Malakar will activate his Totem Transformation(it doesn't matter which form) as doing so allows him to Speak with Animals as per the spell but with fish.
"Hello, I mean you no harm. My friends have rid this place of the evil Grindylow. It would mean a great deal to me if you reclaimed this place for nature and find me should the evil ones return."
Eyes look up at Malakar, possibly in surprise. The Druid does not see a mouth nor does he feel the wave of sound carry through the water. The message received is more like a link within his head, "Who will feed us now? Will you?"
Meanwhile, back in the cavern . . .
It has been about a minute since Malakar dove back into the water. Vexas enjoys his new ring and performs somersaults in the water while Fenna admires the starfish amulet that is now around her neck.
The cavern, while dry, is still dank and cold. The strange substance on the wall provides some light but no warmth.
Malakar is taken a back he was expecting these to be common octopi. He assumes these are magical beasts or just smart ones.
"If you are hungry I would be happy to hunt with you. With the eradication of the Grindylow this cave will soon be flushed with fish and crabs for you to dine upon. Also I fear I have been rude I am called Malakar."
Fenna spends the time waiting for Malaker to get back sitting on the sand leaning back against the giant hand. She takes the amulet back off and gives it another appraisal.
The starfish is maybe a little bigger than something she would pick out for herself, but she likes the rustic, folk-crafty look of it. It's a look she figures she can pull off well enough. Satisfied, she puts the amulet back on and pokes a little at her ribs and abdomen to see how sore they still are.
With Malakar still in the water, speaking with the local fishes, Vexas gets back out of the water to inspect his new mithril shirt. Nobody could identify the magic on it, but surely it isn't curse.
He lifts up his tunic and slips it over his body...
Kowal will look through the objects to see if there's anything that could be used for a pigment in paints, if there isn't he will set about removing some of the scales from the queen to see if he can grind them down for a nice teal.
No immediate response comes as tentacles caress each other. Finally, after what feels like minutes, Malakar hears the voice again. ”Called ... Malakar …?” The question lingers for a moment. ”Ahh, understand. The big one called us ... Pet. Gave us already dead things. We prefer living. Please leave so fish and crabs come.” The voice goes quiet. The tentacles continue to caress each other.
Back in the cavern
Fenna is feeling better now that her wounds are closed. Her abdomen is still very tender and bruised, but she feels that her ribs have mended and there is no danger to her internal organs.
Vexas considers the risk of trying on the mithral chain shirt and decides to go for it. The obvious magic in the material works to conform to the Halfling's stature. It does not feel much heavier than cloth, but seems strong enough to stop a spear. With his new ring and light armor, the feisty Rogue considers swimming to be much less of an obstacle during future endeavors.
Kowal inspects the Queen’s body. He is disappointed at first since the creature’s hide is more akin to a shark. The Elf’s attention is captured then by the suckers on the tentacles. He squeezes one and a small amount of dark blue ink squirts out. It is not much, but the Cartomancer believes he can fill several vials from the various suckers to make paints or dry into a pigment.
"Well, I haven't heard Malakar calling for help. Think that's a good sign?
What is our next step once he returns? Scouting the colony site and surroundings some more?"
"I would not call you 'pet' I would call you friend. I will do as you say and leave this place to be yours and shall help it stay that way if you call for my aide. Goodbuy and may the wind and the waves grant you favor."
Having done his due diligence and duty to nature Malakar will return to the group.
"All clear it seems. There were some octopus that the queen kept as pets in the deep. I informed them that the cave now belongs to them at that I would come to their aide should that be challenged. I believe they understood. If all are fit and ready let us get back to Ramona. Also I thing we are overdue for a nice meal."
Vexas nods in satisfaction at the conclusion for the octopi, but just as much that it means that they get to leave this dank place.
Yes, that sounds like the best for all involved. Now, I imagine we cannot assume there are no other grindylows on the island? How do we know they will not return? Is there a way we can mark the cave to ward them off?
He directs this question particularly at Malakar, as this seems like "fish business."
Malakar, after leaving the octopuses, completes a quick sweep of the rest of the unexplored cavern. When doing so, he finds a few leathery pouches made from fish bladders and a water-logged backpack.
Vexas runs his fingers along the fine chain links of his new mithral shirt, admiring the craftsmanship.
Back to the ship?
"We can't be sure they won't come back but if they do I hope the octopi understood my meaning and seek me out for aide. I think some of these things may belong to the missing colonists by the way."
