ugh, this again Yes,
show us the way! Tell us where we can find it Dhaavan says, hoping the straight forward approach works this time
Bikendi says with a snarl, "It is held within the ruins to the north of the island. Through the jungle and upon the plateau you must journey. Beware the eight legged she-devil and her brood for they will attempt to steal what is rightfully mine!!!! The Immortal Dreamstone!! It must be returned!!!"
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Variel looks at the others silently raising an eyebrow wondering if they have the faintest idea of what the disembodied voice is talking about. At gh they were getting some straight talk instead of the voices in people's heads. Some of it made some sense as eight legged creatures would be urgghh spiders. The directions seemed plain enough as well but the Immortal Dreamstone was beyond him.
Know arcana
Variel motions for Dhaavan to keep talking to see if they can get anymore information from it.
Leaning in toward the others, "Do any of you, perchance, have the faintest idea what in all of Golarion an 'Immortal Dreamstone' is?" he asks, raising a single eyebrow in curiosity.
Bikendi says with a snarl, "It is held within the ruins to the north of the island. Through the jungle and upon the plateau you must journey. Beware the eight legged she-devil and her brood for they will attempt to steal what is rightfully mine!!!! The Immortal Dreamstone!! It must be returned!!!"
Horatio listens for a bit, considering the implications of the voices.
Is this perhaps a friend, or an enemy, before us? Damn, but I wish I knew either way... As of now we either need to aid it or destroy it outright...
Without knowing more on this matter he lets the others do the talking, not entirely sure if they should try to reason with it, or just draw steel and try to end it - but for now he's trusting the opinions of his allies.
Recalling vaguely that the north side of the island had ruins on it that they could see when they circled the perimeter, he is not overly surprised that there might be more to explore there.
Not sure what language the creature may know, he speaks softly to Variel -
"Brother; thou art courteous to parlay with it - yet mayhap it is a thing that we should apply steel to, rather than words? Woe on my lack of wit, for on this matter I can offer thee no guidance and I am unsure how to proceed and thus I shall submit to thy judgement though I yet urge thee caution."
"Thy heart is akin to mine in the matter of doing great works of high and noble purpose, perhaps, but we have yet a task to perform and daylight wanes."
"Even so; this room is but one chamber of many we have yet to explore before we may judge this fortress secure for our allies to alight from the ship - further; the sea itself is still the abode of the thing we did not slay which had attacked our vessel earlier - if we remain yet sundered from our followers then they may yet endure countless calamities without our aid in the harbor yonder."
"For now, I and my mendicant yonder," he says with a nod to Amen-set "Shall attempt to glean the truth of this thing, and if it does not rather speak falsely or attempt to deceive us with riddles..."
"Not sure why a disembodied voice would attempt to mislead us... but I guess it's possible. Still, a giant spider and her 'brood' is something worth removing from the island. Perhaps after we're done clearing the keep here, we should go hunt this monster down and put an end to it, and if we find this dreamstone too, so much the better. Just need to be careful of old lizard lips out there... He was kinda dangerous too, I think."
"Not sure why a disembodied voice would attempt to mislead us... but I guess it's possible."
Horatio seems surprised that Jiro would feel that a disembodied voice would be trustworthy and ponders that for a moment. But then he recalled that Jiro's people were known to have a long tradition of both respecting and honoring the spirits of their fallen ancestors, including gaining valuable insight from warriors and loremasters of ages past.
He grimaces somewhat at the culture of his own people - when those who have fallen in battle but returned to the land of the living were often deemed as nothing more than enemies and given crude names such as "Rotters", "Biters", "Creepers" or simply "Walkers"... (though some in the frozen north would call them "White Walkers").
The kitsune comes from a civilization which is older and which has lasted far longer than that of the people in my homeland... He has learned many unique things which we have not even heard of, and so in this matter I shall trust his instincts.
" Perhaps after we're done clearing the keep here, we should go hunt this monster down and put an end to it, and if we find this dreamstone too, so much the better. Just need to be careful of old lizard lips out there... He was kinda dangerous too, I think."
He nods in agreement with Jiro.
"I agree with you on that point - but will the keep be formally judged as "clear" until after we complete this mission, or can we safely begin the process of bringing in our lads here with no fear for their safety, even though the mission is not yet completed?" he adds.
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Variel listens to Horatio and considers his words carefully before responding in kind. After all the voice may know other languages or be aided magically to understand what is being said. Elven Strong council but I would not make a foe of a friend for hasty action. Neither must we be caught unawares..
Looking at Rajah Variel shrugs his shoulders as he has no idea still what it is. Hoping to find out answers to each of their inquiries Variel steps forward and talks to the voice directly. I am Captain Nightstorm. Before we accept your request for help we have a few questions that must be answered. First who are you and second what is an Immortal dreamstone?
Diplomacy
Providing Variel gets any real answers he continues on. Furthermore we have friends and companions nearby. We wish to use the fort for shelter and to repair the dock. What dangers are there here besides the animate dreams we ran across earlier?
Providing Variel gets any real answers he continues on. Furthermore we have friends and companions nearby. We wish to use the fort for shelter and to repair the dock. What dangers are there here besides the animate dreams we ran across earlier?
