"Oh, yes... yes... magnificent," Grasalfan replies. When he sees you expecting more, he says, "I have no idea what it is. But..." He pulls a pearl from his pouch, "I can figure it out! Give me some time tonight and I'll be able to tell you everything there is to know about this magnificent device!"
As the Flaming Sail resumes its voyage, Koll helps out where he can on the ship. However, he remains mostly silent, observing and retreating into his own thoughts. He is still bothered by the impulse that led him to steal that gem for himself.
So what that he was the one that put the pieces together, matching the key with the lock, and that he was the one to take a poison needle in the chest to get the treasure? So what that that the gem was not highly valuable, as he'd come to realize when he'd had a chance to look at it? So what that he had only staked a claim to some silly hat, rather than the other more interesting or valuable items that they had acquired? So what that he really had no interest in personal wealth and that he would likely give the stone to someone else who needed it more? None of that mattered; it was still wrong for him to take from the group. He could just imagine how his brother Loro would laugh if he knew how Koll was agonizing over such a petty thing. But, Koll didn't want to be like his brother, not anymore.
Koll is tempted to tell the group, but he takes Zamar's advice. He holds onto the gem, for now, as a reminder. He uses it as a focus when performs his early morning meditations in the ship's cargo hold, where he seeks penance and clarity of mind through pain.
Singe nods, thanking Grasalfan and looks for Alton. He finds Alton in line for a tankard of rum.
"Alton?" Singe walks up to his brother.
"I don't think cutting is allowed, bro," Alton says as Singe approach.
"I don't want a drink. I wanted to talk to you about going to Chult."
"You find out where that kid was hiding?" He asks, hopeful.
"I don't think you will need to hide," Singe smiles.
"Yeah," Alton responds. "I know what you're about. She looked right at me, she did. You really think I can be a sailor? Running around, tying ropes, and swinging from sails?" He lowers his voice, "And look at em! Over half of them died in a single night."
"Do you think Chult's going to be any better? Those jungles are thick with unsavory creatures that will decapitate you faster than you can say 'Chult's not fun'!"
Alton thinks for a bit before he finally responds, "I don't know... maybe. At least now I have options, I guess."
"I think you can do anything you can set your mind to."
He gets to the barrel and fills his mug, handing it to Singe. "And so can you, brother," he says. "Drink with me." He fills a fresh mug for himself.
"I thought you said there was no cutting," Singe grins, his hair wriggles momentarily.
"Pshh!" Alton scoffs. "I was hand-picked by the Flame. If they know what's good for them..." He grins. The barrel is cut off after the muster and work resumes. Alton lets the Flame know that he's more than happy to join her crew.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
After the muster Woe stops Flame Wyre. "Captain Wyre, I would very much like to thank you for your protection and kindness. Would you be able to take dinner with me tonight? And for now, please show me where I can be of most help! I will be available in 10 minutes."
Zamar spends the next few days doing odd jobs around the ship and spending time with Lera and Polly. He praises Polly for her bravery and even works up a song about her exploits to date, telling her she is now a famous hero of legend. When not with the "kids", he uses his music and storytelling to keep morale up, assists Perrin in the kitchen, and does whatever menial tasks around the ship that someone with his lack of naval skills can do well. He also checks on his friends often. Particularly Woe, who has had a rough couple of days, and Koll, who seemed to be struggling with inner demons.
Just after the muster and the funeral, Polly is playing on deck, just mingling with everyone.
Woe takes a cup of the rum that is offered after the ceremony. And takes another one with her. Then she walks up to Lera and offers the drink with no words. Both look out onto the vanishing boat, in their thoughts.
“Thanks Woe,” Lera takes a sip before making a face. The teenager coughs. “That’s- good?”
Woe smiles at her. "Well, not really I guess. Usually it is drunk to warm you up inside.... and... to forget. Just have a little sip, I find it sharpens the senses. As soon as you have a little too much, it dulls your senses and you turn into an idiot." She smiles again.
Lera refrains from taking any more sips and sets the cup to the side.
"You fought very well today. And you worked so hard. I am impressed." Then Woe changes the tone. "How was your time in the cell? I am sorry I couldn't be of more help or get you out earlier." Then Woe continues: "Is this how you hoped adventuring would be?"
“Oh yeah, it’s exactly what I pictured, right down to the creepy fish dudes,” Lera looked out at the water, ignoring the comment about the cell.
"So, you were not worried when the shark bit your boat? When you all had to swim for your lives, Alton almost drowned?"
“It wouldn’t have been exciting if at least one of the boats hadn’t gone down.”
Behind this brusk talk Woe can clearly see that Lera is ******* terrified [rolled natural 20 on insight check]
Lera's doing her best to hide it, but she's not practiced at it, so if someone pays attention, they can tell. Woe can absolutely tell.
Woe puts an arm around Lera. "Yep, lots of excitement!!! You all did well. It was a great test for our group. We worked well together, were able to help each other and save each other. Today was easy actually. We could have summoned the flame's boat, we could have retreated. Next time we might not be so lucky."
