Session 102
General Summary
- The party, including Barry, wrapped up some last-minute shopping and made their way down to the docks.
- They ran into Captain Orcanus, a black dragonborn who normally commands a sea vessel but is currently in charge of The Channelhopper, an unusually small Theurgeme that only needs two people to run: the captain and an engineer. The journey is expected to take twelve days, in total, with opportunities to stop at:
- Hythe (after a total of two days)
- Curio City (after a total of eight days)
- Fort Rondo (after a total of eleven days)
- Dew Mill (after a total of twelve days)
- After exchanging pleasantries (and gold), the party boarded and met the other individuals they would be spending the next ~2 weeks with:
- Grem "Grimes" Linerider, a shady halfling engineer
- Lance Veilman and Victor Thomson, a two-man crew transporting:
- Kiirni, an imprisoned drow whose crimes are not readily made available.
- Dwardazik immediately voiced his strong hatred and distrust of drow, causing much tension within the group.
- Dazki and Kesmet learned from Grimes that, rather than stock loads of fuel, a bound fire elemental is used to keep the heat going.
- Grogery learned from Lance that:
- Lance is probably dealing with something related to The Mark of the Disfigured Man.
- Kiirni is imprisoned for smuggling people and goods through the wall using a secret tunnel. They've worked out a deal where she will be free to go, on the other side of the wall, if she can lead her captors to the tunnel so that it can be sealed.
- After a lot of discussion among the party, they decided that it would be best to at least try to investigate more about what she knows, so Marvin had a short conversation with her using some Sending spells.
- The answers were cryptic, for the most part. What was abundantly clear is that the last couple responses were cut off and panicked, so the party rushed down to see what was going on.
- It looks like Victor was trying to take matters into his own hands and do something to Kiirni, but Lance interrupted him before he could finish whatever it was.
- In the middle of the long stretch between Hythe and Curio City, the party spotted a dog in the river and brought it aboard.
Full Recap
Editor's note: there was some last-minute shopping wrap-up stuff, but there were some other things sprinkled in between.Grogery: Hey, Dazki? Dazki: Yeah, what's up? Grogery: I was going through the Bag of Holding, making sure we were only taking what we wanted to take, and I found some of the stuff we got from Baxton... there's a book of elven poetry that I was going to take along for some reading. Baxton also seemed interested in that. And... an amber hairpin with a bee and a flower on it? Seems kind of valuable, so I was going to leave it in the safe. I don't know if you wanted to have it with us for Baxton reasons or anything? You're kind of the Baxton guy right now... Dazki: Safe is fine, but I would be interested in reading some of that poetry once you're done. Grogery: All right.
Dwardazik: I went over to the House of Gold to set up a bank account over there, and I heard it mentioned that Dazki has a P.O. box? Which is kinda smart. Unless we're holding our wealth in assets — you know, things in the house or trade goods or what not — it's probably better not to carry around so much gold. I mean, maybe a little bit of platinum, a little bit of gold, that's fine, but let's face it, maybe we should put it someplace more secure? You know, they've got banks and vaults and stuff. Just a suggestion. Or maybe the church will hold onto it? I don't know, churches are strange like that... Grogery: Usually, if you're giving money to a church, you're doing so so that it will be used for good, and you don't really expect to get much of it back. Dazki: Yeah, that's a good idea. I mean, I'm going to keep a fair bit of it on me, just to be careful, but yeah, putting it in the bank is certainly not a bad idea.Finally, having wrapped everything up, the party — including Barry — heads down to the docks.
Hop To It
It's not hard to identify The Channelhopper. It's a Theurgeme, and they're not very common — especially one this small. Usually, they're quite large and opulent; this one's probably a prototype for the larger ones. It's got a kind of teardrop shape, about 50-55 feet. On each side are large red wheels. No sails, no ports for rowing.Dwardazik: I have to say, that looks like it might be the ship that we're looking for. Never seen a ship design quite like that. Dazki: Well, we were told it was a steam ship, so it would have no use for sails, so that makes a lot of sense. Marvin: What if it blows up on us? Dwardazik: Well, we need a ship that's goin' upriver, and I don't think we can really wait to find one with sails. And if this is fast, then I say we take it. Marvin: I know, but... explosions hurt. Dazki: Well, if it blows up on us, I hope you can swim. Kesmet: And hope you're a bit fireproof. Dwardazik: Yes, and yes, and I really hope it doesn't explode, and maybe we can go find the captain and settle a couple of things. Like... making sure that we can get passage? Dazki: Yep. Sounds good.The captain: also not hard to find. At least, you assume that it's the captain. There's a cannonball of a man, a black dragonborn. He's not wearing fanciful garb, he just seems to be barking orders at everybody near the ship — particularly, at an ogre who is helping load the ship up.
Dazki: Hail! Are you Captain Orcanus? I apologize if I've butchered the name. Orcanus: Hi, are you...? You're too scrawny to be loadin' the ship. Dazki: We have a mutual acquaintance — a Miss Gilda Lily — she said you might be able to help us with passage upriver? Orcanus: Ahh, you're the favor. Dazki: That, we would be. Orcanus: All right... all right! OK. We can make this work. There's, uh... a lot of you. Dwardazik: Yes, there are six of us. Might I also state that we have four barrels of goods that need to be transported upriver. I will be covering that expense for the storage space. Orcanus: So you're a merchant? Dwardazik: Uh, yes sir! Name's Dwardazik Stoneturner Boulderhearth. Pleasure to meet — Orcanus, holding a hand up to stop him: I don't shake hands with merchants. Dwardazik: Uh, that's fine, as long as you remember the name and you don't disrespect me or else I'll have to kick your ass! Dazki: Dwardazik. Maybe a little bit of politeness to the gentleman who's going to be helping us out? Dwardazik: Well, no, of course. It's his ship. I'm just saying... Orcanus: You listen here, you... algae-covered piece of filth. Dwardazik: I like this guy! Orcanus: You say any more disrespectful words to me, and I'll be using your ass as an anchor! Dwardazik: Aye-aye, captain! Kesmet: <unintelligible> Marvin: That actually would be quite effective! Dwardazik: Marvin, don't agree with him... Kesmet: I mean, if you have your pickaxe with you, you could, like, stick it out, and — Dwardazik: Whose side are you on?! Marvin: I just appreciate his creativity! I would've never thought of that! Kesmet: It's an interesting thought experiment: a sentient anchor, to be able to, like, you know, grab onto whatever the heck's down there! Dwardazik:Orcanus looks over at a nearby ogre, wearing a yellow lei and a stock-standard yellow vest + silver earring. Orcanus picks up a loose yellow flower off the ground and attaches it back to the ogre's necklace.Dwardazik, turning back to Orcanus: Sir, do you have a storage charge? Orcanus: Well, at least a couple of you here have a sense of humor! I tell you what: no storage charge, unless I have to shove you into one of the barrels. Dwardazik: Yer mighty generous. I appreciate it. I hope you know that we're not gonna leave you hanging, in case anything tries to... board your ship, if you know what I mean. Orcanus: Aye. I'm a sea captain. Riverwork, 'tis easy. But don't expect this to be some sort of luxury cruise, either! Dazki: Oh, no, not at all. Marvin: Is that something that passengers often expect? Dwardazik: Yeah, if they were passengers, I might expect. Orcanus: I usually don't have many passengers, but the crew work on this nifty new vessel is pretty light. Grimes and I are capable of doing most of the work ourselves. That being said, I'm gonna need watchstanders. Marvin: That's fine by me. Grogery: This is something we're used to doing sometimes. Dazki: You got it! Dwardazik: I'd be willing to stand watch. It is, after all, my goods. And, of course, I want to ensure the safety of your ship. Kesmet: I'm inattentive as fuck, but I'll give it my best shot. Dazki: In addition, I'd be interested in learning how this ship works, if you'd have a spare moment or two to explain it? Orcanus: I have no fucking clue. Dazki: Oh! ...OK! Fair enough. Orcanus: More a question for Grimes than me. You can speak to the bosun about that. Dazki: All right, so just let us know what we need to do so we can be ready to head out! Orcanus: You don't even know what you're doin' yet? You're just gonna... go up on the ship. Dwardazik: Sir, I've got four barrels located at the warehouse down by the road. Could you have one of your hands please take care of that for me? I'll go ahead and pay the labor for that, and the labor for the unloading once we reach port. Orcanus: Everything about coins with you, huh? Dwardazik: No, sir! I just don't want to disrespect you and assume that I'd get things for free! Orcanus: Well, none of you are getting on this boat for free. Marvin: Wouldn't dream of it.
