You’ve finished your preparations for sailing when Brislim returns to the vessels, his civic guards in tow. With him are three soldiers of the Trade Council. “Hail the ship! It appears you are making ready to depart. If that is true, these gentlemen would care to look over your cargo, and make sure everything is in order. It’ll save you time getting out of port today”
The Trade Council soldiers board the vessels, but it’s a rather cursory affair. They don’t even request destinations, just taking a quick look at the manifests and interviewing the crew briefly. They look ready to leave when the officer, an ensign, turns and asks, pointing at the ships log, “So, where is this wildling, Blendin?”
Halcon grimaces. “Rest assured, little one, what I do here is in your interest far more than mine. These poor souls,” He waves a hand at the barrels to your left, “lost their lives fleeing shepherds; not at my bidding, but to our mutual benefit. I hope that with my work, there will be no need of that any more.” He walks towards Blendin, hands open at his sides, “Imagine it, lizardling. No more shepherds, no more need for the forge. It could be all over, if I finish what I started here. I am getting close to a cure, but I need time, and with these interruptions and this thrice-damned message you brought me, my work has slowed considerably. You and the birdling must see this tube safely there.” A tube appears in his hand, glowing a light green briefly before returning to more mundane banded and painted wood. “I fear if it arrives too slowly, I won’t be able to finish what I’ve begun.” He extends the tube for you to take, “Speak of what you’ve seen here to no one. Few would understand it, as I’m sure you still do not, and more interruptions will only make things worse. But there is no other way to save your kind.” His voice beguns an emphatic rasp, “Alpha is a lie, a fallacy made up to give your kind solace in their cages. But this work, this will free you like nothing else can. Take the tube, see it safely back to Shadowhaven, and do not delay.”
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Blendin accepts the tube. "What is it you are looking for? Perhaps I can assist with your search."
ReplyDeleteAfter receiving whatever response is forth coming, Blendin will run up to grab his clothes, get dressed and find Moira.
"If anyone asks Moira, you found a note from me requesting your presence in the labratory, but knew better than to meet me there. Now, we must hurry." Blendin will then hand over the new package. "I take it you know where this is supposed to go?"
Halcon laughs, full-throated. "I fear the only thing that you have that I need would require that bit of bronze," he tics his chin towards the bloody knife on the table, "for me to acquire from you, and I daresay neither of us would care for the process. Deliver the message quickly, or they will move to stop me. And not a word of this, to anyone, not your birdling friend or even the boughbreakers, they are no friends of mine."
ReplyDeleteMoira seems surprised at Blendin's return and his hurried words. As he hands her the tube, she speaks her name and a quick phrase, and the tube lights blue, as do her eyes for the briefest of moments. "Shadowhaven, it appears. What's going on? What happened down there, Blendin? Is everything alright? Let's go this way, then, its faster and safer." As she asks her questions, she shoulders her bag and pivots her legs over the balcony, before dropping down. She lands on an awning then jumps to wooden brace, and moments later is standing on her feet on the ground, "C'mon Blendin, I thought you said to hurry!"
(if you decide to follow along the outside of the house, I'll need an Ag check, target # of 4. If you go through the house, I'll need a stealth check if you want to avoid being seen.)
Tooly finishes looking over the Ollie as the inspectors come aboard. When the officer asks about Blendin, he smirks. "Oh, I'm sure he'll be along soon enough..." He pumps his forefinger into the fist of his other hand. "Last-minute business, y'know."
ReplyDeleteOnce the inspection is over, he tells Gardner "I guess I'll ship aboard the Ollie, so I can get her fixed up properly. I'll just move my flare gun over while we wait for the little guy."
After moving the flare cannon to the Ollie, Tooly begins installing it in a swivel on the stern, but continually looks up, watching for Blendin (notice 5). When he spots him (assuming Blendin doesn't break his neck climbing down the balcony), Tooly will clamber down and attempt to pitch his island idea while walking toward the ships:
"So, remember how I told you about Cogsworth, the Council bastard who wants me arrested for no good reason? I think he's gonna have the Council pickets pick me up when we get to Shadowhaven, and figured you guys could leave me on the island to start working on opening that big door to avoid trouble. Skipper says he's fine with it if you and Jay are."
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OOC: Ooh, the plot thickens! Is Halcon trying to make his own Fleshforge? Allow wildings to procreate? Build a thermonuclear bomb out of wildling guts? Just batshit insane? All of the above? Good stuff.
I think we should have the new mate piloting the Ollie, since the Swoose has the most valuable stuff and is still Gardner's responsibility. Tooly will keep an eye on the new crew, and tinker with the new ship. Jay and Blendin can ship aboard either boat.
Blendin looks at Moira, "Mums the word, at least for now."
ReplyDeleteBlendin jumps after her. [Ag: 5]
Gardner starts to make out written orders for Taz for piloting the Ollie, including not making any course adjustments except those needed for the immediate protection of the ship unless cleared with Gardner.
ReplyDeleteThe wildlings arrive at the Swoose gangplank out of breath after a quick run through the city. Blendin found her preference for climbing over obstacles to “make up time” tiresome, but they would undoubtedly be hard to follow.
ReplyDelete“Captain, I bear a message for Shadowhaven. Standard rates from the guild are in order if you have room bear me there. I must depart immediately, however, so if I need another vessel, I must inquire at the Hall.” Moira shows the tube to the nearby crewmembers, as if to legitimate her claim.
The crew gets through introductions, and is divided amongst the vessels. All of you can tell that Blendin, in addition to being tired from vigorous activity, looks somewhat shaken by some experience.
=======
ooc: So, sounds like Taz has the helm on the Ollie, and I know that Tooly wants to be over there too. Captain, I’ll let you assign crewmembers as you see fit. Jay, I imagine you want to stay with your plants. Moira looks ready to stay on the Ollie. Any other last minute activities before you leave the island should be in your next posts – assuming you are planning on leaving of course.
Unless Blendin and Jay throw in with Tooly's plan to leave him on the unnamed island, he'll move his personal gear and a selection of tools over to the Ollie and pick a random cabin. He'll grab the damaged crossbow as an afterthought to work on as a "bedtime project." His first priority before and/or after launching is getting the flare gun mounted, then checking the cannon--with a sigh that he didn't have time to meet Quint's girl.
ReplyDelete------------------
OOC: I assume we moved at least a round each of grape and ball to the Ollie. If not, Tooly will do that before launching.
Jay will observe the new crew at work, but also double check all the new cargo and rigging (on both ships), and keep an eye on the general activity of the docks, especially Mishka's ship.
ReplyDelete-----------
BR, any comments on my question about straightening out the hook? General knowledge, character specific knowledge, and Jay asking the Drakin who identified the item (if he doesn't know about the process; once/if he is familiar, he'd be asking a recommendation for someone who could perform the action/ritual). If it could have occurred in that one week time frame, and Jay had the cogs for it, he would have had it done.
OOC:
ReplyDeleteSam:
I think the hook would actually be the best weapon if you're using it in conjunction with your ironwood. Great for holding someone (painfully) while you beat them to a pulp, and it does the same damage as a dagger, which is what it'd likely be if you straightened it.
Here's the crew assignments
ReplyDeleteSwoose
Gardner
Jay
Brecklum
Wung
Grandee
Tooly (ranking officer)
Taz
Blendin
Moira
Quint
Tooly looks less thrilled that you might expect to be "captaining" the Ollie, but it might be because of his general grumpiness from expecting to be arrested upon arrival in Shadowhaven.
ReplyDeleteTooly is busy fussing about with the flare gun on the starboard side gunport on the Olic when Moira comes aboard. “Hey grumpy, looks like we travel together again.” She exits the interior quickly to make her way to her ‘nest’ of storage lockers and stows her gear. Quint snorts, “The little shebird has a mouth on her.” Taz offers to take second shift on the tiller with Blendin while you finish your work on the armament and suggests Quint take the tiller for first shift, since Blendin looks as if he needs a nap and Quint knows the rigging well enough to keep her in line. Moira seems content with this plan, as when you look above deck you see she has already unfolded her bedroll. When Blendin walks nearby, she flags him down. “So, when are you going to tell me what happened down there?”
ReplyDeleteJay finds that Wung and Brecklum have taken over Tooly and Blendin’s former bunks, but the orc in particular is eyeing one of the plants. “Wung seen that before; whole island covered. Bad luck to have such plant.” Brecklum is more nonchalant about his distaste for the ‘flora’ and exits the cabin without comment. Jay’s look over of the rigging reveals little of concern. Two of Mishka’s vessels left yesterday with the Python, leaving only 3 of them still in port. They all appear as if they intend to stay for now. Fang has taken up his pre-launch ritual of sniffing around the cargo crates.
ooc: 5 shots of ball and 5 shots of grape were purchased with associate powder for the Olic while in port (just not at the bazaar).
Jay, the drakin wizards seem unsure of how best to work such metal, and suggest that you inquire with the dwarven steampriests of the lower reaches. Tooly has heard of this metal once it is named, but doesn’t believe he has the means with which to work it into another shape here without risk of shattering it. The hook has a metal handle of the same material, so in theory it could be worked into a thin shortsword, assuming you could find someone to do it.
