Ch 2: Part 5: Architects of Ruin: Session 31

[16:00] <Kilarra> *****Second Darkness*****
[16:00] <Kilarra> ~~~Chapter 2: Children of the Void~~~
[16:02] <Kilarra> \Set Piece: Teeth of Araska/
[16:02] <Kilarra> -Session 31-
[16:05] <Kilarra> The drow have been vanquished, Zincher has been aprehended, a large quantity of Skymetal has come to be in the possession of the party, and their ship comes back the following day. All the party had to do was get back to the docks and sail away with their success. Whether or not that would be easy is another matter.
[16:18] <Kilarra> There was also the matter of the journals now in their possession. What secrets might they hold? As dawn comes, mercifully without incident, Kilarra has a chance to find out
[16:18] * Kilarra does indeed wake up and sets about, having slept well in Zincher's elaborate tent. She takes advantage of the space to be as immodest as she likes in her morning devotion.
[16:21] * Aluthyra was about to enter the tent to see if Kilarra had begun translating the documents... until she heard the moaning. At least she didn't walk in.
[16:21] * Aluthyra sits outside the tent, meditating an ignoring the sounds coming from within.
[16:24] <Kilarra> Kjell waks up and begins moving around the camp, making sure Erix still had Zincher secured, and then making sure all of his former thugs were getting ready to go. "Alright, our ship will be back around midday and we have to get to the port area by then. We'll be taking the path, so it's as safe as we'll be getting, but if you can't carry something yourself, then leave it behind."
[16:28] <Aluthyra> Tognik wakes up from a rather nice nap, securing the heavier of his belongings on the cart. He leans against the wagon, ready to leave when all of his companions are.
[16:28] <Kilarra> Samaritha and her cyphermage companion don't have much of their own to carry beyond the trunk with their skymetal samples, so they help carry what they can. The thugs scurry about, taking this and that but leaving most of the stuff Zincher provided behind, preferring to make it out with their lives.
[16:29] <Kilarra> Erix maintains his arrest of Zincher, keeping the man bound and, mercifully, gagged. Had he not, the man's cursing would have attracted far too much unwanted attention.
[16:31] <Kilarra> Kjell takes the time needed to study his spellbook for the day while the others. He gives Samaritha a smile as he also transcribes a spell from her book into his own, having swaped with her for one of his.
[16:32] * Kilarra finishes her devotions and gets dressed, before pulling out the three books in Undercommon she needed to at least skim before they left.
[16:33] * Aluthyra is still meditating outside of Kilarra's tent.
[16:33] * Kilarra clears her throat and proclaims, "Calistira, please make this driven make sense."
[16:34] * Aluthyra raises an eyebrow, hearing Kilarra's proclamation, and stands, waiting for her to tell what information is found.
[16:37] * Kilarra skims the trio of books. "Okay, so one is just that wierd guy's observations on the... Akatas he calls them apparently. This other one is a bestiary. Might fetch a price from an egghead or something. Lastly..." She takes a little more time with Shindiira's journal.
[16:39] * Aluthyra waits patiently for whatever Kilarra finds.
[16:41] * Kilarra wraps the books back up when she's finished and comes outside. "Alright, so, let's walk and talk. Everyone ready to go?"
[16:42] <Kilarra> Samaritha and her mage nod from near Kjell and the carts, the Thugs hastily finish up what they can and line up, eager to get out of here. Zincher struggles against Erix, but the bonds render him unable to resist.
[16:42] * Aluthyra nods, pulling out her bow.
[16:43] <Aluthyra> Tognik briefly considers hopping in the wagon... but Kjell is carrying enough. Tognik waits by the wagon's side, ready to go.
[16:43] <Kilarra> Kjell draws his sword and leads the group up the path along the island's spine, back towards Witchlight.
[16:45] * Aluthyra asks Kilarra, "So, what information was in that woman's journal?"
[16:46] * Kilarra sticks close to Aluthyra and Kjell so she can talk without being in immediate danger should anything happen across their path. "Started off with a bunch of ramblings about drow nobility and houses, and apparently she knew and was not particularly fond of Depora, the drow we fought back in Riddleport."
[16:46] * Aluthyra nods, listening with her eyes on the watch for any hostility on the road.
[16:49] * Kilarra continues, "It gets kinda sciencey after that, talking about all the stuff that happened as a result of the magic they used to pull the star down. Basically everything that happened in Riddleport since the blot showed up."
[16:51] <Aluthyra> "Then... are we finished with the drow?"
[16:54] * Kilarra shakes her head, "Not likely. Apparently Shindiira, the boss lady of this expedition, planned to take her harvets of Noqual... which I assume is the Skymetal, and Akatas, those blue beast things, back to show her power and earn a high ranking consort. Presumably this Nolveniss guy is with some other group or groups of drow. There's also frequent mention of something called 'The Armageddon Echo'."
[16:56] * Aluthyra frowns. "Sounds like something we will need to take care of. Is there something that would lead you to know where we should be off to next?"
[16:56] * Kilarra looks between Kjell and Aluthyra, "Whatever all this is talking about, I imagine Katarina's elf buddy will want to know about. Maybe we should ask him."
[16:58] * Aluthyra nods, continuing along with the wagon. "Then we shall see."
[16:59] <Kilarra> Likely because of their previous efforts, the party has put a serious hurt on the akata population that had swelled over the island, and as a result, they encounter no more of the beasts along their route. However, there may still be some more out there.
