High times at low tides

Quote from Necmo >>

Quint interjects, "Milo, while your eagerness for storycraft is admirable, please share your opinion on Zephyros's request. You as well, Grol."

Milo doesn't seem happy to be interrupted and looks at Quint a little offended "You mean the request for food? Sure, he should eat with us, so he can tell his story! But...Grol i think i need you to translate, i have some problems in understand the fishy Lord" and looks to Grol. After that he whispers to Quint: "I'm here to write stories and I'm about to ask a strange fishy Guy out who says to be a lord. It would be very nice if you wouldn't interrupt me, dear Quint." and give him a big grin.

Grol hears Zephyros’ story of his training. Insight Check: 13

Grol turns to Quint. 

“He has proven himself a capable swordsman. And, albeit lacking some tact, he seems to be a well meaning person. Furthermore, his request to get to land is not wholly unreasonable. I support his request to join us, but would like to hear any objections that Ban might have.”

Quint replies quietly to Milo, "Apologies Milo, I thought you were finished. It's hard to tell sometimes," he says with a wink and smile.

Zephyros:

Quint says in response to Grol, "Thank you, Grol—opinion noted. Swordsmanship aside, we're scheduled to arrive in port tomorrow so I agree his request is not unreasonable... Zephyros, as a compromise, are you willing to accept being prohibited from entering the lower supply deck, as well as the bow half of the middle deck for the time being? We are charged with the safety of our passengers and integrity of our cargo. If we grant you passage, you would have access to your cabin, the top deck, and here in the galley. We only just met each other after all. However, I also want to hear any objections to this as well."

Finishing her meal, she sets her utensils down, minus her knife, and addresses the Triton in elvish.

 Speaking up to the Captain, "It's only temporary, and so long as the lord  here keeps his place, I don't see any harm. I respect your wishes, Cap." Placing the still-held knife down hard on the table, she stands up abruptly and walks out briskly.

(Somewhere in the world a tall, determined half elf awaits a party of adventurers- a party worthy enough to take him from humble beginnings to the top. The very top. And out of this tavern. Away from this hairy female dwarf attempting to hit on him...)

Quote from Necmo >>

Quint replies quietly to Milo, "Apologies Milo, I thought you were finished. It's hard to tell sometimes," he says with a wink and smile.

 

Zephyros:

Since you know your character best, you may rule the result of Grol's Insight check to see if your story is truthful.

 

Quint says in response to Grol, "Thank you, Grol—opinion noted. Swordsmanship aside, we're scheduled to arrive in port tomorrow so I agree his request is not unreasonable... Zephyros, as a compromise, are you willing to accept being prohibited from entering the lower supply deck, as well as the bow half of the middle deck for the time being? We are charged with the safety of our passengers and integrity of our cargo. If we grant you passage, you would have access to your cabin, the top deck, and here in the galley. We only just met each other after all. However, I also want to hear any objections to this as well."

Quote from Hanyouslayer >>

Finishing her meal, she sets her utensils down, minus her knife, and addresses the Triton in elvish.

I didn't mean to liken you to those creatures. I must say, it's nice to speak with another who speaks the true tongue. However, betray our trust and I assure you you'll be full of holes.

 Speaking up to the Captain, "It's only temporary, and so long as the lord  here keeps his place, I don't see any harm. I respect your wishes, Cap." Placing the still-held knife down hard on the table, she stands up abruptly and walks out briskly.

 Looking with a grin Zephyros begins to laugh, at the elven woman and turn to the captian.

"Hahahaha I love thy spirit! Very well then, I shalt respect thy rules and wait in mine cabin. I shalt needeth mine scroll and medallion!" 

Quint looks around the table and says, "I guess it's settled then. Welcome aboard Zephyros. You have a cabin for the night and have access to the top deck, galley, and your cabin as you please. We arrive in port tomorrow. Any issues please see me. Meeting concluded." He lightly taps the table and goes back to his cabin for the time being.

(If there's any RP in transit then feel free to do so to build rapport with Zephyros, just indicate that it's prior to arrival)

Otherwise... you all sail North through the rest of the day and night without incident. In the late morning of the next day, you all arrive at the port. Quint says, "The port village of Kerbin. An inconspicuous fishing town that has maintained independence from the two kingdoms of Tarant and Cumbria. We are safe here, but these are shrewd traders and slim customers, so don't get into trouble. They take debts very seriously."

The ship navigates through the harbor and securely docks.

