"Coralaine, do you know anything about the dwarf? I would love to know more about him if you do."
I slide in closer to her with my best grin, "And adventures, you say? We've got the time. If you wouldn't mind, I'd love to hear about them!"
"Oh, I'm afraid I don't know a thing about him," Coraline replies. "But that doesn't mean I can't try to find out, my boy." Her eyes glint with mischief as she pats Lysander's arm again. "Perhaps he'd be willing to talk to an old lady who just wants some company." She gives a delighted laugh. "Still, we have plenty of time to try and find out what he's up to, eh!"
Her expression turns thoughtful. "Yes....hmmm....stories. That's a good idea, I have so many and it has been so long since I told any. It would be a good way of remembering Nyholt, telling his stories." She gives a little giggle. "Even if some of them were a little exaggerated. He did so like to embellish his adventures." She turns to the rail and looks back out to see. "We are all going to be on this boat for quite some time. How about after our evening meals I tell a story of our adventures? It will help pass the time on this voyage. If your friends would like to listen they'd be more than welcome."
Snok starts making his way to the ladder. As he climbs he reaches as far as he can bar by bar, trying to keep himself stable. Once he manages to reach the hole of the crows nest, his eyes strain with the sun's light beaming into his face. He hurriedly starts reaching faster and faster, managing to finally reach the inside of the nest. His body going limp from exaustion onto the nest's floor, eyes stinging still, Snok blinks and blinks until the pain finally fades with a sigh.
Lying on the floor of the crows nest, Snok feels it swinging from side to side like an inverted pendulum. It seems that, even though the sea is calm, every little movement of the ship is multiplied tenfold up here. The crewman appears mere seconds later, swinging effortlessly into the nest, and chuckling at the small figure lying on its back. "Better to get up lad. You ain't going to find yer sea legs like that, me little lubber." He holds up a hand to help Snok to his feet, and once he's up and holding onto the sailor jumps over it, grabs a rope and almost free falls down to the closest yard arm. "Come down when you're ready. Best to hold onto the rope, or just holler, and I'll come back up and get ye!"
At the top of the crows nest the increased side to side and forward and back motion of the mast causes some violent sea sickness to catch up with Snok. He’s going to relieve his stomach of whatever is in there. Feel free to describe this as you wish!
Snok sits on the floor, and feeling the boat rocking back and forth, his stomach begins to mimic the waves of the sea. As it builds up he crawls to the rim of the giant sickness basket he find himself in, and like his dragon ancestors before him, releases a tidal wave of meaty bits and bone onto the main deck.
The sailor below is quick enough to recognise that Snok is about to evacuate his stomach, and has the presence of mind to use a hanging rope to swing out into open air , avoiding the stream of sick and bile. With practiced ease he lets the swing complete its arc and grabs onto the mast with one arm as he passes, letting go of the rope and hangs there laughing. There's a gentle "splatting" noise from below. "Might be best if ye keep them paws of yours down on't deck," he laughs. "You can come down on me shoulders if'n you like. Just make sure yer empty first, lad". He climbs back up to the crows nest and gives Snok a gentle thump on the back as the kobold leans over the rail, dry retching.
Norstaer nods sympathetically, recognizing the stress in Scur’s tone as he discusses his additional responsibilities. “It seems like you’re handling quite a bit, Scur,” Norstaer remarks with respect. “The way you manage these tasks really showcases your abilities, although I understand it’s not the best situation. Let us know if there’s any way we can assist while we’re on board.” Then Norstaer retires to his cabin, pondering the recent events and considering his future actions regarding his travel companions
The sailor below is quick enough to recognise that Snok is about to evacuate his stomach, and has the presence of mind to use a hanging rope to swing out into open air , avoiding the stream of sick and bile. With practiced ease he lets the swing complete its arc and grabs onto the mast with one arm as he passes, letting go of the rope and hangs there laughing. There's a gentle "splatting" noise from below. "Might be best if ye keep them paws of yours down on't deck," he laughs. "You can come down on me shoulders if'n you like. Just make sure yer empty first, lad". He climbs back up to the crows nest and gives Snok a gentle thump on the back as the kobold leans over the rail, dry retching.
