Chapter 19: Endless Nights

[Ken]

"Not enough to slow them down," Belarin says. "The crew of the cogship are - were? - an interesting lot. As Lord Kalarian said, you would think they have resources sufficient to sink us in a straight-up fight, but they've chosen more... indirect methods."

[Dave W.]

“The puddings were the bigger threat... damaging the ship just by sitting on her wood.” Adamant suddenly realizes he’s interrupted. “oh... ummm.. sorry.”

[Jeff]

“How many encounters have you had with the Cogship on this voyage?” Sanne asks. “And have they made any other contact with you? Have they kept pace with you the entire way out of Stormreach?”

[Darren]

"Not the entire way," Kal says, "but a good portion of it. Mostly here on the river. They have never tried to hail us, or communicate with us in any way. Their messages seem to only be in the form of intimidation, but I can't for the life of me figure out what it is they might want. They are always wreathed in that fog of theirs, but I wonder who it is that commands them? What compels them to keep harrying us without any clear sense of purpose?" Kal eyes Sanne. "Why us and not you?"

[Jeff]

"If I were to guess," Erdonn says, "It would be that they do not wish to instigate troubles with the Twelve. But you are independent, unaffiliated."

"We are also too swift," the Vadalis heir adds. "Not worth chasing. On this journey, we only passed them once, earlier today. They were not marooned, and did not appear in trouble at all. Most likely you were being tested, for they employ various powers that none of us can quantify."

"Are they Riedrans?" Kurra asks suddenly, coming closer.

Sanne turns to her, a little surprised at the interjection. But she nods. "Almost certainly. It is our belief that they are directed by the Inspired and wield mind magic."

"Psionic powers," Erdonn clarifies.

All of you have at least heard of the Inspired. They are considered ruler-deities by the people of Riedra on the continent of Sarlona; they are a powerful and engimatic superhuman race, if indeed they are even mortal. Riedrans diplomats can be found in most major cities in Khorvaire, and have a presence in Stormreach as well.

"It is our assumption that one of the Inspired is aboard the Cogship as well. At least one."

[Ken]

"Well, test or not," says Belarin, "I'm glad we didn't venture closer. We haven't been able to figure out their motives, and investigating their 'wreck' seemed like a poor place to start." He looks at Kal. "I suppose we should compare notes on the Emerald Claw next?"

[Jeff]

Sept 7, 2020 15:18:00 GMT -4 Dave B. said:

Shorak continues to keep watch. He does appreciate the sight of his homeland, especially the sky. He has always enjoyed the look of the sky at this time of the year. He occassionally gives a wave to his counterpart and a mock yawn as they both wait for the diplomacies to be finished with.

Shorak finds the sky still dark, with dim stars, and the same uncannily three full moons. The land itself is especially dark, nearly black beneath the fading light of the stars.

[Darren]

Sept 8, 2020 10:05:25 GMT -4 Ken said:

"Well, test or not," says Belarin, "I'm glad we didn't venture closer. We haven't been able to figure out their motives, and investigating their 'wreck' seemed like a poor place to start." He looks at Kal. "I suppose we should compare notes on the Emerald Claw next?"

Kal nods at this, but holds up one finger. "Yes, absolutely, just...one more question. These Inspired...do you know what they look like? Is there anything unusual about them? Their skin, maybe? Or their eyes?"

[Jeff]

Sanne shrugs. “I have never seen them. None of us have. To hear Riedrans speak of them, they are perfection. Flawless. But I think they still resemble humans. Why? What have you seen?”

[Joe]

Streko shakes his head. "That's just it. We've seen nothing. They shroud themselves in fog and even when they have come close, we were busy attempting to deflect their attacks. They definitely seemed to be testing us, and continue to do so, as your suggested. Others can provide more info than we can, except to say that they also appeared to be following us for some time, using our passage and travails to avoid their own battles, perhaps. The truth is unclear."

[Darren]

Kal looks over at Belarin as he speaks. "It's just that, we've met a man who seemed...more than what he seemed. Golden eyes and skin that seemed almost too perfect." Kal shakes his head and returns his attention to Sanne. "Anyway, Belarin raises an excellent point. The Emerald Claw. We should speak of them. Have you had news of their activity? Belarin, why don't you join us?"