[17:00] * Kilarra stops a moment when they reach Witchlight, "Okay, halfway there. Before we go any further, do we want to go ahead with my contingency plan or no?"
[17:01] <Kilarra> Kjell rasies an eyebrow, "WHat contingency plan?"
[17:02] * Kilarra notes, "Burning down the forests of this island to get rid of those... akatas. If the fire doesn't kill them, it'll drive them to the brine, which we saw melts them like acid."
[17:04] * Aluthyra shakes her head. "Perhaps there is an alternative solution that will not require burning the island. After all, we do not know if that will even work."
[17:05] * Kilarra shrugs, "Well, we've thinned out their numbers anyways. I'd be fine if they just stated contained to this island, since they can't swim off, but there's little to stop other people from coming here and potentially, even if not deliberately, bringing them to the mainland. Those things are an epidemic."
[17:07] * Aluthyra nods. "I admit that they must be dealt with, though burning the island may not be the best course of action."
[17:14] <Kilarra> Samaritha speaks up, "Actually, those creatures are unaffected by fire anyways, so it wouldn't work regardless."
Aluthrya nods, "Well then that idea will not work."
[17:27] <Kilarra> Kjell shrugs, "None of my magic is powerful enough to affect such a large area, and those creatures have that magical resilience anyways. The only real way to eliminate the problem would be to kill each and every one of them, which of course carries a risk. It would also be exceedingly difficult to tell if we had gotten them all in this thick brush."
[17:28] <Kilarra> Aluthyra sighs. "Quarantining the island, possibly? It may not solve all of the problems, but guard boats from Riddleport preventing entry could help to some degree."
[17:28] * Kilarra shrugs, "You'd need the Overlord to do something like that. We could at least put up some kind of flag or sign on the landing area."
[17:40] <Kilarra> Samaritha nods, "At the very least, I take it you accomplished what you originally set out here to do?"
[17:40] * Kilarra nods, "Yeah, I guess so. Looks like it's just the beginning though."
[17:42] * Aluthyra nods. "Let us continue. We should make haste to safety, and perhaps discuss this more on the ship back to town."
[17:44] * Kilarra stretches out her legs and nods, "Yeah, alright. I will say though, that I'm not happy any of them are still alive."
[17:45] <Kilarra> Kjell nods his agreement, "Nonetheless, there are few preventative measures we can take at the moment, so we should be content to do what we can when better options present themselves."
[17:48] * Aluthyra continues forward, trying to make it quickly to the landing zone.
[17:49] <Kilarra> The winding, steep path down from Witchlight to the dock area is hardly ideal for quick travel. Nonetheless, it keeps them safe from further threats. That and their swelled numbers seemed to be dissuading potential threats from the thinned out wildlife.
[18:00] <Kilarra> The party arrives at the landing area with a little time to spare, giving them all a chance to rest while they wait for the Flying Cloud to return.
[18:03] <Aluthyra> Remembering the scroll tube and maps, Tognik makes his way to Kilarra. He holds out the items within and asks, "Think you have any use for these?"
[18:03] * Kilarra takes a quick look while resting her hooves. She scans them briefly. "That elf hottie would probably want this one of Celwynvian, considering it's got drow camps marked on it."
[18:05] <Aluthyra> Tognik shrugs, handing her the tube and its maps. "Then keep 'em, if you know who'll buy them."
[18:08] <Aluthyra> Tognik turns, walking over and sifting through the wagon in the meantime, curious what all they've found.
[18:08] * Kilarra nods and adds them to her own gear.
[18:08] * Aluthyra rests her feet, sitting down near Kilarra for the moment.
[18:09] <Kilarra> The cart contains all of the skymetal, not a shy amount either, almost a hundred pounds. It also contains the equipment carried by the drow themselves, most of which was well crafted, and some of it was magical to boot.
[18:11] <Aluthyra> Tognik nods to himself, then waits for the ship, leaning against the wagon for rest.
[18:11] * Kilarra looks Aluthyra over. She still couldn't quite place why she found this woman so appealing... beyond the obvious.
[18:12] * Aluthyra is still looking into the forest, in case of more Akata, oblivious to Kilarra's staring.
[18:16] * Kilarra is okay with this and continues to admire the other woman's lither, athletic form.
[18:18] <Kilarra> Kjell looks at the Skymetal in their cart curiously, then to Tognik, "You were the one most interested in this substance. WHat do you plan to do with it now that we effectively control the supply?"
[18:19] <Aluthyra> Tognik shrugs. "That all depends. If any of you want weapons or armor made of it, we could do that. Otherwise, I was thinking of selling it at a high price."
[18:20] * Aluthyra eventually turns her head, and blinks, seeing Kilarra staring. "Do you need something, Kilarra?"
[18:20] * Kilarra shakes her head, "Just admiring the view." She winks.
[18:21] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "I would recommend the Gas forges then. The dwarves there are probably the only ones equipped to work such rare metal. As well, they may be appreciative at our asisstance to Goldhammer and what remained of his crew."
[18:22] <Kilarra> Smaritha sits by Kjell, "I imagine the cyphermages will be glad to have us back as well, although I can't really make an promises for a reward."
[18:22] * Aluthyra chuckles and rolls her eyes.
[18:22] <Kilarra> Kjell shrugs, "I would have done it regardless."
[18:23] <Aluthyra> Tognik smirks at Kjell. He would have too, but, he thinks the man's motives are quite different.
