GM Rednal's Godbound (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Jebat flies among the ships tending to his crew and passengers. He brings Khatef to his ship by boat. Beatrice stays with Stella on the ship-of-the-chained-girl. Kostya still has yet to make his opinion known.

The Storm Captain loiters with each of his passenger plying them with grog or whatever their vice is. He listens to his passengers asking them whatever questions will get them to speak about themselves, which is usually people's favorite topic.

Khatef keeps his distance from most of the crew on the ship, still leery of anyone not in their immediate "pantheon".

When Jebat starts asking about Khatef:

"My life isn't very interesting or meaningful. I'm more curious about YOU, myself. How did you come to be a pirate?"

Jebat laughs heartily to give him time to remember that he speaks to a passenger. And, someone who he cannot kill, or the world ends. But, there are lives worse than death...

"Ah, you are funny, Khatef. My crew is predominantly from the Kasirutan Archipelago as am I, because that's where the best sailors are from. My primary patron lives in Savona and would enjoy these prizes and cargo. I thought it would be a good place to port, since Beatrice is Vissian, too. How about yourself? What has your life been like until now?"

"I begged for my supper and stole what else I could. I've always been too weak to do anything else. Like I said, not very interesting."

*Likes seeing inter-character roleplaying - and is in no rush, so feel free to chat with each other for as long as you'd like*

Jebat shrugs. "Must be more interesting than that. An angel decided to make you a god. You must bring something to the pantheon." Other than your snarky commentary, the Storm Captain finishes his thought in his head. He takes a swig of his looted wine.

"We're heading to Beatrice's home. Any thoughts or preferences on how you want to change the world?" He asks before another sip of wine.

"I haven't planned much beyond tracking down the man who took my hand."

"Other than that...I barely know how to use these abilities. Maybe I will make some changes in my home States. Their structure could use some shaking up. I'm tempted to tear it all down and start over, but...well, I don't think that would really fix anything."

"You? I'm in a sharing mood today, how about yourself?"

Jebat takes another swig. "I'm pretty sick of slavery and the empire. I'd like to make the Archipelago dominate the seas." The Storm Captain replies truthfully.

Then, he asks, "Who took your hand? What do you want to fix in your home States? I've never been there. Been most everywhere else though."

"A crime boss. He betrayed me. Turned my friend on me. All for money. I guess I can't be surprised."

"The nobility are the source of all problems in the Oasis States. My 'hardy constitution' is probably their fault as well. They breed for powerful bloodlines. Most of them completely insane. The rest corrupt."

"No grand plans for replacing them, but I have the power to destroy them. Or I will, soon."

"Yeah. Our powers will let us settle personal scores. Before you bring down the whole structure of the Oasis States, we should ensure that we've something better to replace it. Otherwise, what's the point? Whim?" The Storm Captain asks rhetorically.

"I mean let's live hundreds of years and forget our humanity before we casually destroy civilizations on whim."

He thinks in that lull in the conversation and continues, "a crime boss betrayed you? That implies you're a criminal, right? What's your specialty?"

Khatef gives him a side glance.

"It USED to be pickpocketing."

Jebat nods in professional respect. "Well, that's non-violent. What do you think of Beatrice and Kostya?"

"Beatrice is too nice. Too trusting. It's worked out well so far but I think it will cause problems later."

"Kostya...I haven't gotten a read on him yet. He seems like a very solid man, mentally and physically."

After leaving Stella to play alone for a bit, Beatrice heads towards the main ship and approaches Khatef and Jebat, half a concerned look in her eyes.

"There is something that I forgot to mention before, but that may be relevant. Vissio is plagued by an order of assassins, they call themselves the Razors of God. And, well, they tried to kill me before. The woman who had hired them has fallen into disgrace-" she smirks in evident satisfaction "-but they may want to finish the job. Now, I don't know what you planned to do once we get to my homeland, but I'd appreciate help in getting rid of the whole order, one piece at a time. And, well, I understand if you'd rather not face them, which is why I warned you in advance."