Orcanus: I got a few more barrels for you still, why don't you get them for me? Ogre: O.K. (It lumbers away.) Dwardazik: So what's the plan, Orcanus? When should we board, and when do we depart? Orcanus: Well, we can depart as soon as we're loaded up. It's:Dwardazik is initially extremely skeptical about the price, but (Insight 23) it checks out: river passage is typically around 1 silver per mile, and they're going practically the entire length of the Laytze... 40 isn't bad, 36 would be more fair.Orcanus (cont'd): ...though, I'm going a little further than that. You're not the only passengers on this ship this time 'round. ...it's gonna be a bit crowded, but, a favor's a favor. Dwardazik: I appreciate it. Orcanus: If you want me to dock at Fort Rondo, I can, but I'm goin' all the way to Dew Mill. Dazki, after looking at a map with the party: We're probably going to stay on all the way to Dew Mill, then? Dwardazik: Well, I would prefer to perhaps unload my goods at Curio City, if it's at all possible? Dazki: I really think we should go further up, Dwardazik. I'd rather get as close as we can and not have to delay by trudging on foot. Dwardazik: You know, you bring up a good point... Grogery: You could always unload your goods, sell them, and then get back on, but I don't know how long the stopover would be. Orcanus: My other passengers are eager not to lay over for too long. Dwardazik: Nah, I understand. Don't worry, lads, I'm not too concerned about this, it's not my profession on the line. "Dew Mill" does sound interesting, and you know, the further away we get from Ashport, I suppose, the more profitable my goods may be! (He shrugs.) Never know unless you try, am I right? Dazki: Sounds like a plan. Straight on to Dew Mill, then. Orcanus: All right, well, I'm not letting a single one of you people trod on this boat without 40 gold. Marvin: Not a problem. Dazki: Yeah, sure.
- Two days until we go under Hythe,
- Eight days to Curio City,
- Eleven days to Fort Rondo.
Dwardazik: You know, you drive a hard bargain, but if you're transporting the cargo, I can absolutely not complain. Pleasure doing business with you, captain! Barry:Dazki pays for Barry. Barry:Grogery: Oh, before I forget: I got a signal whistle for everybody, in case we ever need to communicate or find each other, or if we get separated, that sort of thing. Marvin: "Signal whistle"? Grogery: Like if we end up having to scout an area and split up if somebody gets in trouble. Instead of shouting and possibly not being heard, you blow a signal whistle! Dwardazik: Is this just a whistle? Is it magical? Not really sure... Grogery: Just a whistle that's built to be... uh... Dazki: Really loud. Dwardazik: Huh. Well, OK, that sounds like a good idea. Dazki: It's one way that patrols communicate over large swaths of land. Dwardazik: That makes sense. It's just, something like that down deep in the mines would cause a bunch of echoes and might not be so useful. Interesting to see how people resolve these kinds of issues topside. Dazki: Actually, Marvin, I have a question for you. Marvin: Yeah, what's up? Dazki: With the information we received about (potentially) your father, have you ever heard about a people called the Vistani? I don't know if they're real or not (I've heard of them in legends), but they're traveling soothsayers and tellers of tale who can (allegedly) travel between planes of existence. Marvin acknowledges that he's heard the stories, but notes that nothing in halfling lore is ever substantiated. Marvin: I'm still not sure how I feel about this whole "cosmonaut" thing, not gonna lie! Dazki: OK, just curious. The information popped into my head recently, and I just wanted to know if there was anything more to the tales. Marvin: Right. I guess we'll find out soon, huh? Dazki: Hopefully.
After a horizontal line, signaling the passage of time:
Orcanus: Well, that seems to be the last of the loot we gotta hoard. Now, you guys are friendly towards each other, right? Dazki: Absolutely. Orcanus: 'cause this is a long journey and a small boat. You're gonna be gettin' real cozy. Marvin: Oh, we've done much, much worse. Trust me. Dwardazik: It's not the "cozy" part that bothers me. It's the part where the whole boat's movin' back and forth! I tell ya, dwarves ain't built for boats... but I'll put up with it. Kesmet:Orcanus: Well, as long as you keep your squabbles to yourselves — and keep the ship out of it! And if any one of you fucking rockhoppers decide that you're gonna pick some stuff with me and my crew, you're seagull poo. Got that? Marvin: Well, that doesn't sound pleasant at all! I don't want to be seagull poo! Dazki: Yes sir! Grogery: Aye! Dwardazik: I understand. Kesmet: These are some interesting threats! Has he used them before, or is he making them up on the spot? I can't tell! Orcanus: Ohhhhhhhhh, skinny little man. We don't call them "threats" if it's happened before. We call them promises. Welp, time to board the ship! Kesmet: See, that's what's so scary, hearing that! Marvin: Man, that'd be a big-ass seagull. Or a lot of 'em.
On the Channelhopper
The boat is only about 50 feet long. A lot of its inner workings are taken up by beds, the engines used to power the wheels, and the supplies to feed the trip. He wasn't kidding when he said that there was little space and that you'd have to be cozy. Don't worry: the beds are bunk beds, although the larger party members might have a rough time being on the top ones. Immediately upon entering the ship, you run across the bosun: a little halfling in leathers with hair braided into a ponytail. Shifty eyes and mutton chops.
