Three days in a row, Martin slumps to the ground exhausted, nearly passing out without eating a meal. Marble Macy, now fully healed, seems similarly tired. The roadside camping is getting crowded as people are pouring towards the capital and plenty more on their way out, having already paid their respects. The ranger finds himself next to a family of halflings that are singing and playing a number or songs dedicated to King Haddian. They are rousing songs celebrating the life of a remarkable man who lived too short of a life. The songs are indeed uplifting, keeping Martin from crashing directly into sleep as the last two nights.
Some of the halflings begin putting their little ones to sleep while the others talk about the day they have had. Apparently they have traveled 12 hours already this day. None of them seem to be even half as tired as Martin feels. They begin excitedly discussing the next day's travel, suggesting they could perhaps make it all the way to the capital if they push even harder. This suggestion is met with great enthusiasm...and some perplexity for Martin.
Never quite connecting with his neighbors, it is no surprise when, with a day and a half to go to get to Alciondria, Martin is awoken abruptly an hour before dawn by the energetic halflings as they pack up their camp and load their wagons in full song. They are joyous and eager and undeterred by the long journey ahead of them. Unfortunately, they have interrupted Martin's sleep so thoroughly that he is even more tired than he was the night before. As the halflings march off towards the capital, other pilgrims shout multiple curses at them. They march on, their high spirits and joyous singing still audible for a good 10 minutes longer.
Martin sighs. He must decide whether to try to sleep again or get up and begin his trek.
(Martin how has two levels of exhaustion. This halves his speed unless he can complete a long rest. Martin has 65 miles to go to get to the capital. The funeral will be held in a little over 2 days.)
Dog takes her up on the offer to walk the route the following day, and looks at similar route options that stick to broader avenues rather than close-in streets. He discusses with Tock in a secure place the possibility of using something like mirror image to make it so that it seemed like Gentoa was right out in the open but she was really out of sight or disguised as someone else. Dog is concerned about assassination attempts, and spell casting — and both threats could be minimized using a tactic like this.
He is also eager to see Duliani to pay his deepest respects and offer frank and sincere condolences to her for her loss. He would also try to thank her for being so graceful and welcoming to Gentoa and the rest of her motley crew. If the situation presented itself and he could cast detect thoughts before he saw her, while out of sight of anyone, he would try to do that.
During the third night at sea, a spectacular meteor shower lights up the clear night sky. This sends the crew into a frenzy of discussion about omens and bad luck. Several of the sailors are badly shaken by the sighting. On the fourth evening, Q'wai stands above deck, his friend sleeping through a bout of nausea below, when two sailors doing a poor job of sneaking about, are working to untie one of the longboats and drop it into the sea. As the longboat is swung out over the water, one of the sailors spies Q'wai and taps the other on the shoulder.
"Eh, sorry, mate. We...uh...we can't abide ignoring a warning of the gods. Bottomless Sea or not, Forktongue will have to get you there without us. Tell him good luck, will you?
Q'wai approaches both crew members and asks, "The longboat is safe from such omens, but this ship is not?"
He motions to the sea and adds, "To face the angry depths in a small boat is a strange choice."
The monk then steps back and watches their movements in silence.
Meanwhile, Tock receives a visitor in the form of Lord Hargess and Lady Jadi. "We would like to swap places at the funeral," says Lord Hargess.
"If this means swapping places at the coronation, that is also fine," says Lady Jadi.
Tock understands this is likely to be the first of many such requests...
(Can I throw an insight check at this situation? 19)
Also after this Tock meets up with Dog and discusses the routes. He then falls into thought again.
"You know, we are trying to anticipate something again that we don't know too much about. Lets meet with Merro later and try one more alternative. I'd like to discuss the motives. The means of achieving something is directly guided by what they want to achieve. For example if anyone were to poison the horses or in some other way stop all of this from happening then what is it that they achieve by doing it? Same for magical impersonation or mind control - what could be achieved by this? It seems to me that Gentoa would be safest in this and we should instead focus on protecting the widow or even the Sentate."
