At the Drowned Dolphin
The four full moons hang high in the sky, marking the new year’s day, Third Age 976, A Good Year. The seaside dock in a low industrial region of Narport seems particularly empty tonight, most any ship that could afford to docked something better suited to celebration than the lone dockside tavern off this particular wharf, but one ship, the Hippogriff's Eye was still to be seen.
A block away, inside the Drowned Dolphin, there is no celebration to be had. Rather, a strange collection of people sit, mostly awkwardly, filling the tables of the bar, a sign painted in red letters, “Closed for Private Engagement” hung outside on the door. One eyed Plumes works behind the bar, the wenches all sent home for the evening, he fills the mugs himself as needed, but now he’s filling a tray of glasses with a strange liquid from an old and dingy looking bottle.
As you look around the bar, besides Plumes there are only 14 other souls here-- three gilmen sitting in the corner, one of whom must be the prince, a two burly humans lingering near the front wall, another human man politely talking to a Tengu, and several people of even stranger origin.
These must, you realize, be your companions joining the Prince.
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So, Markus, this is the rebellion?
The gritty voice comes from a burly human-looking male. He takes a sip of the House stuff; his strange predatory gaze lurking throughout the dingy common room. Standing at an easy 6'2; with the muscles to mark him as an enforcer type, the grayish (some would say Shark-colored) skin marking him as not-quite-human, and the apparent readiness of a coiled spring, Nathaniel the Bull returns his blue eyed gaze to his companion of the last Month.
When you hook winked me into joining this venture, you may have forgotten to mention the bigness of it all!
Nathaniel grins.
Cordelia sits in a chair, watching the other guests carefully. The room was rather full, and Cordelia could see some people already deep in discussion.
Ordering a drink, Cordelia sips quietly reflecting that there was a great collection of different races here but most of the individuals were new to her. Deciding that she could at least introduce herself to the Prince, if nothing else, she swiftly crosses the room before half bowing to the three gilmen. "Its an honor to meet you all, I'm Cordelia, from the Kailani kingdom"
Not trusting the weird and unknown drink, Oreana drinks only the water that she brought with her, smiling to the others nevertheless and engaging in small talk.
Oreana isn't really tall at about five feet and nothing, but what she is is gracious. Her skin is fair, with long bluish hair and blue eyes. She is really beautiful and athletic and almost entirely human in appearance aside from her webbed fingers and discreet gills.
Since she still isn't sure about the reason she was lead her, she makes no grand gesture so far.
On one of the dark corners of the bar, another creature could be seen. Looking perfectly like a young almost elvish-looking humanoid on his upper part, he didn't seem at all uncomfortable at that place - at least, not from the weirdness standpoint.
Being a cecaelia - a hybrid of human and octopus - Zeebu's body ended in several different tentacles, each moving as of it had its own mind. He wasn't muscular at all - actually, quite lean - but the tentacles pushed his height way beyond six feet.
Yet, he wasn't really attractive or intimidating. Rather, he gave an overall feeling of being someone shy and reserved. Dressed as some sort of sea ranger, he loomed as he had wisdom beyond his age, and blinked slowly as if constantly concentrating.
Different than his colleagues, he chose to keep his silence for now. His eyes were circling curiously around the room, analyzing the group as if constantly fearful for his skin, yet somewhat behaving in a proudful manner as if highly educated.
The older human wrinkles his brow. "Well tha' Admiral was certain there'd be more to it. Maybe they're in the water nearby. I'm bettin' they don't like being on land if they don't have to." He breaks into a crooked-toothed smile. "Or maybe this is it and we can head home this evening."
Mr.Finley is a tall man, almost equal in height to his companion, but similarities don't end there. He's fairly muscular, with a shaven head and crooked teeth. Typical of his clergy, Brother Finley wears a simple brown robe with minimal accouterments. The man is aging, roughly in his mid-forties, but hasn't shown signs of slowing down.
Braving the eyes on him, Markus makes his way to the prince and introduces himself. "Errm... Well met, yer Majesty. I'm Markus Finley, envoy from Southern Camino. The admiral sends his regards."
