Session Report 34 - Enter Jean Piost & The Tresmachinists
General Summary
"It was on this trip to Port Evergreen that I had my first encounter with a member of The Drifter Pirates. It was a lovely evening in early July of 923 HB and I was in the mood for some stargazing. Having just exited the home of a local scholar and on my way back towards my residence, I spotted an adventurous-looking old man staring intently at the stars sitting alone on a bench. While I never have the intent to disturb a master at their craft, nothing is gained without something ventured. I introduced myself, and the gentleman was happy to teach me a little about the stars. It's true that books alone can't replace real-life experience. Anyways, little did I know that the gentleman was none other than Ramone of The Drifter Pirates. I recall the conversation went something like this [...]"
-Memoirs of Starcillus Rex, Historian & Cosmologist, Vol 6.
Laire's Affliction
Having finally left The Isle of Many Covens, the crew has some time to talk about planning and personal matters. It isn't long before Locke prods Grov to ask the question on everybody's minds: why does Laire have half a soul? And beyond that, what really is going on with him and his abnormal condition? Laire sighs but is willing to answer.Laire thanks everybody for not prying too deeply previously, but understands now is the time to tell a bit more. He explains that he has a condition known as dhampirism, which is a state of half-life-half-death which can come about in a variety of ways. He doesn't fully remember what happened to him, only that he jumped off a ship in December of the previous year, and his next memory is getting pulled out of the water by Ramone in January. Ramone mentions that he was handcuffed when he rose up, but nobody pressed Laire for details.
The hag who told him he has half a soul assumed that he took some kind of deal, perhaps with a devil or eldritch creature. Laire doesn't know if this happened but doesn't put it past himself. Locke knows a little bit about dhampirism from his readings and gives a brief summary of the condition in line with what Laire is experiencing. He mentions that many cases are related to vampires, but the group agrees that probably isn't the case for Laire.
To Port Evergreen!
Port Evergreen is on the horizon. The crew readies themselves for their time there, ensuring that Locke and Gunther, who both have had posters of them, are suitably disguised. Gunther shaves his mutton chops, and Locke puts on enough rouge to go from blue to purple. Pixchaxla is too wary to head anywhere where his face might be seen but asks that wanted posters be checked.The Drifters arrive at the port, which is significantly quieter and more well put together than Port Rose. Even the lower-class districts don't show any poverty, and the place carries a refined but welcoming atmosphere. The senior crew agrees that everybody can have a week of free time on the port before everybody reconvenes at the docks to discuss what happens next. Most of the senior crew begin planning to get the Flying Flagon repaired, though Fazili and Chuck both head into the port independently. Chuck mentions that his wife used to live here.
Three Very Different Mornings
The senior crew splits up for three very important tasks: Locke & Ramone will sell the valuables they have obtained during the crew's time in Yuel's Graveyard. Laire & Gunther will scout out a shipwright. Most importantly, Grov is responsible for keeping Ouchie out of trouble.Grov immediately fails his task, as the mere presence of an almost naked ogre with a very large stick causes enough disquiet in the streets to bring about some guards, who bring the two to the station and ensure that Ouchie is to wear nice clothes (paid for by Grov), and that his stick is put away. He is then given a little star indicating that he's a friendly ogre. Grov is nonetheless quite peeved by this encounter. He feels this is unjust policing and doesn't like the settlement one bit.
Locke & Ramone, meanwhile, are quite successful in their quest to sell their valuable gems and art objects. With Locke's persuasive skills and Ramone's knowledge of the Timberwelk language, the two make a good duo and manage to scoop up a decent profit. It will take a bit longer to sell the large tapestry they found on Wyntyr, though, and the two agree to see to that another day.
Laire & Gunther first go to see the wanted board. Pixchaxla "Pix" Smith is wanted dead or alive for insubordination, theft, and consorting with pirates and has a price of 10,000 gold on his head. Locke of The Driftwood is wanted for piracy and assassination with a price of 5,000 gold on his head. Francisco's price has not changed, though it remains absurdly high. Lazzo has gone up from 50,000 to 60,000 after Operation Heartstopper. Beaufort does not have a poster up, which is concerning but not telling.
The two then head to the shipyard, where they scope out a bit more of a "rough and tumble" dock. Entering the office of one shipwright, they meet with a group of 4 shipwrights who would be more than willing to repair a ship, though they have a few screws loose. Their leader is Jean Piost, an elf with the mouth of a sailor and an anger problem. His fellows, the Tresmachinists, are a well-read orc, an argumentative tiefling, and an artistic halfling. Having not yet seen the ship yet, the orc gives a quote of about 6k gold for the whole repair and says it will take less than a month. Gunther promises to bring the ship around later and leaves for now.
Dire Finances, & Timber Reappears
The group meets up at a nice streetside cafe - not too expensive but still nice. Each person recounts their goings-on. The group quickly grapples with the math of paying 6k. Laire calculates that, before selling anything useful, they can pay off a little over 4k. This isn't good news, but the group considers that they might have to work a few jobs before they can repair the Flagon.The group isn't given much time to consider the situation. A familiar face pulls up a chair from another table and scooches in between Locke and Gunther. It is Timber, one of the right-hand men of Estella Fairford. He makes pleasantries with the crew for a bit and offers to treat them to whatever they want for their meal. Gunther & Ramone order a charcuterie platter, the most expensive item on the menu. Timber asks what the crew has done with the Pirate King's Treasure, and Locke casually mentions that they got rid of it.
Somebody mentions that they were on The Isle Of Many Covens and that there was a portal that produces children there. This genuinely surprises Timber, and he writes it down on his to-do list. Grov peeks at the list and sees that the Harps plan to commence their final attack on Port Rose in a few hours, and timber is supposed to be there. He will surely be late. After some more chit-chat, Timber bids the group farewell and is off.
The Tresmachinists Get To Work
The crew sails in The Flying Flagon to Jean Piost's dock and enters the shipwrights' building. They find the group going shot for shot with each other and smoking cigars. Piost talks with them, still taking shots as the conversation continues. He takes one look at the ship and guarantees that he can fix it. He expects 3k upfront and 3k on completion, as well as a signed contract stating that the crew of the ship owes him a favour. This arrangement isn't great for The Drifters, but they accept it nonetheless. Jean and his boys start working, all the while still downing shots. To be fair, they're still walking straight.Stargazing Starcillus
Ramone goes stargazing, sitting on a courtyard bench and simply looking at the sky. Some time into his gaze, he is approached by a scholarly man who introduces himself as Starcillus Rex. Starcillus asks if Ramone is an expert on stargazing and astrology and when Ramone confirms that he is, the inquisitive man asks to be taught a little about the stars. Ramone obliges and, after some time stargazing, Starcillus thanks him. He offers Ramone his expertise in anything having to do with history or cosmology and hopes that the two meet again, giving the address of where he's staying.
Report Date
18 Feb 2023
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