The Captain laughs.

"Yes, yes. I'm sure that was the only one left in the whole wide world. I'm more than happy to 'chalk it up to happenstance', my friend. Unfortunately, others might not see it the same way as I do. If the guard of another town catches you doing this, you could be imprisoned. In regards to that, I have a friend I'd like you to meet after this discussion. Back to the topic at hand, I've read this letter of yours, and it is very worrying. I will write to some of my friends at the court to be wary of an impostor. As for what we do next, I'm not sure. The third enemy ship is travelling down the river as we speak. I have already sent a messenger to every town along the river warning them of the threat. I don't think it will reach the capitol, however. There is a lock system midway through the river, and by the time the enemy reaches it, the operators will have been warned of the threat. No ship can pass through without Being seen, I'm sure of it. This allows us to take out time. You can afford to take time to strengthen your ships and obtain better weapons. By the way, how has your crew been so far?"

“My crew is still alive, which is always good. My man Tuna was seriously injured but has since recovered. Look, sir. I would hold off on the letters. We have no idea who this imposter could be, and until we do, I suggest we don’t alert anyone to their presence in case we accidentally tip them off. If you can stop that ship at the lock, great. Overrun it, board it, and catch this imposter at the rendezvous. Tactically, that’s the best course of action.” Ceesh says, in an attempt to persuade the portmaster.

"I am glad to hear your crew is safe, and I suppose it would be wise not to send those letters. Other than that, the plan is settled. Go catch them at the lock, and bring a swift end to the enemy. Do you have anything else we need to discuss?"

Cass says “not to be too greedy or anything in this desperate time, but some gold or something to help with expenses of preparation for battle, recruitment of crew, and the like might be handy.  And  I’m always thinking about fair compensation fer me crew’s great personal risk... .”

”And not to mention the matter of the sinking ship. A member of my crew, Ari, is the one that disabled it, and might be the only one who can get it running again. If I may I would like to assign him to the ship and have him figure out how it works, weakness’s and the like.”

The captain gets up and retrieves a chest from a corner.

"Yes, yes, there is reward and compensation. Here is a large sum of money, please split this amongst your crew. In addition, I have a personal gift for you two captains."

He rises up again and walks to one of his cabinets, and opens it, revealing a rack of expensive-looking items.

"This is my personal collection of weapons, instruments, and trinkets that I've collected over the years, and I'd like you to have some of these."

The Captain presents you with a Doss Lute and an All-purpose tool +2. The chest of coins contains 5,000 GP, to be split evenly among you and the rest of the crew.

"Concerning the ships themselves, they are quite dangerous. I would like them to remain here in our bay so we may study them. Ari is more than welcome to look around, but the ships stay here. Now, you mentioned 'recruitment of crew.' I believe i can help with that, but before we do, come with me, I want you to meet someone first.

As you walk towards the door, he slips Cass a bag of 4 confiscated feather tokens and gives you a wink.

Outside the door, is a man waiting for you.

"This is Mr. Wind, a city nobleman. He will be coming with you to smooth out relations between yourselves and the guards of other towns, just in case they catch you using some *ahem* tokens. In addition to getting you lot out of trouble, he is a very skilled fighter, and will no doubt, be an asset to your crew."

You all see an overly enthused Air Genasi nobleman, with a grin you wouldn't imagine to be possible on a man of his size. His sky blue skin and white hair seem very otherworldly, yet his clothes have kept up with the local fashions and trends. "Greetings and salutations! As you may have heard from the Captain, I am Western Wind or 'Mr. Wind' for short. I look forward to meeting and hopefully befriending each of you!" 
On his neck is an amulet made out of some material as white as a cloud, with details on it inscribed with primordial and designs featuring wind motefes. His clothes appear to be similar to that of a noble scion, with deep blue mitts covering his hands.

”Well met Mr. Wind, I’m Ceesh Anty, Captain of The Skipping Stone, and this here is Cass, Captain of The Temptress. We’re very excited to have you. Now, if we may we should probably get going, where to I’ve no clue, but maybe we’ll figure something out along the way,”

This is said by a small otter with dark fur wearing a Captain’s hat.

"Well then! All my bags are here-" *Western Wind points to himself* "so let's get moving I suppose!"

He casts prestidigitation while giving a thumbs up to add little sparkles to his thumbs up.

