Tymora was feeling capricious this night, having a blast watching as the seemingly easy escape turned into a chaotic pursuit. The group turned out of view of the patrol by turning north and dashed ahead, or attempted to anyway. The poor Kali stumbled on a raised cobble in the street as she ran for it, causing even more noise attempting to recover her footing. The frightened Asuni collided with Torinn trying to avoid the floundering tiefling, in a merry mess of things.

 The sly Styx had other ideas though and waited just out of sight, for the right timing to drop a thousand ball bearing on the street, the moment arriving as Kali was clanking away. Deftly, he spread the metallic balls, their tinkling sounds drowned in the noise the warrior was doing. Chuckling to himself, he stayed in the shadows to witness the result of his trap.

He didn’t have to wait long. Completely oblivious to the danger, the men in royal guard garb turned the corner and Styx could almost hear Tymora laugh hard, as four of the six patrolmen slipped on the balls, falling in a heap of flailing limbs and  clashing weapons, the hooded lantern spinning wildly on the ground, light quickly alternating with shadows in the street. The other two ran on after near slips, but having lost their source of light, they could only depend on the feeble light from the street lights and the noises of the creaking armors to try to catch the fleeing adventurers

*******************

Meanwhile, back at the boat, the nervous knock at the door of the wizard’s cabin did not elicit any apparent answer. Ersin was about to knock again when he noticed the wizard’s familiar lizard coming out of a small hole over the door. The creature stood there, flicking it’s tongue at the half elf, watching him with unblinking eyes, its clawed foot tapping impatiently on the wood.

Of course he just sends the familiar. Alright, he is a Lizard Folk so I need to be straight to the point. Why is this important to him.

"There has been an incident in the city that may negatively affect the Captain and the ship. The local high priest of Selune had been taken over by a strange creature like a quadrupedal brain. I don't know if other officials have also been taken but it may impact the Captain's negotiations. Crewmen Styx and Kali killed the creature after it left the priest's body and are currently attempting to evade the Watch."

"I never know what to say to these people. They just don't think like us."

"Remember they do not feel emotions like most warm bloods. Try to relate how what you have to say will affect their survival." Esa said from her perch on the mast yawning to show him her sharp teeth.

"I'll try to remember that."

Seeing that 4 of the 6 were currently out of the chase, at least for a moment, he needed to deal with the other 2 and get them interested in him.  Keeping his cowl over his head, and bellowing loudly, Styx said: Whoa, I know I'm quite the catch, but there is no need for all you to FALL head over heels in love with me!  Is this what passes for Royal Guards these days?  Quite sad if you ask me.  What will the captain of the guard think when you let ME get away, Hmm?  Well, keep up if you can...and watch your step!

With that, Styx dashed NW, but not before taking a quick potshot with his crossbow, specifically aiming at the ground 5 feet before the guards, to get their attention.

Attack near guards feet:  22

Laughter erupted from the roof top as one of the guards tried to get up and fell down again, before he yelled.

Grab the bugbear, he’s surely the one we need! We’ll go after the others!

The two men still standing jumped when  a quarrel bolt clattered on the cobble stones near them but started running toward Styx. As the other guards tried again to get up, vines erupted from underneath them, grabbing them and pulling them down again as a mocking voice rose up.

Run Moonbeam, run!

Running as fast as they could, the tiefling, dragonborn and half elf reached the waterfront with no other incidents, but the dreaded whistle started again…

*************

The door silently opened and the lizard folk, dressed in a casual green and blue robe, wearing a black cape, emerged, his eyes inexpressive, the lizard jumping on his shoulder. He looked down on the smaller half elf, with an expression that could either mean “I wonder how you taste” or “are you bullshitting me”, it was hard to tell. After a moment, he opened his maw, the row of razor sharp teeth gleaming in the light of the lantern near the door.

You go get Fire hairs at Pork that drinks. I go fetch big hat.

And just like that, the magic user was replaced by a bat that took flight, towards the castle.

