Dhaavan nods at the discussion of a flag and emblem and pipes in, "Well, Our ship is called the Dread Lady and I had been thinking about what colors to fly as well. Something that really fits in with that name that would have a nice look. See, there is a being, whole race o them, women warriors that alight on black wings, slaying those who stand against 'em. We fly a flag with a black winged skull set on a sword, blade down, on a field o' red? Least as our war-colors?"
The idea looks kinda like This except instead of the sword going through the skull, the winged skull is sitting on the hilt of the sword.
"Seems appropriate as we did go tearing in after that Aspes ship, descending as if born by the black wings o' the furies themselves, and the battle were over afore it had even really begun! Whatcha think? If ya like it i could even put the mark on our crew. It'll take a while ta even get a basic version on everyone, and if yea'd like it I'll make a right nice tat for each o the officers. A show o commitment ta the Lady here, gettin her emblem inked ina yer skin."
GM, would it make sense to say that an odd man or another in the crew is able to do some Ink work to get a new crewman marked in maybe an hour or so, just with a basic tatt?
Edit!
As for the sick bay "Not sure about putting the sick in the Cargo-hold unless there's a lot o' em, just cause it ain't necessarily the cleanest place. Hopefully Valeros and Sandara can get folks up on their feet quick, maybe if we partitioned a space in the armory area we could keep the sick seperated and make sure the space is clean if we need someone there?"
Would it make sense to take one point of plunder, let the crew take items and then trade the rest for non-perishable goods for our journey once we get to blood cove? We'll have a full enough armory and food for however long we can get. then we can sell the second point of plunder for Cash Money and crafting supplies?
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Aye Dhaavan, that sounds like a good idea. Outfit the crew with some of the loot we just took. That way all of them ave decent arms and armor if they want. It's all similar so it satisfies Flynn's request for a uniform while we are at sea. As far as the tats, I would pass on that idea. Once at Blood Cove, Dhaavan sells the rest of the loot for the best price he can get. Jiro and Flynn liquidate some of the items we don't want and use the money to purchase materials for the ship and ourselves. Another month of stores would be nice so we can be on the water for another month and a half. I can work on getting some more crew hopefully and Rain can try and find out any rumors of cargo or mercantile ships soon to be passing by.
"Jiro, for selling this armor and such, can you stick around with me and give me a hand at aboiding any Aspes agents or purveyors? WHile it would be funny to sell em back what we stole, this gear's so distinct that they'd likely realize on a close inspection, so selling to one of their rivals or a free agent's be better. Yer better with figurin' that kind o' stuff about allegances than me."
Aye Dhaavan, that sounds like a good idea. Outfit the crew with some of the loot we just took. That way all of them ave decent arms and armor if they want. It's all similar so it satisfies Flynn's request for a uniform while we are at sea. As far as the tats, I would pass on that idea. Once at Blood Cove, Dhaavan sells the rest of the loot for the best price he can get. Jiro and Flynn liquidate some of the items we don't want and use the money to purchase materials for the ship and ourselves. Another month of stores would be nice so we can be on the water for another month and a half. I can work on getting some more crew hopefully and Rain can try and find out any rumors of cargo or mercantile ships soon to be passing by.
Horatio cocks a bemused eye at the sudden appearance of Nightstorm.
”Well thank you, mate – actually – picking and choosing the gear from the plunder below, and maybe outfitting us with it – before we decide to sell it… yeah, that was my idea. But that’s okay – you’ve been busy,” he adds with a grin and a wink.
”But as of now – whether we take that gear, or the lads – the thing is: it's all Mwangi hash. Good for dune runners and folk who dodge in the jungles - but not really what I'm looking for personally. And anyhow - how much of that could we afford to take before it causes issue with resale? Not too much, I'll be bound,” he says with a wide smile.
He glances aloft at where a flag might be waving in the breeze.
”Meantime – that don’t really satisfy what I’m looking toward at all, either way,” he continues with a easy shake of his head.
”If that’s naught but leather armor with bronze studs – well; that’s all good. But – and this is all surmise – if we go with Dhaavan’s plan to make a blood red flag with a black skull on it – I think it might look sharper if the armor was blood red; and in a big bold way is the same black skull on the chest – or maybe something like that?”