Malakar will cast detect magic on the found goods. He isn't good at spellcraft but it is still good to k ow if anything there is magical.
Once back in the boat and outside the cave, Fenna takes off her boots. She Prestidigitates them and the rest of her clothing dry.
"Ah, much better. My toes are like prunes!"
She looks around and wiggles the fingers of her right hand.
"Anybody else?"
Vexas squints, truly unclear on how all of this undersea communication works.
Can they... call to you for aid from miles away? Do they fish nearby tell you or can you just "hear" it from that far?
Once back in the boat and outside the cave, Fenna takes off her boots. She Prestidigitates them and the rest of her clothing dry.
"Ah, much better. My toes are like prunes!"
She looks around and wiggles the fingers of her right hand.
"Anybody else?"
Brannart is familiar with this magic. Although Ingrit did not command it, he did see it among sorcerers and bards in the Fifth Crusade. At first it seemed a bit of a vanity - would not one rather prepare spells to smite demons? - but Brannart came to realize that the magic had an immense power in staving off despair. Clean dry clothes. Food that tasted just a bit better.
"Sure Fenna, if you don't mind."
Malakar lays out the items he found and chants a prayer to The Sky Father. During the chant his palm hovers over the items and droplets of water shower down from his hand. Before the droplets hit the items, they transform into little flecks of gold that swirl around. Moments go by, then Malakar sees the empty corked bottle and the everburning torch begin to glow.
Rowing back to Peregrine, you notice a crowd gathering along the railing. Their applause comes into earshot and gets louder as you get closer. Soon you are back on the deck. Cheers erupt from all directions and congratulatory pats on the back are very common.
A voice erupts from the crowd, ”Let the heroes breathe. They have been underwater for a very long time.” The crowd parts and makes an opening in the direction of the voice.
Romana Avandth stands there, hands on her hips and a grin on her face. ”The Heroes of Almas are now the Heroes of Talmandor’s Bounty.” At this proclamation, another cheer erupts. ”You must be hungry and thirsty. As soon as you emerged from the cave, I had the cooks start a feast in your honor. Come, we’ll have a private meal waiting for you in the Officers’ Galley. I assume you’ll want to wash up first.”
Clean and refreshed, you find yourself in the Officer’s Galley seated in comfortable dining chairs around a large, rectangular dining table made of darkwood. The sides of the table are accented in carvings of a tipping tree with branches on the right side and a half-moon axe head on the other.
After a meal of hearty stew and bread, succulent cuts of beef, and spiced chicken along with plenty of water, ale, and wine to wash it all down, Ramona get down to business.
”The crew is preparing to set sail back to the colony. Do you feel it is safe to debark? Is there anything I should know?”
"I think it should be safe to debark. There are more outlying areas of the settlement to explore, but we've scouted the main part of it.
Let us go ashore first in the morning and make sure everything still looks good, then have the bulk of the passengers debark in the area we have cleared and set up fortifications while we finish exploring. That would be my suggestion. Though there are others here who are smarter than I am."
The table motifs remind Fenna of the chief reason she left Andoran and sour her mood. While seating herself at the table she comments on the dinner laid out.
"Nice spread. What's everyone outside getting?"
Fenna intends her quip's delivery to be sarcastic and insightful, but given her mood change it carries a barbed and snotty tone.
She eats only about a half-ration amount as a silent protest, deciding if she's hurt the dinner's mood she'll just go ahead and dig into it. She doesn't spare herself the wine though, since she has no idea when she might get any more.
Fenna agrees with Brannart suggesting a plan to make disembarkation workable.
"There are some parts of the settlement we weren't able to check before. I don't expect there's anything serious to worry about, but there could be pests and such that have moved in since it was abandoned. It would be best if everyone focused on unloading cargo and stayed within the central area where the palisade was being built until we can search the remainder."
Ramona actively listens to your suggestions, nodding her head at appropriate times. Fenna occasionally notices a tightening of her lips shortly after a snarky comment from the Bard. She puts your worries at ease regarding the spirit in the chapel by mentioning that there are clerics on board that can look into such matters. Eventually, she gets up to leave, ”I cannot thank you all enough for your aid. Hopefully, we can debark tomorrow and start a new future tomorrow in our new home, Talmandor’s Bounty.” Ramona bows her head and leaves.
You are left alone for a time to finish your meal and drink before finding your way to your sleeping quarters. After a long two days, you all sleep soundly throughout the night. Fighting Grindylows and chasing clockwork devices through an unmapped, wild island can take a lot out of any adventurer.
