Except for those making the final push, the companions got onto the boat and did their best to prepare for the slide down to the water.  As the boat came down the ramp, it hit the seas with a crash of water over the bow before righting itself.  The companions who had been pushing made their way aboard with the aid of the line tied to the aft of the ship.

As they struggled to get to their oars and start moving away from the island, the wind and waves buffeted their small craft, as the fury of the wind and waves made even Wick and Telemachus wonder if the promise of safety would be kept.

The darkening sky of sunset was completely covered in storm clouds, obscuring any chance for seeing stars or moons.  Nonetheless, those looking back to the island could see a faint glow illuminating the island, a light which did not seem altogeher natural.

From the gathering storm clouds, funnels began to extend, rapidly spinning tornadoes--perhaps even as many as a dozen--descended from the heavy mantle of the clouds cloaking the sky and began tearing along the island and stripping great tracts of its ground into the air.

Hurricane-force winds were scouring the island, and the ruins of the town beyond the stables, the stable, the manor itself, and the barracks began to disintegrate, being thrown plank by plank into the swirling air.

The orc and goblin boats visible on different beaches were now being driven up onto those beaches, tearing apart by the winds and battering seas as the crews of these boats were running, scattering, being tossed like leaves against the cliffside or swept into the sea by waves, the heads not bobbing back above the surface.

Struggling to continue, they made progress away from the island, and now at a distance of perhaps a quarter-mile from that doomed shore, the rocking and pitching of the boat began to subside, no longer threatening to toss them overboard.

Yet, in the distance, the island they had left seemed to have had conditions worsen even more than they before.  The entire area of the island that could be seen was now covered by some gray-brown whirlwind of rocks, scrub brush, sand, and sea which seemed to be scouring the island like a great brush.

Then, as they reached a mile from the doomed shore, the seas around the boat stilled, the clouds cleared allowing the stars and moons to be seen overhead.

Having gotten soaked as one of the last to board the ship, Dak stopped rowing to wipe the hair from his eyes and look back on the destruction of the isle.  If not for the old man, they too would have died in the Goddess' wrath.

Shipping his oar, Dak got up to check on the half elf to see how he'd fared in their escape.

After pushing the ship offshore, Storm aids his comrades up the ship first before heaving himself onboard the ship. He is glad that his waterproof sail cloth kept him relatively dry when he boards the ship.

As he sat in the boat watching the destruction wrought by the blue lady, he reflects on how things have changed for him and his peers. How he has changed from a mere peasant to a novice warrior of truth and justice.

Clasping his new mace, he wonders if the new weapon will keep him from harm and allow him to root evil.

Then gaining a sense of reality, he says,"let's check what the goddess has gifted us!"'

Stormmsearches the hold.

Klei was in the hold, still bound and either unconscious or feigning sleep.  He seemed to be breathing steadily enough and still had a heartbeat.

The other treasures stowed away in hold by Panatix revealed that there was a set of chain mail (sized for one who was perhaps 5'6 or 5'7"), a long sword and a dagger which seemed to have been made to match in the design on the hilt, a dozen golden goblets, a dozen silver plates, and a full dozen sets of knives and forks, all of silver.  In addition, the three chests opened to reveal piles of asil in each.  However, despite the presence of a stove, no food had been found aboard.

Only one set of armour and weapons?" Storm says. "Perhaps our mages can detect presence of magic? I suppose we have to sell these items to get gold to equip us," Storm says, optimism filling his breasts as he thinks of the journey ahead with his friends.

"First we have to survive long enough to sell anything," Dak pointed out to the big man.  They were still far from any other islands and the fisherman hoped someone could figure out where they were and chart a course.  He was more than happy to row if someone pointed him the right direction.

"Does anyone see any fishing gear?" he asked.  "Nets, hooks, and line?"

"Younare right my friend, I can hunt but not fish,"'storm says

 ooc: I am only 6feet tall

Panatix watched, wide eyed, as the island was scoured from one end to the other. After a moment more, he swallowed hard as he realized just how close they came to their own demise.

At the mention of an inventory of the gifts, Panatix turned to pulling stuff back out into the open since he was sitting on the hatch. His eyes go wide as the chests are opened and he realized just how much there really was. Incredulous at Storms comment about gold, he piped up, "Gold is not that common, Storm Giant. My family is fairly wealthy and I have seen 100 gold coins together, in one place, only twice in my 60 summers. Even without selling the other objects, there are enough silver coins in those chests to give each of us a start, however we choose."

He looked around at the others, "But this brings up a problem. If we show up in a port with all this new found wealth, looking the way we do and dressed the way we are, we are likely to be arrested on suspicion of criminal behavior, or worse, as escaped slaves. I have not seen that happen but I have heard stories from my father and grandfather. We have none of us been branded as slaves yet, have we?"

He looked around the group to see if anybody made an affirmative answer. "Perhaps a little judicious consideration before we sail into a port with full purses is necessary."

"We flash too much wealth we'd also have to fight to keep it. A judicious use to equip ourselves will be sufficient I think."

Odelia was rather hopeful, considering what they had all went through in the recent days. "We are free, and that's what matters most. I'm sure we'll figure something out. Hiding the treasure and only taking with us what we need to spend seems smart, but our first priority should be to reach shore. Any shore would do for me, really, I don't have a place to return to... I'll go search for that fishing gear."


Doing as she said, Odelia tries to find any sort of fishing gear or something that may be improvised as such.

While Dak and Odelia searched for fishing gear, there were no nets or hooks to be found.  The only lines were the heavy ones salvaged from the ship.

"Is there fresh water? We can live weeks without food, only days without water." He was glad they had SOME water, but would it be enough?

Storm rigs his canvas cloth to form a simple contraption to collect condensation and to serve as a sort of shade for his pals. He agrees that they should bring the gold in slowly. He reminds them that they should not crash the economy

Angus helps rig the sail to catch rain water and condensation.

After the question about water, Odelia inspects the sky for signs of coming rain.

As nature destroyed the island Telemachus gave a small prayer of thanks.  He may not worship the elvish goddess but the natural world she could influence was important.  He then nodded at the commentary, "It will really only be a problem if we run into more slavers or go flashing coin.  Anything less and we should be fine."

He looked up at the stars now that they finally were out and clear to look at his hand moved of its own accord as he began half ticking off stars he recognized.  His head nodded a few times before he smiled, "That way is north.  While I don't know where we are I can chart a straight course from here in any direction that we can use to gauge for the travel."

"As you are much more practiced at navigating, be my guest, I haven't done it in years. So, should we head north then master navigator, or a few points in another direction?"

"To save us some initial effort lets try and catch the prevailing wind in the sail and head in that direction.  We can tack as needed and if absolutely necessary row." he replied as he looked more closely at the boat and how she could be handled.  He knew how to navigate and issue commands but spent next to no time actually doing the grunt-work of the seaman as it was found out very early he wasn't coordinated enough to do it with any skill.

"Come morning I should be able to make some seawater drinkable but we'll have to figure out some way to get food if we don't find a port within the next day or two at most."

"Well Storm, captain says drinking water be damned, set the sail to catch the wind for now." Angus goes to set the sail, having some experience as a navigator and sailor from his youth. He hauled on the line to raise the sail and then tied it off once it was set. "Take the rudder Telemachus, you're navigator and captain."

As the skies were clear, it seemed unlikely that there would be more rain than that which had been in the storm consuming the island which they had escaped.

When the sail was wrangled into its place, the sail remained fairly slack.  Telemachus' best guess was that their path needed to be to the southeast, if there were to be any chance of seeing those who had been left behind when they were kidnapped.

Finally, though, the exhaustion from the exertions of the day, the effects of too little food, and the overwhelming impact of all they had undergone overcame the survivors, who drifted to the sleep of the exhausted as the boat gently followed the path of a current.

As dawn came, they could see that they were nearing another island, larger than the ones most of them knew, but as they neared, they could see boats arrayed in the manner common to fishing.

((See new game map--arrow indicates path of travel.))

Angus stood and put his hand up to shield from the sun trying to see into the distance. "Ahoy all, we're approaching land and more boats, can anyone make out details?"

"Let's hide the treasures and I suggest we sail the boat to a secluded spot far away from the prying boats and then slowly send a couple of us to town to buy supplies before we are fully equipped,"'Storm says.

"By the way, any of you mages can see if the items are magical?"

Angus casts Detect Magic on the items in the bottom of the boat to see if anything was other than what it appeared. He knew the armor and sword were magic but just assumed the mace and the chain were, he concentrates on everything to see if it has an aura.

"The sword and dagger are not magical, they are just high quality, the scale mail, and the chain mail and mace are magical."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:01, Wed 19 June 2019.

"Do any of those maps or papers we found on the slave ship tell us what port this might be?" Dak asked.

He picked up the chaimmail suit to see if it might fit him. If there were trouble in port, it might be a good idea to look competent.  Not like a bunch of street people wearing their grandparents' hand-me downs.

Storm begins to think over what he had said. As a novice Paladin, he still has some inate trait of a cowardly sheppard. He suddenly stands up and whispers,"No we dont have to hide. We have done nothing wrong. We look like a bunch of lost travellers. Lets sail into the pot and be careful. Everyone equip ourselves with whatever we can get first."

Telemachus looked at the charts and maps while looking at the topography and after a few minutes of flipping from chart to chart he looked up, "I think this is Isle Moerae...we're a whole lot further south than I thought.  That bad storm must have really took us off course or the Goddess moved us while we slept."

He nodded towards the bay rather than pointed...never know how many people might be watching and a pointed finger was always more notable than a nod...and continued, "If so that is Monteci.  A small fishing town with flax fields to the south and west and light mires to the east that you wouldn't want to get stuck in.  If we skirted the coast to the west and sailed around and down the south we should get to a decent port by the name of Shipton.  This place though, since it trades in flax, also means it trades in cloth.  Where there is cloth there is seamstresses and tailors meaning we might be able to find some clothes at least here and likely fish that we can get for food and if anyone knows how to fish by rod or net likely someone willing to sell their kit."

Looking over towards the hold he added, "Let's find out how much Asil is in one of those chests so we can at least have an idea of what we might be looking at if the same is in the other two and it'll let us take some to see about purchasing small things here.  As far as our story...we were kidnapped, stranded on an isle from a storm and eventually found a boat left there on the island...it's owner dead from sickness and the crew nowhere to be seen.  All truth.  Then I can also talk to a few people and see if I can verify where we are and some of the latest news."

Angus nodded to Telemachus, "The truth is best, what about Klei calling us thieves and murderers? We need to drop him off near here to give us time to get away."

Telemachus mentioned looking at one of the chests so Panatix scrambled down into the hold and wrestled one of the chests to the base of the steps. He called up to the deck, "I cannot lift this chest up by myself. If someone wants to take it up into the light, then we can count the Asil and see where we stand."

After that, he went over to the bound figure of Klei to check on him. He wanted to see if the old half-elf was conscious or, if not, if he was still alive.

"As he's full of lies, deceit and hate, better if he were dead." Angus mutters to himself.

Odelia helps Panatix with the chest, and joins him in counting the currency they hold, to distribute it evenly. "I believe me and Storm got some items ahead of time". She waves the dagger she kept as a way to show it. "We should have somewhat in the town appraise our items, so we may be as fair as possible when distributing the treasure. Opinions?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:33, Wed 19 June 2019.

"I have a staff, I can't use a sword or mace. They mean nothing to me. Keep them if you can use them. The armor too, who can wear it? Can it be fitted?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:14, Thu 20 June 2019.

"I was thinking of finding the... hmmm... "less nice" part of town. I think it would be better if we valued the goods from someone used to dealing with items outside the market"

"I suggest we do not value the goods first. Use the asils, equip ourselves, memorise spells and rest before we go as a group to value the goods. In this way, we can better protect ourselves since we are armed and well, protected," Storm says.

"Hmmm, that might not be a bad idea. Should we cut Klei loose here in town? Or just unbind him and let him off somewhere down the coast later? What do you think Storm? Odelia? Dak? The rest of you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:21, Wed 19 June 2019.

"Honestly, I couldn't care less of what we do with the old man. Perhaps getting him out of the island at all was a mistake. And it would be hard to spend our money fairly without first determining what the goods are worth, but I don't oppose the idea if you are all in favor."

"A few would not allow it sadly, I'd have left him if allowed. A fair and equitable split is needed to a degree I guess I'm not sure."

"Who here is ready to make their way north and home? I like my new power and would explore it more for a bit but will be returning home from Shipton."
This message was last edited by the player at 14:15, Wed 19 June 2019.

"We divide the asils first. Then divide the rest after we sell them." Storm says.

"If Klei has been unconscious during our escape, he doesn't know we have the boat and the treasure," Dak pointed out as he struggled to get into the chainmail armor.  It certainly looked like it would fit him.  He'd see how the sword looked once he had things figured out.

"If we can drop him off somewhere, perhaps a church or something, we can say we found him on the beach.  He may never realize we also escaped and think the Goddess spared him.

"We can pick up better clothes here that won't stand out, food, water, fishing gear, and then head to Shipton to make a better impression.

"I wouldn't flash any of our newfound gear around here as if we'd just found it, dressed as we are.  There will be questions."

They'd of course need to unbind Klei and he'd need to remain unconscious the entire time, but it did seem the safest way to repay the old man.

Telemachus looked up from what he was calculating, "I've been to a lot of ports but people that appraise, buy and sell things that are magical?  I've been to more than a few ports and the most I ever caught wind of was a man that traded but it was never in Lor.  Only a finders fee and the exchange of one desired rumored thing of magic for another…"

Looking up to the village he added, "But I don't know the people you might Odelia.  I'm thinking if they do exist they will be in Shipton."

"We put some asil in a bag, bring it over to buy some gear. A few guard the boat, a few buy gear. Dress up and then return in force to the town." Storm says.

Wick gives a nod.  "Makes sense, I'd say no more than three or four go into town, maybe a dozen or so asil each, enough to buy some cloths and food.  The rest of us stay and guard what we've got."

After checking on Klei, Panatix came back to the chest and spread a square of spare sailcloth on the deck to keep the coins from rolling away. When he started counting the coins from the chest, he began by making small piles of 100 coins each. It didn't take long, however, before he realized that he was going to run out of room on the cloth and began putting some of the piles together to make more room. Glancing up, he looked at each face, in turn.

When it was all said and done, there were eight decent sized piles of coins and Panatix looked up. He stretched his back from bending over the coins and smiled, "This is just one of three chests, mind you. But each pile is 750 asil. One pile for each of us. For a total of 6000 asil in the one chest."

Panatix looked around to gauge reactions before continuing. "That should be plenty to purchase sturdy, comfortable travel clothing and any weapons or other items we may need. I suggest we take only what we need for now and divide the remainder when we have more time. But, I will do as you wish if you want me to count out the rest of the coins from the other chests."

"Also, I have this flask that Odelia entrusted me to carry from the manor house." As he spoke, he removed the flask from his satchel, unwrapped it from some cloth and handed it over to Odelia.

As those in the boat turned their attention to counting up some of their coin and trying to decide in what manner to approach this town, they drew near enough that some of crew of the more outward boats paused their labors long enough to wave in greeting.

From this distance, the crews could be seen to be almost all humans, and small bits of their cheerful work songs could now be heard on the survivors' boat.

Storm will take about half his alloted asils with him when he goes to town. His immediate concern is to purchase a set of platemail and a shield.

Seeing the other boats greet his boat, Storm returns the greetings in his near perfect language.

OOC: I believe our navigators know the port and I do not need to ask for directions?

OOOC: does angus detect any magic on the items?

Telemachus nodded his head and took out the logbook, ”I’ll note it in the log so it’s ‘official’...write a simple charter that just covers the division of shares and thus property of the crew of...” he paused for a moment since he hadn’t seen a name and thus let his memory pull a name out for him, “the Ananke.  Yes, I think that will work for her name quite well.  Once it’s written up we each can sign it and it’ll cover for very loose legality issues. In the off case some lawman comes asking.”

"I can stay and guard the boat while the first group goes in to trade," Dak volunteered, scratching what passed for his mark into the logbook.  He had yet to realize how much his share was worth compared to what his family would make in a few years.

"If no one else wants to find a place to drop off Klei, I'll take care of it when it's my turn, just someone don't take too long before he wakes up."

He tried to see if the sword had a belt or something to wear it properly.  He wanted to look as intimidating as possible to would-be troublemakers as he guarded the boat.

"Actually, I think I can fit into that set of armor. It may require some adjustments. I'll take it to town, see if I can get it to fit."

Panatix stretches again and starts going over in his head the things he needs and some that he wants to purchase. A bath, clean clothes, a meal and drink figure prominently on that list.

Looking from Telemachus to Dak, "This looks to be a pretty safe little town but there should probably be two of us on the boat at a time. I will stay with you and go in when some of the others get back. Besides, that will give me some time to study my spellbook."

"I would go home, and see my family," said Koga.  "But I will take a share of this coin for passage.  Perhaps, someday, our paths may cross again."

He bent down to take his stack from the first chest.  "This is more than enough for me, you needn't count it all out, Panatix."

