"God's Eye is the lake, you old fart." Alwyne says as he waves the growing group back so that his sailors can work. "Are you wanting me to take you to the lake, or are you wanting me to take you to Cloveresse? Oy', why do I care!? Clean! Where is the Stinger!?"
Alwyne stopped, taking a deep breath when Lelith finally leveled with him.
"Two men are dead, a ship almost burnt, and Riverwood is cut off from the sea, which is her lifeblood." Alwyne said, his voice lowering. "I'd probably felt a lot different 'bout all this if you'd told me upfront who you were and if Olrod hadn't dropped this mess in my lap. It wouldn't matter now anyway. Whatever is up the river is as big as a small boat, and it's got frien's or babies or somethin'. You want to go? You go search this port for six able bodied sailors wif more balls then brains and we'll talk. Until then, I gots sails to hoist, weapons to mount, and ammunition to run up the gangplank."
When Ro chimes in, Alwyne wipes a hand down his face in exasperation.
"Some boy who ain't knee high to a bullywug comes up at the las' minute offerin' me...you know who yer talkin' to, runt?" The Seawolf says, clearly getting annoyed. "I'm Alwyne Saewulf, Captain of the Scorpion. Do you think they call 'er the Scorpion because she catches a lot o' fish? No, boy, it's because when she was a mercenary vessel she was feared across all Hyboria. Have any of you twits ever seen that Dragon Turtle shell that hangs in the port of King's Landing?
It doesn't look promising, so Alwyne waves a dismissive hand as he heads toward the gangplank of the Scorpion.
Ro lets out a defeated sigh as Saewulf walks away. He turns to Lelith and Greko with a pained smile, "Well that was delightful. I suppose not all is lost though, if we can find sailors to fill in his crew he said he'd be willing to have us. That or we can try to find someone else to fare us to God's Eye, albeit we'll probably have to deal with whatever attacked these men here all the same." Ro pauses, "Or we can trek through the Swamp of Sadness ourselves, though that'd be a last resort. We should let the others know about the situation and come to a decision together on what to do next."
"And perhaps, you would do well to stay away next time!" Lelith sneered at Greko and Ro. "Now, are you satisfied with the turn of events? Three things happened here. Firstly, my companions did not trust me to handle the negotiation with the Captain even though I said to let me take the lead. Secondly, Greko felt the unspoken need to expose all of us not only to the Captain but to the entire port and consequently soon the entire city will be aware, and within a few days, the surrounding regions. That which sabotaged my effort to gain some form of trust from Captain Alwyne and did us no favour in the end. Thirdly, Ro spoke unprompted to the Captain and antagonized further an individual with gradually thinning patience who felt surrounded, three individual all with different takes and arguments."
"When. I. will. need. help." Lelith made sure to emphasize each word. "I will say so. We have each something we excel in. You will not see me interfere in your druidic rituals, Greko. Or in your spells, Ro. You could've at least had Tuto be the one to join me, he does not speak a word yet he knows better."
"Now we have two options before us. I will try to salvage the situation with the Scorpion's Captain or you may go dangle the AURYN in front of some star-struck fool who'd pick us up." Lelith offered, still with hostility. Even during her anger, Lelith still kept to the role, speech, and mannerisms of an elf noble.
Lelith was not expecting a reply either, she did not spare any further glances toward Ro, she rejoined the cart where the others waited. She decided to briefly explain the situation but she kept to herself her criticisms of her companions' intervention. "There was some confusion with the three of us speaking to the Scorpion's Captain. The negotiations did not go well and he left angrier."
"I can try to speak to the Captain, /alone/ and hopefully, salvage the situation. He is our best option to arrive at our destination safely. Or if you believe it to be a waste of time, we could use the Auryn's influence to board another ship. I am willing to go with either options but we should decide this as one." Despite some of her misgivings, Lelith understood that the group's cohesion is essential if they wanted to succeed in this mission.
Rum ponders for a moment, surprised that things had gone so badly.
“What exactly did the captain say? Did he leave no hope at all?”, he asks looking from Lelith to Greko to Ro, trying to understand.
He considers the options Lelith laid out before them. “If we do try again, I am not sure I agree that you going alone is the right course of action though, I know you wanted to take the lead but surely Yam would be most suited to negotiating. She is used to these sorts of interactions. That’s what you said, right Yam?”.
Rum ponders for a moment, surprised that things had gone so badly.
“What exactly did the captain say? Did he leave no hope at all?”, he asks looking from Lelith to Greko to Ro, trying to understand.
He considers the options Lelith laid out before them. “If we do try again, I am not sure I agree that you going alone is the right course of action though, I know you wanted to take the lead but surely Yam would be most suited to negotiating. She is used to these sorts of interactions. That’s what you said, right Yam?”.
