Gram sniffs the cold, briny morning air. He allows himself a small smile as he approaches the ship that will be his home for several weeks. Having not met many of his soon to be companions, he travels to the wharf alone.
Feeling a tug on his sleeve, he turns to see a small goblin standing behind him, dressing and seeming uncharacteristic for a member of his race. Gram's eyes slowly widen as the newcomer introduces himself as a Pathfinder.
"Well met, my friend," Gram says with a warm smile, offering his hand to clasp in a warrior's handshake, "I am Gram Greynor, known as Gram. It sounds as if you and I share a common purpose. I too have been tasked with aiding and protecting the team." Gram turns his gaze to the other man speaking with Biter. "And let me extend the introduction to you as well. As a fellow woodsman and hunter I look forward to working with you on this endeavor. As far as our new friend here, I'm sure he can hold his own with that blade. The Pathfinders do not simply allow anyone into their ranks, so I'm sure he's proved his mettle."
Gram takes a deep breath. "Now I plan on getting settled into my quarters here and going about doing what I can to help. Do you care to join me Biter? Gregor?" After waiting for an answer, Gram boards the ship and looks to see what else is going on this chilly morning.
Biter's proud expression darkens slightly at the comment on his blade, and with a predatory grin he retorts, "Maybe Biter is'ing to get to show you at some point." His eyes scrunch in curiosity, "What "connection to the wilds" does'ing you have? Skills like that is'ing to be mighty useful in Far-Arcadia."
Biter is clearly interested in gauging Gregor's capacity for helping the expedition's chances at survival in the upcoming months.
As the GrayBeard answers, Biter extends a mightily tiny hand, "Is'ing nice to be meeting you, Haan'Rhaar*"
He seems genuine.
After somewhat reluctantly shaking the goblin's hand , Gregor responds, "I've lived in the wilds all my life, and as such, have developed a reverence and understanding for Gozreh's domain."
Turning his attention to Gram, "I suppose we should get settled in, the sooner we're away the better.
After the firm greeting from the tall Pathfinder, Biter bobs his head in a human-learned show of respect, "Nice'ing to meet you. Biter is'ing happy to find more sword-brothers for the journey." Biter eyes you from head to foot, noting any obvious weapons and armor; you get the feeling he's weighing you with his mind.
When asked if he will join the new-comer, Biter takes in a sweep of their environment with his eyes, "Biter is'ing to keep an eye out for now. Thanking you, though."
With one last nod, he pads off on his bare goblin-feet. The large goblin melds once more into the shadows, seeking to meet the remaining member of their expedition (Abbas) as well as keep his eyes out for trouble.
Waiting to greet you at the top of the ramp is the First Mate, a smiling man named Theodremir. He looks genuinely apologetic when Alexis inquires after her cabin. "I am sorry, Miss, but there are no available cabins. I'm afraid that you'll be bunking down in the lower hold with the other colonists. There is a pile of hammocks down below. Feel free to take one and string it up wherever you like."
As you make your way down the ladder, you pass through the upper hold, where the soldiers and sailors have their hammocks. The lower hold is sufficiently lit by two torches that emit neither smoke nor heat, attached in sconces to the two masts that have their roots down below. Piles of crates and barrels are littered about down here. There are already a few colonists down here, their belongings stowed under their hammocks.
As you begin looking for places to string your hammocks, the prisoners come down the ladder under escort of four soldiers. One of the soldiers deposits the slightly groggy form of the young lad in the forward section and the other prisoners also make that their home.
Theodremir looks genuinely apologetic when Alexis inquires after her cabin. "I am sorry, Miss, but there are no available cabins. I'm afraid that you'll be bunking down in the lower hold with the other colonists. There is a pile of hammocks down below. Feel free to take one and string it up wherever you like."
You aren't entirely sure how such a thing should be possible, but to those who are actually watching, you would swear that Alexis just turned three shades paler than her normal lily-white complexion. Clearly upon returning, she would need to have words with her Aunt Corrina over exactly what sum their family contributed to the expedition...
As for Gregor's query concerning the prisoners, he is directed towards the centaur.
"Well, sir, they are all men and women who were given the choice between swinging from the gallows and journeying to the end of the world. Have no fear, though, they will be strictly monitored and disciplined throughout the voyage. As for their exact crimes, ask me again later once we're underway. If you'll excuse me, I must see to their preparations. Please climb aboard and find a berth for yourself."
