Quote from Mingofaust >>

Perception (at Disadvantage): 13

The bugbear sighs. “I do wish it were not the case, but I’ll either do that, or try on me own. I’ll not have you try to spirit me through town, and bring the noose to you, too.”

”Ifn yuir captain does an want me on yur ship, I’ll take my leave peaceably, do not fear.”

He follows Kay’s searching eyes. 

“As it happens, I know of a quiet cove just yonder. I’ll just need some rope.”

He can direct them to a secluded inlet where he could meet a dinghy.

OOC > right, Vassa?

 

[OOC] Orlys is not overly familiar with this part of the Bitter Shore, but can recall a couple of places further South that might suit, but those would be only accessible from the sea or rope (i.e. boat or a dangerous climb down from the bluffs above) and would be further from the town than the area at the base of the bluffs that Kay has noticed.

OOC > Ahem.

”I’m not too familiar with this shoreline, but I like what the lass has seen. I’ll still need some rope. And something to signal with, a lantern or a torch?”

"Bugbear!  Let me get this plan straight.  You are going to climb down some cliffs near the shore, but outside of town.  And then we will send a rowboat out once we return to the ship, to pick up you up and take you back to the ship?"

"Are you sure it wouldn't be easier to just walk right into the city and sweet-talk a few guards?"

"Vaken, how was it being a puppy? Tell us about it. You can understand us? What did you find out by talking to Token?"

'Kay takes off her pack and releases the rope strapped to it, handing it to Orlys.' "Y'can use my rope, but I haven't a lantern. I can understand Orly's apprehension, havin' been on t'other side of the law on occasion. Not that you asked my opinion, but seems wise not t'risk it." 'She looks as though she might say more, but then quickly closes her mouth, thinking the better of it.

Quote from KestrellKestrell >>

"Vaken, how was it being a puppy? Tell us about it. You can understand us? What did you find out by talking to Token?"

The normally stoic Goliath's eyes lit up and smile broke out on his face at the question. "It was very fun. I always wondered what the first time would be like and what animal I would choose first. I think puppy, though unusual, was the right choice. While I was in that form I could understand you and Token. The only thing I learned about Token himself is that he's a very happy puppy. I tried to ask if he was more than just a puppy and he said he wasn't but I'm not sure he understood the question."

"Very well.  Bugbear, this is my favorite lantern, seen me through some dark nights.  I want it back."

'Kestrell hands Orlys his prized lantern.'

Looking a little perturbed by the whole notion of Orlys having to remain outside the town walls or be smuggled in to a town in which he and his companions are sailors on a ship of good standing, Virt straightens his back as Kay and Kestrell are handing items to the gnarled bugbear, saying somberly in a quiet voice,'

"Sorry friend, Orlys, but I feel I must ask, though again I admit that ye owe us nothin'. Yer tellin' us that ye fear to be hung on account of yer skin and kind? Surely the gate guard will at least allow ye entry with us to go see the Capt'n, who I'd wager would vouch fer ye an' likely offer ye a berth after we explain how he'd not 'ave his Token at all if'n not fer ye help!

It's just that... I promised me pa that I'd be sailin' fair wind an' straight to the prow when I left him, and the notion of in anyway crossin' that Cove Warden... well, it don't strike me as particularly honest nor wise. Though I ain't sayin' what's to be done fer certain an' all, an' ye have me word that I'd speak fer ye afore all'n sundry 'bout yer good deeds in them caves!"

Vaken walks up and puts his arm around Orlys, "I'm with Virt on this. The guards know me and I will vouch for you."

A'ro just listens paying attention as the group travels petting Token to pass the time. He looks to the bugbear as he poses a question right after Virt speaks up "Virt brings up a good point. What exactly has you so fearful of being hung - not a pirate are you?"

[OOC]

insight check to discern if his answer is truthful or not: 16

Rolled in Chat:

perception check for 1088: 6

Orlys looks at the group, and sighs, but turns so that Vaken is not in the way should anything happen.

”Is not me fur or face, friend Virt, as ye know even bein different there’s ways to be accepted, or to look t’other way. No, it is that... when ye have few chances, ye make the best choices of the ones given. I’ll have a reputation they’ll know of in Rumbottom, one that the ships I’ve crewed on will ‘ave made sure everyone ‘eard of. The fearsum bugbear what’ll rip ye limb from limb les’n ye give over an drop yer sail.”

He watches the group warily a moment.

”All I want is a berth on a ship, an a crew I c’n back in a tight spot. Ye seem a motley lot wit a checkered past, some o ye. Is there room, ye think, fer a great beast what works hard and asks little? Or at least, is it worth a chance ta let yer cap’n have a go?”

Quote from Mingofaust >>

Orlys looks at the group, and sighs, but turns so that Vaken is not in the way should anything happen.

”Is not me fur or face, friend Virt, as ye know even bein different there’s ways to be accepted, or to look t’other way. No, it is that... when ye have few chances, ye make the best choices of the ones given. I’ll have a reputation they’ll know of in Rumbottom, one that the ships I’ve crewed on will ‘ave made sure everyone ‘eard of. The fearsum bugbear what’ll rip ye limb from limb les’n ye give over an drop yer sail.”

He watches the group warily a moment.

