"See it ain't so much about bein stealthy so much as subtle. My thinkin is that three or so can stroll into town, ask around where what buyers are but not be trying to sell anything, figuring out who to sell to. Gives me a minute to take my time and such."
Glancing at the kitsune, "Plus if we was talking to someone, swapping tales, we could mention something we heard a bit ago about a crew what's just come round and doing well for themselves. THen tomorrow when we show up, We introduce ourselves, and folk'll have already heard about us, cause we told em. They just don't know it."
"Otherwise tomorrow, we just hit the town and talk to folk, do the best what we can and try not gettin in trouble. BUt i'll be tryin ta get our hold emptied in a hurry as to get paid. then we can start supplying. Hoping it'll be a bit easier tomorrow if I gots the lay o' things afore-hand."
"Hai, that's sort of what I had in mind, Variel - getting information that will make our task tomorrow not only easier but hopefully more fruitful. But I will defer to the group, should we go or not?"
Seijiro smiles and shrugs, eager for a decision, one way or the other.
Rain is still concerned this idea will not work as smoothly as Dhaavan, Jiro and Variel expect, but holds her tongue. She had said her peace and it was up to the group to either put it into action or hold off.
"Subtle enquiry may be the way to go and by three non-descript males. If I walked into a tavern or along the streets, I am sure to gain unwanted and unnecessary attention. My skill is of better use here, at the helm. I do not like our Captain going along but he must if the tricorne is to work and to provide physical backup. Just remember the tricorne only works once, so keep it in case of emergency. Flynn's right, perhaps you should take an ordinary rowboat over and if it is pinched, you still have a way out through the hat."
Directing her whole attention on Dhaavan, she adds, "Send word to us through Jack. It does us no good to wonder if you were successful or not if you are gone overly long. How long do you expect to stay in town tonight?"
"I'm good with taking a normal boat over, and saving the hate for an emergency. If we're careful, we won't need it at all though. I will leave Tomo here on the ship though, as having him with me tonight would just attract unwanted attention and peg my identity when I change forms tomorrow. I'll leave him in the officer's quarters so he doesn't cause any trouble."
"I think that is a sound plan. I can keep an eye on Tomo for you, Jiro. He can stay with me in your absence. He will not be any trouble." The monkey would be good company during watch and waiting to hear news of the three on land in Bloodcove.
To all three she adds, "Do not take any unnecessary risks doing this. There may be some easy drunkard targets but there may also be savvy Captains there with a guard detail of their own. Be smart in your choices." Her caution is more directed at Dhaavan as he seemed cocky in his charm and was the least tempered of the three in her opinion.
Rain did not hold out hope that she could sway all three from this mission. So, she would caution them. Rain sighs inwardly. Gozreh and Besmara, let them be successful this night.
To Rain, Dhaavan says, "Jiro mentioned getting a place to stay in town, although we could come back in the early morning. But coming back and forth defeats the purpose of some o' the subtlety. A few folk coming in and then leaving the night before a ship is a different thing than say a few folk showing up in the evening and then just disappearing in the swarm of bodies, and a few more crewmen appearing in a crew coming off a boat."
A moment later Dhaavan perks up, "Come to think of it, we could put the boat in one of the mangroves and come in from out of port so we ain't seen coming into port. Being in a row-boat it'd be unlikely for it not to be obvious to them what see us at the dock that we were from the crew of the Lady what ports the next morning. Na, if we show up in port without arriving, then anybody'd guess that we been around a few days at least just never been run into is all." Not sure if three of anyone that didn't make a huge splash would even be noticed and how many ships are coming in and our of port nightly. if there's likely to be a few boats pull into port then no reason to try to be that sneaky, but if there's only one or two over the course a day then we'd stick out some potentially. dunno how crowded the place is.
Dhaavan sheepishly chuckles, as Rain certainly thought he would be the one to go too far. not an unjust suspicion. "Don't worry over-much Rain. I'll behave myself, and we'll take care o' each other," Dhaavan says with a smile. I'll send Jack with word that we're alright."
Perhaps them staying on land for the night was the best option. "You are probably right; find a place and stay low and rest until we arrive in the morning. Once Jack comes back with word of your safety, please let us also know the location of your lodging. I do not mean to sound like a mother hen but the more knowledge we have here on the ship, the better equipped we will be when we come ashore. And Dhaavan, I appreciate the reassurance." Her turquoise eyes are bright and astute.
So how's landing in a way that doesn't look like we've jsut arrived, either landing NOT at the docks and walking into town, or pulling in with a bunch of moving vessels and trying to blending in?
