The Handmaiden huffs and rolls her eyes. "You are all her business partners, didn't you look at her books? Figures, all brawn and no brain.
"Her business in Absalom does very well, though she possesses little business savvy.
"Magnimar is a different story altogether. Why she decided to expand the business here is anyone's guess?" Benaiah - any ideas?
"The great houses control most of the lucrative commerce in the city. They have the city officials in their pocket. Their clients have been frequenting their establishments for generations. The inertia of familiarity is and will always be the biggest obstacle to up and comers like my mother was.
"So House Versade wanted assurances that they would maintain they practical monopoly on the entertainment industry. Acquiring her businesses would assure it.
"As for my relationship with House Versade, they gave me a trail. See what I could bring them. Let me tell you how surprised they were when I landed House Vanderale. Who knew they we just glorified drug dealers? With that information, House Versade thought they would ascend to the most powerful house in Magnimar. And then you stole the ledgers. They bankrolled so much wealth to get it back. First the Hellknights, then the Derexhi brood, and lastly they called upon me once again to leverage my mother's manor.
"All thwarted by you. So now I have no family, biological nor associative. I am a woman alone. I only wish to leave and start anew. My fate once again rests in your hands. Will you allow me another chance at life, or do you destine me to rot in jail or face the hangman's justice?"
Agreeing with everyone's sentiment with interrogations. So what exactly do you want to know? I will try to hit the salient points. Let me know if you need something else.
The retainers, both Lanvi's and House Versades' are grateful for the healing. All of House Versades' retainers are honest and forthright with any questions the companions can have for them.
They are low pay grade retainers, ignorant into the machinations of the great Houses, and just grateful for steady work and on time payments. As they were working on House Versade orders, the feel that their culpability in this matter is minimal, and ask to be furloughed whereas some will entertain employment in Mistress Lanvi's depleted stock of retainers.
The Handmaiden nods along with the multiple threats. "I have nothing to hide. My mother, biological in name only, was a s*$!ty mother at best. I was given the opportunity to join a great House here in Magnimar.
"For me it was an easy decision, stick with my mother's shambles of a business, living forever in her shadow, forever clawing to turn a profit or join the a much larger, better run organization. Better pay, more respect. I would make the same decision any day of the week.
"If not for you, I would have succeeded. Is this what you are looking for? To psychoanalyze me? To use magics to infiltrate my thoughts? I never liked you all much, and I still don't. I again implore you, set me free and I swear that I will never return to Magnimar."
You believe that she is telling the truth.
The Handmaiden looks at the Companions.
"My reasons are my own. Let us strike a bargain. I desire to leave Magnimar. I fear that I have lost the favor of House Versade and I am no longer welcome in my mother's manor, nor shall I inherit her business.
"I wish to leave and start anew. You are shrewd men, and woman, name your price." The Handmaiden looks imploringly at Malgrim as she speaks, not struggling in her bonds.
Later in the Day
The open door floods light into the dim common room. Patron squint towards the doorway to spy who interrupted their mid-day fun.
In walks Mistress Lanvi's Handmiden, dull grey cowl pulled over her head. She walks up to the Companions, "If you have time. Mistress would like to see you. She has an update on The Audacious."
Turing on her heels, she move purposefully towards the door. Once outside, she walks in sullen silence, keeping her distance from Benaiah.
Feel free to engage her in conversation if you wish.
Eyes wide in fright, the Handmaiden finds herself alone with the man that gives her terrors.
"Ummm, no need to escort me. I am used to these streets. I was born and raised here.
"And yes. Mistress Lanvi does trust me completely. She should. I am her daughter.
"A good night to you." she disappears into the shadows.
I am determined to break your streak, Benaiah. Not in my game. ;)
Pocketing the coins, and propping one elbow on the bar, she rests one cheek on her hand before speaking to Keoki. "Josu. you say? I have never had that before. Tian Xia? You have been there? How exotic.