Fuck. I guess I'm going to the Drunken Boar after all. All I wanted was to get a new book and find somewhere reasonably priced that doesn't move to read it but no I have to be running around dealing with this shit! I was going to watch the fights and have a drink or to first but I didn't think I was asking for too much.

I wave to Ernesto as I pass him on the way back down the gangplank to the dock. "Hey Ernesto, Kali and Styx might come by with a Dragonborn and a Half-Elf in tow. We need to get them onboard and squared away so the Captain can decide what to do with them.". He waves in acknowledgement and I continue on.

I make my way back towards the market and after a couple blocks I duck into an alleyway and wave my hand in front of my face. I pause another minute before I exit the alley and make my way towards the Drunken Boar.

I soon see the sign from earlier and hear the familiar sounds of a dockside tavern and head in that direction. I go down a short set of stairs and push passed a pair of drunk human dock workers and through the door into the main room of the tavern, the warmth of the fire and smell of old spilled beer washing over me. It's not fancy but I have seen much worse dives in my short years. It's crowded hinting at either decent food, drink, or service or that there is not much in the way or competition. I keep my eyes open for a particular head of red hair and it only takes me a moment to spot her in the back right corner as she slams a tankard down as she finishes her drink before thrusting her hands above her head in victory, laughing uproariously at the man across from her who's choking on his own drink. Fantastic.

Meanwhile, Esa is hopping from table to table sniffing at the drinks as she goes, her nose wrinkled in distate. "Oh Little One, you take me to the most wonderful places."

"You heard nearly all the stories I have. Aren't adventures supposed to start in places like this?" I reply with a slight shrug "Lets talk to the First Mate so we can get this over with."

I have to take a winding route through the tables as people of varying levels of sobriety  move around the room and I avoid the barmaids as they work the room. Judging from what one of the larger woman is displaying and overheard comments its not just drink and food on the menu. I make it to the First Mate's table just as the she finishes talking to the spluttering man across from her and money changes hand. Good hopefully she will be in a good mood; just in time for me to ruin it.

"Excuse me Ma'am, there's been an incident with some of the crew I think you need to be aware of."
This message was last edited by the player at 11:22, Mon 03 Aug 2020.

Once Styx saw the four remaining guards were well under control, he led the two following him on a wild goose chase for a good couple minutes, ensuring the rest of the party had the time they needed to get away.  Once he felt confident, using his keen skillset, he dashed off at full speed, leaving the two guards in his wake.

Now back at the waterfront, he quickly made his way back to the ship, to meet up with the others.

The fiery woman quickly turn her head toward the disguised Ersin, taken aback by his appearance, her eyes trying to focus.

Hector? What are you doing there? Where are my drinks?

She  looked a little unsteadily towards the back bar looking for someone, looked back at Ersin, back to the bar and back to the disguised half elf. Frowning, she rose and tried to grab Ersin’ shirt but failed as her legs betrayed her, avoiding falling down at the last second by holding after the table. Her tone was no less fierce when she bellowed towards the bar.

Hector come back here this instant!

She looked again at Ersin.

And who are you, changeling?

Just then the half elf could see the real Hector rapidly approaching, holding four mugs in his hands….

*************************

The fleet footed bugbear had a bit of fun with the guardsmen before losing them in quick race and hide maneuver that he had practiced for years. Chuckling, he found his way towards the docks and moved to the ship, before hearing soft footfalls beside him, the grinning Tabaxi appearing at his side.

That was fun, Moonbeam, we need to do it again! Imagine that in a nice forest! Now where is Kali?

A few minutes later, the little troop had found each other and were approaching the White Swan.

Of course he would happen to be drinking with her.

"Well what will you do now?"

I ignore the comment and take a seat at the table keeping my hands clearly visible. "Hardly a changling Ma'am just a member of the crew trying to avoid the notice of certain parties." I wave my hand slowly in front of my face and feel the familiar cold sensation ripple across me. "As I said there was an incident in town and I didn't want to spend the rest of my night keeping the watch company. Sandron sent me to come find you while he contacts the Captain up at the castle."

Nice trick swabby… but the next time you want to pass for me, just don’t, I might take it personal.

