You dispatch the other sailor, but the captain's quick to lunge in again!
.... While watching from the corner of his eye to see if the captain approaches again. Waiting with the estoc poised to thrust at the captains advance.
Jerking his cursed harpoon hand from the falling sailor, Elek growls, "You should have surrendered, at least these men would have lived." Lifting the estoc in a salute, he moved forward again feinting with the cursed harpoon, thrusting it towards he captains throat, he twists it slightly driving it towards the shoulder instead, while he thrust the estoc at the captains legs.
The captain doesn't fall for your feint, but your estoc still pierces his thigh. He won't be jumping around anymore, that's for sure. He continues to fight, though.
Missing with the cursed harpoon, Elek feels the estoc bite deep. But as he withdraws the weapon he is unable to dodge the rapier aimed for his shoulder. Having demonstrated the feint three times now, he decides to try something new on the captain. He calls on the full destructive power of the curse and the wild magic of the fey witches. ”Pòhuài lì, Kuángcháo, Tiānjiā fǎshù diǎn." thrusting the cursed harpoon at the wounded captain.
The shape of the effect is replaced with a close range burst that excludes the caster. A Reflex save halves damage.
Your magic erupts around you as you stab forward with the cursed harpoon. Caught by surprise by the powerful explosion, your weapon is thrown slightly off-course. While it still leaves a mark, you missed his vital organs. He retaliates with a thrust of his own...
... but his blade *thunks* into the rail behind you as you twist away.
Captain: 34pts damage
Unhappy with the effect of the wild magic, Elek returns to his bread and butter, feinting with the harpoon hand towards the captains shoulder and then slashing at his ribs, he thrusts the estoc at the opposite shoulder.
The captain ignores your attempt at deception, but your real attacks are slightly too fast for him to parry in his already-weakened state. He collapses shortly thereafter from the subsequent blood loss. With his defeat, his crew surrenders.
Sheathing his Estoc, Elek bends over and picks up the captains rapier, holding it by the blade near he hilt. Snarling "You consortium boys return to your oars. Don't make me tie you to them!" Still bleeding from the wound, he waves at Crimson, who had been in the fighting at the aft part of the ship. "Mr Cogward, can you stop this bleeding? I seems I found the wrong end of a rapier" Seeing Aftful guiding his men, he calls to him, pointing towards the captain. "Mr Roger's put them fancy shackles of yours on the captain here."
As Crimson and Arful started doing what they were commanded, Elek calls to Bonnie. "Ms Blades, start getting any plunder you find aboard the he 'Revenge' and give me a count of sailors we lost." Considering asking any of the Kurstav sailors if they'd join him, he looks at the captains blade. Once Crimson had stopped the bleeding he gestured at the Captain. "Crimson, see if you can keep that lubber alive."
The captain's rapier is very well-balanced .
Quite a few of your sailors suffered injuries during the battle, but most are easily healed by Sandara. The Aspis crew was well-trained after all, but they were also heavily outnumbered.
As it turns out, the Kurstav was carrying a shipment of weapons and armor. Nothing of particularly good quality, but the sheer amount will command a decent price to the right buyer.
'Nice blade, looks like something 'Artful' could use.' As 'Artful' slapped the irons on the captain, Elek called to him. "Mr Rogers, take the good captain to the 'Revenge' and keep him under watch. When he comes to have him write a letter to his employer, we'll see what they'll pay to get him back. Tell Sandara to return to our original heading. Hopefully I'll talk these lubbers into rowing this tub there and see what it's worth." Smiling he tosses the high quality blade to the Master-at-Arms "Here, a new blade for your collection." Turning away, then turning back quickly, "Oh and find out what that captains name is."
