Boerth listens intently to Laire's tales of her homeland and chuckles, saying "Well my elf friend, I think you and I are kindred spirits. I too think there is so much more of the world to see, so many strange and wonderful things to experience and interesting people to meet. I do not think what you are seeking is too ambitious at all. I hope you stay with us after dealing with the sea-devil problem so that I - or we - can help you with your ambitions."
Boerth sees Laire's frown and answers her second question "It is no exaggeration that my mother lost me in a game of chance, though I try not to dwell on the negative and instead look for the electrum lining in any cloud." He explains "I was born into a family of muckdwellers in Stillben on the Lucidian Coast of Tal'Dorei. Whilst it has taken my life up until a few years ago to pay off my mother's debts and become a free man, I now have the opportunity to make my mark and hopefully stop this happening to any other child. Don't get me wrong, I do plan to one day return to Stillben and exact my revenge on the cartel that sold me into servitude. That said, I understand my mother's desperation as well. Though I no longer remember their faces or personalities, I know I have another 7 brothers and sisters that my mother needed to try and feed; so I have let go of my anger towards her many years ago. Her action has also led me to see much of the world."
Laire was absentmindedly drawing something on the planks of the deck, listening Boerth's explanations but then shook her head: "I am sorry, the things you say ... I understand the words but the meaning is way to alien to understand, the whole concept ... Isolation probably struck us even more than I thought. Well, may be you could teach me about it later, when the sea-devils are gone for good." She chuckled: "Though I have a feeling I might not be invited into the crew any time soon - it seems elves are not that popular around here." Laire nodded at Dillyu. "What did he ever done to Heidi?"
Boerth responds "I don't think Dillyu did anything bad, [he turns to Dillyu] and I meant what I said before about your work. Heidi seems to just take an instant disliking to some people, elves or not. It is rarely their fault and when it is then usually it is very petty."
Dillyu thanks him for his kind words and Boerth continues "I think the captain has taken a liking to you lot - what is it everyone is calling you - "The Heroes of the Isle"? If she says that you stay and you choose to, Heidi will have very little choice in the matter. That said, you might not choose to stay either. This wouldn't have been my first choice of ship to crew on if I'd known then everything I know now; but given my limited prospects when I became a free man and the promise of coin, it was my best option at the time I joined the crew."
Dillyu agrees "The captain did really sell the prospect of becoming wealthy, and there often aren't great opportunities for us sailing folk. Better this than hunting sea-dragons, giant sharks and other sea monsters"
Boerth nods his agreement and then turns back to Beatrice and Laire and says "Also, maybe you lot should come up with a name that rolls off the tongue better? "The Heroes of the Isle" isn't terrible, but you lot could possibly come up with something more personal to all of you? Or not and we can continue to call you all "The Heroes of the Isle"."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
To Vincent,
Aliez leads you a bit below deck where it is somewhat private. "Okay.... as you know, my family was a wandering tribe that was very closely connected to spirits. Shortly after I was born, they were killed by a dragon. I grew up on the streets of the capital. You do what you need to there. I was picked up for my magical skills when I was young by a criminal element. They used my abilities to turn me into a killer. Who would suspect the fortunetelling singer? I quickly learned, whenever I killed someone, I would hear their spirit. The more I was forced to kill, the more voices. I couldn't go on. So I left. I have been trying to learn how to better connect with the spirits so I can put them to rest. Try to remember one time since I met you that I caused someone trouble? I am not the person who left the capital, and I am trying to be even better. And I consider you to be my best friend, before this group, my only friend."
Aliez will then try to cast message as secretly as she can so if anyone is listening in they won't see her cast it, slight of hand? 25. Using it, she tells Vincent so that only he can hear, "The captain is going to betray us after we get the rod. I'll tell you more once we are underwater and out of her control. She is not to be trusted."
She will wait a few moments if Vincent responds, if not, she nods and says, "Take your time. I just felt you deserved the whole truth." She then returns to the deck.
[I'll let everyone retroactively finish off conversations they are partway through and post anything else they want to do in the next 3.5 to 4 hours real time, but otherwise the story is moving on and the following happens:
- Beatrice speaks to Boerth further about his past. They discuss Tal'Dorei, his journey to Wildemount and what he can remember of his childhood,
- The captain is looking conflicted, like she wants to say something to you all. Apart from at dinner time, she spends her time pacing the deck and at dinner she does not speak much,
- Nobody speaks to the emo-looking Kijori and after dinner he returns to his navigator duties,
- Everyone goes to bed. I'm assuming everyone is sleeping where they were last time unless they let me know otherwise in the next 3.5 to 4 hours real time.
If everyone wants to skip forward early, let me know.]
Vincent doesn’t say anything to Alliez. He simply nods and remains below deck for some time to contemplate her words.
He then goes above deck to find Oden to practice sparring with a shield. He shows him a few things he’s learned about shunting away blows and caring for the equipment.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Three Earrings, Heidi, Boerth, Vincent, Aliez, and Reguh all retire downstairs and go to sleep.
Kijori is at the wheel, where he will be for the rest of the night.
Laire, Beatrice, Oden and Dillyu lay down to go to sleep. Dajarkal finishes having animated conversations with sea birds on the railing of the ship and then joins you all to sleep as well.
Laire, Beatrice and Oden, please read the following:
Dajarkal wakes you all from your slumber late at night, kneeling with a sea bird on her shoulder and her quarterstaff in her hand “Pssst wake up! SHHH, I need to talk to you!!! I’ve got to know you all since you came on board and I think I can trust you. Some of you are really nice even. First I need to know though, do you support the vile Pirates of the Revelry or the incorruptible Clovis Concord?”
[She is being very obvious in this moment about which she is aligned with and you see a look of hope in her eyes (though this could all be a deception). Please provide your answer to her question in a 'spoiler' message below. If you are not being honest in your answer, please roll a deception check vs Dajarkal’s insight of 7 .]
Oden is surprised and he's not sure how the question is relevant right now, but he answered nevertheless: "I support the Concord, if you must know. But you should be careful with using those absolutes, or you could be disappointed. Why are you bringing this up?"
"And here I was, going to ask you to come with us and may be make your life more interesting. Guess, we are not that different after all - my people and yours, some of you too prefer familiarity, no matter if you like it. Oh, well, to each their own." She though a little, "And you know, the names - personal names - would be enough too. Really, it's not like we are a fighting unit or something. Just strangers with a same task for a moment. No "heroes" is needed."
Laire only raised her brows in curiosity - neither name was familiar to her. "Judging by your wording, pirates - in something bad, and concord is good. I know you as a good person, guess supporting concord is the right thing?"
Laire and Oden (and Beatrice when back) can read this:
Beatrice says "Whilst I'd hardly call the Clovis Concord "incorruptible," I've heard too many stories of murder and pillage to ever align myself with the Revelry Pirates." [Catbert, I hope I chose the correct "side" for you - I think I have for Three Earrings case at least.]
Dillyu says “I have always tried to avoid the Revelry and have mostly been a law abiding citizen, why?”
Dajarkal gives Dillyu a weird look, like he is missing something that has probably occurred to the rest of you already. She seems at least somewhat put at ease by all your answers, and she responds to Dillyu's, Oden's and Laire's questions “Three Earrings - or Burning Hill as she is known to those who she leaves in her destructive wake - is wanted on multiple counts of trading in intelligent humanoid lifeforms and/or slave trading, murder, kidnapping, assault with intent to kill, assault with intent to injure, theft, trade in illegal spice... the list goes on. She is not the person she has presented herself as to you. That said, I am not exactly who I have presented myself as being either. In short, I need your help to bring her to justice. There is going to be a distraction soon. I need whoever is the best at keeping to the shadows to help me by disabling the starboard ballistae. Kijori will be looking off the port bow so you shouldn't be seen by him, but we will have to do it quickly before Heidi, the Captain and Boerth are on deck.”
[FYI: Oden, because of your actions towards Dillyu, he is going to follow your lead in whatever comes next.]
In the middle of the night, Kijori shouts out a warning, waking everyone on board “LOOK ALIVE AND ALL HANDS ON DECK! Concord vessel approaching on an intercept course off the port bow.”
Laire woke up completely now, looking at hastening Dajarkal with a shocking disbelieve: "Wait, she - I mean the Captain - she is helping to stop the fish-folk and to save all the islands. And we are on her ship, and saw nothing but help and cooperation. By the Moonweaver! Your laws can not be that different from ours - attacking her is against any traditions of hospitality, gratitude, politeness and common sense. Why would you do it now?!"
Victor wakes up and puts himself together, armed and armored. He’ll find Three Rings and ask “What’s the best way to approach this?”
You see Three Earrings as she emerges from her cabin, scimitar in hand "Friend Vincent, I am glad you and the other Heroes of the Isle are here to help Three Earrings, come with me." She starts leading you to the deck. One the way she says, "Do you know of the Concord's unjust laws and excessive taxes? Three Earrings just wants to enjoy the freedom of the seas, yet the Concord treats Three Earrings like a criminal."