The ship of the survivors made its way into the bay toward the town of Monteci.  As they approached, individual piers could be seen jutting out along the shoreline.  A man, dressed in studded leather with a stout club hanging from his belt, beckoned the approaching boat toward a pier near the area where several permanent stalls could be seen built around an open area.  On the other side of this space, inland, could be seen what appeared to be an inn with a painted sign showing an orange tabby cat with its head wholly inside a blue pot with custard dripping from the overturned pot.

Telemachus nodded his head towards Koga and Angus who had gotten quiet but looked like he had the same thing written on his face.  They had decided to leave and go back to their lives it seemed.  He raised his hand to signal to the dockmaster that he saw his guide in, "Take the chest down below, we can dole out coin shortly, and when you're done help me get Ananke in to port."



---
ooc: 22:22, Today: Telemachus rolled 7 using 1d20.  Guiding the Ananke in to port.

Dak shipped his oar at Telemachus' command and admired how well they came in to dock.  He'd been afraid their inexperience would sink the boat outright as they rammed the pier.  The young bald man knew how to handle a ship.

Grabbing a rope, Dak secured the ship to the pier and looked to the harbormaster for further announcement.

Storm does his part to help row the boat and when the boat docks, he immediately stands up and assist his peers in securing the boat to shore. Stepping out of the boat, he gives thanks for their survival and looks around at the beautiful scene in the Barbour. He wonders if there is a smithy somewhere nearby to equip his party.

Inhaling the fresh sea air, he exclaims," good to be on solid ground again."

whispering  to his companions, he offers to head to shore to buy some purchases. He will ask for company and take the enchanted mace along.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:58, Fri 21 June 2019.

"I'll come with. As I mentioned, I'd like to have the armor modified to fit me best."

Odelia grabs the full set to carry with her, and some coin to pay for the modifications.

OOC: I'm not quite sure how many adils would cost such a job, so for the sake of saving time Odelia grabs a bit more than what she think may cost
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Fri 21 June 2019.

Being one of the professional sailors on board the little ship, Wick found himself pretty busy.  He was glad when they got for enough from the island for things to settle down.  Not that he worried about it himself, but some of the others might not be used to rough seas and he didn't want to get thrown up on.  Still, there was a big difference being free on a ship and on deck then being chained down in the hold.

It went against his grain to let others handle the coinage instead of him taking charge himself, but he kept that thought to himself.

He seconds the idea of not leaving the ship unguarded.  His mouth started watering from the moment he saw the tavern.  It's been a powerful long time since the last time he'd had a good meal and a tankard of ale to wash it down with.

Telemachus saw Wick and knew the look and gave him a knowing nod, "Go below and take your share or part of it, feed your body and soul.  I've got Panatix, Koga and Angus staying with me on the ship so you, Dak, Odelia and Storm can go ashore.  We'll deal with the Harbormaster."

Of course, for all of the survivors, it had been a considerable time since they had had anything of significant substance to eat, but between Wick and Telemachus' experiences with larger craft and Koga and Dak's experience with fishing boats, the rest were able to follow along and get docked without crashing into the pier.  In fact, they even managed to come in as though they had far more experience than they did in truth--perhaps a bit of beginner's luck.

"Welcome to Monteci," said the man who had waved them in to the pier as the first few came down from the ship.  "Bit early for the fair, that's not till the first.  Want to get some rooms before they're all gone?"

He stood ready, looking to Telemachus, who seemed to exude the authority that he expected for someone who would sign for the boat.

"I'll pick up some new fishing gear while I'm out," Dak announced, taking advantage of his reprieve from first watch.  He descended into the hold to count out 100 asil and check on Klei.  Maybe he'd be able to borrow or rent a wheelbarrow to cart the old man somewhere safe.

First, however, he was hoping the harbormaster would move on before carrying the unconscious man up to the dock.

"I know we're early but I'm wanting to do a once over on the Ananke for seaworthiness before I put out again and figured if it takes too long there is no harm in being here for the fair.  Do you have any good suggestions for lodging and how well stocked is the market before the fair?" replied Telemachus and he did want some more time to look her over and make sure that they could sail from island to island.  Some of the distances were longer than a full day's sailing and this boat was normally used for things no longer than that...and he wanted to see if he could ensure that she could eek out more time at sea.

Storm takes 600 Asils from the hold and asks for directions to the smithy.

Sitting on the deck aft, Panatix was digging in his satchel for his spell book when he hears about the fair coming up and turns toward the harbormaster.

Standing up in order to be noticed, "Excuse me, good sir. How many days until the fair begins?"

Below Decks

When Dak went to check on Klei and retrieve some coin, he noticed that Klei's breathing changed a little at his approach, although the old man's eyes remained closed, and he was still bound.

Koga, meanwhile, was below decks carefully studying the items to try to determine the value of the goods.

---

Above Decks

"Well, it's only the twenty-sixth," replied the harbormaster to Panatix's question, looking a little surprised.

"You must have had some rough journeys," he commented to Telemachus.

---

Blacksmith's Shop

The sound of the blacksmith at work helped draw Odelia and Storm to the smithy.

From the look of things as they approached, he seemed to be busy making a number of nails.

"Hullo," he said, "What can I be doing for you this fine day?"

Storm looks around the smithy and is awed by the quantity of arms and armour. Having little time spent studying armour while he was with his parents, he hoped that the smithy has some good quality items.

"Hello good sir, may I ask if you have a set of plate mail that fits me and a shield?"Storm asks.

"The Goddess saw fit to spare us all, Klei," Dak said, thinking the old man might finally be awake, but feigning sleep.

"The island is no more.  The Sea King and his family are at peace.  Let you be so as well."

When Storm is finished, Odelia chimes in, showing the smithy her set of scale mail. "I was looking to refit this set. Would you be willing to do the job?"

With a nod of his head, Panatix replies, "Thank you, good Sir."

When the harbormaster turns back to Telemachus, Panatix locates a little shade from the mast of the little ship and sits down cross-legged to study his spellbook. It's the first free, peaceful moment he's had since finding the book and he begins by going through it cover to cover to look at each of his spells more in-depth. After a few minutes he begins to study one of the spells more closely.

Blacksmith's Shop

The blacksmith stopped his work on the nails that he had been working on.  He looked back and forth between the two visitors to the shop, a little puzzled by Storm's request by the expression on his face.

He took the scale mail from Odelia and said, "This is very fine work.  Let me get my mother to get some measurements, and I'll be better able to tell you what I can do."

He opened a door and an older woman, perhaps in her sixties, came out.

"The lady here needs some adjustments to the armor," he said.  "Ma, if you'd get her measurements so I know what alterations are needed?"

The older woman then beckoned for Odelia to step into the back room of the shop with her.

"I don't have any call for plate mail," he said to Storm.  "I can make you some chain mail, or with a little more time, I could make you some scale mail like the lady's."

Below Decks
Klei's eyes fluttered and then opened to gaze at Dak with a great deal of anger.  Being still bound and gagged, there was little more that Klei could do in response.  Then he closed his eyes again, as if he were willing Dak to go away.

"Maybe with some coin, that church would be able to care for him," suggested Koga.  "He's gone mad, I think."

Docks
As Panatix settled in to study his book, the harbormaster urged Telemachus to join him in a small building.

A book was sitting on the desk, and the harbormaster wanted Telemachus to log the ship's name, captain's name, how long they intended to stay.

"Can you make plate?"'Storm asks, unsure what the man meant by no call to make platemail. Here fees the heaviest possible armour to wear. He will also ask the man what is the best armour he has.

Telemachus had taken a small handful of asil in case there were any fees associated with docking there either long or short term.  When he reached the small building and nodded to he questions, ”Telemachus is my name and I’m the Ananke’s Captain.  You saw the look on the crew when they realized the fair was just ahead,” he half smiled at the thought himself as he logged the entry, ”so we’ll likely be at port at least till the Faire.  That will give me more than enough time to see if we need any repairs below, do some maintenance and if anything needs being done that can be here wonderful.  Otherwise we’ll have to head to Shipton if it’s something serious.  Hugging the coast shouldn’t be trouble if we need to.”

Looking up to the harbormaster he asked, ”The Church here...do they have any laypeople or priests that are good tending to men that have had their minds troubled or broken?”

Odelia agrees, somewhat reluctantly, and follows the old woman to whoever she takes her for the measuring.

"If it were not meant to be, we would have died when the island sank," Dak said to Klei as an apology he knew would fall on deaf ears.  He sighed and tuned to the elf.

"I'll let you know what I find in the village," he said with a deliberate nod in the bound man's direction.

Dak strapped on the sword and matching dagger before trying to figure out how to carry 100 coins without a bag.  He ended up using his cloak as a makeshift sack.

Kitted out as best he could, he made for village and asked the nearest passerby where the market or cobbler might be.

Angus took the 750 asil that Panatix had counted out, and added that to the make-shift pouch he had made for himself on the doomed island.  Storing this away with the book that he had gained, he shouldered the bag, and staff in hand, debarked from the boat and set out for the town of Shipton.

Dockside

After leaving the Ananke, Dak could see to the right that there was a shop, just where the road started to turn, which bore the sign of a shoe, sitting on a diagonal with the toe up, crossed by a hammer.

As he approached the cobbler's shop, he saw the place next door bore a sign which was of two needles in the form of an “X” above a spindle of thread.

---

The harbormaster considered what Telemachus said, and replied, “It'll be an asil a day, unless you want to just make it a week, and that'd be five asil.”

“Brother Niall of St Magnus up the road,” and here he broadly gestured the direction, “might be able to help with that.  He's certainly able to work wonders.”

---

Blacksmith's Shop

The older woman had taken the scale armor into the next room, and before doing more, she set it on a dummy.

“My son, Iomann, will be able to work on this for you,” she said.  “I am Brigid, my lady, and Iomann learned his trade well from my husband.”  She began speaking briskly, “He passed three winters ago, and now it's Iomann's shop.”  She got out a tape and began writing some notations.  “But he still lets me feel useful some times.”

With that, she began giving Odelia instructions on how to hold herself while Brigid began the measuring and making more notations, and then measuring on the armor itself and making additional notations.  “It's very nice armor,” she added as she worked.  “Very skilled work.  Iomann should be able to get this re-sized for you by the time the fair starts.”

---

With some patience, the blacksmith, Iomann, replied, “I don't make plate. I can get some chain mail to fit you, that shouldn't be a problem.  That would be one hundred fifty asil for the chain mail.”

Storm
Thanks the person and asks if he has banded mail. If not he will buy the chain and shield

Odelia showed Brigid a simil of a smile as she talked about her family. Odelia couldn't quite relate, since she didn't have memories of one, but found the words of the old woman soothing, in a strange way.

"Pardon my ignorance... the fair? Is it a big event in town?"

Telemachus fished out five asil and handed them to the Harbormaster, "Make it the full week. I know the others will appreciate the time ashore," he mused another question but held back before he added, "Brother Niall.  Thank you for the name and recommendation, I'll definitely speak to him."

Dak headed for the cobbler first.  He really wanted to get rid of the boots taken from a dead orc.  As hungry as he was, he just wanted to erase what he could of his most vulnerable time on the island.  That change would start with sturdy, comfortable boots.

Wick also heads down to pick out some coin.  He doesn't grab a lot, maybe a 100 asil or so.  "I'm going to see about some real clothes, then a hot meal and some ale.  Who's with me?"

He follows after Dak, seeing the coblers shop, then the tailors shop next door.

Koga had waited discreetly in the hold, counting out 750 asil to go into the bottom of his quiver, until Telemachus had finished his business with the harbormaster.

"The sword we took from that slaver is only worth about 20 asil," he said.  "But the matched set of sword and dagger, that's very fine work.  Sword I'd put at 60 asil, and the dagger at 20.  The dagger Odelia got is very, very nice work, even without knowing there's enchantment on it.  That's worth 50 asil.  As a set, you can probably get as much as three thousand asil for the dinnerware--plates and goblets and the knives and forks each set, but probably not in a little place like this.  The chain has to be worth at least one hundred fifty, and the scale mail is at least two hundred forty--without accounting for how much someone would value them being enchanted.  The studded leather, with those holes in it, wouldn't be worth more than thirty, though."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:38, Tue 25 June 2019.

Blacksmith's Shop

“No, just the chain mail, not banded,” replied Iomann.  He was now speaking quite slowly.  “I can make a shield for you for another thirty asil.  That would be one hundred eighty asil, all told.”

Inside, Brigid had continued her work as she measured, talked and noted, and said, “This one's the first of the year since before winter, but after this one, we have a fair every month, on the first until the snows start.  Folk come in from all the outlying parts, bringing things to trade.”

She led Odelia back out, with the sheet filled with her notations.

Iomann looked at this, and said, “For forty asil, I can get that adjusted for you, no problem, going smaller like that.”

---

Cobbler's Shop

As Dak and Wick entered the shop, they saw a man working at a bench, attaching the sole to a shoe.

“Good day,” he greeted them.  “Are you looking for shoes or for boots?”

((shoes – 2 asil; soft boots 3 asil; stiff riding boots 9 asil))

Telemachus thanked the man again and headed back to the Ananke to keep watch and make sure that Klei didn't get free and do something he wouldn't regret in his altered state of mind to them or the ship.  When he sat down below and made notations in the logbook and did some calculations based on what he did know to try and backtrack where the island had been as he waited for the others to come back.

"The price sounds fair"

With that, Odelia payed Iomann in advance. "How long would the job take? We are likely staying until after the fair, but I'd like to know."

Wick glances at Dak, then presses on.  "I'm interested in a pair of (soft) boots, something good for walking around towns whenever we're in port."

Wick takes a moment to glance about the place, get a sense of the quality of the goods, see if it's worth the coin.  When he was on ship, he usually liked to keep his bare feet on the deck, but that wouldn't do for roaming about villages.

"Oh well I guess that's fine with me. I shall just have to do with a suit of chain and shield. how long would it take. Also I hear and see signs of a fair. How many days more to it? Storm asks. He counts 180 asils and hands them over to the smith, ensuring that he counts carefully.

He will also ask the smith if he could appraise his mace and trade his broadsword for a longsword.

OOC: can he identify pluses and does he sell quality longsword that add to attack and damage?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:15, Mon 24 June 2019.

Panatix looks up and stretches after about a half hour of study, realizing that the shade from the mast has moved around on him and his feet are getting warmed by the sun. He feels oddly refreshed by a strange, yet familiar, flow of energy when he stands up and puts his book back into the satchel at his side.

Hearing movements below, Panatix looks down through the forward hatch, sees that Telemachus is back from the harbormaster's office and says, "I don't remember seeing you get back. I'm sorry I wasn't a very good lookout. I don't think I have ever been that lost in study."

He steps down into the hold and counts out 50 asil, stowing it in his satchel. "I would hope that I don't need any more than that when it is my turn to go into town. Telemachus, do you mind if I stick with you when we go into town? I think we're safe here but the last time I thought that, I ended up with a knot on my head and stuffed into a bag." He grins at the last statement to try and show that he's come to grips with their ordeal.

"Same for me," Dak said to the cobbler, agreeing with Wick's selection of soft boots.  He just needed something other than orc boots and hard boots sounded like they'd give him blisters.

On Board the Ananke...

Telemachus gave him a small smile to let him know it was okay, "Anything that helps us deal with our kidnapping, standing on the island and subsequent escape is good," he glanced over to Klei, "for all of us including him.  The Harbormaster says the local priest may be able to help him so I plan on talking to him and seeing about leaving a donation for the Church, some additional to help take care of him and a small amount so that if he should get better the Priest there can give it to him when he leaves."

He chuckled lightly and nodded, "I know what you mean.  Ever since the island I've been able to feel the pulse of...I don't know...the world itself is the only way to describe it.  The sea, the sky, the ground, the fires at the smithy...they all call to me in sibilant, cloying tones that speak of concepts I don't understand."

He made notes in the log-book with Koga's estimations of value of the various things and did the math so that each person had their shares at least numerical separated, "Angus left after only taking one third his share so I'm shifting those funds in the log book into a group share to take care of the Ananke and should someone leave after this we can divide the group share by who is with us and give that as a bonus to the person before they leave.  I'm not planning on leaving this vessel," he half laughed, "Harbormaster even took me for her Captain so we're paid up for docking fees for at least a week and through the festival.  Good too cause I really do want to look her over and see what she needs to keep her seaworthy and perhaps reinforce her for longer distances...these sorts of ships were made to make short journeys of not much more than a day or two at sea.  I want to figure out if I can stretch it to three or five, a full week if really lucky but i think it'll all reside on what coin we have and skilled workers."

Pausing he looked down, "Sorry I tend to ramble when nervous."

Aboard the Ananke

After relaying to Telemachus his estimation of the value of the various goods, he then repeated that he meant to re-unite with his family, although he hoped that they might meet again in happier circumstances, but that he felt it would be prudent to follow and catch up to Angus in case the road was not completely safe for travel.  Like Angus, Koga wanted only a third of the coin due. With that, the slender elf made his way down the same road that Angus had traversed.

---

Cobbler's Shop

"Very good," said the cobbler, and after marking the size of their feet, he made his way into the back of his shop, before returning with two pair of boots.

The boots had a slightly pointed toe, as the current fashion called for, and when pulled on, would come just short of the knee, lacing up the sides.  The quality of the work was good, and the quality of the leather itself was also good.  All in all, the price of three asil for the pair of boots seemed quite fair.

---

Blacksmith's Shop

"I can have this ready for you by the evening after the fair starts," replied Iomann to Odelia.