"Define hope in this context," Lelith asked, she looked serious. "In any case, the exact details need not be said. He was essentially parading his previous exploits to Ro and was unwilling to pick us up, as he found his current task more important. He wasn't really convinced by any possible help we could provide. He believes we lied to him as we did not divulge the exact reason as to why we wished to reach our destination when he saw the AURYN on Greko's chest. Which is frankly, none of his concern, he would have been paid to transport us and we would've been on our way."
"Either way, a new face might have better chances in convincing the Captain but I doubt he would even entertain the thought of listening to us. Our group as a whole was essentially crossed from his sight now. You are welcome to try if you wish Yam. However, after some thought, I believe it is better to seek elsewhere than try to appease a currently irascible old human on a time limit to whatever monster he wishes to slay." Lelith suggested.
Rum frowns, “Hm, hope would have been any way we could change his mind, but that all seems pretty final. A shame, I was keen to help these people as it was on our way”.
Yam sighs deeply. A long sigh, one which is obviously exaggerated as she makes sure she exhales every last bit of air out of her large Dwarvish lungs while making the sighing sound so that everyone will be fully aware, with no room left for mistake, that she's gravely disappointed. "Alright. I feel I could break a rock if I place it in the pressure point between you all. Whatever you all did before you were summoned, be sure the task that lays in front of us is not so simple that you could accomplish it by yourself. If it were, we wouldn't have been called at all." Yam pauses, then take a long moment to look at each of the party members' directly in the eyes. "Now I feel like I should have been there, but of what I understand...
"Greko, I know you were trying to help, but it seems important to Lelith to work on her own terms. In the future, when she asks to go alone, let her be, or just watch from a distance and watch that nothing detrimental happens." She gives an understanding look. She thinks she knows what he was thinking. "The wish to help is noble, but it is important to know when, and how, to give it."
"Lelith," Yam turns to the Elf, "I don't know if you're trying to prove yourself, or if working alone is just how you're used to or prefer to do things. Either way, though that is admirable, it is important for one to accept help when it is needed, or at least recognise goodwill when it is offered. It is a sign of maturity. Also, I see no reason to hide our identities. We are heroes, and we shall inspire hope in the fearful hearts of those who see us on our way. The world is being driven into madness, darkness, despair. We should expose our shining light to everyone, not hide it. And, if you're afraid word of us will reach our enemies, I hope it will. Do you know what's the most difficult part of getting two kings to make peace? It's making each of them realise they're not superior to the other, and thus, that they should both be making a step towards the other, showing that they both respect each other. Once both of them sit at one table, the rest will solve itself out eventually. If our enemies think of us as a force to be reckoned with, this just means we might be able to reach a peaceful resolution, rather than one stained with blood, and solve this crisis before the world is turned into Nothing." The old Dwarf seems to almost shine, filled with much more vigour than her usual self. She's clearly doing what she is here for.
"Ro, same as I told Greko, though the wish to help is noble, it is most important if you know when and how to give it. Lelith is right, overwhelming a man three against one can drive them into a corner, even if they don't wish to be there. You have to consider your target's feelings too, not just your own words."
Feeling satisfied with what she said, Yam stands up. "Now, I'm going to talk with that captain, see if all is not lost. Meanwhile, you three will either sit and think about what you did and how you can improve for next time, or discuss it like mature people. Tuto, Rum, let them talk but don't interfere. However, if they act like immature children and things get heated again, if they can't come to an understanding but can't keep their tongue fixed in their mouths either, you tell me, and I'll personally see that you three", she gives a stern look to each of the three, "will be on dish-cleaning duty until I feel you got matters resolved, even if it takes until we get the alicorn back." Yam takes a deep breath. Now, after all the serious talk, she adds kindly: "Now, behave like good adults while I'm gone. I expect your bonds to get stronger as a result of all this."
(Not 10 minutes, perhaps, but I believe it was a good speech that should trigger Inspiring Leader. Unless DM says otherwise, the entire party are all granted 7 temporary hit points that last until you complete a short or long rest.)
After already speaking a lot, Yam feels ready for a serious talk. "Gods, Childlike Empress, mother earth, keep these young people safe and help them get over their differences. And, if it's not too much to ask, help me continue on our mission." Yam prays quietly as she walks up to the captain. (Activating Emissary of Peace with a use of her Channel Divinity).
"Good captain, Alwyne, right?"She approaches. "I hope you and I, both living creatures old enough to hold the wisdom needed to discuss matters in a civilised way. The young are full of energy, but sometimes they find it hard to control. I was told there's a large, unknown monster who attacked a ship the other day."She is friendly, and not demanding. Yam wants to put the captain at ease, and not feel he's being pushed against his own will. "I see the preparations you're making, so I don't think I'm wrong assuming you're preparing to set sail, despite the danger? I understand you're an experienced sailor, and I'm sure so are your men. I don't believe you'd sail to meet something you don't think you could handle. You wouldn't have reached this age otherwise. However, even the mightiest warriors can use the aid of their companions. You shall emerge victoriously, I am sure, but why risk losing a man or two on the way? Let us help you - I've heard you've seen the AURYN, so you know we're not some dead weight - the monster will be dealt with faster and with fewer casualties. You could take the credit too if that's what you're interested in. All we ask in return is a passage to a port on the eastern coast. Do you not find the deal acceptable? Don't you think it is a great story? Cpatain Alwyne, fighting side by side with the heroes of AURYN, aiding them when his help was greatly needed."
