Dues for the Dead (DM Lerus)

Doozey nodded grimly in agreement. "In hindsight, it might be a bit much for a ship of this size, truth be told. Last one we tried to use to reach the island was but a fair sized raft, to be fair. But even so, the creature we faced guarding the isle just a little ways from the coast could probably succeed in capsizing one of this size all the same." He admits as he looked to the rest of the ship

"Not that we aren't -- wouldn't be prepared to deal with it, of course. But still, a fair bit of a risk." He turns and looks to Hulbard. "But you know this ship far better than we do. Just wanted to clear the air a bit on the sorta danger we might face once we're close to our destination."

Graxx will walk out of earshot and then turn to Neya.

“I think that went well.  I was a bit afraid he would find something wrong with what we did but it worked out.”

Graxx has a look of concern on his face.

”I’m troubled Neya.  Utar had concerns about working with Pirates and now after seeing them turn on their own so quickly I’m second guessing my desire to speak with them.”

”Then again…  Klaven was a bit of a problem and I could see how they would want to get rid of him.”

”Please tell me what you think as we walk.”

Graxx will continue walking in the direction they last saw Hermenor and the crew.

ON THE ALCES

Hulbard listens to Utar and Doozey, taking in all the cautions mentioned. He excuses himself for a moment and meets the brown-haired woman at the other end of the ship. She seemed to have been waiting for such a talk after passing by and smacking Hulbard's head. After a few minutes, he returns: "There is plenty of risk involved, both to my crew and to my ship. I thank you for being honest and upfront about it. I will repay you in the same coin. I value my crew and ship highly, but we are not in any condition to refuse a potentially lucrative contract, especially one that can be completed in a matter of a few days. If you are willing to pay in accordance to the risk you'll be putting us in, we may yet reach an agreement. Please tell me what you are willing to offer and how many people I am supposed to be transporting."

(OOC: CRAP seems to be more hesitant than Hulbard in making this deal happen. Nonetheless, if still trying to successfully negotiate something, please add a CHA-based skill check to your next spoken sentences to Captain Hulbard.)

FINDING HERMENOR

Graxx expresses some second thoughts about approaching Hermenor and asks Neya for some advice. While walking back toward the spot where the fist fight took place, Taters swoops in to get the duo's attention. The winged bunny seems to be motioning in a certain direction.

(OOC: If you'd like to, please roll an animal handling check to see if you can derive further information from Taters' attempt at communicating.)

Neya tries to glean what Doozey's companion is trying to convey.

Animal Handling: 11

Having never negotiated with a sea captain before Utar is momentarily struck that he has no real idea what a reasonable offer might look like. Starting with the easier of the two questions, he counts out the group on his fingers.

"Myself, Doozey, our two companions Graxx and Neya... Dornal Whitebeard, Rag, Thokk Elgelhart... plus another brings us to eight total passengers.  As for compensation, I assume some kind of up front deposit will be necessary if you're to make the Alces ready to sail, take on supplies and ammunition, maybe find someone to help you guard the boat while we're ashore?  I assume a day rate of pay per crew member per day for say, half a tenday.  A little more for her captain per day for half a tenday.  Plus some likely danger monies given everything we just discussed... Is there anything else we should be accounting for, or would you like to hear an opening offer?"

"Actually on that note, Mr. Utar. There is a couple things, as well as a suggestion I might add." Doozey pipes up once more, having spent the past few moments during the rebuttal and exchange between the orcish pair to rub his chin in thought. "Mr. Hulbard here can correct me of course if I'm off on my estimation. But, I wager it can hold no more than three or four more passengers. And that's depending on how the cargo hold is used." He explained, glancing over to Hulbard for a confirming nod or word only briefly prior to carry on.

"Now granted we'll need to talk it over with our, uh, assoc-er.. friends! Our friends. Yet, I'm thinking if they are successful getting that other ship, and don't mind the added expense, we can use both and split our group up a bit. Perhaps even mitigate the dangers to this vessel in particular, if the other proves big enough to be.. well, a bit of distraction, if you catch my drift." He then turns to Hulbard. "Though even then, that doesn't mean the trip won't be dangerous. So, you and your crew would be of course compensated for that all the same."

