Chapter 1- Souls for Smugglers Shiv
For various reasons, you have all found yourselves aboard the ship known as the Jenivere, a ship that routinely travels between Magnimar in Varisia and the Cheliax colony, Sargava. The voyage is nearing its end, with First Mate Alton Devers sharing that you will arrive in Eleder, your destination port, in about four days.
As you have all spent some time aboard the Jenivere at this point, you should have at least passing familiarity with several prominent crew members and passengers making their way to Sargava.
This severe half-elven woman boarded in Port Peril, where she immediately got into a scrape with a crude sailor. She spends most of her time in her bunk, seeming to purposefully avoid fraternizing with the ship’s other passengers. She is a trim, athletic woman with short dark hair, tanned skin, and fierce blue eyes. She dresses in tightly fitted leather armor and favors dark clothing and tricorn hats. The few times you have seen her, you get the impression she spends most of the day drunk; the smell of alcohol is always present on her breath.
A Chelish man whose family has made the Magnimar to Eleder run for generations, Captain Kovack is pleasant enough with his passengers, but a strict disciplinarian when dealing with his crew.
The Jenivere’s first mate is friendly with both passengers and crew, but he sometimes seems to chafe under the strong discipline of Captain Kovack.
A sharply dressed gnome from Magnimar, Gelik spends much of his time writing in the ships’ common areas, and takes every opportunity to tell long-winded stories, boast of past journeys, or quip about anything in his field of view. Gelik is a spry, energetic gnome with blond hair and a neat goatee. He dresses like a noble at all times. With liberal use of prestidigitation, his fine clothes always seem freshly cleaned. Only the ink stains on his fingers break the illusion of a proper gnome nobleman. He has something of a cruel streak, and a tendency to mock others.
A bookish Varisian scholar who tends to keep to herself, Ieana is traveling to Sargava to explore the ancient ruins there. Rumors aboard the ship alternately suggest that she’s the Jenivere’s owner, a Chelish agent, or Captain Kovack’s secret lover. Ieana keeps mostly to herself, and grows more intent on her studies with each mile the ship travels closer to Eleder. A small and quiet woman, Ieana has shown no interest in socializing or making friends on the voyage.
A scruffy human of Tian heritage, Ishirou boarded at Bloodcove and waits to reach Sargava with a quiet eagerness. Aloof but not rude, he gives the impression of one who has had a hard life but find himself currently without direction. He appears much older than he is, with graying hair worn in a ponytail and a perpetual scruffy beard. His clothing and armor are well kept and clean, but obviously of low quality. Only his sword, a beautiful katana, has any real value. Ishirou is fiercely protective of it, as it is his only material link to his cultural heritage.
Jask is a prisoner loaded aboard in Corentyn. Captain Kovack sees to this taciturn human’s needs with curt courtesy, but insists he be left alone, sequestered in the ship’s brig. He is a middle-aged, plain-looking Garundi man with greying hair and watery eyes.
A taciturn man from Senghor, Ship’s Cook Terillo has served in that capacity aboard several ships, though apparently not on account of his culinary skills, which seem to be limited to watery soups.
his red-haired human boarded the Jenivere in Ilizmagorti. Since leaving Mediogalti Island, the woman’s somber demeanor has gradually faded, revealing a boisterous and optimistic personality. None have yet questioned her about her missing left pinky finger. She has tousled red hair and mischievous green eyes.
Adventure Introduction
It's evening aboard the Jenivere. Much of the crew is gathered in the galley, awaiting their meal. Are you with them? Are you busy carrying out your duties? There is an air of discontent among the crew, as many are confused about their current course. Do you share in their concerns or are you loyal to Captain Kovack?
A black-haired elf enters the galley, his appearance impeccable, mainly through his Prestidigitation spell, nodding a polite, if cold, nod to the rest of the crew gathered in the room. Wherever he goes, he is not seen without the brown satchel strapped along his shoulder. His green eyes scan the room for an open spot and he sits down, preferably near Gelik. He liked the gnome and sensed they had a passion for writing in common. He found the half-elf Timor quite jovial and also pleasant to speak to and wished to add a brief note on his life in his journal. He already had so many notes and anecdotes from the rest of the crew during his journey, except for Ieana, the other scholar on board. He had tried to approach her but she did not wish to share his company, despite their shared love for ruins. Maybe, she'll warm up with time. Jindariel sits and says to any crew member present, "Okay, I am not the sea-faring type, but are we still on course? I have heard concerns and I must say, I have important business to attend to in Sargava, which simply cannot be delayed. When can we expect to arrive?"