Persuasion, if needed (from the discord server): 18+11=29.
Taken aback by Lelith's words, Ro has no time to respond before she makes her way to the rest of the group. "What the hell's her problem?" Kazek says in a scorned tone, loud enough only for Greko and Ro to hear. "I don't know, but regardless we need to procure passage to God's Eye," Ro says. The elf-dwarf puts a hand on Greko who has been uncharacteristically silent, "Don't take it to heart, friend. Sometimes the outcome doesn't go as expected despite your efforts. We can only hope to learn from this and do better."
Ro walks alongside Greko and rejoins the rest of the group. He listens to Lelith as she informs the group of what occured and allows her to vent her frustrations without interruption. Ro was no stranger to harsh words and he knew to hold his tongue, but as a preemptive move he placed a hand over Kazek's cover: a silent gesture to instruct the sentient spellbook to stay silent. Ro also listened to Yam's advice without speaking out. Before Yam left, Ro spoke up, "On the note of negotiating transport to God's Eye, despite Captain Saewulf's frustrations, he is willing to have us on his ship if we can procure six sailors to join his crew."
After Yam leaves to talk to the Captain Saewulf, Ro turns to Lelith, "I did not mean for my actions to undermine what progress you had made on the captain. I have spent much of the past decade traveling with only Kazek and I, so I am used to taking care of everything myself. It was out of habit that I spoke to the captain, not of doubt in your abilities. I will be more mindful of this in the future."
Ro then looks to Greko, intending to include him in the conversation, "And friend, how are you? You haven't spoken much after our conversation with the captain."
Rum is perfectly still as he listens to Yam speak, his hands resting on the foreheads of Herbs and Spice unmoving. Her authority was unquestioned even as she remained perfectly calm. She very much reminded him of the Abbess at Dragonclaw. She had that same demeanour and presence that could cut to the core of a situation and make you want to be better.
As Yam finishes her speech and Ro speaks of Captain Saewulf’s need for sailors, a grin appears on Rum’s face.
“So there is hope after all, this is pleasing. There must be some sailor’s willing to take on this task”, he says springing back into life.
He starts to walk back across to the sailor he was talking to previously, but stops as he passes Lelith, Greko and Ro. “Remember, it is easy to tread a path, turn and see one’s mis-steps in the mud. Let us all take it upon ourselves to make sure we step only on solid ground as we walk along the path in front of us”, he says with a smile before loping off.
It takes no time for him to make it back to the bucket line and find the friendly sailor.
“My friend, I have some news that may interest you and your fellow sailors”, he says loud enough for the sailors close to him in the line to hear. “The Scorpion has space for brave able bodies such as yourselves, it is your chance to help make the river safe again, to ensure what happened to Ruben and Mateo does not happen to other poor souls”.
“You seem to have much respect for Captain Saewulf, it is a chance to sail with this man, to help him in his time of need, in your time of need. I have volunteered of course, but I do not know the running of a ship, so can only help with defence. Would you accompany me, any of you, for the good of the people of Riverwood? For your livelihoods? And for Ruben and Mateo?”, he asks with the look of hope in his eyes.
Persuasion: (11+4) = 15 , if this fails he will use Draconic Presence to retry: (11+4) = 15
"Lelith," Yam turns to the Elf, "I don't know if you're trying to prove yourself, or if working alone is just how you're used to or prefer to do things. Either way, though that is admirable, it is important for one to accept help when it is needed, or at least recognise goodwill when it is offered. It is a sign of maturity. Also, I see no reason to hide our identities. We are heroes, and we shall inspire hope in the fearful hearts of those who see us on our way. The world is being driven into madness, darkness, despair. We should expose our shining light to everyone, not hide it. And, if you're afraid word of us will reach our enemies, I hope it will. Do you know what's the most difficult part of getting two kings to make peace? It's making each of them realise they're not superior to the other, and thus, that they should both be making a step towards the other, showing that they both respect each other. Once both of them sit at one table, the rest will solve itself out eventually. If our enemies think of us as a force to be reckoned with, this just means we might be able to reach a peaceful resolution, rather than one stained with blood, and solve this crisis before the world is turned into Nothing." The old Dwarf seems to almost shine, filled with much more vigour than her usual self. She's clearly doing what she is here for.