During the third night at sea, a spectacular meteor shower lights up the clear night sky. This sends the crew into a frenzy of discussion about omens and bad luck. Several of the sailors are badly shaken by the sighting. On the fourth evening, Q'wai stands above deck, his friend sleeping through a bout of nausea below, when two sailors doing a poor job of sneaking about, are working to untie one of the longboats and drop it into the sea. As the longboat is swung out over the water, one of the sailors spies Q'wai and taps the other on the shoulder.
"Eh, sorry, mate. We...uh...we can't abide ignoring a warning of the gods. Bottomless Sea or not, Forktongue will have to get you there without us. Tell him good luck, will you?
Q'wai approaches both crew members and asks, "The longboat is safe from such omens, but this ship is not?"
He motions to the sea and adds, "To face the angry depths in a small boat is a strange choice."
The monk then steps back and watches their movements in silence.
Persuasion: 15
The pair look at each other and then back at Q'wai like he is a fool. "The omen is for what lies ahead, not what lies behind us. You can come with us. We could use another strong back to row."
Dog takes her up on the offer to walk the route the following day, and looks at similar route options that stick to broader avenues rather than close-in streets. He discusses with Tock in a secure place the possibility of using something like mirror image to make it so that it seemed like Gentoa was right out in the open but she was really out of sight or disguised as someone else. Dog is concerned about assassination attempts, and spell casting — and both threats could be minimized using a tactic like this.
He is also eager to see Duliani to pay his deepest respects and offer frank and sincere condolences to her for her loss. He would also try to thank her for being so graceful and welcoming to Gentoa and the rest of her motley crew. If the situation presented itself and he could cast detect thoughts before he saw her, while out of sight of anyone, he would try to do that.
After two days, Dog is satisfied as he can be with the route. Most of the problems with it centered on a narrow street (fittingly called Narrow Street) that was difficult to bypass. Dog could see why Hurimi chose the route she did, even with much of the same preferences that Dog has. The modified route gives Dog a clear sense of how to place sharpshooters, guards, and magic users. He also gets approval from the council for magical protection for the princess but they decline to use any illusions, fearing a public relations nightmare if it is discovered.
Duliani has still not returned from Delphendria, taking some time with close friends to grieve in private. She is expected to return in two days time and make a public appearance to say goodbye to her husband at the Temple of Mystra.
As Dog is pondering the Queen-turned-regent, Gunnur comes in abruptly, reading a message. "We have a threat," he says.
He hands the note over to Dog. Much of what Gentoa has received from the public has been flowers, warm wishes, and even baked goods. This is the first sign of any threat that Dog has actually encountered. The note reads:
"Princess" Gentoa -
I won't let you steal our kingdom from us. Duliani is a pretender. You are a pretender. Only the blood of true royals will sit on the throne.
Meanwhile, Tock receives a visitor in the form of Lord Hargess and Lady Jadi. "We would like to swap places at the funeral," says Lord Hargess.
"If this means swapping places at the coronation, that is also fine," says Lady Jadi.
Tock understands this is likely to be the first of many such requests...
(Can I throw an insight check at this situation? 19)
Also after this Tock meets up with Dog and discusses the routes. He then falls into thought again.
"You know, we are trying to anticipate something again that we don't know too much about. Lets meet with Merro later and try one more alternative. I'd like to discuss the motives. The means of achieving something is directly guided by what they want to achieve. For example if anyone were to poison the horses or in some other way stop all of this from happening then what is it that they achieve by doing it? Same for magical impersonation or mind control - what could be achieved by this? It seems to me that Gentoa would be safest in this and we should instead focus on protecting the widow or even the Sentate."
Meanwhile, Tock receives a visitor in the form of Lord Hargess and Lady Jadi. "We would like to swap places at the funeral," says Lord Hargess.
"If this means swapping places at the coronation, that is also fine," says Lady Jadi.
Tock understands this is likely to be the first of many such requests...
(Can I throw an insight check at this situation? 19)
There is quite an age difference between the two but they seem to be good friends. Lady Jadi looks at the younger Lord Hargess with...pity?...sympathy? No, it more like a motherly look. There is a hint of pride or hope in her eyes. She is trying to help him with something.
The pair look at each other and then back at Q'wai like he is a fool. "The omen is for what lies ahead, not what lies behind us. You can come with us. We could use another strong back to row."
Q'wai turns away in silence and returns below deck to check on Tick.