"To answer your big friend's question, we usually just travel around the Inner Sea region. Lately it has been backwater potion slingers, and any old crone that wields a stick to cure young girls of unwanted conditions not to mentions all the slick-tongued charlatans claiming to channel the divine. All claiming they can cure Mistress of the coughs. You can see how well that has gone for her."
She raises the glass to her lips just to wet her tongue. Her face scrunches up as she begins to stifle a spasmodic cough.
"You drink this? And it is warm." Looking crosswise at Keoki, she closes her eyes, takes a deep settling breath, then tips the contents into her mouth. Gritting her teeth, her throat constricts as she tries to swallow the liquid, but her anatomy cannot comply. She spews the Josu across the bar room floor before doubling over spitting and coughing. Watery tears stream from the corners of her eyes and she attempts to regain her breath.
"That ... that ... was terrible. Why would anyone want to drink that? she exclaims as she wipes the tears from her eyes. "If that was some kind of a&#@@&+ joke, it isn't funny. I don't like to be embarrassed or made fun of." Pouting she hops off the bar stool and heads for the door.
A few patrons looks at the skinny aasimar, then the buff tattooed man, scoop the loot between them.
Sour faces all around and more than one patron starts to look around to see who else is in the Unicorn. Mistress Lanvi's handmaiden looks crestfallen at her loss. She looks to the more aggressive members around the table and says in a quiet voice, "These are under the employment of Mistress Lanvi. She would not look kindly should any of you get ideas."
The men seem to deflate like a punctured sheep's bladder. A few scuttle off to refresh their drinks, while others, obviously out of coin, make towards the door.
The handmaiden pushes back from the table and follows Keoki to the bar.
"Care to buy me a drink? I recently lost my meager wages. Most unfortunate. I will have to find a way to make that money back."
Just before last hand is called, the companions can hear a scraping sound from behind them. Barely craning their necks they glance over their shoulders to see Mistress Lanvi's handmaiden pull the chair out. She demurely folds her dress under her as she politely sits down showing crossed ankle as she scoots in.
A small leather pouch rests in her lap under crossed wrists. She tosses a pile of coins onto the table. "Seems that I am late, but better late than never." she mouths in a demure voice.
2d4 ⇒ (1, 4) = 5 2d13 ⇒ (11, 8) = 19
"Hmmm. That will do." She looks defiantly at Arimar.
As the manacles fall to the floor, Harth turns and grunts in his native language. "Oooooh oh oh, ahhhh ah." Another hadozee hustles forward and extends a boda filled with water. Harth takes a long pull, swishing the water in his mouth before turning and spewing the water on the dock. He take another pull and all can see rivulets of water streaming from the corner of his mouth as he chugs the contents.
"Yes. The Dream of Night ** will no long pursue you. I fear that we also much quickly depart before the hooded man and woman return. I do not look forward to seeing them, or you again."
With that, the hadozee begin to make preparation to depart Magminar.
** Sorry about that, corrected name of the ship. See what a little layoff will do.
Not exactly able to read the siamian facial features, Harth does give the companions a sheepish look showing a slight embarrassment. Smiling nervously he stammers at first but finishes In a steady tone. "Well, you see, this is what we do. Hadn't rightly met you all yet .... Seem like fine people ... Gotta eat and all..."
"Contract was for the woman." He thumbs in 'Mistress Lnavi's direction, "And four bodyguards. Chelaxian, aasmiar, hobgoblin and an elf." He looks a Keoki as if seeing him for the first time.
-NPC1- wrote: Malgrim Stoneseer wrote: During the round of questions, he does inquire. "You mentioned being paid. For whom do you work for? Do you control the mats of green that surround us?" "Do I control the mats? Haha." Harth laughs. "In a manner of speaking I do. Both questions can be answers together.
"If you haven't already guessed it, I have the ability to control a variety of plant life. The mats obey my command and I can tell you that they make our job much easier. I drop a ring of mats, we steer The Dream of Night close, my hadozee warriors glide down and boom, we take over their vessel quite easily. Usually that is.