Lelith listened intently but then smiled mirthlessly at the rather sickening optimism of the older dwarf, the world did not run on goodwill. It was, however, infectious and despite it all she found herself entertaining the thought. Yam was better with her words than Lelith because she had something Lelith lacked. A true belief in her words. Lelith only incarnated a mask that she would discard once it served her no purpose. Although, it offered her flexibility depending on her interests. That was a second difference, as well. Lelith would look at what she stood to gain from something while Yam would be the first to step forward to offer others something. She is doing it now, while Lelith sat on the cart analyzing, Yam was out there speaking out of goodwill. Lelith found Yam interesting, if only until she was proven wrong once they found themselves faced by the enemy. She would draw the ultimate satisfaction in seeing Yam herself with the bloodied head of the enemy in her grasp once she realized their uncompromising nature.
"I appreciate the sentiment behind the intervention, Greko. You as well, Ro. Not the intervention itself, however." Lelith replied she did not bother stepping out this time. Without drawing any attention even if in public, her cloth subtlely shifted back to her regular elegant traveller's garb and once again she put her hood up. Effectively ending her act. "I am more used to working alone but I am not averse to help. I simply detest help that was unasked for, or perhaps if you wished to offer me some form of assistance, you would communicate with me and we could draw a plan."
"If you are awaiting some form of apology for my earlier words, you will receive none." Lelith clarified as if it was a matter of fact. "I stand by them and I believe Greko is wise enough to realize why. I may be a great deceiver but if I can help it, I will be honest with you all. Our very mission depends on it."
"You'll 'ave to keep up if you wanna talk." Alwyne says as he listens to Yam. He motions her along as he heads up the gangplank toward the main deck. There is A LOT of activity amongst the sailors who are milling about there. One, obvious the First Mate, is directing the hoisting of black sails, and is supervising the installation of six very, very dangerous looking ballistas, three on the starboard and three on the port. Two more sailors are bringing up sections of some sort of weapon system and are hauling them to the aft. "I un'erstand you and yours are in a hurry, and a bit of a pickle. But know that so am I, and I have little patience fer my time being wasted, 'specially this morning. But you see, my name is made. Glory is mine for all me days. I couldn't care less 'bout it neither. I gave up this life some time ago, and I said I'd only go back to it fer the right reason and I guess ol' Olrod found one, eh? I need no glory nor no help but..."
Alwyne sighed, looking over his shoulder, down the docks below at the rest of Yam's band. There was something of trouble on his face, like he regretted how things had gone that morning.
"It's really AURYN then? Spring Maiden's Mercy, but it's good to see, what wif how things are going in the worl'. I'll make you a deal, but it's a big one, if you think you and yer people are up to it. We get this monster, and then, so long as it's fer AURYN, you have to Scorpion to aid your journey 'til she's done, eh?"
Alwyne extended a solid hand toward Yam.
__________
Two of the sailors in the group that Rum addresses look intrigued as they listen to the Tabaxi. It's the mention of Ruben and Mateo that gets them. Both men stiffen as if struck a blow, and then step up to Rum and mention that they're willing to help.
Ro lets out a sigh of relief, then chuckles a bit realizing that he's been sighing a lot after answering the Childlike Empress' call. Apparently heroes come in all shapes, sizes and attitudes Ro thought to himself. "It seems working as a group has proven to be new ground for many of us. I'm sure we'll get better at this as time goes by," Ro says to the group. The elf-dwarf pauses for a second then opens his mouth as if to say more but decides against it.
Ro watches as Rum seems to have successfully recruited two sailors then turns to Lelith and Greko, "So I guess now we look for sailors. If I recall we need 6 total to win Captain Saewulf's approval. However, Yam's negotiations may have turned out to be more fruitful than ours and maybe the deal has changed. What do you to suppose we should do?"
Rum pats them both on the shoulder. "Much respect is due for stepping forward, you are honourable folk. I will be proud to sail with you. I am Rum, please, tell me your names", he says placing his palm over his heart and tilting his head.
He listens as they introduce themselves.
"Would you perhaps know of others who would join the cause as you have done? We could go and see them on the way to the Scorpion, assuming you are ready to present yourselves to the first mate?", he asks hopefully, choosing the first mate so as not to distract or irritate the captain further.
Once they are ready he will accompany the sailors, either straight to the Scorpion, or via other sailors that might join the cause.
Yam is a bit confused by the heavily accented words. People joke about Dwarves' accent sometimes, but that was on another level. Nevertheless, she lets none of these thoughts show and hopes what she understood was what was meant. She takes the man's arm and shakes firmly. "Seems fair, I believe we have a deal. I'll go tell them down there."
