Chapter 18: Where the Mighty Rivers Roam

[Darren]

Kal places his elbows on the railing in front of him, leaning out over the edge of the ship. He stays silent for a long moment, then blows out a long breath. "Okay, Belarin. Let's suppose you're right. Let's follow that reasoning for a moment. If he's alive, where is he? Who took him? Are you suggesting Sem was in on that deception?" Kal remembers the note that Sem threw from the back of the ship. The note that went unread. He grimaces. "Why? What would Sem gain from that?"

[Ken]

Belarin frowns. "Kal, the throwing of the bottle was a test for YOU. You had already shown that you didn't quite trust Sem, so he made a show of throwing a meaningless bottle overboard to see the extent of your mistrust."

He puts a hand on Kal's shoulder. "You failed his test. I don't believe Sem was involved, and no, I don't know who is responsible. But I'm going to try scrying on Larest. There was no reason to do it before, which - if I'm right - is sort of the point of the charade."

[Darren]

"There's another way we could find out," Kal says, "if your scrying doesn't work." Kal turns and leans with his back to the water, his arms folded. "I could ask the Keeper of Secrets. I could ask about Sem, too."

[Ken]

"I'll be honest, Kal," says Belarin. "I'm not entirely sure I trust this 'Keeper of Secrets.' Now, far be it from me to tell anyone not to go traipsing around with an extraplanar woman with a fondness for pretentious titles..." he suddenly glances around nervously, "but do you know what she gets out of any transaction with you?"

[Jeff]

Keep talking, as you guys wish! This is more of a sidebar:

The daytime passes by without incident. By nightfall, the boar meat has been either cut for immediate use (as handled by Shorak) or otherwise stored away, and Streko has the galley smelling wonderfully. Kurra informs the halfdrow that she can rig up a smoker, but it should be saved for doing on the upper deck during daytime (so tomorrow).

At one point, while Streko is busy trying to do his parents proud (he has their instruction but not their long experience), Calirataia emerges from the wall. "It smells wonderfully, Streko," she says, startling him. The dryad almost never comes into the galley or the cabins, perhaps as a matter of respecting privacy. Streko nor anyone in your party has actually ever seen her truly eat or drink anything. She's a fey being, not a plant, but it may be that she takes in sustenance from sunlight and water, like the livewood of the ship itself. Without a further word, she places a small plate wreathed in leaves, and in the center are a number of berries and currants and already-dried spices he can't even imagine where they came from. It seems to be some sort of contribution she's made to the general store.

Also during the daytime, Histra returns to work on her new staff, which is nearing completion. Crafted of carefully layered bones and teeth mostly from the fintail titan fused together, there are thin bands of metal and wire she has acquired from Kurra.

[Joe]

OMG..."a small plate of...WHAT? Streko needs to know!!!

[Jeff]

Hahaha, sorry. Fragment. I'll adjust in a moment.

[Darren]

Aug 13, 2020 9:53:50 GMT -4 Ken said:

"I'll be honest, Kal," says Belarin. "I'm not entirely sure I trust this 'Keeper of Secrets.' Now, far be it from me to tell anyone not to go traipsing around with an extraplanar woman with a fondness for pretentious titles..." he suddenly glances around nervously, "but do you know what she gets out of any transaction with you?"

Kal shrugs. "Not really my area of expertise, I'm afraid," Kal says. "I'm mostly good at burning things," he laughs as his hand is suddenly wreathed in flame. "But it may be worth the risk," he adds, clenching his fist and extinguishing the fire. "If your scrying doesn't work, and you really think Larest might be out there, it may be worth the risk. I don't think she is to be trusted completely, but I don't think she would have come to me if she did not wish to share her knowledge with me." Kal leans closer to Belarin and lowers his voice. "Tell me, do you truly think Raeshara's intentions with you were wholly selfless?"

[Ken]

"Quenching Raeshara's appetites never caused me much anxiety," says Belarin, "but point taken. I'm more concerned about the... well, my other patrons." Kal has heard Belarin refer to "the Fey" in general, but doesn't believe he's heard Belarin refer to his specific benefactors in the plural before.

"My 'mirror trip' gave me a few things to consider," the warlock continues. "I've learned that this crazy quest is bringing me closer to fulfilling my own, personal mission, the one you heard the Queen of Dusk assign. That's why I went into that trance a few days ago. I expect to soon receive more information from someone named 'the Paranymph' ... hey, I don't make these up."

He leans back against the railing, standing next to Kal. "Lots of things are coming together, I fear. The Eye, Krez, Demise ... possibly Larest, not to mention my mission, Shorak's birthright, and perhaps your role in the Prophecy." He chuckles. "If someone popped up with a teleportation circle back to Sharn, I'd be tempted to jump into it." He shrugs. "But I wouldn't leave you unguarded. I've noticed that Histra is having a bad influence on you!"