"We departed Magminar less than a week ago, headed for the oracles cave. We were lucky to find you but I bet other ships were hired to find you too. As to whom paid us. Hard to say. I had never met the couple, was a human man and woman. Kept pretty covered up. I did see a gaged skull. Not sure if that has meaning to you. Didn't to me. The gold was real and that was all I really cared about.
"And another ship you say? You were the only ones we we hired to find."
Malgrim Stoneseer wrote: During the round of questions, he does inquire. "You mentioned being paid. For whom do you work for? Do you control the mats of green that surround us?" "Do I control the mats? Haha." Harth laughs. "In a manner of speaking I do. Both questions can be answers together.
[b]"If you haven't already guessed it, I have the ability to control a variety of plant life. The mats obey my command and I can tell you that they make our job much easier. I drop a ring of mats, we steer The Dream of Night close, my hadozee warriors glide down and boom, we take over their vessel quite easily. Usually that is.
"We departed Magminar less than a week ago, headed for the oracles cave. We were lucky to find you but I bet other ships were hired to find you too. As to whom paid us. Hard to say. I had never met the couple, was a human man and woman. Kept pretty covered up. I did see a gaged skull. Not sure if that has meaning to you. Didn't to me. The gold was real and that was all I really cared about.
"And another ship you say? You were the only ones we we hired to find."
Arimar wrote: "We are the victors, and have commandeered your ship and your crew," Arimar begins casually, "You will consent to being gagged and manacled to prevent your spell casting, or we will make a more permanent solution regarding your silence. When we arrive in Magnimar, you will be freed, we will part ways and never see one another again. Is this understood?" "I am Harth Nightdream the Caster. I see that you have dispatched all of my warriors. Where are Grath and Groh Nightdream? I cannot seem to find them.
"As for your terms, I do not see that I have much of a choice, do I? The crew, though skilled, is beholden to the boat more so than me. If these are your terms I will accept them . For life is more important to me than a bit of dignity.". With a resigned sigh he extends both arms straight out, writer upturned.
"Keoki .... no surname? What was the name of your mighty ship that brought you here? We Nightdreams haven't traveled that far south before. Maybe once we recruit a new captain we might sail there to seek new lands to explore. Is there profitable trade there?"
Arimar wrote: "Will your Harth Nightdream the Caster be bound by the same agreement the rest of you are? "Hmm. Not rightly know. You beat Harth Nightdream the Caster so he will probably surrender rather than fight to the death. That was rightly stupid of Grath Nightdream and Groh Nightdream. We didn't get paid that much to throw away the lives of all the Nightdreams.
"As for that shallop, we can fix it, or row to Magnimar. Not both at the same time. Once we get there will only take a few hours. What shall we call you?"
The hadozee looks to the companions.
One of the hadozee rowers approaches the companions, clearly avoiding Benaiah. "Welcome. I am Garsh called Garsh Nightdream. I and my fellows have served aboard The Dream of the Night for many years. What you want us to do with Grath Nightdream and Groh Nightdream?" The hadozee points to the downed bodyguards as a few hadozee make ready to throw them overboard and some hold buckets of water ready to clean the deck.
"Magnimar the big ... man said. Right? We can do that. Probably in a day or two. Marn, grab someone to get that shallop. Tie a tow rope to it.
"And what do you want us to do with Harth Nightdream the Caster? He is hurt pretty bad, might not make it without magical healing."
All the hadozee scurry about in a nautical fashion, tying lines, grabbing oars, pulling out charts. It is clear that though their warriors are defeated and the shortbow and cutlasses have been stowed away, the hadozee are a professional lot moving about an economic fashion.
Captain turns to the assembled, ”You are all worse than a woman’s knitting circle. Get back to work.” The crowds slowly disperse as he moves towards them. ”Caverns of Neviim should be a two to three day row. Keep the, well now, any of your familiar with how to navigate? Benaiah, you said you sailed a bit before, right? Well keep the breast of The Newlyweds over your right shoulder, and you should be fine. Best of luck.” Captain ends with a handshake.