Dwardazik: Pleasure to meet ya! The name's Dwardazik Stoneturner Boulderhearth. I assume you're one of the main hands of the boat? Grimes: Grem Linerider. What's it worth to ya? Dwardazik, holding out a hand: How about a handshake?Grimes, eyeing Dwardazik's hand suspiciously, shakes Dwardazik's hand. Even as he shakes Dwardazik's hand, his eyes don't stay put. They jump from person to person, seemingly trying to analyze every little thing that people might have on them.
Dwardazik: So, your name is Grem, huh? You been sailing with this captain for long? Grimes: Only my friends call me Grem. Dwardazik: ...aye...? Grimes: I'm the bosun, I will be the engineer. And if you would like a good bunk bed, (he holds out his hand) I know which one was built poorly. Dwardazik, scratching his beard: ...why would I want a poor bunk bed? Grimes: Oh, trust me, you don't. Dazki: He's offering to tell you which one is the bad one. So that you can get a good one instead. For a price. Dwardazik: I thought we were already assigned our beddings? Grimes: What do you think this is, some sort of luxury cruise?! Who's got """assigned""" bedding here?! Sleep where you like! ... ...and do choose wisely! (Insight 9: he's really shady. real shifty, never seems to be perfectly still... seems to have every tic imaginable for a liar, but you can't actually tell if he's lying) Marvin: "Sleep where you'd like" sounds a little, uh... suggestive, wouldn't you say? Grimes: Oh, you swing that way, little man? Dwardazik: Whoa-whoa-whoa, I don't know what you're goin' on abou — Grimes: No judge! No judge here! I'm used to all sorts. Dwardazik: Look, you're the engineer, right? Grimes: Who's askin'? Dazki: You said, just a moment ago, that you're the engineer. Grimes: All right, OK, you caught me, I'm the engineer. Dwardazik: Look, right, OK. Great. Well, pleasure to meet you, but I think I'll take care of my own business my own way. Grimes: Suit yourself! Suit yourself. (Dazki is just standing back, holding back a bit of a laugh.) Kesmet, pulling Grogery off to the side: Hey, if we find the "bad bunk", can't you just cast Mending on it? Grogery: It's a matter of whether it's broken or if it's just poorly set up. If it's broken, I can fix it. If one of the legs is too short, I can't help you...Heading below deck, hopefully to try to find a decent location, you realize that there are other passengers aboard, just like the captain said there would be:
- A human male in an iron breastplate (basic, well-kept for being basic) and a yellow cloak. "Normal", shaggy brown hair. A cloth eyepatch going over the right eye. Goatee. And a longsword. Obviously standing guard. He's not a prisoner... but he has one.
- Off to another side is an older "research sort of human". Pair of spectacles. Hair that's started to pepper gray and white, starting to go. Angrily scowls at the guard.
- It seems that you guys are transporting a convict today: the wrists are shackled in a cross pattern, facing towards the chest (something common to do for casters). Leg irons attached to a ball and chain. A small ashen-colored elven figure with pixie cut white hair. Large, almost glowing, amber eyes that distract from the various scars that she has around her face, peeking out from behind a simple white tunic.
Dwardazik, focusing his attention on the armored guard: Do you know any rooms that are currently empty? Lance: Seems like they've set up two rooms. We're using this one. Dwardazik: Well, you make sure that that cretin over there doesn't do anything bad, all right? I don't need no disturbances on this vessel! Lance: Same goes for you. I don't even want you to say a single word. Her words are silvered. This is a simple escort mission, and these last-minute disruptions will not prevent us from doing our job properly. Dwardazik: Is that a bloody DROW over there you're "escorting"?! You might as well just fucking slit 'er throat, right now! Marvin: Jesus, Dwardazik, where'd that come from? Dazki: Seriously. Come on, man! Dwardazik, disgusted: What point is there even, in keeping a drow alive? Dazki: The fact that they are people too. Dwardazik: No, they're not! (Grogery and Marvin, in unison, raise their strong objections to Dwardazik's behavior.) Dazki: Remember what we got angry with Barry about, earlier? You're doing the same thing, Dwardazik. Don't. Marvin, turning to the guard: But seriously — not saying you're not doing your job, but — just curious, if we're going to spend a decent amount of time traveling here, we'd like to know what she's being held for? What crimes she's committed? Dwardazik: She's guilty of being a damn drow! Marvin: Dwardazik, — Dazki: You need to stop that right now, Dwardazik. We don't accept it from Barry, and we don't accept it from you, got it? Marvin: We'll deal with you in a minute, man. Kesmet: Can you not tone down the racism, at least until we leave? You can't just throw that in before we've even left, we can get thrown off the boat! Marvin: Settin' a real bad example for Barry. Dwardazik: We can discuss this later, if you don't know the true treachery of the drow. Lance: Oh, I know what I've got here. I wouldn't be put on this escort if I weren't aware of the dangers she presently possesses. Dwardazik: I know you know; I unfortunately have to educate my peers on the sinister nature of the assassinating, murderous, absolutely destructive nature of the drow, who have killed countless, if not slain hundreds! Marvin: Just like every society? Kesmet: Admittedly, our hands aren't exactly clean... we've got how many counts of "self-defense"? Grogery: "Killed countless, if not slain hundreds"? I'm pretty sure "hundreds" are "countable"... Dazki: You done being racist now, Dwardazik? Are you done? Dwardazik: No.Dwardazik (cont'd): Be a drow sympathizer if you want. I can't believe this... Grogery: To kind-of put this conversation back... is this drow being held for anything specific? Or was it just being a drow? (Insight 15) Lance is giving Grogery a look... he has definitely encountered "bad representatives" of Grogery's race. Dazki: We want to know, so that we can best protect ourselves in case anything happens. Lance: Oh yeah? I'm going to tell you? Dazki: I'm asking if you will tell me, yes. It is a request, not a demand. Lance: I am more than aware of how much disaster you can bring. I'm merely trying to qualify how threatening you are attempting to be to me right now. Dazki: I am not trying to be threatening at all. I am trying to be the opposite of that. Dwardazik: Look, honestly, if you tell him what she's guilty of, he'll probably try and save her. Just saying. (He shrugs.) If you want an ally on your quest, just tell me what she's guilty of. Dwardazik: (COUGH) being a drow (COUGH) Marvin: I will poke your eyes out if you keep up with this, man. Just let the man talk, Dwardazik. Victor: Don't tell me you're afraid of them, now, Lance? Lance: I'm not afraid. I'm just being professional in doing my job. Victor: I could tell you all about it! I'm a man of... information. Information getting, and information giving. (Insight 21) Victor is not being shady. He's not brokering information, but his job is to get and give information. This might be a detective or inquisitor. Dazki: You know, I'm not sure I would want any information you have to give. Victor: You were asking. Dazki: That was before I realized how you "acquired" that information. Torture is not something I like to have anything to do with. Victor: You seem to be a man of