The pair look at each other and then back at Q'wai like he is a fool. "The omen is for what lies ahead, not what lies behind us. You can come with us. We could use another strong back to row."
Q'wai turns away in silence and returns below deck to check on Tick.
Forktongue is furious the next morning when he learns that two of his crew have taken off with one of his longboats. "Who saw them leave?!" he bellows as he stomps around on the deck. "I'll keelhaul anyone that helped them! I'll feed anyone to the sharks that didn't ring the bell when they even mentioned the idea! If I ever see them again, I'll hang them by their toes from the crow's nest!"
The captain is so put out that his first mate essentially has to take over captaining the vessel while Forktongue terrorizes the crew above and below decks. Tick and Q'wai have avoided most of the captain's bluster, but they get a few glares for standing too close one time. "So," says Tick with a smirk. "Would this be a bad time to ask him for a new bed? Mine is kind of vomit-y."
The captain tips over a half-full barrel of grog, spilling the putrid swill over over the deck. "Swab that up!" he yells at the quartermaster, who doesn't question the order, even though it is clearly not his job."
"Seriously, though," Tick says. "Should I go do something or let him fume for a while?"
Forktongue is furious the next morning when he learns that two of his crew have taken off with one of his longboats. "Who saw them leave?!" he bellows as he stomps around on the deck. "I'll keelhaul anyone that helped them! I'll feed anyone to the sharks that didn't ring the bell when they even mentioned the idea! If I ever see them again, I'll hang them by their toes from the crow's nest!"
The captain is so put out that his first mate essentially has to take over captaining the vessel while the Forktongue terrorizes the crew above and below decks. Tick and Q'wai have avoided most of the captain's bluster, but they get a few glares for standing too close one time. "So," says Tick with a smirk. "Would this be a bad time to ask him for a new bed? Mine is kind of vomit-y."
The captain tips over a half-full barrel of grog, spilling the putrid swill over over the deck. "Swab that up!" he yells at the quartermaster, who doesn't question the order, even though it is clearly not his job."
"Seriously, though," Tick says. "Should I go do something or let me fume for a while?"
As Q'wai observes the captain's outbursts, he is once again reminded of how poorly he understands the nature of others. "A man of anger is a man of regret.What does he profit from his wrath? " he asks, rhetorically, although Tick is within earshot.
"A monk who wishes to leave the monastery is a monk who should leave the monastery," muses Q'wai. "Is it not the same elsewhere? Is the chain not made stronger by the removal of its weaker links?"
The monk stares at the undulating sea for a few minutes before continuing. "Should you do something, Tick? No. I shall. For the sake of those who now suffer from these childish tantrums."
Q'wai steps over the puddle of grog and approaches Forktongue. Softly, so no other members of the crew will hear, he says, "You hold others responsible for your own errors, sir. You are the one who hired the sailors that have abandoned this ship. You are the one tasked with leading, knowing, and inspiring the crew. The meteor shower caused a stir; you did nothing. The men who remain loyal to this endeavor you punish. I ask you to behave as one fit to be called captain. If you will not, then you will be the one hanging from the crow's nest, and your quartermaster will be the one in authority. Of that, I can assure you."
(All related CHA checks: 11)
Q'wai is neither bluffing nor trying to be persuasive--both of which lie outside his modus operandi--he's merely being honest to a fault.
Forktongue is furious the next morning when he learns that two of his crew have taken off with one of his longboats. "Who saw them leave?!" he bellows as he stomps around on the deck. "I'll keelhaul anyone that helped them! I'll feed anyone to the sharks that didn't ring the bell when they even mentioned the idea! If I ever see them again, I'll hang them by their toes from the crow's nest!"
The captain is so put out that his first mate essentially has to take over captaining the vessel while the Forktongue terrorizes the crew above and below decks. Tick and Q'wai have avoided most of the captain's bluster, but they get a few glares for standing too close one time. "So," says Tick with a smirk. "Would this be a bad time to ask him for a new bed? Mine is kind of vomit-y."
The captain tips over a half-full barrel of grog, spilling the putrid swill over over the deck. "Swab that up!" he yells at the quartermaster, who doesn't question the order, even though it is clearly not his job."
"Seriously, though," Tick says. "Should I go do something or let me fume for a while?"