Snok looks to the sailor and nods "Sorry sorries, this one not used to being up in high places. Makes him dizzy, it does. He stick to looking by self so no trouble." He starts climbing back down to the main deck and goes back to peaking over the ship's gunwalls with a hand over his eyes.
"I will keep trying to speak with the dwarf, but if you manage to get any information from him, I would certainly appreciate it if you passed it along. I would also love to hear a story after our meal. I look forward to it."
Leaving Coralaine with a kind smile, I decide to ask Hama if she would like to join me and go explore the ship. Her stealth and investigation skills may come in handy and pick up on things I might miss. I'll start with the middle deck and then head to the lower deck.
Firstly @Lysander - Hama isn't with you guys. She didn't get on the ship with you and you've certainly not seen her since the night of the gala.
Not done this yet due to work, this has been my first chance really so here goes:
Please keep an eye on discord, everyone. Hopefully this will be the only OOC post here on the forum. I'll keep you updated with information there and whatnot so, things that will happen in discord:
Requests for dice rolls (these may come in your private channels as well) Exploration Maps Battle maps Artwork Any questions you have for me Any information I have for you. Group stuff will go in OOC, individual stuff will go in your private channels. Any private info I give your characters, it's up to them to share with the party if they want to. Also, feel free to talk to each other OOC there. That's what it's there for.
From me
I drive for a living and when I'm working will pretty much be unavailable 12 hours in a day. If there is a post on the forum, I will reply to it sooner or later. I'm UK based so it probably works out better for you guys, that when I make a post you'll get a good long time to reply to it!
At certain times it may get to the stage where I have to push a scene. At that point, I'll generally wait until everyone has had a chance to post. After 24 hours from the last post, I'll likely move things on from there.
If you guys are going to be AFK for any length of time (holidays etc), all I ask is that you let everyone know on discord so we know. We can either pause, or I could run your PC for a few days (they may just wander around in the background not doing much). I'm often away hiking myself, so will probably vanish several times a year. I'll let you guys know when I'm away and how long for, but I will be AFK for a week or three at a time.
If you guys have any questions about...well...anything....er....I say anything, I'm probably not best placed to answer deep philosophical questions or anything on physics; anything campaign or d&d related feel free to ask. Discord is best!
From here on in, anything like this will be on the discord server, so please keep a beady eye on it!
Lysander explores the ship, and it doesn't take long, for there is not a great deal to explore. The middle deck of the ship holds the accommodation with (shared) cabins for you all, one for Coraline and one for Vrormir. The crews quarters are on the same deck, at the front of the ship, hammocks strung up in a rather disorderly fashion with open access to all. There are few personal belongings, and anything that is laying around is of little value.
The lower deck and cargo holdis occupied by the cabin boy, Danny. He seems to spend much of his time down there, and likes to talk....boy does he like to talk. About anything and everything. His frantic high pitched voice filling the space, and only tolerable for a short period of time.
It doesn't take long to settle in for the cruise, you're on this ship for at least a month after all. Coraline persistently attempts to engage Vrormir, but the dwarf is having none of it. She also turns out to be quite the story teller. Dinosaur racing in Chult, exploring ancient ruins in the jungle, Mammoth hunting in Icewind Dale, being robbed by goblins in the middle of a snow storm, flying with Aarakocra from their mountain monastery, trading with gnomes for their technology and fighting to escape the clutches of a clan of hungry giants. She has a seemingly endless supply of exciting and entertaining stories, and it becomes something of a ritual to sit and listen to the fascinating Tiefling of an evening. Meals are generally held in the communal galley by the cabins, but occasionally the captain invites you to dine with him in his cabin.
You have been traveling for several weeks aboard the ship, and Vrormir has become increasingly agitated (or so it seems... the dwarf never leaves his room aboard the ship). He spends his time muttering about a curse and about “someone coming after him.” His health seems to be declining rapidly based on the ever-increasing coughing fits coming from his room. You and your companions stand upon the prow of the ship, listening to the sound of splashing waves and the calls of the sailors.