Blendin looks to Tooly with sad eyes. "I'm sorry my friend, but we cannot take the extra time necessary to stop by our Island. I must throw my vote behind the captain, once again."
ReplyDeleteBlendin is noticeably further discouraged when he is placed upon the Olic, rather than Swoose, but he says naught a word. When able, Blendin will take his plotted plant and sit upon the Olic that is closest to the Swoose and listen.
While on his way to grab the flower, he is snapped out of his daze by the voice of Moira. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"Oh, I need some time to think. I haven't decided what I need to do or what I should reveal. Suffice it to say that if I ever enter that laboratory again, I will be armed to the teeth and accompanied by an army of friends."
---------------------------------------------
When Blendin is able to get to his meditation, he will be searching for the voice of the Swoose, and soul searching. Blendin is debating whether he wants/will allow that message to be delivered.
Also, curious as to Blendin's take on the honesty behind the wizard's words. Do they seem sincere or covered in darkness.
I'll leave "blendin's take" to you to decide. I will say that blendin thinks that Halcon believes what halcon is saying, but that doesn't preclude him being crazy, wrong, and/or a gifted liar. Blendin feels reasonably certain that he could have been killed had that been Halcon's aim, and Halcon's words about Alpha and boughbreakers don't ring true with blendin's life experiences.
ReplyDeleteI'll leave a full update for later tonight, but any special actions for the voyage that haven't been passed my way already would be great.
Gardner will use any spare time to start working through the books he bought. Spending a bennie on the boating roll to chart a course. Final roll is 9.
ReplyDeleteOOC: I emailed the details of Tooly's trip activities and projects. He'll be fixing the crossbow, tinkering with his new breastplate, and doing a lot of fiddling with the Ollie's sails. He'll also convert Blendin's dagger to a bayonet if asked, and let the sniper know what is needed to make a longer-ranged musket.
ReplyDeleteJay will continue his Void normal routine, with the addition of sparring with Wung.
ReplyDelete---------
After learning what he could, Jay did not waste further time pursuing the straightening of his blade on Dragon's Spine.
Blendin will make sure to take time to file down his horns, believing this must be what gave him away, again. Blendin will also agree to allow Tooly turn his dagger into a bayonet and will listen as Tooly explains what he needs to obtain in order to increase the range on his rifle. Otherwise, Blendin will keep to himself whenever possible, avoiding everyone, especially Moira.
ReplyDeleteNormally, Tooly might be concerned about Blendin's withdrawal and assume it has something to do with awkwardness resulting from his apparent fling with Moira, but he seems even more focused and serious about his tinkering than usual. Once the small projects are completed, every moment he's not running or fixing the ship, he's tinkering with the sails, and even his bawdy banter with Quint seems forced or halfhearted.
ReplyDeleteTaz and the other new crewmembers examine Gardner's course. It is a bit long at seven weeks, but follows known skyler migration routes, necessary to feed the larger crew. Taz aligns the waysphere on the Olic, while Gardner touches the Swooses. Moira does not seem thrilled with the slower pace, but doesn’t complain openly.
ReplyDeleteDragon’s Spine disappears behind you in the Void and the crew is paid. The Swoose’s cargo needs a bit of balancing, but that work is easily completed. Similarly, Taz was right about the shakedown of the rigging, and Quint is able to bring the sheets into proper shape in a few days.
The vessels parallel each other at a distance so as not to risk accidental collision; such accidents are common in the chaning winds of the Void. Every few days, the ships come along side to transfer stores and chat amongst the crews to resist boredom. Blendin makes sure he is awake for these respites, and spends a bit of time singing to himself under the Swoose envelope. Moira seems to be trying to get him to chat with her about something, but he avoids her when possible.
Gardner spends most of his time at the helm or manning the net hoist, but when he gets a chance, he puts his nose into his books. He starts with Marhall’s text on Heavenly Bodies. Then, feeling a bit bored with it, reads both the logbook and the text on the Lady’s winds. He feels he’s gleaned some useful information for the future.
Blendin seems meditative, falling heavily into routine. The flowers in his small bucket have flourished, and new buds form every few days. He wakes often when he sleeps, and continues to hum or sing his little song. Quint has put some words to it about an elf girl and an ogre, best not repeated.
Jay finds Wung to be a suitable sparring partner. The orc is anything but graceful, but when his blows land, they serve as a reminder of what not to do. Jay feels that when next he battles orcs, he’ll be particularly sharp and ready. Wung has taken a liking to him, calling him “Woody” in the common tongue, and “green tree bastard”
ReplyDeletein orcish. When not sparring with Jay, Wung is an avid fisherman, and seems to have a knack for the nets.
