The merchant vessel Zintare sits in the docks of New Stetven awaiting the final loading of its cargo. You have all recently boarded the vessel, each making the trip to Silverhall for your own reasons. As the final crate is placed into the hold, a noble woman and her guard walk up to the boat, speak briefly to the captain and board the boat. She is escorted into the captain's cabin for the voyage. There are no other cabins on the boat, just a general gathering area. The trip to Silverhall should only take ten to fourteen hours depending on whether or not the winds are favorable.
Shortly after the noble woman boards the boat, they draw up anchor and let out the sails. It appears Gozreh looks favorably upon this voyage as the boat moves quickly out of the harbor and speeds to its destination. You feel the chill wind as it comes off the water and draw your clothes closer against the chill.
Gustav strolls up onto the deck, pays his fare, and takes position near the prow of the ship, hoping to stay out of the way. Not the Lake, I suppose, but should more interesting than the rivers I have traveled for the last few months. I'm thankful this isn't a sea voyage.
While still in port, Gustav watches the bustle of the docks and glances at other arriving passengers, but does not initiate much by way of conversation.
I continue to stare in amazement at the water walking, wooden thing. At the site of the woman and companion entering the cabin, she backs off quietly. Then companion looks very stern and scary. Once they have closed the door behind them, I continue to rush around the ship trying to see everything. When we pull out of the harbour, I rush to the front and hide behind a crate, so I can see where we are going, the water and make sure it is harder for people to see me.
Harbador's eyes are glued to the dock,he's obviously agitated about something and only once the ship leaves the port does he relax. Seeing the noblewoman pass his features sharpen with scorn, borderline disgust but they quickly soften once she she is locked out of sight in the captains cabins. Harbador walks up to the prow of the ship to one of the other passengers and greets him in the common tongue.
Good day sir! Do you know that woman is? She seems very out of place on a ship like this. Bad luck to have them on these types of vessels.. the Half-elf pauses realizing what he said and quickly adds Nobles I mean, not women.
A very large, green skinned, Gorumite strides to the docks. He looks around for the ship Zintare. He notes the Lebeda crest it flies, showing its ownership by his family.
As he approaches its dock, it seems for a moment that a look of fear crosses his face, swiftly replaced by stern resolve. Humming battle hymns quietly, Zaxarii stomps up a ramp to the ship that creaks alarmingly under his massive weight. He presents a pass, and the boarding seaman salutes, and Zacarii is quickly waved thru the line. Refusing to give into weakness, he stomps over to the prow of the ship to stare down his enemy - the water.
Zaxarii sees and nods approvingly at the young man dressed as a warrior, but is distracted by the unusual smell of a Halfling female coming from behind some crates. "Oh, Come out small one, Truly I don't bite. Can I help you?" Zaxarii says laughingly.
Interrupted by the exuberant young man that rushed up and spouted his insults, Zaxarii thinks, OH, One of those yapping would be heroes of the people, but does he have courage to make up for foolishness? Zaxarii looks severely at him and says, "She is of House Lebeda, the family that owns this ship. It would be wise of you not to offer such an open offense here and now."
Returning the half-orcs gaze with a smile Harbador replies
"Simply an observation my good man. Tell me, did you notice any eyes watching us in port? I sure didn't but my sight isn't too good. Anyone with ill intent would've seen the fine clothes and the big lug following her. Scouts for pirates or bandits perhaps? Makes the ship a target I say. Then again no use in bringing bad luck on us."
The half-elf presents a gloved hand.
"Harbador Hex, a pleasure"
The captain enters the cabin for a few moments. When he exits, he approaches Zaxarii. The lady Elanna greets you, but wishes to stay secluded for now.
Assumptions, young man, is the mother of error. This should be fun! Zaxarii thinks, as he takes Harbador's hand strongly, grinning widely. "The pleasure is all mine, Master Hex, I am, Zaxarii, Son of Domna, House Lebeda, in relation to The Lebeda of Lebeda, third in degree."
Zaxarii executes an excellent courtly half-bow while maintaining his grip. He keeps an eye out for the halfling should she come out in the open.
Zaxarii nods to the Captain saying, "Very well, Captain, carry on."
