I'll roll my AoO's for the creature using a Full run as opposed to a withdraw action when I'm. Not on my phone, but Variel can do his AoO and have a chance to hit!
As the creature begins to flee, Dhaavan reaches out for just the being to give chase! A Fiendish Squid appears in the water and s after the Naga, fiercely pursuing the target of it's master's hatred, blocking its retreat and snapping its sharp beak and spreading its tentacles menacingly!
Dhaavan continues his chanting to field more creatures after shreaking "Kill the wretched snake!"
Seijiro lowers his bow, and simply stands down, figuring the creature to be beyond his ability to hit at this point, what with being underwater and having all those extra images anyway.
Under his breath, he mutters, "What's the point? It's running away."
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Reacting qxkly to the naga fleeing away as fast as it can, Variel manages to get under its guard to deliver a sharp blow, either to an image or the naga itself Variel is unsure.
Attack flank not included
Damage [ooc]8 cold and fatigued (might prevent a run if fatigued now), 4 normal damage (halved for slashing under water)
Crit confirm
Damage
Variel 1-3 hits an image, 4 hits the Naga. HITS THE NAGA!
Variel, seeing the glazed over look after hearing the splash and Valeros speaking in Aquan, takes the opportunity to finish the creature off.
As the crew on the dock see the fountain of blood and then a naga head bob up to the surface a great cheer goes out!
Seeing something rising to the surface, Seijiro raises his bow, then lowers it again when he realizes it's just a head, and joins the workers on the dock in cheering.
Barzazal sits back pondering what the naga may have wanted. Having spent a fair amount of time in jungle he had met with more than one of those creatures. Placing the dart back in its quiver, he plops down on the deck letting his legs swing back and forth while he enjoys the sea breeze.
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Finally finding purchase on the real naga Variel places the cutlass in the exact position on the neck to severe the spinal cord and continue on through the neck. Blood pouring out of the wound, Variel lets the blodd stop before he grabs both the head and body of the naga. Not sure if there is anything of value on the naga, Variel wants to claim his prize and show off to the village again the exploits of the officers of The Dread Lady.
Breaking the surface of the water Variel let's out a large huzzah. Throwing the head on the dock, Variel drags the body over and hands it to Flynn and Barzazal before climbing out himself. seeing that the man who was pulled in is doing ok, Variel breaks out in a smile. Well that was an experience. Now where is that alcohol we were promised. I think we need that now more than ever.
I watch the mess in the water for a moment, my expression flat.
I turn away and move over to the fallen sailor who was pulled out by his mates.
"Oye - you alright there?" I ask him, my eyes giving him a cursory "once over" to see if he's been injured.
"I have heard rumors that such creatures can be poisonous; were you bitten?"
I check the priming on my pistols as I wait for an answer, than I holster them.
I glance at the sun and gauge the time, and look beyond to the bar.
I turn to one of the lads on the deck.
"If your mate is alright - good. If not and he needs medical attention - just let me know."
I will wait for an answer, confident that my companions can attend to any other specific issues without my assistance at this time.
"Well, that was certainly impressive. Did you get bitten?"
"Well, that was certainly impressive. Did you get bitten?"
I glance over at the gnome and tip my forelock politely at him.
"No, mister Barzazal - I was not bitten. One of the advantages of using weapons that have range is that I rarely have a need to be close enough to be bitten."
"But I do thank you for your concern," I add.
"As for yourself? How did you fare? You look a bit bruised; but that may still be remnants from the sparring match earlier. Yet if you need any aid, please let me know. I am always happy to help."
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All good here. Thanks though. The only damage I have is some large bruises from the match with Barzazal. Should be good to go in the morning. Glad that thing didn't get a good grab on me and start biting. Speaking of which, anyone know how to extract the glands from this thing? They could be useful in the right hands.
By the way, anyone know what caused it to try and flee? Dd something else appear that we should be worried about? Variel glances around quickly to determine what other threats there may be nearby.
