The Fourth 7th Sea Writeup!
Oct. 2nd, 2008 08:39 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
realsorienOkay, finally I've gotten to this writeup! One quick note though- for the sake of my sanity Scott G's character, previously unnamed and referred to by various indirect phrasings is now known by his character name, Djiel. However, in the game, none of the PCs know his name as of yet- the language barrier remains.
Erik and his erstwhile army, led by Djiel, are just outside the borders of the slaver fort. They've finished manufacturing several ladders when they suddenly hear the mustering horn sounding within the fort! Erik, knowing that this isn't the best time for a fight decides to get out of the area and signals to the tribesmen that they should retreat. He starts to quietly move away, but the tribesmen... Start yelling to each other and forming up! Erik simply stares, stunned at the development; fortunately, Djiel manages to get his people quieted and moving out of the area. As they circle around the fort Erik thinks that they're in the clear- just as he's confronted by the back gate of the fort opening to let out squads of musket-toting troops!
This stops the retreat dead in its tracks. Djiel gets his people formed up and ready to fight! This turns out to not be the best choice as the first row of muskets fire! Erik winces at the sight and looks for a way to defend his men; he carves a Rune and summons the rain! This imperils the powder in the muskets and also provides a bit more cover, but several tribesmen still drop from the fire. Erik motions several of the men to move with him to flank the troops, and the rest (with Djiel) charge the line of gunmen! They slam into the line of musketeers, Djiel taking two down- one with a spear-thrust and the other with a vicious clothesline.
The enemy line holds for the moment, but now they are forced into a melee- they cut and slice with their bayonets, or strike with their clubbed rifles to good effect- several more of the tribesmen fall, but so do some of their own. Djiel accounts for two more, while Erik grabs one of the ladders. With the help of a few tribesmen he charges with it, trying to take down his foes with a slam. However, they lose the rig and it slams into both lines of fighters, taking down equal numbers! After the moment of shock, Erik recovers himself and strikes another down!
Djiel takes down two more as the battle continues- his prowess impressing Erik greatly; the slavers break and run at this, and Erik screams for the gates to be held open! Problem is, he doesn't speak the tribesman's language... However, Djiel does get the idea and makes a long-shot throw with a spear, managing to prevent the wooden barrier from being shut. One of the slavers tries to clear the blockage and is immediately shredded by the tribesmen for his troubles. Djiel and his remaining tribesmen then charge forward into the gateway, finding inside many more foes- four of those they face are cut down, but at the cost of the remaining tribesmen! Erik and Djiel now are alone facing the fort's remaining contingent...
Meanwhile, back at the village...
Illyana has returned with the things she's recovered from the boat; despite the distance (gunshots not being silent) she hears the fighting, and with a sigh of resignation grabs two axes and heads for the battle. She has a long run ahead of her. Zora has yet to hear anything, being... otherwise occupied.
The battle rolls on while this occurs, Djiel striking down three more of those foolish enough to get within striking distance of the native warrior. Erik carves another Rune, this time upon the gate itself; at his urging the rain intensifies! He and Djiel howl their battle-lust, drawing strength from one another- however, perhaps the rain acts against them as well as for, as they both miss their foes... The first time in the entire melee that Djiel has failed to strike!
For a moment things seem to stop in the fight. With this pause Djiel takes the opportunity to throw his spear crosswise at his opponents! They reflexively catch the weapon, and Djiel commences to beat two more men unconscious with his fists! Moments later he has retrieved his weapon, skewering two more. Erik, having realized that Djiel is by far the better fighter decides to take the position of shieldman, acting primarily to defend his friend and enhance his ability to strike. Djiel misses on his next attack, and Erik takes the return-strike for Djiel- he's hurt, but still able to hold his own.
Illyana has in this time gotten closer and closer to the fort. Cresting the hill above she trips, rolling down to a stop right at its walls! She picks herself up and moves quickly around to the open gate to assist her allies as long as it is possible to do so.
