Chapter 15: With Uncertain Ends

[Ken]

Mar 15, 2018 12:04:20 GMT -4 Brian said:

"Aye, my l--" Melethos practically bites his tongue as his mouth snaps shut. He takes a moment, then speaks again. "Aye, Captain."

Belarin says kindly to Melethos, "That was hard for you, I know."

To Brack, he says, "Aye. As for enemies, there's an annoying young necromancer who would love to strap me to a table and flay my immortal soul for all eternity, and he's probably looking for the Eye, too. Oh yeah, a vampire who's part of the Emerald Claw - he hates all of us, and he's in the hunt, too. Aside from them and a Coin Lord, I think we're good, yes?" He looks to Kal for confirmation.

[Darren]

Kal grins at Brack. He definitely likes this shifter. "Kal will do just fine, captain," he says, shrugging as he casually tosses the scrying dagger overboard. "As for your rules, aye, I agree. We are here because you allow it and we will not take that lightly."

Kalarian leans against the railing, feeling the ship sway and roll underneath him. "As for enemies, yes, Belarin is right about the vampire. Krez is his name. Really, the entire Emerald Claw seems to have it in for us. Wylkes you already know about, although I'd bet the rest of the Coin Lords aren't too fond of us now, either. There's also a Medani bitch, Lamara by name, who really has it in for us." Kal shrugs. "Well, maybe just for me. It's hard to say. I...." Kal pauses, thinking, "I think that's it."

[Brian]

"There is a nycaloth who would like to see us dead," Melethos adds. "It followed us from the realm of the dead. I doubt it has given up its hunt for us."

[Elvis]

"We'll also be running into a cloud giantess and a cat-fiend before too long."

[Jeff]

Brack lets out a hearty laugh, which fades away only after Thul speaks. "By the Six, that's a lot of enemies. All right, some of these have got to be...gorgonshit. I mean—"

"Aye!" Sem says loudly, happily interrupting. "To all your rules. And yeah, most of these are real enemies, I'm afraid. Archenemies, some of them! Although they've been woefully understated by my colleagues." Then he points at Histra. "But to be fair, she was their enemy once, too. right?" He winks at Belarin. "Not so much anymore, right?" The gnome swivels and looks at Kal. "Maybe you can work some charm and cozy up to that mysterious Medani bird and turn things around?"

Histra scowls at Sem.

Larest sighs, then says, "Aye."

Starg inclines his horned head. "Aye."

Histra says, "Yes."

Brack, frowning now, looks mostly between Melethos and Kal as he says, "Well, all right. You'll have to elaborate on some of these later." Then he looks to Shorak, Streko, and Adamant.

[Darren]

Mar 15, 2018 15:01:22 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"Aye!" Sem says loudly, happily interrupting. "To all your rules. And yeah, most of these are real enemies, I'm afraid. Archenemies, some of them! Although they've been woefully understated by my colleagues." Then he points at Histra. "But to be fair, she was their enemy once, too. right?" He winks at Belarin. "Not so much anymore, right?" The gnome swivels and looks at Kal. "Maybe you can work some charm and cozy up to that mysterious Medani bird and turn things around?"

"The only thing I'll be sticking in that bitch is my dagger," Kal says, then reddens. "I mean my blade!" He growls as Sem breaks out laughing. "Dammit, Sem!"

[Brian]

Mar 15, 2018 15:50:13 GMT -4 Darren said:

Mar 15, 2018 15:01:22 GMT -4 Jeff said:

[Sem] swivels and looks at Kal. "Maybe you can work some charm and cozy up to that mysterious Medani bird and turn things around?"

"The only thing I'll be sticking in that bitch is my dagger," Kal says, then reddens. "I mean my blade!" He growls as Sem breaks out laughing. "Dammit, Sem!"

Melethos's skin blushes a brighter red. "Well said, my lord," he murmurs to Kal. "Well said, indeed."

[Joe]

"Aye, your ship, your rules. And, if I may say, the Vampire will have its day and it WILL be destroyed. I swear it. As to the others, they, too, shall suffer for the pain and suffering they have inflicted."

[Dave W.]

“Aye Captain, I will adhere to your rules. I’m not well-trained on shipping... er, shippering? But I am eager to do my part. And yes, even while I idle I am aware... I will gladly be lookout.”

“As for enemies, I don’t think I can add to the list. I suppose, since I am a Vassal of the Host, those that oppose the Host might find me objectionable. That’s probably not what you mean.”

“Oh, perhaps the Lord of Blades. I had to put down one of his agents... but that was long ago. I doubt I am remembered.”

[Dave B.]

"Aye." Says Shorak. "I've had a bit of experience helping out on the Merrow Down, so I'm happy to help out as needed. As for enemies; I guess I share all of the ones mentioned. I did cross paths with a fire cult of some sort, but I can't say for sure if I was their target, specifically."