Slowing his speech, he turned to Storm, and said, "The fair will start in three days, on the first.  I can join some chain mail into armor for you by the third."

He took the mace and looked it over.  "This is well made," he said, handing it back to Storm after he had examined it.  "I'd give you thirty if you want to sell it.  I have two short swords, I could sell you one for twenty-five asil; but I'd have to make a long sword, and that'd take me until the end of Amaya.  That'd be forty-five asil."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:24, Tue 25 June 2019.

Storm buys a longsword and sells his broadsword. He will trade in the broadsword when he collects his longsword.

Not realizing that Angus had already left, when Koga expressed his intentions to catch up to him Panatix looked around as if to verify the man had indeed departed. He must have been deep in study and didn't get to say goodbye. Shrugging his shoulders in acceptance, Panatix stepped up in front of Koga and offered his hand, "Express my farewell to Angus when you catch him and that I wish him well in his studies. Should he, or you, ever have need or wish to get in touch with me, please call on my family. I have family spread across the northern coast of Calandia, operating trade houses; just look for the name of Gallatin. My father is Lotix the Nimble and speak to them in my name."

Panatix takes a deep breath, "Thank you and safe travels. Yol Bolsun! May there always be a road."

Wick slips on the boots and laces them up.  He takes a few steps around the shop to test their fit.  "These will do fine, thank you."  Wick passes over three asil.

He looks over at Dak, "I'm going to hit the tailor's next store and then go and get a huge meal and a few tankards of ale.  You?"

Odelia nods. She then waits for Storm, and if he doesn't have anywhere else he wants to go, she will return to the ship with the warrior.

Storm asks Odelia if she wants to pick other supplies like a backpack, rations and clothes for adventuring: he tells her that in his time with th knights they always equip themselves with the necessary gear for adventuring

"Sure, that sounds sensible. If I'm honest, I'm glad to hear you say that. I was starting to fear that we would all go our separate ways now that we are out of the island and free."

"The tailor's sounds good," Dak agreed with Wick as he handed over 3 asil and the orc boots to the cobbler.

"You can do with these as you wish," he said of the boots.  "Yours are by far more comfortable and I thank you for your fine craft."

With a final nod to the cobbler, he accompanied Wick next door.

Tailor's Shop

With their feet fashionably shod, Wick and Dak made their way from the cobbler's to the next shop.  Here they found the shop held a few flat tables, and around two of the walls were a number of bolts of fabric--linen and kersey, in shades of green, gray, pale blue, a dark mulberry, reddish-brown, tawny, and blue-gray.

"Good day," greeted the man who emerged from the back at the sound of the bells on the door.  "How may I help you?"  He had a frankly curious expression on his face as he took in their attire.

Storm brings Odelia to shop for adventurin gear and stuff.

Wick gives a grin.  Spreading his arms a bit, he says, "As you can see, we find ourselves interested in a some new clothes.  Nothing too fancy, but something that doesn't look like I cobbled it together myself.  A couple of tunics and trousers, a good cloak to keep the weather off."

Outside the Blacksmith's

A passing woman who was headed toward the center of town greeted Storm and Odelia.

Upon learning what they were seeking, she said, "Well, you might find some at Colin's shop up the way," and here she gestured back the way she had come, where the church rose majestically at the edge of town.  "But you're like to have better luck at the fair."

---

Tailor's Shop

"All of that, I can do," he replied.  "Do you want me to take your measure first, or first choose your fabrics?"

((Kersey is a broader weave, very lightly ribbed like a proto-corduroy, and suitable for cloaks and other outer garments.  The linen is more plentiful in the shop.  Current styles are such that the fabric stays on the bolts until chosen by a customer.))

"I'll be satisfied as long as it's not too bright and doesn't match his," Dak replied, gesturing to Wick.

"Once you have our measure, how long will these take?"

He wasn't in as much of a hurry now that he wasn't wearing those orc boots.  The old clothes were fine by him, but he didn't want to stand out more than he already was with this armor and cutlery.

Storm thanks the woman and brings Odelia to Colin's shop

Tailor's Shop

"I can see that there is some urgency," replied the tailor.  "I can have one pair of trousers and a tunic for each of you by the eve of the fair."

He stood ready for the two men to make a decision about fabrics and to get their measures.

General Store

The store itself was fairly well organized, but seemed to be full of all sorts of goods, not necessarily the sort of things that an adventurer might be after.

((Please be specific about what you are intending to look for.))

Browsing around, Storm sees a lot of goods. He approaches the owner and asks for a backpack, flint and tinder, lantern and oil, iron rations and some large sacks.

He tells Odelia that she should also equip herself similarly to be ready to adventure

Odelia agrees, and requests the prices of the same items as Storm, plus some rope.

Dak wasn't sure they'd be staying as long as the fair, but agreed to the tailor's timeline.  He picked out a brown for his trousers and a green for his tunic.

Wick opts for gray trousers and blue-grey tunic.  If there's time for the cloak, he'd favor the Kersey.

"Not to sound impatient, but it would be great if we could get something to hold us over while you're fashioning our clothes.  Do you know anyone that has some ready made or second hand clothes that we can purchase?"

While Wick isn't overly concerned with what others think of his attire, no thief wants to draw undue attention and walking around in a sail cloth toga isn't exactly being inconspicuous.

Tailor's Shop

"I'm afraid I don't," replied the tailor.  "But I can perhaps put the first part of your order a little ahead.  These fabrics, for each set of trousers and tunic, will be fifteen asil, and for twenty in all, I can put one set to the first.  A cloak from the kersey will be ten asil."

((The kersey is available in green, gray, dark mulberry, tawny, and blue-gray.))

---

Colin's General Store

Colin blinked a few times at the rapid-fire questions from Storm and Odelia.

"I don't believe I would have all of those things," he stammered.  "I can get you some rope, sure enough, for twenty-eight asil.  And there's some sacks here," he opened a box and revealed some burlap sacks.  "I suppose these are large enough?  I can let these go for two asil each."

"And this," he said, bringing out a somewhat battered box containing a flint and steel, "six asil."

"Would you be interested in some combs and mirrors?"

"I'm not in a hurry," Dak said, looking over the fabrics once more. "I'll have a cloak in this color."  He held up the mulberry.  It looked nice.

"Do you need any payment now?"

"The prices sound fair. I'll take the rope, a sack, the flint and steel. And how much are the mirrors? Something practical, nothing expensive. After all it will likely break along the way, and I'd rather have several pieces of a cheap mirror."

Storm buys two sacks, flint and tinder and 2 mirrors. He does not need ropes as he has one. He asks Colin where he can get a backpack

Wick counts out the coinage.  "You're right..."  He glances at Dak, then back to the tailor, "No need to rush it that much.  Oh, and for the kersey cloak, gray will suit me quite well.  Could you by chance direct us to other merchants about town?"

Wick doesn't want to be too specific.  Really, he'd like to find a place to buy some lockpicks and the like, but that's not the sort of thing one just asks right out in the open.  And he'd appreciate getting some good rope, a brace of well made daggers, back pack, pouch...

Back to Dak, he adds, "Tavern?"

"I"d settle for just buying something in the street if we see something," Dak replied.  "There are still a few folks waiting for someone to take over watch on the boat."

He was hungry, though.  If they didn't see anything in the street, the tavern would have to do.

Tailor's Shop
"Will you want both sets in the same fabrics?" asked the tailor.  "For the first set and a cloak, let's say fifteen asil now, and the balance when you return."

"Other merchants ..."  he trailed off for a moment in thought.  "Well, of course, there's many sorts of things at the fair, but that's some time yet.  There's Colin's store up the road, toward the church.  And before you get there, there's .. well, it's Iomann's smithy now.  If you're looking for a place to stay, you probably want to get your rooms at the Cat and Custard Pot now.  And there's Brendan's leather goods, over across the bridge.  You can't miss the smell of it."

---

Colin's General Store

"I just have the one flint and steel in stock at the moment," replied Colin, setting out a coil of rope atop one sack and two sacks with the flint and steel between them.  "Mirrors, well, I have some of these," and he pulled out a long box and started setting mirrors on the counter.  These were polished bronze.  "These, for fifty asil each," he said.  He put out one that looked as though it were polished silver, and said, "This one is two hundred asil."

---

Aboard the Ananke

Klei had remained as he was, keeping his eyes closed against the people who had saved his life from the wrath of a goddess, bound and gagged in the hold of the ship.

Storm takes the 2 sacks, flint and tinder and bronze mirror. He pys the man and thanks him for his goods. He asks if there is anywhere he can buy some backpack and campng supplies.

OOC:How much do i need to pay?

Odelia lets Storm get the flint and steel, and buys one sack, the rope and a bronze mirror.

OOC: 2+28+50=80 asil for me.

2+2+50+6=60 asil for Storm.

Dak counted out 15 asil and agreed to the sturdy colors he'd picked out.  Hopefully, they'd still be around when they were done.

Tailor's Shop

"Very good," replied the tailor, taking the coins and putting them into a box, the key going back into a pocket.

He began cutting lengths from the chosen fabrics.

Colin's General Store

"I suppose you'd have your best luck at the fair," he replied, as he returned the unchosen mirrors to the box.

Storm will ask the man for directions to the local church. He informs Odelia that he has to make some donations.

Odelia decides to join Storm to the church, if he doesn't mind. She is not the religious type, but she would like to explore the town a little further before going back to the ship. She is not planning on going inside, but rather taking a look around and waiting for Storm to finish his bussiness.

St Magnus Church
As Odelia and Storm approached the church, they could see one man working to tidy the grounds in the walled cemetery, his position seeming to be meant to keep his face from him.

Near the gardens outside the church, they could see an older man and a young blonde woman, both of whom were dressed in a manner which, even at this distance, marked them to be of the Atuan clergy.

Dak headed out to see if there were any food stalls outside.  Failing that, he'll head for the inn.

In reply to DM (msg # 120):

Storm greets the gardener and asks about the church from him. He asks if this is the order of the mace

In conversation with Brother Niall, Lenelle noted the arrival of the pair of strangers, both of them black haired, a man and a girl.   The man was tall, strong looking -  a warrior's build.   The girl contrastingly slender, light of frame.

The man spoke to the gardener.   Who was doing the same as when she'd first come here - trying to keep his face averted.    Why?, she wondered.

Cat and Custard Pot
While it looked like there were stalls where food would be sold when the fair began, there were no food stalls along the street on this day.

Dak and Wick made their way into the Cat and Custard Pot, as a slight blond elf and a rather shaggy looking human came down the stairs.

"Good day!" called out the innkeeper, from behind the bar.  "What can I get for you today?"

---

St Magnus - Cemetery

"It be the church of St Magnus," replied the man, shuffling around with an air of nervousness.

Seeing the approach, and that they were talking first to his acolyte, Niall said, "Let's go greet these strangers.  Senan is a good lad, but sometimes strangers are not so kind to him."

With a gesture, Niall indicated that he wanted Lenelle to come with him, as he moved toward the cemetery and the newcomers.

"Do you have anything I could take with me for two?" Dak asked, thinking he'd take something back to relieve the others and then eat with Klei.

He hadn't gotten much done, but it looked like they'd be there a while and he didn't want the other to be stuck on the boat too long.  He could pick up fishing gear and visit the church later.

She gave Brother Niall a questioning glance, regarding Senan, but knew she'd find out soon enough.      She went as asked, heading with him in the direction of the cemetery.

Thanking the gardener, Storm enters the church and asks to see the head. He informs them of his intentions to join the order of the mace as well as to pay his dues.

By St Magnus Church
As Storm and Odelia spoke with the acolyte in the garden, they managed to catch a glimpse of his face--the slightly dusty gray complexion with a sloping forehead and a jaw a little more prominent than that of humankind and the visible canines even when his mouth was closed--suggested much of the reason why he had been reluctant to let strangers see him.  The acolyte had moved again, trying hard to keep his back to both of the newcomers.

Before Storm reached the church, however, the two clerics who had been conversing near the building itself approached.

The elder one spoke, "Peace be with you, my children. I am Brother Niall of this church, and this is Sister Lenelle who will be staying for a time here at St Magnus.  This is not a chapter of the Order, but I am happy that you have come to my parish."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 01:49, Thu 04 July 2019.

Telemachus finished his notations and left the log open so the ink could dry sufficiently.  Standing up and heading over to Klei he made sure to tighten the bonds, if they had loosened any, on his hands first and the followed with his feet and then the gag.  He wished he didn’t have to do so but not only had he tried to kill him with a dagger he’d also tried to trap them all to die.  Even now he wondered if it was best to have saved the man from the death of the island.  He banished those thoughts though and told himself if he had lost his mind he would want to be taken from such a fate and given a new chance to live.

"Well Silas, are you ready to go visit Malachy?" the elf asks the human beside him. "Probably won't be challenging enough to compose a ballad but it still might be an interesting visit none-the-less." Then he spots the newcomers. "Now those humans might have an interesting tale to tell, something to which you might want to compose?" Without waiting for answer, he approaches the two that just entered the inn.

"Pardon me good sirs," the elf says, arropaching the two men. "My name is Westin and my new found friend over there is Silas, a minstrel, a bard by trade. Would you have a tale or adventure to share for which he might compose a ballad?"

He leans in close and whispers,

In reply to DM (msg # 128):

"Gretings my brother. May I ask where is the Order of the Mace?" Storm asks.

"We're just passing through," Dak said to the elf, trying to reach the innkeeper at the bar.  He really wasn't sure what they were telling people about what happened on the island.  Making something up might be even worse.

"Maybe try your luck once the festival starts."

Panatix watched Telemachus put the finishing touches on the logbook and leaned back against one of the chests. After perhaps half a minute, he sat up with a crooked grin and headed up on deck. Anything was better than watching ink dry and he might just have a little fun at the same time.

Once up on deck, he looked up on the pier and on to the shore. No, instinctively he knew the shore was probably too far away but he spied a cat halfway down the pier trying to get to a fish someone had placed on a crate for cleaning. That'll do.

Reaching into his satchel, he produced a piece of paper that was rolled up into a cone at one time and re-rolled it. Mumbling under his breath, the gnome finished with, "Brzuchomówstwo." Putting the rolled up paper to his mouth, he pointed it at the cat and, in a high pitched voice, said, "Please, sir, may I have some fish?" Then the next time the cat opened its mouth to meow, Panatix again said, "Please?"

Odelia nodded, acknowledging the presence of the priests, but little more. She didn't dislike the clergy, but she didn't completely trust them either. She eyed both of them from head to toes.

Wick counts out the 15 asil and provides to the tailor, "Same fabrics for me.  And my thanks."

Leaving the tailors, Wick falls in with Dak, looking for a place to buy some food, and for him a few tankards of ale if they can find such.

Entering the inn, he considers.  "I need something good, hot and solid.  Anything on the spit?  Is the bread fresh?  A tankard of ale would go down right proper."  It's been a long time since Wick sunk his teeth into some meat and he was looking to remedy that pretty soon.

She still had not glimpsed Senan's face, but was now more than curious, as he was plainly going to lengths not to have it seen.

The tall man was intent on finding this order --  did he plan to take vows?

While the girl regarded them, Lenelle looked at her.   And stopped a moment.   Was she familiar, from somewhere?    No, she'd not seen her before.   It took a moment, before she knew.      Knew because she worked to hide it, in herself, but saw it in the mirror, even so.     Half-elf.

On the Ananke

Below decks, Telemachus found that Klei was still quite secure, although his motions to verify the firmness of the knots and security of the bonds did garner him a glare as though even now Klei would gladly have resumed attenpts to kill, had he not been so securely bound as to preclude any such efforts.

On the deck, Panatix began amusing himself with his newfound skills, and the cat flattened to the ground, ears back and tail twitching as it seemed to be looking about, the fish all but forgotten by the feline.

---

Cat and Custard Pot

Finding that the newcomers were not forthcoming, Westin took his leave, while Silas took a seat at the bar again and ordered an ale.

"I can get you some bread and cheese," said Aidan as he considered Dak, "unless you're wanting to stay?  Rooms will be filling up this time tomorrow."  He drew an ale and set it down in front of Wick, and then another in front of Silas.  "Got some puffer stew today.  I could get a chicken on roast for the evening, if you're wanting to stay.  Asil for a night with dinner.  A kipper for that ale, otherwise."

---

Tower of Malachy

Westin followed the street easily enough, curving around and across the bridge over the river, and back down to reach the place which was optimistically called a tower.  Its first floor, of stone, seemed to be half-sunk into the ground, with evidence that there were two levels above the entry but the height of the whole was barely more than a man's height above the height of the neighboring houses.

The structure, as he neared, could be seen to have been made from oolitic limestone, adorned with iron-shuttered windows and a door with a knocker made to look like a gargoyle's face requiring that one grasp the "tongue" to use the knocker.

---

Grounds of St Magnus Church

"My son," said Niall, moving to try to draw the whole group back to the church, "there will be more than enough time for you to seek the Order of the Sacred Mace.  Perhaps deMontec might even be willing to sponsor you, but I would need to know more of you before making an introduction.  How is it that you have come to Monteci?."

Niall was walking slowly, but it was clear that he was trying to draw them back toward the church and away from the cemetery.

"Just bread and cheese for two and a stew for one," Dak replied to the innkeeper, placing an asil on the bar.  It was probably a good idea not to give Klei anything messy if it came flying back at him.

