Chapter 9: A Primitive Sea

[Ken]

Aug 21, 2011 23:31:30 GMT -4 Darren said:

"If the airship has gotten this far, there's no reason for us to believe that Krez went back to The Patriot, either. Chances are, he'll be waiting for us in Stormreach when we arrive. We should plan for an ambush."

Belarin nods. "Unfortunately, that's probably true. At first, I expected that he'd continue to harass us from the airship, but since the winds seem to be as treacherous as everyone said, he'd likely choose a direct route to Stormhaven. Damn, and I was so hoping to ambush him."

He continues, "We can talk about this later, along with other uplifting topics such as the best way to pry off fingernails. For now, we should give Histra an opportunity to rest after that ritual. Let me know if you need anything, Histra." With that, Belarin leaves her cabin, but he's willing to continue the conversation in the hallway or above decks.

[Jeff]

Shorak:

"Speaking of the here and now, what else can I do to help you right now?"

Morsha sighs. "I don't like to plan ahead too far...so once we're past this, we'll talk about what you can do for me."

"I'm tired...deep inside. If I get through this, and recover, I may have to knock that damned necromancer out, after I thank her." Shorak can see some real worry there.

"No, I am well. Some privacy would be sufficient, Shorak. Thank you."

"For now, we should give Histra an opportunity to rest after that ritual. Let me know if you need anything, Histra."

Histra offers Belarin a soft smile. She does not answer questions about the dead halfling; the body's in her care now....

The rest of you are free to move and talk elsewhere.

Spindrift puts everyone back to work soon. The sea is getting rough again, and in less than a day, the food stocks are bare. Now almost a third of the crew is being employed to catch fish.

Your next opportunity to talk is later that night, briefly, in your cabin. For now, Larest, Sem, and Starg are not part of the conversation. Everyone not taking some rest is manning the ship, helping Garrel prepare food (since he isn't strong enough to do it himself), or stand guard in case of another attack.

__________________________________

We're going to fast-forward again soon, but before we do, the entire group has reconvened. In case you wish to discuss anything before bracing yourself for what remains of the storms.

[Dave W.]

Adamant sways with the ship, trying to keep it's rhythm. His thoughts however are rocking violently, trying to decide whether to start what might be a troublesome conversation.

He raises his head, eye-gems glowing brightly, but he keeps his voice low. "Friends and gentlepersons, I am uncertain about how to proceed. This may not be the time for this and I would hate to distract, but I also do not want the Professor to be part of this discussion."

"I guess, I would ask of your intentions."

"What I said earlier was true, I would not have this artifact in the hands of the Emerald Claw. But I would also not place it in Larest's hands. He does not have the moral character that I would trust him with it."

"What worries me more the closer we come to land is, I do not think I trust someone of my moral character with it either. I would want to do good with it, to use it to help my People. But I am also susceptible to temptation. I am in the end as mortal and therefore flawed as any other."

"I have come to believe the only correct question to ask the artifact is 'How does one destroy the Eye of Azalar?'"

"It may be academic, we may not succeed or the artifact may not truly exist. But I believe we ought discuss it."

--------------------------------------
hopefully, I'm remembering that the eye will answer any question. I went looking for the conversation about it but couldn't find it.

[Joe]

Streko looks around and shrugs slightly. He taqkes a deep breath and plunges in.

"I do not relish walking into a trap...or sailing into one, rather. Assuming we survive the rest of this journey, which is not a given, considering the storms and whatever else lies waiting in the Devourer's lair, I would suggest we find another place to dock rather than Stormreach. A small bay nearby, but not too nearby, that might buy us some time before Krez and his associates, as well as others on this expedition, realize we DID survive and made it to land.

"This strategy also lends some protection to this ship and her valiant crew, to whom we have already added more difficulty and hardship than necessary.

"We have Shorak with us to guide us to Stormreach from anywhere within a days walking distance, I am sure. However, not knowing anything of the layout of this land, my suggestion might be a moot point to begin with.

"What say you, Shorak? What can you tell us about this land of yours and how to arrive unseen?"

[Ken]

Belarin considers Streko's suggestion. "You know, that's not a bad idea, Good Streko... if the Merrow Down were in better shape. Unfortunately, this crew is going to be exhausted and the ship in dire need of supplies. Like it or not, Stormreach may have to be our first port of call. But certainly, if Shorak has alternatives in mind...

"By the way, Shorak...." Belarin takes a moment to apprise the half-drow of the outcome of Histra's ritual.

