[Game Thread] Heading North

[Demandred69]

Current Location: Just entering waters around Shadow Island.

Port Prince : Port Prince is a large town (they view themselves as a city-state of Frubara) on Shadow Island, a large forested island north-east of Niias, mid-way between Niias and where the King River empties into the Saphire Sea. Port Prince is ruled by Ranaka Waverunner, an ex-smuggler and mercenary. Port Prince is one of Niiase's leading importers of slaves. It's also a haven for poachers and pirates. Seals, whales, sea turtles, and dolphins are among the victoms of poachers, and merfolk and sea-bats are among the slaves sold at Port Prince.
Port Prince is a dark place. The people don't take kindly to strangers and the it's said that evil spirits wander the forest around the city. The later, and possibly former, is due to the island being covered in shadow. It's not by some supernatural force that the island is usually dark, the floating city of Quatosia is directly above it, suffocating the island in darkness.
---------------------------------------------------------

The Starwhisperer has been at sea for three days now. It's energy crystal cracked and damaged during a storm, three nights back, for unexplained reasons. Captain Thamuz, knowing the crystals weren't cheap, had been in a foul mood. He was sure someone had had an accident and wasn't fessing up as the chances of lightning striking was astronomically low.
It wasn't until this morning that his mood finally began to brighten up. Port Prince was a haven for pirates and smugglers, offering a place to exchange information, make repairs, and drink. Plus, Thamuz was well-known there. And if his uncle was there, a deal on a crystal was in order. Thamuz crossed his arms and eyed the island city in the distance, shadows cascading of the rocky shore and woods surrounding the cities docks. Maybe a cannon, too. The thought of upgrading the giant crossbow was inviting.
So this is Port Prince. the legendary city of pirates, Linath stated, eyes searching the shadows around the city. It was mid-afternoon and the sun wasn't helping much. But his vision had adjusted.
Thamuz eyed the elven mage briefly. Linath had joined his crew only a couple days ago. They had returned to Lady Gray for a reward in finding her jewelry box and he had found them outside the gate. He was an eager fellow, a bit sarcastic and too-smart for his own good, but a positive presence on the ship. And he had offered a bottle of spiderblood wine.
Yes it is. It's like a second home for me. Well, not really. But it could be. Thamuz gave one last look toward their possible destination and walked back toward his cabin. I'm calling a meeting. Get Cadrianna, Nerra, and Ferrez. He paused, Might as well bring our new bard, too.
The bard, Kohanna, had been found a float in a small boat just two days past. She had been on The Leaping Trout entertaining the crew when the captain of that vessel, a man named Squire McDougal, had tried to persuade her to his bedroom. She had refused as nicely as she could and was ordered of the ship. McDougal had accused her of being a witch. The crew, being superstitious, had no problem with putting her in a rotting boat and letting the sea decide her fate.
Linath found Kohanna almost immediately. The bard was at the fore of the ship, humming a melody she was working on. She smiled as soon as he approached and he found himself blushing. She was pleasant of personality and on the eyes, and she was magically gifted, he was sure. But there was something odd about her he couldn't quite make out. Captain Thamuz is calling a meeting. He requested your presence.
Likewise, it wasn't difficult to find Ferrez ordering the sailors about. The tall ka'shan (catfolk) was watching young William, Thamuz's adoptive son, set the rigging. Captain's cabin. Meeting. Ferrez barely acknowledged Linath, but nodded.
Cadriana was difficult to find. Ever elusive, the woman was sitting in the hull of the ship with a book in her hand. The shadows covering her face, Linath wondered how she could read. And it was cold down here by the freezer, in which an ice-mephit was kept. Captain Thamuz is calling a meeting. He requests your presence.
Cadriana looked up from her book, or seemed to have. Her voice sharp like a needle, What's it about? I'm quite comfortable and in need of alone time.
Linath gulped and took a breath Not sure. But we've entered waters around a Shadow Island. I guess there's a city called Port Prince near. I think it has to do with that.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thamuz took a swig of water, his throat dry from the cold wind that had come and gone with the previous storm. It was time to plan their next move. He had had an audience with Aravan Mendius III, the King of Tharsis, who had sent him to find The Clockwork Artifact, whatever that was. The lead he and his crew had gotten had sent them south. They had barely escaped Bird Island, where he had rescued then lost the girl Crystiss. Then had been besieged by giant birds and lost a few crew and a dwarf. At Niass, they had done a quest for Lady Gray and during so, found the mysterious girl Shandar. Now they were headed north again. With his sister's ship in pursuit.......