He wasn't sure how long they'd be staying, but he'd probably stay on the ship with Klei tonight.  The more he thought about it, the less he wanted to let the old man loose in this town with them.  Dak didn't like the idea of keeping him prisoner on the ship, but if the half-elf started telling the townsfolk tales of how they stole the boat and rifled the Sea King's Lair, things might turn against them.

Trying to keep quiet while giggling and snickering was difficult but Panatix finally calmed himself. He then directed the cone at the fish, lowered his voice and barked at the cat, "Woof! Ruh, ruh, ruh, ruh, ruh, ruh! Grrr!"

"Now why did I assume that Malachy was human?" the elf chided himself as he approached the squat tower that appeared much too small for a regular human. Either Malachy's a midget or he's some other diminutive race like a gnome or halfing. He had assumed that in a mostly human town the mage must have been human despite his own presence in such a town. Ha! Obviously, he had failed to ask enough questions back at the inn to get even the most basic information. Well, lesson learned. Keep that in mind for next time, he said to himself.

He looked at the gargoyle knocker, hesitantly. A knocker on a mage's tower might just be a bit more that it appears. "You're not going to bite me, are you?" he asks the gargoyle.

He pauses for a moment and barring a response, grabs it firmly and gives three solid raps.

"Is something wrong?"

Odelia looked at Lenelle. While the question seemed to express concern, her tone seemed to hide some sort of distrust. Old habits die hard, and after a life on the street, Odelia was used to be suspicious about everyone and anything.

Lenelle shook her head -  "No.  I beg your pardon.   I...thought I may have met you before," going with the easiest thing.

It was a small lie, but it wasn't as if she was going to ask the girl about her origins, nor bring up her own.  But, within and around Calandia's church, she did not see other half-elves, and so it had given her pause to meet one.

She listened as Niall spoke to the man -  the Sacred Mace was an order of paladins, she knew.  Fairly prestigious among lands that were once part of the Karakul Empire, that had fallen long in the past. Paladinhood was among the noblest of callings, the most sacred of vows.   It was the rare person who would seek to undertake them...

Storm introduces himself to the new comer and asks if she knows if he could find the paladin order. He is eager to make his donation and to be admitted into the order officially.

Having said that, he smiles and bows.

Wick gives a grimace at the limited selection on the muni.”Soup for me too, my thanks.”  He adds his payment on the bar also.  They hadn’t talked about getting rooms and Wick was used to a hammock on board, he isn’t sure he could even sleep on a bed.  Still, it had been a while since he could relax and he’d be willing to give it a go, especially if there was a willing lass about.

Cat and Custard Pot

Aidan went back and brought out two wooden trays with wooden spoons.  Atop each tray was a bowl cut out of barley loaf, and within the creamy dill-enhanced stew with several bite-sized bits of the puffer.  A little lemon balm had been shredded atop the stew.

"You fellows came in on that boat today/" said Aidan, collecting the coin.  "Good that you got here before I fill up.  I'll get you that bread and cheese."

---

Malachy's Tower

At first, it seemed that there would be no response at all to the knock, although at least the gargoyle knocker made no attempt to bite Westin.

After a few minutes, though, a tow-headed boy of perhaps eight or nine, wearing a black robe that was at least a size bigger than necessary, opened the door.

"Hello?" he said, his voice uncertain.

---

St Magnus Church

"You will not find admission to the Order easy," said Niall, his tone sounding a warning as Storm had ignored his offer.  "Did you not mention a donation to the Church?"

Dak started into the stew while waiting for the bread and cheese.  He was surprised to discover how hungry he was.  He shouldn't have been, the last he'd eaten was rats and water more than a day before.

"Yes, I understand," Storm says to Niall. "However, I am determined to be accepted and I certainly meet the requiremembts I believe. Please direct me there and I will make my donations there."

The spell has run its course and Panatix has been amused and enlightened by his new found abilities. Now, he realizes, is the best time to sit and study that spell again. Taking out his book, he sits in the shade of the mast again and spends a little time with the mystic energies that he is still getting to know.

Telemachus climbed up the ladder to look around and spotted Panatix studying the book that had been found.  He then remarked, "Panatix, I've got things under control here.  If you want to go shopping you can...if you could just see if they have a number of shops and let me know where they are around town then it will speed up my searching so that I can swing by them after everyone else comes back.  I'm sure they have a general store, weaver, tailor and smith but I'm also going to be looking for a leatherworker, carpenter or even better a ship-builder...I figure the Church is the best place to ask about paper, inks and quills."

He chuckled quietly, "Never thought I'd be outfitting a ship..."

"Karakul," Lenelle said to Storm, "on that isle, and other isles that were once a part of the empire.   That is what I have heard."

She did not wish to bypass Niall, whom was her superior, but the man's desire to find the order seemed so earnest, she felt he should have his question answered.  In Atuan scripture, it was said 'obstruct never a just intention.'

"Hello," Westin says. "I'm looking for the mage Malachy. I was told this is his tower. Am I at the right place?" he asked. He wondered about the boy, if he was one of Malachy's offspring, then realized he's likely an apprentice. Humans have to start the training early.

"If you would be so kind as to see if he is available for a visit, I would be appreciative," Westin adds.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:16, Mon 08 July 2019.

After about a quarter hour, Panatix looks up from his book with an amazed grin and looks around at Telemachus. "Huh? Oh, sure. I will go in and look at the shops then. Let me grab some more coins and I will go see what shops are available."

The gnome runs down into the hold and counts out 250 silver coins, rolling most of them into a scrap of sailcloth so they don't rattle around in the satchel. Then he's back up on deck and crosses the gangplank to the pier in his clunky goblin boots. On his way past the cat, he meows at it and chuckles as he moves as quickly as possible straight to the inn for food.

He arrives at the inn and scurries inside when someone opens the door to exit. After a moment of allowing his eyes to adjust to the darker interior, he looks around and sees Wick and Dak at the bar. He quickly makes his way over to the pair and greets them, "Hullo. Anything good to eat?"

"The fish stew is good," Dak replied to the gnome as he chewed on the soggy crust of the barley bowl.  "I'm bringing some bread and cheese back for the old man as soon as the innkeeper returns with it.

"Did Telemachus say how long we'd be staying?  They have rooms here and a fair coming up in a handful of days."

Cat and Custard Pot

Inside the Cat and Custard Pot, three of the survivors had arrived, while an older human man sat nearby.

Aidan returned to the bar and set a burlap bag by Dak.  "Have you decided about the rooms?" he asked.

---

Malachy's Tower

"Yes, sir, it's his tower," replied the lad.  "I'll see if the Master wants visitors.  What's your name?"

The boy stepped back, allowing Westin entrance to the room, which seemed to be an utterly benign room with a low couch covered in some sort of hide.

---

St Magnus Church

"There is not a chapter of the Order here," said Niall.  "Although I might be willing to consider an introduction to deMontec, who perhaps would be willing to be a sponsor, but you have not answered any questions that would recommend you for such an introduction.  Again, I ask you, how is it that you have come to Monteci?"

Odelia remains quiet, cuatious that anything that she may say would put Storm in a hard position. She is not comfortable at all around the sort of etiquette that is needed in this kind of situations. She keeps an eye on both Niall and Lenelle.

"I am Westin na'Belva of the Cove Tanasi," Westin said, "a recently inducted mage and overall good conversationalist. Let me emphasize, that's conversationalist, not conservationist. Big difference. A druid I am not. Tell Malachy, I promise not to bore him."

He stepped into the room but remained standing,ignoring the sofa, hoping that Malachy would be amenable to a visit.

Storm responds to Niall," I understand milord that a person in your authority is apt to display your authority. I am on who was shipwrecked and found my way here. Having come here, I decide to look for my local guild to contribute to this place and root out evil and injustice."

Having said that, he awaits the rude cleric to respond.

Panatix eyed the fish stew intently and climbed up on a stool. "Telemachus wants to inspect the boat and buy supplies for our next voyage. I think we will be staying for a few days, maybe a week. I would like to attend the fair."

Looking at the boy, "Young man, may I please have some of that soup when you have completed your business with my two friends? And a small glass of wine, as well, if you please?"

At an asil a night and a meal, getting a room didn't sound like a bad investment even if they did end up leaving early.  As Panatix thought they'd be at least staying a few days, maybe more, Dak decided to get a room.  It would be nice to sleap in a real bed.

"I'll take a room for a week," Dak said, placing another asil on the bar.  "Would you like the entire payment in advance?"

Malachy's Tower

"I'll go let him know he has a visitor," said the boy, after closing and locking the door now that Westin was inside.

He then left the room through another door, leaving Westin alone in the vestibule.

---

Cat and Custard Pot

Aidan poured a glass of wine for Panatix, and said "Yes, that would be good.  Will you want to be shown up to the room now, or later on?"

The youth who had been clearing the table from Silas and Westin's meal headed back to the kitchen, and returned with another serving of the fish stew in a barley bread bowl for Panatix.

---

St Magnus Church

"Perhaps, then, you are hungry?" said Niall.  "I can have places set at the table for you."

He continued shepherding the group away from the cemetery and back towards the church.

"I'll see it later," Dak said to the innkeeper, counting out six more asil onto the counter to make a week.  "Right now I have to get back to our boat.  I'll be back tonight."

He picked up the burlap sack in his free hand and turned to address Wick and Panatix.

"I'll go relieve Telemachus and whoever might be left."

Westin looks on with mild surprise as the boy locks the door before seeking Malachy. Is Malachy a powerful enough mage to warrant some precautions as he might have powerful enemies? Or is he just cautious? Just how powerful of a mage might Malachy be? He ponders these questions as he waits for the boy to return, hopefully with the mage Malachy.

Perhaps it was the lack of subtletly, or the suspicious stare of the woman that was with him, but the actions of father Niall had the opposite effect to the desired on Odelia. Catching up to his intentions, Odelia decided to do the opposite. Leaving Storm's side, she headed over to the man tending to the graves. "Excuse me sir, do you work exclusively for the church?"

Panatix didn't waste any time digging into the soup and at Dak's words, he just looked up with a mouthful of fish and waved at his friend by way of acknowledgement that he heard him. This is the best meal he's had in a long time and though he would like to savor it, his hunger is such that he can't bring himself to slow down. He will just have to savor the next meal.

In short order, the soup and wine were gone. He looked longingly at the bread bowl but couldn't bring himself to eat another bite. After a few moments more, he finally gave up and called the proprietor over. Counting out three asil, "I would like to settle accounts here. I do not need a room but I would like a bath. Is there a bath house out back and how much would it be to use it?"

Storm looks at Niall's repeated offers of food and wonders why the lady kept asking them to eat. He wonders if he indeed looked emanciated.

"I thank thee for your offer my lady. Yes I will be honored if you could make the introduction. I have also some coins I would like to give to the church to aid its work in feeding the poor," he adds.

He asks the lady if there is event going on around the church.

On the Ananke

After Panatix had departed, Telemachus found it quiet aboard the ship they had acquired.  Despite its age, it was in remarkably good condition and would only need a few things to make it fit as a ship for a living crew, rather than the burial goods of a prince.

Dak, carrying a burlap sack, returned to the ship.

---

St Magnus Church

Niall had managed to manuever Storm, at least, into the area of the church offices.

A young acolyte passed, and Niall said, "Have two more places set at table."

This part of the church was fairly simple, and he brought Storm into his office, with a glance that invited Lenelle to either join in the office or to keep an eye on the other visitor.

---

Cemetery

As Odelia neared, there was no mistaking that the groundskeeper was a half-orc.  His expression seemed to be one of fear as she approached.

"Mama wants neat.  I keep neat, church keeps safe."

Then, as if he did not want to give any more opportunity, he started running toward the back  of the church grounds.

---

Malachy's Tower

Westin had been left in the nearly empty vestibule alone for long enough that he almost started to wonder if he would be seen at all.

Finally, though, a man whose face seemed somewhat disfigured, a strip of linen covering his eyes, entered the room.  A pair of what seemed to be goggles were affixed above where his eyes should be.

"Why do you want to see Malachy?" he asked.  "What can you do for him?"

---

Cat and Custard Pot

Aidan took one of the asil, and pushed the other two back toward Panatix.  Then he reached into a box and pulled out three griel, giving these to Panatix, also.

"Go across the bridge, almost straight away from here, before you get to the Empty Net, that's the bath house.  Men on the north side," replied Aidan.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:41, Mon 15 July 2019.

Telemachus nodded and made a few notes in the logbook about their current location and expected supplies to take on before he heard someone coming onto the ship. Looking up to see Dak he smiled, "I've been putting together a list of goods to pick up to make the ship ready for longer voyages...barrels for water and dry goods, rope hammocks and sheets for beds, a proper chest to hold everything with a good lock, some lanterns and oil, some cabinetry up in the mess and a table so we have somewhere to eat and store other perishables and things like simple pots and pans and plates and whatnot...I don't know if this port will have a proper bow lantern for us to put on her but it's worth looking along with sailcloth to fix any tears that come up if the weather gets bad."

Pausing he then asked, "So what can you tell me about the town and its stores?"

"Thanks, but I don't think I'll need a room."  Wick would feel more at ease sleeping on the boat, regardless of the more recent experiences at sea.

Wick gives a wave to Dak.  "I'll keep our friend here company until someone else shows up, then I'll head back to the boat as well."

As the Gnome asks after getting a bath, Wick gives a bit of a snort.  "You'd toss away good money for a bath?"  The whole idea sounds pretty bizarre to the sailor, where a bath usually meant a dunk in the ocean.

"Wick and I stopped by the cobbler, tailor, and the only inn," Dak replied, holding up a booted foot to show off his new footwear.  "We didn't have time to see much more before I wanted to get back to relieve you and get some food back to Klei.

"The village looks like it might have what you're looking for," he continued, looking around the boat.  "I didn't get a chance to look for fishing gear because I wanted to get back so you could get out and grab something to eat.  I had something at the inn before I came back.

"I do think they had a church we might drop him off at, but I didn't get that far.  I was also thinking he might cause us some trouble if he convinced anyone we've stolen the boat and looted the Sea King's tomb.

"Maybe we should find somewhere further away to drop him off at.  Especially if we're planning on staying in port for a while."

"You certainly have a nice office," Storm says politely, wondering if donations from masses are used to make the church so beautiful.

Telemachus shook his head, "I've thought of that too.  If we were to stop somewhere and offload him and head right back out that only further supports the idea that he's in the right.  Speak to the priest directly and honestly, as long as he doesn't seem the shady sort, and they have the power to tell if we are lying.  They will also know what sort of trouble a man who had had his mind cracked can do.  Deal with the people here fairly and that is what they will remember as well."

He gestured to the ship, "Will he be able to convince someone looking for quick riches?  Certainly there are disreputable pirates out there...but they would come after us regardless if the tale was true or not.  Anytime you hear of individuals finding old ruins and the wealth they found from the old empire, real or not, it'll draw people.  He might be trouble but he deserves a chance to heal his mind and live out the rest of his life without his demons.  Now if he comes after us again I'll have no hesitation...he deserves a second chance, not a third."

Telemachus sighed, "Besides we are paid up for the week till the fair.  Handling not only his food and water but bathroom breaks and making sure he doesn't cause trouble and loosen his bonds is too much a worry.  Unless you want to take that job on of watching him like a hawk till it gets closer to us leaving of course."

"Not me," Dak agreed, not wanting the responsibility of watching the old man for longer than he needed to.  "We'll take him to the church and see what they can do for him.

"I brought him some bread and cheese," Dak continued, holding up the burlap sack.  "Why don't you take a look around and see what you can find for him.  The sooner we hand him off, the better."

Telemachus nodded and walked over to the table where he'd placed the small chest that e had the key for and had loaded with his coin.  It wasn't going to be cheap to outfit the vessel but at least they had the coin to do so.  Placing the chest in the backpack he'd made from the island he slung it with his notes and calculations, "I'll be back as soon as I can, but not before I get a chance to talk to the Priest of the Church and broach the subject of Klei...a matter I'd wish to handle sooner rather than later."  Leaving the spear behind but keeping his multiple daggers he made his way off the Ananke.  First stop was going to be the Church.

Westin does his best not to stare oddly at the disfigured face. He wonders perhaps if this is Malachy himself, not merely an apprentice or servant. If so, maybe he was shy because of some terrible injury he had received in the past? Never-the-less, he doesn't let his thoughts give him pause for more than a moment.

"Just a friendly visit," Westin says. "Not here to sell anything nor do I have anything of great value though some have said I'm a really good cook. I live an island or two over and, being a mage, thought it might be good to make introduction. Though now I'm wondering if Malachy is more powerful than I might have thought. I don't want to interrupt if he has important work to do."

He pauses, waiting expectantly for an answer.

She had been about to follow Niall and the aspiring paladin inside the office, but had chanced to glance toward Senan, and the girl.    Catching, at last, a glimpse of Senan's face.

Lenelle bit down on an oath.   Orc blood-?  She remembered, in her very early life, before the church had taken her in, seeing them on two occasions.   'Monster-man' she'd named one, out of hearing, to which her mother had seemed amused, and corrected 'Half-orc. Half not-human...like you. Except no one's going to call him pretty.'

