Chapter 8: Wistful and Weathered

[Joe]

"If I find my crew in need of a professional healer, I will approach you and see what mood you're in then."

Streko bows low and formally.

"You are wise, Captain. As I said, I am at your service. Should you need a cleric of Olladra or a Jorasco healer, I shall assist you in all ways possible."

With that, Streko leaves, allowing the Captain to return to her duties. He returns to his point at the ships prow, overlooking the passing sea and towards whatever destination they are headed.

[Brian]

Sem:

"I'd surely like to hear your stories first," he says, looking first to Condign. "But I won't pry. We Zils may be inquisitive, but only some of us are invasive. Tell me only what you're willing to, and I will do the same. I have to know what forces bring a tiefling, two clerics, and two dragonmarked heirs together into the same company. I've seen more tieflings in the last month than I have the last ten years...it's uncanny."

"Do not forget my lord Adamant," say Condign. "He is as much a part of our group as myself or the others."

Then Condign takes the time to tell the tale of his journey to the Five Nations, and how he met his new friends upon an airship where he was being detained--well, under arrest was more accurate. He went on to describe their arrival in Sharn and the adventures in the City of the Dead. He finished with their abduction by Larest and waking up on the ship.

When he was done, he added, "I would like to hear more about these tieflings you have seen."

[Ken]

Belarin files away Sem's "two clerics" comment for future reference. Does Sem think that Syrdan is a cleric? It's true that Syrdan doesn't dress like a typical warrior (whatever that is these days), and Sem wouldn't have seen the broadsword until just a few minutes ago...

He listens to Condign's description of past events, admiring the willpower that the tiefling shows in not immediately pouncing on Sem's comment about seeing other tieflings.

Once Condign finishes, he says cheerily to Sem, "The last time someone politely invited me to tell my tale, she ended up being a betraying harlot in league with a soul-destroying, body-possessing, necromanctic megalomaniac. She was beautiful, though. Thus, paranoia and optimism fight daily in my mind, jeered on by a half-dozen cackling redcaps who also reside within." He taps his temple.

"For now, I'll say that my participation began earlier than Condign's, when Kalarian, Streko, myself, and others who have since pursued different paths tangled with the aforementioned necromantic moron and his minions -- and led to our fiery, fortunate meeting with Condign. And as my friend here has said, we accepted ir'Zathyran's breakfast invitation to discuss his business venture and his odd recruitment method of nearly killing people. I then drank some wine..."

He pauses. When he speaks again, much of the mirth has vanished from his voice. "As you can tell, paranoia often loses these daily fights, unfortunately. In essence, Sem, Starg, and Shorak, I am a scribe, a scholar, a student of the arcane, and a chattering fool."

[Dave B.]

"This professor sounds like some sort of mad zealot."

Shorak retells his tale of stowing away on the ship for the gnome's sake and then offers a little of his life on Xen'drik. "In Stormreach I am slowly building a reputation as a kind of equalizer. I take on jobs to seek out hard to find information, lost items and sometimes people. I enjoy helping those who cannot help themselves. I accept my clients only after I am assured of their sincerity. Of course, I am not terribly opposed to an occasional instance of robbing from the rich to give to the poor." He looks inward for a moment, "I do not like to cause any intentional and senseless harm." He shakes off his brief reflective mood and smiles slightly, if a bit sadly.

"So Sem, I believe the wheel has spun back around to you."

[Jeff]

Sem listens politely and quietly to Condign's tale, letting out a surprised whistle now and then. "Are you really in the Chronicles? Am I only the only person who hasn't heard of your exploits?" he laughs.

In Condign's story, it would appear these upset new passengers were given some minor fame in a series of adventure articles in the Korranburg Chronicles. Shorak has seen copies of the popular Chronicles in Stormreach before; it's a well-known broadsheet produced by the chroniclers of the gnomish/Zilargo city of Korranburg, and mass produced and distributed by House Sivis, the dragonmarked House of Scribing.

Belarin:

And as my friend here has said, we accepted ir'Zathyran's breakfast invitation to discuss his business venture and his odd recruitment method of nearly killing people. I then drank some wine..."