Hector got to the table and dropped the drinks on it, the beer wildly swinging in the mugs, spilling some on the table. Taking the chair vacated by the loser of the last drinking game, he eyed Ersin with a look that signified that he did take it personal. Pushing two mugs toward the woman that was just sitting back on her chair, he hesitated before pushing another mug towards Ersin, before taking the last one and downing a swig.

Now what’s that problem that got that cold blooded lizard to move?

Machrel picked one of her mugs but didn't touch the golden liquid, green eyes fixed on Ersin. She too was curious to know what could alarm the Lizard folk that much.

"Don't blame me for how you look. Your parents did that to you." I tell him smiling to take the bite out of the comment, raise the beer, and nod to him in thanks before turning back to the first mate. "Kali, Styx, Wind, and I went to the Spitting Mermaid to watch the fights. While we were there the local high priest of Selune went nuts and a scuffle happened between him and his bodyguard. Kali intervened when the priest tried to knife the bodyguard and all hell broke loose. In the confusion the priest was killed and some weird brain creature popped out and Styx helped kill it. Afterwards the bodyguard and an Acolyte left with Styx and Kali and I think they want sanctuary on our ship. I warned Sandron about it and that we didn't know if any other important locals are meat-puppets so he went to tell the Captain and told me to find you."

I heard Wind say my name while talking to Styx. They must have made it back as well. I stood up from where I had been sitting in the shadows watching for them and sauntered over to where they stood.

Sitting here waiting for you lot to show up. I think at the next port I want to buy new armor though. This set makes a lot of noise. I get myself into enough trouble the way it is. Where do you think Ersin disappeared to? I haven't seen him yet.

Kali, is that you down there?

Ernesto’s lantern poked over the railing and his wind burned face appeared, eyes squinting.

Ah! It is you. Ersin did say Sandron sent him to fetch Machrel at the Drunken Boar. He’s probably still there. Are those the dragonborn and half-elf he said you would be dragging with you?

**************

Machrel and Hector looked at each other after Ersin’s story and the woman frowned, looking back at the warlock and was about to speak before the wiry man put his hand on her forearm, shaking his head.

There are more pressing things, Mach, all in due time. We have to get the crew assembled, now.

Anger still in her eyes, the woman nodded and took hold of a rock she had on a necklace, closing her eyes for a moment. When she opened them again, they were clear, as if she hadn’t been drinking at all.

Barking a few orders, she dispatched crewmates to go in the other inns of the city, which they obeyed without question… if the first mate was worried enough to order a general call, they knew it was in their best interest to get moving! She then turned to Ersin.

I’m not done with you or the others with you, you’re coming with me.

Not even waiting for a reply, she rose and left, Hector and Ersin in tow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:33, Tue 04 Aug 2020.

"Why do I get the sense they are considering shooting the messenger?"

"Because you aren't a moron."

I smile at the comment and stand to follow them once more waving my hand across my features and feeling the chill. He doesn't want me to pass for him; lets see what he thinks of this!

"I take it back."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Tue 04 Aug 2020.

Yes, quite graceful of you Kali.  I've never seen moves QUITE like it...well except this one time I saw an Eladrin woman slip on some spilled beer, when singing from atop a bar.  Long story that one, but quite comical.  Another time perhaps.

So what's the plan?  Any news?

No news yet. Ersin hasn't returned from fetching the First Mate. The wizard went to go get the Captain from the castle. I suppose we wait until they get back and find out if we are being punished or not. We might as well go aboard and wait for everyone to get back.

We could always play some dice or cards while we're waiting.  Ernesto, you in?  Anyone else?

Styx secretly hoped this might be his chance to make the extra money he was banking on at the fight club tonight.

As we approach the ship it’s my chance to see one up close. My occasional wondering around the city have taken me to the docks every now and then. I’ve always loved the ships, the majesty, the freedom the represent. Never would I have thought I would be boarding one, especially one such as The White Swan. Asuni takes my hand, she’s hesitant. I wonder if she’s ever been on a ship before or for an extended period of time. I look down at her eyes, flitting back and forth from the ship to me. I tighten my grip on her hand slightly to reassure her our decision is the right one. I smile, she smiles a small smile back. I am very glad she came.