Nathaniel the Bull returns the smirk to his companion. The Were-Shark then smiles a very toothy grin, as Markus braves the royalties, niceties, and looks-a-sies from all nearby.
Give the prince my regards. You are much better at words than me anyways. I will order another round.
Nathaniel the Bull then raises his glass at the prince when Markus makes introductions.
A tengu looks awkwardly from group to group, trying to decide who to talk to, changing his mind between every gulp of ale. He doesn't leave much of a impression, and he's clearly out of sorts in such a social situation, but he does look ready to sail. He has a large curved sword from the plateau lands strapped across his back, and he looks like he's constantly trying to find something to do with the hand that isn't clutching a mug. Eventually his mug empties and he's forced into a decision.
He walks over to Zeebu and sizes him up, despite being dwarfed by the cecaelia. "Something happen to your legs? Hi, I'm Grin. Lagrin, but everyone seems to call me Grin." His break hangs open for a moment in a terrible approximation of a smile. "I can't say I know too much about the VIP here, he's some sort of Prince? Shouldn't a Prince have his own Navy? Why's he need to hire a bunch of castoffs and cutthroats?"
The door to the tavern would open once more and stepping inside was a figure that would barely reach the knee of most gathered there. A young Grippli, the green shade of his skin bright and shimmering, with amber-orange eyes would enter into the tavern. Taking his hat off and looking around the dim room, Biligup took in the odd assortment of individuals gathered here at the Prince's behest.
"Well..." Biligup said in well-spoken Common, brushing his hat off before placing it back upon his head. "...it does seem like I have come to the right place. Blasted towns are so confusing sometimes..." Standing two feet tall and weighing less than most of the backpacks that the group would be travelling with, the tiny figure seemed nonplussed by the size of the individuals beside him. Dressed in fine clothing and wearing an assortment of rings and jeweled necklaces, his hand rested on the hilt of his magnificently crafted rapier as he approached the gillmen. In contrast to his size, the confidence that seemed to radiate from him was palpable as he took a deep and low bow.
"I am Biligup Deepcroak, Son of the late High Chief Willup. I am Regent Ruue's appointed emissary on behalf of the Firewater Tribe. It is an honor and a privilege to meet you, Your Majesty." He rose from his bow with a wide grin, his eyes catching Plumes pouring glasses from the fine if dusty bottle. The excitement exuding from the Grippli was nearly infectious. "Oh! Is that...the good stuff? He asked before climbing effortlessly up a stool nearby. He would regard the shady cast of characters with wide, charming eyes, seemingly in good company amidst scoundrels and scallywags.
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Munir squats awkwardly on a stool at the end of the bar, a mottled black-and-red-furred gnoll whose mutterings over an untouched flagon are occasionally punctuated by squealing barks. "...full of riddles...scratches beneath floorboards and echoes from blind alleys, twists and turns... *YIP!* ...creaks and angles..." Bending his head low, he reaches a leg up to vigorously scratch behind a large ear with his toenails. Once done, he looks up and notices the largest frog - quite possibly the only frog - he's ever seen sitting next to him.
"May the Sun shine on your endeavors," he offers in a harsh high-pitched, almost sing-song voice. His right eye fixes on the grippli while his left seems to wander over the room. This has the look of a sea-creature about it, does it not? "I am Munir of the Sandwalkers, sent by my Chieftess to assess the Undersea prince, and sent by my God *YIP!* to win him back his throne!" He grins, exposing sharp, mis-matched teeth.
"Might you be this prince?"
The middle of the three gillmen nods at one eyed Plume who begins filling wine glasses from several grey bottles, crusted on the exterior with salt.
The man, boy really, thin and pale, but with a certain kind of beauty about his delicate features rises and stands on the table, his voice cracking as he speaks.
“My name is Cadmael. I have sent messengers to every corner of Kesperex, to gather you here tonight. I have begged, pleaded, commanded, requested, and bought your presence here tonight and with me]on the journey I am about to begin.”
