Whisper:
"I care about you. That's why I don't like to see you sneak away from the group that much."
Picking up the other topic he speaks: "The artificier should be on the way, so we can do that now, if you wish. After that we go to Lord Thoven. I hope I remember his place of residence correctly..."
Guard:
Daurros spends the first of his two free days studying his new spells and copying them into his spellbook . The second day, he spends scribing 5 scrolls . In the evenings, if Ardanto is available, he'll head out for some ales with his friend. He feels the need to blow off a little steam.
Together Whisper and Guard manage to find to the last known station of Lord Thoven. Standing in front of his door the warforged knocks and speaks loudly: "Lord Thoven of the Silver Flame! Are you at there?"
Gather information roll. (1d20+7=14)
"No bugger knows out about Kracken Cove, it's either a local legend or they is keeping quiet like," Ardanto announces to Lavinia(sp?) on one of his visits, his accent switching several times between back room tavern and pomp noble. "I did 'ere of this chappy who knows about such things, but the blighter wants 50 crowns to speak to him, no wonder the pen is mightier than the sword, us sword swingers can't afford decent weapons if those pen pushers keep ripping us off."
Despite the protests he will pay 50 gold crowns to Slorn Highwall for the information, with a promise that he will return and beat seven shades of red out of him if the information is wrong, so he best be sure. "Fifty gold, and people call me a pirate!" he is still shaking his head, convinced he has been fleeced several hours later.
After some serious thought, Ardanto decides that the glimmered armour would be more useful to some one who can only wear light armour and may have to change their appearance more often. With this in mind, he decides it may be time to pay Whisper a visit, at this point he becomes stumped.
"Daurros, me old chum, any idea where Whisper lives?" he asks over a beer on the second night, "been thinking a lass like that might have more use of this 'ere armour than me," he pats the armour, which is currently pretending to be a fine doublet and shirt. "I feel a lil' bit embarrassed that I knows so little of the others, but aren't some of them freaky, all this talk of being possessed or having glowing balls of light talking to you, god help me if that ever happens to me." he takes a log drag on the cigar he is smoking, "In fact buddy, if it does, promise to keel haul me until I straighten up." he chuckles and goes off on a tangent, as he is prone to "remember when old Burty got keel hauled, now that guy had a face only a mother could love, twas like a bulldog licking pee of a thistle."
"Daurros, me old chum, any idea where Whisper lives?" he asks over a beer on the second night, "been thinking a lass like that might have more use of this 'ere armour than me," he pats the armour, which is currently pretending to be a fine doublet and shirt. "I feel a lil' bit embarrassed that I knows so little of the others, but aren't some of them freaky, all this talk of being possessed or having glowing balls of light talking to you, god help me if that ever happens to me." he takes a log drag on the cigar he is smoking, "In fact buddy, if it does, promise to keel haul me until I straighten up." he chuckles and goes off on a tangent, as he is prone to "remember when old Burty got keel hauled, now that guy had a face only a mother could love, twas like a bulldog licking pee of a thistle."
Ardanto
Taking a long pull from his mug, something Ardanto said triggers a thought. "Speaking of not acting like ourselves ... any idea exactly what happened down there when we were facing Rowyn? It's not really like you to all of a sudden want to abandon a 'damsel in distress' to join a thieves' guild. Almost seemed like you were under a spell of some kind, though I didn't see any magic being cast. How do you feel now? I've noticed you've been still spending some time with Rowyn; has she continued to ask you about joining her and leaving Lavinia at all?"
Together Whisper and Guard manage to find to the last known station of Lord Thoven. Standing in front of his door the warforged knocks and speaks loudly: "Lord Thoven of the Silver Flame! Are you at there?"
Whisper cringes a little at Guard's speaking so loudly. Worriedly she looks around to make sure nobody is staring at them, the warforged and Snem were enough of a sight for most without making a racket. Silently she prays Thoven is home if only to get them away from potential nosey stares.
Ardanto
60 miles along the cost of Sasserine Island, South west of the city lays a place called Blood bay. Krakens Cove lays in the southen side of that bay. As part of the cost you do get a well marked sea chart, however it can also be reached overland.
