To Rule the Razor! (Inactive)

Game Master Eric Swanson

Zemwaar follows the others closely, his eyes continuously surveying the scene around them, mainly Ko'oku'wa and Captain Hazeltree.

He cannot shake the feeling that something is clearly wrong with the picture, even though he feels satisfied the Tulita are not in shackles, but instead free to move around.

As the captain speaks, he listens, arms crossed, and ready to spring into action - the close quarters are the perfect set up for an ambush.

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

With an arched eyebrow, his gaze shifts from Hazeltree to the Tulita personal assistant, staring hard at the man, observing his attire for telltale signs of any further... Abilities, apart from seamanship.

Perception?: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26

As the Captain starts eating his meal awaiting a response from Jacinth, Rata Fenn and Zemwaar observe the Tulitan 'slave' in action. While the slave Ko'oku'wa moves in a subservient manner, several details are not missed by the sharp-eyed Tulitan warrior. For one thing, the knife he uses to cut the fish is extremely sharp. Plus, the blade does stay hovered near the Captain's throat for longer than would be expected. The Captain appears to be completely unconcerned with the sharp blade as well. As Zemwaar looks into the Tulitan's eyes, he sees the other man return his gaze calmly but does not say anything. He is certain this is no mere slave he is dealing with.

Aikane busts out a deck of cards and shakes them around, to see if Oren is interested.

The gnome raises his eyebrows.

Jacinth feels her face flush slightly pink as she realizes that she forgot the most obvious route that Guillard and his friends could take - simply say that she had initiated parley.

Son of a succubus, they arranged this as being our idea! No, no I think not. The situation here is curious and this Ko'oku'wa seems...different, but I will not dance for the benefit of Guillard and his friends, compensation or no.

Taking a deep breath, Jacinth addresses the Captain. "Ah yes, it is a pleasure to meet you, Captain Hazeltree. I am Jacinth Deepwarder, captain of the Rita and this is Zemwaar and Rata Fenn, two of my crew," she nods by way of introduction. "I am a busy woman and I understand that you are likely a busy man, so I will be brief. I did not initiate parley, rather your First Mate took it upon himself to invite us aboard...truly, he seemed very concerned for your health and wished us to speak with you to see if perhaps we could render some sort of assistance." With a gleam in her eye, she adds, "There was also something concerning a difference of opinion about the operation of the Iron Bastion? Admittedly, your current arrangements seem...curious considering the nature of your vessel, but things appear to be in working order so who am I to judge? I certainly have no stake in how you choose to run your own ship...though I must confess that I am fascinated by your unique methods just the same."

"You enjoy games of chance, Aikane? Looks like fun. What's your poison?"

The Captain looks up at the female elf Captain silently, before he motions for Ko'oku'wa to cut him another piece of his fish lunch. The slave quickly obliges him, and also bends down to whisper something inaudible in the man's ear.

He chews and swallows the morsel before clearing his throat. He then looks up at Jacinth. "So, you say you find my methods of captaining this vessel interesting. In what way? Do you think my methods are wrong in some way?" He leans forward slightly in his chair as he stares at her. "Do you think the Tulitan slaves aboard need to be placed back into their chains?"

As he waits for an answer, you also see Ko'oku'wa looking up at you with more than a little interest on his face.

Jacinth gives Ko'oku'wa a curious look as he whispers into the Captain's ear, but says nothing, though she does note his own obvious interest in what she has to say.

Curiouser and curiouser...

Jacinth smiles pleasantly in reply to the Captain's questions. "Not wrong, Captain Hazeltree, just unique compared to what I've heard about how slave ships are usually run. There has clearly been no uprising among them and yet you are comfortable enough to allow them to roam the deck freely and to assist your crew in their duties. Surely you can understand my curiosity? As for your other question..."

Just tell him that you do so he can disagree and send you on your way. We are wasting precious time with this!

Yes, that would greatly endear you to Zemwaar, Rata, and everyone else would it not?

Why does it matter? They signed a contract and we are too far out to simply return to Port Shaw now. All you need to do is complete the mission and then we will be rid of each other.