Later
With the sun on its rapid descent to the horizon, the crew is returns to the ship to turn in for the night. The Captain approaches the group. ”Slight change of plan. Tomorrow we change course. Mistress Lanvi wants to me to take a detour. I am not going to mince words, it will be very risky. We should be out of the mats by now, like I mentioned earlier. So I wanted to stay the course. But there is something nearby that Mistress Lanvi believe is worth the risk.
“She didn’t tell me not to tell you, but one never knows with her. Rest up. Big day tomorrow.”
Earlier
Captain Barbosa turns to the hobgoblin, ”My apologies again for my crew Malgrim. Though they are all experienced sailors, and worth their weight in gold on the seas, well men are men.
”Nelenquessir. Get over her.”
Again the elf nimbly slides down some ropes and alights on the deck.
”Captain.”
”Right, where do we stand with the mats?”
”By my estimation, and I can assure you necromancer that I am not blind like you have oft suggested, we have cut through close to three miles of mats. From my vantage, we are no closer to the edges than before. I cannot believe that we haven’t cut our way out of these mats. With the depleted crew from the buynips attack, and the spread of this contagion, we will be lucky to make a mile a day going forward despite the necromancer's undead minions.”
”With the depleted crew we are moving slower, but there are less mouths to feed. We are still well provisioned. Any other questions Malgrim?”
”Mistress. I assure you though your men are accurately reporting everything is in order. There will be no mutiny and your man, Arimar, has the disease in order.
“Now about the other matter.”
”Mistress Lanvi. About that matter.”
"Arimar, just some advice son. Two word you never say on a ship are mutiny and fire unless they are really happening.
"Regardless, I thank you for healing these men."
Barbosa turns to the crew, "First their tireless efforts cutting mats and tugging us through these Dead Calms, then their stu ... bravery with the bunyips, and now they heal our sick. Yet I hear the whispers, the finger pointing, the rumors. What will it take for you to see the good in these men? Drop this silent war against them or I hire new crew in Magmair, or toss you overboard all the sooner."
Barbosa nods to the Colonel and companions before departing.
One-Footed Dave continues to rub his shoulder at the rough treatment, gives the companions an I hate all you f$!&ers stare before walking over to talk with the small group of supporters.
Clarifications: [Yes you can Take 10. As for the timing of this event, it is very early. So I will leave it up to you if you have these spells memorized or not.
"MUTINY!?!? On my f#@!ing ship. Not a chance necromancer. You have a better chance of bedding that knight of the pearl than a mutiny on my ship." Barbosa spits on the ground.
"Colonel, get One-Eyed Dave up here this instant. If he gives you any problems drag him by the balls."
The Colonel rushes out, flanked by Chicken Gizzards. He returns momentarily with Chicken Gizzards grappling One-Eyed Dave in an arm lock.
"Leave off a++++&!! Captain tell the Colonel and this fish f#&%er to stand down. They told me to come and I did." One-Eyed Dave screeches in pain as Chicken Gizzards wrenches his arm.
The Colonel and Chicken Gizzards give an unapologetic shrug as they release the man. "Was more fun." Chicken Gizzards say in voice that is easily overheard. A small contingent of men flank the Captain, all them the companions can recognize as sympathizers with One-Eyed Dave. They are all staring at Malgrim.
"What is the problem captain? Why am I assaulted in bed?" One-Eyed Dave asks as he rubs his arm.
The Captain pivots on his feet to show the men in hammocks behind him, and Arimar trying to tend to the infirm.
"Mistress Lanvi's bodyguards suspect you have something to do with this. We can make it easy or hard. Confess if you did it. If you claim you are innocent, then I expect ... no ... I demand your full cooperation."
"Ain't done nothing. Got nothing to hide." One-Eyed Dave stares at Arimar.
Captain Barbosa quickly appears, ”What the hells is going on here?”
