"Hmm. Damn good. Well, everyone has their skill. Mine is hitting things and holding my liquor, unlike that twig of an elf." He grumbles the last part as he casts and murderous glare at the elf for vomiting on his armor.

Jeff walks over and sways next to maximus. With his best slurred voice-

"Maxiiiiii!!! It's.. Its good to see you.. you *hiccup* hansom man!! I have to ask- (in a whisper that is way to loud to be considered a whisper) what are they paying you?? This can't be what you.. you.. wanted to do with your freedom you've earned *hiccup* can it?! Dragging innocent men into a life time of *burp* servitude? Waiting on that lord? I thought.. I thought you of all, one minute." He holds a fist to his mouth as if to stifle potential vomit. "Sorry, I thought you would respect freedom more than the average... average.. ave- you know what I'm saying right man? FREEDOM. Listen, why don't you help me out of this and come adventuring with me? There's gold, excitement and the freedom to do *hiccup* or drink, whatever you waaaanntttt! I'll give you five gold as an incentive and another ten out of my share from our first job together. We could be so, so great man. 'Maximus and Jeff' theyll say... MJ- so many great MJ's in history. (He randomly pulls names from his head that sound valiant and powerful.) Like Mike and Jackson, Michael and Jordan, Marry and Jane, MAXIMUS AND JEFF!! Come on buddy, we both know this marriage won't work. Help me out, for *hiccup* for freedoms sake..."

He doesnt lay it on too thick, just enough, and he ends this last bit on a more sobering note (hoping to cater to his history and past experiences.)

(I'm going to assume I need a persuasion check lol. Here it goes...)

Persuasion: 15

Riskah checks the surroundings and sees Maximus holding a dozen of spears on his back and wearing studded leather with a shield.

The crew of the ship are wearing leather armor with scimitars on sailors, while Captain Johnny has a dagger and rapier.

The guests are not carrying weapons and just enjoys the voyage.

"I appreciate the offer Jeff, but I am largely indebted to Sarah-Bell's father. If you marry her and take over her father's duties after a few years, I'll gladly help you on your adventures."

Sen'ra walks over to Maximus with a cup in his hand. "So, former gladiator, huh? What 'debt' do you owe to this girls father to be ferrying drunks to forced weddings? Sounds pretty bad if you want my take. And if you don't, well too bad because I've already said my part."

Alton smirks as he is asked to play with the band during the wedding, seeming to think on it for a bit before he shrugs. "I do not see why I could not offer my services even if the price is less then half of what I charge to even appear. I will make an exception due to this being a wedding and I would hate to disappoint the lady Sara-belle." The halfling says as he smiles and shakes the hand of the half rate minstrel that had offered to hire him. After all he saw nothing wrong with competing the quest and earning extra coin on the side.

"But first I think that I shall get myself something to eat. He makes his way over to the buffet and fills up a large plate worthy of a true halfling. He finds a spot next to the prettier female party guests and begins a polite conversation with any that will speak to him.

"Sarah-Bell's father was also a former gladiator before he became a lord. He taught me the things needed to survive the arena and offered me a job after winning my freedom. Tell me, if you're a proud man, would you betray someone who helped you, a total stranger, at that extent?"

"Well now, that would depend on what the person telling me to betray them is offering. Now, for something like that, it would have to be a pretty high price. But, if they can give it, who am I to refuse a better deal. That's the thing. Morals? Pretty useless in a war. It's kill and live or follow your morals and get killed. Happened to my best friend. Throat cut right in front of me while we tried to rescue some captured comrades. They all died as well. So, no morals and debts aren't high on my list. And neither is pride. Sometimes I think that's why I'm driven to drink. To suppress my morals..." He stares off into the distance remembering some wartime memory.

The minstrel hands to Alton a bag of coins containing 10 gp.

"I'll talk to you later when we need to go and perform. Wear the finest clothes you have and bring your lute with you."

Alton sits next to the female guests, talking mundane stuff like the weather and stuff. They also talk about the island you were going. It was a small ocean bedrock that was pushed upwards by an underwater volcano a few years back.