He scans the crown for a moment, taking in the faces of those who have answered his calls, “They say that it is auspicious to begin a new undertaking on the new year’s day, the 1st of the Month of Attrianna, in a Good Year, while all the moons are full, so tonight I ask you all to begin anew with me. Some of you know, others suspect perhaps, that I am rightful Prince, rightful Emperor of Oceana. My birthright was stolen from me, along with my parents, ten years ago, by the Absolute Order. I mean to take it back. I ask you all to join me to that end.”
Plumes circles the room handing each of you a glass in turn; when he has finished, the Prince continues.
”Not much was saved from Oceana when we fled, but these few bottles of sea wine I have saved, so now, raise a glass if you’d consent to join me, and drink-- to Oceana!” he raises the glass, and everyone who drinks with him, savors the salty sweet flavor of the Sea Wine, a rare delicacy since the Absolute Order took over Oceana a decade prior. The Prince smiles again and you consider his frame—slight, waifish blonde hair, striking blue eyes, “Yes, Munir, I am the self same Prince. The Prince in Exile, for now, and we have a long arduous current ahead to change that, but let us leave the work for the morrow. Please, come, friends, tell me who you are, you brave few who have heard my call and answered.”
"Me? The prince? No, nononononono...friend." Biligup says, his smile forced but natural. This was the largest dog he had ever seen in his life. "No, I am Biligup Deepcroak. I'm an emissary like you, I think. I am from the Firewater Tribe and we-" The grippli lost his train of thought as the delicate, softspoken man stood upon the table nearby. This was Prince Cadmael, the true Emperor of Oceana. He had heard the rumors but for them to be actually true, even the slightly dull swashbuckler knew that it was quite the revelation. The Absolute Order had shifted the world and not to the better when they seized control of Oceana. Less trading ships came by the islands and the growth of his people was stunted.
The wine was salty and sweet, a true delicacy. When the last drop slipped onto his tongue, the long tongue of his would slip out to trace the glass for every last drop. This tavern had no right to be the host of such delicious wine. Taking a moment, the Grippli nearly missed when the prince asked them all to speak their names to the others there.
"Well... Biligup said as he stood up on his stool, now nearly the size of any average human being. He cleared his throat before he addressed the room. "My name is...my goodness, it lingers on the tongue. This is so delicious.....my name is Biligup Deepcroak. I am an emissary of the Firewater Tribe, hailing from the Great Volcano Islands within the Inland Ocean. I was also a sailor of some repute upon the Merry Devil. Thank you for having me." With the slightest nod of his head to those assembled, he would sit down once more beside the strange dog-man beside him.
As the prince finishes his speech, Oreana looks through the window, gazing the full moons, wondering what she is really doing there. She was certain the omens and signs have led her here, but why? Why would the nature spirits be concerned about who rules where? She did not know the answer, but she decided she would find out soon enough.
She raised her glass with the others and drank the liquid, finding it surprisingly good. After that, she raised from her seat and joined the others in introducing herself. "Unlike many of you, I was neither asked, nor sent here by anyone but the omens of the seas... My name is Oreana of the Aandarth Island. If you'd take me, I'll be happy to help."
Markus gingerly sipped the wine, it was strange, salty and sweet. Was it made with sea grapes? Certainly like no wine he'd had before. The foreign flavor was sweeter than he expected and not much like the wines he'd experienced on land, though his selections had mostly been cheap. "Ahh, tha' blessings of Nera are truly upon this drink. Soo, erm, sweet!" The priest says as he raises his glass to join the others.
He eyed the others around the tavern, a more motley crew of creatures he'd never seen. Seesh, what mess have I gotta myself into?
Zeebu waits for the prince to finish his speech, silently. When he finishes, finally, the young bolt ace raises his glass to drink.
Always, Your Highness. The cecaelia from the depths are with you, in what for sure will be a long and fruitful alliance! - he says, making sure to try to establish an alliance-like feeling from the beginning.
Gillmen and cecaelia not always looked eye-to-eye, but the current wars forged a new reality in the seas. The proud nobleborn wanted to straighten even more the links, hopeful that someday favors would be returned.