Grabbing one of the locals nearby, Variel asks them quickly, What other dangers to you guys have that would cause one of these creatures to flee like some predator was after it?
"Valeros yelled at it in Aquan to leave and it left... Perhaps he had some form of magical control to exert on the creature? We've seen him try to use such magics before, though not to such dramatic effect until now. Nice work, Valeros, if indeed it was your command that forced the creature to try to flee without regard for its own life!"
"Anyway, Variel-sama, good to see you are uninjured by the creature as our good doctor says it was a poisonous beast."
The workers are overjoyed at you saving their companion. He turns and says to you all Nay I was no bitten. Wrapped it's tail around me leg and pulled me in. Thought I was a goner but you all set that b!#$# arights! I'll be sure ta be tellin Rickety what ye done. Sam's the name, Sam Bartlet and I'm in you all's debt.
A splashing sound occurs and you all turn quickly thinking something else has come before seeing it is only Valeros, dripping wet. I think I may have something to do with that. the gillman says quietly. Thought I'd try commanding the thing one more time as while you were attacking her defenses were lowered. Seems to have worked. But your sword work was amazing under the water.
I turn a bland look at Variel.
"It was one of the most potent uses of mister Valero's skill I have seen in some time," I add dryly as I watch the elf for a moment.
My eyes examine him, and my hand eases down to rest gently on the butt of one of my pistols as I regard him, my feet widening a bit more comfortably.
"Do you know that creatures such as that beast are gifted with the ability to speak? If it had lived we may have questioned it directly... for though it attacked one of the men here, such creatures are not generally evil by nature."
I turn him from Variel somewhat abruptly and glance at the men on the dock; my eyes falling on the hardiest of the folk.
"You - please report this matter to your superior, sir. Mister Squibbs may have information that can help us regarding this creature - and he may wish to tighten his security on this town - after all, this may only be a taste of more troubles to come."
The workers are overjoyed at you saving their companion. He turns and says to you all Nay I was no bitten. Wrapped it's tail around me leg and pulled me in. Thought I was a goner but you all set that b+*~% arights! I'll be sure ta be tellin Rickety what ye done. Sam's the name, Sam Bartlet and I'm in you all's debt.
A splashing sound occurs and you all turn quickly thinking something else has come before seeing it is only Valeros, dripping wet. I think I may have something to do with that. the gillman says quietly. Thought I'd try commanding the thing one more time as while you were attacking her defenses were lowered. Seems to have worked. But your sword work was amazing under the water.
"Very good, mister Bartlet. It is a good thing that you are well," I say.
"Well, now what?" I ask in a neutral voice.
"Now I think we all deserve a drink and a rest in the shade, and out of the merciless heat of the sun. Not that shade will help a lot, but it's better than nothing."
Seijiro starts heading off toward the taproom, putting action to his words.
Watching Seijiro retreat for a drink after this veritable bloodbath, I shake my head.
”Begging your pardon, mister Bartlet – but I believe I shall circumvent any delay and report the matter directly to mister Squibbs myself,” I say with a cool tone.
”No doubt he will want to know of this.”
I glance at the water around the dock a moment; my eyes narrowing.
”You know these waters well, mister Bartlet? Are there any rivers or streams that spill down from the mainland into this harbor? If so, I would seek such a waterway and examine it – there may be more of those creatures nesting...”
I glance to the north and east at the jungle terrain around us.
”Meanwhile, you will excuse me, of course, but I feel it best to report this matter at once,” I add politely.
Then, having no further concern, I will go report the attack and the details, making sure that mister Bartlet is alright as I leave.
"Oh, well then, I guess it is dead," Dhaavan says as he completes his spell, and Variel slays the Naga. He attempts to send his creature after the body of the Naga before it sinks, in case it has any valuable items on it, and perhaps giving them a way to discern where its lair and treasures may be.
ID's a Lv1 spell!
