"That's a very fine device you have there, Piper... does it play other tunes, or just that one? Seijiro listens to it, memorizing the tune, so he can play it later on his harmonica. "It's very fine, but I have this," and he pulls out his small instrument. It plays any tune I wish and is almost as small, it's all I need, but thank you for offering. Perhaps we can play a duet together though. That might be fun." He flashes Piper a wide smile.
”No mister Seijiro, I’m sorry – it only plays the one song,” Piper says with a somewhat downcast voice.
”The central peg here,” she says indicating the round knob with the small prongs sticking from it ”see, as the crank turns, each one of these pieces will pluck at one of the metal pins to create the music.”
’I suppose,” she says somewhat thoughtfully ”I could craft another type of central peg to play a different song… But I’m no musician.”
Her eyes brighten as she looks at you.
”But it seems that you are, though. Tell you what; as we know that each one of this metal bars correspond with a note in music, if you can craft me a tune on paper that has the notes, I may be able to create another similar knob with the extending pegs which stick outwards so that – as you turn the crank – you’ll be able to draw out a new tune,” she adds helpfully.
Then, as if somewhat embarrassed that she's only talking to you, she quickly turns away and glances at the helmsmen for your ship.
”Tell me ma’am,” she adds, turning a glance to Rain ”what did you think of the song? I’m always interested in the opinions of a different audience, and they say that elves have a good ear for music, too.”
”I mean, did you like the tune?”
When Piper pulls out a little metal box which plays music for Jiro to see and hear, Rain looks on and listens to the pretty and haunting melody coming from within its structure. It stirs some lost emotion in her and she wonders at such a device and creation.
She is pleased by Piper's offer to make Jiro such a device. Aye, that will bring some happiness to him.
Yet, Jiro declines Piper's offer, for he makes his own music on his harmonica. She studies the kitsune and then the halfling. What a strange, assorted group we make.
She wonders where Variel is; missing out on the entertainment. Perhaps Pegsworthy has him tied up with ship business.
She is more silent than not, allowing her thoughts and questions to move like waves across an ocean. I am restless. What is the cause of this?, yet no answers appear to her. Perhaps she cannot acknowledge some of the answers because they would only lead to more questions.
Turning to her companions, she asks inquiringly, "Has Variel mentioned where we are sailing to next?"
A bemused smile rests on Horatio’s face as he watches his new apprentice chatting with the others.
She’s quite friendly, it seems – once they get past her curt way of talking… he thinks.
”Well done, lass – your music is very pretty, and the fact that you were able to create such a device is pretty good evidence to me that you'll have good things to show later,” he interjects, speaking to his apprentice specifically, but also the group as a whole.
Leaning in a bit closer to Piper, he whispers somewhat softly to her –
”It’s Seijiro-san, not “mister Seijio”… different customs is all.”
Glancing at the afternoon sun, he squints somewhat and wonders at the time.
”It’s fair enough today, if we discount the troubles we’ve had from the jungles,” he suggests.
”But all things said, I’m eager to be away and taste the wind and feel the pitch and sway of the deck under my feet.”
”I hear that Squibbs is near finished with his work, so hopefully we’ll be off soon,” he adds somewhat wistfully.
”As the weather is fine, and there’s little to do. I was wondering, do any of you have plans for the day?”
”For myself, I was thinking of beginning copying the charts this evening; however, that’s a ways away. For now, we seem to have plenty of time.”
”Normally I prefer to help the lads down by the dock and assist in working on the ship. As for today, I’m not certain,” he adds, turning to stare at the Chelaxian ship dominating the harbor, giving it a cursory examination.
”Tell me – do you have any thoughts on what you would like to do next, while we wait?” he adds solicitously.
Then, as if somewhat embarrassed that she's only talking to you, she quickly turns away and glances at the helmsman for your ship.
”Tell me ma’am,” she adds, turning a glance to Rain ”what did you think of the song? I’m always interested in the opinions of a different audience, and they say that elves have a good ear for music, too.”
”I mean, did you like the tune?”
"Indeed I did. It was a pretty tune, somewhat melancholy (like raindrops on an ocean) but I am not adverse to emotion created within and by music. I sing occasionally in the tavern and onboard the ship. My voice is fine enough -- but I do it because I enjoy the abandonment felt in song and music."
For all those on the dock, Seijiro pulls out his harmonica and plays softly the same tune that Piper's music box was playing a moment ago. Then, after a few bars, he stops and flashes Rain a smile.
"I think you have the right of it, Rain-san... I guess we all have to learn and grow in our new jobs. Confidence, eh? I will try to show it, though inside, I have many doubts. Thank you, friend."
He blushes a little as he speaks, then smiles again, turning to extend his grin to Flynn and Piper as well.
Then he offers a fig from the sack at his waist to Piper. "Would you like to feed Tomo-chan?"
”Hells, yeah!” Piper says enthusiastically.
”So now, what exactly do I feed him? I mean, that's a fig, do monkey's like figs, or is that just a special treat? And if not figs, what does he like… well, what kinds of snacks does a monkey actually normally eat, or are figs the normal?" she adds tentatively, reaching a shy hand to stroke Tomo-chan on his head, then squeals with real delight at his soft fur under her fingers, clapping with pleasure.
”And look; he’s wearing little monkey-sized armor! That’s outstanding!” she says with a short bark of laughter.
Glancing at Seijiro, she adds ”Right – so, uh - “san” means “mister” and “chan” means “misses”, is that how it translates?” she asks, pulling out a small journal from the pouch and a stub of lead to jot down notes with.
”Actually, as I understand it – the “san” roughly translates to “honored one”, and applies to male and female alike. However “chan” roughly translate to “beloved” or “cherished one” – a term of affection between close family or intimate friends,” Horatio answers.
”That is correct, is it not Seijiro-san?” he adds, asking the young red-headed easterner.
Then, glancing at Rain, he continues, trying to answer her earlier question.
”I do not recall a destination yet – though I vaguely heard references to a place called “blood cove”. I reckon we’ll all know more once we get a chance to look at the charts and maps captain Pegsworthy promised to lend me after dinner tonight. Once we see what’s around us – we’ll probably have a better idea of where we want to sail next in general, though I don’t know anything for sure at this point,” he adds.
