6th of Eleasis
Chapter 1: Late morning, Vasilya’s new skill
After fighter practice was finished and gear stored and tunics changed, Boz called everyone together because he wanted to show everyone something that he had been practicing. He took a cup and fork from the galley and placed them on the table. Sitting down in front of them he placed the fork on top of the cup, making sure that it was placed securely, and not falling off with the motion of the ship. Atalaya sat next to him and everyone else gathered around the table to watch.
Boz stared at the fork for a while, and it fell off the cup, clattering on the tabletop. After it fell, Boz took a deep breath and looks like he had exerted himself.
Everyone is a bit confused at what they just saw
Nevil says that she has never seen that before… i.e. a fork falling off a cup. Boz replies that he hasn’t been able to do that before. That the Gur drabarni has had him working on control and deliberate focus to help expand and control his mental psych powers.
Nevil is confused. She thought that he was working on improving his ability to use divination skills, not focusing.
Boz says that this is working on focus.
Nevil wants to know what the source of this magic he just did was: the weave or from the gods.
Boz says that it is from his mind, not the weave.
Nevil replies that he is “Kind of messing with my reality,” and then asks if other people can do this.
Boz replies that other Gur can in fact do this.
Nevil asks again what the force behind this is.
Inman states that the Gurs sometimes do this and that Boz is a Gur.
Nevil repeats that what he is doing is not divine, it is not the weave, so what is it? She seems very concerned about what Boz just did.
We talk about Boz needing to continue practicing on his control and focus so that he can control/use his ability to see visions without all the severe effects that he experiences, especially when tries to force it.
Inman says that we should play marbles, but require Boz to move them with his mind.
Chapter 2: Sighting The Blade, Talks with Skarne
As we were talking about playing marbles, Kyle comes down and reports that a boat has been seen and that it seems to be gaining on us.
We open up the door to Skarne’s room and tell him that we need for him to be restrained while we deal with the oncoming ship. We cover the window so that he can’t signal the ship.
Skarne tells us that if we are worried about his ship following us, that it is possible that it is. He describes his ship, The Blade, as having red sails and fine intricate woodworking on the rails. He claims that his ship is faster than ours. “A better ship.”
Skarne tells us we can just tell his crew (if the ship is his) that he is dead. Or he can tell them to stand down. He says that he is not happy with the current situation that he finds himself in with the Red Wizards and he doesn’t want to go to prison to be hanged. He claims that he can and will help us find Captain Jade Hawk if we let him retire without giving him over to either the Harpers or the War Wizards. He doesn’t want to go to prison as he knows that is a death sentence.
When asked how he plans to help us, he says that he knows his way around the docks in many towns. He is offering to help by knowing the “undersides” of the docks. He says, “I can probably help you find her, but I’m not going to do this if the ending is the same.” When asked why, he says that he doesn’t agree with the aims of the Red Wizards, but felt like he couldn’t refuse them. He wants a way to get out of their influence without being killed by the crown.
When we ask him, “How can we trust you?”
He says, “You can’t. I’m a pirate.” He then adds, “I don’t find myself in a good place and I’d like to retire.”
We bind Skarne and go topside to find out what is happening there, to see if the ship following us seems to be The Blade. It is a “blonde ship” with red sails.
We converse with Ivar and ask him to try to outrun it.
Nevil wants to interrogate Skarne with Sorrow.
Sorrow agrees, saying that “We don’t like each other. I’ll do my best.”
The rest of us discuss options. “I don’t know how we can convince them he is dead. They wouldn’t follow the ship if they thought he was dead.”
Nevil asks, “What happens if we kill him?” We question her about how this fits in with her vows and she replies, “I was going to dress up a pell (like him) and throw it overboard.”
Sorrow comes back, “Near as I can tell he is telling the truth.
Nevil takes Atalaya and Inman and Sorrow back down to talk to Skarne (again).
Skarne says that Sorrow is “an interesting character.” He asks if we know that he is from the Wendre family? clan? in Baldur's Gate. Atalaya replies with a flat immediate, “Yes.”
(Sorrow is from a wealthy family in Baldur’s Gate involved with the slave trade)
We ask him what we can expect from his crew. He replies that his ship is fast. That the crew is the same size as our crew. (Did he mean the 5 crew members (4+Ivar) or 11 (everyone we have on board)?)