Seeing Variel is attempting Diplomacy, Horatio will do what he can to aid him.
"The Captain speaks the truth - while we are cautious around strangers, we are true and honorable to our allies."
"We have little to offer but friendship, but, if you are willing - we would be friends rather than enemies."
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My name is Bikendi Otongu and why I want the Immortal Dreamstone so I may leave this cursed existence. That is as much as you need know. Friends, he gives a derisive laugh, sentimental nonsense. This is a business arrangement. You wish to possess the Fort and to do so I must not be here, in order for me to leave, I must possess the Immortal Dreamstone. That is the extent of our relationship.
Well, we'll have to get it.
and hopefully, we'll be able to analyse the thing to see what it can do, figure out if it'll ba a problem to hand over
Friends, he gives a derisive laugh, sentimental nonsense. This is a business arrangement. You wish to possess the Fort and to do so I must not be here, in order for me to leave, I must possess the Immortal Dreamstone. That is the extent of our relationship.
Horatio's friendly manner is instantly snuffed out and replaced by a cold, but polite, smile.
"So; we are but ships while you are the river, then?" he responds to Otongu with a somewhat sardonic, yet courteous voice.
"Mmm... Very well, sir," he adds with a tip of his hand to his forelock, but his eyes are flat as he does so.
He turns to Variel.
"Daylight wanes; whatever this fort may yet hold for us to explore now seems useless until we deal with this... business transaction."
He pauses and fingers trace the symbol of Milani on his mother's dagger, and he shakes his head and stifles whatever emotion he is feeling before continuing.
"We could strike overland, but on our journey 'round this island we saw a road which stretched to down to a bay on the eastern shore. If we sail our ship to that point we could then moor our ship and strike overland on the road and - hopefully - avoid any more unpleasant surprises which the jungles may yet hold, and possibly lead us more directly to any ruins, given that ancient ruins would likely by adjacent to an ancient road."
"So... shall we sail or walk?" he asks.
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Variel ponders the question posed to him by Horatio. Instead of answering the master gunner immediately he keeps talking to the voice Otongu. Business partners it is. However before we can uphold our end of the bargain we still have a few questions and concerns. You say you hold hte fort and thus we can not have it till you are gone. We need a base of operations to work from in order to obtain this Immortal Dreamstone. What do you know of the bay on the other side of the island? Are there dangers there or can we moor safely in the bay?
Bikendi makes an exasperated sound and says I do not concern myself with trivialities such as those. It has been many months since I transitioned to this form and so much has likely happened in that time. I do not recall there being dangers in that bay but I cannot guarantee that.
Bikendi makes an exasperated sound and says I do not concern myself with trivialities such as those. It has been many months since I transitioned to this form and so much has likely happened in that time. I do not recall there being dangers in that bay but I cannot guarantee that.
Horatio says nothing but draws out a smoke and lights it absently, deliberately blowing a stream of smoke in the direction of the voice, though he doesn't bother to talk to the creature.
He turns to Variel -
"Keeping the ship close to us sounds good to me, plus it keeps us from trecking through the jungle. Based on our average sail speed and the distance, as well as the current time, we could be in the bay by roughly four bells then we can rest in the harbor and make an early start at sunrise."
"Or we could go back to the ship, rotate the deck watch, crash there overnight and then leg it through the jungle it in the morning, leaving our ship here... your call," he adds, then takes another drag of the smoke and pauses to turn and exhale toward where the voice had come from and wait for an answer.
Seijiro recalls his flight from the jungle and the huge lizard that precipitated it and shudders slightly... "Let's sail over!" he says brightly, much preferring that option to the alternative.
Seijiro recalls his flight from the jungle and the huge lizard that precipitated it and shudders slightly... "Let's sail over!" he says brightly, much preferring that option to the alternative.
Horatio turns a glance at Seijiro and grins, offering him a thumbs up.
"Well, it looks like two votes for sailing..." he says amicably.
"You'll get no opposition from me with sailing, my good man," he nods emphatically, grinning.
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Variel agrees with the rest that sailing seems preferable. It keeps the ship safe from the octopus/squid/leviathan and gives everyone a chance to sleep and recover.
Very well. We will head to the cove and search for this Immortal Dreamstone that you desire. What does it look like so we will know when we find it?
Very well. We will head to the cove and search for this Immortal Dreamstone that you desire. What does it look like so we will know when we find it?
Horatio pauses and glances from Variel to the location of "The Voice"...
The voice of Bikendi comes with a combination of what sounds like boredom layered with annoyance, "Oh by the Seven Hells..."
After a brief pause it continues, though a bit more animated now.
"Look, I'm not referring to some glass baubles or some mere pebbles on the beach - these are the Immortal... " it seems to roar in exasperation.
With no real response from the party, Bikendi gives a more detailed description for those who are more curious.
"Listen, they're unique and therefore I'm quite sure that you'll know them when you see them..."
The words seem to have an almost condescending tone to them, but that seems almost impossible given that the speaker is asking for assistance. But before anyone can offer another question or comment, it continues.
"Now then, move along, move along... After all, those stones won't find themselves, you know..." adds Bikendi with the hint of a somewhat bored yawn.
