Valaravans swims down trying to follow the serpent under the water, but quickly feels the need to breath, and returns to to surface, letting Olaus go to the bottomless realm which it calls "home".
After reaching the surface and grabbing a lungful of air, he swims around the boat, trying to asses the damage to it, and with the idea of rescuing any sailor unfortunate enough of have fell to the water.
And, of course, keeping an eye open for any fish that would want an invitation for tomorrow's breakfast ;)
_HRF.jpg)
"Let's get everything fixed up and head out 'fore he comes back wanting more!"
"I agree, is the ship sailable?" She looks to some crew members for a report and takes a glance for herself..
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Rhous softly lands on the main deck «Well, that was… an unexpected turn of events. I guess the Razor Coast dragons have smaller appetites and much smaller ambitions than those on the mainland. » he straighten his clothes after the battle.
«I am all in favor of a peaceful resolution, especially when faced with such a huge opponent – but I see that you are much more… violence-inclined. » he puts his hand on Djulla’s forearm «Miss Olavess… maybe next time we should wait a moment to assess the situation before bringing out the cannons, don’t you agree?»
He then turns his gaze around to look for the captain «Is captain Selman alright?» he asks «Has the dragon’s hypnosis worn off yet? »
Selman stands around, mouth agape for a moment. His mind seems to return as he looks around, almost in a panic. Finally, he looks down at the leash in his hand.
"Just my luck, I was hoping to save that goat for my dinner party next week."
He takes a moment to speak with the crew.
"Well, it seems we are able to make it to Shaw, albeit at a crawl. The ship is in quite a state of disrepair and it seems she will not sail for some time. At least we are safe, though!"
He gives a small chuckle and makes his way solemnly to his cabin.
For the remainder of the trip Zaria eyes the seas, almost daring the brute to return.. Someday you will get whats coming to you serpent..
Moctezuma knew that now was the time to demand hazard pay...
Hazard pay now you merchant wretch!
Intimidate check
Zaria snickers at Monte.. Boy is he testy today.. I suppose that bite did hurt.. "Um im sure our pay includes covering the hazards of sea travel.. Right Selman?"
"Of course it does," he replies with an obvious shake in his voice.
After a nice swim Valaravans returns to the ship, climbing aboard via the rigging, and letting the effects of his "soup" to pass.
"I am afraid we will have to repeat some of the existing dishes, as the dinner has escaped" - says with obvious disappointment in his orcish voice.
Selman keeps to himself in his quarters for the remainder of the trip. A few hours pass as the ship slowly lumbers into Port Shaw. Once docked, Selman once again emerges from his room, some color returned to his face.
"Well friends, we made it. I apologize for the latest ordeal, but you handled yourself brilliantly. I knew it was a good choice to hire you on." He gives a small chuckle. "Now, as was promised, I have your payment."
He hands them each a small box and a simple key.
"Inside, is the one thousand gold pieces as we agreed. It's not all coins, as there are some bars of silver and some gems, but I can assure you that you would be given your pay if you sold the contents."
He shakes thei hands and gives them a pat on the back.
"If I ever have my ship repaired and dare cross Olaus's domain again, I will hir you in a heartbeat. Take care, my friends."
Zaria takes the payment and thanks Selman.. "Thank you sir for prompt payment.. Feel free to look me up if you should ever get that boat sailing again.." Turning to her crewmates.. "Would yall like to accompany me to re-supply, get a drink, and possibly look around for another job?"
Djulla accepts her payment and says "Thanks, Captain! You ever wish to have some lovely music on your crew again look me up." Djulla listens to Zaria and says "Why not? I think I know of a place as well. My teacher may still be in Port Shaw, the famous Miss Lindsey "Devil Blessed" Stirling."
Along the way of wherever they go, Djulla plays her fiddle.
Now is the time for conquest and glory, think of yourselves not as lowly pirates but rulers of port Shaw! To become it's rulers however we need supplies, men and gold. To this end I propose a trek into the jungle's of my people to find the lost treasure of Kerostic, the city of everflowing Brass. It was said that in it's day the treasure that lied in its vault was enough to cause the gods to weep in envy.