All she'd been through as a half-elf, in her life...alienation...rude speculation, most often behind her back.  Prejudice.  Worse things, once or thrice.  Even among some who were supposed to be pious and charitable.

How much worse for one with orc blood?

Lenelle was hurrying after Senan, without even deciding to, reacting to his pain.  Following to the back of the church grounds.

"Wait!  Senan ... All-saints blessing on you!  You don't need to run! Not on Atu's sacred ground!"

Sweeping his coins back into his hand, Panatix thanked the innkeeper and looked at Wick as he dumped them back into his satchel. A slight belch escaped causing him to pat his stomach. "Excuse my manners," he said under his breath.

"I need a bath in the worst way and dirty pier-side sea water is not going to do the trick this time, my friend. Would you be so kind as to show me where the tailor and cobbler are located? Then a quick trip to the general store and the bath house before I'm done."

As Panatix slipped down off the stool, he looked up at Wick, "Thank you for walking with me. It's a comfort." Then without waiting for a reply, he headed out the door.

"You should leave him be. He is better off this way. Nothing good can come from bringing attention to him. He is meant to live in the shadows, and no ammount of kindness will change that."

Odelia shrugs. "But you do you".

Deciding that she didn't want to go inside a church unless absolutely necessary, Odelia decided to wait for Storm outside, and sat down on one of the steps that lead to the stone building.

On the Ananke

Now that Telemachus had departed, Dak was alone aboard the ship other than Klei, who remained bound and gagged in the hold of the ship.

---

Near St Magnus Church

The spire of the church had made it easy for Telemachus to tell the correct direction, and he headed from the docks down the road, passing the cobbler, tailor, smith, and general store as he made his way there.

Here, he saw Odelia sitting outside, alone.  Towards the rear of the building he could see a woman garbed as a cleric talking to a half-orc who was dressed in the manner of an acolyte of Atu.

Lenelle's words had brought a pause to Senan's flight, and he looked at her warily.  Then, seeing the markings of Atu's clergy, he gave a tentative smile--not that that did anything to improve his appearance.

Looking at Senan closer, Lenelle could see that while he was garbed as an acolyte of Atu, he appeared several years older than an acolyte would normally be.

"Keep safe?" said Senan.

---

Inside St Magnus Church

"Some of the folk choose to make their offerings in goods," said Niall, looking at the fairly simple office he used, though the books on the one shelf .  "We are blessed to have such things available, so you would hardly know that the town had been near destroyed a few hundred years ago.  Now, how is it that you came to be shipwrecked?  Near Monteci?"

---

Malachy's Tower

"A visit," repeated the man, his tone of voice flat.  "Few dare come to just visit Malachy.  Still, you might have a use.  A stranger like yourself to have heard of Malachy, you have also heard of Máelodor?"

---

Outside the Cat and Custard Pot

Once outside the inn, Panatix could see that the cobbler and tailor were near each other in one direction just before the road took a bend.  In the opposite direction stood the bridge mentioned in the directions to the bath house.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:41, Thu 18 July 2019.

"I have no idea where. I am not a navigator. Just found myself on an island and managed to gt out of it and reach civilization. I guess we faced a bit of hardship to get here. Anyway, here' my 75 asils for the church,' Storm says.

He then counts out 75 asils and hands them over to the cleric reverently. He then steps back.

—> Outside St Magnus Church

“We’re paid up for a week...all the way through the festival so if you want a room at the inn instead of staying on the ship get one before they sell out.  You okay?” remarked Telemachus to Odelia as switched from informative to inquisitive at why she was sitting alone outside as he walked up and idled his sight between her and the half-orc.

Though he would really like to have a bath first, the gnome's feet are killing him after wearing the ill-fitting goblin boots. Even with the sailcloth stuffed in them to keep them from rubbing blisters, he's sure he has at least one on each foot. So, he starts off toward the cobbler's shop before realizing that Wick has not caught up to him yet. After another look toward the shop, he stops to wait for his friend.

Odelia looked up and waved at Telemachus as he approached.

"Well, someone needs to keep an eye on the ship. I don't mind spending the night there. Yeah, I'm fine. Just waiting for Storm, he went to do some religious bussiness inside the church."

Wick, finishing off the tankard of ale and his soup.  He gives the inn keeper a nod of thanks.  "Thank you." he adds.

Heading outside, he joins Panatix.  "Sorry, first mug of ale I've had in weeks and I was mighty thirsty.  I thought you wanted the bathhouse over yonder."  He motions in that direction, noting that Panatix looks like he wants to go a different direction.

Telemachus nodded his head, "I'm going to head in and see if there is a way to leave Klei in their care for some long term mental healing.  Long as he doesn't range free for while I'll feel better...still getting pangs from when he stabbed my side.  Regardless no need to wait for me if Storm gets done and you have other things to tend to."

Looking up at the church of Atu and its door he murmured an old short prayer he knew.  Up till the island Atu was the only deity he minded along with venerating St. Veren but Atu didn't come to aid them...Aolani's facet of the violent storm did.  Wind and water.  He needed to make the small shrine to follow through in his promise to her.  With that thought in mind he entered the Church respectfully and looked around for the head priest, or if the place had a Templar strangely, that Storm was likely speaking to.

Burlap sack in hand, Dak descended to confront the old man with his dinner.

"We're seeing about getting you off the boat," he said to the bound man as he squatted down to open the sack.  "Until then, I've brought you something to eat.  You can be quiet and eat, or you can make a ruckus and wear the gag a while longer."

He pulled out a hunk of bread and tore off a piece for himself before finding the cheese and breaking off a piece of that as well.  The soup had been good, but they hadn't eaten their fill for quite some time.

"Your choice," he said, gesturing with the food as he ate.

Panatix looked up at Wick and answered, "I'm torn. My feet are hurting from these ill-fitting boots so I want to get new ones but I want a bath as well."

He changed his mind again and turned back toward the bath house. "I'll get the bath first, then the shoes and some new clothing." He clumped his way over the bridge and to the bath house.

She glanced back toward Odelia.   At first, her words sounded callous to Lenelle -  but then it occurred to her the girl was likely speaking from hard experience.    Lenelle knew what it was to be on the 'wrong side'...and how would her own life have run, had the church not taken her in?

Three half-breeds in the same place.  Three was a sacred number in Atuan scripture:   for the God, the Saints, and the divine Law.   It was hard not to see this as an omen...

She hoped to speak with the girl later, but for now-

"Keep safe," she nodded to Senan.    "I'm Lenelle, from Calandia's church.  We've something in common."   She pushed her hair away from one ear, revealing its point.     "I'm not fully human. But, it doesn't matter here.  Atu sees what is inside."   She put a hand over her heart.

"I have heard of him," Westin responds, "however I got the impression he was very devoted to his studies and was not all that receptive to meeting visitors so I was not trying to seek him out. I was under the impression he was in a different tower or does he reside here?"

Near bath house

In making the trip from the inn, Panatix and Wick crossed a bridge.  Shortly after crossing this bridge, there was a road leading off to the right, and from this direction could just be detected the rather foul smell of a leather tanning business.  The buildings themselves could be seen about a half mile down this road.  The main road, however, curved back along the other bank of the river that let into the harbor.  Shortly after that, they could see the bath house--following the directions given, Panatix passed the first doors and walked to the other side of the building.

---

Malachy's Tower

"No, he does not live with me," said the man.  "Would have been easier had that been so.  He borrowed a book from me some years ago, and never returned it.  He lives in a house outside town.  If you want to be useful, go get that book and bring it back."

---

On the Ananke

Heaving himself with considerable effort, Klei managed to roll to put his back to Dak.  The process did seem to pain the man considerably, as even through the gag some groaning noises could be heard.

---

Outside St Magnus Church

Senan, seeming at least a little calmed from his encounter with Lenelle still continued on, entering the church building from the rear.

Still outside, Lenelle now neared Odelia, though not until after Telemachus had continued on his path into the church.

---

St Magnus Church

As Telemachus entered, he was greeted by a young, robed acolyte of about the age of ten.

"Brother Niall is talking to someone," the lad said.  "But I can take you to his office and see if they are near finished."

---

Inside the office, Niall accepted the coin with a grave expression.  "It seems that Atu has been most generous to you," he said, "and this coin will go far to feed and clothe those in need."

“Thank you that would be appreciated...” he led off the end obviously to get the young acolytes name.  Then as the walked he added a question.

“Has Brother Niall ever had to deal with people who have lost their minds to pains of life?”

Dak chewed his bread and ate his cheese in silence as he stared up at the bottom of the deck above.  He was surprised the boat hadn't leaked like a sieve after all of those years out of the water.  It must have been damp in there to keep boards from drying out and shrinking.  Either that or it was made is some fashion different than the fishing boats he was used to.  Maybe it was a different wood.

He hoped Telemachus could arrange to move the old man before he starved himself to death.

"Yes I have been blessed. I hope the money will go a long way to feed the poor. And I hope there will be more successes so that there will be more gold for the poor,"'Storm says solemnly.

"Please tell me more about this place. I guess it's a pretty peaceful town with no danger?" Storm asks.

As he awaits the reply of the priest, he studies the surroundings trying to get a sense of the place as well as the station of the priest.

After crossing the bridge, Panatix was hit in the face with the rather foul smell of the tanner's place and he wrinkled his nose. The breeze coming through the trees was definitely wrong for this particular part of town.

He looked up at Wick, "I won't be long. That smell encourages me to hurry right along."

Panatix entered the bath house and asked for cloths to wash and dry as well as a small sliver of soap. Paying over what was required, the gnome hurried into the bath house.

After about ten minutes, he clumped back out in the too large goblin boots and the still dirty clothing but he was much cleaner and felt refreshed. "I wish to visit the cobbler and get something that will not cause more blisters than I already have. And did the tailor have anything ready made or will I need to order clothes made?"

"My apologies if we did not seem to offer you and your companion the warmest of welcomes," she said to Odelia.   "I'm but newly arrived here myself, haven't even gotten settled in yet."   Her eyes strayed to the shaven headed man who'd gone inside.

"Is he with you too?  Did you come here only because your friend wishes to become a paladin, or is there another reason?"

Odelia nods.

"He is. We recently arrived to town after a long time traveling, so everyone is eager to do stuff. Yes, that's the only reason. I'm just waiting for him to be gone. We haven't quite figured what we will do next. Probably stay until after the fair, and then we'll see. You came here for the fair?"

"What book is this? Whatever it is, sounds like its rather important to you. Is Máelodor forgetful? Might he have misplaced it?" Westin asks. "He's not the kind of person who might borrow something and then keep, is he?

"So did someone ask if Malachy would like to meet a visitor or is that pretty unlikely to happen?"

Wick waited, cooling his heels while waiting on Panatix.  The village seemed nice enough and all, but carelessness had made Wick a slave.  He didn't want to explore any more career opportunities in that direction.

When the Gnome returns, Wick shrugs.  "Was it worth it?" he asks, noting the Gnome seems to be a bit happier with life.  "The tailor doesn't have anything in stock, makes to order.  Dak and I both put in orders.  The cobbler had some stock handy.  If the boots are a pain, lets go see the cobbler first."  Wick heads that way unless Panatix decides he'd rather see the tailor first.

"I'd like to find a general outfitter after that, see what sorts of things they have available."

Tilting his head and hitting the side with the palm of his hand to knock water out of his ear, Panatix looked up at Wick and grinned, "It was very much worth it. I feel so much better now."

Satisfied that his ear is clear, he nodded his head over toward the cobbler and tailor shops and started walking. "I need new shoes first but I do want to see about getting new clothes, too. I don't like putting these old dirty clothes back on after taking a bath. Also, I think I overheard someone mention a general store in town. Maybe they have clothes on the shelf that we can buy until the tailor completes our outfits."

After clumping back over the bridge, they eventually ended at the cobbler shop and Panatix entered to find some comfortable shoes.

She shook her head.  "No.  I came from St. Vallon's abbey, on Calandia.  I was sent here as part of my education and training.   To study medicinal plants that grow nearby.     I knew nothing of the fair."

In her life and duties with the church, it was rare she had time for anything like that.   Her situation here was different, though.    She'd offered her assistance to Brother Niall, should he need it.    But she wasn't working for him, per se.   Her time was her own to manage.

"It should be fun, I'm sure. Perhaps I'll go and see some of it."

Malachy's Tower

"Máelodor is more likely to have chosen to keep than all other options, for it is a valuable volume," he replied.  "He has kept it.  It is the Ars Mathematica  Return it, and perhaps you will get the audience you seek.  Someone will be here to see you out."

With that, the man left, leaving Westin alone again.

---

Cobbler's Shop

Wick and Panatix had little difficulty re-tracing their steps to the Cat and Custard Pot, and from there on down the road to the cobbler's shop.

Recognizing Wick, the cobbler smiled. "Have you brought me another customer today?"

---

Aboard the Ananke

Dak found that Klei was unchanged in his manner, no matter how much of the bread and cheese he consumed.

---

Grounds of St Magnus Church

Odelia and Lenelle continued their conversation on the grounds of the church while others were inside.

---

St Magnus Church

"I'm Breccan," replied Telemachus' guide.  "Brother Niall helps everyone, he's really good at it."  From his tone, it sounded like the youth simply did not understand the nature of the problem Telemachus spoke of, but also that he was convinced that no condition was beyond Niall's healing talents.

He then moved to walk through the door of the office.

---

"For the most part," replied Niall, "it is a quiet town.  There have been some stirrings since the silver mine opened up, concerns about how such a discovery will change our little town.  And there is another thing, which you might be able to look into, if you would be willing?"

The young acolyte entered, and Niall said, "Breccan, what is it?"

"There's another man who came," said Breccan.  "I think he's got someone what needs healing of some kind."

"I'll let you think on that," said Niall.  "There was a man who called himself a mage, but more of an artist of chicanery.  He died some two decades past, but there've been reports of voices and strange lights.  He may have dabbled in arts more diabolic that have left a stain.  You may think on that, but I believe I will need to see this other visitor."

With that, Niall said to Breccan, "Bring him in."

Breccan went back out into the hallway where he had left Telemachus.  "Brother Niall said you are to come into his office."

Wick gives the cobbler a friendly wave.  ”Yes, my friend here...  well...”. He let’s his words drop off, Panatix could speak for himself, but then adds, ”but I may have another friend or two.  I don’t suppose you give any group pricing...?”. In truth, they didn’t exactly have to count their asils but an asil saved is an asil earned.

Odelia nodded, and kept watching the people on the street. "It's been quite a while since I've been to a fair. It should be fun, I agree"

Quote: "For the most part," replied Niall, "it is a quiet town.  There have been some stirrings since the silver mine opened up, concerns about how such a discovery will change our little town.  And there is another thing, which you might be able to look into, if you would be willing?"


 "I'll let you think on that," said Niall.  "There was a man who called himself a mage, but more of an artist of chicanery.  He died some two decades past, but there've been reports of voices and strange lights.  He may have dabbled in arts more diabolic that have left a stain.  You may think on that, but I believe I will need to see this other visitor."

Before the priest leaves, Storm replies without hesitation. "Yes, Of course I will look into it and find out! Such monstrosities cannot be allowed to harm innocent people. Tell me sir priest, is there any concrete reports of this outrage that I may investgate with my friends?"

He will humbly stand aside when the priest goes away.

Westin inwardly sighed. Humans were always so quick to speak of property and ownership. It was like owning a forest. Who could possibly own a forest? That's not to say he didn't have possessions that were his but elves didn't have the level of attachment to them that humans did. And if they borrowed something, they would give it back. The whole clan would see to that.

It perplexed him. Humans spent so much of their brief life amassing possessions and property only to will it to progeny or perhaps even some charity after at most a hundred winters and usually far less. Curious, if anyone had the time and reason for amassing treasure and property, it should be elves. By and large, though, that simply was not the case. They simply did not have that interest.

He stood with these and other thoughts running through his mind, waiting patiently for someone to come in and see him out of the tower. I wonder why this apprentice is so eager to have this Ars Mathematica tome back and what it contains.

Telemachus nodded to the acolyte, "Thank you Breccan."

Walking into the Brothers office he let his eyes flit over the modest trappings and then the priest himself, "Brother Niall, thank you for seeing me.  You certainly have an interesting flock here and a pleasant town.  My name is Telemachus." greeting him as was normal for how he'd grown up.

"I thought that you might be the best person to speak to here about a mans broken mind and if perhaps you can help them or know someone who can.  I know such care is a long term investment in the least for true healing..."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Tue 23 July 2019.

"Yes, I need a pair of good quality, comfortable boots or half boots that are good for walking," Panatix piped in after Wick finished speaking to the cobbler, then realized that he may have interrupted the cobbler's answer. He put a hand over his mouth and apologized for interrupting.

After the cobbler turned back to Panatix, the gnome stood in his bare feet, the hot spots clearly visible on his toes, heels and ankles showing where blisters will be forming if he doesn't get something better on his feet.

Dak finished half the bread and cheese before giving up on the old man.  Leaving the burlap sack with the remainder nearby to entice, he went up on deck to look out over the little village harbor.

"Perhaps I'll see you around, then," she said to Odelia, inclining her head.   She was curious now what places the girl and her friends had visited in their travels, but she didn't wish to pry, while standing around out here.

She turned and went back inside, to go the room she'd been given, and finish unpacking her belongings.

