Less than a week later the Rosy Fingered Dawn finds itself and her crew docked at the harbor in the Hellene city of Argos. Ason himself sees to the sale of the galley and makes sure the matron and her daughters make it back home to their family with the proceeds from the sale safely taken care of.

Argos itself is a thriving city state port. While much smaller than Atlantis and Tartessos it is one of the largest ports in the Eastern Mediterranean. Alembos and Vranu go tot he central market in search of alchemical supplies.

Brude is happy at sea but he comes from a people not known for their nautical exploits so land is fine with him as well. Sailing is thirsty work and Brude is definitely a thirsty Pict and Argos must have wine somewhere.

Brude stands on the dock and stretches, glad to have solid ground under his feet for the first time in a while. "I love piloting the ship but sometimes just to be back on solid ground gives me a good feeling. So who among you are brave enough to go in search for a tavern here in the city with me?"

Thamyron walks out onto the dock with Brude, looking out over the city. He grins upon hearing Brude's remarks, and says, "Well, what else is there to do in a new city? Let's see what we can find."

Sabetha joins them on the dock and looks up to the sky, her normally black curls are a vivid auburn today and she grins.

"Care if I join you," she asks Brude and Thamyron.

"I will see if I can find a temple to Olukun here. Or at least a shrine to whatever local god is closest to the Orixa," Nkruma says, adjusting his clothing. "Aias, these are your homelands, are they not? Are free men allowed to carry weapons? And what of the gods?" Nkruma ponders a moment; not wanting to give offense, he chooses his words carefully. "Do your people have their own gods or are the Orixa worshiped here?"

Aias shrugs his shoulders, clearly more interested in the idea of some nice wine and a meal rather than a discussion of theology. "The Orixa are not truly worshiped here but there are local equivalents. For Olukun I would look for a temple devoted to the Husband of the Waters." He says as he joins the others on the dock in search of cultural comforts.

"I suppose that shall accompany you folks ashore and continue my search for a temple after a drink or two," Nkruma says as his eyes comb the docks and nearby ships.

Though he leaves his armor and bow aboard, he does take with him his dagger as well as a quantity of coin.

Koryos lays a strong hand on Nkruma's furry shoulder and says..."Believe it or not, I know and understand much of the religious lore of Europa and it's people, a strange subject for a Kurgan warrior to specialize in but one that holds great interest for me."

"It is my theory that most people share the same gods seen through the eyes of their own cultures. My people call Olukun, Akwon Nepot. The Hellenes call him Poseidon or Husband of the Waters. Obatala is also known here in Hellas as Zeus Pater, by my own people as Dyaus Pater or simply Papios."

He then smiles and says..."Yes, freemen are allowed to carry weapons here in the city but there is little need as the city is quite safe. As you are joining us for a drink or two I will go with you to find a temple once we have slaked our thirst."

Nkruma nods silently to Koryos's words. "There is some discussion in places of learning that the gods are all but facets, broken mirror reflections of Olodumare himself." He shrugs. "But I know little of such things. Let us follow and quench our thirst. Then we may be about the business of finding a temple and offering up a sacrifice in gratitude for our safe travels thus far."

"Yes.", said Fernao with to the conversation going on around him. When people began to talk about such matters as Gods it is probably wisest to agree. Not that he would not agree, but such conversations often become complicated and he gets confused.

"The Gods like wine too. It is good."

Thamyron grins at Fernao and says, "I like wine too."

He looks at the rest of the group and starts walking slowly, while he asks, "Shall we go find some? Anyone have any suggestions on where to go?"

The party consisting of Aias, Brude, Conall, Fernao, Koryos,Nkruma, Sabetha, and Thamyron head out into the city with Aias in the lead. He seems to know the city fairly well.

Alembos and Vranu had gone off just as soon as landing was made as had Seer. Ason was still dealing with official business of selling the galley and getting the three women settled.