Almost unbidden, the note that Nef had left under Jacinth's door only a day or two ago floats up from the depths of Jacinth's subconscious. What had it been?

'Kaikua`ana'...for all that you have resisted and attempted to remain distant, she still believes in you...and this is important to her... she thinks, feeling a sudden pang of...guilt?

If you disagree with this man...Nef will learn of it. And then what will happen? No, the die was cast the day you agreed to be placed under that truth spell. You were forthright then, you were forthright just a moment ago...be so now.

Jacinth meets the Captain's gaze, ice-blue eyes locking with his. "Though I myself have no particular love for the slave trade, the...history between my people and the Tulita leave me less than inclined to involve myself in their trials, individual members of my crew aside," she says quietly, not daring to chance a glance at either Zemwaar or Rata. "We are currently undertaking a rescue mission and time is of the essence. However, several among my crew had an interest in seeing what the Iron Bastion wished of us; they felt that perhaps we could provide assistance in some manner. And so I agreed to come meet with you. Do I believe that you should return the slaves to their chains?" The elven captain heaves a weary sigh. "As much as I would have preferred to continue on our way and remain uninvolved...no. No I do not. But if you also believe that they should not, then I am curious as to what prompted you to change your mind...and why you still continue towards your destination."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 22

"Blackjack?"

1d21 to start, then add 1d13
1 for aces
11 for jacks
12 for queens
13 for kings

Unless you know the mechanics for another game we could play?

"Sure, I'll play a hand or three. Seems like everything is going well over there. No loud booms or anything of the sort."

Hand One
1d21 ⇒ 5

"Hit me!"
1d13 ⇒ 4

"How about one more?!"

1d13 ⇒ 5

"Why not one more? I'm feeling lucky!"

1d13 ⇒ 7

"Lookie there! Fortune favors a gambler, I always heard!"

first cards: 1d21 ⇒ 15

Aikane tips his head from side to side, then says, "Let's live dangerously"

hit me: 1d14 ⇒ 1

"The ace's face, and his friend the-"
hit me: 1d14 ⇒ 13

Aikane frowns pensively, "-King. You win this round, Oren!

Captain Hazeltree is silent for a moment, glancing to his slave almost as if...seeking approval of something. As the silence drags on for what seems an eternity you all sense a shift as to who holds the authority here...and it does not belong to the putative Captain, instead it belongs to...

Ko'oku'wa finally speaks up for the first time, first nodding in acknowledgment with his fellow Tulitan warrior. He faces Jacinth and speaks softly, but with a note of urgency. "Thank you for siding with my people Captain. I know our peoples have been warring with one another in the past, and it heartens me to see you do not carry your peoples prejudices in your own heart."

He stands up and motions for the Captain to stay seated. "I was brought aboard along with the others here who you have seen already. Unlike the others here, I do have sorcerous blood running in my veins, so I disguised myself as a personal valet and magically charmed the good Barnabas Hazeltree. I then cajoled the Captain to release the slaves from their shackles and have them perform menial tasks on-board the ship as a means of testing their worth and boosting morale." He looks you over again watching your reaction closely. Once satisfied with your reaction, he continues, "My charm spell will lapse shortly. When it does, the Captain will beat me and my fellow slaves into submission or even kill us for this attempted rebellion."

He looks at each of you in the eyes, a look of pleading now on his face. "Will you help us?"

Zemwaar nods at the Tulita, in appreciation of his straightforward words - "What are your intentions?" - he asks, also straightforward.

Jacinth, momentarily at a loss for words, stares at Ko'oku'wa with a mixture of amazement and grudging respect on her face.

Apparently he did not have much of a plan beyond what he has already accomplished, but nonetheless...the man did seize the initiative. But now what do you do, Jacinth? Aid them and word will spread of it, one way or the other. You will make enemies. And if we do not aid them, then it will be as the man says. They will be beaten or killed...even the women and children.

And so...we stay the course.