As Q'wai observes the captain's outbursts, he is once again reminded of how poorly he understands the nature of others. "A man of anger is a man of regret.What does he profit from his wrath? " he asks, rhetorically, although Tick is within earshot.
"A monk who wishes to leave the monastery is a monk who should leave the monastery," muses Q'wai. "Is it not the same elsewhere? Is the chain not made stronger by the removal of its weaker links?"
The monk stares at the undulating sea for a few minutes before continuing. "Should you do something, Tick? No. I shall. For the sake of those who now suffer from these childish tantrums."
Q'wai steps over the puddle of grog and approaches Forktongue. Softly, so no other members of the crew will hear, he says, "You hold others responsible for your own errors, sir. You are the one who hired the sailors that have abandoned this ship. You are the one tasked with leading, knowing, and inspiring the crew. The meteor shower caused a stir; you did nothing. The men who remain loyal to this endeavor you punish. I ask you to behave as one fit to be called captain. If you will not, then you will be the one hanging from the crow's nest, and your quartermaster will be the one in authority. Of that, I can assure you."
(All related CHA checks: 19)
Q'wai is neither bluffing nor trying to be persuasive--both of which lie outside his modus operandi--he's merely being honest to a fault.
Forktongue's eyes bulge out of his head as Q'wai levels with him the way no other man ever has before. "That longboat was not theirs to take! That salary they received was only half-earned!"
The captain takes a few calming breaths as he tightly grips the rail, looking hard out to sea. Eventually he looks sidelong at Q'wai and nods. "I take your point, though, Q'wai. I can't abide a cheat and I do feel cheated. But it isn't the fault of my loyal men. I'll make it up to them."
That night, the sea is calm, though the large sails still carry the Serpent Queen swiftly over the Bottomless Sea. The captain emerges from his quarters with a large crate of wine and whisky from his personal stock, which he hands to a crewman to pass around. Tick joins in the revelry, playing his pipes, telling bawdy tales, and quickly endearing himself to the men and women working the ship. The mood lightens considerably without getting too out of hand and the next day brings a reinvigorated crew, even if somewhat short-handed.
Just before dawn on the fifth day, the lookout in the crow's nest rings the bell, waking everyone aboard the ship. "Ship in distress! Ship in distress!"
The crew, mates, quartermaster, and captain all line the rails looking northwest. A small blaze lights the pre-dawn sky. The captain orders the Queen to redirect. Half an hour later, the sky glows slightly in anticipation of the sun arriving. The other ship is definitely ablaze, mostly the sails and masts. This is because half of the ship has already been pulled under by the giant tentacles of a kraken. What remains of the crew have climbed to the stern and are wielding their cutlasses and daggers in a last-detch ineffectual defense against this monster of the deep. It has clearly already won. It is only a matter of time before the ship and its crew are dragged into the icy depths.
The crew of the Serpent Queen begin muttering among themselves.
"Joles and Carvy were right."
"We were warned. We were warned."
"Shut yer yaps..."
"Better them than us."
"...lift the sails and go."
"I said, shut yer yaps!"
The captain and his first mate are talking to each other in urgent hushed tones as they try to decide what to do. The Queen is not outfitted to defeat a creature such as this. The crew knows it and Q'wai can see they are teetering on the edge of leaving the survivors of the other ship to their fate.
Ronis makes a face of realisation, and then frowns, having not thought about that. "Of course I will, but... You've seen my vision. I have to go and find Queen Duliani and warn her. If I had some way to bring you with me I would but..." He shrugs. "Unfortunately my 'gifts' are none too suited to that." He thinks for a moment. "I have to get to Alciondria as fast as I can. If that happens to be by sea then I can get a ship there from here and we can go together that way, but I don't know how costly that'd be. I'm flat out broke as it is." He sighs, looking down at what meagre belongings he still has to his name. "I might have to sell one of my magic items just to be able to pay for the journey.... Let me go in to town and see what the fastest way to Alciondria would be. I'll come back and let you know what I'm doing before I go."
After that, he'll go into Delphendria and start enquiring about the various means of travel to Alciondria, as well as listening out for any odd or recent news, like, for example, if it is a hot topic of conversation that the King is dead.