As his crew unloaded the weapons and armor from the 'Kurstav' and loads them on the 'Banshee's Revenge he sofly tells he cursed prosthetic, "Fēng." so he wind is blowing around him, almost holding him aloft as he steps up onto the rail. 'I hate longships, need to convince the crew they still want to work.' Talking loud enough so the crew could hear them. "I offered your captain surrender, he refused. I wonder if he wishes he had accepted now." He raises his cursed harpoon and points towards the flag flying over the 'Revenge' "I'm Captain Kardforgató of the 'Banshee's Revenge' Now as far as I'm concerned the Aspis Consortium is just another pirate. So I'll make you the same offer I would a pirate crew. You sail this ship to where I tell you, once we get there I'll pay you a fair wage, a pirates cut of the booty." He smiles a pleasant smile. "Of course you'll need to find another ship to work, cause I'll be selling this one." His smile turns wolfish. "If you don't like taking orders from a pirate, that's fine too. I'll break all your oars and cut down your mast and leave you here." He shrugs "I'd rather make some money, if that means pay sailors a little I'm willing to. But It's up to you." He gestures towards them with the cursed prosthetic. "Take a vote amongst yourselves, let me know what you decide."
The Aspis Consortium doesn't care about much more than money and power. These sailors aren't high-ranking, so the promise of easy money is quite appealing. You keep several of your crew aboard the Kurstav to make sure they don't get any funny ideas, but you don't anticipate any trouble.
Little Oppara is quite the anomaly among the ports in the Shackles. Founded by a minor noble who fell in love with a pirate, it's the perfect picture of an idealized Taldan city district - that's approximately 50 years out of date. There are only 1,300 permanent residence, but most dress finely and attempt to act like cultured nobility at all times. There's also a surprisingly-nice opera house.
Keeping Syl, Jundice, Rosie, Conchobhar and Rogar on the 'Kurstav' the help keep an eye on the aspis' longships crew. Docking the ships in Little Oppara, Elek instructs Artful to set up two watches, one on each boat for five days. That should give him plenty of time to sell the Longboat. He also sends Jack to deliver the letter that the Consortium's captain wrote. He has Sandara pay the crew of the 'Revenge' and sends Bonnie to the 'Kurstav' to pay it's crew as well. Once he crews were on their way, he told Bonnie and 'Fishguts' to purchase supplies. Once the crew is paid and the watches set, Elek takes the evening to begin searching for a buyer for the ship and to gather a little information returning to the 'Revenge' that night.
While there are buyers to be found, Little Oppara doesn't have much interest in longboats. They're considered 'undignified' for the wannabe nobles on the island. The most anyone's willing to pay is 2,800gp. Whether you'll take that offer or look for a buyer at another port is, of course, up to you.
Your stories are a much bigger hit. Your tale of a daring high-seas rescue of the crew of a burning ship earns you a round of drinks at one tavern. Introducing yourself as the "Lord of Tidewater Rock" also plays well. You're clearly a man of some standing.
Eventually finding some 'out-of-towners' willing to purchase the longboat, Elek is glad to be rid of it. He really can't blame the locals, he hated longboats as well. Knew too many good men that ended up as slave rowing a galley to want to sail on anything bigger than skip that needed oars. Finding the officers in one of the local drinking establishments, he sat down beside Sandara and Bonnie, smiling. "Ladies, get your finest out of your sea chests. I'm buying a dozen tickets for the opera this Fireday. Tell the officers you see to be here for dinner Fireday then were heading to the famed Blooming Rose Theater." He paused for a moment, a far away look in his eye. "I've been there one other time. I was ten, my parents took me to see 'The barber of Cassomir" He smiled at the ladies and ordered a drink. Thinking about the finery his parents put on for the show.
The next morning he set out to find a tailor, cobbler and Milliner. It was time he purchased a coat, hat and boots befitting his station. He also wanted to fit in at the opera. As he went to different shops, he made sure to let everyone the talked to know who he was and the name of his ship. Eventually selecting a great coat the color of the cross on his flag trimmed in black, Black thigh-high leather boots and a black tricornered hat, he regretted that he sold the sahuagin necklace it would have certainly added an exotic appearance. Instead he purchased a black diamond earing set in white gold to honor Besmara.