It's a matter of days before you reach port at Havdir. Each of you notice that Danny the Cabin boy seems to be rather agitated as well, and seldom leaves the cargo hold, save to get food. Even the Captain has noticed it. "I’m concerned about that cabin boy Danny. Keeps sneaking food and such down into the bowels of the ship. Someone should keep an eye on that kid."
As you are all gathered in one place, Coraline rushes over to you as quickly as the elderly Tiefling can, looking rather agitated. She nearly loses her footing before leaning heavily on her crooked wooden cane. She squints over the top of a pair of spectacles and croons, “I do so hope someone can talk to that wretched captain. He says my chartered forms are missing and that I owe him for the whole of the journey." She looks on the verge of tears. "Well, dearies, I can’t pay that much, not at all. And I just KNOW he has them stashed away somewhere. Would you be willing to help? I’ve some old brews my husband gave me before he passed that I can give you. It's not much, I know”
I've grown fond of Coralaine and am concerned for her.
"Don't worry, madame. I'll go talk to him right away. If I'm not able to sort this out, I would be more than willing to pay for your passage. I've enjoyed your nightly tales of your adventures and want you to be about to take care of your affairs when we land."
I walk up to the captain and say, "Captain, Marrow, I've been told that dear Coralaine's charter has gone missing. Is there any way I can help locate it?"
As Lysander approaches Captain Marrow to discuss Coraline’s missing charter, Norstaer reassures Coraline, “Don’t worry, Coralaine,” he says, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Lysander has both the eloquence and the heart to resolve this. Meanwhile, I’ll look into the odd behavior of Danny. His actions seem unusual, and it might connect to deeper troubles on board”. His instincts as a ranger tell him that the problems aboard the Tavernsbane could extend beyond lost documents and mysterious illnesses.
As Snok is walking around the dock nearby, he overhears the Captain telling everyone about Danny’s antics. Thinking he may be of some help, Snok decides to venture to the bowels of the ship and investigate.
I've grown fond of Coralaine and am concerned for her.
"Don't worry, madame. I'll go talk to him right away. If I'm not able to sort this out, I would be more than willing to pay for your passage. I've enjoyed your nightly tales of your adventures and want you to be about to take care of your affairs when we land."
I walk up to the captain and say, "Captain, Marrow, I've been told that dear Coralaine's charter has gone missing. Is there any way I can help locate it?"
Captain Morrow chews hard on his pipe and sighs wearily. "That old lady has been a pain in my arse since we started this cruise. Lost her charter and the gods know what else, has she? Well, she'll have to speak to the notary on arrival if she don't find it, and pay for a new one." He bites harder on the pipe and smoke billows from his mouth. "She's just as bad as that damned dwarf. Not seen hide or hair of him, and him paying a damned sight more for this ship than he ought to. I don't trust 'im...not in the least." He takes the pipe out his mouth and spits on the deck. "One of those cursed dwarves folk, Shjelborn clan, he is. Said he's going to Havdir to find a mage, or something..." he puffs on his pipe again, thoughtfully. "Azkhell. That's their name. Thinks they can end the curse on him and his family." He laughs humourlessly. "Last of his line, apparently. I guess the curse dies with him, once he goes."
Norestar and Snok head below to find Danny the halfling pacing back and forth, nearly stumbling into the walls of the cabin quarter halls. Spotting you, his eyes grow wide, and he rushes over while whispering quietly, “Oh, please, please won’t you help me? The captain will throw me overboard if he finds out I let them on board! Oh, by the divines, please say you’ll help!”
The halfling looks on the verge of tears, sniffing as he speaks to Snok. "I got these two mice before we set sail, 'cept they ain't mice, I thought they were mice though, that's what the fella who sold 'em said they were, that they were mice, 'cept they ain't and now they got too big." He pauses to take a breath, and the two of you wonder at how such a small halfling can talk for so long.
