Mel speaks softly to the two. "ᚦᛖ ᚲᚨᛈᛏᚨᛁᚾ ᚺᚨᛋ ᛋᛏᚱᚢᚲᚲ ᚨ ᛒᚨᚱᚷᚨᛁᚾ ᛭ᚹᛖ ᚹᛁᛚᛚ ᚠᛖᛖᛞ ᛁᛏ ᛋᚨᛚᛏ ᛈᛟᚱᚲ᛬ ᚲᛖᛖᛈ ᛃᛟᚢᚱ ᚷᚢᚨᚱᛞ ᚢᛈ᛬ᛒᚢᛏ ᚹᛖ ᛗᚨᛃ ᚾᛟᛏ ᚾᛖᛖᛞ ᛏᛟ ᚠᛁᚷᚺᛏ ᛁᛏ᛬"
She does not release her bow, but she eases the tension on the string slightly.
Muse smiles broadly for the serpent’s benefit. “I’m glad we could come to an agreement.”
In common he explains that the sea dragon is willing to leave us alone if enough food is dumped overboard for it. Muse stays abovedeck to oversee that, though he’s feeling somewhat weak-kneed and would much rather lie down.
The braver members of the Sonder's crew heave salt pork over the side as the serpent slowly trails the ship, snapping it up in great, tearing bites. After an entire hog's worth of meat has been donated, the serpent turns lazily back to the depths.
As demonstrated, you're well within the Serpent Isles right now. Captain Brolin explains that the island that you can see downwind of you has a cove on the leeward side where van Beem's ship often hides.
"Well, that was interesting," Mel comments afterwards to Captain Brolin. "Clever of you to have salt pork on hand. Would you really have fed it Van Beem's crew?"
Muse thinks about that. "It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment decision," he admits. "I was trying to impress it, show that we're the people who go out and attack, not the people who get attacked."
He sits down on the ship's railing and looks at the water, hooking his feet through his perch for a bit more stability. "But . . . yes. These pirates have killed friends of mine. And now I'm transporting Bishopric soldiers intent on killing them. And I'll probably board with the boarding party. I'm not bad in a fight. I don't mean to sound conceited, but really - I'm very, very good at this. I don't think I could sit around while other people fight for their lives not far from where I am."
Twisting on his ungainly seat, he looks the elf in the eye. "We've decided that it's important enough that these pirates die to risk our own lives. Anything I can do that increases our chances of success, my own personal chances of survival, I think as the captain of this ship I'm obliged to do it."
"I can see the logic," Mel says. "It doesn't sit well with me. But ... if I had lost friends to Van Beem's crew, perhaps I would be less hesitant about turning them into serpent chum."
She looks ahead. "So ... what's the plan? We just charge in, come up alongside and board? I don't have any experience in ship to ship combat. It's not something I ever expected to need. It would probably make sense for me to stay on the Sonder's deck -- as an archer, I should be able to hit just about anything I need to from there."
"Hm. I gotta say, I don't think I've given this enough thought. I kind of figured that someone else would take charge of the fighting part."
”Well someone has to be in charge. And pirates will certainly know how to fight at sea. Doesn’t anyone here know how this is supposed to work?”
The very idea of naval battles was a foreign concept to Kazador.
"I've never been on a ship before," Mel says. "Unless you count taking a ferry across a river. I suggest we ask Captain Blackskull."
Errde eyes the island and considers "Well from what Captain Muse tells us, it sounds like we have a couple of options. We could sail around the island out of sight and then tack upwind to prevent a fast downwind escape. Or we could send a scouting team onto the island from here to take a look first. Or we could send a strike team onto the island to get into position, tack into the cove, then have the strike team try to board on some signal." She shrugs. "No plan survival contact with the enemy. We just have to pick the one that gets the closest."
"I like the sound of a scouting party first," Mel says. "For all we know, they may not even be there. We can make better plans when we know more about what the situation looks like."
Kelian nods. "Yeah that sounds good. Who should go?" He looks at everyone on deck then at Brolin in particular "Could we use that rowboat, captain?"
