Some of you may have hangovers.

The authorities of Farram are not ungrateful.  They feast the entire The Further, The Murkier for your efforts.  You may all assume you are healed back up.

You are checked to see if you're tainted. And no.  Not a bit of taint.  It's odd.

Zehathil and Gray, you are both brought up to an older T'skrang woman simply referred to as "Cap'n".  She is the Captain of The Further, The Murkier.  The fire-ship that will be taking you all upriver.

She looks you both over and then sighs.  "I got so many coming and going these days.  And damn me if any of you are good looking.  It is what it is and you are what you are.

"The rules on my ship are easy.  I get that you're working for Lahylla.  But I expect every man and woman to pull their weight when things get rough.  You won't need to sail for me.  But we're all on the same boat.  And so we all need to watch each others backs.

"Is there anything I should know about either of you?  I'll not hold much against you. And it's better to speak now when I'm asking rather than something to surprise me later on."

Another t'skrang, a sailor named Nh'l, finds you all later.  "There's our heroes!  Good job savin' the town!  And gettin' us free berth!  Cap'n is very grateful for that.  She asked me to make sure you all get clean bedding and fresh sheets.  That's high praise from the boss laddies!"  He slaps you on the shoulder Wungarr.

"Anyway.  We're gonna head out in the morning.  Cap'n wants to make it to Lake Pyros sooner rather than later.  So we won't be spendin' much time at the Sixteen Towers.  Though who'd wanna with those Theran lickin' bastards?

"Anyway.  We need to mind our Ps and Qs for the next few days.  We'll probably get stopped by some patrol boats.  The K'Tenshin love stoppin' honest folks and shakin' 'em down.  So keep your heads down and lips shut the next few days.  A'ight?"

Gray glances at Zehathil, unsure of his background or any 'bad habbits' he might foster.  Looking to the female T'skrang he shook his head, "Nothing bad Ma'am.  I was raised as a farmer but my Ma and Pa saved enough to send me to the Travar Guild Artisan School  where I excelled in many classes.  I was then selected to attend the Travar's Magic Academy and have mastered the initial training as a Wizard.  I am a trained Craftsman as well as a Shipwright and hope to learn more about the Serpent River both above and below the waters." he finishes.

OOC:
Spell Matrix:  Catseyes (if dark) Iron Hand (if Light), Mage Armor, Mind Dagger
This message was last edited by the player at 12:34, Mon 21 Aug 2023.

Antero nods at his new comrades but is relatively quiet this morning as he eats his breakfast.

In reply to Cap'n Will Kill U (msg # 1):

Wungarr nodded at Nh'l. "Clean sheets will be nice, but if I find another mystical damn fish that wants me dead, I may have to quit eating them altogether! Then I will starve to death on this boat!" He chuckled.

In reply to Wungarr (msg # 4):

Cap'n gives a nod to both of you Gray and Zehathil, which apparently means she accepts you.  At the very least, she seems to pay you no more mind. Instead she turns, beginning to bark out orders.

Wungarr, you are expected to help load the cargo onto the ship.  A drudgy, but easy enough job.

Ogbe summons you to his room Antero.  You turn over the document you'd been sent to get executed.  Ogbe nods.  "And what about my good friend Exom?  Did he make it out alive?"

---

A little after noon, The Further The Murkier has taken on new cargo and a few new passengers and pulled away from the dock of Farram.  The fire engine belches and Fffhhhff's.  And off you all go up the river.

---

Lahylla calls you both to her cabin, Zehathil and Gray.  "I need to record everything about what happened in Farram in my journal.  So you two can go about your business today.  Settle in.  Oh.  Before I foget...This really should belong to the lot of you."

She rummages in a chest in her cabin but then frowns.  "Damn me.  It's gone.  There was a canteen here.  I know it was a pattern item.  But it was here when I got back from Farram..."

She turns to you both.  "Well.  Belay that liberty.  Someone has stolen something from me.  It was a canteen.  About this big.  Metal.  The Throalic word ayao is etched in the stopper.  But the "o" in the word isn't complete.  So it looks like ayac. On the bottom of the canteen is etched the initials ToJ.  It's known as Tonkard's Canteen.  I bet it's still on board this ship."

She chuckles. "Find it for me please.  I don't care how you handle the thief.  Though if it's one of the crew, you should probably tell the Cap'n.  And tell me what happens during the search, will you?"  She laughs.  "I'm just getting all kinds of stories these days."

---

The Cap'n has sent word.  Tonight, at the start of the evening shift, the cook is going to prepare a pot of the Foundless' family's g'rez.  Everyone is invited to come down and have a bowl and beer.

In reply to Cap'n Will Kill U (msg # 5):

Wungarr does his duty as per his job as a sailor. Once done with that labor he would proceeded to head for the g'rez and beer. Hopefully there would be no fish in it, but he also may not be able to tell...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:05, Sat 26 Aug 2023.

"Yes, Exom's alive," Antero replies, "Weren't really in a spot where he could write out a reply but he said he'd fulfill the order."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:18, Sun 27 Aug 2023.