Inside the fort the fight is still raging, but suddenly the slavers break their line and retreat once again! Both Erik and Djiel think that their efforts have terrified their enemies, but then... Erik sees a crew of men swiveling a to bear on the two warriors! There is a tremendous BOOM! As the weapon fires; Erik shouts and drives Djiel clear, taking much of the cannon's effect himself. Fortunately, the round landed short, saving him from utter obliteration- he is terribly hurt even so.
Everyone is surprised that he's still alive- likely counting himself. He staggers to his feet... And charges the now-useless cannon-position! Illyana whips in through the gate, and seeing the general lay of things she makes a throw with one of her axes, embedding it into the skull of a slaver! The enemy line has organized and drawn swords to face the madmen attacking them after the cannon-shot; Djiel charges back into the fight, stabbing with his spear at the line of slavers. They fail to strike Djiel, and he in turn also strikes only air. Erik is halfway up the stairs to the cannon, his bloodied visage driving them back- Illyana moves to flank Djiel, facing the remaining defenders. As she does, Djiel is hit, his chest being bloodied and torn- he's still in the fight, however. He strikes back, killing two more, then rapidly two more drop as the whirlwind of death carves into the line!
Djiel is struck yet again, but still stands as Erik finally reaches the cannon-post; the men there look in shock at the torn and bloodied visage before them and step back, uncertain as to just what it going to occur. The Vestin prince chops a hole into a powderkeg as his opponents watch, and they wisely choose to flee as he grins a grim smile...
Below, Illyana misses a chop at a foeman; Djiel also misses and is struck yet again- he still stands but is obviously impaired by his many wounds. Zora, who has been running to the fight with reinforcements since the cannon fired, finally reaches the open gate... Just in time to see Erik heft the powderkeg! He throws it into the midst of the remaining slavers, following it with a Rune-summoned bolt of lightning! Illyana and Djiel manage to get clear just as the blast takes out the last of the slavers!
There is smoke and fire and ruin, and initially no sign of Erik; he managed to fall backwards away from the blast, but was still partly buried in the collapse of the wall and tower. Illyana and Zora start searching for him, though due to need Zora shifts to finding first aid supplies for the allied wounded. Illyana soon locates the mad Vestin, and after she sends a runner back to the village that the fort is taken, she starts doing what she can to provide first aid to the mauled warrior.
After a short while Erik is able to walk, barely. He and the nearly-as-badly-injured Djiel take the time to kill the enemy survivors, save one- he is saved to teach the chief's men how to use the muskets! Once this unfortunate is tied up, Djiel urinates on him. After the final tally is taken, it turns out that none of Djiel's tribesmen were killed! Most have a range of injuries in need of tending, however.
Illyana starts inventory on what is left in the fort; amongst the weapons and oddiments she finds a Castillian flag. She drops it on the ground and walks on it. She finds some winebarrels and helps herself. Erik staggers his way to the tavern where they stopped earlier and finds it barred. He breaks in a window and screams 'ALE!' A shout in Castillan comes in reply. He yells "ALE!' back, and a small barrel rolls over to the window. He crawls in and collects the barrel, then demands a mug. He gets that, then wobbles out with his drink and settles down. Shortly after this however, Zora gets the witch doctor to treat the injured- when he sees what's left of Erik, the strange masked man once again dances and gesticulates before the Vestin, and the strange mist pleasantly takes his consciousness.
Time passes, and a celebratory feast is soon assembled for the victory; much of the food for this is taken from the stores of the decimated fort. Talking with Zora, Illyana says, "I am thinking, we should get out of here..." The chief, looking at the results of the battle, has been driven to a passion that the 'white devils' should lead him and his tribe in raids! "Well, they're not going anywhere until they heal," replies Zora, "unless you plan to drag them..." "Do not tempt me," says Illyana. "I could pull outrigger, no problem." Zora still knows nothing of Illyana's shapeshifting abilities, and says nothing in reply.
During the feast Erik drinks and eats to excess, validly seeing this as a reason to take a reward; Djiel, having decided to serve the 'white devil' remains sober, wanting to be able to defend Erik should the need arise. Eventually, Erik wanders down to the docks, followed by Djiel, and just spends time looking out to sea.
