Dockside Diversion/Still Waters

[GlassEye]

Captain Lotti tilts his head almost as if he doesn't understand the purpose of such shenanigans. He takes on a smile that seems a bit empty before addressing those on deck who have directed questions and comments towards him.

"Three staterooms only, I'm afraid. One will, of course, be made available to the priestess of Ral. The other two will have to be shared between the four of you.

Ah, Master Sekmun. No, our good master from the Still Waters of the Ouhm contracts for cargo space on occasion, that is all. I am sorry for any confusion caused.

Cabin boys? Yes, I'll keep it in mind."

You get the distinct impression that Captain Lotti's mind inhabits a different plane of existence, one that doesn't include much humor but rather filled with grandiose thought or angst-ridden poetry. The Captain beckons with one hand and a sailor approaches.

"The seaman here will show you to quarters and where to stow your gear. We'll be sailing before nightfall."

 

[Songdragon]

"No Aldino, I am no wizard. Many gnomes know of such tricks, but mine are bardic in nature." She smiles to the elder man.

She looks to the good Captain, "No worries Captain, I understand now. Thank you for your considerations for the accommodations."

As the group moves towards their quarters she walks with Aldino and sings a simple tune. ((Perform 1d20+9=10 )) "Would appear I need a little more practice..."

 

[perrinmiller]

Borric Hawkins, Male Human Fighter

OOC: [MENTION=40413]GlassEye[/MENTION]: I have 1000gp burning a hole in Borric's pocket. Can I still go to Arcane Row?

Borric nods, "Alright, I will bunk with the old codger, here."

Turning to the Aldino, he puts a friendly arm around the old man's shoulders and says with a grin, "Come, grandpa. You bunk with me and you can tell me all about what you were going to say if only you had known you were going to be traveling with wizards, priestesses and jesters."

"Besides, I want to here more about this treasure once we have some privacy." He finishes in a low conspiratorial tone and gestures for his companions to come with.

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 23 (26 with shield, 24 flat-footed, 13 Touch)
HP: 53 Current: 53
CMB: +8 CMD: 21 (23 vs. Trip/Disarm) Fort: +6 Reflex: +3 Will: +2 (+3 vs. Fear)
Conditions in Effect: Slight hangover and a sore groin

Current Weapon in Hand: Aldin
Chakram: 2/2 MWK & 6/6 Cold Iron remaining
Light Hammers: 2/2 remaining[/sblock]___________________________

Borric Hawkins

 

[GlassEye]

While below getting settled you all hear the command to throw off the mooring lines. Too late now for another foray into the city but a sailor tells you that the Eel has a scheduled stop in Tritower where you can pick up those last minute things you need.

The journey, you gather, is relatively fast and the three towers of Venza's outpost come rising up over the horizon just two weeks after having set out from the City of Glass. Captain Lotti is distant during that time, and though pleasant enough if engaged in conversation one always has the sense that his mind is elsewhere.

Sekmun likewise is not inclined to conversation. Once out on the sea he strips off his silk wrap and reclines on the highest point of the deck he can find to bask in the sun.

Aldino, however, is a constant fount of stories, mostly relating to the book and dwarven gold he expects to find. The old man is easily prompted and rambles on about the subject and in the two weeks of your travel to Tritower you hear pieces of the same stories over and over. You manage to distill the following tale from Aldino's ramblings:

"A group of adventurers came into my shop wanting to know about the destroyed book they carried. There were four and they were a frightful bunch: a tall wizard from the south with a big bristly beard, one of your people, Zelena, who had a tiger that he rode, a dwarven woman, and a woman-archer.

The pages of the book had been ripped and cut out and a good portion of it was burnt. One corner was seared pretty badly and the cover, crafted from the hide of the Ouhm River behemoth, peeled back to reveal scraps of ancient paper used to pad the cover.

They were the real treasure, oh yes! Scaps ancient and yellowed. Crumbling. But on one, a Runic character! So, my adventuring friends wanted to know the provenance of the book hoping it would lead to an ancient, lost mine of the dwarves. I promised them I would go to great lengths to discover it for them.

It took me some time to find the hidden maker's mark and discover the identity of the bookbinder: none other than Neezhka of Hruthrip! Oh yes, it's true! Neezhka is a master of the craft, a living legend! I sent a bird to Hruthrip asking after the papers with no response. I sent a second and a third with the same result. I was beside myself! What if he was dead and the lead lost?

And the adventurers didn't return. I sought after them to give them the information I had uncovered but couldn't find them. I even left a message at their drinking den the Dunn Wright Inn. It was months and I hadn't heard back from them. My sons encouraged me to further investigate but I didn't have the gold to hire another adventuring group and their wives wouldn't allow them to hare off on a journey.

So, I scraped together gold for this journey and I'm headed to Hruthrip to speak to Neezhka and discover the source of these papers. I'm certain they will lead to an ancient dwarven mine where the floors are paved in gold! I'll be a rich man; able to retire to the good life!