"We don't want to tip them off that we're coming." Mel says. "I should go. I'm pretty soft on my feet. Kazador? Captain?"
“I’ve got a spell that turns people invisible,” the captain suggests. “I can cast it a couple times, no problem, no one has to go out and risk their neck alone.”
“Since we know they’re here, but they don’t know we’re here, we should be able to control the time and direction of engagement. It’s probably best if we attack buffed to the gills, that is to say, I know a few spells best cast preemptively.”
”I dunno. I’m about as quiet in this armor as a drunken orc in an elven tea house. I can get where I need to be, but after the reveal everyone’ll will know.”
"I don't want to engage them yet -- just take a peek to make sure they're there, maybe get a rough estimate of their position and numbers. If all goes well, we won't have to do anything but take a boat to shore, walk across the island, spend some time peering out from the trees and taking notes, then come straight back with our quarry none the wiser. But I worry that they may have people on the island. If we stumble across a landing party, it could spoil everything. But at the same time, I hate going in blind."
She sighs.
"Well then, Captain Muse," Mel says, "If you can provide invisibility, perhaps you'd best come along. Kazador, if you want to come, well -- walk as softly as you can. Captain Blackskull, do you want to come along, or send one of your men? I don't want any more than four of us -- the more of us there are, the harder it is to go unseen."
The Marine captain nods. "Alright. I'll come along. Let's keep quiet." She looks to the dwarf. "You might want to leave your armor here and wear something lighter. I have some chainmail you can borrow." With that, ahe begins readying herself as the crew readies the boat. In a few minutes, you lower the boat and row toward the island as Kelian sees you off.
You land the boat on a sandy beach and see a thick forest before you with little in the way of a trail.
Ashore, Mel looks at the angle of the shadows, and points. "Should be this way," she says. "Keep your eyes open." And with that she leads the way into the forest, bow in hand.
”Nay, the armor is part of who I am. I’ll keep back behind ye all to not alert anyone when needed.”
Like Kazador, Captain Muse stays well behind Mel Elden.
Mel moves through the dense trees very capably and quietly. If you didn't know she was an elf, you would suspect it after this display of woodcraft. She leads you in the direction of the cove on the lee side of the island until you encounter a small clearing wherein stand several huts made of very finely crafted wood and stone. Three male and two female humans wearing furs and necklaces made of teeth stand outside of the huts listening to another man speaking animatedly to them.
Mel gestures backwards at the others to stop, and then tries to listen to what they're saying.
The lean red haired man appears to have been traveling. His rough clothing and dark brown armor are stained and travel worn. A quiver of arrows and curved sword hang from his belt. He has a longbow slung across his back and a satchel hanging at his side. His dark green cloak flares in the breeze as he paces.
Please, the grove sent me here to ask your aid. I have travelled far to reach you. The gobilns are attacking more frequently now. We are sure what is driving them, but if this keeps up the grove and the nearby village will be overrun. If you could just send a few of your more powerful members to help keep everyone safe it may make the difference between life and death.
The man appears to be on the verge of shedding tears. He stops and stares, his bright green eyes fixed on the assembled men and women.
Kazador looked at the man, his hammer on his shoulder. They had pirates to kill...not because he wanted to but because it was a necessary step to returning to his hold so that he might avenge his kinsmen. He almost said as such, but looking at the man he was reminded of his own pain at losing his home.
But...could this be a pirate trap? He listened to the man’s words as carefully as he could, looking for falsehood.
The man seems to be earnestly pleading for help.
The others in the clearing respond, speaking in a land you don't understand.
They are speaking druidic.
They respond "We will consoder what you say. But what we do? How long would we stay there?"
Mel retreats back to the others. "Lookth like local trouble," she says, quietly, lisping slightly -- sibilant noises carry well. "They thpeak Druidic. I don't think they're pirateth. Do we thpeak to them, or go around? I'd like to help, but we have lotth to do already."
One of those in the circle gestures to the south and breaks back into common "Besides... We're worried about those blasted pirates for the time being."