About a half mile from the docks, Aias stops before an establishment that has a sign in front depicting an amphora of wine tipping into a goblet. The party enters and finds the tavern all but empty. Clean and well furnished out but clearly this was a slow time for the tavern.

An older man motions towards a large table in the middle of the room and says..."What can I do for you? You look thristy!"

"Aye, thirsty we are. We have had a long voyage by sea and more travel awaits us," Nkruma says as he holds the door for the others. "And perhaps after some wine or whatever local libations you have, you can give us some information as well, good sir."

Fernao speaks with a smile and a flourish just as Nkruma finishes, "Hellloooooo!

"Yes, please delicious wine with which we may celebrate our coming to your town and place! Some delicious fruits would be good too. And some meats. Have you cheese? Cheeses would be goooood as well.

"And bread, please. Yeessss!"

As he speaks the Tauran, who is big for a Tauran clearly becomes more and more excited by the prospect of enjoying the tavern's offerings.

Brude reaches up and grabs Fernao by a flowered horn and gives his head a playful shake, "Fernao, your good spirits lift us all!"

He turns to the tavernkeep, "My friends speak true, we are thirsty and hungry!"

The tavern keep barks out some orders and within a few minutes two serving girls begin bringing trays of food and pitchers of wine to the table. Fresh figs and grape leaves stuffed with goat cheese as well as some roasted meat left over from last night sit on trays as well as loaves of flat unleavened bread...a good makeshift feast for folks who have been stuck with sea rations for some time.

The wine is good and strong, unwatered...perhaps seeing the man from Scythia inspired the tavern keep to serve the wine unwatered in the non Hellenic fashion of the steppe people.

Aias digs into the food with gusto. He hated dried and salted food more than anything and he missed the foods of his homeland these last few years of traveling. He was a bit concerned over who was going to pay for all of this but he would cross that bridge when he came to it, for now he was happy to eat and drink.

Sabetha also tucks in, but in a far more lady-like fashion.  Instead of eating with gusto, she eats as if every bite is to be savored, and she does just that.  The expressions on her face show how much she's enjoying each bite.

Fernao smiles at Brude's words as he settles in for food and libation. Being as big and enthusiastic as he about food and drink is the manner that he approaches his food and drink might be surprising. Indeed, he does not tear into stuff with gusto, but literally "settles" and seems to revel in the foods he finds delicious, which appears to be whatever he places into his large mouth. The wine he drinks in copious amounts, but even this is not done sloppily. Rather it is clear that he is tasting the stuff and if it is not up to his standards he is not shy about saying so. Whether or not his standards are particularly high, well, that is another conversation.

On the whole, the Minotaur relishes the food and wine offered and as he 'grazes' he makes noises indicating the pleasure he takes and sometimes those sounds are comments and conversation, but other times simply rumbles and sighs of satisfaction.

Koryos reaches into a pouch on his belt and pulls out a few small emeralds and sets them on the table in front of the tavern keeper and says..."Keep the food and drink coming!"

The tavern keeper greedily snatches up the gems and smiles broadly. He looks at Nkruma and asks..."What sort of information are you seeking my friend?"

Nkruma hastily swallows the bit of wine in his mouth and rubs at his muzzle with the back of a paw. "Merely the location of the nearest temple dedicated to the Lord of the Sea, Master of the Deep Waters. After a successful voyage, it is right and just to pay him honors and I would do so ere we set forth again."

He looks at the cup in his hands. "This is a fairly strong vintage."

He tavern keeper smiles once again and replies..."Yes strong! Have you ever seen a Scythian's reaction to being served watered wine in the Hellene fashion? It is not pretty and that Kurgan you have with you is a large one. Best to keep him happy...besides many of the city guards are his countrymen and they frequent this establishment, we are used to serving a stronger wine here because of that."

The nearest temple of Poseidon is just a few minutes walk from here. When you leave the building head west for just a few minutes and you will see the temple, you can't miss it."