Showing back up at the tavern on the second night, Elek found Ulfric to add the name of the 'Kurstav' to the list on his back.
The opera tonight is a performance of "The Coronation of Pompilia." It's quite good, although the ending where the title character is made Empress explains why the opera never became popular in Taldor. It seems Taldas Isle's views have become more progressive now that the founder's granddaughters are in charge.
Meeting the officers at the 'Cutlass moon' tavern, Having invited Ulfric to join them while he was working on the tattoo, Elek was surprised when they showed up in all of their finery. Pirates to the core, they had dressed in the gaudiest of the expensive clothes they had kept from all of the different raids. Coats from Osirion, Ustalav or Cheliax worn with breaches, dresses and skirts from Absalom, Katapesh, Taldor or Varisia. Belts and sashes from every continent, gold chains from the Land of the Linnorm Kings and braclets from Tianjing.
His crews gaudy appearance made his blue coat, black hat and black boots look almost boring. He smiled, he had told them to wear their finest and they had. Pleased to see not a black diamond in the bunch of gaudy jewelry, at least the earing would stand out. At the beginning of he meal, He toasted the officers the crew and the 'Banshee's Revenge.' After the meal, as they were leaving he offered Sandara an arm and told Jack to stay close so they could talk about the opera.
Afterwards, while 'Fishguts' took Jack and Owlbear back to the 'Revenge' Elek spent a good part of the evening drinking with his officers. Then staggered his way back to the ship.
You've only been asleep for an hour when Lady Smythee's voice echoes in your head. "Fish-men are attacking Tidewater Rock. Defenses are holding, but we have casualties. Come at once."
Waking with a start, Elek blinks his eyes as he listens to the sending. Pausing he thinks and tries to plan as the adrenaline flushes the last of the rum from his brain. Not sure if he needs to or not, he grabs the stone out of his bandolier then responds. "In port at Little Oppara, will gather crew and sail with the morning tide."
As he puts on his clothes he begins to plan. After he pulls on his boots he throws sword belt over his shoulder and heads below decks. Waking Jack from his hammock, he bangs on the door to 'Fishguts and Owlbears quarters. As soon as a blurry-eyed Fishguts opens the door Elek tells him. "Tide water rock is being attacked." Looking to the cook, "Fishguts, you check water and food stores, get what you can ship shape we sail with the morning tide." Turning to Owlbear, he gestures towards Jack, "You two go gather as many of he crew as you can from the docks area." Remembering most of the officers were staying at Inn beside the 'Cutlass Moon. "I'll head toward the Inn beside the 'Cutlass Moon' and rouse the officers." Nodding at the three of them, he didn't wait for a response but ran to the deck calling on the name of the wind, so he could fly to where the officers were.
As he landed beside the tavern he realized the inn was just the backside of the Tavern so it shared the same name. Barging in he didn't wait for the sleepy eyed night clerk to help him, instead just picking up the registry and carrying it with him. When the night clerk began to protest, Elek raised the cursed prosthetic and glared. The night clerk waived him on. Finding the rooms there were fourteen of his officers and crew staying at the inn. As they stumbled out of their rooms he briefly told them the situation telling all but Sandara, Bonnie and Conchobhar to go help gather the crew. He considered casting mantels on them so they could fly back, but wanting to save his magic for the battle he told them to meet him at the ship post haste and he flew back.
Flying back to the ship, he went directly to his quarters, writing three different letters. The first making Conchobhar a provisional officer, his personal representative in Little Oppara until he returned. The second letter to the purchasers of the longship giving Conchobhar authority to represent him in this manor. The third letter, similarly, giving Conchobhar authority to represent him in dealing with the Aspis Consortium on the return of their captain. When Bonnie, Sandara and Conchobhar arrived he had Bonnie and Sandara sign them as witnesses. He then had Bonnie help Fishguts get what inventory they could so they would be ready to sail. He had Sandara on deck getting the arriving crew ready to sail. While that was happening he explained to Conchobhar how he wanted the situation handled. Keeping whatever crew missed the boat in check, collecting the money for the long ship and collecting the ransom on the Consortiums captain. Taking the last of his gold from his sea chest he gave Conchobhar the fifteen gold pieces to handle miscellaneous finances.