Remembering his host manners for this passenger, "well, can I get you anything? I should check on Beatrice and Kostya on the other ship."

After Jebat gets everyone settled (and Beatrice has arrived):

"Why are these 'Razors' trying to kill you?"

"They were hired to. The artists' guilds, in Vissio, have a somewhat strained relationship with the Bright Republics' entertainment companies, and I, among all of Fidenza's singers, was chosen for a series of performances there, like an ambassador of music. It was a highly prestigious position. Another soprano, called Camilla Ridolfi, disagreed rather vehemently with the guild's choice, and hired the assassins to kill me. I was blind at the time, they may have thought that I was an easy targets, but... well, my powers awakened, and they failed."
"I took revenge on Camilla, of course. Roused the audience against her at her next perofrmaces, struck a heavy blow against her reputation. And the Razors didn't attack me again in the following month, until I awoke with you. I don't know what your plans for the future are, but if we want to stay in Vissio for a while, you should be wary of this possible danger."

"Beatrice, do you live near Savona? Our first port will be there. Do you want to enter in secret considering your assassination attempts?" Captain Jebat asks before taking another swig.

"Fidenza is quite a distance north of Savona, but I don't know enough about the Razors to be sure that the place will be safe. Perhaps I couldremove my coat, look as unconspicuous as I can. Which will likely not be enough. Or I could go the opposite way and bait them, should you wish to help me strike at them."

"Otherwise... I don't know what we should do with our new powers. Should we seek other Engines to repair?"

"Your entertainment sounds more cutthroat than the Oasis States' underworld."

Stella was listening from close by, looking lost about most of the names and events you were describing, but twitching nervously when Beatrice mentioned assassins. At the most disturbing points, a bit of what looked like black clouds could be seen briefly orbiting the girl, like she was trying to protect herself from past dangers (although they seemed harmless enough, and vanished in seconds at most).

"There's a reason I learned how to use a knife, although I don't like violence."
Noticing Stella, Beatrice steps towards her, hugging her with one arm and kissing her forehead.
"Don't worry, darling, it's all right, they didn't harm me. But please, try to keep your gifts under control. It will be all right. Or did I remind you of unpleasant moments?"

"Right. So, is it possible for you to enter Savona incognito? Or are you too famous?". Jebat politely repeats his question. He keeps the new girl in the corner of his eye. He's uncomfortable discussing anything in front of her, but his hospitality of Beatrice as a passenger overrides his instincts. However, it doesn't mean that he must share his personal opinions or information in front of her.

"It may be possible. With some makeup, a hat and a bulkier dress... It may be done. I hope. The fact that Savona is not my home town could help."

"So, it's settled. We'll make landfall at Savona. I'm there a fair bit so have a place. I'd like a day or two to take care of the prizes." Jebat appears content with the plan, but it's obvious that is as far as he's thought.

"Then, what? Overland to your home? How do you normally do that? What are we doing with her?" After his questions to his passengers, he takes a big gulp.

"Stella, sweetie, can you go to your cabin for a while? I'll be there soon." Beatrice sighs before speaking again to Jebat. "Fidenza is by the sea, so your ship would be an excellent way to reach it. Does it mean that you will help me against the assassins? As for her... I don't know. Perhaps I could find some good soul to leave her, but... but I fear the consequences of such an action. And bringing her with us would be dangerous as well..."

Jebat keeps his voice low, because he knows how easy it is to eavesdrop on a ship. "Sure, we can take the ship to Fidenza. I've never had occasion to port there." Probably because of the rivalry with Savona that he thinks to himself.

After a quick swig, the Storm Captain continues, "Of course, I'll help you with the assassins. If you die, the world ends, right? If people knew better, everyone would help you against the assassins. So, what do we want to do to change the world? And I think we're going to need some kind of home base to fortify, because we need to stay alive to keep the world from ending. I think the Archipelago is the most defendable. What do you think?"

