tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7583345061628283302024-03-19T03:46:45.516-05:00Dark Paths and Wandered RoadsSession reports for my GURPS Campaigns in Mystara, Palladium, Varisia and beyond.GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.comBlogger401125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-53551340350597592792024-03-08T13:58:00.004-06:002024-03-08T13:58:49.805-06:00Saethor's Bane - GURPS Solo Adventure Fully Funded and in Full-Color!<p> A special "GURPS but not a session report" post!</p><p>My friend Douglas Cole over at Gaming Ballistic puts out amazing third-party products for my favorite game... GURPS.</p><h1 class="font-walsheim text-lg md:text-2xl lg:text-3xl font-medium" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: #3b82f680; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: white; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "GT Walsheim Medium", sans-serif; font-weight: 500; line-height: 2.25rem; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/douglas-h-cole/saethor-s-bane-a-dungeon-fantasy-rpg-solo-adventure" target="_blank">Saethor's Bane: A Dungeon Fantasy RPG Solo Adventure</a></span></h1><p>His newest project is ending tomorrow. It funded in the first couple of hours on Backerkit Crowdfunding and has reached its one and only stretch goal... turning all the art and maps from black and white to full color. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/douglas-h-cole/saethor-s-bane-a-dungeon-fantasy-rpg-solo-adventure" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrNwzavW7Fpz0J6u_jwipMd6gKDMjHTm4KJeUCljepn1MEkWSOMbR5X5ljE9dhdRifikqz6iVlW5VquoVrtAHzNwMMAkvHSb3qCygnx78068TdbfM2JM2dHg8a8GpXdRnIS3_3lVw43DaP6NOod7q30v86IC-xoaJopEhpn3YZ5kpzEFA0w_nZXs8zXWBS/w640-h360/jn5ubmuaima0xg7mqh1ciqu90jsp.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><blockquote>"A Choose-Your-Own style adventure for the Dungeon Fantasy RPG. Four mercenary soldiers join the fight to overthrow the dark Overlord Saethor. Play it solo, as a tutorial, or a no-prep convention romp. Will you be Saethor’s Bane … or he yours?"</blockquote></span></div>If you are into GUPRS, and I assume you are, check this project out before it closes Saturday March 9 at 9pm Central.<div><h1 class="font-walsheim text-lg md:text-2xl lg:text-3xl font-medium" style="--tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-ring-color: #3b82f680; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; background-color: white; border: 0px solid rgb(229, 231, 235); box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "GT Walsheim Medium", sans-serif; font-weight: 500; line-height: 2.25rem; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.backerkit.com/c/projects/douglas-h-cole/saethor-s-bane-a-dungeon-fantasy-rpg-solo-adventure" target="_blank">Saethor's Bane: A Dungeon Fantasy RPG Solo Adventure</a></span></h1><p><br /></p><p><br /><br /></p></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-70784749110198308262024-02-19T17:19:00.008-06:002024-02-19T17:28:56.175-06:00Tides and Tribulations #12<p><span style="font-family: times;"><span fgid="94189"><i fgid="94195">The group spreads out and explores the Sinker. Everyone was kind of doing their own thing this time around. </i></span><span fgid="94176"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Tides and Tribulations</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6zaNkjRo-aMZ55HDktfGmGhUJiHCng0fFqWuSSl1wfbfbJ7JA5HCYCQmHy-UJXQBZZRsixMHUHXnWevMFl9YKemNBGJ0Ob1Gqotvn4nX5LAJLlH7K_M4LSHjkG6kqOPjVa8SG1g92O97EY1oL9SG0Vm3ITNxWgmdWvohzmxLMKSO5nFdhGzcxK5C2k39/s3300/Jason_TT_Cover.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6zaNkjRo-aMZ55HDktfGmGhUJiHCng0fFqWuSSl1wfbfbJ7JA5HCYCQmHy-UJXQBZZRsixMHUHXnWevMFl9YKemNBGJ0Ob1Gqotvn4nX5LAJLlH7K_M4LSHjkG6kqOPjVa8SG1g92O97EY1oL9SG0Vm3ITNxWgmdWvohzmxLMKSO5nFdhGzcxK5C2k39/w309-h400/Jason_TT_Cover.png" width="309" /></a></div></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 012</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BxSLlpheHfM" target="_blank">Go Your Own Way</a></span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231210</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><div fgid="93938">The group had been shown to their room on the 2nd floor of the Sinker, a halfway house, inn, and tavern, tucked away at a secluded little spot on the Middle Bay.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens sinks into a chair and takes off his boots. "So, friends, now what?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas sits on one of the bunks and starts thumbing through some books he has brought up from downstairs.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar sits on the different beds, testing them out</div><div fgid="93938">The beds, for being bunks, seem relatively comfortable, much more comfy than Ragnar is used to.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar picks the firmest one and plants himself. "I'm not sure what's next, but I think we better watch our backs here."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens snorts. "Well, we're chasing assassins. I don't feel safe anywhere on land."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar shrugs. "I feel safer with my feet on solid ground, but yeah, it's more dangerous."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens says "Well, we're doing this to get justice for you and your father. How do you want us to proceed?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob sprawls in another chair, one leg over the arm and shrugs, "I don't know what else we can do for leads at present, but I think this could be a valuable location to know and be known."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar nods. "I guess we could see about making some friends here, but that's not really something I'm good at doing."</div><div fgid="93938">The taproom was pretty empty at this time of day, but the barkeep did mention that lunch would be served in a couple of hours.</div><div fgid="93938">Though this room does not have any windows, the steady rain can be heard on the roof above.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens shrugs and points at the ceiling. "Doesn't seem like the best day for it at the moment."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar nods. "Then maybe a nap is a good idea. Can't get too much sleep when you're on a hunt."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens nods. "Sounds good to me. Maybe the rain'll let up later and I can run down and check on the boat."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob adds, "And I'd like to check on Mother Carmel and get my gear off of it"</div><div fgid="93938">The group spends the majority of the day in their room,. Derrin brings up a tray of lunch food in the early afternoon and Jens and Bob make it back down to the shore to check on the Kittiwake and Carmel. Both are doing just fine.</div><div fgid="93938">Everyone gets a nap in and Nilas catches up on some reading, mostly trashy fiction and poorly written poetry, nothing of any real value.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Throughout the day, there is limited traffic in the hallway outside the room door, but there is some. Finally, 6pm rolls around, and a quiet, distant bell can be heard ringing for a moment.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens stretched and rose. "I guess that's the signal for things to get rolling downstairs. Shall we?" He sits and starts putting on his boots.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar "I definitely could eat!"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas nods. "Yes, food would be nice right now. Calla's tears weigh heavily on the day today. Perhaps we can make a few contacts here. It never hurts to have leads. While this place may be a bit rough, doesn't mean that we can't use it to our advantage if needed."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "We need to find leads on the Crimson Talons. We need to help Ragnar seek justice for his father's death. After that, once we settle up with Tabor, We can go wherever we want to"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens chews on Nilas' words, then nods. "Very well, I will do what I can. Shall we, mates?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUMy8xKuioa0kboHO_5NZFI_s-zgvRVQvKv-l4sY4hdk0-XvEo5EZZRUX11U283nUoRR4KUdkZMriF59T5ZPv7d7olq8_N2MbnL1QIO5lNKVEfDbi7M-YeNwXVCT-oTfNZ_LgscL6ZzAsWxO9sh60uCiaflUntF1X6XOKVqFAQVYbHakd_6rOI9QGkKbn/s1024/The%20Sinker.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimUMy8xKuioa0kboHO_5NZFI_s-zgvRVQvKv-l4sY4hdk0-XvEo5EZZRUX11U283nUoRR4KUdkZMriF59T5ZPv7d7olq8_N2MbnL1QIO5lNKVEfDbi7M-YeNwXVCT-oTfNZ_LgscL6ZzAsWxO9sh60uCiaflUntF1X6XOKVqFAQVYbHakd_6rOI9QGkKbn/w640-h640/The%20Sinker.png" width="640" /></a></div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar stands. "Let's go."</div><div fgid="93938">You head back downstairs and see several of the tables occupied, though there are plenty of tables and places at the bar to sit. Derrin nods at you from his usual place at the end the bar and and the barkeep, Borris, curls his lip up and turns away.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "There was some drama earlier between Ricard and that lady over there, perhaps we should grab something between them and pick up on some conversation?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas sees that most of the people, the men at least, are armed with knives or shortswords, though some do not appear to be armed at all.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The majority of the people in the dining room are not armed by anything more than a knife in most cases, though two fellows do have shortswords. An older burly man in the corner has a sword, though he looks more like a bounder or guard than a patron. He is not eating or drinking anything. A musician near the fireplace plays lively music and a juggler is dancing around tossing colored balls in the air.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "maybe we should leave the heavier gear in the room?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens waves a coin to get Borris' attention and asks for a mug of the local specialty.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar looks torn. "Guess a hand axe might be too much?"</div><div fgid="93938">Borris takes the coin, fills a mug and slides it down to Nilas.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens looks at Borris, then at Nilas, then at Borris. He sighs and pulls out another coin.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas will leave his spears and back pack in the room, but keep his other equipment</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar just has knives as well.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens asks Derrin if he's had a chance to ask around for jobs for him.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Well friends, do we want to sit at the bar or a table?"'</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob looks around, "Table"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas takes a seat at the table near Ricard and Lord Cedric unless Bob has a better idea</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar joins Nilas</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob suggests, "Let's watch the door. If our quarry comes in i want to spot them before they do us"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, “good point.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob moves to a table near the end of the bar. "This gives good coverage of most of the room, along with the door and stairs," he says quietly</div><div fgid="93938">Most of the patrons seem focused on their meals and drinks. Several of them give you passing glances but not much more.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas leans over and waves at Ricard. "Hello again sir, I hope that your day has been well"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob shifts around in the chair a bit before getting up , turning it around, and sitting backwards, straddling the back of the chair to face the table</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar keeps quiet and watches everyone while sipping some water from his waterskin</div><div fgid="93938">"Aye? Oh, hello, yes, a fine day, spent some time reading and journaling in my room," Rickard replies. He shuffles a deck of cards as sits at the table.</div><div fgid="93938">An attractive young server brings food and drinks over to the table. "Here ya go, loves, let me know iffn I can get anything else for you." she says.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas smiles and thanks the young maiden</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens watches Derrin leave, wondering where he is going.</div><div fgid="93938">Derrin has just moved back to make more room at the bar. He is standing in the corner.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Ricard, you seem well known around here. I heard of some rumblings near Grebechyr. Have you heard of anything going on beside the plague upon the crops?"</div><div fgid="93938">"Yes, the crop blight in Grebeschyr, nasty business, I had hoped to do some trading there later in the spring, hopefully it's cleared up by then. I wonder though, if those Starling Lords are covering something up. You never can tell with that lot," Rickard says, narrowing his eyes.</div><div fgid="93938">While Bro' Bob napped earlier in the day, he again dreamed of going to Grebeschyr. Every time hears the name of the town, he feels drawn there for some reason.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Derrin, having been busy earlier when Jens spoke to him, comes over to the table. "Jens, my friend, I am sorry, the patrons are all eating dinner, I have not had a moment to talk to anyone about jobs yet, I will do so, for you, but you must give me a day or two. The boss doesn't like us badgering the customers too much. But I will talk to some folk, I promise you."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas frowns. "I have been wondering that myself Ricard."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ricard asks if anyone wants to play cards after their dinner is finished.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens smiles. "Thank you, my friend. I understand completely. Hopefully we can come up with something before my friends and I have to leave."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I'm not much of a gambler, I don't even have much coin to play with"</div><div fgid="93938">While dinner goes on, Bob, Ragnar, and Nilas all notice a young, tough looking fellow with a younger companion enter the Inn. They are not familiar at all. They look around then go over to Derrin at the corner of the bar. They speak for a few minutes, then head back out into the rain.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob shakes his head "No" saying, "Thanks, but I'm more of a drinker than a gambler, and I definitely don't mix the two," raising his mug in a friendly toast</div><div fgid="93938">While dinner goes on, Jens notices an attractive woman in red with fur around her shoulders giving him the eye when her companion isn't looking.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar stands and starts to leave</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Rickard gets up and heads over to Roderick's table on the other side of the room. The two start playing a game of cards, laughing loudly.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I could try to play with them, at least get into conversation with them"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens shyly blushes</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Where is Ragnar going?"</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar heads out the front door. It is still raining outside, though not very hard, it is starting to get dark as well. Ragnar sees the two men heading off to the right toward the outhouse.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Maybe the druid returned?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens sidles up to Derrin. "So, who are the couple at that table over there? Do you know them?" He indicates the lady in red and her friend</div><div fgid="93938">Derrin looks over to where Jens is motioning. "Ahh, yes, that's Avekin Windport, from the Gut, and his wife, Cyneste."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens nods. "Fine lookin' woman."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Outside, Ragnar sees them pass the outhouse and keep going. </div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "should we follow Ragnar? or let him be?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob replies, "Leave him be for now - he's been indoors all day and probably just needs to breathe"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens shrugs. "I imagine he'd have tried to alert us if somethin' was up. Might be just drainin' the bilge."</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar does not think the others notice him following so he procees a bit for now with caution. Ragnar loses sight of them around the corner of the outhouse, but sees them again as they are going around the corner of the building ahead.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens does remember that the outhouse was located out the front door and to the right, the way Ragnar seemed to head.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I"m going to see what I can do with the card guys here..."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens nods. "Good luck!"</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar continues carefully</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas walks over to Ricard and Roderick. "I'm not much of a card player, but I have to learn sometime, right?"</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar continues to follow the two fellows, he loses them again for a moment around the side of the building, when he looks they are gone, though there is a door leading back into what must be the kitchen area of the Sinker.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"Mind if I watch and learn?"</div><div fgid="93938">agnar does not think they could have made it to the far corner of the building, not without sprinting at least.</div><div fgid="93938">"Oh yes, of course, especially if you are buying the next round!" Roderick says, slapping Nilas on the arm!</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar pauses to look around</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas laughs. "Yes, I suppose I could at least do that"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas hands the serving girl 3 copper coins</div><div fgid="93938">"So, who's your favorite tonight?" Roderick asks. There is an abrupt thump under the table as Ricard gives Roderick a harsh glare, gritting his teeth.</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar only sees the muddy back area of the inn. A small wagon is pulled near the door, it's back tarped. There are muddy foot prints all around this area, it is difficult to tell if any of them are very fresh, though, due to the rain.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas suddenly becomes curious and concerned</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar gets to a good hiding spot to watch the wagon</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "now gentlemen, you can't leave a Callast in the dark like that"</div><div fgid="93938">As dinner winds down, Bob notices that most of the patrons, though they seem familiar with each other, begin to head back up to their rooms. A pair of men from the bar head to the door, probably heading to the outhouse as well.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Favorite for what? Cards, a fight? A lady?"</div><div fgid="93938">"Yes, cards. Between me and Rickard here, who do you think is the more skilled opponent," Roderick says.</div><div fgid="93938">"You know I always beat you, you scamp!" Rickard says, boasting.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas shrugs. Looks like Rickard got the best of you all earlier today:</div><div fgid="93938">The musician and the juggler are wrapping up their performance.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob leans over and says quietly to Jens, "Keep an eye on the Callast - don't forget he's been on an island with nobody but his teacher for the last 6 years. I doubt he learned much about card sharps. Or he's better at it thean any of them. Anyway, I'm going to check on Cousin Ragnar."</div><div fgid="93938">The move over to the bar to eat and drink some as the dining room crowd is thinning.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob heads to the door</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar hides behind a pile of firewood under a tree near the backdoor of the Sinker. He can see the wagon and the backdoor clearly.</div><div fgid="93938">Bob heads out the door and sees the two men headed toward the outhouse.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas watches and tries to learn the game while trying to carouse with the 2 men.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens leans back and takes a long pull on his drink.</div><div fgid="93938">Bob is sure they do not notice him as they pass the pisser and head around the corner of the building.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "is there anything interesting going on around these parts? I know that there has been trouble in Grebechyr and we were headed there to help. But we also had some problems out in Piper's Quay and I wonder if they are related."</div><div fgid="93938">Jens' keeps an eye on Nilas. He notices that Avekin Windport moves from his table to the bar.</div><div fgid="93938">Before he realizes it, Cyneste Windport is standing right behind him, her hand on Jens' shoulder. "Hello, there, you're not a regular here."</div><div fgid="93938">The two men deal Nilas in, telling him this round is only a copper.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">From his vantage point, Ragnar sees two more men that he recognizes from inside come from around the corner toward the back door of the Inn. Ragnar continues to watch</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens scoots his chair back and bumps into the nice lady. He immediately stands. "Oh, please excuse me, ma'am. Totally my fault."</div><div fgid="93938">She shifts her hand to be on Jens' chest. She smiles and smells good. She's definitely putting the moves on Jens while her husband is at the bar.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938"> Bob watches as they go around the far corner of the building, losing sight of them.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar sees the two men go into the backdoor of the Inn. Just after they go in, he sees Bro' Bob appear around the far corner.</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar sees they paid no attention to the wagon and just went inside. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar emerges from his spot and heads toward Bro Bob</div><div fgid="93938">As Bob rounds the corner he sees that the two he was trailing are gone. He sees a side door leading into the kitchen area of the Inn and a covered wagon parked near the door. Farther along, he sees Ragnar appear from behind a pile of firewood.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens' has that warm, tingling feeling he's gotten a few times before. It is not an unwelcome feeling. "Would you like to come up to my room with me, I've got something I need you to take a look at." She says, winking.</div><div fgid="93938">Cyneste's husband, Avekin turns and sees her talking intimately with Jens. "Dear, I am heading down now, will you be joining me? Oh, I guess not." he says, shrugging. He turns and heads up the stairs.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens looks somewhat frantically for Nilas or Ragnar or Bro Bob, but none of them are near at hand.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens smiles and says "Well, I suppose that would be all right. Please, lead on!"</div><div fgid="93938">Cyneste leads Jens upstairs, following her husband, though not that closely. When they get to the top of the stairs, Avekin is nowhere in sight and Cyneste leads Jens down the hall to a room near his. She opens the door, leads him in, closes and bars it behind her.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Rickard and Roderick cheer raucously as Nilas wins his first hand at the game of Crowns.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas smiles. HE is slightly concerned that they men may have been referring to Jens being solicited by the woman, as to whom "Their favorite" was tonight.</div><div fgid="93938">They slide him their two copper coins and deal the cards again. This time, they start to explain the complex betting scheme that goes along with the game. Back in Gawl Hole with his mentor, Callast Xern, he had learned the game, but they did not do much of the betting.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas will continue to play, but keeping a look around the tavern room</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas notices that his companions are no longer in the room, only the workers and one couple remain.</div><div fgid="93938">The minstrel gets up and begins to play again, the juggler remains at the bar, drinking, his show clearly over.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas thinks to himself, 2 more hands, and then he will go outside, saying that he has to perform an evening ritual to Calla to make his leave.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Outside, in the rain, Ragnar and Bro Bob come together near the back door. Ragnar explains that he had followed the other two from earlier, but lost them, then he saw two more men, the ones that Bob was following, they came around and went into the backdoor of the Inn.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas plays well for the next couple of hands, which takes about 10 minutes. He does manage to lose his last silver piece though.