On another note Rowyn does seem guilty that she stabbed you, and you think she finds you charming and witty
Daurros
It was DC 15+ level in 3.5. I will allow you to forget the rolls as you did not know you could take 10, if you can pass with take 10 that is
As for Brissa, she was Vanthus old Girlfriend yall looked everywhere but could not find her, now you know why you could not find her
Taking a long pull from his mug, something Ardanto said triggers a thought. "Speaking of not acting like ourselves ... any idea exactly what happened down there when we were facing Rowyn? It's not really like you to all of a sudden want to abandon a 'damsel in distress' to join a thieves' guild. Almost seemed like you were under a spell of some kind, though I didn't see any magic being cast. How do you feel now? I've noticed you've been still spending some time with Rowyn; has she continued to...
"Been wondering about that me self," Ardanto muses, a little light headed from the combination of smoking weed and ale, "it was like she was suddenly the most important girl, nay person, in the world and her idea to join with her was the best idea I had ever heard," he ponders a bit longer, "when she stabbed me it was like suddenly being plunged into a freezing cold horse trough after a big drinking session, the idea was washed instantly away and I couldn't for the life of me think why it was such a good idea at the time." He puffs out some smoke, trying to, but failing miserably to make some smoke rings, he does succeed in pulling some humorous faces as he tries. "I assume it was some sort of magic, or possession like she was, scary huh?"
He tugs on the cigar again before ordering another round with some shot depth charges, "As for Rowyn now, she wants me, but that is only natural as no one can resist my devilish charms, after all she is only human." He smiles and looks around for some attractive wench to prove his point, finding none he shrugs and looks expectantly at the bar for a refil.
"Any of the others joining us?" he asks, "or are we like the social lepers?"
"Been wondering about that me self," Ardanto muses, a little light headed from the combination of smoking weed and ale, "it was like she was suddenly the most important girl, nay person, in the world and her idea to join with her was the best idea I had ever heard," he ponders a bit longer, "when she stabbed me it was like suddenly being plunged into a freezing cold horse trough after a big drinking session, the idea was washed instantly away and I couldn't for the life of me think why it was such a good idea at the time." He puffs out some smoke, trying to, but failing miserably to make some smoke rings, he does succeed in pulling some humorous faces as he tries. "I assume it was some sort of magic, or possession like she was, scary huh?"
He tugs on the cigar again before ordering another round with some shot depth charges, "As for Rowyn now, she wants me, but that is only natural as no one can resist my devilish charms, after all she is only human." He smiles and looks around for some attractive wench to prove his point, finding none he shrugs and looks expectantly at the bar for a refil.
"Any of the others joining us?" he asks, "or are we like the social lepers?"
Daurros slams back his own shot, then lights up a cigar for himself. "Yeah, scary. Bet it was something along the lines of the powers that Captain Forzakhad has. Maybe I'll do a little research on it; either way, be careful around her. We don't know if Thoven actually drove whatever possessed her out, or just suppressed it for a time.
"In fact, if you want my advice (which you rarely take), I'd stay away from her and stick with Lavinia. Hell, with us working for her, she's bound to end up the richer one, anyway!" Daurros let's out a good laugh, then adds, "Besides, it'd be nice of you to leave a woman or two in this city for me and all the other guys!"
At Ardanto's last comment, Daurros frowns just a bit. "Social lepers ... good question. It may be just that; I admit I sometimes still get the feeling we may be considered otsiders a little; you know, because Lavinia didn't really seek us out for hire like she did the others. Almost like she was in a bind and had lost some people, and we were good enough replacements at the time. 'Course, they took to Thoven pretty quick, though ..."
Drinking the last of his mug, and ordering another round for both of them, he continues "Don't get me wrong, they're all good peop ... er, individuals. And I don't think we have to prove ourselves anymore. Maybe we just carouse a bit much for their tastes!"
Finn approaches Daurros when he has a free moment.
"Master Daurros...I know a little bit about magic, but not very much about wizardry. But I gather it is possible for you to make scrolls like this?"
Finn pulls a roll of parchment out of his shirt. A quick examination reveals that it is a dweomer of shielding.
"I'm looking to get more of these. Do you think -- could I ask you to make me some? At a discount? You don't have to say yes, but I would be very appreciative. I'm getting tired of leaving my life's blood on the floor," the half-elf adds drily.
Finn approaches Daurros when he has a free moment.
"Master Daurros...I know a little bit about magic, but not very much about wizardry. But I gather it is possible for you to make scrolls like this?"