As the crew began to arrive Elek awaited the return of Owlbear, sending the big man with Conchobhar to be the muscle to Conchobhars brains. Explaining to Owlbear he was to do exactly as Conchobhar told him. Sending the two opposites of the ship with the prisoner he waited a few minutes after the tide started to come in, then lowered sails to head to 'The Rock.'
Approximately two-thirds of your crew makes it aboard by the time you set sail. Hopefully the rest will behave themselves until you return.
You make your way to Tidewater Rock with all haste. With the wind at your back (thanks to your magic), you reach it in less than a day of hard sailing. The attack is over by the time you arrive, though. The Rock remains uncracked, fortunately, but one of the guards is dead. Maheem suffered a horrific wound to his thigh from a barbed trident. It's been treated and bandaged, but he's in the early stages of what seems to be a serious infection. Sandara, fortunately, will be able to treat it.
Lady Smythee explains that a small force of "fish-men" (sahuagin) attacked while they were tending the goats. Maheem hobbled to the castle to get help while the guard held them off. When the rest of the guards arrived, the sahuagin were gone.
Relieved that the rock was safe and losses were at a minimum, Elek was still irate that the Sahuagin would raid fishermen in a populated area, especially his populated area. They needed to be taught a lesson. After making sure Lady Smythee was ok, while Sandara saw to Maheem's needs, Elek took the time to speak with the local fisherman and learn what they knew about the 'fish-men' and where they might be attacking from.
------------------------
That evening he explained his plan to Lady Smythee then went back to the 'Revenge' Deciding to make a retaliatory attack on the Sahuagin, Elek met with his officers. Telling Sandara to sail back to Little Oppara and recover Owlbear, Conchobhar, the rest of the crew and his money. A day there and a day back, with a day in-between just in case. He'd expect to see them return in three days. Also deciding to keep a few crew and the cutter, in case they needed to sail somewhere. Selecting "Slippery" Syl Lonegan, "Jundice" Jape, Rosie Cusswell and Breaker Bones.
In the morning as Sandara sailed the 'Banshee's Revenge' back to Little Oppara, Elek and his crew of four sailed the cutter back to the 'Rock.' Leaving his four pirates as extra protection at the rock, Elek dives into the bay, headed the direction the local fisherman thought the Sahuagin attacked from.
Unfortunately, very little is known about sahuagin. They live somewhere deep underwater and only rarely come to the surface - and then only to slaughter anyone they can get their hands on.
That evening, while you're explaining your plan to Lady Smythee, you're interrupted by shouts of alarm from outside. The guards had opened the front door to bring in fresh water barrels when a small horde of sahuagin burst from the surf and charge! They seem completely focused on making it inside Tidewater Rock!
More nervous energy than he knows what to with Elek paces about the dining room as he explains to the plan to Lady Smythee. Hearing the ruckus outside of the window, Elek commands his cursed prosthetic " Dìmàn'" As he runs to the window drawing his estoc and looking down, seeing the attacking Sahaugin.
Turning towards Lady Smythee he gives a wolfish grin as he calls upon the name of the wind, "Fēng." As the wind blows he falls out the window, caught up by the wind in time to land him behind the last Sahuagin rushing towards he doorway.
Hearing you land, the closest sahuagin turns and stabs out with its jagged bone trident. The other charge the door. The two guards draw their swords and prepare to meet them. The narrow entryway is easily defensible, but with four-to-one odds, they'll soon fall. The question is if they can hold the creatures off until reinforcements arrive.
Dodging the tip of the jagged bone trident, elek shakes his head, "We really should do something about you all." Stepping inside the reach of the trident, he feints with the harpoon hand towards the right shoulder of the sahuagin then slashes down the arm holding the trident, while he thrusts the estoc at the raiders side.
