Ordinarily Eurenomes would have jumped at the chance to explore Thena (and perhaps find a dice game or to to relieve a few of Athena's followers of excessive drachmas) but after his vision he looked drawn and shaken, his eyes shadowed with shock and fear.  He spoke little and clutched his Caduceus so tightly his knuckles went white.  He walked like a man thrice his age.

It had taken a long time for the priest of Hermes to recover sufficently to relate his vision.  He drew Aleta aside and told her first in private, unbelivably glad that there was at least one other follower of silver tongued Hermes in the group. He found great comfort in that faith. The others took much longer and it was much harder to tell all that he had seen.

Having finally said all he retired to his room at Athena's Shield alone to try and recover from the shock.

Ever the warrior, and uncomfortable in the city, Zuri elects to stay with the ship and explore it. She wanted to know every room, every nook, every cranny. While hopefully, she would never need to use that knowledge, if, for some reason, the ship were attacked while they were sailing, she wanted to know every position on the ship and where she could position herself best.

She also preferred the peace and quiet that could be found on the ship, even if the gentle rocking was a bit disconcerting to her. Eventually, she would get used to that, and would learn to turn it to her advantage.

Before the others leave for the time being, she asks of Mathias, "How shall we be provisioning the boat? Since we will not be able to hunt, how will food be provided?" While she, Artaxes, and Mathias had been traveling across country, they could hunt for their food, but at sea, she had no way of knowing how to get food. She knew there were fish and fishermen, but didn't know if they would help on the journey.

The only time she leaves the ship is to head in and get a little food. Otherwise time is spent trying different tactics and getting a feel for the ship. Even as night comes, she elects to sleep in the cabin of the ship, instead of at the inn as she feels more comfortable away from the crowds.

Artaxes had joined the others in taking lodging at Athena's Shield.  He knew not what he thought of Eurenomes' visions.  The man was yet a stranger to him and he knew well enough that some priests were mad while others saw true.  Who could say which was the case with this one?

As for examining the ship, he took no more than a quick tour of it, finding it sound enough and indeed larger than any he had ever sailed.  Artaxes knew he would make no fit captain of such a vessel nor would the crew be apt to listen to a Hyperborean.  Leaving his shield and javelins at the inn, he announced his attention to head out and look for suitable sailing men to any who might wish to join him.  He was apt to have a good eye for strong hands suited to the work, if not necessarily the silver tongued needed to convince them to come aboard or negotiate a fair price.

When Eurenomes told him about the vision, Arthanos was shaken and slightly worried by its message. As he pondered the tale, he noticed some interesting things between what the others had said earlier and what the vision apparently showed Eurenomes. Wondering to himself, he figured he'd try to pin Itylus down to talk to him at some point.

With some questions in his mind, and a desire to seek answers, Arthanos planned to head out. He stopped long enough to pause and hear where the others were going before heading off himself.

He does also ask the group "Where are we planning to find a captain?" Turning to look at Artaxes, he replies to the man's remark about looking for people. "Maybe scout tonight and tell them to come by hear tomorrow when we can all talk to them? How many do you think we'll need for the ship anyway?"

Matthias listened to Eurenomes' chilling tale of his vision intently and with a concerned look.

"I will go to the docks and seek a suitable captain for the ship," Mattias says when the others ask about their plans for the evening.

Looking to Arthanos, he asks, "will you join me, Arthanos?"

During the time it had taken Eurnomes to be forthcoming about what he'd seen, Dysis had kept to herself.   Brooding; often pacing.

Once he'd finally, haltingly, begun to divulge his awful vision, she'd listened in grave and stoic silence.   With sympathy for the priest, at having endured that.  She was just as glad her own magic didn't involve vision or prophecy. For exactly this sort of reason.

She committed as much of the grisly details to memory as she could.

Afterward, she'd glanced toward Itylus, to appraise his initial reactions.  Like Arthanos, she made it a point to try and speak with him after.  To see what clarification he might be able to offer.  If any.

