The prisoner gulps and says, "I uh, I'm just a low one on the pecking order I'm afraid, they didn't share that with me. Mumbuckle was in charge and he had all information. He spent a lot of time going over the charts down below, I'm sure wherever we were going to meet is listed in there somewhere."
The sextant is not magical unfortunately and after Oliver thoroughly explores the remainder of the ship, no new magical gear is detected anywhere else on the ship.
After searching through the charts and items in the quarters Grym readily determines that this is where the ship was going to travel to. There are several charts with destinations all pointed to the same place, a destination labeled Viper Cove. However not being trained in the art of sailing, he is unsure exactly how far this destination is.
After the party regroups to share all of the information they learned they quickly come to three conclusions.
1) The Lionfish was supposed to set sail this evening to rendezvous with the Topaz Titan at Viper Cove.
2) While the ship has enough supplies for the party to sail out to Viper Cove, you are missing one very important component: A Captain.
3) From a rough look at the charts you found, it appears the travel will take you some time, but no one is trained in the arts of nautical maps and unsure how long that is. You know that the longer you delay the more time Aleija will have with her captured subjects.
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While the group shares what information they gained, Saphera carefully watches the captured crewman.
Once the group concludes their briefing, Saphera moves back over to the crewman. She kneels down and once again begins asking questions. We have found the charts you spoke of. We need to sail to that designated location in order to make the rendezvous with the Titan. If we are successful, Alejia will no longer be a concern for you. If we fail she may come looking for you and Mumbuckle. You have earned your second chance at freedom by helping thus fare. I will further insure our silence in this matter if you can point us in the right direction to obtain a captain for this short trip.
After reviewing the crewman's response, Saphera glances around looking for a small .
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"I don't know the first thing about finding a crew for a ship. The only people we've met that I might trust on that score would be either Twobeards or Gultrock ... perhaps we could ask one of them to find us a crew?"
"Oh ... and now that we seem to be finished fighting, could I trouble somebody with a bit of healing?"
The crewman considers Saphera's question and sighs. "Well, if Mumbuckle were around he could take you. He's definitely more than qualified, where did he go anyway?"
Looking over at Missy the crewman nods, "Aye. Smulwarts Gultrock? I've heard she's available for the right price. You could probably pay her."
Glancing up at Oliver the crewman sighs, "Good dwarf, Oliver is it? I'm afraid you were a bit too far away for your blessed light to heal this painful injury. If you wouldn't mind moving a little closer and trying again."
The crewman shakes his head, "The frog--oh, Mumbuckle. Yeah, he's wily and s~&* like that. He makes potions all the time, mostly bombs, but he makes one where he gets all super fast and then that one where he can turn invisible. Snuck up on me and the lads once, I won't discuss the details, not for the faint of heart ya know. Anyway, are the two boat still attached? I be doubtin' he just jumped into the water, it makes ya sick these waters."
He looks around for a bit and lowers his voice whispering, "He probably still be on board I'd be guessin'."
The pirate adds, "Oh, and didn't I say? This be captain Alejia's ship."
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I guess it depends on how many potions he has. I think we should split into two groups. One will stay here and keep the ship secured and the other will recruit a captain.
Saphera loosens the crewman's bonds. I gave you my word so you are now free to head to shore with the rest. From their you can do as you please. Or you could come along and earn a gold by helping to sail this ship. Your choice.
I Propose Myself and Oliver stay and keep the ship secure. Cid, Melisandre, and Aduon heads out to secure a captain.
The crewman looks up at Saphera and seems to genuinely consider her offer. "It's a good offerin', but if Mumbuckle still be here and he knows I talked -- Let's just say I'd be takin' my chances ashore if you don't mind pretty lady."
With that he stands up and stretches when released. He heads to one of the boats that is going ashore, waiting for his escorts. "Pleasure. Take care around the captain, she ain't one to be takin' lightly." He nods in affirmation of his statement.
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Grym nods to Saphera. "I concur -- having the grippli abscond with the ship during our leave would be problematic. Where do you feel yourself better deployed, Troyst?"
As he makes his way to the rowboat, Grym says to the crewman, "I would counsel you to leave Riddleport -- the city destroys those who remain in it. Should you be willing to head for Magnimar, seek out the Vastenzi clan. Their work is honest, and their people welcoming."
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Cid studies the Captains face for any tell tale cues that he is lying or being deceptive.
Then merrily engages him in conversation to enhance his demeanor towards the group in order to (hopefully) lower the asking price once they begin negotiating.
"Oh aye, we have no problems taking orders. Some of us are even averse to swimming so might listen exceedingly well!
I can't remember, is port left or right? What's a mizenmast? Hrm. Sounds easy on paper but this might be the most dangerous part of the journey.
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Saphera giggles a little when Oliver removes the oars from the smaller boats. "I suppose making an exit without the oars would pose a problem. I think we should do some rounds on each deck, using our ability to identify magic to see if we can locate the little guy."
Saphera makes rounds with Oliver using detect magic periodically.
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The dwarf smirks and her eyes twinkle as she considers offer. "Hmmm... Just for passage out to Viper Cove, then I be sailin' away with me new ship?"
Saphera swings at the space, but is unable to locate the exact prescence of the creature. Oliver on the other hand swings and guesses exactly where he is. The large warhammer connects squarely with the small creatures shoulder and he screams in pain as blood splashes on the floor in his location. There is some scampering noises as something moves off and to the east when suddenly the frog-like creature appears as he's throwing something towards Oliver and Saphera. The projectile misses it's target but lands near Saphera and the explosion of fire burst on both the Dwarf and Aasmiar . Grimacing at his injured shoulder that impacted his throw he looks over his shoulder to the open doorway behind him.
Melisandre who had been around the corner at the stairs comes running up to join the duo attacking the now visible Grippli.
Oliver's warhammer falls entirely short of the "FROG" and misses. Saphera's blade arcs towards the Grippli, but he is amazingly quick and doges out of the way.
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Grym returns Gultrock's smirk. "Well, after our business in the cove is completed. I presume you would be willing for your maiden voyage as owner of the Lionfish to be our return to Riddleport. As for giving you the vessel . . . well, you can assuredly see that no nautical blood flows in these veins."
He then looks out toward the Lionfish. "I do hope things are going smoothly on the ship," he muses to no one in particular.
In the distance repeated muted booms echo in the bowels of the Lionfish. Hopefully they don't sink it before they set sail...
The grippli takes a foot step backwards through the door into the next room.
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Saphera moves up, keeping in step with the little creature. Watching the little guy’s strategy she believes she can exploit a flaw in is his defense. Waiting for the frogman to make a mistake, Saphera times he blow carefully. Without delay she explodes with speed as she thrusts her large blade towards the small creatures face.