Finn pulls a roll of parchment out of his shirt. A quick examination reveals that it is a dweomer of shielding.
"I'm looking to get more of these. Do you think -- could I ask you to make me some? At a discount? You don't have to say yes, but I would be very appreciative. I'm getting tired of leaving my life's blood on the floor," the half-elf adds drily.
Daurros answers the door one morning, eyes bloodshot and head throbbing. "Ardanto, I told you not to ... Oh, good morning Finn. Good to see you. Come on in."
"Now, what brings you by?"
After the half-elf makes his request, Daurros smiles. "Of course. Those artificers generally charge 100% over cost, which is why I rely on my own. Now, I will need the scroll you have there, in order to study it and copy into my spellbook. Unfortunately, that destroys it. However, from then on, I can study it and create scrolls from it. Cost-wise, the materials I need to scribe it into my spellbook would run 100gp, although since it's of obvious benefit to me to gain the spell, I'll pay that myself. The scrolls themselves would cost 12 gp & 5 sp if I scribed them at minimum power, or 37 gp and 5sp if I scribed them at my maximum power. Does that sound like an acceptable arrangement?"
Thoven found himself alone in his study this day, pondering over the past weeks events. His latest exploits with this new group that had saved him from certain doom under Parrot Island had gained him some favor within the church, enough even so that the elders had decided it was best for him to keep his share of the treasure. Better to prepare him for his pilgrimage they had said. Just as well, he supposed. After all the positive attention he had brought the church, his superiors coffers would be full enough. He was certainly ready to leave the stuffy church interior for the world of adventure his eyes had been opened up to just recently.
He was pulled from his thoughts suddenly by a voice he had come to know to be that of Guard. Although startled at first, he moved swiftly to unlatch the lock from the door and swing it open."Guard!" he greeted the warforged jubilantly with a wide smile."And Whisper too?" His smile widened a bit more as he noticed the girl. He had lived with his brothers in the church for a large portion of his life, and yet he felt closer to these two in front of him.
"To what do I owe This pleasure?" Thoven inquired
After the half-elf makes his request, Daurros smiles. "Of course. Those artificers generally charge 100% over cost, which is why I rely on my own. Now, I will need the scroll you have there, in order to study it and copy into my spellbook. Unfortunately, that destroys it. However, from then on, I can study it and create scrolls from it. Cost-wise, the materials I need to scribe it into my spellbook would run 100gp, although since it's of obvious benefit to me to gain the spell, I'll pay that myself. The scrolls themselves would cost 12 gp & 5 sp if I scribed them at minimum power, or 37 gp and 5sp if I scribed them at my maximum power. Does that sound like an acceptable arrangement?"
"Yes, that sounds just fine. Do what you can." Finn hands over his one scroll and a handful of coins. "I will take three scrolls at your least power."
Finn
Even if he has so few area battles to his name, Finn finds many of the combats seems to look at him with an eye of respect, It seem his exports under Sasserine have not gone unnoticed.
Finn
** spoiler omitted **
Shyly Whisper steps forward and looks at Thoven with a concerned expression. "I.. we're actually here because I need your advice on something" She pipes up, shifting a little from foot to foot, looking almost tempted to flee and hide.
Smiling still, but taking note of the concerned expression, Thoven stepped to the side of the door and motioned inside."Come Inside my friends." He said quietly as he ushered the two inside.
"Yes, that sounds just fine. Do what you can." Finn hands over his one scroll and a handful of coins. "I will take three scrolls at your least power."
"Of course. I'll have them for you when the group is gathered back together in a few days. I'm hoping, also, that whatever our next assignment from Lavinia is, I'll still be able to scribe a few scrolls in the coming evenings. Take care!"
Ardanto will show a lot of initiative (well a lot for him) and spend his hang over day making enquiries of what they would encounter if they went over land to Kracken cove, or if he could hire/buy a small schooner to sail there.
Following Thoven inside Whisper clasps her hands tightly behind her, swallowing hard to try to get rid of the knot in her throat she speaks quietly of her problem.
Guard & Thoven:
Ardanto
Well the options
By land it looks 7 day trip over trackless swamp and jungle. There are rumor's to be bullywug(frogmen). Beaches are rare so hugging the cost is out. Maps and the man you got it from tell of mile upon mile of brimey saltmarsh with little solid ground. He advises a guide for that way.