Quint says, "The ship will be needing repairs and supplies. To do that, we need money. I suggest finding someone willing to buy those platinum bars, or someone that will trade them for our repair needs and will give us the remaining amount. There is a small fortune in those bars so there will be plenty left over for all."

He sees the passengers coming out on deck, looking marginally healthier, "We also need to secure passage for them, if they wish it. We cannot jeopardize their safety at sea. I know someone who can take most them, but I know a few of them were in your care, correct?" (Referring to Xander's siblings)

"Anyway, I'll get things squared away here with the passengers. You all find someone willing to trade the bars so we can get out of here as soon as possible. Follow the main path from the dock and you'll find a small tavern. I can't find remember the name, but you'll smell the alcohol. I'd start there."

OOC: On mobile and will post more descriptions of the town a bit later. But you're at the dock, it's mostly just fishermen, and there is a single path leading to the center of town.

Zephyros will hop off the ship studying the lower humans as he continues down the path leading to the center of town.

The town of Kerbin is made mostly small, meager buildings made of mortar. The population is roughly 150, most of whom are fishermen and shipwrights, the rest being small shop owners, farmers, and administrators.

At the end of the dock is a very large building with pulley systems and looks to be a dry dock. Currently, the town is not very busy with activity as most are probably fishing somewhere. The dock has a few workers who are securing Truth's Tenacity and there are a few small boats near the shore line who are likely farming for oysters, clams, mussels, etc.

The most activity in town seems to be centered at the tavern off in the distance.

A human female in her early 30s with brown hair comes on board and starts talking privately with Quint for a few minutes (the two seem to know each other) then says, "My name is Valentina. I've been told that some of you are a bit of a special case. Well, you are safe here and if you desire it, I can secure you passage to your homes on one of the fishing vessels. If for any other reason you don't want to return where you used to live, then I'm sure several places could use new apprentices and could give you a bed. Just go on the dock and leave it to me."

Quint motions to the slaves, "Go on. On my word, you're safe here."

A few are eager to go and go on the dock without hesitation, some look to be a little reluctant but go anyway, and few stay on the ship talking privately amongst themselves as if they aren't sure.

Xander's siblings are on deck. (Would any of you care to see them off in any way?)

OOC: We will advance to the tavern in the next post.

Ban will begin in her quarters, grabbing a few essentials, and reading and rereading Xander's note. Taking the coin he had, she reluctantly and with a heavy sigh deposits it all in a plain sack. Approaching the light haired siblings, she touches Rin on the shoulder and wordlessly presses the bag into her. With a bit of emotion, "Xan wanted you to have this. It'll get you started." Taking the note in both hands, she adds, "And this. You're both going to the capital to stay with someone he knew. A magic user of the name Lucian." 

Turning away, she reaches into a pouch and fingers the gem she took from Xander's chest. Speaking up to Valentina, she inquires, "These two need safe, and secret, passage to the capital. If this isn't something that can be guaranteed, I can orchestrate this myself. They've seen enough hardship, and I gave my word they'd make it there in one piece. Can this be done?"

Valentina says to Ban, "They seem special to you. I will take them personally on my own ship. Do not worry, they will be safe and no harm will come to them."

Rin says, "Thank you Miss Ban. We will never forget you." She gives you the ribbon that she used to tie up her hair and places in your hand with a tear in her eye.

They all go join Valentina's side, saying to the group, "We will never forget you all and your gallant rescue. May you all live long and fruitful lives. Thank you from all our hearts." They say with a bow.

The remaining slaves on board, with the exception of two young men in their late teens, all head towards the dock and await Valentina. The two men start talking quietly with Quint.

"Captain, sir. We were wondering if we could stay?" one of them says. "Stay? Are you two mad? Don't you have a home or loved ones to go to?" he says. "No sir, we were orphaned just before we were sold. We would only be sent back to the streets homeless," they reply with a tone of voice that makes it obvious they so not wish to leave. "There would be places here to work and live out your lives...not to mention it would be safe. Why don't you want stay here?" Quint says with a little confusion. "Well sir, we were talking about it on the way here, and this ship is where we want to stay. We just haven't had much luck on land, so perhaps it will be different at sea. We don't want a boring life in a predicable town, if that makes sense." Quint resigns to the fact the two boys simply won't take no for an answer, "I can't guarantee your safety, not like that would deter you. Plus, you would just try to stow away regardless." They are excited by this, "Yes sir you're right, so we can come?!" Quint sighs and says, "Yes, you can come. You'll be greenhorns with Hooper's crew. Any backtalk and it's back on land with you." Delighted, they say, "Yes sir we don't disappoint you!" and rush back below deck.

