"The official position of the Sylveste family is that Calvin's Alpha-construct was lost." The halfling replies levelly, his face inscrutable. Moving onto Halen's second question, his facial expression loosens up some. "Resurgam is on the edge of our settled territory; Miss Bax's craft would take approximately four months, the other two can do it in less than a month." He hesitates for a moment, then continues. "We are prepared to disburse however many funds are required to expedite your journey. Should you choose the lighthugger craft, we would only request that you are shrewd in the negotiations, and that you take care. The Ultras can be unpredictable, and no one knows what the spiders truly want. Both factions may take you on an unwanted detour."
Raek listens to the details of the ships, the affiliation of the crew and the name of the captain where available. He thinks back to whether he has come across any of them before.
"As speed is of the essence, we have to discount The Storm Bird. I would prefer to travel with the Ultras over the Conjoiners, but that is just my preference. I don't like the idea of conversations going on around me that I don't even know are happening", he says, his eyes flicking to Arcaelothoryx'x as he admits this.
He then looks to Kallum, "I suggest whatever payment is agreed is based on travel time. A higher fee for a faster journey. As for supplies, I will need some navigator's tools, just to monitor our journey and ensure no detours. A musket would be handy as well, in case we come across pirates. My pistol just doesn't have the range. What is available on Carousel New Winter? I admit I have not been here before, but if there are weapons and perhaps arcane items available we could peruse them".
"Keep at it, you'll get there", he says to Crash absently regarding the band name?!
History (to determine whether he recognises the ships or captains): 14+1=15
The astral elf seemed professional and sensible enough to handle the aquisition of a suitable craft to get them all expediently to Resurgam, so the illithid kept his focus on the gathering of information and knowledge pertaining to their task. "Could you make available any and all information you have access to regarding the ancient Amaratin civilization and what has been unearthed by the archaelogical expedition so far"The voice asks, the illithid hovering to face their halfling host.
Persuasion if needed: 9 Insight to determine if the halfling seems to hold anything back: 5
"We have weaponsmiths on Carousel New Winter, I am certain we could find you an appropriate firearm to suit your needs very quickly, as well as the tools you require. For matters of the arcane, there are such crafters here - but you must understand these items are made to order, they are not trinkets bought off the shelves. I'm afraid you would be waiting some time before they were ready."
Turning his attention to Arcaelothryx'x, he shrugs. "What you see here is what I have available. I'm afraid of the excitement of the ruins discovery wore off rather quickly, so there were no authors interested in writing about them. Danien has his own notes. He has spoken to me about them before, is there a particular bit of information you're after?" The illithid would detect no ill-intent or secretive behavior in the halfling.
"What has been unearthed so far are things that could reasonably withstand the test of time. Carvings in rock and marble. Sculptures. The like. Their language is infuriatingly difficult to read, stereoscopic such that special lenses are required to merge the characters in the right way."
"Despite all ruins so far showcasing only a primitive level of technology and knowledge, Danien believes their civilization to have been quite advanced - enough to have brought about their own demise instead of a natural cataclysm as is widely believed."
"Privately, he believes we are presently on a similar course."
"He was on the precipice of unearthing an obelisk he thought would prove him correct concerning the advancement of the Amaratin when the coup d'état occurred, forcing him and the rest of the Institute loyalists off world."
"The proceeding leadership is not as interested in archaeology, and are hostile to the Sylveste Institute. They have communicated no further findings on the Amaratin since taking power."
The illithid listens attentively to the hafling, the tentacles writhing and undulating slowly as he does. "That is...unfortunate..." The voice starts, the pale eyes of the illithid moving from the halfling over the rest of the assembled team. "...but I'm confident the crew Mr. Sylveste has put together will prove to have the necessary competence to swiftly reach Resurgam and find the answers we seek." The deep raspy voice continues. The prospect of delving into the mysteries of an ancient and advanced civilization makes the illithid's tentacles flex with excitement and he seems eager to depart.
“Very well, the tools and firearm will do just fine”, replies Raek.
”If you could arrange for the purchase and delivery of a musket, a supply of bullets and a set of navigator’s tools. In the meantime, we can negotiate passage on the Nostalgia for Infinity with this Captain John Brannigan. Where is it docked?”, he asks and then looks at each of his companions.
”If any of you are practiced in negotiation, your company would be appreciated. I am more of a straight talker than a flatterer”.
"Practiced in negotiation?" Crash says, reaching up to rub the back of his neck while he thought, his mind still whirling as he tries to piece together this mess he's listening to. Stars disappearing. Ancient civilizations. He shakes his head. "Yeah, yeah, I'm pretty good at talking. My dad used to always tell me I had the 'gift of gab'. He also used to tell me I didn't know when to shut the hell up but, really, who does? I mean it happens to us all, right? Just take it from Archie, he knows. He talks just as much as I do and look at him. He doesn't even have a mouth!"
The illithid seems to frown at the imbecile question from the human, the voice making a sound like a scoff as the pale lidless eyes meets Capain Crash´s, staring into them. "Obviously I have a mouth human, how else would I be able to devour that useless brain of yours. Since you evidently don't make use of it you might consider leaving it to me for sustenance." The deep raspy voice says in a somewhat threatening tone, the tentacles sliding apart to reveal a maw with a circular, jawless orifice ringed by several rows of small, rasping teeth. "That last was a joke...I only devour brains with higher functions."The voice adds after a moment, the head of the illithid tilting slightly, observing the human's reaction to his atttempt at a jest. "As I have no other pressing matters to attend to I might follow to observe the art of negotiations. Should they stall you can always imply I will simply enslave them all, that thought will leave few unaffected." The voice adds in full sincerity now.
"Oh man, that's a good one!" Crash says with a laugh, reaching out to steady himself with a hand on Arcaelothryx'x shoulder. "But dude! If it's that useless then its no good for eating! Man I love when you make those contradictory jokes. So great."
Crash reaches up to brush a tear from the corner of his eye.
"No man, no no, don't explain the joke afterward. Just let it sit. Not your fault of these ding-dongs don't get it..." He hitches a thumb at the rest of the group. He gets more serious as Crash listens, and then the odd human begins to nod. "Yeah man, I like that. We can use that idea if it comes down to it. But guys, I'm telling you, I could sell wool underwear in hell. It'll be fine. I do have a question though."
He looks intense for a second.
"Who are we negotiating with again? I wasn't paying attention."
"Sailors can be a wary and superstitious lot, it is not guaranteed that they will agree to transporting an Illithid passenger. Even if they do, it might inflate the price. Perhaps it would be best if you are not so open about your race if you are to accompany us", Raek says quite bluntly when Arcaelothryx'x mentions accompanying them. He still finds the Illithid's attempts at humour inappropriate, but he doesn't react this time, after all Crash didn't seem offended by what was said.
"Sylvia, Hal, will you join us as well? Best you all let Kallum know what supplies you need so we can move when we get the location of the ship, and Captain Brannigan. That, Crash, is who we will be negotiating with".
With that he turns to Kallum, waiting for the information he requested.
The illithid finds himself slightly positively emotionally affected by the human seeming to appreciate his attempt at making a joke, not quite comprehending what a contradictory one is, making a mental note of looking that up at some later point. At the same time he was less than enthused about the thought of having this utterly scatterbrained man on the team, making another mental note of keeping a close eye or even two at his performance with the crew.
As the astral elf speaks the illithid seems to frown slightly again. "With the resources at our disposal the price is not a deciding factor, and the captain might even feel we have decieved them by not being transparent about an illithid being among the passengers. That said, I can certainly make myself unseen if you believe it would be beneficial to our endeavour." The voice states with an emotionless tone.
Raek looks back over at the Illithid with a bit more respect, and nods. "I had not considered you would have the empathy necessary to make such an astute observation about how they might feel were we to lie. In this case, I would not recommend lying or deception, rather that we do not divulge all the information unless asked. It is sometimes better to ask forgiveness than permission", he says to Arcaelothryx'x with a small grin, his posture towards the Illithid softening a little.
"We will of course then deal with what comes when our party is fully revealed. Now, if time is pressing as we are led to believe, let us be on our way. Kallum, the location of the Nostalgia for Infinity if you please".
"No lies? Alright, got it." Crash says to Raek. "But just so you know...I can lie with a honeyed tongue. "You wouldn't believe how many times I've pissed off parents or lost a girlfriend over it. They'll buy it hook line and sinker and then, somehow, sooner or later, I get caught it's always this whole ordeal... You know what? Nevermind. Where we going?"
