibly world-effecting crap we’re dealing with here, right? I mean – I’m just rehashing the facts we know, but as I see it all of them are pretty serious and rather intense stuff.”
He glances around as they approach the pier and get to their ship.
"As of now I’ll I’m saying is that we came to this joint for one thing; to get information on how to find that ship so we could get the deal with the priests done and move on.”
”That said – well; what are we waiting for?” he says to them with a grim smile.
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As Rain was busy looking about the store Variel couldn't help but smile at the look on her face. It warmed his heart to see her happy and at ease without the necessities of the pirate's life for a moment. while he would not want any other life for them it was still good to have these moments of normalcy. When she returned with the 2 rings that she had found that closely matched each other Variel smiled and nodded his approval. I would happily wear this one to match ours. What better way to symbolize our commitment to each other as husband and wife than to show it with these rings. As he takes the engagement ring designed for her stops a moment and looks at her. You can tell that he feels he should be embarrassed by his next words but around you at least he is willing to let his guard down and be open with you. Uh, Rain, you will have to forgive me but what hand or finger does this belong on? There are many customs that I am not familiar with sadly. I did not even know that it was traditionally silver rings that are exchanged between elves.
Om the way back Variel hears Rain give her report to Horatio. It is true that we may have to chase this man down to find the information that we seek. However, we have dealt with obsessive people before and we can be quite convincing. As for having to deal with Ollo and the locals there I am hoping it wont be much if at all. We have enough problems to be worrying about further Sahuagin attacks or the political climate of the island. The quicker we are in and out the better we may be.
Looking around right now Variel shrugs his shoulders at Horatio's concerns. It is true that our associates may be unsavory to some but that is the hand that we have been dealt. I do not think they would double cross us as all we ask is information and we are doing the hard part. That being said we must be on the lookout for any treachery. We will have to take that when it comes though as we have other worries ahead of us.
As for when we leave Quent, I suppose that when the officers are all gathered and ready to depart we will. We did not set a time frame on our departure and I know that Adular is enjoying the time off. Giving Rain a look with eyebrows raised, Would that we were 3 months from now I too would be enjoying the stay here. As it is I am making the most of it already. Perhaps Flynn you should head to the temple yourself for some relaxation and once there you can know if the others are ready to depart in the morning. I see no reason to leave immediately if others have business to attend to. Even Amen-set will be busy selling the plunder for a while.
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As he takes the engagement ring designed for her stops a moment and looks at her. You can tell that he feels he should be embarrassed by his next words but around you at least he is willing to let his guard down and be open with you. Uh, Rain, you will have to forgive me but what hand or finger does this belong on? There are many customs that I am not familiar with sadly. I did not even know that it was traditionally silver rings that are exchanged between elves.
Rain's smile brightened when Variel approved of the ring she had chosen for him and the ring for herself. They were beautifully wrought in Mithral and Sapphire - not gaudy - yet elegant and suitable for a life of piracy. She was suddenly nervous and excited.
"I believe the silver betrothal ring is worn on the finger closest to the little finger on the left hand. When we marry, we exchange gold rings and they are to be worn on the finger closest to the little finger on the right hand."
She held out her left hand so Variel could place the ring upon her finger. After he had done so, she lifted Variel's left hand and placed his ring on his finger and then bent down and kissed the silver band.
Listening to Flynn's words in regard to seeking out the doctor and the mysterious ship, Rain inserted a correction, "I believe we were only tasked with discovering the secret of the Brine Banshee's speed and manoeuvrability in return for information. Priest Slip did say it could be from several potent spells woven into the ship, so we must discover which spells or what propulsion methods. He did not task us with locating the ship - that is only the Dr Fitch's desire and we have yet to meet the man or engage his services."
As for when we leave Quent, I suppose that when the officers are all gathered and ready to depart we will. We did not set a time frame on our departure and I know that Adular is enjoying the time off. Giving Rain a look with eyebrows raised, Would that we were 3 months from now I too would be enjoying the stay here. As it is I am making the most of it already.
Rain gave a knowing smile to Variel upon his words of had it been three months from now. Their vow of chastity until the wedding night could not be easily forgotten between them and would make the next three months some of the longest, even in the life of a long-lived Elf.