[Jeff]

"Tell me what you know of the Order's presence and movements," Sanne says with a nod. "And I will tell you what I know. And, yes, if any of your retainers and friends have more to tell, please, invite them to join us."

[Brian]

Melethos continues to study their new guests, as well as occasionally checking out the ship next to them.

She takes much but offers little, he thinks to Kal. Consider giving her the Claw information and see how much she gives back, which has been precious little so far. If the sharing remains one-sided, I counsel you call her on it... diplomatically.

[Ken]

Belarin says, "We've had a few encounters with a man who seems to be one of the Claw's top figures here, Major Krez. He's a bloodthirsty type, probably because he's a vampire. Have you met him?"

[Jeff]

Sanne nods. "We know of him, and the rumors of his nature. It is not surprising. I saw him myself at the gala." She looks over to the gnome.

Erdonn says, "The Order is, we are certainly, very committed to this errand. Resources from their activities in Khorvaire have been redirected to Xen'drik. We believe Major Krez and his associates are merely the vanguard for a greater force on the way. He travels by airship along the western coast of this continent, likely heading for the Menechtarun. The Order is sure to have the same intelligence as do most of us."

"Please go on," Sanne says. "You have mentioned tests from the Cogship, and so it seems to be following your particular course. Not overtaking you in case you prove...useful? But not trying to sink you outright, either. Have you encountered any others on your voyage? That is, others on this hunt?"

[Darren]

Sept 9, 2020 10:46:45 GMT -4 Brian said:

Melethos continues to study their new guests, as well as occasionally checking out the ship next to them.

She takes much but offers little, he thinks to Kal. Consider giving her the Claw information and see how much she gives back, which has been precious little so far. If the sharing remains one-sided, I counsel you call her on it... diplomatically.

Kal nods, seemingly at what Sanne has just said, but his eyes flick towards Melethos.

"Go on, Belarin," Kal says.

[Ken]

"Others on the hunt?" repeats Belarin. "We know of a powerful wizard - she's allied herself with one of the Coin Lords, and she's on a ship of her own. But Krez could be the most trouble, especially if Claw support is coming here to back him up."

He pauses, as though to consider. "We stumbled across plenty of hazards, but not as many competitors! What about you?"

[Jeff]

Sanne sighs. "The Coin Lords have many allies, of course. Wizards, sorcerers, clerics. And it would surprise me not at all to know they've sent their own ships to follow the rest of us. But this tells me very little. If you do not trust me, or my associates inn the Twelve, then so be it. But please, why do you speak so vaguely?"

"For example," Erdonn says. "You came here by way of the Traveler's Shortcut, is that correct? There is no other way you have been ahead of us this far. And the Cogship was with you?"

[Ken]

"All right," says Belarin. "The Coin Lord is Wylkes. He likely has no love for us." He looks to Kal or another friend to pick up the thread.

[Dave B.]

Finding it increasingly difficult to make out details in the encroaching darkness, Shorak finally climbs down from the crow's nest. He goes to stand near Adamant and listens in on the rest of the conversation.

[Jeff]

"Wylkes specifically has it in for you?" Sanne says, eyeing Shorak when he comes down. "Just him?"

Erdonn speaks again. "Lady Paulo Omaren, of course, is in bed with Lord Greigur, consider." The gnome gives a dark and humorless chuckle. "The Coin Lords are not usually in concert. If they have sent ships out, they have likely done so independent of one another."

Sanne makes a motion as if to circle back. "So, the Traveler's Shortcut. Is it true? Did you come that way."

[Darren]

Kal gives a laugh. "Now who is direct to business?" he asks. He looks around, "And we haven't even opened the wine, yet!" He gives a half-mocking sigh. "Alright, yes. Wylkes has personally tried to kill me on more than one occasion. I suppose I should consider it an honor to have gained the personal attention of one in so high a position. As for the shortcut, indeed, we came through there, as well. And the cogship took advantage of our opening of the passage to follow us through." Kal leans forward and rests his elbow on his knee and his chin in his hand. "Now, why so curious about the shortcut? Clearly you know of it and I'm guessing you chose to go the long way around."

