Qidira watches and imitates Brandon's fishing habits, starting with the ruined food from the cabin as bait, then cutting up a piece of cod to try to use this once the wasted food is finished. She washes her hands and passes some of the left over cheese and dried fruits over to him to eat while they continue fishing. She passes her first fish onto Orsik, "Enjoy, its a fine day to fish." She says grinning and glancing over to Brandon's own fish outnumbering her own and concentrates on fishing once more.
Hearing Brandon inquire of her past, she hesitates. She's never really told her story before, but she's grown to trust the Warlock. She shares her tale with him as they fish watching his reaction in parts and allowing a couple of tears to fall at others blaming it on the sea air. Her Backstory is in the Spoiler for anyone close enough to listen.
Qidira Pilwicken was left behind as a child in the city of Uthodurn where she begged and scraped for small jobs to survive. Being a young rock gnome in a city full of elves and dwarves terrified her, for as far as she knew, she was the only one. She'd heard of others, but had yet to find one.
Only speaking common and being neither Dwarven nor Elven, she was often pushed out of the way as a nuisance and quickly discovered that she was commonly mistaken for a rejected elf child. She decided to fall into this role. Slender and taller than a dwarf and sorely lacking the beauty of the elven folk, she developed a story about how her mother was so ashamed of her as a child that she'd been left here in the slums to live as an orphan. She'd have to hide her ears a little, they weren't quite right for an elf. As she aged she looked less and less like an elf and need to find another place to hide.
She snuck into a wise elf's home looking for food and discovered a vast library, soon losing herself in the books she found there, carefully replacing them each night before she left. One day, discovering her, he stood watching the little gnome in the dark, curled up in his armchair pouring through pages with an endless desire for more knowledge. Taking pity on the poor creature, he pretended not the notice the little thing sneak in night after night. One night, he spied her fidgeting with something on her desk, taking it apart and putting it back together over and over again until one time flicking it to produce a flame. This astonished the old elf so much that he uttered a word of surprise, catching little Qidira off guard and she dropped the lighter causing a small fire in his study.
Although the Elf repeated that the damage caused was entirely his fault, she knew that had she not been there, it would not have been done. Out of a fear of punishment, Qidira vowed to make it up to the elf, offering to sort and stack and transcribe for him. He eventually gave in, finding that he liked the little one's company, almost like a grandchild of sorts.
He started to leave little gadgets out for the gnome to stumble upon and watch what she did with them when not occupied with things he asked of her within the study.
One day he fussed at her lack of bathing and she started a routine of washing up before sneaking into his study. Later he started to bring food to the study with him upon his visits seeing how thin she was, always leaving some for her, "his eyes being bigger than his stomach". Though she suspected his true reasons.
Due to his standing within the town of Uthodurn, she could never reveal their association, but they became fond friends. One day, nearly a year later, a servant discovered her while cleaning up late in the hallway nearby and screamed for the guards. Her presence had now been discovered and to avoid suspicion and association with the elf, she needed to disappear. She took her small mechanical sparrow and the musical box that she'd created in his study with her as a memory of the old elf. Hoping to return to visit the old elf in the future when her standing is sufficient to be allowed to see him.
That evening, she snuck into a transport, rolled up in supplies and prayed to any god that would hear her, for safe passage to somewhere better. That transport stopped in Palebank Village, but the population again was sorely lacking in Gnomes. Making friends of some of the lesser valued in this new town, she finds herself spending many nights in the cold attics and under docks fighting the chill. She can't survive like this, and seeks an opportunity. She stumbles along the side of the road trying not to be noticed until coming upon a gathering, a burial? She wanders up to it.
Then as she finishes her story to Brandon, she pauses admiring Durnham's new companion above them and watches briefly as he speaks with Orsik. "You know, your cabin seems like it would be very crowded. Its just myself and Durnham in the other one, neither very large. The middle bunk is free and draped already for privacy should you wish?"
Silent like a shadow he observed as his friends made their last questions before the Remorhaz sailed. As Paleblank was lost in the horizon the goliath found his cabin and started tending to his weapons. A warrior won’t die by paying attention his equipment, but may very well die if neglect doing so.
He cleaned the blades, sharpened its edges, polished the steel. He measured the waterskin, full and ready, inspected the bedroll, the torches and the tinderbox. By the time all was done some hours had gone by and Kotar felt like taking some air. On the main deck the cold winds remembered him of home. Home will soon be closer, he though to himself while holding so many memories. But he wouldn’t return, not yet. It was far too early.
On the quarterdeck the fighter found a place where he could sit and meditate without getting in the way of anyone. He casted his eyes upon the waves, trying to read is seemingly erratic movements, trying to glimpse at every move the water could do - those that were and those that could be. Actuality and potentiality, he repeated to himself with the voice of his mind. So much that he couldn’t even tell how much time had passed.