Rath, irritated by Elorin's earlier comments, tries not to smile at hearing the news of "hammocks in the hold", Jaya ho! This should sufficiently curb his romantic intentions. Thank you, Karma.
Rath, amiably addresses himself to the latest members of their team, Gram and Gregor. "Gentlemen," he says steepling fingers before his face and bowing, "I am Ravarath - monk and pathfinder. To me, a pleasure it is to meet you." His accent is thick. Some of his phrases in common are clearly well practiced, others less so.
He notes their names in return, smiling politely but does not seem inclined to say more.
Rath's pleasure is short-lived when he sees that they will all be bunking down in a common area with the prisoners. This isn't secure. He suggests (to any teammates in the vicinity), "Perhaps we should how-do-you-say stake out an area for all of us to be together?"
Biter nods and begins helping Rath in his endeavors to make as safe a space for the group as possible, keeping a wary eye on not only the convicts, but the guards.
"Perhaps we should how-do-you-say stake out an area for all of us to be together?"
As if speaking thru the veil separating the planes, Alexis replies with a distant voice, "Yes... let us stake out a place away from the people who didn't spend two years of their life and several thousand gold to board this ship and sleep in hammocks..."
You're pretty sure that Alexis just passed ghostly-white and is now actually luminescent. Alexis is fairly certain that the sky is spinning much too quickly.
While they work, moving boxes, pooling the team's equipment and setting up hammocks, Rath slips in quiet, private words with Biter.
"You're right, they are 'pups with no danger-sense'" Rath says recalling Biter's dockside comment, "He seem interested more in sheathing his 'sword' than drawing a bow." In case the analogy is lost on Biter, since common is neither of their strong suits, he pulls one of the dozen words he knows in Goblin, "'sword' meaning kkrat... So you and I keep sharp eyes and sharp ears. Maybe patrol the ship casual at odd times."
He allocation of words for the day all but used up, Rath goes silently about preparing their common area.
You're pretty sure that Alexis just passed ghostly-white and is now actually luminescent. Alexis is fairly certain that the sky is spinning much too quickly.
Noting the signs of shock in Alexis' rapidly paling features, Rath gently sits her down on a crate that Biter just moved against the hull, away from the other passengers, and close enough to be watched. "Miss. Rest here, shortly to hm.. get your bearings. Breathe deeply. This will be fine."
"Miss. Rest here, shortly to hm.. get your bearings. Breathe deeply. This will be fine."
Alexis sits down and shakes her head trying to dismiss the greyness of her vision. Just barely making out the stalwart monk's words thru the fog pervading her senses she comments spacily, "Deep— breaths? At least... I can depend on you... for a sense of humor..."
Pointing a finger at the bow knotted in her corset's lacing, she weakly says the word, "Shazam." allowing for a bit more slack and some precious breathing-room as the knot loosens. After a minute or two, she says to whomever is listening, "Well, shall we go have a look below decks to see what to make of this situation?"
Gregor gives a chuckle, noticing the young woman's apprehesion to the sleeping quarters.
"See...It's for reasons just like this, I've been tellin' people for years city livin' will make ya soft."
Gregor then proceeds to claim a spot for himself and his belongings.
Alexis notice the grey-bearded man seemingly for the first time when she overhears his comments. Standing up to head below, she replies, "Well, you might say that I'm simply not used to so many people being forced into such close living conditions. By the way, I don't believe we have been introduced. I am Alechsularis of Greengold, called Alexis preferably. Judging by the lack of chains on your legs, I presume you are with this expedition by choice, correct?"
The prisoners, while a rough sort, seem fairly docile as they string up their hammocks under the watchful eyes of the four soldier-guards, who remove their chains once they're down below. The young boy regains consciousness and begins sobbing as he looks about his new confines. The large dumb-looking human prisoner silently pats him on the shoulder and strings the boy's hammock up for him next to his. Those two seem to keep some separation from the other prisoners. The four women set up their hammocks very close together, while the half-orc and halfling setup theirs on the outside of the cluster of women, almost protectively.
The halfling, his hammock setup with the help of the half-orc, stands up on a barrel and peers over at your group. "Kuras! Look at this! What the 'ell!? They gots themselves some f&*%in' gobber with them. I thought we were the only lowlifes on this f&*%in' ship!!" Kuras, the half-orc laughs rudely.
