Following the return to town, Drosk seems uncharacteristically withdrawn - lost in thought as his companions speak with Mayor Uptal and Captain Wisslo. As the crowd disperses the dwarf priest takes his leave to speak with Father Prasst for a few brief moments before returning home to greet his aunt and uncle, giving them a brief recounting of the group's adventure before turning in for the night. Unfortunately Drosk finds it nearly impossible to sleep as his mind keeps turning over the same problem that has plagued him since the group left the Crypt. "Telp said th' masked body we found was a cultist o' Razmir, the Livin' God, an' that they have a presence in Tamran. By their possessions that's where them zombie-bandits an' that feller by th' lake came from. An' by th' timin' o' their deaths an' from what Kassen said it's a fair guess that they're th' ones that woke Asar and Kassen by takin' their pieces o' the vault key. That means that th' cult o' th' Livin' God is prob'ly after th' treasure too. Meanin' that Kassen's friend Iramine's in danger too - if she's still alive. So before we go searchin' fer the vault, we need t' stop them cultists in Tamran. Except... my duty's here, lookin' out fer th' people o' Kassen..."
At the feast the next day, Drosk greets Braggar's friend Morthos respectfully and listens as Garik describes their ordeal. The dwarf priest smiles in greeting as Amadea joins the group. "Good t' see ye, lass!" Drosk exclaims, a smile of genuine welcome lighting his face. "An' I'm sorry ye couldn't've joined us on th' quest - ye'd've been a big help," he whispers softly to the young woman so that no one else can hear.
...
At the feast the next day, Drosk greets Braggar's friend Morthos respectfully and listens as Garik describes their ordeal. The dwarf priest smiles in greeting as Amadea joins the group. "Good t' see ye, lass!" Drosk exclaims, a smile of genuine welcome lighting his face. "An' I'm sorry ye couldn't've joined us on th' quest - ye'd've been a big help," he whispers softly to the young woman so that no one else can hear.
"Thank you, big brother. Father Prasst said he put my name forward, but that he couldn't convince them to name me. But pretty soon everyone is going to find out what I can do! I swear it!" She has a fierce glow to her eyes when she speaks this, even though she is still practically whispering. After a moment she realizes that she was talking mostly to herself, and that Drosk is still there, causing her to blush.
When the party is done, and the group remains behind, she remains behind as well, hanging back a ways to not be obvious about it, but listening to the group's conversation. When the stranger Cygar appears, she listens keenly to what he has to say, and then listens for the group's response.
Morthos smiles into his beard as Drosk and Garik are honored for their deeds.
These younglings sure show promise! I just hope that they are able to maintain their youthful enthusiasm.
Once the speeches are over, he hangs around Braggar's son and ward, and cannot help overhearing Cygar's proposal. He then elbows Garik.
"What do you think, lad? In for a penny, in for a pound? It sounds like something the heroes of Kassen should be able to take care of..."
He then pauses introspectively for a moment, before continuing.
"Of course, it would be remiss of me if I did not offer to assist you, as well."
Braggar would never let me hear the end of it if something happened to those two.
Garik listens to the man intently, unsure of what to make of his offer. Then as Morthos whispers his thoughts on the subject to him, Garik can't help but nod, thinking to himself, Why not?
Looking to the others, seeing how they seem to be pondering the same thing, "Okay, um, sir. Pathfinder, sir. I'm thinkin' we..." he looks at the others trying to get a feel for their opinion on the matter, "um... would be for helpin' ya. That's what we do!" He says with excitement, but then worries he might be wrong. "Isn't it? Ya know, I'm not real for sure." Biting his nails, Man I'm screwin' this up! "Oh! If that is what we do, we'd like for Morthos here to accompany us. That won't be a problem, will it?"
Raven was still sulking from having to go onstage during the ceremony when Cygar approached them. She was slightly offended by his presumptuous proposal, and horrified as Garik started to commit them to something they didn't know anything about. What is with these dwarves making promises to people!? She gave a dirty sidelong look to Garik as she stepped forward to address Cygar, before anyone else spoke up and had them signing contracts next.
"Who said we don't already have plans?
I don't know if I want to work for the Pathfinders. But if you tell us what you want, maybe it'll coincide with the plans we might have already been making."
She crossed her arms and challenged him with a defiant scowl when she finished speaking.