Cordelia waits for a gap in the introductions, before she stands again, having sat down when the Prince had begun his speech. She had already introduced herself to the prince, but not to anyone else so she directs her comments in general to the room. "I'm Cordelia, from the Kailani kingdom. My tribe is always happy to extend the arm of friendship to those in need so I was sent to observe and assist during this great struggle. It is good to be here."
The door swung open slowly and in walked one of the Devilmen of the deep. Shad heard gasps from a few for most new his kind were allied with the Old Empire. Conch Shell signal horn hung from his neck. His pack was streamlined and balanced for swinging and had little inside. a few easily reached pockets along the side. He carried aa spear and a crossbow made for wunder water work and 20 crossbow bolts were strapped to his legs Everything about him was designed for swimming fast and fighting underwater.
He looked around the room. He had been recruited. He knew he wasnt trusted. But then he was used to that.
In a deep voice more accustomed to speaking underwater he said "I am called Shad. of Ogroshk. I am welcomed here?!"
he looked around at the odd assemblage of rebels and moved to a table in a corner
Cadmael thanks Oreana, Zeebu, and Cordelia, then when Shad enters and queries he smiles, "Yes, it is good to meet you Shad," he crosses the distance to the Sahuagin and extends his hand, "I am glad my messages found you. News of a deserter from the Order's forces willing to help our cause was a boon to my ears. We must all put old enmities aside if our goal is to be reached."
The intent of the Prince's singling out the Sahuagin was clear to all-- despite their race being traditional foes of many of the others gathered here, you could tell he meant for you to welcome the newcomer as you would any other.
He paused and looked once more around the at the others. many of the depths and many from in sun. interesting. I Thank You Prince Cadmael. I am Ready to assist. he withdrew his claws so he could take the offered hand...such was the ways of the more peacelike races. he shook the hand up and down vigorously... awkwardly...and then releasing it he moved to the offered seat.
Nathaniel easily drains the proffered cup of sweet sea wine. The Shark-Kin; being from the unforgiving hot Burned Lands, had never tasted anything so sweet! He didn't actually like it, but it was free.
As some others begin to introduce themselves, Nathaniel sighs. He stands after those previous return to their seats.
Hello. Nathaniel; called the Bull. Priest of The Church of the Three. Borne in the Burned Lands.
The big fella looks a bit uncomfortable. His shark-gaze reaching the Gnoll.
It's hot. Thanks.
Nathaniel then approaches the Prince. He carries a Sea blue satin cloth covered box. It appears small in his hands; roughly, 8" long and 6 " wide. Removing the satin covering reveals the box to be made of cedar wood; stylized with a shark motif around its sides. Nathaniel opens the box, producing a musical sound of the sea.
Nathaniel presents his gift to the Prince. He nods.
This has been handed down through my Mother's family for generations. I just recently recovered it. I am humbled and honored to be a part of this fight.
Nathaniel then returns to his seat. He downs the needed sweet stuff! He then looks over to the Sahuagin.
Shad? We must share a keg!
The gnoll inexpertly tosses back his glass of wine with a squeal of appreciation, drink dribbling over his gums to wet the fur of his chin. He nods at subsequent toasts and introductions, waiting for a lull amidst the oaths and well-wishes before dismounting his stool and making his own.
Once on his feet his posture is the same as at the bar - hunched forward and down, though whether by habit or deformity is unclear. He approaches the prince and bows, holding out a beautifully crafted warhammer on his palms.
”I am Munir of the Sandwalkers, sent by our wise and beautiful Chieftess Mar Jilin *YIP!* and by the very Sun in the sky, the great God Zailor *YIP!* to offer my service to the Prince of Oceana, so that we may forge the strongest of bonds between our peoples. The light of Zailor will be brought to the depths, and it will shine on Emperor Cadmael! *YIP!YIP!YIP!*"
This final pledge he offers in prayer, kindling the light of Zailor in his hammer. The weapon shines twice as clear as any torch, its radiance touching even the furthest corners of the room. His piece said, he backs away from the prince to return to his stool, head bowed and nodding as he goes.