intelligence. A man who values information. Marvin: Yeah, he also values keeping his hair. Victor: I see this trip is going to be "fun". Marvin: "Going to be"? It already is! We've already made so many new friends! Dazki: We'll stay out of your way, you stay out of ours. We don't have to like what you're doing, but we're not going to interfere. (Deception 20) Victor: Thank you. (Insight 30) these two guards, not only have they been working together, but Lance has a kind of angry animosity towards Victor. Almost as if he also doesn't exactly believe in the way that Victor holds himself to his work. Dazki: And now, if you'll excuse me, I believe I'm going to go find my bunk. Marvin: Well, my name's Marvin. Heard your name's Lance. Might I get your name, sir? Victor: Oh, certainly! I am, at least, a man of decorum! My name is Victor — like one who wins. Victor Thomson. A plainly human name for a plainly human man. Dwardazik: Well, Lance and Victor, I wish you the best of luck in your charge, and swift travels along this river! Victor: Yes, I do hope this goes over smoothly, but I know you guys are not going to pester with it. You do have your own hides to keep safe. Dwardazik: That'd better not be a threat! I won't bother you if you don't bother me. Victor: Oh, no threats here, but I do know that the Firelord has your name, so you might be a little careful before dealing with a member of The Albatross. Marvin: Like I said, Marvin Undersky. I... guess it was nice to meet you??? (He makes eye contact with everyone, including the drow prisoner, who's being very attentive to this.) What's her name, by the way? Is she not allowed to talk? Does she have some sort of spell over her? Lance: Oh, she's quite capable of it, but she's been informed not to. She's, like I said, quite the silvertongue. And it would be rather uncomfortable to have additional bindings during a long journey, so we've kind-of agreed that we are just going to be good about it, and then we won't have to do anything extra. Marvin: A name, maybe? Maybe it's a fugitive we've heard of. Kesmet: So, like, is her tongue literally silver, and you're transporting her to remove it and sell it? Lance: No-no-no-NO-no... I get the sense here that you guys are not going to leave well enough alone. And when you guys don't leave well enough alone, things go bad. We cannot have that happen on this ship. Marvin: I just wanna know, fugitive I've heard of! I'm sorry! I like rumors! I like gossip! Kesmet: Would you believe you're the second person to accuse us of something like that, in as many days? Lance: I mean... I believe it... Lance: Only twice? ...Anyway... Dwardazik: If you don't mind, I'm going to see if I can find my bunk. Lance: Sure. Apparently, you just pick whatever. There's a couple on the main deck... four, I think? There's additional ones down here. We will be down here, Vic and I. We'll have to share it with somebody, but it's a larger room, and... I mean, I'm used to barracks, so, as long as you don't mind a little snoring once in a while... Dwardazik: I'm going to share this room with them. Marvin: Ooh, you're really going to sleep in the same room as a drow, Dwardazik? Dwardazik: Damn straight! Grogery: I'll also bunk in that room. Marvin: Oh my gosh, I'm a bard. I, like, tell stories. I just need a name!!! It's killing me! I need the gossip! Lance: What, I can... OK. I'm certainly uninterested in telling you what our little friend here goes by. Marvin: Alas! My stories will have to wait another day. Dwardazik: How about "Dead Meat"? Marvin: WOW! You're gonna eat her, now? Is that what this is?! Hungry or something?! Dude, if you're hungry, I'll whip you up something, man! Lance: I do say, it is also my duty to keep her safe from you, so please do not make my life difficult. She is to arrive, alive and well, at the other side of this river. Kesmet: Do you mean "the other end of this river"? Because the other side is, like, fairly close... Marvin: Well, I'll bid you fellows ado, let you be about your business. Dwardazik: I shall respect your wishes, as you seem quite knowledgeable about the charge that you are escorting. If not, I would have to educate you on the risks involved, but that would be an insult, currently. Lance: Well, I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to spin our tales. Best not get it all out of the way before the boat even leaves!
Arrivederci! (like, Ar-river-derci... because it's on a river...)
The boat lurches to life. Two massive squeals as the entire ship begins to vibrate with a heavy hum. Two large squeaky wheels, like unkempt gears, come to life. As they slowly gain their momentum through the water, you are now trapped on the boat with these lovely individuals. Bunking arrangements:- Dwardazik and Grogery have a bunk in the room with Lance, Vic, and the drow (Grogery above Dwardazik).
- Dazki and Marvin also have a bunk in the same room (Marvin above Dazki).
- Kesmet and Barry have separate bunks in the room on the main deck. (Barry: SLEEPOVER!!!!!)
Editor's note: we're doing a bit of fast travel. This section is the stuff that happens before the boat passes under Hythe. Marvin has a private conversation the drow with the aid of a few Sending spells:
Marvin: My name is Marvin Undersky, the halfling from earlier. What is your name? Are you injured? What crimes are they accusing you of? (Persuasion 22) Kiirni: They called me Kiirni, once. I have made a deal I can't take back now. (Insight 12) through several more rounds of the conversation, she seems to say lots of things that don't ring true... the only things she's said that Marvin really believes are her name, and the consequence.
As Grogery opens Baxton's book of elven poetry, he notices that part of it has been carved out, near the back, leaving a small compartment. In the compartment is a little origami swan made from used parchment, previously some kind of document. There's also a small bronze signet ring, too small for a man's hand. The book also has a dedication:
For: Little Bony Tony, Since you've always been into this flowery crap. A silly winking lady face scribbled here. Signed: Your favorite sister, FranciraOtherwise, it's a pretty standard book of elven poetry.
Kesmet, dissatisfied with his previous audience (captive though he may have been), recounts his novel idea to Barry.
Barry: Hey, how come this ship doesn't have a navigator? Kesmet: Maybe it's electric. Barry: Huh.
Dwardazik assumes responsibility for cooking meals for everyone, making sure to put lots of attention into the meals that Lance and Victor will have, to reward them for their good work standing guard over the drow. Otherwise, he tries to spend time making small talk with Lance and Victor, not probing anything too deeply, to seem more personable to them. Lance is suspicious that Dwardazik is going to endanger his captive. Victor is not concerned about this, and he will gladly listen to anything that Dwardazik has to say about this, particularly if Dwardazik wants to share some of his greatest fears, or... Dwardazik unloads a little about where his sentiments about the drow are coming from, and as he does, Victor listens very intently, picking apart his tales and stories, to the point where he's making Dwardazik feel uneasy, uncertain.
Dazki goes down to learn more from Grimes about how the engines work. He's also not great at explaining the intricacies, but he does understand how to run them, at least. There's one door in particular that seems to be perpetually closed...