Gray listened intently as their new employeer, Lahylla, described what she wanted.  Listening intently, Gray nods, "You say it is a pattern item?  Did anyone bond with the item?" he asks.  Looking to his companion, Zehathil a Human, like him but an Archer, he pauses to see if he had any questions before giving Lahylla a short bow in respect, "I will search high and low ma'am."

OOC:
Do I know what the relationship is between Lahylla and the captain?
Once we are done here, I plan on informing the captain of what Lahylla has tasked us to do, that way if we search the sailors rooms, and one finds us, he can vouch that we aren't trying to steal from them ... or perhaps the captain has some ideas on how to find the item.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Sat 26 Aug 2023.

Gray, as far as the relationship between Lahylla and Cap'n, you don't know much having just come aboard.  You can ask around or just ask Lahylla.  I do understand the plan about the search.  Sounds reasonable.  But I do want you to ask Cap'n about it in character in game in you don't mind.

Lahylla shakes her head.  "No.  Some of my prior guards found it on a wrecked ship when we first set out.  I was really just keeping it for them. But it's something that should go to those who'll use it."

---

Gray and Zeh-there is a map of The Further The Murkier on The Almanac thread.  I will update it to show your quarters here this weekend (I hope)

A large pot has been set up over a brazier on the deck.  From it comes a sweet, spicy smell.

G'rez turns out to be a stew of sausage, crawfish, and root vegetables in a tangy, slightly spicy broth.  It's enough to clear out your sinuses but not strong enough bring tears to your eyes.

It turns out a fair number of passengers came aborad at Farram.  Most are seeking passage to The Sixteen Towers.  So they'll only be on board for a couple of days.

The new blood consist of an old grizzled troll, a couple of elven women in elaborate robes, and three dwarves who you guess are two merchants and a guard.

They are clumped around Cap'n and Kypon Foundless, the Engineer on board the ship.

A Who's Who can be found under the Reference Guide section.  Note, short term passengers may not appear in the Reference Guide as they will be here-this-message-Gone-The-Next-message

Anyway.  Feel free to mingle.

As Ogbe finishes looking over the document Antero ventures, "Sir, do you know of anyone onboard that I could hire for further warrior training?"

Gray listens to Lahylla intently and nods, "Well, hopefully whomever 'borrowed' the canteen isn't one who got off recently.  I will do my best to find it.  Is it ok if I talk to the Captain about looking for the canteen?  I will likely need to search the sailors crew areas and in their personal bags, boxes and what not to find it.  If someone stole it, they will have tried to hid it and it won't be in the open.  I'll want to ensure the captain has my back so if a crew member has issue, the captain can verify that I have him behind my actions."

Another thought comes to him, "I'm getting close to training for my next circle as a Wizard.  By chance do you know of anyone here on the ship that might be able to guide me in my next development as a Wizard?"

In reply to Antero (msg # 10):

Ogbe glances up at you Antero.  "Huh?  Well.  I guess you could ask Gallows.  Oh.  I remember Gallows said Cof was one.  The second on the ship.  Cof Foundless.  Hmmm.  You might ask that N'hl sailor too.  I don' think he is. But he seems to know everything that's goin' on.  And who all does what."

---

Lahylla waves a hand Gray.  "Of course.  Talk to the Cap'n and whoever else you need to in order to find the canteen.

"Oh.  You need someone higher up the chain than you huh?  Hmmm.  You might try the enginner Kypoon...Oh!  Wait.  I almost forgot.  I heard two of the crew talking.  That chatty human woman.  Uh...Nattie?  Navie?  Netchie!  Netchie Swoggles!  She's one!  She's like me, a long term passenger.  I think she makes a living writing grimoires and selling them at different ports.  Something like that.  Try her."

---

As you settle in for your stew Wungarr (it's only mildly fishy), you spy something.  A tattoo on the arm of one of the new passengers.  You recognize it as one worn by long term crew who work for the raiding crews of U'lik Trollmoot.

The passenger is the older troll.  He's standing by the railing, a stein of beer in each hand, laughing at some joke that elf hunter "Vyk...Just Vyk" is telling.

---

Zehathil, you hear the gunner for this ship is an archer by trade.  Her name is S'lma Foundless.

Antero takes his leave to check in with the ship's second officer.  Upon finding Cof Foundless, the warrior bows and plainly requests, "Excuse me sir, may we speak a moment?"

In reply to Cap'n Will Kill U (msg # 12):

Wungarr felt the growl coming on, even as he kept his mouth shut. He did not like other trolls. They viewed him as a walking, talking insult to their people for the crime of being born 'weak'. Which he was not, no matter what they said.

The troll in question was a sky raider, which was good and bad. Most Sky Raider attacked Threan ships, which was good. They also had been known to raid other ships-which was bad. Sometimes they even pretend to be passengers to disable defenses and then have their ships raid easy prey. It was 'dishonorable' of course, but like everything in troll culture-need overrides principle.