"I have no plans for the rest of today. Tomorrow while the ship is being finished, Dhaavan and I are going to do a little shopping. Which reminds me, Flynn-san - I have a list of things that our Captain wanted me to pick up. Some of them were for your use and I need to know if you've already bought any of them, If you have, I can take them off my list."
He shows Horatio his written list of things to buy:
Recommendations for the ship:
1. Four doses of Healy Myrrh – 25 GP a piece; 100 GP
2. Four pouches of Air Crystals – 50 GP a piece; 200 GP
3.Two sets of Masterwork Artisan Ship Builder’s Tools: 110 GP
4. Ten sets of Artisan Ship Builders Tools: 50 GP
Total 460
Shopping list:
1. Masterwork Artisan Carpentry Tools: 55 GP
2. Masterwork Artisan Ship Builder’s Tools: 55 GP
3. Alchemist Kit: 25 GP
4. Healers Kit refill: 50 GP
5. Bedroll: 1 SP
6. Compass: 10 GP
7. 50 feet of Hemp Rope: 1 GP
8. Medium Treasure Chest: 6 GP – 4 Cubic Feet
9. Simple Lock: 20 GP (open with Disable Device – DC 20)
10. Cooking Kit 1 GP
11. Smelling Salts – 25 GP
12. Tobacco – 2 lbs. – 1 GP
13. Hot Weather Outfit – 8 GP
14. Cold Weather Outfit – 8 GP
Gunsmith Supplies: 100 GP
Total: 365 GP
He listens to Piper and Rain for a moment and smiles as he thinks of Rain's vocals, her song back at the Formidable Maid and the few times she's sung since.
"Fine enough, indeed. She has a lovely voice, Piper, and we'd all be the better for it if she sang more often." He grins happily.
Piper turns a somewhat frustrated look to Horatio.
”Thank you about the definitions, chief – but, uh – I was kind of asking mister… er, Seijiro-san for the meaning, savvy?” she says dryly, giving Horatio a somewhat annoyed look which Horatio doesn’t seem to notice.
Turning back to Rain, Piper shakes her head and gives her a nod to say Is he always like that? then grins a bit.
”Well, miss Rain, I don’t really know about hearing you sing, as I don’t think I have. I don’t really have the music talent, neither, but most of my skills are in my hands,” she adds stretching out her fingers and wiggling them delicately.
”Anyhow, I like to build things. Other than singing once and awhile – what else do you like to do?” she adds politely, curious to know what Rain will say.
"And I guess you got the music bug, Seijiro-san - and seem pretty handy with the little guys," she says, giving a nod to Tomo.
"How about you? Do you have any other interests?" she asks eagerly.
"I recollect Captain Pegsworthy suggesting Bloodcove. I have heard of the place and know its location well enough. I was not certain whether Variel seriously entertained the idea. I suppose we will hear soon enough. I would like to sit down with the charts and plot the best course, if given the time." Rain nods her head in a professional manner.
"You are mostly right, Flynn-san. It is like saying 'Mister' or 'Miss' to use -san. -chan could be for a beloved, or a child and shows intimate affection. -sama would be used for a lord, one who ranks higher than you. For example, one's captain would be addressed as -sama." He shrugs and smiles. "But we are not always so formal among our little group, and sometimes leave off such honorifics or titles when we talk, now that we have gotten to know each other so well. You can just call me Seijiro. I do appreciate those who have accommodated my Eastern customs in regards to such. It makes me feel welcome among you."
He smiles at Piper and Flynn and awaits Flynn's response regarding the shopping ist.
"I have no plans for the rest of today. Tomorrow while the ship is being finished, Dhaavan and I are going to do a little shopping. Which reminds me, Flynn-san - I have a list of things that our Captain wanted me to pick up. Some of them were for your use and I need to know if you've already bought any of them, If you have, I can take them off my list."
He shows Horatio his written list of things to buy:
** spoiler omitted **
He listens to Piper and Rain for a moment and smiles as he thinks of Rain's vocals, her song back at the Formidable Maid and the few times she's sung since.
"Fine enough, indeed. She has a lovely voice, Piper, and we'd all be the better for it if she sang more often." He grins happily.
Feeling a little off-put by his new apprentice, and the unusual attitude she seems to be giving him, Horatio merely shakes his head and rolls his eyes a bit, though a smile is on his lips.
"Ah, thanks for the correction, than, Seijiro-san," he adds, touching his forelock in a careless, yet friendly, salute.
Then, taking the list from Seijiro, he glances at it, his eyes scanning over it, smiling a bit as he shakes his head.
"Well - truth to tell, everything you have marked under "Shopping List" was actually taken from my own list of personal effects that I made for purchase. The rest of the gear was just some suggestions I made for what else we may decide to get."
"But I already purchased everything on my "Shopping List" on the first day we arrived, it's already bought and paid for, actually."
He scratches his chin a bit, then shrugs.
"In fact, other than the basic gear I have on me, the rest of the stuff I bought is stowed in my chest back in my quarters, ready to move onto the ship once she's finished."
"Hell, I got to admit, I feel a bit foolish - if I knew that Dhaavan was planning on talking down the price, I may have waited. But to be fair, I kind of wanted to get some of that gear sooner, rather than later," he adds.
"Anyhow - what's done is done; but next time I'll make sure to bring Dhaavan post-haste when I shop, I reckon he'll be able to give better bargaining than I can."
"Speaking of Dhaavan - that reminds me; what did you all think of the construct idea? I got to admit, it only just came to me recent-like, but it seems reasonable to use what skills we have to make better ways to defend ourselves on the sea from any enemy, eh?" he adds, looking to the group for any other thoughts on the matter.
"Ah Jiro, you are too kind to me by far. Thank you for your regard. Perhaps once we have set sail, I shall find time for a song or two", Rain bestows a gracious smile at the kitsune.
Upon hearing Piper speak of her deft hands and no musical ability, Rain addresses her question. "What do I like to do apart from singing? Let me see," tapping the corner of her mouth with her fingertips, "I enjoy watching and studying the stars, the occasional dance, bestowing a glare toward Flynn and his tango, I enjoy reading and good storytelling. So much can be learned from the old stories passed down the generations." Rain smiles gently. "What do you like to do, Piper, apart from tinker away on your various projects?"