At this, the party is now convinced that no further information shall be forthcoming until you all return from your errand with the stones in hand.
Horatio stifles his response and then turns back to Variel.
"Alright, it looks like we're done here and can go back to the ship," he says with a tight voice.
"Once we get there we can make plans what we need while we tack around the eastern coast and make anchor in the bay."
"Assuming there's no mishaps during the journey to the north eastern bay, it's my vote we sleep the night there, rest up, prep what spells we'll need for the morning and then make a fresh start at dawn."
At this point he and Amen-set will return to the ship and check the readiness of the vessel to make sure it's ready to sail as soon as the order is given.
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With it seeming that all is at an end with the voice from the shadows Variel looks around for consensus from the party. As it seems most of the officers agree with the plan laid out by Horatio Variel gathers his gear and makes his way back through the fort and towards the ship. Doesnt seem like much point exploring the rest till we remove that voice. The sooner we get that done the better off we are. Now as Horatio mentioned we officers should get some sleep as well while the crew have the task of easy sailing to the east bay. At first light then we head ashore and find this Immortal Dreamstone. We need to press on quickly as who knows what may happen to the ship while we are gone.
Turning to Horatio, Are you thinking of having Amen with us in the jungle or keeping her on the ship in case something happens?
Nodding, "Couldn't agree more, Captain. The sooner the better. You all get the rest you need," he says to others, "I'll take Seijiro's spot in the crow's nest and keep an eye out for any trouble that may head our way during the night," he says, nodding again. Just as he turns to leave, he stops as a thought occurs to him. "First though, I'm thinking it may be best to make sure all the cannons are loaded just to be on the safe side. You never know when or if we may need them." Barring anything else being said, he then moves to do just that before heading up the crow's nest.
Turning to Horatio, Are you thinking of having Amen with us in the jungle or keeping her on the ship in case something happens?
He rubs his chin thoughtfully.
"Well, it would be safer to keep her on the ship, that's a fact, but you know her... She'll likely want to tag along if only for some action, not to mention because she's so set on her "duty" to protect her friends... Of course, that's just one of the cussed problems with sailing with someone who's both good and so damned lawful about it," he adds with a grunt.
"Still; she's learned a lot lately and she's gotten better at healing magic. I know she can restore lost health or even do something to help drained Constitution with a quick spell, and that might be handy if we run into that sort of trouble again."
"Right now she's good on the ship, and pretty decent in towns, but from what I've seen she's piss poor in legging it through the jungle."
"I guess we'll see what happens in the morning, though."
He says nothing for a bit as they continue to journey back to the ship, his eyes instinctively studying the terrain for potential places to build defenses and place armaments.
His eyes flick through the growing gloom of night descending on the jungle, and he switches to Elven.
"Assuredly I have spoke much on my own thoughts, yet also I have enlarged on my assumptions on thy own desires as well."
"My apologies if my words were amiss - but my heart was moved for concern for thee and the weight of so many tasks placed upon thy heart as the captain of our company; I deemed that I should be remiss if I did not speak on thy behalf, for I count thee as friend and brother, now, and it grieved me that so many burdens should be laid upon thee alone."
"Yet I say to thee; if my guesses were astray than - in mine own defense - I say to thee I have no wish to speak for thee, but in this matter I only desired to convey respect and support for thee in a hard matter."
He does not look at Variel as he talks, but continues to watch the terrain. When he has finished this brief aside, he glances at Variel and nods courteously.
When he gets back to the ship he looks at Rajah.
"Standing rules of engagement in hostile waters - gun crews at stations; and all siege weapons, be they cannon, swivel gun, catapult or ballista. I already ordered that; they're all good to go," he says.
He watches Rajah ascend to the Crow's Nest and checks the deckwatch and confers with them to see how they're faring, then waits to aid Rain with any duties she may need in sailing the ship.
Seijiro sees Rajah about to climb up to the crow's nest and says to him, "Don't you need to sleep as well so you can go with us on the away mission? We've got a few sharp-eyed crewmen who could keep watch so you get some sleep, you know."
Rubbing his chin in thought a moment, "You know, good Seijiro, here of late, I never seem to require much sleep it seems. It's quite odd really. You know, to be honest, when I was swallowed by that giant serpent the good captain cut me loose from, I should've already been dead by that time. I cannot explain it but something... strange happened from within the beast. Almost like I was being... I don't know, 'protected', maybe?" he shrugs. "Regardless, ever since then, I have yet to feel the need to sleep," he says, shrugging again. He then looks off into the distance as he ponders something else but just shakes it off as nothing. "Yes, strange don't you think? You don't suppose there's something wrong with me, do you?"
Rain had listened when conversation was cast her way or to the whole group.
Walking with the others, Neko beside her, back to the ship, she turned to Variel and the other officers, "I seek clarity. Do we ready the Lady now and set forth for the bay or are we to sleep and the crew shall sail the vessel? With the dangers present in the water and our lack of knowledge of the waterways around this isle, I would rather I sailed the ship, for I am her Pilot, no disrespect to Sandara who can sail well enough. I cannot sleep knowing the ship may run aground in the dark or we are attacked from the creature from this morn."