For her part, Illyana decides to take over the quarters of the former commandant of the slaving outpost; "I will have bed tonight!" Before this, she'd searched the fort and office, and had turned up a spyglass, a map of the Archipelago with their position marked, navigation charts and about 20 guilders.
After s while of sea-staring, Erik raids the Tavern again, fetching the curtain he'd torn down when he broke back in earlier. He wraps it about Djiel, having perceived that the warrior is uncomfortable. This isn't quite the case, and Djiel thinks that he's shown weakness to Erik!
The next morning, Erik has woke from where he (inevitably) passed out, more from his injuries than from anything else- the sun is shining. He sees that Djiel has stayed awake all night, and pats him on the shoulder- and Djiel passes out! He laughs, then wanders to the Tavern once again. He crawls in through the window again, then steals the taverner's mattress and blanket, shouting for breakfast then drags his gains back to the dock, placing Djiel on it and covering him with the blanket.
Back at the fort, the chief of the village is ever more keen on the idea of waging war against any comers. This isn't exactly what the companions want, and as its unlikely that they'll talk their way into just leaving, they decide to go along and break away from the war party as soon as its possible. Illyana gathers their possessions and gets a set of clothes together for herself, rinsing off the salt first.
Illyana then has a bit of a brainstorm... To Zora she says (both of the men have been knocked out for further healing by the witch doctor), "I have idea. If ship had a boat, we could use that. I can get if there is one... " Zora agrees, and Illyana dives into the water, changing into a seal once again! Zora doesn't see this happen, and after 20 minutes or so thinks that the Ussuran has drowned! After a bit though Illyana walks back out around the shore, having gotten the boat and oars, mooring it in a hidden spot.
Zora manages to get some of the tribesmen to drag Erik and Djiel to the longboat, and she and Illyana also collect provisions. They set out that evening, Illyana and Zora rowing as the boys are still out cold. Eventually, they awake- Erik first, startled as he can tell he's on a boat and tied down! He starts to struggle, but Illyana explains the situation. Djiel is woken then, and after they eat the pair take over the rowing. Zora explains to Illyana what star to keep the longboat pointed at as she herself takes a nap; oddly enough, Erik isn't skilled at navigation, despite his time at sea! Djiel has Illyana keep a rowing beat with the ale keg and two sticks, and the night passes quietly. By daybreak they've reached their destination, the small port that the natives had targeted- they can see that it has already been sacked, but the natives are long gone. There ARE ships in port though!
Erik picks out a sloop as the best target for them to take. The other ships in port that seem unguarded are a galleon and a brig, though there are others. The weather is rainy with a strong wind, which heartens Erik in their chances. However, there is a dearth of sailing skills... They discuss the chances of success... "We could hire passage," Erik says, "But I seem to be out of money." Illyana looks at him and says, "I have 180 guilders here..." Erik just stares. "What? I dove on ship, I searched fort, I found things! I have uses..." "So do we all," says Erik, nonplussed.
They decide to disable the other ships; they hit the brig first- Illyana looks and sees that they can jam the chains of the rudder with something shoved through the chain, so that it can't pass through the port where the chains pass into the ship! They tie some of the extra swords they'd gained into the chains and row away without a hitch.
Next is the galleon. However, a sentry aboard sees them! They manage to 'act innocent' and he ends up keeping an eye on them. THis being the case they bring their boat into dock. Once they've gathered their things, Erik spots the dockmaster and approaches him. The man doesn't speak Vestin, but he DOES speak Eisen! Illyana pays the dock fee, and Erik has her ask about where the sloop is headed; as it turns out, its headed for Avalonian waters. They get directed to the captain, who is in a nearby tavern. With additional help with translation, they book (expensive) passage in hammocks aboard the vessel to the nearest Avalon-held port.
During the negotiations Illyana orders and pays for a large meal for herself and her companions.