"Other interests? I.. " He pauses a moment, trying to think of what to say. "I guess I like to learn things, like new lingos and such. And I like magic." To show his enjoyment and skill with 'magic', he pulls out a silver piece and rolls it over the back of his fingers, making it disappear, then reappear, then disappear again.. finally reaching behind Piper's ear, where he seems to pull it out of thin air from there.
He chuckles and flips the coin back into it's pouch.
When Rain asks Piper what her interests are, he listens avidly.
Leaning back and listening to Flynn talk of constructs, Rain lifts her brow in befuddlement.
"I believe Jiro and I had left the tavern when you began speaking of such things with Dhaavan. Care to elaborate on the plan?"
"So, I don't need to buy any of these things? You've already purchased them all? Seijiro sighs and shrugs slightly.
"I guess I don't need Dhaavan tomorrow then. I think you SHOULD take Dhaavan with you when you shop, he's got a real talent with people, though like Rain says, it's a very practiced, smooth technique, it is effective."
He cocks his head to one side. "I hope someday I can bargain somewhat better myself, but I doubt I'll ever get up to Dhaavan's level."
Seijiro silently contemplates Rain's question about constructs, as he hadn't heard of it til now either. He looks to Flynn for an answer to her question. "Yes, do please tell us about it. I hadn't heard about it either."
"Ah Jiro, you are too kind to me by far. Thank you for your regard. Perhaps once we have set sail, I shall find time for a song or two", Rain bestows a gracious smile at the kitsune.
Upon hearing Piper speak of her deft hands and no musical ability, Rain addresses her question. "What do I like to do apart from singing? Let me see," tapping the corner of her mouth with her fingertips, "I enjoy watching and studying the stars, the occasional dance, bestowing a glare toward Flynn and his tango, I enjoy reading and good storytelling. So much can be learned from the old stories passed down the generations." Rain smiles gently. "What do you like to do, Piper, apart from tinker away on your various projects?"
”Me? Well – let’s see…” Piper responds thoughtfully.
”I like to build stuff – that much you know. But anybody can build things – I like to build neat things; clever things, as it were.”
”Like the music box; which you saw? I like building things like, but, uh… well, I can do things like that, I can make them perfect and exact – time and again – but as for the knowing on how to come up with it from scratch?” she shakes her head sadly.
”I got no real wit on imagining things from scratch. Still,” she adds brightening ”If someone gives me the bloody charts or blueprints – pre-drafted, I can build you exactly what you want, nearly every time. And that’s a fun thing, too.”
”What else, what else… Ah – of course, I like to cook! I’m not a great cook mind you, but I’m pretty handy in the kitchen. And better than cooking I like to eat – but who doesn’t like to eat? So many snacks, and afternoon tea; dinner, luncheon’s, supper, breakfast – hell, second breakfast… gotta love a good breakfast.”
”You know, back home I used to enjoy those the most; we’d all meet and have a great meal to start the day… one of the family’s even made a club just to meet and eat a great breakfast. Hah! Imagine that – a kind of breakfast club, as it were – I think it was the Hughes family which started it, but I’m not certain…” she adds furrowing her brow, then grinning.
”I like to read, I love it actually. I read lots, and I have a pretty good head for numbers and math, because you got to learn numbers if you’re planning on designing a ship; you know – the calculations and so on,” she adds with a somewhat serious nod.
”I like to dance myself, too – but nothing too fancy. I like a jig, and a reel, and sometimes I’ll do a hornpipe just for fun… “
Seeing your look at Horatio, her eyes widen a bit.
”Huh! Am I missing something here? You two dance a lot or something, or is that some inside joke I don’t get yet?” she adds, stressing the “yet” – as if to suggest she feels confident in her ability to be one the team very soon.
Seijiro grins wickedly at Piper's mention of dancing and gives Rain a broad wink.
"So, I don't need to buy any of these things? You've already purchased them all? Seijiro sighs and shrugs slightly.
"I guess I don't need Dhaavan tomorrow then. I think you SHOULD take Dhaavan with you when you shop, he's got a real talent with people, though like Rain says, it's a very practiced, smooth technique, it is effective."
He cocks his head to one side. "I hope someday I can bargain somewhat better myself, but I doubt I'll ever get up to Dhaavan's level."
Seijiro silently contemplates Rain's question about constructs, as he hadn't heard of it til now either. He looks to Flynn for an answer to her question. "Yes, do please tell us about it. I hadn't heard about it either."
Horatio gives a wry grin to Piper.
”We’ve danced before, aye – but I reckon the dance wasn’t to Rain’s taste. Eh, live and learn,” he says with a shrug, but then returns Rain’s glare with a playful smile and a wink.
He turns back to Seijiro.
”Well, in point of fact – the part of the list that says “Shopping List” was my shopping list. The other part of the list was suggestions I made for the ship – all of them handy to have, but kind of expensive. I don’t know if we bought them yet, or if we only planned on buying them.”
”But when I wrote down the suggestions – my plan was for everyone to look over the list, add on to it stuff they liked too, than – after reading the list – we’d narrow it down to the best choices and go buy the stuff we all “suggested” as a group.”
He looks again at the “suggested gear” and sighs.
”Truth to tell – I can’t see any new suggestions on this thing – just the stuff I came up with.”
He than glances at the two –
”You guys got any other ideas on this stuff? Any other thoughts? If so – toss ‘em up there, and we’ll have Dhaavan try his luck later this afternoon, eh?”
Leaning back and listening to Flynn talk of constructs, Rain lifts her brow in befuddlement.
"I believe Jiro and I had left the tavern when you began speaking of such things with Dhaavan. Care to elaborate on the plan?"
”Ah – apologies, than,” Horatio says in a “getting down to business” manner.
”Thing is – Piper likes the ideas of constructs – seem to match her goddesses beliefs, as you no doubt know, as she told you so earlier.”
”As for the idea of constructs – I’ve seen them before, and I’ve also seen the ugly scars that war can leave on a body. So I thought to myself, especially after seeing what happened to poor Ratline – Maybe we can craft him a new limb using alchemical and clockwork pieces, like a construct – merging moveable prosthetics with the body to produce a new and functioning limb.”