He spits some tobacco juice into the sea.
”Of course, - that’d be a project that would take time and work – I could put Piper on it; and maybe we’d have something to look smart and sharp down the line. But no good on planning a fancy dress uniform if we don’t even have colors,” he adds with a grin.
The next few days pass quickly as you speed towards Bloodcove. Putting the ship through it's paces and seeing what the old girl can do. The sea spray combined with the exhilaration of outright victory has you in high spirits and the camaraderie with the crew is at the highest its been since you started this venture. People have been coming together and you have begun to gel as an actual crew.
Getting close to dusk, Ratline calls out that he has spotted land on the horizon. You are able to see from a distance that you have arrived right on task. The navigation provided by Rain and Seijiro have placed you exactly to the bustling city of Bloodcove!
As you sail closer the first thing you are able to see are the massive mangrove trees. Hundreds of feet high, they loom like giant primordial gods of nature. Bloodcove itself is built upon the outspread roots of one of these trees.
After getting a look at the tree, your eyes are drawn to the city itself. One of the few bastions of civilization upon the Fever Sea, Bloodcove is perched upon a myriad of boardwalks, scaffolding, and rope bridges entwined with the gargantuan roots and trunk of the mangrove.
Sailing towards the city you see the waters begin to bleed red, hence Bloodcoves name. The red waters come from the Vanji River that Bloodcove borders and upon which a hoard of smaller vessels ply their depths deep into the Mwangi Expanse.
Bloodcove is overseen by the Grand Admiralty of the Fever Sea, currently the position is held by one Harthwick Barzoni. This position, though it sounds impressive, has little more power than to make sure the town does not get so lawless that it affects trade.
Seijiro lets the excitement of a new place to discover wash over him as Rain expertly guides the ship into port.
This place is amazing... beautiful and exotic
He stares in wonder at the blood-red water, the town built on the roots of a great tree, and just the general uniqueness of the place... he seems entranced by it all.
WIth the wind and spray blowing over the bow, the First Mate rushes up to the forecastel and lookes at the mangroves. He breaths deeply watching as the water slowly turns red, a smile growing on his face. He turns from the sight and shouts to the crew, laughing as he says it, "Alright everyone, be careful out there, have fun, but not too much," playing like an overly concerned parent, giving a few of the crewmen and women a mischievous grin, knowing that "too much" is exactly how much fun they will be having.
He nearly scampers across the deck to Sejiro, "Since ya've got all our wares accounted for an' 're the one what's gonna know who's Aspes or not by the look of em, how'd ya like to come along with me as I try ta haggle out a price for this here gear once we dock?"
Does Bloodcove have tariffs for goods? If so we should use our smuggling compartments to store some of the finer pieces of armor and weapons to reduce the costs. jsut remembered about those...
"It's a little late in the day for trading.. I think most merchants will be closed now, but we could try if you really want to. I was thinking it will keep til morning unless you're really keen on going for it now."
Seijiro gives Dhaavan a smile, willing to do whichever the first mate would prefer, but he does make his own preference known. "I was actually thinking I'd like to find a bathhouse if there is one and have a good long soak. But it can wait til later I guess."
In a low voice, he adds, "Are you releasing the entire crew, or are you going to rotate some watches so the ship isn't left untended?"
Horatio squints at the mainland, his eyes narrowing, watching the ships and the approaching twilight.
”Begging your pardon; but if it was me – I’d keep the ship out about half a league and keep all hands aboard for the night.”
”We set a deck watch of five men and dismiss the rest of the lads to their bunks. We’re not sailing anywhere if we drop anchor – so no trouble there. In the morning we’re fully rested and do what we need to with less trouble from any nasty cutthroat who’d want to make a move on us at nighttime – if any.”
”Oh – by the way? Other than Apsis – about ten percent of this place is filled with Bekyar folk – humans from Mwangi. But so you know – they’re slavers; and a fierce bunch. They're likely to snatch and press any new lads walking about alone, eh?” he adds, his thumb instinctively brushing against his mothers dagger.
