Admiral North had proven himself to be a rare type of man, the kind that is worth his reputation. The seaman who outfoxed the worst pirate on those waters was quite the tricky strategist and knew how to hold himself more than well when making deals – from ignoring the provocations from the triton’s lack of manners and the other halfling criminal suggestion to making his plan more agreeable by having it sounds like the six of them were thinking of it. It wouldn’t be strange if gold old Jameson decided the best way to buy their silence, provided the quest was successful, would be sending them to an early grave. Dead men tell no tales.
“Only two.” Goldenleaf said with his trades smile. “We will be carrying the weapons without ammunition, correct?” Otherwise they would be giving far too much firepower to the pirates. “And what can we get on the way of healing?”
Emrys wanted to ask if the weapons were not marked by some tracking spell, but decided it was best to avoid knowing that much. Specially considering how ‘Naut was too open for that kind of skill, Areleo too unarticulated and Sayyida seemed too decent. The less they needed to lie the better.
“Ninefingers, Sayyida and Merigar, if any of you have a problem breathing or moving underwater this is likely the moment to speak.”The other two came from the sea so that much should pose no challenge to them. “That and I always wanted to get a pistol.”
"You are correct, the weapons will be unloaded. As for healing and aid with aquatic exploration, I can provide each of you with a potion of healing and a potion of water breathing."
"An interjection, if I may." 'Naut unfurls a 'hand,' their tentacular digits snaking upward. "I am afraid that while I'm able to respirate properly here and in deep water, the exact mechanism is a little more complicated. My suit can filter oxygen from the air, but it is less proficient at doing so underwater. The semipermeable membrane used to oxygenate the fluid within will end up permitting fluid exchange through osmosis. The result will be a gradual decrease of pressure and increase of temperature within, which will essentially result in my death in approximately an hour. In short, unless we are in a domain unfit for most life besides my own, I can only breathe underwater for an hour. I thought it would be an important bit of information."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Then perhaps the potion of water breathing could come in handy in an emergency," the Admiral says with a half-smile. "Though I do hope that none of you find yourselves in such unfortunate circumstances that you need to survive an hour or more at the bottom of the sea, I am not arrogant or foolish enough to disregard the possibility of something happening that we didn't plan for. Now, if no one else has any other questions, and assuming you all have decided to accept this assignment, Alana can take you to the hold to pick out your equipment and receive your potions. If any of you pick out firearms then you can speak to the ship's quartermaster about ammunition. I want to make it clear right now that this is a dangerous mission, and you are under no obligation to accept it. However, you will be doing a great favor to both myself and the kingdom by removing that bastard from the Seven Seas."
It seems that the Admiral has said all that he needs to at this point. He then hands each of you an envelope containing the next meeting time and place, along with a voucher for a nearby inn.
(If everyone is ready we can move on, just go ahead send me a list of the items that you decide to take from the hold in the OOC thread, limited to 2 mundane weapons each, 1 set of light or medium armor each, and 20 pieces of ammo for any ranged weapons that you might select. Each of you also get the two mentioned potions. If there is anything else that you want, such as potions or other equipment that you feel might be helpful in abducting Blackstone, then feel free to put that on the list as well and I'll tell you whether the Admiral has it or not).
"The word is 'halafalen' and means 'the people'. You lot turned that into the slur. I don't really care what others of my people think, I am a Lightfoot and I prefer for you to refer to me as such."
To Emrys:
"I'm good. Dinnae worry 'bout me."
To the Admiral:
"Those numbers sound good ta me. I'm in."
He pulls out a small notebook and jots down some notes with a pencil and hands it to the Admiral.
Studded Leather Armor. Sized to fit. Grey and brown. NO BLACK.
"Fair enough, considering your aquatic nature. Alana, would you please take the lady and gentlemen to the cargo hold to select their equipment?"
"But of course, father!" she says with a grin, as she stands and beckons to you. "Come on, let's go get you all geared up for success."
The half-elf leads you to the cargo hold where the quartermaster is waiting. The two of them help you find the items that you requested and make any other preparations. Is there anything else that you would like to do on the ship before heading into the city to find lodging for the night?
"Lodgin'? Hey, I know this sailmaker round tha way whose workers knock off just after sundown. If'n ya catch the door the right way, ye can sleep on the piles of linen and no one will notice in tha mornin'."
'Naut will select a pistol from the armory, and inspects it carefully."Interesting design. For a weapon used in nautical scenarios, one would expect better protection against water. Wet powder makes for a poor firearm. I suppose once one has fallen into the water, their combative efficacy is the least of their problems. I will take this item for now. Perhaps I may be able to waterproof it."They pocket it, a handful of ammunition, and two healing potions.