”All I want is a berth on a ship, an a crew I c’n back in a tight spot. Ye seem a motley lot wit a checkered past, some o ye. Is there room, ye think, fer a great beast what works hard and asks little? Or at least, is it worth a chance ta let yer cap’n have a go?”

'Virt's blue goggled visage just stares at Orlys as the bugbear recounts something of his past, before the ships officer shakes his head in angry denial, muttering,'

"... rip ye limb from limb les'n ye give over an drop...

Piracy? Ye mean piracy. Bloody murder fer stolen goods and treasure... that's what yer talkin' bout!?!"

'The energy seems to go out of the ships mage as his shoulders slump inwards, his hairless head droping to look down with a resigned sigh. Stepping away from the bugbear, you all hear Virt groan almost as though in pain,'

"We saved a pirate? We saved a pirate! We're pirate hunters an we saved a PIRATE!"

A'ro just begins to laugh as his head tilts to the sky at the irony of the situation before calming down to talk again "It would seem so - but my friend morality isn't black and white. You don't know why he was, from the sounds of it didn't have to much choice."

His attention turned back to Orlys "Before we all put our names on the line, what was the worst thing you did as a pirate?"

Orlys has been seeming to shrink into himself as this conversation has gone on, but now he takes a deep breath and stands tall.

”I’ll not deny it, I am what fate ‘as made me. Stolen as a cub, raised to be a thug, I’ve shipped out with those as would ‘ave me. I’ve done what we’re asked of me, because in a storm, either your crew has got yer back, or yuir dead.”

He pauses, then shrugs, holding up the rope and the lantern. “I’ve never had a crew what gave, out of goodness, only those what took that which ye din’ lash down. I’d give dearly to be part o’ this ye got here.”

Then he chuckles, a deep, growly thing. “This’n more talkin’ ta you than I may’v said complete in t’last six months.”

”I’ll not ask that ye put a good word in if’n it goes against yer soul, friend Virt, or any other o’ you. But I’d much like the chance to put it to yer Captain.”

And then the exhausted bugbear sits sort of suddenly with a big oof. “It’s been a long day without any sleep.”

'Kay rests a hand gently on Orlys's shoulder, even seated the bugbear is nearly as tall as she is.' "I understand bein' birthed into a life that tests you, makes y'do things y'd prefer not. My offer stands, t'ferry you to the ship and put in my word with the captain and senior officers. If it's decided it's best to parade you through town, I'll do m'best to help, but I still think it the smarter plan for you to hide out an be fetched by night."

'Virt had walked a few steps away as though to clear his head by putting some separation between himself and the newly reveal pirate in your midst. Casting first a doubtful look A'ros way, at Orlys' final words and collapse to the ground, the blue ships mage once again looks in the exhausted bugbear's direction. Apparently coming to some sort of resolution within himself, the tall artificer reaches up to adjust his goggles in the somewhat awkwark silence following the savage warrior's declarion, before stepping back over to say,'

"Aye, black is a pirate's heart and flag, me pa always said, but red their thoughts an deeds. But frie... Orlys here ain't shown none of that though, true. Least not with us... not yet. I'll have him with us fer now, ta see his true colours hoisted... but don't ask me ta speak fer a one that's reaved fer souless plunder on the seas! That Virtoris Fishflower will NOT do!!!"

'As though he'd said all he planned to say on the matter, Virt steps away to study the still distant but approaching oxen pulled cart.'

"Alright, let's get moving.  Bugbear is going to the coast, we're going through the gate.  Bugbear, we will send a dinghy for you once it gets dark."

Perception to see more about the cart being pulled by the oxen and the rider(s): 11

Vaken looks over at the apporaching cart, "Could we hide him in there and sneak him to the ship?"

A'ro just blinks looking at Kestrell and Vaken "First off - we aren't doing anything. I haven't agreed to smuggle a pirate into Rumbottom or assist in this plan. This isn't majority rules time this is all of us have to be in or not. Otherwise, those who commit the act are breaking the law and those who knew about it but didn't come forward are accomplices. Plus, it would put the whole ship under scrutiny."

A'ro just looks around and thinks for a minute feeling the breeze on his face "I say we take him in thr'ugh the gates bound in rope - tell the guards that he is facing ships justice for crimes committed against the sea. We then explain to the Captain what happened and suggest that his punishment for the act of piracy at the high seas be redemptive. He serves on our ship helping to catch pirates, after all the best way to think like a pirate is be a pirate. This way we aren't breaking the law, our friend doesn't have to face the law of land, and we gain an assets in our pirate hunting expedition." He think just shrugs "Honestly though the guards might just think your a bugbear mate - we didn't really see any wanted posters for you hanging around."

A'ro turns is attention to Orlys "Though you ignored my question I'll respect that you may not want to live that memory. This however,  is the only way that I will be comfortable in providing assistance. I will only help you get a meeting with our Captain, the rest is up to you to convince him."

Vaken lowers his head in thought for a few moments before looking back at the bugbear.

"Seems you have a few options, sir. Whichever path you choose, I will stand with you and call you friend to any who will listen."

“I’ve come to expect no kindness from strangers, such as you are showin’ me. I am grateful. But the guards of Rumbottom ‘ave a reputation, too, and I’ll not put you to the risk. Better I strike out on me own than see you all punished for yer kindness.”

”I’ll wait for ye on t’shore, p’raps ye’ll bring a boat, yer captain, or a squad o guards. I’ll leave that t’you.”