[Jeff]

“Cultists,” Brack repeats as if tasting the word. “They’re the worst. Tell me about yours later. I know of some.”

"All right, now that we’re settled on the rules, it's time for the first choice you need to make." He eyes the open sea. "And soon." 

Brack leaves the helm and walks down the stairs—you can't help but think that maybe someone is suppose to stay at the wheel at all times? But none of you is a sailor. On the Merrow Down, there was always somewhere at the helm. Usually Anng.

Then Brack unfolds a map of northern Xen'drik, places it on the deck, and weighs it down with some rope so it doesn't blow away in the wind. "The professor here has told me we're taking the rivers of the Hydra to the furthest point inland on the western side. Now the most direct route is to head due east and swing around the jagged side of Skyfall Peninsula." With one long nail he sketches an imaginary path. (The purple line on the map below.)

"I don't personally favor the open sea much; this ship and her defenses fair best within sight of the land. But we can manage it, and it would be the fastest course."

"Now." Still crouching, Brack looks up at your party. "You heard me mention Last Chance. There may be some reasons to go there first, worth considering. This would add a detour of, say, two or three days at the most. That might sound like much, but it isn't. This voyage is going to be measured in weeks, probably months, all told."

"We could reach Last Chance in a couple days, if we point right at it. It's almost due south of Stormreach." He points the way.  

Shorak knows about Last Chance; he's passed through it a few times. It's a self-sustaining farming community built around a large inn, which is a joint venture of House Ghallanda (House of Hospitality) and House Jorasco (House of Healing). Named for its chief purpose of providing a last night of comfort and a final chance for healing to explorers heading in the southern wilds.

"Why go there first? One, there are no doubt going to be some of the Eye-expeditioners there. A 'last chance' for them to mingle 'safely' with one another and possibly share information. 'Course, seeing your rivals could be good or bad. That depends on you. It would give me a chance to resupply and make up for our rushed departure—so I'm in favor of this. But it's not necessary, and it's not my choice. You're the customers."

Kurra climbs down from the crow's nest. "I also can always use some things there. Not to mention a good drink."

Larest and Sem look at one another and start talking. Starg remains silent, as usual. Histra seems unconcerned either way, but she does turn to Belarin. "I could still use some more onyx, if there is a market.”

Brack nods. “There is. Best thing is, the Coin Lords have no power there. Sure, they send some goons there now and again, but Ghallanda and Jorasco are the real muscle in Last Chance. And they're far nicer to their customers." He looks at Streko. "And maybe you have some pull. How well known are you?"

Brack looks back at his map. "Then we resume the original route." He indicates the path. (The blue line on the map.) "If time is really a problem, there's a third option, but I hesitate to go there."

[Joe]

"I admit I have very little sway with the leaders of my House and I am not that well known outside of Sharn, or even IN Sharn for that matter. I do tend to keep to my family and friends. However, I do have the Mark and that means something. Are the extra days worth the possible intelligence we could obtain? Do we risk running into our enemies yet again, including the bloodsucker? I leave the decision up to our leaders. Having said that, we can always use more healing potions."

[Brian]

Melethos studies the map, and the routes Brack has indicated. "You are the seafaring expert," he tells the captain. "I am inclined to trust your instincts. If you feel the stop at Last Chance makes best sense, I will not argue. However, I do like to know all our options." His eyes cut to Brack's. "I would like to know this third option."

[Jeff]

"My instincts on this are irrelevant," the shifter snorts at Melethos's words. "Either path I can take us. To go to Last Chance is to be better equipped on the Hydra but to lose some time, if time is important to you."

"Aye, the third option is...chancier." He indicates a path that leads down a dead-end river southeast of where Last Chance is labeled on his map. (Green path.) "Near the head of this river is a cave where some of the waters flow, wide enough to admit a ship. In that cave is a sort of...twisting. I believe it may be a manifest zone. It is possible to pass into it and emerge on waters somewhere else. I have done this only once, years ago. I have not considered doing so again until right now. It is a dangerous and uncertain course, but it can also potentially save much time."

"You folks will decide this, not me." He looks to Kal. "Discuss this, leader Kal, and then decide in the next..." He looks around the sea as he walks back up to the helm. "...twenty minutes, or we'll lose time either way."

[Darren]

Kal nods at Brack. "Thank you, captain. We will discuss and give you our decision shortly." Wasting no time, Kal calls over Larest and Sem. "You two know what we're up against better than anyone else. We're already behind in terms of time. I think many of our enemies left Stormreach before we did. How far behind are we? Can we lose a few days and stop at Last Chance? Are we so far behind that we need to risk this other option that Brack has laid out?"