Jacinth closes her eyes for a moment and takes a deep breath. Exhaling slowly, she opens them and looks at Ko'oku'wa. "Very well. But as Zemwaar has asked, what do you intend precisely? And how much longer will your enchantment hold? My crew does not number many, but I can have my scout ferry all but my helmsman over in short order." She begins to pace back and forth in front of the table, brow furrowed in thought. "Guillard informed us that the Bastion does not employ a ship's surgeon. Perhaps a ruse is in order? I can call ours over, as well as his 'assistants', ostensibly to see to Captain Hazeltree..." Pausing, she looks up at the three men. "Thoughts? Either way, we will need a plan, and quickly."

Nefertiti guides Wedjat back into a circling pattern from his earlier swoops.

Ride: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

Perched on Wedjat's back, Nefertiti continues to survey the deck of the Iron Bastion. Have the three mates resurfaced? If they have, she watches them to see what they are doing.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Worried for Jacinth, Rata and Zem, she keeps herself preoccupied with statistics. How many children are there? How many infirm? Is the slaver crew mostly male and brawny?

Aikane bridges the deck a few times, reshuffling the cards.

Then, he offers the deck to Oren.

"Rematch."

Ko'oku'wa looks over at Jacinth and nods slowly. He bends down to whisper into Captain Hazeltree's ear briefly. The Captain then gets up and moves over to his bed and lays down on his bunk.

He then pulls you away from the bunk and faces you again. His voice is low so as not to be overheard. "My plan is a simple one. We overthrow the slavers and take control of this vessel. Then we shall sail it to where they cannot find us." He paces the small room, thinking deeply. "Your idea of continuing the ruse is a good one, I agree. Even with your assistance, the number of slavers will still outnumber our warriors. I will need to renew my spell on the Captain again however. Should he resist the spell, this whole plan will fall apart before we can get your reinforcement here." He looks over to the Tulitan warrior, a look of respect on his face. He then asks in the Tulitan tongue,

"Sounds good to me. Here we go!"

Hand 2 1d21 ⇒ 5

1d13 ⇒ 2

1d13 ⇒ 6

1d13 ⇒ 9

"Ah, the cards are against me this time!

** spoiler omitted **

"She does" - Zemwaar replies in the common tongue, so all can understand his words, bowing shortly in thanks for the compliment - "I speak in the common tongue, as I have nothing to hide from my companions" - he explains - "And I believe our Captain's reasoning is sound. If there will be a fight for your freedom, it needs to be a surprise and quick one. Guile will be the best way to garner us such advantage"

Taking a look at Jacinth first, he then turns to his fellow Tulita again - "If the slavers are fought and defeated, what will you do with them? How can you guarantee they will not know where you have headed?"

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Jacinth feels the corners of her mouth twitch slightly as she listens to Ko'uka'wa address Zemwaar, though she gives no other outward indication that she is able to understand his words.

Making sure that I am to be trusted. This man has common sense. Good.

Surprisingly, she can't help but also feel a small surge of what feels suspiciously like endearment as Zemwaar vouches for her wisdom to the other Tulita.

If he found my plan or my judgement unfit, he would not hesitate to say so to all, she thinks as her mind briefly returns to their encounter with Filthy Jack.

Her expression quickly resumes its earlier seriousness as Ko'uka'wa explains the parameters of his enchantment over the Captain, as well as the fact that it will need to be reapplied in short order. "Do I have enough time to return to the deck to signal my scout to begin transport before you will need to reapply your enchantment? If not, then I will wait until you do and then go." She gives the Captain a dispassionate glance. "If he should resist, can we not simply ah...pummel him unconscious or employ some other means of restraint? It would not be ideal, but if done quickly it might prevent him from alerting the others."

Ko'oku'wa nods to his fellow tribesman warrior, replying in the common tongue. "I do not plan on taking any prisoners, my friend. This battle will be fought without asking for, or giving quarter." His voice hardens, "We cannot let any of these slavers escape to report what happens here, else OUR people will be made to SUFFER!"

He then glances over at the Captain, who seems to be struggling with an internal struggle. "I am out of time now...I must try here." He then swiftly chants a spell then points at the Captain. There is an almost imperceptible flow of magic in the small cabin before the Tulitan sighs in relief. "The spell worked!"

He turns to face Jacinth. "I agree with Zemwaar here, we need to use guile here. We do have more time now, but the others are getting restless. We must act quickly now!"