"Y...y...you t...t...truly won't h...h...hurt me? Y...y...your a giant! Y...y...you make this ... ...thing creak! I d...d...don't want to d...d...drown!"
I am still hiding behind the crate, but it is obvious from my voice that I am petrified.
Assumptions, young man, is the mother of error. This should be fun! Zaxarii thinks, as he takes Harbador's hand strongly, grinning widely. "The pleasure is all mine, Master Hex, I am, Zaxarii, Son of Domna, House Lebeda, in relation to The Lebeda of Lebeda, third in degree."
Zaxarii executes an excellent courtly half-bow while maintaining his grip. He keeps an eye out for the halfling should she come out in the open.
Harbador smiles at the bow.
"Master Hex? No masters here, simply an equal. And just Harbador will do if you please. What brings you and your lady to the sea..er lake? And Lebeda you say? The Goddess of the Roads works in mysterious ways! I seek business with a scion of just such a house."Harbador turns towards the halfing hiding behind the crates and outstretches his hand.
"Have no fears there, i'm sure the ship will hold fast. Come out and speak with us, take your mind off your worries. Tell me from where you hail? I've not seen many such as yourself, and I mean no offense by that"
Zaxarii shrugs and says, "I saw your weapon, believed you an arms-man, perhaps it's just for show. Off to the homestead for a family reunion."
Bluff
Smiling Zaxarii says, " Many do business with a house of merchants. But that is for others to concern themselves with, mine are more here and now." He abruptly sinks to the deck, crossing his legs. Turning toward the crates, he says, "I hope now I'm less a giant, and Harbador is right, the ship itself creaks more from wind than me, and it will hold. What brings you aboard the Zintare, heading to Silverhall, if I may inquire?"
'Y-y-y-you are not as m-m-much of a g-giant now, you are the only two tall folk other than the Captain, that have been nice to me; and haven't tried to hurt me. I am travelling to Silverhall, to learn about my ancestors and gain enough experience to return to my village able to fill the role of Village Elder. Unfortunately I'm not old enough yet. What about yourselves?'
I come out from behind the crates, still nervous, though my stutter has faded into non-existence. I stand beside the sitting over-sized green man. You see a very short, fully developed woman, wearing only a few furs which cover her modesty. She has skin as white as freshly fallen snow, with hair only a few shades darker.
"Well, I'm surely not a man at arms, but I am man of arms. But if one thinks my blade is only for show, well that already gives me the upper hand."
Harbador remains standing as he talks to Zintare.
"Who has troubled you in your travels thus far? I've ran into many problems myself through my journey here."
'My name is Kerri Corynian, from a village somewhere within the Gronzi Forest. Outside of the village, we had no idea there were such giant beings, and yet since leaving, I have rarely seen anything but. Are all giant folk so scary prior to first introductions? I have been harrassed by a number of you tall folk and even a fellow Hin amidst their number, even though he called the tall being "Mam".'
I pull my furs tighter about my body, shivering as I remember the incident in question.
"Who has troubled you in your travels thus far? I've ran into many problems myself through my journey here."
Zaxarii's eyes flick to Harbador for a second, then he mutters dryly under his breath, "Gee, I wonder why?"
Eyes on the halfling, "Fear not, you are now under my protection. Your dress looks a bit underdone for this climate, I have a rather large blanket that may help until we reach Silverhall." Zax rummages through his backpack till he finds his blanket, pulling it out, he presents it to the little one, though in comparison to her it looks like a tent. "I am Zaxarii, Kerri. You look like a Halfling but your color is unusual, more like a sad gnome I once met." He pauses and says, "The small ...Hin.. you say? was likely a human child, many are about the same size as grown Halflings. I'm sorry your reception was so poor, Brevoy is usually more accepting of the less common races. But people fear the different all too often. "
As Zaxarii pulls out the blanket, my eyes grow as the sheer size of it 'Wow, thats huge! I am truly thankful Zaxarii, I hope that other tall folk are as kind as you are and I hope I can offer you some service for your protection. As for my skin tone, this is the norm in my tribe, although I must admit I am fairer than most from my village. Probably due to the fact that I have the ancestors gift, I am the only one born with it in the last 200 years. I have never seen someone of your complexion either, it is a most vibrant colour. Ah, "Hin" is what we call ourselves in our tribe, umm as called us "Halflings", we say "Hin". I hope I won't that mistake again, the way they chased me, scared me so much I didn't leave the village for years afterwards!'
