A Warlock Alone, Island Empire solo game

[J. Alexander]

Lunch at "Cpatians Table"

Lowering his voice also, Michael will say "Tonight i have an engagement but if it is that pressing, then I shall leave word for you to be allowed on the ship and that you may remain until my meeting is finished, or you may call upon me anytime tomorrow"

Addressing the man named Betrold Penor he will laughing say "Not really when you consider the cutthroat nature of the shipping and mercantile business. MY name is Michael Storm, I am pelased to meet you. Have you resided long in Mermaids Rest? Are you a cartographer by chance?"

 

[Scotley]

Bertold Penor

Anton, the waiter, nods and moves off saying, "the morning then."

"Of course, business is war with fewer swords eh?" He chuckles, "Actually, I am a writer. I've been working on a collection of tales about the Rapscallions here for nigh on two years. And this is the first decent cigar I've had in all that time."

 

[J. Alexander]

After Lunch Cigar's

Nodding his head to Anton, Michael will comment, "The moriiing is fine. I can see you anytime before 11:00 am..

Turning to Bertold he will say "A writer, you must indeed be a brave or very foolish man to write about the inhabitants of Mermaids REst and their exploits." Continuing he will say ' You have been at it for two years you say, then i dare say for a box or two of cigars you could fill me in on all the wonderful inhabitants here at Mermaids Rest and about that old sea dog Giraldii and his schemes?"

 

[Scotley]

Luncheon at the "Captain's Table"

"Oh, I write very carefully and under several pen names, but one must play to their vanity." He nods, "Yes, I've heard a tale or two about Grialdii. Two boxes you say? That and a glass or two of port and you've got yourself a story teller!"

 

[J. Alexander]

Mermaid's REst

Looking at the fnshed meal before him, Michael states, "As we are seem to be finished here, may I invite you to my ship to collect your boxes and to enjoy several bottles of port that I happen to have? Some conversations should occur in private do you not think?

 

[Scotley]

Luncheon at "The Captain's Table"

"Absolutely my good man. Please lead on."

 

[J. Alexander]

Mermaids Rest

Michael will cut short his shore excursion and return to the ship figuring information may be more valuable than arms at this point. Arriving bacak at "The Retribution", Michael will escourt the man to his cabin and call for the boxes of cigars and one bottle of port. He will the insturct Guiesspiee to go and get one of the boxes of ultra special cigars that he has also acquired and ask him to bring them back. Michael will engage in small talk until guiessippe has returned. Note both Grond and Guiesspiee should be in the cabin at this time.

Wrapping up the small talk, Michael will place the two boxes on the table. "There you are my good man. May i ask you to start relating what you know about Giraldi and the unique crew that makes up Mermaids' Rest"

 

[Scotley]

Port and Cigars

Settling himself comfortably and taking a generous sip of port, Bertold considers for a moment. "Giraldii, what can I say about that pirate? He is a canny fellow. As bad as any of the bloodthirsty sword wavers, but more subtle. He can smell a fat prize two days out. He tends to take cargos by cunning rather than force of arms. He speaks well, I've seen him convince a mark that the ocean is dry and the desert wet. He's smart enough not to tangle with the other stronger pirates here. He makes a good living without causing too much of a stir." He puffs contintedly on the cigar as he speaks and quickly finishes his glass of port. "I must say your cigars and wine are of the finest order Captain."

 

[J. Alexander]

Conversation with the Writer

"Very interesting indeed" Taking a sip from his glass Michael will continue "So if it were profitable for him he would stay his hand and take the easy money rather than paying a butchers bill for it? Is he the sort that could line up interesting cargos at a good price and the sort who would be willing to do business if it were mutualy profitable?"

"What else is going on in the Rest? How long has the masque ships been here? What about that Bastaide ship, I take it she is a slaver?

 

[Scotley]

Port and Cigars

"The easy money. Yes that discribes our Giraldii. I'm sure he could come up with some cargo if you don't mind stolen or pirate merchandise. I wouldn't trust him though. He's a slippery fellow and if he saw a chance to short you or otherwise fool you he'd take it. However, he's not inclined to bloodshed unless he has an overwhelming advantage. He is always passing himself off as something he's not. Don't believe a word out of his mouth."

He savors some more port and enhales deeply. With a sigh of pleasure he continues. "There is always a lot of gossip at the 'Rest. The Masque is favorite topic just now. I plan to be there. I've spent a princely sum on a costume that I am confident will gain me entry. It is a strange afair for such a place as this. Lots of wealthy outsiders are here. It has everyone slavering like pigs at the trough for taste of all that money, but so far few fellows have had any luck. Indeed several notable theives have gone missing. Some say they are plotting the biggest theft in the history of the 'Rest and others say they have been turned into fish food for trying to take on the wrong victom. I favor the latter. This party has been carefully planned and has gone out of its way to avoid using locals for anything. The barge where it is to be held only has one visible entrance it that is locked up tight. There is a service entrance with supplies have been going in, but their are many guards there and some of them are rather frightening. Snipers are on the upper works and they don't hesitate to take a shot at anyone who tries to come aboard or even stands looking too long. I don't know how many locals will be able to get in. Everyone has plans to try to attend, but unless you look like 'somebody' I consider it unlikely. Rumor is that there are some high ranking nobles as well as powerful Captains and of course the Sea Sorcerer here."

"That Gnoll ship was the topic of conversation until the Masque got top billing. There is of course a lot of speculation about that one. Everybody knows that those Bastiander folk are slave owners. The question is would they take folk off our decks. I am inclined to say yes, just because there have been some folk vanish under mysterious cercumstances lately. It is hard to say because there hasn't been any evidence that points to the Gnolls. Only a handful of them have even come off the boat. They like to gamble and flirt with women, but so far they've been pretty harmless. I'd feel better if they'd cause a little trouble. There being so good it makes me wonder if they aren't up to something."