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Glad to see that Rain was with them again Variel listens to her wisdom and nods accordingly. I see no reason that with your skill that it will be but a very short jaunt to the other side of the island. There will be plenty of time after that for you to get enough sleep. I just want to make sure we are all rested and recovered from the fort. We had a couple of nasty fights already today and who knows what we may find tomorrow. As rumors had it before we got here this was once Cyclops area.
Glad to see that Rain was with them again Variel listens to her wisdom and nods accordingly. I see no reason that with your skill that it will be but a very short jaunt to the other side of the island. There will be plenty of time after that for you to get enough sleep. I just want to make sure we are all rested and recovered from the fort. We had a couple of nasty fights already today and who knows what we may find tomorrow. As rumors had it before we got here this was once Cyclops area.
Horatio moves back from the gun crew and steps over to Variel.
"My apologies, brother - but when I asked earlier if, now that we returned to the ship, we would first spend one hour to sail to the northern bay before nightfall had fully come - especially as it was roughly an hour before sunset - and then moor the ship there and sleep with a deck watch... Well, let me say that I am glad that thy understood my purpose, and I did not mean for any confusion with the others to arise."
He glances at the water, thinking a moment.
"We two have sailed together long and, as thy may recall - when we first met we did not always... agree," he says a bit dryly, then smiles a bit sheepishly.
"Since that time I have been impressed with thy skill and talent and I am glad to count thee as friend."
"Even so; with all the time we have had together thou should know that while it is a truth that though I talk overlong at times, I do my best to help as best as I am able, though it often goes astray."
He frowns a bit at that, and says nothing for a long while.
"In any case; be assured that I am sincerely doing my best to help, but if I am in error, I shall do what I can to rectify the situation if someone merely explains my error to me. Regrettably, I am not always skilled when studying... social cues..."
He shakes his head, as if struggling with the right way to phrase things, and it is clear that this entire conversation is somewhat embarrassing to him.
After a moment of frustration, he seems to push whatever he was thinking aside and then shrugs.
"Well... In any case, I thank thee for thy patience with me..." he adds with a small nod."
Horatio will then tip his forelock to Variel and head back to Amen-set and speak to her briefly and quietly for a moment.
Her eyes widen at his words and she nods briskly and the two head below.
Horatio will take the information they have about the stones, as well as the updated information from the fort and wishes to try to re-examine the box that Amen-set had found earlier; specifically the nature of the stone within.
Does this require a special check; and if so, what sort of check should he try? Please let me know and I'll go from there. Thanks!
Rain nodded at the end of Variel's reply. "I have no issue with sailing first and resting once we're anchored in the bay." Neko simply groomed herself as the two legged folk talked amongst themselves.
Rain took Svingli's Eye out and gauged the skies and surrounds, making her determinations and preparations. She made her way to the Wheel, placing the astrolabe within arm's reach if she required it quickly. Gripping the Wheel's familiar wooden texture made her feel a little easier. Let us hope we do not encounter new troubles this end of day, she thought to herself. She could hear Neko purr in her mind as if the magical golden cat had listened in on her thoughts. Neko then made her way over to Rain and took her usual place by her mistress.
When the time to sail arrived, Rain called "Raise anchor!" and set the Lady for the bay.
Neko simply groomed herself as the two legged folk talked amongst themselves.
Seijiro nods to Rajah. "I understand.. I think we've all changed in different and fascinating ways since we began our sailings together... Rain's wings, and her companion, Neko, for example, or my ability to fade into the background of things. One of yours must be this interesting lack of need for sleep. That could come in very handy."
He turns to Rain and grins. "Let's go, Rain... I want to find this dreamstone. The sooner the better, I think, so we can finish our preparations of the keep and for your wedding..."
Nodding, Rajah ponders what other changes may have occurred.
His attention broken by the talk of the dreamstone, "I agree. The sooner the better. Let us find this dreamstone and hope this 'voice' creature holds up to its end of the bargain. But if not," he starts, a confident grin forming, "we shall be ready."
You all make your way back to the ship and get it ready to move. You realize however that since it's only a few miles, you could leave the ship sheltered here in the harbor and take a longboat around to the other harbor without having to get the ship ready to sail again so soon.
"Variel, it's such a short run to the other harbor, why not just take a longboat, and leave the ship here?" Seijiro asks, as it seems expedient to not ready the whole ship for the move. "The crew I think will do an admirable job of protecting her while we're gone.. hopefully it won't be too long."
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They might do an admirable job from other ships or normal situations. However we have run into animate dreams that need magic weapons just to injure and a giant octopus with tentacle long enough to reach over th sides of the ship and pull crew to their deaths. I am of the opinion to still take the Lady but if the majority wish t take the longboat I am willing to listen and agree.
"Variel, it's such a short run to the other harbor, why not just take a longboat, and leave the ship here?" Seijiro asks, as it seems expedient to not ready the whole ship for the move. "The crew I think will do an admirable job of protecting her while we're gone.. hopefully it won't be too long."
Horatio turns and looks at Jiro.
"Begging your pardon, Jiro-san, but that is not correct," he says politely.