Tooly fiddles with the tiller, and the cannons, and the sails, particularly the rigging. Quint complains about his “fat dwarf fingers” and but calms down after a few days. Quint likes lewd stories and songs even by sailor standards. He and Tooly have become fast friends, and swap tales of exploits on various islands, most of them only vaguely possible. Tooly has also been putting together a bayonet for blendin, as well as working on the crossbow and a “dummy strap” for his musket.
Moira is her usual self, giving the crew a wide berth, even blendin. She spends most of her time in the open on the deck, and she gets into a brief scuffle with Wung when he realizes she’s taken one of his belt buckles, which she mistook for “a ugly metal bowl.” The situation is rectified by Brecklum, who promises Wung a new belt buckle for each island they visit with each other if he stops bellowing at the little birdling.
The soldier’s blood still runs through Taz’s blood. He keeps a log of everything that occurs, detailed even compared to that kept by Gardner. His skill at the tiller avoids a near crash between the vessels in uneven winds, and he keeps watch for other ships constantly. He also chimes the hours using a small cymbal he had among his personal effects.
Brecklum is aloof. He rarely offers assistance in ship tasks, but when ordered, he is able bodied. He spends most of his free time at the rail, gazing into the Void. This being his first voyage, he is clearly uncertain as to how best to spend his time.
A month into the voyage, Gardner starts to see the signs of boredom taking their toll. The crew is gruff, agitated, becoming prone to complain about simple tasks. Clovis also starts to grumbling more than usual about lack of proper tools and the fact they didn’t upgrade the vessel further prior to departure. The wildlings both seem unaffected and Jay is his usual self, for better or worse. crew and tooly, 1 level of glowmadness.
About 2 weeks later, Fang starts barking, and wakes up the crew on the Swoose. The sails on the Olic are flapping loose in the wind, and the crew is busily trying to reattach them. Quint is climbing the mizzen mast, gets hit by spinning ropes, and then slips, misses his grip, and falls screaming into the Void.
The winds calm after a few moments, and the sails are secured. The Olic requires a day or two of repairs before she can do more than wallow.
Horrified, Tooly bellows toward the Swoose, "Don't just gape, dive after 'im!"
ReplyDelete-------------------
OOC: The Skies rules allow for mid-Void rescues, it seems. That's one way to liven up the trip!
Is that really true? I don't see it anywhere.
ReplyDeleteIf so Gardner will order everyone to secure themselves with rope if they haven't done so and dive after him. Boating 5 plus whatever modifiers from handling and the ship.
I'll allow the attempt, although it appears my initial read of the rules (which Bphage is basing his post on) was wrong. Basically, I'll rule you have 5 rounds to try and catch him before you hit a velocity which will start damaging the ship. The first 4 are spent catching up to him (next 3 rounds of boating 10,5,13). You'll need to hold the ship steady (boating roll) and someone is going to need to lasso him/grab him/get the ship under him to catch him/whatever. You get one chance, so make it count, and he is shaken so he's no help.
ReplyDeleteJay looks around at the others on the Swoose as it starts to descend: one old cripple, a worthless mutt, a fat dragon whose shoulder stubs keep him landbound, and an orc. "Ah, hell," Jay says as he grabs a long piece of rope and tied it around his waist. Even though the other end is secured to the ship, he has Wug grab ahold of it, just in case. When the Swoose is close enough, Jay launches himself over the side of the ship towards Quint, wraps one his legs around the rope, and attempts to grab Quint (Agility 5).
ReplyDelete--------
If it'll help any, Jay will be using his Ivy to keep ahold of the rope and to get and maintain a grip on Quint. If 5 isn't enough, I'm not opposed to burning through some Bennies to try and make it happen, as long a Jay gets a Wookie Life-debt out of the deal.
Gardner plunges the Swoose downward rapidly, slowing the rate of descent as the ship approaches the falling Quint and steadying it to allow Jay to make his rescue attempt. [Boating 6 + 2 Ace + 2 Handling = 10]
ReplyDeleteOOC: Ah, I skimmed the rules and missed the fact that they're specifically for falling SHIPS. Well, close enough. Falling's falling.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think the section right after that is more pertinent. But whatever, I don't care. I'm not the GM. If he's savable of course I'll try, but if that's setting a bad precedent then we can just forget about it.
ReplyDeleteI'm willing to make an exception this time b/c of the unique ability to realign a second ship to dive for him, which usually wouldn't be the case. That, and I screwed up on the rules. Usually, this'll be impossible b/c its not gonna happen in a reasonable time frame. Plus it gives you something to do on the trip other than "arrive." May next time, pirates!
