Xanos tried quite hard during the night to narrow the clustered islands down to a more manageable number, but only manages to get frustrated.
"I'm sorry, captain. I just don't have enough to go on."
He sighs and finishes his lukewarm drink with a grimace. When Eckhart mentions the oracle he shakes his head as he again collects his charts.
"An oracle who listens to the whispers of spirits." he says.
After a moment he gives a shrug and makes a 'why the hell not' expression.
"I'd be personally interested in what these spirits have to say, and in this woman who listens."
He looks at his empty mug and frowns. "I think I need to refill my cup." he mutters before glancing towards the captain.
"I'll be right back" He rises, weaving his way to the bar to get another tankard of swill.
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I'll try to do that, Mr. Margav, next time for sure. Ventra chuckles to himself as the crew gets seated.
While Eckhart is relaying the information about the oracle, Captain Ventra shows visible signs of anger: eyes narrowed, nostrils flaring, and a wicked vein popping from his left temple. When Eckhart finishes, Ventra says though clenched teeth, So, not only do you run your mouth in a den of cut-throats and bite the hand that saved you from them, you withhold vital information until you, a sage, deem it necessary? Ventra fumes as he continues his tirade, I sorely hope you had damned good reasons for keeping this from us. Tell me everything you know of this Oracle, and quickly... Ventra rises from the table and circles Eckhart, studying him for any visible signs of weakness or disease, so that he might exploit them later.
Very Well, Mr. Eckhart, Ventra says, grimly, let us return to the Sabre, and prepare for the morning's journey. Anyone needing to speak with me can meet me in my cabin, the door will be open until I go to sleep. Not wishing to continue to be near Eckhart, or the stench of this tavern, Captain Ventra heads towards the Sea Sabre to prepare alchemical compounds in his cabin.
"places people rarely come back alive from are the most interesting kind of places"
says Keila with a smile
"I just hope it is not cursed"
she adds rubbing the scar on her nose
Xanos comes back with his drink to find everyone rising and heading for the door and raises an eyebrow before trying to chug down as much of the ale as he could as he walks towards the front door, leaving the discarded mug on the closest table to the front.
"Heading out. Right." he mutters to himself. "Cursed islands? no, no, I don't think it's cursed... It's probably just haunted."
Getting outside, Xanos looks around and scowls. "Chompy!" he exclaims. He puts his fingers to his lips and lets out a short piercing whistle. His familiar slips out from between stack of crates, replying with a brief hyena-like laugh as he trundles up to him. Xanos smiles, stooping and picking up the little guy. "Ah there you are. Did you have fun while I..." he wipes something from the little croc's snout as he picked up the pace to catch up to the group. "Is this cat?" he asked the animal as if he were expecting a response.
Chompy's only reply is another crocodilian warble. "You shouldn't eat that kind of stuff, boy." Xanos tells him. "You don't know where it's been."
Xanos will return with the captain to the ship, carrying his 'pet' unless they get into a scuffle. Additionally, if you're looking for Xanos after we get to the ship he'll be up for a little while longer going over his charts and Eckhart's directions in order to plot the safest course to the island some morning tides.
Also will approach the captain in his Quaters later. Hal is very calm and teacher like when he speaks, he has an inviting tone to his words.
"You were wrong about letting it be know we are looking for this pirate, even if it is for trade. This is coming from a practicioner of Waukeen that believes in fair trade. We are allowing him to be better prepared to set his own terms, which will make this trade more difficult to obtain. If he gets word of us before we find him the price will surely be higher than normal, supply and demand. This is what I do Captain, I am a merchant by trade. I also feel we should expect a double cross during the trade, we should think of a way to let the exchange of goods be on neutral grounds."
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Expecting Halrian to arrive, Ventra sits behind his desk mixing a few ingredients together as the cleric enters his cabin. Once Halrian finishes his thoughts, Ventra responds by saying, You speak the truth, had I not relied solely on my old habits of hunting and used the crew's insights instead, we might still have surprised him. Ventra stares into a dark corner of the room as he continues. Mr. Wrung, as a man of the gods, I trust I can confide in you? You would not betray something given to you in confidence? Ventra looks directly into Halrian's eyes as he finishes the question, with no emotion written upon his face.
A look of question shrouds Hal's face. His wrinkled brow and head tilt make it obvious he is reading the captain and choosing his words carefully and wisely. In a calm and inviting voice.
"Captain, please do not mistake my order for one that will grant salvation or challenge one to strive for righteousness. If it is a confession you wish to make I have friends in other temples I could direct you to."
"I am to be trusted as a person and one you can confide in. However, I will warn you now of two things that may cause you to loose your trust in me."
"First, I am to practice fair trade in all aspects of the dealings. I will not participate in any dealings which would cause me to challenge or sin against my beliefs. This is to include having knowledge of a particular deal that will make the outcome land in the favor of another."
"Second, do not put me in a situation that causes me to put my beliefs second or creates a negative image for my order. It is with the trust of people my order can be seen as fair traders and merchants. Tarnishing that is deplorable and I could not partake in any actions of mistrust."
Pause.
"If you were to tell me that we had no intent to trade with this pirate but to hunt him down and kill him."