Brehna is a petite woman with white hair which she keeps tightly bound in different styles, icy blue eyes, and light blue skin. She wears dark form fitting sharkskin leather armor with a small menagerie of unusual weapons strapped to her pleasantly curved form .
She is an accomplished sailor, but the captain never assigns her the tasks of drudgery. She is obviously one of his favorites and her value is not that of a deckhand. He treats her like a favored daughter and not like a love interest.
He doesn't talk much and her actions are usually subtle. However two days ago at port a more-than-slightly drunk sailor got too grabby and wouldn't take "no" for an answer. Out of no where she conjured a wave of water that knocked the man into the sea. Looking over at him she saw he was drowning. With a remark of "Idiot" she gracefully leapt over the rail and saved the man. She uncerimoniously left his sodden ass with his mates.
She's friendly enough when spoken to civilly, but apparently has lilttle skill in suffering fools.
She now walks into the galley and calmly leans against a darken corner waiting for the meal line to start.
In the back corner of the ship a game of cards was in progress. Loud jokes, a few good-natured swears, and a lot of laughing under the influence of alcohol, could be heard. Right in the middle of that rowdy company sat Timor, his jet black hair not as perfect as it usually is, his green eyes darting from side to side, and a big smile never leaving his face. He was dealing the cards, making sure that no one lost too much, and doing his best to give from time to time a winning hand to almost everyone involved. Of course, he was rigging the game, but this time he did not do it for the money - stakes were low anyway, sailors usually do not have too much money, or if they had it, he still had nowhere to run with the winnings, he was on a ship after all, so he was just "testing his skill". Although he had one hidden agenda - while making sure that everyone wins a bit sporadically, making them more susceptible, he was trying to get information as to what is wrong on the ship.
That's it, while your little brains are busy with the cards, your mouth keep jabbering....that's how I like you
"So, mon amie, you were saying....ah, non, mais non - full house, again?!? You really are one lucky batarde...so, you were saying that we are...how do you say it? Ah yes - out of course, right mon ami?"
Pyrra, unused to being a mere passenger, stands on deck and stares at the ship's wake, shimmering away behind the vessel as the light fades away. She's enjoying having nothing to do, and gives a sigh of satisfaction before shivering at the evening chill and heading belowdecks.
Anyone already in the galley sees a well-built copper-skinned woman with a mop of thick, curly black hair and slightly pointed ears enter, ducking instinctively to avoid the low door as she comes in. She smiles pleasantly at the company, wishes everybody a good evening, then stands in line, swaying with the motion of the ship.
"Eight knots in this weather!" She says to no-one in particular. "Kovack's quite the skipper, ain't he?"
Pyrra, unused to being a mere passenger, stands on deck and stares at the ship's wake, shimmering away behind the vessel as the light fades away. She's enjoying having nothing to do, and gives a sigh of satisfaction before shivering at the evening chill and heading belowdecks.
Anyone already in the galley sees a well-built copper-skinned woman with a mop of thick, curly black hair and slightly pointed ears enter, ducking instinctively to avoid the low door as she comes in. She smiles pleasantly at the company, wishes everybody a good evening, then stands in line, swaying with the motion of the ship.
"Eight knots in this weather!" She says to no-one in particular. "Kovack's quite the skipper, ain't he?"
As Pyrra makes eye contact, Brehna nods a polite hello, but stays where she is.
Jin notes the pointed ears in passing, though he does not acknowledge the female. Perhaps, relation of Aerys. Those half-breeds tend to stick together.