Cygar gives a curiously warm smile as Garik starts to trip over himself, and it only grows when Raven shuts him down.
"Well I would be lying if I said I haven't had my ear to the ground. And as I thought, it sounds like you did find something. And given your kin, I should have known you'd be acting on it with or without my input." There's an approving look in his eye as he says this.
"Don't think of it as working for me, or the Pathfinders; think of it as working with me. If you'll allow me a guess, the cult of the Living God had something to do with this. Presumably tomb robbery, but not for the contents of the tomb. Some sort of amulets, which I'm guessing are tied to something much more than..." he looks around for a moment, as if choosing his words, "Your lovely village."
"If this has something to do with Razmir's followers, and if you're hoping to look into it, then I can help. I can arrange travel to the capitol, and I can get you in contact with people who have been watching the comings and goings of this cult."
Remembering Garik's question about Morthos, he strokes his chin for a moment, looking the dwarf up and down, then to the group again, then back to the dwarf. For a moment, it seems he disapproves but in the end he shrugs his shoulders and replies, "You may bring who you wish, though I recommend you trust in their ability to take care of themselves and to watch your back." He grins a bit mischievously, looking at Morthos' basalt armor, and comments, "But I must warn you, we'll be traveling across Lake Encarthan on a barge." Addressing the rest of the group, he adds "Of course, I would like to know soon who all will be going; it will take a few days to make arrangements for your passage, and the captain doesn't like folks booking at the last minute."
"Well alright!" Garik breathes a sigh of relief, feeling he didn't mess things up too bad seeing how Cygar was still willing to take them on. "I don't have any plans, sir, so I'm good." He looks to Morthos and Drosk, winking as if he done good.
Amadea continue to lurk in the background, taking everything in. She doesn't say anything yet, waiting to see what happens with the rest of the group.
|
Telperion regarded the Pathfinder's offer and his wayfinder with equal interest.
Well, it makes sense that the Pathfinders would have some resources in the area, and that they could aid our search. But Raven's right, we'd be doing this anyway, with or without their help or sanction. However, it seems we should accept the offer.
And just look at that wayfinder. I'd heard they were intricate, but the level of workmanship is surprising when you see one up close. I wonder if you can open it up to see the mechanisms, or if it's sealed? Waterproofing, perhaps. I didn't think it'd be so...
"...shiny," he mumbled to the others, his fingers twitching slightly as he half-reached for the wayfinder. He pulled back his hand and placed his fingers on his cheek as a way to keep them busy.
"I think we should go, and take the offer of help, too."
Garik smiles as Telperion agrees to go as well. He slaps him on the shoulder, "Alright, Telp!" He then turns to Raven, "C'mon Raven, it'll be a grand time! Ya know ya want to go too!" He says, trying to encourage her.
Morthos smiles encouragingly at Garik.
"It could certainly be entertaining!"
At the mention of a barge, Morthos chuckles.
"Well, I will just have to make certain I do not fall in, then. Dwarves are not natural swimmers; we tend to take the slow and steady approach of simply walking across the bottom... I think the lake might be a wee bit big to do that, though..."
"Well, I don't know what the people of Kassen would do without me..." Bolkin pondered aloud, although it was clear to everyone that it was just more of his hero act rather than actual concern for the village's well-being. In reality, the opportunity for adventure, fame, and riches was far too tempting for him to pass up.
"Of course, I know for a fact that these brave adventurers would not make it very far without me. Consider it a deal!" As he let the rest of the group talk amongst each other, he scoped out the newest addition to the team. "I say more company is always a great idea. Anyone else interested in joining us?"
It sounded like Cygar knew what he was talking about, but she kept up a front of hostility, regarding him through narrow eyes. "Do you know where the other pieces of the amulet are?"
Raven had expected the group to discuss whether or not to go to Tamran first or seek out the elven sorceress, Iramine, first. She hadn't even had a chance to ask her father or any of her family if they knew her.
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Telperion looked at Raven quizzically. She knows we have two already, right? Of course she does. That means she must be trying to trick him. But boy, it sure doesn't sound like it. She's good at that. I better play along.
He turned back to Cygar and gave him his best "tell-the-lady-what-she-wants-to-know" look.
He half grimaced, half smiled and let out a slight wheeze. Mortified to realize he must instead be giving a "tell-the-lady-I've-hurt-my-groin" look, he blushed violently and gazed straight down at his feet.