Skarne states that he will be happy to come out and to tell his crew to stand down.
Nevil asks Skarne what he thinks about Harpers. He replies that they have some similar goals with the Sea Princes with regard to the crown.
Nevil says something about the fact that the Harpers are against the slaving they have been doing.
Inman is asked if he can give over turning Skarne into the War Wizards (who would then turn him over to the crown). Inman looks pained but agrees to this.
Atalaya asks how many wizards he has on board. He says one deck wizard. Atalaya asks what spells he typically uses. Skarne replies that he uses things like wind gusts, little arrows, lightning bolts and counter spell. He adds that a lot of the wizard’s spells are defensive. Inman listens closely to this. We send Inman topside to borrow Ivar’s telescope to see if he can pinpoint the wizard on the approaching ship.
Skarne reiterates that he has a nice ship, that it is newer than ours, and has carvings on the rails. It does not have cannons, but does have ballistas.
When asked if he knows of the Tamarind. He says yes, that they are a slovenly crew and that he has little respect for them. Nevil says that displaying their ‘colors’ as a trophy wouldn’t help things then. Skarne asks about that and we say that we sunk that ship.
We decide to agree to Skarne’s proposal and untie him and bring him topside. The other ship is catching up with us and has a parley flag flying.
We tell Ivar to go ahead and let them catch up so that we can talk to them, having our crew ready at the ballistas and with Cirilli in the crow’s nest. Ivan lowers our sails and lets The Blade catch up with us.
Chapter 3: Meeting The Blade
A middle aged bald guy comes forward to talk to us. His name is Mr. Shoe.
Skarne greets Mr. Shoe.
Mr. Shoe asks him if he has been captured.
Skarne says no, that he is on a mission for the Red Wizards.
Mr. Shoe asks again if Skarne is being held captive.
Skarne tells him that he wants Mr Shoe and his crew to meet him at the meeting place in Riverport.
Mr. Shoe says that our ship is not one of the Sea Princes’ ships.
Skarne replies that he knows this.
As they talk, The Blade is edging closer to our ship.
Skarne and Mr. Shoe continue to talk back and forth. It would appear that The Blade’s crew is buying Skarne’s story. Skarne tells them to “just wait at the meeting place. I should be back.” His crew doesn’t look happy about it but are not yet willing to fire on our ship.
Mr. Shoe says that they are going to be in Pelagia for 4 days and then they will head to Riverport.
Skarne warns them that there was a problem with the constabulary at Pelagia and to be aware that the place may be compromised.
The Blade heads off. The crew does not look like they were 100% convinced.
Inman asks Skarne if he thinks his crew bought his story. Skarne replies, “I guess… I don’t know.”
Nevil calls out to Ivar to hoist sails and continue on.
Ivar wants some ale. He says that we should be in Blue Haven by dinner time.
(Available time for writing: Lunch to the Arrival at Blue Haven)
Chapter 4: Arrival/Dinner in Blue Haven
It is dusk as we arrive in Blue Haven. The sky is purple. The town appears to be laid out differently from Riverport, less planned. The harbor is protected and has a curved shape. The water is a very intense blue color. It is a crescent harbor in shape.
Nevil tells Skarne that he will be staying on the boat tonight, but asks if he would like to request anything from the town. He asks for a brown ale. Nevil coaches him to ask for some new clothing.
A couple of us take a dinghy to find the Harbor Master and discuss a docking place and to pay him. It will cost us 2 gold pieces per day. We pay for 3 days. We are told where we can dock the Hond Ebrath. (pay him 6 gold pieces for 3 days).
Atalaya mentions Hawk; dock master balks: When the dockmaster realizes that our ship is the Hond Ebrath, he tells us that there was a woman looking for that ship. Atalaya asks if it was Hawk. The dockmaster seems upset at the thought and tells us that he doesn’t want any trouble.
Nevil asks for shipwright recommendations: The dockmaster asks what kind of work she needs done. Nevil cuts off his attempt at mansplaining, explaining that she wants someone to do “Lady stuff inside.” He asks if she is sure that she needs a shipwright. Nevil reiterates that yes, she does. The Harbor Master gives her the address to a small repair yard that Nevil can try.
