[Game Thread] Chapter 2

[Cristal08Darkmoon]

AT THE SUSHI BAR:
Nerra eyed Shandar suspiciously. In the short time she knew the girl, she learned that the child moved like a cat when she wanted and could go as unnoticed as a mouse if the need was there. Apparently, hunger was need enough for her. "Aye. That's sushi." Reluctantly, the black Ka'shan woman stepped from the line in which she stood and towed the girl a short ways away. "Shandar, how'd you get those bowls? Did you steal those or did someone give them to you. If someone gave them to you, who? Regardless, I've got someone to pay and I want to know who."

Her mind scrambled for possible answers as she waited for the child to explain herself. She was bound and determined to get the truth from her. And to possibly talk to the man with the slightly pointed ears that had grinned at them as he passed.

[HaplessWithDice]

Weatherby: "Thank you Mr. Weatherby. Please come to the docs, as the captain will need to speak with you." I don't have high hopes for him the wages he is asking for are rather high, but experience counts for a lot. Thamuz would know if what he is asking is reasonable for someone talented, and skilled.

Dominik: "I think there may be a place for you on the ship. What work did you do on the Peagus?" I think he shows promise but he's probably very inexperienced. I actualy Perfer this youth to the older Javasted man, but mainly because the boy seems more humble. Humble persons tend to actualy be better at their jobs than those that boast. I give him directions to where our ship is docked so that Thamuz can interview him. I think the Captain will like him. He's got character, and is moldable so even if he isn't a good sailor he can be made into one.

[MalchiorTheForgotten]

Thamuz is suddenly struck with memories. Four long years ago, when he first saw the Starwhisperer, it was Captained by a young woman named Tabitha. Tragic events had lead up to her death, leaving the ship in the only capable hands on board -his. He remembered the man he followed as one of the few survivors of the whole-sale slaughter that took place on board at the hands of Dopplegangers and Undead. He turned to William. "Shahkbait!" He said, pointing. He sped up his pace, calling out to the half-tailed sailor, hoping to get his attention. "Shahbait! Shahkbait ov tha Starwhisperer!"

[Demandred69]

Nerra:

Shandar looks at you appraisingly. From the merchant men over there. She motions toward some vendors furthest from the crap merchants. A strange man with yellow hair bought them for me. He said I looked underfed. Did you not want sushi?
There is no sign of the yellow haired man. There is a rather large crowd around the stand where those particular sushi merchants are. Could the girl be lying?
The merchant whose stand is in front of you barks orders at the pointy eared man. The man's eyes show sadness, but he smiles anyway. He picks up a pair of empty cages and begins walking toward the docks.

Draim:

Draim heads for the tavern, already tired of looking at the ocean. A good drink would restore him. And, perhaps, he might stumble across a sea hand or two. The tavern is busy. There are no open tables and the bar is cluttered with all sorts of riffraff. Draim patiently looks for an opening. After a couple minutes there is enough room for the dwarf to reach the bar. Whatcha need? a brutish man with a blue tattoo of an anchor on one cheek asks.
The customers here are varied. Most look like fisherman or pirates. A tall lean woman with long white hair, violet eyes, and a scar down one cheek sits with a large mean-looking half-orc and an elf with tan skin and multiple ear piercings. His eyes seem rather hawkish as he glances about the tavern suspiciously. The woman tells him to relax, but she also looks tense.
A pair of Eikeshi men sit at another table. They're playing dice. Both look like rough men, even though they're little taller than you.
A halfling sits in a back corner. He plays a lute and taps a foot on the chair leg as he plays. A woman in a long skirt dances to his song and four men, likely pirates or brigands, hoot and holler as they watch.
A large man, with tattoos covering his bare chest and running up and down his arms, sits alone. He looks thoughtful and distant as he drains a mug of ale.
Four people dressed in dark robes sit in the other back corner, far from the dancer and the bard. They talk in hushed tones as they look at what could be a map.
A barmaid with golden locks makes her way from table to table. She'd be a keeper if she were a dwarf.