"There were standing orders given to keep the ship at ready while we were gone, especially given that we had threats in the water that the crew might need to be ready to fight if we were not there to aid them. Therefore it would take absolutely no time whatsoever to get her ready to sail - except to remove the anchor from the water, which the Pilot-Major has already ordered," he says with a nod to Rain.
"Concerning the matter of daylight? The time has been recorded and noted in the ship's log - after all of our adventures and exploration on this island, including our final departure from the fortress itself; we know it to be 6:00 PM when we arrived back at The Lady."
"We know this because such data was kept and recorded. While it is an extremely time-consuming and tedious task for an individual to note such things, those facts cannot be in error. If they were, we would have absolutely been told about it before, for it seriously effects the planning of strategy and could leave us in difficult straights - therefore; we know the time to be correct."
He turns a glance to watch the western sky where the sunset will eventually occur.
"Regarding the length of daylight left?"
"We were given extensive notes in the logs we've researched over the months we've sailed together. I know personally that researching these details is time consuming and can be very frustrating; nonetheless, they were studied and noted and tracked by at least one member of our company," he says somewhat tersely but then continues with a more relaxed tone.
"With that in mind - given the latitude of our current position - as well as the date - it is a fact that not only is there a crescent moon tonight with almost no light when it rises, but the time of sunset is 6:45 PM - less than an hour from our current time. While this may not seem like much time, it is more than enough time for one as skilled as the Pilot-Major to reach our destination tonight with ease."
His eyes flick to the longboats, then to the sails of the ship.
"Regarding the practicality of sailing there, as opposed to rowing a longboat there?"
"Not only does a longboat not have any of our supplies aboard, except what we manage to take with us; but it is known fact that a longboat, or 'rowboat', if you prefer, moves at half the speed of a sailing ship. This is a fact recorded in every single nautical manual in Golarion."
"Further, even our best momentum on a rowboat would only equal our raw muscle; while moving the entire ship - including our stores, our gear, and all our weapons - is laid solely in the hands of the Pilot-Major - and it is fact that she is so skilled that her worst efforts as a Pilot will automatically supersede our best efforts at rowing - as evidenced during her excellent skill during the race which won us this island."
He turns to look at aft at the Pilot-Major at the wheel for a moment, then turns back to Jiro.
"Yet if by some miracle all the information we have is in error; all of the delicately kept notes and research conducted was somehow also incorrect, and the effort to record all of that information was not only wasted and not helpful, leading to this case, when all the information studied to plan a strategy now proved false... I will say this: even if someone could snap their fingers and we would be magically brought to the gates of the ruins... Even if that could happen right now, still, I would remain on the ship and sleep upon it tonight; under guard and with a full company of men and supplies to aid us if anything goes amiss."
Variel then attempts a more diplomatic angle, especially considering Horatio is noticeably upset that it seems that it might be suggested that all of his study, research, work and records were somehow wrong and a waste... Though it is also clear he is doing his best to attempt to discern where he made the error - after all, when it came to magic and enchantments there may be more to this mystery than meets the eye...
They might do an admirable job from other ships or normal situations. However we have run into animate dreams that need magic weapons just to injure and a giant octopus with tentacle long enough to reach over th sides of the ship and pull crew to their deaths. I am of the opinion to still take the Lady but if the majority wish t take the longboat I am willing to listen and agree.
Horatio frowns, thinking a bit on what Variel says, his mind jolted from the attempts to figure out where he may have been in error.
"The thing we seek is called the Immortal 'Dreamstone' and you are right; for we have already fought a creature called a "Nightmare" on this island," he says slowly to Variel.
"I may be superstitious, but I do not think that seeking such an item called a "Dreamstone" so close to sundown is wise - and if somehow I'm mistaken on the time, it is no matter... To me it is already too near, even if it is only an hour or more away, especially as we must first reach the bay before searching."
"For myself, I would rather we seek for it under the sunlight and after resting safely in our bunks tonight."
He pulls out a smoke and then, recalling that Jiro did not like the smell of his cheroots, he does not light and instead puts it back in his pocket.
"As for what the others may think of an alternative plan? Well, for now, all of this is academic, of course," he says to Variel and Jiro.
"The Pilot-Major already ordered the anchor up, and I am glad to trust in her wisdom in this matter."
"You will notice that the crew obeyed her, because - as we all know - when the Pilot-Major has the con, she is in command of the ship and its company. Therefore, the crew already obeyed her orders."
"Further, the Pilot-Major has already taken us out of the bay and we merely wait to discover our current speed, which I'm confident she shall share with us as soon as she is sure about her own calculations."
He glances at Rain and deduces she is studying the weather, too, though it is clear she is still reading the signs before determining what they reveal.
"I do not wish to disturb while she is working and I trust she will reveal to us what she discovered in due time... Meanwhile, like her, I am also somewhat curious to know what she has discovered about the weather."
"However, I do not doubt we'll learn more about both the speed and the weather after she learns more," he says politely.
Rajah shrugs cheerily, "Either way is an adventure to me, my fine, fellow, shipmates!" he nods, winking. He then moves in a joking manner to where he's caught in a back and forth on where to go between the longboat and the ship, grinning.
At Jiro's mention of the Dreamstone, Rain nodded, "The sooner we discover what it is and where it is hidden, the happier I will be."