Entering the room you see what look like a Human(Ulfen) woman of about 6 foot 3. She has a muscular yet curvy human build with comely features and pale skin. Her face looks attractive for a human. She has Emerald Green and Sapphire blue eyes and lose Golden Blonde Hair that ends at her mid back. She is wearing a Brown mid Calf length skirt, a white short sleeved shirt, a Brown bust bodice that assists with her figure.
she takes a seat with the passengers, and eats her meal.
Best way to hide a tree is in a forest.
You feel a light tap on your lower back - turning you see a small gnome. You recognize him as Gelik, the eccentric, boisterous, slightly offensive writer. "Hullo, madame. Are you cold this evening?" he asks, a sarcastically innocent grin on his face. This isn't the first time he's made this "joke" - he seems to think it's quite funny to comment on your blueish skin every time he sees you.
"I kid, of course," he continues, without waiting for a reply. "So, do tell - what's the latest gossip from the captain's quarters? You seem to be the only one - apart from that dreadfully boring scholar - the captain likes aboard this vessel. Surely you know something of our current bearing?"
The sailors stare at you - as they have since you boarded - with an air of both mistrust and awe. Your question goes without answer for a few moments, when finally a small voice speaks up. "Oh no, sir. We're on course. The Captain 'imself told me today," a young deckhand says.
"Oho! Billy's been talking to the cap'n 'as he?" another sailor interrupts. "He'll be firs' mate in no time, that one!" he finishes, laughing loudly and slapping the others around him on the back. They all join in the laughter - Billy shrinks onto the bench, clearly humiliated. He squeaks out, "But he did tell me that. He did." With that, the sailors resume their conversation, oblivious to your presence.
There's a striking red-head directly across the table from you. She holds her cards in her left hand - clearly highlighting that her pinky is missing. She has been in incredibly good spirits this evening, laughing and joking with the other players around the table. When you ask about the current bearing, her eyes fix on you and she squints slightly. The sailor who won the hand with a full house answers, "Oh, no - we aren't off course completely. We're just taking a slightly different bearing than we usually do. The cap'n knows what's what. Nothin' ta worry 'bout."
No one else chimes in, but it's clear that feeling isn't shared by the others around the table - or Sasha. She gives you a knowing stare before returning with full attention to the game.
"Aye, he is that," a voice responds, slightly slurred. "He's the bess around, without a doubt. Sailed these waters more times than can be counted. But I wonder what he knows that we don't know?"
The speaker is Aerys - and this is the first time she has addressed you since you boarded. "So why are you so eager to get to Sargava?" she asks before taking a sip from her flask.
Jin smiles at the sailors and thanks them for their information. Then he opens his journal and writes, Sailor = a profession where it appears the intelligence quotient of these men decreases exponentially the more time they spend at sea. Must see if there is interest in a published treatise on this subject at a university in Sargava. Reminder to follow up on this, as I have a pretty good sample size in the crew of the Jenivere. Jin puts an asterisk next to his note to remind him later. He then takes his plate and sits next to Gelik. "Well met, little friend, care for some company?"
With the look of frustration, and in what obviously is an exaggerated move, Timor throws the cards he was holding, while raising his arms to the sky (OK, the deck above).
"Merde! This is no way to treat a fellow, dear Dreamer. All night, all night I've been getting this lousy cards. No monsieur, this franco will not take this any more!"
With a practised theatrical gesture, he points lightly to Sasha, flashing a wide grin - "Mon petit fleure, will you allow this luckless franco another attempt to try and win your hart, your hand, and peut-etre a bit more?" This table is obviously cursed, and these hoodlums here are bound to take the last penny from this star-crossed cavalier standing in front of you, who is beseeching you - do me the honour, once again, walk with me on the deck, let us smell the night, count the stars and turn the moment into eternity"
With this, he pulls a small pipe from his belt pouch, and winks slightly to Sasha, while signalling towards the stairs leading up.
as she eats, she keeps alert.
Though not in an obvious way,
listening and watching everything in the room.
** spoiler omitted **
Looking down at the little gnome Brehna says calmly but with politely,
"If you want to know about the captain ask the captain." Her tone indicates that this isn't up for discussion. "Is there something else I can help you with?"She's not offended, but she speaks her mind, when she chooses to speak.