"I don't like jungles. The sea has the smell I like. But I can go to a bar to celebrate a finished voyage, and then I'll look for some ship that need a cook during her sea voyage!"
Then he turns, as if he has just remembered, to check his pay. How much is it?
Finally, he goes on following the rest, dancing to Djulla's wonderful music.
Zaria listens to Monte.. "Well that sounds good too.. You know how to get to this place? Buying men and supplies is easy.. We have several thousand gold now.. I'm also willing to look around and see what else is available.."
Kerostic will not be easy to find by ordinary means it will take guile and divination magic to reach it. However while the citizens of Kerostic were powerful mages the art of war eluded them. If the city is found it will most likely be a matter of slowly, but surely destroying magical wards. As for the gold we have it is great, but if you return to a city with cartloads of gold, silver, brass and other valuables men will flock to you in awe and fear. While I think we could takeover port Shaw with the gold we have it would be alas a short victory. For the key is not just to conquer this port it is to reign over it as it's undisputed overlords.
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Rhous thanks the captain profusely for the pay – clearly trading in Absalom is very much worth the trip if he can part with five thousand pieces.
«Men, ships, supplies… those are all long time investments, my friends» he says «If we wish to remain together, it may be wiser to find a simpler task. Just to build trust and team harmony. This quest for the brass city of Kerostic sounds a bit… ambitious for the moment… we couldn’t even protect a poor goat from a sea worm, after all!» he jokes about their recent shortcomings.
He looks perplexed at Moctezuma’s plan for domination «Master Moctezuma… I share your desire for power and wealth, but surely you understand there are… intermediate steps we must first take!»
Yes intermediate steps do need to be taken, just not the one's you are thinking of. You see to find Kerostic I believe we must first visit the outposts that they left behind in the jungle. For those outposts while plundered by pirates from this port no doubt, would contain images upon the walls. Perhaps one could study the walls and a catch a hint to finding the true location of Kerostic.
Zaria listens to the two men talk over plans.. "Monte i agree that this legendary city sounds like sounds like some thing we need to look in to.. But perhaps we could obtain information about it while we conduct other business as well.. Call it working while gathering information.. I do like your ambition though.. Let us see what the local rumors tell us and figure a plan from there.."
She turns to Salty.. "Salty dear theres more to life than cooking on the high seas.. I agree with you i feel best when sailing the big blue, but i also want my own ship someday.. And doing small jobs on boats isnt gonna get me it.. Join us for something bigger and i promise you a galley fit for a king on my boat, stocked with the finest meats, veggies, and spices.."
Potion of Shield x5
Potion of True Strike x2
Potion of Bears End x2
Potion of See Invis x1
Total Cost-416gp
"A galley fit for a king?" - Valaravans eyes cloud as he imagines it - "By the salt in the ocean! Count me aboard! Let's sail that plan then!"
You stand on the docks of Port Shaw. The smell of the salt sea rides the breeze, while dark rolling waves lap rhythmically at the pier. Inland, the Dreadsmoke Mountains rise high into the clouds. An ominous sulfur haze clings to their jagged peaks and the black behemoths loom, almost ready to swallow the city in fire. Nearby an egret prances from plank to plank, snatching morsels of corn scattered by a careless dock worker. The lilting calls of the gulls echo overhead. Further south, the dark and sturdy koa wood piers give way to hastily built pine additions, recently erected to deal with a whaling boom.
All manner of vessels moor here. Tulita war canoes rock in the water next to local fishing schooners. Foreign longboats rub gunwales with freighter brigs sunk low with heavy cargo. Enormous whaling barges dwarf the others — save the colossal five-masted naval frigate moored at the southernmost pier below the volcanic rock walls of Fort Stormshield. The forty-eight guns and 146 souls of Bonedeuce’s Pride are the power in the harbor and the only reason various motley bands of pirates, privateers, smugglers, whalers and fishermen have not torn Port Shaw to flinders long ago.
Even in the shadow of the Pride, and despite Commandant Gregory Bonedeuce’s swift sense of justice, the dockside taverns of Port Shaw remain notorious for vicious brawls. Incautious patrons regularly end up with cut purse strings or a blade between their ribs. The city breeds thieves and cutthroats like lice on an unwashed beggar.