"Nice work, Valeros." Dhaavan says. Hopefully his squid comes up with the Naga's body. "Hold up, Flynn. If yea want to go now, before we can check out the body, at least try to figure out where it may be livin, yeah? We'll work on it from here."
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Looking at the dripping Valeros, Thank you for turning her as you did. I don't know who would have won a prolonged fight in the water but you made the difference. Thanks again.
When Flynn speaks Variel nods his head, Thanks Flynn. I think that Master Rickety should be informed. If you would do that, then that task is done. While you do so, I think we should head to the shade like Jiro suggests and get our wind and nerves back.. If Rickety has need of us Flynn, we will be over there in the shade.
Variel then lush thee body tot he shade as he drinks some of the ale offered. As he does so, he starts inspecting the naga for anything valuable.
Perception
Detect magic and spellcraft
"Oh, well then, I guess it is dead," Dhaavan says as he completes his spell, and Variel slays the Naga. He attempts to send his creature after the body of the Naga before it sinks, in case it has any valuable items on it, and perhaps giving them a way to discern where its lair and treasures may be.
[dice=Handle Animal]1d20+5
[dice=Spellcraft]1d20+8 ID's a Lv1 spell!
"Nice work, Valeros." Dhaavan says. Hopefully his squid comes up with the Naga's body. "Hold up, Flynn. If yea want to go now, before we can check out the body, at least try to figure out where it may be livin, yeah? We'll work on it from here."
"I do not know that decapitated body will be of much use to us, sir."
"Meanwhile... Adepto navis illic promptus. Ut ego reverto nos vadum quaero cubile caliga Dhaavan. Talis creatura recondo opulentia nos may expiscor is ut nos reperio suus cubile." I add in infernal.
"Get the boat there ready. When I return we shall search for the lair, mister Dhaavan. Such creatures hoard wealth - we may discover it when we find its lair."
Then I turn on my heel and move off to report the matter.
Bartlet responds with a shake of his head. Nay, aint no waterways as such. Whole area to the north is a series of swampy jungle. Biggest thing you could get up there might be a dingy but even that would be hard pressed after more than a mile. There be a million and one different routes that thing coulda come through. Sorry I can't be more help. If'n it's all the same to ye I'll head over wit ye to see Rickety. Make sure he knows what ya'll did fer me proper like.
I pause a moment, waiting for mister Bartlet.
"Very good, sir; I welcome your company, than."
I wait for him to follow, then I continue to mister Squibbs.
I consider mister Barlet's words a moment, than I call out to Dhaavan -
"Oh, mister Dhaavan, belay that last comment... it seems we must discover things on foot."
"Or, if you are not interested in drinks - perhaps you would like to come with me?" I add as I continue to speak with mister Squibbs.
"I ain't gonna go treckin through that swamp just the two o' us. But figurin out where we wants ta go is another story. Hmmm, heard about a spell what makes a map out o' the flesh what can track a creature to its lair, but we'll see if there's a way to track the Naga."
Dhaavan uses on the Naga to see it it's got any goodies.
When they get to rickety, Dhaavan'll let FLynn tell him about what happened, then ask, "So you or any ya are aware of know some way to find a way ta track a Naga, figure out where it may ha' nested?"
"The swamp isn't as bad as all that, Dhaavan. Many wonderous and interesting things to be found for sure." Smiling at Flynn he replies, "This is the way I always look, Horatio."
"It is a jungle, not a swamp - mister Dhaavan," I call out over my shoulder.
"If you do not wish to leg it through the jungle, however, for whatever reason - that is your own affair. I am not going to force you. I was merely telling you what I intend to do and inviting you to come," I add.
I keep walking to mister Squibbs; eager to report to him and curious to know what he has to say about that matter.
"Very well, I am glad you are not overly injured," I say to Barzazal in a clipped voice, eager to get moving.
A sudden thought occurs to me when the gnome mentions the jungles.
"Aye - you had experience with the jungles in Mwangi mister Barzazal, yes? Very good. Perhaps you will have skills useful in tracking while in the wild in such terrain; or perhaps not. But if you are of a mind - do you have interest in coming with me should I travel out to seek the creature's lair?" I ask as I continue to move.