Yam walks back to the cart and relays the news. "I hope you guys have solved your problems, or at least began working on them while I secured us passage on the Scorpion. Might even get us all the way to Hylia. Our end of the deal is helping to get rid of the monster that attacked that other ship. I don't like fighting much, but when it comes to monsters that feed on men, I'd be lucky if they even speak a language at all." She's not whole with the decision, but figured that asking for more wouldn't work, considering everything that happened before she came to talk. Sometimes, both sides had to make a sacrifice. She really does hope it's just a wild monstrosity of some kind whom she would not feel guilty about hurting. "Prepare yourselves for some sea travel, we're going fishing."
"God's Eye is the lake, you old fart." Alwyne says as he waves the growing group back so that his sailors can work. "Are you wanting me to take you to the lake, or are you wanting me to take you to Cloveresse? Oy', why do I care!? Clean! Where is the Stinger!?"
Alwyne stopped, taking a deep breath when Lelith finally leveled with him.
"Two men are dead, a ship almost burnt, and Riverwood is cut off from the sea, which is her lifeblood." Alwyne said, his voice lowering. "I'd probably felt a lot different 'bout all this if you'd told me upfront who you were and if Olrod hadn't dropped this mess in my lap. It wouldn't matter now anyway. Whatever is up the river is as big as a small boat, and it's got frien's or babies or somethin'. You want to go? You go search this port for six able bodied sailors wif more balls then brains and we'll talk. Until then, I gots sails to hoist, weapons to mount, and ammunition to run up the gangplank."
When Ro chimes in, Alwyne wipes a hand down his face in exasperation.
"Some boy who ain't knee high to a bullywug comes up at the las' minute offerin' me...you know who yer talkin' to, runt?" The Seawolf says, clearly getting annoyed. "I'm Alwyne Saewulf, Captain of the Scorpion. Do you think they call 'er the Scorpion because she catches a lot o' fish? No, boy, it's because when she was a mercenary vessel she was feared across all Hyboria. Have any of you twits ever seen that Dragon Turtle shell that hangs in the port of King's Landing?
It doesn't look promising, so Alwyne waves a dismissive hand as he heads toward the gangplank of the Scorpion.
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Ro lets out a defeated sigh as Saewulf walks away. He turns to Lelith and Greko with a pained smile, "Well that was delightful. I suppose not all is lost though, if we can find sailors to fill in his crew he said he'd be willing to have us. That or we can try to find someone else to fare us to God's Eye, albeit we'll probably have to deal with whatever attacked these men here all the same." Ro pauses, "Or we can trek through the Swamp of Sadness ourselves, though that'd be a last resort. We should let the others know about the situation and come to a decision together on what to do next."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Rum's keen eyes watch the captain walk towards the gang plank from a distance before he turns back to Yam and Tuto.
"It seems the negotiation is over", he says matter of factly.
He walks to the front of the cart and strokes the foreheads of Herbs and Spice whilst he waits for the others to return with the news.
"And perhaps, you would do well to stay away next time!" Lelith sneered at Greko and Ro. "Now, are you satisfied with the turn of events? Three things happened here. Firstly, my companions did not trust me to handle the negotiation with the Captain even though I said to let me take the lead. Secondly, Greko felt the unspoken need to expose all of us not only to the Captain but to the entire port and consequently soon the entire city will be aware, and within a few days, the surrounding regions. That which sabotaged my effort to gain some form of trust from Captain Alwyne and did us no favour in the end. Thirdly, Ro spoke unprompted to the Captain and antagonized further an individual with gradually thinning patience who felt surrounded, three individual all with different takes and arguments."
"When. I. will. need. help." Lelith made sure to emphasize each word. "I will say so. We have each something we excel in. You will not see me interfere in your druidic rituals, Greko. Or in your spells, Ro. You could've at least had Tuto be the one to join me, he does not speak a word yet he knows better."
"Now we have two options before us. I will try to salvage the situation with the Scorpion's Captain or you may go dangle the AURYN in front of some star-struck fool who'd pick us up." Lelith offered, still with hostility. Even during her anger, Lelith still kept to the role, speech, and mannerisms of an elf noble.
Greko bows, saunters over to the cart, and sits waiting for instructions
Lelith was not expecting a reply either, she did not spare any further glances toward Ro, she rejoined the cart where the others waited. She decided to briefly explain the situation but she kept to herself her criticisms of her companions' intervention. "There was some confusion with the three of us speaking to the Scorpion's Captain. The negotiations did not go well and he left angrier."
"I can try to speak to the Captain, /alone/ and hopefully, salvage the situation. He is our best option to arrive at our destination safely. Or if you believe it to be a waste of time, we could use the Auryn's influence to board another ship. I am willing to go with either options but we should decide this as one." Despite some of her misgivings, Lelith understood that the group's cohesion is essential if they wanted to succeed in this mission.
Rum ponders for a moment, surprised that things had gone so badly.
“What exactly did the captain say? Did he leave no hope at all?”, he asks looking from Lelith to Greko to Ro, trying to understand.