ReplyDeleteOnce the Swoose has paralleled the falling man, Jay ties himself off (boating roll = 6) and makes his jump. The void envelopes him, but being fearless as he is (vigor to avoid shaken, 7) he is able to make contact with the falling man. He grips him as tightly as he can, (strength roll 6-2 = 4) and they dangle. Wung hauls them into the vessel.
"I owe you, elf. The 'mother herself was talkin' to me on the way down." Quint passes out.
When the Swoose climbs back up and pulls alongside the drifting Ollie, Tooly is muttering and inspecting the damaged rig.
ReplyDelete"Well, we're stuck for a while. Why don't you guys take Quint and Moira and head on to Shadowhaven, and me an' Taz an' the little guy will stay here and get the Ollie moving, then catch up. No need to delay the lady's message screwing around with towing, and I think I can have her shipshape in less than a day anyway."
He hands/tosses over his flask with the last of his Dwarven whiskey. "Give that t' Quint. He needs it worse'n I do."
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OOC: Forgive me if I'm jumping ahead, but it seems logical that the Swoose would pull up to the crippled ship.
Tooly has no problem with Blendin going on the Swoose or Wung or Brecklum transferring to the Ollie to help, but he'll forcefully oppose anyone callous enough to try to put Quint back on the Ollie instead of getting him to port ASAP.
I have no problem with the jump ahead. Moira seems okay with this plan, and will go along if that's what the collected crew chooses to do. The rest of the crew will do as their told.
ReplyDeleteBlendin is quite clear that he wants to travel with the Swoose.
ReplyDelete----------------------------------------------
Blendin pulls Jay to the side, "I believe you would have a little more influence in making sure Tooly rejoins the group in Shadowhaven rather than visit our little Island. Mind if we trade ships?"
"Congratulations on a great save!" is the first thing out of Blendin's mouth upon the return of the Swoose.
ReplyDelete"I don't want to leave the Ollie a sitting duck for pirates. We'll stay and caravan."
ReplyDeleteJay declines to transfer from the Swoose. He is not opposed to sending Wung and Brecklum to the Olic.
ReplyDelete------
There shouldn't be any issue taking both Widlings on the Swoose; they're small, and they can sleep on deck with no risk of Glowmadness.
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ReplyDeleteClovis snorts at Gardner's "sitting duck" worries. "We're better armed than you are over there, and we'll be moving before anyone comes along." He gestures to the empty skies surrounding the ships. "But if the courier doesn't mind the delay, I got no problem with you staying close. Thing is, with ever'body gettin' all irritable and careless, I'd figured the quicker one of us gets Quint and Moira to port, the better."
ReplyDelete-------------------------
OOC: How far out from Shadowhaven are we? I suspect Quint will have some psych issues from plummeting through the Void on top of a bit of glowmadness. Might be good to get him ashore ASAP.
OOC: the Revenge: Also, I'll point out that Tooly never collected a soil sample from the island we found, and has a hold full of building stuff, so he's not likely to go haring off to the island, even if Taz would go for it.
ReplyDeleteooc: sorry to speed things along, but after a chat with Sam earlier about Jay’s read on the situation, and based on the fact the captain gave an order the NPC crew is likely to follow, I’ve decided by GM fiat that this is how things would likely go down anyway, and save you guys the trouble of arguing it out. I’ll try not to make a thing of it. Oh, Jay gains a benny for his daring do.
ReplyDeleteTooly isn’t happy with the captain’s decision, but can’t do much about it if he refuses to leave. Taz seems relieved not to be left to fend for himself, and Moira admits that one day won’t hurt, given the fact they should be at least a week ahead of schedule compared to a typical transit for this time of year.
The repairs go quickly enough, even without Quint’s help. He’s still shaken by his experience, and isn’t yet ready to climb the yardarms again. But Jay is able to climb and with direction the repairs are completed in under a days time, but the time in the Glow takes its toll (gained 1 level of glowmadness Jay).
The ships get back underway, and after a few days, Moira sounds the alarm. “Sails, below us on the horizon! Three ships, big ones!” Taz pulls the Olic alongside the Swoose. The ships are holding station with only the topmost sails are unfurled. By the size of them, they can only be one thing: Council ships. Three of them together suggests that you’ve reached the picket outside of Shadowhaven, probably less than a day away. “Orders sir? Shall we approach? They have likely seen us, if we wait here long, one of them will come to meet us.” As he speaks, one of the vessels unfurls its sails and begins plotting a course towards your position.
"Let's go out and meet it. Make sure everyone is up. I'm sure they'll want to take note of the whole crew. I'll get the log and manifests. I"m hoping we won't have a run in like Tooly is concerned about. But if we do we want to try to smooth it over quickly. I'll be relying on your assistance and advice since you've served on a council ship before, Taz."