”Hmmm...ye know. Let’s check this out. Let’s see yon village and this lot can tell us what they know of the pirates after we’ve killed some gobbos.”
Whats the point of revenge if it means leaving others in the same situation as I? And what better way to scout than to befriend the locals?
"I'm not sure how long the goblin attacks will continue, but I don't think that they can keep this up for very long, a month or two at most I'd guess. If a few of you could come and help turn the land against them, scare them a bit, I think the threat would be averted."
"What is this of pirates? Maybe I can help you and you can help me. Is there something that I can do to free your people to aid my home?"
"All right," Mel says.
Putting her bow away, Mel walks out of the trees making no particular effort to stay quiet. "Hello," she calls to the group ahead of her, holding her empty hands out and to the sides. She knew they would be able to see her arms and armor, but hoped they would be able to see she had no interest in using them.
"My companions and I were passing by and heard something about pirates and goblins. Perhaps we should speak. I think we can all help one another."
The druids in the circle begin to nod in response to Fyrtor's suggestions when they hear Mel coming out of the woods. One turns into a bear while the others look ready to respond rapidly. An elderly woman, who seems to be in charge, looks sharply at Mel. "Who are you? What do you mean!?"
"We're from the Bishopric of Helm. The pirate leader -- Van Beem -- has been causing problems for Bishopric shipping. We came to deal with her. We're only here now because we wanted to scout out the cove she uses, make sure she was there. So if you've been having problems with the pirates, we're probably going to put an end to those. Any information you have about them would be welcome."
She glances at the red-headed man. "And perhaps if you wanted to help us deal with the pirates, we can help you deal with these goblins."
"Woah, let's all just calm down." The red hair man man says while he geshures that no one should do anything hasty. "My name is Frytor and I'm sure the druids here would be as grateful as I for any assitance, but who are you? You say the Bishopbic has sent you, but why should we believe you?" Frytor looks the woman over closely considering her and her words. He also scans the area behind her to see who else may be with her. She did speak of a "we" after all.
Eyeing the bear curiously and warily, Captain Muse follows Mel into the open.
"Captain Brolin Muse, of the Sonder," the eccentrically dressed man introduces himself. "Colonel Smythe gave us papers proving our identity - though I say 'we' in a loose sense of the word."
"You can call me Mel Elden," she tells him. "My colleagues here are Kazador, Captain Brolin Muse of the Sonder, and Captain Erdde Blackskull of the Bishopric marines." She gestures as the others emerge from the trees.
"As for why we should believe you," she goes on, "We do have those papers Captain Brolin mentioned. But frankly, I don't think it much matters. If you don't want to talk to us, fine. We'll go deal with Van Beem, and leave. I've no interest in staying where we're not wanted."
”Ye came to us for help, human. Seems mighty late to be questioning us who we are. All that should matter to ye is that we’re here to fight pirates and are willing to hear ye out about the gobbos. Given that what do ye care about who we are?”
"May I see those papers" Frytor says while extending his hand.
These people seem to be honest enough and definitely look like they are prepared to fight pirates. I don't know if the serpent isle druids will accept their help or not, but I don't think we are in a position to turn down possibly powerful allies.
Addressing Mel he continues.Please don't leave just yet. You have surprised us that is all. You have come here unannounced and usually such arrivals are not friendly. All of that aside, it does seem as though we may share some mutual interests. Let us all take a moment to discuss this more thoroughly.
Frytor sweeps his gaze across not only the new arrivals but the druids of the circle as well.
Captain Blackskull stands straight and salutes sharply. "Captain Errde Blackskull, Bishopric marines. Second division. I can vouch for this crew and the authenticity of those papers... er... citizen?"
The elderly female druid nods with interest. "Yes the pirates are a nuisance to us. They come and cut down trees here, build fires on the beach, leave bottles everywhere. Things are not serious enough for us to attack them. Few as we are, it would have been unwise. I would not risk ourselves in the thick of battle but we would be willing to aid from a distance." She shakes her head gravely. "We seek only to live here in serenity. We do not seek battle." She looks to Fyrtor. "But if these pirates are dealt with, we will come temporarily to help with the goblins troubling your village."