"This explains the incident with Hektor... I believe you Dajarkal, but your timing could have been better... This does not change our mission and I need your word that, whatever happens next, you'll help us complete it." Oden gets up in a crouch, holding the coral branch and the shield. "I'll deal with the ballistae if you tell me the quickest way to disable them. Laire, Beatrice, Dillyu, spread out and tell our friends to get ready and look for a chance to capture the captain."
To Laire: "I've been around to know what the pirates are like, and with so many crimes to his name, this Burning Hill sounds like the worst of them. If we associate with him, we'll be always on the fence everywhere we go on the Coast."
Victor wakes up and puts himself together, armed and armored. He’ll find Three Rings and ask “What’s the best way to approach this?”
You see Three Earrings as she emerges from her cabin, scimitar in hand "Friend Vincent, I am glad you and the other Heroes of the Isle are here to help Three Earrings, come with me." She starts leading you to the deck. One the way she says, "Do you know of the Concord's unjust laws and excessive taxes? Three Earrings just wants to enjoy the freedom of the seas, yet the Concord treats Three Earrings like a criminal."
“I’m a newcomer to these parts.”
Pretty sure the letters we gave back at the island were blackmail... but to give the benefit of the doubt:
Laire and Oden (and Beatrice when back) can read this:
Dajarkal looks concerned by Laire's response and says "If Burning Hill appears to be doing something "good," it is only because she has figured out a way to profit from it or for it to provide her with great power. My understanding is that the sahuagin only attacked Flora Isle in retaliation for slaughtering sharks. Why would they go on and attack other islands so far from their home afterwards? I think she has just used that to convince you to do her bidding. I have heard her talk in hushed tones about a sceptre of great power and the Concord cannot let her get her paws on that. Burning Hill has been on many pirate ships that have killed many more people than were lost on Flora Isle. If we miss this chance to stop her, she will continue to push the Revelry's agenda and grow their power across the Menagerie Coast. Now if you are not with me, I ask that you at least stand aside and stay neutral in this."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Laire and Oden (and Beatrice when back) can read this:
Dajarkal responds to Oden "You have my word that I will help you complete your mission in any way that does not require me to break the law myself." She explains to Oden how to jam the ballistae and moves off to the second one herself.
She is lying about only breaking "unjust" laws and avoiding paying taxes - she might break those laws as well, but you can tell that her moral compass is bent. She does seem to believe the Concord is infringing on her freedoms though.
Boerth listens intently to Laire's tales of her homeland and chuckles, saying "Well my elf friend, I think you and I are kindred spirits. I too think there is so much more of the world to see, so many strange and wonderful things to experience and interesting people to meet. I do not think what you are seeking is too ambitious at all. I hope you stay with us after dealing with the sea-devil problem so that I - or we - can help you with your ambitions."
Boerth sees Laire's frown and answers her second question "It is no exaggeration that my mother lost me in a game of chance, though I try not to dwell on the negative and instead look for the electrum lining in any cloud." He explains "I was born into a family of muckdwellers in Stillben on the Lucidian Coast of Tal'Dorei. Whilst it has taken my life up until a few years ago to pay off my mother's debts and become a free man, I now have the opportunity to make my mark and hopefully stop this happening to any other child. Don't get me wrong, I do plan to one day return to Stillben and exact my revenge on the cartel that sold me into servitude. That said, I understand my mother's desperation as well. Though I no longer remember their faces or personalities, I know I have another 7 brothers and sisters that my mother needed to try and feed; so I have let go of my anger towards her many years ago. Her action has also led me to see much of the world."
Laire was absentmindedly drawing something on the planks of the deck, listening Boerth's explanations but then shook her head: "I am sorry, the things you say ... I understand the words but the meaning is way to alien to understand, the whole concept ... Isolation probably struck us even more than I thought. Well, may be you could teach me about it later, when the sea-devils are gone for good." She chuckled: "Though I have a feeling I might not be invited into the crew any time soon - it seems elves are not that popular around here." Laire nodded at Dillyu. "What did he ever done to Heidi?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Boerth responds "I don't think Dillyu did anything bad, [he turns to Dillyu] and I meant what I said before about your work. Heidi seems to just take an instant disliking to some people, elves or not. It is rarely their fault and when it is then usually it is very petty."
Dillyu thanks him for his kind words and Boerth continues "I think the captain has taken a liking to you lot - what is it everyone is calling you - "The Heroes of the Isle"? If she says that you stay and you choose to, Heidi will have very little choice in the matter. That said, you might not choose to stay either. This wouldn't have been my first choice of ship to crew on if I'd known then everything I know now; but given my limited prospects when I became a free man and the promise of coin, it was my best option at the time I joined the crew."