They will then remain on the ship until most others have departed, so that they may have a private word with the Admiral.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Merigar while in the cargo hold stumbles around for a bit looking for a potion of healing, and then a potion of water breathing. Once he finds them a grin spreads about his face and he pockets the them in to his satchel. He goes over to the others that are talking and buts in about the lodging.
"I know a nice place that's owned by some relatives from the coastal hills i grew up. They would probably treat us well there and discount our prices, because after all I'm part of their clan. But I'm open to suggestions."
Aerleo will nod realizing this conversation is coming to a close, and silently watch his new compatriots. He is greatly lost at the large volume of words but not clear ideas or desires being discussed. There is much to understand if he will succeed in his quest.
“Part of the reason of my miraculous survival…” He quoted the Admiral’s letter. “… was becoming able to breath underwater so two healing potions and a pistol for me.”
Time and place for the next meeting was already decided. By then, the merchant understood, the shipment would be ready. And as soon as the shipmen was ready, he would be happy to depart. Some years ago, the entire situation would be a collection of dreams made true. A dangerous quest from an aging hero, a fight against a heartless villain with a bounty on his head, the hunt for a hoard. Fame and fortune that a farmhand wished when leaving his hometown. Then and there, he was not interested in any of that. Not even the connections he could make through North were his main reason. The echo in his mind was proof of his true duty, to find Hailstorm’s treasure.
Emrys was surprised by Goredolpho’s reaction to the term halfling. He never heard it being treated as a slur and in their tongue their race was called Hin. Some publishing company also seem to have tried translating the term to Hobbit, but that infringed on the intellectual property or a great actor or something like that. Maybe Ninefingers comes from a really old family. Ancestral nobility who fell into hard times?
Whatever the case, Goldenleaf was satisfied with the new supplies and left with the others. Forget the Tide Runner, their very existence was enough to draw attention to their group. At least it’ll be easy to tie a heroic reputation, if we succeed.
“We can get free lodging with the vouchers in the letter about the next meeting. Also it may be a good idea to draw our roles in regards to fighting.”
"Our 'roles?'" 'Naut flexes their fingers. "I suppose that my ideal role within a fight would be providing support to my comrades. However, I am not without means to defend myself. My suit utilizes a magical field in order to place its contents under intense pressure. However, in its current configuration it is capable of extending this field to whomever I touch, subjecting them to intense pressures, which can result in tissue destruction, rupturing of blood vessels, organ collapsion, damage to or destruction of the eyes and inner ear, and injury to the teeth, among other symptoms. I am told it is quite painful, and rather unpleasant to both witness and clean up."
(This is just my reflavoring of the armorer's thunder gauntlets.)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
The half-elf listens to 'Naut's description of what happens to people who displease him with morbid fascination. She pulls out a notebook and quickly jots something down... she is a rather odd girl, to say the least.
When it is clear that the heavily-armored sea being isn't leaving with the others, she speaks up.
"Very well... let's go see if we can't find him," she says.
She takes you back the way you came. Fortunately, the Admiral is no longer in his study and is currently making rounds of the ship, so it doesn't take quite as long to find him. The Admiral is inspecting one of the cannons when he hears you approaching, and turns around to see the hulking figure of 'Naut. Now that he is up and about, he is leaning on a cane made from some exotic hardwood with a silver handle.
"Is there something else you need from me?" he asks with a tired smile. "I do hope that the weaponry and potions that I provided were satisfactory."
"Yes." 'Naut reaches into a hatch on their suit and pulls out the letter addressed to them, from the Admiral. "In this letter, you brought up something about my being an asset to you, and vice versa, before clarifying that you can't go into more detail. I suppose that I'd like to question you about the 'golden opportunity' you mentioned. You seem interested in my... nature, but I have little information beyond that."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Ah, I see," he says, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I was referring to your ability to help me take down Blackstone as a mutual benefit. It isn't difficult to see that you are a respectable warrior, even if I am not entirely familiar with your species or biology. And from the accounts I have heard, you also possess a unique amorphous form unlike anything I have seen before, which I felt would be another extremely useful asset that could allow you to move freely where more, shall we say, 'solid' creatures would have much less freedom. As I said earlier, you will be paid handsomely for the capture of that bastard Blackstone, though now that I think about it I suppose that I may have over-estimated how much you would value currency from the land. What I do think someone like you will appreciate a great deal is this chance to see the surface world. After all, there are many countries besides this one, with unique customs, architecture, and even unique sapient species unlike anything you have likely seen at the bottom of the ocean. And as a sailor, you will have a far greater ability to explore many of them than other people would. Further, if you do manage to complete this mission you will almost certainly become a well-known hero, which will grant you a lot of opportunities to speak with important people and visit interesting places that you would not otherwise have been able to access. I am sure that, as an explorer, you can see the value of such a position. I will admit that my main interest in your biological makeup is utilitarian in nature, as I am a strategist first and foremost. Does that answer your question?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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"You are correct, the weapons will be unloaded. As for healing and aid with aquatic exploration, I can provide each of you with a potion of healing and a potion of water breathing."