"Yes, you've been Vralkeked." Sem shakes his head. "Early in the Last War, agents of the Daughters of Sora Kell—the sister hags who rule Droaam—used to drug or otherwise inebriate folks in the lower districts of Sharn. When they came to, the unfortunates found themselves on slave ships bound for Vralkek, in Droaam. So the term got coined, anytime someone was enslaved by sea, or forced into ship 'employment,' they were Vralkeked. Except you're not slaves, and you're not being forced to tie knots and raise sails. You've been recruited to fight and defend. You're angry, justifiably, but if you keep your wits, you might just come out on top."

Belarin:

I am a scribe, a scholar, a student of the arcane, and a chattering fool.

"Then I fear we may get along swimmingly, Belarin," Sem says with a smile. "If you don't mind a little healthy competition and tongue lashing now and again. I consider myself more student than mage, but I know my way around a wand."

The gnome pauses and thinks for a moment, looking out at the sea. "So...Ir'Zath," he says a bit more soberly. "Yes. He's a right good devil, isn't he? Did you know, he's not entirely human? I think there's something else in his blood; if rumor is true, he's got aasimar* somewhere in his ancestry. Aasimar are humans bred with...well, angels. The winged denizens of Syrania. That's what gives the professor his good looks. But not all angels are nice, and I think we can all agree that Larest isn't all that angelic, given his willingness to throw danger at his 'friends.'"

"I knew him through shared academics. I worked for the Library of Korranberg, as a language and Xen'drik specialist. I'm not part of House Sivis, though, nor do I have any inclination in using my skills commercially. My studies range from philology to historical antiquities, and I suppose that's the overlap. So...ir'Zathyran sent out some inquiries to the Library, and I answered. I came to Sharn, met with the man, decided he was a right fiend out of intuition alone, and almost declined him."

"But then I learned that this Eye of Azalar, the artifact he's after, had become a hot topic among the powers that be, in a hush-hush sort of way. I know a fair about Xen'drik, but I'd only heard its name once or twice before. It's quite possible that this is the real deal, and that's kept me interested. Would the professor have drugged me if I'd turned him down? I suppose he might have. But it's not wise to make enemies with Zils. He's smart, he knows that."

"So that's my story." He taps the book in his hands. "I'm the language and symbol specialist on this journey. There're a lot of ruins on Xen'drik. Larest hired me because I speak several Giant dialects, and those ruins were once the homes of the giants back in their day—a very, very long time ago, when humans were just mucking around the plains of Sarlona and even the gnomes hadn't left Thelanis entirely behind."

"Starg, our minotaur friend..." Sem gestures as the white-garbed minotaur, still standing at the rail near the bow. "He was brought on because he's a master of places, directions, the rhythms of the earth itself. Among his people, I suppose that makes him some sort of shaman or sage. Legends say that minotaurs with his talents cannot get lost. So I think he's our walking, grumbling divining rod for finding the Eye."

"But two brainy scholars and a gruff old minotaur aren't enough to survive the dangers of Xen'drik. There's more jungle than ruin, more perils than prizes in the Shattered Land. There's monsters galore, giants, beasts, drow"—he looks at Shorak with a half-smile—"and who knows what else? And I think that's why you're all here. Larest is obviously impressed with your skills, and he needs you to help him get in, and out, of wherever we're going. As much as you hate him, he needs you. He can't afford to try to trick your or kill you again."

Sem pauses. "But, c'mon...surely this sounds a little exciting?"

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*For those of you who know all the 4E races, I'm not getting on the deva bandwagon. I liked oldschool deva, not the player race they made them into.

Brian: In Condign's telling of his story, how far back does he begin? Presumably, he is saying that he's from the Demon Wastes; is he also saying his reasons for leaving that infamous land?

Also bear in mind that Shorak (and the player behind the drow!) is hearing this for the first time.

[Jeff]

Kal and Syrdan

Syrdan reaches for the doorknob, grasps it, and turns...

But it's locked.