The night passes uneventfully and they board the sloop. Eventually, they find themselves in Jamesport, a much safer place than they'd been previously. Illyana divides the remaining gold up, 33 to herself and 32 each to the others. There are many ships in port, including a Vendel vessel and many Avalon ships- None of Castille flag but for the sloop they made port in. Erik glares at and gestures rudely at his rival nation-vessel, and contemplates mischief... But refrains.
One of the vessels is... Uniquely hideous. Purple paint, green patterns, yellow sails, a blue deck and a red arrow painted on the side. Erik, intrigued by this nightmare on the water approaches and hails the ship- amazingly enough they DO understand him! He asks about portage, and the captain tells him, that he can get them to Reisburg- the negotiations end up to be a guilder each plus Erik agrees to supply the ship with food.
Zora talks with the captain and partly explains their adventures. He is pleased that they're not slavers, and that Djiel isn't a slave! "Did you... deal with them?" He asks. "Of course!" Answers Zora. "I like you guys already!" Erik goes into the town to arrange the provisions; he gets a quote of 40 guilders, but is incensed at the cost; His yells of outrage draw Illyana from her own shopping. "What is problem?" "The problem is that he asks 40 guilder for what we need for the ship, far too much!" Illyana offers to help, and he angrily gives her 20 guilders. She gets it down to 35 and the materials will be delivered to the ship.
Previous to this Illyana has finished her own shopping- She's obtained some clothing that ISN'T salt-crusted and which fits, four hatchets, boots, a hat, a new bow, a quiver and arrows and something else- a tun of dark rum for herself and a tun of mead for the perpetually-angry Vestin!
Djiel visits a weapons shop, shortly joined by the fuming Erik. Djiel has gotten a sword-catcher knife, and a pack with weapons-care tools; Erik, however is frustrated in his quest to get a battleaxe. Zora meets the pair as they are leaving. Erik tells her that the blacksmith is terrible and poorly supplied, but she goes in anyway. She tries to find a decent rapier to replace the rather poor blade she is using at the moment, and finds one; its a fair bit fancier as well.
Eventually the group are back at the ship, which is named the Dancing Piper, and the vessel sails out of port. After they talk with the captain, Illyana comments, "I am thinking captain is mad as hatter?" "Yes," Erik says. "He has a Vestin outlook!"
And there we leave off for now. Til next time!
Erik and his erstwhile army, led by Djiel, are just outside the borders of the slaver fort. They've finished manufacturing several ladders when they suddenly hear the mustering horn sounding within the fort! Erik, knowing that this isn't the best time for a fight decides to get out of the area and signals to the tribesmen that they should retreat. He starts to quietly move away, but the tribesmen... Start yelling to each other and forming up! Erik simply stares, stunned at the development; fortunately, Djiel manages to get his people quieted and moving out of the area. As they circle around the fort Erik thinks that they're in the clear- just as he's confronted by the back gate of the fort opening to let out squads of musket-toting troops!
This stops the retreat dead in its tracks. Djiel gets his people formed up and ready to fight! This turns out to not be the best choice as the first row of muskets fire! Erik winces at the sight and looks for a way to defend his men; he carves a Rune and summons the rain! This imperils the powder in the muskets and also provides a bit more cover, but several tribesmen still drop from the fire. Erik motions several of the men to move with him to flank the troops, and the rest (with Djiel) charge the line of gunmen! They slam into the line of musketeers, Djiel taking two down- one with a spear-thrust and the other with a vicious clothesline.
The enemy line holds for the moment, but now they are forced into a melee- they cut and slice with their bayonets, or strike with their clubbed rifles to good effect- several more of the tribesmen fall, but so do some of their own. Djiel accounts for two more, while Erik grabs one of the ladders. With the help of a few tribesmen he charges with it, trying to take down his foes with a slam. However, they lose the rig and it slams into both lines of fighters, taking down equal numbers! After the moment of shock, Erik recovers himself and strikes another down!