Thamuz:

You follow Sharkbait for a short time, calling out to the ka'shan sailor. Eventually, you gain ground and begin to call out again when four mean-looking men, likely buccaneers, cut you off. Their leader is a tall scarred man with a red-dyed braided beard and dreadlocks. The leathers he sports are marked with various tribal symbols. His companions are a black-skinned man with a shaved head and large muscular arms, a short skinny man with bad teeth and skin that's been in the sun way too long, and a stocky man with a wide face sporting bone jewelry. The tall man, around six-foot seven, puts a hand out to stop you. Where yer go, aye, Blondie? The man talks with a thick accent.
Yar, cutey boy. This part o' thar docks belong to us, the skinny man wheezes. These men are lightly armed. However, they are close enough that if you were to draw a gun, they'd be on you in an instant.

[Cristal08Darkmoon]

Nerra made a mental note to talk to Shandar about wandering on her own and possibly about accepting things, particularly food and drink, from complete strangers. If she did the latter, she would have to emphasize that she was an acceptation from the start since she had simply wanted to save the child.

"We'll have to pay for these in a few moments. Before that though..." Nerra moved so that she was in the pointy-eared man's path. She was learning that she needed help keeping an eye on her recently 'adopted' daughter. With luck, he'd be more than willing to help. "Hello. Sorry to stop you, but I noticed that you don't seem overly happy working for your current employer and I've a positions on my ship that I need filled. One of which, I just realized that I would need. If you're looking for a new employer and are a hard and loyal worker, we should talk in depth. The choice is yours, but I've got to go pay for the sushi Shandar was given."

[MalchiorTheForgotten]

Thamuz glares at the man with the hand for a second, then, he speaks. "Ahl give ye three sekins te let us through before Oi put points to the man who called him Blondieyour head up points to the man who called him cutey boyhis ass." He Intimidate

Dice Roll:

1d20+8

(12)+8

Total = 20

stares them all down, moving his right hand to his axe handle.

[Demandred69]

Nerra:

The man with the blueish skin, sea-green hair, and pointy ears gives you a look of surprise. He recovers quickly and gives a toothy grin. Now, Now, M'lady. I've never met ye' before. He tilts his head curiously, Are you offering me a job at sea? The smile dissipates into a serious look. I'm that man's servant. I have no family or home and needed a job. He does pay me well. Well, sort of. I get free scraps and 5 silver a week. You don't even know me and offer me a job. Not to be rude, but I must question your intent. Are you a whaler? If so, I'll not work for you. I only hunt small fish and crab.

Nanaki:

The good reverend Jason Hale returns and reports that he may have a pair sailors for the journey- one young with promise and one older with experience. You nod to him and keep a sharp eye out. Odd that these people are trusting you to watch their boat and they just met you.
It's been slow for you by the boat. No one has attempted to take it. In fact, most of the folks that have walked by you seem wary.

Alias:

Since you still have gold you are welcome to explore the nearby businesses that are nearby (see previous page for listing). Otherwise, you can go toward the tavern Draim went to or stay by the boat and chat with the mysterious woman, Nanaki, that has recently joined your group.

Thamuz:

These men seem pretty confident you can't take them down. They're also ready for a fight and go for their weapons when you go for your axe. The tall man that called you blondie looks furious, as he reaches for his maul.
Ahoy there, Cap'n! comes a voice from behind the four thugs. The voice is sharp and full of enthusiasm. A tall wiry ka'shan with mottled dark brown fur and bright green eyes saunters up behind the four men. With him are three other ka'shan, including Sharkbait, and a burly fellow resembling a Siberian Tiger, that could only be a Tigran. The Starwisperers former second-in-command again says Ahoy Cap'n! What have we here? Four against one man and a boy don't seem much fair. You lot outa find a fifth and sixth man, or you won't give me mate a good fight! Behind him the other ka'shan laugh heartily.
And find ten for me while yer at it, scum, growls the big muscular tigran in a deep volcanic voice.
The four thugs move there hands away and step aside. Thought ye were someone else. You can pass, the big man says, not wanting trouble from the ka'shan as well as you- and certainly no trouble from the mean looking tigran whose hands are ready to reach for a massive spiked flail.
What'ss ssat? I heard no apology. Apologize to Cap'n Thamuz! Ferrez says with a cat-like grin on his face. There is no grin on the tigran's. He looks ready to tear them apart.
Sorry, the big man says to you. He doesn't sound too convincing.
Ssay sorry Cap'n Iscariot. And bow to him. He's your better, Ferrez says.
The man begins clench his fists when the tigran speaks,I'm getting hungry.
Sorry Cap'n Iscariot. Was er mistake. Won't 'appen again, the man steps aside.
An the ressst of ye scum. Apologize, Ferrez yawns.
The other three men apologize and step aside. As soon as you and William, who's grinning ear to ear, step past them in a captainly manner, they walk away hastily.
As soon as the four thugs have left, you are greeted by familiar faces thought long lost. Ferrez, Sharkbait, BlackEar, and GrayClaw clasp your shoulder in greeting. Their companion stays where he's at, not sure of who you are. (and tigran aren't known to be very social anyway)

[MalchiorTheForgotten]

Thamuz smiles big, seeing his old comrades again. He shows off William, going on about how big he's gotten and how he's becoming a man before inquiring about how they have been. He turns to Ferrez and Sharkbait and nods to the Tigran. "Wha's up wif 'im?" He asks, before telling them about his current plight and asking them to come along. "Nevah did 'ave quite such a crew as ye. An ye know Ahm good fer paymint." He uncorks a bottle of Spiderblood and takes a swig, offering it to them.

[Cristal08Darkmoon]

Nerra laughed at the man's assumption that she was a whaler. "Gods no! I'm no whaler, I'm more of a medic than anything else and recently made mother with my unofficial adoption of Shandar here." She gave the man a toothy, cat-like grin and offered him a hand. "Name's Nerra. My intent is to find good, loyal people that I can trust to help me run my schooner. I'm offering you a job. Not as a servant, but as more of an equal because you don't look overly happy with your current employer. Particularly, I'm looking for someone who'd be willing to help me keep an eye on Shandar and isn't squimish since I'll be in charge of the ship board infirmary and may need help with that."

She gave the man an appraising look. He looked like he could stand work at sea and provided he answered her true on a few more questions, she'd likely hire him. "Provided that we get along and you meet my prerequisites of loyal, trustworthy and won't harm a child, I can offer you a gold a week or you can work for me for the next, we'll say, 15 years and the schooner I just bought can be yours to do with as you please, plus room and board. I'd even buy whatever contract that man has on you and free you from your service. Now, the first few questions. Are you interested in the position I mentioned earlier with the pay options I just outlined? If so, how do you feel about children and learning more of the healing arts? Is there some other position you'd be more interested in? If hired, would you work honestly and do whatever job you get hired to do to the best of your abilities?"

[HaplessWithDice]

With my search of the docks compleated I will head to the bar next. Those who are often without work will seek solice in the ancient balm of ineberation. I do hope Thamuz finds at least the youth useful to our cause.

[Demandred69]

Nerra:

The nixie raises a questioning eyebrow. After a moment he nods and says, I'm quite interested, M'Lady. While the sea may be a dangerous place, I love her much and miss traveling her expanse. I'm no land-lubber. He looks you and Shandar over. I'd likely not be much of a parent. But I could keep an eye out for her. So, a gold coin a week. That's fair for a fisherman. But sounds like you seek a sailor! Throw in three nice meals a day and some conversation and you may have the best sailor in The South Seas. He speaks as if not to brag. My name is Javy. I'd give you a last name, but it's very long and easy to forget. Yes, I'm a nixie. Yes, I'm Feyborn.

