Island Empire Part 1, to Mermaid's Rest

[mleibrock]

After his trip to the confectioner's, Rad0on and Marienna continue their stroll around the market. As they pass an outdoor tavern, they notice a young man in his late teens who is staring at them intently. He is slim, of average height, dressed in a loose linen shirt, stained Imperial navy breeches, and boots. The sleeves of the shirt are rolled up, and they can see that his arms are adorned with many tattoos of a nautical nature above two leather armbands at his wrists. From the leather belt at his waist hangs a dagger sheath and a scabbard that holds a basket hilted rapier. Thrust into the belt are two pistols and a belaying pin.

As he notices that they have noticed him noticing them, he stands and approaches, leaving his tankard of ale at the table. "Bosun Radoon, is that you? It's Finn Hunter, remember? The powder monkey back on the old Repulse about four years ago. I knew you were approaching muster time, but I never expected to see you off a navy ship." His eyes drift to the wheelbarrow and its contents. "Guess the Navy has increased its goin' ashore pay!"

Turning to Marienna, "Excuse me, ma'am, I did not mean to slight as lovely a lady as you. Allow me to introduce myself, Phineas "Finn" Hunter, able bodied seaman, trained cannoneer, and your servant."

For DM

[sblock] Use a little Telempathic projection on Marienna to improve her first impression of me [/sblock]

...blushing... about being off the ship.

"Why it is, Finn!!!! How are you, Wow it's been some time. This is Marienna Lockspar, our second.
What are you doing here? We are just here for a breif visit before we head to Mermaids Rest. And this, refering to the wheelbarrow, has to do with our current cargo."

 

[Scotley]

Dockside at Axiopolis

As Michael is making his way back from the town proper he hears a considerable clanking coming from behind. Grond turns a wary eye and puts a hand to his weapon. As you look back a heavily armored Dwarf comes banging and clanking down to you bearing a note. He is making surprising speed in this heat wearing very heavy armor. A huge poleax rests on his shoulder as he runs. He clatters to a halt in front of Michael the letter extended. "From Mr. Willbern sir." The letter is on fine stationary. It is sealed with the banks official seala and the manager's personal seal.

The letter reads [sblock]Mr. Storm, I regret to inform you that I cannot accept your offer as tendered. I have deposited your letter of credit, in hopes we can come to a future arrangement. I will gladly send it back if you prefer. I have no control over how the mine output is dispersed. Mr. Redbeard is a long time customer, but he and I have no specific agreement. He could choose to sell his silver to someone else starting with the very next bar. I must say however that I am intreged by your offer. I will gladly approach my old friend about the possibility of entering into a fixed agreement. Next time you visit our fair city I would be honored if you would join me for lunch so that we might discuss this matter further. Please call on me anytime. Your servant, Durinin Willbern Manager, Farmer's and Miner's Trust Bank, Axiopolis.[/sblock]

The Dwarf waits in case you wish to reply.

 

[J. Alexander]

Michael Storm (warlock)

Michael will pause to read the letter, and will ask the dwarf to accompany him back to the cafe or to another one close. "If you dont mind sir, I will need space to write my response"..As we get to the cafe, Michael will order more lemonaide for everone.

For the DM only[sblock]Dear Mr. Willburn, I am sorry to hear of your decesion, but i do respect it and in second light do feel that your course is perhaps the best one. If it would be appropriate, please check with the mines owner and see if we can enter into an exclusice distribution agreement. I am willing to pay fair market price plus an additional 2 percent roaylty based upon sales of the refined metals payable each quarter. I do look forward to our luncheon upon my returen in a few weeks. REspectfully M. Storm[/sblock]

 

[SirCaith]

Finn Hunter

Finn bows deeply over Marienna's hand, although his eyes never leave her face. "Enchanted, Miss Lockspar. You wouldn't per chance be related to Terry Lockspar, that old stalwart of the Marin ships. The man must be pledged blood and bone to the firm. If you are a relation, he certainly has kept you hidden well, for you favor him not."