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Variel nods his head at Rain's comment about using the hat only once. It would be wise as Flynn suggests to use a normal boat for entrance into the harbor and save the hat in case they needed it. Once in the city proper, Variel's job would hopefully be unnecessary. As it was, Variel would just be carrying packs and keeping his head down and eyes open.he planned on letting Jiro and Dhaavan do all the work.
Stealth if needed to arrive unannounced
Perception check if needed
Horatio spits some tobacco into the ocean.
”Well – I don’t rightly know what you all seem to think a port town is, but I guess we got different lines of thinking,” he muses aloud.
”First off – this has docks and wharves for heavy ships and boats aplenty. That means that folks will be able to send in boats from their ships frequently, I’d reckon. You’d be spotted rowing up – and chances are they can already see our ship, as there’s not much cover on calm waters less than half a league from that town.”
”You row over there, sure – they’ll see you, it’s what a good harbor master does. You get off your boat – whatever boat you use; and likely they’ll ask what your business is, what ship you sail under – that sort of thing; it’s general practice in harbors… at least every harbor I’ve seen so far…”
”You leave your boat – whether the magic one or the mundane one – or whatever it is you want; and after you do that, you hop off and go about your business. There’s no stealth involved – and I don’t see what kind of ambush would happen, nor who would want to ambush you simply because you got off a boat.”
”My thinking was walking around town would be more risky. As Rain suggests, they’ve probably been drinking – looking more for a fight, and trouble.”
He shakes his head in confusion.
”Also – you talk about “greasing some palms”? Okay – well… who’s? I mean – you got a line on what lads that have the inside tract in there? You know what bartender is trusty, a liar, or on the take? You spend two hours in a bar paying the bartender for news; that’s fine – maybe you’ll get the straight word; but maybe the bartender feeds you a line because you’re out of towner’s asking questions and he can con you… how the hell should I know, or you, for that matter?”
He shrugs.
”But it don’t matter – you go ahead into town and gather what information you can. But no matter how stealthy you are, unless you talk to a straight shooter – chances are you may not get good information – and if you talk to the wrong person, they may use that against you.”
”Hell – I’m just saying; it could be bad, but maybe not. It all comes to the fact you three are set to go into the town at nighttime because you three seem to think that’s important. And it seems that – I’m not entirely sure – but I think – me and Rain think that resting up with the crew and not wandering the streets at night is safer and better for us, the crew and the ship.”
”It’s no big deal to me, personally I don’t even care at this point. I just think it’s a strange choice is all.”
”Anyhow – good luck!”
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I hear you talking about trustworthy people Flynn, but that is the reason I think we need to go tonight in my opinion. Get an answer from some tonight and compared that with what we know in the morning. If the stories match up great if not then we need to learn who is to be trusted.
I am surprised though that you are so hesitant to have us learn what we can tonight. What happened to jumping in feet first, guns blazing before everyone knows what is going on? Or is it that you want in on this expedition and leave Rain here by herself?
I appreciate the concern and your restraint, but what I am trying to avoid is a situation where tomorrow morning that is what ends up happening. We all come rushing in orders and supplies flying around without any knowledge ahead of time of who we are dealing with or the ramifications involved.
Really? Hesitant? Come on lad, that's not hardly fair...
I mean, it’s one thing if you throw yourself into a battle when you’re filled with the joy of bloodlust – or leaping in to help a mate who’s drowning… but there’s a big difference between that and a systematic decision to personally engage in private adventures. Oh well… he, Seijiro and Dhaavan clearly have a reason to go and that’s fine – I don’t get it, but it’s their call.
He shrugs.
"Well... I guess getting extra news in town at night and comparing notes with the day watch may be handy, I reckon," he agrees pondering Variel's comment after a moment.
"But you gotta do what you got to do, I guess. I reckon someone needs to watch the ship. What if she gets attacked in the night by some fiercesome pirates," he says with a bit of a grin.
”Anyhow, like I said – good luck!” he adds with a pleasant nod and a friendly wave.
Before Variel leaves the Lady and gets into the row boat with Dhaavan and Jiro, Rain will draw his attention with her gaze and then move to the side rail so she can have a quiet/private word with him in Elven.
"Be careful, please." There is a certain unease in her face and voice. There are other unspoken words and feelings underlying the single request yet this was not the time or place to say such things openly and she hoped Variel understood her meaning.
She then turns to the other two and all together bids them luck. "May the gods guide you. Until next we meet."
Horatio watches Dhaavan, Seijiro and Variel begin to scull toward the harbor then shakes himself a bit against the chill of the wind rising from the waters in the bay. He glances at the tides and checks the winds carefully.