OOC: Due to securing safe passage for Xander's siblings, there is no need to hire and/or convince two crewmen to take their place of the two deceased ones.

Valentina says, "What happened with the leg by the way? Looks recent. I'll take a closer look at it later," she says with a wink.

OOC: Will give others a chance to interact with Xander's siblings or any other slaves before advancing. 

Grol keeps,his distance and watches as the refugees depart. A slight smile crosses his face. It feels good to see people off to recover their lives.

Nodding to Valentina, she steps back. Taking the ribbon from Rin, Ban sighs. "Alright, you're very sweet. There's one last thing." Digging around in her back pouch, she retrieves Xander's gemstone. Holding it up the to light, she holds it out to the siblings. "Xander would've wanted you to have this. Take it and know he'll always be with you." Realizing how sappy this all is, Ban's face flushes, and she turns away quickly. 

Rin gratefully takes it with a  nod in understanding and appreciation. She notices the uncomfortable demeanor from Ban, and does not want to press the issue further, but says to Quint as an indirect thanks to Ban and the group, "You have very fine adventurers with you. Perhaps we will meet again someday under more pleasant pretenses. Take care of yourselves, may the good flames guide thee."

Xander's siblings along with the remaining slaves depart with Valentina and they make their way to a small building for the evening. You all can hear chatter of ship assignments, destinations, and places to work in the town. It appears their futures look brighter.

Meanwhile, as you depart, Quint says, "Alright, you all take care of your business of selling our loot and we'll get started here. I think I can convince one of these guys to let us dry dock. If you come back and don't see the ship anchored here, check the dry dock over there." He points to the large building on the edge of the dock.

You all catch up with Zephyros who is nearly at the tavern. There is a wooden sign shaped into a beer mug hanging from above the side of the building near the door, so it's impossible to miss. It reads "The Blue Oyster"

Inside the The Blue Oyster

The tavern is not very full, only a few scattered patrons are around, most of them fishermen grabbing a pint after a day of hard labor. There is a single human male in his 60's behind the bar, as well as a dwarf and elf sitting at one end. The bar is not a high end place, but it's practical. Older wooden tables and chairs, but sturdy and serve their purpose. Fishing nets, old anchors, variety of fishing hooks, mounted trophy fish on the wall, life savers, as well as other odds and ends decorate the place. The smell of ale permeates the place.

The man says, "Welcome strangers. What'll you have? We have a few house brews that'll warm you up as well as rooms, if you need a place. If you're looking for a meal we can have my wife whip you up something. I hope you like seafood."

(AfroSamurai go ahead and introduce your character)

The tall half elf stands awkwardly in the tavern with a slight look of disdain on his face- attempting to hide it as much as possible from the eager man behind the bar.

”How in the realms did I end up here?” He thinks to himself. “There has to be something good to come from ending up in a place like this. I guess all the best had to start from the bottom...” 

“Errr, yes! Umm, hello good sir. A glass of your finest wine, if you could.” Sarros replies, retrieving his coin purse. “And a room for the night.” He adds.

-Sarros

"We don't have much in the way of fine wine. Trade for it is seldom and expensive. We mainly just have ale that's been brewed on-site and a couple spirits that are both good, in my opinion, but I can check..." He looks behind the bar and takes out a dusty bottle. "This is one of the last bottles that I have and not exactly the highest quality."

3g for the wine (bottle)

Prices for everyone

Lager - 2sp per mug

Dwarven Stout - 5sp per mug

Whiskey - 4sp per shot, 5g per bottle (15 shots)

Dwarven brandy - 7sp per shot, 8g per bottle (12 shots)

Meal (modest) - 3sp 

Room (modest) - 5sp

As you all walk in and are greeted, you see the dwarf sitting at the bar eating a plate of smoked fish, cheese, and a roasted potato with several empty mugs beside him.

Sarros palms 1g and 5s for a mug of the wine. Not the whole thing. He has class, after all.

He scans the room for a seat- ahh, an empty spot, right behind a dwarf who seems to be enjoying himself at the bar.

Walking into the tavern, he will shout out to the owner "Giveth me thy best food and drinketh!"

As Grol enters the tavern he's hit with the smell of cooked seafood and ale. To his nose, these are not complimentary odors.

As he clears his senses and wanders over to the bar and asks for some of the Dwarven brandy.

As Ban enters, she stays away from the triton. Approaching the bar, she'll ask, "Excuse me, but where perhaps would be a good place to trade and sell goods? Oh, and, I'm not with," she points over to Zephyros, "him".