"What's wrong Taters?!" Graxx asks quickly upon seeing the winged bunny.

"Neya, Doozey and Utar might be in trouble.  Let's go.  Hermenor can wait." says Graxx.

Graxx will begin not run but quickly walk in the direction Taters is motioning.

FINDING HERMENOR

@Neya: Your best guess is that the winged creatures wants you to follow him. For what purpose, well, that message is hidden in the nuances of the creature's gestures, which only Doozey could possibly decipher.

Graxx notices how agitated Taters is and, picking up on Neya's conclusion, begins to follow the creature assuming the worst. To his surprise, Taters instead leads the two humans towards a ship. This ship is 100ft long and has three masts. (For comparison, the Alces is 60ft long and has a single mast.) It has a proper forecastle and aftercastle, a large hull, a deck full of sailors and riggings, and the oversized wooden carving of a snapping turtle's head as its figurehead. The sails have been patched several times.

On the deck, the duo spots several sailors engaged in a loud internal argument. Some pushing and yelling is taking place, as is some finger-pointing and name-calling. At some point, a sailor is pushed into the water, then a second and a third. Hermenor appears among the sailors, visibly leading the winning faction, before drop-kicking a fourth sailor off the ship. The others, still numerous in quantity, cheer with their victory.

Taters points at the commotion, indicating that this is what he wanted you to see. Hermenor notices your speedy approach and, with a smile on his face, waves you closer.

ON THE ALCES

Hulbard nods along as Utar enumerates the passengers and the types of fees that likely need covering. "This must not be the first ship you have hired for a dangerous job. I have no other fee to add to those you have mentioned. Most wouldn't be willing to pay for all of that." He shifts his gaze toward Doozey, now less suspicious of the halfling: "You have the right of it, but only if you are looking for a comfortable ride over multiple days. If I am to simply transport warriors down the coast and back, I would wager they could stand or sit on the deck for a few hours and still count that as being a more leisurely trip than most they'd face while a battle awaits at the destination." He looks at Utar, perhaps instinctively sensing something about the cleric's past: "A soldier would know what I mean."

Doozey then mentions the possibility of hiring a second ship and you can see a change in Hulbard's demeanor. He suddenly seems a bit discouraged about the negotiations, as if well acquainted with the feeling of being passed over in favor of a bigger ship: "Well, if you have that sort of coin to throw around, then you can surely hire a larger ship to fit all your needs in a single package. Even if we were to sail alongside your other ship, I'm afraid that the smaller and slower ship in the Alces would serve as the sacrifice... or decoy... in that situation, and I am not sure I am okay with that. Perhaps I am not the captain for the job after all." He begins to stand up: "But if you still want transportation at a more manageable fee, let me know. I am willing to agree on a price few others here would accept." 

Utar scratches a hand through the stubble beard on his chin and jaw.

"Hmmmm. I doubt I would be comfortable with serving this boat and her crew up as fodder either.  While I have no doubts about you holding your own in defence of your vessel Captain Hulbard, I would not want to see your family put in harms way."

He sighs and stands, extending his hand to the Orc.

"I think we might have to part ways without reaching an agreement on this, but it has been a useful exercise nonetheless.  I wonder if you would allow me a few questions about your fellow captains here at port?  I have heard things about both and am curious for a more experienced take on them and their crews.  Two have come up in conversation with Markoth:  Captain Klaven and Captain Walharrow."

Graxx is relieved at seeing Utar and Doozey are not in trouble.  He looks to Taters.

"Thank you." Graxx says to the winged ally.

Graxx is very impressed by the size of the ship and turns to Neya.

"Let's see what the elf has to offer." says Graxx.

Graxx will make his way to Hermenor.

"Friends of Klaven?" Graxx asks while motioning to those kicked off the ship.