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "IF you will excuse me Gentlemen, I appreciate the lesson, but I am late for my evening ritual blessing to Calla"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar explains what he was doing to Bro Bob, "So, not much to say and now I'm wet. Ready to head back in and dry off?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods, "Okay, I'm going to hit the head first, then join you"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar nods and returns inside</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar heads back to the front door only to bump into Nilas coming out at the same time. Bro' Bob heads into the outhouse.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Oh hello....I was just coming out to see where you guys went"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93988" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div fgid="93994" style="text-align: right;"></div><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>This session was like a free-for-all with everyone doing different things in different areas of the inn. Totally cool with that, it was fun and with a smaller party, wasn't too difficult.<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro' Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Arline Vaughn</b>, an ex-pirate seeking a different kind of life - played by Sofia</div><div fgid="93805"><b>Artur Boscson</b>, a wild and angry woodsman looking for adventure - played by Zach G<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div><p> </p>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-34320561563360292112024-01-03T22:54:00.007-06:002024-01-03T22:54:43.387-06:00Æsbiorn Ljotsson<p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF-CgKnJz88Fd_5cc4FanCLprQZc2NevnJmwAqNzo-BzcTRKBzUBE_0J5VNx5qRjdas9rfjq8dIRfnbmexoQCbnqP1bo-TuNF03aQzWnIDBNWFT6iD0Usf6K5eJZbHK0zkFyMEpyKuAWzBYWXqcfYM3u7b51gfnoLz2FpT25uEpcCTCPcJffQ5sdmI4lb/s1500/aesbiorn.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1124" data-original-width="1500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXF-CgKnJz88Fd_5cc4FanCLprQZc2NevnJmwAqNzo-BzcTRKBzUBE_0J5VNx5qRjdas9rfjq8dIRfnbmexoQCbnqP1bo-TuNF03aQzWnIDBNWFT6iD0Usf6K5eJZbHK0zkFyMEpyKuAWzBYWXqcfYM3u7b51gfnoLz2FpT25uEpcCTCPcJffQ5sdmI4lb/w320-h240/aesbiorn.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">As part of the 2024 Character Creation Challenge, I present my second GURPS character of this month.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">This character is the GURPS version of a pre-gen character for a Viking-themed one-shot I'm planning on running soon. He was first created as an OSE character, now he is GURPSified!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Æsbiorn Ljotsson, the Bear, is a drunk, wildman who often finds himself in trouble and Drængr Thar always gets him out.</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>"You grew up with Drængr Thar and he always called you friend, no matter what trouble you found yourself in. He was ready to bail you out, stand by your side, and now that he is in trouble, you know that you must finally repay your debt and bring him back home."</i></span></p></blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbhVWp8yKMz5-1dT1FmAeX_ZLoTQhztm9Vy3bqE7BZGISFlWvwqVXzDFIWSvOZvgrPSaYTcTQHcZZr-WFgzqpk-ssF0UYN_Mgn5D1E44pAuuhOBXPnyGLFPv97EYb-x-40sKUPtW1LaKUKsZs71Li2eE98ZZMStjF_8pu_nHCLV9ObRlEOnf8DxlNKoBW/s2200/%C3%86sbiorn%20Ljotsson-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="1700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinbhVWp8yKMz5-1dT1FmAeX_ZLoTQhztm9Vy3bqE7BZGISFlWvwqVXzDFIWSvOZvgrPSaYTcTQHcZZr-WFgzqpk-ssF0UYN_Mgn5D1E44pAuuhOBXPnyGLFPv97EYb-x-40sKUPtW1LaKUKsZs71Li2eE98ZZMStjF_8pu_nHCLV9ObRlEOnf8DxlNKoBW/w494-h640/%C3%86sbiorn%20Ljotsson-1.jpeg" width="494" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyFtnApepla9T3QlcJmwD2nZGw4cFByCkz54VYi81i6SteYFv4jVS61gDo7cbfSWTTbsHbZVNJlr3FUKxUhNo8APVozs-Qfb2u8z2jR-5T8cN2KDgCodkaDY1o5p4RBqYXXr_Wl1uWsMtBln5a8qvi5X89KKj5qIAdFLtmh99f1R_GCL-WdVoGdtReR_q/s2200/%C3%86sbiorn%20Ljotsson-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="1700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyFtnApepla9T3QlcJmwD2nZGw4cFByCkz54VYi81i6SteYFv4jVS61gDo7cbfSWTTbsHbZVNJlr3FUKxUhNo8APVozs-Qfb2u8z2jR-5T8cN2KDgCodkaDY1o5p4RBqYXXr_Wl1uWsMtBln5a8qvi5X89KKj5qIAdFLtmh99f1R_GCL-WdVoGdtReR_q/w494-h640/%C3%86sbiorn%20Ljotsson-2.jpeg" width="494" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#2024CharacterCreationChallenge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is where I found out about this challenge:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/january-2024-character-creation-challenge.915220/">https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/january-2024-character-creation-challenge.915220/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><p></p><p> </p>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-68517542381669158102024-01-01T23:58:00.003-06:002024-01-02T00:00:35.183-06:00Alexis Harris<p><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="597" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9dXVAennNA5hbLl9eZFbLtxMf579nBgGU0sR77Vvr0kmXPM3u19B9UBhrRXvbqkxA-urvMUkPLfXp1W2TQAUD_2fTKSpDZWXApjHFlCkfAVwhzR23q1pG2qNsuhwzXSa3BX-idjCf7kD-gHU3hPvo1n7kota8v7X3KE9fKnUiDCKEQsDGgqwrV68ExHoq=w320-h320" width="320" /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> As part of the 2024 Character Creation Challenge, I present my first GURPS character of this month.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Alexis Harris. She is a 22 year old getting her start in the field of archeology. She dreams of being a treasure hunter, but for now, just biding her time working on whatever dig site she can get involved with. She loves reading and practicing yoga. She has some self defense martial arts training and her grandpa showed her how to handle a pistol when she was young, though she hopes she doesn't have to use one.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9dXVAennNA5hbLl9eZFbLtxMf579nBgGU0sR77Vvr0kmXPM3u19B9UBhrRXvbqkxA-urvMUkPLfXp1W2TQAUD_2fTKSpDZWXApjHFlCkfAVwhzR23q1pG2qNsuhwzXSa3BX-idjCf7kD-gHU3hPvo1n7kota8v7X3KE9fKnUiDCKEQsDGgqwrV68ExHoq" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc__Ftq2uCRRLsjqpJt65mYE_QF7-Ysp15in5_SL7QbfGIutxGLWV0Iv_pYWsP6S_sQ5z6JAoopM2fDh_4LDhW3Cd8GgNreTSrzdul-YMHaA1nDLI4MxanSuUvYtS9IyDsP_xFCgfEkNEfEtCa9HoX_JMx_dK3z8fehNXGiGbRzPdt3lsr9QOGBHzycOvK" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="1700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc__Ftq2uCRRLsjqpJt65mYE_QF7-Ysp15in5_SL7QbfGIutxGLWV0Iv_pYWsP6S_sQ5z6JAoopM2fDh_4LDhW3Cd8GgNreTSrzdul-YMHaA1nDLI4MxanSuUvYtS9IyDsP_xFCgfEkNEfEtCa9HoX_JMx_dK3z8fehNXGiGbRzPdt3lsr9QOGBHzycOvK=w494-h640" width="494" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLYZkCxivRNEAogHBrAQwcKBmFj1zespaejelWvqA80YGyvLh5nGjRWF5ZEs-5qTFWds8-eBeiZ3QXkAJw2kSDpuxvYJTHG8p7rdkgPYCHyFIYQv8weBSphhfCJHinmDuzqmBCy3daqXCHJpTiWyNjA-J7eaP3Lc9ZnnnBRgkclplqoHjsl4VxPvStzJrL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="1700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgLYZkCxivRNEAogHBrAQwcKBmFj1zespaejelWvqA80YGyvLh5nGjRWF5ZEs-5qTFWds8-eBeiZ3QXkAJw2kSDpuxvYJTHG8p7rdkgPYCHyFIYQv8weBSphhfCJHinmDuzqmBCy3daqXCHJpTiWyNjA-J7eaP3Lc9ZnnnBRgkclplqoHjsl4VxPvStzJrL=w493-h640" width="493" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#2024CharacterCreationChallenge</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is where I found out about this challenge:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/january-2024-character-creation-challenge.915220/">https://forum.rpg.net/index.php?threads/january-2024-character-creation-challenge.915220/</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><br /><br /></p>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-60311074154692879742023-12-07T22:36:00.004-06:002023-12-07T22:36:26.530-06:00Isle of Sedra OSE Setting and Adventures on Kickstarter<p>In one of my very rare non-GURPS Play Reports... here is a quick advertisement from one of my favorite creators (of GURPS and other great stuff)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gamingballistic/old-school-setting-the-isle-of-sedra" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMYQLrxbzNVCkQn8CfT9joYOAlV1p9_rd3P9tCIFEcopa1sP_Ad6Juj954094VwqX9525kcEzIiUbaCaSjpYdrpXIZm8RbcjE4BXhV216qtHW20rI7PD_XAg3qaH2xstY41glVPC7Sny3gH19aTB0SQlzdF229pJWHGTewzOyzRz8yKUpEdw-vaF3HiqDz=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gamingballistic/old-school-setting-the-isle-of-sedra" target="_blank">The Isle of Sedra for Old-School Essentials</a></span></b></div><p></p><p>Check it out, it is a cool setting with 2 separate adventures for the OSE (and really any old school DnD game)</p><p><br /><br /></p>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-18095980612322676902023-12-03T22:35:00.005-06:002024-02-19T15:54:11.005-06:00Tides and Tribulations #11 -Nilas<p><span style="font-family: times;"><span fgid="94189"><i fgid="94195">An In-Character report from the point of view of Callast Nilas Orakn of the events from session 11. </i></span><span fgid="94176"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Tides and Tribulations</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 011</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">From Nilas' Point of View</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231128</b></span></div><div fgid="93938"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7f853bc7-7fff-dd9a-b766-773cd1c407fc"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Cast of Characters:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">* Callast Nilas Orkan (1/2 elf) Stormpriest of Calla (Me)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">* Jens Marko: Nilas's friend, captain of the Kittiwake a sloop or schooner</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">* Ragnar Rogan: Mountain man and Ranger, questing to find his father's murderer</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">* Brother Robert D'Nagien, monk of Enibria</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">* Carmel, cleric of Enipria (NPC)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">**Villip Astelin, captain of the Osprey (Starling lords officer, NPC)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We last left three of our companions as they were at a nefarious place called The Sinker, a tavern, rooming house, place of business, run by a notorious Boss in the Starling Lords lands. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Having just witnessed an exchange between a woman and man with another fellow named Ricard over a game of cards, the companions were just hiding out from the rain and figuring out what to do next. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Brother Robert was doing just fine at the bar drinking and making conversation with the older bartender, Boris. Jens was also talking to the other man at the bar, Durin. Ragnar fell asleep on the plush seat. Nilas was walking around, trying to engage in conversation, but it was clear that the other two men didn't care to talk much. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The group was debating about getting a room or moving on. The issue was that it was still early in the day, but the rain outside was a downpour and travel would be limited. The group had discussed ideas and tried to ask around about local issues. Brother Robert led on a tale and tied up the attention of the two men with tales of intrigue and their journey here. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It was around that time, while Nilas was talking to Ragnar, that he spotted a hooded figure spying at him through the window. Immediately Nilas felt like he was in danger and thought that maybe the assassins had arrived. He tried to have Ragnar look, but the figure had moved on. Nilas made his way over to Jens and whispered to him about the man he saw outside. With Brother Robert drawing attention from the bar staff, Jens and Nilas made their way outside. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The rain was steady and Nilas was curious, yet confident. He moved around the corner of the building and saw the hooded figure trying to scale up on a tree and a ledge to the building to peer through the window. Nilas motioned to Jens Marko to sneak up this side while Nilas would flank the figure. As Nilas got into position, Jens slipped in the mud and tore off a piece of siding off of the building, making a terrible noise. The figure saw him and dropped down and started to run. Nilas attempted to grapple the man, but he was too quick and started to run off towards the back of the building. NIlas yelled for the man to stop.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The hooded man ran towards the back of the building and cut a left turn behind the structure. Jens caught up to Nilas and the two of them turned the corner in time to see the man holding a ball of lightning in his hands. The man yelled for them to stop and asked Nilas and Jens who they are and what they were doing here. Nilas answered him. Jens was clearly nervous and seemed to be very cautious around spellcasters. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The man told them to leave him alone, but NIlas was curious and wanted answers himself. As they took another step closer, the man hurled a lightning bolt at Jens. Jens dove to the ground and avoided the blast. Nilas yelled, rapped on the window near where Ragnar was sitting and hurled his spear at the hooded man, but missed. The man fell back more into the trees and Nilas was moving closer. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Just as Jens was regaining his footing, the hooded figure cast another spell and the grass and weeds rose up very high, blocking Nilas's and Jens's path towards the man. Nilas called for a spell from Calla to grant him the ability to walk upon air. As Nilas rose up above the ground and walked over the high grass and vegetation, the man cast another spell and disappeared from sight. In his frustration, Nilas then cast a Thunderclap spell in hopes to daze the man if he was still around but hidden from view. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas then searched the area around the ground and found some tracks, but nothing that he could really search too well. Nilas then recovered his spear and made his way back to the Sinker. He and Jens came back inside, tracking mud and dirt along the floor, much to the displeasure of the serving girl. Nilas apologized to her and handed her a few extra copper coins. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Back inside the Sinker, Nilas and Jens had to explain their actions to Mr. Lynan, the proprietor, who had come down amidst all of the comotion. It seems as though the hooded figure was not a threat, but a local druid named Shane. The bartender was upset that Nilas and Jens may have chased off a regular patron. After some explaining, Mr. Lynan seemed to understand and put the companions at bay. He also reminded Nilas that no hurling of lightning within 50 yards of the building. Nilas kept a mental note of that. It wasn't that he couldn't hurl lightning at all, just not nearby. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After some further discussion about the area, the building and their thought of tracking down the assailants, the companions found themselves renting a room for the night and hoping to either find a lead on the assassins or more information on the plague that hit Grebechyr. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas did hear a rumor that someone mentioned zombies in the area of Grebechyr and it sounded suspiciously like the same incident that they ran into at Piper's Quay. Some more food for thought. Nilas went back to reading books and trying to find information on the area and about Sea Hags. Nilas also suggested that they bring Carmel to the building or at least bring her in for a meal and make sure that she is safe. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">...this is where we left the tale off at.......</span></p><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-69919605827834510212023-12-03T22:18:00.001-06:002024-02-19T15:56:42.448-06:00Tides and Tribulations #11<p><span style="font-family: times;"><span fgid="94189"><i fgid="94195">The group continues to chat it up at the Sinker then chase and fight a paranoid druid. </i></span><span fgid="94176"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Tides and Tribulations</a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJin84vthQNYYmJFQoyBT_rowix5dj6cF4Ihv1PVV06bWNGa6wc0j8N0cVtUm_rIEDIs3AAKCzPmDMDGXQBfAfR7CwfRrBOUKmOFeUDRPlkRsAByDy1OpZ0OVnjcEvjNythyOyOTHhaQpQ4fj7NjH2xRXprgTa4fU3EJt0wcdHtBCvJdtSiI6co-j5z8Je/s3300/Jason_TT_Cover.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3300" data-original-width="2550" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJin84vthQNYYmJFQoyBT_rowix5dj6cF4Ihv1PVV06bWNGa6wc0j8N0cVtUm_rIEDIs3AAKCzPmDMDGXQBfAfR7CwfRrBOUKmOFeUDRPlkRsAByDy1OpZ0OVnjcEvjNythyOyOTHhaQpQ4fj7NjH2xRXprgTa4fU3EJt0wcdHtBCvJdtSiI6co-j5z8Je/w309-h400/Jason_TT_Cover.png" width="309" /></a></div></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 011</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">Thunder</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231126</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><span id="docs-internal-guid-22a226bb-7fff-48d5-631b-13bcf7d40e3f"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The group is gathered in the main barroom of the Sinker, a halfway house, tavern, restaurant, and Inn located along a non-descript stretch of coastline in the Middle Bay, a few miles from the town of Grebeschyr.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Originally given a nefarious reputation, the place seems to be quite a cozy little spot, not at all busy this time of day.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas continues to delve into the books on the shelves, Looking for information on sea hags, as well as anything that could be old and obscure.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar seats himself over by the fire, sipping on his water.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens continues his chat with a fellow who might have work for the Kittiwake</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The barkeep, Borris, looks at Jens and Bro Bob, "So, you all getting a room? We got a room with a couple'a bunk beds, could easily sleep the 4 o'ya."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob Bro' Bob sadi at the end of last session, "We was brewin n stillin before there was a baron herebouts to sell his stamp on it"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Derrin tells Jens he will have to check with some people he knows, but won't know anything til later in the day at best.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens politely declines. "I sleep aboard. Gotta look after my cat."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The bartender glares at Jens, "Ahh, the Sinker not good enough fer ye?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens nods to Derrin. "We'll probably be around til then. We'll see if we can work something out later."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens shakes his head. "Nay, seems a fine place. But I don't want the Lady Margo getting jealous, now."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob laughs, "The Captain there really doesn't like sleeping on anything that's not at least rocking"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris sniggers, "Oy, yea, I can arrange for that, too, captain."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob adds, "But yeah, we migh, 'pendin' he get work or nah."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Im sure Fringella will let ya all help mop the floor, since she can't seem to get it done herself, ehh? Or you could muck out the stables out back, there's always work around here,"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris says.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob looks at Borris, a little puzzled about what he seems to find humorus</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas continues thumbing through the books, not finding anything really that might excite an academic such as Lady Sinnan.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris look at Bob and grimaces. He holds one hand, fingers making an O and sticks a single finger from his other hand in and out several times, smiling. He rolls his eyes and shakes his head when Bob's expression does not change.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens blushes</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The other patrons have left the main room, taking the stairs to the 2nd floor.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks over towards the bar to order another drink</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris serves another round of drinks shortly after everyone has finished their first. "Oy, mountain man, you know I gotta charge ya for them waters? Shit, beer's cheaper, really," he shouts across the room to Ragner.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Excuse me good sir. I have an interest in some older books and parchments. You wouldn't happen to have anything like that around here would you?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Sorry, Callast, we trade in food and drink and good times, not books, though I imagine there be a merchant or two who might know something bout books, not typically the talk, but I guess someone's gotta trade in em. What we got is over there, on the shelf, though I think some o' the, um, more racy titles may have been taken to the rooms," he says, winking at Nilas.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I can ask around for ya," he says to Nilas, tapping his fingers on the bartop.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas blushes a bit. Then changes subjects. "I'm still learning the area and sailing with my friend Jens, over here. Can you tell me anything interesting about the area? Anything with news or perhaps curious events at all?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas places a silver coin on the counter for the bar keep</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Ahh, the area? Well taint much round these parts. Grebeschyr just a few miles that'a'way," he says, jerking a thumb over his shoulder, "but they says that e're one there's dead. Died and turned ta zombies, they say!" He looks at Nilas with wide, fearful eyes as he slides the coin off the counter.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Also, if you need some fresh water, I may be able to help you out with that, or freshen up some stocks you have to make it better and safer for your patrons"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Turned to zombies? I heard of something like that happening elsewhere. Tell me did you hear if it was some kind of crab-like creature that infested them?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris' countenance changes quickly, "You sayin' my water taint no good? You implying I'd be serving stale refreshments to my patrons? Who in the Bay do you think you are?" He slams his fists down on the counter.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Not al all sir. I was just offering my services as a Callast to you"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Naa, twere a batbrained Callast like yerself thta did it, Im sure," he spits. He throws his towel down and walks to the other side of the bar.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas groans and just shakes his head. (That went well, Nilas thinks to himself)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob laughs,, saying to Borris, "He seriously spent the last few years on a little island with nobody but his teacher. Still a little rusty talking with regular folk"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Derrin, down at the end of the bar laughs. "Don' mind old Borris, he's a bit of a hothead at times. An I heard tales of Grebeschyr, but there ain't no zombies, least not what I heard. But they say it's bad," Derrin shakes his head back and forth.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob looks at Borris and says softly, "If'n it's not a cousin' o</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Derrin, is it? Do you mind if i ask what your job or position is here?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Derrin glares at Nilas, "My position is here at the end of the bar. My job is to make sure nobody harasses the staff."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens tries to distract. "So, it's like 10 in the morning. Where did everybody else go?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Derrin shrugs, "Probably to their rooms. Maybe the went for a walk, or a swim down at the swimming hole. It's a nice day out, maybe they went for a ride, I don't keep tabs on the customers, I just keep tabs on their tabs, ya know what I mean."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas just takes his drink and heads over to join Ragnar</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens notices that Derrin is fingering some dice in his hand while he talks.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While Nilas is over talking with Ragnar, he notices someone peeking in from the window just to the right of the fireplace. It is a hooded figure and difficult to see without a closer, more obvious look.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Ragnar, that man you were speaking to earlier, was he amerchant or soemthing?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar shrugs and says he thinks so. "His name was Ricard or somesuch. He headed upstairs after the game broke up."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas whispers to Ragnar. "look at me as I speak to you, I'm going to shift to the side and see if you can get an eye on the person outside the window...be subtle"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar shifts to look, not too subtly, then shakes his head, "Naa, he left, almost right as I looked. A person in a hooded cloak. I think I saw long hair, but not even sure about that."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris leans over to Bob, "So, you one of them D'Nagien's then?