[Ken]

"It sounds like we definitely need to visit Last Chance," offers Belarin. "We need supplies. From there, we can decide whether to try the riskier path. But Kal, keep in mind... the last time we ventured off this world, we lost a good friend. I'm not in a hurry to see that happen again."

[Jeff]

Larest and Sem are already there, and have listened to everything so far. The two had been speaking about Last Chance the moment it came up. The gnome and human do not seem to be in full agreement.

Sem Darlesh starts. "Might surprise you, but I'd rather skip that inn. Even though I dearly miss Ghallanda cuisine. I'm still daydreaming about that frosty sorbet they serve. I can only imagine what flavors they'd have in Xen'drik!" The gnome stares into space, even licks his lips. "But I'm also not eager to meet more strangers. We could either take the captain's first suggested route—the most direct and safest one—and just take the chance that we know enough as it is." He ponders for a moment. "Or, still skipping Last Chance, venture to Brack's Secret Cave of Cavey Transportation Secrets directly and just try to make up for lost time."

Larest shakes his head. "I am in favor of Last Chance. Something tells me there is still more to be learned from our rivals. I realize that we are behind in this race already. Some of them are already better-equipped than others. The truth is that we will not be able to catch up to those who are making directly for Gerhest and the Eye anyway. And even though we all know where that is this time, not all expeditions will be taking the same route. Last Chance may be an opportunity to learn what others may be doing."

"Do not forget the Traveler's Curse," Brack says. "For some, for many, that's going to factor in somehow."

"Correct," Larest says. "Which is why I would counsel against choosing any course based solely on saving a few days' time. The Traveler's Curse makes precision a useless consideration."

Sem shrugs. "Not all our rivals will be in Last Chance. Some won't bother, and certainly anyone following the western coastline probably won't. Too out of their way."

Larest nods. "True. But even if there are some at the inn, there is much that can be learned. Also, if we choose Last Chance, then we have a couple of days to consider the captain's more mysterious third option as well."

Sem shakes his head. He looks up at Kal, then to the rest of the party. "See what everyone else thinks." He gives Thul a look and then makes a mock grimace. "Even Captain Scowl."

---

Definitely no NPC will decide this for you guys. So please, do discuss. Everyone.

[Brian]

Melethos listens to Larest, Sem, and Brack discuss the benefits and drawbacks of their options. His mind turns over the possibilities, and the potential outcomes. Finally, he says, "I am in favor of stopping at the Last Chance, and only because of the Traveller's Curse. Taking a few days to gather some additional information is good, but stocking our supplies to the fullest, seems far more critical to me. We do not know how long we will be sailing, and I hate the thought of having to find fresh water or food, should we be delayed for an extended period. A journey lasts only as long as its stores of food and water last. That consideration, to me, must come first. I advise we stop at Last Chance."

He looks at the others, patiently waiting for their input.

[Elvis]

"I agree with the Redman." Thul looks up from his pipe.

"The goal isn't getting there first. The goal is to get the Eye."

[Darren]

Definitely not looking for NPC's to make the decision. Just trying to gather all the information...

"Melethos is right," Kal says, emphasizing the tiefling's name for Thul's benefit. "But you are wrong about getting there first, Thul. Getting there will do no good if we are not the first to arrive, so speed is essential. That said, I think both Larest and Melethos make excellent points about the benefits of stopping at Last Chance, and so that is what I recommend. As to the other path," Kal considers, "I think we decide that after we see the situation at the inn. I am not eager to chance it, but if it seems like we are too far behind in the race, we may have no choice." Kal stands up and looks at the others. "Unless I hear any objections right now, that is our plan. If you would offer your input, do it now. Otherwise, I'll hear no complaints later."

[Joe]

Streko clears his throat. "I have already made my opinion known. We need healing supplies and whatever else this town may provide us. As to the Captain's mysterious cave, I would want more information from him about it before making that choice, although the ability to get there sooner than our enemies is a most tempting carrot."

[Dave W.]

"On one hand," Adamant makes a display of his open right hand, "I will mention that I have in the past been blessed by my Lady and allowed to create food stuff. I'm certain Good Streko would outshine my efforts as well, so I don't foresee a concern with any of you starving."

"If there are other supplies we absolutely need then there is no decision really. But others are ahead of us; I am not eager to see more pass us. Speed is important and time weighs on me again."

"On the other hand," Adamnat gestures with a thick metal hand, "Arriving with no idea where to look or what to do... well, flailing around in ancient ruins seems like a recipe for extreme danger."

"On the third hand," Adamant looks at his hands and finally waves the both off, "Are we really likely to learn more from our opponents? Are we looking to enlist with others? I am doubtful there will be much we will be able to learn."