Beatrice bows deeply. "Thank you, I am in your debt. Should you need anything of me, you need only to ask."
"I have never been to the Archipelago, but I will trust your experience. Will we stay long in one place, though? I figured we'd roam, trying to fix this broken world..."

Jebat nods to Beatrice's bow, which he thinks is odd, but she is the passenger.

"I think we need to collectively decide on what's broken in the world. And yes, roaming is probably safer."

After much discussion - and confused looks from the crew, who were quickly shoo'd back to work - reference points were checked, items were moved between vessels, repairs were started, and your ship got underway... with the prizes following at somewhat less than their best speed. But hey, extra ships.

The rest of the journey passed relatively quietly, and days turned into weeks before, finally, the well-fortified port of Savona came into view. Defense was one of the many things Vissio was known for, and its well-guarded ports were considered among the crown jewels there. Speaking of, you'd probably want to have an explanation for your vessels when the guard ships came to inspect you...

Jebat prepares his crews and story for port. These ships were undead raiders who attacked them, so the law of sea let's them claim the prizes and loot.

This is also a friendly port for Jebat and crew. So, as soon as he can he sends messages ahead to his local patron and factor to invite the assessors to his new armanda on the wharves.

While Beatrice's first impulse is to use her charm on the port authority, she prefers to disguise herself somehow. Without her star-patterned coat and with her hair done up, it's somehow harder to recognize her.
"Tell me, Stella, what do you want to do? We will head to dangerous places, and I'd be afraid of putting you into danger, would you be alright if we left you to someone we can trust?"

Stella looked up at Beatrice, then nodded slightly... although her small hands also tightened a little on Beatrice's clothes before she let go. "I'll be fine." the young girl said, clearly trying to be brave. She absentmindedly rubbed one of the scars on her skin. "I just... I don't want to have to hurt people anymore."

Meanwhile, probably thanks to Jebat sending a message ahead, the first inspection ship to close had a familiar face onboard - Alfonso Cellini, someone who was on quite friendly terms with Jebat's patron and, indeed, had inspected his ship several times in the past. Alfonso was a habitually cheerful man, and somehow managed to be at least mostly honest in his work despite his appreciation for life's luxuries. (On the other hand, you were almost certain that half of the stories he'd told you in the past were totally bogus... so there was that.)

"Ho there, Jebat!" Alfonso said cheerfully as he came aboard. "Looks like you've picked up a couple of pretty faces since the last time you stopped by." Despite his cheer, there was a faintly questioning tone there - he was definitely looking for the story there, or at least something plausible enough to satisfy him.

"Ah, Alfonso. These passengers paid for discretion. Something about family entanglements. I would appreciate your discretion, too. I'm sure we can make it worth your while." Jebat says conspiratorially.

"Or, I can tell you the whole story on my next trip through. You won't believe it. Your choice." He whispers with a big smile.

Beatrice is tempted to approach the man in Patrian, their shared mothertongue, but promptly smothers such an impulse. The less clues given about herself, the better. Instead, she shifts her gaze away in pretend shyness, lightly fidgeting.

Khatef does nothing to break his long silence, but he does stare at the man and gives him his best "stop asking questions" look.

"Coin does more than a story, you sea strider." Alfonso said quietly, but there was a definite smile on his face as he pulled back. "Well, you're still in the good graces of the city, so I suppose they'd rather I make sure to respect your business arrangements. As long as you don't have any contraband aboard. He doesn't, does me, Ricardo?"

A sailor of some eighteen or nineteen years looked up from a spot right on the edge of the ship, where he'd boarded. He clearly hadn't had the opportunity to investigate the ship in any kind of detail, but... "No, sir! I didn't see anything the city would disapprove of!"

"Splendid." Alfonso said cheerfully, turning back to Jebat. "Never misses a thing, that boy, so I'm quite willing to trust his report. I suppose I'll let you get into port so you can put all your affairs in order, then - unless there's something else I can help you with?" The question seemed to be an open and genuine one, just in case there were any other items of (un?)official business you wanted to settle with the local authorities before you docked.

OK Rednal, you're giving me great opportunities to finagle, but I'm actually under the impression, that Jebat hasn't broken any laws this time. They were attacked and won taking the cargo and ships as prizes. If that is not correct, please align me.

I also have no interest in revealing Beatrice's identity, but I don't think that's a crime, because immigration laws were pretty loose back then. And I don't know the other identity to reveal. Please let me know if I'm breaking any laws here, too.

"Don't think so. Any news? Haven't landed here in 6 months." Jebat chit chats.

While Jebat is chatting with his contact, Beatrice looks at the city with wide, moved eyes. "It's beautiful, isn't it? Brown wood and red brick and gray stone. I've been there a couple of times, but this is the first time I can actually see it with my own eyes. Of course, Fidenza is much better-" a smirk appears on her face "-but the world is just so incredibly pretty."

Khatef takes a real look at the city for the first time.

"The different colors are fascinating, yes. Everything in the Oasis States are different shades of sand. I always heard the richer quarters have colorful pavilions and flags, but never saw them."

You haven't broken any laws, but Alfonso doesn't know that. XD Or rather, he doesn't actually want to know if you have or you haven't.

"Well, ain't much people are talking about other than the Red Lady." Alfonso noted, rubbing his chin. "Not quite sure where she's from, but she's pretty darn good with a sword and has been preaching on the streets about letting people rise up to any position they want."

That said, Vissio was a fairly free-thinking place to begin with... and there'd been somewhat mixed reactions to it at best.

"A Red Lady? Preaching? Interesting. Well, thank you Alfonso. Always good to see you. Please give my best to your wife and nine kids. Or is it 10 now, since I've been away?" Jebat broadly smiles and chit chats with the official until he goes along his way.

While Jebat gets the three ships docked, he sends a message to a comfortable inn who he knows (with financial incentive) can be discreet with their guests to arrange four rooms and a closed carriage to collect at the dock. To his passengers, he says, "Right, let's keep a low profile for as long as possible." When the carriage arrives, Jebat and his passengers are accompanied in the boat by some crew who carry large objects, which block any curious person's line of sight to the passengers while they travel and load into the carriage.

On the carriage ride, "Let me arrange getting you into the rooms and then you can relax. Then, we can discuss what to do next. The inn should be able to provide us anything that we need." After they arrive at the inn, Jebat leaves his passengers in the carriage for a few minutes, while he arranges similar treatment to protect the identity of his passengers while they get to their rooms in the inn. While his passengers settle into their comfortable rooms and adjust to the land not rocking, Jebat arranges to meet his factor (businessman & lawyer) downstairs in the parlor of the inn to discuss his prizes and loot. He also sends a note to his patron and Vissian merchant-prince, Girolamo Riario, to inquire about a meeting.

Before disembarking
"We could go to the Oasis States, in the future. Find a way to paint the world in bright colors, like we'd do a blank canvas. Bring joy in dull lives, bring happiness to the suffering, make everything even more beautiful. Imagine if the Howlers could be turned from their barbaric ways and set to seek art and beauty. Imagine if the Iron Tsar were replaced by a good king, wise, caring and just. Imagine if slavery in the Patrian Empire could be struck down, that man should no longer be property of a fellow man. Wouldn't such a world be worth fighting for?" She gazes at the horizon, a bittersweet emotion on her pretty face. "A dream, perhaps. Unlikely, even with our powers. But a dream that couldn't harm. And when you shoot an arrow, you aim higher than where you want to hit."

