Harcourt nods and glances at those about them as Jader compliments his status. It is a fine blade, indeed. I fear my family would have little use for it, but some of our acquaintances may. I will ask some of my friends when we get this tub back home, after we get these fine people back into their lives and the safety of their homes.
Hobbling up to Harcourt, Posh bows slightly. "Quite right, one man on his own could not protect a whole village. It takes the whole town, working together."
Gesturing to the colonist with a wide arch of his cane, he continues "Does one farmer expect to feed the entire town on his own grain? Surely not. He must have help, and he must help his neighbor. We did not come to colonize Magnimar. We came to colonize this wild land."
"Nothing is set in stone, here. We will be a simple town for now. We must band together and work together and one day, we could be a bustling metropolis!"
"We will need one of your caliber to help us. As you pointed out, most of us are not wealthy. Your advice will be of great importance in the coming days."
After his conversation with Hardcourt Jader mozies around the camp eventually making his way near Perrell. He listens for an opening in the conversation then steers the subject around to the powerful magic sword he recently acquired. Surely with a magical blade such as this we could defeat anything that comes our way on this island. In fact I’ve already put to good use against some monsters and it was like the blade guided itself in killing the beasts
Jader moves away from Harcourt, leaving the man pondering his own state in this colony even as he wonders about Jader's mysterious new sword.
Perrell, delighted in the new item, intently studies it, then gives Jader an appreciative nod. She even smiles, and in it Jader can sense a bit of her naivete. Well, I guess expeditions like this do always seem to go awry. With powerful guards like yourself, I guess we can be safe in this wild place.
She cheerfully turns to two others she had been talking to, and excitedly begins to spread the word.
Having done some snooping around already, Kalathiel decides to find Harcourt, hoping to succeed where Jader had failed.
Harcourt simply disregards the aquatic elf, seeming to be more intent on selling up his own abilities to those around him. It's hard to tell what his actual aim is, but he sure likes to talk.
Having gotten nowhere with talking Harcourt out of his own inflated sense of self-importance, Kalathiel again approaches Antona while she is alone. "Listen, Antona, I felt I needed to speak with you. I sense your... antipathy to Ramona's leadership is not just about the colony's prospects. It seems personal. Did something happen between the two of you?" The elf waves a hand, almost as if brushing aside the question he just asked. He continues quickly, leaving little time for an answer. "Irrelevant. If you'd like to discuss it, I'm happy to listen, but that's your choice. Regardless, the colony has a chance of success, even now. It cannot succeed with you undermining the leader's authority at every turn, however. You are currently a greater impediment to success than the island itself. I would ask you to reconsider your attitude and support the expedition. If you can't make up with Ramona, then at least put your grudge aside for the time being."
Jader hears Antona talking trash about Ramona and he goes to have a few words with her
Antona! I’ve heard that you may have said some poorly chosen words about Ramona. Tell them to me so that I can verify if they are true or not... or am I mistaken and you are still loyal and true and what I’ve heard are just poor attempts at a joke coupled with fatigue from the boat journey?
While Kar is relaxing with Anya, he would also like to ask if she has any further insight into the situations arising from the malcontents. He doesn't expect much in the regard, but it's worth asking.
I know you care little for grumbling and whining. Do you know why so many of the colonists have decided to start now? Were they expecting this to be as easy as a holiday picnic? Or do you know if someone has stirred them for another reason? He will also tell her the tale of the clearing of the village, including the part about the spirit in the hills told to them by the goblin.
Antona frowns and looks ready to respond to Jader, but the half-orc can cut quite the intimidating figure when he wants to. She shakes her head and lowers it. Look, it's just...we've got some history, alright?
A bit later, Kal approaches her and gives her more to think about, though he takes a much more tactful approach. She blushes at first, then deflates in relief when Kal waves away his first question. As Kal implores her to be more reasonable, she can't help but glance over at Jader. I...yeah..you're right - I can see that now. I'll back whatever is best for the colony. I just wish... She glances to the beach, where Ramona is gesturing to the woods while she and one of the guards review a map. ...nothing, it's nothing. I'll talk to the folks who seem to look to me for answers, and we'll back whatever is good for all of us. She then walks away, lost in her thoughts.