Thamuz:

We found him wandering about the docks. He looked like a lossst kitten. He'sss called Razor. He's tigran not ka'shan like me mates here. A landlubber. But he's strong and well versed in combat. A spiritual guy, too. Ferrez leans close to you. He was a caravan guard and before that a gladiator. He'sss from mountainsss way north, more north than Tharsis. I kinda like him. He's a grumpy bastard, but he seems honest and non-judgmental. We could make a sailor out of him. If not, he could be the deck sweeper. Ferrez chuckles, thinking of the big muscular cat as a deck sweeper.
I sayss we sailss with Mr. Thamusss, Sharkbait says eagerly. He's still young and high strung.
Headed out to sssea, Cap'n? Blackear, a tall and lean Ka'shan with black fur and half of his right ear missing. He was always one of the better sea hands. He had been part of The Starwhisperer's crew with his wife, Herra. Unfortunatly, she had perished during that adventure. If sso , I'd oblige in tagging along. This man-city is filthy and uncomfortable. And good jobs are scarce.
It's too hot here. And no one respects anything, the tigran, Razor says. My people never liked the Ka'shan much, but these he jesters to Ferrez and the others,...have been kind to me. And let me eat with them as a brother. I know little of seas and not in likes of water, but I may be of service.

[bookworm913]

Nanaki nods to Jason as he approaches her. After listening to his report, she smiles, "I hope they get crew with experience as I have none." She looks around at the people passing her, then says to Jason, "Thanks for trusting me with the ship's safety. What is the point of voyage? Why are we sailing?" She sees a half-orc walking past and hails him in Orc, smiling and basically wishing him strength for his day.

[Cristal08Darkmoon]

"Three square meals a day, a bunk, conversation and a gold a week. Done. Your duties will mainly consist of helping me keep an eye on my daughter, mostly because of my vision issues, and helping to complete the odd job on board to ensure the smooth sailing of my vessel." Nerra's ears twitched as the fat, balding man yelled for Javy to stop talking to her and get back to work. She glared at him before turning her attention back to her new friend. "We can continue that discussion after we wrap up this bit business. To do that, I need to know if he has a contract on you and how much it's for if he does. After that, I've got to pay for the sushi that one of the merchants gave Shandar and get you what I'm guessing will be your first decent meal in a while."

Sighing, Nerra began to contemplate exactly how a simple food run had turned into this much of a hassle while she waited for his answer. At least one good thing came of it, though. Or it would once that part was wrapped up. I'm going to want a nice big mug full of warm milk once this is all over. Preferably freshly strained from the cow, she thought, resting a gentle hand on Shandar. Her purpose for that was almost two-fold. To let her know if the child went off wandering and to help stop her before she got too far.

[Zaret]

Alias wanders off, searching the streets for people who look seaworthy and trusting

[Demandred69]

Nerra:

Javy will accept your offer. To appease his master, you'll need to give up 25 gold. Javy will also have to give up a pearl (family heirloom) that the man took from him to keep his service. Javy is willing to give up this item despite how precious it is. If you attempt to buy the nixie's pearl, it'll cost 150 gold. (Pearls values are about 100, but this is a black pearl).
As for the sushi, you'll approach two merchants behind a counter. The first, a younger man, will say that a yellow-haired man did buy three bowls of sushi. And that the man mentioned a girl. He'll not recognize Shandar as he had not seen the girl. The man will look at his payment counter (a chart with string beads used as counters) and tell you that every bowl of sushi he's sold has been accounted for. The second merchant, an older man, will overhear part of the discussion. He'll say he's never seen you or the girl but recognizes his sushi bowls. He demand that you pay up immediatly, 1 gold and four silver.

GAMING NOTE: I have a feeling some people are getting lost with what's happening (esp. those playing on I-pads and such. In the future, when exploring cities and such I'd like you to at least be in pairs (unless your character has private business.) I'd like to get everyone more involved. Fortunatly, you'll have a crew and we can get sailing soon. And back on course with the story. Again, try to eliminate one sentence posts. Remember, there's a planning thread for all of you to form a plan of action. Also, M, has asked if you can use spoiler tags instead of dice threads. I will allow this providing posts with spoiler rolls are unedited.