”And then I thought – Hell, if the limb is a new one, made like a construct – why shouldn’t it be stronger, more potent – more powerful? If we have a lad who’s hurt; why not instead of slapping some dumb hook on his hand, or peg on his leg – why not build him a new hand as if we were fashioning a construct – and, while we’re at it – why not make it so the hand is stronger, and tougher. Maybe to hold a weapon better, or to use it perform difficult skills with some ease?… Of course, it’s all academic at this point, but why not?”
”And than more obvious thoughts – why not creates “shock troops” for a boarding party or away team that were literal constructs – a veritable clockwork golem, if you will.. they don’t need food, nor money, and there’s no chance of mutiny from that sort – so why not try to build such things, if we can?”
”Then I asked what you all thought – and, well… here we are,” he ends.
"So... that said, what do you think?" he adds.
Seijiro wrinkles nose slightly and grimaces at the idea as he digests it and thinks it over for a while. "Sounds very impersonal to me, with no humanity. You wanted mercy to be one of our qualities. I don't see how such a thing can show mercy to an enemy. In the middle of a fight, such a thing might go further than you would like." He shrugs. "Such a thing might not ever mutiny but it wouldn't be loyal either, as loyalty requires will. It is just a thing...
His eyes brighten with greater interest as he goes on. "Now the idea of crafting limbs for Ratline, and anyone else who gets badly wounded sounds more interesting."
Glaring at Flynn again, Rain responds brusquely, "I spoke to Dhaavan this morning and mentioned a few items to him directly. Do you still require that I write them down on your list?"
And having noted Flynn's wink and grin regarding the dancing, "Flynn decided that we should dance some obscure style he picked up from one court or another without enquiring whether I had knowledge of it or not. Let us simply say, it was not the most graceful of dances when I tripped over his upraised leg." There is an underlying growl to her voice now and her eyes are a vivid turquoise. Rain has not forgiven him yet for it.
Listening to Jiro's thoughts on the construct idea, Rain adds her concurrence, "I am with Jiro on this idea, Flynn. Constructing a new limb for a wounded crewman or mate is admirable and clever. It extends their life and livelihood. I do not like the idea of clockwork golems -- there could be many problems when commanding such a troop -- they are without conscience or moral compass. They may even turn on their allies -- our ordinary crewmen. Will certainly create a case for mutiny."
Dhaavan giggles at the suggestion of creating constructs, imagining tiny little clockwork golems, and mumbling to himself, grinning. "That's a fine idea, and addorable to boot, tiny little metal men that can fit in your hand... Unfortunately, it takes a level of magic beyond me to imbue that fasimile of life into a mechanical creation. But eventually Imay come up wuith a way. We'll see," he muses. There is no distrespect in his voice and he's clearly not laughing at the idea itself but his own imagining of an army of those cute little clockworks.
"I believe they mindlessly obey their creators, so that is less of an issue than the expence of building animated beings like that. The process, as far as I am aware, is extremely expensive, but I dunno."
Magic was still new to Rain (with her powers limited) and listening to the sorceror speak of such things as magically-animated mechanical beings did not sit well with her. She was glad that his power was not at its fullest because it meant he could not go too far with his magic. But how far would he go? Would any magic user? These clockwork golems went against nature and the gods themselves. Rain watched silently as the conversation moved back and forth, all the while her mind racing, her will screaming to be the moral compass of this lot. Fortunately Jiro was against the idea. But if it came down to a vote, would such mechanicals beings be created? Rain did not think the idea was adorable as Dhaavan phrased it. Nay. It would cause more problems in the end, in her mind.
Seijiro shivers a little at Dhaavan's words... it seems obvious the sorceror would make such things if he had the skill and resources, perhaps regardless of what the rest of the company thought. Knowing from her words that Rain shares his misgivings he glances over at her with a helpless kind of look, a little scowl on his face. He sighs deeply and just shakes his head slightly, his eyes narrowing and his usual amber-gold eyes darkening with his mood. I hope he has more self-control than his words of excitement seem to indicate. I'm glad he lacks the resources and skill, that I am... but what will happen when he is no longer so limited?
Noticing Jiro's look and scowl, her own hands curling and uncurling in her lap, she finally gives voice to her uneasiness, "No more talk of creating mindless, soulless beings. Such talk is for heretics and those who would see themselves elevated as gods. Be careful Dhaavan in what you seek. Your words go beyond nature itself and there will be ramifications." Rain takes a breath and continues, looking mainly to Dhaavan, Flynn and Piper, "You tinker with the world even though you do not understand it whole. I am appreciative of skill such as crafting a ship, sails, healing/protective potions, musical instruments and alike. But to speak of creating metal beings which move and fight without will or soul? I cannot in good conscience condone such an act. I will not." Rain's eyes are afire with shades of blue and green. Her voice, although even, has a dangerous edge. Gazing from eye to eye, "There are more important things to discuss -- factors we must consider before we sail. This talk is wasteful. Let us get back to the business at hand." Her tone is commanding even though she has no legitimate authority in this group. She extends Jiro an apologetic look for she has not included him in her rebuke and hopes he has not been offended by her words.
Noticing Jiro's look and scowl, her own hands curling and uncurling in her lap, she finally gives voice to her uneasiness, "No more talk of creating mindless, soulless beings. Such talk is for heretics and those who would see themselves elevated as gods. Be careful Dhaavan in what you seek. Your words go beyond nature itself and there will be ramifications." Rain takes a breath and continues, looking mainly to Dhaavan, Flynn and Piper, "You tinker with the world even though you do not understand it whole. I am appreciative of skill such as crafting a ship, sails, healing/protective potions, musical instruments and alike. But to speak of creating metal beings which move and fight without will or soul? I cannot in good conscience condone such an act. I will not." Rain's eyes are afire with shades of blue and green. Her voice, although even, has a dangerous edge. Gazing from eye to eye, "There are more important things to discuss -- factors we must consider before we sail. This talk is wasteful. Let us get back to the business at hand." Her tone is commanding even though she has no legitimate authority in this group. She extends Jiro an apologetic look for she has not included him in her rebuke and hopes he has not been offended by her words.
Piper looks aghast at Rain’s comments, and her mouth opens in shock.
"Begging your pardon, miss, but you’re way wrong on clockwork beings!” she says, somewhat hotly.
”I claim Brigh as my patron! She's the goddess I worship, she is. Her avatar is a clockwork being. And so what’s wrong with that? She picks gets to pick her avatar, and she’s got a right as a goddess to pick that if she wants.”