Grimes: This door here, behind here's what makes the whole thing run! See, normal steam engines — well, as far as steam engines are considered "normal" — you gotta shovel coal. That's a lot you gotta carry on the ship, see? But we live in a land of fire! Of magic! There's shortcuts to everything! Dazki: So, what is this "shortcut" behind the door? Could you possibly give me a look? Grimes: Oh? I'm very much interested in talking to your fiery friend first, but... hmm... you do seem super trustworthy.(Insight 20) Grem here, maybe he's not a swindler, but he is a deal maker. He's also the only engineer running all of this down here, so he might be trying to make his life easier. You get the sense that most of what he does is to make his life easier. Dazki goes over to Kesmet and lets him know what Grimes wants. Kesmet agrees, and they both go down to Grimes. He looks left. He looks right.What if I gave you something to hold onto for a few weeks, and then somebody came back to get it, and then...naw, that's not gonna work. How about... ... ... whaddaya got? Dazki: Heh, so that's the negotiation we're playing, huh? Grimes: Nobody's negotiatin' here, nothing has to change hands. There's no deals officially being struck or anything! It's just, I mean, I've gotta keep an eye on this door, and... I dunno... I think you should go get your fiery friend. I could show you both what's behind the special engineer door...
Grimes: Now, see, like I was sayin' before. Haulin' fuel around is really gonna take up the already limited space we have here, and this is a long journey to have to do lots of stopoffs! But, I'm sure you've seen the various Fireguard roamin' around Ashport! Dazki: Indeed... Grimes: Do you want to see what one looks like without the armor? Dazki: So, you have an elemental here who is bound, to power the ship? Grimes: We do have an elemental! But... elementals. Finicky sorts. Can't really treat 'em poorly or they don't perform well! And, suffice to say, any amount of tinkering I can do around here... it would certainly make my life easier if we could "entertain" it! I'm not the "entertaining" sort, and — to be frank — the room is quite hot. But, your friend here seems to be a storyteller, and he seems to do well under hot conditions! Now, I don't got anything to pay, of course, but fire elementals are easily entertained, and you're easily an entertainer! So, what have you? I'll put in a... good word! Dazki: You could get feedback on your book ideas, Kesmet? Kesmet: I dunno, I don't like sharing that book idea with anyone that I'm not close to or trying to torture. Dazki: All right, well... Grimes: Well! We tried. Dazki: Yep. Sorry about that. It is what it is, my friend, right? Grimes: Sure. Right.They walk away, noticing Grimes grumpily putting on gear that's enchanted with some sort of fire resistance, just as they head out.
Kesmet: I thought this was going somewhere sexual. Did he want me to... fuck the fire elemental or something? Dazki: No, he literally wanted you to go talk to the fire elemental and be a good conversation partner for it. Kesmet: I mean, I could talk to it, I just don't want to share the book with it. Dazki: It's no big deal. Kesmet: Eh, he seems to have it figured out. I don't feel like workin' while we're travelin'. Kesmet: And it is very unlikely that the fire elemental is a werewolf elemental looking for Dennis, somehow. Or "The Metronome Man".
Grogery strikes up a conversation with Lance. Like any good guard would be doing, Lance is just standing guard. Arms crossed, sword leaning towards the side of the boat.
Grogery: Where did you intend to get off at? Was it all the way at Dew Mill, or was it something sooner than that? Lance: We're in for the long haul, little fella. All the way to Dew Mill. Got a guard envoy there waitin' to take her the rest of the way. Grogery: What's her final destination? I mean, usually, when the — Lance: Out. Grogery: Oh, she's getting kicked out of the country! Lance: If she does what she said she will. Grogery: I'd like to be a bit straight. Is this actually a prisoner situation? Lance: Oh, she's definitely guilty. She is a prisoner. Although... it's no Albatross-level situation. She's a smuggler. She's been smuggling — people, goods, drugs, you name it — through The Wall, of all things! Can you believe it? Grogery: Oh! How'd she get so far into the country? Lance: Her tribe knows of a secret bypass tunnel under the wall. We will shore it up once she shows us where it is. Then, her tribe can do whatever they want with her. Grogery: So, she was running a smuggling operation through the wall? What were they smuggling? Lance: You name it, little fella. Grogery: Exotic animals? Lance: There are people not made to be in this country. They've chosen their side. Can't really change your mind. I don't make the rules! I just make sure others follow 'em. The smuggling drugs thing is not great either... Grogery: No, probably not... so wait, if someone's born on the other side of the wall, they have to stay there? They're not allowed through? Is that what you're implying? Lance: That's what it is. Grogery: Seems a little unfair. People can hardly choose the circumstances of their birth. Lance: It's unfortunate, but it's a strange world over there, and we can't have that strangeness coming through to here. Grogery: Uh-huh... ... ...I mean, you probably realize the irony of what you just said, to, you know, the goblin? Lance: There are goblins on both sides of the wall! Grogery: Typically, our kind are known for being from the other side, though... granted, I'm not particularly well-versed in the history, but if a group snuck over the wall, and people were born over here, then... Lance: I'm trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, here. You certainly don't seem like some sort of swampfolk, or some sort of mutated tribe monstrosity. I'm trying. Grogery: And I greatly appreciate the fact that you are. Lance: And? Grogery: I've just simply noted, along a lot of my travels, that most of the time, how "civilized" people tend to be has more to do with how they were raised than with what race they end up being, or where exactly they were born. Lance: I assure you, I only guard this person because of the crimes they've committed and the danger they cause. Grogery: No, I understand. I've just seen a lot of concerning situations where people have been judged based on how they look, rather than who they are. And people put in very unfortunate situations because of the circumstances surrounding how they grew up.(Insight 25) Grogery notices, as he speaks with Lance, that he'll occasionally lose all his concentration for a second or two before he comes back around. Particularly, when he's talking about discriminating against people based on what they look like, it feels like this point really resonates with Lance. He also... does have... a bandage... over one particular eye...
Grogery: I honestly don't mean to pry, but it seems like you got into a pretty big altercation with whatever took your eye out? Lance: What is it you are insinuating? Grogery: No, I'm just... we're on this boat for a while. I'm curious, I'm trying to be a healer (as you can probably tell by my Pelor garb). I don't quite have the magic that can regenerate eyes, but — Lance: I do have an eye. I don't not have an eye. I... what are you insinuating? Grogery: I'm not insinuating anything! I'm just curious! (Persuasion 23) Lance is struggling, trying to maintain his professionalism, but there's some deep emotion that's making it hard to do so. Lance: Look. Look. Can you do me a favor? We'll prove trust here, OK? Grogery: OK? Lance: I've gotta go in the back for just a second. Just a little bit. Can you watch... — Pelor, right? You're Pelor? Grogery: Yes. Lance: Just don't do anything rash. Don't talk to the prisoner, but can you just watch, for just a little bit? Grogery: Uh, sure, how long are we talking? Lance: Just, just a little bit! I need to go, to the back. Just briefly! It'll be maybe a few minutes, OK?(Insight 16) Lance isn't trying to signal anything shady, here. This conversation seems to have really stressed him out on some sort of level, and he needs to go deal with it somehow. To be fair, he definitely shouldn't be asking a person to watch his prisoner. But he's not trying to signal to Grogery that he should do anything "funny" — in fact, he really wants for Grogery to not do anything "funny". Grogery accepts. For a few minutes, Grogery just sits there silently in the same room as the drow. The drow is watching Grogery intently, almost pleading for Grogery to engage in some sort of interpersonal interaction, but Grogery just shrugs. Lance returns.