[MalchiorTheForgotten]

Everyone assembled, Thamuz began to speak. "Ahlroit, lissin' up. Weah 'eadin' inta Poaht Prince. I's not a very lawful place, home te poirates, proivateeahs, slavahs, an' gen'ral bad eggs. Now, Ahm known 'roun' 'eah, so we shouldn' 'ave any prollems. Tha' bein' said," he looks to each of you, making sure you're all on the same page. "Tha powah crystel's damaged. We need te 'ave it fixed er replaced. Thindiddle can't do anythin' with it. Moi Uncle kin 'elp if 'e's 'eah. 'Is name's Maven Shackle. While weah 'eah, we should think about maybe updatin' tha ship. Trade in tha ballista fer a cannin, maybe outfit them rooms we jes added? Think about whatcha wan' an we'll check tha budget. Afta fixin' the ship, we need te track down them slavas tha' 'ave Vectissa n' Abel. We make 'em pay. Le's not announce ouahselves too openly, we don' know wheah Seshiva is an' we don' need 'er on ouah asses again. Queschins? Comments?"

OOC: Please let me know if anyone needs a translation for this accent. Just think British Cockney as you read this.

[Cristal08Darkmoon]

"We have more pressing matters. There's an artifact that we need to find. However, we must find three people first. Well, two if I've interpreted my visions correctly." Nerra stood, leaned against the table and looked at each person present. "I'm sure you've all notice my odd behavior over the last few weeks. Most of that was because of visions. Two in particular." She smiled tightly. "I've already informed Thamuz that we'll likely find the artifact on the Islands of the Sisters. What I didn't tell him, or any of you, is that very bad things will happen if we don't find this artifact. In order to find it, we need to find The Demon Sword, The Voice that Bites and The Shadow that Kills. As I've already said, we may have one of them among us already." The tall, feline woman straightened. "Don't get me wrong, going to port might allow us to find the Demon Sword but it's also home to evil spirits. Which, is what a demon is technically."

Nerra sat back down. "On a different note, I'd appriciate it if everyone would watch their language around the younger members of the crew. Namely Shandar and William. Also, I'd rather not resort to forced baths for the crew, but if I need to, I will dump water over their heads. Actually, I've had to do it with both Shandar and Glugwort. Can't force Glugwort to actually bathe like I can Shandar, but it helps. Not that he likes it and I have to scrub the deck afterwards, but it at least makes him bearable to be around."

[Teal Musing]

Kohana listened with an impassive expression on her rather lovely face, as the captain addressed them. There was a sort of sandpaper quality to the man’s accent that grated on the woman’s musically attuned ear, but, considering the circumstances, she was determined to ignore it. Having to focus to be certain that she understood him helped with this, oddly enough.

That contrast might have been a source of amusement, had his subject matter not been quite so serious. They had a damaged power crystal and they were entering a pirate’s playground. Kohana was an entertainer and an explorer, but not a pirate, at least by her estimation. Others might disagree. Still, although drunken debauchery was not to her taste, she was not at all averse to making a few coin entertaining those who indulged. Besides, folks in their cups were often freer with their coin.

Their hands too, the Bard could not help but add to herself, recalling her previous shipmates.

She might have rolled her lively blue eyes at that memory, had not Nerra stood up to speak. Instead, Kohana frowned and brushed a stay chestnut lock from her face, as the subject matter turned grimmer and her focus turned entirely to the speaker.