”And Brigh...well, the legends I hear go that she was first just a clockwork type... maybe a clockwork golem, but no one really knows... But anyway, it was only through discovering her humanity by deeds and actions that extending beyond her structure was she able to find the essence of her soul, and through that quest, she became divine.”
Piper’s eyes are somewhat beseeching toward Rain and especially Jiro – it’s clear she is making her new comrades very angry, and they seem to be accusing her of heresy, and she doesn’t believe that is fair, nor does she believe that it is helping her case to be able to fit in.
”She may not be as big or powerful as Erastil or Desna, or whoever elves worship, but well... I mean, everyone has a right to their opinion, and Brigh is my goddess and she is a clockwork type... and she isn’t evil, and it doesn’t make me a heretic because my goddess gained a soul through her own decisions to do good, even though she may have been made from a “non-living” body and it doesn't make me bad to want to invent things to act like her, any more than if someone was who was making a beautiful fire was somehow being a heretic to Serenrae,” Piper adds, sounding a bit choked up.
”And as for the idea that a clockwork type would do bad stuff and be mindless? That’s not fair, either! I mean, they’re only supposed to do what the people tell them to do who make them. If we ordered them to wound the enemy, not kill them... well, they could be made to do that… or tie the enemy up somehow, or maybe trap them instead of killing them…” she adds, looking at all of you with genuine hurt on her face.
She clears her throat a bit hoarsely, and kicks a pebble into the water near the docks.
”Brigh is my goddess, and I’m not a heretic, and it’s not fair that just because folks don’t know about my faith or my goddess they'd accuse me of being that,” she mutters almost to herself, her eyes very upset and a little misty.
Horatio looks in surprise at Piper, his eyes widening, and clears his throat a bit, somewhat confused at her outburst and response.
He tosses a look over at Rain and Seijiro, than glances back to Piper again. There is a somewhat helpless expression on his face as he sees this situation, and he doesn’t seem to know what to do.
”Wow – um; okay… so, here’s the thing… Religion’s a tricky subject with some, eh?” he says somewhat neutrally, his gaze falling on Pipers face, sighing a bit at her hurt look.
A look which suggests he is thinking something clouds his eyes a moment, and his gaze tacks back to Rain for a bit, appraising her after her speech.
His eyes narrow a trifle as his memory drifts back to his happy youth as a child; a happiness which was cut short because of the religious fanaticism which took the life of his mother; and he already sees much of his mother in Rain already...
”So, yeah - maybe everyone ought to ease up on everyone's beliefs on the gods, eh?” he says somewhat soothingly, though is face is clearly troubled by some old memory.
”Hell, I reckon the gods are big enough to fight their own battles once and a while without our help, he adds, a touch of bitterness in his voice, the past of his mother likely clouding the words.
He pauses a bit, than takes a sip from his hip flask.
”But yeah, Rain – you’re right; we need to figure out our next move…” he says, watching her, figuring that if she wants to talk business, that’ll be great, as matters of faith can be tricky, from time to time...
”Right! So, we got charts coming to us, gear ready to be bought, and a ship ready to be done and christened and the seas to explore.”
”While we're at it, we need to find a good place to offload some of our more… harder to trade items, and soon. They’re a loadstone around our neck… and between then and now, we need to find a good way to make some cash so we can get our ship on par with any whoreson who wants to treat us like bloody “prey”, eh?”
”Between than and now, I got an idea on how we can make some easy cash – but it’s up to you all, though – as it’ll take some capital to get the plan started.”
He fits a tobacco quid into his lip and chomps on it a bit.
”Anyone interested in that plan?” he asks, as if eager to change the subject into business.
Dhaavan giggles at the suggestion of creating constructs, imagining tiny little clockwork golems, and mumbling to himself, grinning. "That's a fine idea, and addorable to boot, tiny little metal men that can fit in your hand... Unfortunately, it takes a level of magic beyond me to imbue that fasimile of life into a mechanical creation. But eventually Imay come up wuith a way. We'll see," he muses. There is no distrespect in his voice and he's clearly not laughing at the idea itself but his own imagining of an army of those cute little clockworks.
"I believe they mindlessly obey their creators, so that is less of an issue than the expence of building animated beings like that. The process, as far as I am aware, is extremely expensive, but I dunno."
I glance at Dhaavan –
”Oye – when we’re afloat we ought to figure out a way to… I don’t know – maybe “give you a hand” as it were…”
Horatio ponders his time on the seas a bit, and considers some of the sea creatures. A grim nod on his face as he considers the wily octopus.
”You remember seeing any octopi in your time? They're pretty “handy” eh?”
”Now, as there’s none who’re opposed to fixing up a busted limb – what if you had a few extra? You know – like extra hands or limbs, like an octopus on land?”
I give Dhaavan a once over, nodding to myself with a slow smile on my face.
”If such limbs were metal, and they had greater strength than you normally do... why, you could do some pretty interesting things…"
"You could climb rigging with great ease using some of the limbs, even as you’re casting with your natural hands… You could be throwing things at an enemy even as you’re casting – like dousing them with flasks of oil just before a fire elemental pops up on top of them…”
Horatio spits once into the waves, watching the direction the spittle flows so that he could gauge the possible flow of the tides, than frowns at the results, looks at Dhaavan and shrugs.
”Hell – just something to think about,” he adds neutrally.
Seijiro sighs and shrugs. "It seems we have different opinions on the subject of such beings, that we do. Perhaps Rain has the right of it and we should instead talk of more important things, like being ready to sail tomorrow night, or probably on the morning tide the day after. I'm sure there is still much to do before then, and plans still to be made." He tries to give a little smile to lighten the mood.
Piper is sure passionate about her goddess and I'm sure her passion will see her do great work in the future. But as she herself says, much of what she speaks of is legend, and legends sometimes are not always what they say, but more what they seem. I hope she comes to realize this in the fullness of time.
Finally after a moment, his smile becomes more genuine and less a mask that he wears and the smile touches his eyes as well.
"Aye, let's speak of other things, my friends, and let this subject lie for now, as it is clear we see things very differently."
Hearing Seijiro's words, Piper sits down on the dock, a sad look on her face and she hugs her knees to her chest, saying nothing.
Her fingers absently trace the little ridges over the symbol on her toe ring, and she seems very uncomfortable.