"Pipe down!" one of the guards snaps, "and watch your filthy tongue!"
"All right, all right, I'll watch it, just like your mother watched it last night when it went down on 'er. Bet ye must've 'eard that moan, didn't ya!?"
The soldier moves to backhand the hobbit, but another guard stops him. The second guard turns on the halfling. "Mind your manner, Hogginside, or you'll find yourself chained to the foremast, and it don't look like rain anytime soon." The halfling withers slightly under the man's glare, then resumes his chuckling, albeit somewhat more nervously.
Standing up to head below...
"See...It's for reasons just like this, I've been tellin' people for years city livin' will make ya soft."
Rath nods to Gregor in approval. "In my monastery, this would be thought as *searching for the word* a most pleasant space, although a bit chaotic."
Alexis notice the grey-bearded man seemingly for the first time when she overhears his comments. Standing up to head below, she replies, "Well, you might say that I'm simply not used to so many people being forced into such close living conditions. By the way, I don't believe we have been introduced. I am Alechsularis of Greengold, called Alexis preferably. Judging by the lack of chains on your legs, I presume you are with this expedition by choice, correct?"
"Aye, I'm here of my own free will. Alexis is it? Good that first name you said would be too damn much of a mouthfull to say too often. Gregor's name." As Gregor extends his hand, figuring that if he has to be with these people, he ought to at least try to play nice for once.
"In my monastery, this would be thought as *searching for the word* a most pleasant space, although a bit chaotic."
"Back home," Alexis concentrates for a moment on a prestidigitation cantrip to clean out her area and yours if you like, "even the servants had more room and privacy than this. This isn't anything at all like the ships I'm used to. Do com—" she hesitates for a moment, "many people generally voyage under these conditions?"
"Aye, I'm here of my own free will. Alexis is it? Good that first name you said would be too damn much of a mouthfull to say too often. Gregor's name." As Gregor extends his hand, figuring that if he has to be with these people, he ought to at least try to play nice for once.
Alexis smiles for the first time since boarding the ship at Gregor's reaction to her name. "Indeed, elvish names are a bit unwieldly for general conversation." She seems slightly puzzled when the druid holds out his hand, but extends hers in like fashion so as not to offend. Surely he doesn't want me to kiss it, right? "It's good to make your acquaintance Grego–" she's a bit surprised when the grey-bearded man clasps her tiny hand inside his and gives it a vigorous shake. Fortunately, she seems no worse for wear and merely smiles politely and goes, "hmm..." before smiling more broadly and cleaning the dust and mold from his hammock with an equally vigorous, "Shazam!"
Biter doesn't look up from where he's helping get all Huuc'Mar's junk in order.
"Friend Rath, Biter was'ing excited to be seeing wondrous new sights," he scrunches his nose and wafts his hand in front of it as if to dispel some atrocious smell, "but Biter is notting have known Biter would see a talking poop… and notting even having to leave the Big Boat to see it." He looks up at the tiny little loud-mouth, an evil grin spreading across his face. "Friend Rath is'ing to think it can speaking on command like some dog? Well? Speak, little talking poop."
"Friend Rath, Biter was'ing excited to be seeing wondrous new sights," he scrunches his nose and wafts his hand in front of it as if to dispel some atrocious smell, "but Biter is notting have known Biter would see a talking poop… and notting even having to leave the Big Boat to see it." He looks up at the tiny little loud-mouth, an evil grin spreading across his face. "Friend Rath is'ing to think it can speaking on command like some dog? Well? Speak, little talking poop."
Rath smiles benignly while watching to see who sides with the halfling, just the half-orc or others among the prisoners or immigrants, before saying earnestly, "I don't know what it is... But air is hot enough down here without him adding some. To me hope is, it won't be necessary to how-do-you-say-it air him out."
"You're right, they are 'pups with no danger-sense'" Rath says recalling Biter's dockside comment, "He seem interested more in sheathing his 'sword' than drawing a bow."
Elorin perception check 1d20+5=roll 6+5=11 no beans.
Elorin helps Alexis to get settled in a bunk in the corner as well as one beside hers and then goes over to introduce himself the Gram and Gregor, "Hello fiends, I am Elorin, bodyguard to the Lady Alexis, I have heard that you are a part of our group? Good to make your aquaitance.he put out his hand for Gregor and then for Gram, he says to Gregor "I am a scout by trade, although I have spent a number of year amongst mercenaries, glade to know we have a fellow woodsmen on board. What about you Gram, how do you fit into this interesting compilation of creatures?"