"Ay!" a voice calls from down the hall. One of the crewman has rounded the corner, a strong but wiry sailor. He's stopped there, his expression like a permanent wince. His voice immediately hushes. "Don't be going in there, if you're knowing what's best. That's where the necro-lady is rooming. Not a place for the living, I'd say. None of us're liking her here, but she's a paying passenger and there ain't much we can do about it...'long as she abides by the rules."

[Darren]

Kal leans conspiratorially towards the crewman. "Sure, of course, we'll leave it alone. But you can't like the thought of zombies roaming this ship, can you?" Kal shivers - a forced gesture, but Kal isn't such a bad actor. "It makes my skin crawl, I tell you, and I grew up in Sentinel Tower!" Kal moves a few steps away from the door, as though he doesn't want to be near it anymore.

He gestures to some of the crates around him. "The captain seems like a smart woman. Good business sense. So what kind of things do you usually haul, when you're not transporting the undead?"


_________________
Kal is beginning the Diplomacy process. Whenever you feel a roll is appropriate, let me know.

[Jeff]

Kal and Syrdan

The sailor beckons Kal and Syrdan to come away from the door and move closer for speaking. "No, no," he says. "Nothing like that. The Merrow's carried bodies before, during the war mostly, but not bodies that move. She won't have none of that."

He looks warily at the cabin door. "We don't doubt the witch can bring up the dead, but she's not allowed to, not on this ship. But captain has no rules against carrying magic-users on board."

"She just hauls goods. The usual stuff, maybe unusual sometimes. I'm not for always knowing."

[Darren]

"Do you ever worry about what you're carrying? I mean, the captain mostly deals with honest types, right?" Kal gives the main the appraising look of a commander looking over his soldiers. "And you look like a man who has seen his fair share of action, I'd bet. Does the crew end up in a lot of scrapes?"

[Mike]

Syrdan stares at the unmoving door, irritated. "How completely anticlimatic," the elf mutters. "Someday, that's actually going to work ..."

He turns to see the approaching sailor. "Ah, good, that explains things," Syrdan says to him. "That's a relief, I suppose ... we thought something dire might've happened it there. And I suppose it may have, although that's none of our concern now. Thanks for clarifying."

The elf turns away from the sailor for the moment as Kalarian speaks with him, though. Our friend the necromancer has set up shop aboard the ship? he wonders. Not good. I'll have to speak to Belarin about this ...

"Indeed," Syrdan says, turning back to the sailor, "I've no doubt you've encountered quite a few reavers on your voyages. Does the Merrow Down follow the same route, time and again, or does it travel the seas near and far?"

[Jeff]

The sailor looks between Kal and Syrdan, his eyes narrowing a little. But the easygoing manner with which Kal, and then Syrdan, speak to him seems to relax him. Makes him friendlier and looser of tongue.

Kal:

"And you look like a man who has seen his fair share of action, I'd bet. Does the crew end up in a lot of scrapes?"

"Aye, we see plenty of action. Every man aboard this ship can handle himself. The womenfolk, too. Out here, there ain't no Code of Galifar, no sea watchmen to enforce any laws. And that's especially true of Stormreach, I should warn you." He grins, eyeing the blades on Kal's belt, the greatsword across Syrdan's back. "But I think you'll be fine."

Syrdan:

"I've no doubt you've encountered quite a few reavers on your voyages. Does the Merrow Down follow the same route, time and again, or does it travel the seas near and far?"

"Reavers? Can't say I know what that is. Some sort of fish? Maybe that's your word for sahuagin? There's plenty of them around Shargon's Teeth. You'll see 'em soon enough."

"Does the Merrow Down follow the same route, time and again, or does it travel the seas near and far?"

"Same route? Nah. That would be dumb. The Merrow goes where Morsha says, and that's good enough for us. I've seen all the waters from here to Xen'drik, the Straits of Sharon, Kraken Bay, all the way up to Q'Barra. Some of the older crew started out in the Lhazaar Principalities. Not sure if the Merrow's been up there before."

______________________________

Syrdan's Diplomacy check (1d20+3=10)
Kal's Diplomacy check (1d20+12=23) +2 from Syrdan's aid = 25

[Jeff]

Adamant and Streko

Adamant finds Streko easily, and both warforged and halfling stand near the very tip of the Merrow Down. Adamant notices the figurehead for the first time.