You wake up to the sound of seagulls and shipboard activity. Moving to the main deck after some breakfast, you notice that Peregrine sailed back to the bay at Talmandor’s Bounty overnight. It was only two days ago you were at this very spot, but it feels like weeks. The empty island and abandoned colony looks the same as you left it. The only difference is that part of the hull has been opened and a ramp-like plank is being assembled toward shore.
Ramona approaches and offers the row boat for you to arrive early and continue your scouting. Within minutes, you find yourself back at the lonely dock staring up at your future home.
Vexas makes a point to find his old friend, Kalcora and eat with her, mostly apart from the rest of the group. He knows they'll likely be back to work soon enough. He shows off his shimmery armor to her, and might have exaggerated his swimming abilities in his recounting...
Later after dinner Vexas approaches the quartermaster to see if he can sell a spare (non-masterwork) rapier and suit of leather armor. He then looks to see if there are any more casters onboard that he could pay to identify the properties of his armor.
After Ramona leaves, Brannart turns to Fenna. He asks her quietly, "Did Ramona say something to offend you? I missed it if she did. You seemed just a bit annoyed. If there is any issue, let's nip it in the bud."
----
At bedtime, Brannart cleans his weapons and armor. He holds the holy symbol of Torag and whispers a short prayer. "Father of creation, look with favor on the soul of your follower Ingrit." In his heart, he knows that she is in Torag's realm and hopefully able to see him building something here. He is not sure exactly what he is asking Torag to do - give her a promotion in the afterlife? But those are the words she taught him "just in case." He sighs. He still misses her, but the pain is less now. His family were all right. Getting out and doing something big, that's what he needed. Ingrit would want him to be happy.
A short prayer to Cayden Cailean is nothing more than "May tomorrow be an adventure worthy of a tale," as he thinks about the epic tale that today's adventures can make. I hope Fenna is either writing this down, or has it all in her head.
----
In the morning, he is well rested and ready to go. "Where to now?"
The previous night . . .
Sho asks around on how to requisition supplies and is directed to the Quartermaster’s Office. The open door has a plaque with the name Alda Brady QUARTERMASTER/PURSER.
A Halfling stands behind a desk reviewing two pieces of paper. She is using an ink quill to make notations on the documents. She looks up and smiles as the Ranger enters her office. ”Well, if this is not Chaldira Zuzaristan’s lucky charge. A real hero here in my office. How can I help you?”
Sho presents her needs and the Halfling smiles and writes something on a piece of paper. Handing Sho the note, the Halfling smiles, ”Present this to the armory. They will give you the arrows you require. No charge! If it was not for you, the crew would have wasted many more arrows fighting what you and your friends took care of for us.” There is a pause as the Halfling looks up and smiles. ”And for the short sword, well …? Alda turns around and opens up a chest on the floor behind her. She pulls out some cloth and trinkets and lets them fall on the floor. Eventually, she stands holding what looks like a cloth-wrapped blade and turns back to set the piece on her work desk. The papers underneath crinkle as she centers the item. ”Now, this has gotten me through many adventures, but I do not believe I’ll be needing it anymore. I would be honored if you would accept this gift and carry on the tradition of heroics this blade infuses in the wielder.” Alda unwraps the blade. It is a shortsword of masterwork quality made from a unique metal. The hilt is wrapped in a dark red chord and along the blade itself is the depiction of a green lizard with arcane runes filling in the scales. On one edge, as if by design, the blade holds three gold-flecked notches. ”This blade will give you strength when you most need it. When the time comes,” a huge grins forms as she says this, ”And we know it will. The life of adventure always finds danger . . . “ She pauses long enough for this sentiment to sink in. ”When the time comes and times get tough, call on this blade to help you, and you will be filled with its magic.”
Vexas excuses himself shortly after Ramona leaves and heads off to find his Halfling friend. Kalcora squeals in delight and wraps him in a big hug and adds a smooch on the cheek, ”My hero!” She pulls back to arms length to look at him and smiles warmly. ”Have you had second dinner yet? You must be famished.”
Kalcora smiles and nods as she listens intently to Vexas’s retelling of his adventures. When he shows off his mithral armor, her tone becomes playful, ”My my what shiny armor. How easy is it to take off?” she quips with a smile.