He considers the options Lelith laid out before them. “If we do try again, I am not sure I agree that you going alone is the right course of action though, I know you wanted to take the lead but surely Yam would be most suited to negotiating. She is used to these sorts of interactions. That’s what you said, right Yam?”.
"Define hope in this context," Lelith asked, she looked serious. "In any case, the exact details need not be said. He was essentially parading his previous exploits to Ro and was unwilling to pick us up, as he found his current task more important. He wasn't really convinced by any possible help we could provide. He believes we lied to him as we did not divulge the exact reason as to why we wished to reach our destination when he saw the AURYN on Greko's chest. Which is frankly, none of his concern, he would have been paid to transport us and we would've been on our way."
"Either way, a new face might have better chances in convincing the Captain but I doubt he would even entertain the thought of listening to us. Our group as a whole was essentially crossed from his sight now. You are welcome to try if you wish Yam. However, after some thought, I believe it is better to seek elsewhere than try to appease a currently irascible old human on a time limit to whatever monster he wishes to slay." Lelith suggested.
Rum frowns, “Hm, hope would have been any way we could change his mind, but that all seems pretty final. A shame, I was keen to help these people as it was on our way”.
Yam sighs deeply. A long sigh, one which is obviously exaggerated as she makes sure she exhales every last bit of air out of her large Dwarvish lungs while making the sighing sound so that everyone will be fully aware, with no room left for mistake, that she's gravely disappointed. "Alright. I feel I could break a rock if I place it in the pressure point between you all. Whatever you all did before you were summoned, be sure the task that lays in front of us is not so simple that you could accomplish it by yourself. If it were, we wouldn't have been called at all." Yam pauses, then take a long moment to look at each of the party members' directly in the eyes. "Now I feel like I should have been there, but of what I understand...
"Greko, I know you were trying to help, but it seems important to Lelith to work on her own terms. In the future, when she asks to go alone, let her be, or just watch from a distance and watch that nothing detrimental happens." She gives an understanding look. She thinks she knows what he was thinking. "The wish to help is noble, but it is important to know when, and how, to give it."
"Lelith," Yam turns to the Elf, "I don't know if you're trying to prove yourself, or if working alone is just how you're used to or prefer to do things. Either way, though that is admirable, it is important for one to accept help when it is needed, or at least recognise goodwill when it is offered. It is a sign of maturity. Also, I see no reason to hide our identities. We are heroes, and we shall inspire hope in the fearful hearts of those who see us on our way. The world is being driven into madness, darkness, despair. We should expose our shining light to everyone, not hide it. And, if you're afraid word of us will reach our enemies, I hope it will. Do you know what's the most difficult part of getting two kings to make peace? It's making each of them realise they're not superior to the other, and thus, that they should both be making a step towards the other, showing that they both respect each other. Once both of them sit at one table, the rest will solve itself out eventually. If our enemies think of us as a force to be reckoned with, this just means we might be able to reach a peaceful resolution, rather than one stained with blood, and solve this crisis before the world is turned into Nothing." The old Dwarf seems to almost shine, filled with much more vigour than her usual self. She's clearly doing what she is here for.
"Ro, same as I told Greko, though the wish to help is noble, it is most important if you know when and how to give it. Lelith is right, overwhelming a man three against one can drive them into a corner, even if they don't wish to be there. You have to consider your target's feelings too, not just your own words."
Feeling satisfied with what she said, Yam stands up. "Now, I'm going to talk with that captain, see if all is not lost. Meanwhile, you three will either sit and think about what you did and how you can improve for next time, or discuss it like mature people. Tuto, Rum, let them talk but don't interfere. However, if they act like immature children and things get heated again, if they can't come to an understanding but can't keep their tongue fixed in their mouths either, you tell me, and I'll personally see that you three", she gives a stern look to each of the three, "will be on dish-cleaning duty until I feel you got matters resolved, even if it takes until we get the alicorn back." Yam takes a deep breath. Now, after all the serious talk, she adds kindly: "Now, behave like good adults while I'm gone. I expect your bonds to get stronger as a result of all this."
(Not 10 minutes, perhaps, but I believe it was a good speech that should trigger Inspiring Leader. Unless DM says otherwise, the entire party are all granted 7 temporary hit points that last until you complete a short or long rest.)
After already speaking a lot, Yam feels ready for a serious talk. "Gods, Childlike Empress, mother earth, keep these young people safe and help them get over their differences. And, if it's not too much to ask, help me continue on our mission." Yam prays quietly as she walks up to the captain. (Activating Emissary of Peace with a use of her Channel Divinity).