Then, she was more than content to leave details concerning the ship to the men, who had experience. Or at least a better idea what they were doing.

Other things pulled at her to try and answer.  "I'm going out. To seek a particular temple, if I can find it," she told Arthanos, the newcomers, anyone else who was listening.  And then departed.

It took some time, several tries, and a lot of patience, until, bit by bit, Itylus was able to squeeze the whole vision out of poor Eurenomes. And what an ominous message Hermes had delivered! It seemed obvious that the dark cultists hadn't given up their nefarious devices yet, and were going to try to summon the fiend once more. In no other place than one of the Three Cities. It was now clear they wouldn't stop until they summoned that thing. The simple idea of that happening again chilled him to the bone.

Even so, Eurenomes' vision also gave hope to Itylus, because for the first time in a long time he knew exactly where his prey was.

Later, Itylus went thank properly Eurenomes for his help. He felt sorry for having the usually merry priest endure such terrible ordeal. In the end, he told him:"I promise you Eurenomes, and may both Artemis and Hermes be my witnesses, that I will use every ounce of energy I possess to stop the nightmare you saw from turning real." Once more, he added mentally.

---

Itylus found now himself walking through the darkening streets of Thena, close to the docks, in search for a place where common travelers would gather. He had passed the last few days trying to figure out the whole meaning behind Eurenomes' vision, but so far he had got nothing but the obvious conclusions he had already reached and shared with the others.

Leaving the ship's preparations to the ones who knew about that, Itylus soon had set out from the Athena's Shield in search for someplace where he could get news from travelers, hoping to hear word of the cultists, or a clue that would help them understand the vision.

As night falls he finally spots what looks to be a tavern, he decides to try his luck and heads there.

Aleta talks with him and tries to comfort Eurenomes, says visions has many different meanings and they just provide guidance.  Men still have a choice in their destiny.

She offers to go to his room with him if he wants company.

Eurenomes was still clearly shaken but touched by Aleta's concern, accepted her offer of company. He had some wine sent up to steady his nerves.

"Thank you." The priest told the entertainer as he moved to sit on a wooden chest so she could sit on the bed. "I have to admit that wasn't the vision I was hoping for..."

He smiled wryly and took a sip of wine, something of his colour returning to his cheeks.  "Still silver tongued Hermes would not have sent it to me if he didn't want me to do something about it. Which means He must think we can do something about it, right?"

She grins at Eurenomes as she pours them some wine "I think he did and made it so you might know how serious it is. It is definitely not something you can ignore. I think we can try to look at what it means but you must consider the source." she hands him a glass and sits down on the bed, crossing her legs so she is comfortable.

"Good luck." Arthanos calls to Dysis as she departs.

He then turns to look at Matthias. "Sure, I'd be happy to help. ANy idea where to start?"

Eurenomes smiled as he took the glass, unable to resist a quick glance at Aleta's legs as she crossed them. Embarassed he looked up, making himself focus on her face and eyes.  Though he found Aleta extremely attractive right now he needed a friend an confidate more than someone to drool over.

"Well, I don't know how religious you are but silver tongued Hermes is an easy going patron. He's god of merchants, travellers, gamblers and... uh... those people who aren't entirely honest. You know people who live by their wits." Eurenomes explained, smiling ruefully. "Which means we won't beat this thing by strength alone. We'll have to be crafty."

He paused, taking another sip of wine before continuing.  "At first I thought the lady in my vision wasn't a real lady but represents the city of Argos herself, with her baby being the citizens.  Now though I'm not so sure... maybe there is a real woman with child we have to save to stop this.  I've been away from my home city far too long."

Matthias smiles and says with a shrug of his shoulders, "I guess finding a tavern on the wharf is the best bet.  Unfortunately, I was a horseman in the military and felt more comfortable in the saddle then on the deck of a ship."