After some quality time with Kalcora, Vexas seeks out the Quartermaster. On his way, an Elf approaches him. He is tall with long gold hair that passes over his shoulders. It is combed straight and tucked behind his long, extended ears. He wears a blue, flowing robe. A pendant depicting a large white cat is chorded over his neck and lays against his chest.
Vexas, with his old leather armor and plain rapier in hand, recognizes that the Elf notices his new armor and the items he carries. ”Forgive me, but may I have a moment of your time?”
He discusses his deduction that Vexas plans to sell his old adventuring gear and introduces himself. ”My name is Haldalel. I am a scholar and collector of sorts. I have come on this journey because ancient Azlant holds great interest to me, but I am also here to chronicle the history of Talmandor’s Bounty. No better way to start than at the beginning You, my friend, are part of that history and so are your possessions. One day, I hope to create a small museum showing the history of our just-founded colony.”
He offers to buy Vexas’s leather and rapier for 50 gold pieces and offers to cast a spell to determine the properties of Vexas’s mithral armor.
Brannart wakes feeling refreshed. When he moves to grab his armor that he cleaned the night before, he notices it shines like new. There are no dents, scratches, or damages of any kind. He considers his prayer to Torag and his thoughts of Ingrit before falling asleep.
As Vexas heads towards the quartermaster's office, he's feeling quite contented after a full meal and other quality time...
He would normally be bothered by the random intrusion, but being so contented he's pleasantly curious when a mysterious elf approaches him.
Ah, a collector, very good! Then you might come across interesting things from time to time.
Then he inquires about his leather armor and used sword. The halfling frowns and looks down at them.
O-o-okay. I'm likely going to discard many things on this settlement adventure. I'm sure many folks will. In a couple of weeks folks will have forgotten about me!
Never-the-less he accepts the elf's offer and shrugs, returning to his cabin before the group departs again.
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"It's not Ramona herself Brannart. She's alright. It's who she works for. A lot of s!*! best left back in Andoran is getting dragged along with us over here."
Fenna taps at one of the Lumber Consortium symbols on the table.
"The money back home will see this place sucked dry of anything and everything it can ship back for profit. After that don't expect any more ships to come sailing this way. Unless they can line their pockets by converting the island into a penal colony."
"You ever read The Foundations of Hierarchy by Govert Hacquart? It feels like we're being groomed to take on the role of overseers. We'll occupy that mid-tier between Ramona and everybody else. We'll get the plum this or the best of that, just enough extra to keep our interests aligned with the money. We'll be comfortable enough to spring into action if the boat is rocked, people forget their place."
"Always keep in mind who's hand you're shaking. Are they the people eating in here or out there? A point will come somewhere along the line eventually where you'll have to choose between them."
Fenna lifts an extra couple of wine bottles to take with her on the way out. She considers going to find her one-eyed elf pal to share them with so she can really do some ranting, but decides she's too tired. She squirrels the bottles away in her stuff for another time and gets some sleep.
Alda considers Sho's offer. After a pause she says, "Well, and let's keep this between us, but these old bones are not getting any younger. Starting to feel the edge of arthritis kicking in and my mind seems to forget things at times. I have read up on some ancient Azlanti medicines in some books hidden away in a library in Oppara. This would be the right climate to allow it to grow. If you come across a type of mushroom it is called Luminoso Lactifluorum or the common name is The Cavern Light Mushroom. You will recognize it by its soft-white glow in darkness. If you come across it, gather some and allow it to dry in the sun. Then stow it away airtight. If Peregrine does not make the next transport, I’ll send a message with the next ship to collect it. Hopefully you will have found some and have it prepared by then. I’ll then have arrangements to have it delivered to my office in Absalom. I wish you well. Stay safe."
Back in time
"It's not Ramona herself Brannart. She's alright. It's who she works for. A lot of s*~* best left back in Andoran is getting dragged along with us over here."
Fenna taps at one of the Lumber Consortium symbols on the table.
"The money back home will see this place sucked dry of anything and everything it can ship back for profit. After that don't expect any more ships to come sailing this way. Unless they can line their pockets by converting the island into a penal colony."snip
Malakar listens to the conversation.
"Whoever 'they' are. "Malakar says tapping the same symbol as Fenna. "They sound like no friends of mine. I came here to start a new life, with the blessing of the 'wind and the waves'. IF this group would exploit the land for money they have a foe in me. If the time comes to stand against them count me among your army."