Nevil asks for tavern recommendations: The Harbormaster suggests the Wind Rose Tavern as a very good tavern in town and gives directions. He says that they do have musicians sometimes, but not every night.
The Harbormaster then explains that the lady looking for us has long hair, is tall and carries a bow.
Joan arrives, Sorrow joy: About that time Atalaya and Sorrow recognize Joan walking towards us. Sorrow bolts down the walkway and throws his arms around Joan. Nevil and Inman can eventually make out her greenish skin and tusks. Joan is a half-orc. Once she is done greeting Sorrow she nods at Inman and Nevil and introduces herself.
Joan explains that she has been waiting in town for us to get here for about a day. She had gone to Salt Marsh and talked with Raven, and he sent her here to meet up with us.
The group returns to ship to make way to assigned mooring
warm greetings from all to Joan
introductions to nevil and Inman
Atalaya explains Joan’s connection with Seraphina and the Master
Earlier Cirilli had agreed to stay on board with Inman while Sorrow, Nevil, Atalaya, Boz, go into town. However, when Joan shows up Cirilli changes her mind and wants to go to dinner at the Wind Rose Tavern with everyone else (except for Inman) to make contact with local Harpers and to get to talk to Joan.
Inman, Kyle and Rogelio agree to keep watch over Skarne … with Kyle and Rogelio promised tomorrow evening liberty.
Group enjoys dinner at the Wind Rose Tavern. Joan enjoys several rounds of ale and buys the rounds for the table. Atalaya allows Cirilli to try the ale, and although she says that she likes it, her face tells the story. Atalaya orders her a mug with half hard cider and half regular cider which she seems to prefer to the ale. After that mug, Atalaya has her drink regular cider.
Sorrow plays to the delight of the tavern, with generous tips in hand and joy for Joan, Sorrow pays for dinner for everyone.
Sorrow works in the coded song. (Code: Message, help, holy woman, grey and white.) Nevil waits. Shortly after the playing of the message song, Cook comes from the kitchen with a cake plate and a napkin. He tells her that it is the cake she had ordered, although she has not ordered any cake. He asks how the cake was. Written on the plate with icing is SHEN. It is assumed that this is his name. Nevil recognizes this is an attempt at contact but totally misses any of the subtle meaning as the cook returns to the kitchen.
Nevil waits to space the encounter and to allow the cook to return to the kitchen. With no additional response, she takes the plate to the kitchen and compliments the cook on the flavor she couldn't quite place. The two exchange coded small talk to verify contact. Nevil follows the cook to the alley behind the tavern to complete their talk. There is a dark alcove in the back of the building with an overhang, a brick wall and an empty yard.
Nevil is never asked her name and she does not offer. She asks for a meeting with a local or regional handler for a critical message for the chain and a need to send someone dark. The two discuss where to meet the next day. Nevil explains the ship is too exposed and it is agreed to meet again at the tavern. Nevil supplies cover for later discussions by asking about rooms and accommodations. She also asks for a room with a tub for Boz and Atalaya for tomorrow night. She is told that they can get a tub, but it will cost extra.
Joan tries a couple of times to get Nevil talking, but keeps being interrupted.
Shortly after Nevil returns from talking to the cook, the cook brings out a cake for the whole table.
After the cook leaves Nevil winks at Boz and tells him that arrangements have been made. It takes Boz a minute or so to realize what Nevil is talking about. (Room and tub for tomorrow night.)
Joan tries again to talk to Nevil and asks what she is going to do tonight. Nevil responds that she plans on taking food and ale back to Inman (and Skarne).
A serving girl comes by with the to go food for Nevil to take back to the ship.
Sorrow pays for the group meal. Atalaya leaves some coins for a tip on the table.
We make our way back to the ship and feed Inman and Skarne. While he is eating, Skarne says, “I’m assuming you want to find Hawk.”
We agree. He asks how he is going to do that being kept on the ship. We talk about ideas of what to do. Skarne says that he knows some taverns that are not open to the general public. We decide to take Skarne with us in the morning to start looking for Hawk. He is reminded that he is on parole and if he wants a chance at a new life he needs to behave appropriately.