By sea there are a few options
A rowboat can be got for 50 gold
The captain owns a ship
Talking on the docks you have found a few sail boats that know of the area and some might take on passagers
Guard/Whisper
Thoven listens to Whisper's words closely, as he always had to to hear the girl. Leaning back upon his desk he rubbed the stubble upon his chin as if it helped him think."I suppose I might know a bit about these things Whisper." He said, rubbing his chin a bit more now." Why do you ask my dear?"
Guard & Thoven:
Thoven/Whisper:
"We hoped you would be able to help us find out what that is, or what it does. Anything you know would be of help."
Guard And Whisper:
Quirking his brow a bit, but not showing any other reaction, Thoven moves to Whisper's side and crouches to observe it."Fascinating, Whisper.."
Thoven
That is the mark of house Orien. Also called the mark of passage, the house deal with transportation and teleportsion. The two guilds they run , transportation and couriers guilds have no presence in the city as far as you know
Whisper/Guard
Thoven traces his fingers along the lines of the dragonmark."Hmmmm." he ponders beneath his breath. Standing suddenly and going to his desk, he pushes aside some books and maps till he finds a leather bound book with little wear upon it. He flips a few pages before stopping and laying the book down. A sketch of a mark identical to that of Whisper's is what is seen."It's the mark of house Orien. Also called the mark of passage" He says confidently before looking down again at the book." It says here that the house deals with transportation and teleportation. They also run transportation and couriers guilds." He stops for a moment and rubs his chin again." However these guilds have no presence in Sasserine as far as I know"
Thoven/Whisper:
"I don't understand... How.. ? Why?..."
Quickly he rearranges his thoughts, then asks more clearly: "What does that mean? Why does Whisper have the mark of that house now?
How can that even happen?"
Guard/Whisper
Looking at the girl quizzically whilst listening to Guard's words, he nod's simply."It's hard to say really. These things work in mysterious ways truthfully, as do all things it seems." He says, closing the book now."I suppose the most obvious answer is that somewhere down Whisper's line runs the blood of House Orien. One of her ancestors were dragonmarked and now that innate talent has manifested within You now Whisper."
Currently the Warforged is an impressive sight:
His black adamantine plating is overlayed with a mantle of blue flames that surrounds him. Over his shoulder a tiny blue ball with tendrils floats, illuminating the surroundings.
Furthermore Guard handles a simple made heavy steel shield and a oversized looking, shining warhammer. He also wears a potion belt around his waist, mostly filled with flasks.
Ardanto will go and see the lovely lady Lavinia, later on in the day, a time he is not normally there. His stomach grumbles loudly as he waits for her, reminding him that he hasn't eaten a proper meal in some time, too much poor quality inn and tavern food and drink.
Unlike his normal appearances at her place, he is not dressed for entertainment, this time he is wearing his weathered travelling clothing and is not cleanly shaven or particularly well washed from a day of gathering information.
"My dearest Lavinia," he greets her in his overly forward manner, "I have done a bit of research on where you brother may be and I now need some advice, Kracken cove is located some seven days travel from here through trackless swamps infested by tribes of frogmen. I do not fancy such a journey, so I am inclined to hiring a crew and sailing the Captains ship there." He has unrolled a map of the area as he speaks and is tracing the route overland and by sea with his finger. "So here is my request, your parents, may the gods bless there souls, obviously had ships, do any of the crew members still owe your family allegiance?"
"I have visited the Captains ship and have ascertained it would require a skeleton crew of 6, but ideally 12 men and women would be perfect, could you maybe point me in the direction of some loyal men, or maybe a business partner of your family who could help?"
"I also have another request, can I leave this parcel here for Whisper, I fear I do not know where any of the others live, even the Captain is not at his ship, so I must impose on you to be my contact."
Whisper/Seeker
[b]"Whisper,
Please accept my humble apology for not delivering this in person, but I have no way of contacting you. After some thought, I feel this armour would be of more use to you, after all you do love to blend into the crowd, and what will help more than a suit which can change its looks?
Yours,
Ardanto."
Looking over the map with Ardanto , Lavina seems in thought. Yes my family does have some ties among the docks and sailors.' She takes a parchment and pen, and writes down an address " Go to the Merchant guild on Bronze street. Speak with Master Krings ,We have often used his services to find trust worthy sailors.