Anya barks a not-so-ladylike laugh and spits. Hands too soft like pillows; many of those thought this was a grand adventure and their eyes glitter with visions of old relics and cities of gold! They just now are beginning to realize this will be hard, and rightly so. The Lyrune-Quah would have taken this rabble for lost children, where they here.
She stops, and casts her eyes to the sky, seeking out the moon - either out of habit or devotion, then turns to Kar to listen to the grand adventure. Though Kar's directness does little to accentuate the tale, it seems to fit well with her own blunt nature, and she listens intently.
Glancing towards the woman during her outburst, Posh nods. 'Yes...yes they are. Surely they didn't expect it to be easy and cushy...we're not in Absolom anymore...'
Glancing towards the darkening sky, Posh yawns. "Well, I'm gonna grab some shut eye and rest my bones a bit." he announces, to no one in particular. Turning his gaze to the boat, he frowns. "We'll have to deal with that in the morning."
Jader feels as if he is as strong as the next man. Or perhaps his orcish nature is getting the better of him, but he decides to attempt a feat of strength to attempt to get Faedwyr’s attention and possibly get an audience with him. Hoping to discover the nature of his concerns.
Jader is obviously tired from the days activities and likely isn’t attracting any kind of audience with his strength exercises. So he decides to call it a night choosing to sleep on shore instead of the boat
Jader moves over in the vicinity of Faedwyr and sets to work. There's always something that needs be done on the ship, and he quickly finds some barrels that need to be moved from one side to the other. However, they prove to be a bit too much for Jader's muscles, tired as they are from the long day. Faedwyr, if he notices, does not pay much attention to the efforts.
Given that most are exhausted and the efforts to stabilize the morale of the ship have gone relatively well, everyone decides to turn in for the evening.
The next morning dawns bright and hot. Gathering on the deck, you see that some things are as they were - specifically Harcourt still rails against their mission and Faedwyr instills doubts in those around him. The others seem mostly placated, and Ramona thanks you for your efforts of the day before.
The ship still travels at a snail's pace towards the beach.
Tess takes in a deep breath of sea air and seems in high spirits. After her rest, she attempted to tend to her wounds a few times, with some decent success.
"Good morning, everyone! What will we be working on first? Ah, Kar, would you like me to give healing you another shot? I think I still have some energy left for the task."
Kar emerges from the cabin he shared with Anya, looking the better for having been bandaged and having a full nights rest. Very much so. Thank you.
After conversing with Tessa for a bit, Kar and Anya move to stand near, but not to near, Harcourt. They begin a loud conversation, meant to be overheard.
The elf notices the looks and blushes coming from Antona, but says nothing. He watches her as she walks away, thinking. Something personal, perhaps. Worth keeping an eye on. He makes a note of this potential future point of tension before retiring for the night.
-------
Kalathiel awakes the next morning refreshed, though still injured in a few places. He pokes at his wounds lightly, studying them. May require use of an extract. Or just more time. He quickly takes mental stock of the day's tasks. Not a great deal of time for rest.
Grabbing his kit, he goes to find Perrell Beys. He hadn't spoken to her lately, and he feels compelled to do so. "Good morning Miss Beys — ah, Perrell," he corrects himself. "I hope you find yourself well after a good night's rest. I certainly do." He finds a spot nearby and sets up his portable alchemy kit. As he begins working, he says, "I thought we might speak a bit. Hopefully you don't mind."
He spends some time alternately crafting his extracts and making conversation with Perrell, including sharing and discussing the previous day's findings, answering any questions about exactly what he is doing, and making small talk. As he does so he can't help but hear Harcourt complaining loudly to anyone who will listen, and Kar attempting fo shame Harcourt just as loudly.
Kalathiel sighs and reluctantly excuses from his talk with Perrell. "Please excuse me, Miss Beys. Certain matters require my attention." He smiles at her before turning and going to speak to Harcourt.
Appeal to his ego. He manages to catch Harcourt alone and pulls him aside. "Good morning to you, Mr. Harcourt," Kalathiel greets him. "I'm certain you know why I'm here." He makes a sweeping gesture. "These people, they're confused, frightened. They need reassurance, guidance, leadership."