"We're flying into a place where it seems people are going mad. There will be no reasoning, no talking." Woe continues. "We could be killed at a moments notice. And we will have to kill at a moments notice. - Do you still think Polly belongs into this world? She is only 6 years old!"
“Polly and Mr. Drippy handled themselves better than Alton, a full adult,” Lera shook off Woe’s arm. “If we send her back, what’s to stop her from smuggling aboard a different ship? What’s to stop her from getting into more danger? We don’t know any of these people, and we certainly don’t know who we can trust. I trust myself and only the Scarlet Dawn to keep Polly safe.”
"Lera, yes, Polly did well. But what does it do to the mind of a 6 year old child? Watching people die, having to kill people. You still travel with your father, you have his absolute protection. And imagine for one moment what her brother would feel if something happened to her. She won't go on another ship, not if you can help me make it clear to her that she cannot stay. That it is to dangerous to stay."
Then Woe speaks softly. "I love her too, Lera, she is a fantastic kid. But 6 years is too young. I would take her if she was maybe 12. I couldn't bear it if she died in my care."
“And what if she died because we looked away? I know her, I know how her mind works. If we abandon her again, she’s going to keep putting herself at risk to come back.”
"I understand your concern. I know she is little and she won't be reasoned with easily. Maybe she can be our spy at home. We need to find a way to keep her safe, I agree with you! But she is not safe with us. She is too young to kill if it can be avoided. How old were you when your powers emerged?"
“Woe, we are taking her with us. I’m not budging on this. And if you keep trying to send her away, I swear to Garl Glittergold that I will burn your hair off. And then, I’ll have Mr. Drippy forcefully put out said fire,” Lera backed away. “I am not negotiating. The safest place for her is here, with us. Back in the city there’s a disease that no one can cure killing children. Between here and there, an ocean filled with fish monsters and other terrors. We could have died today, but we didn’t. I don’t trust anyone else to keep her from getting hurt.”
"Work with me, Lera, I wouldn't send her into a situation that I thought was unsafe. But I will make sure she won't suffer because you cannot let her go. I will do everything to reunite her with her brother, her only family. And if that means that I have to fight you, I will." Woe is trying to control her emotions again. "Lera, I almost died yesterday. I have seen the world, I have suffered. I have fought. But it rattled me. I saw my life pass by in a flash. And I know, I know in my heart that I cannot survive with bringing Polly with us. Every time something happens, even just her witnessing events, will break my heart..... I wanted to have children, once. But it wasn't to be.... I ..... " Woe's voice breaks.
“If you really do love her and really do want to keep her safe, you’d be agreeing with me. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I don’t care about your sob story, and neither will Polly. She. Will. Just. Try. To. Come. Back,” Lera said softly. “If you want to be a mom, here’s your chance. Don’t throw it away and **** it up by abandoning her.”
"I am sorry you see it this way." Woe turns away and leaves with tears in her eyes. Inside her rages a battle that she has yet to control. Lose her friend and set up constant fights within the Scarlet Dawn while sending a little girl across a dangerous ocean into an unknown future or foregoing her loyalty and risking her employment with possible reprisals for Lord Eltan.
She will grab Lera's rum cup while walking past it and empty both receptacles with two large gulps.
She then sets to work on the deck wherever she is needed. When she walks past Zamar, he acknowledges her and asks how she has been... she just brushes it off, saying thanks again and keeps working.
Later that day, when the sun is about sink behind the horizon, Woe finds Zamar alone, standing and watching.
"Zamar" Woe pauses. "Sorry for being so blunt earlier. Yesterday was... intense. I, .... I haven't been so close to death for a long time. It really hit home. And then I woke to your worried face." Woe smiles. "Thank you for saving my life." Woe hugs Zamar.
He hugs her back. "I was worried. That priestess did a number on you. We've become quite find of you. Can't have you leaving us already."
"Ha, 'we'? If you're referring to Lera, she is not fond of me anymore I can tell you that much." Woe stays silent for a little bit. "I am trying to find a safe way for Polly to return. She belongs with her brother. He is family. But Lera thinks only we can keep her safe. The truth is, Polly was safe before we showed up."
Woe takes a long pause, trying to decide how much to tell Zamar...
"I was able to contact someone in Baldur's Gate. I have arranged safe travels.... "
He smiles. " All right, just me then." He pauses. "She does belong with him, but because he recruited us she now has ideas. She reminds me a bit of Lera at that age, and look how she turned out." He laughs. "I want her safely returned as well. Do you truly believe this arrangement is safe? Having seen what happened to that last ship and ours, I am suddenly less sure about seafaring."
"Of course there are risks." Woe replies. "There will always be risks. But we're about to board a flying machine!! If we hit a storm in that - we'll all be dead in a heartbeat! I wouldn't send her if I thought it was not the safest possible way. I know the captain taking her. He is trustworthy. Can you help me check him and his ship out just to be sure? And maybe help me to slowly work on Polly - at least try to weave in some family responsibilities and home sickness into your stories?"