You feel a hand wrap gently around your wrist and a hear voice whisper in your ear. "You there, lass," the voice says calmly, pulling you to meet him face-to-face. You see a rugged Tian man, with graying hair worn in a ponytail and a scruffy beard. "I don't remember seein' you before. I think I'd remember someone…" he looks in your eyes and inhales slightly before saying, "so…striking. At which port did you board?"
The gnome shrugs at Brehna and gives her a knowing smile as Jindariel approaches and sits down. "No, my dear," Gelik says to Brehna. "Not at the moment."
Turning to Jindariel, he says, "My dear Malvarian! How are you? Looking sharp, as usual. I do say, a little prestidigitation goes a long way, does it not?" He turns his face up to Brehna. "My dear, would care you to join Danjariel and I for tonight's repast?"
** spoiler omitted **
Brehna does enjoy the little gnome's company sometimes. "Sure, why not. Lead the way. "
Without a word, Sasha leaps up from the table at which she is seated and makes her way to the stairs. As she heads up, she turns to the table and says loudly enough for the room to hear, "Sorry lads, I need to teach mon ah mee a lesson in how to properly speak to a lady." She then leaps up the stairs to the deck. The fellows around the table all laugh loudly and pat Timor on the back.
As you arrive on deck, you see Sasha not far off, standing by herself looking out at across the ocean. When you approach she says, "Oh don't worry. I won't cut you. Not tonight. But if you ever make a pass like that again, I won't be so kind." She stares into your eyes for just a moment, her face stern. Then, she breaks into a frighteningly manic laughter. "Ha ha! You should have seen your face just then! Oh…I wish I had a mirror." She continues laughing for a few seconds more before composing herself. "So, monsieur fancy, what do you really have on your mind?"
"Why thank you for your kind words, good sir.
And to answer your question, I boarded the ship at Corentyn, in Cheliax.
You may not have seen me around, because I tend to keep to myself, and read in my cabin."
after a short pause due to drinking some water
"I paid good money for this trip through my agent to keep things quiet, I hope you understand it."
Ishirou's eyes go wide, "I am...so sorry. Of course. If you'll excuse me..." He bows slightly before turning and walking to a bench across the room. He doesn't look you in the eye for the rest of the night.
"Your excused, as your only doing one of your many tasks."
Gelik, leading Brehna and Jindariel, ends up standing near Vita as Ishirou made his exit. "Oho, it seems you've offended our sergeant at arms...or sea, I suppose." He says with a smile. "He is far too serious, don't you think. But where are my manners?! I don't believe we've met. If you don't know them already, these are my dear, dear friends, Brehna - she's just a little blue right now - and Minervio, a more intelligent and keen gentleman you will not meet. At least on this vessel. And I, my fair maiden, am Gelik Aberwhinge. Now, might we have the pleasure of your name?" He asks, extending an ink-stained hand in greeting.
her right hand goes near her chin
"I'm sorry, I did not mean to offend him.
I good sir, am charmed.
The name is Anika Bridgette,
And it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Without a word, Sasha leaps up from the table at which she is seated and makes her way to the stairs. As she heads up, she turns to the table and says loudly enough for the room to hear, "Sorry lads, I need to teach mon ah mee a lesson in how to properly speak to a lady." She then leaps up the stairs to the deck. The fellows around the table all laugh loudly and pat Timor on the back.
** spoiler omitted **
Following Sasha up the deck, Timor casts a few glances around trying to determine if anyone is following them, or if there's someone around who could eavesdrop on their conversation. Being so focused onto that task, he was utterly confused when he heard Sasha's first sentence, and it was more than visible on his face. Yet, when she begins laughing, he joins her, with a (not so) hearty laugh. Then he starts speaking slowly, articulately and not very loud, hoping he would not be overheard.
"It would seem that this ship is not sailing where it's supposed to sail, and that makes the crew somewhat...cranky. And yet, something tells me you know more on the subject - care to share your knowledge?"
** spoiler omitted **
She runs her hands through her tangled locks, grimacing as she does so, then glances at the woman she's speaking to.
"What's in that flask? Mind if I have a nip?"
She looks like she's three sheets to the wind already... maybe I should head her off before she collapses, or maybe it's none of my business...
