After some time, you arrive near the island with the santum on it. Whilst approaching the island, you once again think about what Tabitha told you about this particular sanctum. It's led by a witch of the Sisterhood known as Magistrix Yvonne Lebraux who is specializing in studying artifacts. The sanctum is located on the top of a hill on a small island, below it there's a small town where servants of Magistrix Lebraux and others from the Sanctum live. Visitors from the outside are mostly invited, those being merchants specifically contracted to supply the sanctum etc. Sometimes, complete strangers decide to visit the island and they are permitted to stay if they have peaceful intentions, but they are watched closely. So if you just dock there, you can be sure to be kept under a watchful eye, which will likely complicate your efforts to raid the sanctum. Tabitha also told you that Magistrix Lebraux is always looking for worthy apprentices, so that's a possible way to obtain access to the Sanctum proper, though only women are accepted by the Sisterhood.

The description fits this island. There's a large, forested hill in the center of that island and on top of it is a large, ivory tower with several smaller buildings of the same color attached. This must be the sanctum. It's encircled by a tall, stone wall. There's a path leading up the hill to the sanctum, up to a large wooden gate.

Under the hill atop which rests the sanctum, there's a small port town, you can guess it would have to have at most 50 inhabitants. There's a tavern, a general store and a shop with curiosities but that's about all there is to do for the visitors. When Memelesi docks in the small port, people come to gawk at you great vessel. Large part of your crew quickly leaves the ship to spend some of your newly-earned coin at the local tavern. One of the locals, dressed in fine silks and obviously someone important, approaches Orlov and whomever else happens to be around at the time. If they come down from the ship to the port.

"Welcome to our island. What business brings you here? And will you stay here long?"

Carlo had watched as the island appeared on the horizon. Memelesi had followed Orlov’s bird straight to where X marked the spot, now they just had to dig up the chest—and get away with it.

Belowdecks, he rummages through his belongings, finally producing a spotless white shirt; a chain with a golden geometric pendant, all acute angles; and a fine leather broadleaf pouch and ornate wooden smoking pipe. The pipe and pouch had been gifts from his father to mark the occasion of passing the first level notary exam, and the pendant he had won from an indigenous shaman in a game of dice. He’s wearing most of his earthly wealth, carried on his person, but it’s a necessary risk in order to play his part.

Later, he appears on deck and really takes in the view: the crowd, the town, the hill, the sanctum.

How big is the island? How long to walk from town to the sanctum? Any sign of other boats?

Sean waited on deck for his countryman. He had decided to play the part of silent bodyguard.

Orlov appeared on deck with an expression of long suffering forbearance and shouldering a duffel bag. He is wearing a ragged pair of baggy pants and a leather vest and a colourful bandanna on his head.

"Is Her Majesty ready yet?" he asked woodenly.

Sophia emerged onto deck, wearing a beautiful broad-skirted gown. She had carefully done her hair and makeup to resemble the styles popular amongst young noblewomen of Revelle, despite Sophia's less than noble origins. "A noble Lady never steps out without looking her best" she stated, her voice cheerful and bubbly. It was hard to tell whether she was putting on a show or simply excited.

Carlo glances at Sophia. “I dare say, dear lady, for a pirate wench you play quite the elegant and refined Meluisagne aristocrat. Allow me to introduce myself—Salvio Guerini at your service, Dealer, Collector, and Appraiser of Relics, Curios, and Genuine Artifacts. I’m led to understand this island is quite…profitable, for those in my trade.

“What’s our approach? I propose Sophia and you”—pointing at Orlov—“make your way to the sanctum immediately, and I and him”—pointing at Sean—“can scout the town and get to know the locals. We can follow at a suitable interval.”

OOC: So, I'm gonna retcon out the guy who came to inquire about you. So, no one went to your ship to ask anything. The locals stare at your ship and crew with interest in the typical way that small and isolated communities are curious about those from elsewhere, but otherwise that's about all.

It's now up to you how you proceed. Will you go right up to the sanctum gate to announce Sophia as a new apprentice? Or will you first do something in the town? Will you split up or do something else?

"I'm going to the sanctum, says she, carry this heavy bloody bag, says she, "Oh look, they have little pretty cottages! Let's go look at these!" Says she, and carry this darn bag traipsing all over the island" Orlov grumbled dispiritedly, kicking the gunwhale.

Sophia blushes, uncharacteristic of her. "Oh, you're too kind, Mister Valenti. It pays to have refined manners in my... old career." She did seem to be enjoying herself. "You look very convincing yourself. I'll make my way to the Sanctum but take a little look around first."
Sophia smiles at Orlove. "Oh good, you have the idea down perfecttly!" She extends a parasol to cover herself from the sun. "Ready, my dear, faithful servant?"

Carlo descends from the ship and wanders through the village, but pretty quickly grows bored. It being morning (is it?), Carlo gives the tavern hardly more than a glance. ”Nothing much to see here, is there? Perhaps the obscurity helps the Sanctum keep a low profile. I dare say, if they truly are so laden with mystical trinkets, we are in for a treat…” he murmurs.

Seeing Sophia and Orlov he picks up the pace. “Oh hello, Lady de Raynard! I daresay our paths cross again sooner than expected! What a delight. Not much to recommend this town, really, a dreary affair, dreadful looking people if I say so myself…” and he prattles on a little longer before descending into a coughing fit.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Mon 24 June.

Sophia enjoys playing the naive young noblewoman, looking about wide-eyed and excited. "Oh wow! It's small, but still, not like anywhere I've ever been." she gushes. She pauses to inspect the church and the store, polite and friendly to all she meets.

Orlov carries Sophia's bags with a hangdog expression, saying little. He does keep his eyes open for runes or wardings or other arcane markings and symbols, as well as an eye out for weapons or fortifications.

Sean follows Carlo closely.