"It is true that there is danger everywhere, but we can control what is near us. Beyond that, she is a willful child. What is to stop her from slipping away and trying to follow again. I am torn. I will try to see if I can influence her. Perhaps if Lera and I check out the boat we will feel more comfortable."
Woe can hear that Lera already tried to sway Zamar’s opinion. ”Well, I guess truth be told, we would have to stop telling Polly where we are going." Woe lets her shoulders hang. She has no idea how to handle the situation without upsetting at least one person.
"I'll take you both to meet the captain if you want. We will see what happens."
"I think that is the best we can hope for. I wish there was a solution that satisfied everyone. And I suspect this excursion is not really optional for Polly."
"Of course they want her back. As quick and as safe as possible. But I guess if I don't judge it to be safe, I might have some leverage." Woe is wondering if she really can go against Lord Eltan's wishes.
"That is fair and I trust your judgment. We all want what is best for the girl. It is just someone's hard to know what that is."
"You're a true friend. I am grateful to have you in our little group." Woe is trying very hard to keep this interaction professional. Even more so because she had felt her heart quicken when Zamar hugged her back.
"I feel...the same," He says, blushing slightly." I admire you very much." He chastises himself inwardly for sounding so awkward. He is normally much smoother and more charming.
Woe then takes off. She goes to see Wyre for dinner. Wanting to only thank her for taking care of the group and for being such a reasonable leader.
The longer they sit, and the more they drink, the two women start talking about the past, about their adventures, about their losses. And how both of them ended up without family, without a place they truly can call home. Woe has been trying not to think about this talk with Zamar for the last couple of hours. And somehow it worked. Somehow she is able to close her heart, that hasn't been accepting for feelings for such a long time.
But she enjoys the moment with Wyre, with this strong woman, who has 20 men to her command. Woe stays for a few hours, forging a friendship with Wyre, spiced with intimacy and made easy by the absoluteness of no strings attached. [rolled 17 in Charisma check]
The next day, Woe will work hard on deck and spend time with Shanolia in the evening to learn more about the forgery kit. It is clear that she is still a beginner and it will take quite a bit more time until she can master these skills.
The next two days of travel on the Flaming Sail go by quickly. Repairs continue throughout the day as the crew and the Flaming Fist aboard work throughout the day. Perrin's meals help to rejuvenate everyone after the chaos of the storm. At dawn of the second day, one of the sailors calls out that he spots land. As predicted by the Flame, Chult looms ahead. The distant land looks like a mass of green in the distance, but as the ship gets closer the jungles of Chult become more pronounced. So does the heat. As if buffeted by steam, the heat of the land comes in waves. It's an unfamiliar heat that drenches your body in sweat the closer the ship gets to land.
The first stop is Fort Beluarian. There, the Flaming Fist loads up all four rowboats as the Flaming Sail anchors about a mile from the shore. They take turns rowing back and forth from the ship, delivering personnel and equipment from the hold. By the time they're done, the Flaming Sail has a new host of Flaming Fist mercenaries looking to make a visit to Port Nyanzaru. It only takes a few hours before the Flaming Sail pushes deeper into the Bay of Chult and closer to the port city.
Late in the afternoon, a few hours before dusk, the Flaming Sail pulls into the docks of Port Nyanzaru. Nearly everyone is on deck as the ship approaches. The city's buildings are a colorful network of tents, tapestries, and painted masonry, an instant reminder that you are no longer in Baldur's Gate. The sounds of exotic birds and clamor of city activity overwhelms the natural sounds of the ocean and the ship that you had gotten used to. The salty air is ripe with the smells of the exotic herbs in the market closest to the docks. The Flame calls out, "Toss the lines and tie her up!" And the crew gets to work tossing the lines to the workers on the docks. As the gangplank is lowered, she stands by to give her farewell to those that are departing.
"I'll have to oversee the removal of my machine from the hold," Grasalfan says to the Scarlet Dawn. "Meet you in the Thundering Lizard tonight?" He asks. "Just ask locals for the directions, they'll point it out!" He claps his hands in excitement. "We're here! We're really, really here!"
Polly's eyes are wide, never experiencing a culture shock like this before. The colors, the people, the smells, everything is new to her, and she looks excited as she rushes in line to explore the city.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"It was my assumption that we were finding a way to get her home. Is this not the case?"Shanolia looks around to the rest of the group, unsure if she holds an unpopular opinion.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"I never stated that I agree with that plan, it was merely my assumption that we'd already made our minds. I personally feel as though we should keep an eye on her. That storm killed many men; who's to say another won't occur on her way home? Regardless, I believe it to be safest if she remains under our care for the time being." Shanolia whispers back, muffled slightly by the cloth covering her face once more.
