Gareth stays staring at the docks and people for some moments, with a grumpy face, before pulling his axe over his shoulder and moving back to the ship.
Isaac is surprised by the respect that’s given to him and his crew. Regaining his composure, he approaches the stevedores and the crew of The Sea Killer. Looking at both parties, he asks, ”An’ wha’, pray tell, was this all abou’?”
When Issac and crew walk up to the Sea Killer most of the stevedores and crew have returned to their various tasks, leaving one young half-elf on the Sea Killer being restrained by another couple of burly sailors, and being given a talking to by a dark bearded older man. On the dock , the situation is mirrored, with a dark skinned human, likewise restrained by two sturdy stevedores.
The dark beared man, looks up the question, and gives Issac a weary smile, "Ah, Cap'n Silvermane, you and your crew's reputation precedes you! Well, this lad, he says, indicating the half-elf, " and this one, he says, indicating the stevedore, " apparently fancy the same wench. And instead of knifing each other in an alley way like decent men, decided the docks was a good place to sort out their disagreement. Their's backed their man, ours backed our...and things started to get out of hand. "
He smiles ruefully, as if remembering the passions of his own youth, "'Twas a good omen that you sailed in when you did...with the news of your journey from Quent, otherwise there may have been a fair bit o' blood spilt!"
He turns to his sailors, "Put him working the bilge pump ,'til his blood cools!" he orders, with a laugh.
Seeing his competition being sent below seems to calm the angry stevedore, he muttering to his mates and the lot walks off to continue their duties.
Then turning back, "I forget my manners, Fargus Ulshan, First Mate of the Sea Killer" he declares, sticking out his hand.
Then its a loyal crew you have, and that's a good thing. I am Diana Seamist, First mate under Cap'n Silvermane. Diana is the first to speak but feels that is ok since its first mate to first mate. She shakes teh man's hand like any sailor might.
Isaac smiles at Fargus as he introduces himself. After Diana makes her introduce, Isaac steps forward and shakes Fargus's hand. "An' I be Cap'n Isaac Silv'rman' o' th' Silv'r Shrik'. An' it be th' leas' we can do. Mayhaps, next tim', they can work it ou' in a diff'ren' mann'r." He looks over the Sea Killer. "Quit' th' impressiv' ship ye hav' her'. Who be th' Cap'n o' it? Iff'n I may ask."
Fargus' beams as Diana takes his hand, "Ah, my contemporary! A pleasure , indeed! "
When Isaac offers his hand, he seems a bit reluctant to let go of Diana's , but does after giving it a gentle squeeze and a suggestive wink.
Turning slightly, he takes Isaac's offered hand and pumps the Shrike's Captain's hand vigorously, "An honor , indeed, Cap'n!" Fargus enthuses, "Quite a jaunt across the strait, if I may say!"
He tilts his head as Isaac makes his suggestion, nodding, then smiles again at the compliment to his ship and question about the Captain of the Sea Killer, "Ah , yer too kind to say so! The Captain? That's her up at the wheel, Narrista Redhair, " he indicates with his head towards a tall female elf, with a glorious head of red hair, barking commands to various sailors hustling about the ship.
As if she sensed she was being observed, Redhair turns to regard her First Mate and the Shrike's senior crew. She frowns, then makes a curt motion with her head.
"Ah, I've been summoned!" Fargus says good-naturedly, "Good sailing, following sea, and all that!" he says, before jumping back on his ship, hustling up to the wheel house.
Isaac smiles at Fargus as he makes his leave. Catching Narrista's eye, the Captain gives her a friendly smile and a tip of his tricorne. He then decides to approach the stevedores. "An' ye? Ar' ye all alrigh'?"
Narrista shoots another frown in Isacc's direction, but manners overcome whatever irritation she's feeling, and she inclines her head in response. Then, she's off shouting at her crew once more; looks like they're getting ready to head off to sea.
The stevedores in the vicinity carefully put down whatever they were carrying and stand respectfully as Issac addresses the other cause of the near fracas.
The lad glares at Isaac sullenly, arms still held by two other sturdy men, whose glances at Isaac indicate their predicament.