You carve your way through the sahuagin without breaking stride and continue toward the gate. As you close in, another monster turns and lashes out.
As he moves quickly, Elek is unable to dodge the trident of the sahuagin. Snarling as the creature stabs him in the shoulder, "Maybe I'll add that one to my collection." Jerking back, tearing the spiked weapon from his shoulder, he feints with his harpoon hand at the sahuagin's leg then slashed up toward its groin. Stepping to the side he thrusts the estoc at it's ribcage.
You drop your opponent and continue forward. Another sahuagin moves to attack as you do. If you're careful , though, you might be able to slip around it and the others and get in the doorway with the two (now wounded) guards. With you in that choke point, you should be able to mow through the remaining sahuagin with ease.
Ducking under the sahuagin's trident and avoiding the things sharp teeth, Elek looks beyond it realizing the two guards in the doorway are almost spent. "blast." Cursing under his breath Elek realized he needed to keep the enemies out of the fortress. Instead of retaliating against the sahuagin he ducked under the things arm, squeezing past two other, he yells to the two guards as he tumbles in the doorway, "Watch out boys!" He then turns and faces the sahuagin, ready to thrust his estoc at any who come near.
You dodge around and through the sahuagin, narrowly avoiding their teeth, and end up in the doorway. The two guards back up slightly to give you room to fight as the sahuagin close in. Your first, reflexive, thrust doesn't connect with flesh, but it does buy you a second to assume a more solid stance.
Missing the approaching sahuagin, Elek Glances over his shoulders, telling the two guards, "Just because I'm here you two don't go anywhere." Turning back towards the enemy in time to dodge the two tridents. Smiling at the sahuagin, "Come and get some boys." He then feints a slash at the left hand sahugin then thrusts the cursed harpoon hand at its chest, while the thrusts the estoc at the sahuagin on the right.
You drop a third sahuagin and wound another. The two guards quickly finish it off while its distracted. Only three sahuagin remain, but they continue to attack in a wild frenzy.
Watching in almost disbelief as the Sahuagin throw their lives away, Elek wonders what drives them so madly as he ducks and parries the tridents. Feinting again to the left, thrusting with the cursed harpoon at the sahuagin's chest, then slashing at its abdomen. While thrusting the Estoc at the sahuagin's thigh on the right.
The sahuagin's wild frenzy makes their attacks more dangerous - but at the expense of caution. While your blade fails to connect, your harpoon pierces the creature's heart. Two opponents remain.
As the left-hand Sahuagin drops, Elek Dodging the first trident, but is unable to parry the second on aimed at his forward leg. Limping back, he snarls, "You Sea-snakes should have slithered away while you could." He feints with the cursed prosthetic at the new comers fish-like face, turning the blade and slashing at it's neck. While again thrusting the estoc at the right-hand sahuagins chest.
Your weapons fell both sahuagin. No more are coming, fortunately. As a precaution, though, the guards close and bar the door. Once the tide recedes, the Rock will be safe once more.
'What do they hope to gain attacking a fortified position?' Seeing the last of the fish-men fall, Elek nods to the guards as he sheathes his estoc. "Go ahead and shut the doors, I'll return the way I came." Remembering the necklace from the other fight, he takes the time to search the sahuagin; checking for any interesting jewelry, also looking at there weapons to see if any are finely made, He also looks for clues for why the might attack the rock.
--------------------------
Collecting anything he finds of value, Elek, tells his cursed prosthetic " Fēi." as he focuses on the wind to bear him aloft. Flying up the to the third story window, he slips over the window's ledge landing near the Lady Smythee wincing slightly reminding himself to get the wound seen to. As he takes a seat, he ask his 'wife', "Do the Sahuagin attack often or is this something new?" Looking at the trident. "And why would they attack a fortified position? It's not like they would stay if they took it would they?" Setting the trident on the table, he continues. "Do you think they will attack again? I can stay while Sandara fetches the rest of my crew." He shrugs, "That is if you don't feel safe now."