After he's done, he says, "So, any chance you've heard of this gnome, Tyrl Gol Garin, or the oh-so-mysterious White Raven?"

[Darren]

Kal smiles and places a hand on Streko's shoulder. "One thing at a time, my friend. First, let's answer our mechanical companion."

Kal's eyes meet the gemstones on what serves as Adamant's face. It's not really natural, is it? There's no soul in there. I can look into his eyes, but what am I really seeing? "We all agree that Larest is probably not the best person to have possession of the Eye, and we know that the Claw has no right to it. I don't really know what to do with it if we find it, Adamant. Destroy it? Is such a thing even possible? And would that be for the best? What if its use was the only thing that could prevent another outbreak of war? What if using it could have prevented Cyre?" Kal lets those words hang in the air.

"But that may not matter. We don't even know if ANYONE will find it, let alone us. I have found that wondering what if can often distract from the dangers that lie in your path. Of course there is a time for long term strategy, and I must admit I've always been more of a battlefield commander, but truly we could drive ourselves to madness pondering this question right now. Let's stay alive, for now."

Kalarian looks around the room gauging the reactions of his companions before he speaks again. "As to your point, my halfling friend, I don't think it matters where we intend to dock if our intention is to go to Stormreach at any point, and I think it's clear that we must. First, Krez will know where we are no matter where we land. Lehranna has assured that for us. Second, I don't think that even the Emerald Claw would be so brazen as to sink the Merrow Down the second she gets into port, nor would they attack openly while we are on the dock." Kal gives a sidelong glance at Shorak. "If we are going to get a knife in the back, it'll happen no matter where we land." Kalarian pushes up his sleeves, letting the Dragonmark on his forearm stand our stark against his skin. It's a gesture he has not made in some time, but he grins as he does so. "My friends, I think our best defense in Stormreach will be exactly the opposite of stealth. I think we should make our presence as loudly known as possible. What have we to lose? Our enemies already know where we are and why we're there. But the more attention we have on us, the harder it will be for them to strike at us without attracting attention to themselves." Kal's grin grows even wider. "Plus, it will be an awful lot of fun. And I think we've earned that."


___________
Ken and I simul-posted. Kal is not intentionally ignoring Belarin.

[Dave B.]

Shorak nods to Morsha. "Privacy? I think I can handle that. I'll check back in with you from time to time, but call if you need anything before then. Someone, most likely me will always be standing guard outside." He bows to her slightly as he leaves her cabin, closing the door behind him.

He sees his companions in conversation and joins them to catch up on the happenings with Histra and the dead halfling.

Responding to Streko's question - "There are many places the ship can drop anchor, but we would then only be able to boat ashore. As far as I know there are no other docks large enough for the Merrow Down. But, I don't know the shorelines as well as the more inland areas. Even so, not docking at Stormreach would draw more attention, since there are eyes and ears everywhere."

To Belarin- "Never heard of the gnome. The White Raven is well known in Xen'drik. He is a treasure hunter and an arcane swordsman. Fairly famous actually. A human who is named for his pet bird that is always perched on a shoulder or arm. I've never had any dealings with him, but I've seen him a few times in the city. It's too bad if he's already working for someone else. He'd probably be a good person to hire on for the expedition."

Watching Kal's bravado, Shorak only sighs and shakes his head. Pointing to the Lord's dragonmark he says, "That won't carry the kind of weight you're used to in Stormreach. The dragonmarked do have power there, but they are not the Lords of Stormreach by any means. Unless, of course, you have some way of buying off the Storm Lords. We would not be served by drawing the attention of the Stormreach Guard or the Storm Lords. There is no justice to be had there."

[Darren]

"My point is still the same, Shorak. No matter what method we use to draw the attention, we still benefit from having it."

[Dave W.]

Adamant returns Kal's searching look, As expected, Kal will want the artifact. He will want to use it to solve his obsession with this dragon-mark Prophecy. His egotism will blind him; he will believe he can control it... A tool that will obey him as all things should.

Adamant listens patiently. "Very well Kalarian d'Deneith, if it is the will of the group to postpone this discussion I will abide. I would like to have this discussion at some point; there should be no surprises between us."

"I will leave it with one thought, this artifact will not stop war as it does nothing to repair the design flaws of the heart. Men will covet it and believe they should have it."

[Dave B.]

Aug 24, 2011 7:29:08 GMT -4 Darren said:

"My point is still the same, Shorak. No matter what method we use to draw the attention, we still benefit from having it."