Later that day with the sun dipping to the horizon, and the oppressive heat abated somewhat, the entire crew is assembled at the foredeck. Barbosa has dug up some finery and The Colonel is sporting full parade regalia, complete with polished buttons and gaudy hat.
Barbosa opens his mouth to speak, pauses, and looks at each of the assembled in the eye.
"Men, you have sailed with me in war, in peace, for profit, for glory. No death without meaning. Yet this senseless slaughter by the denizens of the deep was one of the great tragedies I have faced.
"My heart breaks for the men we lost today. Their lives given to defend The Audacious and my fine crew. Gone before their time." he wipes a solitary tear from his face.
"But we must push on. We have lives to lead, gold to plunder, women to bed. Places to visit. Tomorrow, we shall double our efforts and leave this gods forsaken place.
"Take the night. Drink your drinks. Tell your stories. Cry your tears. For tomorrow it is back to work. I for one am not ready to join our brothers in the afterlife.
"Before you all go, I have one final word to say. To Mistresses Lanvi's companions, you are the bravest, craziest sons-of-b$!&#es I have ever seen. You are worth your weight in gold you are."
After hearing Arimar's words, not a dry eye can be found among the crew.
A cask of grog is opened, and the booze flows freely.
Captain Barbosa joins the group. "Tragic. Just tragic. The men can take the day off if they are too broken up to work today. I'd like a ceremony tonight to mark the passing of those men. Arimar, would you be so kind to prepare a few words?
"After a brief mourning time, we need to figure out what to do. I lost ten men, and those that are left will be reluctant to jump back on that raft."
He shakes his head, momentarily dejected. A poor trait for a leader of men stranded in the Dead Calms.
Captain Barbosa walks up to the companions, "Rough one boys, but I am sure nothing you haven't heard or seen before. People are people and you'd have a better chance of sailing in the Eye than changing that one.
"I agree Arimar. What she said about hordes of undead has me a bit nervous, truthfully. I though the Dead Calms was more figurative than literal. Regardless, I am not going to get caught with my pants down again. Colonel, double the watch. I want every man on this ship with at least one weapon."
He turns to the companions and lowers his voice, "Not my business, but I overheard your tongue lashing at Mistresses' hands. You want to tell her about our visitor and the Dead Calms or you want me to?"
Captain Barbosa flanked by Mistress Lanvi and her lady in waiting emerges on deck. ”Nelenquessir, open your thrice-cursed eyes!”
He paces to the railing, ”Ho! I am Captain Barbosa and this is my ship, The Audacious. Come no closer unless you mean us no harm.”
He turns to the companions, ”What the hell is that?”
Meanwhile The Colonel signals to the rowing crew to move the shallop into a defensive position in front of the rafts.
Standing a few steps up, Captain Barbosa surveys the scene before him. His able bodied crew, many stripped to breeches or pantaloons, shift uneasily from foot to foot in the eerie calmness, muscle memory adjusting for the anticipated roll of the ship that is not there. Not a breeze blows a lock out of place of Mistress Lanvi auburn mane as she appears on deck with her lady-in-waiting, a slim demur beauty. The Companions round out the gathering, Raim getting a hands length bubble of personal space wherever he ambles.
”My crew. Not a finer lot have I sailed with these many years. This is not the first nor the last Dead Calm that I have sailed into. We shall survive and arrive in Magnimar with stories to tell and coin in our purse to spend on booze and wenches.” Mistress Lanvi remains stoic in expression.
”Nelenquessir informs me that he can see the Sargasso mats as far as the eye can see, so we have at least 3 or 4 miles of mats to cut. That should take us at least a week, depending if that uncaring bastard Gozreh decides to blow upon us. We have food and water for three weeks, and starting now everyone is on half rations for water and food except for my tugging crew. They will receive full water and food rations. Sorry Mistress, even you and your lady will be on half rations. I can assure you that you will be compensated for the inconvenience in Magnimar”
Fish Eye and the Plank look at each other, nod then cross their arms across their chest grinning triumphantly until they notice that they have mirrored each other. Then the both drop their arms at the same time and look away.