Casual observance of the ship and her speed eventually gives them both the impression that it's moving rather quickly, given its size. Looking out at the open sea, they can't tell so readily, but when they look down and see the hull slicing through the waves, it's more obvious. And yet this doesn't seem like one of House Lyrandar's famous wind galleons, which reputedly have an air elemental bound into the wood which keeps the sails full even when there's uncooperative wind. They suspect something else propels the Merrow with greater speed than other great ships the same size. But it's not obvious what.

[Ken]

Feb 10, 2011 12:11:06 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"Yes, you've been Vralkeked."

"I'll have to remember that one," says Belarin with a mirthless chuckle. His enthusiasm slowly returns, though, as Sem discusses what he's heard of the artifact and what he knows of Starg's abilities. "A shaman?" he says almost reverentially as he looks at the minotaur. "I've heard a tale or two about them, but never met one. Not surprising, considering where I've spent my life."

"Larest is obviously impressed with your skills, and he needs you to help him get in, and out, of wherever we're going. As much as you hate him, he needs you. He can't afford to try to trick your or kill you again."

Sem pauses. "But, c'mon...surely this sounds a little exciting?"

"It does," concedes Belarin, looking at Condign. "And in fact, I'd venture that at least half our party was entertaining the thought of willingly joining Larest before his insecurity got the better of him - and us. So our friend the scalawag has succeeded in two things: ensuring our presence on this ship and ensuring an unpleasant end for him when this affair is over. In any event, it's good to make your acquaintance, Sem. I look forward to comparing notes on the Craft as we travel.

"As for you," he continues, now talking to Shorak, "you're an 'equalizer,' a finder of lost things, a righter of wrongs?" He seems amused by the thought. "That's... marvelous! Condign, witness! A man unsullied by cynicism! Clearly, you are NOT from Khorvaire. Excuse me, Shorak, I do not mock you -- truly, I don't -- but such unblemished virtue after all we've been through is oddly refreshing. It's good to make your acquaintance as well!"

[Jeff]

Sem sighs. "Well, I at least hope that unfortunate 'end' you have planned for ir'Zathyran will at least come after all the good stuff happens, and we have the Eye of Azalar in hand."

"Have you heard of it before? Do you know what it's said to do?"

[Brian]

"Excuse me," says Condign, looking pointedly at Sem. "I believe you were going to mention something about tieflings?"

[Joe]

Streko feels, more than hears, Adamant's approach. He remains silent for a while, allowing the ocean wind to blow through his hair, the salty smell of the waves surround him. He begins to wonder if Adamant will rust, but keeps his thoughts to himself.

He then says in a gentle voice, "If one remains silent, listening only to the sea, one might begin to believe we live in a world of perfect peace and contentment."

He smiles and looks over at his comrade. "Unfortunately for us, we know better. I hope you are well, and I apologize again for creating more tension than was necessary last night. I was tired of decisions being made for me by people whom I daresay I dislike. Thank you for being the voice of reason and greater wisdom than the rest of us all combined. I am honored to know you, sir, and count you amongst my small circle of friends."

[Jeff]

"Ahh, yes," the gnome says, meeting Condign's eyes. "I've been seeing more of them lately. In Sharn, mostly. I've seen one or two in Stormreach before, too, on my last visit. I was actually wondering if you knew more about that. I confess I know little about the origin of your people. I know more about creatures and people who stem from Xen'drik."

[Dave B.]

Shorak listens to Condign & Belarin. "You and your other companions have been through much together. It is a strong bond that has been built among you."

"As I guessed. An expedition into the Shattered Lands. You are correct Sem. The jungles are rife with peril. Many have gone in search of treasures, never to be seen again. Do you know if Ir'zath has hired a guide yet? I have often filled that role in the past. Perhaps I could again? That is assuming that Captain Morsha is planning on freeing me completely when we arrive at Stormreach."