Woe looks back and forward between Singe and Shanolia. She also keeps a close eye at Polly, who has run down the ramp excitedly gesturing towards Lera to come down and look at some funny animals in a cage. Then she looks back at Perrin talking to Fist Talle, both rather flushed in their faces. She looks up and sees Flame Wyre giving orders trying to organise the chaos, she is able to steal a smile, this will have to do for a goodbye.
This is when Woe realises that a new chapter has begun. For all of them. They are adventurers now. Leaving their old lives behind, expecting to be happier, richer, or 'better' people.
She answers to Singe. "I have been able to let Baldur's Gate know that Polly is with us. I was also able to organise transport . However, we could also ask Flame Wyre and Fist Talle if they could take Polly back, we know they are trustworthy. But we cannot decide now. We'll have to talk once Polly is asleep. I also will only agree to a safe option. But I do believe that eventually she needs to be back with her brother."
When Shanolia takes off, Woe speaks in a low voice to Singe: "Please don't call Barry back. My 'information channels' are not sure to actually reach Lord Viscardy or Whistler. It would be important for them I assume to receive your letter."
Flame Wyre nods to the group as they depart, steeling the feeling that she'll never see them again. Adventurers were an odd sort, as theirs lives are often short-lived.
As the group makes their way down the dock, they're met with another line. Here, a few guards are inspecting goods brought into the city. Packs are searched and intentions are explained to an elegantly robed half-gold dragon. Right now he's talking to a pair of guests that were travelling in Lady Evelyn's cabin. Just ahead of the group you see Lady Evelyn herself with two Flaming Fist hauling a long crate.
Perrin takes a deep breath before approaching Frank. He knows he cannot pushnit off any longer and into time for this conversation.
“Where are you off to once your done at Port? Maybe we can see each other there or maybe back at Baldurs Gate?” Perrin asks him kind of quietly.
Frank gives Perrin a smile. "Well, we are here for a night, then we leave again tomorrow. We have a few other places to go, then we will be back in Baldur's Gate in a few weeks for some off time."
“Well if you can meet me tonight. I heard my employer say we’re staying at the Thundering Lizard or something like that. I came into some coin so I’ll spring for my own room for the night. I don’t know how long it’ll be until I’m back in Baldurs Gate. Depends on how long until we find what he’s looking for but I’ll look for you by the docks when I get back. Okay?” Perrin asks kind of bashful hoping Frank says yes.
Frank blushed. "I'll come find you tonight." He glanced around quickly. "I really need to get to work offloading goods." He gave Perrin another smile, then hurried off.
Perrin will give a small nod and smile back before going back to the group. Standing between Woe and Singe. “So this is Chult. Kind of hot don’t you think.” Perrin says as he is sweating under his armor. “Let’s get to the Thundering Lizard and then we can figure out what to do once we get there. I hope theirs some time to explore the city. I promised someone back home that I’d get some spices for her.” Perrin says with a smile which quickly falters when he sees the line for customs.
Koll scans the busy docks of the port city, breathing in the humid air. The colour, and the bustle and clamour of the exotic port city thrill him, and beneath his stoic exterior he is just as excited as Polly.
Yet there is still a weight on his shoulders - literally. His adjusts his pack, heavy with contraband, on his shoulders as he walks with the others down the gangplank and down the dock. He keeps his eyes peeled, but realizes that he doesn't have a name or even a description of the person he's supposed to contact. He hopes that he'll know who it is when he sees them, or that they will find him.
When he sees that packs are being searched, he breaks out into a sweat. Koll looks over the dock workers to see who among them might be willing to look the other way for a bribe. The harbour master seems kee- eyed and runs a disciplined operation. The gold-dragonborn whispers magical messages, like Lera does, with his dock workers as they search through the cargo.
Koll exchanges a look with the others, all of them knowing that they need to come up with a plan quickly.
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"Oh, yes... yes... magnificent," Grasalfan replies. When he sees you expecting more, he says, "I have no idea what it is. But..." He pulls a pearl from his pouch, "I can figure it out! Give me some time tonight and I'll be able to tell you everything there is to know about this magnificent device!"
Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.
As the Flaming Sail resumes its voyage, Koll helps out where he can on the ship. However, he remains mostly silent, observing and retreating into his own thoughts. He is still bothered by the impulse that led him to steal that gem for himself.
So what that he was the one that put the pieces together, matching the key with the lock, and that he was the one to take a poison needle in the chest to get the treasure? So what that that the gem was not highly valuable, as he'd come to realize when he'd had a chance to look at it? So what that he had only staked a claim to some silly hat, rather than the other more interesting or valuable items that they had acquired? So what that he really had no interest in personal wealth and that he would likely give the stone to someone else who needed it more? None of that mattered; it was still wrong for him to take from the group. He could just imagine how his brother Loro would laugh if he knew how Koll was agonizing over such a petty thing. But, Koll didn't want to be like his brother, not anymore.