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "watch, we may have been spotted or tracked here"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">speaking to Ragnar, "I'm going to tell Jens and then take a look"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar nods at Nilas.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Jens, Calla sheds her tears this day and wish to take in some of the storm."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">NIlas then leans over to Jens. "I saw a someone peeking through the window."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens nods. "Er, right, well, lead on, Brother."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens follows Nilas</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas whispering to jens as they make their way out, "it looked like a hooded figure with long hair"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens and Nilas step out the front door of the inn, past the maid earnestly mopping the floor.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas assumes that to the left is the quickest way around to the window where he saw the peeper.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I wasn't sure if you were going to go with me, but Ragnar should tell bob"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob replies, "Yeah, was startin' to say, if family isn't already bringing it, I can setcha to get it right from us, likely save you a few on the price. Just ask the favor that you help my friends find what er' they's lookin' fer when they come this way."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods his head towards the others.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bob realizes that Nilas and Jens are gone.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Stay back a few yards, but watch behind you too"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar is still lounging on one of the sofas, It appears that the large man has fallen asleep.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob conitnues, "Among other things, the big guy drinking water, a cousin o' mine, is chasin' thoem's that kilt his Pa a few days ago."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens falls back a few steps</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris puts hishand to his mouth, "A murder, oh no. Do tell." He leans in, tops Bob's mug off and puts his elbows on the counter, face in hands, listening intently.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Bob can distract the bartender and they wont' even notice us around"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob adds, ""N I got a call on hit 'em too, fer kin"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas and Jens come around the corner and immediately see a dark hooded person climbing up, trying to peer in one of the higher side window. He is struggling too much to retain his balance that he does not see Nilas and Jens come around the corner.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas holds his hand up for Jens and points.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob adds, "But we knows they's in Piper's Quay two days ago, they tossed the Kittiwake an the Callast shrine in town that night, then set off rowin'.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The hooded figure mumbles a few words and waggles his fingers at the tree and the branches seem to move and bend, making a nice little step for him to stand on.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas whispers to Jens and points that he is going to flank him"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Derrin wanders over to listen to Bob's story as well, since there is nothing else going on in the Sinker to speak of.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas tries to sneak around the hooded figure and flank him</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas swings out around the tree while Jens tries to stay pressed up against the wall. Jens' foot slips on the wet ground and he grabs the side of the wall to brace himself, inadvertently puling off a strip of siding, making a loud sound as the rusty nail bends and comes out of the wall.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The hooded figure at the window turns with a start, sees Jens and tries to flee in the opposite direction.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">‘Nice distraction,’ Nilas thinks to himself as he attempts to grapple the hooded figure</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Stop!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens yells, "Wait!"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro’ Bob dips into his accent, “After we caught em at it. Dunno who they was, but they kilt summun in town by the same name as his Pa, Rogan, a bit afor they went after the Old Bear. So we're all feelin a mite mean 'bout things"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens chases after the figure</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The man seeing Nilas lunge at him from out of nowhere, lets out a shriek and flees along the side of the building. Nilas catches a glimpse of a sword scabbard under his robe.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "After him!"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas starts running after the man</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The man runs up and around the corner.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas keeps running and turns the corner</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens charges forward to help Nilas and tackle the stranger</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens passes Nilas and they both round the corner to find the man standing there, a glowing ball of lightning in his hands.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Hey, uhh, stand back or I'll blast you!" he shouts in the rain.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens says "Oh sh*t!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Who are you and why are you chasing me!" he asks.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas growls</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas steps aside of Jens</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I am Callast Nilas Orkan"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I saw you spying upon us through the window, so I came out to see who you are and what you are doing out here"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"And... " he says, looking at Jens.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens clears his throat. "Er, well, you can call me Captain."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He takes a step back.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens is nervous about giving his name to a spellcaster. No telling what they could do with it!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "He is here because I asked him to come out with me, he is my friend"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Well, why are you chasing me? What do you want?" he says.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I want to know why you were spying upon us from the window. I want to know who you are and if you are a threat to us"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I don't know you, I wasn't looking at you. I asked who you were first, and yes, if you are a threat to me, which I believe you are, since you tried to grab me back there for no reason!" he is talking quite fast now, and getting louder.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I tried to stop you, not harm you</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"So you say, how do I know that?" he asks, taking another step backward.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas to Jens, he may be calling for back up</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Because if we wanted to kill you I would have blasted you myself when you were climbing the tree"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens moves sideways to flank the stranger</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas takes step forward, closer to the window</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As Jens starts to move, the man throws his lightning bolt at him!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The bolt of lightning is coming right at Jens!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens dodges, dropping to the ground! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bob hears a crack of lightning just outside!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar rushes to the near window!</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob snaps his head around and readies his bow as he looks to see what's happening</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens gets to one knee</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas steps up and raps on the window with his left hand and hurls his spear with is right at the assailant.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas sees Ragnar looking out the window.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The hooded man dodges.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob moves over against the wall to peek out the window from the side</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The hooded man takes another step back and suddenly the grass and ground cover grows up several feet high!</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Leave me be! Let me alone!" the man yells.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas calls out to Calla to grant him the power to walk on air</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bob can see his two friends and someone moving behind another tree.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob attempts to open the window quietly</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The man steps back under the boughs of the nearest tree.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens pulls himself to his feet.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas step up and over the enhanced vegetation</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Surrender now!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas thinks the man is casting another spell.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "He's casting!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas and Jens see the man finish his quiet mumbling and then he just disappears.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar leans his head out the window and asks if everyone is ok.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens freaks out and runs away</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Inside, behind Bro Bob, Borris is yelling, "What the hell is going on out there? Whats all that racket! And for Chronos' sake, close those windows or we'll all get sick!"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas lets loose a Thunderclap around the area where he last saw the wizard.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob shakes his head and shrugs, "I saw someone there, but I can't teell what's going on"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Several upstairs windows open after the Thunderclap with various people yelling down and cursing about the noise!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas goes back to the ground, where the mage was last seen and recovers his spear</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris yells at Bob and Ragnar to close the windows because the rain is coming in. "Calla's allright and all, but I don't need her pissing all over my floor, ya know?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas mutters to himself. "Dammit Jens....if you weren't so clumsy, we may have caught him"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob rebolts the window and heads back to the bar, slinging his bow once more</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas looks around to see if there may be any kind of footprints or tracks?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, " I need Ragnar out here"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas sees some muddy tracks under the tree, but they don't go anywhere.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens stops once he's clear of the area.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens and Nilas make it back inside a few minutes later.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After they enter, they hear a sigh from the corner of the room as the young maid Fringella looks at the mud and water the two just tracked in over her freshly mopped floor.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Derrin calls out, "Where the hell did you two run off to, what was all that thunder and lightning goin on out there? Mr. Lynan ain't gonna like none of that business going on round here, I'll say."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas glares at Derrin and stomps off to go look at the book rack again.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens goes to the bartender and asks for a mop and bucket. "Only seems right since I made the mess, right?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Naa, don' worry bout it, the girl'll get it, that's what she's paid to do, ain't that right, Fring, get to mopping, girl!" he shouts. "So really, what you and that hot-head Callast doing out there? Running around and making all that racket?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The maid looks tankfully toward Jens and drags her mop and bucket back over to the door.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens shrugs. "There was a stranger spying through the window. We wanted to ask em some questions, but they started doing all sorts of magicky stuff. Then vanished in ta thin air. So we had to let 'em get away, I guess." He shudders."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Stranger? Fellow bout this tall," he says, holding his hand up at the appropriate height, "wearing a grey or green hood? Long brown hair? Magics? Sounds like Shane, he ain't no problem, just shy. He comes in sometimes, but likes to see who and how many in the taproom before coming in, he be one o' them Druids, nature wizard. Pretty gentle fellow, never seen or heard him do no magic like that before," Borris explains. "Sounds like you jes run off some o'my business. Hmmmm."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Boris angrily raps his fingers on his bar in rapid succession.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens pales. "Oh, gosh, I'm sorry. We're kinda on edge with the stuff we been doin' lately. I'd like to apologize to him if you could put in a word..."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens says "Even buy him a drink or two."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I suppose I could," Borris sighs, repeating his signature finger tap on the bar, waiting for some coins to appear.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob sighs, nodding his head, "The one's we're after, they attacked us when we caught them searching the ship and the shrine. All three were wearing cloaks, but that's not so strange I guess. We caught one, but she poisoned herslf during the night in the laird's lockup"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">At the end of the bar, Derrin, jumps up from his stool, brushing his shirt off, "Oh, uh, Mr. Lynan, didn't expect to see you so early today."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob adds, "That ain't normal. . ."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Looking over, a large, well dressed man is seen coming down the stairs.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens drops a few coin for another round</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Yes, yes, I had not planned a venture down the stairs at this hour, but I have heard quite the commotion and wanted to ascertain the cause for the bedlam."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The man is dressed in a fur-lined suit, is completely bald though sports bushy white eyebrows. He carries a walking stick, though does not use it to steady himself.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens takes a drink and looks meaningfully at Nilas over the rim of the mug.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas gulps. (oh boy)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He looks around the mostly empty room and spies the newcomers. "Ahh, welcome, welcome to the Sinker. I hope my professional and courteous staff has been treating you kindly."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens catches a smirk on Fringella's face as she hurriedly finishes moping the floor near the door.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods, "Very"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks in and clears his throat. "My apologies Mr. Lynan. The ruckus was my doing. I saw a mysterious person lurking about and I went to check in on him. He then startled and attacked us. We tried to calmly talk to him and assure him that we were no threat, but he then hurled magical lightning at my friend and we tried to contain him"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas had stormed over to the bookshelf again after coming back in. Flipping through the books again, he comes across an interesting tome titled the Record of Discarded Emotions. It is a well worn book, hand written.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "We have been on edge because we were attacked by people in cloaks a short while ago"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Mr. Lynan tucks the walking stick between his arm and ample side and wrings his hands together, "Well, well, that sounds quite uncivilized. Who was this man you say? What attacked by men in cloaks? Here at my esteemed establishment? I have not heard of such a thing!" The man walks toward the bar, Derrin quickly moves out of the way to give him the spot at the end. Borris hurries over with a drink for him.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Aye sir, it were just Shane, these folk thought him to be spyin on them an' when they went to check, got him all ruffled up."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "The cloaked figures attacked us elsewhere. And Borris is correct, we thought that this "Shane" was after us and I tried to speak with him. We did not take any dangerous measures, at least not until he hurled lightning at my friend. We meant no harm or disrespect to you or your establishment</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Lynan sighs and relaxes a bit, "Oh yes, yes, Shane, the Druid. A strange and reclusive sort, he's never seemed unhinged before, curious. I sure hope no one was hurt. And please, in the future, I would request that situations involving the hurling of lightning happen at least 50 yards from my establishment. Insurance purposes, you understand," he says, smiling.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "yes, or course. "</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The large man drinks his beverage, something hot by the looks of the steam coming off of it. He sets the mug quite daintily back on the bar, despite his large hands making the mug look quite small. "Well then, I hope you enjoy your stay at the Sinker, I must return to the office, I have much paperwork to complete today."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Thank you sir, and again, our apologies."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas returns to the books. Thoughts running through his mind</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Think of it no more, son. None injured, none fouled, I always say," He smiles at Nilas, putting his hand on the Callast's shoulder.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Mr. Lynan turns and heads upstairs.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob gives a slight shrug, "Seems nice enough. . ." he comments blandly</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas frowns. A druid would be a very useful ally right now, especially to be able to maybe help track down the assassins before they return to the sinker</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks over to the bar.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Derrin nods at Bob, "Aye, Mr. Lynan, he's a good fellow. Runs a tight ship here, but takes care of us, he's a good man, fer sure."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Well, I got work to do, please excuse me," Derrin says as he takes his seat back at the end of the bar, smiling.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob turns back to Borris and Derrin, holding his empty cup up, "Well, unless Captain Jens gets some business, not sure where we're heading next. Were making for Grebeschyr til we were told about the blockade on anyone coming back out. The other Rogan was a cooper from there, so we hoped to maybe find something out. And the killers was rowing up the bays, not out, so we're lookin for em on the way"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Brother Robert...I think we scared off the druid. I didn't know who it was when I saw them spying through the window. Shame, he could have been a useful ally right about now. With the weather being so rough for travel, do you think we are best to wait here and catch our quarry?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob shrugs, "Not sure, but I lhe sailing side of it is Jens'"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris clears his throat, "I hope yer not wishing to meet some killers here at the Sinker. That don't sound like nothin' Mr. Lynan would want happening here in his place. I feels like you fellas might wanna tramp back down that hill, hop back inta Captain Jens boat and sail on outta here, ya catch me?" he says with a wry grin.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "We may be best to wait it out and see what happens"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"If'n yer gonna get a room and stay, though, that's something else, I can get ya a room no problem, but if yer just hanging out waiting for trouble to come to you, I think ye should wait it out somewhere else," Borris says.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens looks back and forth between Nilas and Borris.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob says a bit louder, "But hey, they was all wearing red cloaks, not brown. Kinda fancy ones too."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas catches on to Bob's parlay</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Oh right....Red....I keep forgetting that."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens looks at Borris. "But as long as we pay and drink, you gots no problem, right?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob shakes his head, as if clearing it, sighing, "Well, anyhows, if yer interested in doin business direct with the family let me know. Seems like a decent place to know and be known. . . "</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris winces, "Yea, you keep those coins coming and no more running around and lightning crashes and such, then were good. No more lightning!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "We didn't do any lightning. Just the Thunder"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens looks at Nilas. "Seems reasonable. And maybe if we're all peaceable like, that druid fellow will let me buy him a drink by way of amends."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob laughs at Nilas, "Well, at least you talked to em first, then tried to fry em"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris sticks is bottom lip out and squints one eye closed, like he's thinking real hard, "Hmmm, but if'n ya hadn't runt outside, then I think that lightning woun't a'happened, right?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "We probably should get a room. Wait out the storms and rest. and yes, I would like to make it up to the druid. I'm sorry that my temper flared up"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Not really. If Shane would have talked like a reasonable person, there would be no issue"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I'm going to check out the books more, but if we get a room, that may not be a bad idea."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Hey, round here, just cause someone ain't talking reasonable, don't mean ya gotta go after 'em an'all that. Person's got a reasonable right to keep to themselves, least that's what Mr. Lynan says, and when he says its, I believe's him," Derrin says.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks over to the books. He looks at Fringilla and slides her a few copper coins. "I'm sorry that we made a mess"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob gives Borris a pained look, "Seriously, he really is learnin to be civilized again. Ragnar's teachin' 'im," he says, jerking his thumb over his shoulder</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas hand Frigella 3 copper coins</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"50 silver Marks for the room, private, just the four of you, won't put no one else in there, even give ya a key to the door," Borris offers, twirling a keychain around on his wrinkly finger.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas cringes when he hears the price</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Fringella bows low, "Oh, sir, thank you, it's no trouble, really, no trouble at all." She takes the coins and shuffles away.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas turns and frowns. "That's pretty expensive for one night"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob tells, Nilas, "Fair sight better n a cut under the stairs back in Piper's Quay!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"That's standard fare, Barony sets them prices. 10 per person, 10 for the guarantee of a private room. Now I can charge ya MORE for a luxury room, if you like," Borris chuckles.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"So, we gots a deal?" Borris asks.