Persuasion/Investigation rolls, take whichever you prefer: P - 21 I - 19)
Ronis discovers that King Hadrian has indeed died, causing the last vestige of hope his dream was merely some unrelenting curse sink into the pit of his stomach. Furthermore, he discovers the queen is right here in Delphendria. She has emerged on the balcony of the royal residence here each morning for 15 minutes dressed in black. She waves to the people and returns to her quarters. Rumor has it she is being consoled by her dear friend, Lady Colivici. One merchant from Poria says that the traditional Porian period of mourning is 5 days and that she will leave for Alciondria on the morrow.
At hearing that she's here in Delphendria, Ronis' eyes widen, and he sends a single knowing look skyward. After that, he races across town to the pier, tells Verkolax, and then races back into town to scope out her residence.
At hearing that she's here in Delphendria, Ronis' eyes widen, and he sends a single knowing look skyward. After that, he races across town to the pier, tells Verkolax, and then races back into town to scope out her residence.
Delphendria is the second largest city in Alcion, dwarfed only by the capital itself. As Ronis runs into the city, asking for directions to the royal residence, he realizes he has no idea where he is. It is a maze of streets, alleys, squares, and parks. And it just seems to keep going. The entire city slopes upwards as he travels south away from the port and, when he looks back, Ronis finds a breathtaking view of houses and shops in wavy rows going all the way down to the docks. Black flags and banners sway in the breeze off of clothes lines, flag poles and pinned by closed windows. He turns and continues his climb up the steepening Royal Street.
At the top of Royal Street is a lavish residence that must be 3 stories tall and perhaps 300 feet wide. An elaborate, well-tended garden twice as large as the residence grows between the wrought iron fence surrounding the property and the residence itself. Four King's Guards stand at alert on the outside of the fence, watching the crowd of well-wishers that has gathered outside of the residence. Flowers, home-made stuffed animals, scrolls, and more line the fence. Silver chains, and more than a few gold ones, hang on the iron posts. Some of them have lockets, others simply the chains. Black cloth is tied around more posts than the chains but more than anything are rows and rows of lighted candles. Several children monitor the ones the blow out, lighting them with other candles that are lit. Other grievers step up to touch one of several paintings of King Haddian or leave their own trinkets at the fence. The guards do nothing to stop anyone from getting close to the fence but their presence ensures people do not go beyond.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ronis stops for a moment, just admiring the emotional impact on the people the King's passing has had, before with a shake of his head, he jogs up to the guards at the gate, slowing down before he gets to them so as not to seem manic or crazed. Stopping outside of weapon distance, and putting his hands out in front of him to display his currently unarmed person, he calls out:
"Hello! Sorry, for the terribly inconvenient timing, but it is imperative that I speak to the Queen immediately. I bring a message from Savras. I must speak with her. Please."
Ronis stops for a moment, just admiring the emotional impact on the people the King's passing has had, before with a shake of his head, he jogs up to the guards at the gate, slowing down before he gets to them so as not to seem manic or crazed. Stopping outside of weapon distance, and putting his hands out in front of him to display his currently unarmed person, he calls out:
"Hello! Sorry, for the terribly inconvenient timing, but it is imperative that I speak to the Queen immediately. I bring a message from Savras. I must speak with her. Please."
Persuasion: Dice rolls not yet available for this section.
(Edit and add a space in anywhere and it will post the dice rolls.)
Ronis stops for a moment, just admiring the emotional impact on the people the King's passing has had, before with a shake of his head, he jogs up to the guards at the gate, slowing down before he gets to them so as not to seem manic or crazed. Stopping outside of weapon distance, and putting his hands out in front of him to display his currently unarmed person, he calls out:
"Hello! Sorry, for the terribly inconvenient timing, but it is imperative that I speak to the Queen immediately. I bring a message from Savras. I must speak with her. Please."
Persuasion: 16
(Huh, I did. I guess it didn't take? I saw a 16.)
The guard looks at Ronis skeptically, noting his threadbare clothing underneath his rather pristine cloak. "From the Temple of Savras? Or the god Savras?" he says with a chuckle. But, noting the charming smile Ronis is flashing at him, he softens. "Either way, Queen Duliani is still in mourning and accepting no visitors. She will be resuming business tomorrow morning before she leaves for the capital. I do not know what her schedule looks like but I suspect it is quite full. Your best bet is to schedule an appointment with her in Alciondria if you have something urgent to discuss. Her secretary will vet your request and arrange an audience."