"Thank you Belarin. I take no offense. I am what I am and I do what needs doing. Though, I am not always so altruistic. I have to eat and I do like finding shiny and valuable trinkets. I find it helps to fund my...how did you put it...virtuous interests."

[Darren]

Kal takes another step closer, sensing that the sailor is beginning to trust him. "Sahuagin?" Kal asks, fumbling over the word. "Pirates?"

Another step closer. "I don't think I got your name, sailor. I'm Kalarian d'Deneith, and it is a pleasure to meet you. If we weren't on a ship, I'd offer to buy you a drink." Kal grins at the man. "So, tell me, what ARE you hauling this time? I don't imagine a smart woman like the captain sails just to ferry passengers..."

[Dave W.]

Adamant enjoys a quiet moment with Streko and the waves.

Feb 10, 2011 23:33:13 GMT -4 Joe said:

[Streko] then says in a gentle voice, "If one remains silent, listening only to the sea, one might begin to believe we live in a world of perfect peace and contentment."

He smiles and looks over at his comrade. "Unfortunately for us, we know better. I hope you are well, and I apologize again for creating more tension than was necessary last night. I was tired of decisions being made for me by people whom I daresay I dislike. Thank you for being the voice of reason and greater wisdom than the rest of us all combined. I am honored to know you, sir, and count you amongst my small circle of friends."

Adamant looks down at his short friend, "I am pleased to see that you are again Streko. I was concerned."

"Belarin was correct last night, I do have emotions about our 'arrival'." Adamant turns to face the sea again, "It was a hard thing to watch you all fall."

"But I have a memory of my first friend and mentor. He was very wise. He once taught me that this mundane world is not a fair place; as you say it is imperfect. But that imperfection gives us an opportunity to serve others, to help them through the injustices they must suffer."

"Ah, I am terrible with words. Father Charl was so much better."

"Let me say plainly, you are my friend Streko. Do not feel you need to apologize nor should you feel embarrassed. We are your friends, there are no unpardonable mistakes. We would be diminished without you. Not for the loss of your considerable abilities, but for the loss of you, my friend."

Suddenly Adamant lets out a deep but light snort, "Oh, I am terrible with words. Perhaps a song. Will you sing with me this morning Streko? We could sing St Thedra's psalm, We Start At the Lady's First Light? Though the journey in the verses is a metaphor for life of course, but it could serve for this journey, don't you think?"

Adamant's eyes glow brightly, a warm clear blue. He starts the song low and quiet, hoping to hear Streko join him.

"We start at the Lady's first light,
and journey by Her bright Sun..."

As he continues, the power and volume doubles as he loosens all that holds him to the mundane; he becomes the psalm.

[Mike]

Syrdan shakes his head. "Sorry ... by reavers, I meant pirates," the elf says to the sailor.

He turns to look at Kal. "And sahuagin are fish-men, who lurk beneath the waves. Nasty creatures."

"It seems then, my friend, that the Merrow Down is a mercenary ship, if you have no proper trade route," the elf continues with the sailor. "A testament to the courage of both captain and crew ... including yourself, of course."

He glances back at the locked door. "Does this mean you're more of a passenger ship than cargo ship, then? Or perhaps something else better fits the purpose of this ship?"

[Jeff]

Kal and Syrdan

"I don't think I got your name, sailor. I'm Kalarian d'Deneith, and it is a pleasure to meet you. If we weren't on a ship, I'd offer to buy you a drink." Kal grins at the man. "So, tell me, what ARE you hauling this time? I don't imagine a smart woman like the captain sails just to ferry passengers..."

"Folks call me Lerg, and they're ain't no drinkin' while you're on duty, anyhow." He shrugs. "Don't know what we're hauling, Kalarian. Food, I think. Rations, but not ours. For selling. Some other things too, but I don't ask. Not my job to know. But, son, you best not be asking too many questions. Captain don't like it when folks show too much interest in her cargo."

He points back the way Kal and Syrdan had come. "If you're thinking of opening cabin doors, you'd also best stay away from the Captain's own." He points toward the open hold, toward where that densewood door is.

Syrdan:

"Does this mean you're more of a passenger ship than cargo ship, then? Or perhaps something else better fits the purpose of this ship?"