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks back over to Brother Bob</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas shakes his head. " I don't have much to contribute"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "We should have gone after that treasure"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens looks at his team. "Well, I can cover it, if you think it's necessary."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I'm not sure that it is"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob shrugs and murmurs, "15 is all I have"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar pipes up, "Ive only got 7 of the silver ones"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "we may be best tracking back and hoping to pick up our quarry on the way back through"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Ok, look, you seem to be a nice group of kids, you give me what you got in silver and we'll call it square, cover your drinks up to here and I'll throw in dinner tonight," Borris says.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens forks over the coins</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas pulls out 10 silver coins</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob asks Jens, "So what do you think Captain? Want to weigh anchor, or wait out hte weather here a night?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Maybe we can speak with Mr. Lynan more later."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Fine," Borris says, "I'll throw in lunch too, but I can't keep fillin yer mugs all night with nothin more than the cheap stuff, ok?" He smiles and winks at the group, seeming to now like them a bit more.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "We should bring Carmel with us"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Boris, are the vessels in the docks safe?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Aye, I ain't never heard ah no trouble with dem boats down there," he says.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Best to have all of us together"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "heck, maybe she has some coin too."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob laughs, "Three days ago she was working as a bar maid - not likely, folks in Piper's Quay can't afford to tip all that much!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Derrin shows you to your room upstairs. He also shows you to the Snug, a cozy nook at the end of two hallways with chairs, couch, books and fireplace.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas will delve into more books</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">In the Snug sits a solemn looking man. Derrin gives him a nod and he nods back. Clearly they know each other.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "We should go get Carmel as well"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "we should at least check in on her"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods, "Agreed"</span></p><div><br /></div></span><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>Another fun RP session, only 3 were able to play again tonight. I need to get one more full time person so even if we're down one, we've still got 4 to play. Mostly conversations tonight, but they did chase someone that had been peeking a window. That turned into a fight and could have been potentially bad.<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><strike><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K</strike><br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-15240131468629523352023-11-26T09:14:00.009-06:002023-11-26T09:15:57.057-06:00Mysterious Tides #10 - Nilas<p><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195"><i>A retelling of Mysterious Tides #10 from Callast Nilas Orkan's point of view.</i> </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Mysterious Tides</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 010 - Nilas</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">From Nilas' Point of View</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231115</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><span id="docs-internal-guid-91fbd865-7fff-3379-38ce-030b2f3f2d32"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Cast of Characters:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Callast Nilas Orkan (1/2 elf) Stormpriest of Calla (Me)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Jens Marko: Nilas's friend, captain of the Kittiwake a sloop or schooner</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Ragnar Rogan: Mountain man and Ranger, questing to find his father's murderer</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Brother Robert D'Nagien, monk of Enibria</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Carmel, cleric of Enipria (NPC)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #1d2228; font-size: 10pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">**Villip Astelin, captain of the Osprey (Starling lords officer, NPC)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">We last left three of our companions they had rescued Liam the Oyster-diver from a terrible fate in an underground grotto trapped by an evil sea hag. The companions then made their way towards Grebechyr and were stopped by a sailing patrol from the Starling Lords. The man in charge, Villip, invited the companions to their camp for the evening.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">A long story short, Villip had informed Nilas and his friends that Grebechyr was infested in plague and disease upon the crops and people. Villip also informed Nilas and his friends about the Crimson Talons, an Assassin Guild in the area as well as a nasty place of scum and villainy called the Sinker. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Nilas and his friends tried their best to settle in with the Starling lords men and camp. Nilas even tried to sing some songs to break the ice. Information gleaned from Villip and a few others was of the trouble brewing in Grebechyr and that their job was to steer people away from the port and the current mess of disease and trouble there. Another crew had arrived at the camp, led by a man named Jarik. It was another blockade crew and their captain was not happy about Nilas and his friends being there in the camp. Villip handled it as he outranked the man and seemed to stem any trouble for the time being.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">There was one man in Villip's blockade crew that did wander near the fire and he muttered something to Nilas about having family in Grebechyr and that he was concerned for them and what was happening there. However, any time that Nilas tried to approach the man, he would wander off and be standoff-ish. It was clear that the men of the Starling Lords did not care much nor trust outsiders. No one was openly rude to Nilas or the others, just that they avoided any real contact or communication. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Nilas was still happy that they had a safe place to bed down for the night and get some decent food while on their journey. Nilas and the others sat around the fire and chatted with Villip more. Villip went on to mention about a malignant fetor that rooted itself around the village and that a blight upon the crops had spread to the townsfolk as well. Nilas was still curious and wanted to know more. He was enjoying learning so much more about the world around him, the other towns, their culture and the people. He asked Villip to explain more about the Starling Lords, their land and other towns. Villip did mention a joke about a village called Greylough and that it was a "shithole" of a town. Nilas laughed at his jokes. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Nilas learned that the Starling Lords and their people like to keep to themselves and do not care much at all for "outsiders" and people coming into their lands who are not from their section of the Bay. Villip told Nilas of a small town called Larkton and its Laird, Adwena Lark and a few other places. The companions also enjoyed some drinks and food and relaxed the rest of the evening. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">During the time of the companions sitting around the fire, Nilas had opened up about his family and his upbringing and how he lost his family. He also made it clear to Ragnar that he vowed to keep his word and help Ragnar avenge his father's death once more. It seemed that everyone was bonding on this matter. Jens Marko, Brother Robert D'nagian and Nilas all committed themselves to Ragnar, and even the rugged ranger was teary-eyed at the support of his new friends. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">During the evening the young sailor who had commented to Nilas was nodding to him later in the night. Nilas wasn't sure if the man was trying to speak with him or entice him into some other type of rendezvous. Nilas was clueless and figured if the guy avoided him earlier when he wanted to speak, why bother now? </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">In the morning, Nilas was able to meet up again with this young sailor as he was performing his morning prayers and rituals to Calla. The man explained that his name is Irlen and he appeared about 17-18 years of age. He was from Grebechyr and was concerned for his mothers who lived there, Lirael and Branwyn Moss, and that they lived on the inland side of town.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Nilas and his friends discuss their plan of action. First was to go to the dreaded spot called "The Sinker" and see if they could either find the assassins there or gain information about who they were and why they were hired. Then their plan would be to probably go to Larkton or Merchant's gut, or just go right into Grebechyr. It was even discussed that they could possibly help Grebechyr with their plague as well. After all, there were two clergy of Enibria in the group and this would be something that they should be concerned about.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Once settled after camp, Nilas and his friends made for the Kittiwake and set sail for their next location. Nilas and Brother Bob helped Jens Marko sail his ship and eventually they found the hidden alcove to where the path to "The Sinker" must be. Rain started up and it was getting wet. Jens Marko made anchor and there were some smaller ships and 2 larger ships in the hidden port. After much discussion it was agreed to let Carmel remain behind on the ship and lock herself inside the cabin and keep guard on the ship. While everyone was concerned a bit, it was pretty much decided that the other four should go to the Sinker and see what was up in the area. It was a bit of a walk, and Nilas used his powers from Calla to create Umbrella spell shields to protect both himself and Brother Robert from the rain. Jens and Ragnar said that they would be fine.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">As the companions (Fongs of Fate) walked they could see a large structure, a large two-story building, wood and plaster, some of it painted white, with a large black anchor set up outside. Several chimneys dotted the roofline and smoke puffed out from them. There were some lanterns lit upon the porch and entryway. It was still morning yet and the band of adventurers approached the building and the large double doors that led to the main entry room.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">The main hall was large. Several tables and chairs filled most of it. A large fireplace with a welcoming fire was against the back wall. A sizable bar with an older bartender was standing by it with another man. There were a few people, merchants perhaps, playing a game of card and talking. Nilas was drawn to some bookshelves to his left and started looking at those. He couldn't shake the thought of impressing Lady Sabeen with an old book or something of that nature, and he started looking around.</p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Nilas looked at the books and turned around slowly at times, trying to scan the room and pay attention to the conversations. Jens was at the bar and found out that the bartender was an old grumpy man named Borris and the other man seemed to be managing the establishment and his name was Derrin. Jens Marko was inquiring about cargo and jobs, as that would be the group's "cover story" as to why they were there. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Nilas joined Jens and asked Derrin about the books. Derrin let NIlas know that he better order something. Nilas went to the bar and had some Skulpin rum, which is a trademark brewed by Callast (priests of Calla). Ragnar was at the fire warming up and drying off, while keeping an eye on the rest of the group. Brother Robert had no issues at all walking up to the bar and ordering a drink. Brother Robert was surprised to find that one of his family label drinks was being served under a different name. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Not long after, there was a bit of a comotion from the folks playing cards. The woman yelled something about "You Ricard, are a Bastard!" and slapped the man. Another man threw his cards up in the air. The man who must be Ricard just laughed. Another man got up from the table and followed the woman who stormed off holding her clutch. Ricard then took up his drink and walked over to the fire and sat down by Ragnar and started to converse with him while calling for more Icewine from the bartender. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Nilas was curious. This scene just got more interesting. This Ricard fellow may be someone of importance. But it was back to the books to see if he could find an old or rare book to impress Lady Sabeen with upon his return to Piper's Quay. </p><p dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><h4 style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">Session Notes</h4></span>Here is an in-character retelling of the events from our 10th session of the campaign. I offer players bonus points for writing up in-character session logs and Nilas' player, Mike, takes advantage of this. I definitely enjoy the retelling from the point of view of the players! Thanks Mike!<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-36372767545398284682023-11-25T18:39:00.003-06:002024-02-19T16:48:46.591-06:00Tides and Tribulations #10<p><span style="font-family: times;"><span fgid="94189"><i fgid="94195">The group moves on from the Starling Lords' camp and makes their way to the Sinker, a halfway house and inn of ill reputation. </i></span><span fgid="94176"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Tides and Tribulations</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 010</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">Hook, Line, and Sinker</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231112</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><br fgid="93982" /><div class="separator" fgid="93988" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div fgid="93994" style="text-align: right;"></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-98dba2f2-7fff-4c92-0494-a28efe824e56"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The blockade crew returns to the camp a short while later after intercepting some boats that were headed further into the Middle Bay. They were warned not to stop in Grebeschyr and allowed to carry on. The Starling Lords men generally keep away from the crew of the Kittiwake, though no one is rude or stand-off-ish. Often, they can be seen watching, but immediately turn away when noticed.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Villip, the commander of the group, is plenty friendly, though he seems to be busy around the camp taking care of things. For the most part, the group is left alone.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas wishes to chat more with the gent by the fire.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas looks for the fellow that had spoken to them earlier, but he stays away. Nilas catches his eye several times, but the man immediately looks away.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Food and drink are made available as dinner time approaches, but none of the Starling Lords men say much to anyone.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas will start moving around like he is helping around the camp. He will attempt to 'wander" near that fellow.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As Nilas moves through the camp, the other men nod and thank him for offers of help but assure him that they have it all taken care of.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "You said that there was trouble in Grebeschyr. I believe that Calla directed us this way to possibly help. Can you explain more to me about that?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob looks around curiously, assessing how efficient and disciplined the crews are</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The man that spoke to them earlier continues to move way whenever Nilas approaches. He does not give Nilas an opportunity to speak to him.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bob feels that the camp is maintained in a fairly orderly fashion.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks back to camp, hoping to engage Villip in conversation more</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is clear that this man is making a concentrated effort to not be seen talking to Nilas. All the other men in camp are beginning to become wary of Nilas’ intrusion.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar sits by the fire and watches and listens to see if he can learn anything</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob turns to Villip, nodding, "You've got some good crews here"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says a general prayer of blessing from Calla over the camp</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Just before dinnertime, another Starling Lords cutter pulls into the little inlet. A similar crew to the first disembarks and enters the camp. This crew seems even more stand-off-ish than the first group.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Villip nods at Bob. "Thank you, they are well trained sailors and marines."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Turning to Jens, the monk asks, "Do you wan't to get underway again, or wait til monring?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "May Callla's compasion for you all be as deep as the ocean floor, as sweeping as the currents, and as soothing as the waves crashing on the shore. Creator of mysteries, help each of us be stewards of the ocean. Stir our spirits with wonder and amazement knowing that Your love for us extends even beyond the horizon of the open sea."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens nods, "Get on our way to where? But, yes, in the morning, we had already accepted hospitality here in this camp, we might as well stay. It'll be plenty safe, at least!"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar nods. "Aye, take the safety wher you can get it, I say."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There seems to be some tension between Villip and the commander of the other ship as dinner progresses. It seems that the other commander is not pleased with outsiders in the camp.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I agree, it would be good to rest safely for a night. Then we can get moving onto our first lead"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Just as dinner is ending up, Nilas catches the eye of the man from earlier, he is slowly heading off into the woods, but looking back over his shoulder at Nilas.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas just lets the man go, not to draw any more attention to him</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas thinks he might be enticing him to a romantic rendezvous out in the woods.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas just shakes his head. Looking to speak more to Villip.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Villip makes his way back around to the group.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "You said that Grebeschyr was having a plague or illness? When did this all start? Are there other areas affected or other issues around this region?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Aye, yes, a malignant fetor has rooted itself around the village, they say. Some sort of crop blight that has spread to the townsfolk as well. I do not know how long it has been there, but we were sent here about a week ago to set up the blockade," Villip explains.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Well it is a good thing that you are out here protecting everyone from a bigger danger. We would have blindly sailed into that mess if it weren't for you and your stout crew"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"As far as other areas, I am not aware. Though Greylough is a festering pit of a town, not because of any malignment, just because its a shithole!" he laughs at this comment.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas chuckles at the joke</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "What about Starlington? Is that safe for us to visit?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Of course, its safe, though you may not feel much welcomed there. In the heart of the Starling Lords realm, outsiders are not well looked upon. You may have noticed the stir when Jarik's crew arrived just before dinner. He had quite unkind words for me, but I outrank him, no worries here," he says assuringly.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Well that's kind of silly isn't it? I heard that Starlington was a very wondrous place. Who wouldn't want to visit there? Besides, at some point in life, everyone is an 'outsider'. What better way to show how grand something is, or how good people are by sharing it and showing it to others?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Villip winces, "Yea, well, that's not how the Starling Clan look at things, they'd much rather keep to themselves and keep others at arm's length. They won't STOP you from visiting, but they'll make it clear that they'd rather you not be there, ya catch my wave?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar nods in understanding</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "So sad. But I understand."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob shrugs, "Where there are vines, the Mother her and I are home; where there are waves, the Callast is no stranger. As for the other two. . .. "</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Well Villip, we thank you and your men for the hospitality. It will do us good to have a safe evening of rest."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He nods to you and excuses himself, off to order his crew around some more.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Well friends.....I think we should take advantage of a safe location for food and rest. I think that we should check out the location we 'heard about' but are not supposed to 'talk about' "</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens nods, "Yea, that one place, gotcha," he says with a wink.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The rest of the evening passes uneventfully. The pine needles from the trees on the point make for surprisingly soft spots to bed down on.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Everyone except Bro' Bob gets a good nights sleep.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas gets up in the morning. Looks for Villip to thank him once again, then goes to the water and performs some morning prayer rituals</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bob's sleep is plagued by strange, unplaceable, otherworldly sensations. He recalls fleeting glimpses of plant stalks withering in front of his eyes, but the plant stalks are also people somehow. A large dark hand can faintly be seen in the background, wiggling its sharpened, pointy fingers. He wakes with a faint and cloudy memory of the dream as it quickly slips from his mind, leaving him only with a nagging urge, pulling him against the warnings of others towards Grebeschyr.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar empties his bladder and eats a hearty breakfast to prepare for the day</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While doing his morning ritual, Ragnar looks over and sees Nilas just a few paces down the shoreline performing a very different morning ritual as.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas has to remember that in the end, all fluid flows through and from Calla.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">By the time the group is up and ready to go, the 2nd boat is already gone, out to take up its position on the far side of Grebeschyr, no doubt.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As Jens is finishing up the prep on the Kittiwake, the man from the other day approaches Nilas. "I tried to signal you to meet me in the woods last night. I wanted to tell you something, if you go to Grebeschyr, please, check on my parents, they live there. I wanted to go help them, but I knew if I went in, they wouldn't let me back out!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "oh? I wanted to speak with you, but you kept avoiding me. I wanted to ask you what other troubles were brewing there?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I, I can't talk long. The others will see me, I don't know the trouble, I'm just worried for me folks, you see. " he whispers.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Well who are they? We could act as if performing a morning ceremony to the sea if that would help?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"then no one will be suspicious"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Lirael and Branwyn Moss be their names, they live on the inland side of town. Yes, I will pray to Calla with you!" he says, and follows Nilas back to the water.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "and what is your name my friend?