Lance: Thank you! Did anything... did anything weird happen? Did you do anything to her? Did she do anything to you? Grogery: She stared at me a lot. She didn't try to speak at all. Lance: OK, good. OK. Grogery: So, obviously talking about your eye is a little bit off the table? Lance: No, it's fine. You've been really forthcoming with me, which is the basis of a decent relationship. There's a reason why I know trouble follows you. Grogery: Are you saying that the trouble that once followed us also once followed you? Lance: I'm weary, now, of trusting others, but my job still demands that I see people for what they are, instead of for what they are trying to do. Grogery: If what happened to your eye is what I think it was, then they have some people in the House of Crystal in Ashport that are looking for ways of taking care of that? Lance: It's... already taken care of. Grogery: It's already been taken care of? Lance, getting very short and snippy: Yes, it's already been taken care of. Grogery: OK! Lance: You think I could keep my job otherwise? It's all handled! Grogery: All right!
Grogery shares his suspicion with the rest of the group that Lance might be affected by Baxton's mark.
Dazki: Well, that's a shame. Grogery: He says it's all been "taken care of", so I'm presuming that means he's been in and out of the House of Crystal, but... Dazki: The scar probably still remains. Grogery: Yeah, and a lot of people have reported there still being some lingering effects afterwards, just it not being bad enough that people are being driven out of their minds. Dazki: Yeah. That's a shame, for him. Dwardazik: Are you suggesting that Lance was a victim of Baxton? Dazki: Yeah, that's what — he's saying it, not even just "suggesting" it. Dwardazik: All right! Just makin' sure we're speakin' clearly... Marvin: Yeah, this Baxton guy really sounds like... he sucks! Dwardazik: He's a bit of a dick. Dazki: He started in a good place and let his ambition get the better of him. Marvin: What's that old saying? "The road to hell is paved with good intentions"? Dazki: Yeah. Grogery: He said that the reason why the drow is being treated as a prisoner is because she apparently had a hole through The Wall™ and was smuggling things through it. He could not confirm or deny whether or not exotic animals were being smuggled through, if you catch my drift... Marvin: You suspect that the smuggling ring might be responsible for some of the Turmoil coming in? Grogery: Well, it has to come from somewhere. Kesmet: We should ask her if she's ever smuggled in a turtle. Dazki: Good and bad with that. Because, we may need to get onto the other side of that wall. Grogery: And her deal that she's brokered with them is that she'll show society where the hole in the wall is, so it can get patched. She'll be let out to be with the rest of her tribe, but they might not be on such friendly terms with her after she's cut off a significant source of their livelihood. Marvin: Oh! OK, so — Grogery: I mean, I guess it's better than getting imprisoned and tortured in the Albatross for the rest of your life, but, like, ugh....... Marvin: Like, so, what you said right there just means that, if we need to get across the wall, then we might need her to find out where this is! And we don't want that hole getting... you know... destroyed! Dazki: Yeah. Grogery: Unless the wall literally stops transportation, we have a way back into Ashport. Marvin: Oh? Grogery: Oh, Barry isn't involved in that, though! Shoot! Dazki: It is also an extremely powerful magic wall. It could very well stop teleportation. Marvin: That would make sense. Dazki: It was meant to stop all coming across, I can't imagine they would leave that big of a gap in the protection for teleportation magic. Grogery: That would be an extremely powerful wall, though. Dwardazik: I mean, I understand that you're willing to utilize this path, for getting past the wall. but are we forgetting that this is someone who's transporting in Turmoil? Marvin: And they might know more! Grogery: OK, we don't have evidence... Dazki: There's no proof that they've been transporting in Turmoil, for one. Grogery: I heard "drugs", I heard "people". I asked about exotic animals, and that was too weird of a non-sequitur to get an actual answer. Dazki: And we already deal with people that actually transport drugs and people. And we don't have any problem with that. Kesmet: Hang on, let me just get one thing straight, here. We need to get past the wall in order to find the Metronome Man and Dennis, right? Dazki: Maybe. We're not sure about that yet. Kesmet: Do we have a better chance of finding them if we don't cross the wall? Dwardazik: We don't know. Grogery: Last we put is Dennis being in Rotthaven. Kesmet: We need him and the Metronome dude. Because he seems just as involved. Dazki: So they are on the border. And if they are getting Turmoil, it's likely they know a way through. So it would be more advantageous to us if we could pass back and forth, yes. Kesmet: Well, then! Marvin: Well, then! Dwardazik: You can't seriously be suggesting what I think you're suggesting...! Marvin: You got any better ideas? Dwardazik: Yeah! We simply bribe the guards to let us use this passageway, and then they claim that the passageway didn't exist, or something. Marvin: Oh, you think these hardasses are just gonna let that by? That old man over there has got a chip on his shoulder! Dwardazik: Look, I'm just talkin' about the passageway! Marvin: They are not gonna let that thing exist. Based on what Grogery just said, as soon as they find that passage, they're sealing it up. Dazki: Honestly, I'd be surprised if they even do let her go back. Might collapse the passageway with her in it. Dwardazik: Why do you care?! Kesmet: Can't afford to risk it. With, you know, the stuff that we need. Marvin: And she might have information. If this is at all related to anything we're doing, then we need information out of her. Dwardazik: But why?! Dazki: Not to mention, she is a living creature. A person. Dwardazik: All right, we're havin' a meeting here. Kesmet: Dwardazik. Has this drow personally offended you or done something? Marvin: And don't say "being born". Dwardazik: Nothing personal has happened. No. Kesmet: Well, something very personal has happened to me. If you haven't been paying attention, I'm trying to catch the person responsible for murdering my whole family. And now I find out that I may be aiming in the wrong direction. My nonsense revenge bullshit trumps your nonsense revenge bullshit! Dwardazik: There is no "revenge bullshit", it's called being smart and logical and having some wisdom! Dazki: Dwardazik, you haven't been smart for the past three fucking months! Dwardazik: Well, you know, an elf must love an elf because you all look the damn same! Marvin: Whoa! Dwardazik: 'cause you haven't interacted with a drow before! Barry: No, no-no-no, no! That's a trap! That's a... that's a trap! Dwardazik: What do you mean "that's a trap"? Barry: Not... all... colored elves... are pirates! (He puts on a look of being overly proud of himself.) Dazki, smiling proudly at Barry: You see? That's correct! That's correct. Not all colored elves are pirates. Kesmet: You know you're in the wrong if Barry's making sense about this... Dwardazik: I'm not in the wrong! But, let's say I humor you! Let's say the drow is the most perfect drow that never existed! It's still a prisoner. We would be breaking the Firelord's rules if we did anything, and — Marvin, craking up hysterically: HAHAHA! When did that ever stop you guys before?! That's the greatest thing