Malachy's Tower

After a short period of time, the same youth who had first admitted Westin to the tower came back and unlocked the door to let Westin out of the tower once more.

---

Cobbler's Shop

"I'm afraid not," said the cobbler in response to Wick, although his eyes widened a little as he looked at Panatix's feet.  "Oh, my!  Was it a blind orc what made your last shoes?  You can't go without new ..."  He set about to measure Panatix, and then he said, "I will be right back."

With that, the cobbler went back into the back of his shop, leaving Wick and Panatix in the shop.

---

St Magnus Church

"Atu's peace be upon you," said Niall.  "I may be able to help.  I do have a small hospital attached to the church, and ...  Well, is your man's mind broken in that he does not recognize his surroundings?  Or is it more of a violent sort?  I can care for either, but I need to know as much as you can tell me about the man to give the right care."

"Atu's peace be upon you good Brother as this is more of a violent sort...at least towards myself and my companions, though possibly others." and Telemachus paused to compile his thoughts and decide how best to tell the tale.  In the end keeping it simple and truthful would always serve him and the others the best and by keeping their names out of the tale he could keep as much trouble from them as well...if things went sour or he read Brother Niall wrong.

He gestured to one of the chairs implying the tale might take a little time and asked wordless light permission before simply assuming and taking a seat.  Telemachus then continued, "I and others were set upon by slavers and set to be sold on the markets when a gale upon the sea caused them to loose hope.  By the time the ship crashed stranding us on the island most of the vessel had already been virtually abandoned by anyone not chained in the hold like ourselves.  It was there after an unexpected encounter with orcs and goblins that we came across the man by the name of Klei.  Initially we found it fortuitous only to find out that he had served the old Sea King of many, many decades long past and had been alone for almost all the time with his mind slowly fracturing as he had no one to speak to nor desire to leave the island."

Telemachus paused to collect his thoughts before continuing, "We took refuge in a temple to Aolani that had been defiled by the Orcs and Goblins and upon one of the companions cleaning the statuary that...well it came to life and spoke as if she was Aolani.  She condemned the island for their sacrilege of her temple but told us our thoughtfulness would be rewarded by giving us a day to escape the island.  That we should go to the tomb of the old Sea King and use the funerary ship to escape.  Klei played along and guided us there and it was only upon finding the underground area that he collapsed the tunnels to trap us there to die...ranting about how we would never find our way out," his hand went almost unconsciously to the stab wound he had received, "and then attacked us.  We did our best to knock him unconscious, which we did, and were thrice lucky to not only find the way to the ship and way out but able to not loose anyone...including Klei who we had mended to the best of our ability and tied up so he wouldn't hurt us.  Directly or indirectly Aolani had helped provide our freedom from that island and our death."

The tale was quite a tall one and considering how long it had been since the Sea King had been gone combined with the less that suitable clothing he half expected the good Brother to think himself insane, "Aolani kept her word and only after the day expired did she call up the sea and sky and wiped the island of all life, but also saw us safely away.  I picked the best direction and route and with the help of the others guided the ship here...I was a navigators apprentice before I was taken for that slave ship and now since I can navigate am the closest thing to a Captain of the ship that saved us but I feel it is all ours."

He then let that sink in for a moment doing his best to read Niall's face, posture and bearing before finishing, "There were a number of times to have left Klei behind but I know long years can make a man...weaker in the mind...especially when one served loyally for years beforehand and was lost after their masters death.  I understand why he would hate me and wish my death and others that made it off that island.  Yet I feel that if he was in his right mind, knowing how well he served his liege, that he could make a life for himself rather than be consumed.  He needs help but I can't and won't just drop him on some shore and sail off.  If he didn't get himself killed he'd do his best to rouse black mercenaries or pirates to come after us...so I am at an impasse.  I will not condemn a man and take his life to save myself trouble later in my journey when there is a chance that he could live a fruitful life again.  He needs that chance if I can give it to him.  If he squanders it and comes after me, or the others again then my conscience is clean if I need to defend myself and he won't yield."

Looking down at the desk he sighed, "Obviously I'd wish that this was kept between you and I, and I know as a good man of faith you would do your best if you could, but I know he will speak about it at length so it will get out eventually...though how much weight anyone puts to his words is unknown.  I just want to be able to live my life out again and perhaps some of my recent companions want to share the journey while others walk their own paths...hopefully that includes Klei some day."

"I admit, I do not know of this Sea King," said Niall thoughtfully after Telemachus had relayed the tale of their escape first from slavery and then from near certain death.  "But there have been times when those captured by the Cullican have made their way into our town.  Never quite so many at one time, to be certain."

"I can help you with this man," he continued, "and I would not permit one who had entered under my care to depart without having been fully restored to a right mind and not bound up in thoughts of revenge, particularly against those who had done no harm.  Where is he now?  Is he elven?"

"Klei said the Sea King's name was Nikolao and made a name for himself beating back the pirates of his time.  He had a wife by the name of Leana and a son named Aukani that died from some illness.  Took all of the pirates banding together to defeat Nikolao and ravage the island he had built up...or so was the tale.  I'm not too surprised even with the islands relative closeness to here.  I've been on a ship since before becoming a man and I only remember small pieces of the story." remarked Telemachus.

"Klei was Nikolao's groom and he appears to be half," he shook his head, "Been seeing a lot recently actually.  I take it that the one on the grounds is here as much as for his own protection?  Half-elves are rare enough but half-orcs..." he held up his hand to forestall any misunderstanding, "I bear him no ill will or trouble.  I rarely have the chance to practice the tongue but I never know if they welcome such a thing or revile it...let alone know it.  [Language unknown: "Ck houvenith ensaieis se t he usekni atlat erckto it ndeionwheort lach ortof Et ntbeio nceoulere inelinthu."]

He postulated quietly, "When at sea your only real enemy is the water and air itself.  Your only real ally is the same."

Shaking his head he added, "But I digress.  He's on the ship and tied up unfortunately with at least one of those that escaped the island with me so he doesn't cause harm to himself, the ship or anyone else."

"Senan?  He would not know the tongue," said Niall.  "His mother was one who managed to escape captivity, but ..."  Niall stood abruptly and opened a small case.  "She lived long enough to name him.  Now, as to your problem, let's go to your ship and bring him here."  He pulled out a small bottle.

"We will go get the stretcher and then carry him here."

”Senan...that’s a hard life for anyone before you add in the blood.”

Shaking his head he stood up and nodded, ”Yes, let’s get that stretcher and bring him back here.”

Westin leaves the tower and starts heading back towards the inn, perplexed. Malachy's apprentices were a bit of a strange lot, not to mention Máelodor. He didn't really intend to visit Máelodor but his curiosity was peeked. Just where did he live if it wasn't inside town? And what was the situation with disfigured man in Malachy's tower? Was he and the boy apprentices?

Interesting questions and if he was to get answers, now was the time. Surely the townspeople would be able to answer at least some of the questions, given the proper motivation. Humans were known for consuming more alcohol than their system could safely process. A few drinks and perhaps a coin or two, might be all that is needed.

With that in mind he stops a passerby and asks directions for the Snapping Line tavern, intent on finding it and returning later in the evening.

It was nice here.  A quiet fishing village like the one he was from.  Dak wondered if there were a way to get word to his parents.  Let them know he was all right.  That he was safe and well fed.  Making it on his own.

Looking down at himself, the chain armor, the sword.  He wondered what his destiny might be.  Perhaps no longer that of a simple fisherman's life.

Line

The survivors of the shipwreck had slowly worked at getting some of their basic needs met in the time between their arrival and the start of the fair.  Using the stretcher, after a potion had been administered to Klei, the mad half-elf had been given into the care of Brother Niall at St Magnus Church.  Other newcomers to the town had started following their interests.

For those who had taken lodging at the Cat and Custard Pot, the evening before the fair had been marked by a considerable upsurge in lodgers, and the menu had become a little more varied.  The changes were noticed on the Ananke, as well, though the hubbub was a little too distant to be noted at the church.

Morning dawned, and there were people eating breakfast, moving wares into their stalls, and the sounds of chickens and goats, and it seemed that the town of Monteci had doubled its size overnight.

Breakfast at the Cat and Custard Pot consisted of the usual offerings of porridge, bread, cheese, stewed fruits, and now with the addition of eggs.

Freshly awakened and ready to face the day, Silas descended from his room.  His wore hair, as usual, shaggy and loose.  A few gray hairs had snuck into his black hair, and his beard and mustache were no different.  The overall look was that of a man nearing middle age.  His clothing was a simple, if durable, affair.  The clothes of a traveler.  He wore a tunic of pale white linen the color of cream and dark gray woolen trousers that fell to the tops of his leather boots.  A broad leather belt completed the look.

He nodded at the few patrons and serving staff he had met over the last few days before sitting down with a steaming mug of a strong tea to chase his eggs.

Dak did ask Telemachus to write a letter home for him to let his parents know he was all right and what had befallen him.  He then spent the 5 asil in the hopes it would reach his parents and ease their minds.

He also spent 50 asil to purchase some used fishing gear from fisherman around the docks.

Westin descended down into the stairs, his eyes eager and bright. It would be a day of talking, bartering and exchanging information. The fact that it was likely to be of nothing of any significance only weight mildly on his mind, such was his liking of such occasions. However, he knew one could never be certain and perhaps he would learn something quite useful. One could always hope.

As he reached the bottom of the stairs, he spotted Silas sitting at the bar and moved to join him. "You missed an interesting discussion at Malachy's tower," he tells the bard as he pulls up a stool. "Didn't get to see him but did talk to one or two of his apprentices. Seems like Máelodor owes one of them a book but Máelodor is, how shall I say it, creatively forgetful? Or maybe there is some friction between them and this is his way of getting back. Not sure. Interesting though. So do you plan to going to the fair?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:40, Tue 30 July 2019.

Storm asks his friends if any of them wants to visit the fair together as a party. He intends to pick up some adventuring gear and also maybe some clothes or so.

In the interval before the fair, Lenelle had conversation with Brother Niall that filled in some details.    She understood something now of the origins of the church's gravedigger, as well as the tragedy that had begun his life.

Standing outside, at the side of the grave, with its basic stone, she noted the girl had seen but fourteen summers when she'd passed on.   Young to become a mother. But of course that had not been by choice.

"Thy work is done, rest in Atu's hands, till the dawn you meet again," she whispered solemnly - a short prayer spoke by the midwives of St. Audris', when a mother died in labor, and left behind a living child.

He needed you so much. But it was your time, and you couldn't stay, Lenelle thought, as if speaking to the deceased girl.

I too lost my mother.   Who could've stayed, but didn't want to. Which of those worse for a child, I wonder? 

Telemachus had spent the majority of the week on board the Ananke checking out its seaworthiness, taking down dimensions and making sketches of the hold that would double as living space and the mess.  It was going to become their home so he wanted to kit her like a proper ship.  He did take some time away from that to help Dak when he asked him to write the letter to his parents, "Of course, of course.  Just dictate to me what you want to say and we'll see it written and sent off..."

He did give the others an idea of what he was scouring the town for before the fair arrived when prices were more likely to go up rather than down.  For the hold he was going to acquire a bunch of hammocks to string from the ceiling and some basic bedding so there was a comfortable place to sleep...knowing that besides himself, Wick and Dak getting used to sleeping in one was a learning experience when at sea.  A series of large barrels to hold both fresh water and longer lasting food would be lined up along with a serious chest with a proper lock to hold all of their shares if they weren't going to hold onto it on their person.  Fishing gear, both personal rods with hook and line and nets would help supplant anything brought along.  Fit where possible would be some small kit used in the mending of the ship to effect repairs from minor damage to the sail and hull as well as a proper anchor and method of dropping and retrieving it likely with a crank wheel as the ship was a funerary one originally rather than assumed to be used daily for sailing.  Ananke needed light so there would also be a barrel or two of lantern oil and a number of bulls-eye lanterns and if he could find a proper beacon lantern for her prow that would be the reason behind a second barrel of lamp oil.  In the mess he was going to try and commission cabinetry and shelving to hold dry goods, spices and a series of pots, pans and dinnerware as well as a table and benches to fix to the floor so as to not move around in rough seas.

Silas nodded in agreement.  "I had planned so, yes."

"Perhaps after we can look into this Máleodor business?  Long-held grudges between sorcerers usually make for pretty good stories."

When the sunlight was enough to discourage any potential robbers of boarding the ship in search for goods, Odelia decided it was safe enough to go back into town, and as such abandoned her makeshift bed and headed back to town.
She had heard of where the others were staying, but ended up going directly to the fair instead. It was likely she could spot them there, if they were all together.

After finally getting clean and getting comfortable footwear to allow his feet to heal, Panatix spends the next couple of days on board the ship or having his meals at the inn and wandering around town to the different shops. He's trying to pick up everything he can for personal supplies before the fair starts.

The night before the fair, he hands a handwritten list over to Telemachus. "Is this what you had in mind when it comes to food supplies? I'm a fair cook, hobby mostly; however, I have been trained to outfit a merchant caravan by one of our best cooks since I was old enough to hold a knife. He also taught me to cook and I'm willing to help in that area if you want me to."

"Your courage measures more than mine, then again, I'm not a bard," Westin says with a laugh. "Ordinarily, I would have already dropped the matter as I am not be keen on ending up in between two squabbling mages. However, this might be different."

"Máleodor doesn't live in town. He supposedly lived 4 miles down the road. I say lived because the people I've run into say he's no longer been alive for many a year. They also described the house and where it's located. I recall passing that house on the way here and it was totally falling apart. No self-respecting person much less a mage would be living in a place like that."

"I venture to say that Máleodor is either dead or has left the area. Perhaps the book is just sitting in what was his study gathering dust and all that needs is for someone to fetch it. Simple, right?" he says with a laugh.

"If none of that is deterring, I would be interested in going and taking a look and seeing what we might find, after the fair of course. What do you think? Are you still interested?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Tue 30 July 2019.

"Explore a wizard's abandoned tower?"  Silas asked with mock incredulity, clearly agreeable to the idea.

"I've never been in a sorcerer's inner sanctum ... imagine what sort of secrets he left behind."

Westin laughs aloud. "You are the story teller!" he says, amused by the bard's creative descriptions. When he pauses and reflects on the bard's words, though, he realizes might be some truth to them and actually it might be a little bit dangerous.

"This might be a bit riskier than I was originally thinking. I'm not one to use a sword and it's been 20 or 30 years since I practiced combat with my dagger. Maybe we should see if there is an adventurous warrior who might be interested in joining us? A priest might be helpful too, especially if we encounter any undead as my spells don't work against undead."

At breakfast, wearing his new clothes picked up and paid the night before, Dak proposed heading for the fair to see what it was about.  Though he wasn't wearing his armor, he did have matching sword and dagger belted at his waist.

"I was hoping to find a belt pouch and some gloves," he explained.

In reply to Silas (msg # 225):

During the interlude between the fair, Storm gets his weapons and gear polished and oiled to ensure that he is ready for any adventure at a moment's notice. He also collects the gea once they are ready.

At te fair, he notices two men talking about a tower that he heard from the cleric and approaches them.

"Hey sir, I am Storm. I overheard your conversation and am interested in your discussion. May i acquaint with you?" he asks.

On the morning of the fair, Niall found Lenelle and said, "You may wish to go to the fair.  Some of the folk who come in are familiar with the swamps."

Dak found a nice belt pouch to replace his cloak sack as well as some leather gloves while he perused the fair.  It was a strange feeling to have so much wealth and so little interest in spending it.  He was so used to getting by on what the sea provided that he just wasn't sure what to do with it all.

One thing he was going to do was to be sure to have something left for his family when he finally did return home one day.

Wick heads to get some general goods...

   Blanket
   Rope (good quality/silk if available/affordable)
   Belt pouch, large
   Grappling hook
   Thieves picks

Later, when we decide next steps, we'll need to figure out provisions for whatever we decide to do next.

Telemachus looked at the list of things and nodded to Panatix, "That would be wonderful as I'm a horrible cook myself and good food is a rarity when at sea...excellent cooks are almost more prized on a ship than the Navigator or a good Captain.  As long as there is good food if you're astray or the Captain isn't the best things can be overlooked.  Have those and bad food and it's a short route to a mutiny.  It looks like a good start though I think until we know where were are going or when we should stick away from lots of perishables."

He gestured towards the shore and the fair beyond, "Let's handle the last bits of shopping for the boat and pick up our individual desires.  Then I want to visit the Church before we leave port or even if we're going to stick around for awhile longer..."

In reply to DM (msg # 233):

She'd already planned to do just that, for reasons other than finding locals who were acquainted with the swamps.     Though of course that too was a reason.

Westin finishes his breakfast and pays for his meal. "Let's keep a lookout for a warrior or priest who appears to be the adventuring type and might wish to join us. If not, I think I may inquire at some of the nearby temples."

Westin will head out for the fair. He will spend time especially at food and spices markets, exchanging ideas about recipes and cooking. He will politely inquire about any adventurous types who might be looking for an opportunity.

"Do we want to look for any trade goods to take to Shipton?" Dak asked when he saw Telemachus at the fair.

As those newer to the town of Monteci emerged, they found the square filled with people at the various stalls, many of them chattering happily with neighbors to catch up on the news.

As Silas and Westin considered the possibilities, a tall young man of earnest face greeted them, providing his name as Storm and suggesting that they might get better acquainted.