Turning back to Radoon, "Why am I here? Why, for the same reason any sea dog worth his grog is ever found ashore, I'm looking for a new berth. My last ship had a crew of wags I would not put above anyone at Mermaid's Rest. When we put in here, I signed off the articles, and got a room at the tavern here. So far, no ship needing a man of my skills had made port, but I hear a new coaster has come in, and thought I would check there this afternoon. That wouldn't by chance be your ship, would it?"

 

[Scotley]

The Lemonade stand at Axiopolis

The dwarven guard thanks Michael Storm for the lemonade before clanking off to deliver the response letter.

OOC: I haven't forgotten your other issue, just having a busy couple of days--surveyors from the home office in town and a lot going on at home.

 

[Scotley]

The Market at Axiopolis

Marienna smiles, "Yes, Terry is my uncle. You know him as well?"

 

[SirCaith]

Finn Hunter

Marienna smiles, "Yes, Terry is my uncle. You know him as well?"

Finn laughs heartily. "Miss, if there is a man who has sailed the ocean in the last 20 years who does not know your uncle, or at least heard of him, then my mother was a sea bass and my father hoped to sire a mermaid. Terry Lockspar has seen more waves pass under a keel then just about any man afloat. I served under him about three years ago on the Marin ship Cambry Rose. He's a hard man but fair, and he can get the most out of any crew that isn't too thick headed to listen to his common sense. A good man, at sea or in a tavern brawl."

 

[mleibrock]

Radoon - Mariner/Fighter/Master Thrower

Finn bows deeply over Marienna's hand, although his eyes never leave her face. "Enchanted, Miss Lockspar. You wouldn't per chance be related to Terry Lockspar, that old stalwart of the Marin ships. The man must be pledged blood and bone to the firm. If you are a relation, he certainly has kept you hidden well, for you favor him not."

Turning back to Radoon, "Why am I here? Why, for the same reason any sea dog worth his grog is ever found ashore, I'm looking for a new berth. My last ship had a crew of wags I would not put above anyone at Mermaid's Rest. When we put in here, I signed off the articles, and got a room at the tavern here. So far, no ship needing a man of my skills had made port, but I hear a new coaster has come in, and thought I would check there this afternoon. That wouldn't by chance be your ship, would it?"

"That would probably be our ship, I take it you wouldn't mind traveling with us? If you like I can speak with the rest of the officers and get back with you. The tavern you say, is where I can find you? Imagine that..."

 

[Scotley]

Marienna grins at Radoon's last comment. "A tavern indeed, that confirms it you are a buddy of my uncles." She frowns a moment then addresses Radoon, "he did say he was a cannoneer. So far our men haven't been able to do much with the swivel guns on the 'Bedsheet'..." She shurgs and says to Radoon, "we will have to discuss it with my uncle and Captain Morwyn of course."

 

[SirCaith]

Finn Hunter

Finn does try to look embarrassed at the tavern comments, although the twinkle in his eyes belies the expression on his face. "Well, I thought I would only be ashore a day or so before a ship in need docked, so the tavern would be a good place to be. All the captains or seconds would stop for a drink, and I'd have a chance to size them up away from duty. The crews would also stop if they had liberty, and that would tell me more about the ships. But I'll be a son of a narwhal if not a decent ship has put in for almost two weeks. I just haven't felt like moving to the inn."

"I would be most appreciative of you putting in a good word for me with your captain. Did I hear you correctly that Master Terry is with you? So, you've gone to work for Marin and Son, Radoon. Makes sense, the old man always was supportive of the Navy. Although I wouldn't have thought that ship was a Marin. He usually insists upon a certain look from his crews and masters, and most coasters fail to qualify."

"But come, I've kept the both of you standing for far too long in this hot sun. Have a drink with me, my crown, in hope of a fruitful outcome to my position negotiations with your Captain... Morwyn did you say. Don't believe I've ever made his acquaintenance, but then they are many fish in the sea that I have never met. The tavern has a good iced wine, Miss Lockspar, and if I remember your tastes correctly, Radoon, the ale is dark, rich, and cold. Afterwards, I'll help you with this load down to the docks. We can spell each other, Radoon, so that neither gets too out of breath to regale Miss Lockspar with our tales of daring on the high seas in the days of yore." Finn grins widely at this last.