“We shall divide into three crews, and my appreciation to Mistresses’ companion for agreeing to help us.”
Mistress Lanvi remains stoic. She doesn’t even glance in their direction.
”Judging by your stupid grins, Fish Eye and Plank will lead the tug crew. You need to string a sail over the shallop to give yourselves some shade. It is hot and will only get hotter. Make sure that you are rotating through your rowing crew. Durngil, make sure those boys are fed and watered. ” The dwarf grunt his acceptance as Chicken Gizzard moves closer to the tug group, hoping to get picked. ” I want to see that tug set up in the hour.
”Three Cocks, you grab whomever you can. Head to the store room and grab as much rope and extra timbers you need. Lash together two rafts and tether it to The Audacious. The Colonel will give your boys a barrel of axes and polearms to cut through the mats. Grab a buoy or two and as many red scarves as you can find. Tie them to your arms so if you fall in we can see the red waving. Best have a man or two ready to rescue anyone dumb enough to try and walk across the mats.
“Colonel, the ship is yours in the meantime. I want eyes in the nest, and this ship ready in case we have visitors with most everyone off ship. This is not a time I want to get caught with my britches down.
“Like I said you are the finest sailing crew I have ever sailed with. Be smart and everything will turn out just fine.”
:sigh: How I wish you were right.
Very close to the end, I hope to be done by midweek next week at the LATEEST!
As for a start date: Does March 7th work for everyone? I am still debating slowing down/suspending during April, but I feel we can get a great toe hold into the adventure by then. Does that work for you Malgrim & Robert Olmstead? I would still like to build up to a bar fight, and I still need some flavor posts from M & RO.
In the meantime, it would help me out a ton if you could help with my tables. I likes Malgrim's idea of palyers (trusted that is) filling out the tables. Please add in any ooc modifiers that I should be aware of. If not I can always do it for those without enough time. :)
Thank you so much.
The waitress breaks the huddle of the other barmaids, her tray full of glasses and two large bottles. The observant in the group notice that the other waitresses moves in separate directions, but continually glance over to your table.
"Here's the red. Gonna let is breathe some of you want me ta pour right now? Real man tend to keep in in longer, makes the final pour all the better.
"And here's the Juju. Barkeep told me ta remind ya, get outta hand, and you're out of here. But I know you boys will behave."
She flashes a grin as she bends over to pour two fingers worth of juju in some tall, slender glasses. Once again her clean white blouse billows down exposing the flesh beneath.
"You can look. I know you like 'em" she says to Arimar in a mischievous tone.
"Heard you talking about work. I know they're hiring caravan guards for some trip to Osirion, looking for jewels and such. Library is look for extra guards though that seems boring for the lot of you. You never know when something will pop up." She flits away to a table of halflings and one human ranger looking type.
Once everyone has settled and I've had a chance to look over we will do some mock encounters to get a feel for your characters.
posting on my phone is prone to errors
The buxom waitress walks over to the table. Her mood buoyant, her purse filling up with coppers and silvers as the room's energy has a contagious effect on the assembled. She moves quickly between the tables, pivoting on the balls of her feet, lifting her tray high overhead. Without looking, she rounds Benaiah's shoulder, and bends from the waist.
As she leans into the man, her ample breasts sag down inviting any who desire a peak to glance in her billowed shirt.
"What do you boys want? Gonna get real busy soon, but Coendial will take care of yous."
She looks up and meets the unemotional glance of Arimar, and looks at the cruel eyes of Benaiah. She immediately raises her free hand to lift her shirt to her neck, and straights up. Suppressing a gulp, a look of fear flashes in her eyes.
But barmaids are build from strong stock, and no woman gets to work the floor of the The Saucy Wench unless she can deal with a wide variety of situations.
Her expression softens as she steps between the men, "Got lots to drink, don't seem to have much of an appetite right now, do ya mister?" she queries Arimar.
Her countenance softened, her eyes remain icy.
Ok so how do I link that new aliases to the society character?
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