When Skarne is returned to his room, Inman is informed about the contact having been made at the Wind Rose and that Nevil needs to meet with the Harpers again tomorrow night to hopefully meet with a regional director of the Harpers.
See story thread for late night conversations
7th of Eleasis
See story thread for early morning/dawn activites
Chapter 5: Morning tasks
Breakfast is had on the ship. Joan and Sorrow are not on the ship.
Skarne is fed and escorted to walk around the decks as we prepare for the morning activities. Still no Joan or Sorrow.
We divide the tasks and break into two groups. Atalaya, Boz and Skarne will go to look for Captain Hawk. Nevil, Ivar and Cirilli will go to find the shipwright.
Atalaya’s group spends about an hour walking up and down the docks looking for Hawk’s ship. The Shalarin is eventually spotted although Hawk is not seen on deck. Boz is a little disappointed to find out that Hawk is indeed here. They discuss how to get to speak with Hawk in a gentile manner. Skarne says that he thinks that they can find Hawk at the “speak-easy” called The Gale later in the day. He will show us where that is. Atalaya and Boz are uneasy with the idea of meeting her there. Continued discussion yields a plan to send her a note inviting her to meet at lunchtime at a nearby cafe. They return to the ship to meet back up with Nevil, Cirilli and Ivar and to be able to talk with Inman also about the plan.
Nevil’s group finds the shipwright’s yard. It is a small yard with a few ships in dry dock that are being worked on. Nevil notes a dwarf with a big beard and a ledger who appears to be inspecting the work going on and who may be in charge.
Nevil and her party are greeted by the dwarf. Nevil says that she has received the recommendation that she look for “Keg” to do some renovations of their ship.
Dwarf says that he is Keg. He has to look up to see Nevil’s face.
Nevil explains that she is looking for skilled woodworks to make a covering for the entrance to the hold on the crew deck. She gets out the sketches that Atalaya drew and shows them to Keg. Keg immediately understands what is wanted and states that they can certainly do the work. They discuss the time frame for the project completion and cost. Nevil wants good work done as quickly as possible. The agreed upon price is 125 gold pieces … ½ now and the rest at completion. While Ivar attended to some of this discussion, he has also been looking at the other boats that Keg is working on. Keg gets to work immediately, snapping his fingers to call some of the workers to him for instructions.
The three return to the ship to be informed of the discovery of Hawk’s ship.
Chapter 6: Meeting with Hawk
It was quickly decided that approaching Hawk directly was too bold. Skarne suggests that he is aware of a popular speakeasy frequented by the underground inhabitants and visitors of the city. While there was some discussion of when and who would go to the speakeasy to approach Hawk, Nevil suggests that a simple and direct note sent to Hawks ship may be easier and wouldn't potentially split the party between contact with Hawk and the Harpers. It is decided that the note should read “Congratulations on the new ship, Red Wizards seek you. We want to help. Meet outside the (name of restaurant/cafe near the docks with inside/outside seating) at 1:30.” The note was signed by Nevil and Skarne. A youth is found to deliver the note to Hawk’s ship. (3 silver pieces) Atalaya sketches a picture of Hawk so that Nevil can recognize her.
The group goes early to get good seating positions for Atalaya and Boz inside the eatery where they can watch/listen to the meeting. While waiting, Nevil informs Skarne that arrangements have already been made in good faith to begin setting up his retirement. They wait and patronize the eatery.
On time, Hawk and a limited but impressively rough looking and disciplined group of bodyguards approach. Hawk is tall and well dressed. Skarne and Hawk make pleasant initial introductions. Hawk introduces her bodyguards as Agosto (a tough looking woman with a sword) and Butcher Boy (a man with a beard (looks Norse). Hawk greets Skarne and pulls up a chair for herself. The bodyguards remain standing behind her. Nevil is quickly introduced. Hawk immediately asks for an explanation about being sought by the Red Wizards and Skarne’s involvement with the group.
Nevil explains that we have approached Hawk out of respect and concern. During our recent run in with the Red Wizard’s, we acquired written notes directly stating that Hawk was actively sought. Hawk says, “I guess they don’t like to take “No’ for an answer.”
Nevil replies, “This makes me like you all the more.” Nevil frowns at Skarne.
Skarne says something to which Hawk replies, “...But I don’t agree with your choices.”
