The mid afternoon sun greeted the graceful two masts ship as entered the harbor, battle damaged but proudly flying the Waterdevian flag. The ship it was towing had suffered much more, it’s single mast nowhere to be seen, ripped apart by the magic of the ship’s wizard, a lizard folk named Sandron. The human first mate Machrel was tossing her auburn locks away from her face while directing the docking maneuver to the shipyard, the tall castle of the High King raising on the starboard side across the wide harbor. Captain Mattegan, dressed in his shore bound fineries, adjusted his plumed hat, ready to go see the harbormaster. There was a good bounty to be collected by the half-elf and his crew and he was pleased to bring those pirates to justice. The new crew members had performed well, and as he approached the port side, he tipped his hat with a smile to the tiefling, half-elf and bugbear, as they were hard at work hauling a cable to retract the sail. He knew the strange Tabaxi was probably up in the crow’s nest, as usual. The mostly human crew had had initial misgiving about the new hiring, but after a few weeks at sea and their first battle, they had showed everyone that they were not dead weights and the hardship of the sea had brought them in the fold. The Captain certainly wasn’t a stranger to accepting other races, as he still remembered sailing with a dark elf on his first cruise on the Sea Sprite, all those centuries ago.

The docking maneuver completed and the gangplank in place, the half-elf went ashore, gripping the arm of the harbormaster in a warrior’s greeting, just as the first mate barked for the crew to assemble on the deck. The prisoners were taken ashore by a group of hard faced knights of the kingdom.

All right matteys! For those who never came here, we’re now at Caer Callidyr, in the Moonshea! The Ffolks here are mostly law abiding, but still keep your wits about you! We sustained light damage in that last fight, and we should be able to leave in two days! Tonight the Capt’n is giving ya all shore leave, but I expect every last one of ya seadogs back here at high noon tomorrow! Avoid the Spitting Mermaid and Shark’s Tooth, the rest of the establishments in the dock sector should not fleece you too much. As an advance on the bounty, the Capt’n has agreed to give ya all 10 gold pieces! Go see the quartermaster to get it and remember, the Moonshaes are far from Waterdeep, it’s a long swim! We won’t be waiting for ya if you miss the tide!

That got the crew cheering and roaring with laughter, the spirits high, as they lined up semi chaotically in front of a rickety table, a mousy looking man counting the pieces out of a small coffer and studiously noting who got what in a big ink stained ledger. As the last crew members enrolled, the teifling, bugbear, half-elf and tabaxi stood together at the end of the line, waiting for their turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:49, Mon 13 July 2020.

While I am waiting for my advance I look up at the white castle perched overlooking the city of Caer Callidyr. I have been to the Moonshae Islands before but I had never made port here before. I wonder if I can find a book on the history of the region in the city. Books are expensive though so even if I do I probably can't afford it yet anyway. Maybe after the prize money is divided up. As a new crew member my share will be small but as long as I don't go crazy on liberty it should last a while.

I cast a look at the Tiefling, Tabaxi, and Bugbear next to me. They too were new to the crew this voyage and given their unusual nature they probably had a hard time making friends. That is an opportunity. They seemed competent on the the voyage, though the Bugbear's swagger is going to get him into trouble. It's always good to have someone watching your back.

I turn to the three of them with a large smile, "This was a short voyage but still its good to be back in port. Do you three have any plans?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Sat 08 Aug 2020.

Styx wasn't used to being on the sea this much, though for the past month or two, this had been his life.  Surprisingly, when stepping off the gangplank, he still had the strange feeling like his body was swaying with the movement of the ocean.  With a massive stretch that reached through his whole body as if waking up from a deep sleep, he took in the city before him.

Yup, he should own the city by nightfall.  Actually tonight wasn't going to work for him.... there was drinking to be had...and some gambling.  How else was he going to double or triple his money so he can get only the best accommodations?  Maybe when they get back from their assignment he'll look into it running the place.  He would need to make sure it fits his needs first anyway. It seems acceptable as a whole, but he'll have to dig a bit more before settling.