At Variel's words they should depart in the morning, Rain nodded in agreement. "Aye. We can better prepare and rest up and then leave at dawn. You should partake of the Temple's...bounty, Flynn."
Back at the temple....
Seijiro finishes his tea, and after the tea is over, and the 'ceremony' however much of it Selenia knows or follows, is complete, he smiles at her warmly...
As to the kimono and the necklace, he simply says, "The color suits you well, perhaps on my next visit, I might see you in it, that would please me very much. I don't know how much time I have on this visit as my fellow officers and my captain have a mission to complete, and I am needed back fairly soon I think. I would like to enjoy your company a little longer though... Perhaps you would tell me more about your goddess. I'm afraid I know little of such things."
Horatio’s eyes flick between the two of them with some surprise, a small frown on his face.
”I think you’re missing what I’m trying to say…” he says slowly.
”I’m not really worried so much about a few shady priests and their zealots deciding to jump us as much as I’m worried about pissing off the one that those priests serve, you know?”
”The way I see it; when it comes to pissing off a god, you can never really be too sure how things will play out, especially with this god in particular.”
”Besides; I got a feeling we’re attracting the attention of beings a lot more powerful than just some street rats,” he says with a nod at Rain’s wings, even as he lifts his own hands and flexes the gloved, scale-clad hands pointedly ”…that being the case, I figure if powerful beings have their eye on us we better not upset them by spending our time dallying.”
He hears both Variel and Rain’s comments about heading to the whorehouse and taking some time to relieve the tension and looks at them both with a somewhat sad expression.
”Since we’ve sailed together I’ve done my best to try my hand with the ladies; you know, sweet-talking, jokes, poetry, all of that… so far; no dice.”
”Given my experience so far I’m kind of the opinion that women are like gods – no matter what I do to try to please them they don’t seem to pay attention to me one way or the other, unless I manage to piss them off,” he says with a crooked smile.
”And speaking of gods in general; the way things stand with the priests we ran into I’d rather be sailing as soon as Amen-set offloaded the plunder; I don’t think we should wait and I’d rather not be staying anywhere until we get this hash settled. Then, after that – yeah, maybe…”
However, when he understands that Adular and Seijiro are off whoring, his eyes glitter strangely and a hard frown is on his face, then he shakes his head and lets out a slow exhale of air.
”You know what? That’s fine,” he says after a moment.
”I guess we’re here until dawn; that being the case, sure…” he says, then gives them both a small smile.
”Let’s go see how Amen-set’s doing and how much loot she got for the plunder; then after that I guess I’ll go take your advice and use my time to unwind a little,” he says, doing his best to muster some enthusiasm at the prospect.
Seijiro, You and Selenia talk for about an hour before she is called away. She is quite happy discussing the particulars of the Calistrian faith. She details the passionate verses of the Book of Joy, Calistria's holy text, which make your ears burn at the graphic nature of it. She explains how first and foremost, Calistria is ruled by passion...the unquenchable fire that seeds life but also turns vengeful and destructive if not respected.
When they get back to the ship Horatio looks at the mithril dagger, trying to assess it's value -
Horatio gives Variel and Rain for a moment.
"Well, maybe next time," he says with a small smile.
"Meantime I guess for now I'm going to get that damn dagger sold collect the loot for it, and then it looks like we're going to set sail."
As he pauses to leave, he halts and glances at Variel -
"Hey; given all the sudden and inevitable damages to our ship lately, do you think it's worth picking up a wand of Jurry Rig? They're pretty cheap; but having that thing in the middle of a combat could be handy." he asks.
After their hour of intense conversation is up, and Seijiro has learned (as imparted knowledge, not physical experience) some of what the faith of Calistria is about, he heads back to the ship, smiling the whole way.
Once back aboard, he will lay claim to the scroll of invisibility, since as a bard, he can use it.
"If no one else needs it more, I really could use that cloak... what's my balance look like Variel-sama?"
He'll also make sure before we leave on the morrow that we have enough supplies (food and water) to feed officers and crew on our next journey, included in the foodstuffs will be plenty of fresh fruit.
Rain, you seem to recall something of Fitch from your time with your grandfather. He is thought of as slightly crazy but nothing nefarious and is obsessed with finding the Brine Banshee though he pretends not to be.