ReplyDelete-----------------------
OOC: Persuasion 8 to get Taz to help deal with any problems that arise.
“Aye, sir.” Taz pulls on his uniform jacket, and then aligns the Olic behind the Swoose, and runs the parley banner up the main mast. Brecklum and Wung join you on the deck of the Swoose, looking curious and tense, respectively. Quint stays seated under the shade of the cargo barrels, out of line of sight of the Void, and Moira descends from her perch to join those on the deck of the Olic.
ReplyDeleteThe two ships approach at a reasonable speed toward the Council vessel. As they close, its full size comes into perspective until it towers above them. It’s figurehead is as tall as the envelope on the Swoose, a nude women with the lower body of a fog shark, carrying a shield of arms in outstretched hands. The shield bears the battlecrest of Trade Council, a scattering of dark green pinpoints on an orange field, overlaid by an iron scale. As you come along side, you see that the gun ports are open, and manned, bristling with dwarven cannon.
Taz says in a low voice to those around him, “The Mediator. Last I heard she was in keeping the elves in check around Freedom.” with a frown of concern.
Your ships parallel the vessel, and come to station without incident. A broad hatch on the side of the Mediator, wider than the Swoose is long, slides open on rails to reveal a line of uniformed crossbowmen standing with their weapons ported. Six crewmen in green striped shirts with orange neckerchiefs push through their ranks to throw lines to your ships, drop bumpers and then begin positioning themselves to lift a pair of gangways into position. A squat man, standing at one end of the archers and armored with leather dyed to match the uniform colors and wearing a tricorne hat with green and orange ribbons, lifts a megaphone to his lips. “Welcome to the Isle of Shadowhaven. I am Captain Enoch, of the Trade Council Enforcement Vessel Mediator. You have entered an enforcement zone, enacted under Order 66. You are hereby required to relinquish control of your vessels to the Trade Council, for purposes of search and seizure of any illegal persons or goods, until such time as we deem fit to release you. Is it now your choice to comply with these requirements, or do you mean to resist?”
ooc: While this is not the first time you’ve been boarded for inspection by the TC, this is typically done with relative informality. The formality here seems unusual, and could be an indication of the captain’s personal disposition, or it could be things are rather more serious here than previously thought.
Tooly stands grim-faced as they approach the Council ship. Uncharacteristically, he's not wearing his equipment belt or even his necklace of scraps, but stands in only his shipboard leathers.
ReplyDelete"Of course we don't plan to resist! Now, why don't you guys come on down and look us over so we can get these supplies into town?"
While the ship is making its way toward the Swoose, Blendin makes his way to Moira, and breaks his silence. "Where is the wizard having you deliver his package?"
ReplyDeleteMoira smirks at blendin. "We'll trade. I'll tell you where this tube is destined if you tell me what happened in the laboratory."
ReplyDelete"Pleasure to be near home again so we can get some respite from the Void. I hereby relinquish control of the Swoose and the Olic Haversham to you, Captain Enoch. Tell me sir, is the Riggers strike over yet? How is the city? Do you know if Officer Kline is alright? He was in bad shape but stable when we dropped him off aboard one of the Council ships at our departure.
ReplyDeleteWe will not resist and understand the precautions you must take. We do have a guild courier aboard and her message is urgent, so hopefully this won't take too long. We are also carrying building supplies which we understand the docks need for repairs. I expect you'll want to see our log and our manifests."
Gardner pulls out the logbook (with the page where he asked Martog and Freym to make note of the dock incident dog-eared), registration, manifest, and relevant documents
--------------------------------
Persuasion 9
Jay silently holds eye contact with the archers, a few seconds for each, end to end, while waiting for the inspection to complete.
ReplyDeleteA couple of the rank and file snort at Tooly’s outburst. Once it is clear you will not resist, Capt. Enoch nods to one of his marines, “At your leisure, Sergeant.” The sergeant, another human, tall and lean like a knife, barks out, “Alright, boys, boarding pardy in pairs! Take a good gander, but ya break it and I’ll see it comes outta your pay or your hide! Gimme a thorough search, not like them lazy bastards on da Indomitable!” The gangplanks are lowered, and about a score of men pour onto the two ships, leaving another twenty or so still standing in a single rank with their crossbows ported, looking nervous under Jay’s gaze.
ReplyDeleteThe boarders require all crates be opened for inspection. One of them mistakes the iceseal to be some manner of beverage, but after taking a taste retches over the side of the Swoose to the laughter of his fellows. They are about to break open Moira’s cases when she opens them using her picks. As they find items of note, particularly weapons and the crates of money, they call out to their superior, who makes a list using a piece of chalk and a slate. The search is soon completed, and the list of items is handed to Captain Enoch as he boards the Swoose, removing his gloves. “Um-hmm, um-hmm. Alright, Captain – Drawlight? – I’ll see your papers now for these two vessels if you please.” Enoch makes a show of carefully reading them thoroughly. His marines shift from foot to foot, clearly uncomfortable by the long silence.