"Good captain, Alwyne, right?" She approaches. "I hope you and I, both living creatures old enough to hold the wisdom needed to discuss matters in a civilised way. The young are full of energy, but sometimes they find it hard to control. I was told there's a large, unknown monster who attacked a ship the other day." She is friendly, and not demanding. Yam wants to put the captain at ease, and not feel he's being pushed against his own will. "I see the preparations you're making, so I don't think I'm wrong assuming you're preparing to set sail, despite the danger? I understand you're an experienced sailor, and I'm sure so are your men. I don't believe you'd sail to meet something you don't think you could handle. You wouldn't have reached this age otherwise. However, even the mightiest warriors can use the aid of their companions. You shall emerge victoriously, I am sure, but why risk losing a man or two on the way? Let us help you - I've heard you've seen the AURYN, so you know we're not some dead weight - the monster will be dealt with faster and with fewer casualties. You could take the credit too if that's what you're interested in. All we ask in return is a passage to a port on the eastern coast. Do you not find the deal acceptable? Don't you think it is a great story? Cpatain Alwyne, fighting side by side with the heroes of AURYN, aiding them when his help was greatly needed."
Persuasion, if needed (from the discord server): 18+11=29.
Varielky
Greko nods and continues to wait for Yam's return
Taken aback by Lelith's words, Ro has no time to respond before she makes her way to the rest of the group. "What the hell's her problem?" Kazek says in a scorned tone, loud enough only for Greko and Ro to hear. "I don't know, but regardless we need to procure passage to God's Eye," Ro says. The elf-dwarf puts a hand on Greko who has been uncharacteristically silent, "Don't take it to heart, friend. Sometimes the outcome doesn't go as expected despite your efforts. We can only hope to learn from this and do better."
Ro walks alongside Greko and rejoins the rest of the group. He listens to Lelith as she informs the group of what occured and allows her to vent her frustrations without interruption. Ro was no stranger to harsh words and he knew to hold his tongue, but as a preemptive move he placed a hand over Kazek's cover: a silent gesture to instruct the sentient spellbook to stay silent. Ro also listened to Yam's advice without speaking out. Before Yam left, Ro spoke up, "On the note of negotiating transport to God's Eye, despite Captain Saewulf's frustrations, he is willing to have us on his ship if we can procure six sailors to join his crew."
After Yam leaves to talk to the Captain Saewulf, Ro turns to Lelith, "I did not mean for my actions to undermine what progress you had made on the captain. I have spent much of the past decade traveling with only Kazek and I, so I am used to taking care of everything myself. It was out of habit that I spoke to the captain, not of doubt in your abilities. I will be more mindful of this in the future."
Ro then looks to Greko, intending to include him in the conversation, "And friend, how are you? You haven't spoken much after our conversation with the captain."
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Rum is perfectly still as he listens to Yam speak, his hands resting on the foreheads of Herbs and Spice unmoving. Her authority was unquestioned even as she remained perfectly calm. She very much reminded him of the Abbess at Dragonclaw. She had that same demeanour and presence that could cut to the core of a situation and make you want to be better.
As Yam finishes her speech and Ro speaks of Captain Saewulf’s need for sailors, a grin appears on Rum’s face.
“So there is hope after all, this is pleasing. There must be some sailor’s willing to take on this task”, he says springing back into life.
He starts to walk back across to the sailor he was talking to previously, but stops as he passes Lelith, Greko and Ro. “Remember, it is easy to tread a path, turn and see one’s mis-steps in the mud. Let us all take it upon ourselves to make sure we step only on solid ground as we walk along the path in front of us”, he says with a smile before loping off.
It takes no time for him to make it back to the bucket line and find the friendly sailor.
“My friend, I have some news that may interest you and your fellow sailors”, he says loud enough for the sailors close to him in the line to hear. “The Scorpion has space for brave able bodies such as yourselves, it is your chance to help make the river safe again, to ensure what happened to Ruben and Mateo does not happen to other poor souls”.
“You seem to have much respect for Captain Saewulf, it is a chance to sail with this man, to help him in his time of need, in your time of need. I have volunteered of course, but I do not know the running of a ship, so can only help with defence. Would you accompany me, any of you, for the good of the people of Riverwood? For your livelihoods? And for Ruben and Mateo?”, he asks with the look of hope in his eyes.
Persuasion: (11+4) = 15 , if this fails he will use Draconic Presence to retry: (11+4) = 15
Greko smiles and nods to Ro and Run and continues to sit on the cart waiting for Yam to return
Lelith listened intently but then smiled mirthlessly at the rather sickening optimism of the older dwarf, the world did not run on goodwill. It was, however, infectious and despite it all she found herself entertaining the thought. Yam was better with her words than Lelith because she had something Lelith lacked. A true belief in her words. Lelith only incarnated a mask that she would discard once it served her no purpose. Although, it offered her flexibility depending on her interests. That was a second difference, as well. Lelith would look at what she stood to gain from something while Yam would be the first to step forward to offer others something. She is doing it now, while Lelith sat on the cart analyzing, Yam was out there speaking out of goodwill. Lelith found Yam interesting, if only until she was proven wrong once they found themselves faced by the enemy. She would draw the ultimate satisfaction in seeing Yam herself with the bloodied head of the enemy in her grasp once she realized their uncompromising nature.
