DM Praedonum's Skull & Shackles (Inactive)

Game Master Dennis Harry

The Nameless Vessel

The crew, what it is, give out a great cheer at the announcement by the Captain.

Sandara intones a prayer to the Pirate Queen as the sails unfurl and the ship gets a move on.

Thur and Nax, manacles still on their ankles approach Aqguazula, "Master at Arms... I see that you and the Captain have thrown off the shackles of the evil men who ran this crew, will you continue to perpetuate evils upon us or are we to be set free?"

Both men are of Garundi stock and boast dark skin, sharp cheekbones, broad shoulders. These two though still retain some hair color so they must be quite young, unlike most of the Garundi, captivity has diminished their ensembles, their normally colorful clothes are ragged and torn as worn out as they look.

Paul Webb, a common looking Chelexian with dark eyes, dark hair and pale skin, approaches Owlbear, Gall, and Es. "Ya made the right decision there lass! It's more'n he deserved but he's gone now so ya shouldn't trouble your self over 'im. I jest want to say that I'm sorry that we did not have yer back there but..." He gives a somewhat helpless look.

Duugless Sauckel, also Chelexian looks anything but with his light eyes and light hair, the two combined with his pale skin almost makes him appear an albino, makes his way to Rizz, "I'd like one of them weapons if'n ya don't mind? My blades rusty and not well worth tryin' ta keep up any longer".

Traian Bundi, is a dark-skinned Varisians whose brightly colored clothing and jewelry, would make him stand out even in Varisia, approaches Harmony, "First Mate, I've a suggestion, why don't we just sail the hell away from the damned shackles? We can be what we want, why be Pirates at all? I was press ganged like you all were, just years earlier, I've made well with this life but at any moment it could be a short violent one, if you take my meaning..."

Aqguazula looks down on the two men, sullen and enraged, Aq bottles up his emotions not wanting to linger on it.

"My name is Aqguazula Deepthago, but you can call me Sir, Master-at-arms, or Master Aqguazula. Should Aqguazula be too hard to pronounce, I will accept Aq, Zul or Zula at the at the very least. Anything less and you will see my wroth. Don't let that happen."

Aqguazula begins to pace around the two, examining them for any marking, tattoos or scars. Eyeing them like slaves he'd inspect before sale on the market, Aq then asks them a series of questions.

"You two are young, are you brothers? where are you do you hail from? Katapesh, Orision, Thuvia or perhaps Rahadoum? No I cannot promise your fates, when will see when we come to port. I would see yourselves free. Should you two find yourselves free, I'd see you freemen into my employ. Even as a slaver I knew of mercy, I treated my men with respect and honour, should they prove their mettle."

Aq reaches into his bag and pulls out a bowl filled with glyphs and runic symbols of his dark deities. Holding up the bowl with one hand and with another he draws sigils over the bowl conjuring water into it. He strokes his finger over the surface and water and with a clicking of his teeth and a chant, the water turns into wine. He raises the bowl to his mouth and take a large sip.

"Drink of my wine, it's a small gift and a reward for potential freedom and the new officers. I will speak to the Captain about your fates soon enough, enjoy the wine."

He offers up the bowl to the two, as well as two of his arms to shake their forearms.

"Just don't stab anyone on accident," Rizz says, tossing the albino a blade.

"You know where we can keep the rest of these? I haven't been on the ship for long.

BUMP for the balance of PCs!

The Nameless Vessel

Ambrose Kroop approaches Artevious, "Captain, I believe that we should follow the course that Plugg and Scourge planned on following. Rickety’s Squibs, we don't want this ship to be recognized whether by Harrigan or by the Rahadoumi. It is of course, your call Captain".

Duugless Sauckel grins at Rizz, "Thanks!"

"Kroop has a good point." Esmarelda said as she came back up to give her report to Artevious. "Plus a ship needs a name no? That's up to you after all." She smiled slightly. "Also, do you mind if we speak?"

"That was the point all along," I said, after finally learning of Plugg's original destination. Much as I was loath to follow along with that mutineer's plans, it was still the most prudent course of action.

I plotted the course and set the helmsman to follow it. Then I turned to Esmarelda, who had been waiting patiently. "Yes, certainly. What is on your mind?"

Esmarelda waved him away from the majority of ears leaning on the railing of the ship facing the sea. She kept her voice low as she spoke.