Artaxes joined Arthanos and Matthias.  "The wharf-side pothouses would be the best place to start, agreed.  Should we find a skilled enough captain who is known in this city, he may bring the better part of a crew with him." Unless there's further discussion, he will head for the docks, eager to see the chore started and done as soon as possible.  He was not one for lingering long in such cities.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:48, Mon 13 Jan 2014.

Aleta grins mischievously as she sips her wine "Yes, I know he is the god of thieves. Entertaining is my side job, I do a little of everything, some of which was not always honest. Its why I don't have a fear of sneaking around. I figure I should not lie to a priest after all"

She thinks for a minute "It could be.  Or a mix, like the lady is a mother to the city. Who knows. Who is the current leader I wonder?"

"Honesty is for the uncreative." Eurenomes replied, before chuckling and adding. "Sometimes at least. Don't worry Aleta your secret is safe with me.  I am a priest, and proud to be one but I think keen eyed Hermes has a soft spot for the likes of us."

He was feeling better having someone to talk to and thoughtfully considered Aleta's question.  "Like I said it has been a long time since I've been home but last I heard Argon the Proud still rules, he of the very many daughters. A great man in his day my father told me but his day was decades ago. So the real leader is probably his second son Prince Kyros"

The priest grimaced at the mention of Kyros - Eurenomes was not a fan.

In reply to Eurenomes (msg # 17):

"I may not be the most honest but I am loyal to my friends and I don't try not to hurt people. I don't like to hurt people, normally but I will if I have too" she grins.

"Well, we will have to work on the vision some more. Maybe we can think on it while we travel. Actually as we travel, we might get some inspiration as we are following our gods will"

Their plans settled (for the most part) the group disperses, save for Aleta and Eurenomes who spend some time together talking to one another...

---

Dysis



Dysis wandered for some time before she found what the temple she was looking for...

---

Zuri



The ship was not very impressive. To say that the The Peaceful Wanderer was a well weathered ship would be an understatement. Zuri cautiously enters the ship, and immediately startles the sleepy guard posted on duty. Once she explains who she is and why she is there, she is granted access to the ship and begins to explore it.

From her reasoning and assessment, the best position for her in case of an attack would be up in the crow's nest. From there she could lob arrows off at an enemy should they attack, and, if she set it up properly, she could even swing down a rope to attack enemies should they board the ship.

Fighting in close quarters on the ship's deck would be difficult though. There wouldn't be much room to swing a sword or axe, and the sway of the ship - even in these gentle waters - could disturb the pacing of a warrior as they faced off against an enemy. Time on board would certainly help in the adjustment.

Zuri heads into an empty cabin - reckoning it to be either the First Mate's or Captain's Cabin. It was difficult to tell given how small they were. Claustrophobia could be a problem here...

---

Artaxes, Arthanos & Matthias



After some discussion, the noblemen and barbarian agree to head to the wharf-side taverns to see about scrounging up a suitable captain and crew...

All manners of men and women are attracted to these kinds of places. Few nobles came here, and thus Arthanos and Matthias draw suspicious looks as they enter, though any hostile gaze is quickly averted once Artaxes enters the room.

After several such places, and making several inquiries, the men find a promising ship's captain who was unemployed. He was a gruff, older man, with a grizzled white beard who told them that he was from Heraklia by birth. Scars from past battles were across his face, and he was well tanned from his travels on the sea. He is also a man of few words. "A'yup. I could." he says in a gravely voice when inquired if he could captain the ship. "What's the pay?" he then inquires.

---

Itylus



Itylus takes a different path then the other men, and what he sought was different from them. It takes him some time, but finally he does find a suitable tavern filled with a number of interesting individuals.

There was a traveler from Heraklia, a minor noblewoman with fiery red hair who flashed looks of interest towards him as soon as he entered. There was also a centaur - a huge, barrel-chested individual who was busy downing as many alcoholic beverages as possible. There was also a lyricist from Argos, draped in fine blue silk who sang from his table on occasion. He had many hanger-ons, mostly young women who seemed to adore him. Finally, there was a gambler from Argos who was on a winning streak. In his hands he flashed a golden coin from finger to finger and laughed as he won his bets and smiled knowingly as he lost a few others.