Kowal excuses himself from dinner quickly after eating in order to go down and try to find Sanch the glassblower. assuming he is able to find her he will quickly begin talking about the ink they found, and pull out a few vials. "I was thinking we could use some of this as a darkening agent. I've not seen a black quite this pure in ages and I'm not sure if it'll be of great use on its own but I'll bet you wouldn't need much to mix a deep blue or purple. I can only hope we can find other tones that are similarly interesting"
After the conversation, he will see if the children's art group has been meeting in his absence and mix a few new dyes for them and offer guidance on any new pieces they have.
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"Whoever 'they' are. "Malakar says tapping the same symbol as Fenna. "They sound like no friends of mine. I came here to start a new life, with the blessing of the 'wind and the waves'. IF this group would exploit the land for money they have a foe in me. If the time comes to stand against them count me among your army."
"Malakar, we were hired by the Bountiful Venture Company. And they want this colony to prosper financially. It might not be primarily logging - it might be fishing, or farming, or a resupply port for ships on their way to Arcadia - but profit is definitely one goal here.
Now, if you can find a way to encourage development in a way that does not ruin this land, that would be to the advantage of the long-term prosperity of the Colony, and I would support you in delivering that message. The ruthlessness of 'sucked dry of anything' is not something I support. Nor do I support the monopolistic and underhanded practices of the Lumber Consortium. I think we can be vigilant and we can organize to ensure a good outcome here.""We did know that the Colony is a joint venture between House Naran and House Vaylen (two of the three merchant houses running Andoran’s major banks), with the Lumber Consortium somehow involved. This is not a surprise." Here.
"Still, I believe in the people of Andoran, and in democracy, and in persuasion. If the individuals backed by the Consortium win free and fair elections for offices here, then they have earned the right to those offices. To avoid that outcome, we'll need to find out who those individuals are and campaign against them, figure out who we want to be in charge. People who are not in the pocket of the Consortium."
After dinner, Malakar seeks out a friend whom he may not see again and could also help him identify his find. Malakar finds Tyra Swain, the ship’s Navigator, out on the main deck facing away from the colony. She is staring out into the darkened sea and looking up into the star-filled sky above. She is wearing the same low-cut robe with the chromatic patterns the Druid first saw her in. At his approach, she smiles, ”I was hoping you would come seek me out.” She turns back to the railing and looks up at the sky again. ”I wish I did not have to leave this place so soon. I could spend weeks studying the stars here where North and South seem to meet. I have never seen The Dancer twirl around Ardacordis The Serpent. They are usually in two different skies. This foretells a great battle in the sea. Be careful and learn to dance with the dead.”
The Navigator stares at the stars for a few more moments before inviting Malaker back to her quarters. Once there, she casts a spell on his bottle. ”It appears that this bottle holds air and will allow the holder to breath when there is no air.” She looks over at Malakar and grins, ”And you are going to need it because I intend to take your breath away . . . “
-----------------------------------------------------------
Sanch Celan is hand sketching some glassware designs when Kowal finds her. ”Ah, Kwelion,” she exclaims in excitement while looking through her large eyeglasses. ”I heard you went off to save the colony. I thought you were a papermaker. Giving evil the good ol’papercut eh,” she quips with a giggle.
Taking a vial, she takes a dab of the ink to inspect it. ”Wow! You are right. Black as black can be. It will be interesting to mix with other colors and see what we can come up with.”
Kowal then makes his way to the Galley to look in on any of his art students. When he gets there he notices many children painting on a wall that he remembers was plain white. The wall is now a beautiful mural depicting a thriving island colony. In big letters above the mural names the place Talmandor’s Bounty. The bottom of the wall shows the ocean which leads to a beach further up the wall. The beach leads to a thriving colony with thatched homes, people working the land, and children playing.
A parent Kowal remembers approaches him, ”The children loved the painting you taught them so much that they quickly ran out of paper shortly after you left. It was the Captain himself who commissioned a mural on the wall so the children could continue to paint. Thank you. This kept the children occupied during some trying times on this voyage. It also taught them teamwork, and for the older children, leadership. The whole colony watched the children work and it brought most of us together. We also recognize that you were a part of this. We cannot thank you enough.”
---------------------------------------------
Current Time
You make your way back to the Government House where you found the Clockwork Spy shortly after entering and gave chase into the wilds of the island. Looking back, before you enter, Peregrine looks much smaller from this distance. You can see that the ramp is almost fully assembled and colonists are starting to walk ashore.