[18:26] <Kilarra> Kjell isn't really trying to hide his interest in Samaritha, although he intends to wait for a better opportunity to properly pursure any sort of courtship.
[18:28] * Tognik wonders what Samaritha thinks of Kjell~
[18:29] <Kilarra> Samaritha seems content to discuss magic for now, with his sword being a particular point of interest.
[18:33] * Aluthyra smirks at Kilarra, then looks to the sea, waiting for the ship.
[18:34] <Kilarra> Between idle chatter and various impatience, the -Flying Cloud can eventually be seen making its way into the harbour, going much more slowly than the ship was capable of in order to navigate the shallows and reefs. Eventually it slides in up against one of the last intact piers, with crewmen visible on deck making temporarying moorings.
[18:38] * Aluthyra sits up, walking onto the pier. She greets the crew captain with a wave, if Josper can be seen.
[18:40] <Kilarra> Josper extends the plank and walks down to meet Aluthyra, "Glad you all made it back alright." He looks over to the group of Zincher's men, "Seems you even found some company."
[18:40] <Aluthyra> Tognik helps Kjell pull the wagon... with what little strength he has.
[18:41] * Aluthyra nods. "Yes, more of those that were stranded on this island. It will not be a problem, will it?"
[18:42] <Kilarra> Josper does a quick headcount, "Shouldn't be too bad, since it's a short trip. Blimey, izzat Zincher trussed up like that?"
[18:43] <Kilarra> Erix steps up and nods, "Yes. He's wanted for crimes against Korvosa. If you're interested, once everyone else has been returned to Riddleport safely, I'd like to barter for passage back to Korvosa."
[18:46] <Kilarra> Josper nods, "Aye, could do that. We'll worry about it when we're away from here."
[18:47] * Aluthyra nods her head to Josper. "Thank you for your assistance, and the travel."
[18:48] <Kilarra> Josper nods, "Aye, it was an adventure, weren't it? Nothing like a bit of tricky sailing to sharpen the senses. Glad you made it back alright. I must admit I was half-expecting you lot would get ate or sommat."
[18:50] * Aluthyra shrugs. "We are quite safe. Now, I believe that quite a few of these men would like to leave this island as soon as possible, if you would?"
[18:51] <Kilarra> Josper nods and has his men keep an eye on Zincher's as they head up onto the ship. Not that any of them were really interested in taking the ship or anything, considering they were already getting a free ride home. Once Erix has Zincher secured, he pulls out a coffer from his packs and distributes some coin amongst them, both because he was the one in charge of the payroll for the expedition anyways, and to keep them complacent.
[18:53] * Aluthyra boards the ship, asking Josper. "Would you be opposed to me taking watch in the crow's nest?"
[18:57] <Kilarra> Josper shakes his head, "Iffin yer volunteerin, then sure, so long as you're sure o' the keenness o'yer eyes."
[18:57] * Kilarra knows she certainly looks keen in the tieflings eyes, oggling her again as she boards the ship.
[18:59] * Aluthyra nods. "I am sure." She smiles, climbing up the mast to the crow's nest, and taking point.
[19:01] <Kilarra> Kjell takes Samaritha off to the side of the ship where they continue their discussion. Zincher thugs follow Erix below deck to rest their aching feet.
[19:01] * Kilarra is a little more sure of herself on the boat this time, and sticks close to Josper, curious about his piloting.
[19:02] <Aluthyra> Tognik leans against a wall on the deck of the ship once more, resting his eyes for a nap!
[19:20] <Kilarra> A couple hours out from Devil's Elbow, Aluthyra spies something coming towards them from the north. Another ship by the looks of it...
[19:20] * Aluthyra calls down to the captain, "There is another ship approaching from the north!"
[19:20] <Kilarra> Tattered, triangular sails whip wildly above the deck of a formidable vessel, driving it on with fearsome intent. Its three masts proudly display the scars of storms and past battles, and its fearsome draconic masthead bucks upon the waves with ravenous hunger. A ragged black flag snaps above the mainmast, bearing the image of a scarred red skull.
[19:22] <Kilarra> Josper keeps one hand on the wheel, then pulls out a spyglass to take a look. "Aye, but that no be a friendly one. I've heard tale of that flag." He lowers the glass and shouts to his crew, "Brace yerself lads, we got pirates a'comin'!"
[19:23] * Aluthyra frowns, calling again, "It... has a red skull on its flag!"
[19:27] <Kilarra> Josper calls out again, "They'll likely look to board lads, get ready to repel." He calls up to Aluthyra, "Yer good with a bow, right lass? Ya got a good a place as any to snipe from up there!"
[19:28] * Aluthyra nods, readying her bow. She loads her quiver with standard arrows before, then looks to the approaching ship.
[19:31] <Aluthyra> Tognik has stopped napping due to the yelling, also.
[19:35] <Kilarra> Kjell steps up and draws his sword. He could handle a few pirates after everything on that island.
[19:35] * Kilarra groans, still feeling drained from that stupid Wraith. She wasn't sure how much use she would be against pirates at the moment, especially since she had a hard time maintaining balance on the ship with her hooves.
[19:41] <Kilarra> As the ship draws closer, there can be heard a fair bit of shouting, and the rest of those on the deck of the Flyign Cloud can see the groups of pirates on the much larger ship's deck, looking ready to board and wreak all kinds of havoc if they were allowed to.
[19:42] <Kilarra> Samaritha sends the apprentice Cyphermage below decks to safety, but decides to stick close to Kjell for the moment, he spell are at the ready.