Barzazal flips a coin with the same face on both sides. Landing in his hand,the gnome looks at the coin, smiles and says, "It would be my pleasure."
Bartlet says somewhat sheepishly, Actually Master Horatio, it be both swamp AND jungle. That's why we don't normally go in. Besides we get all we need coming from the shipments Rickety sets up. We got no need to go risking our neck in there with them wild animals and such.
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You make it over to the Dry Dock and Rickety is there continuing the improvements and modifications to your ship. Even though it's only been a day you see a large amount of work has been done. The masts have been stripped as well as all of the lines and rails. It looks about as barebones a ship as youve seen. As you watch you see them dismantling a large portion of the sterncastle.
When Rickety sees you he comes over and says Good day to ye! What can I do for ye or were ye just coming to check on the progress?
"I said Just the two of us cause ther's likely dangerous things in there what I ain't interested in dealing with that lacking backup. Although if Barzazal's comin, and the rest are interested then we got ourselves a job, hopefully a somewhat lucer'tive one, yeah?" the sorcerer puts to Varile, valeros and Jiro
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Variel debates in his head the merits of finding this naga's lair. Surely there would be valuables there, but are they worth the risk to go searching for it? Variel's little knowledge of the creaturs was enough to know that was a young one and it still put up quite a fight. Added to that the danger of coming across a fully grown one was something that the group might be able to handle.
Wiping the water from his brow, Variel looks up and realizes the water is not from he dip he took, but from sweat from the heat. Searching through the jungle and swamp would be difficult enough. With the heat as bad as it is, it could be deadly even if they don't run across any creatures threatening them.
Trying to be polite, Variel calls out to Flynn, Actually Flynn that fight did me in. That combined with the heat makes me want to wait for another day or better yet until the heat wave passes. However, if you are set on going on another adventure, then I will accompany you at least a very short distance in. Do you know how to track a creature that swam through the water to get to us?
Bartlet says somewhat sheepishly, Actually Master Horatio, it be both swamp AND jungle. That's why we don't normally go in. Besides we get all we need coming from the shipments Rickety sets up. We got no need to go risking our neck in there with them wild animals and such.
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You make it over to the Dry Dock and Rickety is there continuing the improvements and modifications to your ship. Even though it's only been a day you see a large amount of work has been done. The masts have been stripped as well as all of the lines and rails. It looks about as barebones a ship as youve seen. As you watch you see them dismantling a large portion of the sterncastle.
When Rickety sees you he comes over and says Good day to ye! What can I do for ye or were ye just coming to check on the progress?
”Good afternoon, sir,” I say politely.
”A short while ago – less then a quarter of an hour, I’d warrant – a creature attacked some of your lads down by the docks. None of them were seriously injured, except perhaps their pride – but the creature which attacked was a water naga – if you are familiar with such things?”
”It occurs to me that your harbor – being that is close to fresh water and potential food in the form of your folk – it may attract the attention of other such predators trying to find an easy meal.”
”I noticed on the way in that you have several guard towers which flank the harbor – further; there was a path leading to them. I would like your permission to examine the surrounding terrain for any possible threats; as well as potentially track the lair which this creature may have come from.”
”Oh, I should add it was a young specimen – there may be larger ones in a lair; or a brood… In any case, I intend to find the lair, eliminate any threat to myself and the ship while it is in your custody – and do something to break the monotony of the day.”
I glance a moment at Bartlet.
”Your mister Bartlet can corroborate the details of my story as he was the primary target of the creature,” I add politely, gesturing to Bartlet and await Squibbs response.
"I said Just the two of us cause ther's likely dangerous things in there what I ain't interested in dealing with that lacking backup. Although if Barzazal's comin, and the rest are interested then we got ourselves a job, hopefully a somewhat lucer'tive one, yeah?" the sorcerer puts to Varile, valeros and Jiro
"Aye - I heard you the first time you said it, sir..." I say with a low voice as I turn a sudden look at Dhaavan, my eyes flashing darkly - and the fire reminds you of the same look I had earlier in the day during our conversation, as my hand drops down a bit to the butt of my pistol, resting on it comfortably.