He ponders the weather patterns for a bit; than sets the first deck watch of five lads and orders lights on each artillery station as well as one on the fighting top. Than he arranges for all the ranged weapons to be stationed near the main deck with ready ammunition to repel boarders – if necessary.
As it still early, he makes himself comfortable and sends Piper another project.
During the growing twilight he shall await her work and watches the stars and the waters with restlessness. He'll order the deck watch rotated at roughly 2:00 AM and insist on being awakened at that time if he ends up resting - at least to see to the necessity of changing the watch.
Turning to Flynn, Rain gives him a long searching look before offering, "The ship is anchored and my services are available. I shall climb to the Crow's Nest and scan the skies and surroundings and come down and report to you what I see and determine."
Rain makes her way to the mast and rigging and getting a good grip begins her climb.
Rain's hand and footwork alternates between graceful and awkward in her 60 ft climb to the top of the lookout. It had been awhile since she climbed the rigging and lacked the practice, especially in the dark. It was not wholly dark for Flynn had ordered lights on each artillery station and on the fighting top itself. Still, she made the climb in good time.
I wish I had a spyglass of my own. Rain mentally noted it on her list of things to purchase.
From her vantage point, she sweeps her sight over the sky, sea and harbour of Bloodcove, hoping to note anything out of the ordinary, changes in weather, direction of wind, suspicious activity on the water near their ship etc.
to assist in keeping from making a scene to enter the area
keeping an eye out for observers and any taking too keen an interest in the boat
As we get into port, Dhaavan directs Variel in a rout that makes it seem like we were already in town traveling from one of the boats already moored in the docks, if there's enough boats for it, that is...
You all manage to get into port without much fuss. An assistant to the harbormaster comes over, looking bored, and lets you know that it is 8 silver per day to dock a boat your size. Once you pay he gives you a small iron token with your slip number on it and you all are on your way.
Before arriving anywhere near the dock... like just as we're leaving our own ship, Seijiro changes his form to that of a non-descript sailor he'd served with on the Mermaid's Pearl... someone noone would know or recall... and with a few changes to the appearance in terms of facial hair and hair color, just to be sure no one recognizes the form.
Once on land and docking fees paid, he suggests heading to a local tavern to find some folks for Dhaavan to work his diplomatic hoodoo on in terms of gathering information. Since Flynn had advised us all what he knew of Bloodcove, it shouldn't be too hard to find a local inn or tavern to visit.
Imm, this needs some discussion I think...
GM totally thought i posted this, but guess it got deleted from my phone at work today, but here's a disguise roll to look less like myself tonight for the purposes of not being recognized tomorrow. Minor Changes and baggy cloths in extra layers to look a little bigger, a small lift in the heel of my boots to give me a couple more inches, and some yellow tints to my hair using inks to get more of a brownish color than Dhaavan's jet black. Will be trying to avoid drawing attention to my eyes (pity I don't got any colored lenses...) He also grabs a short-sword, hangs it at his side.
As its 9pm there wouldn't be legitimate businessmen still in their shops, Jiro may be able to figure out where after-hours dealers are situated. "Lead on mate, just point me at whomever the right people ta talk to are and I'll try figure out where to best unload our gear.
So if Jiro can get us to a place where we can start looking, Dhaavan will take a shot at it, talkign to the group that Jiro picks via his sneak-sneaky-ness!
Wherever we go, Dhaavan would
to not give a hint about the Dread Lady and that they haven't been around for at least a day.
His approach is amiable but to the point in a slightly more gruff voice than his own, [b]"Evenin. We looking to do some dealing and supplying and such, of armors and arms."He takes a casual glance, just shifty enough to imply that they aren't necessarily looking for Umbertine, but rather pursuing other avenues. "Looking to make a deal, good for everyone, moving a decent chunk of product."
Later Dhaavan would like to swig by a tavern and Gather Information about the Mwangi tribes their weapons are marked for, and determine who might use those kinds of weapons. They may be good people to deal to as well
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When Rain pulls Variel aside, he knows that he has some explaining to do. Variel listens to Rain quietly thinking how best to respond. Turning to face her, Variel places one hand on top of hers at the rail.
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Variel continues to follow the lead of Jiro and Dhaavan. He doesn't do much to disguise himself other than to modIfy his hair, hiding pointed ears. He fills his pack with random stuff from the storeroom to give the impression that he is a porter for the other two. He doesn't talk at all unless Dhaavan or Jiro give him permission to. It would not be right for a hired man to speak when around his betters. His cutlass is not at his hip but on his back under the pack.