"How exactly does risking making new enemies benefit us?"

[Ken]

Belarin frowns. "Kal, I agree with Shorak. Yes, you can dress up like a cockatrice and squawk 'Look at me! Look at me!' -- you should try it sometime, I'll pay you -- but what if the attention that we draw results in trouble with the Stormreach Guard? Trouble that will allow the Emerald Claw and other rivals to get even more of a headstart?"

He holds up a hand to forestall the inevitable reaction. "I sympathize, Kal. Really. But consider also what Krez will be up to in Stormreach shortly, assuming he is continuing on the airship. He's a tricky bastard. What if he manages to persuade the authorities that the fast-approaching Merrow is carrying stolen property or, worse, plague carriers? I only say that because it's the line I've been considering using to delay the Patriot! I still may, actually, if Krez hasn't done so...

"In any event, let's be guided by Shorak's experience with the area. Bravado may not be the wisest course, my friend. Shame, really, since it works for you so often. Ahem. Misdirection may be the better choice if 'imperial entanglements' await."

[Darren]

"I'm not saying we should cause trouble," Kal says. "I'm just saying there is no sense in hiding our presence. Krez knows where we're going and he knows where we'll be. If he wants to throw the authorities at us, he's going to do it anyway. And we can't hide from him unless we leave Lehranna behind. And doing that will mean we might as well hand her over to him right now. Like I said, hiding in the shadows will only mean that he can stick a knife in our back and no one will even know we're gone." Kal smiles at Shorak and Belarin. "Maybe you two don't understand because you've spent so much time in the shadows, but there is a difference between being popular and being in trouble."

[Dave W.]

"I do not know Stormreach but I find it hard to imagine us hiding our arrival, the ship is rather large. Unless we take the suggestion to land elsewhere which has the already mentioned downsides."

"It would seem best to me to 'act normally' as much as possible. Also, I would not let Krez and the Emerald Claws think we are afraid of them or need to hide from them. It's the wrong message to send."

"I'm afraid we made it impossible to arrive unmarked as soon as we made our presence known to Krez with our rescue of Lerrhana. He and the Claws will be looking for us. There is no help for it now."

[Ken]

Aug 24, 2011 11:29:39 GMT -4 Darren said:

Kal smiles at Shorak and Belarin. "Maybe you two don't understand because you've spent so much time in the shadows, but there is a difference between being popular and being in trouble."

"Well, yes, being popular usually means that you're in trouble, as far as I'm concerned," says Belarin. "But did I say anything about hiding?" He looks at Shorak. "Did you? I don't think so...

"Yes, Kal, Adamant -- we can't hide the ship or our presence. My apologies for not being clear. All I meant was that we should have some bit of misdirection ready upon arrival; that is, propaganda to combat any propaganda that Krez may have seeded ahead of us. By the Shadow, we were all exposed to enough propaganda during the War... But that's nothing to resolve today."

[Dave B.]

"Yes exactly." Shorak nods towards Belarin. "We don't need to hide, but some caution should be taken upon our arrival. That's all I was trying to say."

[Joe]

Streko nods at Shorak. "As was I. Of course, with this bunch, caution is usually tossed into the wind to see how far it will blow. So I suppose I should have known better. Still, my point is valid. My reasoning is this: Last Krez knew...the Captain was injured and storms were coming..not to mention what other untold horrors lie between us and Stormreach. He MIGHT very well assume we've parrished if we don't show up where he expects us to.

"Further, he wouldn't know the extent of the damage to the ship or her crew...or us. Finally, and most importantly, regardless of the final outcome, we would be doing something of a random nature....something unpredictable...which might throw off our enemies just enough to allow us to continue unmolested. At least for a while. We misinform and misdirect both. We keep him and all our known enemies off balance, until we can fnd out who our unknown enemies and adverseries are. Which, if I know our luck...and I do, thanks to Olladra...there will be plenty of."

[Dave B.]

Shorak thinks a moment. "Well, we can ask the captain or Spindrift if there is another port on Xen'drik we can detour to. They would definitely know better than I. Perhaps Sem or Larest have some way of veiling our approach as well?"

[Darren]

"Again, I must point out to all of you that Krez will always know where we are," Kal says, irritation in his voice, "so long as Lehranna travels with us. The only misdirection we can use is to send her off in a different direction. Unless you are willing to do that, any talk of traveling unknown to our enemies is pointless."