Holding onto the ratlines, Ke' peered across the water to where his companions disappeared aboard the larger ship.
"Come on, come on; what's taking so long over there?" He muttered, grinding his teeth on his pipestem.

He knew the answer would be that one, but he wanted to hear it - "Though I am commited to freeing as many tribesmen and women as possible, and we are most likely allies in this endeavour, we are not yet friends" - Zemwaar retorts openly - "Why not simply have the captain order all but the Tulita to abandon ship, nominating you as captain? Those refusing the captain's orders - as surely some will - would be forced to do so, but those agreeing to the terms, would be allowed to leave" - he adds.

"Unnecessary bloodshed could be prevented, and your destination would be safe" - the man continues - "If by any chance we were ever confronted with what has happened here, there wouldn't be much to tell - the captain decided to abandon ship, leaving a Tulitan in charge. Outrageous? Definitely? But he is the captain, and if he has decided so..."

Ko'oku'wa sighs softly. He motions Zemwaar to one side away from the others. The look in his eye is filled with regret yet his voice is flat as he replies, "My hold on the Captain is far more tenuous than you have seen so far. The spell influences his behavior, but does not control him. Should I do as you request, the Captain will no doubt break the enchantment I have over him, then we are surely doomed to fail."

He shifts to the Tulitan native tongue as he adds, "These are SLAVERS! Guillard and the other slavers would bathe the ship's decks with the blood of our peoples if we gave them that chance! Surely you smell the scent of mutiny here, do you not? They do not bear us any love, nor do they show us any mercy. Tell me, why should we do the same for these...these BARBARIANS?"

Jacinth, pale at the prospect of slaughtering the entire crew of the Iron Bastion, nods in agreement with Zemwaar's counter proposal. "Would that not be simpler and less likely to result in losing any of your own people or mine? Or if that would not work..." she trails off, glancing again at the form of Captain Hazeltree on his bunk. Her eyes light up and she snaps her fingers. "Perhaps we can merge Zemwaar's idea and my own, though I will likely have to include some disparaging language concerning the Tulita in order for the crew to believe me," she says, giving Zemwaar and Ko'oku'wa a slightly apologetic look. "I tell them that the Captain may be suffering from a plague, one that is carried by the Tulita but does not affect them. In order to be certain, I will have to send for my Tulita witchdoctor and his assistants to examine him, which will allow for me to summon the rest of my crew. Once they are here, we tell the crew that it is a plague outbreak and that the good Captain is already ill. The rest of the crew are at risk so long as they remain on this ship...so they must abandon it!" she exclaims, her eyes shining as she concocts her story. "I intend to put the first part of it into action now, so that I may get the rest of my crew over here. We can quibble over the rest of the details then, provided your enchantment still holds."

With that, Jacinth turns and moves to head back towards the deck...

Nef is getting more and more worried as she circles overhead.

There's still no sign of the three mates, correct?

"Horus, please..." she whispers as she prays.

"You led us here. Give me a sign of what we should do. The numbers are too evenly matched. If there is a battle, innocents will die. Guide us, Lord of the Sky."

Holding onto the ratlines, Ke' peered across the water to where his companions disappeared aboard the larger ship.

"Come on, come on; what's taking so long over there?" He muttered, grinding his teeth on his pipestem.

"Doubtless, they're going shopping to free them all, knowing Zem."

lay em down: 1d21 ⇒ 1
hah, um I think I may have found a flaw here? call it 11?

hit: 1d14 ⇒ 9

"And I'll take twenty, thank ye kindly."

"Care to join us, Ke'ahilani?"

Ko'oku'wa sighs softly. He motions Zemwaar to one side away from the others. The look in his eye is filled with regret yet his voice is flat as he replies, "My hold on the Captain is far more tenuous than you have seen so far. The spell influences his behavior, but does not control him. Should I do as you request, the Captain will no doubt break the enchantment I have over him, then we are surely doomed to fail."

He shifts to the Tulitan native tongue as he adds, "These are SLAVERS! Guillard and the other slavers would bathe the ship's decks with the blood of our peoples if we gave them that chance! Surely you smell the scent of mutiny here, do you not? They do not bear us any love, nor do they show us any mercy. Tell me, why should we do the same for these...these BARBARIANS?"