To Jiro and Dhaavan before arriving, To continue the charade, if you have need to verbally or physically abuse me do so if you think it helps. The less they pay attention to me the better off I hope.
Horatio will dismiss Sandara to bed. There is no reason to have a pilot at the wheel if the ship was moored in calm waters. Besides, having the cleric fresh for tomorrow might be useful if they actually need to make a fast get-away.
Checking the ebb of the water and gauging at the moon for a bit; he moves to the foredeck and glances the ships and boats closer to the port.
With nothing else to do, he leans against the gunwale a moment, than sends one of the sailors to fetch Piper. When she comes up, he speaks briefly to her –
”I’ve talked to the others; they’ve allowed me the chance to claim the enchanted armor. Go fetch it and put it with my kit. If anything happens tonight I’d rather be prepared, rather than not.”
Piper salutes and runs off to grab the armor.
He turns a suspicious eye on Blood Cove and spits into the waves, his staring at it hard.
”We need to offload our hash fast and quit these waters… “ he mutters with a dark scowl at the town.
Than, as it is still early – he’ll proceed with the “watch”.
As you all head through a few of the local pubs, bars, and inns, you get told a variety of different places to "trade" goods and gear. There are multiple noble houses that do a brisk trade with pirates and their goods as well as most obviously the Free Trade Square. House Umbertine is the most likely to buy arms and armor but you can find merchants for all the great houses in town that would be willing to buy your gear. House Barzoni, the current House of the Grand Admiralty; House Cartahegn, a recently risen local House known for their trade with the Mwangi; House Luxlor, a House descended from one of the original pirate founders of the city; and House Umbertine, they own Umbertine Arms and Armor and are one of the more powerful Houses along with Barzoni.
Heading towards the end of the night you find yourselves in a crowded dive bar named the Bloodrot. You have been getting looks from a man in the corner hidden in shadows and at a table by himself. As you are there you have noticed several men look to share his table but all he does is look at them and they seem to decide they like the views from more crowded neighboring tables better.
Moving into the light a bit more, the man wears a breastplate of exquisite make and detail. made of some natural black metal and carrying the relief of an falcon faced comet exploding into a swirl of golden filigree. Everything about the man speaks of privilege and power, yet dangerous ambition.
All of the equipment carried by the stranger are of similar quality as the armor, though not as impressive. It would seem speed is of a major concern resulting the plates of his armor being well articulated and of light weight and the same of his weapons.
He looks over the group whom has just arrived, but does not recognize any of them and eases back into the shadows.
Seijiro notes the mysterious stranger as he looks around the tavern, his eyes taking in everyone and everything... He nudges one of his companions and nods in Camm's direction when the man leans forward into the light. He whispers softly, "Oi, what d'ye make of that one, eh? The others here sure give him a wide berth. He's either a stranger here too, or has a bad rep. Might be black market or somethin', but he has the look and equipment of a swordsman. Maybe he's looking for a position, eh? Shall we talk to him?
Intrigued, he walks over to the stranger and addresses him directly, sitting at his table, completely unfazed by the stranger's apparent aura of unwelcome. "Hi, I'm Samm... 'twould be my pleasure to meet you. That's right nice armor you've got there. I don't think I've ever seen its like before. What's the symbol on it mean? If you don't mind me askin', that is. He flashes the stranger a broad and open smile, his eyes reflecting the low light in the corner of the room brightly.
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Variel continues to follow Jiro/Samm around the Bloodrot Tavern. He notices the nudge that was given to Dhaavan and Variel follows along quietly behind the both of them. Getting closer to the man in the shadows Variel makes out the equipment worn openly for all to see. Either he was an actor with false bravado bluffing others to not confront him, or he was confident enough if his abilities that he did not fear what others might do around him. Whichever option was the truth, Variel knew that he would have to keep one eye on the man. The other would still be roaming the tavern looking for a possible accomplice. He told Rain he would not take any unnecessary risks and that started by being aware of what was going on around him. This man required attention, but not to the exclusion of the others around them.
"I have found men with that many questions in there head in a place like this often tend to be the one with a knife for your back. Are you one of these types....Samm was it?
"Aye, Samm I am" "... and me? no I'm not that type. I was just curious about your unusual armor and the symbol on it, if you don't mind, that is. I have a friend who I'm sure would claim to recognize it and know all about it, but I haven't had his formal education. So here I am, reduced to having to ask you directly. Mind if I join you? I'll even buy you a drink if you're a drinking man, that is. I prefer tea myself, though few such places serve the stuff."
Without waiting for a reply, however, 'Samm' seats himself at Camm's table, not too close, but not all the way across the table either. He waves a serving girl over and tries to order tea for himself, if they serve any, and whatever Camm wants to order.