Lagrin looks at Zeebu expectantly as the glasses are being handed out and otherwise listens attentively to the speech. At the toast, he lets out a resigned sigh then drains his glass. He shrugs, then heads over toward the prince and waits for an opening before he begins nervously babbling.
"Ah, hello Mr. Prince, Sir. I'm Lagrin, everyone seems to call me Grin. Happy to sign on for a berth on your ship, be sure I'll pull my weight and more, been sailing for years now. If you need me and can't find me, be sure to check the, ah, the crow's nest." He leaves off with an awkward laugh, leaving his mouth hanging open.
Shad looked at the strange furred being speaking and making noises like the dogs of the pink skins....wierd. but with nathaniel he sensed a kindred. He felt the same bond with the sharks of the seas...a hunters bond.
Hello Nathaniel. Called The Bull. I know not of these Burned Lands. It sounds most harming. Much prefer the quiet dark of the deepwater. Yes. We must share some of the lager of the surface dwellers. Its sharp taste is pleasant to me
Myrsko takes the glass of wine, looks at it, and sniffs it suspiciously. This gathering was reminding him of his last new beginning, and he starts to tense. Slowly, he breaths out, and placed the glass to his lips and sips. This isn’t then, he reminds himself, forcing his mind to focus on the taste. The wine was sweet and far richer than anything he’d had in a long time. Even when he was shanghaied, the drink wasn’t this good.
Eyeing the company, he sees his fellow former crewman, Grin, and nods when he catches his eye. The rest of the company, though rather exotic, seems a better complement than the ragged crews he’s been with. He looks at his sun-leathered hands and realizes he’s pretty ragged himself. He begins to calm as the prince finishes his speech.
Amidst the introductions, the sailor stands and provides his own. ”I am Myrsko. A sailor and wizard, of sorts. I am looking forward to a new beginning also, so my magic and my gun are in your service.” Then, after an awkward pause, he adds the makeshift blessing, ”May the seas favor us!”
Lagrin returns Myrsko's nod and hangs around near the Prince after he speaks to him. "Myrsko, glad to see you made it here after the Hellion. The Prince gives us wine, I like him better than Captain Falx already."
With everyone giving out introductions, Markus decided to speak his piece well, if only for the benefit of the new... creature. "I'm Markus Finley, erm, Priest of the Goddess Nera. May her blessin's protect us all!" The tall man makes a sweeping gesture to flourish his statement. Looking satisfied with himself, Markus seats himself once more by Nathaniel.
While a decent, though strange drink went a long way, Mr.Finley felt a need in his stomach that wine could not satisfy. "This wine is great, but how about some grub to really get this party started? Best enjoy the goddess's harvest while we can, right?" Though perhaps a bit rude to say, the big man's expression did not convey malice.
The prince greets each of you in turn, polite and kind, and some of you harbor a slight worry that his kindness might speak to a lack of the steel in the soul needed to take on such a quest of revenge, but the grog flows freely in the Drowned Dolphin, and you drink into the late hours.
The following day, a meeting is set aboard the Prince's ship, the Hippogriff's Eye. The Eye is a trading vessel, sleek and fast, with an ample, but empty cargo hold. Not the greatest war ship to start a navy with, but sturdy.
When you begin to arrive, you find chairs seated on the main deck ringed in a circle. Once everyone has arrived, the Prince speaks again.
"A dozen skilled warriors is a worthy start to a navy, but we all know this cannot be all we hope to fight the Absolute Order with. The Hippogriff's Eye is a fine vessel, and she has been my home these ten years in exile, but we shall need to fill the sea with ships. I have taken council, gathered what information I could, and devised the start to a plan."
He points to the mainsail where the flag of the nation a ship is flying under should fly, "But first, Baris, raise the flag." You watch as one of the gilmen who always accompanies Cadmael raises high a flag, one that most have seen only in history books- the sovereign flag of the Empire of Oceana.