Lerg looks at Syrdan. "Nahh, passengers is usually too complicated. Captain doesn't like complications....as you've heard. But she takes 'em. Most trips, we have at least a couple. She only takes folks with heavier coin."

[Jeff]

Now that sahuagin have been mentioned, here's the basics of what each PC knows about them, when the topic comes up.

Kal's Nature check (1d20+3=11)

Kal knows very little about sahuagin. He's heard the term, knows they're creatures of the sea, but have had little impact on the workings of House Deneith or Karrnath, so he knows nothing else.

Belarin's Nature check (1d20+8=15)
Shorak's Nature check (1d20+6=17)
Syrdna's Nature check (1d20+10=19)

Belarin, Shorak, and Syrdan know that sahuagin are sometimes called 'sea devils' because they have a very nasty reputation. They hunt marine life and raid shoreline communities, usually at night. Sahuagin harbor a carnal bloodlust and, like sharks, fly into a frenzy when they sense their prey is wounded.

Adamant's Nature check (1d20+6=20)
Condign's Nature check (1d20+4=21)
Streko's Nature check (1d20+9=22)

Adamant, Condign, and Streko have heard a bit more. Sahuagin dwell along coastal waters in communities of varying sizes that are hewn from stone and other natural materials. Sahuagin society is patriarchal and features a strict hierarchy, such that every sahuagin knows its place within the society. While they are said to be a violent species with a lust for blood, not all sahuagin are necessarily evil by moral standards. Sahuagin sometimes trade with surface-dwellers for goods, but just as many are more inclined to take what they want by pillaging coastal communities and merchant ships.

Also, Shorak knows that when ships pass through Shargon's Teeth, the rocky waters around the northern edge of Xen'drik, they sometimes hire sahuagin guides to get them through it. But those waters are a mess of sahuagin territories; running into friendly sahuagin is a gamble. On the way out of Stormreach, the Merrow dealt with them, but from the cargo hold he never witnessed the interaction. This time around, he probably will.

This basic monster lore is now listed on the DE wiki.

[Ken]

Belarin says to Shorak, "Having you as a guide would probably be wise. If Professor Scalawag is so keen on success, I imagine he won't say no to the idea."

Feb 10, 2011 19:12:29 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Sem sighs. "Well, I at least hope that unfortunate 'end' you have planned for ir'Zathyran will at least come after all the good stuff happens, and we have the Eye of Azalar in hand."

"Have you heard of it before? Do you know what it's said to do?"

"No, Sem, I hadn't heard of it until, well, yesterday. Do you have any idea what it's supposed to look like? ir'Zathyran claimed ignorance on that one.

"As for his 'end'..." Belarin again glances at Condign before continuing, "I don't intend to start anything until this voyage is over and we're back in Sharn." Of course, he thinks, my intentions tend to change like a courtesan's underwear. Damn, I should have said that out loud. Oh well, the moment is lost.

[Joe]

Adamant's eyes glow brightly, a warm clear blue. He starts the song low and quiet, hoping to hear Streko join him.

"We start at the Lady's first light,
and journey by Her bright Sun..."

Streko grins. And joins in, his voice a warm alto reaching above Adamant's lower modal range.

"Her heart burns off our doubts and fears,
her strength walks with us, always near..."

[Brian]

"I believe," says Condign, "that talk of Larest's "end," while accurate, may have been a bit too precise. As my friend"--he nods to Belarin--"has mentioned, I do not plan on anything happening to our failed professor until our return is secured." He pauses for a moment. "These tieflings you have seen, do they happen to show any special interest in anything? Maybe ask certain questions?"

[Darren]

Feb 11, 2011 11:15:49 GMT -4 Jeff said:

["Folks call me Lerg, and they're ain't no drinkin' while you're on duty, anyhow." He shrugs. "Don't know what we're hauling, Kalarian. Food, I think. Rations, but not ours. For selling. Some other things too, but I don't ask. Not my job to know. But, son, you best not be asking too many questions. Captain don't like it when folks show too much interest in her cargo."

