It was not hard to find like-minded people in this small fishing village. Well-known as the home of one such captain who might take you on the midnight passage, you decided to linger here. It wasn't long you would have to wait before a small, portly, man who called himself Alfreid made his presence known. Standing atop the seat of his covered wagon, he practically announced in the town square that he was meant to gather a number of individuals together to share the captain's fee. As obvious as he was about it, you were not the first to approach him. By the time you did, there were already quite the number. The second and third declined any introductions, dressed in forest-green cloaks that they kept tight, concealing much of their form. All they would tell is that they were the Nevael brothers, and seemed to've come to an agreement with the merchant to guard his wares, a task they were diligent about.
The fourth, and the fifth again came as a pair. A well-built man who must've spent considerable time in a forge or working the fields introduced himself as Murth. A salt-and-pepper beard adorned his face, and he spoke with gravel in his voice. Any who would talk to him he met with a scrutinizing gaze, as if he expected any or all of them to draw blades in that very moment. His counterpart was his opposite in as many ways as seemed possible, a young woman with a deer-in-the-headlights look about her, who eventually stammered out 'Zue' when pressed. Against her companion's imposing frame, she seemed diminutive and frail, and acted like it with open fear of most who approached her.
That was some time ago, now. Once introductions had been made, Alfreid wasted no time. Gathering the fee from each of you, he took you all to meet the captain and his ship. The boat was a fairly small, single-masted thing. Built for shallow waters, its storage deck was only tall enough for a man to crouch under the main, though a cabin was built in the rear section to allow a man to stand at his full height, raising the deck in the rear a few feet above the main. It was an old, cranky thing, that groaned at every movement of the waters below. The name of a goddess was scrawled into her planks in the dwarven tongue, and the Captain matched his ship. A true sea-dog, he met each of them in turn with a curt hand-shake, and the instructions to "Stay clear of me crew, and don't cause no trouble, and we'll be there before the morn'." With that, the man took to barking orders at his crew, and they set off without delay.
After the initial rush to get things stowed, things calm dramatically. Nearly an hour into the journey, with a handful more to go, the crew continues to adjust and re-adjust the ship's four sails, striving to gain every ounce of speed out of tonight's light airs. Alfreid, the merchant, has retired to one of the hammocks in the rear cabin, while the Nevael brothers have taken to guarding his wagon, which has been tied down just outside the cabin itself. Murth and Zue lean against the windward railing. Zue watches the stars, and the inky water slip by, as Murth observes the crew in silent contemplation.
Please, introduce your characters to the group. Explain how you acquainted yourself with Alfreid and the others, and where your character can be found now, on the ship nearly an hour into the journey.
Aluve awoke to find the kind Gnome offering a warm drink, his small arm outstretched with a big smile on his face. "I tell you what, its lucky I found you out there last night. If you had been spotted by the ships you would have been done for. Tell me, what is an Elf Ranger doing in these parts?" Aluve took the beverage from the Gnome, his kind face was a rare thing to see these days. He took a sip. The warm liquid gave life to his limbs and cleared his head. It was a regular occurrence for Aluve to wake up in average shape, his addiction to the drink made his mornings more difficult then necessary.
"Its a long story.....but I guess the short version is I need to cross the lake to follow up on a lead. Going around will take me too long." Aluve replied.
"Well I might be able to help you there. Sometimes there are jobs for extra hands on ships. Best place to go would probably be the town village center. I know a man named Alfried who might have some work. He occasionally gathers hands from the surrounds. Might even be some coin in it for you." The Gnome pottered around his hovel. It was small but big enough for him. "Come on, get your things friend. I will take you there". The pair headed out towards the village center. It was not large place but it was extremely lively. Fisherman were reeling their nets and brining in their catch from the early morning. Small cargo vessels were docking and unloading, cages of crabs were stacked up on the shore. The warm sun seemed to bring life to the village, a different scene from the sleepy ghost village from the night before. Aluve walked passed what looked like an Inn, there were already people out the front drinking from their horns, he struggled with the sight, having to try and look away and re focus. "Not today" He told himself.