Ronis' smile falters for a moment, his teeth grinding together at the dismissal. He doesn't know when what he's seen will happen, when she arrives back in Alciondria, it might already be too late! He tries again. He steps forward slightly, so as to protect his words from the bystanders around the gates.
"It's a message from Savras himself. I don't know why he chose me, but he did. He told me to warn her before it's too late. Please, you must let me speak to her now, it could mean worse things than the King's passing, it could be the end of Alcion!"
(Martin how has two levels of exhaustion. This halves his speed unless he can complete a long rest. Martin has 65 miles to go to get to the capital. The funeral will be held in a little over 2 days.)
Martin will move at a slower speed today and try to rest tonight.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Paladin - warforged - orange
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Never quite connecting with his neighbors, it is no surprise when, with a day and a half to go to get to Alciondria, Martin is awoken abruptly an hour before dawn by the energetic halflings as they pack up their camp and load their wagons in full song. They are joyous and eager and undeterred by the long journey ahead of them. Unfortunately, they have interrupted Martin's sleep so thoroughly that he is even more tired than he was the night before. As the halflings march off towards the capital, other pilgrims shout multiple curses at them. They march on, their high spirits and joyous singing still audible for a good 10 minutes longer.
Martin sighs. He must decide whether to try to sleep again or get up and begin his trek.
(Martin how has two levels of exhaustion. This halves his speed unless he can complete a long rest. Martin has 65 miles to go to get to the capital. The funeral will be held in a little over 2 days.)
Dog takes her up on the offer to walk the route the following day, and looks at similar route options that stick to broader avenues rather than close-in streets. He discusses with Tock in a secure place the possibility of using something like mirror image to make it so that it seemed like Gentoa was right out in the open but she was really out of sight or disguised as someone else. Dog is concerned about assassination attempts, and spell casting — and both threats could be minimized using a tactic like this.
He is also eager to see Duliani to pay his deepest respects and offer frank and sincere condolences to her for her loss. He would also try to thank her for being so graceful and welcoming to Gentoa and the rest of her motley crew. If the situation presented itself and he could cast detect thoughts before he saw her, while out of sight of anyone, he would try to do that.
Q'wai approaches both crew members and asks, "The longboat is safe from such omens, but this ship is not?"
He motions to the sea and adds, "To face the angry depths in a small boat is a strange choice."
The monk then steps back and watches their movements in silence.
(Can I throw an insight check at this situation? 19)
Also after this Tock meets up with Dog and discusses the routes. He then falls into thought again.
"You know, we are trying to anticipate something again that we don't know too much about. Lets meet with Merro later and try one more alternative. I'd like to discuss the motives. The means of achieving something is directly guided by what they want to achieve. For example if anyone were to poison the horses or in some other way stop all of this from happening then what is it that they achieve by doing it? Same for magical impersonation or mind control - what could be achieved by this? It seems to me that Gentoa would be safest in this and we should instead focus on protecting the widow or even the Sentate."
"Food for thought."
Persuasion: 15
The pair look at each other and then back at Q'wai like he is a fool. "The omen is for what lies ahead, not what lies behind us. You can come with us. We could use another strong back to row."
After two days, Dog is satisfied as he can be with the route. Most of the problems with it centered on a narrow street (fittingly called Narrow Street) that was difficult to bypass. Dog could see why Hurimi chose the route she did, even with much of the same preferences that Dog has. The modified route gives Dog a clear sense of how to place sharpshooters, guards, and magic users. He also gets approval from the council for magical protection for the princess but they decline to use any illusions, fearing a public relations nightmare if it is discovered.
Duliani has still not returned from Delphendria, taking some time with close friends to grieve in private. She is expected to return in two days time and make a public appearance to say goodbye to her husband at the Temple of Mystra.
As Dog is pondering the Queen-turned-regent, Gunnur comes in abruptly, reading a message. "We have a threat," he says.
He hands the note over to Dog. Much of what Gentoa has received from the public has been flowers, warm wishes, and even baked goods. This is the first sign of any threat that Dog has actually encountered. The note reads:
There is quite an age difference between the two but they seem to be good friends. Lady Jadi looks at the younger Lord Hargess with...pity?...sympathy? No, it more like a motherly look. There is a hint of pride or hope in her eyes. She is trying to help him with something.