Koll is tempted to tell the group, but he takes Zamar's advice. He holds onto the gem, for now, as a reminder. He uses it as a focus when performs his early morning meditations in the ship's cargo hold, where he seeks penance and clarity of mind through pain.
Singe nods, thanking Grasalfan and looks for Alton. He finds Alton in line for a tankard of rum.
"Alton?" Singe walks up to his brother.
"I don't think cutting is allowed, bro," Alton says as Singe approach.
"I don't want a drink. I wanted to talk to you about going to Chult."
"You find out where that kid was hiding?" He asks, hopeful.
"I don't think you will need to hide," Singe smiles.
"Yeah," Alton responds. "I know what you're about. She looked right at me, she did. You really think I can be a sailor? Running around, tying ropes, and swinging from sails?" He lowers his voice, "And look at em! Over half of them died in a single night."
"Do you think Chult's going to be any better? Those jungles are thick with unsavory creatures that will decapitate you faster than you can say 'Chult's not fun'!"
Alton thinks for a bit before he finally responds, "I don't know... maybe. At least now I have options, I guess."
"I think you can do anything you can set your mind to."
He gets to the barrel and fills his mug, handing it to Singe. "And so can you, brother," he says. "Drink with me." He fills a fresh mug for himself.
"I thought you said there was no cutting," Singe grins, his hair wriggles momentarily.
"Pshh!" Alton scoffs. "I was hand-picked by the Flame. If they know what's good for them..." He grins. The barrel is cut off after the muster and work resumes. Alton lets the Flame know that he's more than happy to join her crew.
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
After the muster Woe stops Flame Wyre. "Captain Wyre, I would very much like to thank you for your protection and kindness. Would you be able to take dinner with me tonight? And for now, please show me where I can be of most help! I will be available in 10 minutes."
Zamar spends the next few days doing odd jobs around the ship and spending time with Lera and Polly. He praises Polly for her bravery and even works up a song about her exploits to date, telling her she is now a famous hero of legend. When not with the "kids", he uses his music and storytelling to keep morale up, assists Perrin in the kitchen, and does whatever menial tasks around the ship that someone with his lack of naval skills can do well. He also checks on his friends often. Particularly Woe, who has had a rough couple of days, and Koll, who seemed to be struggling with inner demons.
Zamar Zahuv - Level 4 Aasimar Bard in Whispers of Dissent
Golos - Level 1 Halfling Barbarian in Night's Dark Terror
Jerrok Flametongue - Level 6 Human Barbarian in Zendikar - Whispers of the Aeons
R'thr Ka'ri - Level 5 Paladin in The Adventures of Bubbles (every other Wednesday)
Johnathan Moonspeaker - Level 6 Druid in Web of Lies (every other Friday)
DM of Something Wicked This Way Comes - D&D Modernverse (every other Tuesday)
Just after the muster and the funeral, Polly is playing on deck, just mingling with everyone.
Woe takes a cup of the rum that is offered after the ceremony. And takes another one with her. Then she walks up to Lera and offers the drink with no words. Both look out onto the vanishing boat, in their thoughts.
“Thanks Woe,” Lera takes a sip before making a face. The teenager coughs. “That’s- good?”
Woe smiles at her. "Well, not really I guess. Usually it is drunk to warm you up inside.... and... to forget. Just have a little sip, I find it sharpens the senses. As soon as you have a little too much, it dulls your senses and you turn into an idiot." She smiles again.
Lera refrains from taking any more sips and sets the cup to the side.
"You fought very well today. And you worked so hard. I am impressed." Then Woe changes the tone. "How was your time in the cell? I am sorry I couldn't be of more help or get you out earlier." Then Woe continues: "Is this how you hoped adventuring would be?"
“Oh yeah, it’s exactly what I pictured, right down to the creepy fish dudes,” Lera looked out at the water, ignoring the comment about the cell.
"So, you were not worried when the shark bit your boat? When you all had to swim for your lives, Alton almost drowned?"
“It wouldn’t have been exciting if at least one of the boats hadn’t gone down.”
Behind this brusk talk Woe can clearly see that Lera is ******* terrified [rolled natural 20 on insight check]
Lera's doing her best to hide it, but she's not practiced at it, so if someone pays attention, they can tell. Woe can absolutely tell.
Woe puts an arm around Lera. "Yep, lots of excitement!!! You all did well. It was a great test for our group. We worked well together, were able to help each other and save each other. Today was easy actually. We could have summoned the flame's boat, we could have retreated. Next time we might not be so lucky."
"We're flying into a place where it seems people are going mad. There will be no reasoning, no talking." Woe continues. "We could be killed at a moments notice. And we will have to kill at a moments notice. - Do you still think Polly belongs into this world? She is only 6 years old!"
“Polly and Mr. Drippy handled themselves better than Alton, a full adult,” Lera shook off Woe’s arm. “If we send her back, what’s to stop her from smuggling aboard a different ship? What’s to stop her from getting into more danger? We don’t know any of these people, and we certainly don’t know who we can trust. I trust myself and only the Scarlet Dawn to keep Polly safe.”