"Ahh look, there is Alfried now!" The gnome gestured toward a man in the village. "See...that portly man on the wagon being extremely loud. He is the man you need to talk to. With that I must be off Aluve. I need to travel south today to visit some family." The Gnome reached out to shake hands. Aluve half smiled and grabbed the Gnomes hand. "Goodbye friend. Thankyou for your help and hospitality. I hope we meet again." The Gnome turned and headed back off into the crowd.
Some time later........
There was a chill in the air. The night passage brought with it some nervous crew members and a sense of unease. The callout for able bodied souls had brought in a mixed bag of travelers and adventurers. The madness of disembarking had calmed, Aluve and the rest of the crew had been on the water now for roughly and hour it seemed. He sat on the deck, his back leaning against a barrel of supplies. He kept his hood up and watched. Aluve was not one to engage in conversation straight away, he preferred to get a gauge of those around him first....try and figure people out in order to devise a way to communicate effectively. After what he saw the previous night on the water he wasn't sure what to expect through the journey. There was obvious risk and it would seem that the captain was well aware of it two. Over stocking the ship with people who quite obviously knew their way around combat.
A very tall, well dressed young man (boy really) had boarded the boat with a suspicious shawl draped across his face like a hood and mask combo. As though that would somehow prevent discovery of the veritable armory he was wearing.
He stands by the bow of the ship, eagerly looking across the lake with a nervous grip on the rail
Bramble, a tall, lanky firbolg in brown and green furs with grayish skin and brown hair pulled back into a man bun is sitting up near the prow of the vessel restringing his longbow. A quiver of arrows and two shortswords are propped up against the rails next to where he sits. He stands out amongst most of the passengers not only because of his height and heritage, but also because he paid his passage fee not with coin, but with game and foraged plants that he offered to stock the ship's larder. He is keeping a friendly distance from the rest of the passengers, looking a bit like a fish out of water.
Having planned this venture across the lake far ahead of time Hanson(Han) waited for Alfreid to arrive in the town center. To all appearances he looks to be a portly, short balding man in his late sixties in moderately fine clothing holding a simple backpack with a lute strapped to it supporting no obvious weapons. Knowing the spell wouldn’t last the entire way across it at-least would keep him from being recognized by any of the townsfolk till the ship was well underway. Han had to hide a cringe as Alfreids rather blusterous entrance. Making sure not to come close enough to the other passengers as to arouse suspicion to his illusion he quickly pays the man and follows to the ship boarding quick and taking up a post near the bow of the ship keeping his eye to the other shore focused solely on what awaits on the other side.
Branch, already very annoyed they had to leave this side of the lake because of her sister, followed said person throughout the town as she told Branch she had a way to get them across the lake. As they reached a tavern, her sister told her to wait while she ran off into the mass of people to secure them passage. When she returned, she had a sheepish look on her face. "Well Branch, unfortunately the boat I found only had room for one more, so you'll have to find your own way. I hear you are to find a man named Alfreid, that should help." and before Branch had time to react, devil sis disappeared again. Well, good riddance, maybe a break from each other is what we need. She easily found Alfreid and passage across the lake.
As the group settles into the voyage, Branch heads over near Zue at the railing, but gives her space, and also watches the water speed by. "Water sure takes on a different look at night, doesn't it? Beautiful, but almost menacing as we cut through it with this ship."
Afternoon The Thri-Kreen enters the tavern. A palpable unease as the seven foot mantis hits his head on the door frame. Sunset The Thri-Kreen has joined a table playing cards. Both pair of arms each hold a hand of cards. The protests stop when he buys in twice. Dusk The Thri-Kreen buys a round for everyone. He doesn't understand the coinage of the land and just throws his card winnings at the indignant bartender. Night The Thr-Kreen dances on the bar with the strumpets, astonishing everyone with the uncanny fluidity of his movements. Midnight The Thri-Kreen is invited to the corpulent strumpet's room. He indulges her. She asks his name. Chatcho indulges her. She screams it repeatedly. Rude. Dawn Chatcho sits at the bar with an ill-fitting bathrobe, his lower arms crossed over his thorax. The bartender, divining Chatcho's purpose in town, recommends he speak with Alfreid later that night. Sunrise Chatcho packs his things. Before walking out the door he regards the bartender and patrons. Gently, he enters their minds. Well, I'm afraid this is farewell! Though you have all endeared yourselves to me I'm afraid I can't accept you as Clutchmates, you simply lack the stamina. Chatcho regards the strumpet in particular. Despair not! Though I follow a dangerous path, I have foreseen destiny will provide me suitable Clutchmates with the power to endure. Know that I will remember you fondly, despite your inadequacies. Chatcho turns, hits his head on the door frame, and departs.
