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Post by Diocles on Feb 3, 2021 3:48:51 GMT
Iritari shrugs and levels a withering stare at the robed minion. "I don't know, Firas, but it doesn't much matter does it? All we really need to know is where he's going... into the dragon's fire!"
The minion blanches and bows low. "Forgive me, noble Firas. Let me escort you to the Senate house."
So that is where the cult leader is staying?
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 3, 2021 3:55:34 GMT
I make a note of where he is staying, but I do not speak, of course. Instead, I try to shift my feet in the direction of the shore.
I want my cousin to understand that we do not want to go to the city. If I got so near the dragon as that, he would sense me immediately. My magic is not gone, though I have become a Mariness.
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 3, 2021 5:03:58 GMT
At the cultist's change of attitude, Aethyl's own tone becomes less imperious, almost magnanimous. Having broken the man's spirit, Aethyl wants to build it back up in a very particular way, to a very particular end.
"Perhaps, in my own haste, I was too hasty with you. After all, you are only doing your duty, serving your master, and such service is worthy of thanks. And we must not allow the rabble to pollute these parts, must we?" He winks conspiratorially to the cultist.
"Indeed, I have forgotten my own manners, and have not even asked your name!?"
Aethyl pauses meaningfully, helpfully.
"Now, then. I am well aware that your master is staying at the Senate house. Though," he says, lowering his voice, and looking around cautiously, "it would not do to advertise it too lightly, especially to those coming in by ship."
Aethyl casts a suspicious eye in the general direction of the sea.
"And speaking of ships, my business with your master is not for some hours, according to our prior arrangement. I am here on a second errand of business, namely the procurement of another ship. Prices are simply outrageous these days, but what can a man do?
"Still, we must do what we must to make ends meet. Come, now. You seem an observant fellow. Have you an eye for ships? Have you heard any of the men speaking of a willingness to sell? I am a busy man, and cannot devote my time to every venture. But I honor my agreements, and I value diligence. Here."
Aethyl presses a gold coin into the man's hand.
"I know that you are a man of deep piety. But I also know that a man needs to feed his belly, and to look to other needs. I am here from time to time, even when I have no direct business. But I cannot watch the docks all day and night. When I come again, if you have seen or heard of any ships of a worthy sort for sale, let me know, and I will make this coin a paltry sum."
Suddenly, something draws his attention. His face brightens into a nearly ecstatic joy, and he squeals to Iritari, "Oh, Ceili! Look at that one! I must have it! I will have it, cost be damned!"
Aethyl turns and presses another coin into the man's hand and gives an ominous look.
"Tell no one that Firas has been here looking at ships. If Bhatair gets wind of this, he'll be on these docks in a twinkling. That bedraggled buzzard has snapped up three from under me this year already. Three ships! Confound the old bastard!
I am glad we met, and shall hope to see you again. Wish me luck, and bring me good news next time, and I will tell your master what an excellent watchman he has posted!"
Taking Iritari by the hand, and ignoring Mairwyn and Rajit, he fairly prances to the shore, filling his eyes with the ships that lay at anchor, some bustling with activity, some quiet, as if waiting.
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 3, 2021 6:24:29 GMT
I follow Iritari and Aethyl, maintaining the same distance behind them, but nearer to Rajit than to them, as befits a piece of cargo, standing nearer the guard!
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Post by Diocles on Feb 3, 2021 6:35:24 GMT
You leave the red-robed Lucius to stare after you, and then he goes his way with his zombies, looking for how he might curry more favor with his cult leader and his associates. This leaves you all in peace to do what you will. There are several ships in the harbor, with men at work loading and unloading goods of every kind imaginable. It's a busy place, and now that you're past any meddling watchers, you stroll the docks in peace.
"Looking for passage?" a voice calls out. You turn to see a Skenje sailor standing on the gangplank to a ship that has only one main mast. On the prow is carved into the wood The Aglaia, and the figurehead on the bow of the ship is an ample-breasted woman stripped to the waist with her hands reaching out as if grasping for something.
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 3, 2021 6:38:26 GMT
I do not say anything, but I shift my feet a little. A single-masted ship is smaller, and we do not want the ship to be too big. The fewer sailors we require, the better.
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Post by Diocles on Feb 4, 2021 0:20:33 GMT
What the ship basically looks like...
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Post by Sir Roland Desprez on Feb 4, 2021 0:28:20 GMT
Rajit has no opinion, he just wants to be away from the undead as quickly as possible.
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 4, 2021 1:19:32 GMT
Aethyl brightens, and responds. "We are indeed, if your course is anywhere near Arinport! But tell me, good sailor, what are your rates, and what your accommodations?"
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Post by Diocles on Feb 4, 2021 1:22:46 GMT
"Come aboard and we'll talk." Once you're all on board and crammed into one of two tiny cabins, the Skenje sailor closes the door. "I'm Livius, first mate on The Aglaia, but we're a ship without a captain. He's been detained by those damn red-robed cultists!"
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 4, 2021 1:41:48 GMT
Aethyl arches a brow and studies the man closely, looking for any sign of deception or treachery.
(Rolling observation, for whatever it's worth - rolled a 4. Very observant)
"Detained, eh? What crime has he committed? Certainly not blasphemy against this city's worthy new protectors?"
Aethyl's voice is completely flat, giving no hint of his meaning, or stance on the cultists.
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Post by Diocles on Feb 4, 2021 1:57:29 GMT
Livius doesn't appear to be lying. "Captain Nevius says he won't work for the curtains, dragon or no dragon." Curtains? Oh. He's referring to the robed ones.
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Nobody
Alexios Group
Posts: 1,409
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Post by Nobody on Feb 4, 2021 2:04:45 GMT
Again, keeping his voice even, Aethyl continues to feel out Livius.
"So your captain is a man of principle. A rare thing in these times. And clearly dangerous. If your captain refuses to serve the red robes, and has gotten himself locked up for his trouble, how do either of you expect to sail anywhere, with any passengers, or to earn a living?
"And what are your views of these 'curtains', Livius? Surely an industrious man as yourself could sail for himself, without the bother of such a short-sighted captain at the helm?"
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Post by Storyteller on Feb 4, 2021 2:09:12 GMT
I fidget a little, trying to get a good view of the ship. How many sailors are there? But I listen eagerly to Aethyl and to Livius. A captain not in favor of the cultists is a good thing!
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Post by Diocles on Feb 4, 2021 2:15:17 GMT
Anyone may speak now, since you are behind closed doors.
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