"I am also aware that there may indeed be dangerous things in the wild, but I don't plan to die on this piss-poor day, you savvy?" I add with a ghost of a smile that looks like I am trying to ease the sudden tension I am feeling.
Variel debates in his head the merits of finding this naga's lair. Surely there would be valuables there, but are they worth the risk to go searching for it? Variel's little knowledge of the creaturs was enough to know that was a young one and it still put up quite a fight. Added to that the danger of coming across a fully grown one was something that the group might be able to handle.
Wiping the water from his brow, Variel looks up and realizes the water is not from he dip he took, but from sweat from the heat. Searching through the jungle and swamp would be difficult enough. With the heat as bad as it is, it could be deadly even if they don't run across any creatures threatening them.
Trying to be polite, Variel calls out to Flynn, Actually Flynn that fight did me in. That combined with the heat makes me want to wait for another day or better yet until the heat wave passes. However, if you are set on going on another adventure, then I will accompany you at least a very short distance in. Do you know how to track a creature that swam through the water to get to us?
I turn to look at Variel – seeing that he has given me a polite tone and courteous speech, some tension relaxes from my face for a moment.
”To be fair, mister Nightstorm – even a snake can leave a trail in the mud. But that creature was roughly six or seven feet in length – and its body was roughly as wide as a human. I would wager it was about two-hundred and fifty to three-hundred pounds, give or take.”
”As the good mister Bartlet suggested, it is a jungle and a swamp. Thus, the naga may not have swam the entire distance, rather – it may have instead moved from mud trail to ooze. Tracking it may be difficult, but not impossible – but for now I would prefer to get information.”
I stare a moment – my eyes growing a bit flat.
”Such creatures are intelligent. They often do business with travelers, trading wealth for lore – and other similar bargains. We may have learned quite a bit of lore from it; and possibly traded a goodly sum of wealth with it… if it had survived,” I add.
I turn to glance at sun and frown.
”After I speak to the local authorities regarding such creatures and glean what information I can from them I will attempt to share this information with those who are experienced in tracking to compile ideas. For now I am worried that more attacks may come against the town – the heat can drive folk mad, and I would like to know what other threats are out there while our ship is immobile.”
”When I have more information, I will share those details with those skilled in the wild; such as the good mister Barzazal – and of course, when I have a moment, I will return to speak again with Miss Tanethir – she is a skilled tracker, and may have some experience with finding such tracks.”
”Then again – she may not be interested in discussing such things with me, but I have had some good experience with her earlier today. In any case, for now, I intend to get information.”
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I stare a moment – my eyes growing a bit flat.”Such creatures are intelligent. They often do business with travelers, trading wealth for lore – and other similar bargains. We may have learned quite a bit of lore from it; and possibly traded a goodly sum of wealth with it… if it had survived,” I add.
Turning back to Flynn as he comments, Yes Flynn, I heard you the first time. Know that if someone tries to do me harm i don't care how wealthy or intelligent they are, I am not going to trade or bandy words with them. I will do what I can to kill them and prevent any further harm to my person. Especially if I see no other recourse and my nearest help is away from me
Rickety looks at you and starts when you say Naga. A NAGA attacked you Mister Bartlet?! Why in the world would the Nagas attack after all this...the drought! That's what this is about. I'm sure of it. You said that it was a young one, yes? It had to be. They are affected by such things more than the larger ones.
He rambles on for a minute before looking back at you saying Did you just say you are going to find the lair? Please I would ask you not to do that. You see, I know these Nagas and have traded with them in the past. They are a decent sort and keep to themselves mostly. This one must have been an aberration but I have a way of contacting them and will get this sorted out. Please don't do anything until I have the chance to make contact with them as I don't believe we would survive an encounter with their whole clan.