The question for Itylus would be who he would choose to approach to speak with.
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 04:05, Sat 18 Jan 2014.

In reply to Aleta (msg # 18):

Eurenomes looked greatly cheered by this speech and raised his glass in a toast to the entertainer.  "To friends, then." He smiled.

"Your right of course we should keep our eyes open when we get to Argos, and aboard ship I think.  In fact maybe we should see how the others are doing?" The priest was still a little pale but he seemed much recovered by his talk with Aleta (and the wine.)

She takes his hand "Don't worry, I will be there for you and our god. Lets go and see some of the town with the others. " she drinks down her wine. Then she stands up and helps him up. "So, what do you think will help? We could see what the town has to offer before we head out."

Eurenomes smiled.  "Good thinking.  It seems like the others are going to find a men for our ship, so let's strike out on our own.  I'll wager there is at least one Argosian ship in port and with your looks and my silver tongue and both of our quick wits we should be able to get some gossip from the crew about what has been happening in my home city while I've been away."

"So, lets go down to the docks and check out the bars. We can mingle with the sailors and see what gossip they have. I figure we can find out what has been happening there. I wonder how far it is to sail back there? I really don't know anything about sailing" she takes his arm and walks along with him.

Aleta and Eurenomes

Departing the inn somewhat later then the rest of their companions, Aleta and Eurenomes make their way towards the docks to find a bar where they can mingle amongst some of the sailors in port in Thena. It was there that they found the mixing of people from all over Mythika. While plenty of Thenaians were down here, there were also those from Argos, Heraklia and from any manner of place in-between the great cities.

Into one of the bars they entered, they overheard this snippet of conversation almost immediately from a sailor - originally from Argos by the look of him - who was talking very excitedly and with great animation to another sailor. "... the poor sod. Guess he was an outcast, I suppose. Tells the captain about a great treasure at the bottom of the ocean. A mermaid or some sort took pity and rescued him from drowning... but get this... he tells the captain that the people living underseas plan to invade. Can you believe it?" This is followed by laughter by both men. "So he says he is going to run off and warn everybody he can. The fool."

The conversation changes topic as they start talking about weather patterns and past voyages.

Looking around the bar, Aleta and Eurenomes spot a few other interesting looking individuals.

There is a a Pankratiast - a master of puglism and wrestling - who is arm-wrestling any who dare challenge him for coin. By look of the pile of silver next to him, he is handily winning his matches thus far. At the end of the bar is a lonely looking Amazonian woman drinking by herself. While she looks somewhat similar to Zuri, this warrior seems to lack Zuri's fierceness and instead looks disheartened as she drowns her sorrows. Finally, there is a master thief (at least he would be by Aleta's estimation) relaxing near the back of the bar. He has a finely trimmed grey beard and an eyepatch over his left eye. He watches the proceedings of what happens in the bar with great interest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:56, Thu 23 Jan 2014.

Aleta leans close to Eurenomes "This is truly an interesting place. I wonder who we should speak with first. I could go talk to the man in the corner if you want to talk to the amazon. She looks like she needs some consoling." She grins as the sailors story ends. "That is of course if we have enough time before the invasion of the sea people."

Eurenomes grinned back and added: "Sailors aren't famous for their understatement.  I'll talk to the amazon then, you talk to your kindred spirit over there."

Strolling over to the Amazon Eurenomes gave the warrioress a friendly smile. "You are a long way from home mighty warrioress and you look like you have a tale that is weighing heavily on you.  Care to tell a man of the gods?  Perhaps I can help - or at least offer a friendly ear."

As he spoke the priest lay his Caduceus staff on the bar beside her to show he was indeed a follower of silver tongued Hermes rather than simply a wine guzzler looking to chat up one of the famous vigaros of Themyscira.