"Do you know where the other pieces of the amulet are?"
Drosk listens carefully to Cygar's speech, somewhat surprised that the Pathfinder's concerns should mirror his own. "I'm a bit hesitant t' leave th' folks o' Kassen, but I'm thinkin' these cultists need t' be stopped. Besides, they did rob our town's founder's tomb, leadin' t' th' deaths o' sev'ral o' our friends. So I'm in if th' rest o' ye are. But I'm thinkin' we need t' take Amadea here with us too. She'd be a big help t' our group."
"Kassen had a friend who also had an amulet - an elf named Iramine. Ever heard o' her?" Drosk asks Cygar. "If Razmir's followers're after th' amulets, then she might be in danger - if she's even still alive."
Amadea steps out into the circle. Her back is arrow straight, and she has risen up to the full height of her modest frame. "I will be going. If there is a possible threat to Kassen on the loose, and murderers running free, then the faithful of Erestil will seek them out, and will see justice done."
Her small frame is taught with tension, and her tone is firm, brooking no nonsense or disagreement.
Cygar grins at Morthos' reply, and nods approvingly as more and more of the Chosen agree. He merely shrugs at Raven's query. "I've heard little more than rumors; I imagine you know more than I." As Drosk inquires about Iramine he tilts his head, lost in thought for a moment. "I'm afraid I've not heard the name, sorry. If she's somehow tied to this, perhaps my contact in Tamran can be of more help than myself."
As Amadea steps in to the conversation, Cygar looks her over, not even managing the non-committal shrug he gave to Morthos. "That makes seven of you in total, then? A lucky number."
He steps back, taking in the group as a whole. "Well, then, if you have no more questions, I recommend you enjoy the festival. If you think of anything else, I'm usually at the Seven Silvers. The barge should arrive in three days time, barring unforeseen delays." If no one stops him, he gently excuses himself, melting into the crowd.
"Then I will see you in three days."
With a nod to Cygar, Morthos returns to enjoying the Festival.
After all, who knows when we will be able to relax like this again?
"Aye, myself as well! With bells on! Well, probably not with bells, seein's how that'd make a wee bit a racket." He laughs nervously, suddenly aware how ridiculous he sounds. Blast! Why do I do this to meself! "Um, okay then. Three days," he says as if defeated and walks away with the others, feeling like a fool.
"Aye, myself as well! With bells on! Well, probably not with bells, seein's how that'd make a wee bit a racket."
"Aye! That we will, Garik!" Drosk exclaims, clapping his friend on the shoulder. "An' they'll be pealin' th' chimes o' doom for them Razmirans that robbed Kassen's tomb an' caused our folk t' be killed!" the dwarf priest vows fiercely.
Garik smiles, encouraged by Drosk's fervor, and nods emphatically in agreement. "Aye! That they will! B'ware the heroes of Kassen!" He says with a raised fist.
Raven rolled her eyes as Amadea spoke up with righteous fervor. Just what we need! Another dwarf, in orc's clothing... Raven didn't have a problem with Amadea. They'd run into each other in the woods before, so she'd always accepted her as kind of a kindred spirit. But she hadn't realized she was so righteous. Raven was going to have to be vigilant to make sure she and Drosk didn't get them over their heads in commitments to do good.
Raven gave Cygar a nod as she left with the rest and spoke to them when she felt they were out of earshot of the pathfinder.
"Before we leave, we should ask around to see if anyone knows about Iramine and where she is now. As much as people like stories of Kassen, maybe someone here is familiar with some of his old adventuring team. Try to be discreet, but if anyone asks why you want to know, you can tell them I was asking, and I'll bluff them if they ask me.
Oh, and don't tell anyone about the trip! Some of us may need to sneak out to come on the trip." She gave Amadea and Telperion a look as she said her last sentence, feeling they were most likely to share her concern.
For her part, Raven found an opportunity to ask her father if he knows about the elven sorceress who used to adventure with Kassen, and later Baker found her in the library.
"Anything in particular you're looking for?" Baker asked. He didn't mind the kids borrowing his books - returning them was a lesson they all learned at a young age. He'd collected all his nature and fey books on one shelf for Raven, and he was surprised to find her looking on other shelves.
