"I don't know anymore Azrielan." He says, taking a heart drink and immediately refilling the glass. "This was supposed to be simple. By the gods, we were supposed to have been free of any troubles. I know it wasn't my fault but... how does one live with themselves after losing four-hundred civilians? I can see it now, my friend; how the ship was taken under by the waves. I watched as they died." Dominicus looks at you with tired eyes, a far cry from his usual stoic self. It's clear he hasn't shared his worries with anyone since the storm. "The Inheritor... she only tells me where to go. She does not speak of how I am supposed to act. Has Asmodeus spoken to you at all? Given you any vision of the the times to come?
As you complete your thought, a knock comes from the door. "Sir, I have the passengers you asked for."
Dominicus gives you a small nod, finishing his glass of wine before putting the bottle away. He then walks to the door and lets it open.
A few moments later, the door opens wide. You see Dominicus standing in the same armor he was wearing earlier looking down at you all . "I see. Why don't you all come in then. We have a few matters to discuss."
He invites you into his room, letting the door shut behind everyone. Already here is an aasimar woman standing in heavy armor. Dominicus coughs to get your attention. "It has come to my knowledge that you lot are the most trustworthy individuals on this ship. I have been watching for some time now, gathering bits of information about each of you here and there. Now, I will not let certain details I've heard cloud my judgement*... you four are, after all, better than most in the crumbling Westcrown area. That's something I can work with."
Dominicus sits down at a table, attempting to get his gauntleted fingers underneath the armor on his grieves in what appears to be an attempt to rub his wounded knee. "I prefer to let actions speak for themselves. In a few days, we will be landing in an unknown location. Unfortunately, I can't have my eyes on everyone at once. I wish to offer the lot of you positions as... freelancers of sorts. I need a group of people I can consistently rely on, whether this be to settle disputes amongst the people, or to explore the land. My bodyguard Azrielan, a trusted member of my staff and aspiring Hellknight, is to be supervising you."
He gives a small smile. "So, what say the lot of you to my proposition?"
*
Ha ha! You've chosen wisely, my good Paracount! The man who had been slowly moving himself to the front of the group while Dominicus was talking, had responded with enthusiasm.
I can assure you I shall succeed at whatever task you decide on.
"Aye, I can do that as well. Do you want to know more about what I can do or do you know enough?"
A skeletal creature follows Akkad to the forefront. He always does this. His impatience will be his undoing some day. I hope I get to be there to laugh too.
Exactly what does this man know? Vimana clues Akkad in to the results of the check.
She appears to have a feline bonestructure, but with an eerily human skull. A cool blue energy faintly peers from her eye sockets.
Dominicus sits back in his chair. "I know all I need. I will leave it up to you all to share with your new acquaintances."
Nymarchemadias inwardly groans as the half-elf with a blond ponytail announces that they have been summoned to speak with the Paracount. However, he puts on a affable smile and follows they small group to the Paracount's Quarters.
This could be bad, although it is a good sign that it was not just me that was summoned.Perhaps it could be good...whichever is sure to be interesting!
Nymarchemadias does not object as Akkad moves to the front of the group. In fact, he uses it as an opportunity to place Akkad between himself and the enormous Paracount and the heavily armored aasimar woman standing beside the Paracount.
"I would be most honored to serve as needed,"Nymarchemadias replies peeking around Akkad.
Did he just say unknown location? Are we lost? What a most exciting turn of events! Perhaps we will discover some new land! This is a most fortunate turn of events!
I see. Well, he can't be too concerned if he doesn't have the nerve to bring it up. Akkad hears one of his favorite subjects crop up; himself.
As for my services, I happen to be a master conjurer. He states with quite a bit of pride.
He can summon four things. Vimana adds in a deadpan tone.
I'll have you know that number has grown to six since you last held count. It happened just before this poorly planned voyage, in fact.
I command you to stop undermining me in front of the lesser born rabble! How am I supposed to assert my place atop them?
As she follows the man into his cabin, she notices his somber mood. Upon hearing him speak, she understood immediately what was on his mind.
When he pulls the bottle out, she politely holds a hand out, declining any drink offered.
"You cannot blame yourself for that. You know it was an accident, my lord. You could not have done anything."