Djiel takes down two more as the battle continues- his prowess impressing Erik greatly; the slavers break and run at this, and Erik screams for the gates to be held open! Problem is, he doesn't speak the tribesman's language... However, Djiel does get the idea and makes a long-shot throw with a spear, managing to prevent the wooden barrier from being shut. One of the slavers tries to clear the blockage and is immediately shredded by the tribesmen for his troubles. Djiel and his remaining tribesmen then charge forward into the gateway, finding inside many more foes- four of those they face are cut down, but at the cost of the remaining tribesmen! Erik and Djiel now are alone facing the fort's remaining contingent...
Meanwhile, back at the village...
Illyana has returned with the things she's recovered from the boat; despite the distance (gunshots not being silent) she hears the fighting, and with a sigh of resignation grabs two axes and heads for the battle. She has a long run ahead of her. Zora has yet to hear anything, being... otherwise occupied.
The battle rolls on while this occurs, Djiel striking down three more of those foolish enough to get within striking distance of the native warrior. Erik carves another Rune, this time upon the gate itself; at his urging the rain intensifies! He and Djiel howl their battle-lust, drawing strength from one another- however, perhaps the rain acts against them as well as for, as they both miss their foes... The first time in the entire melee that Djiel has failed to strike!
For a moment things seem to stop in the fight. With this pause Djiel takes the opportunity to throw his spear crosswise at his opponents! They reflexively catch the weapon, and Djiel commences to beat two more men unconscious with his fists! Moments later he has retrieved his weapon, skewering two more. Erik, having realized that Djiel is by far the better fighter decides to take the position of shieldman, acting primarily to defend his friend and enhance his ability to strike. Djiel misses on his next attack, and Erik takes the return-strike for Djiel- he's hurt, but still able to hold his own.
Illyana has in this time gotten closer and closer to the fort. Cresting the hill above she trips, rolling down to a stop right at its walls! She picks herself up and moves quickly around to the open gate to assist her allies as long as it is possible to do so.
Inside the fort the fight is still raging, but suddenly the slavers break their line and retreat once again! Both Erik and Djiel think that their efforts have terrified their enemies, but then... Erik sees a crew of men swiveling a to bear on the two warriors! There is a tremendous BOOM! As the weapon fires; Erik shouts and drives Djiel clear, taking much of the cannon's effect himself. Fortunately, the round landed short, saving him from utter obliteration- he is terribly hurt even so.
Everyone is surprised that he's still alive- likely counting himself. He staggers to his feet... And charges the now-useless cannon-position! Illyana whips in through the gate, and seeing the general lay of things she makes a throw with one of her axes, embedding it into the skull of a slaver! The enemy line has organized and drawn swords to face the madmen attacking them after the cannon-shot; Djiel charges back into the fight, stabbing with his spear at the line of slavers. They fail to strike Djiel, and he in turn also strikes only air. Erik is halfway up the stairs to the cannon, his bloodied visage driving them back- Illyana moves to flank Djiel, facing the remaining defenders. As she does, Djiel is hit, his chest being bloodied and torn- he's still in the fight, however. He strikes back, killing two more, then rapidly two more drop as the whirlwind of death carves into the line!
Djiel is struck yet again, but still stands as Erik finally reaches the cannon-post; the men there look in shock at the torn and bloodied visage before them and step back, uncertain as to just what it going to occur. The Vestin prince chops a hole into a powderkeg as his opponents watch, and they wisely choose to flee as he grins a grim smile...
Below, Illyana misses a chop at a foeman; Djiel also misses and is struck yet again- he still stands but is obviously impaired by his many wounds. Zora, who has been running to the fight with reinforcements since the cannon fired, finally reaches the open gate... Just in time to see Erik heft the powderkeg! He throws it into the midst of the remaining slavers, following it with a Rune-summoned bolt of lightning! Illyana and Djiel manage to get clear just as the blast takes out the last of the slavers!
There is smoke and fire and ruin, and initially no sign of Erik; he managed to fall backwards away from the blast, but was still partly buried in the collapse of the wall and tower. Illyana and Zora start searching for him, though due to need Zora shifts to finding first aid supplies for the allied wounded. Illyana soon locates the mad Vestin, and after she sends a runner back to the village that the fort is taken, she starts doing what she can to provide first aid to the mauled warrior.