"Do you have any books about Kassen?" she asked. "Not just the kid's stories. The real story. Like how he and Asar used to adventure together?"
Garik scratches the beardy side of his face, not real confident in what Raven's asking them to do. "Um, why is it so important we are for findin' out who this Iramine person is? I'm afeared I'm no good at collectin' information. Most people canno' stand to look at me, much less how I'm no good at speakin'. Can't we just wait for th' three days?" Garik pleads.
"Glad to see you're all enthusiastic about this," Bolkin chimed in, "but I have three days of preparations to take care of, and by preparations I mean hitting the bar." He decided not to worry too much about the lingering questions regarding Iramine since he only knew the parts about Kassen and Asar to begin with, and after the business with the crypt, all he wanted to do was spend some leisure time. "I should probably also make sure the other guards won't fall apart in my absence."
Baker pauses for a moment in thought, before beckoning and leading Raven to the appropriate shelf. Perusing the official histories turns up little that the specter of Kassen himself hadn't shared. A biographical treatise written shortly after Kassen's passing remarks that even those who knew him best knew little of the history of the three-man band that immediately preceded his retirement. It seems Kassen was quite close lipped about the nature of the vault, at least in life.
It seems if anybody knows about Iramine, they likely aren't in Kassen.
--
The days pass startlingly quickly, and the evening before the Chosen and their retinue are due to leave sees Cygar discreetly appearing to request their presence at the docks in the morning.
The morning arrives with little fanfare, a light fog covering the town as the group makes their way to the river docks on the north side of town. Cygar stands before a large river barge, roughly 60 feet long, chatting amicably with a dwarf. Garik and Drosk immediately recognize the dark-skinned, coal-haired dwarf as a regular supplier of quality ore and ingots to Braggar's business.
Cygar turns to the group and nods, looking satisfied. "This is Captain Walren, owner of the Black Mist," he says with a gesture to the vehicle behind him.
The dwarf nods, sizing up the group. "Yer a stout lookin' lot, and I hear you're lookin' for adventure, so I'm glad to have ye aboard. Lake's a bit dangerous of late so worse comes to worse..." He trails off, having made his point about your obligations. "Wouldn't worry about it too much though, just lettin' you know."
Cygar nods. "As for my contact, when you arrive in Tamran you should seek out Reginar. He knows the city and its environs well, and has been keeping an eye on the followers of Razmir for a couple of years now." He stiffens a little before finishing. "I want to reiterate how dangerous this mission is. Though I do want results, I want you all to know that you should be discreet. Don't stick your necks out. It took me this long to find an able-looking group, and I'd have to have to replace you," he says with a wry smile.
The captain nods. "Ye've got a week to contemplate on that, though, and time's a wastin'. All ready?"
Amadea spends the three days primarily with her mother and nan, helping them to get set up with whatever they might need while she is away. She tells her mother and nan about the journey that she is leaving on excitedly, and while they are happy for her, there is a bit of a somber mood in the home as well, knowing that she is leaving, and might be gone some time. She collects, chops, and stacks firewood, conducts minor repairs around the home, and makes sure any heavy lifting they might need is done. Her mother, Teera, pulls out her old armour, and her weapons and equipment from her adventuring days, and helps to fit it and resize it where necessary to the younger girl. There are a lot of tears and laughing, stories told about Teera's adventuring days, and words of encouragement shared.
When in town, she does ask around about the name Raven mentioned, to see if anyone has heard it before. .
Amadea gives Father Prasst's church a suburb cleaning, to try and give it as much time as possible before it needs to be cleaned again. Father Prasst is quiet, but his pride at seeing his young charge off is also evident in his eyes and manner. The last night before they depart, Amadea spends a night in prayer, holding vigil at the church of Erastil.
When the morning arrives, Teera and Father Prasst help the young girl with her armour one last time, and she buckles on her various weapons and equipment. Afterwards, the group accompanies her to the dock, in order to see her off, while nan leads her horse, an impressively large grey named Dryad.
The sight of Amadea bedecked in armour and weapons is a bit of a shock to most people who see it, who are used to seeing the girl in flowery dresses. She is now girded in fine steel, wearing a fine suit of Breastplate armour, with a skirt of chain wrapped about her hips. In her hands she carries a beautiful darkwood bow, and a variety of other weapons are belted about her. A quiver bristling with arrows peaks over her shoulder, while another is bound to her waist. Featured prominently about her neck is the symbol of Erastil.