"They jus' kept growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and now they're really big, bigger'n cats, much bigger and they're eatin' all the time, so hungry they jus' eat'n eat and eat, and their ain't nothin' I can do 'bout it." He points towards the upper deck. "I'f Cap'n finds out, he's gonna flay me, or throw me overboard, or worse. I already seen him watchin' me." His voice turns pleading. "I don't want any harm comin' to Rizzo and Gonzo, but I can't control 'em myself If'n I can knock 'em out or somethin' I can get 'em off when we dock withoiu Cap'n seeing. Might even let ye have one as a pet, if ye want. They're down in the cargo hold." He turns towards the stairs that lead down into the hold. "Please?"
"Captain, I can certainly appreciate the trials of managing everything aboard—such a task requires patience and vigilance. Coralaine, bless her heart, is quite distressed, and you know how the elderly can sometimes be forgetful or confused. She seems convinced, however, that the charter may have inadvertently ended up among your belongings. Perhaps a quick look might ease her mind? It would be a gesture of goodwill and might quell any brewing concerns among the other passengers as well. Of course, I’m here to assist in any way necessary to help resolve this matter smoothly.”
"Captain, I can certainly appreciate the trials of managing everything aboard—such a task requires patience and vigilance. Coralaine, bless her heart, is quite distressed, and you know how the elderly can sometimes be forgetful or confused. She seems convinced, however, that the charter may have inadvertently ended up among your belongings. Perhaps a quick look might ease her mind? It would be a gesture of goodwill and might quell any brewing concerns among the other passengers as well. Of course, I’m here to assist in any way necessary to help resolve this matter smoothly.”
Captain Marrow takes the pipe out his mouth slowly and looks Lysander up and down. "She does, does she. That's interesting. Very interesting indeed." He puts the pipe back in his mouth and bites on it. "And now it seems you want access to my cabin to look for it." He shakes his head. "Well, I ain't helping ye. You want to find it for the daft old crow, that's up to you. Search the whole place for all I care, but you ain't gettin' into my cabin. That's for sure." He makes a sour face. "You wont find it amongst the crew's stuff neither."
The halfling looks on the verge of tears, sniffing as he speaks to Snok. "I got these two mice before we set sail, 'cept they ain't mice, I thought they were mice though, that's what the fella who sold 'em said they were, that they were mice, 'cept they ain't and now they got too big." He pauses to take a breath, and the two of you wonder at how such a small halfling can talk for so long.
"They jus' kept growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and now they're really big, bigger'n cats, much bigger and they're eatin' all the time, so hungry they jus' eat'n eat and eat, and their ain't nothin' I can do 'bout it." He points towards the upper deck. "I'f Cap'n finds out, he's gonna flay me, or throw me overboard, or worse. I already seen him watchin' me." His voice turns pleading. "I don't want any harm comin' to Rizzo and Gonzo, but I can't control 'em myself If'n I can knock 'em out or somethin' I can get 'em off when we dock withoiu Cap'n seeing. Might even let ye have one as a pet, if ye want. They're down in the cargo hold." He turns towards the stairs that lead down into the hold. "Please?"
Norstaer absorbs Captain Morrow’s revelations about Vrormir with a sense of empathy, recognizing the dwarf’s heavy burden. After hearing out the captain, he and Snok head below decks where they find Danny the cabin boy in a state of panic. “Take a breath, Danny, and explain what’s going on,” Norstaer gently commands, his voice steady to calm the anxious halfling. “We’re here to help,” Norstaer glances at Snok, nodding slightly to acknowledge the kobold’s trust in the cabin boy “Tell us who you let aboard and why it’s causing such fear.”
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"Oh, I'm afraid I don't know a thing about him," Coraline replies. "But that doesn't mean I can't try to find out, my boy." Her eyes glint with mischief as she pats Lysander's arm again. "Perhaps he'd be willing to talk to an old lady who just wants some company." She gives a delighted laugh. "Still, we have plenty of time to try and find out what he's up to, eh!"
Her expression turns thoughtful. "Yes....hmmm....stories. That's a good idea, I have so many and it has been so long since I told any. It would be a good way of remembering Nyholt, telling his stories." She gives a little giggle. "Even if some of them were a little exaggerated. He did so like to embellish his adventures." She turns to the rail and looks back out to see. "We are all going to be on this boat for quite some time. How about after our evening meals I tell a story of our adventures? It will help pass the time on this voyage. If your friends would like to listen they'd be more than welcome."