Dillyu agrees "The captain did really sell the prospect of becoming wealthy, and there often aren't great opportunities for us sailing folk. Better this than hunting sea-dragons, giant sharks and other sea monsters"
Boerth nods his agreement and then turns back to Beatrice and Laire and says "Also, maybe you lot should come up with a name that rolls off the tongue better? "The Heroes of the Isle" isn't terrible, but you lot could possibly come up with something more personal to all of you? Or not and we can continue to call you all "The Heroes of the Isle"."
To Vincent,
Aliez leads you a bit below deck where it is somewhat private. "Okay.... as you know, my family was a wandering tribe that was very closely connected to spirits. Shortly after I was born, they were killed by a dragon. I grew up on the streets of the capital. You do what you need to there. I was picked up for my magical skills when I was young by a criminal element. They used my abilities to turn me into a killer. Who would suspect the fortunetelling singer? I quickly learned, whenever I killed someone, I would hear their spirit. The more I was forced to kill, the more voices. I couldn't go on. So I left. I have been trying to learn how to better connect with the spirits so I can put them to rest. Try to remember one time since I met you that I caused someone trouble? I am not the person who left the capital, and I am trying to be even better. And I consider you to be my best friend, before this group, my only friend."
Aliez will then try to cast message as secretly as she can so if anyone is listening in they won't see her cast it, slight of hand? 25. Using it, she tells Vincent so that only he can hear, "The captain is going to betray us after we get the rod. I'll tell you more once we are underwater and out of her control. She is not to be trusted."
She will wait a few moments if Vincent responds, if not, she nods and says, "Take your time. I just felt you deserved the whole truth." She then returns to the deck.
[I'll let everyone retroactively finish off conversations they are partway through and post anything else they want to do in the next 3.5 to 4 hours real time, but otherwise the story is moving on and the following happens:
- Beatrice speaks to Boerth further about his past. They discuss Tal'Dorei, his journey to Wildemount and what he can remember of his childhood,
- The captain is looking conflicted, like she wants to say something to you all. Apart from at dinner time, she spends her time pacing the deck and at dinner she does not speak much,
- Nobody speaks to the emo-looking Kijori and after dinner he returns to his navigator duties,
- Everyone goes to bed. I'm assuming everyone is sleeping where they were last time unless they let me know otherwise in the next 3.5 to 4 hours real time.
If everyone wants to skip forward early, let me know.]
Vincent doesn’t say anything to Alliez. He simply nods and remains below deck for some time to contemplate her words.
He then goes above deck to find Oden to practice sparring with a shield. He shows him a few things he’s learned about shunting away blows and caring for the equipment.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Three Earrings, Heidi, Boerth, Vincent, Aliez, and Reguh all retire downstairs and go to sleep.
Kijori is at the wheel, where he will be for the rest of the night.
Laire, Beatrice, Oden and Dillyu lay down to go to sleep. Dajarkal finishes having animated conversations with sea birds on the railing of the ship and then joins you all to sleep as well.
Laire, Beatrice and Oden, please read the following:
Dajarkal wakes you all from your slumber late at night, kneeling with a sea bird on her shoulder and her quarterstaff in her hand “Pssst wake up! SHHH, I need to talk to you!!! I’ve got to know you all since you came on board and I think I can trust you. Some of you are really nice even. First I need to know though, do you support the vile Pirates of the Revelry or the incorruptible Clovis Concord?”
[She is being very obvious in this moment about which she is aligned with and you see a look of hope in her eyes (though this could all be a deception). Please provide your answer to her question in a 'spoiler' message below. If you are not being honest in your answer, please roll a deception check vs Dajarkal’s insight of 7 .]
Oden is surprised and he's not sure how the question is relevant right now, but he answered nevertheless: "I support the Concord, if you must know. But you should be careful with using those absolutes, or you could be disappointed. Why are you bringing this up?"
[trustlife1990, Can I get you to put that post in a 'spoiler' box?]
"And here I was, going to ask you to come with us and may be make your life more interesting. Guess, we are not that different after all - my people and yours, some of you too prefer familiarity, no matter if you like it. Oh, well, to each their own." She though a little, "And you know, the names - personal names - would be enough too. Really, it's not like we are a fighting unit or something. Just strangers with a same task for a moment. No "heroes" is needed."