The bartender scratches his head. "I didn't know he could talk."
Later that Night Chatcho shakingly grips the rails of the ship's stern with all four arms. He waits for his racial memory, often revealed during distress, to disclose the secrets of swimming.
Zue squeaks audibly in surprise as the stranger announces their presence behind her. She half-turns to look at Branch, the tell-tale glint of darkvision flashing in her eyes briefly. "Y-yes, it is."Even as she speaks, she slowly inches towards the security of her companion, who seems reluctant to give it. He remains as he was for a moment, arms crossed, and watching Branch with a cautious eye. Eventually, he does move, stepping off the railing, and beckoning Branch's attention. "You'll have to forgive 'er. She's a terrible fear of the water, and we've heard many tales about these kinds of boats in particular." He enforces his point by casting his gaze around, ensuring they're not being listened to. None of the crew seem to pay them any mind. "Ships disappearing in the night, some god-awful tales of a beast under the waters. All fiction, I am sure, but they've done her no good." As Murth continues the conversation with Branch, Zue turns back towards the water.
The Nevael brothers continue their own work diligently. One stands near the rear of Alfreid's wagon, guarding it from any would-be thieves, while the other stands near the front of it, maintaining the animals and keeping them calm as the waves rock the boat. Alfreid himself still snores soundly in the hold. As time goes on, a fog is slowly waking from the water's surface, growing thicker by the minute.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Han’s moans softly in annoyance as the fog rolls in thinking “This undoubtedly will cause delays. Hopefully this captain is worth his coin.” He peers out into the fog daydreaming about the future.
Aluve rises from his sitting position. He heads towards the Nevael brothers. His curiosity had now gotten the better of him and these guys looked like they had done these kinds of trips a few times.
"Greetings friend" Aluve tries to engage the brother standing guard.
"Perhaps you could tell me something, there seems to be quite the group here...Rangers, Bards....even what looks to be a giant Mantis. How much trouble are you expecting? Have you had many issues before trying to cross the lake?" "Maybe you could share with me some of your experiences....just so I have a better idea of what to expect?"
"Ships disappearing at night? Beasts of the deep?" Branch's eyes light up as she hears the stories from Murth. The young water genasi leans over the railing giving the water a longer look. She turns back to Murth, "Think the crew here know any stories about them? I know we're not supposed to bother them, but, man so cool."Her blue skin almost looks inky in the dark night and she wears navy colored fine clothes that are blowing in the wind.
Chatcho turns to the hooded individual. He can't place the person's race or gender, let alone age, though he's certain the creature is mammalian. Chatcho gently reaches out with his mind and, should the individual consent, the following is communicated:
It speaks! And loathe am I to leave questions unanswered: I travel this way because it's dangerous and I la/seek the company and protection of dangerous people. My previous g'tok/clutch/adventuring party were kcha/to end knowledge/killed, leaving me vulnerable in my tik/hunt for knowledge. It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Chatcho/chat'cho/one who remembers lost or unusual knowledge. I hope you were able to understand all of that; I'm not used to your dialect of common trade tongue. Tell me, do you pursue danger and companionship?
Bramble perks up when he hears 'beasts of the deep' come out of Branch's mouth."I wouldn't be too surprised if such a beast did live here. This lake feels... old. Old as time. Well, maybe not quite that old, but old enough to make me feel like something's out there... down there... you know?"