So we are still awaiting some of the crew? Hopefully they make haste. The longer we’re here the better chance the watch will find us. Careful Kali, I don’t want you hurt. We may need both of our skills if things go bad.
Sorry Styx, I don’t play games of chance. Seen too many people loose way too much.

As we walk onto the ship I feel a sense of excitement. We’re actually doing this leaving all of this behind us. I breath deep. Selune, I truly hope this is the path you chose for Asuni and me.

Styx, Kali, Torinn and the rest had just come onboard when Styx engaged Ernesto to play cards, which he refused until Wind told him that he would hold the watch for him. The players set up a small table on the deck and the cards started flying, and money moving from one side of the table to the other, but to anyone proficient in the game, it was obvious that Styx was leading the poor man by the nose. After letting him win a moment, the bugbear slowly got the pile of silver growing on his side, always letting Ernesto believe that he had a chance in the rigged game. The game continued for about 30 minutes when the din of the crew coming back to the ship, most of them in various conditions of drunkenness, and in a foul humor put a stop to it, Styx fleecing Ernesto of almost all his advance, gaining 8 gold.

And just in time too, as the melodious bellowing of Machrel was being heard approaching the ship. Instantly, most of the crew sobered up, or tried to, and started looking busy, some preparing the ship for departure, even without orders, others starting on the needed repairs. Finally, her words started to make sense to everyone.

Ersin, stop doing that! I could have killed you at the boar for that!

Finally, maybe not so much sense. Some onlooker looked at the little gaggle, composed of the first mate, her best friend Hector, and a weird femininized version of Hector, seemingly having the time if her(?) life. The man was fuming and thumping on the cobblestone, and only stopped walking roughly when  he reached the gangplank and crossed swiftly, the years of experience showing. The auburn haired woman followed and let her green eyes survey the scene, most of the crew already on board. Looking out towards the docks, she asked.

Now where are that lizard and the captain?

***************************

The captain had found someone to peak his curiosity and was amicably chatting with him when the Lizard Folk arrived on the scene and explained the situation to the half elf, in his usual brusque way. The captain was not pleased at the news, but agreed to accompany the Lizard folk. Him and Sandron had known each other for years, and he trusted the judgment of the wizard….

Still, intellect devourers were not something to laugh at, and he wondered how many of his contacts were already infected with the things, as the wizard ushered him in a carriage, giving the coach driver a cold look. The captain’s guest boarded the ride too, it’s weight forcing the half elf and lizard folk to huddle together just to keep the balance of the coach. After a bumpy 15 minutes ride, the carriage arrived near the ship and both wizard and captain got out first, leaving the guest to extract himself from the little door, as they were both boarding the ship. Machrel whistled loudly and announced the captain on deck, something that earned her a annoyed look from the half-elf, that hated when she did that.

Just then, the creaking of the gangplank announce to all the arrival of the captain newest friend….

All good things must come to an end. Waving my hand once more I continue towards the lights surrounding the gang plank. Hopefully this will all be over soon.

The next few moments of the guest extracting itself from the small door of the carriage could best be described as an entertaining spectacle at the very least. The first thing to poke out of the door was a round reptilian-esque head with some small spikes along the crown. The face that accompanied said head was nothing but smiles as the neck extended to look at the ship. "My what a vessel, captain. What a vessel." The head said to the half-elf already boarding the ship.

There seemed to be a problem though. The head and neck extended and retracted and extended again as if trying to pull bodily the whole of his self through the door that was obviously not built with creatures like him in mind. The head disappeared and an arm and a leg and the length of one side of a massive turtle's shell came out next. Well came partly out. The shell wedged in the door and a small sigh could be heard from inside the carriage. "Wesley a little help?" A squeak and suddenly a tiny bluish critter, something akin to a salamander, squeezed past the shell. Wesley, the familiar, opened his little mouth as wide as he could and chomped down on a tortle 'toe'. "Youch!" The tortle toppled back into the carriage and with a crash the door on the opposite side swung open. A creaking moan bemoaned the stress put on the frame of the door as the whole of a shell, sans the expected head and limbs apparently, forcibly fell through it.