"Now, to business. There has been an increase in piracy on the shipping lanes near Narport. Rumors speak of a 'Pirate King Saint Oren' and his 'Blood Queen'. Piracy is a terrible crime on civilized nations, but for us, it is also an opportunity. A dozen skilled warriors is not enough to take a fight to an empire, but it should be well enough to take a pirate ship. Then our fleet shall go from one to two. I have messengers paid to bring news as soon as the pirate sails are spotted within a day's sail of Narport, and with a little luck and some skill we can catch up to whatever pirate vessel, board her, and confiscate her in the name of Oceana."
Having been one, Lagrin knows the basics of the pirate situation but isn't really savvy enough to have picked up too many details. "Count me in, boarded plenty of ships. Be a funny twist of fate if me and Myrsko end up taking the Blue Hellion and crewing her again eventually...not sure if we was ever signed up with some larger operation though."
Mr.Finley rubs his chin. "Heard some weird things about this Blood Queen, says she can read minds or somethin'. Just one look at her eyes and she's got you under her spell. The 'king' himself's a piece of work too, like to keep a hidden pistol even as he fights with a blade. Might give Mr.Frog there a run for his money in a straight sword fight."
The priest looks about the ship, not entirely impressed. "So what's the plan then? We pose as a merchants and jump them as they board us? No point to fighting if either ship sinks." He peers over the side, trying to steady himself. "Probably load the cargo with rocks or somethin', make us look heavy with treasure."
Shad sits in the chair on the deck of the ship basking in the sun. He sees the flag go up and shrugs. One flag is as good as another to ply his trade, and at least under this one he didnt have to wonder who was plotting against him.
I have boarded many a surface vessel. It is not hard from beneath.
Cordelia reflects for a moment on the target before nodding in agreement with the point raised by Markus. 'I imagine pirates only attack ships they perceive as being a weak link or vulnerable, that perhaps have valuable goods on board. We could potentially pretend to be a merchant ship - or we could take a chance at not change anything - the pirates might believe in attempting to ransom him.
"I like your way of thinking on this Markus, Cordelia, but its simpler than that. In the waters around Narport, the pirates do not lack for targets-- we've tacked the Eye for speed, shed every spare pound, and set paid watchers on all the points and light houses-- if a distress call goes up, we can get to the pirates while they are still in the act of taking another ship- and hopefully earn some good will by doing so. Dashing to the rescue."
At Grin’s words, Myrsko nods with a knowing smile. ”That would be quite a turnaround.”
He then turns to the prince, ”Stealing from pirates is no easy bid. Lots of revenge involved. Though, I do see the added value in the cover of a rescue. Just how fast can your ship travel?” Myrsko began to imagine the event unfolding in his mind as the he and the others continued to discuss the plan with the prince.
Edit: Recalling that he has heard tales of the latest pirate king and his bride, he relays the following information. ”Saint Oren is the most recent pirates to organize the pirates under on banner. He has been king for about two years. They say, he has a fleet of around a dozen various vessels. His flagship is the Black Barracuda and his wife commands The Blood Queen, hence her nickname, I assume. Now that I think about it, I guess it could be the other way around. Hmm. Anyway, Saint Oren is quite the swordsman. Rumor has it that it’s impossible to land a blow on him. The Blood Queen, or Sylvia, is know for her mind tricks, and her sword.
“Additionally, I am reminded of a story out of the Tower in Riverport, about an elven mage named Earldonius the Blue who fell out of favor and training his own school of spellcasters. He hires out their services out to any who would pay his price. I imagine Saint Oren will employ a few. These "Shocking Swashbucklers" as they are known blend rapier dueling with magic, preferring especially lightning spells.”
The Prince smiles at Myrsko's question, "We can make 12 knots with the wind, and with a little luck might crack 15."
As introductions were made, food was had, and drinks were shared, the Grippli was eagerly amidst his new compatriots. Outgoing, friendly, and eager to drink with his new comrades, Biligup shared stories about his time out on the sea, the adventures he had so far, and the strange sights he had seen. Few were as strange as the motley crew that was assembled here that night but in their strangeness, he found camaraderie.