With that he looks at you again and then hurries off towards the Commons.
"It did try to eat us afterall." Dhaavan notes as his pet brings the body of the fallen Naga to the surface. Then saying to the Dock-workers, "Oye, yea mates mind pullin up that corpse?" as he prepares to examine the body.
When he sees Rickety hurry to the Commons, where he's sitting outside the taproom enjoying a watered down drink, Seijiro cocks his head curiously to the side. He watches Rickety, looking for some clue as to the man's reason for rushing off from the job of working on the ship.
I hope this doesn't have anything to do with the naga. I'm hoping we don't have to go traipsing through the swamp looking for it's lair. While it might be lucrative to do so, it sounds hot, sticky, wet and thoroughly unpleasant.
He sighs, knowing it doesn't really matter what he thinks, but comes down, in the end, to what the others decide to do.
Whether I like all their decisions or not, I'm part of what is becoming a tight-knit group and I won't leave them to muck around in the muck without me, that's for sure. I just wish Flynn would come around and consider himself bound to us by friendship and respect and circumstance, rather than some contract on paper. I guess either way, written or not, such bindings can be broken... what's the point of having it on paper? Seems to me honor and one's word should be enough, but perhaps that is just in the East. I need to learn more of Western customs, I think. Really, I don't know that all the officers I've served under in the past didn't have written contracts among themselves... after all I've never been an officer before. This is all too new to me, I guess.
Rickety looks at you and starts when you say Naga. A NAGA attacked you Mister Bartlet?! Why in the world would the Nagas attack after all this...the drought! That's what this is about. I'm sure of it. You said that it was a young one, yes? It had to be. They are affected by such things more than the larger ones.
He rambles on for a minute before looking back at you saying Did you just say you are going to find the lair? Please I would ask you not to do that. You see, I know these Nagas and have traded with them in the past. They are a decent sort and keep to themselves mostly. This one must have been an aberration but I have a way of contacting them and will get this sorted out. Please don't do anything until I have the chance to make contact with them as I don't believe we would survive an encounter with their whole clan.
With that he looks at you again and then hurries off towards the Commons.
My eyes narrow at the thought; wondering what the killing may do to the tenuous balance between mister Squibbs and this naga clan.
Still – he suggested this creature was some sort of aberration. Very well; as he mentioned he will sort things out, I will trust to his diplomatic skills in this matter.
As I watch mister Squibbs run off to the commons, my eyes scan the treetops and I watch terrain. I look to the sun, and wager it is less than an hour since the duel down at the docks – as it is late summer, it stands to reason there is quite a bit of time before sundown, perhaps even seven or eight hours.
Naga aside, there may be other creatures effected by the heat; dire panthers, giant snakes, and whatever other host of predatory beasts there are out there eager for food and water…
”Mister Dhaavan, I am going to walk the grounds and examine those watchtowers,” I say pointing to the southern ridge.
”It occurs to me that most jungle creatures are likely to be sluggish and sleepy during the day; but when the cool of night comes, there is a greater chance that they shall come forth and possibly offer another threat to the town while we sleep.”
’Though of course, that is only surmise…”
”In any case, I want to examine the terrain around us, and make sure everything is ship-shape and in good order. Don't worry, I won't stray far. I intend to stay on the marked paths for I have no desire to get mixed up with another attack if I can help it; but I suppose that the lands less then a quarter of a mile from the bay and near the noise of so many people shouldn't be too dangerous at this time of day.”
I ponder the quality of the trees around us; noting the drought and heat.
”If that area is filled with a swamp beyond, than it is likely that there is a great amount of mold in the air and it is even more likely that such mold and other similar problems can cause the wood of the towers to rot and warp. Those towers may need a once-over, and the guards should be made aware of the attack so that they are at least more observant.”
I glance down to the village for a moment.
”I am going down to our quarters and get some supplies, then I am going to go alert the guards in the towers now – before sunset and night prowlers may threaten the people here.”