"I think we should call it the DinnerBell! the most welcome sound on the sea!" Rizz yells at Artevious and Esmeralda, whispering and being all secretive.

the DinnerBell!?

Harmony takes the helm as Artevious and Esmarelda speak privately. Conchobhar Shortstone approaches her grinning, "Leave it to Kroop to suggest something and then give no guidance as how to follow up on the damned idea. I think I remember the way..."

Give me a Navigation check DC unknown. PCs can Aid Another. The higher the check the better the chance of arriving with no encounters or arriving at all!

I plotted the course and set the helmsman to follow it. Then I turned to Esmarelda, who had been waiting patiently. "Yes, certainly. What is on your mind?"

I thought I did that already. Do I need to make a roll?

Cueta spends the days managing the swabs and riggers, barking orders and motivating them, with a kick or a snarl, to stay on the tasks at hand.

+10 sailor modifier means that Cueta auto-aids.

Yes, Rizz finds no other sound as welcome as the sound of dinner being ready.

Profession (sailor) Aid Another: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Harmony spends the first hours locating the ship's navigational charts and tools and begins to work on determining the ship's exact location and which heading they should take.

Profession Sailor: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25

Using his experience aboard slaver galleys in oceans abroad, Aqguazula patrols the decks ensuring each crew member is pulling their weight. He guides the ship's crew with an iron fist, a vicious and efficient officer but above all else, fair.

With the course set and the wind in our sails, I stood upon the forecastle with my arms folded. Aqguazula was ensuring a fair yet strict watch on the crew as the ship cut through the waters.

I mused. So far, the only suggestion voiced regarding our vessel's new moniker was the Dinner Bell, which I felt didn't necessarily strike fear in the hearts of those who hear it.

I was determined to be a fair captain. I wanted the crew to know that I valued their input and ideas. I knew there would be fantastic names for ships that I hadn't thought of, so I wanted to hear their ideas. But I wondered if anyone could offer a name that was better than the one that sat in my heart from the very first day I learned of my father's trade. The name that came to me as if my father himself had placed it in my mind. The ship that I would captain to the day of my dying breath.

The Stalwart Worthy.

"Personally, I feel wronged by the actions of Captain Harrigan and his cronies, not the least of which were Plugg and Scourge. If I had my way, the ship would be named to reflect that past of ours. Either Revenge against our captors, or Redemption or Redeemed to reflect our gaining control of our own destiny. Liberator. Or other suggestions along those lines."

The Shackles - Rickety’s Squibs

Despite the borderline skeleton crew, favorable winds and a hard but fair taskmaster in Aqguazula, the crew perfoms in its first trip rather admirably!

In but two days, the Nameless Vessel makes its way to the workshop of the ship re-fitter Rickety Hake.

As the journey ensues, Kroop gives a bit more information as to who Rickety is...

"Rickety’s Squibs refits and modifies the lines and profiles of ships without changing a ship’s size, characteristics, or deck layout, providing both discretion and a new identity for a price. These rebuilt vessels are referred to as “squibs.” In fact, “It’s like as not to be a squib,” is a common saying among the pirates of the Shackles for a ship of suspicious origin.

Rickety’s Squibs lies in the estuary of a nameless river on the Slithering Coast. The river mouth is concealed from passing ships by a protruding headland, so that it is difficult to find if one doesn’t know
where to look, and the facilities are hidden under the eaves of the encroaching jungle, further warding them from prying eyes".

---

Rounding the tall headland reveals a hidden cove at the mouth of a wide jungle river, its sluggish brown waters staining the waters of the blue sea like an ugly bruise. A series of docks has been built upon this estuary, with buildings concealed beneath the overhanging limbs of the jungle beyond. A wooden watchtower stands upon the promontory of the headland, carefully concealed among the trees to provide a clandestine view of the seas.

As the crew sails past the headland, a checkered flag of yellow and red is raised above the tower on the promontory, and an answering flag of blue is hoisted upon a yardarm at the docks ahead. A number of humanoid
figures emerge from the shaded buildings and gather on a pier. A small, single-masted longboat soon sets out from the boathouse on the estuary to meet you, on the longboat is an old man who looks quite Rickety indeed. With hims are several hardened looking pirates of various races.