[Jeff]

I'm going to jump ahead soon. If you've got anything else to say, now's the time. When I do post again, I'll include some input from Anng and Spindrift about making landfall in Xen'drik...though that's still some time away.

[Dave B.]

Aug 25, 2011 22:56:14 GMT -4 Darren said:

"Again, I must point out to all of you that Krez will always know where we are," Kal says, irritation in his voice, "so long as Lehranna travels with us. The only misdirection we can use is to send her off in a different direction. Unless you are willing to do that, any talk of traveling unknown to our enemies is pointless."

Shorak nods towards Kal. "You're right. I didn't take that into consideration."

He turns toward Histra. "Is there some way to mask Lerhanna from Krez? Failing that, can we use the link between them to find out where Krez is?

[Jeff]

Later, when you're around Histra again and pose her Shorak's question, she replies: "There is no simple answer, as I don't know the full extent of Krez's power. But yes, in theory there are ways to shield the elf from his gaze. I will think on it, though it will require resources in Stormreach that I do not have here."

When the crew are presented with the idea of making landfall outside of Stormreach, Anng grunts. "Not wise, but I see your point. The Merrow is a well known ship in port, and Morsha does not fear attack right at the docks. But then, Morsha is not well."

Sprindrift joins in. "It may be a lawless town, but the Storm Lords would not like such open conflict in the harbor. And...though we may not beat this vampire to the city, but we stand a very good chance at reaching port before the Patriot. Even without the captain's talents, we are a faster ship."

Anng nods. "I will study the maps and see what other options there may be."

The next three days are among the physically most demanding you have ever known—even for Adamant. Very little rest, savage motions of the sea that range from terrifying to nauseating to merely wearying, and an endless supply of salty, scouring winds that rake across the ship. But through it all you feel like you're learning some new skills of seamanship: how to help a ship catch the right winds and avoid others, how to tack or jibe against the currents, and how to reel in a net's worth of fish. The fishing's done when the sea is calmest, and Starg, Larest, and Sem Darlesh all pitch in to help. Starg for the ropework and hauling (he seems to have a knack of lifting objects with his strange magic), Larest for the menial task of gutting fish repeatedly—a task he doesn't seem happy about, but doesn't complain, either—and Sem enacts a ritual several times to purify the salthingyer to make it safe and drinkable.

"You can learn that one, too," Sem says to Kal. "Another day." The gnome doesn't seem happy to be using up his reagents on such minor magic, but he doesn't complain about it, either.

Even Lerrhana has helped. The elfmaid's mental and social detachment seems to be as stormy and aloof as the sea itself, but physically she is agile and seemingly in control of itself. She weaves among the ropes and lines like a sylph of the sea, even climbing to the crow's nest whenever the rain subsides to do lookout. She now wears the baggy trousers of the female crewmembers, but she goes barefoot and shuns any other clothing but a thin strip of white cloth across her chest. With all this rain-slicked weather, most of you—and just about every male sailor aboard—have a hard time tearing eyes away from her whenever she's around. With her long dark hair left to blow in the stormy winds, Lerrhana is truly a sight for storm-sore eyes.

At one point when you've gathered for a brief rest in the galley, eating a hastily-prepared lunch of no-frills flounder, Lerrhana approaches as she wrings out her hair. "Thank you for what you have done," she says firmly, eyes sincere. "When I have...mastered myself again, I will find a way to repay you."

Meanwhile, Syrdan has imparted to you a little of what more he's learned about her. You already know she is a ranger that's part of the same order he's from—the Death Guard, elves from their homeland of Aerenal devoted to destroying the undead—but he also suspects she's running from something. Something that led her to pursue such a dangerous man as Krez in the first place, before ultimately falling victim to him. He's not sure what it is.

Eschewing weapons or armor, helping with the ship in the rain, Lerrhana seems to be growing stronger of spirit again. She actually seems anxious about reaching Stormreach, as if she will have to return to her old self again—whatever that may mean.

She also relates some more information about Krez.

"I am remembering some...slowly," Lerrhana says. "About Major Verim Krez. I tracked him for a year or more across Khorvaire because of his necromantic reputation." She gives Histra an uncertain look, but the human woman says nothing.

"From Atur to Korth, then Fairhaven, Passage, and other places south to Breland...and finally Sharn. Wherever he goes, Krez stayed in Blood of Vol safe houses, which are difficult to find. Seekers use safe houses and hidden shrines because they are persecuted—rightly—for their practices. I've only found a couple of them, but only after Krez had moved on."