[19:47] <Kilarra> *her spell arm
[19:48] <Kilarra> As the other ship draws closer, it begins to turn so as to run alongside the Flying Cloud. Though the Cloud was a fast ship, it wasn't flying at full sail, allowing the larger vessel to match it well enough.
[19:52] <Kilarra> The five members of Josper's crew not dedicated to running the ship at the moment stand ready to repel, but are clearly looking to Kjell and Kilarra to be the pillars of their defense.
[19:52] * Kilarra pulls out her whip and cracks it just an inch shy of Tognik's face to wake the Gnome up
[19:54] <Aluthyra> Tognik is already awake! He scowls at Kilarra.
[19:59] * Kilarra doesn't care, and turns her eyes to the ship coming along side them.
[20:00] <Kilarra> Three sturdy masts rise above the marred wood of this broad deck. Although well scrubbed, fiery scars and the gashes of boarding axes mar the dark wood. Above swings a webwork of rigging and ropes, connected to the yards and crow’s nest.
[20:01] * Aluthyra looks for the most threatening-looking pirate.
[20:02] <Kilarra> The pirates are close enough now to start throwing boarding axes and grappling hooks of their own across, ropes tied to them meant to lock the vessels together so they could bring up a ramp.
[20:09] <Kilarra> Aluthyra can spy, amidst the rabble of the pirates, a few exceptional looking potential threats. A woman carrying a whip and a holy symbol identical to Kilarra's, and a male elf in the crow's nest opposite her, also armed with a bow.
[20:10] * Aluthyra keeps her eyes on the elf in the crow's nest, planning to aim for him first.
[20:15] <Kilarra> There are ten pirates on deck plus the whip wielding woman and the Sniper elf in the crow's nest. Outnumbered, we can hope the party has their wits about them.
[20:16] * Kilarra glares daggers at the other whip wielder and then has a nasty idea. She raises her hand and casts 'Charm Person' on the woman. "Calistria, perhaps this other follower of yours should see things our way."
[20:18] <Kilarra> The other cleric woman looks dazed a moment, then seems to soften her gaze upon Kilarra.
[20:19] * Kilarra smirks, "Now, if you could be a dear and trip up anyone who tries to hurt me, that would be lovely." She makes her own holy symbol clearly visible. "Maybe after all's said and done, you and I can have some proper fun, none of this ship jumping nonsense."
[20:21] <Kilarra> The cleric woman raises her own holy symbol and points it at the elf up in the crow's nest, "Don't shoot the tiefling, Calistria commands you!"
[20:22] <Kilarra> The elf seems perplexed by this, but the magical command works, forcing his compliance.
[20:33] <Aluthyra> Tognik runs to Kjell's side, touching his hand to Kjell as he mumbles in gnomish, casting an invigorating spell of Heroism on the man.
[20:34] <Kilarra> Kjell smiles, liking that invigorating feeling
[20:44] <Kilarra> The elf, having been commanded not to attack Kilarra, instead turns his attention to his opposite in the Cloud's Nest, taking a shot at Aluthyra.
[20:45] <Kilarra> Aluthyra nimbly ducks the arrow, leaving her in a good postion for a counter attack
[20:46] * Aluthyra smirks, aiming her bow back at the elf, and fires a volley of three arrows.
[20:48] <Kilarra> Aluthyra's aim is far better than her counterparts, the force of the blows knocking him clean out of the crow's next and slamming him down onto the deck. He was dead before he hit the floor though.
[20:49] <Kilarra> However, this only seems to make the pirates angry as they start tossing grappling hooks across to the Cloud, a couple staying in behind holding the boarding ramp.
[20:52] * Kjell decides to test the mettle of these pirates first by raising his spell arm and letting off a quartet of magic missiles, two each aimed for the pirates in the back holding the ramp.
[20:53] <Kilarra> The pirates mettle is in fact, rather minimal, no greater than your average common thug. Kjell takes both of them out with ease.
[20:56] * Kilarra steps up to the edge of the deck and lays her hands on the first pirate to try and reach the Cloud. "You picked the wrong ship to try and make a quick bit off of." She pumps him full of negative energy
[20:57] <Kilarra> The charred pirate falls from the rope and drops dead into the brine below
[21:00] <Kilarra> Ishana remains charmed by Kilarra and instead sets her sights up at Aluthyra, who had killed one of her more interesting companions. "Drow the bow!" she orders, again magically enhancing the command
[21:03] <Kilarra> Aluthyra is not convinced
[21:03] * Aluthyra smirks, calling back. "No, I'd prefer not to!"
[21:05] <Kilarra> Ishana does not look pleased about this
[21:05] <Aluthyra> Tognik runs up to Kilarra next, casting a spell of heroism upon her as well!
[21:07] * Kilarra normally wouldn't be fond of the Gnome copping a feel, but hey, that was good stuff!
[21:13] * Aluthyra turns her sights back to the main mass of pirates, firing three arrows at three separate pirates, the last aimed carefully.
[21:17] <Kilarra> Aluthyra makes short work of two of the pirates, the third struck so hard that the arrow pierces straight through his skull, pasting the deck with the contents of his head.
[21:22] <Kilarra> The slight advantage of numbers the crew of the -Teeth of Araska- had before has no been completely erased before they could even get aboard the -Flying Cloud-. One of the pirates runs towards the sterncastle, barging his way in and attempting to find and alert the Captain to their troubles on deck. The last trio of pirates toss their lines over, but seem hesitant to cross.