At the inn
"I have contacts in this city as well. The Lyrical Lodge is present in all of Vissio, and I'm still a member. Should we want to bait the Razors, well, attracting attention always came easy to me."
She slumps in the overstuffed chair. "I'm curious about this Red Lady as well. Preaching that all could be able to get to any position? It's a lovely thing to say, but I know of merchant princes from wealthy families who would object to that. Heck, my own father would object. I wonder what her plans are, to come here to spread ideology."

Before disembarking

"We could go to the Oasis States, in the future. Find a way to paint the world in bright colors, like we'd do a blank canvas. Bring joy in dull lives, bring happiness to the suffering, make everything even more beautiful. Imagine if the Howlers could be turned from their barbaric ways and set to seek art and beauty. Imagine if the Iron Tsar were replaced by a good king, wise, caring and just. Imagine if slavery in the Patrian Empire could be struck down, that man should no longer be property of a fellow man. Wouldn't such a world be worth fighting for?" She gazes at the horizon, a bittersweet emotion on her pretty face. "A dream, perhaps. Unlikely, even with our powers. But a dream that couldn't harm. And when you shoot an arrow, you aim higher than where you want to hit."

"Only three colors would be necessary to make the Oasis States a better place to live: Blue, green, and red. The people in my quarter, and many others even in more well off cities than mine, are always a razor's edge away from starving or dying of thirst. The nobility likes it this way, it keeps the people too weak to fight back and end the reign of the mad ones."

"It's too hard for them. Maybe too hard for us too. But I admit, I would like to try, if only to see if I can."
--------------------------------------------

"Cult leaders and con artists always promise more than they are prepared to give. Let us go see if she's serious, or thinks she has something to gain from these speeches."

Before disembarking
"Yes, well, we can do many things. We just need to decide what we want to try first."

At the inn
"If you make contact in the city, you will alert people to your identity. Maybe do that if get exposed?" Jebat replies to Beatrice. "Oh, and Stella is bunking with you, Beatrice, until you turn her loose."

"As for the Red Lady, she should be preaching about us or nobody. Aren't we the new gods on Arcem?"

Indeed you are. XD Poke me in the Discussion thread when you're ready for some advancement that needs me.

So he does care about something, someone.

"Stella's already sleeping in my bed, I think she liked the ground not rocking and rolling with the waves. Truth be told, I did too."
"Anyway, that was the whole point of baiting them. There are Razors in Savona as well as Fidenza, what we can do there we can do here."

She takes a sip from a large glass of orange juice had taken from the innkeeper.

"Are we already bent on spreading our name, build cults and churches? Nothing against that, we'll just need a bit more fame. I have a pretty little plan for the Howlers, but I'll have to be more powerful."

"No, I wasn't suggesting that we should be building cults and churches. Although, if they are going to be built, they should be to us, right? We did just save the world." Jebat replies to Beatrice.

From his sea truck that got delivered to the inn, Jebat has changed into an outfit of a moderately successful Vissio merchant. Besides his hirsute beard and his veteran leather tricorn, he almost doesn't look like a pirate anymore. However, you did overhear him order a barber from the innkeeper, so that his looks appear to be changing in the near future, too. "Now, I think the four of us need to decide on what we want to do first in the world, since we're stuck together. I've no problem taking on the Razors as a preemptive attack, but I thought you were incognito to avoid them and protect us from an attack that could unintentionally destroy the world. Remember we're just here in Savona, because it's a relatively safe place to plan."

"As I told Khatef, I'm pretty sick of slavery and the empire. And, I'd like the Archipelago to prosper and dominate the seas, but those are long term goals. How about you three?

"I'd love to see the end of slavery, in the Patrian Empire as well as the rest of the world. There are just so many things we could do, I don't know where to start. Do we want to begin by toppling an empire? It would make for a wonderful tale."

"Well, I don't think we're powerful enough to topple the empire by ourselves. We could put our thumbs on the scale if someone opposed the empire. But, we should ensure that whatever replaces the empire is not worse."