"Issues?" The brother chuckled at the question, his voice soft. "My 'friend,' you travel a criminal's road. One should expect that any who travel this way would, likewise, be criminals. Trust none of them, not even myself, each one of us might pick your pocket, or..." He continues his wry chuckle, eyeing the elf up and down as he draws a thumb across his throat. "But... I'm sure you have entirely honourable reasons to board this vessel, hm? Fine, then, my honourable 'friend'. A word of the wise? I'd stay away from the uhh, 'mantis man'. I hear the insects eat just about anything that moves, including each other. I'd hate for you to be the one to test if this mantis-man has the same propensity."
"Stop torturing the poor lad." Comes a call, in a slightly louder, deeper voice from the front of the wagon.
Elsewhere, Murth entertains the interest of this sea-creature talk. "Please, it's just a story. I'm sure there's nothing down there. It's but a lake, and there are ships plying these waters all day, as they have done for generations." Zue stands as he speaks from her position leaning against the railing, and passes by the growing crowd to find more privacy leaning against the mast. "I'm sure the missing ships are nothing more than those unfortunate enough to be discovered and captured by one of the lords' navies." Murth continues, Zue shooting him a look. He eyes her carefully, the two of them sharing an unspoken conversation before he turns back to Branch and Bramble. "You'll have to forgive me, my new friends. I have to take care of m'lady." He emphasizes the last word mockingly, earning him a scoff from his young compatriot. He doesn't acknowledge it, departing towards the rear of the ship, climbing the steps to the poop deck.
The captain continues steering the ship as his crew works, the lights of the far shore still cutting through the growing fog, but growing dimmer by the minute.
Aluve gave the man a nod and walked away. He had not known to the full extent of what this passage was, other then a way to cross the water. The fog was very thick and seemed to be getting worse. His Elven blood allowed him to see quite well in the dark......but his vision could not cut through the dense cloud. Aluve walked to the starboard side of the ship. He looked to the sky, as he often did and took a deep breath, drinking the moonlight and absorbing the stars. He began searching his pockets for his flask but couldn't find it. "I must have left it at the Gnomes house". Slightly irritated he approached one of the crewmen and asked "Hey....you got any booze?"
The young man reels from chat'cho's telepathy, but eagerly smiles and encourages after a moment.
"This. Is. Crazy. And amazing. But yes! I do seek danger and companionship! For you see, across this lake is my love, and our families don't want us to be together. They are so blinded by their hate of one another. I.. am in love with her. Not available for companionship with you, but I'm sure there's a beautiful uh... Bug woman. Bug man? Out there is beauty."
Branch turns to Bramble as he talks of the old lake, "I do! I feel it too, it would be so cool to see if there was a beast that lived down there, from afar of course. Think maybe the crew have encountered anything in their many voyages in the night? Oh! Let's see if we can find out!" Bringing Branch with her if he wants, she heads to the nearest crew member.
"Sir? Sorry to be of bother, but have you or any of you on board, seen a sea creature? From the depths of this very lake??"
Unable to resist and with anxiety from the fogs appearance Hanson approaches one of the crew man. “ Excuse me sorry to bother you but I was just a bit worried will the fog slow our progress across terribly or is this something your crew is used to running into?” As he asks he begins to help the crew member in his task so that he might be more amiable about the sudden interruption.
This is not my first Communion of which the Love Multiplex has been expressed. I must admit it is difficult for me to understand as it's very much a dra/mammal-person/mammalian experience and often subjective. Archibald, please tell me more about your Love-Female.
Chatcho's lower arms shake a bottle of ink while his upper arms retrieve a parchment and quill from his pack.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
It was not hard to find like-minded people in this small fishing village. Well-known as the home of one such captain who might take you on the midnight passage, you decided to linger here. It wasn't long you would have to wait before a small, portly, man who called himself Alfreid made his presence known. Standing atop the seat of his covered wagon, he practically announced in the town square that he was meant to gather a number of individuals together to share the captain's fee. As obvious as he was about it, you were not the first to approach him. By the time you did, there were already quite the number. The second and third declined any introductions, dressed in forest-green cloaks that they kept tight, concealing much of their form. All they would tell is that they were the Nevael brothers, and seemed to've come to an agreement with the merchant to guard his wares, a task they were diligent about.