"'Barbarians' is exactly the term the slavers use to name our people" - Zemwaar answers calmly - "You misunderstand me if you think I would hesitate in striking any of them - they deserve nothing from me. From US" - the tribesman's eyes gleam, and he flexes his fists.

"Yet, I will not allow them to turn me into something I am not - to use your words, it is we who are being given a chance. If we act as they would, what would difference us?"

At Jacinth's words, he simply nods in agreement, following her up top.

Jacinth, with Rata Fenn and Zemwaar in tow, exit the Captains quarters and look for the First Mate Guillard. He is found waiting for you on the top deck, along with the two mates, a concerned look on his face. "So, you were there for quite some time with the Captain. Were you able to convince him to do what we asked?"

The others aboard the Rita, along with Nefertiti, see the others emerge from below decks apparently unharmed.

Jacinth, I will need a Bluff check here to convince the mates of your deception. Rata and Zem you can Aid Another on this check.

Honorable Kraken -- May Nef also aid this check by reacting to Jacinth's request for the surgeon and surgeon's mate? She is right there, and will be called into this conversation. And Jacinth and I do have a prearranged signal.

"Yes, I apologize for the delay but considering the circumstances, it was necessary," Jacinth replies in a low voice. "Your Captain's situation is potentially more dire than you realize. There is a distinct possibility that Captain Hazeltree is in the beginning stages of a terrible plague, consutis morbus, that is sometimes known to be carried by the Tulita people...but for some unknown reason does not affect them, only non-Tulita peoples." Jacinth glances around to make sure that none of the other crew are within earshot besides Guillard and his two companions. "If so, this may be why he has begun behaving so oddly as of late. In fact, he may very well have contracted it from that so-called manservant," she adds, her face darkening. "In order to be certain one way or the other, I will summon our own Tulita witchdoctor and his two assistants-in-training to examine him and determine whether or not my suspicions are correct. In the meantime, it would be best to limit contact between the Captain and the rest of your crew for precautionary reasons as well as keep this among yourselves lest you want a panic on your hands."

Bluff: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (12) + 12 = 24

The First Mate listens to the elf Captain closely, his eyes widening as the word 'plague' is mentioned. As she finishes her tale, he glances over at Buckley who shakes his head slightly. His look of uncertainty is mixed with a look of skepticism. "I be sailing the Razor fer a long time, lass, 'n me never 'eard of such a disease before. Still...", he glances uncertainly at Zemwaar before turning back to her, "I guess we 'ave not run into 'everthing yet..." His voice trails off uncertainly...

Botting Rata Fenn here...

Rata Fenn adds smoothly, "She speaks the truth Master Guillard. 'I r'member running across somethin' like this on me travels 'ere afer I reached the Razor. It be a NASTY bug!"

Guillard nods in reply to him, and considers the words carefully...glancing at the other warrior who has remained silent so far...

I will need an Aid another check from Zemwaar here as well. The First Mate rolled REALLY well on his Sense Motive check, he he.

Noting with extreme displeasure that Guillard seems much sharper than she'd anticipated, Jacinth quickly weighs her options. Though Rata offered a fairly convincing backup to her words she was not so sure that Zemwaar would be capable of telling a falsehood, even to a group of slavers. She glances upward to where Nef continues to circle overhead on Wedjat.

Nef could convince lions to lie down with lambs...let us hope her talent for speech runs in the opposite direction as well!

"Stone the crows!" Jacinth exclaims, feigning anger as the three men still seem unconvinced. "This may be a life or death situation and you hesitate! I have remained calm for the sake of not starting a panic and out of respect to your Captain and yourselves, but I must summon my witchdoctor immediately!" Looking upward, she calls out, "Nefertiti! Garas halani," beckoning the woman to land.

"Fetch Ke'ahilani and Aikane at once!" she orders, once Nef has landed. "It looks like we may have a case of consutis morbus on our hands," she says, her expression grim but her eyes containing a rather crafty look. "We need to be sure."

Surely Nef is smart enough to realize that something is awry here and will respond appropriately to my little lie...