The elf pauses, letting this linger for a moment. "You're an important man, Mr. Harcourt. You're not the leader of this expedition, but you're wealthy, you're influential. Important. Your word goes a long way with the people here, and you could be a unifying force. Yet you squander your own potential. You condescend unnecessarily, you sow dissent, you undermine the colony's future." He keeps his tone is very matter-of-fact, rather than condemning. "They need you to be a strong example for them. Help ease their fear. Show them courage, and we both know they will follow your lead."
Jader rises from his rest and looks to go rustle up something to eat. He sees Faedwyr and thinks that he might try again on the impressive strength demonstration.
Not nearly at pathetic as last night Jader goes about his business hoping that this task was enough. If it comes to no avail, Jader considers challenging the man to hand to hand combat. He is not a hand to hand combatant necessarily but he hopes his orcish nature will help and of course he intends to intimidate the man to demoralize him before any punches are thrown
Hey Faedwyr I hear you’ve whipped nearly every man in this company. Care to see if you’ve got the stomach to face off against me! I don’t blame you if you don’t want to, after all orc is in my heritage and that means I sometimes have a more beastal nature
Once Tess finishes up healing and the others start socializing, Tess decides to leave them to it and instead starts to focus on their other goal: the ship's speed. She remembers Ramona's remarks, but decides she'd like to see some things with her own eyes.
First, Tess inspects what's inspectable from the deck: how are the winds, how's the water looking, how do the sails look, and so on.
Then, Tess dives under the ship to inspect it. She welcomes the feeling of the water, as it feels like home to her, and if she had found out anything before she tried this, she'd probably have used the investigation as an excuse to take a dive either way.
Once she's back on the ship, she has one last venue she wants to explore. This all started when the ship tried to approach the island. Perhaps there's something on the island itself that's pushing back. Something... magic?
To that end, she does two more things. First, she approaches Posh. "Master Nanjet, could there be some sort of magic effect that would resist the ship's attempts to make port? Is there perhaps anything you might detect? It's a long shot, but maybe some sort of trail from the ship to the island?"
Along with that, she tries to borrow Ramona's spyglass and, from the masts, takes a look at the island for something... out of place. Stopping a large ship might require a large structure of some sort, so she's hoping to find something on the island that could possibly be linked somehow.
After getting his breakfast, Kar will also try to ascertain what the issue with the boat is. Seeing Tessamine dive, he would follow her under the water to try and see if there has been any unwanted visitors or additions.
Harcourt casts glances at Kar throughout the Monk's speech, though he seems hesitant to pursue any further avenues to stop the disparaging talk. Truth be told, few wish to challenge any of the party sent to the colony - there was a reason they were sent. In particular, many see Kar to be an aloof, enigmatic figure with some strange power they don't understand. Harcourt doesn't seem to be willing to challenge that.
The wealthy man also casts glances at Jader's fine green sword, no doubt dreaming of what he could do with such a thing.
In complete contrast, Perrell Beys seems quite animated, perhaps even optimistic on this fresh new day. Her doubts had been taken from her, and it seemed that a new spirit had taken over. She shows a keen interest in Kal's works, asking questions that showed inexperience but more than a decent amount of intelligence.
Harcourt sneers as Kal approaches, no doubt expecting a harsh reprimand or a tough confrontation. However, when Kal offers him what amounts to praise, he seems to brighten a bit. In fact, some of those around him nod, and one even bumps him on the shoulder in a congratulatory manner. Harcourt narrows his eyes at Kal, not suspiciously, but as if thinking hard.
So, you trust in this venture, do you? You think this isn't just a fool's errand, doomed to fail through bad management?
Faedwyr watches Jader's display, but seems to be unimpressed. He makes a show of handing his bowl of whatever he'd been eating to a nearby fellow, then he stands up to show off his stature. Unfortunately for him, he's quite a bit smaller than Jader, though his shoulders are broad and forearms thick. Aye, may be some truth ta' that. Not a one could give me a good bout arm-wrestlin', that's for sure.
He cracks his knuckles and moves towards Jader, but the half-orc's bravado seems to take a bit of wind out of his sails. He looks left to right, as if seeking some escape, and his steps seem to be quite a bit less eager as he squares off.
Pow! One punch was enough...seemingly having lost the battle before he started, Faedwyr takes one on the chin, and the power of Jader's punch leaves the farmer sprawled out on the deck. The few around him, having built Faedwyr up to nearly hero status due to the farmer's bluster, seem crestfallen. They look up to Jader, seemingly lost...