The human calls out sounding more hale and hardy than he appears! "Ho there, unnamed craft. Drop anchor and grant us permission to board and we shall discuss your reason for coming to this place where only those in the know, know how to reach..."

Cueta enjoyed the open sea from the time they take over. It was much nicer being the one making others use the holystone than be the one scrubbing the decks.

Still, when they reached the docks, Cueta looked forward to her feet meeting land once again. Even if it was... this place, far from what could be described as civilization, even by a pirate's loose definition of the word.

Looking to Artevious, Cueta gave the word, the anchor was dropped. Cupping her hands to her mouth, the Boatswain shouted, "You got arrows? And rum?"

We were finally under sail and charting our own course, and I must say it was a welcome relief. Even the wind and the waves seemed to agree much was right with the world.

When we glided around the embankment and approached our destination, I stood on the deck and waved to the person who greeted us. "Hail and well met! Permission granted. Come aboard, because we have business to discuss!"

Aqguazula stood at the ready, holding his spear in one set of hands and a loaded crossbow in the other.

He remains silent and vigilant, his weapons in clear sight. Not pointed at the guesses, just within eye shot. He scans each of the guesses, sizing them up should they become potential threats.

He looks over to the man he begrudgingly and nods. He speaks clearly and bold in a graceful, yet old sounding language.

Switching back to common should they not understand him,"board slowly, armaments where I can see them."

Harmony stands at a railing, leaning onto it and her eyes staring into the distance as she introspects about her role on the ship. Land, for the first time in how long? This is my opportunity to leave this sordid episode behind me, and get back on land, and make my way home again. Do I want to? Do I want to stay on this ship? I don't know. Up until this moment, I didn't have to make a choice. Now, with land available, I need to choose. Do I even like sailing?

Esmarelda made her way back to the rest of the group after speaking with Artevious while Harmony was listing off names for the ship. "What about The Broken Shackles?" Esmarelda asked. "It would give a duel meaning even. Representing not only the shackles we've broken that once bound us, but also that all the Shackles will break in our wake."

---------------------------------------------

"Land with no ghouls..." Esmarelda said with a long sigh and smile. "I have to say, it's a beautiful sight."

Rizz perks up from her nap in the crow's nest, her small frame leaving enough room for the actual spotter to still do their job.

She makes quick work descending, moving from rope to tether until she lands with a solid thud, the bottom of her blade bouncing against the deck.

"We really should name this thing." she mumbles, yawning.

The Shackles - Rickety’s Squibs

Rickety laughs at Aq as he climbs the rope like a teenager, "Hah, you're an interesting one fer crewin a vessel ain't ya? Elvish eh? I'm a bit rusty truth be told, not a lotta elves on the Shackles. The armaments are all around ye'. From shore to tower, this here is a place of private enterprise not plunder. You keep your weapons at bay the same'll be fer me an' mine".

The pirates board as well, two full orcs, a gnoll, and four humans. They look to be old timers but still able to fight all are armed with belaying pins and cutlasses, none wear any armor. Rickety has no weapons or armor.

He turns to Artevious and then cals out, "Kroop? Long time".

Kroop calls back, "Too long but I've brought you business".

"So you have, so you have. So Captain, care to share yer name with me. I think you know mine else you'd not be here..."

I tried to ease the tension that seemed quite unnecessary, considering that these fellows wouldn't be in business if they accosted every ship that sailed into their cove. Seeing that Mr. Rickety knew our esteemed cook and vice-versa, I laughed to ease the tension.

"Ho! Quite right you are, my good man. I am none other than Artevious de Poisson, captain of this stout vessel and her mighty crew. I know of you only by reputation, however, through Mr. Kroop has already made your acquaintance obviously."

I offered him a firm handshake and a tip of my hat to the rest of his men. "I have heard you can do wonders with a ship when she needs a... fresh start, if you will."

Aqguazula snarls and stows away his heavy crossbow, taking on a less threatening posture.

"You're so use to looking over your shoulder in these waters, old habits. Aquatic elvish, you know of the tongue? quint."

Aqguazula walks past the old sea dogs, sizing them all up.
Too old, wouldn't taste good.

"The name's Aqguazula, Master-at-arms of this here ship and only four armed aquatic elf to sail these water."

opps forgot to bluff.
bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27

Good thing you mentioned the four arms, Aq. I had somehow completely missed that Aq was so drastically different looking from other aquatic elves.