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The young sailor tells Nilas that his mothers, Lirael and Branwyn are both respected members of the community. Lirael is a bard and storyteller while Branwyn runs a general store.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks the man through a morning prayer and a prayer of safe keeping over his family</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar says to the others, "We should help him if we can"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I am Irlen." he says. He is young, just a few years younger than Nilas. Maybe 17 or 18.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He thanks Nilas then rushes back off to his duty.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens says "But what about the curse the town is under?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar shrugs. "We've got a priest. And maybe that's just a rumor."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Once the ritual is over, Nilas rejoins his friends.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods, "Let's head to this "Sinkhole" first, we don't want to set a course straight for Grebeschyr after all; then go there. If there's someplace secluded close by on the coast we may want to anchor there</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens looks unsure</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "We can speak more on the Kittewake"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens nods and leads them group back to the ship</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The supposed location of the Sinker, the nefarious halfway house that Villip spoke of was supposed to be about a mile further on, closer to Grebeschyr, which is only a few miles beyond that.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "What if we sailed out under some cloud cover?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"After the Sinker was Larkton or Merchant's Gut. We could go there, if we think we had out-run the assassins?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens frowns. "I think the Sinker is just over that hill. If we are looking for places to check, it's the closest.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar shrugs. "I'll go with whatever we think is best."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Sorry my friends, I was disoriented. Let's go to the Sinker first."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens nods. "Okay, so we go there and see what we can learn?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Jens, if you need me to, I can ask Calla to give us some cover and call up some clouds"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob agrees, "Since they're so close, we may be able to learn a little about the town in the Sinker"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "sail us down a bit, out of view of the sentries....and we can walk in a bit if needed"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob shadows Jen and secures the ropes once he's set them.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas will help with the sails and riggings</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar sits and watches, trying to learn something helpful for the future</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "No, your other left"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"No....i mean my left, your right, oh dear..."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob says, "I shouldn't be better at this than you, you know."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar chimes in, "Everyone has an off day now and then."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens skillfully takes the Kittiwake out and away from the Starling Lords camp.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Watching for the hidden inlet that Villip described will no doubt take a keen eye.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar, Nilas, and Bro Bob all spot it at the same time.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">They direct Jens to wheel the boat around, pointing to the shore. The Captain cannot even see the inlet they are directing him to until he sails back a bit. It is quite hidden.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Do we have a plan on what to do or say when we go to this place?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I wouldn't think that anyone here would know or be looking for us. But we should have a clue as to what we plan to do"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens brings the Kittiwake into a small, secluded bay. There are several other boats tied up here. Most about the size of the Kittiwake, some a little larger. All in much better shape, not that the Kittiwake is in bad shape or anything....</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob suggests, "Say we're looking for work? Looking to hire someone? Looking for cargo that requires discretion?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "We can let that one up to the Captain, but yes, that is a good plan"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"or not say anything, thinking we are already on our own trek. I never dealt with someone like this before"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "What if we see the Crimson Talons here?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens shrugs. "I guess we can ask. I'm always looking for jobs."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I'm still trying to figure out what was the big deal about finding the coin?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There are a total of 3 other Kittiwake sized boats here, plus one larger one, and several smaller vessels. Some of the larger boats have a person or two visible on deck, most likely guards. They are watching the Kittiwake's approach carefully.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar mods, "Me too, they are a key to this mystery."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Alright, just pull in closer to one of the big ones, but not too close......sail casually"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens sails casually</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">No one on the other boats makes any sort of wave or greeting as the Kittiwake ties off. They just stand stoically watching.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Just nod and act like we have been here before"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A narrow dirt path leads away from the shoreline up a rocky and wooded hill.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens hmms. "Tough crowd."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel asks, "Do you think someone should stay back and watch the boat? If this is a place of thieves and cutthroats, then are we worried?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "That's probably not a bad idea. But do you think that you would be safe enough by yourself?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob looks clearly uncomfortable at the idea of leaving Carmel alone here. "Today, we're all thieves and cutthroats"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">She nods at Bro' Bob.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar chimes in, "Feels dangerous no matter what we do."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Then she nods at Ragnar.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens looks nervous about leaving the Kittiwake unguarded.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens says "I'm not sure what to do here, folks."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar shruigs. "Either we all go or at least two stay."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"You need to hire a ship's boy or guard or something like that, Jens. I'm happy to stay," she says.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I can stay with Carmel and protect the ship.....no one would mess with a Callast"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">At that, rain begins to fall, pushing in off the lake. It is a cold, hard rain.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens shrugs. "Okay, I guess. Take care of Lady Margo."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "on second thought......you may need me there if things go sideways. Carmel can lock herself inside and keep safe from the rain.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar thinks. "Maybe we could put the ship out a bit and use a rowboat to get to port."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob shuffles his feet, "Are you sure you can handle things is someone tries to board, Mothere?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob adds, "Or do you have some way of summoning us if there's trouble?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I can yell pretty loud!" she says, smiling.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens grins. "Well, that sounds good enough for me."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob shakes his head worriedly, "Well, don't hesitate then. . ."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas prays to Calla for protection from the rain..."Calla in all of your wundaaaa....cover us with your umbrellaaaa"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob chimes in, "And protect us with your thundaaaaa!"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas casts Umbrella on Brother bob</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob wraps his cloak around him and pulls hup his hood against the cold</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Okay Jens and Ragnar, double up and snug in, I can't do this all day for everyone"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens grins. 'I'm not averse to a little water, Brother."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar shrugs. "I'm good with whatever."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The group leaves Carmel down at the Kittiwake and begin the trek up the path. It gets pretty muddy pretty quickly.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "be ready for anything my friends"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Trudging up the hill in the rain is no easy feat. Everyone is slipping and sliding but finally, after taking FAR too long for the length of the walk, you come out of the trees to see what must be the Sinker, a two story building set on the crest of the hill. An old muddy road passes in front of the building. Lanterns on the porch and windows glow with a warm light. The first floor is made of stone and brick while the 2nd story is wood and plaster. The entire structure is painted white, though the paint is peeling in many places. Several chimneys emit black smoke.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar nods his agreement</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens says "Looks like a nice place."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Through some dingy windows, patrons can be seen sitting and eating and drinking. A worn wooden sign hangs above the door depicting a black ships anchor despite the fact that no water besides the rain can even be seen from here.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "who wants to take the lead on this?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar shakes his head. "I'm not good with talking and such."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob shrugs, "Let's look for a table and figure it out from there"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "sounds good"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens says "I can drink and ask around for work, just to give us a reason to be there, too."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "A drink would be nice right now"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods over his cup, "Definitely"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens grins. "Now we're talking."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks up to the building</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas looks to see if there is any activity going on around the building right now</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar checks out the place and people, careful not to stare."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">approaching the building, you see an outhouse off to the left, and double doors leading into the building</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens goes up and tries the double doors</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You enter a good sized main room, there are lots of tables and chairs, though only a few of them are occupied.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Off to the right is a raised area with several tables, no one is sitting in this area surrounded by a highly polished bannister.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A roaring fire is in the fireplace across the room. A piano can be seen against the far right wall. The huge bar occupies the far left corner of the room. Stairs can be seen to the right leading up to the 2nd floor.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Big building. That fire may feel a bit better for you guys after that rain"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Several bookshelves line the walls immediately to the left. The few patrons look up at you when you enter, but then look away. They appear to be merchants involved in a card game. The bartender and another man at the bar watch you carefully.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods, and heads over to warm himself</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens heads to the bar</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas notices the books, makes a note to check on them later</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas decides to look at the books first</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar moves to the fire as well, watching casually.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The bartender says, "Aye, stranger, what can I get ya?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas starts looking for anything that could be old or ancient</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens nods. "Well, I'll have an ale, and if you have summin ta eat, I'd be obliged."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A tall, burly man stands at the end of the bar, near the bartender and Jens. He watches Jens but says nothing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The barman smirks, "I got ye that ale, but the kitchen's closed. Lunch is at noon, ya just missed breakfast, an I ain't about ta go back and ask Eggy to make no exceptions for strangers."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens waits til the bartender comes back with his drink. "I'm captain of the Kittiwake. Move stuff around the Bay as needed. You know of anyone needs such services? Cargo, passengers, as long as they pay."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas sees some books on mythology, agriculture, some poetry books, some romance novels, and a few dusty game boards and pieces.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob turns his back to the fire after a minute and quietly surveys the room from the shadow of his hood, head slightly bowed as if in thought</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The bartender raises an eyebrow at Jens and moves away down the bar.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bob notes one solitary maid moving around and washing off the empty tables. It looks as if she is cleaning up from the breakfast crowd that is clearly not here now.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">His back to the fire, Ragnor watches and listens while warming up.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A giant appears!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">the man at the end of the counter looks at Jens. "Hey there, friend, I hear you're looking for some cargo to move. You're name's Jens? My ex-wife's name is Jen, thats funny!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Im Derrin. I might know some folk what might be what yer looking for. They're not here now but should be back later." he says</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Borris there, he ain't too friendly," Derrin says, nodding toward the bartender. "He does his job and doesn't get involved in other stuff. You and your friends looking for a room? Not a lot of other lodgings in the area." Derrin says, rapping his fingers on the counter.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens smiles. "Well, I'd be happy to talk to yer friends, see if we can figger something out. Don't know how long we'll be here, so I don't know if'n we'd need rooms." He shrugs. "I prefer to sleep on the boat if I can. Although the hike up here from the water might change my mind." He laughs, takes a pull on his drink.'</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks over to the Jens.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"aye, in on a boat, ya say, that makes sense, you're a captain, Yea, the walk up is a bitch. I don't get down to the water's edge that often." Derrin says.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens asks, "So, who're your friends? Know what sort of help they might need?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Jens, it may do us good to stay for a night. I would like to delve into this library a bit more if I may."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob heads over to the bar while Jens is conversing. Once Borris acknowledges his presence, he asks, "Ya got any Blind Owl?" It’s not the family's finest, but a solid single malt with a touch of peatiness and our best seller.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Derrin is a tall, burly man, probably in his mid thirtys. The sides of his head are shaved close, leaving a tuft of messy salt and pepper hair on top. A bushy grey beard covers his mouth and reaches down his chest.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar stays by the fire to watch his friends' backs as they chat with the man.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Bartender narrows his eyes at Bob and grits his teeth. "Blind Owl, hmm, not sure I know that one, that one o'them bootlegger brands? I've got this though, should do the trick." He pours a small dirty glass with some dark brown liquid and slides it to Bob.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas turns to the man talking with Jens. Are any of these books available to read? And what about purchase?</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods, "Would you be interested in stocking it? Pulling his hood back, he takes a drink of the hooch, and rolls it around in his mouth thoughtfully before swallowing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Uh, yea, you can read em. that's why they're out. Though I suppose they be for patrons of the Sinker and I ain't see ya purchase anything yet..." Derrin looks at Nilas with narrow eyes.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Oh, sorry about that. I was distracted by the books. I have a friend who,” Nilas blushes, “is very interested in some older books. I would love to have a beverage."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks over to the bar</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bob is surprised to taste what he believes to be Blind Owl.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas orders a drink. "Something light and sweet there bartender"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Borris the bartender looks Nlas up and down. "Callast, ehh? Guess you'll be wantin some o'that Skulpin Rum them?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Hmmm, I think that's what Callast Zale preferred. Skulpin, yes, that would be fine”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas takes his drink and wanders back over to the books</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Some commotion comes from the group playing cards. The woman stands up and slaps the man next to her. Another man throws his cards in the air and the slapped man just laughs, gathering up his winnings.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"You, Ricard, are a bastard and I hope you find yourself at the bottom of the hole some day! May the Black Duke haunt your dreams!" She grabs her clutch and heads upstairs. Another of the men follows her.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ricard takes his drink and heads over to the fire, near Ragnar. "Good evening, err, uh, morning I suppose it is," the red eyed merchant says to Ragnar. He smells strongly of tobacco and alcohol.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The remaining man heads to the bar and yells "More Icewine, Borris! MORE WINE I say!" and throws a handful of gold coins at the old bartender.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas persuses the books, but keeps his ears open. He picks up a book to page through it and turn around every so often to watch the room</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar nods to the man in a friendly manner. "Bit past morning sommat, but close enough. Good day to you as well"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob waits for Borris to return, and asks curiously, "What label is't comin in under? Ifn it' ain't Blind Owl, n somuns done a real fine copy of our recip'! I was raised on the swill."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob reaches out has hand to shake, "Robert D'Nagian, Jr."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Ahh, of course its Blind Owl, but I can't be selling that to just anyone, its not a Barony Branded bottle, you know."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods, "We was brewin ‘n stillin’ before there was a baron herebouts to sell his stamp on it"</span></p><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span><div fgid="94006"></div><div fgid="94012" style="text-align: right;"></div><br fgid="94018" /><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3><br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-20241453814319557092023-11-01T17:57:00.004-05:002023-11-26T09:16:52.188-06:00Mysterious Tides #9 - Nilas<p><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195"><i>A retelling of Mysterious Tides #9 from Callast Nilas Orkan's point of view.</i> </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Mysterious Tides</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 009 - Nilas</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">From Nilas' Point of View</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231030</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><span id="docs-internal-guid-91fbd865-7fff-3379-38ce-030b2f3f2d32"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Cast of Characters:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Callast Nilas Orkan (1/2 elf) Stormpriest of Calla (Me)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Jens Marko: Nilas's friend, captain of the Kittiwake a sloop or schooner</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Ragnar Rogan: Mountain man and Ranger, questing to find his father's murderer</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Brother Robert D'Nagien, monk of Enibria</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Carmel, cleric of Enipria (NPC)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial,sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">* Liam the Oyster diver (NPC)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-315411de-7fff-fb35-40dd-7db4f672c109" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b style="font-weight: normal;">We last left three of our companions below ground in the underwater grotto down a blowhole of a rocky reef. Nilas, Jens and Brother Robert had found a cavern and a hidden vault or tomb. Below the area was infested with a sea hag that Nilas and his friends had scared off. They also found Liam, a young man from Piper's Quay, an oyster-diver, and one whom Nilas had heard about from a brigandier woman named Maddie. Maddie had told Nilas that Liam found some sunken treasure and was talking about putting a crew together to retrieve it. By accident Nilas and his friends found Liam clinging to life hiding up on a ledge away from the nasty sea hag.<br /><br />After exploring the underground grotto, Nilas, Jens and Brother Robert managed to retrieve Liam and get him to the surface back to their other companions, Ragnar and Carmel.<br /><br />Carmel used her healing talents and helped get Liam healthy. Then Liam raided the food stores on the Kittiwake. Liam seemed too smug about the situation and it bothered Nilas. Yes, they were on a mission to track down the assassins from the attack in Piper's Quay, but Nilas's curiosity got the best of him and here they are in an underwater grotto fighting a sea hag.<br /><br />Nilas had filled Ragnar and Carmel in on the rest of the adventure, including scaring off the hag, and the room with the enchanted stone snake guardians that attacked them. Nilas felt that for all of their efforts, Liam should be more grateful that they saved his life and instead Liam is going on and on about how the treasure is his.<br /><br />Nilas didn't think of himself as greedy or materialistic, but he does know that it takes money and treasure to get to places and get things done around in the world and it was more to his sense of adventure that he was dismayed about. Liam should be more thankful that they rescued him. So Nilas was offering to help Liam and return again to retrieve the treasure and split it evenly. Liam at first wasn't happy about it. Nilas made an empty threat to take Liam back down to the hag's grotto.He was angry and said it out of anger. Jens stepped into calm Nilas down. He must have recalled Nilas's temper.<br /><br />Brother Robert then started playing diplomatic games and mentioned about getting Taber Sinann involved. Nilas and Bob went back and forth on this. Nilas even offered to have Liam come with them, but at the hint of assassins, Liam turned white and wanted nothing to do with that.