Cass says” Welcome aboard! And nice to meet Ye! “  Captain Cass is an attractive red-headed Human woman with green eyes, tanned skin.  She wears a brown woolen cloak, blued splint mail and a shield, a slightly curved longsword and scimitar  at her side.   The shield is emblazoned with the holy symbol of Telira, goddess of seas, storms and war. (Symbol looks like a stylized swirl with a circle- a hurricane from above). She carries a well stocked leather backpack and seems prepared for any journey. She has the confidence of someone far older. She seems determined to prove herself, and very quick to anger, but enjoys sea stories, meeting new sailors and seeing new boat.  

(She’s a Tempest Cleric.  Feel free to look at her sheet to see a picture) 

(OOC-  Cass would like to buy some better armor, either magic or the best she can afford of mundane armor.  Elven plate of the sentinel available?   Also would like to see what else is available.  Amulet of rhe devout,  ring of spell storing,  staff of healing or Thunder and lightning, all would be fun.))

(OOC: Magic Items would be good, but I would also like to get some materials to make a second Revolver if possible, along with the ah, upgrade, we talked about for The Temptress? And maybe a better cannon for The Skipping Stone?)

(OOC Cass has an automatic pistol +1  and a light  crossbow +1someone can have,  or she can trade for stuff she needs.   she’s better off using spells)

(OOC- yes, yes, I hear you, there will be a shopping trip before the next fight, don't worry :D)

The Captain turns and motions towards the stairs:

"Now that introductions are done, I have one more thing for you. Please, follow me to the deck."

He turns and walks up the stairs.

On deck, almost the entire personnel of the Port Guard is standing at attention. The Captain of the Guard addresses them.

"Guards! I want to begin by thanking each and every one of you for your bravery last night! Thanks to you, we dealt with the enemy and kept out port safe! But the credit is not all ours. Thanks to these two fine captains, we were warned of this threat. They bravely put their lives on the line to protect our town!"

*the guards cheer*

"Now, you see next to me a familiar face. Nobleman Wind has decided to travel with these heroes. He will be leaving his office at the Guard for many months, perhaps years, to track down more of those ruffians. I am asking all of you today for more volunteers to go with him. I understand that this is a massive task to ask of anyone. You will be away from your homes here for a long, long time. But if I could have perhaps two or three brave souls come forth and assist these heroes, I would be most grateful."

Eagerly, a dark skinned half-elf takes a step forward. He's average height and lean of build. A Monmouth woven skullcap covers his bald scalp but does not cover the tops of his elvish ears. Several gold"ish" earrings dangle from each ear. His skin is weathered but his eyes are sharp and piercing cobalt blue. His bare arms are muscular but not bulky and display several scars and many ornamental brandings perhaps intended to cover/enhance those scars.

He is beyond middle-aged for a half-elf, but there are many usable years of service left in him. A loose fitting sleeveless tunic hangs off his shoulders and is gathered at the waist by a rather wide leather belt. Snug but flexible breeches extend to just below the knees.

Strapped to the outside of his right thigh is a scabbarded inverse curved blade with a worn but ornate pink coral handle (his gutting knife). On his left hip is a non-descript rapier. Strapped over his left shoulder and ready on his right is a hand crossbow and a heavy crossbow is hanging off his back. 

”’Birdie’, at your service.”

(OOC welcome to all the newcomers.  Hope we can get and keep an active game going!   We ask that you try to post every couple days at least- or let us know you are busy.  If you decide to drop also let us know.

this is a fun and freewheeling “theater of the mind” game.   Jump on in. 

Together, We will destroy this crimson fleet!

(also FYI I’m traveling a bit so this next week I won’t be as active as I usually am.But I’ll be back).  Tesservett aka Captain Cassandra of the Temptress . 

"Wait, wait! " A figure with green skin dressed in loose robes runs up to the assembly, bare feet pattering on the dock, "Am I too late? I am wishing to join you too! I have done what I can here, but I know my healing skills are being helpful aboard your famous ship. Please, can I be coming too?"

Her dark reptile eyes shine at you above her large frog-face smile. "Gianna Whitestar," she bows and puts a gloved hand on her chest.

"Wonderful! we have two volunteers! My deepest thanks goes out to you two."

The Captain turns to the guards on the deck.

"Thank you all for your time, you are dismissed."

As the throng disperses, “Birdie” retrieves his duffel bag which he had brought onboard. He returns with it hoisted over his left shoulder and says,

”Reporting for duty.”

"Now then, I believe that will be all. I suggest spending a few days enjoying all our city has to offer. The enemy won't be getting far after all."

(Apologies for the last 2 days, I'm very busy this week.)