Brude throws a fig in his mouth and washes it down with the dregs from his goblet,
"Strong wine, weak wine, sour wind, sweet wine, I like it all as long as someone else is paying!" he says slamming his empty cup down to be refilled.

Conall pauses stuffing his mouth to nod and raise his cup to the Pict, "Brude, you talk good sense.  I like you more every day!"

Nkruma nods and drains the rest of his mug. He shakes his head to clear the wine fumes and turns to Koryos. "Well, stout warrior, shall we head west and find this temple?" After he gets an answer he will nod to the others. "We shall find you again shortly, I believe. Perhaps back aboard ship."

Thamyron downs another goblet of wine, banging it down on the table. He looks up at Nkruma, and says, "You good finding the temple? As much as I may dislike it, I can tear myself away from this fine wine."
He ends with a crooked grin on his face.

Koryos stands and says..."Aias gave us good enough directions...so it is the three of us? Do any of you others wish to visit the temple of Olukun? We have a bit more sea under us. Making good with the God of the waves cannot be a bad thing."

Just as Koryos finishes talking, the tavern keeper shows up with another tray of pickled eggs and some strong drink that smells of licorice.

Fernao begins to speak, but spies the incoming tray of picked eggs and pauses until the innkeeper has placed them on the table. He is interested in the flavored drink, but it is the eggs that hold his attention. Taking several of them at once he deposits them in his mouth and settles back into his seat comfortably, "Yes, Koryos, I too would join you. We must give the gods their due and I think that they think their due is a lot, so we should visit them often and say our prayers."

Thamyron takes a sniff of the new drink, and pours himself a measure. He then shakes his head, adding, "Yes, we should make an offering at the temple. It seems most likely we have only begun to see the trouble we will run into on this journey."

Brude partakes of both the pickled eggs and the exotic drink then stands saying,

I'll not be the odd man out when it comes to reminding the gods of our need for them!"

Nkruma will thank the tavern-master for the information and for the food, leaving a few of the coins seized from the pirates as payment. Rising, he will move towards the door.

"I aim to give thanks to Olukun in whatever of his guises he may wear in these lands," he will nod at Koryos. "I am ready to do so now. If any wish to join us, feel free. If you want to come along after filling your bellies with the bounty earned after a long voyage, I will not begrudge you your feast."

Aias stands and shakes his head, turning towards the door and beginning to walk he says, "I will meet you all back at the ship. I have some business to see to while here in the city."

Koryos stands with his hands on his hips watching Aias head for the door..."Just make sure you are back at the ship before we leave!"

He looks down at Sabetha and says..."Though this place seems as safe as any, perhaps you best come along with us to the temple? This is a strange city and I would hate for you to get turned around trying to find your way back to the ship."

The group makes their way to the temple of the Sea God. Aias's direction were easy enough to follow and with in a few minutes the group finds itself before a large stone building decorated with dolphins, mermaids, horses and nymphs brightly painted in relief carvings.

Upon entering they see Ason is already there slitting the throat of a young goat in front of a giant statue of Olukun or as the Hellenes call him, Poseidon. Priests of the god look on in delight as the captain sacrifices to their patron.

Sabetha follows, quietly taking everything in around her.  She watches as Ason sacrifices, a smile creeping onto her lips.

Nkruma looks around to see if there are any other priests around, or acolytes. Anyone from whom he too may purchase a sacrificial animal. While his eyes roam, he lifts the small piece of obsidian he wears around his neck to his forehead before pressing it to his lips.

"Lift praises," he howls as he strides across the stones. "Lift praises to the Bountiful Void, the Lord of the Sea, He Who Waits to Take All Back." His voice is not particularly tuneful, but there is an earnest longing in his words.

"Highest of praises," she murmurs in reply to Nkruma, not entirely aware of what she should say.

Fernoa having enjoyed the wine and other interesting offerings of this place follows the party to the temple. Once there he says little and continues following the actions of the party, particularly Nkruma. Well, he does not howl or speak, but speaks a sort of lowing, rumbling, "Praise!"