He points back the way Kal and Syrdan had come. "If you're thinking of opening cabin doors, you'd also best stay away from the Captain's own." He points toward the open hold, toward where that densewood door is.

"Wouldn't dream of it, Lerg. And I don't mean to ask too many questions. Just trying to get my bearings, you know? It's odd to wake up on a ship like this one after being drugged." Kal smiles at the man. "Listen, I don't want to keep you from your tasks. I wouldn't want the captain angry at me. She seems like she's got a bit of temper," he says with a wink. "When you're off duty, come find me and we'll see if this ship contains anything for us to raise a glass with." Clapping the man on the shoulder, Kal begins to move through the hold again, waving for Syrdan to (hopefully) follow.

[Mike]

Syrdan looks back down the corridor, towards the densewood door. "That's the captain's quarters, then?" says the elf. "Good to know. Wouldn't dream of trying to go in there, then, without her leave ..."

He looks about the corridor. "Are the professor's quarters down here then as well? I want to make sure to avoid them, you know. So as to follow captain's orders, of course, and not wind up causing any unintended unpleasantness."

Syrdan follows Kal as he walks through the hold.

[Jeff]

Condign:

"These tieflings you have seen, do they happen to show any special interest in anything? Maybe ask certain questions?"

Sem Darlesh taps his chin for a moment. "Well, I can't say I've stopped to watch them much...they don't like that. But considering the places I've seen them, I think maybe they were recruiting. In Breland, they're unusual and exotic enough, and scary enough, to make obvious candidates for Tharashk mercenaries, but I never had the impression they were seeking employment so much as they were seeking...comrades? Like they're looking to band together with like-minded fellows. But you know, I don't know what that would mean. Perhaps you can tell me, Condign? What do tieflings want in the world? Who would sympathize with the tiefling condition? What is their condition?"

Belarin:

"No, Sem, I hadn't heard of it until, well, yesterday. Do you have any idea what it's supposed to look like? ir'Zathyran claimed ignorance on that one.

Sem shakes his head. "Look like? No, no real idea. Its description no surviving record agrees on. That's the trick. Should we be the ones to find it, we may need to haul it off on a cart...or then again maybe just put it on our pocket." He shrugs with a smile.

"But what it does...ahh, that's the real appeal. Of course, no one can say for sure, but everyone who's heard of it knows what it's supposed to be able to do. Simply put, the Eye of Azalar can locate anything, anywhere."

The gnome lets out a wistful sigh. "That might seem pretty basic, but there are said to be no limitations...not like the rituals of location that wizards use in the modern age. Those pale in comparison. The magic the giants of Xen'drik used....surprises all that we've seen. Did you lose that ring your mother gave you? The Eye can find it. Want to locate the lost crown of King Jarot of Galifar? The Eye knows where it is. And it's not just objects. It's anything, as long as it exists. If your beloved died today, the Eye could reach through the planes themselves and locate her spirit drifting through Dolurrh, and maybe just give you the power to travel there to bring it back to her body. Crazy, isn't it?"

Sem purses his lips and looks out over the sea. "Even if you can't think of what you could do with the Eye, I guarantee you others already have been thinking about it. What would Queen Araula—who everyone knows still lusts after the throne of Galifar—do with the Eye of Azalar? How about King Kaius? Worse, how about the cruel Cardinal Krozen, in Thrane? What would the Blood of Vol seek?"

He looks at Belarin, Condign, Shorak. "What would you ask the Eye to find if you held, even just for a moment?"

"I'll tell you one thing. The Eye could very well put House Tharashk out of business, and for that reason alone you can bet they're going to be searching for it. Truly, any of the dragonmarked houses would want this...if they're willing to wage that the Eye of Azalar isn't just some wild goose chase. How many of them even know about the Eye...that I'm not sure. We may yet see some fierce competition."

[Jeff]

Kal and Syrdan

"Are the professor's quarters down here then as well? I want to make sure to avoid them, you know. So as to follow captain's orders, of course, and not wind up causing any unintended unpleasantness."

Lerg gives Syrdan a look of suspicion. "Yeah, somewhere." He sounds like he just doesn't want to say.

Then Lerg waves them off.