When Oren notices something happening on the deck, he nudges Aikane. "Something's happening over there, that's for sure. Doesn't seem to be any hostilities, however. That's gotta count for something. We can figure out a tiebreaker later...let's look lively."

Oren casts False Life, granting himself 1d10 + 5 ⇒ (4) + 5 = 9 temporary hit points for the next five hours. "You can never be too prepared," he says with a toothy grin.

"Frankly, I don't see what all the fuss is about. It's not like they're just going to give us a boat full of slaves. Besides, then we're just going to take them down into some evil elf lab? Not likely. Their captain probably just got his calculations thrown off during the course of some storm or another."

Nef watches with some relief as Jacinth, Rata and Zem resurface with the three mates, and watches, still circling as the mates and Jacinth converse in low voices. Thank Horus they're alright.

Looking upward, she calls out, "Nefertiti! Garas halani," beckoning the woman to land.

When Jacinth signals her to land though with their prearranged signal for clandestine help, Nef is puzzled.

If she needs help, why is she signaling me to LAND?

She meets Zem's steady gaze, and is immediately reassured. Whatever this is about, Zem's onboard with it.

"Fetch Ke'ahilani and Aikane at once!" she orders, once Nef has landed. "It looks like we may have a case of consutis morbus on our hands," she says, her expression grim but her eyes containing a rather crafty look. "We need to be sure."

After she lands, Nef looks at Jacinth, the light dawning. Oh brilliant, brilliant Jacinth. You're playing them to buy time for us to bring over Lani and Aikane!

"Consutis morbus, Captain?" Nef repeats, incredulously. "And you had me land? I'll get the surgeon and his mate, but did you have to put me at risk?"

Untrained Bluff, Aid Another: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20

Continuing to act the role of the annoyed and haughty Keleshite princess, Nef looks disdainfully at the scruffy slavers before her. Nose in the air, she flounces off the way she had seen her sister Ismah do so many times before.

Remounting Wedjat, she soars upwards. En route, she casts Ant Haul on her eagle.

As she arrives at the Rita, she flies past Ke'ahilani and touches him, casting Fly. "You've been called in as Ship's Surgeon for some disease that I think Jacinth just made up. Are you ready for this, Lani?" More loudly she says, "If you've never flown before, it's best to keep to straight lines... Less to mess up! Just kick off from here in the direction of the Iron Bastion's mast, and you should be fine!"

Then she swoops down upon the card game, just as Oren and Aikane get the cards put away. "Sorry to interrupt your game, but we've been summoned. Aikane, do you want to sit in front of me, or be carried in Wedjat's claws?"

Waits for Aikane's doubtless acerbic response.

Once Aikane is settled, she takes off with him full speed back to the other ship. She tells him what little she knows. "Jacinth has some scheme brewing, but Rata and Zem are supporting her. We'll just have to hope she gives us enough breadcrumbs so that we can follow."

Aikane looks wedjat in the eyes. "Claws. Just be dainty. Not so dainty, you drop me though."
Aikane dons a loose backpack so W has something to grip onto.

"Screeeee!"

Dainty? Me?

Still Wedjat grips the menehune carefully, making sure to sink his claws into the backpack, not the person.

This is just like flying off with a tasty piglet!

He loves the feel of the Ant Haul spell, and how light and effortless it is to carry both Nef and the menehune. I could get used to this.

The First Mate listens to the elf Captain closely, his eyes widening as the word 'plague' is mentioned. As she finishes her tale, he glances over at Buckley who shakes his head slightly. His look of uncertainty is mixed with a look of skepticism. "I be sailing the Razor fer a long time, lass, 'n me never 'eard of such a disease before. Still...", he glances uncertainly at Zemwaar before turning back to her, "I guess we 'ave not run into 'everthing yet..." His voice trails off uncertainly...

Botting Rata Fenn here...

Rata Fenn adds smoothly, "She speaks the truth Master Guillard. 'I r'member running across somethin' like this on me travels 'ere afer I reached the Razor. It be a NASTY bug!"

Guillard nods in reply to him, and considers the words carefully...glancing at the other warrior who has remained silent so far...

I will need an Aid another check from Zemwaar here as well. The First Mate rolled REALLY well on his Sense Motive check, he he.