Upon seeing the parcel she smiles "Whys yes, I will see that whisper gets it. She should be by today in fact. Would you care to stay for brunch Ardanto?
Upon seeing the parcel she smiles "Whys yes, I will see that whisper gets it. She should be by today in fact. Would you care to stay for brunch Ardanto?
Ardanto's belly lets out a loud rumble in answer to Lavinia's question, Ardanto smiles at the noise, "I would guess that is a yes, in fact i would like that, very much."
Ardanto actually seems very sane, polite and logical today as he makes polite conversation.
Whisper
When you come for today lesion, Lavina gives you Ardantos package. She also would like your help In finding a Blade. She takes you to a shop called the Metal skinned Dwarf. The shop keeper a gruff dwarf of unknown age and his 2 assistants show Lavinia several blades. With your help she selects a nice balanced Rapier.
Much to Whispers embarrassment, one of the assists recognizes her as one of the party that brought down the Lotus dragons. The young man goes on and on about how exciting it must be to be a hero of the city and keeps asking questions about what it was like, did she kill anybody? how scary it must have been, but being a brave hero she must have not been scared at all.
The shop keeper waves the boy away. "Over look the boy lass, all stars and axes is he, Hummmph, so you be part of that outfit are ye? I guess this city owes ye it's thanks. Never did trust them over seas fellas'."
He extends a scarred hand Names Golf steelstag. Been in this city me whole life seen the city fall to the princes and get it's self back. I owe ye me thanks for keeping the city free. You tell Ye crew Anything from me shop is 25% off for as long as I own it and ye live. Anyone that doned what ya doned calls for nothing less"
Impatient to find Vanthus, Finn tracks down Ardanto at last.
"So Ardanto, my impetuous comrade, have you found out where the coward Vanderboren is hiding himself? I have been practicing with my spear for the past few days, in anticipation of ending his sorry life." Finn's eyes burn with hatred as he recalls the day Vanthus left him -- and his friends -- to die.
Impatient to find Vanthus, Finn tracks down Ardanto at last.
"So Ardanto, my impetuous comrade, have you found out where the coward Vanderboren is hiding himself? I have been practicing with my spear for the past few days, in anticipation of ending his sorry life." Finn's eyes burn with hatred as he recalls the day Vanthus left him -- and his friends -- to die.
Ardanto is surprised and glad to see that one of his comrades has hunted him out, he broad grin displaying the obvious joy, "Finn my fine friend, it is good to see you, yes, yes, I have found out how to get to Kraken Cove, his last known hiding place." He reaches into his pocket and unfurls a parchment map. Using the map Ardanto discusses with Finn their options, "we have two choices, the first is an overland trip through frogman infested marsh lands, this will also require us to hire a guide and will take around a week," the tone of his voice leaves Finn with no doubt this is not his favourite option. "Or, we could hire a crew and sail the Captains boat there, I was just on my way to meet a Master Krings to see about the crew." he looks at Finn, "would you like to accompany me?"
As an after thought he also adds, "I also need to find the Captain and ask him if he will allow us to use his boat, but he is a troublesome fellow to locate."
"Certainly I can come with you, although I have no idea where the captain is than you do."
Ardanto and Finn make there way to the Merchants guild. It is a 3 story building of stone and wood. It is a well kept building and seems to be a busy place with merchants and sailors coming and going. You make your way inside the building a well lite place with a busy lobby. A gnome with a limp He introduce himself and Brangons Smiggles . "Yes Lady Vanderborn sent a note ahead. This way Master Kring will see you now."
He leads up up a set of stairs, and leads you into a small office. The room is richly furnished with serval stuffed leather chairs, many bookcases and a desk of the most vibrant wood you have ever seen. Leaves seems to be growing from it in a few spots. Maps and charts seem to cover his walls.
Be hind the desk sits an elderly shifter, his long sideburns Grey and dark. He is dressed in expensive shirt with a silk doublet. A monocle sits in his eye as he seems to be going over one of the many books and scrolls that cover his desk.
"Master Valanto and his associate Mr. Finn to see you sir, On be half of the lady Vanderborn" The gnome intones
The shifter looks up "Ah yes, Fetch us some tea would you MR.Smiggles, come Gentel men,come have a seat' He gestures toward the large leather chairs as he seems to Look though his books.