The fourth, and the fifth again came as a pair. A well-built man who must've spent considerable time in a forge or working the fields introduced himself as Murth. A salt-and-pepper beard adorned his face, and he spoke with gravel in his voice. Any who would talk to him he met with a scrutinizing gaze, as if he expected any or all of them to draw blades in that very moment. His counterpart was his opposite in as many ways as seemed possible, a young woman with a deer-in-the-headlights look about her, who eventually stammered out 'Zue' when pressed. Against her companion's imposing frame, she seemed diminutive and frail, and acted like it with open fear of most who approached her.
That was some time ago, now. Once introductions had been made, Alfreid wasted no time. Gathering the fee from each of you, he took you all to meet the captain and his ship. The boat was a fairly small, single-masted thing. Built for shallow waters, its storage deck was only tall enough for a man to crouch under the main, though a cabin was built in the rear section to allow a man to stand at his full height, raising the deck in the rear a few feet above the main. It was an old, cranky thing, that groaned at every movement of the waters below. The name of a goddess was scrawled into her planks in the dwarven tongue, and the Captain matched his ship. A true sea-dog, he met each of them in turn with a curt hand-shake, and the instructions to "Stay clear of me crew, and don't cause no trouble, and we'll be there before the morn'." With that, the man took to barking orders at his crew, and they set off without delay.
After the initial rush to get things stowed, things calm dramatically. Nearly an hour into the journey, with a handful more to go, the crew continues to adjust and re-adjust the ship's four sails, striving to gain every ounce of speed out of tonight's light airs. Alfreid, the merchant, has retired to one of the hammocks in the rear cabin, while the Nevael brothers have taken to guarding his wagon, which has been tied down just outside the cabin itself. Murth and Zue lean against the windward railing. Zue watches the stars, and the inky water slip by, as Murth observes the crew in silent contemplation.
Please, introduce your characters to the group. Explain how you acquainted yourself with Alfreid and the others, and where your character can be found now, on the ship nearly an hour into the journey.
"Hey, wake up"
"Come on friend, here take this"
Aluve awoke to find the kind Gnome offering a warm drink, his small arm outstretched with a big smile on his face. "I tell you what, its lucky I found you out there last night. If you had been spotted by the ships you would have been done for. Tell me, what is an Elf Ranger doing in these parts?" Aluve took the beverage from the Gnome, his kind face was a rare thing to see these days. He took a sip. The warm liquid gave life to his limbs and cleared his head. It was a regular occurrence for Aluve to wake up in average shape, his addiction to the drink made his mornings more difficult then necessary.
"Its a long story.....but I guess the short version is I need to cross the lake to follow up on a lead. Going around will take me too long." Aluve replied.
"Well I might be able to help you there. Sometimes there are jobs for extra hands on ships. Best place to go would probably be the town village center. I know a man named Alfried who might have some work. He occasionally gathers hands from the surrounds. Might even be some coin in it for you." The Gnome pottered around his hovel. It was small but big enough for him. "Come on, get your things friend. I will take you there". The pair headed out towards the village center. It was not large place but it was extremely lively. Fisherman were reeling their nets and brining in their catch from the early morning. Small cargo vessels were docking and unloading, cages of crabs were stacked up on the shore. The warm sun seemed to bring life to the village, a different scene from the sleepy ghost village from the night before. Aluve walked passed what looked like an Inn, there were already people out the front drinking from their horns, he struggled with the sight, having to try and look away and re focus. "Not today" He told himself.
"Ahh look, there is Alfried now!" The gnome gestured toward a man in the village. "See...that portly man on the wagon being extremely loud. He is the man you need to talk to. With that I must be off Aluve. I need to travel south today to visit some family." The Gnome reached out to shake hands. Aluve half smiled and grabbed the Gnomes hand. "Goodbye friend. Thankyou for your help and hospitality. I hope we meet again." The Gnome turned and headed back off into the crowd.
Some time later........