Nkruma finds the temple to be full of both priests and acolytes. With just a few words spoken he is able to find a nice choice of sacrificial animals from chickens to goats.

Ason turns and smiles recognizing the voices and accents of his crew when they speak..."It is good to see that most of the extra xrew hired on is wise enough to visit the temple and give offering to the Earthshaker!"

"Our business here in Argos is completed. We leave with the first light of the morning. Make merry this night because it will be a long time before you see such comforts again."

When they are shown the animals Fernao springs forward and point to the largest goat, "Fernao will buy this one for to be sacrificed!

Brude is almost always the odd man out when it comes to religion. He has never been one to rely on or even trust the whims of the gods, instead he tames all credit and blame for the events of his life. He stands towards the back and lets the others make their offerings.

Nkruma's eye is more discerning than the large Tauran's. While the Bull-man chooses the largest of the goats, Nkruma instead takes his time, looking over the stock that remains. Finally, he chooses one that he thinks is pleasing.

However, his small stock of Atlantean and Ophiran coins are paltry to the local priests. So, Nkruma gives to them part of his share of the pirate loot. Goat purchased, he turns it over to the local priests for sacrificing to the god of the sea.

---

Cost of goat = +3, Atlantis, p234
Nkruma rolled 7 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 6. Wealth Roll.
Modified by Treasure +1. Final roll = 12
1 Treasure spent.

Just to give an idea of the way Treasure works like "Hero Points" to modify rolls.

The head priest will do the sacrifices once the animals are purchased, of course you are all welcome to do the sacrifices yourselves.

Thamyron proves to not be equal to bargaining with the priests, and also has to dip into his share of the pirate loot to purchase the goat he selects. He leaves the animal to the priests to sacrifice.

Rolled 6 using +5 (think I got the modifier right). spent 1 treasure point to get to 11.

Conall does not leave the tavern, but bids his companions well, keeping their seats warm while they are away.

Fernao lets the priest sacrifice his goat and once the ceremony is complete he feels refreshed and ready to go.

Watching the goats being sliced and bled she looks at Nkruma.  She leans over to him, whispering.

Fast forward a bit...

After a night of land bound revelry the party finds a good inn and spends the last night of comfort for a while.

In the morning they break their fast and return to the ship. Aias and Seer are no where to be found. Ason asks about with the various crew members and near by dock workers but the last time they were seen was either at the tavern or here on the ship.

After a lengthy argument, Alembos wins his battle of insisting that the Rosy Fingered Dawn sails on without the missing crew members. His claim that they were over crewed does not sit well with Ason but he cannot argue his case further with his employer knowing that others ships for hire can be found here in Argo is he pushes too much.

WIth a dew orders barked by the captain the sailing ship makes it's way out of the harbor and back into the open sea.

Brude shrugs his shoulders when he sees the argument.

"So, Alembos has no fear that Aias and or Seer will spread the word of his journey? Surely others would like to gain this treasure he seeks?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:25, Tue 06 May 2014.

Nkruma shrugs as well as he hauls on one of the ship's lines. "Well, by the time either of those are able to tell anyone of our plans, we'll be far afield, I'd wager." He turns an eye to the retreating shore behind them. "And in any case, Aias got a ride home and paid for part of the journey. Would that we are all so fortunate."

Fernao was able to purchase additional flowers and materials before they departed, so he was busily weaving his beflowered jewelry when the argument occurred. Having missed the excitement he helped get the ship underway and then goes back to his weaving. The next morning at breakfast he looks up and asks, "Aias and Seer? They are not hungry?"

Koryos shakes his head at Fernao..."Aias and Seer are surely hungry but they are no longer part of this venture."

The big Kurgan then turns to Nkruma and replies..."My concern is that those who might be interested will let us do the dangerous job of gaining the treasure and then try to steal it from us. We must keep a close watch on our return trip."

Fernao listens to Koryos, "Oh. It is sad that they left, but that means that there is more food for us, yes?"