He went to go speak to the captain.

Cof seems surprised you are speaking to him Antero.  Other than a few times passing on the deck or hallway, you two haven't interacted.  But you can tell by the way he's standing he's an ex-soldier.  He has that "the-sarge-beat-it-into-me-to-stand-this-way" manner of standing.

"Sure," he says.  He listens to your request and then smiles.  "Been a while since someone asked me.  Sure.  Happy to help a brother in arms.  Hmmm."

He thinks about it a second and then says, "How 'bout a round?  We can spar or throw some punches.  Just a round.  Nothing too brutal."

---

You have to wait a bit Wungarr, as everyone seems to want to talk to the Cap'n.  But at last you catch a moment.  She looks over at you.

"What's up?"

"Yes," Antero nods, "Whenever you have time to spare.  I have silver as well for payment."

The warrior readies for a round to show his mettle.

In reply to Cap'n Will Kill U (msg # 15):

"Captain, I should tell you...that troll over there is a sky raider. He bares the mark on his arm. I know it's not a big shock, but sometimes sky raiders become passengers to raid other ships. We might wanna keep an eye on him..." Granted, a lot of trolls where sky raiders. Former and current.

Gray smiles and offers a short nod of the head, almost a short bow, ”Thank you Lahylla.  I’ll talk to Netchie.  We will also let you know what we find on the canteen.”.  Thinking of what was needed, Gray pauses for a minute before deciding what to do next.

Moving to his room, Gray takes 10 minutes to refocus his spell Matrix, adding Bedazzling display of logical analysis to his matrix, in hopes that the spell might help him be more articulate in expressing his need to find the canteen and why.  Threading the spell to last several minutes, Gray casts the spell upon himself and moves to the top deck of the ship, Gray looks for the captain so as to tackle the next issue, the missing magic item.  Once he spots the Cap’n, Gray moves towards the Cap’n and recasting his Analysis spell before asking for a few minutes of the captain’s time.

Gray nods and smiles, ”Good day Cap’n.  I have been tasked by Lahylla to find a missing item.  Do you know of a special canteen that was found sometime in the past?”

Gray nods, regardless of what the Cap’n says he does or does not know of the thread item ”Lahylla reports it was a thread item, but not attached yet.  It has gone missing and she has tasked myself and my companion to look for and find it.  I am here to ask you for permission to look for this item aboard you vessel.  Further, what restrictions will you place on us if you let us search for it and what you wish us to do once we find who took this item.” Gray, using his magic to make his request and conclusions about searching to make it sound more appealing and logical … or so he hoped.

OOC:
Threadweaving. 12
Bedazzling Display of Logical Analysis - Charisma test. 23

I’ll RP looking for Netchie Swoggles and apprentice myself / leveling to Circle 2 after concluding my conversation with the Cap’n. 
This message was last edited by the player at 01:28, Wed 30 Aug 2023.

In reply to Wungarr (msg # 17):

Cap'n blinks at you Wungarr, then looks towards the older troll.

She suddenly cackles and hoots.  "Oh my!  Sorry, sorry.  I do appreciate the warning Wungarr.  You've got my trust for that.  But that's Urvik.  He's an old friend.  Got kicked outta his crew years ago.  Now he plies the river, trading up and down the Serpent.  He's ridden with us a number of times.  He's safe as towers.  At least as far as thievin' goes."

Urvik seems to have heard her say his name, as he looks your and Cap'n's way.  But Vyk is saying something to him.  Whatever it is, it's surprising.  He turns back to the elf and looks surprised.

Cap'n slaps you on the shoulder.  Mostly by standing on tip toe.  "You should go say hello.  He's fine.  One of the good ones."

---

Cap'n is by the table, getting herself a bowl of stew when you approach her Gray.  She scowls at you, and then murmurs, "Oh right.  Lahylla's new guard..."

She cocks her head towards her left shoulder and listens to you as you explain.  Her scowl gets a bit deeper.

"Thieving? On my boat?  I don't know about a thread item.  Oh wait.  Yes I do.  Her prior guards took it off some old boat.

"Hmmm.  Well.  I have no qualm with Lahylla's people searching for Lahylla's goods.  So you can search.

"But.

"You have a member of my crew with you when you search.  You worked with Wungarr before, right?  Tell him I told him to help you.  Also, the Engine is off limits.  If you don't find your canteen anywhere else, I'll search there myself.  You can search the Hold, but I want Nh'l with you as well when you do.  He's one of my crew.

"If you wanna search the passengers rooms, you have to talk to them.  Don't annoy my passengers though.

"If you find it, and find who took it, you come to me.  I'll handle discipline on my boat.

"Am I understood?"

---

Cof laughs and slaps your shoulder Antero.

"Why not now?  We have a crowd after all.  Might as well offer a show too, eh?"

He steps forward, motioning to a sailor.  He speaks to the t'skrang, who hurries off.

Cof turns back to you.  "Alright.  I issued the challenge.  You can choose the weapon.  Blades?  Clubs?  Or fists?"