"Here is what I've learned: During the war Krez was a commander in the Karrnathi army, serving under Warlord ir'Loran. Somewhere along the way he fell in with Seekers and this, I think, has led him to affiliation with the Emerald Claw. Whether he is one of them or not, I do not know. But his vampirism...this is new. This was 'earned.' In the Blood of Vol, the intelligent undead are seen as martyrs for the cause. Worthy of reverence and respect. Many wish to become like that, and somehow Krez has somehow been 'promoted' to this new existence. I am quite sure he is no longer part of Karrnath's army. In fact, he's a wanted criminal as far as I know."

"But he's new at being a vampire," Histra adds. "He's clumsy, but still quite powerful because of the one who made him. I'd say he's been a vampire for less than a month. We must use his inexperience to our advantage. I will help."

Some time later you actually see Histra and Lerrhana standing together by the rail of the ship, speaking together out of earshot. Lerrhana's body is full of tension, but at least the two are speaking. Progress of some kind? An understanding between them? Even Syrdan isn't privy to what Lerrhana says or hears after the fact.

And during this time, Belarin sees little of Histra. She doesn't seem to be doing the same sort of work as the rest of you. But one morning, you see that she has a new assistant: a halfling-sized skeleton, perfectly clean of all flesh and walking about with rattling grace. The crew of the Merrow is uneasy about it, even livid, but they aren't protesting to Histra's face, just cursing and swearing about an "abomination aboard." And when Morsha is informed, she offers no opinion. Evidently everyone feels like giving her a little slack.

Morsha herself is growing stronger....slowly. She is no longer paralyzed, but whenever she tries to exert her innate power over the elements, she is wracked with headaches. "I just need time," she gasps. She cannot yet venture from her cabin.

[Brian]

Condign feels fatigued from the activity of the last two days. Having not traveled often to the northern reaches of the Demon Wastes, he is not familiar with seafaring. The constant rocking of the boat makes the work that much harder.

After on particular grueling shift, he is sitting with the others in their cabin, damp and exhausted.

"You know," he says. "I have been thinking about the predicament regarding our arrival at Stormreach." He begins to rub one of his horns, clearly looking uncomfortable. "I say this only for the purposes of discussion. But strategically, I think we need to consider it, or possible something similar."

He pauses for a breath, then forges ahead. "While we have the elf-maiden with us, Krez will know where we are. If we are to plan any type of diversion or surprise of our own, we must be separated from her. It may be worthwhile to consider leaving her with Syrdan on the ship, while we consider having Starg and Larest send us off the ship, similar to what they did when we boarded Krez's ship.

"And please, I know this is a radical idea. But bear with me. If we were to make it ashore, while the Merrow Down feigns some trouble with docking, me may be able to avert whatever Krez has planned. True, it would be a difficult--if not impossible--attempt at learning his plans quickly and countering them. But with his focus on the Merrow and not us, we may gain some advantage."

Finished, the tiefling shrugs. "Any comments?"

[Darren]

"Absolutely not," Kal says, shaking his head. "We have already risked Morsha's life, ship, and crew too much. There is no way I will consent to making her a target again."

Kalarian sighs. "I understand your line of thinking, Condign, and I agree that tactically, our best option lies in sending Lehranna in a different direction than we are going. But I will not leave her here on the ship without us. If she and Syrdan want to take a chance and run, I will not stop them. But I will not abandon them and I will not ask Morsha to take more risks for us than she already has."

[Joe]

Streko considers the matter.

"Perhaps Larest can do something such as he did with us back in Sharn. A trick of the eye to make Krez believe something that isn't...or that we are somewhere we aren't...then transport us to another location. It would mean a minor deception of Lerhanna, but we could remain together...and still find a way to manuever ourselves into a more favorable position."

He snorts.

"I've been spending too much time with you, friend Belarin. I am beginning to think in shadows and subterfuge. Oddly enough, it appeals to me."

[Brian]

Condign looks sharply at Kal. "Will not consent, my lord Kalarian? Really? That is odd, as I had assumed we made decisions as a group." He sits forward, his gaze locked on the d'Deneith heir. "Aristocracy comes in many forms, my lord Kalarian. One does not necessarily need a dragonmark to be noble. Or educated. Or battle-hardened. It might do you well to remember that."

Leaning back, Condign pulls in a deep breath. After letting it out slowly, he continues. "But I do see your point. If we can not disrupt Krez's plans quickly enough, this ship and her crew would be in grave peril. Lerhanna will act as a beacon no matter where she is. So maybe the question becomes one of taking her with us. Getting off the ship and removing it from danger. Make Krez alter his plans, force him to react to us and not the other way around." He shakes his head. "I do not like sitting around waiting for something to happen."