The next day, the young swashbuckler would meet the others upon the deck of the Hippogriff's Eye, sitting in one of the seats while the others made their way in. It was no raiding vessel or ship of war but with a talented crew and a quickness about her, Biligup could see the benefit of such a ship. He listened quietly to the plans of the Prince and the suggestions that the others would make. It was only when there was a moment's lull in conversation that he would speak up again.
"It is Biligup." The Grippli said softly, looking towards the large man. "You may call me Gup or even Deepcroak if you wish...but not Frog. That would be like me calling you Monkey or his Highness "Fish"." Moving from his seat, he would give a nod to the Prince. "I think it is a good plan; a favor for us, a second ship and all the loot it has. We wait patiently and, when the time is right, we seize upon it like proper hunters! We'll see how this king likes Mr. Frog's blade." He said with a wink towards Markus.
Coming out from the corner of the room where he had been resting, a figure slides his way slowly across the floor of the room towards the others around the room. From the waist up he resembles a well muscled humanoid covered in dark grayish-black skin, with a large head and wide mouth. Below that, however, his body bears a strong resemblance to that of a shark, with a similar color of skin. He wears comparatively little gear on his body: a simple pack on his back, a spear and short spear slung to either side of it, tight clothing that mostly seems to serve as slight decorative and practical purposes together, and a thick coat that looks to have armored plates inside it. In one hand he holds a trident, using it to help support himself much like a walking stick, and in the other the glass of wine that was given to him. Over the pack and spears at his back is what appears to be a large shield made entirely from the bony shell of some aquatic beast.
Sliding up a few feet farther, he stops and leans slightly against his trident as he addresses the prince, and everyone else in the room. "My name is Heskavar Stormswimmer. I am here to represent my people, at the personal request of Queen Minuantia." His voice is deep and gravelly, clearly not used to being used above the ocean surface. He will drink the wine from the glass he was given before slowly sliding back towards one of the walls of the room.
Heskavar is sitting on the deck of the ship itself, avoiding using a chair due to their uncomfortable looking nature. He listens as the others converse about what it is they are to do. When they come to talking of boarding the pirate ship they are after, he speaks in his deep voice. "I will not be much use in boarding this ship we are going after. My maneuverability above the water surface is much worse than that below." He gestures towards his shark-like lower body. "If, however, they have people who might try and use the water for a counter-attack against us, I could go after them quite easily."
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Mr.Finley nods his head at the Prince's assessment. "Playing the heroes, eh? A good start, securing a name for ourselves. I'm sure Nera would approve of protecting tha' innocents too." The large man noticeably relaxes, satisfied with the young royal's planning.
He peers down at the minuscule frog-man as he speaks. With mild bemusement, Markus replies, "'Course, erm... Billy, I didn't mean any offense." Looking at him closely, the priest considers this is the most well dressed frog he'd ever seen. World is wide indeed.
With everyone gathered and waiting for the signal, it seemed the perfect time for some fun. "Well then, anyone up for dice while we wait? I'll take it easy on yah." Mr.Finley said with a predatory smile equal to any shark.
Despite his appearance and idiosyncrasies, the gnoll proves quite amiable, though after the sea wine toast he doesn't drink any more alcohol. For instance, he's more than happy to knowledgeably discuss religion and why his is superior to all others.
On board the Hippogriff's Eye Munir seems distracted, squirming in his seat while twitching his head this way or that. You mustn't interrupt, Munir - especially not the prince! He lets out a quiet whine as tactics are discussed and the spirit of the sea-wind dances at the edge of his vision, taunting him in the snap of the flag and the creak of the rigging.
"*YIP!*" He barks at the wind, and realizes a moment later he's drawn attention. Speak, Munir, speak! "I am best behind others, where I can heal them yet still strike past them with my spear." He picks up his longspear, nodding in agreement with himself. "And of course, I will call upon Zailor to fill our hearts with joyous light!*YIP!*"
He settles back down, laying his spear on the deck and seeming to take a more focused interest in the discussion than before his outburst.