"Lera, yes, Polly did well. But what does it do to the mind of a 6 year old child? Watching people die, having to kill people. You still travel with your father, you have his absolute protection. And imagine for one moment what her brother would feel if something happened to her. She won't go on another ship, not if you can help me make it clear to her that she cannot stay. That it is to dangerous to stay."
Then Woe speaks softly. "I love her too, Lera, she is a fantastic kid. But 6 years is too young. I would take her if she was maybe 12. I couldn't bear it if she died in my care."
“And what if she died because we looked away? I know her, I know how her mind works. If we abandon her again, she’s going to keep putting herself at risk to come back.”
"I understand your concern. I know she is little and she won't be reasoned with easily. Maybe she can be our spy at home. We need to find a way to keep her safe, I agree with you! But she is not safe with us. She is too young to kill if it can be avoided. How old were you when your powers emerged?"
“Woe, we are taking her with us. I’m not budging on this. And if you keep trying to send her away, I swear to Garl Glittergold that I will burn your hair off. And then, I’ll have Mr. Drippy forcefully put out said fire,” Lera backed away. “I am not negotiating. The safest place for her is here, with us. Back in the city there’s a disease that no one can cure killing children. Between here and there, an ocean filled with fish monsters and other terrors. We could have died today, but we didn’t. I don’t trust anyone else to keep her from getting hurt.”
"Work with me, Lera, I wouldn't send her into a situation that I thought was unsafe. But I will make sure she won't suffer because you cannot let her go. I will do everything to reunite her with her brother, her only family. And if that means that I have to fight you, I will." Woe is trying to control her emotions again. "Lera, I almost died yesterday. I have seen the world, I have suffered. I have fought. But it rattled me. I saw my life pass by in a flash. And I know, I know in my heart that I cannot survive with bringing Polly with us. Every time something happens, even just her witnessing events, will break my heart..... I wanted to have children, once. But it wasn't to be.... I ..... " Woe's voice breaks.
“If you really do love her and really do want to keep her safe, you’d be agreeing with me. Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. I don’t care about your sob story, and neither will Polly. She. Will. Just. Try. To. Come. Back,” Lera said softly. “If you want to be a mom, here’s your chance. Don’t throw it away and **** it up by abandoning her.”
"I am sorry you see it this way." Woe turns away and leaves with tears in her eyes. Inside her rages a battle that she has yet to control. Lose her friend and set up constant fights within the Scarlet Dawn while sending a little girl across a dangerous ocean into an unknown future or foregoing her loyalty and risking her employment with possible reprisals for Lord Eltan.
She will grab Lera's rum cup while walking past it and empty both receptacles with two large gulps.
She then sets to work on the deck wherever she is needed. When she walks past Zamar, he acknowledges her and asks how she has been... she just brushes it off, saying thanks again and keeps working.
Later that day, when the sun is about sink behind the horizon, Woe finds Zamar alone, standing and watching.
"Zamar" Woe pauses. "Sorry for being so blunt earlier. Yesterday was... intense. I, .... I haven't been so close to death for a long time. It really hit home. And then I woke to your worried face." Woe smiles. "Thank you for saving my life." Woe hugs Zamar.
He hugs her back. "I was worried. That priestess did a number on you. We've become quite find of you. Can't have you leaving us already."
"Ha, 'we'? If you're referring to Lera, she is not fond of me anymore I can tell you that much." Woe stays silent for a little bit. "I am trying to find a safe way for Polly to return. She belongs with her brother. He is family. But Lera thinks only we can keep her safe. The truth is, Polly was safe before we showed up."
Woe takes a long pause, trying to decide how much to tell Zamar...
"I was able to contact someone in Baldur's Gate. I have arranged safe travels.... "
He smiles. " All right, just me then." He pauses. "She does belong with him, but because he recruited us she now has ideas. She reminds me a bit of Lera at that age, and look how she turned out." He laughs. "I want her safely returned as well. Do you truly believe this arrangement is safe? Having seen what happened to that last ship and ours, I am suddenly less sure about seafaring."
"Of course there are risks." Woe replies. "There will always be risks. But we're about to board a flying machine!! If we hit a storm in that - we'll all be dead in a heartbeat! I wouldn't send her if I thought it was not the safest possible way. I know the captain taking her. He is trustworthy. Can you help me check him and his ship out just to be sure? And maybe help me to slowly work on Polly - at least try to weave in some family responsibilities and home sickness into your stories?"
"It is true that there is danger everywhere, but we can control what is near us. Beyond that, she is a willful child. What is to stop her from slipping away and trying to follow again. I am torn. I will try to see if I can influence her. Perhaps if Lera and I check out the boat we will feel more comfortable."
Woe can hear that Lera already tried to sway Zamar’s opinion. ”Well, I guess truth be told, we would have to stop telling Polly where we are going." Woe lets her shoulders hang. She has no idea how to handle the situation without upsetting at least one person.