"An interjection, if I may." 'Naut unfurls a 'hand,' their tentacular digits snaking upward. "I am afraid that while I'm able to respirate properly here and in deep water, the exact mechanism is a little more complicated. My suit can filter oxygen from the air, but it is less proficient at doing so underwater. The semipermeable membrane used to oxygenate the fluid within will end up permitting fluid exchange through osmosis. The result will be a gradual decrease of pressure and increase of temperature within, which will essentially result in my death in approximately an hour. In short, unless we are in a domain unfit for most life besides my own, I can only breathe underwater for an hour. I thought it would be an important bit of information."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Then perhaps the potion of water breathing could come in handy in an emergency," the Admiral says with a half-smile. "Though I do hope that none of you find yourselves in such unfortunate circumstances that you need to survive an hour or more at the bottom of the sea, I am not arrogant or foolish enough to disregard the possibility of something happening that we didn't plan for. Now, if no one else has any other questions, and assuming you all have decided to accept this assignment, Alana can take you to the hold to pick out your equipment and receive your potions. If any of you pick out firearms then you can speak to the ship's quartermaster about ammunition. I want to make it clear right now that this is a dangerous mission, and you are under no obligation to accept it. However, you will be doing a great favor to both myself and the kingdom by removing that bastard from the Seven Seas."
It seems that the Admiral has said all that he needs to at this point. He then hands each of you an envelope containing the next meeting time and place, along with a voucher for a nearby inn.
(If everyone is ready we can move on, just go ahead send me a list of the items that you decide to take from the hold in the OOC thread, limited to 2 mundane weapons each, 1 set of light or medium armor each, and 20 pieces of ammo for any ranged weapons that you might select. Each of you also get the two mentioned potions. If there is anything else that you want, such as potions or other equipment that you feel might be helpful in abducting Blackstone, then feel free to put that on the list as well and I'll tell you whether the Admiral has it or not).
To Merigar:
"The word is 'halafalen' and means 'the people'. You lot turned that into the slur. I don't really care what others of my people think, I am a Lightfoot and I prefer for you to refer to me as such."
To Emrys:
"I'm good. Dinnae worry 'bout me."
To the Admiral:
"Those numbers sound good ta me. I'm in."
He pulls out a small notebook and jots down some notes with a pencil and hands it to the Admiral.
Studded Leather Armor. Sized to fit. Grey and brown. NO BLACK.
Hand Crossbow and sufficient ammunition for same.
Two Healing Potions
"If tha's acceptable, I'm yer thief."
DCI: 3319125026
The admiral glances at Gridolpho's note and cracks a smile.
"Entirely acceptable," he says as he hands the note back. "Alana and the quartermaster will get you what you need."
I assume that you're swapping out the potion of water breathing for the extra potion of healing.
“Areleo has no need for water breathing and would prefer two healing potions.”
The Admiral nods.
"Fair enough, considering your aquatic nature. Alana, would you please take the lady and gentlemen to the cargo hold to select their equipment?"
"But of course, father!" she says with a grin, as she stands and beckons to you. "Come on, let's go get you all geared up for success."
The half-elf leads you to the cargo hold where the quartermaster is waiting. The two of them help you find the items that you requested and make any other preparations. Is there anything else that you would like to do on the ship before heading into the city to find lodging for the night?
"Lodgin'? Hey, I know this sailmaker round tha way whose workers knock off just after sundown. If'n ya catch the door the right way, ye can sleep on the piles of linen and no one will notice in tha mornin'."
DCI: 3319125026
'Naut will select a pistol from the armory, and inspects it carefully. "Interesting design. For a weapon used in nautical scenarios, one would expect better protection against water. Wet powder makes for a poor firearm. I suppose once one has fallen into the water, their combative efficacy is the least of their problems. I will take this item for now. Perhaps I may be able to waterproof it." They pocket it, a handful of ammunition, and two healing potions.
They will then remain on the ship until most others have departed, so that they may have a private word with the Admiral.
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
Sayyida takes the two potions when proffered requiring nothing else.
Regarding at least two of her new 'shipmates' with extreme dubiousness she thanked the Admiral, then turned to leave.
" There will be no need for trespassing I can secure you all rooms for the evening."
"Trespassin'? Pfft. A poorly locked door is practically an invitation."
DCI: 3319125026
Merigar while in the cargo hold stumbles around for a bit looking for a potion of healing, and then a potion of water breathing. Once he finds them a grin spreads about his face and he pockets the them in to his satchel. He goes over to the others that are talking and buts in about the lodging.