"Ah I'm sorry that you've had so many struggles since you've left home. I'm sure you'll find most of the larger folk in life are quite benevolent, though a few bad apples tend to spoil the bunch. Ancestor's gift? What sort of gift is that?"
I turn to the the other man 'The gift of the Ancestors, it is a gift that has been passed down through our tribe, throughout the generations. Sometimes it is strong within an individual and I happen to be one of the lucky few. The Ancestors were watching my birth and deemed me worthy of their gift. The village elder has taught me to harness their gift and I am hoping that I will make them proud. The more I find out about them, the better I will be able to control the gift. The gift allows me to borrow their powers to defeat my foes and help my allies. I hope that was an okay explanation.'
... I'm sure you'll find most of the larger folk in life are quite benevolent,...
Zaxarii raises an eyebrow as Harbador makes that statement but says nothing. Listening intently at Kerri's tale he says as she finishes, " I've seen some who have power from their ancestry before, some quite powerful, none that I saw said anything about ghosts of the past giving them power. What gifts do your ancestors give you? Changing shape to an animal, or call lighting from your fingers, or summoning your ancestors to fight a battle on your behalf? " Zaxarii says that last with an eager breathlessness, his eyes alight.
'At the moment, I have only learned how to damage my foes with sheer energy and ice, as well as making myself even smaller than I am at the moment! A strange power, but I am not sure it will be very useful at the moment, although I can use it on other people too, to bring them down to my height, which could be useful in a fight against a tall folk, don't you think? But my Village Elder told me, that if I can get stronger and learn more about them I should be able to call beings and creatures to do battle for me, or use the elements to defeat my enemies! So I would love to be able to get to that level! But apparently the most powerful, gifted Hin of our tribe of all time, was able to transform herself into the very form of my ancestors, to destroy all her enemies and ensure that our tribe was left in peace. I do not think I will be able to get to that stage; not without help anyway, which is another reason I wish to find out more about my ancestors who gave me these gifts.
Anyway, that is enough about me, what brings both of you onto this ... what is this water walking thing called?'
While I am explaining the powers that I could unlock if I were to become stronger, I seem to be getting very excited. So much so that every now and then, I let out a small giggle of joy.
Seeing Zaxarii's reaction Harbador lets out a short Definitely not the lords and ladies of Golarion's far too many courts; but the farmer, the miller, and the craftsman who seek only an honest day's work will take a weary traveler in more often than not.
Harbador sets his bag on the ground and sits upon it, mindful of his rapier as he does. Hearing what the halfing says his eyes go wide with interest and rests his hand upon his chin. With his other hand he toys with the brim of his leather hat.
Magic? You pack quite the surprise! I've seen many mundane tricks in my days but very few true mages. Such an interesting journey this will most surely be.
Gustav shakes hands all around with the other passengers, but mostly smirks at the small one. I wonder how such antics would pass in the legions. Certainly nothing like this would be tolerated coming out of the Backar Forest. The others would have cut her down in a moment, fearing the fey in her. Gustav pulls out his deck of cards and begins shuffling it, taking care not to lose any in the wind.
"We are aboard a ship, small one. I am bound for Silverhall en route to Mendev. There are powers beyond that land that will quickly challenge your powers."
"Mendev? Gods be kind and let your time there be short. What drives you to such a cursed land? Joining the crusade?"
I look at the new tall folk as he talks to me and I shift myself towards Zaxarii slightly, in hope of a little protection should this tall folk try to attack me. I answer carefully and making sure not to let my guard down 'A ... ship? What a strange name this thing has. I thank you sir for your information. As for the challenging powers, they should help me understand the gift that the Ancestors have bestowed upon me and hopefully with that understanding I will be able to prevail against these challengers.'
Gustav snorts. "We must all die someday. Why not in service of a greater cause?
Yes, I'm sure they would be happy to help you 'understand' all you need to know."
Alistair walks along the deck and notices the group of passengers gathering forward. As he closes, he appraises them. The halfling woman he regards briefly, but dismisses as a martial threat. He nods politely at the half-orc when he sees the holy symbol of Gorum. As he steps up he looks at the human man.