[21:23] <Kilarra> Kjell turns to looks at Josper, "Should we board back, or shall we cut them loose and out run them while they hesitate?"
[21:24] <Kilarra> Josper shakes his head, "Cut 'em loose if ya can. The Cloud is built for speed, not a drawn out ship-to-ship skirmish.
[21:26] <Kilarra> Kjell nods and runs along the breach, slicing through the ropes with his sword. "Sorry Bane, not exactly the best use of your talents I know, but we've got other people to worry about than just our own group."
[21:27] <Kilarra> Josper calls out to his crew, "Full sail, now! If they're smart, they'll cut their losses and pull away."
[21:28] <Kilarra> Josper's crew do as ordered, unfurling all of the Cloud's sails and letting the wind catch them. The smaller ship begins to pull ahead of the larger offending vessel.
[21:28] * Aluthyra checks if any of the pirates are attempting to still board.
[21:31] <Kilarra> As the Cloud begins to pull away, the doors to the lower decks open and out spill another ten pirates, including the one who ran down earlier. Along with them is a mane in a dapper hat barking orders. "Avast ye poliwogs, there'll be hell to pay if that ship gets away. They came from the elbow and that means they'll have the island's plunder!"
[21:34] <Kilarra> Ishana looks upon her Captain reverently, "Cap'n, the lass with hooves there be a servant of my Goddess as well, and I'd love to have her join me without harm. The one you wanna watch for is the bird in the nest. Right nasty shot she is!"
[21:37] <Kilarra> The captain barks at her, "Now not be the time for idly fantisizin' lass, get that ship!"
[21:40] <Aluthyra> Tognik grins, pointing towards the captain, casting his spell; grease!
[21:42] <Kilarra> The Captain and his consort remain standing, as does one of the pirates, but another slips on the grease and falls. The Captain kicks him out of the way, bowling over another crewman in the process
[21:45] * Aluthyra aims carefully at the captain, firing three shots towards him in rapid succession.
[21:48] <Kilarra> The Captain's barking abruptly stops as he gets an arrow through his throat. Two more through his chest and shoulder drop him to the deck hard. Ishana screams, "CAPTAIN!"
[21:49] <Kilarra> Ishana quickly leans over him, trying to heal his wounds, but he was dead before he fell.
[21:51] <Kilarra> Kjell feels a little bad about attacking a woman, but the cleric seems to be the last person of authority on that ship, and he if could at least drop her unconscious, the remaning sea rats wouldn't dare continue pursuit.
[21:52] <Kilarra> Kjell waves his spell arm and sends a pair of heat rays towards the woman.
[21:54] <Kilarra> The woman's skin and clothes are scorched and burnt by the rays and she falls to the deck. The heat is intense enough to ignite Tognik's grease, setting their ship ablaze. The crewmen quickly run to pull Ishana, barely alive, from the flames, and quickly work to try and douse them.
[21:54] <Kilarra> Kjell calls back to Josper again. "That'll do it, let's get out ahead while they're floundered."
[21:55] <Kilarra> Josper nods and calls back, "Ye read me mind. C'mon girl, let's show these scallywags our stern.
[21:55] <Kilarra> "
[21:57] <Kilarra> The Flying Cloud easily pulls ahead of the Teeth as the crew of the pirate vessel scramble to contain the flames. Soon the other ship is just a spec in the distance.
[21:57] * Aluthyra slings her bow back over her shoulder.
[22:00] <Kilarra> At full sail, it only takes the Cloud another hour and change to return to Riddleport, with the crew praising the party for their impressive pirate dispatching along the way.
[22:04] <Kilarra> As the Cloud docks, Erix stays on board to talk with Josper about transport, while Zincher's men and Josper's crew depart, all desiring a good, stiff drink.
[22:06] * Kilarra stretches her hooves. "Well, that was... interesting."
[22:06] <Kilarra> Kjell shrugs, "If nothing else, we've crippled that vessel and saved some other sailors the potential trouble."
[22:07] * Aluthyra climbs down the crow's nest, moving to Kilarra's side. "It certainly was. What next? Kilarra? Shall we come with you, or just meet at the Goblin?"
[22:08] * Kilarra shrugs, "You can come with me if you like, I need to see Shorafa about getting my vitality restored."
[22:08] <Aluthyra> Tognik stretches.
[22:08] * Aluthyra nods, then asks, "Shorafa, I assume that is your high cleric?"
[22:08] <Kilarra> Kjell looks to Tognik, then to Samaritha, "Well, if you two have your own destination in mind, Tognik and I can see about returning Samaritha and her companion to the Cypherlodge, and then selling the skymetal to the forges."
[22:09] * Kilarra nods, "High Priestess of Calistria and Madam of the House of the Silken Veil. After that, i'm gonna need a good shag. I haven't been laid in three days!"
[22:10] * Tognik nods. "That'll work. Selling all of that would be nice."
[22:11] <Kilarra> Kjell also indicates the gear they wished to rid themselves of on the carts. "So, we go our separate ways for now, then meet at the Goblin. If it's late when we conclude our business, as it's well into the afternnon now, I imagine Daroskt and Katarina would be willing to accomodate us.:
[22:11] <Kilarra> "
[22:12] * Aluthyra sighs and shakes her head at Kilarra. After a moment, she asks, "One of our conversations had me thinking... I am curious as to... who my parents are, or what race I am for that matter. Would this Shorafa be able to divine such a thing?"