These sahuagin appear to just be regular warriors. They lack fine jewelry or finely-crafted tridents. While you don't know much about them, you do know that sahuagin are intelligent creatures that have their own society. Not the type of foe to launch a suicide assault for no good reason.
Lady Smythee shakes her head. "No, this is unusual. We almost never run into fish-men here; they tend to focus on easier prey than the Rock. While we figure out what's going on, it would probably be best if you had your full force available." As you discuss this state of affairs, a dense fog begins to roll in. Perhaps it's an omen of dark times to come....
Nodding as Lady Smythee explains the situation, "Yes, We'll sail back and pick up the rest of the crew. Then we shall sail to Ollo on Shark Isle for more information. I hear old Sorrinash has an arrangement with them so it would be as good as place as any to gather information." He stands up looking out the window, seeing the fog roll in. "A heavy fog, I should get to my ship." He pats his bandolier where his stone is. "If you need me use the stone." Stepping up to the window ledge "Fēi." Breathing the word to fly, he calls upon the wind to bear him back to his ship.
Landing on the upper deck near the helm, he nods to Ratline "Change of plans, Mr Rattsberger, I'll be returning to Little Oppara in the morning. So I'm going to turn in." Turning to Sandara he gestures to his wounds. "Ms Quinn, would you be able to heal these wounds, no telling what we'll deal with tomorrow." After his conversation with his First Mate and Helmsman Elek heads to his bunk.
As Sandara tends your wounds, a bolt of lightning streaks out from the fog and strikes the door to the Rock. Strange, lightning arcs aren't typically perfectly horizontal. A few seconds later, you begin to see shapes in the fog: a dark ship with black sails, and at least two longboats.
"Blast!" Seeing the longboats coming out of the fog, "Fēng." Elek call up a wind to blow the fog back so they can see the longboats and he black sailed ship, calling out. "We are under attack! Ms Tibbs get your crews on those ballista fire at the longboats." Grabbing the nearby spy glass, Elek looks towards the black sailed ship, trying to see a nameplate or recognized he outline of her.
The black-sailed ship is between the Banshee's Revenge and Tidewater Rock. While your ballistae can target the longboats, approaching them or the Rock will be difficult without taking fire from the other ship. It appears that the ship aims to block your vessel so you're unable to effectively protect Tidewater Rock from the longboats. Your flight capability can get you (and anyone else you grant a mantle) to the Rock with relative ease, but there's no way to defend it with your full crew without first dealing with the black-sailed ship. Of course, by that time, the longboats will have reached the Rock's entrance, and you know that there's at least one mage on board.
You do recognize the other ship, though, as only a few vessels have black flags. Based on its profile, you believe it to be a junk named the Dragon's Dishonor. It's captained by a powerful Tien slaver named Soshimira, although neither he nor his ship have been seen for almost a year.
"Blast, that's the 'Dragon's Dishonor' captained by Soshimira," Raising his voice, "Ms Tibbs, try and sink those longboats." He turns toward Ratline, "Mr Rattsberger, keep the Revenge away from that junk until I tell you to. With only two thirds the crew I don't want to engage her until I'm ready." Moving across the deck, he calls out, "Jaundice, figure out what you can do about that wizard!" Drawing his rapier, "Ms Quinn, Mr Rogers, Mr Bones and Ms Lonegan your with me." Telling the cursed prosthetic, " Dìmàn." As he finished placing the mantles on his chosen crew, he calls on the wind. " Fēng" Telling his four, "Well land between the attacking crew and the door, we'll fight withdrawing to the door. If we need to retreat we will fly up to the window."
Your crew nods in assent as you set off. Shortly thereafter, ballista bolts begin to fly toward the longboats. The fog makes it unlikely they'll hit, but perhaps you'll get lucky. One solid hit in the right place will start a longboat to sinking, after all.
Meanwhile, you and your four chosen fly back to the Rock. As you do, another bolt of lightning shoots out and strikes the door. It's still holding, but a few more of those will definitely shatter it. You land where the longboats will dock and wait. As they get closer, you can see there are two of them - each filled with at least a dozen pirates.