<br /><br />Eventually an agreement was made to come back to Piper's Quay and help Liam recover the treasure at another time. Carmel also at some point helped heal Nilas's wounds. Nilas thanked her for her assistance and he felt much better. Ragnar and Jens also helped put Nilas in check, so to speak and get him focused again on their mission. Nilas made a promise to Ragnar that they would help him find the killers of his Da. Nilas felt a little bit of guilt having gotten off course on this and felt like he may have let his friend down. Time to focus and do the right thing. During their conversations Nilas found Carmel chuckling at him. Maybe he said something funny? He dismissed it for now. Probably not that important.<br /><br />The group then decided to get underway and get back onto their mission to find the assassins. Nilas said a prayer to Calla and was able to call up some extra wind to help them get underway helping direct the wind. Nilas and Bob helped with the sailing and the Kittiwake under the skilled navigation of Jens Marko made good time.<br /><br />As the Kittiwake made its way through the more difficult waterways, bypassing Merchant's Gut and were looking to make their way to Larkton and then Grebeschyr the next day. The group made their way through the bay and at one point had a surprise from something rather large that dove into the water and eventually bumped the boat a few times. It could have been a wyvern or a sea serpent or something big. Jens worked to move them out of its path and Nilas and the others helped. Jens moved them through somewhere between Merchant's Gut and Wyvern's Rock. Eventually they made their way towards what appeared to be a lighthouse of some sorts, but it was a tower with a raging fire of a beacon atop it.<br /><br />The companions (Fongs of Fate) found themselves off shore near a large tower with a huge beacon lit at night. It may have been a wizard's tower. Jens figured this was a good place to anchor for the night and they slept. At some point early in the evening there was a commotion and some boats had rowed out to check out the Kittiwake. Brother Robert mentioned that he called out something and the men in the boats left them alone. Nilas wasn't really sure because he slept through the entire incident.<br /><br />In the morning, the companions woke to a nice clear day, but there was also no wind to get the boat underway. Nilas once again prayed to Calla and with the Lady of the sea's enchanted kiss, the breath of wind filled the sails. It wasn't a very fast wind, but it was wind none-the-less and the Kittiwake was once again underway.<br /><br />The morning was crisp and clear, and a little film of frost covered the vessel, but the wind was nonexistent. Nilas again did his morning rituals and then prayed to Calla to breathe her wind into the sails of the Kittiwake and once again they made off on their journey. The going was slow but steady and that was good for a day with zero wind. The Kittiwake made its way closer to Larkton. They passed by many small ships and fishing craft. Folks looked on in surprise to see the Kittiwake make her way with sails full of wind when their ships had none.<br /><br />NIlas was proud. This was a great part about being a Callst; sailing, wind powering ships that needed it and on a beautiful calm day. He was enjoying it and singing songs on their journey. As they neared Larkton a small cutter came out of a hidden alcove. The ship was sporting the colors of Starling Lords. They called out "ahoy" and signaled for the Kittiwake to stop. Nilas looked at Jens and Jens gave Nilas a nod to stop the wind. Nilas ended the wind spell and took up a position as they talked to the leader from the cutter.<br /><br />The man waved for the Kittiwake to stop and then the crew threw ropes over to tie into the Kittiwake and board it. Jens complied, Nilas and the others assisted. The man introduced himself as Villip Astelin of the 'Osprey', his ship and that he was in service to the Starling Lords. Villip asked Jens all manner of questions as to where they were from, where they were going, what they were doing. Jens tried to tell him that they were going to Grebechyr and were chasing criminals. Villip informed Jens and the others that Grebechyr was off limits and under quarantine due to disease and illness and a blight on the crops. Villip went into some detail about it. Nilas asked if there was anything similar to the undead issue that they experienced in Piper's Quay, but Villip informed him that there was not. Nilas and his friends asked if they had seen anyone meeting the description of the assailants they were tracking. Villip said that they had not. As the parties were bidding farewell, Brother Robert mentioned about anyone wearing red cloaks. This caused Villip to pause and and quietly said to Jens, "Invite me onto your ship".<br /><br />Jens complied and Villip proceeded to do a fake inspection of the Kittiwake. Going inside into the cabin, Villip divulged some information. Villip mentioned a place called the "Sinker", a hidden bay about a mile on from here towards Grebeschyr, on the right. It is a place for nefarious individuals, a tavern or halfway house along a quiet road that is something of a private club and den of thieves. a man Huck Lynan runs it and has his tentacles involved in politics, ports, crime and more. The Sinker is a place where illicit activity happens and our quarry may be found around there.<br /><br />Just as Villip was leaving, Brother Robert asked about the crest they found on the coin, the eagle on the field of red. Villip stopped in his tracks and was clearly alarmed. He mentioned the Crimson Talons. An assassin's guild. He warned Nilas and his friends of that and how dangerous they are. Villip continued on to say that they are mainly to the south and that there may have been some cells operating out of Hawkstone, the capital. When Brother Bob mentioned about Rogan Naaj, the one that was murdered, the cooper from Grebeschyr, Villip said that he knew the man. This now started to make sense. Rogan from Grebeschyr, found the coin at his place, Assassins guild. It was all connected. Nilas was thinking that Ragnar's father was simply a murder of the wrong identity. Regardless of who or how, it still needed vengeance and Nilas and his friends agreed to help Ragnar.<br /><br />Villip also said that the Crimson Talons are mercenaries and were probably hired. But why go so far to go after the coin? Clearly they were looking for it and there is something more to this part of the story, Nilas thought. Villip was clearly upset at the death of Rogan Naaj. He said that he would like to talk more with the companions and then invited Nilas and his friends to join them in the camp for the night. Villip did warn not to mention the "Sinker" in the presence of the others, because any one of them could be on the payroll of Lynan Huck. Villip also did not seem to like many of the wellborn nobles. This may be a good opening for Brother Robert to step in an work that angle of conversation.<br /><br />Perhaps a Callast and two clergy of Enibria may help to gain more information and information from this group? Jens Marko accepted the invitation and the crew began to prepare to make camp with Villip and the crew of the Osprey. Villip also recommended that the group not to mention Laird Sinaan around here, as they are now in Starling Lords territory.<br /><br />As they made their way to the shore, Villip and some crew helped the companions settle in and join their camp for the evening. Nilas was happy to have a safe place to rest and recover after their mess in the grotto. The Starling folks were quiet but nice. Nilas hoped that maybe as they had a fire going and some beverages going around he could help break some ice with a song or two.<br /></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Session Notes</p></span>Here is an in-character retelling of the events from our 9th session of the campaign. I offer players bonus points for writing up in-character session logs and Nilas' player, Mike, takes advantage of this. I definitely enjoy the retelling from the point of view of the players! Thanks Mike!<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-61987987066183724502023-11-01T17:49:00.003-05:002023-11-01T17:49:15.373-05:00Mysterious Tides #9<p><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195">The group makes a deal with Liam then heads off to the Mid Bay. </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Mysterious Tides</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 009</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ln7Vn_WKkWU" target="_blank">Stuck in the Middle With You</a></span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231029</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><span id="docs-internal-guid-809c680b-7fff-5627-b9bb-5df3851c2c6a"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas, Jens, and Bro' Bob manage to rescue Liam from his perch in the grotto and safely return him to the surface of the small rocky island. There, Ragnar and Carmel wait. It seems that Ragnar is finally getting over his seasickness from the initial voyage on the Kittiwake. The three quickly fill Ragnar and Carmel in on what they found down through the blowhole.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Liam the oyster diver is quite happy to be back above ground and sea level.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Ragnar & Carmel.....we went down this blowhole full of water.....I called upon Calla to allow us to breathe under water. It opened into a hollowed out grotto. We found Liam the oyster-diver who Maddie told me about the sunken treasure....only it was protected by a wretched sea-hag! We battled her and scared her off. Then the three of us found a hidden room with a huge brass door but it was protected by giant stone magical snakes! We had to fight them. Jens and Brother Robert took care of them. We couldn't figure out how to open the door, so we got Liam and escaped from the grotto. I think that with the tide coming in, it will all flood again"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar stares wide-eyed. "Wow, that was some adventure!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Carmel, can we have you help us get Liam here a bit back to health?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He tells of how he had been gathering oysters on the shores of the island a while back and was curious about the blowhole. He found it had some oysters and after several days of being curious he finally decided to take a look. He found the grotto and some more oysters in the underground late, but while diving down, he found what looked like some buried or hidden treasure. He tooks some treasure back but could not take much. He came back several times and took a bit more and decided he wanted to get some help. On his last solo trip, the Hag appeared out of the other area and weakened him with her magic. He managed to climb up to the ledge and for some reason, she would not follow him up there, but he has been weakend and without food, and every time he thought he could make a run for it, she reappeared in the pool so he was trapped. He thought he was going to die in there.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel is already tending to young Liam, who has ravenously attacked the Kittiwake's food stores.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "Should we take Liam back to land? Let the village healer take a look?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "If he is healthy enough, maybe he can make it back on his own.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel says she's better than the local healer, and since the Callast Zale has been gone, there hasn't been a cleric or priest there anyway.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Yes, I can make it back on my own, now that I've got a little food and water in me. You don't happen to have anything else to drink besides water, do you?" Liam asks.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Ive got my boat here, I know these waters," Liam says confidently.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "we can give you something I am sure. Just a suggestion my friend, get back safely. We may return here to deal with that hag another time. "</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "Well, that's all well and good, but what do you want to do about what's down the blowhole? I think we might not be done here. You okay with that?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar adds, "Aye, I imagine after what you've seen a bit of ale might be in order."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel sees that Nilas is a bit wounded as well, "Will you allow me to channel Enibria's generous bounty to you and heal your wounds?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "If you think we can deal with the hag and open that door, I'm all for it after some rest We would have to wait out the tide again. Maybe come up with a plan. She wouldn't expect more of us. But I hope it doesn't take away from our primary mission"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Liam says, "Are you heading back down NOW? That sunken treasure is my find! I staked it, though I am willing to share if we work together," he says.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas blushes. "Yes Carmel, please I would welcome that. I almost forgot that I was injured. It's starting to become a regular thing."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko nods. "That's why I was askin'. Just makin' sure we were plotting the same course. We can meet up again and tackle it together later, right, mates?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas looks at Liam. "You staked it? You would have died had we not found you"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I will admit, I am curious to see what is down there...."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko shakes his head. "Well, I don't imagine anyone else'll be messing around there. We can meet up when we get back, right?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Well, yea, but I still found it first. I don't want to have anything to do with that Hag, and whatever you found down that other way, that's yours, I don't have no stake on that part. Just what I found down in the pool.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob says, "I don't think it's going anywhere any time soon; we need to get moving if we're going to have any hope of finding the assassins"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Assassins? Whaaat?" Liam says, wide-eyed.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I don't want to lose sight of our mission. The only other option would be to take Liam with us, but I don't know that it would be a good idea."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"No, I don't want to go with you, not if you're chasing assassins! That sounds worse than Hags, and that sounds ridiculous that I just even said that!" Liam says, clearly feeling better.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar nods. "Treasure sounds well and good but we do have assassins to catch."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Liam, you didn't by chance see any persons in a boat pass by this way? It is why we stopped here to find you....we thought this was their craft"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"If my friends agree, I will promise you this LIam. We return here and find the sunken treasure and recover any of it, you will get one full share of it. Delivered to Piper's Quay."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"But only the sunken treasure. Not was is in the room we found"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Well, no, I've been stuck down in that hole for several days, I haven't seen nobody recently," the young oyster diver replies.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko raises an eyebrow at Nilas statement, but says nothing.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Well, I don't know, how bout you come back and find me and maybe we come up with a better deal than that," he says, crossing his arms stubbornly.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "And that includes saving your life, healing you and feeding you and sending you home safely...."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I mean, we can just as easily put you back down into the grotto"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Well, that just seems like the neighborly thing to do anyway. Hey, what?" Liam moves back away from Nilas.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas laughs</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko steps between Nilas and Liam. "Nah, that ain't happening. "</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob just shakes his head, "You know, technically we should report the find to Taber, since we're currently employed by him. . ."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Okay, there are 5 of us.....so seven shares you get 2?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas picks up what Bob is putting down.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob continues, "But that's just a technicality which is easily forgotten,"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Yeah, Brother Robert is correct, we probably should report this to Taber Sinann"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel makes a grunting sound, "Um, I'm here, too, you know. I think the kid gets 2 shares and we each get 1." she smiles. "You know if you report this to Sinann, he will take half of it before you get to make any kind of shares, right?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar watches the play by play, knowing something is up but not fully sure what.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "Why don't we agree to meet up back in Piper"s Cove an' figer it out then. Then we might not be employed by anyone and can do this all free and clear.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Liam and Carmel both nod in agreement to Jens proposition.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob chuckles, "Half? If he's feeling generous. That's before taxing everyone's shares"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas nods as Bob speaks. "Aye, we get one tenth a share each after the Laird takes his tax"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "so whoever is chasing' assassins can stay aboard and I'll raise the sails. Those heading back should be disembarking soon.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I've got diving gear and experience. I know you all look like pretty experienced adventurers, and you did chase off that Hag, but I know diving and that's what we need down there!" Liam says, beaming. "Yea, Laird Sinan is a good guy, or well, his son is. The Laird is always away to Hawkstone, doing, well, I dunno, doin leader-type stuff."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob hides his smile in his beer mug</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Liam takes a little more food and drink and climbs off the Kittiwake, scratching Lady Margo behind the ears as he goes. "Good kitty," he can be heard whispering to her. "I'll see you all back in the Quay in a week or so, then?" Liam asks.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Alright Liam. When we return, we will rejoin with you and go after this treasure together"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"But the first round of drinks is on you....."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"After we recover the treasure, sure thing!" Liam says, smiling!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar smiles at Liam</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "And maybe keep the talk of treasure down, lad. Don't want others beating us to it."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Yea, yea, I know, I will. Gotta keep working getting those oysters, I need a bit more gear before we go hauling that loot out," he says.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Kittiwake pulls away from the little rocky island and once again starts tacking down the rocky coastline.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens sighs in satisfaction as the little ship slips through the water. Good to be at sea again.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas frowns.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar shakes his head. "I didn't follow all that but I think you handled him well."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I really wanted to see that treasure. And get back at that Hag."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"We can tell," Carmel says, smirking at Nilas with a raised eyebrow.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Ragnar.....back when we all met, just a little bit ago....that sailor girl, Maddie I think? With the neck tattoo, was telling me about Liam and how he was looking to get a crew together to go find sunken treasure.....and we found it!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"That hag attacked us. She must pay"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar smiles, "I think once we handle our assassin business and find out who killed me Da we can go back. I'd like to take a whack at that hag you talked about."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Agreed. Ragnar, thanks for keeping me back on target. I seem to get easily distracted and wrapped up in the heat of the moment"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Despite the detour at the small rocky island, Jens is sure that they will be able to reach Larkton by nightfall.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar nods sagely. "Aye, treasure will do that to most anyone!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "I'll need to research how to fight hags"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar looks puzzled. "Whacking 'em don't work?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As warned back in Piper's Quay, Jens keeps his distance from the coast, though still close enough to keep an eye out for any beached rowboats.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas tries to dry out some of his equipment</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Captain Jens keeps to the original plan of bypassing Merchan't Gut and making for Larkton on the far side of Middle Bay, then on to Grebeschyr in the morning.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "So what do you all think that room was that we found? A tomb? I bet we could find something interesting in there for lady Sinann and Elias</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel leans over to Bro' Bob and whispers in his ear.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko shrugs. "I'm thinking we might want to figure out what them markings on the door mean before we go opening it. Might be something inside worse'n hags."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar sharpens his axes as he listens to the others</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel whispers to Bob, "Your friend Nilas there, he's been smitten by the Lady Sinann, hasn't he. He likes her, that's cute, she's easily twice his age, maybe more!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Well, I didn't detect any spirits, but maybe that just meant none were close by the door at the time"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko shudders.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens sees the Kittiwake is coming up on the area know as Wyrm Cove. Elias warned to give it a wide berth due to lots of rocks and reefs hidden beneath the waves.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods and whispers back, "Looked that way. She seemed to like him, or was just needling her brother. What tipped you off to it?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko swears under his breath and steers hard to starboard to avoid Wyrm's Cove</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel smiles, "Can't keep her name off of his lips," she says, giggling.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Off to port, along the rocky coastline, what appears to be a wide bay area known as Wyrm Cove. Sea stacks and rocks poke up out of a low-lying fog.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">One large rock looks like the head of a dragon coming up out of the water. Some straight lines here and there indicate ruins or man made structures up on the higher ground.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob busies himself cleaning off his weapons, then the rest of his gear</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As the Kittiwake passes, something large moves on the top of a huge seastack and splashes down in the water.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nobody got a good look at it, but the sea stack that it was sitting on looks considerably smaller now that whatever it was has dropped into the water.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar asks, "Should we be worried about that?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The energy that Jens is putting into raising another sail might give answer to Bro Bob's question.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas exclaims,"By Calla's breath!"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas keeps extra watch out!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As the Kittiwake speeds up, there is a noticeable bump, as if the Kittiwake hit something, or maybe something large hit it somewhere under the waterline. It is more of a blunt impact, and not like hitting a sharp rock head on.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar draws an axe with one hand and holds on tight with the other</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "Might be a sea drake. Best steer clear. I think I'll tack north, see if we can cross to the north shore today. There's a lighthouse I might be able to use to guide us in "</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko gulps. "C'mon, old girl, get us clear o' whatever that was."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens plots a course halfway between Merchant's Gut and Wyvern Rock. There are plenty of other boats out on the water in this area, Merchant's Gut is a busy port, and the passage to the Inner Bay near Therys' Island and the capital of Hawkstone is just further on.