[22:13] * Kilarra blinks and looks to Aluthyra, "Huh... I dunno. Maybe. You'd have to ask her." She plucks the ledger she kept from a pocket, "If nothing else, this will probably worth a bit to her, and Lil is going to be so excited to hear Zincher's been removed from the picture."
[22:14] * Aluthyra nods. "Then you would not be opposed to me tagging along to meet this cleric?"
[22:15] * Kilarra adds the Elf Noble outfits to Kjell's haul, them being too tall for her. She does hang on to the costume jewellery though, to play around with later. "Not at all. I'm sure she'd be pleased to meet someone as exquisite as you."
[22:16] * Aluthyra nods, adding the gems she collected to the wagon. "Then... shall we go?"
[22:18] <Kilarra> Kjell hauls the carts off the ship and begins leading Tognik north towards the gas forges. The forges aren't actually that far from the port
[22:18] * Kilarra nods and begins heading north, the Veil being further in the city in the midst of the Leeward District, while the forges were still part of the Wharf
[22:19] * Aluthyra follows after Kilarra, while Tognik follows Kjell.
[22:22] * Kilarra leads Aluthyra up to the Veil, where she is met, for the first time, with the exotic scent of the incense constantly burning within. SHe is also treated to the same sights; scantily clad prostitutes and a very lounge-like setting, as well as the doors leading to more private rooms.
[22:24] <Kilarra> The gas forges is an immense structure of brick and iron, with dozens of smokestacks belching foul smelling, toxic vapours into the air.
[22:24] * Aluthyra keeps close to Kilarra and keeps her eyes forward, off of the prostitutes.
[22:25] * Tognik pinches his nose with his hand, frowning at the smokestacks. "That's... unpleasant."
[22:26] * Kilarra is okay with Aluthyra's eyes falling on her as she heads up to the temple area. There, Lavender Lil is getting a massage and Shorafa seems to be nursing the bruised face of a male prsotitute wearing very obviously female dress.
[22:27] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "Then let us hope they deliver." Samaritha elects to wait outside with her companion, since they had no business here of their own.
[22:28] <Kilarra> Inside the gas forges, the small entrance room contains a kiosk for orders and is largely walled off from the rest of the building, wherein the air grew quite toxic. Emerging from the back as the party enters is a dwarf wearing a face-mounted breathing apparatus that looks a little like an inside-out bellows.
[22:29] * Aluthyra waits to be introduced, or at least acknowledged, not wanting to interrupt the two clerics, assuming one is Shorafa.
[22:29] * Kilarra waits for Shorafa to finish, seating herself. She gives Lil a smile and a wink. She motions for Aluthyra to have a seat as well.
[22:30] * Aluthyra takes a seat next to Kilarra.
[22:30] <Kilarra> Shorafa patches up the crossdresser and sends him back dowynstairs. She greets Kilarra with a broad smile, "Kilarra darlink, welcome back. You look a little thin, did you not eat enough at sea?"
[22:30] <Aluthyra> Tognik approaches the dwarf, still pinching his nose, and waves his free hand in greeting. "Might you be able to tell us who'd be interested in a new kind of metal?"
[22:31] * Kilarra shakes her head, "There was a wraith on the island. Touched me. Could have been worse I suppose, but I wasn't capable enough to mend it myself."
[22:31] <Kilarra> Shorafa tuts, "Such pesky creatures. Well, let me have a look at you."
[22:31] * Kilarra undresses save for her undergarments and allows Shorafa to look her over thoroughly.
[22:32] <Kilarra> Shorafa raises an eyebrow at the mild display of modesty on Kilarra's part. Lil meanwhile, sits up as her massage concludes, quite topless.
[22:33] * Aluthyra is obviously looking away from Lil, and decides to close her eyes, meditating for the moment.
[22:33] <Kilarra> The dwarf takes off his mask so as to speak properly, "Red headed gnome and a stout, tan human also with red hair... there's supposed to be a tiefling and another woman with you, according to Goldhammer. They not make it back?"
[22:34] <Kilarra> Kjell seems a little surprised at the recognition, "I am glad to hear that Goldhammer and his crew, or those who remained at least, made it back safely."
[22:34] <Aluthyra> Tognik shakes his head. "No, they're all back, they just took another route and had us come here to sell some of the skymetal."
[22:35] <Kilarra> Shorafa chuckles at the flustered ALuthyra and then nods to Kilarra, "This is going to need something a bit stronger. Lil, be a dear and get me a small diamond please." She looks Kilarra over, "Have you any tales for me? Information perhaps enough that I don't have to charge?"
[22:35] * Kilarra nods and hands Shorafa Zincher's personal ledger.
[22:36] <Kilarra> Shorafa looks intrigued as she flips through it. Lil blinks at it, "Is that what I think it is?"
[22:36] * Kilarra nods, "We met Zincher on the island. He's presently in the custody of a Korvosan monk, and probably on his way there now." She smirks to Lil, "Shackled and bound of course."
[22:37] <Kilarra> Lil smiles brightly, "YOu mean he's really gone? I can go outside again?!"
[22:37] * Aluthyra listens intently, eyes still closed. Jeeze, put a shirt on!
[22:38] * Kilarra nods. "You most certainly can. Not sure what will happen in the vaccuum with Zincher gone, and apparently Sylveg lost his crew too. However, the contents of this journal should be worth a fair bit to the right people, and help keep the heat off the Veil."