Orsik startles at Archimedes’ sudden appearance on his shoulder: “Well that’s useful! If your friend here can keep watch for us, thank you. These waters are mainly clear of pirates, but ‘mainly’ isn’t very comforting when you run into some”
At the mention of the captain, Orsik’s face crumples: “Now that’s an interesting story, if I had the time to tell it. Truth is, I’m the captain of the Remorhaz if any paperwork needs filling in – I just don’t take to the title so well. And in my previous line of work, the quartermaster was the true decision maker on board anyway; captain was just a guy in a nice hat who would take the wheel when the fancy took him”
Orsik looks approvingly at the fish being hauled aboard and indicates for a crewman – a female half-elf with prominent freckles – to gather them up and take them to the galley.
@Kotar:
The routine of maintaining your weapons is like a second nature, muscle memory guiding hands and fingers over blades and hilts. By the time you reach for the glaive, a new addition to the routine, your mind has already settled into its mantra: “Actuality and potentiality, actuality and potentiality...”, and suddenly the glaive splits into two exact replicas before you; one lies cleaned and polished, blood glistening on the blade. The other stands neglected, uncared for, with blood soaking the shaft and handle...
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Well then, uh Quartermaster, My little friend will keep a lookout. He uhm... sees well in the dark too. I’ll uh... accept whatever you feel it’s worth when we uhm... arrive.” Embarrassed, Durnham will turn and join Brandon and Qidira in their fishing. He will point out any tricks and tips he may have picked up from his parents and even make his own attempts when one of the lines are free.
3 fishing survival
As he works with the fishing, Archimedes will fly about keeping a lookout. Under Durnham’s telepathic connection, the owl will inform him of things that he sees or hears.
Qidira flexes her hands aching from the persistent work and looks back to Orsik. "I have only a few silver and a gold piece left, but would happily pay someone 3 silver for an old pair of gloves and the gold for another set of fishing tackle should anyone have an old set they'd wish to part with and prefer the coin." Passing her Fishing Tackle to Durnham for a bit and take some time to rest her hands. She eyes the half-elf ordered to prepare the fish in the Galley and adds, "With your permission Quartermaster, I like to see how a skilled chef prepares it if she doesn't mind the company? I'll make myself useful if she wishes."
Should nothing else occur for the day, and with no objections. She watches the Cook prepare the fish from start to finish to see how its supposed to be done. Her limited skill includes a stick and a fire presently. Following this, she will return to fishing then work on each of her devices giving them each the daily hour attention they require to function.
As Durnham's familiar flies around suddenly a great-horned owl appears in the sky and begins to fly around. It matches Archimedes dives and twists until it breaks away and settles on Ressys's shoulder.
"My friend will only stay a short time. Not quite the same as Archimedes. Her name is Ayla but she doesn't always take this form. She'll stay a short time and then go back to the feywilds. But she makes for a good companion for one who lives alone."
"Let me ask you a question Orsik. How do you suppose you and your crew would react if suddenly a dire wolf or bear or even a giant spider was suddenly on deck defending your ship from pirates? I have no desire to be thrown from the deck if this would be to disconcerting for your crew."
Durnham looks up at the flying owl as he receives notice from Archimedes. He turns to smile at Ressys. “Is yours a real owl? Mine isn’t... it looks and acts like one but that’s just the form I chose for it. It’s really a lesser devil that looks like an owl.”
Brandon listens to Qidira’s tale in silence, letting her finish without interruption. “I had no idea. I knew Uthodurn could be tough on outsiders, but to live among them like that. The elf sounds like a good friend. I am sorry that you had to leave and hope that you can see him again soon. But good fortune has brought us together, and our team is the stronger for all that we each bring to it.” He smiles again “As my old Sergeants in Bladegarden used to say ‘We all cannot do everything’.
He politely turns down her offer to change rooms“Thank you, but the quarters will be fine. I have slept in worse accommodations, and with a bigger crowd” As Qidira makes her way below decks to help clean and prepare the fish, Brandon stows his own fishing gear. Briefly distracted by a pair of owls flying through the ships’s rigging, he heads off in search of Kotar. Perhaps he and the Goliath can continue some of the weapons training and sparring they had started on the journey to Palebank. Brandon had to stay in form.
Qidira smiles at Brandon on the way towards the Galley. "He was brilliant and taught me much. I hope to repay the favor some time in my future. He's likely the reason I still live. Thank you for your ear. It felt good to tell it to someone."