Evil spirits? she echoed. Better and better, Kohana noted sardonically, gazing about to see how the others were taking this news. If morale had been rather low before, this was not going to improve things.

Nerra’s next words almost made Kohana chuckle though. It seemed that she might have an ally in the personal hygiene department. The irony that it was the janitor who was the worst offender in that area was not lost on the Bard.

"Regular bathing for everyone is good for keeping things…, ah…, pleasant when we’re all working and living in close quarters," the Bard agreed, hoping to be as diplomatic as possible, considering that she was a stranger to these people and new to the crew, and offending an Orc was rarely a wise move. "I could use some more soap, myself," Kohana muttered, as if making a mental note, but actually to support Nerra’s point. "How long are we likely to be in port, Captain?"

[MalchiorTheForgotten]

Thamuz nodded at Nerra's words. He knew to trust her visions, she'd been really handy in the past and he figured always would be, that's why she was his Bosun. Scratching his bandanna-ed hair and adjusting his blonde ponytail, he reached into the pocket of his sleeveless trenchcaot as Kohana spoke, pulling out a pack of Koffin Nail Smokes. He put one of the black cigarettes to his mouth and lit it, striking the match with just a flick of his black nails. Nodding at her Kohana's words. His pale fingers let the pack fall back into his pocket and he exhaled that first drag.
"Roit. Hoijean. I's impoahtant. Prevents diseases an' whatnot. Mandate'ry. A'leas wonce a week." He takes another drag, looking again to each of you with his violet, reflective eyes. "Now. We need te foin' Vessi an' Abel. S'well as these otha three that'll 'elp wif tha ahtifact. Ouah bes' bet is te 'ead inta poaht. Be theah 'slong as i' takes te fix tha ship. Any who wish te sleep on tha ship kann. 'Fact Ahl need te 'sign a watch. Tha Starwhisperer is nevah te be left un'tended. Any volunteahs? Twelve houah shifts."

[Cristal08Darkmoon]

"I have no problems hunting down your friends but if we aren't meant to find them in the course of locating the artifact, then you have to agree to let it rest for now," Nerra stated firmly. "Now, baths are to be at least twice a week, especially since I can create water out of thin air. I'd prefer more than that, but I think that there'd be a mutiny if I insisted on more. We also need to get a supply of soap so that we've got it available to everyone." Standing, Nerra prepared to return to the galley. "I suggest that we require Shandar and William to remain onboard during our stay. Exposing them to the dangers and people of Port Prince is not wise. Now, I'll stand a watch, however I have a potential lead on the Demon Sword and need to investigate it. I'd more than welcome company while doing so." She walked to the door. "If that's all, I must return to the galley. I need to help Pudding prepare supper for those who'll be onboard for the meal. It'll be roast with roasted potatoes, onions and carrots. Dessert to be decided. Also, I'll go through our food stores while we're in port and get you a list of things that I'll need for both food stores and the new infirmary."

[HaplessWithDice]

"I'll go with you to investigate this lead on the demon Sword Nerra. I could use a trip off the ship, and I am interested to see what type of person would be given the title of Demon sword." the Elf speaks up finally. "While I agree the orc could stand to learn the benefits of soap I am sure that we could all also agree that none of us should be walking around alone. Especially the females in the crew."

[Teal Musing]

It seemed clear that Thamuz trusted Nerra. But Kohana could not be sure of Thamuz yet, so the young woman could not say how heavily his opinion would weigh with her. She would reserve judgement on both for now, and take the opportunity of the port time to get to know Nerra a bit better, if Nerra would allow it. Besides, she now found herself in the middle of some sort of quest, and a rather urgent one at that. There was much to learn. And who could or could not be trusted was something that the Bard would have to work out “on the fly,” as it were.

"I’ll join you as well, Nerra," Kohana put in after the Elf, offering them both a cheerful smile, letting the suggestion that a woman alone was more vulnerable than a sole male pass. Sometimes this was true, but then she had met a few women who could more than hold their own. And there was often safety in numbers.