Frytor sighs quite audibly with relief. "Thank you" he says as he nods his appreciation to the leader of the assembled druids.
Turning again to the new arrivals Frytor begins to speak.
"Perhaps I should explain to you what you have stumbled upon. This is a village of the serpant isle druids. Like yourselves I am not from here. I am from a small village called Woodsdale in the southern hills of the Bishopric's realm. The druid grove near Woodsdale sent me here seeking the aid of their brethren. Goblins occasionally bother the area in small numbers, but as of late they have been attacking in increasing numbers and in a more coordinated fashion. The grove usually deals with them to prevent damage to the land, but with the change it has become dangerous; too dangerous for the grove and villagers to handle alone. I will help you deal with these pirates if it means keeping my homeland safe."
Mel scowls at this. "There's a story I've heard before," she says. "And not one I like. The same pattern is being repeated elsewhere along the Bishopric's southern border. In Brookside a couple of weeks ago, it was orcs. We held them off, but a lot of good people died in the process. And there have been other instances as well."
Kazador surely notes her oblique reference to Kazad Gravr.
"I noticed the parallel, too," Captain Muse plays the contrarian, "but it could be that we're jumping to conclusions. There's any number of things that could unite a band of goblinoids, besides . . . state secrets." Muse isn't sure how much is safe to say in front of the druids.
The druids look entirely uninterested in state secrets. The graying woman states "We want no part of this beyond our simple bargain. Make the pirates go away one way or another and we'll help with the goblins for a month. Then we part ways and wish each other the best." The others nod firmly in agreement, including the one currently taking the form of a bear. "So, shall we head to the cove?"
"Very well." Frytor nods and unslings his bow. "Let's get this over with. May Sarenrae guide us."
Looking at the group he says, "Perhaps we can get to know one another better along the way."
Mel identifies the graying woman as likely the leader of the druidic circle. "Honored Elder," she asks, "Is there a place where we may observe the pirate's ship with little or no risk of being seen? We plan to engage them ship-to-ship, and for now simply wish to see where their ship is and how many pirates there are."
Blackskull shrugs. "Not much to know. Went into the army. Distinguished service against orcs and pirates." She grunts as she steps over a fallen tree. "Same thing, really. Bishop was organizing a new service. Marines. Field Marshal picked me because I had sea experience."
Frytor nods and listens as they hike. After a long silence he speaks up, "As I said before I am from Woodsdale. I grew up the son of a soldier turned farmer. He is the one who taught me to use a blade. When he got hurt I took him to the druids to see if they could help. They tried but he still passed away. After that I stayed with the druids and learned from them. I suppose I am a druid myself now, but it's hard to see myself that way. I love them, but I am still a farmer at heart. I did learn to harness the magic of the land though. After that I traveled. It pains me to think that people die evreyday when they could be saved. I walk in Sarenrae's light and so I try to help people and share her light with them." At this point he falls quiet for a bit. Maybe by doing so I can be forgiven for not saving my father.
"Anyways, what about yourselves? The captain has shared her story, I am eargar to hear yours. And tell me more about these attacks"
Something odd must be going on with this crew. Why does the elf keep her ears covered? What's the dwarf's problem? Why are there two "Captains?" the woman seems like military veteran, the man, he's dressed so oddy I don't know if I should take him seriously
"I'm an anthropologist," Mel says. "With interests in folklore. Until a few of weeks ago, I'd never fired a shot at another person." Her throat works silently for a moment as she fights back a sudden urge to weep.
After a moment, she continues. "Then the orcs hit Brookside, and there wasn't much option. After that ... things just ... developed. And now I'm on my way to assault a pirate captain I'd never heard of before a week ago."
She pulls her cloak's hood over her head and stares moodily at each tree as they pass among the woods. "As for the attacks ... much of that is sensitive. But you noticed that the goblins were more organized than usual, yes? That's because they're being used as a proxy by a third party. It's ... complicated. And large scale."