The fact that the Captain said to stay away from the Spitting Mermaid and the Shark's tooth, made him want to check them out even more.  Were they just pricey?  Nothing was too good for Styx, that's for sure.  Or were they too shady?  That might work out well for him, but not being one of the locals, even the famous Styx might be outmatched with some organized cheating.  Nah, better he was in control of the game.  He'll start one up if there's time at a place of his choosing, but first, he needed to find some companions.

Most of the crew he sailed with were good enough, but he liked the wiseassery of the Tiefling warrior.  It won't be easy trying his best to keep her from falling in love with him, but it was bound to happen eventually; he was on an important mission though, eyes set on the path ahead, and must remain distraction free.  She'll be heartbroken of course, and he may console her, having gone through this very situation thousands of times, but not if she's one of the crying ones.  That would just be irritating.

There was something about the Half-Elf too.  As if there was a darker past, but yet all he could see was a deeper, and genuine kindness.  He didn't want to judge too quickly, as that can get you killed, but so far, he thought well of that one.  This one would probably fall in love with him too, but alas, this particular Hugbear is all about the ladies.  He will most likely need to console this one as well.  Tis the burden of one so amazing I guess.

Anyways, hoping he wasn't wrong about him, when asked by the Half-Elf, Ersin he believed his name was, what plans he had, Styx gently clapped him on the back (knowing his own strength) and said, "Agreed Ersin.  It is good to be back on land, though my legs are a little unsteady after the long journey at sea.  I think I'd like to find a nice place to hole up for the night, but not before there was drinking to be had and gambling to be won.  This recently acquired gold will need some friends to get along with, and 20 would be the perfect party size in my pocket.  Whether I'm successful or not, I'd love to buy you three a round, wherever we end up.  So what about you, Ersin? What led you to be part of this crew? and you Kali.....what's your story?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Tue 14 July 2020.

I casually disengage from the Bugbear, please don't let him be a hair tussler! I keep it short but that is not an excuse for people to rub it! "My older brother stole the family inheritance and ran off to join a pirate crew. I swore to our younger sister I would get it back." I tell him still smiling. "In the meantime I will happily join you for a round." I have the feeling I am going to be watching his back more than the other way around.

I watch as Esa twines herself between the legs of the the Tiefling, sniffs at the Tabaxi before fading out of sight again and I smile at her antics. "What about you Kallista, Feather in the Wind will you be joining us?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Wed 15 July 2020.

In reply to Ersin (msg # 4):

While not one to normally butt into people's business Ersin, why would someone steal an inheritance and join a pirate crew, when he could just live off the inheritance?  Sounds more like he was tricked into it.  Joining pirates would just offer him a chance to lose said inheritance quickly, would it not?  I fear your brother may have been coerced or in trouble

"He always was a fuck-up." I say with a shrug watching Esa as she ran along in front of him jumping from post to post on the pier. "I think he just liked the freedom and the lifestyle. You know kill who you want take what you want."

Esa turns around to look at me her dark eyes boring into mine. "I am starting to get hungry again. Will there be sustenance here?"

"I don't know, maybe. There are always some criminals in places like this that may cross our path. In the meantime, you will have to make due with what I can provide."

"I understand. There may be other curiosities for us to find while we are here." She cocks her head at me before fading away. "The long-armed one may make an interesting companion. Maybe he can help us find these criminals you speak of."

I shake my head before returning my thoughts to Styx's question. "All I want back is our mother's wedding ring. It was supposed to go to our sister when she got married. There was a boy courting her when we left port and it looked like things could be getting serious."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:32, Tue 14 July 2020.

In reply to Ersin (msg # 6):

To each their own, I guess.

Well, if there is anything I can do to help, please let me know.

With that, Styx starts talking with some of the locals, trying to find out more about the best places to stay, more about the Spitting Mermaid and Shark's tooth, in hopes he'll get a better feel of what he is walking into.  He'll also look around to see if there's any hidden Thieves Cant written or placed around that he might recognize, should he need a fence or a place to keep quiet for the night, depending on how well the night goes.  He'll just talk it up with these locals, until Kali has gathered her upfront share and is ready to go.

What does Styx find out?

The tabaxi was daydreaming about the view the sea gulls must have from up there when the half-elf asked what were his plans.