Beyond the cresting waves, the green-blue Razor Sea extends into the horizon. The faint outlines of many mysterious isles lie barely visible, like ghostly hints of dreams or nightmares. What awaits on those faded brushstrokes of grey at the edge of the sea’s vast canvas? The ocean lies unsettlingly still. A thick blanket of warm air hangs above the shimmering surface of the Razor. This is the unmistakable calm before a great storm.
Welcome to Port Shaw.
Valaravans looks away to the sea, smell the salty air, and smiles, fiercely.
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«Now, that is a mighty vessel!» shouts Rhous at the sight of the Pride «Almost makes you wonder why those cannons haven’t already fired upon that outrageous mockery of a dragon…»
«So, my dear friends! Shall we get a sip of fine rum while we discuss our next move? Or are your souls already aching for further adventure?»
Zaria stares at the Bonedeuce's Pride with aww.. Now that ship would do just fine.. "My mouth is a bit parched.. Yes lets go get a drink.. I know of a couple places in the Tide district that we can get a drink or two.. I would keep a watch over your coin purse down there though.. There's also The Broken Skull in Bawd if we wanna watch some entertainment with our drinks.. Up to yall!"
"Sounds good, lead on Zari!"
Stowing her purse on the inside of her pants, she takes off.. "Lets go to The Broken Skull an see if we can pick up any leads whilst we have our drinks.."
As they make their way to Bawd, different sights meet them along the way. On all sides, warehouses stuffed to overflowing vomit excess crates and barrels in a bizarre spider web of cargo and netting. Amongst the disorder, three men in patchwork rags strut like beggar-kings through a maze of cabbageladen crates left to rot in the noonday sun. Dirt and blood cling to the three, who appear to the novice eye as little more than footpads, but a sharper glance reveals blackhandled daggers sheathed at their waists and the flash of fine boiled leather beneath tattered shrouds of stitched muslin. A rat the size of a mastiff slinks along the shaded crate-tops nearby, scampering behind the three like a child struggling to keep up with its family.
A whisper comes from behind a nearby crate. "Psst... hey. Hey, buddies. Wanna buy a treasure map?"
Zaria stops.. Peering into the darkness.. "Yall hear something?" Edging over to the crate from which the sound came, she slowly rests her hand on the hilt of her sword.. "Did you say a treasure map? Come out and show yourselves.."
A ragged man steps out, a scroll in hand. His hand shakes lightly as he presents the scroll.
"It's the treasure map to the Pirate King's lost treasure. I've checked it out and this is the real deal. Whoever finds this hoard is sure to be a rich man indeed. I’d do it myself but I don’t have the gold for a ship. Tell you what. You get the majority of the treasure. Just cut me in for ten percent and half that in advance for the map. Let's say 500 gold pieces."
"Seems like an awful lot of gold for a maybe.. Where'd you get this map and why offer it to us?"
Djulla takes a look at the map and says "Seems legit. What say the rest of you lot?"
Valaravans shows his tusks to the man...
"I say we look for the treasure, and if we find it we give him his 10%." - He growls to the man - "You are not doing anything, nor taking any risks to ask for 'advances', loser..." - finishes off, matter-of-factly...
He takes the map and examines it:
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«You know, my friend» Rhous approaches the ragged man with a warm smile «Just a few minutes ago another man down the street approached me with a map for the Pirate King’s treasure that put the loot about five hundred miles to the East of your location! Fancy that!» the wizard keeps smiling «His map was good, too. Wonderful old parchment, just worn-out enough to be believable. And he asked only for 100 gold pieces!» Rhous shrugs as he looks at the man’s map.
«Now, why should I bet on your map to be the genuine article, when you’re not even willing to risk the trip to adventure yourself?»
"Who cares where I got it? It's the real deal, I swear. Now, just for you, I'mm willing to hold off on my cut. I'll pass this over for 250 gold. I'd go myself, but the startup is too much for a man like me. You all seem like you're destined for greatness," he breathes out with a hint of sarcasm.
"Hmm seems like a good deal to me, what do yall think guys?" Zaria looks around for anyone watching the exchange..
After examining the map once more, Valaravans tear it apart in pieces, throws it to the winds, and continue advancing...
"Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate's life for me. We pillage plunder, we rifle and loot. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho. We kidnap and ravage and don't give a hoot. Drink up me 'earties, yo ho."
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«Might I suggest better craftsmanship next time you try to trick someone?» Rhous mocks the poor ragged man «A more careful study of the geography, and parchment properly worn-out? I just do not see your product as being on par with that of much better con men here in Port Shaw» Rhous shrugs, as if he was genuinely trying to be helpful «And most important of all... know how to pick your targets!» he winks at the con man and strolls right behind Salty.
Obviously surprised by Salty's action Zaria quickly give the man a harsh stare.. "I should cut your ear off for this.. Do not let me see you again or i shall" She slaps him a hard backhand across the face before turning on her heel and continuing onward..
Djulla sighs and seems to be very embarrassed by being fooled.
You continue on to the Bawd District. Through a wide arch of crumbling stone, veined with cracks and fractures, the mercantile bustle of Tide district gives way to the thrum of Bawd. Bawd ambushes visitors, swelling upon them as they leave the wooden docks behind. The district assaults with its heat, its carnivale cacophony, and its reek - a thousand spices, perfumes, old moldy paper, stone-ground ink, fresh-baked bread in kilned clay, cattle dung, cauldrons boiling pungent herbs to melt snake’s blood into soup and not least the flatulence of dysentery-ridden beggars.
Progressing, you eventually find yourself at the Broken Skull Inn. Attracting vicious souls, prizefighting contenders, and a crowd of despicable knaves who pay to see men smash one another into oblivion, the Skull is a large, two-block converted warehouse. Inside, the roar of the crowd deafens, and the tables are arranged haphazardly around a circular pit in the center of the establishment. The meaty, unmistakable sound of fist on face resounds from within, echoed by cacophonous cries of savage joy from the crowd.
"I think I am hungry..."
Valaravans licks his tusks while he enters the inn...
Zaria heads into the Skull and finds a table close to the action, so that they can watch.. She looks around for some sort of waitress..
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Rhous settles down facing the fight «I would much rather see an exhibition from one Miss Lindsey Sterling…» screams Rhous above the chaos of the Skull, talking mostly to Djulla «last time I found myself in Port Shaw she was lovely. But I guess I will settle for a… lower kind of entertainment.»
Rhous looks at the fighting for a while, ordering red wine if a waiter approaches. After a few minutes however his eyes start darting around, looking for someone willing to accept a bet on the fight.
If there is any music going on Djulla begins to freestyle playing along or if she knows it just plays it. If not she plays something appropriate for the atmosphere.
"Djulla your really gonna get this place stired up with all that fine pickin.. Rhous ill take some bets with yea on the brawlers, hows 10g sound?" Starting to look impatient she yells.. "Bar wench get over here and take our drink orders before you make me mad!"
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Rhous looks at Zaria with a half-smile «Oh, I have no desire of relieving you of your money!» he says «In the next few days I think I’ll find myself relying on your quick blade for my own safety, and I do not believe that cleaning you dry of your hard-earned coin is going to give you the… proper incentive to look out for my safety!» he adds sarcastically «Besides, we plan on getting rich together, don’t we? So let’s make someone else in this hellish circle regret their fondness of gambling!»
"I think the waitress it taking too long... If she doesn't appear soon, I will get busy serving us.."
Valaravans starts to appear restless...
The crowd begins to clap to the beat of the fiddling, giving a cheer as the next set of brawlers make their way out. On opposite ends are a squat looking dwarf and a tall, muscular half-orc. A man yells out the introductions.
"Alright folks, I know you've been waiting for this one. Here we have our stout, little newcomer, Mirlon Bronzefoot." The crowd stays mostly silent. "Will he be able to take on our beloved Belok Talorg?" The crowd yells out a combination of whoops and jeers as the fight begins.
A maid makes her way to the table, taking orders.
Valaravans cheers for the half orc, and to make his point bets 100gp on him too.
"Sink that tub! Bite his bearded head off!"
To the waitress he asks some fish with spices, and white wine (the best available).
He also asks her if there are some girls that would like to accompany him for the evening... while slipping to her 1 gp...