At some of the booths, chickens scratched at the ground, at others there were goats--there were fabrics and cheeses, hides, eggs.

Moving about the fair, there was an older man, whose clothing was somewhat faded, and he seemed to be trying to wheedle free things from people in the booths, all of whom turned him away.

A large fire had been built in the yard of the Cat and Custard Pot, and a whole pig was being cooked on a spit.

Westin cranes his neck, looking up at the man with surprise. "You may indeed. I'm Westin," the elf replies with a smile. "And this is my friend Silas," he says with a nod. "Your inquiry may be fortuitous. We were planning to visit an abandoned tower in the hopes of retrieving a book from it that might still be there. However, upon hearing Silas's florid description, he's a bard mind you, I myself started having a few doubts in the wisdom of in such an undertaking by just the two. After all, this formerly was a mage's tower and there might be something more than mere dust and cobwebs contend with."

"Does this interest you? Are you skilled in the arts of combat or perhaps just ready for some possible danger and excitement?" Westin asks hopefully.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:59, Fri 02 Aug 2019.

"Nice knowing you! Yes, I am pretty interested in him. Well I just got here with a bunch of friends and we are really not too sure of our plans as yet. For now we are just visiting the fair. As for my fighting skill, I dare say I am a novice at it, nothing more. However, I am happy to meet two fellow adventurers," Storm says. He thinks they are adventurers as only adventurers are interested in old wizards.

Panatix smiled when Telemachus handed the list back. He felt like he was finally contributing something useful to the group. "I agree, let's go see what the fair has to offer."

On their way in to town, Dak walked up. "I definitely plan to purchase some items for trade; but, I haven't had a chance to see what is on offer. My grandfather, Britix the Pyromancer, used to tell me to look for items that an area is known for and plan to trade them in an area that doesn't have that particular item, or much of it. Certain types of fabrics for instance."

As they walked, Panatix noticed an older man weaving his way through the booths. He seemed to be known by many of the vendors and the gnome reasoned that he was from here. On a spur of the moment, Panatix waved at the older gentleman to get his attention.

"Excuse me, sir, excuse me. Perhaps you can help me with a few things? I'm a visitor to this fair town and am trying to find my way through the fair. Would you be my guide? I would be willing to pay you for your time."

Silas nodded along as Storm introduced himself and seemed agreeable to accompanying Westin and he to Máleodor's tower later.

"Excellent."  He said, beaming, turning his attention toward the fair and the sights it had to offer.

Odelia wandered around the fair, when the old beggar caught her eye. She felt somewhat nostalgic about him, as he reminded her of her not so distant past walking the streets of her hometown, looking for scraps to help her survive the day. She had now a rather large sum of money to her name, so perhaps she could make this man's day, if not week.

Quietly stalking him, she followed him to the next booth, and when inevitably his request was refused, she would walk and buy whatever he asked for, and hand it to him.

"Here. Have at it"

“So who are your friends?” Westin asks. “Will you introduce us to them?”

When Panatix approached the old man, he smiled, revealing a number of missing teeth.  "I can do that, I can do that.  Sure I can.  I been around this town for a long time.  What can I help you find?"

The discussion with Panatix seemed to divert him from his attempts to get things from different people in the stalls.

"How much will you pay?" he asked.

Panatix smiled back at the older man, genuinely happy to hear that he knows the town really well.

"I'm looking for goods that I can trade on other islands but I'm not familiar with this town enough to know what kind of goods it is known for. Is there anything that Monteci is known for? Something like fabrics, or ale or hand-crafted items?"

At the question of pay, Panatix put a finger to his chin in thought and said, "What would you think is a fair price, here, for good information?" Then the gnome put his hand on his chest and said, "By the way, I am Panatix. And your name?"

In reply to Westin na'Belva (msg # 246):

"Certainly! Well, we are a bunch of shipwrecked people who became friends. We are staying at a nearby inn. Let's find them when we are done at the fair. DO you guys need supplies?" Storm asks.

"They call me Pat," said the old man to Panatix.  "I could really use an ale right now.  Would you be a good lad and get one for me?"  A closer look at the old man's eyes showed that there were definite signs of cataracts, and it was highly likely that he couldn't see much more than the general size and shape of the gnome.

Circulating amongst the vendors, sights, and stalls, she once again spotted the dark haired girl.   Who seemed to be giving charity to a poverty stricken man.

It was a kindly thing to do, for one whom most were plainly trying to ignore.   This girl and her friends seemed to be the goodhearted sort, from what she'd so far learned of them.    Adventurers or the like, were they?

Panatix smiled at the man's request and looked around in a quick circle before seeing a nearby vendor drawing pints from a keg. Stepping over to the make-shift bar, Panatix asked for two but requested one to be about half size for himself.

Handing the full pint over to Pat, "Here you go, good sir. Now, about my question. As I said, I'm looking for some good quality trade goods but I want to get them from someone who will deal fairly with me."

The gnome took up his smaller ale and tasted it. "Not bad. Not bad at all." Turning back to Pat, "Once I strike a deal, we can go have a good meal at the inn. Do you have any good suggestions for who to bargain with?"

Telemachus had been walking with Panatix up till the point he approached the old man.  While he didn't leave their presence completely he did move to a few of the stalls nearby and began talking to the merchants.  Thankfully by now he'd exchanged the old blue-grey and russet clothing for a more modern set while getting rid of the orc cloak and boots for a far more comfortable set of human sized ones.  He also had the luck that the leatherworker in town had some light armour available so he was accented in a slightly less protective but fitted suit of leather armour that didn't have the stink of Matuk on it.  The bald headed man almost had the look of a proper ship Captain.

Having just negotiated a decent price on a scimitar and its baldric he finished putting it on while slipping it behind the cover of the cloak he wore.  He looked at Panatix, "So what does the good man Pat have to say about the merchants here?"

Pat drank his ale and gave a satisfied belch.  "Now that is right kind o' you.  Not like the rest of these 'un folks.  Special like goods, well, then there's the madder dye.  Gives you a bright red for your cloth.  Bright red, can see for miles."

"You wouldn't be able to get another ale, now, would you?" asked Pat.  "Thirsty business this."

"I'm well stocked," Westin says. "I hiked in from another town and always carry extra supplies. Are you are staying at the Cat and Custard Pot Inn? That's where we are staying."

As Odelia was about to buy the item for the man, she saw Panatix and Telemachus approach and start engaging him in conversation. Seeing as they seemed to be caring for him already, she found redundant to offer her aid, and so kept wandering the streets away from the trio and the fair itself. It occurred to her that the town would be quiet and peaceful outside of the noisy environment of the festival, and she decided it was a great opportunity to explore it to her heart's contempt.

Panatix almost laughed as the pint disappeared in almost one quaff and waved the bartender over to order Pat another pint. "So tell me, Pat. Who would I talk to about getting some cloth with this particular dye?"

Panatix glanced up at Telemachus as he walked back up, "Pat, here, says that cloth treated with madder dye gives it a bright red hue. It's a dye that's unique to Monteci."

OOC: How much is a pint of the ale Panatix is buying?

In reply to Westin na'Belva (msg # 255):

"Cool! Let's get going. We can explore the fair and then return to the inn. We may meet a friend or two along the way," Storm says.

Having come from a farming community, Storm is impressed by the sights and sounds of the fair. He is thankful though that he has a ton of asils.

Wick went about to collect other things before the fair comes to town.  The blanket, rope and pouch went quick, but he hadn't grabbed enough of his share of the loot to cover the hook or tools, so he makes a run back to the boat for more asils.

All told, with clothes and meal and equipment, he was down 252 asil, and he hadn't even looked at weapons as yet.

Telemachus tilted his head as he thought about the potential uses of the dye upon certain things since he'd spent a lot of the week going about and speaking to various local merchants about outfitting the Ananke so that she'd be ready for sailing when they were finally ready to go, "Aye it sounds useful.  I should talk to the man I spoke to about our anchor and sounding line and see if he can mark out the fathoms on them using such a notable color.  Make it far easier to keep accurate records of the coast while we sail."

Dak left the others to wander around.  He thought to find a present for his mother.  She could really use a new gutting knife and a frying pan.  Maybe get his little brother a new clam digging shovel.  His father would be happy with whatever asils he could give him.

For the first time, Dak wondered what had happened to the boat he'd been in when the slavers took him?

While the streets away from the festival were quiet, Odelia noted that there were pairs of men, dressed in leather tunics and armed with a short sword and a club, seemed to be regularly walking about the streets.  Some men dressed in the same manner had been seen about the festivities, as well, and their purposeful gait suggested town watch.  One of the men, as she crossed paths, seemed to eye her carefully, as though he might be putting her appearance to memory.

Wandering about the booths, Dak was able to find someone selling a thin boning knife, an iron pan, and even a small clam-digging shovel, all told for forty-five asil.


Pat managed to lead Panatix and Telemachus to a booth where a young woman was selling small pots of madder for twenty asil.  Another booth nearby had bolts of cloth dyed with a distinctive red-orange, the product of the madder and linen, for forty asil.

As the day continued, the smell of the roasting pig permeated the air, until it was time that the food was ready and people began lining up as bits of the roast pig were cut onto platters and passed along tables where bread, cheese, and pickled root vegetables were also being passed along for those in attendance to enjoy.

In reply to Dak (msg # 261):

As Dak wanders around the fair, he notes a young man of similar height and build walking towards him. The man nods at him in greeting as he approaches. Dressed in what must have once been good quality clothes, they now hang from his frame, threadbare and stained from the road. Despite his almost destitute appearance, his gaze is confident and steady. "Well met, neighbour," he says with an easy half-smile. "My name is Karel, and I couldn't help but notice you and your friends among the rather plain townsfolk. You do stick out quite a bit. Anyhow, as you might be able to tell," he says with a wry glance down at his apparel, "I'm in between commitments. Would you have any place in your crew for a skilled rigger? If so, maybe you could introduce me to your captain, or mate."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:08, Fri 09 Aug 2019.

If he gets the chance to talk to the others, he'll suggest that this might be a good time to offload some of their gold and silver dinner ware.  True, he did have a couple of them allocated to him when they divvied up the loot, but maybe selling a set might go better than piecemeal.  On the other hand, he wasn't sure if any of the locals had the sort of coin to make it worth the effort.

Making his way out and about, Wick moves about the booths, keeping an eye out for anyone who might have a fine dagger or three that they'd be willing to sell for a reasonable price.  He's constantly distracted by the scent of the roasting meat, it sets his mouth to watering.

When the time comes, he is quick to queue up to get a plate full of roasted pig, pickled root vegetables, bread and cheese.  He also looks out for someone who can provide a good mug of ale and a nice, out of the way place to eat and watch people passing by.

Lenelle continued her own wanderings, mostly observing others.   It wasn't so often that she got out amongst the secular crowd like this.    Which was sort of a shame. If any were in need of Atu's blessings and grace, it was the hard working, toiling, common folk.

As she made her way, she kept an eye out for any who might be injured. Whether from an accident at the fair, or perhaps bearing the bruises or bandages of some previous misfortune.

If I come across any who happen to need it, I'll use the healing NWP, or cast cure light wounds, to treat them, as charity work from the church. Or, if someone just looks down & out emotionally speaking, I'll try to engage with them and lift their spirits.

Edit-  Either prior to or after the meal, I mean.   
This message was last edited by the player at 16:39, Sat 10 Aug 2019.

In his explorations of the fair, Wick did not see much evidence that they would be able to get close to the value of the dinnerware that they had found on the boat, although he did find someone who had a number of daggers on offer--there were two stilettos being offered for forty asil each, one which had been weighted for throwing at fifty asil, and even one made of silver at three hundred asil.

Finding an ale was a fairly simple matter as there were a number of vendors, some from the two taverns in town other than the one inn, and another of those who had come in from a farm with barrels of stout.

Conversations could be easily overheard, as folk told tales about who had recently had a new baby and was thus at home, or new betrothals settled over the winter with nuptial celebrations planned for after the autumn harvests, and talk of crops and animals.

Some music was also being played, and a few people were starting to dance in the square, a ragged shape which started to take on the form of a country reel as more joined in, a fluid dance as some left to get more food or drink while others had finished their meals and joined the figure.

It seemed Odelia had been wrong in her assumption, as the guard was patrolling the town as usual, despite the festivities. It was a rather foreign thing to her, since in her experience authorities had shown to ditch their duties in favor of leisure quite often.
Not having a clear goal as to where to spend her money on, she continued walking around the city, exploring for anything noteworthy to do.

Panatix glanced at Telemachus to see if he was staying with them when Pat started across the grounds to a couple of booths. He spent a minute or two looking at the pots of dye and considered buying one but really wanted to see the cloth.

Panatix stepped over to the booth table that was piled high with bolts of cloth. Reaching up, he felt the cloth to determine the quality of the linen and checked the dye job to make sure there were no imperfections that he could see. Satisfied that the linen weave and dye job were good quality, he looked at the seller and shook his money pouch a little bit to get his attention. "Good sir, good sir. Down here sir. I would like to purchase 10 bolts of your cloth. I am prepared to offer 300 asil, payable now, in good silver coin."

With his new found companions, Storm explores the fair. Having come from a farming community, he is rather impressed by the festive mood here. He had only experienced some market fairs in his hometown held near the castle.

Coming to a clothes store, he buys himself some pants and shirts that he can wear beneath his armour. He also treats his new companions to some ale at a pub, teling them of his limited experience out of his homeland so far.

OOC: Buy clothes, ale and will I bump into my friends?

Westin enthusiastically joins Storm in exploring the different offerings at the fair. When they near a spices display, Westin will interrupt, "Spices! I must stop here for a time and see what they have to offer." He will quickly go over and proceed to carefully check for any unfamiliar spices. He will also test the freshness and quality of any familiar spices. All along, depending on availability, he will chat with the spices merchant, asking about the use of any unfamiliar spices, where the spices came from, their opinion of the quality of spices for the season and in general the best places to get particular spices. Interesting new spices as well as a good discussion and what seems reasonably honest and useful information will warrant a purchase and good wishes.

When he rejoins his companions, he will explain, "Creating sumptuous meals is a passion of mine and for that, spices are essential. I was a cook decades ago and really enjoyed it. Still enjoying cooking though I don't often get a chance to dedicate the time needed to create a truly exceptional meal. That's one thing I like about humans. They really appreciate a good meal. Elves are much less enthusiastic and are almost as happy with a dreadfully plain meal. Humans were always much more fun to cook for."

At the pub, Westin listens closely as Storm relates his story and experiences since leaving his hometown. "I had guessed you weren't around here as you seemed so interested and fascinated with the fair," he comments. "Will you shipwreck friends, oh, that sounds a little odd, your recently found friends be arriving here soon? I would like to meet them and maybe discuss things a bit."

"I don't think we're looking for any new crew," Dak replied to the stranger, "but you could still speak to our captain.

"Look for a light colored bald man," he went on, looking over the crowd and not seeing Telemachus nearby.  "He's here and I think I last saw him with a gnome."

"I'm here to be selling," said the man to Panatix, sounding agreeable to the terms, though he did seem a little puzzled as the bolts were slightly taller than Panatix himself, being 43".  "How do you mean to carry ten bolts away?"

"He has friends," he replied to the merchant as he walked up to nod.  Looking around he spotted the easy to see Storm and he raised his hand in the air to wave him over, the bald head on a young face made for an easy flag for other companions to spot where he was.

Seeing his friend,'Storm tells his new friends ,"There! Those are my friends. Shall we go over to meet them? I am certain they will love to know you!"

With that, Storm gently leads his new friends to meet his old friends.

"Hey Tele! How's your exploration of the fair? Well I found these friends talking about some wizard guy and I got interested so I became friends with them. They are also eager to meet my old friends."

With a quick nod at Panatix, Storm says,"This gentleman is Panatix. I believe he is learning to trade! Say my friend, need help with your cloth?"

Storm pauses, looking at his new friends, he says," Captain Telemanchus! Sailor of our boat! Westin the extraordinary spice master and I suspect master of many spells!"

The turning to Silas, Storm says,"And this fine young man Telemanchus is Silas! I believe he is very good in spinning tales and picking up local gossip."

Looking at his feet, Storm says,"And of course, me! Stormrider, former shepherd and now a justice man!"

With such casual introductions of his friends, Storm hopes to set everyone at ease and he will then suggest dinner with the rest.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:16, Tue 13 Aug 2019.

Karel thanks the young fellow, and looks about for the bald-headed man and gnome. He soon spots the conspicuous pair, and walks over towards them. As he approaches, he sees they are in the middle of a transaction, and he hears the merchant ask the gnome how he will carry ten bolts away.

"Pardon, sir," he says respectfully to the bald man, noting that he is surprisingly young for one without hair. An ascetic, perhaps? The scimitar suggested not. "I was just talking to your man over there," he says, motioning towards Dax, "and he mentioned you may be looking for skilled sailors. I'm an experienced rigger, but I've performed most duties on a ship. Perhaps I could start demonstrating my worth by helping carry some of your newly acquired cargo to your hold. What do you say, Captain?"

Wick digs out 90 asil, 40 for one of the stilettos and 50 for the one balanced for throwing.  The silver one, well it cost too much and he sure didn't need one that would draw unfavorable attention.  And outside the immediate group, Wick would judge pretty much any attention as unfavorable.