She could hear the strands of conversation as she studied the sky and clouds and felt the air.
She called to them, "The fine clouds, clear sky and taste in the air are favourable signs. We will have good weather over this night and the next day. One less obstacle to concern us at the very least."
Neko continued to purr and Rain felt the vibration of the sound in her mind. It was both comforting and distracting.
"As to sailing the ship or rowing out in a longboat, I shall abide by the collective decision. A longboat does, however, permit us to move less noticeably, and, such stealth is an advantage. So, I ask now, before we sail any farther from this harbour with the Lady, what will it be? Ship or longboat? We also have the advantage of my tricorne, here, if we choose the longboat. It can provide us with a cutter if we require a secondary sailing vessel during this brief excursion."
A thought occurring to him, he pulls out a gold coin. "What do you say we flip a coin?" he asks them, a wide smile upon him. "This side we'll call the 'Ship' side and this side will be the 'Longboat' side. You know, we really should come up with a more universal name for each side, I think," he says, shrugging. "Without further ado," Rajah then flips the coin into the air and catches it, revealing the solution...
Grinning widely, "Looks like the 'Ship' side wins! Now, before anyone objects, you are going to have to take it up with all powerful coin. It is beyond my ability to change the ruling," he tells them, grinning as usual and throwing them a wink.
"I'm good either way, it was just a suggestion... I kinda like the idea of the stealth, but if we're gonna take the ship, let's get going!" he says enthusiastically.
Raising a hand, "To be honest, I'm with the good Seijiro, it really doesn't matter to me." He shrugs. "If stealth is preferred then I have no objection to stealth. The better to not be seen and eaten, I say. That is one experience that is ill pleasant, trust me," he nods. After a moment, "Oh! And one other thing, the coin really isn't all that powerful. Figured you ought to know in case you all might be wondering," he says with a shrug, grinning wryly.
"As to sailing the ship or rowing out in a longboat, I shall abide by the collective decision. A longboat does, however, permit us to move less noticeably, and, such stealth is an advantage. So, I ask now, before we sail any farther from this harbour with the Lady, what will it be? Ship or longboat? We also have the advantage of my tricorne, here, if we choose the longboat. It can provide us with a cutter if we require a secondary sailing vessel during this brief excursion."
As the ship is already moving, Horatio moves to the base of the Quartedeck, but does not ascend them without permission as that is the domain of the Pilot or Captain.
”Begging your pardon, Pilot-Major,” he say politely.
”At this time stealth seems to be a forgone conclusion.”
”This is a deserted island; yet during our exploration I fired my pistol multiple times. Unfortunately, the sound of a gunshot carries – average radius being approximately three kilometers.”
”Given that the location of the fortress where I fired from – albeit modified by the potential muffling of the sound by hills and foliage - it’s a good bet that the bulk the threats on this island which might be there would have either seen our ship cruising the perimeter this morning, or would have heard the gunshots and been alerted to our presence,” he says with a somewhat embarrassed tone, realizing his weapons do not allow much opportunity for stealth.
”However, for what’s it worth, I think this an advantage to us,” he continues.
”The threats on this island are going to be ones that are either beast or something with higher intelligence. Beasts would likely flee from potential dangers as loud noises and strange creatures, such as us – this gives us a somewhat wider berth if they saw a fully crewed ship.”
”Meanwhile, creatures with higher intelligence will also likely hide from us – or they will come to fight us via an ambush. We won’t know if we’re being stealthy enough to evade an ambush, but if there is an ambush, I think it would be better they congregate near our ship where we have siege guns to return fire rather than fight from a relatively unarmed longboat...”
Horatio suddenly shuts his mouth and thinks about what everything everyone has said - and things people didn't say - and he studies Rain for a long moment.
He considers Rajahs suggestion of using the longboat; he also considers Jiro’s earlier suggestions of using a longboat and he considers Rain's request for their mode of entry – he weighs them in his head for a long while and something suddenly “clicks” and his eyes widen.
Glancing around, he calls up to Rain –
”Begging thy pardon Pilot-Major,” he says politely in her native tongue, trying to be more courteous and not have such an open discussion of policy in front of the other sailors.
”With respect, if I may say this – If thou art still worried about potential dangers for our ship in the northern bay, perhaps we could moor The Lady at the mouth of the northern bay itself, without actually entering the bay itself with the ship, though The Lady could still be at the mouth of the bay?”
”This would allow the The Lady to cover the bay from potential threats with cannon – assuming the monster we fought in the southern bay is now located there. And, as it is roughly only a kilometer from the mouth of the bay to the ruined road itself, the ship could aid us as we row the longboat to enter the bay from the ship, if necessary.”
”Further, it would put both our crew, supplies and friends in view of the ruined road so we can see them clearly and reach them easily should we need to run from a threat – even so; we could take the longboat from the ship and row her to the bay itself safely.”
He looks at the sails above for a moment, then turns his eyes back to hers.
”Please understand – I have complete faith in thy abilities. I was completely confident that – when we entered the northern bay, even in dim lighting – that thy would have slowed the ship’s speed so as not to run aground if the waters were too shallow; that thy would have ordered lights to help chart thy course; that thy would have ordered the calling of the fathoms to measure depth so we should not run aground – nor hit any threats in the water whatsoever... though it is a certainty that Amen-set or the First Officer would have used spells to summon beasts to be thy eyes below the waterline as well, should we need it.”