After a short while Erik is able to walk, barely. He and the nearly-as-badly-injured Djiel take the time to kill the enemy survivors, save one- he is saved to teach the chief's men how to use the muskets! Once this unfortunate is tied up, Djiel urinates on him. After the final tally is taken, it turns out that none of Djiel's tribesmen were killed! Most have a range of injuries in need of tending, however.
Illyana starts inventory on what is left in the fort; amongst the weapons and oddiments she finds a Castillian flag. She drops it on the ground and walks on it. She finds some winebarrels and helps herself. Erik staggers his way to the tavern where they stopped earlier and finds it barred. He breaks in a window and screams 'ALE!' A shout in Castillan comes in reply. He yells "ALE!' back, and a small barrel rolls over to the window. He crawls in and collects the barrel, then demands a mug. He gets that, then wobbles out with his drink and settles down. Shortly after this however, Zora gets the witch doctor to treat the injured- when he sees what's left of Erik, the strange masked man once again dances and gesticulates before the Vestin, and the strange mist pleasantly takes his consciousness.
Time passes, and a celebratory feast is soon assembled for the victory; much of the food for this is taken from the stores of the decimated fort. Talking with Zora, Illyana says, "I am thinking, we should get out of here..." The chief, looking at the results of the battle, has been driven to a passion that the 'white devils' should lead him and his tribe in raids! "Well, they're not going anywhere until they heal," replies Zora, "unless you plan to drag them..." "Do not tempt me," says Illyana. "I could pull outrigger, no problem." Zora still knows nothing of Illyana's shapeshifting abilities, and says nothing in reply.
During the feast Erik drinks and eats to excess, validly seeing this as a reason to take a reward; Djiel, having decided to serve the 'white devil' remains sober, wanting to be able to defend Erik should the need arise. Eventually, Erik wanders down to the docks, followed by Djiel, and just spends time looking out to sea.
For her part, Illyana decides to take over the quarters of the former commandant of the slaving outpost; "I will have bed tonight!" Before this, she'd searched the fort and office, and had turned up a spyglass, a map of the Archipelago with their position marked, navigation charts and about 20 guilders.
After s while of sea-staring, Erik raids the Tavern again, fetching the curtain he'd torn down when he broke back in earlier. He wraps it about Djiel, having perceived that the warrior is uncomfortable. This isn't quite the case, and Djiel thinks that he's shown weakness to Erik!
The next morning, Erik has woke from where he (inevitably) passed out, more from his injuries than from anything else- the sun is shining. He sees that Djiel has stayed awake all night, and pats him on the shoulder- and Djiel passes out! He laughs, then wanders to the Tavern once again. He crawls in through the window again, then steals the taverner's mattress and blanket, shouting for breakfast then drags his gains back to the dock, placing Djiel on it and covering him with the blanket.
Back at the fort, the chief of the village is ever more keen on the idea of waging war against any comers. This isn't exactly what the companions want, and as its unlikely that they'll talk their way into just leaving, they decide to go along and break away from the war party as soon as its possible. Illyana gathers their possessions and gets a set of clothes together for herself, rinsing off the salt first.
Illyana then has a bit of a brainstorm... To Zora she says (both of the men have been knocked out for further healing by the witch doctor), "I have idea. If ship had a boat, we could use that. I can get if there is one... " Zora agrees, and Illyana dives into the water, changing into a seal once again! Zora doesn't see this happen, and after 20 minutes or so thinks that the Ussuran has drowned! After a bit though Illyana walks back out around the shore, having gotten the boat and oars, mooring it in a hidden spot.
Zora manages to get some of the tribesmen to drag Erik and Djiel to the longboat, and she and Illyana also collect provisions. They set out that evening, Illyana and Zora rowing as the boys are still out cold. Eventually, they awake- Erik first, startled as he can tell he's on a boat and tied down! He starts to struggle, but Illyana explains the situation. Djiel is woken then, and after they eat the pair take over the rowing. Zora explains to Illyana what star to keep the longboat pointed at as she herself takes a nap; oddly enough, Erik isn't skilled at navigation, despite his time at sea! Djiel has Illyana keep a rowing beat with the ale keg and two sticks, and the night passes quietly. By daybreak they've reached their destination, the small port that the natives had targeted- they can see that it has already been sacked, but the natives are long gone. There ARE ships in port though!