Completely out of her element, Oreana, isn't sure how she might contribute to all the planning. She had heard a thing or another about ships though and more than once her father received visitors. "Hum... how much are you in a hurry, Prince Cadmael?" She asks while looking around at all the aquatic rages around. "If we could slightly damage the hull of the ship from beneath the water, we could cause the pirates to seek an island for repair..."
Ganymedes has yet to leave the princes side. Remaining within 5 feet of him the entire time. He doesn't know these warriors, he doesn't entirely trust these warriors. He is constantly scanning, his steely gaze working its way over every single person present, constantly on the look out for anything at all that might reveal they are a threat. His fingers gently tapping at the handle of his trident, the only outward sign that he is more than a little nervous about this entire ordeal.
Grin squarks in delight. "Scary fast ship we got here. If we damage either, do have a shipwright aboard who can make repairs?" He looks around the assembled group.
"I can be one of the first aboard, Barret and I can swim aboard and start to clear the deck. Hmm. Or if we get the drop on them, sneak about and cut the rigging. Leave 'em dead in the water." He motions to a small alligator sunning itself on the forecastle deck. The alligator lazily looks back when it hears its name but otherwise pays the group no heed.
At the Drowned Dolphin
Nathaniel does indeed order a keg. The Shark-Kin pays for it with a grin. He happily shares it with all those gathered.
Hippogriff's Eye
Boarding yet another sea faring vessel felt right. This life on the sea seems to agree with the native of the Burned Lands. The green-blue rolling waves called to him.
Once the group gathered to discussed possible plans of pillaging, plundering, and--seems like--pirating; the Shark-Kin shrugs. This opportunity to venture out to sea is all that seems to matter to Nathaniel.
So we pose as Merchants when they head to us. those of us who swim go in and come up other side when they prepare to board us and we reverse the tide on them
"That was the original plan suggested by Markus" Cordelia remarks, nodding in the mans direction before addressing Shad once again. "I think the prince just stated though that we need not worry about be pretending to be merchants - we can simply catch up with them when they are in the process of attaching a different ship. There is no need for subterfuge in this case."
Cordelia is quiet for a moment before frowning. "I can swim but I climbing isn't really my strong suit so I couldn't swim across and then climb up onto their ship. I'll either need to cross from ship to ship or stay on the Hippogriff's Eye and attack from range."
As you continue to discuss the plan or potential plan, you spot a large raven landing on the fore deck and a shout going up, "Pirates spotted outside the channel!"
A crew member approaches at the Prince's nod, and speaks, "A message, your majesty, from our spotters. A pirate sail outside the channel, not more than a dozen knots from here. Couldn't make the vessel itself, but it's chasing down a merchant loaded heavy, she'll overtake her within an hour, hour and a half at the most."
"Sails at full, pull the anchor- this is our chance. With a little luck we can make it. Prepare yourselves for battle!"
As the crew works to get the ship underway, her sails furl out, and you can see now why the Hippogriff's Eye can make such fast time-- runes glow blue as the wind pickup, the enchantment woven directly into the fibers of the ship's sails.
At the name of "Billy", the frog's eyes would suddenly go wide and his mouth would drop open for a moment. One would dare think that he had insulted the small but proud reptilian.
"Billy!? I...I've never..." The shock turned into a wide smile as he practically thrummed with energy, grinning and nodding. "No one has ever called me Billy before! I like it! Thank you Markus!" The Grippli ribbits in delight, pleased with himself and the new name that he had acquired.The gnoll speaks up and Biligup draws closer, looking over the spear for a moment before nodding to Munir. "You can stand behind me and I will do my best to keep you safe, comrade." It was almost adorable if it wasn't for the fact that Biligup seemed absolutely serious about it.
Before he could plan anything else though, a large raven landed upon the ship's deck and the call of a pirate sighting passed through the ship. Eager for battle, the young Grippli ran past all the others and climbed into the webbing above the ship. It was instantaneous to know why he was kept onto a ship; the little bastard could climb smoothly and far more quickly than anyone else on the ship could. What was webbing when compared to the trees and jungles of his home? He leapt from mast to mast where he could, adjusting the sails and helping where he could.