"An interesting choice of weaponry, sir. I believe I have not seen anyone attempt such a disparate selection before."
"Die in service of a greater cause? We have far more in common than you would know. The cause is what drove me to this land and into such lovely company." Harbador says dryly.
Seeing the new man approach he nods a greeting and says "Hello there, what brings you here? Any news from your travels?"
Zaxarii comes to his feet as the man approaches, and stands slightly defensively over Kerri. He looks him over and sees him armed as a warrior. This man has the air of a professional. He listens as the others talk. As Kerri finds the ship oddly named, he smiles and says, "This ship, one of many, is named the Zintare." Zaxarii frowns at the new warrior's rather snide comment and says, "I applaud anyone's desire to find the greatest battles to fight in a glorious cause, but Kerri, I would advise a bit more experience before taking on the demons of the World-Wound." He looks as another young man dressed as a warrior walks up. Hmm, seems an auspicious day for young warriors today, I wonder if this is a sign from Gorum?
Perception:
Failing to see the type of sword Alistair has, he says " Good day, warrior."
Responding to Harbador, he says,"I am up from Restov. Aside from the general turmoil that plagues the Kingdom, I have not got much news."
Turning to Zaxarii, Alistair continues,"It is good to see a priest of Gorum. I too follow his way. Hopefully your presence is a sign of his favor."
As the man from Restov approaches, I step behind Zaxarii, trying to hide. Not saying anything.
Zaxarii smiles a bit when Kerri hides. "No need to hide, no one here will harm you." Zaxarii looks around and wonders where Kerri went off to. Turning back to the new men he says, "Always good to meet another of the valiant. Introductions are in order; my small companion is Kerri Corynian, late of the Gronzi Forest, now a seeker of Knowledge and Mastery, who is under my protection - when she can be found." Zax waves his hand toward Harbador, "My I present Harbador Hex, a firebrand of great ardor and little discretion, who would refuse my protection, if I were so foolish as to offer it. I am Zaxarii Domnoff Lebeda, a Chosen of Gorum, returning ... home on family affairs. May I be so bold as to inquire your names?" Home is said with some irony to it.
As Zaxarii introduces me, I pop my head out from behind him and give a shy wave to new Tall folk. 'H-h-h-hello'
"Gustav Merval Weynolt. I had the fortune of using most weapons under the sun, but find this particular combination to be the most interesting. It also reminds me a bit of home, in it's own way. Farmers and smiths, the whole of Molthune. Well, for now anyway. Nothing so refines as the sword lords, but certainly worth their weight in battle."
Turning to Harbador, Gustav merely smirks, pulls out a deck of cards, and begins to shuffle absent mindedly.
As the boat pulls away from the harbor, it begins to head North west toward Silverhall. The day is clear and calm, and the winds are u favorable. However, the further north you head, the strong and more violent the wind gets. To the south, you see large clouds building. It appears this trip may not be as calm as originally thought.
As the winds get stronger and more violent, I wrap myself up in Zaxarii blanket even tighter and hold it with one of my hands (close to my chest), while my other hand is holding onto Zaxarii's clothing. 'This is getting REALLY scary, you sure this ship won't fall into the water?'
As the waves and wind get more and more violent, I ran out to the edge of the boat, where I proceed to vomit into the water. 'So much for my cure; hee hee; so much indeedy! Looks like I have to try again; yes I do. But this time I will succeed; yes I will!'
As I start to head back I notice a large group of tall people at the front of the boat, and a single short person cowering behind one of them. So I head over to the group to see what is going on.
'Hey ho! What going on over here then; what is it? A pleasure to meet you all; yes it is! I am Kiana Rouge, Gnomish Alchemist and extraordinaire; yes I am! Who are all you tall people; who indeedy? Why are you scaring the little girl; why are you? Any of you know a cure for sea sickness; do any of you? I am working on one; yes I am, but it doesn't seem to have worked; no it hasn't'
"I am Alistair Frenholm of Restov."He responds to Zaxarii's introductions.
"You might say that I have been sent away, supposedly to keep me out of the troubles brewing in Rostland."The last he says with no small amount of bitterness.