"We anchor out in the bay any lads try to come sailing up to us and the deck watch'll likely spot 'em easy. I figure that it'd be safer than walking through that place without knowing what's there; especially after dark," he adds, staring at the darkening coast.
He glances at the others.
”Look, all I'm saying is watch your step. This place can be a little rough...”
As they sail closer, the giant mangrove trees catch Rain's attention. Her grandfather had spoken of Bloodcove when she was a young elf. This would be her first voyage to the city and she hoped it would not end in violence and bloodshed, though neither was assured at this point.
Hearing Jiro speak of finding a bathhouse appeals to Rain but in truth she understands the ship cannot be left unattended, especially in a new, relatively unknown port.
Dhaavan and then Flynn's warnings to take care in Bloodcove are noted by Rain. It was unwise in this line of work not to take precaution.
She watched the Lady's flag blow proudly against the quickening sky as she held the ship steady. Flynn was right, evening would soon befall them and the dark streets would prove hazardous for a new crew.
"I agree with Flynn", Rain calls out from the wheel. "We can drop anchor half a league from shore. The watch is to ensure we get no uninvited guests during the night. In the morning, we can sail into dock and we can organise a party to find an arms and armor shop in town, among other things."
As they sail closer, the giant mangrove trees catch Rain's attention. Her grandfather had spoken of Bloodcove when she was a young elf. This would be her first voyage to the city and she hoped it would not end in violence and bloodshed, though neither was assured at this point.
Hearing Jiro speak of finding a bathhouse appeals to Rain but in truth she understands the ship cannot be left unattended, especially in a new, relatively unknown port.
Dhaavan and then Flynn's warnings to take care in Bloodcove are noted by Rain. It was unwise in this line of work not to take precaution.
She watched the Lady's flag blow proudly against the quickening sky as she held the ship steady. Flynn was right, evening would soon befall them and the dark streets would prove hazardous for a new crew.
"I agree with Flynn", Rain calls out from the wheel. "We can drop anchor half a league from shore. The watch is to ensure we get no uninvited guests during the night. In the morning, we can sail into dock and we can organise a party to find an arms and armor shop in town, among other things."
Horatio gives Rain a wide grin.
”Aye; thankee indeed, Rain lass,” he says with a tip of his hand to his forelock.
”I ain’t too familiar with this place personal like… it’ll be easier to step through in daylight, I reckon,” he says watching the land with a hard look.
”Meantime – anyone got an idea on what they want to do with the gear we plucked? So far it looks like Jiro-san and I both got a yen for the rapier. Anyone else got a notion on what they want? Well… as we got time – I say; let’s start the bidding!”
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Listening to the talk about the crew and plans for the night, Variel gives his input. I think we should stay out of port for the most part. They might see it as more suspicious if we show up just before dark. If we wait out the night and arrive in the morning we might have an easier time with our business. That being said, if a couple want to take the jig and get a feel for what the place is like and start making some connections, I would approve of that whole heartedly. Perhaps Jiro and Dhaavan could undertake the task. They both can avoid being spotted too easily. Dhaavan has a gift with getting people to talk and Jiro can help keep an eye on the situation. It's risky, and I won't order it, but if you two want to go then I will take you in the tricorn hat. Once we pull up we can get rid of the boat and none will be the wiser. Rain could do this as well or return to the ship once she has dropped you off.
"I'm willing if Dhaavan wants to go, or even if not. Sounds like a good opportunity to scout the place out, find out who's who and what's what in Bloodcove before the ship puts in proper." Seijiro grins at the possible opportunity and looks to Dhaavan for his reaction.
Horatio cocks an eye at Seijiro’s comment – and glances between the teenaged kitsune and the young sorcerer appraisingly.
He wonders if Dhaavan is just as eager to split up and away from the ship and wander the streets at night and alone.
And than, hearing Seijiro’s determination to go alone even without Dhaavan surprised him further; and further still is Variel’s eagerness to aid them.
The port is filled with slavers and cutthroats and Apsis agents to boot – and we just took Apsis gear… and Jiro wants to wander the streets alone at night?