Pause.
"Choose how we proceed carefully. It is one thing to hunt down a pirate and make him pay for his crimes. But I see it as a sin to lure him in under a ruse of trade to stab him in the back. If this is the case the ruse must end here if you wish to keep me as your crew."
"I will not apologize for my terms. Understand that I am to be trusted and confided in for all other maters."
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All of a sudden there is a rap on the captain's door. As you open the door there stands Eckhart with another man. Standing average hight with a cocky half smile he boldly strides in and with a low now introduces himself as Nadab Irvine.
"I am here as a emissary of Blackstaff. It seems good Eckhart here believes you will be in need of a mage soon. So the tower has sent me. "
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The Mage straightens and offers Captain Ventra a crisp navy salute. his dark hair is tied back out of his eyes with a white scarf and under his black gold trimmed cloak he's wearing a white shirt, a brown leather vest and loose fitting black trousers. He has a slight webbing between his fingers but otherwise looks human.
" I am knowledgeable on the arcane, and Spellcraft, but I also used to be a salier in the navy. I'll be glad to be out at sea again actually. " he says.
Then he notices Halrian. " Sorry, " he glances from Halrian to Ventra and then at Echart. " I didn't mean to interrupt... " he offers Halrian his hand for a hand shake.
Hal gladly accepts the man's hand in shake greeting it with a firm welcoming grip.
Mage. Most fortuitous! This is our captain Ventra, and I am Halrian Wrung Cleric of Waukeen and the ship's Quartermaster. After you meet with the Captain I can show you our fine vessel and introduce you to the crew. Welcome.
Releasing the handshake, and readdressing the captain.
I am interested to continue this conversation later tonight after I run some ashore errands and get our new mage settled in. I will return after dinner should you find that an appropriate time.
Hal will take his leave, giving both Eckhart and Nadab a friendly smile on the way out of the captain's quarter. He is off to see if he can manage to do research on the island chain they are to explore.
I will see you after dinner, then, Ventra says to Halrian before he leaves Ventra's quarters. Captain Ventra then turns to face Nadab, and says, Mr. Irvine, I would like to discuss your background, walk the ship with me... Captain Ventra puts his alchemical reagents away and makes his way towards the door, stopping by Eckhart. Mr. Eckhart, I wish to speak with you later, perhaps once we are underway tomorrow. Until then, please stay clear of my room, as I do not wish to be distracted unless necessary.
Nadab nods to Eckhart, silent thanks for introducing him to the Captain. Then he turns to follow the Captain for a turn about the ship. " What exactly did you wish to know? "
Xanos joins Halrian on his walkabout, having Chompy follow behind him as they go. The little croc is pretty cute, for being a miniature of the much more dangerous sort of water reptile. He proves to be fairly good at socializing small talk, but more worldly sorts could feel the naivete in his words. However when it comes to talking about the sea and sailing it, he seems to be first rate with an almost... organic understanding of the nautical world.
He certainly seems to know what questions to ask in order to get directions.
He also uses this time to get to know more about some of the crew he is walking with. When their walk lulls quiet between locations, he speaks up, striking a friendly tone that even when spoken aloud sounds like it's filtered through water.
"One of the great things about sailing is how so many stories can cross paths." Xanos begins. "I grew up in Highcliff." He smiles warmly and looks to those travelling with him. "From whereabouts did you two hail?"
"I am from a town in Rashemen known as Mulsantir,", Semban says, frowning slightly. "The people there are proud, though naive. All my life, I saw my home besieged by would-be oppressors, only to resume a state of complacency while our foes took time to regroup. And so, I have traveled westward to find and punish the unjust - a practice my folk seemed all but incapable of."
While walking along the deck, Ventra finally addresses Nadab. Mr. Irvine, I am unfamiliar with your order, what are their interests in this expedition, and what are your orders? The Captain stops as he finishes the question and turns to study Nadab's response.
Keila follows Xanos as he leaves the ship.
"I grew up mostly in one of those mountain-monasterys, warrior-monks, ***** cold three-quaters of the year and a damn nice wine cellar, but they were to strict and rule-focused for me, so I did the rest on the road after they threw me out" says the matrial-artist with a grin.
Xanos nods as Semban Speaks.
"That's... saddening." he says, frowning. "If this enemy of yours returns to attack your people again... Even if the Mulsantir defend it would be like the waves beating across a stone." He pauses to see if the analogy is understood before clarifying. "At first it looks like that's all the stone needs... to endure, but eventually the wave will wear it down until only sand remains. I can sympathize with your desire to see justice done."
He hesitates, but then speaks even though he obviously seems recalcitrant to do so. "Tell me... what kind of spirits do your people have, Semban? Are they anything like the ones here?"
Keila speaks up then, and he glances her way and nods, happy to have someone else share. Chompy scuttles up to run alongside them as they continue their 'walk'.
Xanos appears not put off by Keila's language or demeanor, but rather just lacking something he could correlate to. "I see." His response finally comes. "While I do not bog myself down with rules I can find them sometimes a comfort. Do you... enjoy the freedom of the road, learning as you go?"