"It is as the Captain Jacinth explained - there is more than one way to deal with it, but this is the best one" - Zemwaar adds without hesitation.

Untrained Bluff: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

I wanted so badly to chime in during the last few days, those were some great exchanges! Luckily, I have returned. With 20/20 vision, no less. ;)

Bluff to aid another: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Rata seemed about to say something, but kept his silence as Jacinth's quick mind formulated the plan of feigning disease had befallen Captain Hazeltree. He followed the others to the main deck, and stands ready, anticipating the arrival of their companions and the next development in this sticky situation. I am willing to fight, and die, to see these natives freed. No man, no matter their cause or creed, should be subjected to enslavement...

The other Tulitan slaves and crew of the Bastion give the fierce Haast eagle a wide berth as Nefertiti takes off and returns again, gently depositing Aikane on the deck near Jacinth and the others. As Wedjat lands on the deck allowing the priestess to disembark, she draws the attention of the Tulitan slaves to her like moths are drawn to a bright flame. The slaver crew eye her more suspiciously, but also stay well clear of her. Ke'ahilani soars over the ocean water and lands on the deck, none too gracefully, but upright at least and he soon joins you as well.

Oren stays at the Helm of the Rita trying to steer the ship in a station keeping position to make sure the ships do not drift too far apart.

Once all of you have reunited, the First Mate Guillard approaches you while glancing uneasily around him at his crew. "Sooo, Captain, I see your Witch doctor has arrived. Should I take you down to see Captain Hazeltree now?"

After daintily dropping off Aikane, Wedjat preens in front of his many admirers, especially the awed slave children.

I hope that Nef doesn't want me to give them ALL rides. That could be tiresome.

Nef disembarks with practiced ease as she surveys the people around her. The awed attitude of the Tulitan slaves is particularly unnerving. She wants to do nothing more than run to them, reassure them, and guide them off this boat and to freedom. But this situation, with near parity in numbers between Tulitan warriors and Slavers, is balanced on the razor's edge of a lie.

Any overt action, and it will tilt into a slaughter. She would die before she lets that happen.

If they recognize me from the outskirts, they could give away whatever scheme Jacinth's got brewing... Aikane's right. I'm too distinctive, and stand out too much in crowds. I'm endangering them by my mere presence.

Nef pulls herself up, and continues channeling the personality of Ismah the Infallible, her spoiled little sister. Those suspicious slavers have to believe the lie, and she must give Jacinth's story credibility.

_____________________

Though she is dying with curiosity about the slaver Captain and Jacinth's fake plague, she turns to Jacinth with a pout. "Captain, do I have to go down there, too? You know I'm... not exactly a nurturing, cuddly type. Being near someone sick? Eew." She waves her hands, as if batting away the idea of playing nurse. "There's no need for me to be at risk too!"

She meets Jacinth's gaze, willing the elf to understand.

Go ahead and discipline me and send me down, or have me stay here where I can keep an eye on these three. Either way, I'll serve you however I can.

Slightly Earlier

"Consutis morbus, Captain?" Nef repeats, incredulously. "And you had me land? I'll get the surgeon and his mate, but did you have to put me at risk?"

Caught off-guard by Nef's response, Jacinth is unable to formulate a response before the priestess flounces away and takes to the skies once more. Staring after her for a moment, she shakes her head and turns back to Guillard and his friends. "The best speaker I believe I have ever met and invaluable as a scout...but as you can see, quite a handful."

You are quite the actress Nef but what was that, just now? I expected a soft or fearful approach and you went the opposite direction. Still quite effective and yet...that mask you assumed just now is somehow both fitting and alien on you.