Once docked at Tritower you discover it is to be a short visit, just long enough to unload a few bits of cargo and then catch the evening tide out and onwards to K'issp. Captain Lotti forbids the crew to disembark but he won't attempt to stop you from entering the city for any shopping that you need to do.

GM: Feel free to enter Arcane Row and make purchases you need.

 

[perrinmiller]

Borric Hawkins, Male Human Fighter

Borric listens to the old man tell of trying to explore some dwarven mine, "So, you are not able to hire anyone, but surely you are not expecting to go exploring all by yourself? If this place and its riches are credible, perhaps some heroes on board this very ship might be willing to escort you as partners in this little treasure hunt of yours."

Looking over at Zelena, their unelected leader and asks, "Do you think we can fit this in with our benefactor? After we get him to the lizzy city, we might need something to keep us busy after we arrive. I, for one, don't plan on hitting any lizardfolk brothels. Can't speak for Syl, though." He smirks at his witch friend.

Borric plans to take advantage of the brief shore leave to do some quick shopping and plans to take Syl with to help him buy some gear to organize his equipment load.

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 23 (26 with shield, 24 flat-footed, 13 Touch)
HP: 53 Current: 53
CMB: +8 CMD: 21 (23 vs. Trip/Disarm) Fort: +6 Reflex: +3 Will: +2 (+3 vs. Fear)
Conditions in Effect: Feeling jaunty

Current Weapon in Hand: None
Chakram: 2/2 MWK & 6/6 Cold Iron remaining
Light Hammers: 2/2 remaining[/sblock]___________________________

Borric Hawkins

 

[jkason]

Nathan Tchanlach, human sorcere

OOC: Sorry, still catching up after the American holiday weekend...

Nathan chuckles a bit at the elderly man's ideas about the power level of the magics at play, but doesn't seek to correct him. Given the man's awe, the poor soul would probably feel chastised, he decides.

Instead, the sorcerer spends the time trying to get a feel for both the ship and his new adventuring companions. Trying to find a balance between Borric's coarseness, Syl's mischievous bent, and Zelena's more refined sensibilities is a bit of a juggling trick, he finds, though he supposes eventually he'll find the balance as he seems to be striking one between his bloodline and his own rebelliousness.

When the prospect of getting off the ship presents itself, Nathan's more than happy to disembark. He finds it odd that the captain won't allow any shore leave for his men, but so long as he wasn't similarly hindered, he chooses not to put too much stock in it.

He returns a short time later, whistling brightly. Careful observers will notice that a thin gold chain now joins the golden orb necklace he wears. The new amulet Nathan has neatly tucked underneath his tunic.

OOC: heading over to Arcane Row to see if Tritower has items Venza didn't. EDIT: One amulet purchased and Nathan back aboard.

 

[Gerald007]

Sylvain listens with interest to the old man's story. "Borric does have a point, Aldino. You will need some help exploring that dwarven mine you expect to find. All kinds of traps and ugly buggers hanging out around all those riches, I'd bet."

Syl had been enjoying his interactions with the mage. Nathan appeared to have his own particular ways with magic, much different than the witches. Comparing notes on the long journey was a very interesting way to pass the time. Waltor had been enjoying splitting his time between Syl and Zelena.

When the group was meeting concerning asking their benefactor about other employment, Syl voiced his opinion in helping, if it were permitted. "And Borric, the scaly kind need love, too. And by my recollection, you've bedded beasts of your own back in town!" the witch chuckled, enjoying the give and take.

 

[GlassEye]

GM: [MENTION=23494]Songdragon[/MENTION] Waiting to see if Zelena needs to do any shopping. If not, I'll advance to the next step.

 

[perrinmiller]

Borric Hawkins, Male Human Fighter

OOC: Borric still has some questions directed at Zelena yet. Both Syl and Borric have to wait a few days RL before our commissioned items are ready. Syl's will be 3 Dec.

Borric chuckles, "Yeah if you count those wenches that looked like pigs or cows back when we have very little money. Ahh, those days are long past, mate."

"Come let us go get some gear, Syl."

[sblock=Mini Stats]Initiative: +4
AC: 23 (26 with shield, 24 flat-footed, 13 Touch)
HP: 53 Current: 53
CMB: +8 CMD: 21 (23 vs. Trip/Disarm) Fort: +6 Reflex: +3 Will: +2 (+3 vs. Fear)
Conditions in Effect: Feeling jaunty

Current Weapon in Hand: None
Chakram: 2/2 MWK & 6/6 Cold Iron remaining
Light Hammers: 2/2 remaining[/sblock]___________________________

Borric Hawkins

 

[Songdragon]

The young gnome remains on deck most of the time, as she enjoys the new sensation of traveling by sea. She joins Sekmun and enjoys the warm sun of the day and looks out to sea in silent as a silent companion.

When Aldino does start his stories Zelena will listen. When asked she answers Borric, "We shall have to see when we arrive. It is a possibility, but then we have many days before then to deal with whatever comes out way."

Reaching Tritower the gnome remains aboard, having spent most of her funds before departing. She even makes the off comment that the group should have gone shopping before the trip started, but only in jest.