Laire only raised her brows in curiosity - neither name was familiar to her. "Judging by your wording, pirates - in something bad, and concord is good. I know you as a good person, guess supporting concord is the right thing?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Laire and Oden (and Beatrice when back) can read this:
Beatrice says "Whilst I'd hardly call the Clovis Concord "incorruptible," I've heard too many stories of murder and pillage to ever align myself with the Revelry Pirates." [Catbert, I hope I chose the correct "side" for you - I think I have for Three Earrings case at least.]
Dillyu says “I have always tried to avoid the Revelry and have mostly been a law abiding citizen, why?”
Dajarkal gives Dillyu a weird look, like he is missing something that has probably occurred to the rest of you already. She seems at least somewhat put at ease by all your answers, and she responds to Dillyu's, Oden's and Laire's questions “Three Earrings - or Burning Hill as she is known to those who she leaves in her destructive wake - is wanted on multiple counts of trading in intelligent humanoid lifeforms and/or slave trading, murder, kidnapping, assault with intent to kill, assault with intent to injure, theft, trade in illegal spice... the list goes on. She is not the person she has presented herself as to you. That said, I am not exactly who I have presented myself as being either. In short, I need your help to bring her to justice. There is going to be a distraction soon. I need whoever is the best at keeping to the shadows to help me by disabling the starboard ballistae. Kijori will be looking off the port bow so you shouldn't be seen by him, but we will have to do it quickly before Heidi, the Captain and Boerth are on deck.”
[FYI: Oden, because of your actions towards Dillyu, he is going to follow your lead in whatever comes next.]
For everyone:
In the middle of the night, Kijori shouts out a warning, waking everyone on board “LOOK ALIVE AND ALL HANDS ON DECK! Concord vessel approaching on an intercept course off the port bow.”
Let me know what your character does.
Victor wakes up and puts himself together, armed and armored. He’ll find Three Rings and ask “What’s the best way to approach this?”
Paladin - warforged - orange
Laire woke up completely now, looking at hastening Dajarkal with a shocking disbelieve: "Wait, she - I mean the Captain - she is helping to stop the fish-folk and to save all the islands. And we are on her ship, and saw nothing but help and cooperation. By the Moonweaver! Your laws can not be that different from ours - attacking her is against any traditions of hospitality, gratitude, politeness and common sense. Why would you do it now?!"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
You see Three Earrings as she emerges from her cabin, scimitar in hand "Friend Vincent, I am glad you and the other Heroes of the Isle are here to help Three Earrings, come with me." She starts leading you to the deck. One the way she says, "Do you know of the Concord's unjust laws and excessive taxes? Three Earrings just wants to enjoy the freedom of the seas, yet the Concord treats Three Earrings like a criminal."
"This explains the incident with Hektor... I believe you Dajarkal, but your timing could have been better... This does not change our mission and I need your word that, whatever happens next, you'll help us complete it." Oden gets up in a crouch, holding the coral branch and the shield. "I'll deal with the ballistae if you tell me the quickest way to disable them. Laire, Beatrice, Dillyu, spread out and tell our friends to get ready and look for a chance to capture the captain."
To Laire: "I've been around to know what the pirates are like, and with so many crimes to his name, this Burning Hill sounds like the worst of them. If we associate with him, we'll be always on the fence everywhere we go on the Coast."
“I’m a newcomer to these parts.”
Pretty sure the letters we gave back at the island were blackmail... but to give the benefit of the doubt:
insight 10
Paladin - warforged - orange
Laire and Oden (and Beatrice when back) can read this:
Dajarkal looks concerned by Laire's response and says "If Burning Hill appears to be doing something "good," it is only because she has figured out a way to profit from it or for it to provide her with great power. My understanding is that the sahuagin only attacked Flora Isle in retaliation for slaughtering sharks. Why would they go on and attack other islands so far from their home afterwards? I think she has just used that to convince you to do her bidding. I have heard her talk in hushed tones about a sceptre of great power and the Concord cannot let her get her paws on that. Burning Hill has been on many pirate ships that have killed many more people than were lost on Flora Isle. If we miss this chance to stop her, she will continue to push the Revelry's agenda and grow their power across the Menagerie Coast. Now if you are not with me, I ask that you at least stand aside and stay neutral in this."
Laire and Oden (and Beatrice when back) can read this:
Dajarkal responds to Oden "You have my word that I will help you complete your mission in any way that does not require me to break the law myself." She explains to Oden how to jam the ballistae and moves off to the second one herself.
Three Earrings Roll: 11
She is lying about only breaking "unjust" laws and avoiding paying taxes - she might break those laws as well, but you can tell that her moral compass is bent. She does seem to believe the Concord is infringing on her freedoms though.