Erik picks out a sloop as the best target for them to take. The other ships in port that seem unguarded are a galleon and a brig, though there are others. The weather is rainy with a strong wind, which heartens Erik in their chances. However, there is a dearth of sailing skills... They discuss the chances of success... "We could hire passage," Erik says, "But I seem to be out of money." Illyana looks at him and says, "I have 180 guilders here..." Erik just stares. "What? I dove on ship, I searched fort, I found things! I have uses..." "So do we all," says Erik, nonplussed.
They decide to disable the other ships; they hit the brig first- Illyana looks and sees that they can jam the chains of the rudder with something shoved through the chain, so that it can't pass through the port where the chains pass into the ship! They tie some of the extra swords they'd gained into the chains and row away without a hitch.
Next is the galleon. However, a sentry aboard sees them! They manage to 'act innocent' and he ends up keeping an eye on them. THis being the case they bring their boat into dock. Once they've gathered their things, Erik spots the dockmaster and approaches him. The man doesn't speak Vestin, but he DOES speak Eisen! Illyana pays the dock fee, and Erik has her ask about where the sloop is headed; as it turns out, its headed for Avalonian waters. They get directed to the captain, who is in a nearby tavern. With additional help with translation, they book (expensive) passage in hammocks aboard the vessel to the nearest Avalon-held port.
During the negotiations Illyana orders and pays for a large meal for herself and her companions.
The night passes uneventfully and they board the sloop. Eventually, they find themselves in Jamesport, a much safer place than they'd been previously. Illyana divides the remaining gold up, 33 to herself and 32 each to the others. There are many ships in port, including a Vendel vessel and many Avalon ships- None of Castille flag but for the sloop they made port in. Erik glares at and gestures rudely at his rival nation-vessel, and contemplates mischief... But refrains.
One of the vessels is... Uniquely hideous. Purple paint, green patterns, yellow sails, a blue deck and a red arrow painted on the side. Erik, intrigued by this nightmare on the water approaches and hails the ship- amazingly enough they DO understand him! He asks about portage, and the captain tells him, that he can get them to Reisburg- the negotiations end up to be a guilder each plus Erik agrees to supply the ship with food.
Zora talks with the captain and partly explains their adventures. He is pleased that they're not slavers, and that Djiel isn't a slave! "Did you... deal with them?" He asks. "Of course!" Answers Zora. "I like you guys already!" Erik goes into the town to arrange the provisions; he gets a quote of 40 guilders, but is incensed at the cost; His yells of outrage draw Illyana from her own shopping. "What is problem?" "The problem is that he asks 40 guilder for what we need for the ship, far too much!" Illyana offers to help, and he angrily gives her 20 guilders. She gets it down to 35 and the materials will be delivered to the ship.
Previous to this Illyana has finished her own shopping- She's obtained some clothing that ISN'T salt-crusted and which fits, four hatchets, boots, a hat, a new bow, a quiver and arrows and something else- a tun of dark rum for herself and a tun of mead for the perpetually-angry Vestin!
Djiel visits a weapons shop, shortly joined by the fuming Erik. Djiel has gotten a sword-catcher knife, and a pack with weapons-care tools; Erik, however is frustrated in his quest to get a battleaxe. Zora meets the pair as they are leaving. Erik tells her that the blacksmith is terrible and poorly supplied, but she goes in anyway. She tries to find a decent rapier to replace the rather poor blade she is using at the moment, and finds one; its a fair bit fancier as well.
Eventually the group are back at the ship, which is named the Dancing Piper, and the vessel sails out of port. After they talk with the captain, Illyana comments, "I am thinking captain is mad as hatter?" "Yes," Erik says. "He has a Vestin outlook!"
And there we leave off for now. Til next time!