At the sight of the second small passenger, I step out from behind Zaxarii and look towards the newest member of our conversation. 'Ah, a a fellow Hin, how are you and where do you hail from, Kiana did you say? I am Kerri, Kerri Corynian of the Gronzi Forest. Pleased to meet you, that is a lovely hair colour you have there. Are you cold too? That cloak looks a bit too thin to keep you warm though.'
I seem calmer around Kiana than I have been with everybody else at first glance so far, due to the fact that she is only just a bit taller than me. But I still hold onto Zaxarii's clothes.
A flash of fear crosses Zaxarii's face as the storm approaches, then a look of steely determination replaces it. Zaxarri says, "I,,,I'm s...sure the Captain can handle anything that comes up. We will anchor at the close shore if needed, after all this is a riverboat, not a ship on high seas." Glad for the distraction of the talkative Gnome, Zaxarii quickly replies, "The storm is frightening her; it will be fine, but it might be good to move to the center of the ship, if the waves get higher." Zaxarii pulls his winter cloak closed.
As Zaxarii moves to the centre of the ship, I timidly go with him. Somehow managing to keep to his pace, but never letting go of him.
'Hin...hin...whats a hin? Hin...do I know a hin? No I believe I don't. Hin?...Can't be a hin, never heard of a hin; no I haven't. As I said, I am a Gnome; yes I am. I am from New Stetven; yes I am. Cold? Im not cold; no Im not. A storm you say; how fun, how fun. I should improve my cure; I should indeedy.'
With that I take out a vial and pour a clear liquid into the already filled vial and take a mouthful before swallowing.
'A ... gnome? So not a Hin, well that is disappointing, I was hoping we could talk about our tribes and see if we share the Ancestors. Storm...fun?! That thing is terrifying, thank the Ancestors Zaxarii has told me he will protect me and that we will be fine!'
At the discovery that Kiana is not a Hin, I look a little upset, but still feel calm around her; just not as calm as before.
*The cabin door creaks open, revealing a tall and confident man who appears to be Elanna's bodyguard who you saw not too long ago. He looks around briefly before moving to the right, placing his hands on the side of the boat and staring out into the vast nothingness of the ocean*
"Ah, looks like this is going to be a ride we won't be forgetting about anytime soon." He mutters out loud.
Guess I'll stay out here a bit longer, unless of course trouble reveals itself.
** spoiler omitted **
*The cabin door creaks open, revealing a tall and confident man, who appears to be Elanna's bodyguard who you saw not too long ago. He looks around briefly before moving to the right, placing his hands on the side of the ship and staring out into the vast nothingness of the ocean*
"Ah, looks like this is going to be a ride we won't be forgetting about anytime soon." He mutters out loud.
** spoiler omitted **
The clouds seem to be building up quite quickly as a chill wind speeds from the north. Something about the storm seems unnatural. As the clouds grow closer you see dozens of lightning strikes hitting the water. The captain and crew don't seem worried. Yet.
Bandavaar stares straight at the lightning strikes but doesn't look concerned at all, merely smiling with a cocky look on his face.
Anyone within 10 feet of him would notice him talking quietly to himself; "This should be entertaining. A boat full of armoured people, heading towards a Lightning Storm. I wonder if I can dodge Lightning as well as I could dodge my opponents in the arena. Hahaha."
At the sight of the bodyguard coming onto deck and the lightening striking the water, I hide behind Zaxarii again, holding very tightly onto him. No one would be sure if I am hiding from the man or the lightening.
When i see the lightening 'wow, lightening! itz amazing! i want to touch it; i do!' I stand there deep in thought while looking at it.
Harbador stares blankly at the approach of the gnome, not sure what to make of her. Sensing he probably wont get much sympathy from the others he simply shrugs and stands up, stretching his limbs and watching the approach of the storm.
Have no fear folks, I'm sure the captain will pilot this craft just fine. That still raises a question of you'd like to try and touch lightening, but far be it from me to stop one from trying, the skies the limit after all...
Hearing the tall man Harbador chuckles It's all well and good to doge one's opponents, but if lightening strikes this ship I fear no amount of dexterity would save us realizing the trepidations his fellow passengers seem to have about storms he quickly follows up But then again the chances of that happening are astronomical, improbable really...