[Ken]

Aug 29, 2011 20:51:52 GMT -4 Joe said:

"I've been spending too much time with you, friend Belarin. I am beginning to think in shadows and subterfuge. Oddly enough, it appeals to me."

Belarin smiles. "Congratulations, Streko. You've taken your first step into a more entertaining world!"

He lets the conversation continue and says nothing during the moment of tension between Condign and Kal. Finally, he offers, "I am as battle-hardened as Esthryn's pastries, yet I offer a compromise between your positions, if you'll allow.

"As much as I adore the idea of distracting Krez, I agree that separating Lerrhana from some or all of us is not ideal when dealing with him. We've seen -- and felt -- that hound's bite. And we tempt fate if we continue to ask the Merrow's crew to be targets for our sake. But what if Histra is able to figure out a way to mask Lerrhana's presence, even if temporarily... and place a spiritual forgery of that dark mark on someone or something else? Then let that rabbit run from here, possibly forcing Krez to split his forces, even if just for a few days? Wild conjecture, yes, but that's often the best kind of conjecture."

[Dave W.]

Adamant quietly replies to Kal's rebuff of Condign, "Kal is right in this. Krez has already shown his preference for dividing our attention. If we split he will likely think it an opportunity to attack one group or the other; probably the weaker group."

"I'm not convinced we will be in danger when we dock in any case, though we should be alert. It is too obvious. Krez thinks he is clever."

"I am more like good Streko, unaccustomed to this cleverness. My normal practice is more direct; standing firm or moving steadily forward."

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okay, this is my third try to post... Everytime I try someone else has posted and I need to amend what I had...

[Darren]

Kal's eyes remain focused on Condign as everyone else speaks, a slight frown turning down the corners of his mouth. His arms are folded as he leans against the wall.

He shifts his eyes to Belarin, though his posture still remains closed off and his body pointed towards the tiefling. "Now that would be a wonderful plan, were it possible. But it seems like wild conjecture. Do we have any indication that such a thing can be done? If so, we could use Histra's new halfling toy as a decoy, and good riddance to it. But your plan hinges too much on 'what if's' and not on what is. So let us make a plan for what if, but let us also have a plan for what is, okay? What is is that Lehranna is under our protection for as long as she wants it." Kal's eyes turn to Condign. "Which means she comes with us." Kal lets the words hang in the air for a moment as he pushes his weight away from the wall and begins to pace the room. "I agree with Adamant that I don't think we will be attacked when we reach the docks. It is, as he says, too obvious. Plus, it would draw too much attention to Krez and the Emerald Claw, and I don't think the Stormlords are so corrupt that they allow a group like the Emerald Claw to operate in the open like that. We will be allowed to land and we will be allowed to leave the ship. Once we are in the city, once we are separated from watching eyes, that is when we will be in danger."

Reaching the end of the room, Kal stops, turning to look at everyone, commanding attention. "THAT is what we need to plan for. Let's talk about that. Once we have that plan put together, we can talk to Histra and Sem and Larest about possible decoys. And we can talk to Lehranna about her plans once we land. Agreed?"

[Brian]

With his golden eyes still fixed on Kal, Condign says, "I did not say that my lord Kalarian was wrong. His statements have merit. I thought I had made that clear. But, as is often the case, it is not what he said, but how he said it."

The tiefling spreads his hands wide. "I will not be lorded over by an equal. Like you, my friend"--he gestures openly to Kal--"I belong to an order no less revered than yours. The Gaash'kala battle daily to protect the borders of the Five Nations. It is by our blood that your lands are kept safe. I will not see that honor diminished by a presumption of stature."

Condign folds his hand and rests them on his lap. When he speaks, his voice has lost some of it fervor.

"I say that we together form a plan. And let us not dismiss out of hand anyone's suggestion. All voices have value."

[Dave B.]

"I agree that it is unlikely that we would be attacked by anyone when we dock. Open hostilities in any area of Stormreach would be met with harsh justice from the guard. I can certainly make sure we travel in the most populous of areas. Anyone who is looking to do us harm would likely wait for us to drop our guard and even then only come at us under the cover of darkness." Shorak mulls over what he just said, then adds, "We should probably advise the captain that we would be best served to only arrive in port after sunrise. Preferably in the morning, so we have the day to do whatever it is we decide is necessary."