Q'wai turns away in silence and returns below deck to check on Tick.
Forktongue is furious the next morning when he learns that two of his crew have taken off with one of his longboats. "Who saw them leave?!" he bellows as he stomps around on the deck. "I'll keelhaul anyone that helped them! I'll feed anyone to the sharks that didn't ring the bell when they even mentioned the idea! If I ever see them again, I'll hang them by their toes from the crow's nest!"
The captain is so put out that his first mate essentially has to take over captaining the vessel while Forktongue terrorizes the crew above and below decks. Tick and Q'wai have avoided most of the captain's bluster, but they get a few glares for standing too close one time. "So," says Tick with a smirk. "Would this be a bad time to ask him for a new bed? Mine is kind of vomit-y."
The captain tips over a half-full barrel of grog, spilling the putrid swill over over the deck. "Swab that up!" he yells at the quartermaster, who doesn't question the order, even though it is clearly not his job."
"Seriously, though," Tick says. "Should I go do something or let him fume for a while?"
As Q'wai observes the captain's outbursts, he is once again reminded of how poorly he understands the nature of others. "A man of anger is a man of regret. What does he profit from his wrath? " he asks, rhetorically, although Tick is within earshot.
"A monk who wishes to leave the monastery is a monk who should leave the monastery," muses Q'wai. "Is it not the same elsewhere? Is the chain not made stronger by the removal of its weaker links?"
The monk stares at the undulating sea for a few minutes before continuing. "Should you do something, Tick? No. I shall. For the sake of those who now suffer from these childish tantrums."
Q'wai steps over the puddle of grog and approaches Forktongue. Softly, so no other members of the crew will hear, he says, "You hold others responsible for your own errors, sir. You are the one who hired the sailors that have abandoned this ship. You are the one tasked with leading, knowing, and inspiring the crew. The meteor shower caused a stir; you did nothing. The men who remain loyal to this endeavor you punish. I ask you to behave as one fit to be called captain. If you will not, then you will be the one hanging from the crow's nest, and your quartermaster will be the one in authority. Of that, I can assure you."
(All related CHA checks: 11)
Q'wai is neither bluffing nor trying to be persuasive--both of which lie outside his modus operandi--he's merely being honest to a fault.
Forktongue's eyes bulge out of his head as Q'wai levels with him the way no other man ever has before. "That longboat was not theirs to take! That salary they received was only half-earned!"
The captain takes a few calming breaths as he tightly grips the rail, looking hard out to sea. Eventually he looks sidelong at Q'wai and nods. "I take your point, though, Q'wai. I can't abide a cheat and I do feel cheated. But it isn't the fault of my loyal men. I'll make it up to them."
That night, the sea is calm, though the large sails still carry the Serpent Queen swiftly over the Bottomless Sea. The captain emerges from his quarters with a large crate of wine and whisky from his personal stock, which he hands to a crewman to pass around. Tick joins in the revelry, playing his pipes, telling bawdy tales, and quickly endearing himself to the men and women working the ship. The mood lightens considerably without getting too out of hand and the next day brings a reinvigorated crew, even if somewhat short-handed.
Just before dawn on the fifth day, the lookout in the crow's nest rings the bell, waking everyone aboard the ship. "Ship in distress! Ship in distress!"
The crew, mates, quartermaster, and captain all line the rails looking northwest. A small blaze lights the pre-dawn sky. The captain orders the Queen to redirect. Half an hour later, the sky glows slightly in anticipation of the sun arriving. The other ship is definitely ablaze, mostly the sails and masts. This is because half of the ship has already been pulled under by the giant tentacles of a kraken. What remains of the crew have climbed to the stern and are wielding their cutlasses and daggers in a last-detch ineffectual defense against this monster of the deep. It has clearly already won. It is only a matter of time before the ship and its crew are dragged into the icy depths.
The crew of the Serpent Queen begin muttering among themselves.
"Joles and Carvy were right."
"We were warned. We were warned."
"Shut yer yaps..."
"Better them than us."
"...lift the sails and go."