[22:39] <Kilarra> Shorafa smiles, "You are so delightfully manipulative Kilarra, I am impressed. Yes, this will be more than enough to cover your treatment." Lil scampers down the stairs, quickly coming back with a small diamond for SHorafa.
[22:42] <Kilarra> Shorafa plucks her own holy symbol out from betwixt her cleavage and hold s up the diamond, aiming it at Kilarra. She chants for about a minute, the diamond dissolving into magical glitter that flowed over Kilarra as the spell was cast. Immediately the tiefling looks better, her complection improving and her cheeks filling back out.
[22:42] * Aluthyra opens her eyes, checking if everyone is now clothed.
[22:42] <Aluthyra> For the most part, at least.
[22:43] <Kilarra> Back at the gas forges, the dwarf nods, "Good t'hear. Name's Tromard Roldheim, proprieter but not owner." He saddles up to the wagon and looks over the metal.
[22:44] <Kilarra> Tromard nods, "Aye lads, you've got some fine stuff here. This here skymetal is called Noqual, and not a shy amount either. Most impressive."
[22:44] <Kilarra> Lavender Lil is still topless, giving Aluthyra a nice view of her tits for a moment before she finally picks her shirt back up and dons it.
[22:44] * Kilarra sighs contentedly as she's mended. "Much better."
[22:46] <Kilarra> Although, to ALuthyra, Lil's purple eyes might be more striking
[22:47] * Aluthyra stands, hoping to introduce herself, now that everyone is clothed, for the most part. She bows her head politely to both Lil and Shorafa. "It is nice to meet the two of you. I am Aluthyra. I have been hoping to ask something of Miss Shorafa, if possible."
[22:48] <Kilarra> Shorafa looks to ALuthyra, "Any ladyfriend of Kilarra's is most welcome here. What is it you would like to ask?"
[22:49] * Aluthyra nods. "I was wondering if you had a spell of divination that could tell what race I am of, or... who my parents would be." She frowns. "I know it is an odd request, but I assume you that I am not human, and what I am is not known to me."
[22:49] * Kilarra decides to let Aluthyra take care of her own business. She heads downstairs, grabbing the crossdresser from earlier, as well as two other female prostitutes, taking them with her to a private room. She was quite voracious after three days of not getting any.
[22:50] <Aluthyra> Tognik nods at Tromard. "So how much of it would you like to purchase?"
[22:51] <Kilarra> Shorafa giggles a bit at Kilarra's appetites, and then nods to Aluthyra. "Do you mind undressing? I could try taking a look at you normally first."
[22:51] * Aluthyra blinks, then nods reluctantly. She asks, "Fully undressed, or leaving undergarments?"
[22:52] <Kilarra> Tromard raises an eyebrow, "That's kind of a stupid question. We'll take the lot. How much do you have there?"
[22:53] <Aluthyra> Tognik shrugs. "Just checking, and 90 pounds."
[22:54] <Kilarra> Tromard notes, "We're the only forge around here even capable of forging the stuff. We work adamantite often, and this stuff would be even tricker to anyone else." He screws up his face, adding that up. "Right, fifty gold per pound comes to... Forty-Five hundred."
[22:55] <Kilarra> Shorafa chuckles, "Whatever you are comfortable with darlink. We may be lusty around here, but we respect those who have boundaries. Even if we frown at them a bit for being prudes." She chuckles.
[22:56] * Aluthyra rolls her eyes, stripping an leaving her undergarments on, standing so that Shorafa could examine her.
[22:57] <Kilarra> Tromag smiles, "As well, we can take what you've got here and forge it for ye, if that's what ye'd like."
[22:58] <Aluthyra> Tognik looks to Kjell. "Selling it seems reasonable."
[22:59] <Kilarra> Shorafa smiles and looks Aluthyra over thoroughly. She could definitely see the appeal of such a lithe, athletic figure, and even more than that, when she leaned in a bit close, she caught that sweet scent over the incense of the Veil. She curiously runs a finger down Aluthyra's shoulder and then licks the finger, surprised that the taste was also sweet.
[23:01] * Aluthyra shivers slightly at the touch, but stays quiet, curious if she'd find anything out.
[23:02] <Kilarra> Shorafa steps back, "Well, your natural scent, and taste as well for some reason, are unusually sweet. Most curious, and you're definitely above average height for a human. You look human, and are most certainly not of our ilk, for lack of tail and horns, but I am not entirely certain what you are. How old are you darlink?"
[23:03] * Aluthyra nods, knowing that much so far. "86."
[23:06] <Kilarra> Shorafa chuckles, "Almost as old as Kilarra. Interesting." She raises a hand to her chin, stroking it with a nail, "Something that looks human, but isn't. Sweet taste and smell, not a tiefling... I can think of a couple of possibilities, though I cannot say with certainty either of them are true. You look mostly human, but have something else in you. Did you not know your parents?"
[23:09] <Kilarra> Kjell looks to Tromag, "WHat properties does this metal have when forged?"
[23:11] * Aluthyra shakes her head and frowns. "I did not. I was raised by monks; never knew who I was born of."
[23:12] <Kilarra> Tromag nods, "Well, it's magically resistant. If yer a fighter, and have trouble with enemies tossing spells at you, Noqual will make it easier to resist. Weapons made from it can be disruptive to creatures made by magic, like golems, constructs and zombies."
[23:12] <Kilarra> Kjell ponders that, "If it is magically resilient, can it be enchanted?"