"Anyone who's ever sailed before should know that we're heading in an odd direction," Sasha says matter-of-factly. "But the captain is no fool. Perhaps he knows something we don't. Or perhaps...just perhaps...he's sending us to our demise."
Sasha looks out over the water, her tone serious as she says, "There are countless stories of ships wrecking on the shoals of small islands in this part of the voyage. Most of these ships and their passengers are never recovered, as the islands are too treacherous to sail near." Her face is grim as she adds, "That would be a sad way to go, wouldn't it? No glory. No honor. No grand story of your end." She shudders slightly.
Then, almost as if remembering you're standing there, her face breaks into her wide, manic smile as she says, "But that's not our story, is it? We are bound for greater things. Now, let's head back down ton our table to get some food in our stomachs and some more coin in our pockets." As seems to be her style, she turns and bounds off, back down to the galley.
Gelik, leading Brehna and Jindariel, ends up standing near Vita as Ishirou made his exit. "Oho, it seems you've offended our sergeant at arms...or sea, I suppose." He says with a smile. "He is far too serious, don't you think. But where are my manners?! I don't believe we've met. If you don't know them already, these are my dear, dear friends, Brehna - she's just a little blue right now - and Minervio, a more intelligent and keen gentleman you will not meet. At least on this vessel. And I, my fair maiden, am Gelik Aberwhinge. Now, might we have the pleasure of your name?" He asks, extending an ink-stained hand in greeting.
Brehna rolls here eyes at the "blue" comment as if she's heard it 1000 times. However, she gives a polite little smile after.
"Well my dear, Anika, it is a shame that tonight is the first that we've had the opportunity to dine with you. Won't you join us? I'm sure Brehna and Jinvario would approve, won't you?"
Aerys' nods as you speak of family and dry land. When you ask for a drink, she instinctively withdraws the flask into her clothes. Then, looking down at it, she flashes you a smile and says with a wink, "I've more where that came from." Taking one last drink, she hands over the flask, which is half-full of what smells like brandy. "Now, should we go get a bite to eat? Even Rambar's stew doesn't sound half bad right now."
She pats her own slender waist, then whispers.
"Can be difficult on a ship full of men, can't it? Lucky I've got this."
She pulls her holy symbol out of her shirt and shows it briefly to Aerys.
in a polite voice, and a joking tone on the wine part.
"Sure.
Wine, not."
when she gets up, Vita's height puts her a head and a third taller than Brehna.
Jin smiles politely at Anika, as he takes her hand and bows. "Jindariel D'eggaro, elven scholar, at your service. My, they make their females big in whatever lands, you come from, eh?" Jin arches his neck and raises his eyes to see her full height. And attractive too...
Aerys rolls her eyes as Pyrra pulls out the symbol. "Yes - that should be a LOT of help with these...men." Aerys smiles softly. "I'm sorry. These fools have worn me down. Let's grab a seat with that group over there," she says, indicating Gelik and company. "At least the little one provides some humor on this dreary vessel." She leads the way over and takes a seat.
Timor stands perplexed for a few moments, his gaze wandering between mast and stern, not noticing them at all.
Nom d'un chien, this lady is...Wow! But if I would to...no, no...maybe...
Lost in thoughts, Timor slowly wanders back, not even remembering to light his pipe. While descending the stairs, his mind finally "catches" the fact that she was mentioning.
Hmmmm, probably it is a bit strange. Should I try to glean some information from the capitain, or....no, he's too strict...let's see what others know, if anything.
With that he strolls towards the table, and tries to get a plate, while looking for suitable dinner/discussion companion. Noticing Pyrra, he starts to walk towards her, intending to take place near the beautiful half elven woman.
As they approach Gelik's table, bowls of unappetising stew in hand, Pyrra greets the assembled company:
"Good evening, shipmates!"
** spoiler omitted **
As they approach Gelik's table, bowls of unappetising stew in hand, Pyrra greets the assembled company:
"Good evening, shipmates!"
Brehna's face turns toward the speaker, curious as to what's happening. "Announcements," aren't very common save for when the captain/first mate does it.
Jin smiles politely at Anika, as he takes her hand and bows. "Jindariel D'eggaro, elven scholar, at your service. My, they make their females big in whatever lands, you come from, eh?" Jin arches his neck and raises his eyes to see her full height. And attractive too...
she politely smiles back
"Well aren't you the gentleman, Mr D'eggaro."
"Please call me Jin, Anika. What inspires your voyage to the Mwangi Expanse? Love, adventure, fame?" Jindariel nods at Pyrra's appearance. "Certainly more women than I expected to see on a ship. Definitely, a pleasant sight, but it was my understanding women were historically frowned upon at sea..you know, given the proclivities of an all male crew at sea for weeks on end.."
"Please call me Jin, Anika. What inspires your voyage to the Mwangi Expanse? Love, adventure, fame?" Jindariel nods at Pyrra's appearance. "Certainly more women than I expected to see on a ship. Definitely, a pleasant sight, but it was my understanding women were historically frowned upon at sea..you know, given the proclivities of an all male crew at sea for weeks on end.."
Brehna overheard and choose to interject herself into the conversation,
"I was just thinking the same thing. There's a lot more women onborard than normal. You're right about many sailors, but they'll only try it once. The lucky ones are even heard from again." She says the last part as she pats the scyle and chain weapon on her side.
Following Pyrra closely, Timor nods courtly to everyone present, while putting his plate and taking a seat next to the beautiful half elf. With his typical mischievous smile he continues speaking right where Brehna stopped.
"Mon dieu, mon dieu, what's happening to all the beautiful women today, when each sign of even a slightest advance is met by threat of cold steel or divine retribution?! You my dear, pat that toothpick like you should be patting your garcon, the fiery red over there cackles maniacally while she threatens certain body parts which should never be exposed in such a way, and my lovely half-blooded sibling and her tomboy but certainly charming friend next to her, probably have their own ways of en-spelling man around them, while at the same time foreboding their doom!"
He laughs lightly to underscore his statement, strokes his chin, and then without missing a beat, continues: "Mais, mon dammes and messiers, let us leave that frivolous things aside, at least for a moment. Let me use this opportunity, my dear fellow travelers, and ask you something else. It seems that our dear capitain is as cold as Calistrian putane..." - he stops here briefly, trying (but not really succeeding) to look ashamed for a second - "pardon me, my dear ladies, as I was saying, like a Calistrian priestess facing dozen rowdy sailors, since this course does not bode good, at least according to our superstitious friends working on this tub. Any ideas why we are off the course maybe? Will we be sold to slavery, or some more interesting fate awaits us?" - he asks bluntly.
"Well Jin, I find that most men won't make the attempt if the lady is bigger than him" she subtly flexes her muscles a bit, without moving a single bone " and more so if it looks like she has more strength than average."
she relaxes the muscles and continues talking
"Though the one's that are stupid enough to try it on me don't walk around for a week, ....and tend to talk a few octaves higher for months."
"Well Jin, I find that most men won't make the attempt if the lady is bigger than him" she subtly flexes her muscles a bit, without moving a single bone " and more so if it looks like she has more strength than average."
she relaxes the muscles and continues talking
"Though the one's that are stupid enough to try it on me don't walk around for a week, ....and tend to talk a few octaves higher for months."
"Well, I dont have size on my side, but I do appreciate a dirty joke or three, so that's fine. I'm even nice enough to give unwanted suitors fair warning, but only one. "
"I always give a warning or two before I make them regret it."
Any ideas why we are off the course maybe? Will we be sold to slavery, or some more interesting fate awaits us?" - he asks bluntly.
"You'd expect the crew to be in on it too if it was some sort of slaving mission, wouldn't you? Besides" Her expression grows grim. "That'd be like taking ice to the Spine of the World, given how busy the flesh trade is around the Expanse. I wonder if it's anything to do with the cove in irons below?"
"If you notice the crew seem a bit agitated about something, so I don't think it's a slaving mission.
As for being off course I don't know what could cause it, as I was on the deck a short while ago and the skies seemed clear."
"Well, I'm glad you ladies know how to defend your own honor." Because my little self isn't doing it!
"Why don't we all sit down and have a drink while we talk."