There was a chill in the air. The night passage brought with it some nervous crew members and a sense of unease. The callout for able bodied souls had brought in a mixed bag of travelers and adventurers. The madness of disembarking had calmed, Aluve and the rest of the crew had been on the water now for roughly and hour it seemed. He sat on the deck, his back leaning against a barrel of supplies. He kept his hood up and watched. Aluve was not one to engage in conversation straight away, he preferred to get a gauge of those around him first....try and figure people out in order to devise a way to communicate effectively. After what he saw the previous night on the water he wasn't sure what to expect through the journey. There was obvious risk and it would seem that the captain was well aware of it two. Over stocking the ship with people who quite obviously knew their way around combat.
A very tall, well dressed young man (boy really) had boarded the boat with a suspicious shawl draped across his face like a hood and mask combo. As though that would somehow prevent discovery of the veritable armory he was wearing.
He stands by the bow of the ship, eagerly looking across the lake with a nervous grip on the rail
Paladin - warforged - orange
Bramble, a tall, lanky firbolg in brown and green furs with grayish skin and brown hair pulled back into a man bun is sitting up near the prow of the vessel restringing his longbow. A quiver of arrows and two shortswords are propped up against the rails next to where he sits. He stands out amongst most of the passengers not only because of his height and heritage, but also because he paid his passage fee not with coin, but with game and foraged plants that he offered to stock the ship's larder. He is keeping a friendly distance from the rest of the passengers, looking a bit like a fish out of water.
Having planned this venture across the lake far ahead of time Hanson(Han) waited for Alfreid to arrive in the town center. To all appearances he looks to be a portly, short balding man in his late sixties in moderately fine clothing holding a simple backpack with a lute strapped to it supporting no obvious weapons. Knowing the spell wouldn’t last the entire way across it at-least would keep him from being recognized by any of the townsfolk till the ship was well underway. Han had to hide a cringe as Alfreids rather blusterous entrance. Making sure not to come close enough to the other passengers as to arouse suspicion to his illusion he quickly pays the man and follows to the ship boarding quick and taking up a post near the bow of the ship keeping his eye to the other shore focused solely on what awaits on the other side.
Branch, already very annoyed they had to leave this side of the lake because of her sister, followed said person throughout the town as she told Branch she had a way to get them across the lake. As they reached a tavern, her sister told her to wait while she ran off into the mass of people to secure them passage. When she returned, she had a sheepish look on her face. "Well Branch, unfortunately the boat I found only had room for one more, so you'll have to find your own way. I hear you are to find a man named Alfreid, that should help." and before Branch had time to react, devil sis disappeared again. Well, good riddance, maybe a break from each other is what we need. She easily found Alfreid and passage across the lake.
As the group settles into the voyage, Branch heads over near Zue at the railing, but gives her space, and also watches the water speed by. "Water sure takes on a different look at night, doesn't it? Beautiful, but almost menacing as we cut through it with this ship."
Afternoon
The Thri-Kreen enters the tavern. A palpable unease as the seven foot mantis hits his head on the door frame.
Sunset
The Thri-Kreen has joined a table playing cards. Both pair of arms each hold a hand of cards. The protests stop when he buys in twice.
Dusk
The Thri-Kreen buys a round for everyone. He doesn't understand the coinage of the land and just throws his card winnings at the indignant bartender.
Night
The Thr-Kreen dances on the bar with the strumpets, astonishing everyone with the uncanny fluidity of his movements.
Midnight
The Thri-Kreen is invited to the corpulent strumpet's room. He indulges her. She asks his name. Chatcho indulges her. She screams it repeatedly. Rude.
Dawn
Chatcho sits at the bar with an ill-fitting bathrobe, his lower arms crossed over his thorax. The bartender, divining Chatcho's purpose in town, recommends he speak with Alfreid later that night.
Sunrise
Chatcho packs his things. Before walking out the door he regards the bartender and patrons. Gently, he enters their minds.
Well, I'm afraid this is farewell! Though you have all endeared yourselves to me I'm afraid I can't accept you as Clutchmates, you simply lack the stamina.