Lying on the floor of the crows nest, Snok feels it swinging from side to side like an inverted pendulum. It seems that, even though the sea is calm, every little movement of the ship is multiplied tenfold up here. The crewman appears mere seconds later, swinging effortlessly into the nest, and chuckling at the small figure lying on its back. "Better to get up lad. You ain't going to find yer sea legs like that, me little lubber." He holds up a hand to help Snok to his feet, and once he's up and holding onto the sailor jumps over it, grabs a rope and almost free falls down to the closest yard arm. "Come down when you're ready. Best to hold onto the rope, or just holler, and I'll come back up and get ye!"
ooc: could I get a CON SAVE from Snok please
For Snok only
At the top of the crows nest the increased side to side and forward and back motion of the mast causes some violent sea sickness to catch up with Snok. He’s going to relieve his stomach of whatever is in there. Feel free to describe this as you wish!
Snok sits on the floor, and feeling the boat rocking back and forth, his stomach begins to mimic the waves of the sea. As it builds up he crawls to the rim of the giant sickness basket he find himself in, and like his dragon ancestors before him, releases a tidal wave of meaty bits and bone onto the main deck.
The sailor below is quick enough to recognise that Snok is about to evacuate his stomach, and has the presence of mind to use a hanging rope to swing out into open air , avoiding the stream of sick and bile. With practiced ease he lets the swing complete its arc and grabs onto the mast with one arm as he passes, letting go of the rope and hangs there laughing. There's a gentle "splatting" noise from below. "Might be best if ye keep them paws of yours down on't deck," he laughs. "You can come down on me shoulders if'n you like. Just make sure yer empty first, lad". He climbs back up to the crows nest and gives Snok a gentle thump on the back as the kobold leans over the rail, dry retching.
Norstaer nods sympathetically, recognizing the stress in Scur’s tone as he discusses his additional responsibilities. “It seems like you’re handling quite a bit, Scur,” Norstaer remarks with respect. “The way you manage these tasks really showcases your abilities, although I understand it’s not the best situation. Let us know if there’s any way we can assist while we’re on board.” Then Norstaer retires to his cabin, pondering the recent events and considering his future actions regarding his travel companions
Snok looks to the sailor and nods "Sorry sorries, this one not used to being up in high places. Makes him dizzy, it does. He stick to looking by self so no trouble." He starts climbing back down to the main deck and goes back to peaking over the ship's gunwalls with a hand over his eyes.
"I will keep trying to speak with the dwarf, but if you manage to get any information from him, I would certainly appreciate it if you passed it along. I would also love to hear a story after our meal. I look forward to it."
Leaving Coralaine with a kind smile, I decide to ask Hama if she would like to join me and go explore the ship. Her stealth and investigation skills may come in handy and pick up on things I might miss. I'll start with the middle deck and then head to the lower deck.
So a bit of housekeeping OOC stuff:
Firstly @Lysander - Hama isn't with you guys. She didn't get on the ship with you and you've certainly not seen her since the night of the gala.
Not done this yet due to work, this has been my first chance really so here goes:
Please keep an eye on discord, everyone. Hopefully this will be the only OOC post here on the forum. I'll keep you updated with information there and whatnot so, things that will happen in discord:
Requests for dice rolls (these may come in your private channels as well)
Exploration Maps
Battle maps
Artwork
Any questions you have for me
Any information I have for you. Group stuff will go in OOC, individual stuff will go in your private channels. Any private info I give your characters, it's up to them to share with the party if they want to.
Also, feel free to talk to each other OOC there. That's what it's there for.
From me
I drive for a living and when I'm working will pretty much be unavailable 12 hours in a day. If there is a post on the forum, I will reply to it sooner or later. I'm UK based so it probably works out better for you guys, that when I make a post you'll get a good long time to reply to it!
At certain times it may get to the stage where I have to push a scene. At that point, I'll generally wait until everyone has had a chance to post. After 24 hours from the last post, I'll likely move things on from there.
If you guys are going to be AFK for any length of time (holidays etc), all I ask is that you let everyone know on discord so we know. We can either pause, or I could run your PC for a few days (they may just wander around in the background not doing much). I'm often away hiking myself, so will probably vanish several times a year. I'll let you guys know when I'm away and how long for, but I will be AFK for a week or three at a time.
If you guys have any questions about...well...anything....er....I say anything, I'm probably not best placed to answer deep philosophical questions or anything on physics; anything campaign or d&d related feel free to ask. Discord is best!
From here on in, anything like this will be on the discord server, so please keep a beady eye on it!
With that. On with the game!
Lysander explores the ship, and it doesn't take long, for there is not a great deal to explore. The middle deck of the ship holds the accommodation with (shared) cabins for you all, one for Coraline and one for Vrormir. The crews quarters are on the same deck, at the front of the ship, hammocks strung up in a rather disorderly fashion with open access to all. There are few personal belongings, and anything that is laying around is of little value.
The lower deck and cargo holdis occupied by the cabin boy, Danny. He seems to spend much of his time down there, and likes to talk....boy does he like to talk. About anything and everything. His frantic high pitched voice filling the space, and only tolerable for a short period of time.
It doesn't take long to settle in for the cruise, you're on this ship for at least a month after all. Coraline persistently attempts to engage Vrormir, but the dwarf is having none of it. She also turns out to be quite the story teller. Dinosaur racing in Chult, exploring ancient ruins in the jungle, Mammoth hunting in Icewind Dale, being robbed by goblins in the middle of a snow storm, flying with Aarakocra from their mountain monastery, trading with gnomes for their technology and fighting to escape the clutches of a clan of hungry giants. She has a seemingly endless supply of exciting and entertaining stories, and it becomes something of a ritual to sit and listen to the fascinating Tiefling of an evening. Meals are generally held in the communal galley by the cabins, but occasionally the captain invites you to dine with him in his cabin.
You have been traveling for several weeks aboard the ship, and Vrormir has become increasingly agitated (or so it seems... the dwarf never leaves his room aboard the ship). He spends his time muttering about a curse and about “someone coming after him.” His health seems to be declining rapidly based on the ever-increasing coughing fits coming from his room. You and your companions stand upon the prow of the ship, listening to the sound of splashing waves and the calls of the sailors.
It's a matter of days before you reach port at Havdir. Each of you notice that Danny the Cabin boy seems to be rather agitated as well, and seldom leaves the cargo hold, save to get food. Even the Captain has noticed it. "I’m concerned about that cabin boy Danny. Keeps sneaking food and such down into the bowels of the ship. Someone should keep an eye on that kid."
As you are all gathered in one place, Coraline rushes over to you as quickly as the elderly Tiefling can, looking rather agitated. She nearly loses her footing before leaning heavily on her crooked wooden cane. She squints over the top of a pair of spectacles and croons, “I do so hope someone can talk to that wretched captain. He says my chartered forms are missing and that I owe him for the whole of the journey." She looks on the verge of tears. "Well, dearies, I can’t pay that much, not at all. And I just KNOW he has them stashed away somewhere. Would you be willing to help? I’ve some old brews my husband gave me before he passed that I can give you. It's not much, I know”
I've grown fond of Coralaine and am concerned for her.
"Don't worry, madame. I'll go talk to him right away. If I'm not able to sort this out, I would be more than willing to pay for your passage. I've enjoyed your nightly tales of your adventures and want you to be about to take care of your affairs when we land."
I walk up to the captain and say, "Captain, Marrow, I've been told that dear Coralaine's charter has gone missing. Is there any way I can help locate it?"
As Lysander approaches Captain Marrow to discuss Coraline’s missing charter, Norstaer reassures Coraline, “Don’t worry, Coralaine,” he says, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. “Lysander has both the eloquence and the heart to resolve this. Meanwhile, I’ll look into the odd behavior of Danny. His actions seem unusual, and it might connect to deeper troubles on board”. His instincts as a ranger tell him that the problems aboard the Tavernsbane could extend beyond lost documents and mysterious illnesses.