Harmony looks over the boarding pirates with narrowed eyes. Ugh. So old. And orcs. And gnolls. Where are all the good looking men? She keeps a good distance between herself and the visitors, not searching out contact with any of them but keeping an eye on them from a little further away, in case they might try to plant something untoward on the ship, or steal something. Maybe I should inventory my possessions. In case I do want to leave. Tally up everything I would take with me. Her face scrunches up a little bit more as she peers shorewise for a moment, trying to make out what sort of buildings Rickety's Squibs has. I wonder if this place has a tavern of any kind.

Rizz has her blade out, but is more using it for stretching purposes, somewhat like morning calisthenics.

She hoists it on one shoulder looks up to Arrtevious.

"We buying something? I say a bigger kitchen, but you're the boss."

"They're called 'galleys' on a ship, Rizz," I explained. The gnome lass certainly was concerned about her next meal.

"And we're procuring the services of these fine fellows to make a few adjustments to her profile." I turned to face Rickety. "I'm not mistaken, am I? That is your trade?"

"I should hope so. If we go sailing around as she is now... well it wouldn't be a good time." Esmarelda said with a small smirk as she crossed her arms. "Also ya need to give them a new name to leave her with Captain." Esmarelda pointed out.

The Shackles - Rickety’s Squibs

Harmony sees more men on shore but is not sure whether they're worth dis-embarking for. The operation has not produced much in the way of building as her eyes sweep the cove:

---

A2 - Docks A pair of docks reaches out into the muddy waters of the estuary. Three small dinghies are moored here beneath canopies made of wooden poles and dried palm fronds.

A3 - Boathouse Two piers extend out into the river from a long building of roughcut wooden planks with large openings to allow passage within. Ropes, pulleys, and other equipment common to a boathouse hang inside.

A4 - The Commons A once-grand building with broad wings extending from its ground floor stands at the end of the docks, its octagonal dome topped by a cupola. It was obviously a fine villa in its day but time and the harsh sun and rains of the Slithering Coast have faded its paint and cracked its boards, leaving it a gray ghost of its former self. A painted board above the veranda names it as “Rickety’s Squibs.” Smaller, less grandiose hovels and sheds clapped together of flotsam and jetsam surround the larger building and merge into the jungle behind it.

A5 - Dry Dock A massive, wedge-shaped wooden ramp rises directly from the river. It is large enough to hold a ship of the line and has huge mooring points to allow such a ship to be stabilized in place. Wooden scaffolding is erected all along its sides to allow workers easy access to all points of a ship and its hull.

---

It seems the commons would have drinks but as to whether they are any good, judging from the wear of the building you'd say probably not.

---

Rickety grins showing less teeth remaining than languages known you suspect Aq, "Gotta speak a lotta languages to do business in the Shackles Aq. Boats and Languages, that's what I know".

His eyebrows raise as he hears Art's name and he takes a short trip around the ship, "Indeed, that is my trade. I Promise you, I'm the best at it". He grins once more.

"You be any relation to Captain Ricardo de Poisson?"

I beamed brightly as Rickety asked his question. I proudly placed my hands on my hips. "Quite so! I am none other than his son. Artevious de Poisson, son of Captain Ricardo de Poisson and the Contessa de la Montaigne. At your service," I doffed my hat with a quick nod. "Indeed, I have come to these waters to make my own mark, and to guide my crew to fortune and fame.

"Were you acquainted with my father? I had a bit of a rough go at first, so you may be the first I've met familiar with the man and not simply the legend."

Aqguazula smirks at the old man's comments, crossing his arms he lets out a light chuckle.

"I've worked in oceans far from here, picked up some new tongues along the way. It was vital for my old profession, this I can assure you."

Aq walks up to the old man, his stance isn't threatening. He bends down to whispers into the ear of the old man."Maybe you can help me start up my business, I could use someone that knows these waters. Seek me out later, if you're interested."

Aqguazula shifts his body back up, taking a moment to stretch and crack his back. He turns his head towards entryway to the crewberth.

"Thar, Nax come over here now!"Aq yells out their names, waiting for the two to come to his side.