"Real? No Durnham, not a real owl. She is fey. I can summon her from the feywild and she takes a form of my choosing. Sometimes an owl, or a hawk. Maybe some other tiny beast. As our relationship grows stronger she will be able to stay longer, perhaps I'll be able to call her to me more often. I can communicate with her after a fashion and even sense what she senses as long as she has taken a form on this plane of existence."
He looks at Durnham with a quizzical look at the mention of a lesser devil.
"Why such a creature? Was that the ritual that you performed, the summoning of a fiend? Is it your servant then and under your control? "
“Yes, it’s completely under my control. There’s no need to worry.” He smiles reassuringly at Ressys before continuing. “As to why... well at the university there were different methods of summoning. Different planes can be reached and summoning from each is slightly different... even if the end result is the same. Some could summon celestial beings, others from the feywild like yourself. For me... it was a challenge and an act of defiance to bind and summon a devil. No knowledge should be forbidden, and indeed summoning from Baalor is dangerous if not done correctly, but with the proper study and practice, it is as safe as any other summoning.”
He shrugs and continues “At least a demon is honest. It will try to betray, it will it try trick you into an agreement that isn’t safe for you, it will even try to escape... but if you summon it correctly and find one that will accept the right terms, once the contract is agreed to... it is perfectly safe and can be a mutually beneficial arrangement. They are more easily understood than beings from other planes. For example, Archimedes here wants to escape the nine hells. I allow him to on a very limited basis. Under my control, as I see fit, when I see fit, and only for as long as I wish. If he displeases me or disobeys me I can send him back in a snap, so it’s in his interest to do as I wish and in fact he is contractually bound to by the ritual he agreed to. So he gets to leave the nine hells for a time. He has to do what I say and he may not always like it, but he will do it... because he’s bound, and he will be returned if he breaks that binding contract.”
“Fey are too tricky and troublesome for my taste, always trying to play pranks and make people look foolish. Celestials... I just don’t understand their goals. Not that they aren’t good... but good can be harsh, cold, and unyielding. Demons are too chaotic for me so that left devils. Not that I will always summon devils, this is just a very minor one so the risk is very very low even if I did mess up the ritual.”
"No it does not make me uncomfortable. They are as much a part of the balance of all things as death is to life. I am just seeking to understand. It seems we are doing similar things and yet they are different. You needed an entire ritual and yet you bound this creature to you through that ritual. Whereas Ayla is more of a companion and I can summon her for a short period at will but only a couple of times per day. Our relationship is certainly different, but then again, she is fey and yours is a fiend. I do find it interesting that you would prefer a creature that you know, if given the opportunity and seeks for such opportunity, will betray you or trick you into a bad deal or just try and escape. And you prefer such a creature over one that plays pranks and occasionally makes people look foolish. To each their own I suppose. I prefer my natural relationship with Ayla over one that comes through binding and contracts."
Ressys considers for a moment as Ayla rustles her feathers and then launches back into the air.
"Be careful of your search for all knowledge, If you are not careful you will become unbalanced. And all things when out of balance eventually tip over and fall."
“I’m glad that you aren’t uncomfortable with my abilities. I admire your ability to develop those natural relationships... that’s something I’ve never been good at. I’ve had to work and struggle for most things in my life, including friendships.” He looks down as he speaks, admitting his faults and weaknesses is never easy.
”It isn’t that I prefer creatures like Devils. I just understand their nature. I’ve been taught what to expect with them, the traps and pitfalls to avoid. Once the bargain is made, and the ritual is completed, they are safe and controlled. I can trust in my own intelligence, abilities, and training to summon and bind a creature like that, more than my ability to befriend a creature from a plane of existence I don’t fully comprehend.” He looks up at Resyss again.
”But thank you for the warning. I am beginning to understand some of what you say.” He grimaces as dread and foreboding pieces of the dream swirl about his mind. “I do thirst for knowledge and understanding... and I’m beginning to touch the edges of something in my dreams that is... helping me gain knowledge... but there is danger there. I will need to be careful and limit my search or control my... recklessness.”
Orsik considers Ressys' quesiton: "Well now, normally I'd say the appearance of a creature such as that would provoke their survival instinct and they'd smack it first, ask questions later. But if you can tell me what they can expect to be friendly, I'll get the word around. They've seen magic before, Winterwalker - and they've seen it in combat"
The day draws on, cold air continuing to bite at exposed ears and noses. A good haul of fish has been delivered to the galley, lifting the spirits of the crew. As meal times arrive you find that the ship's cook is skilled with the resources available, serving up stews and fish steaks that match most you have tasted on land.
The crew are relaxed and friendly during mealtimes, in contrast to their focused determination while working. The galley fills with shouts, cheers and laughter as the sailors regale each other with stories told a thousand times before, doubtless exaggerated more with each retelling.