She asks of Skarne’s presence considering his involvement with the Red Wizards.
Nevil explains that Skarne was on parole and has exchanged information with us for a chance at retirement in another area. Hawk says that she knows him as a more honorable pirate. She also admonished his decision to work with the Red Wizards, saying that there are lines one does not cross. Skarne retorts he didn't think he had a choice. Hawk replies that he did as she had declined their partnership.
Hawk asks exactly why the Red Wizards would be after her. Nevil tries to lighten the mood, and beers are ordered. Hawk does order some for her bodyguards, but they continue to stand on guard while they drink. Nevil explains that intelligence acquired with a recent encounter with the Red Wizards indicated that they sought her due to her assumed possession or knowledge of the location of an artifact.
Hawk said she had many artifacts. Nevil described the artifact from her memory of Atalaya's stories and called it “The Eye.” Hawk spits that she lost one of her crew to that item after he looked at it directly. They buried the cursed item for safety.
Hawk asked why they wanted it. Nevil explained that the Red Wizards were using the Sea Princes to destabilize the region while they worked with a cult to use “The Eye” to raise Vecna. For whatever distaste one has for the crown, these workings were deeply evil. Nevil explains that the group hopes Hawk will give them the artifact so that it may be destroyed.
Hawk asks how she can trust the story, especially with Skarne recently in their employ. Nevil explains that she has taken vows of non-violence in service to Eldath and has made it her life’s mission to destroy “The Eye.” Hawk smiles and explains that she cannot trust the word of a stranger. Nevil explains that her group contains others known to Hawk as she gestures to Boz and Atalaya. The three exchange several barbs of familiarity and mild aggression but also respect. With regard to Boz’s kidnapping for the Waterdeep reward, Atalaya makes a comment on her having bought Boz back, which earns her a “look” from Hawk. Hawk states that she knows Boz’s heart is good but it is still too great an ask.
Atalanta asks Hawk how she came to be in possession of The Eye. Hawk says that a street urchin sold it to one of her crew members. Then Atalaya shows Hawk the note found from the desk of the Red Wizard in Pelagia. Hawk turns still and almost pale upon reading it. She asks again, what we plan to do with The Eye, should we have it in our possession. Atalaya says that we are going to see that it is destroyed so that the Red Wizards cannot get their hands on it to use to make undead. We also tell Hawk that if she gives us The Eye, that we will make sure that the Red Wizards know that she no longer has it in her possession, (which should decrease their interest in her). She says she needs time to consider. “I don’t know if I can trust you.”
Nevil boldly suggests that Hawk come dine on her old ship to see the newly made modifications and to better feel out the group. She laughs at Nevil’s ballsy suggestion and upon consideration agrees. Nevil explains that the group has business plans for the evening but the group would still be in town tomorrow night. The pair tentatively agreed and stated that notes of confirmation would be passed between the ships. Boz is squirmy and uncomfortable throughout the meeting.
Business in Blue Haven
Transfer the captain to a faction … Harpers
messages to WarWiz and Harpers started
Candlekeep book shopping
ship modification cargo cover/living room started
clerical health check, curse/magic free (atalaya and Nevil discussed week's ago)
Sell unneeded treasure
Night off
Buy some games to play onboard during downtime with Cirilli
Buy wooden longsword to for sword practice
Atalaya to buy a shortsword for kata practice
Items to make a small sitting room for Boz to practice in, or as a place for people to relax alone.
Find someone who can identify what is going on with the sword we took from the undead Battle Wright in Pelagia.
Sorrow to look for a recorder for Cirilli
Clothing and a brown ale for Skarne
Meal with Captain Hawk, on 7th of Eleasis
Inman to talk to War Wizards about setting up an outpost at Wizard’s tower in Pelagia??? We talked about this at one point.
Firm up plans for dinner and continued discussion with Hawk regarding The Eye.
Items fon Atalaya and Boz’s personal shopping list
Comfortable chairs (cushioned) or floor pillows, small table at height appropriate for the seating option acquired, (for the sitting room/practice area of Boz)
New sketchbook
Book about Gwaeron Windstrom for Cirilli
Replacement bandages and sinew/thread for the first aid kit and other items to restore used healing kit.
More bruise cream, styptic powder
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