”Do you want to come with me, or would you prefer to stay here?” I ask Dhaavan solicitously.
I turn to Barzazal.
”And you, mister Barzazal – you told me already that coming with me would be your pleasure. Thank you for that, I do appreciate it,” I add, wiping my sleeve against my brow to dry off the sweat from the heat.
”Will you need any other supplies from the town before we go?” I add, asking the gnome politely.
I ponder the town briefly.
"I shall also confer again with Miss Tanethir - she may wish to come with us, as we shall be traveling in the terrain around the village; her skills would be very helpful, assuming she wants to come, that is. But we shall see," I add, almost to myself.
"Alright. I'll be following Rickety along to see what he's up to and maybe lend a hand in makin sure things don't go south with the Naga, and negotiations. Also got to pick up a couple things." he tells Flynn as rickety rushes off, leaving to follow along with the shipwright.
Dhaavna heads over to follow Rickety, "I got a bit o' a gift at negotiations, and as part of the offending party, i figure the Naga may appreciate an immediate apology from the offending party?" he suggests. He follows if Rickety agrees with his premise, but as the man knows the Naga better, he will differ to the man's judgement.
I watch Dhaavan rush off after Rickety as I stride down the shops below.
"Good fortune, than, mister Dhaavan," I call out after him.
Then I move toward my room to gather my gear.
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Variel considers hs option carefully. On one hand he didn't want to travel in this heat to check on some watch towers that may be falling down, but yet he doesn't want to have Flynn go on his own. If you think you need some assistance then I will join ou. Otherwise I will stay here so if Rickety has need of me or has questions I will be here to assist him.
Seijiro, left out of the business with Rickety and Flynn's expedition as well, is happy to sit in the shade where he can relax and play with Tomo for a while. When things settle down a bit and the hustle and bustle of the immediacy of the fight with the naga is over, he will doze in the shade for the early afternoon.
Finally when things begin to cool off he'll head to the small market area in town and make a list of things to purchase for the ship. He'll talk to the vendors and let each vendor know what he needs from him (or her) and arrange to have those things ready to load when the ship is finished. Among the supplies he orders are the things that Variel listed, including all the crafting supplies, and some pineapple and the citrus per Flynn for the food stores. He does not make any final purchases as yet - just places orders - as Dhaavan will be the negotiator when it comes to prices.
I turn a glance at Variel for a moment, considering him; then glance at the sun, gauging the heat.
”Hard to say what we’ll need out there; probably nothing but a little carpentry on those towers to make sure that they’re in good order,” I say, glancing to the treeline.
I scratch my chin a bit, pondering; then take a deep drink from my flask.
”I don’t reckon you’ll be much help on that sort of work – but I reckon that ol’ man Squibb’s got no need of us in this berg and chances are that you’ll be pretty bored here.”
”If you walk the grounds you may get a sense of the turf – see any weak spots and any places that could use some extra help; if it needs it, that is.”
I squint at the trees.
”If another one of those basterds, or something else nasty, decides to attack this place, I’d like to get a lay of the land first, see where we’re strong – and where we’re weak, eh?” I add, taking another gulp of the drink.
”Maybe you want to see that kind of hash, too?” I say with a shrug.
”But hell, if you want to come, though, if you don't mind the suggestion, you maybe ought to get yourself some new clothes, eh? Those noble threads are fancy in a high court, but in that poxing jungle there, well... you may want something more suited for the heat. Just a suggestion, though.”
"Now, begging your pardon, but I'm going to go grab my gear. I guess I'll see you all on the trail in about ten minutes?" I say to those who are interested in coming.
I look down to the village, my eyes resting on the tavern that houses miss Tanethir's quarters.
"Hmm... on second thought, better make that thirty minutes. I reckon I got a little personal business to take care of first," I add with a crooked grin.