Adamant turns to Belarin, "I share your concerns about the Cave 'Shortcut', but hear me out. If we can not arrive first through conventional routes and we can not arrive most informed, we must consider gaining an advantage in some other way. I am sworn to protect you and I take that very seriously but I also can not suffer the thought that Krez or the Coin Lords get the Eye."

"I will abide by the group's choice but I think we must take the shortcut. If supplies are needed or if you believe we can steal information from those with no more wish to see us gain the artifact than we would to see them gain it, then we make a stop on the way."

"But I do not think we can pass the Caves... not if we are to win."

[Ken]

Belarin listens to Adamant's counsel. "All right," he says. "Let's go to Last Chance. Not to chat with our rivals--" he looks at Larest, "--but to get supplies. I agree with Adamant in that there's nothing much more to learn from eavesdropping, at least not without the risk of losing our own advantages. At least mundane eavesdropping.

"At sunset, I'll peek in on Krez again," he continues. "If I'm a bloodsucking paranoid general, I'd want a status report as soon as I woke up from my dirt nap. I intend to hear it. As for the 'shortcut'...."

He looks as Shorak. "Shorak, I know your people have an advantage of sorts with this 'Traveler's Curse.' Do you think it would help us navigate through this portal, too?"

[Elvis]

Thul shrugs and returns to his pipe.

[Jeff]

Brack looks at Kal when he asks for any objections, and then to the last who hasn't weighed in yet—Shorak. When Streko says he wants more information about the cave, the shifter says nothing at all.

Sem stares at the northern horizon, the one direction you're sure not to go for a very long time. "I at least wish to go on the record," he says after a minute, "as wishing to avoid people altogether at this point...though I'm not so against this short cut. Xen'drik has many anomalies. Not all of them are dire."

Larest says, "Noted, Sem."

Kurra walks over to Thul. "You've seen some winters, aye? When we're closer to land, we'll do some practice and see if you're any good at this." She points at the nearest mounted crossbow and smiles.

[Elvis]

Mar 19, 2018 10:18:27 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Kurra walks over to Thul. "You've seen some winters, aye? When we're closer to land, we'll do some practice and see if you're any good at this." She points at the nearest mounted crossbow and smiles.

"A few too many winters." Thul says around the pipe stem in his teeth, the smoke immediately ripped away by the warm sea wind.

"Practice probably won't help. Bad eyes and the absence of patience make for a terrible marksman."

[Dave B.]

"I'm fine with stopping for more supplies." Shorak says.

Mar 19, 2018 7:48:11 GMT -4 Ken said:

"At sunset, I'll peek in on Krez again," he continues. "If I'm a bloodsucking paranoid general, I'd want a status report as soon as I woke up from my dirt nap. I intend to hear it. As for the 'shortcut'...."

He looks as Shorak. "Shorak, I know your people have an advantage of sorts with this 'Traveler's Curse.' Do you think it would help us navigate through this portal, too?"

Shorak looks at Belarin. "As far as I know, I've never suffered the effects of the curse. But, being only half drow, I may not be immune. Just lucky." He considers a moment. "I can't give you an opinion about the cave. I've never traveled by river and I'm not familiar with that part of Xen'drik." He smiles, "Having said that, I wouldn't be against going that route. It might offer some useful knowledge about Xen'drik to travel that route."

[Darren]

Kal listens to each of his friends talk. "Okay, then it's decided. We'll go to Last Chance and stock up, quickly, and while there get a lay of the competition. If we feel we need the advantage, it's through the cave we go. Captain," Kal says to Brack, "make it so."

______________________
I couldn't help myself, what with Joe's recent news.

[Jeff]

Brack nods, turns the wheel, and the Dragonfly comes about, now pointed south as it leaves the bay of Stormreach behind. On the horizon is a thin line of distant land with misty shapes of even more distant mountains beyond it. The vastness of Xen'drik awaits.

Kurra comes and goes, disappearing belowdecks and returning at times. Brack fishes out his own pipe and lights it, puffing away as he stands at the helm. "At some point," he says with the stem between his teeth, "It'll be worth knowing who—if anyone—wishes to be a lookout from time to time." He points to the crow's nest.

As this day goes by, what, if anything, do you do to pass the time?

---

We won't go hour by hour; when it's time, we'll jump well ahead.

[Darren]

"Sem, Larest, Belarin, Starg," Kal says, moving towards one of the hatches to go below to the common room, "I'd like to speak with you about this cave shortcut. We should discuss what we think it might be, and what the potential dangers are, and ways we can mitigate that risk. We must make sure we have all the information we possibly can."

___________________
Not sure how you want to play this out, Jeff. Essentially, I want to make Arcana checks, Lore checks....whatever checks we can to make sure we have as much information about not only this specific anomaly, but this type of anomaly, as we can get.