"The official position of the Sylveste family is that Calvin's Alpha-construct was lost." The halfling replies levelly, his face inscrutable. Moving onto Halen's second question, his facial expression loosens up some. "Resurgam is on the edge of our settled territory; Miss Bax's craft would take approximately four months, the other two can do it in less than a month." He hesitates for a moment, then continues. "We are prepared to disburse however many funds are required to expedite your journey. Should you choose the lighthugger craft, we would only request that you are shrewd in the negotiations, and that you take care. The Ultras can be unpredictable, and no one knows what the spiders truly want. Both factions may take you on an unwanted detour."
Raek listens to the details of the ships, the affiliation of the crew and the name of the captain where available. He thinks back to whether he has come across any of them before.
"As speed is of the essence, we have to discount The Storm Bird. I would prefer to travel with the Ultras over the Conjoiners, but that is just my preference. I don't like the idea of conversations going on around me that I don't even know are happening", he says, his eyes flicking to Arcaelothoryx'x as he admits this.
He then looks to Kallum, "I suggest whatever payment is agreed is based on travel time. A higher fee for a faster journey. As for supplies, I will need some navigator's tools, just to monitor our journey and ensure no detours. A musket would be handy as well, in case we come across pirates. My pistol just doesn't have the range. What is available on Carousel New Winter? I admit I have not been here before, but if there are weapons and perhaps arcane items available we could peruse them".
"Keep at it, you'll get there", he says to Crash absently regarding the band name?!
History (to determine whether he recognises the ships or captains): 14+1=15
The astral elf seemed professional and sensible enough to handle the aquisition of a suitable craft to get them all expediently to Resurgam, so the illithid kept his focus on the gathering of information and knowledge pertaining to their task. "Could you make available any and all information you have access to regarding the ancient Amaratin civilization and what has been unearthed by the archaelogical expedition so far" The voice asks, the illithid hovering to face their halfling host.
Persuasion if needed: 9
Insight to determine if the halfling seems to hold anything back: 5
Kallum nods, "A logical decision Raek."
"We have weaponsmiths on Carousel New Winter, I am certain we could find you an appropriate firearm to suit your needs very quickly, as well as the tools you require. For matters of the arcane, there are such crafters here - but you must understand these items are made to order, they are not trinkets bought off the shelves. I'm afraid you would be waiting some time before they were ready."
Turning his attention to Arcaelothryx'x, he shrugs. "What you see here is what I have available. I'm afraid of the excitement of the ruins discovery wore off rather quickly, so there were no authors interested in writing about them. Danien has his own notes. He has spoken to me about them before, is there a particular bit of information you're after?" The illithid would detect no ill-intent or secretive behavior in the halfling.
"What has been unearthed so far are things that could reasonably withstand the test of time. Carvings in rock and marble. Sculptures. The like. Their language is infuriatingly difficult to read, stereoscopic such that special lenses are required to merge the characters in the right way."
"Despite all ruins so far showcasing only a primitive level of technology and knowledge, Danien believes their civilization to have been quite advanced - enough to have brought about their own demise instead of a natural cataclysm as is widely believed."
"Privately, he believes we are presently on a similar course."
"He was on the precipice of unearthing an obelisk he thought would prove him correct concerning the advancement of the Amaratin when the coup d'état occurred, forcing him and the rest of the Institute loyalists off world."
"The proceeding leadership is not as interested in archaeology, and are hostile to the Sylveste Institute. They have communicated no further findings on the Amaratin since taking power."
"It's a good ship name anyway." Hal says with a shrug, "Throw me down with the Ultras too. If they decide to get weird, I'm sure we can get weirder."
The illithid listens attentively to the hafling, the tentacles writhing and undulating slowly as he does. "That is...unfortunate..." The voice starts, the pale eyes of the illithid moving from the halfling over the rest of the assembled team. "...but I'm confident the crew Mr. Sylveste has put together will prove to have the necessary competence to swiftly reach Resurgam and find the answers we seek." The deep raspy voice continues. The prospect of delving into the mysteries of an ancient and advanced civilization makes the illithid's tentacles flex with excitement and he seems eager to depart.
“Very well, the tools and firearm will do just fine”, replies Raek.
”If you could arrange for the purchase and delivery of a musket, a supply of bullets and a set of navigator’s tools. In the meantime, we can negotiate passage on the Nostalgia for Infinity with this Captain John Brannigan. Where is it docked?”, he asks and then looks at each of his companions.
”If any of you are practiced in negotiation, your company would be appreciated. I am more of a straight talker than a flatterer”.