He rubs his chin, wondering at the dangers he mentioned and that were ignored.
He glances from Variel’s enthusiasm to drop them both off alone, or simply Seijiro alone if Dhaavan would rather stay on board ship.
”Well, suit yourself, I reckon,” he says.
”Nighstorm, if you Dhaavan and Seijiro are going to go off; you got any suggestions on what needs doing on the ship? Or are you going to stay with them?” he adds less curious to know about possible orders and more curious to know if Variel is planning on staying the night with them, or merely dropping them off and returning to the ship.
”You want anything in particular from the gear when you set sail, Jiro-san?” he asks, wandering what the lad may want to take with him.
Listening to the talk about the crew and plans for the night, Variel gives his input. I think we should stay out of port for the most part. They might see it as more suspicious if we show up just before dark. If we wait out the night and arrive in the morning we might have an easier time with our business. That being said, if a couple want to take the jig and get a feel for what the place is like and start making some connections, I would approve of that whole heartedly. Perhaps Jiro and Dhaavan could undertake the task. They both can avoid being spotted too easily. Dhaavan has a gift with getting people to talk and Jiro can help keep an eye on the situation. It's risky, and I won't order it, but if you two want to go then I will take you in the tricorn hat. Once we pull up we can get rid of the boat and none will be the wiser. Rain could do this as well or return to the ship once she has dropped you off.
Horatio glances over at Variel.
"Wellll I don't know that none will be the wiser Nighstorm," he drawls.
"I mean hell, that's a big port - a little more than four-thousand souls in there... Meantime, the bay's filled with shipping; and that hat don't make a boat that's invisible, hey?"
"Hell, I'm just saying that it's not likely you can slip a boat about fifteen feet in length through the bay without a lookout or two noticing noticing; not to mention the rest of the ships and boats knocking hulls..."
He spits some tobacco juice into the ocean.
"But as for Rain; maybe you might want to ask her if she wants to go there... But I figure if she wants to drop anchor, she maybe don't want to row them in tonight."
Hoping his statement didn't seem rude to either Variel or Rain, he shrugs a bit then turns to their pilot, curious to know if she would change her mind or stay on board.
"Well Rain, what's your call, eh?" he adds, rolling some of the tension from his shoulders a bit.
"And Dhaavan - what's your pleasure, lad? You going or staying on board?" he adds, curious to know if Dhaavan wants to walk the streets alone with Seijiro at night, or stay on the ship until the day breaks.
Rain hears the excitement in Jiro's voice and notices his grin. The young kitsune was eager to get into Bloodcove under the cover of darkness and scout, with or without Dhaavan as backup. When Variel approves of the expedition into port, Rain finds her concern mounting.
Her gaze shifts from Variel to Dhaavan and Jiro. She attempts to persuade them to reconsider, knowing it may well be an uphill battle. Headstrong, the lot of us.
"Can this scouting mission not wait until dawn when most of Bloodcove's residents will still be abed or nursing hangovers and there is less present danger? Jiro can still carry out his scouting mission and we can hold anchor until we get word back from him and sail into port. If Dhaavan means to accompany him, then they will have a better chance come early morning. I mean no disrespect to either of you, motioning to Jiro and Dhaavan, but you are the least formidable physically of all of us. Aye, Jiro has great skill in moving about unnoticed and Dhaavan has his magic, but if they are outnumbered, then what? We will not know they are in danger and will not be able to aid them in time, even if Jack were to fly back to the ship to raise the alarm." Rain is genuinely concerned they are going to walk into trouble if they reach Bloodcove in the dark, just the two of them or Jiro on his own.
"But that's just the point. If everyone is abed when we arrive, we're not likely to learn much about the town. We need to get in and find what we can from the folk who happen to be up and about. And likely those who are awake late are just the people to talk to. If we slip in in the morning, might as well wait and everyone go in blind together. Either way is okay with me, I guess, though I thought you all would appreciate the information we might gather tonight." Seijiro shrugs, not losing his smile.
"I thought you were simply attempting to learn the lay of the land so to speak. I was not aware you were going in to meet and converse with the locals."