"I've got no designs on your person or your purse, so no knives in the back from me. But you do have the look of a weapons master about you, seeing as how you're equipped. Tell, me friend... ?" He leaves a long pause, waiting for Camm to supply a name if he will. Then he continues whether Camm takes the opportunity or not, "This seems like an odd place for a swordsman who isn't also a sailor, so I ask you, if you are both, are you seeking employment?"
He might be precipitous, asking such a leading question without knowing anything about the man, but they are looking for new crew and skilled fighters as well as sailors and this man has the look of a skilled warrior. With little time to waste in Bloodcove, might as well make as many contacts as possible with the little time they had. If the man wasn't seeking employment, nothing wasted but a few words, after all.
Appreciating the audacity in the young man before him, Camm decides to continue on with this conversation. "I am most likely the most skilled fighting man you will meet in the Mwangi, Tianman. I have travelled the seas sure enough, late of the Free Captain's flagship Dirty Maiden. I am known aboard every vessel from here to Cheliax. As far as employment goes, I seek only an old friend in this disgusting excuse for a tavern. I will never understand his love of this lifestyle he has embraced, but I suppose it is what I might expect from one not of the Cockatrice....., I see you have an eye for quality and a taste for the refined."
Retrieving a small kerchief from an unseen corner of his armor,Camm polishes a non-existent spot from the mirror like breatplate. Raising eyebrow when he catches your questioning look at the silken cloth he says, "A favor of some damsel who's name I have long forgotten. The crest? Oh yes, it is quite breath taking. Being that you ask, I see this is your first meeting with a member of the Sky Lord's, house of the Cockatrice, Sky Warden of Sargarva. The crest speaks of my bond with my trusted steed Cyclone and our favored manner of destroying our enemies." Sitting back a bit in his seat with a look of smug satisfaction he adds,"There is something I like about,young man, but you most certainly need someone to guide you and since you have asked as much I would be amiss if I were to not assist! Now, where are we headed.",he says flying forward in his seat.
Appreciating the audacity in the young man before him, Camm decides to continue on with this conversation. "I am most likely the most skilled fighting man you will meet in the Mwangi, Tianman. I have travelled the seas sure enough, late of the Free Captain's flagship Dirty Maiden. I am known aboard every vessel from here to Cheliax. As far as employment goes, I seek only an old friend in this disgusting excuse for a tavern. I will never understand his love of this lifestyle he has embraced, but I suppose it is what I might expect from one not of the Cockatrice....., I see you have an eye for quality and a taste for the refined."
Retrieving a small kerchief from an unseen corner of his armor,Camm polishes a non-existent spot from the mirror like breatplate. Raising eyebrow when he catches your questioning look at the silken cloth he says, "A favor of some damsel who's name I have long forgotten. The crest? Oh yes, it is quite breath taking. Being that you ask, I see this is your first meeting with a member of the Sky Lord's, house of the Cockatrice, Sky Warden of Sargarva. The crest speaks of my bond with my trusted steed Cyclone and our favored manner of destroying our enemies." Sitting back a bit in his seat with a look of smug satisfaction he adds,"There is something I like about,young man, but you most certainly need someone to guide you and since you have asked as much I would be amiss if I were to not assist! Now, where are we headed.",he says flying forward in his seat.
"The Dirty Maiden' eh? I've heard tell of her, for sure. But I don't know if I've heard of you or not. Perhaps there is a vessel or two that hasn't heard your name. Of course I won't know if I have or not if you choose not to share it, which I respect, if that's your choice."
He takes a second glance at the symbol on the armor, and lofts a single brow at the mention of the Sky Lords, then sighs and nods slowly. "Aye, you are the first 'Sky Lord' that I've heard of or met. Though I have of course heard of Sargava... Flynn speaks of it often. The symbol is of a falcon's head... is your trusted steed some kind of giant raptor?" He looks impressed before even getting an answer.
'Samm' leans back in his seat as Camm comes forward in his own... and laughs nervously. "I merely asked if you were seeking employment. My friends and I are seeking to round out our crew. But I'm not sure about someone with a mount to deal with... is it truly a flying beast? That might work if it really is." That last sentence was almost more musing aloud to himself.
Ignoring nearly everything else the man before says after the name Flynn escapes his lips,Camm ask,"Flynn? What might this Flynn's given name be, sir?
"It's Hora... Horatio... I think I said that right. Sorry, my pronunciation might be off a bit, Common is still a struggle for me, so sorry."
"Do you recognize the name? Is he someone you know?"