Session Report 45 - Leaving Libertalia
General Summary
"This is not a clinic, this is a pirate ship."
-Hostaging Harry
A Good Talking To
The morning after the exchange with Pix, Gunther pulls Locke aside to talk with him. He expresses his concern and a bit of disappointment about what happened with Charlie's Whale and Fishing Co. while Locke was drunk. He worries for the safety of the admittedly weak of constitution captain, especially since his face has been seen. Gunther admits that he'd probably have been willing to help if Locke had just asked.Changing topics, Gunther makes it clear that he's disappointed about what happened with the Obsidian Chest. He's sad that the captain didn't communicate when was most important. More than that, what concerns him most is if the captain will be able to stand for the crew in dire times.
"Peter believed in you, that you’d take us far. I’m… struggling to believe the same thing as he did. The truth is: when it came time to fight for your dream, you caved in. If you can’t fight for your own dream, will you lead us towards greater things, or to stagnation? I’ll… see you later Captain."And with that, Gunther leaves. Locke is left to sit in silence for some time. Ramone eventually peaks his head in, admitting to eavesdropping on the conversation. He offers to help Locke in looking through the Charlie's Whale and Fish Co. log books, perhaps as a way to change the captain's mood.
The log books are long and dry, and by midday, the pair have only made their way through two of the 12 or so books that Locke stole. They are suspicious, but nothing outright incriminating is put in writing - usually small traces like a simple line saying, "Met with The Mister. Deals were made." The two also learn of the existence of two smaller settlements on the Central-Northern Wild Sea - The Fountainshine & The Bay of Sails.
Grov's Streak Continues
Grov continues his streak of ill-advised decisions in settlements and ends up committing his second kidnapping - this time totally unintentionally. He finds Orvitch, a direct relative of Hakkramaul The Saviour, who has a reputation for being the town's drunkest drunk and decides it's a good idea to sober up the dragonborn before asking him questions about his life and ancestry. However, he does this by bribing a bartender and then leading the hapless drunk to The Flying Flagon under the promises of "going somewhere really special". The crew, seeing the unwanted guest and knowing that this is trouble incarnate, consider what to do with the drunk. Laire knocks Orvitch out by giving him two shots of the strong elvish alcohol that he and Gunther shared some days ago. After some deliberation, Orvitch is carried to an inn and everybody pitches in to put him up for a night, hoping that his terrible hangover will last less than 3 weeks. Locke scolds Grov a bit for his conduct, though Grov holds somewhat firm, being clear that he only had the best intentions.A Short Talk With Lou
Laire approaches Lou to talk with her. She is still quite down about everything, and Laire doesn't try to inject direct cheer into her so much as he says a few encouraging words along the lines of, "I can't promise things will get better, but the best we can do is try. It'll probably take a while, but a while is not forever." He also gives her his old armour, noting that even if she doesn't intend to fight, a way to defend herself is never a bad thing to have. Lou is a little bit more receptive to Laire's comments. She does need time, but she says she will try a little.Loose Ends & Busywork
The crew's last afternoon in Libertalia comes and goes very quickly. Locke continues to pour over the log books from Charlie's in his quarters. Ramone takes some time and tries to hone his predictions of the weather.Laire goes to Hostaging Harry, who played an active role in dealing with Grov's mess earlier in the day and asks to hug him. Harry is somewhat confused by the request but accepts. A one-armed hug isn't exactly tight, but Laire is simply happy to see Harry has, at least somewhat, gotten out of his slump. He tells Harry as much and wishes him well.
Grov and Gunther do some shopping, making another stop at Blobs & Bubbles to try to negotiate a more reasonable price for a health potion, failing for the time being, though, when discussing potions of giant strength, learn two important things. Firstly, potions of giant strength need toenails from real giants in order to be made. Secondly, there are storm giants living relatively nearby on an isle called Thunderfoot. Where this isle is the pair do not think to ask, but the information is nonetheless important to note. Gunther then goes hunting for magic items able to generate food or water, eventually finding an alchemy jug able to produce various liquids and buys it for a few hundred gold - a good price for such an item, he thinks. Finally, Gunther buys a hefty amount of rations alongside a good portion of wax, which he expects the crew might need for their ears if they face Barrel Rain.
Not The Banderos
In the early evening, two men approach The Flying Flagon, who the crew recognizes as two new crewmates who Pix surely sent. The two confirm as much, introducing themselves as "Fernan" - who is a human that has the mannerisms and dispositions of a slimy salesman, and "Oblir" - a water gensai who is quiet but tries to be useful. The two are clearly parodies of the real Banderos, though their precise relationship is somewhat ambiguous. "Fernan" says he would make a good stockmaster and, with the assurance that he will definitely not steal from the supply, he is given the position.Routes & Rumours
For the evening, the group splits into 3; Locke heads to the library to do some final studying of spells. for the trip. Laire stays on the ship and prepares to send a difficult message. The other three head into town looking to gather rumours and information on the area.Laire takes out the two sending scrolls he borrowed from Gunther and composes himself. To his mother he sends the following message:
"Happy Birthday, though I’m rather late. I didn’t mean to abandon anyone, the Harps got me in the night. Stay safe, I think about you everyday. Don’t look for me anymore, I’ve died, it’s too late for me. I'm sorry for any troubles I may cause you. I love you."Surely caught off guard, only a single word comes back from his mother - "What?". Laire sinks into his corner for the time.
Meanwhile, the folks carousing for rumours learn a fair amount from the locals. They learn the names and locations of the following isles in the Northern Wild Sea: The Path of The Fringemoss, The Jumba Stone, Waznari, Lolban, The Isle of False Glory, Treefort Bay, as well as the locations of the two settlements The Fountainshine & The Bay of Sails. Furthermore, they learn that the rumoured Isle of Storms is to be found within the vicinity of The Isles of Plenty, an archipelago of small isles known for their bountiful environment, the fact that many are populated by Bodari, and the fact that many a pirate has allegedly gone there to retire or lay low.
Gunther, already having his reservations about heading to The Ancient Sea on Pixchaxla's orders, figures that it's a better plan to head to The Isles of Plenty to lay low. He charts out a route which hops between several isles just north of The Dread Sea, passing by The Fountainshine & The Bay of Sails, and eventually making way to the isles.
Departure
The following morning, the senior crew welcome the several new crewmembers who have joined from Libertalia - Sinkbasothei, Marigold, Sloth, Sturo, "Fernan", and "Oblir". One of the senior crew fetches some of the fine wine taken from The Evanescent Mermaid and pops it open, pouring a small amount for everybody and saying cheers to mark the beginning of the new journey, following the course that Gunther plotted.Just as the ship is about to leave, a crowd spills forth from Libertalia headed towards the docks. A figure sets pace some distance in front of the crowd and seems to be heading directly for the ship. "Fernan" recognizes her as "The Senorita" and quickly makes himself scarce somewhere belowdecks, with "Oblir" following. This figure soon becomes apparent as the dancer from The Banderos, and yells for the sails to be raised. Her rabid fans chase her to the docks, and she jumps on the ship, taking a paddle to push off the truly dedicated fans that try to board the ship with her. After the chaos subsides, she turns around, briefly apologizes for her fans, and introduces herself as Nora. She's the main one that Pix sent, and she's very happy to work for the crew so long as the pay is good. She makes it clear that she'll be of good use.
Nora, too, is welcomed aboard and the ship sails east. The following day, on the horizon, is an isle which seems to be inhabited by some creatures of giant size.
Report Date
13 May 2023
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