”With this being said; now I have sudden fear that the northern bay itself poses a unique threat to our ship, yet not to a longboat.”
”If I may add, I do not know why I should feel this sudden threat of danger in the northern bay to be to a ship and not a longboat. For now I can only ascribe my sudden concerns to a “hunch”…” he adds.
He turns to the others.
”The Pilot-Major has the con; but if she wants to take a boat all the way from this bay to the northern side then I would rather go in the morning. As for other options at approaching the northern bay? I have offered my opinions to her already - and I do not want to use the boat."
However, in matters of sailing I shall defer to her judgement in matters of sailing at this time,” he says, then turns to her and tips his hand to his forelock to her in salute.
Rain watched as Rajah tossed his coin, allowing the Fates (or simple chance) to show them the best course. Jiro was keen to proceed and if truth be told so was she. "Perhaps we will not leave the decision to chance this time, Rajah, but I thank you for attempting to resolve the matter."
Then Flynn began to speak and Rain understood his logical reasoning regarding the situation of stealth in such a place with all that had passed this day.
"Indeed, we will have lights along the sides and front and fathoms counted so we do not run aground in the shallower, rock littered waters. Even so, with all we have encountered this day, stealth can still be maintained if the threat is unware of our plans and we proceed with more cunning." She did not speak overly loud for she did not want her voice to carry on the wind. Having listened to the Elvish portion of Flynn's dialogue, Rain gave an assenting nod and turned to the others as she deftly held the Wheel, wings furled in against her sides,
"Flynn's suggestion of sailing to the mouth of the bay, dropping anchor there and taking the longboat across the bay to shore is sound. Let us proceed thus before we lose more light." Variel had said he was amiable in taking the Lady to the northern bay, so she would not bother him by asking if he was still in agreement, although her turquoise eyes rested on his face, curious if he would counter the plan.
Rain tore her eyes from Variel and steadily/mindfully called out to her companions, "I need eyes! There are all manner of threats, and more so, 'neath the water. Let us sail!"
She turned the Wheel and set for the northern bay, heeding the guidance of those looking down into the water and ahead.
As the group prepares to leave, he walks up to Horatio, speaking to him in the friendliest of manners, "Good Horatio, if you would bear a simple five letters of advice from a simple man: R-E-L-A-X. Relax, my good man, we are going to be okay. Do not fret yourself with worrying about 'kilometers' and 'higher intelligence' and whatnot. You worry too much over the technicalities of... well... everything instead of living. Live, my good man!" he exclaims as he throws his arms up high in utter excitement. "Just try and live. Trust me... what I have experienced has given me a greater appreciation for life and pushes me to enjoy it more and worry about it less. The way I see it, best we enjoy it as much as possible before Pharasma comes calling. You'll find it far more fulfilling," he says with a pop on the arm, grinning. "Anyway," he pulls out his coin, "it looks like I was wrong about this coin. It does seem to be far more powerful than I thought," he says as he flips it, catches it, and places it back in his pocket and giving a smiling wink. He then looks around and leans in, "Don't tell Rain, though. I don't want her to think she actually made the decision," he says, winking again, before turning and heading out to the nearest railing to keep a look out.
"Flynn's suggestion of sailing to the mouth of the bay, dropping anchor there and taking the longboat across the bay to shore is sound. Let us proceed thus before we lose more light."
Horatio returns the gaze.
"Very good, Pilot-Major," he says courteously, nodding his head at her up on the quarterdeck.
He indicates to two of the Halflings to head up to the Fighting Top with their muskets and then light an additional lantern there.
As he watches them work, he looks back toward Rain.
"As my calculations for the hour of nightfall were in error, I do not know how much daylight we have."
"Based on earlier estimates we should be able to moor the ship at the position discussed at roughly 6:45 or so... yet what then?"
"We still do not know the location of the ruins and predators typically hunt at night. Were we to moor our vessel at the mouth of the bay and begin our search as discussed, I would suspect we would not be able to search long before needing to return to the vessel to sleep - whether we find the correct ruins or no..."
"Yet even if we were to row the boat ashore and find the ruins by no later than, shall we say 7:30? Even so... would we not merely turn about and then return to the ship in any case? In short; if we find these ruins, shall we explore them this very night given all that we have endured, or shall we not return fist to the ship and search them fully in the morning?" he adds, not sure what the plan is once they get ashore.
He turns and studies the coast thoughtfully, his eyes ranging up the hills on the south eastern side, tacking to the small islands which stand like silent guardians to the southern harbor, recalling there were similar islands near the northern bay as well.
Good places to build fortifications to defend a port...
He turns back to Rain.
"Perhaps an alternative plan of investigation may be proposed? Perhaps, as we do not know the full location of these ruins; excepting the clue that they are on the plateau to the center of the island; even so, given the shortness of time, perhaps we could fully examine the island that sits in the mouth of the northern bay?"
"It is not likely to have the ruins, but it is part of our property now - it will need to be searched and marked at some point, and we have little time to do much searching in any case. Perhaps that might be studied this night instead?"