[Darren]

"Hmph," Kal says, folding his arms. "Much like Larest, I've come to see Histra for the benefit she is to our mission. And my people are no strangers to the undead." Kal looks over at the ghoulish harpy patrolling the deck and frowns. "It doesn't mean I ever learned to like it. But it has value for us, and since everyone seems to share your madness when it comes to following me, I have to do whatever it takes to ensure our success." Kal turns to face Belarin. "And that may include contacting the Keeper of Secrets. I may be able to ask her about your mission, as well." Kal puts a hand on Belarin's shoulder. "Think about it. If I do this, I need you and Sem there with me. And maybe Adamant, too, in case I lose my mind." Kal grits his teeth at this last remark.

[Ken]

"No need to ask, Kal," says Belarin. "I'll back you up. You've become more reasonable since Thul entered the scene." He winks.

He pushes off from the railing and heads for the stairs below. "I'll try scrying on Larest tomorrow. Goodnight, Kal... and thanks for listening."

[Dave B.]

"Tomorrow is fine for smoking the ribs." Shorak says. "That allows me to brine them overnight." Once Shorak and Kurra have dealt with the boar and cleaned the deck, Shorak grabs an empty barrel, puts the ribs in to it and fills it with saltwater or water and salt if the river is fresh water; and covers it for the night.

"Now, let's go enjoy a meal that's not fish or created by Adamant." Shorak says as he heads below for some fresh cooked boar.

[Brian]

Sorry for going silent yesterday, with the drive and unpacking and all, the day got away from me.

Melethos emerges hours later, refreshed if not fully healed. He's cleaned the blood from his armor and weapons and washed up as best he could. The crystal, now wrapped in the hair braid he had kept around his belt, hangs from his neck.

Seeing everyone busy with other activities, he makes for the wheelhouse and Captain Brack.

"I heard you saw another vessel," Melethos says. "No other sighting, or signs of trouble?"

_____________________________________________________

Melethos spends 6 of his d10 hit dice during a short rest to regain hit points.
Melethos: 6D10 → 32(3 +6 +4 +9 +8 +2)#Hit Dice spent during Melethos's short rest

[Jeff]

Aug 14, 2020 7:17:12 GMT -4 Brian said:

"I heard you saw another vessel," Melethos says. "No other sighting, or signs of trouble?"

"None, I'm happy to say," the shifter says.

The meal of roast boar goes off very well, as Streko invokes a measure of the talents of his mother. The smell that pervades the galley reminds several of you of Esthryn's Kitchen—even Adamant who, while lacking any sense of hunger, can still smell and has long associated the fragrances of cooked food with the generous halfling couple he befriended...seemingly a lifetime ago. There were rarely such aromas in the Cyran Army.

"Are you sure there's not some Ghallanda blood in your family?" Sem says to Streko after taking his first bite. "When we return to Sharn, I intend to pay my respects to your family, Streko, and I'll bring gold for spending."

Everyone who partakes is pleased with the results, and is deeply satisfied that it's not only delicious meat but not fish. There is enough boar meat for the entire crew to last several days, too. Fishing will inevitably return, but for the time being this hits the spot, as they say.

Kurra and Brack wolf down their meals with enthusiasm; as sailors they likely eat fish more than anything, and both have a carnivorous appetite. Starg takes only a small amount, but the minotaur never complained about the sustenance conjured by Adamant, and he doesn't eat as much as you'd think a minotaur would. He's also thinner than most. Histra takes a small amount as well, without comment, but then she always does. She never starves herself; rather, she always seems to know just the right amount of nourishment needed to stay healthy, but never more than that. Belarin has come to suspect that her sense of taste may actually be rather faded, and is quite sure necromancy is why.

Tangat gulps down every scrap thrown to him and constantly darts between each person, always engaged in the dog's game of discerning which party members are the biggest suckers (the most likely to keep feeding him).

[Joe]

Streko sighs in complete comfort. "It warms the heart to see my friends so content. Your joy honors my parents. Thank you. Also, if I may give credit where credit is due...the delightful currant and berry glaze is a contribution from our dear Calirataia. They were the perfect accent to the wild boar meat. My deepest appreciation to you, my Lady."

He turns to Sem. "You, and your coin, will be most welcomed. In fact, I am sure my mother can conjure some Zilargo pastries that will make your head burst. Figuratively, of course."

He smiles and pats his belly. "I see there are no left overs, so, leave your plates when you are finished and I shall collect, clean and return them to their proper place. Also, there are a few morsels left for those still feeling pangs of hunger."

Streko glances down at Tangat, suddenly at his feet and drooling proficiently. "I doubt there is any room left in your stomach for another bite of food, Tangat. You don't want to gorge yourself and empty it all away, do you?

[Ken]

"Superb, Good Streko," says Belarin, wiping his mouth with a cloth. "Just the meal I need before continuing my studies. I'll be properly drowsy."

He surreptitiously peels off a string of meat and hands it to Tangat. "Who's a good familiar? YOU are!"


Note: This dinnertime post occurs before Belarin's chat with Kal. Just want to keep the timelines intact!

[Dave W.]

Adamant stays mostly above deck while people eat. He will make sure to find Streko at some point, "You have done well." He says happily, "From the smell I believe you have a future as a cook at your parent's eatery."

"I think I will not pray to carry the summoning of food for the next day or two. It would seem to be unnecessary. It must have been a very large animal."