Not long after your evening meal, the ship moves to its nighttime routine. A minimal crew keeps the Remorhaz on course while all others - including passengers - are confined to quarters. You make your way to your respective cabins and settle in for the night.
"I can assure you that I am friendly to you and your crew and any form I may take will only fight to defend this ship and it's crew. There would be no danger to your ship and crew. I only take a new form but it is still me."
If Orsik accepts this Ressys nods to him and then moves to the forecastle and watches the sea. Ayla settles on his shoulder again and together they watch in silence until she fades away an hour after she first first appears.
During mealtimes he watches the camaraderie of the crew appreciating the balance between how hard they work and how they act when they are not working. A good crew and a good ship, worth defending if needed.
That night he settles into his bunk at peace and content. He spends some time considering the blips of uneasiness he has now felt twice. It's as if a small wobble is in play and for just a moment things go out of balance. He would need to wait for the next time to see if anything connects it to the others. He was certain there would be a next time.
Qidira retires to her bunk as the ship starts settling into the night-time routine and with a full belly, pleased the ship has such a fine cook.
Feeling safe and comfortable in her top bunk. She lights her area to concentrate on what she's learned and practice her new magical skill refreshing for the morning to come. She softens the glow to a gentle blue that reminds her of starlight and drifts off to sleep.
A sense of accomplishment had taken hold over him from the moment he cleaned the glaive. For more than a brief moment he could see the weapon as two - what it was and what it could be. In Paleblank his mind showed the ability to see different futures spontaneously but then, tending to the blade, he had achieved a point in which he could consciously trigger such visions. It was a single but monumental advancement. Now he just needed to increase the speed of the process to be able to enact it freely, as he could breathe or hear. When you feel the echo naturally you become able to feel through it, or so Lo-Kang used to say. I am one step closer, he said to himself before returning to his mental training.
It was the warning voice of a crewmate warning that it was time for food that brought hi back to reality. By then Kotar couldn’t say how much time had passed. Not even if his life depended on it. He ate his fill of fish stew and steaks. I never got to try the the Jolly Dwarf’s, he noticed looking at his plate. As he finished, the goliath made his way to his cabin and to sleep.
After his conversation with Ressys, Durnham retreats into his own thoughts. He instructs Archimedes to keep a look out, continue flying about the ship and to come into range from time to time to pass any information to Durnham via their telepathic link.
He heads down to the galley to collect his food but retreats to a corner to eat in silence as he thinks about his dreams, his parents, their mission, and how much he doesn’t know about where they’re going. Despite the warnings and danger from his dreams... he knows that it’s a way to gain new insight and knowledge. He just needs to learn how to focus and control his dreams better.
Once he finishes his food he will go to his bunk and study his spell book, researching spells and studying information about dreams and divination. Archimedes continues to fly by the porthole window and give him updates on what he sees around the ship.
Brandon spends most of the remainder of the day on deck, getting used to the roll and sway of the boat and watching the horizon. This is his first time aboard a ship, and he busies himself watching the crew, helping out where he can but spending most of the time trying to stay out of the way. He reluctantly heads below decks to the quarters he shares with Kotar and Ressys, wishes them a good evening and prepares for bed.
He climbs into the top bunk and stares at the ceiling, just inches in front of his face, and his mind goes back to his dreams from last night. So many nights without dreams, and then she comes back. Am I on the right path, what does it mean?
He listens to the lapping waves hitting the ship, waiting for sleep that he desperately needs to take hold of him and the dreams that he fears will come with it.
As activity picks up in the morning, Qidira rises realizing again that she feels safe aboard the ship with her new friends. She illuminates the room lightly to warn of her descent then glances at the porthole, jumping as the unexpected Archimedes hovers near. Worried that the owl must be near frozen, she opens the port-hole quickly offering to let the creature into the room for some warmth before noting that it doesn't seem at all bothered by the cold. Happy to have hung privacy blankets to resist some of the inevitable cold air she is assaulting the Dwarf with, she holds up a piece of pocketed fish to encourage the owl into the room quickly. Closing the porthole shortly thereafter once its made its decision to come in or stay out.
She cancels the light as she peeks out onto the ship to see that its ok to return to the galley for morning meal, eager to eat and resume fishing feeling rewarded by results the previous day. Having dressed less bulkily while still on her bunk, she moves freely more herself and less flightless artic fowl. Gazing out to sea eager to see shoreline but knowing this is still far off, she takes in the open water and fresh morning air watching crew move about the ship, looking to see all is routine and nothing seems off from what she witnessed the day before.