"I know a nice place that's owned by some relatives from the coastal hills i grew up. They would probably treat us well there and discount our prices, because after all I'm part of their clan. But I'm open to suggestions."
Aerleo will nod realizing this conversation is coming to a close, and silently watch his new compatriots. He is greatly lost at the large volume of words but not clear ideas or desires being discussed. There is much to understand if he will succeed in his quest.
“Part of the reason of my miraculous survival…” He quoted the Admiral’s letter. “… was becoming able to breath underwater so two healing potions and a pistol for me.”
Time and place for the next meeting was already decided. By then, the merchant understood, the shipment would be ready. And as soon as the shipmen was ready, he would be happy to depart. Some years ago, the entire situation would be a collection of dreams made true. A dangerous quest from an aging hero, a fight against a heartless villain with a bounty on his head, the hunt for a hoard. Fame and fortune that a farmhand wished when leaving his hometown. Then and there, he was not interested in any of that. Not even the connections he could make through North were his main reason. The echo in his mind was proof of his true duty, to find Hailstorm’s treasure.
Emrys was surprised by Goredolpho’s reaction to the term halfling. He never heard it being treated as a slur and in their tongue their race was called Hin. Some publishing company also seem to have tried translating the term to Hobbit, but that infringed on the intellectual property or a great actor or something like that. Maybe Ninefingers comes from a really old family. Ancestral nobility who fell into hard times?
Whatever the case, Goldenleaf was satisfied with the new supplies and left with the others. Forget the Tide Runner, their very existence was enough to draw attention to their group. At least it’ll be easy to tie a heroic reputation, if we succeed.
“We can get free lodging with the vouchers in the letter about the next meeting. Also it may be a good idea to draw our roles in regards to fighting.”
"Our 'roles?'" 'Naut flexes their fingers. "I suppose that my ideal role within a fight would be providing support to my comrades. However, I am not without means to defend myself. My suit utilizes a magical field in order to place its contents under intense pressure. However, in its current configuration it is capable of extending this field to whomever I touch, subjecting them to intense pressures, which can result in tissue destruction, rupturing of blood vessels, organ collapsion, damage to or destruction of the eyes and inner ear, and injury to the teeth, among other symptoms. I am told it is quite painful, and rather unpleasant to both witness and clean up."
(This is just my reflavoring of the armorer's thunder gauntlets.)
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
The half-elf listens to 'Naut's description of what happens to people who displease him with morbid fascination. She pulls out a notebook and quickly jots something down... she is a rather odd girl, to say the least.
When it is clear that the heavily-armored sea being isn't leaving with the others, she speaks up.
"Is there something else you need from us?"
"Yes, I would like to briefly ask your father something."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Very well... let's go see if we can't find him," she says.
She takes you back the way you came. Fortunately, the Admiral is no longer in his study and is currently making rounds of the ship, so it doesn't take quite as long to find him. The Admiral is inspecting one of the cannons when he hears you approaching, and turns around to see the hulking figure of 'Naut. Now that he is up and about, he is leaning on a cane made from some exotic hardwood with a silver handle.
"Is there something else you need from me?" he asks with a tired smile. "I do hope that the weaponry and potions that I provided were satisfactory."
"Yes." 'Naut reaches into a hatch on their suit and pulls out the letter addressed to them, from the Admiral. "In this letter, you brought up something about my being an asset to you, and vice versa, before clarifying that you can't go into more detail. I suppose that I'd like to question you about the 'golden opportunity' you mentioned. You seem interested in my... nature, but I have little information beyond that."
"Ignorance is bliss, and you look absolutely miserable."
"Ah, I see," he says, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I was referring to your ability to help me take down Blackstone as a mutual benefit. It isn't difficult to see that you are a respectable warrior, even if I am not entirely familiar with your species or biology. And from the accounts I have heard, you also possess a unique amorphous form unlike anything I have seen before, which I felt would be another extremely useful asset that could allow you to move freely where more, shall we say, 'solid' creatures would have much less freedom. As I said earlier, you will be paid handsomely for the capture of that bastard Blackstone, though now that I think about it I suppose that I may have over-estimated how much you would value currency from the land. What I do think someone like you will appreciate a great deal is this chance to see the surface world. After all, there are many countries besides this one, with unique customs, architecture, and even unique sapient species unlike anything you have likely seen at the bottom of the ocean. And as a sailor, you will have a far greater ability to explore many of them than other people would. Further, if you do manage to complete this mission you will almost certainly become a well-known hero, which will grant you a lot of opportunities to speak with important people and visit interesting places that you would not otherwise have been able to access. I am sure that, as an explorer, you can see the value of such a position. I will admit that my main interest in your biological makeup is utilitarian in nature, as I am a strategist first and foremost. Does that answer your question?"