you've ever said! Dwardazik: Unfortunately, Marvin, you didn't have to go get interrogated by the firelord. Marvin: Nope! No, I did not! Let's go do it again! Dazki: Here's the thing, Dwardazik. I'm not saying she's innocent. I'm saying that the torture that is being done to her is wrong. She is a person, worthy of the same respect as you and I. Dwardazik: What "torture"? I mean, come on, let's just talk about this logically! Frankly, she deserves worse, but — Dazki: OK! Let's talk about it "logically"! Did you see all of those scars? All of those open wounds? And the guy who said he deals in "getting and giving information"? If that's not admitting to torturing her for information, I don't know what is. Dwardazik: You know as well as I do that you'd do worse, if it meant defending your city or town or whatever. Dazki: No, I wouldn't! I would not stoop to torture! Because it's important how you achieve your goals, not just that you achieve them. Baxton believed it important that you achieve your goals by any means necessary. Not me. Marvin: Yeah, what's it worth saving a civilization if you lose your morals in the process? Dwardazik: You guys haven't seen what it's like having your brothers and sisters strung up and killed by races that don't give a damn! We give the benefit of the doubt to these "people" because they're civilized, but they wouldn't even give it a second thought to string you up by your ankles and bleed you out your neck! I'm not saying I can justify completely that this particular drow is the most evil drow in the world. But I don't believe that you can justify that this drow is worth saving, either. Kesmet: We don't need to like her or trust her, we literally just need some information from her. And it seems as though saving her might be a good way to get that information, peacefully. Dwardazik: If you want to find out information from her, sure. In fact, that sounds like a good idea, if she knows the pathway! Perhaps we can beat these people to it before it's sealed! Or maybe we can even do something to prevent it! But as far as I'm concerned, this drow is none of our concern. I don't want to see you guys jeopardizing our reputation in Ashport because you feel sorry for some prisoner. Dazki: Because heaven forbid something interferes with you making a profit. Dwardazik: It has nothing to do with the profit. It has everything to do with your safety. It's not just you, Dazki, and your morals. It's all of us, and our friends as well! The moment they come after us, they're gonna come after Rosalin, and Jersey, and probably everyone else you care about! Marvin: Who's this ominous "They™"? Dwardazik: The authorities in Ashport. Dazki: To be fair, last time when we met with the Firelord, he did make a very clear threat: if we ended up breaking his law again, that he would not be so generous as to pardon us next time. Orcanus, bounding in from across the way: What do you mean you've got problems with the Firelord?! You're about to have problems with me in a second! Grogery: We got pardoned by the Firelord! There's a distinct difference! Orcanus, forcefully: I am an honest sailor. I do not deal well with corruption. Do you understand? Dazki: We understand entirely. Orcanus, calmly and happily: OK! (He trots back to his quarters.) Grogery: Look, Dwardazik. When I was talking to Lance, he had to step out for a moment because of what was happening to his eye. I was allowed to be in that room guarding that drow for a good five minutes, and I didn't make any rash decisions. I'm not saying that I feel so sorry for this drow that I'm willing to assume that she hasn't done anything wrong, despite some evidence to the contrary. I'm just saying that that same kind of abrupt kneejerk reaction to seeing a group of people whom you believe to be evil by default is the same kind of kneejerk reaction that got me mugged a few times on my way to finding you guys, originally. It's the same kind of kneejerk reaction that didn't let me get into the casino, originally. Barry: You guys went to a casino?! Dazki: We were made to go to a casino, yes. Barry: Ah. That's a waste of money! Grogery (who happened to walk out with twice as much money as he walked in with): Yeah, it was. Dazki (who also came out ahead by quite a bit): Yep. Marvin (who also came out ahead): Ohhhhh, Barry... yeah... yeah... you're right... it is, absolutely... never go to a casino, Barry. Dazki: Casinos are an idiot tax. Marvin: Yeah. Don't go to one, Barry. Promise me that, OK? Would you do that for me? Barry: Yeah, only sure things from now on! Grogery: I understand what you've seen in your own culture, and I'm sure there are tons of people who might've ended up walking through The Spire of Beasts and ended up getting mugged by opportunistic goblins. I've just learned to fear that sort of judgment coming from people. Dazki: Yeah, just, don't be a racist, Dwardazik. Grogery: And I don't want to have to be afraid of you, OK? Dwardazik: Can you really blame me? You guys seem to ignore any kind of normal advice... at least promise me you're not going to go try breaking this prisoner free without damn good evidence of some kind of insanity, OK? Dazki: We have had time to do that, and we haven't. You seem to need to trust us a little more, Dwardazik. Kesmet: Also, tone down the racism. Grogery: If we're going to need her help, we're going to need her to like us, not fear us. It's easier to get people to do what you want when they like you. Why is that so hard for people to understand? Barry: Nope! Nope, no, kidnapping and blackmail work pretty good! Grogery: But getting someone to like you is easier and less likely to get you in trouble. Dazki: Kidnapping and blackmail work in the short term and are not good solutions for a long-term problem. Barry: Amen, brother! Dwardazik: It's an excellent way of getting stabbed in the back later on, though. Barry: Oh, yeah! Grogery: If someone actually likes you, they won't stab you in the back. If somebody fears you, they will do so at the first opportunity. Kesmet: Technically, don't we just need information in the short-term to find out where the thing is? Barry: Guys. If she could give out the information, obviously she wouldn't be on this boat. Dwardazik: She'd have no leverage! Grogery: She's straight-up not allowed to talk, I think? And something tells me she also can't write, so passing notes is not gonna work. Barry: Oh, but that makes it soooo — Grogery: I guess we could be Sending to her, but — Marvin: Yes, our passenger, Kiirni has not been very forthcoming with information through the minds. However, Grogery, after your bit of investigation with our friend Lance, we might be able to coax more out of her? I can keep trying to figure out what's going on. Dwardazik lets out an exasperated sigh. Marvin: What?! Are you upset that I'm trying to figure out what the hell's even going on?! Dwardazik: No. Information's information. I'm just worried that you're gonna trust it at the first utterance of something you wanna hear. Marvin: Oh they've said a lot of things that just sound outright ridiculous! Dwardazik: I'm just saying be cautious, OK? Maybe it didn't come clear, but I'm looking out for your best interests. I'm just saying I don't trust her! Dazki: Hey. Again. Dwardazik. Trust us, all right? Trust us, occasionally, too. Dwardazik: I'm just saying, you let the hyena go... Dazki: And you let a monster into your body. Dwardazik: Excuse me, this "monster" is not evil. Kesmet: The what? What? Huh? What monster? Dazki: I have yet to see Turmoil do anything good, but I suppose that's fair. Grogery: Guys, we're not exactly in a private spot. Maybe keep that on the down-low? Dwardazik: I'll take a challenge on, huh? I'll bet you my Turmoil is more trustworthy than that drow! Marvin: You mean like the time it just turned into a bunch of bees? Dwardazik: You know what? I'm going to accept this challenge. Barry, getting excited: We can see who betrays first! Dazki: Where was there even a challenge? Kesmet: I think Dwardazik both issued and accepted the challenge. Dwardazik: Yeah, I accept. Marvin: Are you compensating for something right now? Dazki: Yes, he is. So just ignore it. Barry: I kinda want to see where this goes, though? I mean, who's more corrupt: the prisoner that smuggles drugs, or ... ...the dwarf? Dwardazik: It is most certainly gonna be the drow! Dazki: Neither of them are necessarily bad. Dwardazik: No, I want to see! You know what, let's see how you guys approach this, just let me know if you need my help. But I'm not gonna be breakin' the law, when my life is on the line. Marvin: We're not saying — who even said that?! Dazki: Yeah. Who here said they were gonna break out the prisoner and kill her guards or anything like that, huh? Who said that, Dwardazik? Were you listening to anything we said, or were you just hearing what you wanted to hear and believing it at the drop of a hat? Dwardazik: Pretty much that. Because I know how you guys operate. Barry: He does sound really confident... Marvin: We're focused on the mission, here, right? Barry: Yeah, but we're on a boat! What else are we gonna do? Competition! Dwardazik: The "mission" would be not sticking your nose into trouble. Marvin: And we're trying to find a route to Dennis, OK? Kesmet: Dennis and the metronome guy. Marvin: If this has anything to do with any of that — the Turmoil, the smuggling of creatures filled with Turmoil — if this has anything to do with that, we would be downright idiotic to not, like, at least investigate it! Would you not agree with that? "Oh, no, but because it's a drow! Smelly, dirty, Underdark, drow! Nyah!" Barry, looking appalled: MARVIN! That's racist! Marvin: EXACTLY. Exactly, Barry. Dazki: Marvin was mocking. Marvin was mocking him. Dwardazik, folding his arms: Fine. We'll see where this leads. Marvin: OK. And now I'm going to go ask my questions.
Sending, Interrupted
Marvin goes away to a room where he can do his Sendings in private. Dazki guards the door.Marvin: What will happen after the smuggling tunnel is closed? What will happen to you? Kiirni: I doubt any of us are going to make it out alive. Marvin: Does your clan know that you're willing to betray them and your secrets, to save your own neck? Kiirni: Look, I don't have control over what happens anymore, OK? So I'm just going to ride this to the end.Marvin asks Dazki for advice on where to go from here. Dazki doesn't have any ideas right away.
Marvin: You seem very sure that you have no say in this. What if you did? Why not change your fate? Kiirni: I'm open to the possibility of the world being less cruel, but it hasn't shown me that yet. Will you? Marvin: My friends and I aim to put an end to people who want to make the world a worse place. Can you get behind that? Kiirni: The world is bigger than you. You can only do little to affect it, but I'm open. Marvin: We're looking to put an end to bad people using Turmoil to hurt others. If this is agreeable to you, I'd like to help you. Kiirni: I notice your sights are old-fashioned. I need newer help instead of old ideas. Please reconsider — Marvin: I'm willing to learn more about what you have to say, regarding Turmoil, if you're willing to share it. Kiirni, rushed and panicked: Later.Marvin motions to Dazki and the others that they should go quickly "take a walk" down to the prisoner's room. He agrees, and they do (except Dwardazik). As soon as you step downstairs, you witness an altercation partially in progress. Lance, even though he is not the one on duty, sharply shoves Vic in the shoulder, further away from the convict. They stop their bickering as soon as you come into the room. (Insight 30 from Dazki) Even Marvin could tell that whatever Vic was doing had aroused Lance from his downtime, Lance having intercepted something. But it takes real insight to look at the third party in the room. Behind the usual stoic face that you've grown to appreciate on this convict over the last couple of days, the eyes have difficulty lying: it seems like Vic has discovered something, and Vic was going to deal with it, without Lance being any the wiser. Vic, you see, has Enchantment spells.
Dazki: Sorry, didn't mean to interrupt anything! Marvin: Yeah, can we help with anything? You guys good? Dazki: Marvin, what do you say we get on the bunk over here and play a game of cards or something? Marvin: Yeah, I'd be up for a round! Vic has a fuming look of disgust on his face, infuriated that someone would stop him from doing what he was doing. Marvin: Now, are we playing house rules or are we playing for keeps? Dazki: Oh, just friendly house rules. Marvin: All right! Dazki: Are either of you two in for some cards? Or the lady, perhaps?Lance just sighs heavily and sits back down on his bunk. Vic, still with that furious look, squirms a little and readjusts his coat, before leaning up against the wall doing a more traditional guard duty. Dazki gives Vic "just a little shit-eating grin". Kiirni is a little shaken up, weak.
Hythe and Drythe
As the ship passes under Hythe, things calm down a bit for a few days. Dazki makes himself available for meditation sessions, inviting Barry this time, and he assists Dwardazik and Grogery with reading The Book of the Mirage. Dwardazik comprehends enough to unlock the first chapter of the book. Editor's note: the players also try to get the DM to let them re-roll to fully identify some magic items that weren't perfectly identified by previous Arcana checks in Session 85, but something happened. As the savannah turns into a shrubland and then into an ashen gray desert, almost wasteland-like with how the rocks are formed (but still with shrubs, clinging to the rich ashen soil), various fishing towns scattered alongside the river, there is a dog treading water. A shaggy, grayish-brown coat — matted, weighing it down. It's having difficulties trying to swim in the river. A wayward cattle dog, perhaps. It's not "Barf".Marvin: I can get him with Bigby's Hand? Dazki, probably just mostly relieved that it's not "Barf": Yeah, save the dog.Marvin grabs the dog and brings it on deck. A gross stray dog, no collar.
Marvin: Hey, Kesmet, is there a way you can warm up the dog? Not burn it, but maybe get your hands warm?Kesmet casts an appropriate magic cantrip to warm up the dog. They get some food and water for the dog to get it stable. As soon as Orcanus sees the dog, he becomes infatuated by it. He loves it.
Dazki: I guess the ship has a new pet! Marvin: Yeah, Captain Orcanus, we scooped the dog out of the river — Orcanus, to the dog: I bet you'll eat so many rats, won't you! You're a good ratter! (Insight 8) it's a dog. Marvin: You know, Captain, I was afraid that you might not be too keen on having another hungry mouth on the boat, but — Grogery: I make so much food each day. We have rations for the dog. Marvin: I'm actually very happy that you like the dog! (Medicine 24) his fur is kind of matted, he's a little underweight. doesn't have rabies or anything. a few fleas, maybe — definitely a stray. no idea why it was in the river. Marvin: Well, Captain, the dog has landed on your boat. Do you want to name him? Orcanus: Ahh... what do you think you should be called, little guy?