Walking over to the wall and looking out the window.
"The Prince of Law has been silent on the matter of what is ahead, although he has shown me that there will be tests."
The armored aasimar turns back towards the Paracount.
"We must prepare ourselves for the worst, my lord." she answers solemnly. "I hope these new recruits are up for the task."
In the meeting with the rest, Azrielan will stay silent, allowing the Paracount to do the talking, but does give a quiet nod when referred to by name.
"Well, six things is six more than I can summon." Grunyar says, turning to his new companions. "I can, however, do a few other things with magic. Some minor healing, some minor boosts to various things, and of course reading and detecting magic. Aside from that, I'm decent in combat, and skilled in a fair number of areas, such as observation, survival in the wild, social skills, first aid, and I also know a bit about the gods, though that's probably not going to get much use here.
Arlan stands quietly at the rear of the group, listening in to the conversation as it unfolds. "Seems to me that we've got quite the talented group here; I'd say we're more than capable of supporting the expedition however you see fit." he replies to the Paracount.
"I am Arlan Sandor. I was born in Isger, near the Chitterwood, and I've spent some time among the more rugged country of Cheliax. For the last two years I've made my living hunting Shadowgarms in Westcrown, so I can handle myself if we run into trouble." he explains to the group.
"So, Paracount; How long exactly until we reach land?"
Dominicus nods once everyone has said their piece. "Right then. I expect you lot will be getting along well. And with Azrielan here, I can be sure that I keep an eye on everyone and make sure things run smoothly."
He turns to Arlan. ""From what I've gathered, we should be making land within a week. By the grace of the gods, we can only hope it will be in some civilized place. I will be sure to speak with her again tomorrow, when I have can afford to cast another spell. And actually, speaking of civilization, I believe I have my first task for you all."
Dominicus stands up from the table and takes a stroll to his desk, flipping open a ledger. "I have here, the name of every single person who decided to come aboard this ship. For my own records, you see, just in case I may have need of them. Now, a particular name caught my eye." He taps a finger against the ledger and looks up to you all. "Apparently a slip... I'm sorry, halfling, decided to board the ship under the name "Myrtle Shortwick". Now, this would be all very well and good had it not been for the fact that I saw Myrtle Shortwick die with my own two eyes. She was cut down by my cousin, the Lord Mayor Aberian, about a week before we departed from Westcrown. She was attempting to escape servitude and received an arrow in the spine for her troubles.
I am not sure who this joker is, but I do know that signing an official document with a false name and passing oneself off as a dead person -a slave at that-, violates at least three different laws both here and in Varisia. I would fire the person who let her on board for not properly vetting her, but it seems that he went overboard in the storm. Anyways, I want you to find whoever is passing themselves off as Myrtle and bring them to me. I would prefer this be done before we reach land, but if you cannot find her... I suppose that she may have gone overboard in last weeks storms.
So, any questions?"
"Finding a halfling on a ship should not be too difficult. I imagine that there are not too many of our stature, right Grunyar? Perhaps Grunyar and I can make some polite inquiries among the ship's "smaller folk" and even have a look below deck,"Nymarchemadias eyes widen as an idea suddenly dawns on him,"we can let it be known that Grunyar is lonely a lonely sailor looking for love with a preference for halfling companionship! People love to play matchmaker and will surely point us in the right direction!"
Nymarchemadias hops in excitement and gives Grunyar a conspiratorial wink and grin.
Looking down at the excited gnome, "If you are sure that you can find this stowaway, then go on with whatever plan you deem necessary. We must find her, and discover what is going on." Azrielan replies.
"Be sure to find her quickly, as I would prefer not to have to resort to my methods so...quickly...after the storm."
Her message is rather clear.
"Or... perhaps we could just look for her the normal way... If that has no avail, then perhaps we can resort to other tactics."
Nymarchemadias sighs at Grunyar's lack on enthusiasm for his brilliant plan but nevertheless resigns himself to the more conventional plan suggested by the dwarf. He follows the dwarf out and begins "working" the other passengers for information. As he talks, he feels a familiar tingle giving him goosebumps that usually signal a little bit of extra luck.
As the gnome and dwarf leave to pursue their quarry, Arlan approaches Dominicus.