Chatcho regards the strumpet in particular.
Despair not! Though I follow a dangerous path, I have foreseen destiny will provide me suitable Clutchmates with the power to endure. Know that I will remember you fondly, despite your inadequacies.
Chatcho turns, hits his head on the door frame, and departs.
The bartender scratches his head.
"I didn't know he could talk."
Later that Night
Chatcho shakingly grips the rails of the ship's stern with all four arms. He waits for his racial memory, often revealed during distress, to disclose the secrets of swimming.
Zue squeaks audibly in surprise as the stranger announces their presence behind her. She half-turns to look at Branch, the tell-tale glint of darkvision flashing in her eyes briefly. "Y-yes, it is." Even as she speaks, she slowly inches towards the security of her companion, who seems reluctant to give it. He remains as he was for a moment, arms crossed, and watching Branch with a cautious eye. Eventually, he does move, stepping off the railing, and beckoning Branch's attention. "You'll have to forgive 'er. She's a terrible fear of the water, and we've heard many tales about these kinds of boats in particular." He enforces his point by casting his gaze around, ensuring they're not being listened to. None of the crew seem to pay them any mind. "Ships disappearing in the night, some god-awful tales of a beast under the waters. All fiction, I am sure, but they've done her no good." As Murth continues the conversation with Branch, Zue turns back towards the water.
The Nevael brothers continue their own work diligently. One stands near the rear of Alfreid's wagon, guarding it from any would-be thieves, while the other stands near the front of it, maintaining the animals and keeping them calm as the waves rock the boat. Alfreid himself still snores soundly in the hold. As time goes on, a fog is slowly waking from the water's surface, growing thicker by the minute.
Han’s moans softly in annoyance as the fog rolls in thinking “This undoubtedly will cause delays. Hopefully this captain is worth his coin.” He peers out into the fog daydreaming about the future.
Perception:8
Archibald keeps his face covered with the shawl but approaches the thri-kreen.
"I have never seen anyone like you before. I wonder: why must you travel at night this way? Fear of people? Nocturnal? Are you hunted?"
The thri-kreen may or may not be able to tell that this is a boy of 17-ish, and still prone to curiosity uninhibited.
Perception 14
Paladin - warforged - orange
Aluve rises from his sitting position. He heads towards the Nevael brothers. His curiosity had now gotten the better of him and these guys looked like they had done these kinds of trips a few times.
"Greetings friend" Aluve tries to engage the brother standing guard.
"Perhaps you could tell me something, there seems to be quite the group here...Rangers, Bards....even what looks to be a giant Mantis. How much trouble are you expecting? Have you had many issues before trying to cross the lake?" "Maybe you could share with me some of your experiences....just so I have a better idea of what to expect?"
"Ships disappearing at night? Beasts of the deep?" Branch's eyes light up as she hears the stories from Murth. The young water genasi leans over the railing giving the water a longer look. She turns back to Murth, "Think the crew here know any stories about them? I know we're not supposed to bother them, but, man so cool." Her blue skin almost looks inky in the dark night and she wears navy colored fine clothes that are blowing in the wind.
Chatcho turns to the hooded individual. He can't place the person's race or gender, let alone age, though he's certain the creature is mammalian. Chatcho gently reaches out with his mind and, should the individual consent, the following is communicated:
It speaks! And loathe am I to leave questions unanswered: I travel this way because it's dangerous and I la/seek the company and protection of dangerous people. My previous g'tok/clutch/adventuring party were kcha/to end knowledge/killed, leaving me vulnerable in my tik/hunt for knowledge. It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Chatcho/chat'cho/one who remembers lost or unusual knowledge. I hope you were able to understand all of that; I'm not used to your dialect of common trade tongue. Tell me, do you pursue danger and companionship?
Bramble perks up when he hears 'beasts of the deep' come out of Branch's mouth. "I wouldn't be too surprised if such a beast did live here. This lake feels... old. Old as time. Well, maybe not quite that old, but old enough to make me feel like something's out there... down there... you know?"