"I'll take you both to meet the captain if you want. We will see what happens."
"I think that is the best we can hope for. I wish there was a solution that satisfied everyone. And I suspect this excursion is not really optional for Polly."
"Of course they want her back. As quick and as safe as possible. But I guess if I don't judge it to be safe, I might have some leverage." Woe is wondering if she really can go against Lord Eltan's wishes.
"That is fair and I trust your judgment. We all want what is best for the girl. It is just someone's hard to know what that is."
"You're a true friend. I am grateful to have you in our little group." Woe is trying very hard to keep this interaction professional. Even more so because she had felt her heart quicken when Zamar hugged her back.
"I feel...the same," He says, blushing slightly." I admire you very much." He chastises himself inwardly for sounding so awkward. He is normally much smoother and more charming.
"I'll....... see you around." Woe smiles.
Woe then takes off. She goes to see Wyre for dinner. Wanting to only thank her for taking care of the group and for being such a reasonable leader.
The longer they sit, and the more they drink, the two women start talking about the past, about their adventures, about their losses. And how both of them ended up without family, without a place they truly can call home. Woe has been trying not to think about this talk with Zamar for the last couple of hours. And somehow it worked. Somehow she is able to close her heart, that hasn't been accepting for feelings for such a long time.
But she enjoys the moment with Wyre, with this strong woman, who has 20 men to her command. Woe stays for a few hours, forging a friendship with Wyre, spiced with intimacy and made easy by the absoluteness of no strings attached. [rolled 17 in Charisma check]
The next day, Woe will work hard on deck and spend time with Shanolia in the evening to learn more about the forgery kit. It is clear that she is still a beginner and it will take quite a bit more time until she can master these skills.
The next two days of travel on the Flaming Sail go by quickly. Repairs continue throughout the day as the crew and the Flaming Fist aboard work throughout the day. Perrin's meals help to rejuvenate everyone after the chaos of the storm. At dawn of the second day, one of the sailors calls out that he spots land. As predicted by the Flame, Chult looms ahead. The distant land looks like a mass of green in the distance, but as the ship gets closer the jungles of Chult become more pronounced. So does the heat. As if buffeted by steam, the heat of the land comes in waves. It's an unfamiliar heat that drenches your body in sweat the closer the ship gets to land.
The first stop is Fort Beluarian. There, the Flaming Fist loads up all four rowboats as the Flaming Sail anchors about a mile from the shore. They take turns rowing back and forth from the ship, delivering personnel and equipment from the hold. By the time they're done, the Flaming Sail has a new host of Flaming Fist mercenaries looking to make a visit to Port Nyanzaru. It only takes a few hours before the Flaming Sail pushes deeper into the Bay of Chult and closer to the port city.
Late in the afternoon, a few hours before dusk, the Flaming Sail pulls into the docks of Port Nyanzaru. Nearly everyone is on deck as the ship approaches. The city's buildings are a colorful network of tents, tapestries, and painted masonry, an instant reminder that you are no longer in Baldur's Gate. The sounds of exotic birds and clamor of city activity overwhelms the natural sounds of the ocean and the ship that you had gotten used to. The salty air is ripe with the smells of the exotic herbs in the market closest to the docks. The Flame calls out, "Toss the lines and tie her up!" And the crew gets to work tossing the lines to the workers on the docks. As the gangplank is lowered, she stands by to give her farewell to those that are departing.
"I'll have to oversee the removal of my machine from the hold," Grasalfan says to the Scarlet Dawn. "Meet you in the Thundering Lizard tonight?" He asks. "Just ask locals for the directions, they'll point it out!" He claps his hands in excitement. "We're here! We're really, really here!"
Polly's eyes are wide, never experiencing a culture shock like this before. The colors, the people, the smells, everything is new to her, and she looks excited as she rushes in line to explore the city.
Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.
Singe turns to the rest of the group. "What's happening with Polly?"
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"It was my assumption that we were finding a way to get her home. Is this not the case?" Shanolia looks around to the rest of the group, unsure if she holds an unpopular opinion.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Singe nods, keeping his voice low so Polly does not hear, "I agree fully. And I'm worried that this will be our last real opportunity."
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett
"I never stated that I agree with that plan, it was merely my assumption that we'd already made our minds. I personally feel as though we should keep an eye on her. That storm killed many men; who's to say another won't occur on her way home? Regardless, I believe it to be safest if she remains under our care for the time being." Shanolia whispers back, muffled slightly by the cloth covering her face once more.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
Woe looks back and forward between Singe and Shanolia. She also keeps a close eye at Polly, who has run down the ramp excitedly gesturing towards Lera to come down and look at some funny animals in a cage. Then she looks back at Perrin talking to Fist Talle, both rather flushed in their faces. She looks up and sees Flame Wyre giving orders trying to organise the chaos, she is able to steal a smile, this will have to do for a goodbye.
This is when Woe realises that a new chapter has begun. For all of them. They are adventurers now. Leaving their old lives behind, expecting to be happier, richer, or 'better' people.