While it is clear that her opinions on her faith are certainly important to her, equally likely is that she is working very hard to fit in with everyone and now feels like she's just upset everyone.
Seijiro sighs and shrugs. "It seems we have different opinions on the subject of such beings, that we do. Perhaps Rain has the right of it and we should instead talk of more important things, like being ready to sail tomorrow night, or probably on the morning tide the day after. I'm sure there is still much to do before then, and plans still to be made." He tries to give a little smile to lighten the mood.
Piper is sure passionate about her goddess and I'm sure her passion will see her do great work in the future. But as she herself says, much of what she speaks of is legend, and legends sometimes are not always what they say, but more what they seem. I hope she comes to realize this in the fullness of time.
Finally after a moment, his smile becomes more genuine and less a mask that he wears and the smile touches his eyes as well.
"Aye, let's speak of other things, my friends, and let this subject lie for now, as it is clear we see things very differently."
"Fair enough than, Seijiro-san," Horatio interjects, also eager to change the subject.
"So um... you interested in any of those plans I suggested on how to make some cash for a little investment?" Horatio queries.
"Better of course to make cash with no investment, but what did you have in mind?"
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Horatio grins at Seijiro, and holds up his pistol.
"Guns, lad - guns!"
He flips the pistol once, twirling it on his finger somewhat decently, flicks it out, spin it around his finger, than twists it back, forth and over the wrist than back around his hand; spin-holstering it quickly.
The display is alright, but nearly as impressive as Horatio seems to think it is....
"They're handy, even to them that have no real skill with them," he adds with a grin.
"If we can produce them in bulk - we can sell them to those that'll need them. Resistance fighters, rebels - anyone who wants an edge."
He spits a stream of tobacco juice into the water and winks.
"You put them in the hands of a good lad and he can puncture right through even the best armor... no matter what training in these things he's got. Hell, that's got to be worth something to the right types, eh?" he adds.
Rain stares at Piper, wondering at the boldness exhibited by her, especially to those who were her superiors in rank. Her eyes mirror a moving ocean and her mouth remains closed for some time, as Jiro's and Flynn's words filter into her consciousness.
Observing Piper's forlorn expression and body language, Rain once again wonders at the halfling. It would seem Piper's bark was worse than her bite. Or so it seemed, as Rain did not know Piper at all.
In order to maintain an effective working relationship, she attempts to reconcile the issue,
"Piper, you speak your mind too readily for an apprentice. Yet, you are entitled to believe in a god of your choosing and this Brigh is important to you, I can see it. Yet, to someone such as I, who reveres nature and whose venerated gods would be appalled by such talk of mechanical beings, I cannot sit easy with talk of such foul creations. I am not angry at you but angered by the deeds you and the other two there, gesturing to Flynn and Dhaavan, would undertake simply to what? To feel powerful? Is that not akin to god-like? I am not here to debate religious philosophy with any of you. I simply suggest that some ideas are impractical in the world and should not be discussed so lightly and with so little regard to consequence. There is no bad blood between us. I am simply unaccustomed to talk of animated mechanical beings nor have knowledge that such things could exist in this world. Are you satisfied now? Come, desist in your solitary state and listen as we discuss our next sea journey." Rain places a gentle smile on her face to induce the flighty apprentice to join them once again. Gods protect us. Flynn has no control over this lass. Nor does he seem to want to guide her, so she may better fit in and understand.
"You want to make guns and sell them? Do we look like tradesmen and merchants? I've been serving on merchant ships for seven years and never once have I made more than my monthly pay until I took up pirating, even though it was against my will to begin with. Now if you're talking about building some guns in your spare time while we're about pirating, I might invest a little of my money in your venture, so long as it doesn't interfere with what we're out and about doing... plying the waters looking for fat merchant ships we can outrun and outfight in the Dread Lady."
He shrugs and grins at Flynn...
"Like I said, I'm willing to invest a little if you're talking about a side venture. I'll put up some cash, you do the crafting, we split the profit. Would you have to wait til we get to Bloodcove to get the materials you need to do this, or can you get them here? Hmmm... and all this in spare time while we're getting rich preying on other merchants."
Rain stares at Piper, wondering at the boldness exhibited by her, especially to those who were her superiors in rank. Her eyes mirror a moving ocean and her mouth remains closed for some time, as Jiro's and Flynn's words filter into her consciousness.
Observing Piper's forlorn expression and body language, Rain once again wonders at the halfling. It would seem Piper's bark was worse than her bite. Or so it seemed, as Rain did not know Piper at all.
In order to maintain an effective working relationship, she attempts to reconcile the issue,
"Piper, you speak your mind too readily for an apprentice. Yet, you are entitled to believe in a god of your choosing and this Brigh is important to you, I can see it. Yet, to someone such as I, who reveres nature and whose venerated gods would be appalled by such talk of mechanical beings, I cannot sit easy with talk of such foul creations. I am not angry at you but angered by the deeds you and the other two there, gesturing to Flynn and Dhaavan, would undertake simply to what? To feel powerful? Is that not akin to god-like? I am not here to debate religious philosophy with any of you. I simply suggest that some ideas are impractical in the world and should not be discussed so lightly and with so little regard to consequence. There is no bad blood between us. I am simply unaccustomed to talk of animated mechanical beings nor have knowledge that such things could exist in this world. Are you satisfied now? Come, desist in your solitary state and listen as we discuss our next sea journey." Rain places a gentle smile on her face to induce the flighty apprentice to join them once again. Gods protect us. Flynn has no control over this lass. Nor does he seem to want to guide her, so she may better fit in and understand.
They’re not “foul”! They’re nice, and my creations are very nice, too…
Her eyes soften a bit, than she sighs.
”Okay,” she mutters a little sullenly.
She looks at Rain and smiles a little and reaches over to scratch Tomo-chan’s head and gives Rain a "thumbs up" sign to show there are no hard feelings.
"You want to make guns and sell them? Do we look like tradesmen and merchants? I've been serving on merchant ships for seven years and never once have I made more than my monthly pay until I took up pirating, even though it was against my will to begin with. Now if you're talking about building some guns in your spare time while we're about pirating, I might invest a little of my money in your venture, so long as it doesn't interfere with what we're out and about doing... plying the waters looking for fat merchant ships we can outrun and outfight in the Dread Lady."