"Practiced in negotiation?" Crash says, reaching up to rub the back of his neck while he thought, his mind still whirling as he tries to piece together this mess he's listening to. Stars disappearing. Ancient civilizations. He shakes his head. "Yeah, yeah, I'm pretty good at talking. My dad used to always tell me I had the 'gift of gab'. He also used to tell me I didn't know when to shut the hell up but, really, who does? I mean it happens to us all, right? Just take it from Archie, he knows. He talks just as much as I do and look at him. He doesn't even have a mouth!"
His eyes shift across the room to the Illithid.
"Archie...do you have a mouth?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
The illithid seems to frown at the imbecile question from the human, the voice making a sound like a scoff as the pale lidless eyes meets Capain Crash´s, staring into them. "Obviously I have a mouth human, how else would I be able to devour that useless brain of yours. Since you evidently don't make use of it you might consider leaving it to me for sustenance." The deep raspy voice says in a somewhat threatening tone, the tentacles sliding apart to reveal a maw with a circular, jawless orifice ringed by several rows of small, rasping teeth. "That last was a joke...I only devour brains with higher functions." The voice adds after a moment, the head of the illithid tilting slightly, observing the human's reaction to his atttempt at a jest. "As I have no other pressing matters to attend to I might follow to observe the art of negotiations. Should they stall you can always imply I will simply enslave them all, that thought will leave few unaffected." The voice adds in full sincerity now.
"Oh man, that's a good one!" Crash says with a laugh, reaching out to steady himself with a hand on Arcaelothryx'x shoulder. "But dude! If it's that useless then its no good for eating! Man I love when you make those contradictory jokes. So great."
Crash reaches up to brush a tear from the corner of his eye.
"No man, no no, don't explain the joke afterward. Just let it sit. Not your fault of these ding-dongs don't get it..." He hitches a thumb at the rest of the group. He gets more serious as Crash listens, and then the odd human begins to nod. "Yeah man, I like that. We can use that idea if it comes down to it. But guys, I'm telling you, I could sell wool underwear in hell. It'll be fine. I do have a question though."
He looks intense for a second.
"Who are we negotiating with again? I wasn't paying attention."
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York
"Sailors can be a wary and superstitious lot, it is not guaranteed that they will agree to transporting an Illithid passenger. Even if they do, it might inflate the price. Perhaps it would be best if you are not so open about your race if you are to accompany us", Raek says quite bluntly when Arcaelothryx'x mentions accompanying them. He still finds the Illithid's attempts at humour inappropriate, but he doesn't react this time, after all Crash didn't seem offended by what was said.
"Sylvia, Hal, will you join us as well? Best you all let Kallum know what supplies you need so we can move when we get the location of the ship, and Captain Brannigan. That, Crash, is who we will be negotiating with".
With that he turns to Kallum, waiting for the information he requested.
The illithid finds himself slightly positively emotionally affected by the human seeming to appreciate his attempt at making a joke, not quite comprehending what a contradictory one is, making a mental note of looking that up at some later point. At the same time he was less than enthused about the thought of having this utterly scatterbrained man on the team, making another mental note of keeping a close eye or even two at his performance with the crew.
As the astral elf speaks the illithid seems to frown slightly again. "With the resources at our disposal the price is not a deciding factor, and the captain might even feel we have decieved them by not being transparent about an illithid being among the passengers. That said, I can certainly make myself unseen if you believe it would be beneficial to our endeavour." The voice states with an emotionless tone.
Raek looks back over at the Illithid with a bit more respect, and nods. "I had not considered you would have the empathy necessary to make such an astute observation about how they might feel were we to lie. In this case, I would not recommend lying or deception, rather that we do not divulge all the information unless asked. It is sometimes better to ask forgiveness than permission", he says to Arcaelothryx'x with a small grin, his posture towards the Illithid softening a little.
"We will of course then deal with what comes when our party is fully revealed. Now, if time is pressing as we are led to believe, let us be on our way. Kallum, the location of the Nostalgia for Infinity if you please".
"No lies? Alright, got it." Crash says to Raek. "But just so you know...I can lie with a honeyed tongue. "You wouldn't believe how many times I've pissed off parents or lost a girlfriend over it. They'll buy it hook line and sinker and then, somehow, sooner or later, I get caught it's always this whole ordeal... You know what? Nevermind. Where we going?"
DM of AURYN: The Measure of Devotion - Escape from New York