"I think those two have it under control; this seems like a task more suited to tact and subtlety than to my particular skills. Speaking of, may I take a look at the mapped route and any sea charts you have available? I have some skill at cartography, I may be able to discern our location and give us an idea as to where we are."
As Arlan speaks, it is obvious that he is uncomfortably with the task at hand, especially coming from a pair of Hellknights.
Paracount Dominicus Avranxi, a former Hellknight commander, and Paladin of Iomedae.
May I assist the Paladin and knights, my lord? Akkad nods, and Vimana walks over to the table.
She used to pause more before adding "my lord" when addressing Akkad. Vimana hadn't noticed this until now. The thought was disconcerting.
I'll try to inquire more about that particular one if possible
Arlan studies the maps, furrowing his brow. "It just doesn't make sense... How could we have gone so far off course?" he mused. "That must've been some storm. I suppose we'll have a better idea of our situation in a few days when we reach land."
"I don't think I'll be able to help with those maps, so how about I take a look below deck? If she boarded the ship without permission she may as well be hiding now that the storm has ended.
And so Nick heads below deck, hoping that the simplest guess is actually the correct.
"This is.. interesting. I'll report to the rest after I inspect this barrel and room better."
Oh my. Vimana almost squeaks out.
I've wanted to find my way over here for ages. Arcadia... Her eyes would be wide if she had any.
Hmmm... Yes, I think I like the sound of that. "The men and women who discovered the lost continent of arcadia. And among them: Akkad Min-Alqadima! Oh, I can hardly wait to hit shore! The man gesticulates wildly at the proposed idea.
And when we get there...
Unheard of texts, civilizations, technologies, and magicks. Vimana walks back over to Akkad as they begin speaking only part of what they're communicating to each other.
"Arcadia? That's no more than a child's story, it can't be real... Can it?" Arlan asks Vimana as he overhears her conclusion.
Of course it can, my low-born friend. Do you doubt the expertise of an outsider older than your very family line? Not mine of course. My family goes back to time immemorial.
Yes, I am knowledgeable in such histories. I used to be far more so, as well. Vimana adds in a low tone.
"I wouldn't dare doubt your pet skeleton, Master Akkad. I was merely trying to avoid jumping to hasty conlcusions." Arlan scoffs. "If we are indeed en route to this mythical place I'd say we've got some interesting times ahead."
Try not to take offense to my lord. He has a certain way with people. But yes! This will be very exciting. There may be natives. They might even be friendly.
I'll ask the other halflings.
Nymarchemadias follows along with Grunyar hoping that between the two of them they might learn something from the halflings on board.
Surely the halflings would keep track of their own?
"That it didn't, Paracount. I'm not even sure what I'm doing on board a ship."
It seems as if Azrielan is quite uncomfortable on this boat, as heavy metal objects tend to...sink.
As she hears the Paracount speak of bringing new civilization, her eyes seem to light up in excitement.
"My lord, I cannot wait to be by your side as we take this new land on. Surely we would be able to make it back to Cheliax to share in our triumph with the rest of our glorious nation?"
Nick, seeing the little footprints instinctively tries to reduce the amount of noise he makes as to keep his "prey" unaware...
... And follows the trail of footprints carefully.
"Paracount, are you sure you wouldn't want to return home and share in the glory?"
She seems wildly confused at the thought of never going back to Cheliax.
"Whatever the case may be, we need to worry about what we're headed towards, and what we'll find when we get there, before we make any plans."
Oh, sole credit, is it? He thinks he can leave out of this? The greatest discovery of our generation? Absurd!
You of course, meant to say that would enjoy the credit for establishing a colony? Akkad chuckles lightly. After all, it was us who will be employing our services free of charge. All for the benefit of relations between Qadira and Cheliax.
As the conversation continues, Arlan listens intently. Though he doesn't have much to say at the moment, he is trying to take measure of his new companions and employer.
As the conversation continues, Arlan listens intently. Though he doesn't have much to say at the moment, he is trying to take measure of his new companions and employer.
"Don't worry, lass. I mean no harm to you. Here, take some food from my rations. I can gather or hunt more once we hit the shore. Says Nick as he take out a trail ration and extends his hand "This is by no means luxury food, but will fill your stomach. My name is Nick, what's yours?