[Jeff]

The Vadalis heir eyes Kal carefully, uncertain what to make of his manner. But she nods. "Yes, we know of it, though few of us have been through it. With our ships, we had no need of a shortcut; we knew by sea and river we could pull ahead of any who started this 'race' before us. And we did. Except you, or perhaps any others who entered that cave before you."

She looks to her companion, who simply nods. So she turns back to Kal, but addresses Streko and Belarin as well.

"The Order, as we've said, travels first by air along the western coast—hardly a threat to any of us until we're closer to our destination. How they avoid the implicit hazards of sky travel in this land we do not know. But another arm of the Emerald Claw, we believe, lies behind us now, having taken the Shortcut as well: led by the White Raven, an archaeologist with more than a few ties to the Order. We passed them two days ago. And still another party lies on this same course: the Blackwheel Company, spread across three ships.

"Finally, there is a vessel I know less about not far behind, crewed by tieflings." She eyes Melethos. "They may have nothing to do with the search for the Eye, for all we know, and have showed no signs of aggression." She shrugs. "Are any of these parties familiar to you?"

[Ken]

"The White Raven..." muses Belarin. "I'd nearly forgotten about him! His real name is Dedrick Beynar. As well as being an archaeologist, he's apparently an duelist of no mean skill ... and the Order's top fence in Stormreach. He was at the gala, too.

"As for the Blackwheel Company, yes, we've had one run-in with them. At that time, I was sure they were paid by Krez. But if they're involved in the quest, too... well, they could be working for anyone."

____________________

Hey, folks, in doing some searches, I came across this handy post from SIX YEARS AGO. We should all re-familiarize ourselves with it.

[Brian]

Sept 10, 2020 8:31:13 GMT -4 Jeff said:

"Finally, there is a vessel I know less about not far behind, crewed by tieflings." She eyes Melethos. "They may have nothing to do with the search for the Eye, for all we know, and have showed no signs of aggression." She shrugs. "Are any of these parties familiar to you?"

At mention of the tieflings, Melethos steps forward. "We encountered a ship of tieflings after leaving Stormreach, on a stretch of beach. They had been attacked by House Deneith. They bore no hostility towards us." Melethos glances at Kal, then returns his attention to Sanne. "They mentioned a second tiefling ship, this one perhaps not as friendly. Of that ship, we haven't made contact."

[Darren]

Kal reaches into a pouch and retrieves the feather given to him by Llash-Tava. Holding it in front of his face, he twirls it slightly. "To be certain, we have made a few enemies," Kal says with a grin, "especially amongst those who were present at Wylkes' little show of power."

[Jeff]

Sanne says, "The tieflings command a sizeable galley, outfitted with oars and a sail. They have archers but we saw no ballistae. I don't know where they are from. We saw no flags. I suspect Droamm?"

When Kal pulls out the sphinx feather, her eyes go right to it. And widen slightly. "Is that...one of Argushem's? How did you acquire that? By chance, by force? Do you know what become of him?" She asks this in a tone that suggests she does know.

[Joe]

Streko is content watching the conversation banter back and forth between the others. He glances over at Sem, wondering if the gnome is taking notes that the group can respond to later, when the agents of the Twelve have returned to their vessel, to no doubt do the same. "Gnomes..." he mutters with a grin.

[Darren]

Sept 10, 2020 12:43:04 GMT -4 Jeff said:

Sanne says, "The tieflings command a sizeable galley, outfitted with oars and a sail. They have archers but we saw no ballistae. I don't know where they are from. We saw no flags. I suspect Droamm?"

When Kal pulls out the sphinx feather, her eyes go right to it. And widen slightly. "Is that...one of Argushem's? How did you acquire that? By chance, by force? Do you know what become of him?" She asks this in a tone that suggests she does know.

Kal taps the feather against his chin. "Not Argushem's, no. This belonged to his mate, and it was given freely. I believe that Argushem, himself, was freed by his mate. Is that correct?"

[Jeff]

Sanne's eyes widen again. "Given freely? You've met the gynosphinx? Do tell me more, my lord. May I see that?" As an heir of the Mark of Handling, you assume she would have an interest in magical creatures.

Erdonn d'Sivis looks on impassively. "Trephsam, the hunter, is also in the race now. No surprise. The story is that his entire expedition and members of his family were slaughtered by the sphinx, and he seeks revenge. Not everyone believes this."