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Qidira watches and imitates Brandon's fishing habits, starting with the ruined food from the cabin as bait, then cutting up a piece of cod to try to use this once the wasted food is finished. She washes her hands and passes some of the left over cheese and dried fruits over to him to eat while they continue fishing. She passes her first fish onto Orsik, "Enjoy, its a fine day to fish." She says grinning and glancing over to Brandon's own fish outnumbering her own and concentrates on fishing once more.
Hearing Brandon inquire of her past, she hesitates. She's never really told her story before, but she's grown to trust the Warlock. She shares her tale with him as they fish watching his reaction in parts and allowing a couple of tears to fall at others blaming it on the sea air. Her Backstory is in the Spoiler for anyone close enough to listen.
Qidira Pilwicken was left behind as a child in the city of Uthodurn where she begged and scraped for small jobs to survive. Being a young rock gnome in a city full of elves and dwarves terrified her, for as far as she knew, she was the only one. She'd heard of others, but had yet to find one.
Only speaking common and being neither Dwarven nor Elven, she was often pushed out of the way as a nuisance and quickly discovered that she was commonly mistaken for a rejected elf child. She decided to fall into this role. Slender and taller than a dwarf and sorely lacking the beauty of the elven folk, she developed a story about how her mother was so ashamed of her as a child that she'd been left here in the slums to live as an orphan. She'd have to hide her ears a little, they weren't quite right for an elf. As she aged she looked less and less like an elf and need to find another place to hide.
She snuck into a wise elf's home looking for food and discovered a vast library, soon losing herself in the books she found there, carefully replacing them each night before she left. One day, discovering her, he stood watching the little gnome in the dark, curled up in his armchair pouring through pages with an endless desire for more knowledge. Taking pity on the poor creature, he pretended not the notice the little thing sneak in night after night. One night, he spied her fidgeting with something on her desk, taking it apart and putting it back together over and over again until one time flicking it to produce a flame. This astonished the old elf so much that he uttered a word of surprise, catching little Qidira off guard and she dropped the lighter causing a small fire in his study.
Although the Elf repeated that the damage caused was entirely his fault, she knew that had she not been there, it would not have been done. Out of a fear of punishment, Qidira vowed to make it up to the elf, offering to sort and stack and transcribe for him. He eventually gave in, finding that he liked the little one's company, almost like a grandchild of sorts.
He started to leave little gadgets out for the gnome to stumble upon and watch what she did with them when not occupied with things he asked of her within the study.
One day he fussed at her lack of bathing and she started a routine of washing up before sneaking into his study. Later he started to bring food to the study with him upon his visits seeing how thin she was, always leaving some for her, "his eyes being bigger than his stomach". Though she suspected his true reasons.
Due to his standing within the town of Uthodurn, she could never reveal their association, but they became fond friends. One day, nearly a year later, a servant discovered her while cleaning up late in the hallway nearby and screamed for the guards. Her presence had now been discovered and to avoid suspicion and association with the elf, she needed to disappear. She took her small mechanical sparrow and the musical box that she'd created in his study with her as a memory of the old elf. Hoping to return to visit the old elf in the future when her standing is sufficient to be allowed to see him.
That evening, she snuck into a transport, rolled up in supplies and prayed to any god that would hear her, for safe passage to somewhere better. That transport stopped in Palebank Village, but the population again was sorely lacking in Gnomes. Making friends of some of the lesser valued in this new town, she finds herself spending many nights in the cold attics and under docks fighting the chill. She can't survive like this, and seeks an opportunity. She stumbles along the side of the road trying not to be noticed until coming upon a gathering, a burial? She wanders up to it.
Then as she finishes her story to Brandon, she pauses admiring Durnham's new companion above them and watches briefly as he speaks with Orsik. "You know, your cabin seems like it would be very crowded. Its just myself and Durnham in the other one, neither very large. The middle bunk is free and draped already for privacy should you wish?"
Silent like a shadow he observed as his friends made their last questions before the Remorhaz sailed. As Paleblank was lost in the horizon the goliath found his cabin and started tending to his weapons. A warrior won’t die by paying attention his equipment, but may very well die if neglect doing so.
He cleaned the blades, sharpened its edges, polished the steel. He measured the waterskin, full and ready, inspected the bedroll, the torches and the tinderbox. By the time all was done some hours had gone by and Kotar felt like taking some air. On the main deck the cold winds remembered him of home. Home will soon be closer, he though to himself while holding so many memories. But he wouldn’t return, not yet. It was far too early.
On the quarterdeck the fighter found a place where he could sit and meditate without getting in the way of anyone. He casted his eyes upon the waves, trying to read is seemingly erratic movements, trying to glimpse at every move the water could do - those that were and those that could be. Actuality and potentiality, he repeated to himself with the voice of his mind. So much that he couldn’t even tell how much time had passed.