She answers to Singe. "I have been able to let Baldur's Gate know that Polly is with us. I was also able to organise transport . However, we could also ask Flame Wyre and Fist Talle if they could take Polly back, we know they are trustworthy. But we cannot decide now. We'll have to talk once Polly is asleep. I also will only agree to a safe option. But I do believe that eventually she needs to be back with her brother."
Shanolia cocks an eyebrow, looking at Woe.
"How did you manage..? Nevermind, we will talk later. For now, let us get acquainted with our new home, lest the children leave us behind."
She breaks away from Woe and Singe, walking briskly behind Lera and Polly.
"So this is Chult. Not exactly what I had in mind." She says, loud enough for both girls to hear her.
Dungeon Master - LSoL
Kaori - Battlemaster Fighter 5 / Paladin 2 (Kenku) - TSR
Cherna Godhari - Grave Cleric 4 (Human) - TW
Breena Mahi'ai - Divination Wizard 8 (Halfling) - WoE
Sharyn Savonath - Open Sea Paladin 4 (Triton) - PoPI
Zephyr - Four Elements (Revised) Monk 4 (Air Genasi) - IO
Takeshi - Mercy Monk 6 (Protector Aasimar) - TBW
Avrui Sirsash - Genie Warlock 2 (Wildhunt Shifter) - WotBS
When Shanolia takes off, Woe speaks in a low voice to Singe: "Please don't call Barry back. My 'information channels' are not sure to actually reach Lord Viscardy or Whistler. It would be important for them I assume to receive your letter."
Flame Wyre nods to the group as they depart, steeling the feeling that she'll never see them again. Adventurers were an odd sort, as theirs lives are often short-lived.
As the group makes their way down the dock, they're met with another line. Here, a few guards are inspecting goods brought into the city. Packs are searched and intentions are explained to an elegantly robed half-gold dragon. Right now he's talking to a pair of guests that were travelling in Lady Evelyn's cabin. Just ahead of the group you see Lady Evelyn herself with two Flaming Fist hauling a long crate.
The Harbor-master.
Site Rules & Guidelines --- Focused Feedback Mega Threads --- Staff Quotes --- Homebrew Tutorial --- Pricing FAQ
Please feel free to message either Sorce or another moderator if you have any concerns.
Perrin takes a deep breath before approaching Frank. He knows he cannot pushnit off any longer and into time for this conversation.
“Where are you off to once your done at Port? Maybe we can see each other there or maybe back at Baldurs Gate?” Perrin asks him kind of quietly.
Frank gives Perrin a smile. "Well, we are here for a night, then we leave again tomorrow. We have a few other places to go, then we will be back in Baldur's Gate in a few weeks for some off time."
“Well if you can meet me tonight. I heard my employer say we’re staying at the Thundering Lizard or something like that. I came into some coin so I’ll spring for my own room for the night. I don’t know how long it’ll be until I’m back in Baldurs Gate. Depends on how long until we find what he’s looking for but I’ll look for you by the docks when I get back. Okay?” Perrin asks kind of bashful hoping Frank says yes.
Frank blushed. "I'll come find you tonight." He glanced around quickly. "I really need to get to work offloading goods." He gave Perrin another smile, then hurried off.
Perrin will give a small nod and smile back before going back to the group. Standing between Woe and Singe. “So this is Chult. Kind of hot don’t you think.” Perrin says as he is sweating under his armor. “Let’s get to the Thundering Lizard and then we can figure out what to do once we get there. I hope theirs some time to explore the city. I promised someone back home that I’d get some spices for her.” Perrin says with a smile which quickly falters when he sees the line for customs.
Koll scans the busy docks of the port city, breathing in the humid air. The colour, and the bustle and clamour of the exotic port city thrill him, and beneath his stoic exterior he is just as excited as Polly.
Yet there is still a weight on his shoulders - literally. His adjusts his pack, heavy with contraband, on his shoulders as he walks with the others down the gangplank and down the dock. He keeps his eyes peeled, but realizes that he doesn't have a name or even a description of the person he's supposed to contact. He hopes that he'll know who it is when he sees them, or that they will find him.
When he sees that packs are being searched, he breaks out into a sweat. Koll looks over the dock workers to see who among them might be willing to look the other way for a bribe. The harbour master seems kee- eyed and runs a disciplined operation. The gold-dragonborn whispers magical messages, like Lera does, with his dock workers as they search through the cargo.
Koll exchanges a look with the others, all of them knowing that they need to come up with a plan quickly.
"Koll, what was your brother's exact words?" Singe looks sternly at Koll, "Exact words."
Tooltips | Snippet Code | How to Homebrew on D&D Beyond | Subclass Guide | Feature Roadmap
Astromancer's Homebrew Assembly
"The relevant equation is: Knowledge = power = energy = matter = mass; a good bookshop is just a genteel Black Hole that knows how to read." - Terry Pratchett