As her horse is loaded about the ship, she hugs her mother and grandmother, and says her goodbyes. There are more tears, and a blessing from Father Prasst, then she deliberately and methodically walks up the gangplank and onto the ship.
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Telperion spent his few days before departure in Holgast's tower, going over the spellbook he'd found on the tomb-robber. The magical symbols and writing were starting to make a bit more sense. But he still felt like he was trying to solve a huge puzzle with the tiniest of clues. He was trying to learn "magic" instead of one or two little spells, and was failing.
"Don't worry about the big picture right now, son," Holgast suggested kindly. "Try out a few of the easy ones, like we discussed, so you get a feel for it. It'll make the larger themes easier to grasp."
A further impediment was the necromantic spells in this particular book. Each time he got close to the concepts he would feel his fingers get cold, or his stomach would turn, or some other disturbing phenomenon would break his concentration.
Maybe I'll skip the necromancy for now, he thought to himself.
During a break in his studies, he asked Holgast if he knew anything of Iramine.
His only purchase was a mule to carry his heavier belongings. The purchase went quickly, but Telperion thought long and hard about the beast's name. He finally settled on "Gondthalion" which means "enduring stone" in elvish. This seemed to him a fitting and uplifting name for a creature he would be burdening with heavy loads.
Telperion grimaced when he recalled that Farmer Malvic, who had sold him the mule, had a less noble name for it. Telperion had briefly considered naming him "Sulthaur" as a direct translation of this, but didn't want to explain "abhorrent wind" to Bolkin and Raven.
Telperion arrived with the mule and nodded nervously at the others, a slight smile, tinged with excitement, on his lips. Listening to everyone's words, he started to shift his weight from foot to foot with anticipation.
"I'm ready to go."
Been waiting for this for three long days, Garik doesn't hesitate, "I'm ready."
EDIT: Whoops, here's a spreadsheet map for the barge.
Cygar stands aside as the group files up the gangplank onto the barge. "Good luck to you all." This is his only farewell.
The captain and his deck hand, a husky, heavily scarred Kellid man named ewem, help square away the animals. With little ado, the duo waves goodbye to Cygar, pulls in the plank, and with a shove from a long pole, Ewem moves the barge out into the river's current, the craft drifting lazily down the way.
---
The barge is best described as cramped. The cabin is stocked with nine cots and a stove, and given the hold is filled with provisions and the cargo of ingots, only the modestly sized deck is relatively clear.
The Captain is amiable enough, happy to engage in a game of cards or dice or share a tale, though most of them aren't exactly rousing sea shanties. "Yer lookin' into that cussed cult of Razmir, right?" he asks a couple of days in. "They've been sendin' out 'faith barges' lately. Spreadin' the word of the livin' god at swordpoint," he says with contempt. He soon moves on to ranting about the Molthuni privateers, thugs given charters to disrupt any Nirmathas-bound traffic on the lake.
Ewem remains stoic and unapproachable, keeping to himself.
--
As the sixth day rolls around, the captain is noticeably anxious. "Should be able t' make the capitol shortly after nightfall. This's always the most dangerous part," he remarks.
As the day fades away, the lights of Tamran on the distant shore become visible.
The group has a minute to prepare.
The group has a single round to prepare.
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Telperion stared out into the rainy night sky when the Captain's mentioned increased danger. His eyes caught a shape and he quickly did some calculations.
"Uh, that boat is coming for us," Telperion said distractedly, tilting his head towards the wind and holding up little triangles with his fingers as he tried to judge positions, speeds and courses. "It's about a minute out."
He turned to the Captain with a dawning sense of dread. "That isn't a good thing, is it?"
Amadea, having never been any real distance from Kassen, is excited and filled with wonder at the trip. She has been above deck as much as possible. When the captain says that this part is dangerous, she will ask for clarification:
"Dangerous? How so? Is it difficult sailing here, or are there some other dangers?"
Amadea is looking about, enjoying the sights immensely, she is concentrating on seeing the city when it comes into view so she sees nothing until it is pointed out by Telperion.
"Not a good thing? What do you mean? Maybe they're in trouble, or just coming to say hello?"
The captain brushes it off. "Ah, just the Razmiran faith barges're thickest here. We've come this far with nothin' goin' wrong," the captain replies to Amadea.