Through the main doors is a foyer opening to a large chamber that occupies most of the main floor. This room is open to the second floor, and two flights of stairs lead to a gallery that overlooks this space, supported by columns on the main level. At the rear of the chamber against the east wall is a raised desk, like a podium. Tables and chairs are arrayed in front of it like a courtroom. The gallery above has simple wooden chairs so that citizens can observe whatever business is conducted here. Doors at the north and south ends of the main floor lead to what appears to be separate offices.
Vexas casually moves into the Government House and scratches his head.
If I recall, from before, we were thinking that perhaps there might be a fake charter for the colony here, which allowed the real one to reside hidden in a residence. I wonder... would it be framed and in plain view or filed away?
He scans the walls to see if something like this would indeed be displayed for general perusal. If he doesn't find it there he moves into the North office.
Brannart will also take a look around, though he expects he won't notice anything that Vexas missed.
Then he moves to accompany Vexas towards the North office. He has his longsword and shield ready.
Vexas finds nothing in the main chamber except for a thin layer of dust in the areas where he and his companions have not previously disturbed. In fact, the Halfling deduces that the walls were intended to be painted before anything would be hung on the them.
Vexas moves to the door of the northern office. Finding it unlocked, he gazes inside. An unshuttered glass window allows in enough light to see while an oil lamp is available on a desk to shed more light, if needed. Also on the desk is blank stationary, an inkwell, and several quills. Next to the desk is a sitting chair and on the floor is a locked coffer. There is no key in sight.
Ah! No key? No problem!
The halfling spreads his hands out wide and wiggles his fingers as some sort of warm-up ritual before grabbing his lock-picks from his belt-pouch. Just before inserting the first pick into the keyhole, he stop to eye the coffer more closely.
Vexas finds no traps and breathes a sigh of relief when he hears the expected click to open up the coffer. Inside are multiple journals and logbooks along with an empty leather document holder. Paging through, they seem to be records of various types of mundane events such as the sea journey to Ancorato, daily work details for construction and farming, a master tool inventory, and records of the daily weather. The latest consistent entries seem to date back to a month ago, whereupon the entries become sporadic and then stop altogether a week later.
Paging through one log book containing details of colony events since landfall, Sho notices four pages after the last entry missing from the binding evidenced by a razor-sharp incision.
Perception: DC 12
Since the ground floor is well covered, Fenna goes up the stairs to have a look around.
Fenna finds nothing out of the ordinary on the second floor. There is a layer of dust on almost every surface and chairs surrounding the railing for spectators to watch any government business happening below. The early-morning breeze through the window the the clockwork spy escaped out of blows around a small portion of the dust.
As Vexas is initially looking around and then unlocking the coffer Kowal grabs a chair and looks at the wall pondering
Hmm, I wonder if leadership would allow another mural to be painted here, I assume that it would bring the town further together and prove to give the adults a break. but what could it be of, possibly a sunrise to symbolize the sun rising on the next great empire to grace this land? or trade ships leaving what will be a future trade port? so many possibilities, or, I suppose just a bland off-white shade would work as well. But all the missed opportunities that would come from that.
as Kowal continues to lose himself in thought he hears Vexas call that he got the strongbox unlocked and stands to move into the office.
"Interesting, I wonder would it be okay if I took one of the journals for the moment? Of course, if it proves to be necessary for the good of the colony or if we find its true owner I'd give it back in a heartbeat."
While Fenna heads upstairs, Vexas hands the journals to Kowal and heads to the South office to further look for the fake colony charter, and perhaps any missing pages from one of the journals.
Paging through one log book containing details of colony events since landfall, Sho notices four pages after the last entry missing from the binding evidenced by a razor-sharp incision.
When Vexas inspects the South Office, he finds a simple desk and chair along with the normal office supplies. It is near identical to the North Office except it is missing the coffer.
Sho bends down and examines the floor as if it was of soil and undergrowth. The areas undisturbed by her companions show only a layer of dust a few weeks old. She concludes that no one has been here for quite a bit.
Since she found nothing upstairs, Fenna rejoins the others downstairs. She takes a quick look at the papers and so forth, but suggests waiting until later to give them careful scrutiny.
"People are coming ashore and we need to give them space to get started moving in. Let's get the area cleared first, there will be time to look through that stuff this evening."
She does one last quick walkthrough of the main floor while she waits for the others to get going, just in case there's something missed.
Fenna feels confident that if there was something else to find, Sho would have found it.