Rickety makes his way into the Commons and immediately goes and speaks to the Steward of the Commons, Chandra Bristlewick. She immediately goes pale when Rickety informs her what happened. At which point, she reaches below the bar and pulls out a small brightly colored bird. She whispers in the birds ear for a few moments before letting it loose. It wings its way out through a hole in the wall near the eaves and heads north.
Rickety turns around and seeing you there says Well I done what I could. Chandra's sent one o'her animal messengers to let them know what happened. Likely they know already with their magics and all. Pausing he runs his hands over his bald head and says You all done right by me an mine and I pay my debts. I'll take 500 gold off the price I quoted ye already. Bartlet's a good man and I'm happy he didn't go sliding down that snakes gullet.
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You make your way around to the watch tower without too much fuss. It took you most of the morning to make it there even with the path as it is narrow and full of switchbacks as it makes its way through the jungle and up the cliff. Getting to the top you come upon the cleverly hidden, from the sea side that is, tower. It is little more than a covered platform 60 feet up. You hear snoring even from 60 feet away up there.
Seijiro, left out of the business with Rickety and Flynn's expedition as well, is happy to sit in the shade where he can relax and play with Tomo for a while. When things settle down a bit and the hustle and bustle of the immediacy of the fight with the naga is over, he will doze in the shade for the early afternoon.
Finally when things begin to cool off he'll head to the small market area in town and make a list of things to purchase for the ship. He'll talk to the vendors and let each vendor know what he needs from him (or her) and arrange to have those things ready to load when the ship is finished. Among the supplies he orders are the things that Variel listed, including all the crafting supplies, and some pineapple and the citrus per Flynn for the food stores. He does not make any final purchases as yet - just places orders - as Dhaavan will be the negotiator when it comes to prices.
”Ho, Jiro-san,” I call out to the red-headed easterner.
”If you’re down fetching supplies – you may want to see if you can add a few sets of clothes more suited to this gods damned heat, eh? We’re sitting in the early weeks of Arodus – we got about two or three months of this kind of piss poor weather; and some are less fit than others for it, you know?”
”I reckon if we’re hiring on a crew that’s sailing in this heat and if we got to legging it through this kind bush – it’d be nice to dress for the heat, rather than sit back and suffer in it.”
”Anyhow – that’s just a suggestion,” I say.
I take out a quid of tobacco and fit it into my lip and begin to chomp on it.
”Well, I’m off – have a good day with Tomo-chan – and make sure he gets plenty of rest; monkey’s need extra care,” I add sincerely, my concern for the little monkey genuine even as I toss out a wave and take a quick step to the tavern below whistling a tune as I walk down to the rooms.
Seijiro gives Flynn a big smile and nods as the gunslinger heads out. "Will do, Flynn-san... Tomo will get lots of good care and plenty of rest as well... enjoy your jaunt! Try not to get into too much trouble!" He gives Flynn a little wink, knowing some excitement is exactly what Flynn is looking for.
Seijiro gives Flynn a big smile and nods as the gunslinger heads out. "Will do, Flynn-san... Tomo will get lots of good care and plenty of rest as well... enjoy your jaunt! Try not to get into too much trouble!" He gives Flynn a little wink, knowing some excitement is exactly what Flynn is looking for.
I pause and shake my head, pulling out a bit of cut leaf and some thin paper. I roll a tiny cheroot and hand it over to Tomo-chan.
"There; that oughta do," I say with a somber nod.
I glance at Seijiro -
"Tobacco's got a lot of medical uses; the leaves, if ingested in small amounts, can help with stomach aches. And the smoking of it will help steady the nerves; they keep your hands from shaking when you're aiming," I say tapping my weapon.
"And in Tomo-chan's case - if you give that monkey a cigarette to smoke... hell, he'll look even more of a bad-ass if he's trouncing some basterd while smoking... because if he ever kills anyone, he can always say "light's out" - or something equally ballsy in whatever passes for monkey talk," I add with a touch of my hand to my forelock, then turn and hurry off.
"Sorry - I got to get going; duty calls," I add over my shoulder as I continue to miss Tanethir's quarters.