The kingdom of Gerbard declared it as a natural reserve because of its geological features and a part of the island can be rented with the conditions of not removing or harming any of the island's protected wildlife and natural structures.

Alton smirks as he thinks of the extra coin that will soon be in his bag, having to decide what he will spend it on. Part of him considers buying better weapons then daggers for combat but shrugs that thought away as he is still short on the exact amount of coin.  His thoughgs drift away from that as he learns more about the island, making sure to keep note of anything that sounds important.

Logum gladly joins Sen'ra for some grog, while keeping an eye one Jeff to make sure his is not getting into too much trouble. He is distracted by Alton's beautiful playing and begins tuning his lute. He was never really trained to play but usually managed to pick up a tune or two, he'll give it a shot after a couple drinks with his new flame-haired friend. 

Performance: 17

After his passable performance, he saunters back to Sen'ra who is talking to Maximus and Jeff "I suppose I could have made more of a fool of myself." Logum notices him staring off into the past and shakes him a bit, "Are you with us here Sen'ra?" 

The minstrel walks towards Logum.

"Hey, it seems you know how to play the lute a little better than us. I'll offer you the same job like your companion, 10 gp. Not a bad deal right?"

A surprised look washes over Logum's face quickly replaced by a wide smile. "Why I'd love to, thank you very much. I have to say I enjoyed your performance greatly, though." After he receives his gold, he mutters to himself, "Heh, I typically just get paid in food or spirits. This vacation is turning out great." 

Rinc will spend some time casually looking around the ship to see if there is anything of interest.

perception check 14

Rinc looks around the ship and sees an interesting seagull landing on the bow of the ship. He spends his time observing the bird until it flies away.

A sailor on the crow's nest shouts,

"Land Ahoy!"

Your group sees a small island far away glittering from the rays of the sun.

Maximus holds Jeff from behind,

"Let's get you ready for your wedding" and drags him behind a curtain.

He comes out wearing Clothes, Fine made from silk with a bougainvillea design. Pink and green small gemstones were used instead of embroidery for the design.

The ship reaches a small cliff side of the island. As the sailors put down a wooden bridge, you see rocks jutting out the island are covered with large aquamarine gems covered with moss and it sparkles as the sun peeks from the clouds.

The path going down to the beach is covered in tropical flowers and palm trees providing shade.

The group of minstrels beckons Alton and Logum.

"Come, we have to set up our instruments for the wedding."

As the group leaves the ship and walking down the wooden bridge to the cliffs, Jeff feels a vibration coming from the form. When he checked it, a small victory fanfare suddenly played and confetti magically pops out of the paper, celebrating the completion of the task.

Maximus asks the group to be an audience of the wedding as he drags Jeff to the path. You also noticed that Orlando did not came down from the ship.

Logum finishes his drink and happily makes his way across the plank onto the island. He stops to breathe in the salt air and slaps his hand on the shoulder of his slightly shorter musical companion. "I suppose we'll be going this way." He leans in to whisper in Alton's ear, "I believe we have completed our quest, but I'm not sure where this goes from here. We should have a unique perspective from the orchestra." He leans back again raising his voice, "And then we can get you a new set of proper clothes, or your clothes cleaned. If all else fails, I have a couple costumes closer to your size." 

Logum will put on one of his costumes which has a bright green leaf pattern tunic with brown trousers and gold embroidered trim to match his cloak along with an array of sheer scarves.

"I still think we should have gone with Extreme Syphilis"  Notes Rinc.

Jeff was happy as the form popped in his pocket, with a sigh he relaxed a little. He was not happy that some of his party immediately abandoned him at the first chance they got. They weren't only not helping him, they were actually supporting the contrary. If these minstrels were the Lord's men, trying to distract and divide this party, then they were playing them much better than their instruments. 

(A bit of gold and a silky word to boost ego was all it took to break them.) Jeff thought. (Look at them, they're actually happy to trot off and play, for who knows how long.. Not even a glance back.. I wonder.. What if I play this 'game' myself? They may not see that coming...) Jeff let out a soft chuckle under his breath so that none but himself could hear it.