"I appreciate the sentiment behind the intervention, Greko. You as well, Ro. Not the intervention itself, however." Lelith replied she did not bother stepping out this time. Without drawing any attention even if in public, her cloth subtlely shifted back to her regular elegant traveller's garb and once again she put her hood up. Effectively ending her act. "I am more used to working alone but I am not averse to help. I simply detest help that was unasked for, or perhaps if you wished to offer me some form of assistance, you would communicate with me and we could draw a plan."
"If you are awaiting some form of apology for my earlier words, you will receive none." Lelith clarified as if it was a matter of fact. "I stand by them and I believe Greko is wise enough to realize why. I may be a great deceiver but if I can help it, I will be honest with you all. Our very mission depends on it."
Greko smiles and nods “Water under the bridge. I have had worse lashings although this is the first time I have been called an old fart….”
"You'll 'ave to keep up if you wanna talk." Alwyne says as he listens to Yam. He motions her along as he heads up the gangplank toward the main deck. There is A LOT of activity amongst the sailors who are milling about there. One, obvious the First Mate, is directing the hoisting of black sails, and is supervising the installation of six very, very dangerous looking ballistas, three on the starboard and three on the port. Two more sailors are bringing up sections of some sort of weapon system and are hauling them to the aft. "I un'erstand you and yours are in a hurry, and a bit of a pickle. But know that so am I, and I have little patience fer my time being wasted, 'specially this morning. But you see, my name is made. Glory is mine for all me days. I couldn't care less 'bout it neither. I gave up this life some time ago, and I said I'd only go back to it fer the right reason and I guess ol' Olrod found one, eh? I need no glory nor no help but..."
Alwyne sighed, looking over his shoulder, down the docks below at the rest of Yam's band. There was something of trouble on his face, like he regretted how things had gone that morning.
"It's really AURYN then? Spring Maiden's Mercy, but it's good to see, what wif how things are going in the worl'. I'll make you a deal, but it's a big one, if you think you and yer people are up to it. We get this monster, and then, so long as it's fer AURYN, you have to Scorpion to aid your journey 'til she's done, eh?"
Alwyne extended a solid hand toward Yam.
__________
Two of the sailors in the group that Rum addresses look intrigued as they listen to the Tabaxi. It's the mention of Ruben and Mateo that gets them. Both men stiffen as if struck a blow, and then step up to Rum and mention that they're willing to help.
__________
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
Ro lets out a sigh of relief, then chuckles a bit realizing that he's been sighing a lot after answering the Childlike Empress' call. Apparently heroes come in all shapes, sizes and attitudes Ro thought to himself. "It seems working as a group has proven to be new ground for many of us. I'm sure we'll get better at this as time goes by," Ro says to the group. The elf-dwarf pauses for a second then opens his mouth as if to say more but decides against it.
Ro watches as Rum seems to have successfully recruited two sailors then turns to Lelith and Greko, "So I guess now we look for sailors. If I recall we need 6 total to win Captain Saewulf's approval. However, Yam's negotiations may have turned out to be more fruitful than ours and maybe the deal has changed. What do you to suppose we should do?"
Ro Aleron (Ro the Red) -> Illithid, Wizard 8 (Chronugist) // AURYN
Rum pats them both on the shoulder. "Much respect is due for stepping forward, you are honourable folk. I will be proud to sail with you. I am Rum, please, tell me your names", he says placing his palm over his heart and tilting his head.
He listens as they introduce themselves.
"Would you perhaps know of others who would join the cause as you have done? We could go and see them on the way to the Scorpion, assuming you are ready to present yourselves to the first mate?", he asks hopefully, choosing the first mate so as not to distract or irritate the captain further.
Once they are ready he will accompany the sailors, either straight to the Scorpion, or via other sailors that might join the cause.
Yam is a bit confused by the heavily accented words. People joke about Dwarves' accent sometimes, but that was on another level. Nevertheless, she lets none of these thoughts show and hopes what she understood was what was meant. She takes the man's arm and shakes firmly. "Seems fair, I believe we have a deal. I'll go tell them down there."
Yam walks back to the cart and relays the news. "I hope you guys have solved your problems, or at least began working on them while I secured us passage on the Scorpion. Might even get us all the way to Hylia. Our end of the deal is helping to get rid of the monster that attacked that other ship. I don't like fighting much, but when it comes to monsters that feed on men, I'd be lucky if they even speak a language at all." She's not whole with the decision, but figured that asking for more wouldn't work, considering everything that happened before she came to talk. Sometimes, both sides had to make a sacrifice. She really does hope it's just a wild monstrosity of some kind whom she would not feel guilty about hurting. "Prepare yourselves for some sea travel, we're going fishing."
Varielky