Horatio already made his opinion known, and Rain seemed to agree – even as Dhaavan pondered the decision. However, something in Rain’s words perked up his attention a moment.
”Well – if someone really wanted to scout out things a piece, we could maybe moor the ship out a bit closer than half a league – say a little less than a mile?"
"That way, if you’re set on scouting still, maybe you could just send Jack in to search the area – get a lay of the land, as it were, and maybe be able to give us a tip or two, if possible,” he adds to Seijiro and Dhaavan, trying to offer a reasonable compromise.
Gods – jumping into blood soaked waters in the middle of the night with poxing shanguin swimming about is one thing on account that you got a mate needs saving. But this? There ain’t no mates to be saved; no friends to be helped – and if anything, well, I reckon it’d be better if Jiro stay put and just slept good tonight.
We’ll need him alert and awake tomorrow, if he’s going to be helping gather details and offload the goods. Lad is bound to be worn down to the point of fatiuge if he’s up all night…
But who knows? If Variel, Seijiro and Dhaavan want to go scout the port, that’s their choice – I got no right to stop them and I got mates on the ship that need looking after while they’re gone.
Still... maybe folks like Piper and Rosie and that smokey little Risa can look after themselves tonight? After all – what kind of danger could happen to our ship while she’s moored with so much cover?
After all – what kind of beast would attack ships in a bay in the middle of a hot summer for no bloody reason?
Horatio’s chuckles a bit to himself at the irony of some thought as he suddenly recalls a bit of history on the town. Twisting his back, he gets comfortable, curious to know what Dhaavan has to say – or Variel or Seijro – both on his suggestions, and Rain’s.
To Variel, she utters her misgivings, "You would send your two most skilled pilots together in the tricorne boat? What if we are fired at or captured? Is that not a risky proposal?"
"Wait - what? Meet with the locals?" he adds in surprise to Seijiro's comment.
"Now that ain't a bad plan - but think; the last time we all wandered in to a bar to get some news and have a few drinks was the first time we all met. You remember how that evening turned out, eh?" he adds in surprise.
"I mean - if you want to get news; aye - that's fine. But don't risk it alone; you'd need some back-up, I reckon. If some lad comes and clubs you over the head; that'd be it... bad business to be sure," he says with a shake of his head.
"Unless Dhaavan wants to be your backup - or maybe Nighstorm - why not wait until you get a full company behind you? I mean, no one's saying you can't do what you want to do, I'm just tossing out some thoughts on the matter is all..." he adds hastily, not wanting to rile the easterner.
To Variel, she utters her misgivings, "You would send your two most skilled pilots together in the tricorne boat? What if we are fired at or captured? Is that not a risky proposal?"
Horatio gives Rain a confused look.
"I don't think he means that," he says slowly.
"The hat's for the pilot of the ship - sure we may be needing it from time to time in a tight spot - but it's good for the ship's pilot - and you're right, risking the hat seems like bad business - never mind you both," he adds with a somewhat confused chuckle, not sure he's following things right.
Gods damn but Rain's right for sure! If she gets pinched with Jiro and the hat, we're not only without our pilot but we'll have to rescue her and Jiro; never mind the fact that we'll be without the magic gear that'll help us all move the ship better...
He turns to Variel.
"You didn't really want to send both Jiro-san and Rain with the hat into the middle of all that," he asks Variel with a light grin and a somewhat joking manner, not entirely sure he knew what was going on, but hoping that Variel wasn't actually planning on doing that.
Rain did not like the idea of splitting up the group, not in a place such as this with a cross-section of pirates with a myriad of reputations to be sure.
"Jiro, I have faith that you could gain valuable information if you have a mind to. I have a bad feeling that something could go wrong if we split the group and not go in together as a united front and force. Flynn is right, we were pressed once, it would not be a stretch to believe someone may look at you and believe you a young boy worth taking. Pirates are not beyond violence or forcing a sailor into service as you know."
If Jiro and Dhaavan were determined to go into Bloodcove this night, then the officers would all have to go. They would have to place one of their trusted crew members, Ratline or Sandara, in charge of the new lot and the ship in their absence. Rain did not want to leave the Lady unprotected and an easy mark for some misguided, unscrupulous pirates.