Adular, Dindreann is happy to provide a room since you brought back the relic. Sandara near tears your arm off sprinting for the room for some...alone time.
"So good idea on my paaaaart...." Adular says as he's pulled along, happily so
"If no one else needs it more, I really could use that cloak... what's my balance look like Variel-sama?"
Horatio glances at Seijiro.
"Hey, the way I see it - it's been like... almost a week and no one's claimed it. You want it; then I say it should be yours!" he says with a grin.
When he sees Seijiro take the scroll he nods.
"Great choice! Between those two swords you got, not to mention your ability to lay down some extra pain on those who don't know you're there... Well, the way I see it, that scroll is a perfect fit for a guy with your talents."
He studies Seijiro for a moment.
"So - other than that; how was the rest of your day?" he asks him amicably.
SEijiro bows to Horatio and smiles almost wistfully as he recalls his day. "It was great. Selenia and I had tea and talked. I gave her a gift and we parted with a promise of another visit when we return to port again. I DO hope we're coming back to Quent. I don't think I could bear it if we didn't. How was your day?"
GM - earlier I rolled an Appraise Check on the value of the Non-Magical Mithril Dagger with the Gemstone in the hilt.
I rolled a 21 for my Appraisal Check during my second to last post.
Can you please tell me the value of the dagger?
Thank you!
"It was great. Selenia and I had tea and talked. I gave her a gift and we parted with a promise of another visit when we return to port again. I DO hope we're coming back to Quent. I don't think I could bear it if we didn't. How was your day?"
Horatio looks at Seijiro with a small smile.
"Not much going on; I spent the morning tinkering with the cannon a little and later I searched the docks to try to find out of that guy Pierce's might have showed up. Then we tried to find out if that cabin girl from Harrigan might be on the level - seems like she's as trusty as she needs to be, so that's good enough for me."
He rubs his chin a moment.
"I'm glad that you had a good time with your lady friend; and I agree with you about Quent big time."
"But if you think about it, it makes sense to come here. We still got a thing to do for the lady in charge of this island - she is a pirate lord, and her port is probably the second biggest in The Shackles, but it seems pretty safe to travel around in."
"All in all, I'm definitely for coming back here again, too," he says amicably.
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Variel ontemplated the effects of a jury rig wand in combat. While it would work on weapons and ammunition it would get real expensive to have it do anything else. I simple casting would only fix an item that weighed 2 pounds. Not much that is going to do in the heat of combat. Nice idea though Flynn.
On the more serious talk of offending gods Variel is less concerned about that. I know you are more religious than I am Flynn but offending gods doesn't bother me. If one of them wanted to strike me down right now there is nothing I could do to prevent it at this time. I am not going to worry myself over something I can't control like that.
Keeping his hand in Rain's as they walk to the temple Variel can feel the difference in the grip as he feels his ring. It was not bad or uncomfortable just different. It might take a bit to get used to but he was not going to take it off at all. Looking at the sun and then Rain Variel asked her, Shall we head to the temple as well? The others should be there by now and we can talk about the Golden Vespal and the plans to leave in the morning.
As she put the ring on his finger and kissed it Variel had another realization that this was going to happen. For all the worry and talk and interruptions from those like Pierce and their way of life, they were one step closer to actually being wed,. Bending down to kiss her hand as he placed the ring upon it Variel whispered to her, forever may we wear these together Rain, wife to be.
”Besides; I got a feeling we’re attracting the attention of beings a lot more powerful than just some street rats,” he says with a nod at Rain’s wings, even as he lifts his own hands and flexes the gloved, scale-clad hands pointedly ”…that being the case, I figure if powerful beings have their eye on us we better not upset them by spending our time dallying.”
"Whether our physical alterations were the will of a god or simply the consequence of two flying beasts in combat and the throes of death, I cannot wholly consider my movements or actions based on fear of reprisal from powerful entities. They are a boon and we have been set yet another task and we shall resolve it and gain a new piece of information. I do not believe the gods will be angered if we set sail at dawn. Let them watch us." Rain smiled at Flynn, knowing he harboured certain apprehension where the gods were concerned.