Something worthy of his favorable attention though, a mug of ale to go with the roast pig and all.

After eating his fill, Wick roams around more, disappointed that no one around here seemed like they could afford a decent price for the dinnerware.  Of course, if anyone could afford it, they'd probably not advertise the fact.

Strolling along, he sees a fellow approach Panatix.  Wick decides to keep an eye out, he'd keep his distance but if the fellow was looking to cause trouble, Wick would be close enough to lend a hand.

Telemachus looked over Karel to make an abject judgement call and nodded his head, "I can't say that we're leaving soon, or even where to when we do but we could use another proficient sailor.  While I'm Captain of the Ananke if we take you on it will be because all of the crew are comfortable with you.  We have a...different sort of charter compared to a regular ship and the Ananke is a small one to boot."

He let the man digest that before continuing, "So your aid would be appreciated and you can see what you might be sailing upon as well as with whom...regardless of what may come I will cover your meal today for your help."  He reached out his one hand for a proper greeting shake and added, "As the big man over there said my name is Telemachus."  As he waited for the response he made small nods towards the people Storm had introduced.

Having just noticed Karel, Storm salutes and apologizes,"My apologies friend I didn't know you are Tele's friend. Any frined of his is a friend of mine. I am Stormrider, formerly a shepherd and now a warrior. How may I address you."

With that, he stops, waiting for the new man to introduce himself.

Karel nods with a smile to both Telemachus and the newly arrived Storm. "You won't regret it, captain," he grins, returning the bald man's handshake with a measured shake of his own. "Different kinds of charters are my speciality." He looks about, ready to either haul cargo or meet more members of the crew.

"Nice to meet you Captain Telemachus and you too Karel," Westin says with a florid bow. "I'm spent some time sailing as well. Growing up on the islands, especially the tiny island I grew up together with my thirst for seeing the wider world, made that a necessity."

"I talked to Storm about this and I'm curious if you and your group might be interested in a small diversion. Karel, you are invited as well. There's an old, abandoned wizard's dwelling an hour or so from here that supposedly contains a book someone would like returned and if I return it, it might give me a chance to meet the local mage here. I was going to go get it but then realized it might be wise to get a group together on the outside chance we run into trouble. What do you think? Does a short land diversion sound of interest?"

At this juncture, they were approached by yet another.    She recognized the shaven headed man as well as the aspiring paladin as being friends of the dark haired girl, whom had all been at the church together.

But, that wasn't why she'd come over.   No, in happening to overhear this conversation, she'd had to wonder if this elf was telling these others the full truth.   Her own elvish father had been a masterful deceiver, amongst worse things.  What if this book was something dangerous, forbidden, and he wanted it for himself, after risking others lives to get it-?

She approached, hating the small dishonesty, but feeling that she was doing the right thing: "Forgive the intrusion, sir. But, I overhead what you're planning to do. As a cleric of the church, I wish to offer my services.  No telling what might be left guarding a wizard's abode.  Atu's power will enhance your safety."

"Ah a beautiful cleric. A rarity even among the righteous. I am certain we will need your healing hands before long," Storm says.

Since meeting the cleric briefly, he has had a good impression of her. Beautiful and kind hearted, she was almost as charismatic as him.

"I will certainly do my best to guard your back," Storm says.

Turning to Karel, he nods and grins,"Apologies for being distracted but nice knowing you too."

Line

As the feasting had started to wind down, although ales and stouts were still freely flowing, the dancing and music were picking up.

Having found a place large enough for their group to sit, they began to compare the information that Westin had with that which Storm had learned, while Lenelle joined the group to offer her talents which might be sorely needed in a house which some folk were saying might be haunted.

Intent on serious business, she was taken off guard by the aspirant paladin's complement, momentarily losing her composure.

"Yes, well," she regained it quickly, however, inclining her head in respect.  "Well met, sir.  You pursue a noble calling.  I'll support you in whatever way that I can." 

Is everyone more or less open about what they do?    By the time this begins, do I have a rough idea what class everyone is?   

Telemachus' eyes flitted between the new individuals...Karel, Lenelle, Silas and Westin...while regarding his older compatriots in Dak, Panatix, Storm and Wick.  It appears to be not only diverse but willing group but he didn't spot Odelia anywhere and while it didn't worry him yet the fact that Koga and Angus had already left he began to wonder if she had as well.  For the time being he simply made sure everyone knew everyone elses names so there was no awkwardness and nodded to each as he said their names and raised his mug of simple water, "Dak, Panatix, Storm, Wick...Karel, Silas, Westin and Lenelle.  To new friends and old, may our journeys fair well both while we travel together and beyond.  You'll meet Odelia, the last of our band, who I can only assume if she's not here she is back on the Ananke later when we return the bolts of cloth to there and I arrange with the harbormaster to berth for awhile longer it seems."

Looking over to the new individuals he added, "Much as my calling is at sea I feel like a diversion for a little bit would be welcome.  Besides I'd like to hear if Brother Niall has even a sliver of good news in the rehabilitation of Klei when we are done and deciding on our next course of action..."

"How far away is this wizard's house?" Dak asked, looking particularly at Westin and Silas as they seemed to  have originated the idea.

"Yes, it is our good fortune to escape from the island. Our better fortune to have a competent sailor and now our blessed fortune to know these new friends. Say Tele my friend, I suggest we secure the boat in a private boathouse if we can and perhaps find a bank or vault to secure our valuables," Storm suggests.

"Like Dak says, do you know the location of the wizard's house?" Storm asks. He looks around at his companions, wondering how each will be able to contribute to the cause of good and ultimately Atu.


OOC: Can I assumed to have collected my items? What is a scale AC? 6? 5?

"The dark haired girl?"  Lenelle queried Telemachus.  "I met her back at the church, where I first learned something about your band.   Brother Niall said nothing to me about this 'Klei,' but in my short time at the church, I found the brother to be both forthright and committed. He'll do his best, I'm sure."   

She too awaited on the answer concerning the house, assuming the mage and his friend must know, since they laid the plan.

"The house isn't far," Westin says. "I would guess 3, no, 4 miles out of town down the road that goes by the church. I know we're all calling it a house, other than Silas here, but I've seen dead trees look in better shape. I just wanted to prepare you though I don't know what it looks like on the inside. I only saw it from the road when I journeyed here."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:26, Wed 21 Aug 2019.

"We could walk out in the morning," Dak proposed, "look around and then return before dark.  It doesn't sound like a difficult hike if you can see it from the road."

He had nothing better to do until Telemachus charted their next destination.  it would give him a chance to further break in his new boots.

"With wizards, we can never be sure what he has or is up to. I propose we leave in the laterpart of the morning. I would prefer to gt my armour in to ensure maximum survivability on my part. I hope the rest of you are fine with my request," Storm says, trying to convince his ffiends that there is no hurry.

Telemachus nodded his head affirmatively towards Lenelle's question, "That would be her.  As for Klei he's a survivor from the island we escaped but his mind...broke... from the long solitude there and he became a danger to himself and others.  I brought him to Brother Niall in the hopes that he could mend the fractured mind after time so that Klei could have a second chance at living."

Looking up into the sky he gauged how much light they had left and looked to Dak and Storm with a nod, "I agree.  It could simply be a barren home falling apart but it could be more and if it is then more time in the light never hurt.  Besdies I've got a number of things to finish picking up from craftsmen today for the Ananke.  As long as you are amenable to that Westin then you will have more than just a few joining you in this mystery."

"Absolutely!" Westin says brightly. "Let's leave in the morning after Storm gets his new suit of armor. Should give us time to get a good breakfast without having to wake at the crack of dawn.  What kind of armor are you getting?" he asks Storm.

"A simple suit of chain as the smith is unable to make anything better in the time given. I would hope to get a suit of plate someday. How about you Westin, getting anything from the town?" Storm asks ruefully.

"Good then," Dak concluded.  "We'll meet at the Cat and Custard a little before Terce and head out.  If you're running late, you can catch up to us on the road.  I'll see you then if not before."

He wasn't waiting around all morning on someone sleeping off the previous night's carousing.  He left the others and set about looking for a vendor selling pork and bread.  He was hungry and wanted to eat something before tracking down a two headed goat he'd heard rumor of.

Eventually, the merriment and daylight faded, while those in Monteci took to beds and other resting places for the night.

Morning dawned, the bells of Prime ringing out as people who had traveled from outlying farms started breaking their fasts and collecting unsold goods onto the carts and wagons, preparing for their journeys.

In the Cat and Custard Pot, breakfast was being served to those who managed to snare a table or a place at the bar:  bowls of porridge, plates of poached eggs, cheese, barley loaves, some thin-sliced pork shoulder, and stewed apples.

The weather itself seemed to be promising a pleasant spring day, with clouds of the puffy white variety.

Storm eats a hurried breakfast before going to the church to donate the outstanding tithes he owes. He wants to settle his dues before he goes on an adventure.

After that, he goes to the smith to pick up his chain and shield. He will asks the smith if he can make a set of plate ready in a few month's time.

Westin wakes serenely to the music of the bells ringing outside. He gets up and goes downstairs, getting a table for himself and his new found friends. He orders some poached eggs and stewed apples.

"These stewed apples are quite tasty," he comments. "Would you like to try a bite?"

He lounges at the table for a bit, enjoying conversation and the unhurried morning. After a time, he pays for his meal and goes back upstairs. He gathers his things and then spends some time reviewing his spells. As it begins to get near Terce, he heads down and pays for his room, taking a seat until the others arrive.

OOC:
Changed spells memorized

Dak was already dressed in chain with a sword on his hip.  The sword scabbard managed to bang into every chair and table leg as he moved and he'd spent some time figuring out how to sit down with it.  He might have done better if he hadn't had to concentrate on not poking someone's eye out with the metal javelin he was also carrying.  Perhaps he should have left these in his room until after breakfast.

Once settled, he ate a hardy breakfast with the others while they waited for Storm to pick up his haberdashery.

Lenelle returned to the church to sleep that night.    Prior to turning in, she spent extra time at prayer, asking Atu to aid her to greater wisdom, in doing the right things for all concerned, in whatever might lay ahead at this wizard's abode.

The gentle bells of Matins awoke her in the pre-dawn hour, whereupon she got out of bed, and prayed for her daily spells. 

She was thus up and around by the point Storm arrived, packed and ready to go.  She hailed him out front "Wait up, I'm going with you."

Discovering he'd been chewing a bit of hardy gristle for some time, he spit it out and found the rest of the meal to be a hearty repast.

Little Line

Were the town larger, there might have been the bells to tell them of the hour, but the sun had moved to the height which spoke of Terce.  By now, the visitors from the outlying area for the fair had gotten well underway, so the streets were no longer filled with the carts and wagons.  In Monteci, fishermen were out to sea, and others were well into their day's work, as the companions--both those tried by the rigors of escaping not only captivity but destruction of the island and those newly met started out on the road.

As they passed the church, Lenelle also joined their company.

The road to the house, once leaving Monteci, wound along the rocky coastal terrain, often offering them a view of the sea below.  Low clouds passed along, with occasional patches of sunlight appearing out over the water.  A stiff breeze blew in off the waves, carrying a briny scent of the churning sea water.

As they approached, they could see the decrepit house sitting on a high point.  A once proud stone wall had once surrounded it, though the six-foot wall had partially collapsed in a few places.  An ornate metal gate lay open, swaying slightly in the breeze, while beyond wild flora grew, leaving only the barest traces of a once well-tended garden.  The roof held gables, and also a number of holes where the slates had gone missing.

The sun told that they were still well ahead of Sext as they approached this structure.  Near the house, too, could be seen a wooden roof of a water-well near the house, rising just above the tall grasses of the yard.

"This is it," Westin says, with a wave of his arm. "I could tell that whoever dwelt here was someone of importance when I first passed it though I had no idea at the time it was a mage."

"I don't know if that wall was just for privacy," he muses, "or if it truly provided some defense. I'm surprised it has been knocked down in a few places."

He walks forward and grabs one side of the metal gate and pushes it forward, opening it and then stepping back. "I'll let someone braver than I volunteer to go first."

"We're just looking for a book," Dak said, surveying the dilapidated structure.  He hoped the book was in better shape than the house was.

"We should split up to make this faster," he decided.  "Lighter people check the upper floors or attic.  I'll check the main floor to see if there's a cellar.

"If anyone sees a lamp, let me know."

Perhaps he should have brought one from the boat.

Karel nods slowly as he examines the building from a distance. "Well, I'm happy to have a scout forward, perhaps scoot up into a second storey window. Or we could all just traipse in together, whatever you all think," he adds, deferring to the rest of the crew. He begins rubbing his hands together, as if limbering up his fingers.

During the journey, Storm will walk in the front position to protect his friends. As he walks, he wonders how the first adventure will turn out for him and his new friends. Occasionally, he will touch his mace and wonder if he will be able to use it soon to smite evil.

"Let me go up and knock on the door first. It will be showing courtesy and politeness to the owner of this building. If no one answers, we an enter to investigate if any tragedy has befallen the occupants. What do you guys think?" Storm asks.

The gate swung with Westin's actions, although somewhat hampered by the tall grass which grew nearly as tall as Westin himself.  While there had most certainly once been a path from the gate to the house, evidence of this path was very faint, as overgrown as the yard had become.

"Go ahead and knock," Dak said to the big man.  "I'll check around back."

Dak stepped through the gate and began to circle around the building to look for another possible entrance.  If anyone were using the building, they might not leave their trail at the front of the building.

Storm approaches the gate and looksfor a knocker to knock while announcing,"Stormrider and friends have come to pay their respects to the master of the manor."

As a paladin, it is always good to be polite to others, he feels.

Telemachus had kept relatively quiet for most of the walk and kept his small-talk to simple answers.  The Captain of the Ananke had shelved his simple leathers for what could be mistaken at a distance for plate minus the helm till he was close enough for others to notice none of it was made of metal but of hardened leathers.  Clearly he'd found a talented leatherworker to take the concept of simple heavy hide and apply his skill to it being 'civilized' rather than freshly skinned off a large beast.

He looked to Karel who had already offered and simply shifted the suggestion a tiny bit, "Perhaps circle the opposite side and meet Dak at the rear if you find no obvious entrances or openings that someone else has used to gain entrance?"

With the new day, Wick was able to get over to the inn and snag an early table.  He wasn't normally one for raising early, but he still had some pounds to pack on after his days as a slave and was interested in a hot breakfast.

He hat the eggs with a bit more gusto than the porridge, and the apples with more gusto than the eggs.  All in all, a right proper meal.  If any of his ship mates come in, he waves them over to the table to join him if they're of a mind.

Lenelle stepped nearer to Telemachus, who seemed to be something like this group's leader, or at least an organizer, and a speaker of good sense, and said-

"With Atu's blessing this morning, I've a spell that will detect sources of evil.  About fifteen minutes worth, one hundred twenty yards out, so I understand.   I'll be able to cast it once.   I'm open to suggestions, whether to use it here, or perhaps wait till we get inside-?"

Westin watches as Dak starts to circle around the tower. Westin, though, is content to say with the main group. He listens carefully after Storm speaks for anyone or anything answering.

Telemachus tilted his head to her in greeting with a small smile.  His reply wasn't sarcastic despite it sounding such, but was quiet so the others there could watch and listen unimpeded, "Well praise Atu for that.  Would have been nice to have you on the island but I wouldn't have wanted you to get there the same way we did...by slave ship.  I'd wait till we were inside personally.  Evil can be blunt but the worst of it is subtle and missed at just the wrong time."

Dak circled around the left side of the building, while Storm talked to the gate.

The front door had no knocker, but after the difficult movement through the grass, it could be seen that it almost did not fit its frame any longer, looking nearly ajar as Storm approached to announce the visit.  Nothing, however, seemed to stir in response to him, although it almost sounded like there was some sort of plaintive voice just barely audible from within.

Dak disappeared around the left side of the building.

Hearing the slought noise, Storm listens harder and peers around the area before saying,"Hail, anyone home, Stormrider with his friends have come to pay the honoured master of the house a visit. May we enter?"

If there is no response, he will declare his intention to enter and enter.

"I thought I heard something," Westin says, his voice quivering a bit. He pauses again but only hears the wind and the sounds of the distant ocean. When Storm announces his intention, Westin takes a deep breathe and when Storm enters, he follows him inside dagger in hand though pointed downward. Probably nothing, though I glad it's daytime and especially glad there those better defended noting Storm's newly forged armor.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:08, Sat 31 Aug 2019.

"Your ears are better than mine so be wary as we enter.   Wick?  Want to follow Dak on his side so he's not alone and meet us at a back door?  Silas?  Do the same with Karel's side?  Then none of us are alone and you can pass along that there might be something within..." remarked Telemachus quietly.

Looking to Lenelle he added, "Let's accompany Storm and Westin inside and keep our eyes and ears open for either of the people slipping around actually being inside."  Shifting the small shield from his back to his forearm he also drew his scimitar wordlessly in case they needed to defend themselves.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Sat 31 Aug 2019.

Lenelle nodded once, then complied with the suggestion.     She likewise did the same with her small shield, albeit one made of metal, not the wood a druid would use.

Her mace however, she did not yet take into hand --  still considering using the divination she'd mentioned, and for now leaving a hand free with which to cast.

Please move to threads based on location.