"Here now, the Cap'n asked you a question, Torr," one of the arm-holders said to the lad.
His face now a mask of annoyance, the lad twists his arm curiously and just like that his arm is free of the other man's grip. The same is repeated on the other side. The two men look down at their hands and up to the lad in amazement.
With a sigh, the young man, Torr raises his head to Isaac, a sheepish smile on his lips, "Sorry Cap'n , that you almost got involved with that...my Ma always warned me about my temper."
Edward takes a careful look at Torr, and listens carefully tohow the lad is speaking.
Is he putting up a facade, perhaps?
You get the sense that he's still simmering mad underneath. He is indeed putting up a facade...but for whom?
For his crush!
You get the feeling he's trying to diffuse the situation...perhaps he's embarrassed for causing a scene.
Isaac gives a small smile at Torr. "I be und'rstandin', lad. It be fin' to hav' a temp'r an' passion. Bu', ye mus' keep in mind when to releas' said temp'r. No need to be asham'd. Her'." He digs into his pocket and pulls out 25 gold pieces and hands them to Torr. "Us' this wis'ly. Rememb'r me lesson. An' iff'n ye need help or work, com' see us."
Torr looks at Isaac strangely, as if not sure if this was a jape or not.
Then realizing it wasn't, takes the coin, jingles them into a purse he takes from beneath his tunic. New wealth secured, he grabs Isaac's hand and pumps it repeatedly, "Thank ya, Cap'n!! Telia has to choose me now!"
Then with a whoop, he sprints off down the dock into town...
One of the stevedores that had held Torr scratches his head, "That may be good money after bad, if yer don't mind me say'n, Cap'n. But , it was mighty charit'ble of ya, all the same."
Edward is somewhat surprised at Isaac's donation to the hotheaded young man.
"So, i think it is safe to assume this fight was over a lady of pleasures. Those 25 coins will be sponsoring the local brothel it seems."
He shrugs with a grin.
"But, even such sponsorships could result in positive things."
He taps his chest with a casual smile.
Isaac gives a smile as Torr runs off and at Edward's comments. "Well, I pref'r to sho' kindness when th' situation calls fer it." He turns to the stevedores. "It wer' nothin'. Actually, I was wonderin' iff'n ye can help us wit' a few thin's. We can pay you shoul' ye wish."
The stevedore nods, "Fer sure, Cap'n" he says, moving over to one side of the dock, motioning for the other one to continue loading up The Sea Killer. He sets off yelling and swearing at the sweating stevedores loading the other pirate ship.
Now that he and the senior crew are out from underfoot, he smiles, "So what can I do fer ya, Cap'n?"
Isaac looks around to make sure no one's followed them. He then whispers, "We be lookin' fer people' who kno' thin's. Does anyon' in particular com' to mind?"
The stevedore nods and turns slightly so his broad back shield's both his and Isaac's faces from the rest of the docks, "So...you be talkin' about secret thin's, Cap'n?"
At Isaac's subtle nod, the stevedore reaches up and parts his sweat stained tunic, revealing a holy symbol of Norgorber laying there, hung by a piece of twine about his neck, "You done us docker's a good turn, I'll do ya one right back. Go on o'er ta the Lurker District, there you'll fin' a ol' fountain made o' pink coral. On the North side you'll fin' a warehouse. Look fer a sign with naught on it, that'll be the one. Just go'on in and per'aps you'll find yer secrets.
Then with a grin and a wave, he turns and joins the others in loading up the Sea Killer.
The stevedore nods and turns slightly so his broad back shield's both his and Isaac's faces from the rest of the docks, "So...you be talkin' about secret thin's, Cap'n?"
Isaac gives the stevedore a small nod in confirmation.
At Isaac's subtle nod, the stevedore reaches up and parts his sweat stained tunic, revealing a holy symbol of Norgorber laying there, hung by a piece of twine about his neck, "You done us docker's a good turn, I'll do ya one right back. Go on o'er ta the Lurker District, there you'll fin' a ol' fountain made o' pink coral. On the North side you'll fin' a warehouse. Look fer a sign with naught on it, that'll be the one. Just go'on in and per'aps you'll find yer secrets.