Harmony is pretty eager to be on dry land once again after the days spent at sea after the mutiny. She keeps glancing landwards, but keeps half her attention on the exchange between Artevious and Rickety. I wonder if these brigands are trustworthy or whether they will try to murder us in our sleep. After all, why do a whole lot of work on our ship for only part of our money, rather than do no work and get *all* our money? Then again, I suppose this place wouldn't have the reputation it does, if it assaulted its customers. Still, maybe we best be cautious. Who knows, maybe they just do away with the more naive and less careful customers.

Harmony makes her way to Cueta and speaks quietly, just to her. "Let's make sure we don't let our guard down. These people may run a business but they are still pirates. Make sure that we have a sturdy watch rotation -- no distracted people on watch duty, only those who are in the best, sharpest condition. We should also formulate some sort of a silent emergency signal in case we need to alert the crew without alerting our 'hosts'. Perhaps a hand signal of some kind. Come up with some sort of an idea and run it by me."

Rizz looks around. If there was work to be done, and she wouldn't be the one working, she could keep plenty busy drinking. Announcing her motivations, she trots off to the Commons for bevs.

The bartender has quite an interesting sight as to the normal sized human, a sword hilt makes its way to the counter, before it inquires for drink in a light, high-pitched voice with still a bit of husk to it.

Cueta nods, perpelexed as she tries to come up with a hand signal. It would need to be something conspicuous and yet not. "What've we run our hands through our hair, three times, quickly?"

"We should have a code phrase for danger too. Maybe, 'red belaying pin?'"

Looking ashore, the Bosun smiles. "We'll get a watch going, but I plan on having a bit of fun onshore before I do my stretch. I need some arrows. And some rum. Want to explore with me?"

The Shackles - Rickety’s Squibs

Rickety nods to Aq and continues to speak with Artevious, "I did know him, damned fine Captain. A pirates pirate to be sure.

We can spill our stories at the Commons once we've done our business Captain de Poisson . Now while I am sure you'd like to fill up my coin purse with drink, this ain't exactly a port of call fer such. It'll be 2,000 flat to do what needs be done to this vessel so's none but someone with my trained eye would know of its origins. I can Promise you that". He chuckles wheezing a bit.

Thar and Nax come rushing over at Aq's call. Both with looks of trepidation on their faces.

None of Rickety's men say anything or make any threatening moves, not even when Aq moves towards the old timer.

---

Harmony and Cueta begin to develop hand and verbal signals away from the rest of the crew and their "guests".

---

Rizz wastes no time getting to shore leave. She heads down on one of the lifeboats, Sandara elects to head on down with her.

As the boat hits the dock. One of the locals takes the rope thrown by Sandara, he bows to her, "The Goddesses blessin's upon ye'".

She smiles and gives him a pseudo blessing which seems to please him greatly.

As you look around at the few people out and about walking around none seem armed or armored. It may well be that the only security here is what Rickety brought with him onto your Nameless Vessel.

As you enter the Commons, you see that the building is a mainhouse that covers a plaza of sorts. A taphouse, a market, a chow hall and what appear to be rooms on the top floor. Sandara grins as Rizz heads for the taphouse first. Rizz is surprised to see several halflings present in the place. The bartender is a human female. "What'' ya'.... by Besmara, Sandara you're here!"

The cleric gives a broad grin to the bartender.

At first, Rizz is happy to see more of her kind. It was nice to have a conversation without her neck bent at a 60-degree angle for most of it. Rizz looks up to Sandara, a quizzical look scrunching her face as much as a sponge dried in the summer sun.

"Are you a big deal or something?" she asks.

Aq looks to both his sides when the Thar and Nax arrive. He lets out a deep boisterous laugh.

"You look as if you've seen ghost, or me angry. Good." He puts a hand on each of their shoulders. "You two are free now, remember what I said. Serve me under me, and I will treat you well."

Aqguazula reaches into his coin pouch and retrieves 10 gold for each of them. "Spend your money on food, or drink till you have gills."
------

Aq walks along the dock and into the tap house, displaying the unholy symbols of deities:Dagon, Ovonovo and Kelizandri. Unabashed that he worshiped demons and an elemental lord.

"If I might ask a question or two?" Esmarelda asked as she crossed her arms under her chest. "This place is quiet out of the way, tell me do you get everything you need from here or are thing brought in?" She asked.