Soft side up, the shell rocked to a stopped and the little familiar ran over to it and disappeared inside one of the gaps where a limb might retract. Slowly the legs, arms and head came out again along with Wesley. A new problem presented itself. Getting right side up. Still the face on this tortle never stopped smiling and with a forward and backward and forward and backward extension of the neck he slowly began rocking until suddenly up he popped. Back on his feet, the odd fellow looked around with his head swiveling even while his body moved back toward the carriage. His arms retrieved his belongings, a fairly weighty bag, a staff, and a book. And with that he started moving toward the ship as well. "Ahoy folks! Might I come aboard captain? Oh, to the rest of y'all. I'm Sunny!" The smiling face called to any who would listen.

This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Who's this? Is he client or crew? Either way I doubt he will find it comfortable aboard ship. But if Styx can adapt to low ceilings and narrow passages I am sure this fellow can as well.

Meanwhile Esa has perched herself on his shell and is trying to see passed his limbs to find the small lizard. "The Large Shell keeps getting in the way!" She complains while ineffectively digging at the Tortle's arm.

Good evening Captain.  Moonbea....I mean Styx, reporting for duty!  Styx said smiling and winking over at Wind.

Captain, I know it sounds like we got in a bit of trouble, but honest, it wasn't our fault. I mean, we did go to the Spitting Mermaid when we were told not to, but you should know that when you tell idiots like us not to do something, that's basically what we were going to do.  Plus, it really sounded like a lot of fun and it has been a long time since we've had any of that.  Not to say that being on your ship isn't any fun, because it is, but you know what I'm saying.  I feel like I'm rambling?  Am I rambling.

Anyways, as you can see, we have a couple of new faces here.  These two, Torinn and Asuni, greatly helped us in our kerfuffle with the brain creature and because of their help, they are now on the run, much like we are right now.  Speaking of which, we should probably get going.  We uh...well, the royal guard is looking for us and in order for us to escape them, we did give them a bit of trouble.

Oh, and a pleasure to meet you Sunny.  I'm Styx.  What brings you aboard our vessel this fine night?

Captain, should I escort the 3 new members of our crew to some of the empty cabins down below?

Seeing the large creature trying to get out of the carriage was intriguing at first. I might have a new person to spar with; however, once he had fully righted himself from his awkward emergence, I saw he was not my sort of playmate and lost most of my interest.

Hi, Sonny. My name is Kalista, but you can call me Kali. I said, but mostly to not be rude.

There is much going on, I can see Asuni’s confused look, I probably share it. There was so much commotion I was sure it was the captain but it was a large turtle-person. I’m not sure his race but he seems formal and nice. I hope to finally meet the captain soon and secure positions on the ship for both Asuni and I. I convinced her to leave her life and follow me, I’m responsible for her. Kali seems to be less then enthusiastic to meet him, I guess she’s looking for someone to practice with. At least I have someone to keep my skills sharp with. Styx seems to be quickly talking his way to allow us on the ship. I share his concern and need of speed. I should at least introduce ourselves to this new person who has arrived.

Well met Sunny. This is Asuni, a brilliant cleric in training, and I am Torinn-ra Orinth-a Barath-ra Erath-thu Selune-tha, but you can call me Torinn, as most do. I am a Paladin of Holy Selune. It is nice to meet you.

I look to Styx and Kali, I lean in and drop my voice.

Who is the captain? I would like to speak to him as we are on his ship and I want to secure Asuni and my placement here..

Taking hold of Torinn’s forearm, I lead him over to the captain, This man here is the captain, Torinn. I will leave you to your talk unless either of you need me for anything.

I tried to hide my face just slightly from the Captain’s view. I had a feeling I would be getting an earful later from either him or the First Mate and I would prefer to get chastised without an audience.