Sailors on the Seas of Fate - Rana Mor!

[wysiwyg]

Artemis Marsei. Human male, Ranger/Swashbuckler/Fighter

A short high whistle comes from the wharf's side, followed by the call: "Waiting for a volcanic eruption, are we," says Artemis with an urgent note in his voice? "Let's not dally now, shall we." Somehow Artemis has sneaked into the longboat without your notice. You notice him twitching his thumbs nervously, while giving you a pleading urgent face.

 

[Nac Mac Feegle]

Esteban stands with a clatter as he kicks his chair back. "Come on, we're being offered a chance to on the one hand have a grand adventure and do something interesting, or on the other hand get double crossed, have a grand adventure, and do something interesting. I hardly find this choice difficult." The brash swordsman grins with brilliant white teeth.

 

[Wik]

Zariv takes a long look at Esteban, before lowering himself into the longboat. "We should proceed. While destinies always branch off into unpredictable possibilities, complacency offers no reward. I have nothing to fear."

 

[Redclaw]

Theon squints out at the ship on the bay, then looks back at the relative security of the known streets of the town. Finally, a mixture of resignation and hope in his manner, he climbs into the longboat with his companions. "Just don't blame it on me if it all goes to the sharks."

 

[Lorthanoth]

Sicratos nods first at Theon's measure response, and turns surprised to find Artemis already in the longboat. He watches with an air of quiet resignation as the group discusses what to do and then board the longboat.

Two sailors row you out to the waiting sloop. As you get closer to the Blue Heron you can see the figurehead lives up to the ship's name, being an expertly carved long necked heron. You can also hear the crew singing:

Haul on the bowline, our bully ship's a-rollin'
Haul on the bowline, the bowline Haul!
Haul on the bowline, Ketta is my darlin'
Haul on the bowline, the bowline Haul!
Haul on the bowline, Ketta lives in Coral Bay,
Haul on the bowline, the bowline Haul!
Haul on the bowline, the old man is a-growlin,
Haul on the bowline, the bowline Haul!
Haul on the bowline, so early in the mornin'
Haul on the bowline, the bowline Haul!
Haul on the bowline, it's a far cry to payday
Haul on the bowline, the bowline Haul!

The tune

A short dark-haired woman of striking good looks greets you at the rail. She dresses in loose-fitting pants, high boots and a short light jacket. She wears a sabre at her side.

 

[Redclaw]

Theon bows deeply, with a bit of a leer to his smile. "A truly wonderful surprise to hear from you, Captain Theron. May I present my companions, Anemone, Artemis, Esteban and Zariv." He indicates each in turn. "We are grateful for your generous invitation to visit the Heron."

 

[Lorthanoth]

The woman grins and ruffles Theon's hair, "So formal now, little Theo, but still with that same smarm, young man," she chuckles, and turns to the rest of you, "Yes, I am Balama Theron, master of this ship," she says with a smile, "Welcome aboard the Blue Heron. Let's talk business."

With that she leads you with her (to Theon) accustomed directness to the master's cabin, a teak paneled stateroom at the ship's stern, and sits behind a small writing desk. "I need your help," she says, "About a hundred and thirty miles south of here lie the ruins of Rana Mor, the old temple-city of the Rangka Empire. Something I'm looking for is probably buried there, in the tomb of the Seer-King. If we can get to his crypt, I think I can open it, but it's a dangerous journey, and the city is reputed to be haunted by terrible monsters."

She smiles, "I heard that you, Theon, and your estimable company were in Coral Bay; your band of bravos comes highly recommended. I'd like to hire you to help me get into Rana Mor, recover what I need, and then get home again in one piece. Are you interested?"

 

[Shayuri]

"What do we get?" Anemone asks immediately. "You get your prize, but what do we get?"

 

[wysiwyg]

Artemis Marsei. Human male, Ranger/Swashbuckler/Fighter

"What do we get?" Anemone asks immediately. "You get your prize, but what do we get?"

"Yes, I second that. And might I also inquire as to what your prize is?"

 

[Lorthanoth]

Balama nods to Anemone, "To the point, I see. I like that; well, here is my offer. I'm willing to pay an advance of a thousand gold, plus another thousand upon my safe return to Coral Bay, with an additional bonus of one thousand if I recover the Rain Tiger. My 'prize' as you put it." she replies.

"The Rain Tiger is a sorcerous gem, once owned by the Seer King. Sorry, that item is non-negotiable, before you ask, Theon. I keep the gem. But you'll be well paid for helping me get it.