-
The captain grimaces as Telperion catches sight of the small sailboat and informs him. "No, no it ain't. Guess our luck couldn't hold out any longer." He takes out a spyglass and observes the boat for a few seconds. "Five men. Damn glad ye lot are here," he remarks.
The captain moves to rouse the others, and Ewem retreats into the hold.
"Raven? Could you help me with my armour?" Amadea runs quickly to the cabin and beings to hastily don her armour.
Morthos' eyes light-up at the promise of some excitement.
"Finally, something to break the monotony! Let's see who can take down the most - may the best Dwarf win!"
Morthos then moves over to the side of the barge, axe in hand, eagerly watching the approaching vessel...
"I'm glad yer for seein' it, Telp. 'Cause I can't." Garik draws his waraxe and his mace.
Garik smiles at Morthos's fervor, "That's right! Bring 'em on! May the best dwarf, and..." he looks around, "human, and half-orc, and elf, WIN!" He clangs his weapons together, not realizing how goofy he sounds.
Raven tries following Telperion's gaze, but she only saw fog. When Amadea asks for help with her armor, Raven answers distractedly, "Yeah, sure." She snaps out of it after a second, and looks around at her party before following Amadea.
Seeing Bolkin without a range weapon, she hands him her light crossbow and quiver. "Here. So you can start dropping them as soon as you see them."
She then follows Amadea into the cabin, and follows her lead in helping her equip.
At the Captain's warning, Drosk joins his companions on the deck and begins casting spells in preparation of the impending conflict.
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Telperion took out his bow and took cover as best he could. He kept watch on the approaching boat and updated everyone on its position as it came closer.
He also took a few minutes to look around at the others, curious to see a boarding in action.
A question came to him as he saw the other preparing.
"Captain, why does the first mate go below decks for a battle?"
Of course, another question came on him just as fast. "How'd they know we'd be here when we can barely see in this rain?
And with another heartbeat came another question. "I wonder if I can hide from them if they can see so well"
Bolkin was helping around on deck to alleviate the boredom of travel. However, he was only paying a small amount of attention to what was happening on the lake. Because of this, he was glad that the ever-alert Telperion managed to spot something suspicious coming toward them, both out of wishing for excitement and slight annoyance of someone trying to get the drop on him.
Thankfully, years of serving in the guard had trained Bolkin to always keep himself equipped even during calm periods (he also took the time to chuckle to himself as Amadea frantically rushed to get her armor on). Before he could reach for his weapons, however, Raven had thrust a crossbow in his arms with instructions to use it. "I can give it a shot. Not like I never took lessons or anything..." he responded as he accepted her gift. "But if they board, we'll be needing some light. I'll let you handle that, alright?" With those parting words, he took position to aim at anyone who got close.
No modifier
Initiative
+2 = 2 DEX
The captain gives Telperion a grim look. "Ewem ain't a fighter. Neither am I, f' that matter. He knows he'd just get in the way."
Morthos
Initiative Round -2*:
> 25 Telperion
23 Raven
21 Morthos
18 Amadea
15 Drosk
8 Garik
8 Bolkin
*for simplicity's sake Round 0 will be the round where the sailboat pulls up alongside the barge.
Once finished strapping her armor and weapons into place, Amadea hurries out to the deck again. She takes cover behind whatever is available, be it crates, rigging, the cabin itself, or just the side of the boat if needs be. An arrow fitted to the string of her longbow she eyes the potential threat coming in. She eyes Telperion with his bow, and everyone else gripping their weapons.
"Are we sure these men mean us harm? They might be looking for assistance or something..."
Garik pauses, looking curiously at Amadea. "Ya know, she's got a point. Are we sure?" He reiterates, looking around at the others.
Morthos shrugs.
"Why would they come alongside without announcing themselves if they did not mean us ill? Regardless, I will not be attacking until they come in range of me axe."
Garik gives that some thought, and concurs. "Sounds fair enough to me. If they're smart, they'll just be by to see how we're farin'."
After helping her with her armor, Raven picks up her longspear and follows Amadea out. She finds cover from which she can still see the approaching boat, and then casts a spell that illuminates their deck.
"goleuadau sy'n symud" Four lantern-sized lights appear over the heads of the sailors on the approaching ship and follow them as they come closer.