"You're right, they are 'pups with no danger-sense'" Rath says recalling Biter's dockside comment, "He seem interested more in sheathing his 'sword' than drawing a bow."Elorin perception check 1d20+5=roll 6+5=11 no beans.
As you finish up securing belongings and hammocks, Falcon Gray makes an appearance in the lower hold. "Ah! Excellent! You all made it and on time too! I trust you had no difficulties."
As he says that, you hear orders being barked above, and a few moments later, feel the ship being pushed off and making its way out to sea.
Rath turns partway to include Gray in his sight-line without taking an eye off the halfing or 1/2 Orc. He wonders if Gray doesn't perceive the tension in the room. "That remains to be seen, Master Gray."
Gray does pause to look between your group and the prisoners. He frowns at the prisoners, but it doesn't seem to be for the reasons you might suspect.
"Yes, well, some things are beyond our control." He lowers his voice to a whisper. "I'm sure I don't have to tell you folks to watch your backs around that lot. We were always expecting to take a group of prisoners along - a few thieves, a couple upstarts who decided to grow themselves some beards, and a family of farmers who reneged on some bad debts. Last night, I get an urgent summons from the Viceroy's court wizard to find out some magistrates have had some strings pulled and we got this set of prisoners instead. Murders, arsonists, and rapists - not the ideal seeds with which to sow a new civilization across the globe, but there was nothing we could do, save ask the Prince to intervene, and I think the good Viceroy would have rather slept in the hold with these prisoners themselves than risk having the Prince woken up after that party last night. These folks do have some useful skills, I will admit; hopefully, they'll choose to use them to help us out, otherwise, they might find themselves being tossed overboard before we quite reach our destination."
Rath nods in understanding, "My thank for your hm candor, Master Gray. Vigilance, we will show. But to speak plain, I am how-to-say relieved at your last comment. It may be necessary for certain ones."
Gray gets a glimpse into the monk's mindset which is backed up by the reports he received from the Society - Dedicated, focused, and compassionate but ultimately a dyed-in-the-wool pragmatist.
Abbas approaches Falcon Grey "I for one is good of the magistrates to give these prisoners a chance to redeem themselves, albeit a small one, through good honest labor. Although I fear we shall have to keep a very close eye on them lest we be the ones who find our way overboard. Could you direct me to where you would like me to set up. I will need some room if I am to help the sick and injured."
"Ah, yes, Father Abbas. I should take you up to meet with Lord Brycen, Sir Kheiron, and the Captain. Banker Camder, the official spiritual head of the expedition, is making the crossing on his ship, the Cloud Climber, one of our sister ships, so you are in fact the senior divine spellcaster, senior priest as it were on board ship. Lord Brycen and the Captain will have special tasks for you. You also, Mr. Trevian, if you're willing."
"Surely Mr. Grey. Lead the way."
Falcon Gray leads Abbas and Gregor (and anybody else who wishes to come for curiosity/fresh air) up above decks. The ship is almost clear of the port of Cassomir by the time you reach the top. Sailors pad about on sure (yet bare) feet, tightening and loosening ropes, climbing dizzily high into the riggings. The unpleasant odours of the harbour have been left behind; only the fresh scent of salt air fills your nostrils now (with maybe a little bit of tar, damp wood, and sweat). The scent is truly invigorating.
You come up the aft ladder (the tops of the ladders are on the outsides, so the aft ladder comes out on the left, the forward ladder on the right) and find the stern-faced centaur standing there. A clean-shaved man in fine yet rumpled clothes, white lace spilling out of the collar and sleeves of his unbuttoned coat, leans nonchalantly against the side rail of the ladder several steps up talking with the centaur. They both stop their conversation at your approach.
"Falcon, these are some of your Pathfinders, I take it?" he smiles warmly, extending his hand in greeting to everybody who came up. "Welcome aboard."
"Yes, my Lord." Falcon introduces everybody who came, then stops with Abbas and Gregor. "My Lord, this is Brother Abbas, priest of Saranrae, and Gregor Trevian, a...nature priest. Both have offered their services and divine magic to assist during the crossing."