He shrugs and grins at Flynn...
"Like I said, I'm willing to invest a little if you're talking about a side venture. I'll put up some cash, you do the crafting, we split the profit. Would you have to wait til we get to Bloodcove to get the materials you need to do this, or can you get them here? Hmmm... and all this in spare time while we're getting rich preying on other merchants."
Horatio sighs a bit at Seijiro’s seemingly staunch adherence to piracy exclusively.
”Look – the thing is – we’ve been on this beach for roughly a week, right? What’ve we done here, eh? Why –we’ve had drinks, gone bowling, maybe got into a few minor brawls and some fights with some bloody beasts. Looking back over the week, I reckon that all of that could have been crunched down into about an hour or two during the whole week. But for the majority of our time here mostly, all we’ve done is sit around.”
”Now, if I had the spare parts I’d like to be doing something with my time rather than just walking the grounds or having drinks."
"Hell, in the past five days I could have crafted about three or four muskets for about 3,000 gold in spare parts – or less. Then I could have turned around and sold the muskets to those lads on that ship that just breezed in, or to whoever – for about 6,000 gold.”
I shrug, a dry expression in my eyes.
”Point is – we’re sitting around on this beach with nothing really to do."
"When we get into the next port, if that's all I did on this beach during the week, and we found no ships between now and then, I’d have about 3,000 gold pieces for roughly five days of work.”
”Not a bad way to earn coin… especially considering the fact that we’ve been here nearly a week and other than aforementioned activities, we haven’t done much else.”
"And as for how we look? Well, as for me personally I reckon we look like a bunch of lads just sitting around waiting for some action to happen."
"And as for action? Well, I reckon that sometimes it does - and sometimes no. But why not stay busy between than and now?"
He spits into the water again.
”Anyhow, it was just a thought,” he says shrugging.
With Piper sullenly assenting to join them and Flynn's talk of manufacturing guns, Rain sighs inwardly but listens attentively. Flynn has many ideas, some good, some possibly not-so-good, gods save us.
"Perhaps this gun trade of yours could work as a side venture, in downtime, when the storms are too fierce for us to sail. Yet it will take coin and skill. If you had a solid plan, listing the outcomes and even foreseeable issues, I may look at it again. If you are at sea, you will need a person to broker the deals for you. Do you have someone in mind?"
"Didn't say it was a bad thought, so long as it stays a side venture like. Otherwise, we're just another fat merchant ship waiting to get pirated in these waters."
"As for nothin' ta do, I don't mind a little time with nothin' ta do. After working for Harrigan and gettin worked and overworked, a little time to just sit around and enjoy the smell and sounds of the sea, the fares at the market, pretty women to look at, a little to drink now and again... it's all fine with me. You need to learn to relax, Flynn-san and just take life as it comes sometimes."
With Piper sullenly assenting to join them and Flynn's talk of manufacturing guns, Rain sighs inwardly but listens attentively. Flynn has many ideas, some good, some possibly not-so-good, gods save us.
"Perhaps this gun trade of yours could work as a side venture, in downtime, when the storms are too fierce for us to sail. Yet it will take coin and skill. If you had a solid plan, listing the outcomes and even foreseeable issues, I may look at it again. If you are at sea, you will need a person to broker the deals for you. Do you have someone in mind?"
"Hell, that's what I'm talking about," Horatio says with a somewhat vigorous nod.
"That's my point - we got plenty of downtime on this place alone, right? And I figure on the seas when we sail from port to port we'll probably have tons of time on the sea with nothing much to do for chief gunner, especially given the fact that we'll have enough lads under us to do the majority of the leg-work."
"IF we sail from one port to another and it takes us three weeks - and maybe during that time I have enough time to craft about ten or twenty muskets - we could sell them with our plunder and maybe pick up some extra supplies."
"As for contacts? I figure that we can do what we can to set up some sort of buyers in certain places. Once we get a buyer set up, next time we come in we can have some solid coin from the guy - hell, we may not even want to waste time with coin, eh?"
"A contact like that might decide to trade valuable or ultra-rare magical gear or information with us for a stash of guns," he adds.
"I'm just saying it's something to do while we're sailing if we got nothing better to do, is all," he adds.
"Didn't say it was a bad thought, so long as it stays a side venture like. Otherwise, we're just another fat merchant ship waiting to get pirated in these waters."
"As for nothin' ta do, I don't mind a little time with nothin' ta do. After working for Harrigan and gettin worked and overworked, a little time to just sit around and enjoy the smell and sounds of the sea, the fares at the market, pretty women to look at, a little to drink now and again... it's all fine with me. You need to learn to relax, Flynn-san and just take life as it comes sometimes."
Horatio looks at Seijiro with a sidelong glance.
"I don't know - I reckon anyone trying to pirate us for the guns will have to have the pleasure of charging the guns, eh?" he retorts with a casual tone.
"But as for relaxing? I don't know about that..."
"All week each day I do the same thing - I wake up early and walk the rounds around the village's borders."
"Than I come back for breakfast and than chat it up with the folks here, trying to get in good with the locals - that's how I met Piper," he says gesturing to the Halfling.
"After that I walk the rounds again - than I grab a quick bite for lunch when I chat with you all."
"Than I head over to the docks and help them squibbing the ship until about suppertime."
"Than I come back, eat, walk the rounds another bloody time, and than head back to my room and compile all the information I gathered in my journal - the flags, coordinates, important people, seasons, creatures, allies and enemies flora and fauna."
"After that I end up sacking out hard."
"Other than these chats during lunchtime, I don't barely have time to breathe," he adds with a dry grin.
"But - if I had the parts - I'd have been spending my day in the tavern putting together gear for us to sell at the next port."
"Rum luck that we don't have the parts," he adds with a sigh.