[23:13] <Kilarra> Tromag nods affirmatively. "If you've got deep pockets. Takes some special reagents to get it to work right, but it does work."
[23:14] * Tognik shrugs. "I don't think it'd work well for any of us."
[23:16] <Kilarra> Shorafa nods, "Well, you are most certainly not human, and I would wager somewhere in your line, the blood of an outsider was mixed in. Considering your scent of perfume, light frame and height, a denizen of the air seems likely. It is even possible that a higher outsider than an elemental is the source, but with what I see now, I have no way to be certain of anything."
[23:17] <Kilarra> Kjell ponders, "I already have two swords." He looks to Tyrant's bane. He wondered if he should name the cold iron one as well. "Yet, considering the number of undead creatures we faced on that island, a sword capable of extra harm to them might be of use. Though as armour, it would likely interfere with my own magic as much as that against me."
[23:17] * Aluthyra frowns and nods. "There is no spell that you could cast?"
[23:18] <Kilarra> Shorafa ponders that a moment, "I could commune with Calistria, but I would only have so many questions, to which the answer must be yes or no. I could perhaps narrow it down that way, but getting a precise answer would be a bit difficult."
[23:19] <Kilarra> Shorafa notes, "The gods are busy you know, and even with their sight, they have other things to turn their attention on, hence the brievity."
[23:20] * Aluthyra sighs. "I can pay whatever fee... even with the brevity, if you were able to narrow it down."
[23:20] <Kilarra> Kjell looks to Tognik, "WHat do you think? A Noqual sword. Would seem kind of a waste to have gathered all this and only get coin out of it."
[23:21] <Aluthyra>  Tognik nods. "A sword then, and sell the rest?"
[23:21] <Kilarra> Shorafa smirks, "I think then, I will do this for you. No charge. We shall call it your gift for the information in that journal in addition to KIlarra's mending, as well as Lil's newly regained freedom."
[23:22] <Kilarra> Kjell smiles, "I think then, we shall do that."
[23:22] * Aluthyra smiles appreciatively. "Thank you. I really do appreciate it."
[23:23] <Kilarra> Tromag nods, "Aye, that we could do. As a courtesy on behalf of Goldhammer's company and their rescue, we've been instructed to provide a discount if you wanted anything forged here."
[23:23] <Kilarra> Shorafa nods, "I did not have such a spell prepared today, so you will have to come back tomorrow. Now, if you like, you can choose the questions, or I can try my luck. Either way, you will get ten at most."
[23:24] <Kilarra> Kjell smiles, "That settles it then. A longsword forged of this remarkable mineral, and the rest is yours to forge for whomever wishes it." He extends a hand and Tromag shakes it, striking the deal.
[23:24] * Aluthyra nods. "Alright... I shall be back tomorrow, and I suppose I will leave the questions to you. I... have know idea where to begin asking."
[23:27] <Kilarra> Shorafa nods. "As you wish. I imagine Kilarra will be a while, where shall I tell her you have gone?"
[23:28] <Aluthyra> "To the Gold Goblin, if you wish. I will be waiting there."
[23:29] <Kilarra> Tromag counts off, "It'll only take two pounds of the noqual to make a sword, so that's still 4400 gold pieces we owe you. Less three-fifteen for the forging... comes to four thousand, eighty-five." The dwarf dips into a room off to the side and comes back with a hefty bag of coin, which he passes to Tognik. "For hundred and eight platinum, five gold in there. Figure it's a touch easier to carry that way."
[23:31] <Kilarra> Kjell smiles, "Much obliged. I imagine it will take a little time, so if you could have the sword delivered to the Gold Goblin Gambling Hall upon completion, that is where it will find me."
[23:32] <Aluthyra> Tognik nods, then nudges Kjell. "Let's move on and sell the rest of this stuff. Then we can get to the goblin."
[23:37] <Kilarra> Kjell nods, "Aye, the spoils. ALways an enjoyable part of any campaign." He hauls the now lightened load off to the market while there were still shops open.
[23:40] <Aluthyra> Tognik sells what he has, making a decent amount of gold.
[23:45] <Kilarra> Kjell intends to pool his sale of the drow's equipment with Tognik's Skymetal and trinkets, netting the party a grand total of 12,872 gold pieces, which would be 3218 each if they split it evenly.
[23:46] <Kilarra> Shorafa nods, "I bid you adieu then, miss ALuthyra. Best of luck in your quest for your heritage, I shall be of what help I can tomorrow."
[23:48] <Kilarra> That 12,872 included the Noqual sale
[23:50] * Aluthyra nods, waving to Shorafa as she leaves, heading to the Goblin.
[23:50] * Kilarra quite enjoys her time at the Veil before returning to the Gold Goblin. She's quite impressed at the coin Kjell presents her from the sale as well, but is kinda drained and just wants to go to bed now.
[23:51] <Kilarra> Daroskt and Katarina are of course, happy to put the party up for the night, as well as KWava, who has remainined in the area awaiting news of the ELbow to deliver to his superiors.
[23:51] <Kilarra> All of which will finally be put on the table next time.
[23:51] <Kilarra> -End Session-
[23:51] <Kilarra> ~End Chapter~
[23:53] <Kilarra> Rewards: 1 CR 2, 1 CR 3, 1 CR 5, 6 CR 1/2. 1200 Experience Each
[23:54] <Kilarra> Story Bonus: Completion of Chapter 2; 3500 Experience each