“Well Captain, I’m afraid there has been quite the series of incidents in Shadowhaven since you’ve last left port. As you no doubt heard, the Rigger’s strike was somewhat worse than expected, and the local garrison troops, such as this Freym, Kline, and Martog your logs refer to, were underprepared. It is my charge to remedy that while the garrison troops see to repairs.
“I see a few irregularities which I believe we must address now, so as to minimize confusion as we go forward. You bear a Third Class Courier, this wildling Moira, but I see no official record of courier ship status in your paperwork. Transportation of supercargo is not typically regulated under trade council law, but I am bound by Order 66 to offer mandatory shelter to all non-personnel passengers of this vessel until their status is verified; once completed, she will be free to go about her business of course, as the council does not regulate communications. I apologize miss, please collect your personal effects, and then follow the sergeant. He will show you to your temporary quarters.” Moira looks to you all with concern, particularly Blendin, but moves to collect her items as ordered.
ReplyDelete“Secondly, due to the lack of proper municipal port facilities, all goods relevant to the reconstruction project are being taken aboard Council-flagged vessels so that they may be routed safely through our dockyards. Payment will have to wait until our quartermaster can complete his accounting, but the information in your logs will be considered an official document with my signature.” He signs your logs. “All goods will be priced according to current market values, of course. Bosun Mazlo, formerly of the Armageddon, is it? I can see why you left the service; Captain Gorlomi is a fool. Please, prove that you are not by overseeing the transfer of all building materials to our vessel.” Taz straightens, but does not move. He looks to the rest of the crew for instruction.
“Next, there is the matter of the armaments on board. To be honest, you seem rather well armed for a ship full of merchantman, Captain. Are there any other activities that you feel you should declare? I assume not, but you know I must ask, of course. That is a great deal of council script and cogs in your possession as well. Might I know how you came about such a sum?
“Lastly, am I to understand that you are all in the employ of one Magnus Greenbottom, trading magnate from this great city? Do you know the current whereabouts of the Void’s Dream under Captain Veers, the Marathon under Captain Latimer or the Grenadier under Captain Delarosa?”
ooc: The ship’s he names are three of the frigates in Greenbottom’s fleet. You do not know their current whereabouts, but are aware of their typical trade routes.
Tooly stays discreetly aboard the Olic, and lets Gardner do the rest of the talking for now.
ReplyDeleteGardner nods to Taz regarding the transfer of the cargo.
ReplyDelete"Captain, I was not aware we needed any special registration from the Courier's Guild. Her message is urgent, would it be possible for her to deliver her message and then report for verification or stay confined to Magnus's warehouse while verification is done? I'm sure he will vouch for her. If not I hope she is not delayed long.
We are in Greenbottom's employ. I don't know where those ships are at the moment.
Our trading voyage has been very successful. You can verify it all in our log. This explains the script and the cogs.
As to the weapons, well the Swoose is not fast, nor durable, nor well-gunned. With such a small crew we find it prudent to carry firearms. As to the other weapons, we encountered and dispatched some Voiders. We were unable to sell the weapons in Dragonspine but hope to be able to here.
Now if you'd be so good as to sign the log regarding the transfer of building materials, I'm sure Magnus will contact the proper channels and arrange for payment soon."
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Persuasion 7 to try and keep Moira with us.
Taz clicks his heels together, and then begins overseeing the transfer of cargo. Wheeled pallets are brought over to assist with the transfer of building materials off both vessels, and Enoch happily signs for the transfer of goods.
ReplyDelete“Captain Drawlight, as I say, these are special circumstances. I have no interest in holding this wildling longer than I must. A formality, I assure you. She should be on her way a few hours after we reach port, and I’ll be travelling there directly after our transactions here are complete.” As you detail your information on both the trading and the Voiders, he flips through the logs, verifying the information is presented there, and asking for a few minor details. However, he seems pleased with this account of events. He then looks at you all, somewhat distressed.
“Well captain, I’m afraid there is one last thing to discuss. It seems you have the misfortune of being carried along by these events, much as my crew and I have been carried from our home to bring remedy to them. I fear that your employer, along with a few others, has been charged with high crimes against the Council, most notably incitement of the Riggers riot, destruction of city property including the great shipyards and the behemoth gate, and a host of minor violations. I wish to believe that your presence here is as you say, a return from a trading voyage, and that you knew nothing of these crimes. To be frank, you do not seem fools, and only the worst of fools would willingly return to Shadowhaven if involved in these kinds of crimes.