While walking along the deck, Ventra finally addresses Nadab. Mr. Irvine, I am unfamiliar with your order, what are their interests in this expedition, and what are your orders? The Captain stops as he finishes the question and turns to study Nadab's response.
" Well Captain, I'm sure if you've been to Waterdeep you've seen Blackstaff tower. In the castle ward on Sword street. There the Archmage Khelben Blackstaff takes on students that show magical talent. The Lords of Waterdeep are obviously concerned about this pirate Rasheed and have asked Blackstaff to put me and my magical knowledge at your disposal. "
@ Xanos
"Waterdeep more or less."
Hal is usually more talkative and it is odd that he did not provide many details. Rumors around the crew say he got a pretty harsh hazing when they found out he came from a very privileged family. They made fun of his soft un-calloused hands and white teeth that had no sign of scurvy. What the crew will tell you is Hal can talk the balls off a pool table, and is a great negotiator. The crew also says having Hal on board helps deal with any harbor masters or patrolling navy, being a man of the cloth and all he brings some noteability to the ship and less questions. The crew also will tell you Hal is firm but fair, and will be more than ready to punish any thieves on board.
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Xanos doesn't try to yank his hand away, instead he listens to the man with a quiet intensity that seems somewhat out of place for his demeanor.
Xanos drops to a knee to put himself more on eye level with the man.
"What year was it when you came to Sumbar?" He asks gently. He puts a hand on the man's grimy mitts, trying to be assuring. "I can help you remember who's hands these are, but I need you tell me how you got to the island."
Xanos glances at his travelling companions and returns his attention to the man. "Any of you happen to bring a bit of bread or meat we can give this man?"
"by Sharess's *****"
Keila tries to catch the falling Xanos
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" Well Captain, I'm sure if you've been to Waterdeep you've seen Blackstaff tower. In the castle ward on Sword street. There the Archmage Khelben Blackstaff takes on students that show magical talent. The Lords of Waterdeep are obviously concerned about this pirate Rasheed and have asked Blackstaff to put me and my magical knowledge at your disposal. "
Captain Ventra nods his head as he listens to Nadab, and then says, Glad to hear you don't have alterior motives, as this will make your addition to the crew a pleasant one. Should you be able to devote yourself to our goals, we will get along famously. Should that change, Mr. Irvine, I would make for unpleasant company. Ventra then continues walking the deck as he talks. Have you become acquainted with Mr. Eckhart? Has he treated you well? Ventra leans over the starboard rail as he asks Nadab about Eckhart.
" I am sure that we will get a long Captain. I'm quite keen to be at sea again. It's been to long. " Nadab looks wistfully out of the harbour.Captain Ventra nods his head as he listens to Nadab, and then says, Glad to hear you don't have alterior motives, as this will make your addition to the crew a pleasant one. Should you be able to devote yourself to our goals, we will get along famously. Should that change, Mr. Irvine, I would make for unpleasant company.
Ventra then continues walking the deck as he talks. Have you become acquainted with Mr. Eckhart? Has he treated you well? Ventra leans over the starboard rail as he asks Nadab about Eckhart.
Nadab shrugs. " He was pleasant enough. I don't know him well, only that he works for the Lords of Waterdeep. He met me after Blackstaff teleported me here and brought me to your cabin. "
Shock. Paused and held unmoving.
"What did you do to him Xanos!?"
Hal will gather up the bits of the skeleton, neatly and reverently he wraps them up in the rags that cling to it. Hal will bring this bones to a temple to be blessed then buried.
"If he hasn't woken up, carry him and follow me."
Hal will lead the way to the temple.
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[dice=Spellcraft ]1d20+5
Shock. Paused and held unmoving.
"What did you do to him Xanos!?"
Hal will gather up the bits of the skeleton, neatly and reverently he wraps them up in the rags that cling to it. Hal will bring this bones to a temple to be blessed then buried.
"If he hasn't woken up, carry him and follow me."
Hal will lead the way to the temple.
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Keila, carrying Xanos over her shoulder, rubs her scar. "I ***** hate curses"
[dice=wis]1d20+6
[dice=concentration ]1d20+3
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When Xanos wakes he realizes he's being carried and that his leg feels very uncomfortable. He realizes that Keila is carrying him and taps her on the shoulder, letting her know he's awake. Able to stand... that will be discovered.
When he gets set down he discovers the source of his leg's discomfort is that Chompy latched on, afraid to get left behind. He carefully pries the little croc from his leg and winces, rubbing his temple once he has a free hand.
"Woah..." he stands straight, holding Chompy in his arms, who looks a little defensive of the Sailmaster. "What... where did..." he sighs, taking mental stock of his condition. "Okay, who messed with my head? I feel like I got hit by some kind of mental attack or something." He wobbles, but remains upright.
He looks at the rest of the group. Halrian is carrying a bundle of dusty bones and everyone else is looking at him like he's crazy. "... What did I do?" Xanos asks somewhat fearfully.
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Will drop off the bones with a brief explanation of what happened.
Tell them that I may be around before we set sail at dawn to see if anyone could provide me with answers. I would also tell them a donation to their church would befit any information they could wrangle up.
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