I managed to keep the reaction to the man's exorbitant sum off my face, but just barely. Our vessel did not have that amount in treasure -- I'm rightly not sure how Plugg intended to modify the Man's Promise with the pittance in his chest.

I put my most winning smile to the test, as I laughed at his wordplay. "Indeed!" I agreed. "And certainly no other vessel will sport finer lines than she once you're done. But you forget, good sir, that I am my father's son. And he never takes the first offer. You'll have to do far better than that. As I see it, you have the chance to witness the illustrious start of the next Captain Poisson -- truly a treasure in its own right. And furthermore, my worthy crew has myriad skills, so there must also be some service we could provide you in exchange for lowering the gold you require?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17

The Shackles - Rickety’s Squibs

On the Sip

Rickety smiles at Es, "Bring it in or make it ourselves from the local flora. It's a jungle out there!"

Rickety strokes his chin at Art's counteroffer, "Tell ya' what. There is some service I do be needin'. Fer that I'll cut 500 off'a the price. But I'll not start till ya get the task completed. In the meantime, the first night a meals and drinks, and room if'n ya' don't want to stay on the ship'll be covered.

Fair Captain de Poisson?"

---

Thar and Nax grin at Aq and accompany him to land as the Captain continues to negotiate with Rickety.

---

Rizz & Aq

Sandara grins as the woman comes from around the counter and places a very big kiss on Sandara's lips. "Nope, just to those that know me well..."

The few patrons in the taphouse also grin and leer at the women kissing but none else seem to know Sandara or if they do they don't say it.

The woman looks at Rizz, "She's cute, for a gnome. What's that which brings you, here of all places?"

At this moment Aq walks in with two of the crew but the woman does not notice.

Sandara smiles and continues, "I'd a come sooner if'n I knew you worked here lass. I'm with a new crew and a new Captain. High Priestess of the Seas, this is Rizz she's our ah... what the hell do ya' do o the ship anyhow?"

The rest of the place goes silent at the appearance of the four armed man. One of them though does make the gestures familiar to one of the Kelizandri faith, a half-elf.

"I'm in charge of rigging." Rizz explains, as she jumps up and slides a few copper onto the counter for drink before landing back onto the floor.

"Or do you think I'm swinging around on those ropes for fun. Well, they are fun, and Artevious keeps yelling at me not to stop using rope swings to get from one side of the ship to another. He can get real puffy when he wants to be, right Aq?"

She directs this question to Aqguazula who's appearance has silenced the room.

Actually, using the rope to swing across the deck would be something Artevious would encourage.

The price he demanded was still far and away beyond what was left by Plugg, but I had one ace in the hole: the magical short sword gifted me by none other than Captain Harrigan himself. Its value should overcome whatever deficit we may yet face after we perform this task. I felt it somewhat ironic: the gift being the very means for us to escape his notice, for a time at least. I actually had no intentions of hiding overlong.

"We have an accord!" I readily agreed, offering him my hand for a shake. "What sort of task is it? We'll be on it forthwith, so you might as well get your tools and materials ready!"

As Aqguazula lumbers into the taphouse, he sniffs the stale air. Surrounded by the deafening sound of silence and wandering eyes. Grinning his toothy smile, he motions to Thar and Nax that they may enjoy their shore leave.

He scans the room of its occupants, taken by surprise by a fellow follower of Brackish Emperor.
Hmm, a fellow follower. Perhaps he'd join me on the ship, it should stem the tide of the followers of the whore queen,Besmara!.

Aqguazula nodded to the man, returning his gesture with a prayer. Blessing the half-elf.

Aq walks towards the bar, where his small companion addressed him.
He reaches downwards grabbing Rizz by the back of her collar, placing her on the nearest stool.

"Right you are Rizz, like a pufferfish, it's all an act, a show of strength. Any man who must say, "I am the Captain" is no true Captain. I sailed with slavers with more dignity and level heads. Mark my words he will sink the ship with his boyish fantasies. There is an old naval tradition, the Captain goes down with his ship. If need to abandon ship, I will see that he remain with it." Aq exhaled deeply through his gills, slamming a fit into the bar counter top. His resentment was palpable

He reached into his coin purse and removed 10 silver coins, placing them on the counter.
"I'll take three strong drinks."

Aq looks to Rizz,"you're okay little Rizz, I'll teach you to swim one day or save your from drowning."