Graxx ponders how much he knows about the ship.  Survival:  7

Neya takes a quick glance, trying to recall anything about what kind of ship it is.

History: 2

Doozey's eyes went wide at the accusation. Yet just as it looked as if was recovering from the shock of it all, Doozey can barely get out a "That's not-.." before Utar spoke up... agreeing with the captain. Though taken aback once more, Doozey recovered faster the second time around and sighed in defeat, before following the captain's example in getting up from his seat. Delayed however by some final questioning from Utar, Doozey sat back and stayed quiet, unable to meet anyone's eyes at that point.

ON THE ALCES

Despite feeling misunderstood, Doozey decides to revert to his quiet self and let Utar deliver the closing questions. Captain Hulbard shakes the Tormite's hand while answering: "Well, one is a competent pirate passing for a merchant, the other an incompetent merchant passing for a pirate. I haven't seen that horned nightmare in a while though, so I wouldn't keep my hopes up if I were you. A pity too... It was strangely comforting knowing I wasn't the only oddball on these docks. As for the goliath, do yourself a favor and just stay away from that troublemaker."

Amid farewells, the orc adds: "For a moment, it sounded like we were about to close a beneficial deal between two honest parties. I enjoyed that. Let the gods see fit that another opportunity will bring us together. Farewell." 

AT HERMENOR'S SHIP

Neither Graxx or Neya know enough about this specific ship design to derive any useful information without asking someone else. It is quite a large ship, though. You wouldn't be surprised if it were to fit dozens of people.

"Rats." Hermenor answers Graxx's question. "This ship has never been as clean as it is now. Give it an hour or two and the Salty Snappper will be ready to do what she should be doing all along: braving the Moonsea." He smiles as if he knew what Graxx was doing here: "Looking to leave town after making an enemy out of Klaven?" 

A few sailors remain by Hermenor's side, but most others return to their duties of getting the ship ready.

"No, we aren't planning on fleeing the city anytime soon," Neya corrects the new captain. "But, we would like to hire your ship for a job, if you're interested."

Graxx shakes his head in a "sorta" way.

"I fear no mortal but yes, we are looking to leave town.  I'm glad to hear the Salty Snapper will be ready to set sail soon as we wish to shove off tomorrow or the day after."

Graxx looks over the ship.

"It is a beautiful ship.  We require transport not far.  You would sail us down the coast and drop my warband and I off at an island.  Wait for us there and then when we return sail us back here."

Graxx says confidently.

"The way may be dangerous but it sounds like braving the Moonsea is what you're good at."

"What would the fee be for such a trip?" asks Graxx.

AT THE SALTY SNAPPER

"Hear that boys?" Hermenor talks to his sailors while still looking at Neya and Graxx. "The ship has been under new management for mere seconds and the clients are already pouring in!" They all cheer and laugh loudly. "You are not fleeing but need to leave town by sea within the next two days? Sounds like you are afraid alright..."

After Graxx has a chance to share a few more details, Hermenor dials down the mocking tone a bit: "What you are requesting sounds a lot like pillaging an island, and the Salty Snapper has just left its pirating days behind her. This here will be a proper merchant ship from now on. There is a lot more money in that if you do it properly." It is hard to tell if Hermenor if flat out refusing you or playing hard to get. Either way, he is still standing there listening to what you have to say. He then throws Graxx's last question right back at him: "How much are you willing to pay for my honorable ship to carry you to your dishonorable task?"

Utar frowns as he hears the appraisals of the other captains.

"Hmmm. It sounds like there might not be a lot of other choice if one is a scoundrel and the other isn't here. We might come to an agreement yet. If you would be happy to, I would like to hire the Alces and her captain and crew for the rest of the day.  If we would further hire the Alces, I'll return here and confirm before evening.  Would that be acceptable?  Say a 20 gold fee for the rest of the day?"

Should Hulbard accept, Utar will dig through his coin pouch and pay the Orc before leaving the Alces.  Once back on the dock, he will message Neya, looking to meet up with the other members of CRAP.

Cast sending to Neya: