Dornin exhales greatly as his magic hits true. He collects the assassin’s belongings and escorts him into the cage and locks him within making sure he sees him go into a slumber before feeling fully safe. He smirks at his work, truly becoming one with his powers finally.
The sound of destruction being heard from topside sends Dornin running. Looking around he feels the waves rocking the folly and a mass of people in distress. Watching Kallith tossing ropes in attempt to rescue those below. Dornin looks to where what might have caused such destruction. Meanwhile he assists Kallith with the rescue. He calls out “Sheela! Skit! We need all hands!”
Octo lowers Sparks, as the Assassin agrees with Captain Dornin. A trick!He thinks and rises to strike with this axe. But the assassin does not attack, so Octo waits. Hmmmmhe thinks, as Dornin leads the assassin away … to sleep.
Suddenly, things go to hell. A building seems to collapse into the water, people are screaming. Octo follows Kallith to the edge of the boat. She immediately starts throwing out ropes and sending healing magic towards the wounded. Taking her lead, Octo jumps into the water, looking for anyone who may need help swimming, not drowning, unconscious, etc.
The wood continued to groan, dust danced in the air as shouts of fear and panic cut through the cavern. Ropes thrown over Kallith picks her targets carefully. The waves buffeting the craft and those tossed into the water as well. Octo scrambles over the railing, with a splash he enters the water. Grabbing one by one he guides as many to the ropes as he can. With taut muscles they clung to the ropes, slowly hauled aboard by Sheela, skit and Dornin above.
Orders shouted on the docks are drowned out by the chaos, Rogues stumbled out of the wreckage, many to flee. Every man woman and child for themselves. From the chaos and tumult a few remain to help those in need, or to shore up the flagging buildings. Magic splashes its illumination through the thick dust, at least one with the arcane arts has joined the effort.
Almost as quickly as it began, it is over, you are exhausted from the effort. Those who survived have been hauled from the water but too many bodies remain floating in the lagoon. As Molly bobs by you know you have nothing further to offer.
A dozen men and woman lay aboard the Sirens Folly, trying to recover, shock and pain on each of their faces. Sheela and skit collect water and attempt to do what they can. As the dust settles it is clear the top floors have been shored up for now but the main dock and bar have slid into the lagoon.
Chandle in great fear of going into the water had a death grip on a mast or central fixture aboard the ship. She is in awe when she sees Octo leap into the water and even more so when he finally climbs back aboard. Seems she is the only non-swimmer, maybe she could learn.
As he takes a breath, back on the deck of the Folly, Octo puts a hand on Chandle’s shoulder and says, “Never a dull day in the land of light, is it?” and before she can answer, Octo’s gaze is once again on the water. He picks up a rope and ties it around his waste hastily, and then hands it to Chandle and says “It’s her! Pull us up!” and again launches himself overboard and swims towards Molly.
He will grab her and put her over his shoulder, so her head is out of the water, and swim back to the Folly.
Fearing her loss, he will enter his rage and swim hard. (OOC: Rage for only one round as he will not be in combat).
When he gets on board, he will look at Kallith to see if there is anything she can do. “Potions! Someone found potions, can they help!” As he exits his rage, handshaking, he looks around for anyone that can help this little girl. The girl who helped them.
Kallith tends to the people aboard as best as she can, though her magical energies had been already well spent from the initial rescue effort. She uses her herbalism kit to whip up some natural remedies to tend to small cuts and bruises [medicine: 11]. She speaks softly, offering reassuring words, grabbing some blankets out of the captains cabin if any were to be found.
As Octo heaves Molly onto deck, the firbolg rushes over. The little person was slack in his grip, a bad sign. Kallith inspects Molly despite already fearing the worst [medicine: 20].
If there is any sign of vitality still left:
the druid will whisper words of healing (upcast 2nd level: 11 healing).
If there is no sign of life left:
Kallith moves her hand over the small figure, as if blessing it, but knowing that Iallanis would not be the one to recieve the soul of this one. "I'm sorry Octo."
When he gets on board, he will look at Kallith to see if there is anything she can do. “Potions! Someone found potions, can they help!” As he exits his rage, handshaking, he looks around for anyone that can help this little girl. The girl who helped them.
Chandle immediately pulls out the potions and pours one of the healing vials down Molly’s throat. Chandle looks on the verge of tears staring down at Molly…
As Octo comes aboard the Folly, laying Molly upon the deck, Dornin stands back in shock while his friends put their best efforts in to a revival. These few moments looking amongst the injured feel like hours stretched out. Dornin walks to the rail to see the wreckage and what might have caused it (Perception: 8) dust and particles assault his eyes making it difficult to identify. Dornin turns to those who are wounded on the Folly. “Does anybody here know what happened, anything at all?” he yells out to the crowd. “There has been great loss this day but let it not be in vain. I know you lot swear oaths to secrecy, however, this was an attack on your grounds. Let us help you”
Dornin stares into the dust, slowly settling into the water or coating the head and shoulders of those on the dock. The bar that anchored the left side of the crescent was overcrowded. A raocous and out of control party, dozens of rogues dancing and stomping to the beat of drums. The timbers holding it aloft had snapped. The bar is nothing more than twisted shards of ship board and mast timbers.
The survivors on board thank you for your help. "I owe you for my life" a tired man whispers through salt cracked lips. A young woman stands, helping another to their feet. "You are a blessing in this dark town. If you need any help while here, gretas cloth is where you can find me."
The body of Molly is limp, the life fled from her tortured existence. There is nothing you could do for her.
Kallith feels tears coming to her eyes as the surveys the true extend of the destruction. So many lives... just gone. She looks up to the haphazard constructions still gripping the cliffsides. A wonder any of them stood the test of time for as long as they had.
She looks to Molly once more. The firbolg hadn't really known the little person, for however much Molly had said, most of it went over Kalliths head. But now that she was gone... it felt like such a waste. 'I wish I knew what drove you, why you came with us, despite everything', she thought.
Looking to the survivors, she puts on a smile, despite her tears. "Thanks for the invitation. It's a great honor. I'll gladly drop by once this all has calmed down."
Concentrating was hard just now. Thoughts of souls traveling far from this place, dreams of better places, Kallith stares nowhere in particular. The teachings of the gods said that there was a place for everyone after they had passed from this life. But some of the places were not particularly desirable. Where would these people go? Where did Molly go?
Kallith would stay at the boat for as long as there were still survivors to care for. Recuperating a bit from the ordeal probably wouldn't hurt either (short rest?).
After all is said an done, she tries to focus back on their task. When the group finds itself back together, she says "We could drop by Gretas Cloth. If isbel has ready been dragged into this town, we need to find out who might be holding her."
She recounts some of the information she has gathered: "This place is being led by people called the "Three Masters".
"We know that one of them is the Master of Coin, the one that the assassin dealt with. So let's find out where to find that man. I think a second one might be the Master of Trade, a man named Isaack. Perhaps the third is the one responsible for the eyeballs we've seen?"
As the healing potion drools from Molly’s mouth, Chandle holds her for a bit longer in a bit of shock. She takes a deep breath just a bit of a shudder, gently sets Molly’s head on the deck. Stands up, swipes a tear from her eye and stares expectantly at Octo, “Well… I… what do you think Octo?”
Octo looks at Chandle, “I’m not sure. I think her connection to the sea is clear to all of us, even without the ceremony she had for the captain. If she is truly gone, I think we should return her to the sea. Either here right now, right here, or when we leave this… harbor? Is this a harbor? The way things have gone so far, I fear that any time we leave the Folly, we may not come back. So perhaps it’s best to return her to the sea here and now?”
"Perhaps after we go to Greta's cloth as Kallith suggested. Though we still need to decide what to do with our assassin friend below."
Kallith looks at Mollys remains. "Yeah, I suppose being returned to water is what she would have wanted."
"I agree Octo, I think we should wait until we leave. I would feel much better if she were to pass into the actual ocean, rather than this... hole."
The firbolg feels somewhat uncomfortable about having the assassin on board, looking deep in thought, but not having an easy answer. If it were just her, she would have let him go, but that seemed like an impractical solution at the moment.
Dornin leans against a post as he ponders what they should do next knowing that his spell to charm the assassin below will come to an end in a few hours, no doubt by then he will be planning an escape and to kill us. He speaks up, “I think our next course of action should remain the same. Find the girl, get the hells out of here. She must still be in this hideaway somewhere. Once we do, we drop our friend bellow here and we make a getaway. If we need information, I could attempt to charm him again.”
Dornin looks down to notice he’s still holding on to the assassins belongings. “Perhaps this may have some answers” He begins to look through his things.
Octo will find a sheet, cape, etc. that is in good shape, and wrap Molly’s body in it. Then he will place her in a room, perhaps where she slept if that makes sense, with all her little knickknacks.
“If for some reason we don’t return, make sure she gets released into the open sea please” he will tell Skit and Sheela.
Turning to Dornin, “perhaps we should wake and talk to your new friend now, why your magic still has a hold?”
A couple hours pass before the last of the survivors are able to get up and leave. The last a tall burly man with rough cut brown hair and a bald spot at the back of his head gains his footing. He looks down at the young blonde woman. "She started this, not realizing the desperation of the people in this town. Unless they came on one of the ships they are, we are, essentially prisoners here."
The man looks back at the wreck of the bar and buildings above it, he sighs. "I would not have survived without your aid. She spoke of need for a crew? Looks like I have nothing to return to here, my business is in ruins." A look of earnestness crosses his face. "I have nothing to give except the sweat of my brow, the strength of my back and any help you may need while here in town. What say you, will you have me aboard?"
Dornin empties the bandoleer, pulling each item from its small pouch or strap to place them upon the decking. A pair of daggers, a small pouch with a dozen chips of crystalline gems, a single smooth blue stone with an engraved symbol upon its surface. Three thin vials of liquid, one thick and clear, another a goopy blue substance and the third a rosy hued liquid with black specks floating within. A small leather bound book the size of your palm. The leather is a pale brown, exceptionally soft and luxurious. A sigil is etched into the cover, depicting a skull surrounded by blood drops. A small pouch of coins from various locales some square or octagon, some solid others with holes punched through their centers. 3 pp, 12 gp, 16 sp, 22 cp.
Chandle notices the sigil on the book and comments that she saw the symbol in several places within the town, like graffiti on some of the buildings.
Kallith is curious about the burly mans words. "How do you mean, you're essentially prisoners? There are lots of boats here. Can't you just book passage? Or offer your services on one, like you just did."
The druid mostly looks to Sheela and Skit when the question of the crew comes up, not thinking her opinion was needed.
When Dornin goes through the pockets of the assassin, she calls down. "Find anything?"
Dornin begins flipping through the pages of the small book the assassin had trying to make sense of what this organization was planning and why they needed Isbiel. If the words are unknown to Dornin, he will hand it off to Chandle. “Here, do you mind taking a look through this? I know some thieves have their own tongue to let them communicate. Perhaps you might share the same knowledge.” (Investigation:13) He looks to Kallith and informs her of what’s he has found. “Nothing too incriminating as of yet. We’ll keep looking”
Dornin turns to Octo and nods in agreement. “Time is not on our side. Let’s head down.” He descends below with Octo to get some answers. About two feet from the cage door he stops his concentration on the suggestion spell and speaks “Wake up” With Octo by his side, hoping his frame makes the two of them look more intimidating. “We need each other’s help, there is no need for us to play games anymore. If you cooperate with us, we can both walk away from this place pretending this never happened.”
The man gulps, his Adams apple rising and dropping visibly. A bead of sweat rolls down his temple. The man plunges on, "I just thought, well, I never seen you before," His breathing coming a little ragged he scans the upper reaches of the cavern. "Well uhm, see the rules, you know"
The man tries to skirt around the issue, not wanting to say it. He fidgets from foot to foot, not knowing what to do with his hands. Realizing you don't know the rules he is reluctant to say. He scans the sky again, then leaning forward in a hushed tone it all comes out at once. "Well im not a mariner see, born here i was. Only them in the Mariners guild get hired by the Captains. Buying passage just as hard, maybe riskier to. Need be pledged by a Captain, then it cost you. I heard they all be sold to someone or something else. Heard one Captain sell to a Lich for experiments. Always thought I had a life here, a business, that's no more." You can feel the desperation on this man, it flows out from him as the heat of a furnace. "I got nothing left, this town don't take to beggars too kind, beggars always disappear right quick ya know."
The small book feels supple within your grasp, the leather a hint of silk. Within the spine a thin shard of coal. Opening the first page a tight grim script emerges. The characters elegant yet have an unsettling overtone. The book is written in Infernal, the pages swimming before your eyes, the letters meld and stretch in an unsettling way. Any not used to the language would question their minds attempting to read it.
The book is written by an apprentice, lessons, reminders, things to remember, each page filled with multiple short passages, many times a single word. The last page has a pair of words written in common, Nathair, and Sanguin underneath it.
You descend to the hold where you left the sleeping assassin, the lagoon has calmed from its earlier tumult, the ship floating in a sheet of glass. The hold still has unloaded cargo, crates and barrels with numerous brands burnt into their sides. Spare rope and rigging hangs from the beams over head. A cell at one end, more a cage to limit the space it took up, the mans eyes flutter open. His eyes scan his surroundings quickly then settle on Dornin. His face placid, revealing little emotion, "Very well, let me out of here and we can talk"
Octo will whisper to Dornin, “I’ll let you lead this conversation as you charmed him, I’ll add anything that comes to mind” and will try to stand between the two if possible.
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Dornin exhales greatly as his magic hits true. He collects the assassin’s belongings and escorts him into the cage and locks him within making sure he sees him go into a slumber before feeling fully safe. He smirks at his work, truly becoming one with his powers finally.
The sound of destruction being heard from topside sends Dornin running. Looking around he feels the waves rocking the folly and a mass of people in distress. Watching Kallith tossing ropes in attempt to rescue those below. Dornin looks to where what might have caused such destruction. Meanwhile he assists Kallith with the rescue. He calls out “Sheela! Skit! We need all hands!”
Octo lowers Sparks, as the Assassin agrees with Captain Dornin. A trick! He thinks and rises to strike with this axe. But the assassin does not attack, so Octo waits. Hmmmm he thinks, as Dornin leads the assassin away … to sleep.
Suddenly, things go to hell. A building seems to collapse into the water, people are screaming. Octo follows Kallith to the edge of the boat. She immediately starts throwing out ropes and sending healing magic towards the wounded. Taking her lead, Octo jumps into the water, looking for anyone who may need help swimming, not drowning, unconscious, etc.
Athletics for his efforts: 8
The wood continued to groan, dust danced in the air as shouts of fear and panic cut through the cavern. Ropes thrown over Kallith picks her targets carefully. The waves buffeting the craft and those tossed into the water as well. Octo scrambles over the railing, with a splash he enters the water. Grabbing one by one he guides as many to the ropes as he can. With taut muscles they clung to the ropes, slowly hauled aboard by Sheela, skit and Dornin above.
Orders shouted on the docks are drowned out by the chaos, Rogues stumbled out of the wreckage, many to flee. Every man woman and child for themselves. From the chaos and tumult a few remain to help those in need, or to shore up the flagging buildings. Magic splashes its illumination through the thick dust, at least one with the arcane arts has joined the effort.
Almost as quickly as it began, it is over, you are exhausted from the effort. Those who survived have been hauled from the water but too many bodies remain floating in the lagoon. As Molly bobs by you know you have nothing further to offer.
A dozen men and woman lay aboard the Sirens Folly, trying to recover, shock and pain on each of their faces. Sheela and skit collect water and attempt to do what they can. As the dust settles it is clear the top floors have been shored up for now but the main dock and bar have slid into the lagoon.
Chandle in great fear of going into the water had a death grip on a mast or central fixture aboard the ship. She is in awe when she sees Octo leap into the water and even more so when he finally climbs back aboard. Seems she is the only non-swimmer, maybe she could learn.
Wise as a serpent and sly as a fox.
As he takes a breath, back on the deck of the Folly, Octo puts a hand on Chandle’s shoulder and says, “Never a dull day in the land of light, is it?” and before she can answer, Octo’s gaze is once again on the water. He picks up a rope and ties it around his waste hastily, and then hands it to Chandle and says “It’s her! Pull us up!” and again launches himself overboard and swims towards Molly.
He will grab her and put her over his shoulder, so her head is out of the water, and swim back to the Folly.
Fearing her loss, he will enter his rage and swim hard. (OOC: Rage for only one round as he will not be in combat).
Athletics: 23
When he gets on board, he will look at Kallith to see if there is anything she can do. “Potions! Someone found potions, can they help!” As he exits his rage, handshaking, he looks around for anyone that can help this little girl. The girl who helped them.
Kallith tends to the people aboard as best as she can, though her magical energies had been already well spent from the initial rescue effort. She uses her herbalism kit to whip up some natural remedies to tend to small cuts and bruises [medicine: 11]. She speaks softly, offering reassuring words, grabbing some blankets out of the captains cabin if any were to be found.
As Octo heaves Molly onto deck, the firbolg rushes over. The little person was slack in his grip, a bad sign. Kallith inspects Molly despite already fearing the worst [medicine: 20].
If there is any sign of vitality still left:
the druid will whisper words of healing (upcast 2nd level: 11 healing).
If there is no sign of life left:
Kallith moves her hand over the small figure, as if blessing it, but knowing that Iallanis would not be the one to recieve the soul of this one. "I'm sorry Octo."
Chandle immediately pulls out the potions and pours one of the healing vials down Molly’s throat. Chandle looks on the verge of tears staring down at Molly…
+9 hp.
Wise as a serpent and sly as a fox.
As Octo comes aboard the Folly, laying Molly upon the deck, Dornin stands back in shock while his friends put their best efforts in to a revival. These few moments looking amongst the injured feel like hours stretched out. Dornin walks to the rail to see the wreckage and what might have caused it (Perception: 8) dust and particles assault his eyes making it difficult to identify.
Dornin turns to those who are wounded on the Folly. “Does anybody here know what happened, anything at all?” he yells out to the crowd. “There has been great loss this day but let it not be in vain. I know you lot swear oaths to secrecy, however, this was an attack on your grounds. Let us help you”
Dornin stares into the dust, slowly settling into the water or coating the head and shoulders of those on the dock. The bar that anchored the left side of the crescent was overcrowded. A raocous and out of control party, dozens of rogues dancing and stomping to the beat of drums. The timbers holding it aloft had snapped. The bar is nothing more than twisted shards of ship board and mast timbers.
The survivors on board thank you for your help. "I owe you for my life" a tired man whispers through salt cracked lips. A young woman stands, helping another to their feet. "You are a blessing in this dark town. If you need any help while here, gretas cloth is where you can find me."
The body of Molly is limp, the life fled from her tortured existence. There is nothing you could do for her.
Kallith feels tears coming to her eyes as the surveys the true extend of the destruction. So many lives... just gone. She looks up to the haphazard constructions still gripping the cliffsides. A wonder any of them stood the test of time for as long as they had.
She looks to Molly once more. The firbolg hadn't really known the little person, for however much Molly had said, most of it went over Kalliths head. But now that she was gone... it felt like such a waste. 'I wish I knew what drove you, why you came with us, despite everything', she thought.
Looking to the survivors, she puts on a smile, despite her tears. "Thanks for the invitation. It's a great honor. I'll gladly drop by once this all has calmed down."
Concentrating was hard just now. Thoughts of souls traveling far from this place, dreams of better places, Kallith stares nowhere in particular. The teachings of the gods said that there was a place for everyone after they had passed from this life. But some of the places were not particularly desirable. Where would these people go? Where did Molly go?
Kallith would stay at the boat for as long as there were still survivors to care for. Recuperating a bit from the ordeal probably wouldn't hurt either (short rest?).
After all is said an done, she tries to focus back on their task. When the group finds itself back together, she says "We could drop by Gretas Cloth. If isbel has ready been dragged into this town, we need to find out who might be holding her."
She recounts some of the information she has gathered: "This place is being led by people called the "Three Masters".
"We know that one of them is the Master of Coin, the one that the assassin dealt with. So let's find out where to find that man. I think a second one might be the Master of Trade, a man named Isaack. Perhaps the third is the one responsible for the eyeballs we've seen?"
As the healing potion drools from Molly’s mouth, Chandle holds her for a bit longer in a bit of shock. She takes a deep breath just a bit of a shudder, gently sets Molly’s head on the deck. Stands up, swipes a tear from her eye and stares expectantly at Octo, “Well… I… what do you think Octo?”
Wise as a serpent and sly as a fox.
Octo looks at Chandle, “I’m not sure. I think her connection to the sea is clear to all of us, even without the ceremony she had for the captain. If she is truly gone, I think we should return her to the sea. Either here right now, right here, or when we leave this… harbor? Is this a harbor? The way things have gone so far, I fear that any time we leave the Folly, we may not come back. So perhaps it’s best to return her to the sea here and now?”
"Perhaps after we go to Greta's cloth as Kallith suggested. Though we still need to decide what to do with our assassin friend below."
Kallith looks at Mollys remains. "Yeah, I suppose being returned to water is what she would have wanted."
"I agree Octo, I think we should wait until we leave. I would feel much better if she were to pass into the actual ocean, rather than this... hole."
The firbolg feels somewhat uncomfortable about having the assassin on board, looking deep in thought, but not having an easy answer. If it were just her, she would have let him go, but that seemed like an impractical solution at the moment.
Dornin leans against a post as he ponders what they should do next knowing that his spell to charm the assassin below will come to an end in a few hours, no doubt by then he will be planning an escape and to kill us.
He speaks up, “I think our next course of action should remain the same. Find the girl, get the hells out of here. She must still be in this hideaway somewhere. Once we do, we drop our friend bellow here and we make a getaway. If we need information, I could attempt to charm him again.”
Dornin looks down to notice he’s still holding on to the assassins belongings. “Perhaps this may have some answers” He begins to look through his things.
Octo will find a sheet, cape, etc. that is in good shape, and wrap Molly’s body in it. Then he will place her in a room, perhaps where she slept if that makes sense, with all her little knickknacks.
“If for some reason we don’t return, make sure she gets released into the open sea please” he will tell Skit and Sheela.
Turning to Dornin, “perhaps we should wake and talk to your new friend now, why your magic still has a hold?”
A couple hours pass before the last of the survivors are able to get up and leave. The last a tall burly man with rough cut brown hair and a bald spot at the back of his head gains his footing. He looks down at the young blonde woman. "She started this, not realizing the desperation of the people in this town. Unless they came on one of the ships they are, we are, essentially prisoners here."
The man looks back at the wreck of the bar and buildings above it, he sighs. "I would not have survived without your aid. She spoke of need for a crew? Looks like I have nothing to return to here, my business is in ruins." A look of earnestness crosses his face. "I have nothing to give except the sweat of my brow, the strength of my back and any help you may need while here in town. What say you, will you have me aboard?"
Dornin empties the bandoleer, pulling each item from its small pouch or strap to place them upon the decking. A pair of daggers, a small pouch with a dozen chips of crystalline gems, a single smooth blue stone with an engraved symbol upon its surface. Three thin vials of liquid, one thick and clear, another a goopy blue substance and the third a rosy hued liquid with black specks floating within. A small leather bound book the size of your palm. The leather is a pale brown, exceptionally soft and luxurious. A sigil is etched into the cover, depicting a skull surrounded by blood drops. A small pouch of coins from various locales some square or octagon, some solid others with holes punched through their centers. 3 pp, 12 gp, 16 sp, 22 cp.
Chandle notices the sigil on the book and comments that she saw the symbol in several places within the town, like graffiti on some of the buildings.
Kallith is curious about the burly mans words.
"How do you mean, you're essentially prisoners? There are lots of boats here. Can't you just book passage? Or offer your services on one, like you just did."
The druid mostly looks to Sheela and Skit when the question of the crew comes up, not thinking her opinion was needed.
When Dornin goes through the pockets of the assassin, she calls down. "Find anything?"
Dornin begins flipping through the pages of the small book the assassin had trying to make sense of what this organization was planning and why they needed Isbiel. If the words are unknown to Dornin, he will hand it off to Chandle. “Here, do you mind taking a look through this? I know some thieves have their own tongue to let them communicate. Perhaps you might share the same knowledge.” (Investigation:13) He looks to Kallith and informs her of what’s he has found. “Nothing too incriminating as of yet. We’ll keep looking”
Dornin turns to Octo and nods in agreement. “Time is not on our side. Let’s head down.” He descends below with Octo to get some answers. About two feet from the cage door he stops his concentration on the suggestion spell and speaks “Wake up” With Octo by his side, hoping his frame makes the two of them look more intimidating. “We need each other’s help, there is no need for us to play games anymore. If you cooperate with us, we can both walk away from this place pretending this never happened.”
The man gulps, his Adams apple rising and dropping visibly. A bead of sweat rolls down his temple. The man plunges on, "I just thought, well, I never seen you before," His breathing coming a little ragged he scans the upper reaches of the cavern. "Well uhm, see the rules, you know"
The man tries to skirt around the issue, not wanting to say it. He fidgets from foot to foot, not knowing what to do with his hands. Realizing you don't know the rules he is reluctant to say. He scans the sky again, then leaning forward in a hushed tone it all comes out at once. "Well im not a mariner see, born here i was. Only them in the Mariners guild get hired by the Captains. Buying passage just as hard, maybe riskier to. Need be pledged by a Captain, then it cost you. I heard they all be sold to someone or something else. Heard one Captain sell to a Lich for experiments. Always thought I had a life here, a business, that's no more." You can feel the desperation on this man, it flows out from him as the heat of a furnace. "I got nothing left, this town don't take to beggars too kind, beggars always disappear right quick ya know."
The small book feels supple within your grasp, the leather a hint of silk. Within the spine a thin shard of coal. Opening the first page a tight grim script emerges. The characters elegant yet have an unsettling overtone. The book is written in Infernal, the pages swimming before your eyes, the letters meld and stretch in an unsettling way. Any not used to the language would question their minds attempting to read it.
The book is written by an apprentice, lessons, reminders, things to remember, each page filled with multiple short passages, many times a single word. The last page has a pair of words written in common, Nathair, and Sanguin underneath it.
You descend to the hold where you left the sleeping assassin, the lagoon has calmed from its earlier tumult, the ship floating in a sheet of glass. The hold still has unloaded cargo, crates and barrels with numerous brands burnt into their sides. Spare rope and rigging hangs from the beams over head. A cell at one end, more a cage to limit the space it took up, the mans eyes flutter open. His eyes scan his surroundings quickly then settle on Dornin. His face placid, revealing little emotion, "Very well, let me out of here and we can talk"
Octo will whisper to Dornin, “I’ll let you lead this conversation as you charmed him, I’ll add anything that comes to mind” and will try to stand between the two if possible.