“But, you must also understand my position. I have no choice but to take you all into custody, effective immediately, to await interviews with the civic authority and council garrison. It appears you have friends in the council troops from your logbooks, no doubt they can vouch for you in this manner. “ He signals the troops on the ship, which shoulder their crossbows; the marines aboard your vessels stop what they are doing and draw weapons.
Tooly's barely suppresses a cackle, instead snorting through a huge smirk, thinking that at least he'll have company. After a moment, though, he sobers, realizing this could complicate things quite a bit more than even he expected. Fortunately, this by-the-book, stick-in-his-ass captain is unlikely to simply chuck prisoners into the Void, at least. He puts his hands up to show he doesn't plan to resist a whole warship.
ReplyDeleteOOC: Sometimes the CAPTCHAs for these posts are eerie. That last one was "fistup."
ReplyDeleteBlendin quickly explains that each block of ice contained a dead wildling, upon which the wizard was experimenting. Blendin explains that he appeared to be telling the truth that the wildlings had already been dead, and he seemed to suggest that he was attempting to save our race. (He spares her the gory details) "And so, I am curious as to where the new message is being delivered."
ReplyDelete------------------------------------------
Blendin looks to the captain as he pulls off his backpack and sets it near his feet, the top open and ready for a quick retrieval, "Shall we obey?"
Jay will not resist being arrested, and will surrender his swords if asked politely, however if one of the marines lays a hand on him or his swords, or attempts to put him in manacles he'll warn, "Remove your hand before I break your wrist."
ReplyDeleteSimilarly, if any weapons are in Jay's space, he will push it aside with his bare hand, "Get that out of my face."
"I don't appreciate being interrogated before being arrested or being notified of any charges against me. Except there aren't any are there? Just against business associate of mine, a mere shareholder in our voyage. I'm leaving my dog with the courier. If the Trade Council is going to treat people like animals I certainly don't trust them to take proper care of an animal."
ReplyDeleteGardner pulls out his pistol, holding the barrel, and throws it to the deck. He kicks it toward the marines, then offers his sword by the blade.
Blendin watches as the captain hands over his pistol, and decides against the throwing of explosives.
ReplyDelete"Is the roofer's guild still in good standing with the Trade Council?" Blendin asks.
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If the answer is yes, Blendin will pull out his orange cloak and ask for a union representative. =)
If the answer is no, Blendin will do no such thing.
Good greif, Jay's traveling with a bunch of conmen...
ReplyDeleteMoira looks at Blendin in horror. “Bodies?! Why didn’t you tell me? That’s insane Blendin, I don’t care what he claims to be doing with them. It’s necromancy, or worse!” She storms off, but calms after a few minutes, and says, “This tube is bound for the alchemists guild, a drakin there named Preslim. A deal is a deal.” The Mediator looms large as she divulges this information, and then they are boarded by the trade council troops.
ReplyDeleteCaptain Enoch’s soldiers are diligent but calm as they take possession of your personal weapons. They lock these in one of Moira’s cases for safekeeping. Wung in particular seems agitated about these affairs, but doesn’t resist when they usher him aboard the Mediator along with the rest of the crew. Moira whistles to Fang, who, with a confused look at Gardner, follows her aboard. “I’ll take good care of him, Captain!” She has no words for Blendin.
Jay growls at one of the marines who gets too close, but the returning sergeant diffuses the situation, and takes possession of his gear without incident. Tooly and Jay are escorted aboard, leaving Enoch, Blendin and Gardner on the Swoose. Blendin asks his question and then reveals his cloak to Enoch, who smiles wryly. “Wildling, I’ll pass that along to the guard captain when we transfer you at the harbor, but the fact remains you are a shareholder in this vessel. I’ll have you in my brig for the time being, one way or another.” Enoch takes Gardner’s sword with a curt nod. “Captain, I understand your anger, but this port your master destroyed predates the Council. It’s destruction is no small matter, and I must fulfill my responsibilities, which include taking anyone potentially involved into custody. Your own documents have these ships in Greenbottom’s name, at least in part, and they must be seized. I personally believe you and your crew have no part in this matter, as I’ve said, but I cannot ignore what is before me. I will leave a detail of my best men on your ships to see nothing goes missing; we are not thieves. Bide your time, make your case clear, and get what help you can from your friends in the Council, and I imagine you’ll be paid and on your way before the end of the week.”
The Mediators brig is not spacious, particularly with the eight of you within it. There is no sign of Moira or Fang.
ooc: closing thread, new one to follow in a few.