He ponders the the warrior's concerns about being robbed on their return and replies with a snort, "Wise, fierce Koryos you have Fernao with you. We shall protect all that we gain on this journey!"

The rosy Fingered Dawn continues to sail east with favorable winds guiding her along. Within a week of sailing across the calm waters of the Euxine sea land made. the delta of a small river running north can be seen on the horizon. There looks to be a small fishing village nearby.

The captain calls the nearly always silent Vranu on deck.

Vranu joins the others on deck and speaks in his heavily accented Atlantean..."This is the river that will lead us tot he VIllage of Stars. I have traveled through here several times. My own home lies to the northwest of here in the mountains but we traded with these villagers many times over the years."

"Just about a mile in we will reach some mountains then soon after the gorge that the old village is located but the river will become too shallow before then and we will have to make our way on foot to the village."

Nkruma eyes the fishing village with a critical stare. "Perhaps we should put in here. How far do you think we can get your vessel, Ason? I would rather you free to venture here upon the waves than waiting for some tide that never comes while stuck inland."

He takes a moment to look around the crew. "And how shall we travel, Alembos? Horses? On foot? Do we hire bearers? A wagon?" He shakes his head, ruffling his thick fur.

Ason replies..."Vranu has been unable to tell me how far the river will be useful so I plan to do just as you say. I will wait here int he village until you return from the ziggurat."

"As for transport...we should be able to buy some horses in the village itself at best and at worst we will learn the location of the nearest Kurgan horse dealer. We may need a chariot for Fernao though as I cannot see any of the native horses holding one his size."

Brude expertly pilots the sailing ship into the port on the river bank. He keeps his hand axe loose in it's frog on his belt just in case the natives are not as friendly as expected.

He turns and looks at his fellow crew members and says,
"Are you ready for adventure?"

"A noble mount would be fine, but Fernao has long legs. Strong legs....", says the Tauran as he is weaving flowers into another necklace.

He looses the train of thought, apparently, as he focuses on an intricate bit of whatever it is he is doing.

When time passes and Brude asks his question Fernao looks up with a spark in his eyes, "Yes!", he roars as he quickly begins to gather his materials into the leather satchel in which he keeps them. "Give this one, but a moment and he shall be ready!"

Thamyron smiles at Brude and says, "That is what we are here for, isn't it?"

After a few minutes of negotiations between Koryos, Vranu and the locals, the party finds itself heading up river on a small barge headed for the Village of Stars. They have been assured that mounts will be available there by the locals.

Ason waves to them as the barge pulls away. The party consists of Alembos and his bodyguard Vranu, Brude, Conall, Fernao, Koryos, Nkruma, Sabetha and Thamyron. A formidible group of warriors, scholars and sorcerers.

As the barge moves along propelled by the two villagers and their poles, the landscape begins to change from pleasant grassland to rilling hills then to rocky mountainous foothills.

Just as the terrain is about to get rougher a village can be seen from a distance lying on the rocky outcroppings to the west of the river itself. It is a good sized village that sprawls up the side of the rocky terrain before the actual mountains start. This is the Village of Stars proper, the old ruins must be further along the river int he mountains from what you have heard.

A man who could be Vranu's own brother stands at the crude dock as if he was expecting your barge.

Nkruma stands in the prow of the boat, nose lifted to the wind, his bow in hand. He eyes the man on the crude dock for a moment before turning his head. Looking over his shoulder towards Alembos and Vranu, he raises one eyebrow in silent question.

The man, evidently the hetman of the village greets those on the barge warmly and in a few minutes vanishes with both Vranu and Alembos. In a matter of minutes the trio return with two men who carrying wooden barrels on their backs. Vranu guides the men load the barrels on the barge.

Alembos speaks to those in his employment..."Our timing was perfect. We arrived correctly for the annual harvest of Imarelle mushrooms. I was thinking we would have to harvest them ourselves but no, I am able to purchase the mushrooms for a respectable sum.