Just before they come into range, a ballista bolt smashes straight through the bottom of one of the boats. Those pirates immediately turn to bailing, but it's clear that they won't be reaching shore without swimming. That improves you odds immensely.
Before the remaining longboat reaches shore, however, you see one of the pirates suddenly take flight and head toward the top of Tidewater Rock!
'Lightning, a skilled pirate captain, and two dozen headed towards us.' Landing on the dock area, Elek smiles as one of Giffers ballista bolts hits the second ship. "Blast!" He curses, as one of the raiders 'fly' towards the 'Rock.' Scowling, he lifts the 'Manta Ray' cloak off of his shoulder. "Syl" Tossing the cloak to her, "Use this, make sure none of those sailors from that boat swim to this rock." He turns to the other three "Breaker use that harpoon to get as many of them as you can before they land, Sandara I'm sure the boarding pike will slow them down. I'll be back as quickly as possible. Remember a moving retreat towards the door. Don't get flanked."
" Fēng Fēi" Calling on the wind he begins to fly towards the top of the rock to deal with the other pirate.
Syl gives you a wicked grin as she dons the cloak. The others ready themselves for battle as you take off. You know that Sandara will do what she can to keep them alive until her magic runs out. Hopefully you'll defeat your own opponent before that.
Your ascent is slow, but you reach the top of the Rock in less than fifteen seconds, nontheless. When you arrive, you see a tattooed woman making her way toward the rooftop stairs. Looks like you arrived just in time.
Seeing you, she waves her hand in a complex pattern, and her tattoos melt off her body and coalesce into identical copies of her. They mimic her movements perfectly, making it difficult to tell which is real.
'Blast, a mage of some sort, I need to end this quickly.' Drawing his estoc as he lands, Elek lifts the cursed harpoon hand, so it's dark magic is evident. "I am Captain Elek Kardforgató of the 'Banshee's Revenge' and Lord of 'Tidewater Rock.' You do Captain Soshimira honor flying up here alone. Return to him and tell him to leave and you both will live." He shrugs, stepping into a fencers stance. "If not, I cannot guarantee your survival." Moving forward, he feints with the cursed harpoon hand, thrusting at her forward leg then slashing towards her waist, while he thrusts the estoc at her shoulder.
"I killed that fool m'self months ago!" the mage growls back. As you close in, you notice that her teeth have been filed into sharp points. Your harpoon hand scores a deep gash in her side, but she parries your estoc with a nice-looking rapier. She then lashes out in response; tattoos swirling in an attempt to distract you.
She waves her hand, and her ink reaches out to blind you!
'Filed teeth?' Smiling as she comments about killing Soshimira, Elek responds, "Well good riddance to the slaver." Shifting his feet, "Tell me your not in the same profession." Attempting to parry her rapier, "The offer still stands, leave and live." His mouth being faster than his reactions as she thrusts the rapier into his shoulder. "Blast!" He curses and begins his feint with the cursed harpoon hand. Then she disappears. He continues with the feint, thrusting where she had stood, then slashing wildly as he thrusts the estoc at where he hoped she would be. A little bewildered. "What did you say your name was?"
Your attacks strike only empty air. Either she's extremely skilled at dodging, or she's moved from her previous position. Her voice reappears from behind you. "In your language, it would be 'Inkskin.'" Turning, you see a shadowy figure that lashes out with a surprisingly-real blade.
'Blast! What is real and what isn't?' Seeing and hearing the shadow figure behind him, Elek looks over his shoulder and back towards the steps. 'Wh would she give up the top of the stairs when she was that close? Would she really be retreating? Would I if I was that close? Taking half a step as he dodges the shadowy figure's blade. "Inkskin'? In my language? What would be your language?" Feinting with the cursed harpoon hand, he thrust it at the shadow figure slashing downward toward where her chest should be. Then stepping back towards the stairs, thrusting the estoc to where the woman had been to see if she may still be there and the shadow just a diversion.