After Rain's responce to the idea of Constructs, Dhaavan waits a bit and tries to privately calm things, saying to the elf, , "There's certainly something to be said for the ease a well engineered machine can bring to life. We traded with the occasional mad gnomish artificer, but honestly, yea needn't be too concerned. What little i know of constructs is that proper creation and animation takes a great deal of study, and I'm not sure I'll ever figure out that kind of magic. And even if I tried the components are so damned costly and rare that I doubt that the ship'd be able to support such artificing on top of what other expenses we'll likely have. But as a hypothetical, I didn't think it could hurt to muse on the subject. Wanted to make a good impression with the lady is mostly it, beyond finding golems and such fascinatin'." He tries to calm the elf without lettin on to the distraught halfling
"Ah but we'll be heading to Bloodcove sometime soon, Flynn-san. Perhaps you'll find what you're looking for there in the way of parts. From what Capt. Pegsworthy was sayin', it sounds like a much bigger town with more resources. Surely, when you're services as Chief Gunner and Carpenter aren't needed, you'll find time to do the building and making of things as you'd like. I'm sure there'll be many a quiet day at sea when you'll have such free time as you might desire."
Seijiro flashes Flynn a smile. "I for one, plan to enjoy the pitch of the deck and the fine salt spray and smell, and not worry too much in my down time. Worry turns your fur... hair... white early in life. I don't want to end up old before my time, yanno. Though it's said kitsune with white coats are the most magical and wise of spirit folk, I suspect I'll never be one of them."
He laughs merrily. "Although I should aspire to be wiser, it's not in my nature to worry about it too much."
"You, Flynn-san, like your new apprentice, have a great deal of passion for your craft and your crafting. While I envy you that a little, I'm not sure if it's a blessing or a curse." He laughs again.
Rain humours the sorceror, as he attempts to calm the situation which seems to have been partly resolved between Piper and herself.
Quietly, in response, "Impressions aside, you are an Officer, and your first responsibility is to guide wisely and not fan the flames of some grand creation scheme. Piper is only an apprentice and I do not blame her entirely for she has had none to guide her, nurture her natural talents and remind her that creation is a gift, and, one should not meddle with nature itself. Unlike you, I am not versed in such constructs but from what I heard this day, I did not like the sound of it. Artificial limbs for our wounded I wholly concur with but not the mechanical golems. They do not sit right with me and I can only be guided by my own wisdom in this, Dhaavan. Piper and I have come to an understanding rather than a true resolution but soon, I hope we will understand each other better, and she may come to see that my responsibility is to the welfare of all. My voice may not be the popular one but it is one founded in the real world." Rain bows her head to the sorceror signalling her calmed state as well as the end of their discussion on this subject.
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Turning a map over at his desk, Variel pauses to look outside at the dock again. Interesting enough it seems as if a crowd has gathered around Jiro and Rain. Variel could make out Dhaavan and Flynn sitting their talking as well as another person. Who the young girl was though, he had no idea. She sure seemd animated though with her arms flailing about. It was curious that he hadnt seen Valeros or Barzazal recently. VAleros was problably swimming in the water enjoying the coolness of it instead of being on land. Who knows what he had found in the water with the time he has had to relax and search idly. Asto Barzazal, well ever since the fight with him and the naga, they havent shared more than a word or two. Something about thatseemed off, and Variel was positive that he wasnt going to be joing the crew even when the position was offered to him. Perhaps he is going to join Pegsworthy's crew. Oh well.
Looking at the new map in front of him, VAriel started tracing a path with his finger trying to find a quick path out of Pegworthy's area and into the shipping lanes. The trick was to still be close to a decent port if they needed to resupply or sell loot. Pegsworthy mentioned near Blood Cove and if the rest were up for it, then it sounded good to him as well.
Wondering if she had spoken too harshly, Rain turns to Dhaavan and grasps his forearm gently, and in lowered voice adds, "Words can inflame dangerously. I simply ask for you and Flynn to measure yourselves in order to effectively guide those who would follow you. Peace. The Peredhil and I have no bad blood."
"I for one, plan to enjoy the pitch of the deck and the fine salt spray and smell, and not worry too much in my down time. Worry turns your fur... hair... white early in life. I don't want to end up old before my time, yanno. Though it's said kitsune with white coats are the most magical and wise of spirit folk, I suspect I'll never be one of them."
He laughs merrily. "Although I should aspire to be wiser, it's not in my nature to worry about it too much."
”Well I think you’re pretty wise enough and any one of these kitsune things that can’t see that that you’re smart is just plain dumb,” Piper volunteers stoutly, then blushes a bit and goes back to playing with Tomo-chan.
Other than paying a lot of attention to Tomo-chan while at the same time working very hard to seem as if she’s not paying any attention to Seijiro; Piper seems fairly unobservant of anything going on around her.
"Ah but we'll be heading to Bloodcove sometime soon, Flynn-san. Perhaps you'll find what you're looking for there in the way of parts. From what Capt. Pegsworthy was sayin', it sounds like a much bigger town with more resources. Surely, when you're services as Chief Gunner and Carpenter aren't needed, you'll find time to do the building and making of things as you'd like. I'm sure there'll be many a quiet day at sea when you'll have such free time as you might desire."
"You, Flynn-san, like your new apprentice, have a great deal of passion for your craft and your crafting. While I envy you that a little, I'm not sure if it's a blessing or a curse." He laughs again.
Horatio grins widely at Seijiro.
”Aye – that’s exactly my thoughts as well. When we have downtime between destinations and in such circumstances as this; it would be wise to have projects to occupy ourselves with for the betterment of the ship.”
Horatio muses a moment, staring out into the bay.
”You know, I have to say – if you and Dhaavan teamed up in towns, you could be a pretty formidable pair.”
”Consider; Dhaavan is generally able to encourage even the most abrasive folks to work together, if he’s willing to turn on the charm – and I’ve seen you grow fairly skilled with certain talents as well – not to mention the fact that your own natural abilities with music and a kind word generate some friendly opinions….”
”When we get to a town, whether it is this Blood Cove, or any other place, if you two teamed up to root out some good contacts, that could prove invaluable down the line. I mean, who knows where the wind will take us, but if we meet lads in a town and be friendly with them, when we come back we may find out that they’ve grown in stature and are willing to be generous with friends.”
”Hell, I don’t know… but I think that’s worth checking out. When we get into town, use some of your combined skills to gather some information on good contacts… I’m sure there are certain circles or even potential guilds organized who are interested in buying and selling rare items that can’t normally be purchased, and may even have connections in other towns via guild contacts and such…” I say thoughtfully.
”If you two teamed up, I’d wager you could get in good with such an organization fairly easily, and when that happens – we’ll likely get access to better gear and equipment for the ship, as well as charts with more – shall we say – interesting ports of call?” I add with a wink.