We will return to the ship then back here for purchase of our mounts."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:24, Wed 14 May 2014.

After a quick trip back down river to deposit the cargo on the Rosy Fingered Dawn, the barge brings the party back to the Village of Stars.

The hetman escorts you to the small market in town where last minute supplies can be bought, mounts as well. The horse dealer seems to be the main establishment in the market, decent mounts and wagons can be found here for a decent price, chariots as well. (Not everything can be found at this market but most items can be as long as they are not too exotic.)

Alembos reminds you all that although his funds are not unlimited, he is still outfitting this expedition.

The Asena stands near the edge of the group, alert for anything. His eyes, ears, and nose continually check out everything that passes by.

"My apologies," he says. "I am not a horseman, nor do I have any true skill in riding. I will let one of you handle such purchases."

Koryos smiles at the Asena..."I would be happy to help you choose a mount but I am thinking perhaps a chariot or even a cart or wagon might be better for both you and Fernao? Most saddles are designed for human asses, you two are built differently."

"Aye," Nkruma nods, watching a pair of boys wrestling in the dirt beyond the merchant's paddocks. "Though I don't know how to sail those either."

He turns his head and winks, tongue appearing red against white teeth as he smiles. "Mayhaps a wagon is best. If anyone is injured it will give us an easy way to carry the body. And should we all survive and find some mountain of gold and silver, we'll need someway to return with it."

Brude is quick to find a mid-sized mare to serve as his transportation, but upon hearing the conversation between Koryos and Nkruma says, "My people use chariots and rarely ride on the backs of horses, our horses are smaller and weaker than those of the plains. I will take the reins of the wagon and Fernao and Nkruma can join me."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:01, Wed 14 May 2014.

Thamyron picks out a horse that seems to fit his size. He examines the horse carefully, looking for any sign of infirmity or ill health. He then looks to Koryos and asks, "How does this one look?"

Fernao listens to the conversation about conveyances, "Fernao walks fast, but prefers the glory that a chariot conveys... But in a wagon we can carry more things. I shall let you make these decisions...", he says to nobody specific.

When Brude offers to handle the reigns the Tauran smiles, "Bruuuud is our pilot on land and sea!"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 13:56, Mon 19 May 2014.

Koryos helps the party make choices with the mounts, for the most part they are better than most of the horses any of you have seen before. He also helps with the wagon and finds a suitable chariot and two horse team for Fernao. Soon the party is ready to depart.

Koryos asks Alembos..."Will we travel straight to the siggurat now?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:27, Mon 19 May 2014.

"I am sorely tempted to explore the ruin's in the ravine below. The ancients but their homes in the natural caves in the walls of the ravine. THe network of tunnels and caverns is said to go on for miles and the locals fear them. Who knows what ancient treasures we could find. There is even talk of an immense library hidden deep within the caves...but i think the best course for us is to head towards the ziggurat. We can worry about the ruins on our return."

He looks around and asks..."Are we all ready then?"

Fernao, seated next to Brude with his quiver of Javlins across his lap and a partly done bracelet for flowers in his hands looks up and responds to Alembos, "Yes!"

Koryos the Kurgan stands next to a nice wicker chariot with a two horse team and says to Fernao..."No my friend, I chose a good chariot for you!"

Fernao looks at Koryos confused for a moment, but then puts his flowers away and jumps down, "Ah. I thought Brooood would pilot on the land like he does at sea. This is no problem, because Fernao too knows how to pilot!"

He grabs other gear from the wagon and moves to the chariot. Placing his stuff within and his javelins and shield at the appropriate places he looks over the horses that will be pulling him and gently rubbing their nuzzles, "You will pull Fernao the Flowered and together we will get glory. And I will get wine. You will get apples. This is good, no?"

Affirming the nature of their mutual partnership, Fernao jumps into the chariot, "We are ready to go now!"

"Aye," quips Nkruma. "Let us be off to this great tower and see what there is to be had. The sooner our task is done, the better."