Tess and Kar find nothing amiss on the main deck or in the holds or sails. They search through the main ship processes and see that everything is running as it should.
They dive into the water and begin their search, though Kar can't seem to make it more than a few feet underwater. Tess is able to make it under the calm water, but finds that the bottom of the ship is both larger and deeper than she'd thought.
The elf casts his gaze out across the water, as if looking at some unseen point on the horizon. "I do," Kalathiel replies. He notes Tess and Kar diving into the water beside the ship and wonders to himself how successful they'll be in their efforts. In his experience, most from the surface struggled underwater in one way or another. "I do not believe this to be a fool's errand," he continues. "By no means an easy task, and success is not guaranteed. Never is. Still, I believe in our chances, that much more so with your support."
The discoveries from the settlement suggested bad management of some sort. Still, he thinks, Ramona seems reasonable enough to avoid some of those pitfalls. Besides, something about the empty colony just didn't sit right with him. There must be something more going on.
No point bringing all that up right now, though.
After finishing with Harcourt, Kalathiel excuses himself and returns to where he left his things near Perrell. He begins removing the outer layers of his clothing and leaves them next to his belongings. This makes his more unusual features, including the gills on either side of his neck, more readily apparent than normal. "Guess I'll start on the other side," he remarks to no one in particular. The elf strides across the deck to a point opposite where Tess and Kar had entered the water, steps up on the railing, and dives into the ocean headfirst, allowing it to swallow him whole.
Tess swims up to the surface for a bit and takes a deep breath of fresh air. She sees Kar have some struggles and can't help but make a sly smile. "Do you swim often, Kar?" she asks, making a little bit of small talk before letting him know of what she's about to do and diving back in.
She dives down to the bottom of the boat and leans against it with her hands, using the wood of the ship to guide her towards the stern, trying to spot anything out of place that she can.
Harcourt nods slowly, following Kal's eyes. He seems thoughtful, and shakes his head as if to clear it. Fair enough, then. I'll follow you and these strong men and women that faced the colony with you, and I'll talk to my fellows. I don't know if I have the sway you seem to think I have, but I will try.
Tess, Kar, and Kal all search the ship at this point, and a small gathering on the railings watches with interest. Unfortunately, they've found nothing at this point, and those on the deck mutter among themselves.
Kalathiel surfaces beside the ship during a lull in the inspection of the ship. He bobs calmly, treading water easily as one born to the ocean. "Feels like we've missed something. I'm going to check under the ship again." The elf slips beneath the surface once more, gliding through the water as he goes again to inspect the hull.
Kar responds to Tess's small jab, No.
Kar would swim towards/gesture at Kal to come over and join him and Tessamine. Do either of you have the ability to determine if there is magic being used on the ship?
Whatever their answer, Kar would then excuse himself to let the experts handle the water side of things and approach Posh. Grandfather, would you be willing to accompany me? I would like your expertise on checking the ship for anything that might be causing this. Magical idols, foci, etc.
Jader looks at Faedwyr on the ground then glances at the spectators. He quickly attempts to neutralize the situation by walking over to Faedwyr and helping him up.
Wow I’m sorry for that Faedwyr, it was definitely a lucky punch I landed. You are pretty brave to face off against someone with as ugly mug as I’ve got. Come on I’ll help you walk it off. Let’s not be on the opposite sides of a battle again eh. Even if it is only sparring. I think we both can put our combined strength and especially your bravery to better tasks right?
Jader walks with Faedwyr supporting his weight and looking for a cleric to heal him or just a good spot to sit down
"That's a shame. If you have the chance, definitely take a swim every once in a while, it's a real joy."
---
"Unfortunately, I don't really have any abilities of the sort, I'm sorry. How about you, Kal?"
Seeing Kal in the water, she starts floating around a little more idly, reasonably convinced that if Kal's not finding anything, there probably isn't anything worth investigating down there. She moves around to the bow and takes a good look.
Kar watches on the ship as he waits for Posh to respond. Though everyone seems to have their own agendas, none seem to be actively pursuing anything but their duties. Of course, it's hard to keep an eye on everyone at all times.