Orsik startles at Archimedes’ sudden appearance on his shoulder: “Well that’s useful! If your friend here can keep watch for us, thank you. These waters are mainly clear of pirates, but ‘mainly’ isn’t very comforting when you run into some”
At the mention of the captain, Orsik’s face crumples: “Now that’s an interesting story, if I had the time to tell it. Truth is, I’m the captain of the Remorhaz if any paperwork needs filling in – I just don’t take to the title so well. And in my previous line of work, the quartermaster was the true decision maker on board anyway; captain was just a guy in a nice hat who would take the wheel when the fancy took him”
Orsik looks approvingly at the fish being hauled aboard and indicates for a crewman – a female half-elf with prominent freckles – to gather them up and take them to the galley.
@Kotar:
The routine of maintaining your weapons is like a second nature, muscle memory guiding hands and fingers over blades and hilts. By the time you reach for the glaive, a new addition to the routine, your mind has already settled into its mantra: “Actuality and potentiality, actuality and potentiality...”, and suddenly the glaive splits into two exact replicas before you; one lies cleaned and polished, blood glistening on the blade. The other stands neglected, uncared for, with blood soaking the shaft and handle...
“Well then, uh Quartermaster, My little friend will keep a lookout. He uhm... sees well in the dark too. I’ll uh... accept whatever you feel it’s worth when we uhm... arrive.” Embarrassed, Durnham will turn and join Brandon and Qidira in their fishing. He will point out any tricks and tips he may have picked up from his parents and even make his own attempts when one of the lines are free.
3 fishing survival
As he works with the fishing, Archimedes will fly about keeping a lookout. Under Durnham’s telepathic connection, the owl will inform him of things that he sees or hears.
Noob
Qidira flexes her hands aching from the persistent work and looks back to Orsik. "I have only a few silver and a gold piece left, but would happily pay someone 3 silver for an old pair of gloves and the gold for another set of fishing tackle should anyone have an old set they'd wish to part with and prefer the coin." Passing her Fishing Tackle to Durnham for a bit and take some time to rest her hands. She eyes the half-elf ordered to prepare the fish in the Galley and adds, "With your permission Quartermaster, I like to see how a skilled chef prepares it if she doesn't mind the company? I'll make myself useful if she wishes."
Should nothing else occur for the day, and with no objections. She watches the Cook prepare the fish from start to finish to see how its supposed to be done. Her limited skill includes a stick and a fire presently. Following this, she will return to fishing then work on each of her devices giving them each the daily hour attention they require to function.
As Durnham's familiar flies around suddenly a great-horned owl appears in the sky and begins to fly around. It matches Archimedes dives and twists until it breaks away and settles on Ressys's shoulder.
"My friend will only stay a short time. Not quite the same as Archimedes. Her name is Ayla but she doesn't always take this form. She'll stay a short time and then go back to the feywilds. But she makes for a good companion for one who lives alone."
"Let me ask you a question Orsik. How do you suppose you and your crew would react if suddenly a dire wolf or bear or even a giant spider was suddenly on deck defending your ship from pirates? I have no desire to be thrown from the deck if this would be to disconcerting for your crew."
Durnham looks up at the flying owl as he receives notice from Archimedes. He turns to smile at Ressys. “Is yours a real owl? Mine isn’t... it looks and acts like one but that’s just the form I chose for it. It’s really a lesser devil that looks like an owl.”
Noob
Brandon listens to Qidira’s tale in silence, letting her finish without interruption. “I had no idea. I knew Uthodurn could be tough on outsiders, but to live among them like that. The elf sounds like a good friend. I am sorry that you had to leave and hope that you can see him again soon. But good fortune has brought us together, and our team is the stronger for all that we each bring to it.” He smiles again “As my old Sergeants in Bladegarden used to say ‘We all cannot do everything’.
He politely turns down her offer to change rooms “Thank you, but the quarters will be fine. I have slept in worse accommodations, and with a bigger crowd” As Qidira makes her way below decks to help clean and prepare the fish, Brandon stows his own fishing gear. Briefly distracted by a pair of owls flying through the ships’s rigging, he heads off in search of Kotar. Perhaps he and the Goliath can continue some of the weapons training and sparring they had started on the journey to Palebank. Brandon had to stay in form.
Qidira smiles at Brandon on the way towards the Galley. "He was brilliant and taught me much. I hope to repay the favor some time in my future. He's likely the reason I still live. Thank you for your ear. It felt good to tell it to someone."