---

though Adamant is talking to Streko, it's not sub rosa... anyone who wants to wander into the conversation may.

[Darren]

Aug 14, 2020 14:35:31 GMT -4 Ken said:

"Superb, Good Streko," says Belarin, wiping his mouth with a cloth. "Just the meal I need before continuing my studies. I'll be properly drowsy."

He surreptitiously peels off a string of meat and hands it to Tangat. "Who's a good familiar? YOU are!"


Note: This dinnertime post occurs before Belarin's chat with Kal. Just want to keep the timelines intact!

Kal rolls his eyes at Tangat's begging. "Proud warriors of the Plains do not beg, Tangat. It is unbecoming of you." Still, he smiles to see all of his friends enjoying themselves for a change.

___________________
Can't mess with the timelines! Haven't you watched Terminator? Or Doctor Who? Or Bill & Ted?

[Jeff]

If anyone wishes to do anything else this day, say so today.

[Brian]

I'm ready to move on.

[Ken]

Same here. Belarin will do his scrying the next day.

[Joe]

Agreed. Best not discuss in detail Streko's cleaning methods.

[Dave W.]

Adamant will do some more writing up of songs before the night’s watch routine unless someone/thing interrupts

[Darren]

I'm good, too.

[Dave B.]

"Well done, Streko!" Shorak says as he finishes his second large plate of food. "There is nothing like a good hunt, followed by a well prepared meal, as a result of that hunt." Shorak pats his stomach. "Tomorrow, we have smoked ribs on the menu. I've got them brining overnight, to make them that much more tender."

Ready to move on.

[Jeff]

Even Thul seems satisfied by the meal. Before retiring to the top deck to smoke, he pauses in front of Streko. "I've had better in the field," he says, patting his belly. "But seldom."

I'll post again shortly; the night will be passing. I've updated hit points, hit dice, and spell slots. (Ken, I've also modified Belarin's spell slots sections to include wizard info. Let me know if I'm missing anything!)

Spell preppers: prepare your spells.

[Joe]

Ready.

[Jeff]

Zol, 24th of Vult 998 YK

The next day is hot, but bright, and nearly cloudless.

Early in the day, it's apparent that both Histra and Sem have paired up for academic discussions. They wait until several of you are clustered in one place.

"Listen up," Sem announces. "If anyone has anything dangerous or crazy in mind soon—like scrying out vampire archnemeses—I strongly advise you to do so today or tonight. Tomorrow is the twenty-sixth of Vult, if our calculations are correct. . ." He looks towards Brack as if seeking assurance. The shifter nods mildly. "Meaning tomorrow is our last buffer day between normalcy and Long Shadows. This three-day event is not a time to throw caution to the wind, or even to stand downwind of a minotaur."

Starg just sighs.

But Histra picks up from here. "Mabar, the Endless Night, become coterminous with Eberron throughout the three days of Long Shadows, and though subtle, it will begin tomorrow. Across the world, as you may recall from the years of your life, all lights are dimmer. Places that are filled with great natural light notice it less, and places already dark become more dangerous. Locations already suffused with anguish can even become gateways into Mabar itself, and malevolent shadows can be released. Here in Xen'drik..."

"Anything goes," Sem says with a cheery smile.

"As we have heard from Shorak," Starg says, entering the conversation, "There are places where the days are celebrated in this land without untoward effects."

"True, but we are deep into the continent now," Sem says. "Caution must be observed. I won't even be casting illusions if I can help it. Why give the Endless Night any ideas of consorting with us through our own magic?" 

"However," Histra says, pausing as she gestures toward the ghoulish harpy who lurks near the bow of the ship at all times. "I do intend on those days to strengthen my servants. Necromancy is stronger with Mabar so close, and I intend to make use of it. It will pose no danger to anyone else, if they do not interfere."

Kurra seems to agree. As an artificer, she has had her hand in every kind of magic there is. "By the end of today, I think we'll have our crow's nest back," she says. "Shorak will help."

Brack also takes this opportunity to unfurl his map and show you where he believes the ship is now. He points to the map and to the sides of the river, which are closer than usual. Clearly the Dragonfly is moving through a narrower point, but so far there's been no sign of any other ship, large or small.

---

Talk to me about plans anyone has for the day, the 24th. (With the recommendation that everyone keep a low profile on the 25th in preparation for Long Shadows.) Use broad strokes if you intend to do nothing specific.

Attachments:

[Darren]

Kal stands with folded arms during this briefing. He looks over at Belarin. "Alright," he says when Sem and Histra have finished, "no more unnecessary magic after tonight." With a glance at Histra, he holds up his hand. "I respect you and your work. Do what you must. I trust you. But for the rest of us," he indicates the rest of the group, "unless we are under attack, no magic." He gives a final significant look at Belarin.

Once the group has broken up, Kal finds Belarin individually. "We will try this today. You attempt your scrying. Depending on what information we receive, I will consider whether or not to contact the Keeper. After today, our window is closed."

[Dave W.]

i did my spells.. dropped create food and drink for aura of vitality