"Failing that, I would also like to study this bay better before it is utterly dark. There are enough clues which make me doubt its safety; if we have only time for one task, making sure this northern bay is cleared of threats would be something I think would be useful, too."
He says nothing, letting her - and Variel as well, as the captain is close by her and they are each fluent in the Elven tongue - consider these options and decide.
"Assuredly these are merely suggestions - I will go with you if you wish to explore the ruined road, the island by the harbor mouth, or the bay itself - at this time I am merely offering suggestions on where our Away Team should alight, especially given the waning daylight."
"Yet what you decide shall be good enough for me."
He finishes speaking and then nods his head to her again and waits to see what she shall say at his words.
As the group prepares to leave, he walks up to Horatio, speaking to him in the friendliest of manners, "Good Horatio, if you would bear a simple five letters of advice from a simple man: R-E-L-A-X. Relax, my good man, we are going to be okay. Do not fret yourself with worrying about 'kilometers' and 'higher intelligence' and whatnot. You worry too much over the technicalities of... well... everything instead of living. Live, my good man!" he exclaims as he throws his arms up high in utter excitement. "Just try and live. Trust me... what I have experienced has given me a greater appreciation for life and pushes me to enjoy it more and worry about it less. The way I see it, best we enjoy it as much as possible before Pharasma comes calling. You'll find it far more fulfilling," he says with a pop on the arm, grinning.
Horatio turns his glance from the quartdeck and smiles dryly at Rajah.
"You sound much like my ward," he says with a nod at Amen-set as her eyes flick from Horatio to study Rajah.
She stiffens a bit as she understands that Horatio is suggesting she may enjoy relaxing more than duty, but he looks at her and continues.
"She seems to live life by your very philosophy, of course, the only means of relaxation she seems to permit herself is the lassitude that comes to her when she slays her enemies," he adds, giving her a wink.
Instead of being embarrassed or insulted by this comment which may suggest she is overly bloodthirsty, Amen-set seems to a blush slightly - clearly assuming his light jest was not only earnest, but a worthy compliment, and she bows her head lightly to him to cover her pride at what she deems to be honest praise.
"I need eyes! There are all manner of threats, and more so, 'neath the water. Let us sail!"
Amen-set glances back at Rain, and - noting that Horatio is conducting himself more "professionally" than their normal sailing ventures, she mirrors his attitude and folds her arms over her breasts, drops to her knee and bows her head.
"It shall be as thy command, senet," she says, then rolls back on her feet and bounds up and rushes forward.
As they do that and Horatio waits for Rain to answer, he turns to look back at Rajah.
Realizing Horatio is listening, Rajah continues...
"Anyway," he pulls out his coin, "it looks like I was wrong about this coin. It does seem to be far more powerful than I thought," he says as he flips it, catches it, and places it back in his pocket and giving a smiling wink. He then looks around and leans in, "Don't tell Rain, though. I don't want her to think she actually made the decision."
Horatio watches Rajah flip the coin with a small grin.
He lifts his hand and casts to determine how powerful the coin might be, if at all...
"Don't worry, my friend... your secret is safe with me," he responds with a friendly smile.
He watches the sea foam, trying to guess their speed, then he looks back at Rajah.
"Do you think it would be handy to pray for spells of Divination on the morning to find this stone? I would rather our arsenal of prayers for more practical matters, of course, but I am curious to know what you think of the idea..."
"Or," he says pausing, the smile still on his lips "shall we rely rather on your coin for such answers?" he adds, his serious manner now more relaxed as he listens to Rajah's advice.
He winks again, before turning and heading out to the nearest railing to keep a look out.
Horatio laughs as Rajah moves to lookout and he pulls out a cheroot and puts between his teeth and lights it, then watches the smoke billow behind him as he waits to find what the Pilot-Major and Captain decide to do when they reach their destination...
"It shall be as thy command, senet," she says, then rolls back on her feet and bounds up and rushes forward.
"Thank you, Amen. I have faith in your ability to see incoming threat of any kind." She watched Amen-set undertake the task with haste and keen agility/prowess.
"Assuredly these are merely suggestions - I will go with you if you wish to explore the ruined road, the island by the harbor mouth, or the bay itself - at this time I am merely offering suggestions on where our Away Team should alight, especially given the waning daylight."
"Yet what you decide shall be good enough for me."
He finishes speaking and then nods his head to her again and waits to see what she shall say at his words.
Rain listened and then pondered Flynn's words. In a thoughtful manner she responded in the Common tongue so all could understand, "With little light remaining this day, I would not venture out, deeper into the isle in search of the ruins. Those can wait until morning. A quick study of the bay can be achieved before darkness falls and could be done by one of the companion birds or even those of us who can fly. I would not send out a longboat to attempt to scour the bay itself at this time for dark water allows things to better hide below it. If the officers are not too weary, we may take a look at the rock in the bay, but I am not certain we'd find anything there. Perhaps it can be marked from overhead as well. Then come first light, after we are well rested and spells prepared, we can attempt the search in earnest. I would rather set out in light than fading light and nightfall." Rain's turned her gaze to Variel to hear his thoughts on the matter.