Then with a grin and a wave, he turns and joins the others in loading up the Sea Killer.
Isaac is somewhat shocked by the revelation that stevedore is one of Norgorber's faithful. But he takes it in stride and listens to the directions carefully. He then nods at the man in thanks. Turning to his crew, Isaac says, "Well now. Tha' seem'd to work fer th' bes'. Shall we be goin' to this war'hous'?"
Jaina rolls her shoulders. "Might as well. It's a lead."
Decision made, the Shrike's senior crew move out into Beachcomber proper.
After the relative calmness of Quent, the clamor and constant tumult of Beachcomber is a near shock to the system. Beachcomber was a lawless a port as there was in the Shackles.
On their way to the Lurker District, the group has to draw steel twice to discourage a rowdy group of sailors, the malcontents walking away grumbling, to find easier pickings.
Finally, the group entered a area of warehouses and shipping offices. Soon, they walked into a courtyard, in the center of which lay a fountain made of pink coral.
To the North, lay a warehouse, nondescript in every way , including it's sign...bare of any insignia.
There. Diana indicates the sign with a nod of her head and a quiet word.
Isaac nods in response. He approaches the door, takes a deep breath, and opens it.
The door squeaks slightly as it opens, revealing a dim warehouse, boxes rising against the walls.
The dim light is pierced by three columns of sunlight streaming in from open windows above. Dust slowly floats through the columns of light, and all is still.
From out of the shadows a small figure steps into the middle-most square of light. A halfling you presume, wearing the black clothing of an indentured servant to an aristocratic household. His face is hidden by a cherubic mask.
Stopping in the direct center of the square of light, the halfling looks at you then motions you forward into the warehouse. After doing so he turns and walks back into the dimness to appear again in the farthest square of sunlight, waiting for you to follow...
Gareth follows Isaac with his usual grumpy face. The Dwarf is clearly concerned as he walks, but agreeing it's a lead, he pushes.
Creepy. Diana comments.
Jaina follows, keeping an eye out for anyone waiting in ambush.
The halfling sees at least one of you following, waits as Jaina makes her way through the warehouse.
As Jaina herself reaches the second column of sunlight, the halfling walks to the left where Jaina can now see what appears to be a windowless room awaits. She can see a number of lanterns illuminating a bare room...the halfling enters and waits...
She sees no sign of danger.
Isaac, with a little hesitation, follows the halfling all the way into the lantern room, all while keeping an eye out for danger.
The halfling waits in the room, standing on a small wooden box. You notice that the room indeed has no windows, and the walls are covered with thick padding.
When all have entered, he trots over to the door and closes it. The back of the door is also covered in padding.
Returning to the box, he turns , holding up a finger.
He pulls a candle made out of a swirl of black and red wax from his tunic. Lighting it from a nearby lantern, he drips a few drops of its wax on the floor...in a spot where such a thing has been done many times before; a pile of old wax has accumulated there.
Stepping back, he cocks his head as if listening... While the padding had diminished the sound of the town considerably, you notice that with the lighting of the candle, you cannot hear anything from outside.
The hafling takes his place back on the box, spreads his hands out to his side and says, "You may call me Slip....how can The Temple of the Hidden Name be of service?"
Isaac nods at Slip before saying, "Mr. Slip. We be searchin' fer inf'rmation. We wish to kno' o' any Chel spies her' in th' Shackl's. We also wish to kno' th' location o' som' pirat's tha' may hav' attack'd Th' Lady's Sting."
And we would we quick to show appreciation for any help you might be able to render.
The halfling named Slip, listens attentively to Isaac's requests, then looks pointedly at Diana.
He then holds up two fingers, "Two secrets requested; spies and wreckers. The Reaper of Reputation knows much that is hidden, but secrets always have a price."
He hops down from the box and approaches, talking conversationally, "If you don't already know, The Temple of the Hidden Name deals in information, using secrets as currency. The more important the secret....the greater the secret in return." he says, smiling beneath his mask.