Pirates, slavers, and evil spirits to avoid. An artifact and three people to find. The Demon Sword, the Voice that Bites, and the Shadow that Kills are people, she considered, as she looked from one crew member to the next. And one’s already here? Well, if we’re following up a lead on the Demon Sword, then one the other two is... one of these folks? the Bard concluded skeptically. With a mental shrug, she chided herself, Now don’t you be jumping to conclusions.

[SniperWolf]

Cadrianna makes her way to the Captains Cabin where the meeting was already underway. She waits and listens to everyone's comments and opinions before she herself chimes in with her important announcement. "One more thing you might want to add to that list, something is wrong with the Mephit. The lower deck next to the freezer has been getting warmer lately. I fear the little guy is getting sick or worse. We need to find someone who can figure out what's wrong and how to fix it."

[Demandred69]

Ferrez nods at his Captains words. I can hasss a few trustiss men watch ship. Black Ear, Sharkbaitsss, Javy, and myself among them, he adds to Thamuz with sincerity Remembers usss when ye get a shois. Could use some real food. And proper fish pole for Shark.
He then listens to the others. Particularly Nerra, who always speaks what need be said. After she walks out, Now there's a lioness that watches her cubs.
Ye foindss Vectissssa ass Abel, too. I'm sssior.He pats Thamuz on the back.

Cadriana enters and speaks of Frosty. Ferrez seems disturbed about the mephit, when Cadriana mentions it. He doesn't seem to have a solution, but mentions Nerras soft healing touch. If not, there be a witch doctor in Port Prince. Or it could be the warm weather as you've been south for quite some time.

--------------------------------------
Nerra and Pudding, who seems concerned by the healer's troubled expression, prepare the last meal before the ship will dock. Up top, Javy, Black Ear, and a number of others await the commands of their captain. Will we head for shore and dock? Will we move on?

The ship is covered in Shadow now. The city above hovering like a thunder cloud that just won't go away, covering half the island part of the time and the other, now a dead swamp and forest, eternally. Your ship is but an hour out of port. There are other ships in the waters. A lone airship flies past. There's no sign of Seshiva's ship.

[MalchiorTheForgotten]

Thamuz takes another drag of his smoke, looking a tad down at Nerra's suggestion not to actively look for Vessi and Abel. Vessi was his partner and -he was sure- his life mate. And again at the thought of leaving William aboard the ship. That wasn't going to happen. William needed to learn things, and it wasn't going to happen if he stayed here. He'd ask Will. Cadriana came in then, with more bad news. Nerra decided to give Thamuz a list of things to acquire, which was good, he appreciated the help. Running a ship wasn't an easy thing to do.
Ferrez patted his Captain -and more importantly- his friend's back reassuringly. Thamuz was lucky to have each and every one of these people aboard.
"Ahlroit. We make poaht. Le's git this ship movin'!" He says, taking on a leadership role. "Ferrez, yer in chahge ov tha watch an' ship 'til Oi git back." Thamuz left his quarters, moving to the ship's wheel and looking on to the horizon. He took another drag and smelt the salty air. He needed to find his Uncle. He needed to find Vectissa. And he needed to avoid his sister. Port Prince would be quite the expirience. He thought of Nerra's words.. the three.. he thought of his curse.. "What if I'm one of them?"'

[Teal Musing]

There was not a lot to be happy about, but this group needed a moral boost! Kohana was about to say something to this effect, when Cadrainna entered.

Cadrianna’s news did nothing to brighten spirits. Now, in addition to a damaged crystal, they also had an ailing Mephit.

And the Shadow only added to the general gloom.

Kohana gazed about her, sharp blue eyes, assessing her fellow shipmates. Fun was essential to everyone, whether they knew it or not, "lest the weight of responsibilities and misfortunes overcome ye!" as the old saying went. It may have originated with a bardic ancestor, but Kohana thought it more likely a common sentiment amongst bards in general. In any case, it was apt.