"Real? No Durnham, not a real owl. She is fey. I can summon her from the feywild and she takes a form of my choosing. Sometimes an owl, or a hawk. Maybe some other tiny beast. As our relationship grows stronger she will be able to stay longer, perhaps I'll be able to call her to me more often. I can communicate with her after a fashion and even sense what she senses as long as she has taken a form on this plane of existence."
He looks at Durnham with a quizzical look at the mention of a lesser devil.
"Why such a creature? Was that the ritual that you performed, the summoning of a fiend? Is it your servant then and under your control? "
“Yes, it’s completely under my control. There’s no need to worry.” He smiles reassuringly at Ressys before continuing. “As to why... well at the university there were different methods of summoning. Different planes can be reached and summoning from each is slightly different... even if the end result is the same. Some could summon celestial beings, others from the feywild like yourself. For me... it was a challenge and an act of defiance to bind and summon a devil. No knowledge should be forbidden, and indeed summoning from Baalor is dangerous if not done correctly, but with the proper study and practice, it is as safe as any other summoning.”
He shrugs and continues “At least a demon is honest. It will try to betray, it will it try trick you into an agreement that isn’t safe for you, it will even try to escape... but if you summon it correctly and find one that will accept the right terms, once the contract is agreed to... it is perfectly safe and can be a mutually beneficial arrangement. They are more easily understood than beings from other planes. For example, Archimedes here wants to escape the nine hells. I allow him to on a very limited basis. Under my control, as I see fit, when I see fit, and only for as long as I wish. If he displeases me or disobeys me I can send him back in a snap, so it’s in his interest to do as I wish and in fact he is contractually bound to by the ritual he agreed to. So he gets to leave the nine hells for a time. He has to do what I say and he may not always like it, but he will do it... because he’s bound, and he will be returned if he breaks that binding contract.”
“Fey are too tricky and troublesome for my taste, always trying to play pranks and make people look foolish. Celestials... I just don’t understand their goals. Not that they aren’t good... but good can be harsh, cold, and unyielding. Demons are too chaotic for me so that left devils. Not that I will always summon devils, this is just a very minor one so the risk is very very low even if I did mess up the ritual.”
”Does it make you uncomfortable Winterwalker?”
Noob
"No it does not make me uncomfortable. They are as much a part of the balance of all things as death is to life. I am just seeking to understand. It seems we are doing similar things and yet they are different. You needed an entire ritual and yet you bound this creature to you through that ritual. Whereas Ayla is more of a companion and I can summon her for a short period at will but only a couple of times per day. Our relationship is certainly different, but then again, she is fey and yours is a fiend. I do find it interesting that you would prefer a creature that you know, if given the opportunity and seeks for such opportunity, will betray you or trick you into a bad deal or just try and escape. And you prefer such a creature over one that plays pranks and occasionally makes people look foolish. To each their own I suppose. I prefer my natural relationship with Ayla over one that comes through binding and contracts."
Ressys considers for a moment as Ayla rustles her feathers and then launches back into the air.
"Be careful of your search for all knowledge, If you are not careful you will become unbalanced. And all things when out of balance eventually tip over and fall."
“I’m glad that you aren’t uncomfortable with my abilities. I admire your ability to develop those natural relationships... that’s something I’ve never been good at. I’ve had to work and struggle for most things in my life, including friendships.” He looks down as he speaks, admitting his faults and weaknesses is never easy.
”It isn’t that I prefer creatures like Devils. I just understand their nature. I’ve been taught what to expect with them, the traps and pitfalls to avoid. Once the bargain is made, and the ritual is completed, they are safe and controlled. I can trust in my own intelligence, abilities, and training to summon and bind a creature like that, more than my ability to befriend a creature from a plane of existence I don’t fully comprehend.” He looks up at Resyss again.
”But thank you for the warning. I am beginning to understand some of what you say.” He grimaces as dread and foreboding pieces of the dream swirl about his mind. “I do thirst for knowledge and understanding... and I’m beginning to touch the edges of something in my dreams that is... helping me gain knowledge... but there is danger there. I will need to be careful and limit my search or control my... recklessness.”
Noob
Orsik considers Ressys' quesiton: "Well now, normally I'd say the appearance of a creature such as that would provoke their survival instinct and they'd smack it first, ask questions later. But if you can tell me what they can expect to be friendly, I'll get the word around. They've seen magic before, Winterwalker - and they've seen it in combat"
The day draws on, cold air continuing to bite at exposed ears and noses. A good haul of fish has been delivered to the galley, lifting the spirits of the crew. As meal times arrive you find that the ship's cook is skilled with the resources available, serving up stews and fish steaks that match most you have tasted on land.
The crew are relaxed and friendly during mealtimes, in contrast to their focused determination while working. The galley fills with shouts, cheers and laughter as the sailors regale each other with stories told a thousand times before, doubtless exaggerated more with each retelling.