"The Lady Vanderborn contacted me on your behalf, I have done business with the Vanderborn family for many years. A shame of her parents fine people. Now lest see, you were needing a crew pf 12 was it? Short voyage, but dependable people. I have a list here of men that could do the job of course. There is the matter of payment. Lets say 5 silver per day + 5 silver per man for my fee? sound fair?'
Ardanto suppresses a smile at the gnomes name, but does nudge Finn in the ribs in a school boy way.
Once in the office, Ardanto is impressed, he looks around with open admiration, taking a seat he leans forward. "Thank you for seeing us on such short notice sir," he nods his head in acknowledgement at Master Kring, "the fee seems more than fair for this voyage, do I pay the finders fee to yourself and the wages to the crew them selves?"
"In addition, I will need a first mate and there may be a necessity for the crew to defend them selves, there is a small possibility, well a fairly large possibility to be honest, that we are going to encounter pirates as we intend to sail close to, if not into, a smuggling base."
He pauses to let the Master digest this information before continuing, "I am more than happy to split any bounties on these pirates heads, or rewards for breaking up the smuggling ring between the crew members, but does this change your crew recommendations, or would you feel that bringing separate fighting men would be appropriate?"
"Let me stress, I do not intend to have the crew fight unless it is absolutely necessary, after all that is what the Lady Lavinia pays us for."
He sits back waiting for the master's answer, Finn may be surprised at how business like and serious Ardanto is.
The old shifter sits back and takes what Ardanto said in. "Yes, there are some names I would change, with combat a likely outcome it is costumry in Sessarine to sign a binding death and dismemberment contract with the crew, fairly simple and common. And the terms of a share of any reward or booty is fair"
He sits back and looks though a few books as Mr. Smiggle brings in the tea. He pours the tea then leaves without a word. "Here we are Master Valanto, Amella Venkale. First rate seamen, and captain for hire. She has a reputation as a top notch first mate and has voyages to Trolanport,Sharn and even one to stormreach under her hat. While she does not come cheap. I can get her for 2 gold per day plus any reward share that is. Sound fair?'
Ardanto smiles at the gnome "Thank you very much Mr. Smiggle," and helps him self to the tea, his first ever cup of tea to be fair, "mmmm, nice, very pleasant," he relishes the taste as the hot drink warms his throat and makes a mental note to drink more of it in the future.
"Every thing you have said sounds more than fair, I am happy to proceed with this agreement, if you will to draw up all the required paper work and arrange a meeting with the crew I will gladly pay your arrangement fees in advance."
Ardanto hands over any required payments and signs all the papers.
"On a different, but related matter sir, in my line of trade I have made a small profit, not huge by the standards of the nobility or wealthy traders, but still a tidy sum, I am wondering if you are looking for any investors at the moment, I can currently invest up to 3000 gold crowns into any venture that you would recommend or one that requires additional funds, I am also fairly happy to gamble on bigger returns for higher risks."
"Just to be clear, sir, we aren't looking for men-at-arms; just seamen who are not afraid of delivering us to a dangerous location. If this Capt. Amella and the rest of the hand-picked crew fit the bill, then we are willing to give them a try."
Master Kring smiles at Ardanto, showing off his fangs "Why yes Master Valanto , we can invest your money in cargo if you like, it is profitable. However there are dangers to shipping. I will however invest your funds in several shipment so you will not see a total lose. Give me a day or so and come visit me before you ship out, I'll have the paper work finished, and we'll see of making you a profit , shall we.'
Upon hearing Finns reply about the crew , Master Kring shakes his head "No,no Mr. Finn you misunderstand. The fees are not for full on fighting men. That would be a bit more, however the men I have selected are capable enough for your needs. Now Gentleman if you will excuse me, I have many appointments today. You can make arrangements With Mr. Smiggle for payment and he'll see to the crew meeting"
With that he stands up shakes your hands and Mr. Smiggle leads you out. He Informs you the exchange fees will be 7 Gold. Once that dept is settled he tells you the men will be ready and on the docks by sunrise next morning. The he wishes you a good day and moves to show someone else in.
Ardanto shakes his hand and thanks him politely for his time.
"Well that went well," he comments to Finn, "shall we try and round up the others so we can start getting everything ship shape?"
With a jaunty step Aranto whistles a happy tune as he bounds down the road, full with the possibilities of captaining a ship, something that his mind tells him he has done many times, where in reality he has had maybe two months of sailing expertise.