"I said, shut yer yaps!"
The captain and his first mate are talking to each other in urgent hushed tones as they try to decide what to do. The Queen is not outfitted to defeat a creature such as this. The crew knows it and Q'wai can see they are teetering on the edge of leaving the survivors of the other ship to their fate.
Ronis discovers that King Hadrian has indeed died, causing the last vestige of hope his dream was merely some unrelenting curse sink into the pit of his stomach. Furthermore, he discovers the queen is right here in Delphendria. She has emerged on the balcony of the royal residence here each morning for 15 minutes dressed in black. She waves to the people and returns to her quarters. Rumor has it she is being consoled by her dear friend, Lady Colivici. One merchant from Poria says that the traditional Porian period of mourning is 5 days and that she will leave for Alciondria on the morrow.
At hearing that she's here in Delphendria, Ronis' eyes widen, and he sends a single knowing look skyward. After that, he races across town to the pier, tells Verkolax, and then races back into town to scope out her residence.
Delphendria is the second largest city in Alcion, dwarfed only by the capital itself. As Ronis runs into the city, asking for directions to the royal residence, he realizes he has no idea where he is. It is a maze of streets, alleys, squares, and parks. And it just seems to keep going. The entire city slopes upwards as he travels south away from the port and, when he looks back, Ronis finds a breathtaking view of houses and shops in wavy rows going all the way down to the docks. Black flags and banners sway in the breeze off of clothes lines, flag poles and pinned by closed windows. He turns and continues his climb up the steepening Royal Street.
At the top of Royal Street is a lavish residence that must be 3 stories tall and perhaps 300 feet wide. An elaborate, well-tended garden twice as large as the residence grows between the wrought iron fence surrounding the property and the residence itself. Four King's Guards stand at alert on the outside of the fence, watching the crowd of well-wishers that has gathered outside of the residence. Flowers, home-made stuffed animals, scrolls, and more line the fence. Silver chains, and more than a few gold ones, hang on the iron posts. Some of them have lockets, others simply the chains. Black cloth is tied around more posts than the chains but more than anything are rows and rows of lighted candles. Several children monitor the ones the blow out, lighting them with other candles that are lit. Other grievers step up to touch one of several paintings of King Haddian or leave their own trinkets at the fence. The guards do nothing to stop anyone from getting close to the fence but their presence ensures people do not go beyond.
Ronis stops for a moment, just admiring the emotional impact on the people the King's passing has had, before with a shake of his head, he jogs up to the guards at the gate, slowing down before he gets to them so as not to seem manic or crazed. Stopping outside of weapon distance, and putting his hands out in front of him to display his currently unarmed person, he calls out:
"Hello! Sorry, for the terribly inconvenient timing, but it is imperative that I speak to the Queen immediately. I bring a message from Savras. I must speak with her. Please."
Persuasion: 24
(Huh, I did. I guess it didn't take? I saw a 16.)
(Edit and add a space in anywhere and it will post the dice rolls.)
(Done. Again.)
The guard looks at Ronis skeptically, noting his threadbare clothing underneath his rather pristine cloak. "From the Temple of Savras? Or the god Savras?" he says with a chuckle. But, noting the charming smile Ronis is flashing at him, he softens. "Either way, Queen Duliani is still in mourning and accepting no visitors. She will be resuming business tomorrow morning before she leaves for the capital. I do not know what her schedule looks like but I suspect it is quite full. Your best bet is to schedule an appointment with her in Alciondria if you have something urgent to discuss. Her secretary will vet your request and arrange an audience."
Ronis' smile falters for a moment, his teeth grinding together at the dismissal. He doesn't know when what he's seen will happen, when she arrives back in Alciondria, it might already be too late! He tries again. He steps forward slightly, so as to protect his words from the bystanders around the gates.
"It's a message from Savras himself. I don't know why he chose me, but he did. He told me to warn her before it's too late. Please, you must let me speak to her now, it could mean worse things than the King's passing, it could be the end of Alcion!"
Persuasion: 27
(Martin how has two levels of exhaustion. This halves his speed unless he can complete a long rest. Martin has 65 miles to go to get to the capital. The funeral will be held in a little over 2 days.)
Martin will move at a slower speed today and try to rest tonight.
Paladin - warforged - orange