"The first secret you ask: Chel spies. For information such as this , you must determine the fate of The Brine Banshee, a famous ship known for its unparalleled handling for a ship of it's size...thought to be the result of a number of potent spells woven into it's structure. Find the Banshee, and the secret of it's maneuverability and I will trade you information on the spies you seek."
You recall hearing about the ill-fated Brine Banshee, which disappeared west of Shark Island after leaving the port of Ollo. What happened remains a mystery, but the ship did visit Quent on its way to Ollo, so perhaps the House of Stolen Kisses may have information on the Brine Banshee's fate.
The halfling then taps his lips, "Then we have the second secret:The fate of the Ladies Sting. There are many wreckers operating in the Shackles, but I have knowledge of a crew of wreckers that have claimed to have successfully attacked a Calistrian vessel. To obtain this information, you must tell me secret that only you know..."
He hops back up onto the box and waits expectantly...
Well if any secret will do I'll tell you that while I have dined in the courts of Cheliax, my favorite meal is fresh caught fish with hard bread and root vegetables grilled over an open fire on a beach with a clear view of the ocean.
Slip smiles, "The Reaper treasures personal secrets! And should any suitors come to us for help in wooing the beautiful Diana Seamyst, we will be prepared! Alas, in this case however, that secret is not of high enough importance to be a suitable trade for information on the Ladies Sting"
His smile fades and he again waits...
Indeed? Well I do expect payment in kind for my secret. That is your currency, is it not? Diana almost huffs.
Edward had been quiet mostly, intrigued by the whole intrigue thing.
"I have a juicy one, from Riddleport. The famed tavern [Rosalinde's] special whiskey, has rotting shark carcass as an ingredient. The scandal that could cause...."
Slip looks Diana's way again, "Indeed. However, I'd not presume to offer a payment for your secret publicly...without your leave, of course."
He then turns to Edward, considering the information he's offered, "While an interesting tidbit, Riddleport is far away from here...."
He looks to the others to see if they have anything better to offer...
Isaac nods at the information about the Brine Banshee, having heard the tales. When Slip asks for more information, Isaac thinks for a moment before saying, "I will tell ye som' o' me secre's. Le' it be known tha' I, Cap'n Isaac Silv'rman', am... afraid o' pelicans. An' I also hav' a weak spot fer small kitt'ns, despit' me tough shell. They jus' be so cut'."
Though the halfling was obviously looking for one 'big' secret, he seems satisfied with the three less important secrets you've provided.
"The wreckers you seek are led by a half-orc wizard name Vkarla and they operate from a hidden island southeast of the Rampore Islands." he states.
"I look forward to the information you obtain about the Brine Banshee. Return here when you have." he says, ushering you out of the 'quite' room, after extinguishing his candle.
As you leave, he stands once again in the middle column of light , until you've reached the door, when he step to the side and disappears into the dimness.
And so, the senior crew of The Shrike emerges into the hot sunshine, blinking at the sudden brightness.
Two avenues are before them ...Seek out the wreckers of the Ladies Sting , or return to Quent and seek information on the last movements of the Brine Banshee from the Calistrians...
Were it up to me I'd not rest my head again before goin after the wreckers. The worst sort they are, and the world a better place once they've been put down.
Isaac thinks before saying. ”We go aft’r Vkarla an’ th’ wreck’rs, ge’ th’ artifact, bring it bac’ to th’ Calistrians, ge’ th’ information on th’ Brin’ Banshee, fin’ it, an’ bring th’ secrets bac’ her’.”
"Then let's get going. Adventure awaits us.", Edward casually adds.
"Yes. Wreckers first." Jaina nods a little too enthusiastically.
"Hell, if those Calistrians have been sitting on the Brine Banshee's memory for this long, they'll keep a while longer."
The decision is made to seek out the wreckers and find the Calistrian ship Lady's Sting.
It is mid-day and the sun beats down on Beachcomber hard, sending most inside despite the constant breeze, making the streets somewhat deserted for the walk back to the docks.
The crew can see the white tops still popping up in the bay, so a strong breeze still blew out to sea as well.
Once back on the Shrike the crew consults their charts and see that the Rampore Isles lay to the North and west of Beachcomber...with these winds, less than a day away.
But the search for the wreckers will most likely take longer...