She waited to hear from the Variel or Dhaavan, the Captain and First Mate. She was not wholly afeared for her own life. They had seen worse and come through the other side. Still, Bloodcove was an unknown, and their luck could change for the worse.
”Aye, lad – listen to your ol’ Pilot Major – she’s hit the nail right on the head!” he adds with a somewhat cheerful voice to Seijiro.
Horatio sensed that if Jiro and Dhaavan went to the town, or even only Jiro, that would be bad luck for them as the group would be divided and there’d be no way for the folk who stayed on the ship to learn of their friend's fate if ill fortune beset them.
Damnation! Still – you can’t make them stay if they don’t want to. But it don’t change the fact that it’s not safe.
But if the lad's resolved on going on... well, I reckon that splits us pretty much down the middle; and that’s bad business… but there ain’t much that can be done if he decides he wants to leave; short of clapping him in irons – and that ain’t right.
Anyhow, it’s his call what he wants to do; and maybe Dhaavan will go with him – but I hope not for his sake as it will be rough with just the two of them traipsing about.
Meanwhile, Horatio hopes that Seijiro will still change his mind even as his own thoughts tack to other matters; his heart eager for the dawn so he can offload the booty and enjoy a breakfast ashore.
Having gotten slightly distracted, and allowign the other officers to have their discussions, pipes in, "Now I wasn't exactly sayin jsut the two of us should be there on our own at night, but that is a possibility. I myself got magic to disappear, as ya know, and can throw out a couple beasties if necessary, and i know yer pretty light on yer feat, but if we head out I'd for certian like to bring a mate or two in case of a tussel. Somebody what can get out of a bad situation themselves."
"But sure, I'd be willin ta go for a trip over. Got Jack to keep an eye on me, an' we can get the lay o' the land and be back right quick. So who's gonna use the hat ta get us o'er there, and yea going to stick with us for it, so wa got a return trip when we're ready?" Dhaavan asks casually.
"Or we go into town in force tomorrow morning, makes sense too, find that Kahveh place you mentioned, since the Arms'n'armor is run by a aspes fellow, yea mentioned," Dhaavan says glancing at Flynn. "Or we'll have to sell off the fear straight to the customer, which could work too, if we find interested Mwangi ro something. Anybody think about where exactly that Kutrstav were going?"
Having gotten slightly distracted, and allowign the other officers to have their discussions, pipes in, "Now I wasn't exactly sayin jsut the two of us should be there on our own at night, but that is a possibility. I myself got magic to disappear, as ya know, and can throw out a couple beasties if necessary, and i know yer pretty light on yer feat, but if we head out I'd for certian like to bring a mate or two in case of a tussel. Somebody what can get out of a bad situation themselves."
"But sure, I'd be willin ta go for a trip over. Got Jack to keep an eye on me, an' we can get the lay o' the land and be back right quick. So who's gonna use the hat ta get us o'er there, and yea going to stick with us for it, so wa got a return trip when we're ready?" Dhaavan asks casually.
"Or we go into town in force tomorrow morning, makes sense too, find that Kahveh place you mentioned, since the Arms'n'armor is run by a aspes fellow, yea mentioned," Dhaavan says glancing at Flynn. "Or we'll have to sell off the fear straight to the customer, which could work too, if we find interested Mwangi ro something. Anybody think about where exactly that Kutrstav were going?"
"I didn't think where the Kustarav was going, nay - but I reckon we don't need to guess. Surely that was in the logbooks? And we copied those at length," Horatio says easily.
"I wasn't proposing a large group, just one or two to chat up the locals, find out where best to sell a load of arms and armor like the ones we got. We know not to sell them to the Aspis Consortium, and I'm assuming a simple shop wouldn't be interested in such a large load of armor But one of the other merchanting houses might be a more logical place to sell. But which one, and how best to approach them? Or should we sell through the black market?"
"I figured we'd just spend the night in town and meet you all in the morning. But this is starting to get out of hand as far as planning a larger group and guards and all that... Might as well just wait for morning and all go in together." Seijiro shrugs and leans against the railing. "Don't mind me... was just trying to be helpful.