Well, we have an hour or so before we make port, the Bard considered. Perhaps a bit of cheerful singing would lighten the general mood a bit? Folks could sing while they worked. It could even make the work pleasant, or at least less onerous.

Choosing a commonly known, up-beat folk song, as everyone moved out onto the deck, the Bard began to hum the tune. Hearing the tune would hopefully call the song to the minds of the crew, so that, when the moment was right and she began to sing, some might even join in.

Then, as everyone settled to their work, if it seemed appropriate, Kohana would begin to sing cheerfully, at first seemingly to herself, but then to heard clearly by those around her.

[HaplessWithDice]

Linath heads Out after Nerra. She was 0ha Person on thecrew he could understand the best.Her Connections to the Secrets of the world helped he felt. Plus being in the kitchen would help him Keep an eye on that pudgy feline bastard, and Chef

[Demandred69]

In the kitchen:

Nerra and Pudding prepare a final meal and Linath tries to help out, often getting in the way. Linath watches Pudding closely, but the fat orange catfolk seems bent on following Nerra's instructions. Linath soon finds himself frantically trying to as he's instructed. Pudding, tongue often hanging out like a sweating dog, is much quicker with the directions. Linath soon finds himself getting in the way. And for ever tidbit Pudding samples, Nerra and Linath test as well. Once the meal is prepared, Linath and Nerra take it up deck.
A meal is digested and the crew jab excitetly over the prospects of Port Prince. Thamuz leaning on the foremast with a sandwich made from Nerra's roast, stares at the city overhead. Must be a lot of wealth up there. Rumors that the floating islands around the main city are owned by wizards. Thamuz spots Linath standing by. The two have an exchange about the possibility of Linath someday owning one of those islands.
Kohana's music is well-recieved by her companions. Some nerves are soothed and even a few crewmates try to sing along. The light mood does not last long. As the ship comes into port, it's apparent there is a general chaos among the people on the docks.
As the ship docks, a group of twelve men in black robes approach. It's obvious they are armed. One man hales your captain. We need to see your docking papers. Or you must pay 30 gold to dock. One man comes a little closer to the ship. Gray eyes over a bushy mustache regard Thamuz in a business-like manner.
A debate over docking costs resumes and Thamuz has no choice but to pay. It seems the normal docking cost is 12 gold, but airships docked in the harbor and not on a platform are charged 15 gold extra. And there's a 3 gold tax for boats larger than a small rowboat. When asked about what is small, the docksman and his companions don't answer.
Ferrez, Black Ear, Sharkbait, Javy, and a few crewmembers are left to guard the ship. It's obvious that Shandar wants off the ship. She doesn't ask Nerra and begins walking toward the ramp.
It is mid-morning. The docks are full of people. As soon as you step off the peer you are set upon by beggars, fishmongers, prostitutes, hash peddlers, and vagrants.
Carlton Weatherby says he may know a good place to get a meal and heads off southward along the docks. Any that wish to go with him may.
Clydus pulls Thamuz aside at some point and says he may know a place to get a crystal for the ship. He says the dealer is a softy for pirates and may give a discount price.
William, at Thamuz's side, expresses interest in checking out the shopping district. He awaits Thamuz's decision.

[Cristal08Darkmoon]

Nerra rolled her eyes as Shandar walked past her and started for the ramp. She took a step forward and grabbed the girl's shirt. "Don't you dare leave this ship, young lady. If you leave this ship without my permission while in Port Prince, you'll be grounded for a month. That means that you'll read what I allow you to read, dress in clothing I deem appropriate for you, help Glugwort keep the ship cleaned to my standards and take baths daily, among other punishments." Once she knew that the little girl understood her, she continued. "If I allow you off this ship, you will be in the company of three adults and you're not to wander from them. This port allows the slave trade and I don't want to see you become a slave again if I can help it. If you're good, stay aboard the Starwhisperer and don't test Ferrez and the rest of the watch, I'll see if I can get a few of the others to accompany us on a trip to the markets before we leave. Deal?"