Present

Once all of the crew is assembled save for Oren, Jacinth opens her mouth to address Guillard's question but finds herself rather rudely interrupted by Nef. She scowls and returns the priestess' gaze with a cold glare. "Quite frankly, it does not matter to me whether you are a nurturing, 'cuddly' type or not. Since you also have some knowledge of medicine you will accompany Ke'ahilani as his assistant. Perhaps a case of consutis morbus would actually be an improvement for you and tamp down that insufferable attitude!" she barks. "And you shall return with them," she adds, her eyes briefly alighting on Zemwaar's form. "For obvious reasons, Rata Fenn, Aikane and myself will remain here while the examination is conducted. Though I would not recommend accompanying them down you are certainly free to do so, Master Guillard. However, under no circumstances must you or any of the crew approach the Captain's quarters and risk possible infection until we know for certain what we are dealing with!" Having understood the meaning behind Nef's gaze, she hopes that the others will understand that her harsh words and demeanor are for the benefit of the other crew mates in order to further sell the ruse and are not her true feelings.

Nef and Zemwaar have the best chance of talking Ko'oku'wa out of slaughtering the entire crew. And hopefully between Rata, Aikane and myself, we can keep Guillard and the rest occupied...

Ke' staggered a little when he landed, but drew himself up arrogantly as he got his feet (and pegleg) back.

Oren waited patiently, hoping that things were going well over on the other ship. He hated to think about having to cast damaging spells on the ship if his friends were there.

Rata stood vigilant, guarding the hatch leading belowdecks from slaver and native alike as he directed Ke' to the Captain below. He gives a nasty glare to anyone demanding entry who doesn't belong.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (6) + 10 = 16

Excellent, Jacinth! I just need to keep the story going a little longer...

At Jacinth's orders, Nef flashes her Captain a haughty glare, then wraps a scarf around her mouth.

Not just to keep away any fictional plague, but also to cover up in case I break into a fit of helpless giggles... How much longer can I maintain this?

She turns, flounces, and follows Zem and Lani down to the Captain's quarters.

The trip to the Captains's quarters is a short one, and soon Nefertiti, Zemwaar, and the Tulitan witch doctor find themselves back in his cramped quarters. She sees the Captain now sitting back at his table finishing up his meal, assisted by the Tulitan 'slave' Ko'oku'wa. While the Captain blithly ignores you all, his 'slave' looks up from his ministrations at the arrival of the newcomers, his gaze drawn to Nefertiti immediately. He addresses Zemwaar however, "Is this your Witch-doctor"?

Meanwhile up top, the disappearance of Nefertiti seems to have broken the spell she had over the Tulitan slaves and the uneasy crew. Guillard and his mates also step away from the hatch (and the Haast eagle eyeing them in return) leaving those top side unmolested for the moment. Everyone aboard can sense the tension in the air, as if a storm was about to break over the ship, despite the clear sky above.

Remembering Ke'ahilani's tendency to shove people, Nef anticipates him this time and steps nimbly out of the witch doctor's way as he barges in towards his patient.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

She pulls the scarf from her face. In Tulitan, she says to Ko'oku'wa, "No, I'm no witch doctor, though sometimes through the grace of my god, Horus, I can cure a disease." She gestures at Lani. "My tribal brother, Ke'ahilani, is a skilled Witch Doctor, and is looking at your Captain now..."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25

Her voice trails off as she glances over at the Captain, and then raises both eyebrows appreciatively as she glances at Ko'oku'wa.

This one is an excellent enchanter.

"...but you don't actually need or desire a cure, do you?" She reaches out to take Zem's hand, then turns to Ko'oku'wa apologetically. "Neither my Malama nor Jacinth were able to brief me on what transpired during your conversation, so I'm trying to catch up as best as I can. My name is Nefertiti, guest of the Moamasu. I'm certain Horus sent us here to help you in your hour of need. Please, tell me friend, what is the plan, and how may we aid you?"

She studies Ko'oku'wa.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

Can she tell what tribe he is?

Nefertiti studies the Tulitan closely, noting the man returns her gaze with his own interest. She can tell he is from the Moamasu tribe, the coastal dwellers of the Razor Coast. Most of the Tulitans she has met have been of that tribe, but by no means all of them.

He looks over the priestess closely, nodding at the marking on her face indicating she is a guest of his tribe. He glances over to Zemwaar, a question in his eyes which is answered by an almost imperceptible nod.

"It seems as if Pele...or Horus has seen fit to send my people's aid. Still you have the look of one who hates bloodshed. Your...guide sees another way out of this without bloodshed." He looks unconvinced of this, but is willing to listen. "What say you?"