Even as Kar gives the crew the stink eye, Tess and Kal dive again, seemingly natural swimmers. They look all about the ship this time, and nearly at the same time, they both point towards the aft portion, at the very bottom of the vessel. There, two large, vibrantly color fish swim. They wouldn't be of note, save for the fact that they seem to be swimming in exact time with the ship, though they no doubt could swim much faster, and in the same exact path. They may even be attached to the hull, they're so close.
Faedwyr stands shakily, and with much of Jader's help. The farmer wasn't ready for a shot from a real warrior, even if he said that he was. Still, he manages a grin after he regains his senses, the split lip trickling out a bit of blood.
Ya' got that right, mister Silvertongue. With fellas' that hit like that on our side, well, I'd sure not want to be whatever's out there lurkin' and waiting to try us!
The man, a huge fan of such displays, quickly heads over to his fellows with whom he had been talking earlier. Instead of calling on them to rail against Ramona, Faedwyr excitedly shows off his split lip, gesturing back to Jader all the while.
Tess gestures towards Kal to request they surface so they can discuss their findings.
Once they surface, Tess immediately makes something clear. "I suppose we both suspect these creatures to be the cause, but if possible, I would like to find a way to free the ship from these fish without harming them. Life in the sea is... well, sacred to me, and I try not to kill sea creatures wantonly. I feel like we should notify the crew that we've found the issue and are working on it, but not to let them know it's fish, lest an overzealous crew member gets ideas."
Kalathiel blinks, confused about why Tess seems to be gesturing to go to the surface. It takes the elf a moment to remember that surface-dwellers may not be very well equipped to speak at any length underwater. He quickly follows her to the surface.
He floats with only his head poking up above the water. His blue-green hair is plastered to his head, dripping. He listens with curiosity. "Sacred? Interesting. The sea certainly offers a breadth of experience that's hard to match on land. But sacred? Very interesting." He smiles, as though an amusing thought just crossed his mind. "We can do as you say, though it may not amount to much. In all likelihood they will have to be physically removed in one way or another. They may well fight back, and I won't just let them hurt me." He chuckles, giving Tess a wry look. "I'm sea life too, after all."
In response to Kal's last remark, Tess chuckles as well. "Well, I certainly can't argue with that, now, can I? Thank you. I'll be more than satisfied as long as inflicting harm or death isn't our very first plan of approach."
Kal recognizes these fish as echeneises - long, narrow fish with suckers that can sap the speed of something in motion. It's a natural, if uncanny ability. The long fish have a ridge of colorful spines along their backs.
Slowly struggling to his feet, Posh stretches. Glancing around the hold he curled up in, he smiles. 'Dark still...must be the first up today'
Hobbling out into the sunlight, he stops suddenly. 'Oh my! Must have been more tired than I thought...'
Smiling sheepishly at the crew, he makes his way to the side of the ship. 'Now where did my companions make their way off to...'
Glancing down, he spies the Kal and Tessa below him. "OH! Hey there! I uh...I was working on a different thought of how we may free this ship but it didn't pan out. How goes your findings?"
Floating in the sea, busy sorting through his own assorted knowledge, Kalathiel scarcely notices Posh approaching, nor does he do much more than register the words spoken to him by the old gnome. He looks up and says, "Ah, no matter. We..." The elf trails off, glancing over at Tess. He looks back at Posh before responding. "Ahh, let's see. Aquan, maybe?" he wonders aloud, before switching to Aquan.
He waits a moment to see if Posh actually understood what he said, or if he needs to switch to some other language.
Tess nods in agreement to Kal's recap of events.
Kalathiel looks over at Tess.
The elf responds, switching back to Common. "Worth a shot, I suppose." He looks up at the gnome standing on the deck of the ship. "Posh, can you fetch Jader and Kar? Let's get this taken care of quickly."
Anyone not versed in Aquan starts to get a bit tense, as if thinking that these natural sea dwelling people of their expedition had gone mad and begun spouting gibberish. Relief then spreads as Kal switches back to common. Kar and Jader even hear the call and come to the railing.
Presuming that he is filled in on the situation, Kar will climb overboard and into the water.
Tessa, if it makes you feel better, we can simply attempt to render the fish unconscious.
"Make sense. Are they intelligent? Can we talk to them?"
Replies the old man, glancing towards Kar. In common, he adds with a smile "Perhaps if you went and splashed around in the water, they'd leave the ship and pursue you. Just gotta out swim them."
"All good ideas. Let's just head down there and see what happens."