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Variel kne that his suggestion would elicit a heated argument from some. Yet it was for this reason that he wanted the subject brought up. He would never order this on anyone yet if the opportunity was there why not take advantage of it. His mention of Rain escorting them in was more due to her ability to use the hat as well as himself. He lets them talk a little longer debating the wisdom of such a venture. Finally, Variel opens up again to speak to the group. As I said originally, I know the risk and would never order this of anyone. Yet if there are those of us who wish to risk themselves on this venture then I will not oppose it. I made mention of Rain and myself as we are both able to use the Tricorn Hat. Since it was my suggestion I will be the one to head into Blood Cove. I understand both of your concerns, Rain and Flynn, but I still would leave the choice up to them. If they are concerned about having some muscle with them, then perhaps we take Rosie with us as well. I will stay with them until such time that they deem we are finished. Then we find a room for the remainder of the night until your come in the morning. If both Jiro and Dhaavan do not wish this, then we shall wait till the morning.
Horatio shrugs absently.
”That sounds good enough, I guess. But begging your pardon – I don’t really like risking the magic hat just so you all can go gathering information.”
”You row a boat in there you’ll be seen easy – whether or not it’s a magical hat with special powers, or a mundane rowboat; anyone in the bay can see you rowing in.”
”Meantime, if you get pinched – you lose the hat, I reckon. Any magic user worth his salt will spot it and take it and we only got one. If you take a boat, we lose the boat, aye – but so what? We can get another easy, we are pirates after all… but the hat’s rare and I thought it was meant more for piloting the ship than rowing around the bay,” he adds, somewhat confused as to why that’s such an important part of the plan.
”But as you and Dhaavan and Jiro-san are fixed on doing it now and can’t wait until tomorrow – that’s your call.”
”But why not take more than a small group to row you out, to watch the boat when you arrive, and guard you?"
"If that don't work - well hell, they likely got a dockworker to keep an eye on boats that arrive for general shipping – a harbor master or something like that, I reckon. How else do boats come into the harbor when their ships are in the bay? You row up, leave the boat – pay the harbor master a few coins to watch it – than row back.”
He scratches his beard, his eyes somewhat confused.
”See – the thing is; I just don’t get your plan…”
”As I understand you want to go out – and do this somehow sneak-like, eh? And when you get there, you plan being as stealthy as possible; no extra guards, no normal boats but a magic one – that sort of thing. But at the same you’re there – you’re going to wander around town asking for information and trying to find stuff out?”
”See – that’s the part I don’t get. How do you know where to go – who to talk to – who’s an Aspes agent in disguise, and who’s just a regular bartender? If you’re banking on stealth – that’s fine; but than wouldn’t your stealth be comprised by asking so many questions to people?”
”And if you don’t want to ask folk questions to gather information – so you can be stealthy – than why go at all? I just don’t get it…” he adds, genuinely baffled at the plan.
”But anyhow – I got a hunch you have a good reason for not waiting until morning and that there’s a real need to go at night… but I just can’t for the life of me figure out what it would be,” he says, shaking his head, curious to know why the urgency.
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Is that your main concern Flynn, the hat. If that is the case then we will just have Dhaavan make another one for you once we get the supplies for one. The reason I want to use the hat is in case something does happen in port. We will have a boat with us ready at our disposal if and when we need it. If we leave a ship docked, that a perfect place to plan an ambush. If they want to keep us there then they sink the boat. Granted the best approach would probably be to take a regular boat and the hat. That way if they do plan on surprising us at the dock we will be at a different location and free sailing back to The Lady. As to your questions about gatherings the intel, well Jiro can change his appearance so the people he talks to tonight won't recognize him tomorrow. We have a scroll of that changes the appearance and Dhaavan can use that. I will carry their gear and supplies, be a servant, and not worth looking at. The information that Jiro and Dhaavan gather tonight in disguise could net us a huge gain tomorrow. Jack will keep you informed if anything should happen.
If you think we all need to go and the ship is safe here then come along. Just remember that we are going to gather information and trying to not let Aspis know we are here.