Not long after your evening meal, the ship moves to its nighttime routine. A minimal crew keeps the Remorhaz on course while all others - including passengers - are confined to quarters. You make your way to your respective cabins and settle in for the night.
"I can assure you that I am friendly to you and your crew and any form I may take will only fight to defend this ship and it's crew. There would be no danger to your ship and crew. I only take a new form but it is still me."
If Orsik accepts this Ressys nods to him and then moves to the forecastle and watches the sea. Ayla settles on his shoulder again and together they watch in silence until she fades away an hour after she first first appears.
During mealtimes he watches the camaraderie of the crew appreciating the balance between how hard they work and how they act when they are not working. A good crew and a good ship, worth defending if needed.
That night he settles into his bunk at peace and content. He spends some time considering the blips of uneasiness he has now felt twice. It's as if a small wobble is in play and for just a moment things go out of balance. He would need to wait for the next time to see if anything connects it to the others. He was certain there would be a next time.
Qidira retires to her bunk as the ship starts settling into the night-time routine and with a full belly, pleased the ship has such a fine cook.
Feeling safe and comfortable in her top bunk. She lights her area to concentrate on what she's learned and practice her new magical skill refreshing for the morning to come. She softens the glow to a gentle blue that reminds her of starlight and drifts off to sleep.
Making a couple of spell changes for morning.
A sense of accomplishment had taken hold over him from the moment he cleaned the glaive. For more than a brief moment he could see the weapon as two - what it was and what it could be. In Paleblank his mind showed the ability to see different futures spontaneously but then, tending to the blade, he had achieved a point in which he could consciously trigger such visions. It was a single but monumental advancement. Now he just needed to increase the speed of the process to be able to enact it freely, as he could breathe or hear. When you feel the echo naturally you become able to feel through it, or so Lo-Kang used to say. I am one step closer, he said to himself before returning to his mental training.
It was the warning voice of a crewmate warning that it was time for food that brought hi back to reality. By then Kotar couldn’t say how much time had passed. Not even if his life depended on it. He ate his fill of fish stew and steaks. I never got to try the the Jolly Dwarf’s, he noticed looking at his plate. As he finished, the goliath made his way to his cabin and to sleep.
After his conversation with Ressys, Durnham retreats into his own thoughts. He instructs Archimedes to keep a look out, continue flying about the ship and to come into range from time to time to pass any information to Durnham via their telepathic link.
He heads down to the galley to collect his food but retreats to a corner to eat in silence as he thinks about his dreams, his parents, their mission, and how much he doesn’t know about where they’re going. Despite the warnings and danger from his dreams... he knows that it’s a way to gain new insight and knowledge. He just needs to learn how to focus and control his dreams better.
Once he finishes his food he will go to his bunk and study his spell book, researching spells and studying information about dreams and divination. Archimedes continues to fly by the porthole window and give him updates on what he sees around the ship.
Noob
Brandon spends most of the remainder of the day on deck, getting used to the roll and sway of the boat and watching the horizon. This is his first time aboard a ship, and he busies himself watching the crew, helping out where he can but spending most of the time trying to stay out of the way. He reluctantly heads below decks to the quarters he shares with Kotar and Ressys, wishes them a good evening and prepares for bed.
He climbs into the top bunk and stares at the ceiling, just inches in front of his face, and his mind goes back to his dreams from last night. So many nights without dreams, and then she comes back. Am I on the right path, what does it mean?
He listens to the lapping waves hitting the ship, waiting for sleep that he desperately needs to take hold of him and the dreams that he fears will come with it.
As activity picks up in the morning, Qidira rises realizing again that she feels safe aboard the ship with her new friends. She illuminates the room lightly to warn of her descent then glances at the porthole, jumping as the unexpected Archimedes hovers near. Worried that the owl must be near frozen, she opens the port-hole quickly offering to let the creature into the room for some warmth before noting that it doesn't seem at all bothered by the cold. Happy to have hung privacy blankets to resist some of the inevitable cold air she is assaulting the Dwarf with, she holds up a piece of pocketed fish to encourage the owl into the room quickly. Closing the porthole shortly thereafter once its made its decision to come in or stay out.
She cancels the light as she peeks out onto the ship to see that its ok to return to the galley for morning meal, eager to eat and resume fishing feeling rewarded by results the previous day. Having dressed less bulkily while still on her bunk, she moves freely more herself and less flightless artic fowl. Gazing out to sea eager to see shoreline but knowing this is still far off, she takes in the open water and fresh morning air watching crew move about the ship, looking to see all is routine and nothing seems off from what she witnessed the day before.