As Snok is walking around the dock nearby, he overhears the Captain telling everyone about Danny’s antics. Thinking he may be of some help, Snok decides to venture to the bowels of the ship and investigate.
Captain Morrow chews hard on his pipe and sighs wearily. "That old lady has been a pain in my arse since we started this cruise. Lost her charter and the gods know what else, has she? Well, she'll have to speak to the notary on arrival if she don't find it, and pay for a new one." He bites harder on the pipe and smoke billows from his mouth. "She's just as bad as that damned dwarf. Not seen hide or hair of him, and him paying a damned sight more for this ship than he ought to. I don't trust 'im...not in the least." He takes the pipe out his mouth and spits on the deck. "One of those cursed dwarves folk, Shjelborn clan, he is. Said he's going to Havdir to find a mage, or something..." he puffs on his pipe again, thoughtfully. "Azkhell. That's their name. Thinks they can end the curse on him and his family." He laughs humourlessly. "Last of his line, apparently. I guess the curse dies with him, once he goes."
Norestar and Snok head below to find Danny the halfling pacing back and forth, nearly stumbling into the walls of the cabin quarter halls. Spotting you, his eyes grow wide, and he rushes over while whispering quietly, “Oh, please, please won’t you help me? The captain will throw me overboard if he finds out I let them on board! Oh, by the divines, please say you’ll help!”
Snok waddles up to Danny, “This one trust the tiny man, what job needs help?”
The halfling looks on the verge of tears, sniffing as he speaks to Snok. "I got these two mice before we set sail, 'cept they ain't mice, I thought they were mice though, that's what the fella who sold 'em said they were, that they were mice, 'cept they ain't and now they got too big." He pauses to take a breath, and the two of you wonder at how such a small halfling can talk for so long.
"They jus' kept growing and growing and growing and growing and growing and now they're really big, bigger'n cats, much bigger and they're eatin' all the time, so hungry they jus' eat'n eat and eat, and their ain't nothin' I can do 'bout it." He points towards the upper deck. "I'f Cap'n finds out, he's gonna flay me, or throw me overboard, or worse. I already seen him watchin' me."
His voice turns pleading. "I don't want any harm comin' to Rizzo and Gonzo, but I can't control 'em myself If'n I can knock 'em out or somethin' I can get 'em off when we dock withoiu Cap'n seeing. Might even let ye have one as a pet, if ye want. They're down in the cargo hold." He turns towards the stairs that lead down into the hold. "Please?"
"Captain, I can certainly appreciate the trials of managing everything aboard—such a task requires patience and vigilance. Coralaine, bless her heart, is quite distressed, and you know how the elderly can sometimes be forgetful or confused. She seems convinced, however, that the charter may have inadvertently ended up among your belongings. Perhaps a quick look might ease her mind? It would be a gesture of goodwill and might quell any brewing concerns among the other passengers as well. Of course, I’m here to assist in any way necessary to help resolve this matter smoothly.”
Captain Marrow takes the pipe out his mouth slowly and looks Lysander up and down. "She does, does she. That's interesting. Very interesting indeed." He puts the pipe back in his mouth and bites on it. "And now it seems you want access to my cabin to look for it." He shakes his head. "Well, I ain't helping ye. You want to find it for the daft old crow, that's up to you. Search the whole place for all I care, but you ain't gettin' into my cabin. That's for sure." He makes a sour face. "You wont find it amongst the crew's stuff neither."
“This one will help. Promise not try hurt rat.”
Norstaer absorbs Captain Morrow’s revelations about Vrormir with a sense of empathy, recognizing the dwarf’s heavy burden. After hearing out the captain, he and Snok head below decks where they find Danny the cabin boy in a state of panic. “Take a breath, Danny, and explain what’s going on,” Norstaer gently commands, his voice steady to calm the anxious halfling. “We’re here to help,” Norstaer glances at Snok, nodding slightly to acknowledge the kobold’s trust in the cabin boy “Tell us who you let aboard and why it’s causing such fear.”