"Excellent. You know, priests of Saranrae are not too popular in Taldor. Fortunately, we're out of that hole. The Dawnflower and her able representative are most welcome on board my ship. Sir Kheiron here may be able to fill you in on a few more specifics, but the main things we will need from you are healing any injuries our crew suffers, and copious use of purify food and drink and create water. Are you both able to pray for those spells?"
Gram quickly gets situated and finds himself on the deck, looking around. Obviously a little shell-shocked by the experience, the paladin rapidly recovers, and makes his way over to Falcon Gray, making his introductions and listening to what's going on around him while absorbing as much as he can.
Elorin waits for Alexis to ready herself and then follows the group onto the deck. The slow rocking of the ship, te ocean before him, Elorin slowly turns a mellow shade of green.
Doing his best to shake off the slow gurgling that is starting to form in his belly he introduces himself to Sir Kheiron and Lord Brycen. "Good sirs my nam is Elorin, and this is the Lady Alexis, it is a great pleasure to meet you my lord, if we ca be of service during the voyage, please let us know!
Turning to Gram, "So can we even trust to leave our belongings downstairs with the criminals? So if they are murderers and rapists, shouldn't they be under lock and key? I am not used to this type of justice, typically we just put them to the sword."
"There will be no 'putting people to the sword' on this ship, sir," Sir Kheiron says gruffly. "They are under constant watch, and your belongings are safe."
Lord Brycen practically ignores Elorin, but beams brightly for the Lady Alexis. "Lady Alexis?" he thinks for a moment. "Lady Alexis Kirmoon? It is a true pleasure indeed to meet another Taldane noble who shares my love of adventure." He bows over her hand in a truly gallant manner.
Turning to Gram, "So can we even trust to leave our belongings downstairs with the criminals? So if they are murderers and rapists, shouldn't they be under lock and key? I am not used to this type of justice, typically we just put them to the sword."
Gram nods slowly. "If they do steal anything that does not belong to them, where will they flee? While sometimes the justice of which you speak is warranted, maybe these folk are not so far gone that they are beyond redemption. No matter, though. It is a rare pleasure to meet you, Master Elorin. We will do good work together, I am sure." The paladin extends his hand.
"Excellent. You know, priests of Saranrae are not too popular in Taldor. Fortunately, we're out of that hole. The Dawnflower and her able representative are most welcome on board my ship. Sir Kheiron here may be able to fill you in on a few more specifics, but the main things we will need from you are healing any injuries our crew suffers, and copious use of purify food and drink and create water. Are you both able to pray for those spells?"
"Aye, that I can, and will so if that is what is needed from me."
Taking Gram's hand, "Agreed, between you, Rath, and Biter I feel much better about the expeditions and my Ladies security. With the 3 of you in the front line, and my arrows protecting your flanks and back, the challenges that await us shouldn't be an issue. So you are a holy warrior? If you do't mind me asking ,which god do you worship?"
After a few minutes of discussion with Gram, he walks over to Abbas, "Your diety doesn't happened to grant you the power of removing the feeling of sickness from oneself does he? I remember traveling with a fellow mercenary cleric who happened to follow Erastil. He had that ability and it was very useful in healing some of the sick."
Abbas notices that Elorin looks a pale shade of green...
Biter decides that it would be best to keep a wary eye on the guards and convicts, but as his companions head up the stairs, the rhythm of the rocking sets in, and the sounds of the ocean can be heard from above, and curiosity crushes his resolve.
Racing up the little stairwell, Biter is struck by a wall of new sensations. While the sounds and smells remind him of his runt-hood at Thistletop, the sheer magnitude and size of the sky and water threaten to overwhelm his senses.
Only vaguely taking note of the conversation going on, Biter decides instead to snoop around the deck, weaving in and out of all the commotion and basically drinking everything in. He takes to the rocking of the ship like a bird to the air.
After a few minutes of discussion with Gram, he walks over to Abbas, "Your diety doesn't happened to grant you the power of removing the feeling of sickness from oneself does he? I remember traveling with a fellow mercenary cleric who happened to follow Erastil. He had that ability and it was very useful in healing some of the sick."
Abbas notices that Elorin looks a pale shade of green...
Letting out a small laugh, seeing the elf's condition, Gregor reaches into a belt pouch and produces a small piece of tree bark. "Here lad, give this a try, it might settle your inards...at least it usually does for me."