I don’t know yet… Fly? Fly like the sea gulls would be fun. Oh, you mean tonight? I’m sorry, I don’t know… might I follow you around? There must be some interesting sights and sounds here!

Please, call me Wind, I know, we Tabaxi have a strange naming convention for your sensibilities.

The bugbear had a glint in his eye, he was certainly feeling back home with the possibility of doing a quick gold piece or two. Taping on the shoulder of the sailor in front of him, a middle-age fellow named Gerald, his skin tanned and lined by years of sea-salt exposition, Styx asked him what was so special about the two places they were warned about. The sailor started to laugh, clapping the rogue’s arm before saying:

Oh you don’t want to go to them places boy. The Mermaid’s got that fighting ring, it’s legal in town, but the capt’n don’t like it when a mattey’s coming back with a broken arm.

Dropping his voice a bit, he looked at the first mate before continuing.

The Tooth will eat you alive, boy. There ain’t no worse place here. Royal guards watch it like hawks, never seem to catch them on the act, but trust me, you don’t want to be caught there… and if you survive, Machrel’s gonna skin you alive… I saw it before, the woman’s is fierce with her whip!

Spitting over the railing like an expert, the man did some kind of protective gesture before turning back in line.

The Tooth’s got the devil’s eye boy, don’t go near that place!

Finaly, the quartet turn to get their gold arrive, the quartermaster handing them each ten gold pieces, before carefully locking the chest with a key he kept around his neck.

The auburn haired woman repeated that she wanted everyone back at high noon the following day, then dismissed the crew to their occupations, the sailors chitchatting as they left the ship. Coming out of his cabin just then, the dark blue robe wizard went to  talk with Malchrel in a hushed tone.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:34, Tue 14 July 2020.

As Ersin and Styx were talking to me, I thought I felt something rubbing my legs. There were a couple cats aboard this ship, so guessing it was one of them, I looked down intending to pet it. There was nothing there. Curious.

Of course, I'll come with you. I won't say no to free ale. I said with a chuckle. It was then that Styx asked another sailor about the forbidden establishments. Hearing them described, the Mermaid sounded like my kinda place. I bet I could make a killing there. It was then our turn to collect our advance and I pocketed the ten gold pieces before setting off after the other three.

Looking up at Styx I say, So, where are we headed?

This message was deleted by the player at 02:45, Wed 15 July 2020.

Sounds like the Spitting Mermaid is where we want to be Kali.  So I need to know...as I plan on betting on you, which will determine how many drinks we get, are you any good?  I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, but it would be nice to have some reassurance, as I'm quite thirsty and much bigger than you are.  I can drink a LOT.

Oh and before you go rushing in, let me work my magic on the crowd first.

Oh and Ersin, the Spitting Mermaid is where we'll be.  You'll most likely find us drinking some of the cash we've made!
This message was last edited by the player at 02:53, Wed 15 July 2020.

Interested in the fighting ring I see; not a surprise. Seeing the shops still open Ersin steps towards the gangplank and makes his way down to the pier. "I want to take a look around the market; maybe ask around if there is anything interesting happening tonight. I will meet you two at the Mermaid in an hour?" Turning back to look at the Tabaxi. "What about you Wind?"

As we get closer to the crowd on the pier Esa appears rubbing up against the legs of a small child with light fingers working the crowd. Seeing this I move my money pouch higher, between my breastplate and my chest next to my heart. "You might want to keep a close eye on your coin if you plan on spending it tonight." I tell the others before making my way towards the market.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:24, Wed 15 July 2020.

I chuckled, I am capable. I would like to suss out my competition before I commit to the fight though. I know some highly skilled fighters that I would not wish to battle even if they were on their last leg so to speak.

As we made our way through the crowd to get to the part of town the Spitting Mermaid was in, I could see in my peripherals small fingers trying to make off with my money pouch. Grabbing their wrist so they couldn’t scamper off, I smiled. I wouldn’t do that if I were you. I looked down to see their reaction to being caught. I would bet it doesn’t happen very often.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:37, Wed 15 July 2020.

In reply to Kali (msg # 13):

Alright...oh, and one more thing I need to know just in case....are you willing to throw a fight?  Just curious...need to know our limitations here.

If the money is high enough, absolutely. I’m no fool.