"Issues?" The brother chuckled at the question, his voice soft. "My 'friend,' you travel a criminal's road. One should expect that any who travel this way would, likewise, be criminals. Trust none of them, not even myself, each one of us might pick your pocket, or..." He continues his wry chuckle, eyeing the elf up and down as he draws a thumb across his throat. "But... I'm sure you have entirely honourable reasons to board this vessel, hm? Fine, then, my honourable 'friend'. A word of the wise? I'd stay away from the uhh, 'mantis man'. I hear the insects eat just about anything that moves, including each other. I'd hate for you to be the one to test if this mantis-man has the same propensity."
"Stop torturing the poor lad." Comes a call, in a slightly louder, deeper voice from the front of the wagon.
===================================================================================================================
"I don't think the creature speaks." The captain calls back to Archibald from his position at the helm. "It hasn't said a word since it boarded."
===================================================================================================================
Elsewhere, Murth entertains the interest of this sea-creature talk. "Please, it's just a story. I'm sure there's nothing down there. It's but a lake, and there are ships plying these waters all day, as they have done for generations." Zue stands as he speaks from her position leaning against the railing, and passes by the growing crowd to find more privacy leaning against the mast. "I'm sure the missing ships are nothing more than those unfortunate enough to be discovered and captured by one of the lords' navies." Murth continues, Zue shooting him a look. He eyes her carefully, the two of them sharing an unspoken conversation before he turns back to Branch and Bramble. "You'll have to forgive me, my new friends. I have to take care of m'lady." He emphasizes the last word mockingly, earning him a scoff from his young compatriot. He doesn't acknowledge it, departing towards the rear of the ship, climbing the steps to the poop deck.
===================================================================================================================
The captain continues steering the ship as his crew works, the lights of the far shore still cutting through the growing fog, but growing dimmer by the minute.
Aluve gave the man a nod and walked away. He had not known to the full extent of what this passage was, other then a way to cross the water. The fog was very thick and seemed to be getting worse. His Elven blood allowed him to see quite well in the dark......but his vision could not cut through the dense cloud. Aluve walked to the starboard side of the ship. He looked to the sky, as he often did and took a deep breath, drinking the moonlight and absorbing the stars. He began searching his pockets for his flask but couldn't find it. "I must have left it at the Gnomes house". Slightly irritated he approached one of the crewmen and asked "Hey....you got any booze?"
The young man reels from chat'cho's telepathy, but eagerly smiles and encourages after a moment.
"This. Is. Crazy. And amazing. But yes! I do seek danger and companionship! For you see, across this lake is my love, and our families don't want us to be together. They are so blinded by their hate of one another. I.. am in love with her. Not available for companionship with you, but I'm sure there's a beautiful uh... Bug woman. Bug man? Out there is beauty."
"Don't tell anyone, but my name is Archibald."
Paladin - warforged - orange
Branch turns to Bramble as he talks of the old lake, "I do! I feel it too, it would be so cool to see if there was a beast that lived down there, from afar of course. Think maybe the crew have encountered anything in their many voyages in the night? Oh! Let's see if we can find out!" Bringing Branch with her if he wants, she heads to the nearest crew member.
"Sir? Sorry to be of bother, but have you or any of you on board, seen a sea creature? From the depths of this very lake??"
Unable to resist and with anxiety from the fogs appearance Hanson approaches one of the crew man. “ Excuse me sorry to bother you but I was just a bit worried will the fog slow our progress across terribly or is this something your crew is used to running into?” As he asks he begins to help the crew member in his task so that he might be more amiable about the sudden interruption.
Chatcho, breaking the link with Archibald, silently reflects on what has been communicated.
Love/Monogamy/Jeral?
Love/Close Friend/Maa'ak?
Love/Pursuit/Tik?
Love/Knowledge/Cha?
Chatcho reaches out to Archibald's mind again.
This is not my first Communion of which the Love Multiplex has been expressed. I must admit it is difficult for me to understand as it's very much a dra/mammal-person/mammalian experience and often subjective. Archibald, please tell me more about your Love-Female.
Chatcho's lower arms shake a bottle of ink while his upper arms retrieve a parchment and quill from his pack.