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas leans into the sails to help his friend Jens Marko steer the boat while Ragnar grabs a rope to hold the sails steady</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko makes a few short suggestions to get the deck coordinated.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens is able to outdistance whatever it might have been bumping the hull of the Kittiwake.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He is able to make it to the far side of the Middle Bay entrance. There a large tower looms with a fiery light burning at the top, though it does not look like a typical lighthouse. It is too far back from the coastline to be a lighthouse, but clearly, the beacon lights up the area quite qell.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is not nearly nightfall, but as the Kittiwake slides along the shoreline, much shallower and safer here than near Piper's Quay, Jens realizes that they will not reach Larkton by nightfall after all.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "Sorry, mates. I think I may have misjudged things a bit. We'll have to anchor here tonight and head to Larkton in the morning. "</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Some occasional settlements and farms can be seen along the coastline, but no docks or piers can be seen. There might be suitable places to make land if Jens sails a bit closer to shore.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens knows it is some sort of mage's tower with a magical light at the top, but nothing more than that it is called the Wizard’s Beacon.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens finds a place to drop anchor, a little inlet a ways down the coast from the Wizard's Beacon.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "Maybe we should keep moving up the coast a bit more. Don' t think anything good will come of getting a wizard's attention. "</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar nods in agreement. "I agree, sounds dangerous."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He is guessing they are about 20 miles still from Larkton. The sun is down now and the moon is blocked by partially cloudy skies.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There are some lights that can be seen along the shore, possibly some homesteads or farms, but no sounds of civilization anywhere nearby. This is a lonely cold coastline of the Middle Bay.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar says to Jens, "If I can help in any way, let me know. I don't know much about sailing but ... "</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While everyone else hits the deck for bed, Bob stays up for the first watch. About an hour and a half in, he hears hushed voices nearby, which is curious seeing that the Kittiwake is about 150 yards from the shoreline.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko gives the hunter a big tired smile. "I appreciate it. I will let you know..."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob readies he longknife and moves cautiously in the direction of the voices</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The voices are coming from somewhere between the Kittwake and the shoreline.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob crouches behind the gunwale and listens intently</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The voices are getting closer, though Bob cannot make out what they are saying.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob calls out loudly, "Ahoy the boat!"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob sheathes his dagger and readies his bow and remains crouching with the gunwale as cover.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bob shiveres in the not quite cool evening and hears some shuffling around, then a voice calls out, "The Kraken's tentacles are restless."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob replies, "But the red eagle flies too high to reach"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">There is more shuffling and some cursing and what sounds like oars splashing quickly in the water.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko slips out of his berth and grabs a hatchet</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar and Nilas both sleep through the exchange, though Jens wakes up.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He can hear a rowboat rowing away.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko squints into the darkness. He whispers to Bro Bob. "What's going on?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob whispers back, "Boat approaching""</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The boat, somewhere in the dark, appears to be retreating from the Kittiwake.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko nods. "Sounds like they're leaving. Maybe they were hoping we were all asleep. Glad you weren't." he says with a smile.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The moon finds its way out from behind some clouds and Jens and Bob can see two small rowboats nearly back to the shore, almost 150 yards away. It appears they had been rowing out to the Kittiwake, then decided to turn around when Bob shouted about the red eagle flying too high to reach.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens gets back to bed and the remainder of the night passes without incident.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Morning comes with bright sun and a frosty chill in the air. Some surfaces of the Kittiwake are covered in a thin film of frost and the first few people up can see wisps of their breath as they speak. Once the sun is up over the horizon though, things look clear and bright.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko gets to work at first light and the Kittiwake is ready to sail early.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">From what Jens knows of their destination, they need to travers the main part of Middle Bay and veer to the north where the Bay narrows. Larkton is only about 20 miles away, but at the back of a deep bay, bypassing that town should cut off an hour of travel, but it will still take the better part of the day to get to Grebeschyr</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The downsides of a nice day means no meaningful wind. Jens looks sadly at his sails as they struggle to fill.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "That tower....do we know what it is?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "So, what do you think? We can probably make it all the way to Grebeschyr today, but we won't stop in Larkston, so our quarry might end up behind us. Or we can be more thorough, but slower." He starts. "The tower? Some mage's tower with a magic light on top."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "We don't want our quarry behind us do we? We want to intercept them"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I would think that even with our side trek, by your sailing, we surely would have caught up to them by now"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel, but you don't really know where they're going, do you?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"They had a day's head start, right? They could have rowed 3 miles out of town, pulled up on the shore and got on horses for all we know, right?" Carmel muses.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I thought you told me you were going to Grebeschyr to follow up on some other leads, and if we SAW the rowboat, we'd snatch them up, but I didn't think you were CHASING them?" Carmel says.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "yeah, making our way to Grebeschyr makes sense. We can take care of our business and then wait and hopefully catch them unawares that we got there before them"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko nods, then adjusts the course of the Kittiwake to make for Grebeschyr.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas offers, "I can help with wind if we need"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko runs up the mainsail and grabs the tiller. At Nilas' offer, he swallows, then says "If you and the gods are okay with that, it will help us make better time..."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob offers, "If you set your ropes I can tie them off properly while you're setting the next"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas intones, "Calla, breathe your kiss of wind into our sails!"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas assists with the sails again</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas calls down some wind and, standing at the back of the Kittiwake, directss it into the sails. The wind is not strong, but it gets the boat moving. With Jens masterful sailing and Bob's help, the small craft makes its way up the Middle Bay. After passing the Larkton bay, most other ships besides a few fishing boats disappear.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko asks "Brother NIlas, how much can you control those winds? We're heading into a tricky stretch."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">By late in the afternoon, the Middle Bay narrows and angles more to the north. Nilas has to exert more control over the wind spell at this point.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The shores on both sides of the Middle Bay here become more steep and rocky, though with little place to pull in to dock. Jens estimates that they are about 25 miles still from Grebeschyr at this point.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "Looks a bit tight in places, Brother. Prayers might not hurt." Jens performs a small ritual to appease the sea gods before they enter the narrows.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Kittiwake sails through the narrower (but definitely not NARROW) area of the Middle Bay with no trouble, moving slowly but surely with Nilas' blessings of Calla's Breath. Other captains of passing boats are wondering how she is moving so smoothly with wind in her sails on such a calm day.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas joyously proclaims, "Praise be to Calla!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Finally, when Jens thinks they must be getting close, a narrow cutter with rows of oars on both sides comes shooting out from a protected cove heading right toward the Kittiwake. The boat is flying the insignia of the Starling Lords, the local reigning clan in this part of the bay.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A person at the bow of the boat is waving to get Jens attention.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "well, perhaps I should stop the wind?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Ahoy, Ahoy, drop sails! Drop sails!" the man at the front of the cutter is yelling, waving his hands frantically.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob watches the boat closely, noting any details that might be of interest to Elias</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko reefs the sails and heaves to</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko hails the cutter.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas cancels the wind spell</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It is not a large ship, about the same keel as the Kittiwake, though not nearly as wide. There are 6 oars on each side, indicating 12 rowers.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The ship glides in alongside and several ropes are tossed across.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko heads to the rail and ties off the ropes</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas reaches out to pull a rope. He also waves to the crew</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The boat pulls alongside and the man at the head, a stout man in red calls out. "Well met, by authority of the Starling Lords, I ask what is your destination in this leg of the Bay, or are you moving on to the headwaters?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko looks for the captain and greets him. "Jens Marko, of the Kittiwake. What can I do for you fine folks?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko nods. "We're hoping to stop in Grebeschyr. We're in pursuit of some criminals, so we aren't sure if we'll find them there, or have to continue on."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Ho there, Captain Jens, I am Villip Astelin of the Osprey," he says, patting the rail of the ship. "You cannot stop in Grebeschyr. No you cannot. "</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas steps forward. "Excuse me Villip, I was hoping to speak with the local Callast about an important matter”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "Well, that might need some explaining, Captain."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Have you come from the Outer Bay? Did you not drop anchor in Merchant's Gut or Larkton? We have posted notices, no ships in or out of that area. Well, actually, I should be honest with you, you are free to GO to Grebeschyr, but if so, you will not be permitted to leave. The village is under quarantine right now. There is some sort of crop blight, but for the time being, you should not stop there."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas looks at Brother Robert and Carmel. "Isn't that your area of expertise?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob asks him, "Are there no Inebrian clergy to help?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko thinks. "So, you've been patrolling these waters to turn folk away from Grebeschyr? Have you seen anyone trying to get through in the past day or so?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"It seems the veil of Lady Malady has covered this village. All in the village are sick, except those that are dead, I believe." he explains.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"We have seen plenty of traffic lately, though none going to Grebeschyr. There are plenty of ports beyond, we are just here to make sure all know not to dock there." he replies</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Have there been any strange occurrences? Anything with the dead returning?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko looks to his comrades. "Maybe you could describe our quarry to the captain?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He turns to Bob, "Aye, some clergy have gone in. I have not seen them return as of yet, though."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Um, no I have not heard of any restless dead in the area, though I have not gone closer than this to the town. Some supply boats have been floated in to shore. It seems the miasma here started with the crops, the poor folk were first deprived of their ability to grow their own food, then they got sick as well and , ugh," he shakes his head, repulsed just thinking about it.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Would there be other ports around that may possibly harbor anyone with criminal or secretive mischief in mind? We are chasing some rather bad people"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He leans in and looks at everyone closer, "No coughing, no boils on your skin? No weakness, the shakes? Burning of the skin? None of you have symptoms like that, do you?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "They have killed at least two people and tried to kill more"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Well, yes, there are several other villages along the way into the Middle Bay. Of course Starlington is up that way. Larkton a day's sail back that way." he says.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Killers, aye? Hmm, and you are trying ta meet up with em? Doesn't sound smart, but if I see any folks as you described, I'll have my marines here grab em up real quick like.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko nods. "Thank you, Captain. I take it then that you haven't seen any of that ilk trying to pass by?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "May Calla watch over you and bless the waters you sail upon"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"No I have not, but you could check further along in Oakshore, Heron's Landing, or Gull Hollow maybe, they're awfully small towns, should be easy to find killers there.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Those sound like promising leads"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">May Calla's waves guide your journey." he calls back</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob asks, "Do you know of any group in the region wearing red cloaks as a sort of uniform?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Villip ponders, "Red Cloaks, hmmm."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He looks discretely back at his men the asks quietly, "Ask me to come aboard your ship."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "Captain, can I invite you aboard? She's small, but I think she's quite unique. It's be my honor."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Villip hops over the rail and greets everyone with a hearty handshake. He looks around the boat, making as if he is inspecting it.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "And the cabin is surprisingly spacious"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas follows jens and Villip into the cabin</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob glances around, taking note of the men in the boat before following</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas asks, "Ragnar, do you mind keeping guard for us?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Well this is nice and quaint. Welcome to the Middle Bay. I don't have any specific information for you, but if you are looking for nefarious individuals, there is a place, not far from here, called the Sinker. There is a hidden bay about a mile on toward Grebeschyr, on the right side. The Sinker is something of a tavern or halfway house. It is along a not well traveled road, about a mile off the coastline. There are usually a few smaller boats, and some this size. It is something of a private club. Huck Lynan runs the place. Greases a lot of palms. You all seem like good folk, so I wanted to do you a solid. But you didn't hear any of this from me. If there's any illicit activity going on around here, there's a good chance it's passed through the Sinker.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko nods, glancing around at his friends. "Well, thank you, Captain. That is certainly a useful thing to know."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas nods and thanks Villip</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He heads back to his boat, "And make sure you keep those logs annotated correctly. Get your tax stamp from Hawkstone updated as soon as you can, or you'll be responsible for taxes here in the Middle Bay as well!" He winks at the crew of the Kittiwake as he hops back over to his ship.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob asks, "Are you at all familiar with a sort of guild coin displaying an eagle on a crimson background?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">He stops in his tracks and comes back. "What you describe is the Crimson Talons. Turn around, go back home. The Crimson Talons are a deadly assassins guild. You want no part in their schemes." His ruddy face has gone deathly white.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko nods and tugs his forelock to the captain. "Aye, sir, that I will."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob says quietly, "They murdered Ragnar's pa, Rogan</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Where are they based out of?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob continues, and another man named Rogan in Pipers Quay, a cooper from Grebeschyr</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"I do not know. Probably the South, but I have heard mention of cells operating out of Hawkstone, the capital. I have only heard whispers of rumors, I am sorry that is all I know.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"You say a cooper from Grebeschyr? Rogan, Rogan Naaj? I know this man. He was a good kid. married a pretty little thing and moved to the outer bay, Piper's Quay did you say? Aww, he is murdered, that is dread news. I am sorry to hear this, and sorry for your father as well, Ragnar," Villip seems truly distressed at this news.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob asks Villip, "Can you think of any reason he might possibly have run afoul of them? Or should we just follow a trail of dead Rogans? His and Ragnar's homes were searched and ransacked"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"This is I do not know. Like I said, I only know of the Crimson Talons by name and reputation only. They are highly sought after mercenaries and assassins. Very expensive. Maybe they were hired. Two Rogans dead. That is strange. I think we have more of this to discuss. Would you all like to come back to our base camp. We are here for another week or so before being rotated out. You are welcome to drop anchor and camp with us. We can converse more as time allows. But please do not mention anything I said about the Sinker. I am unsure which, if any, of my men are on Lynan's payroll. I am assuming some are. He is a know entity in these parts and allowed to do what he does since he has many nobles on his VIP lists. Wellborn, you know how they are!" Villip sneers.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko smiles. "Why, I think we would love to take advantage of your camp's hospitality, Captain. Does that sound good to you, friends?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods, "I thank that might be a good idea"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar nods in affirmative.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob adds, "And for whatever it may be worth, Laird Sinaan will likely appreciate the help"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Villip laughs, "I wouldn't mention the Sinann's name around this lot. Me, I'm not a Starling born and bred, but these boys, they are. You are in Starling country now, watch that you don't bring that Outer Bay nonsense in here, they won't tolerate it. They are good folk, a bit insular and prejudiced, but you know, that's how some folk are!" He shrugs. Me, I'm from Therys' married into the Middle Bay, sometimes I wish I didn't. But anyway, come on. Follow us back to the shore, there's a good place to drop anchor for you. We'll get you set up!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens follows Villip's cutter back to the shore and drops anchor. The crew of the Starling Lord's ship are nice enough, though most of them keep to themselves. Villip is more than accommodating. He helps the group set up camp and makes them feel welcome.</span></p><div><br /></div></span><div fgid="94006"></div><div fgid="94012" style="text-align: right;"></div><br fgid="94018" /><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>After this session, I changed the name of the campaign to Mysterious Tides. I had been trying to come up with something besides Bay of Spirits (the name of the setting) and finally decided on this one, since it has been one big mystery so far. Another great session of interacting with NPCs, exploring the setting, and generally good roleplaying!<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-78712613868133382092023-10-29T19:46:00.010-05:002023-11-01T17:43:33.541-05:00Mysterious Tides #8 - Nilas<p><span style="font-family: times;"><span fgid="94189"><i fgid="94195"><i>A retelling of Mysterious Tides #8 from Callast Nilas Orkan's point of view.</i> </i></span><span fgid="94176"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Mysterious Tides</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 008 - Nilas</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">Of Snakes and Oyster Divers</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231016</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><br fgid="93982" /><div class="separator" fgid="93988" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div fgid="93994" style="text-align: right;"></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-91fbd865-7fff-3379-38ce-030b2f3f2d32"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>Cast of Characters: </i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, Storm Priest of Calla, goddess of the sea (Mike B - myself)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Ragnar Rogan the Ranger</b>: (Stephen, not present)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Brother Robert D'Nagien </b>of Enibria, Monk (Amergin)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Jens Marko, </b>friend of Nilas's older brother and Captain of the sloop the Kittiwake (Arne)</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><b>Carmel</b>: Female Cleric of Enibria, NPC, joined the group from Piper's Quay. (NPC)</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">We last left the companions of the Fongs of Fate at a small rocky island in middle bay. Carmel was tending to Ragnar, who was getting over his seasickness on the Kittiwake. Nilas, Brother Robert. and Jens Marko had delved into a rocky blowhole and underwater into a hidden grotto. There they discovered the lost oyster diver, Liam who Nilas was told had a story about sunken treasure. Liam had managed to climb atop a ledge in the underground grotto to hide from a hideous sea hag that tried to kill him. Liam was weak and without food and water for a few days. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas and his companions had dealt with the sea hag for now, chasing her off with some well placed dart attacks by Brother Robert and an underwater Thunderclap from Nilas. The trio of adventurers made their way past a small rocky ledge/beach area in the grotto, that then led to a deep pool that the sea hag dove into. That then led to yet another cavern with a smaller shallow pool that water spilled over into. Nilas and his friends made their way past that and to a tunnel with rocky stairs and an opening that led up a sheer wall. Having scaled the wall after several attempts, Nilas, Robert and Jens were faced with an unusual looking room. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The room was filled with some bones, shallow pools of water and a wall with a large oval brass door and it was flanked by decorative serpents carved of stone with a mosaic behind them that showed symbols of the sea, possibly Calla or something else. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzFeOClwy0T7-nPVwbovXpAEwWhgAzjtryP7ll9J3xZkA1EBz_Gm3GwWuhjK37zwpkPCJSudlVzmsV0uUU6nF7maQQQftS-b9zHDJCwQMOHkanPJMyavw602X4DV3YoDgrKOZVF_qAVWxaDuZYXhh5GumVDMlOI8kLSco0dZZMuggaI-X6vVv6_FbNUBMA" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzFeOClwy0T7-nPVwbovXpAEwWhgAzjtryP7ll9J3xZkA1EBz_Gm3GwWuhjK37zwpkPCJSudlVzmsV0uUU6nF7maQQQftS-b9zHDJCwQMOHkanPJMyavw602X4DV3YoDgrKOZVF_qAVWxaDuZYXhh5GumVDMlOI8kLSco0dZZMuggaI-X6vVv6_FbNUBMA=w320-h320" width="320" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas had reached up to touch the door. He was curious and hopeful that it had something to do with his faith in Calla. When he touched the brass door, the two stone serpents crackled and animated to life and struck out to attack the companions!</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas retreated back and pulled his spear out into a defensive position. One stone snake attacked him and another went after Jens. The trio pulled out their weapons. Brother Robert with a sword and Jens with a hand axe. Nilas would strike several times but never landed a blow as the snakes moved as if they were intelligent. They scuffled around the room for several seconds. Nilas was struck a few times, on his leg, his shoulder, but his armor protected him well enough that the injuries were minor. Brother Robert dispatched the snake attacking him and Nilas and it crumbled to rocks. Nilas was angry and called upon Calla for lightning and as he was about to hurl it at the other snake, Jens managed to dispatch the snake attacking him. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With the Stone guardian snakes destroyed, Nilas and his friends could catch their breath again. They tried to review the door, find a way to open it. Nilas was getting frustrated and hurled his lightning bolt at the door. It sizzled and sparked, but nothing happened. Looking around the room for keys, catches, latches, hinges, reading the mosaics behind the serpents, nothing was given them a clue. Perhaps it was a tomb they uncovered. Nilas called upon his powers from Calla to Sense Spirits behind the door, but detected nothing. After a bit of frustrating searching, Jens and Nilas thought that maybe Liam may have a clue. Even if he didn't, Nilas felt bad leaving Liam alone where he was. There was no more immediate threat, and Nilas gave Liam his word that they would help him. This tugged at Nilas's sense of honor. During this time, Brother Robert was lost in thought and alcohol, drinking and looking at the door and the snakes; even swaying and hissing at one point. Jens and Nilas climbed down the hole back to the watery caverns. Brother Robert joined later on. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjKldTz6ljqZ9Hel58UyTnoe9F_mZ9Ud6LnUKZkDife7kHNvviWJBoe4O68m4otvDxY1RkXwZQOT79ek0DQ52neo4hp-9WqCuyfJeMO13Rbs0J0EmkeErTYb6Nq0gXOscHBK33E9QncMpljDcygJninDUhxkTjIlztHMQAMDeYDa18CGJh2KN0CuO9p2zp" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="459" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjKldTz6ljqZ9Hel58UyTnoe9F_mZ9Ud6LnUKZkDife7kHNvviWJBoe4O68m4otvDxY1RkXwZQOT79ek0DQ52neo4hp-9WqCuyfJeMO13Rbs0J0EmkeErTYb6Nq0gXOscHBK33E9QncMpljDcygJninDUhxkTjIlztHMQAMDeYDa18CGJh2KN0CuO9p2zp=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">They group made their way back to the hags pool and the grotto. Nilas still had his enchanted light source working and kept it moving along with them. There was no sign of the hag and after some work, Jens and Nilas swam over to get to Liam. Jens climbed up to the ledge. The ledge was 'closer' now, as water was filling in the grotto from the tide. This made Nilas think. The room with the oval door had water in it, which means that as the tide rises, it will probably fill all of those rooms. </span><p></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens managed to get Liam off of the cliff, though it was a struggle and they both took in some water. Brother Robert and Nilas helped them to the rocky shore in the grotto. Jens was weakened a bit, but Liam fell unconscious once again. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas was thinking now, they had to help Liam, keep their eye open on the Hag and figure out to either open the door or find the sunken treasure in the Hag's pool, or leave and return another day. </span></p><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span><div fgid="94006"></div><div fgid="94012" style="text-align: right;"></div><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>Here is an in-character retelling of the events from our 8th session of the campaign. I offer players bonus points for writing up in-character session logs and Nilas' player, Mike, takes advantage of this. I definitely enjoy the retelling from the point of view of the players! Thanks Mike!<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-58899304511536880392023-10-16T16:00:00.003-05:002023-11-01T18:00:10.699-05:00Mysterious Tides #8<p><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195">The heroes battle some stone snake guardians and are stumped by a door with no handle. </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Mysterious Tides</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 008</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">Snakes</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231015</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><div fgid="93938">As Nilas touches the door, the two flanking stone snake statues come to life and break away from the wall, swaying menacingly. Nilas steps back ready to defend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9SlBNsNVKTRVkcRHrjPg3rBm_3JrDeJFtaFPz38TabAxP5tkRBNhyphenhyphenTR-4kcRD0g6mjcoh3P0th2I79dm_wcSJDQgHHBIeR6goLCAoKWUJcxeKsAV_UP5nvgUZ3h8ntb9kWevCAvwYnLRvKHleMN6y3J7KNhGsxZkQMXdW_gvbcloCz7XtTcBPgOIrwux/s256/Marko.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw9SlBNsNVKTRVkcRHrjPg3rBm_3JrDeJFtaFPz38TabAxP5tkRBNhyphenhyphenTR-4kcRD0g6mjcoh3P0th2I79dm_wcSJDQgHHBIeR6goLCAoKWUJcxeKsAV_UP5nvgUZ3h8ntb9kWevCAvwYnLRvKHleMN6y3J7KNhGsxZkQMXdW_gvbcloCz7XtTcBPgOIrwux/s1600/Marko.png" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko goes "Gaah!" and strikes out at the snake thingy! </div><div fgid="93938">The snake tries to dodge but fails.</div><div fgid="93938">One snake lashes out at Jens with its stony fangs.</div><div fgid="93938">The other slithers up and strikes at Nilas</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas attempts to block the attack</div><div fgid="93938">and also hits</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko hops back to avoid the fangs! </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas parries and retreats</div><div fgid="93938">The ground is very cluttered and uneven in this chamber, giving -2 to attacks and -1 to defenses.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob steps up by Nilas and executes a long thrust at the nearest stone snake.</div><div fgid="93938">The snake dodges.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas attempts to thrust at the snake in front of him.</div><div fgid="93938">The sinuous stone snake statue slips the strike.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko steps up again and takes another swing at the snake "Brother! What strange beasts are these?"</div><div fgid="93938">The snake dodges</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob replies, "I don't know - some enchantment. "</div><div fgid="93938">One snake slithers up and strikes at Jens and hits!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko hops back to avoid the fangs! </div><div fgid="93938">The other snake moves up between Nilas and Bro Bob and tries to bite Nilas, and hits!</div><div fgid="93938">The snake attacking Jens pulls itself from its rocky base and follows him across the room.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas attempts to dodge and retreat</div><div fgid="93938">The snake's attack doesn't even penetrate Nilas' armor.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob slashes at the snake in front of him</div><div fgid="93938">The snake tries to avoid the strike, but Bob's blade rings true!</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas attempts to strike again</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6saHZM6g-v73DuryVef_OLbhNxNUOgri7DuA7ogIHE1m6NRU2qnuQ2l39jLJ-6kErFqd91jx0j120P9zy59ygV_9i1Fd8HBAjTOJ_IwzbWy2W0_dKcw5e5NY6xp_krUmYgJXFTlIhCNYzUI6-rueUjdAxt6TqNuiswjvo_k0bh-MZNzqw4CkhDRun5ke/s420/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit6saHZM6g-v73DuryVef_OLbhNxNUOgri7DuA7ogIHE1m6NRU2qnuQ2l39jLJ-6kErFqd91jx0j120P9zy59ygV_9i1Fd8HBAjTOJ_IwzbWy2W0_dKcw5e5NY6xp_krUmYgJXFTlIhCNYzUI6-rueUjdAxt6TqNuiswjvo_k0bh-MZNzqw4CkhDRun5ke/w282-h320/image.png" width="282" /></a></div><br /><div fgid="93938" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The snake narrowly managed to avoid Nilas' strike!</div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko slides around the snake, hoping to flank it, or giving Nilas a flank to attack. He takes a swing of his hatchet at it </div><div fgid="93938">The slippery serpent senses the strike and sidesteps.</div><div fgid="93938">The snakes seem to grasp rudimentary tactics and position themselves to not get flanked.</div><div fgid="93938">One attacks Jens and hits, the other strikes at Bob and hits.</div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob blocks the attack with his buckler then sidesteps and swings again</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko sidesteps back to avoid the fangs! </div><div fgid="93938">The snake fails to defend again!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas steps to the side and strikes at the stone snake in front of Bob</div><div fgid="93938">Jens drops into a defensive position with his back to the wall and the 6-foot stone snake approaching!</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas misses his mark, stumbling on the rocky ground</div><div fgid="93938">The serpent strikes and hits, but Jens defends.</div><div fgid="93938">The other snake bites at Bob, hitting!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob blocks once more, then strikes back</div><div fgid="93938">The snake fails to defend Bobs attack</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas steps to his left and tries to flank the snake and strikes once again.</div><div fgid="93938" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3XmqnOvzWGrnkcyxYFWsfthvXoFw08aNxF6rVDo0e0jUkROho1Q7jyZcmvAPZlqSyANFfuz4geJPTGMpAEboPV_dGWLp1rKzBXWaNfdMQ-K1VkXfSivZDhon5BDhfvnLyuKZ6zFbxjkkH-HH4NZoc9n5xzk-yM9PGjFpM61YidSVG61xjy8OttJ_pcBB/s256/Nilas.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX3XmqnOvzWGrnkcyxYFWsfthvXoFw08aNxF6rVDo0e0jUkROho1Q7jyZcmvAPZlqSyANFfuz4geJPTGMpAEboPV_dGWLp1rKzBXWaNfdMQ-K1VkXfSivZDhon5BDhfvnLyuKZ6zFbxjkkH-HH4NZoc9n5xzk-yM9PGjFpM61YidSVG61xjy8OttJ_pcBB/s1600/Nilas.png" width="256" /></a></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob calls over, "How're you holding out Jens?"</div><div fgid="93938">Jens grunts but appears to be holding his own against the guardian snake.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The snake manages to defend.</div><div fgid="93938">The snake once again strikes out at Bob and hits.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens and his snake opponent are locked in an evenly matched stalemate.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob continues to block and counter attack</div><div fgid="93938">Once again Bob's strike is true, chipping away more rocky flesh from the animated stone statue!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas steps up again into flanking position and strikes again with a two-handed thrust from his three-pronged spear</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The snake slithers back from Bob and strikes at Nilas who is holding his spear in the wrong positioning to defend an up close attack and hits!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas retreats in an attempt to dodge the attack</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The stony jaws of the snake clamp down on Nilas' shoulder, he feels the pain!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas winces and gets angry</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob follows the snake and presses his attack</div><div fgid="93938">The snake takes another hit, and now seems to be slowed a bit from its injuries</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas spins around and strikes at the snake fighting Jens, hoping to catch it in the flank</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The snake just barely manages to dodge the attack.</div><div fgid="93938">The snake turns and attacks Nilas and hits</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas attempts to dodge again</div><div fgid="93938">The snake strikes in the side, damaging Nilas' ribs</div><div fgid="93938">The other snake strikes and hits Bob!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob blocks once more</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob slashes at the snake again</div><div fgid="93938">The snake retreats and manages to dodge.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas calls for a lightning bolt</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bob's last strike crumbles the snake guardian.</div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob calls out, "One down!"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Well done Brother Robert!"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko slides around the snake again, pushing it towards Nilas. He takes a swing of his hatchet at The snake cannot avoid the side strike from Jens!</div><div fgid="93938">This snake also crumbles to the ground, defeated!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas Looks around with lightning coursing around his hand</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko pants in relief. "Are you sure we should be disturbing this place? They seemed put here to discourage it."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods his head, "Well done Jens!. Callast, how bad are you hurt?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Well, let's get this door open and if anything is behind it, I will blast it"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks at the doors and mosaics for any writings upon them</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas cannot read the markings but some of them seem to refer to the sea, if not directly to Calla. He has trouble focusing on the markings, though, due to holding a handful of lightning and being careful not to drop it!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko gives the powerful spellcaster plenty of room!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro Bob sheaths his sword and steps forward to examine the door, buckler still at ready</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "We should see if we can get through this door"</div><div fgid="93938">The door is an oval shaped portal made of dark brass or some other type of metal, highly corroded but still looks solid.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">This rectangular room has a metal portal/door in the far wall flanked by two carved stone snakes. A colorful, but dusty, mosaic lines the wall behind the each snake. There is no visible handle on the oval metal door. Several piles of bones, some human, some not, lie on the floor amid several shallow pools of water.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "The snakes animated when I touched the door....see if either of you can push it open"</div><div fgid="93938">"or maybe there is something in the wall from where teh snakes came from?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob places his free hand carefully on the door and pauses to see if anything further is triggered</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas hint, Jens takes a rag and starts wiping off the mosaic next to the door</div><div fgid="93938">The door is cold to the touch, though not excessively so. It feels solid and no further guardians appear as Bob touches it.</div><div fgid="93938">The mosaic pattern around where the snakes detached from the wall are dirty and grime covered, but clean off easily. It takes Jens a few moments to clear a good sized patch revealing numerous symbols in the patter, but nothing that seems to stand out as a way to open the door.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob pushes on the door cautiously</div><div fgid="93938">The door does not budge.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko scratches his head.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "both of you, back up a moment please"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob steps back and to the side</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Calla, I Callast Nilas, your proud servant, call upon you to open this portal"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas throws his lightning at the door</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko ducks</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The bolt hits the door loudly, sparks fly, the air in the room tastes bitter for several moments and a strange scent lingers in the room, but the door stays standing.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas suggests, “Maybe we have to push in on it? all three of us together?”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko nods agreement</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob picks up a handful of the debris from the stone snake and tosses it on the door</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The rocks and debris bounce off the door with a dull metallic clang.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Let's all try to push on it, see if we can force it open"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob tries simply knocking. . .</div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob says, "Hello? Can we come in?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks at Bob incredulously</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob shrugs, "What?"</div><div fgid="93938">There is no answer. When all three push, the door does not even budge. It seems to be closed to typical means of opening.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas laughs. "Stone snakes nearly bit my arm off and you ask 'can we come in." ha ha ha</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko starts looking around the room for a switch of lever or something.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks around the mosaics again and behind where the snakes were to see if there was anything hidden, a key, a latch, or anything</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob carefully examines the door carefully</div><div fgid="93938">A thorough search of the room reveals nothing that seems to open the door. It is possible that this door leads to some old tomb, in which case, there may not BE a switch or handle or button meant to open the door.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "maybe we have to start chipping away at the stone to pry it open?</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob scratches his head in puzzlement,</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "hmmmm, what if this is a tomb......I could see if there are any spirits around"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko scratches his head again. "Seems like that'd take quite a time. Have we seen anything else in here? Missed a key or something?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas answers, “yes....we have, Liam, he may have something.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob sits down, staring at the door and ponders aloud, "Why snakes?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas walks up to the door, and puts his hands upon it.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Mighty Calla, show me any spirits that may be near me"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob murmers, "Jens, did those snakes look at all like any sea serpents you know of?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko shakes his head. "Not that I recall. But I don't see many sea serpents, truth be told."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "It is possible that young LIam has a clue for us, perhaps we should go get him?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob continues to stare at the door, rolling his tin cup back and forth between his hands, deep in thought</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas senses no spirits in the vicinity.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I'm not reading anything nasty waiting for us behind the door"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Clearly I struggle with climbing. But it may be worth it to get to Liam and see if he has a clue or a key, or we figure out some other way to get this door open"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob takes a sip from his cup and asks, "Anyone know any songs about snakes or serpents?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "I will go talk to Liam. Climbing is not a problem." And off he goes.</div><div fgid="93938">Thinking back on Liam, Jens thought he looked pretty weak and is probably in no condition to make a climb up here.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I can sing, and I do know of a few songs, some related to calla"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko pauses. "Um, does anyone have another torch?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Just my magic floaty light,"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods, "Can you recall any that might offer a clue about this place?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas replies, “I can send it down there.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas tries to think</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks over the door again, for a hole or anything that would receive a key or a bar or anything</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I can lower my light and you can call out to Liam, without having to face the hag"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas touches the door and sings a song about the sea, and maybe serpents</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas sings a rousing rendition of "Shores of the Ebon Siren" but nothing happens</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob doesn't appear to be really noticing what the others are doing; he's lost in thought, idly fidgeting with his cup</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas starts looking for a sturdy bone or rock or something to start chipping away and prying the door open</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob furrows his brow, "What on the Vine do the snakes have to do with anything? That's too much trouble to go to not to have some significance. . ."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">None of the bones are sturdy enough to try to pry the door open, and chipping away at the rock surrounding the door would no doubt take years to do if only using other rocks to do so.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Liam had a map, maybe there is a clue on it? we should maybe try to retrieve him, I can cast a heal spell on him and maybe go from there?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob begins to rock/sway gently side to side, hissing softly as he stares at the door and mosaics</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "and if the hag is there, we take her out"</div><div fgid="93938">"Jens, do you have a rope we can secure up here to make it easier to climb back up again later?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "You mean like this one?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I am really at a loss here, not sure what to do. My only thought is maybe to ask Liam"</div><div fgid="93938">As Nilas mentions Liam, there is a soft, echo-y voice calling out in the distance, "Hey, where are you guys? I could really use some help up here. Did the Hag get you? Oh, please don't let the hag get them!"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "We can't move past the door and we can't leave that kid there alone. even if we do nothing else, I feel like we should go save that kid"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko nods. "You are right, Nilas. We must prepare for this door, but only after we get that poor boy our of here."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas prepares to descend</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "I am up and down rigging all day. Let me hold the rope for you two"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Jens, you are going to have to help me, and I can cast slow fall if I slip and be prepared to do the same for you guys"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas climbs down and Jens realizes that Bro Bob is still crouched in front of the door, trying to puzzle it out.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Bob! Brother Robert, let's go get the sailor guy first"</div><div fgid="93938" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas' voice echoes throughout the chamber and the passage back down.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Great....now Bob is a snake"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob shakes his head a bit and mutters, "Huh?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "We're leaving. Gotta help Liam get outta here."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob "Huh? Oh, uh yeah. Damn!"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "arrgh... Bob....stop being a snake and helps us help Liam please!</div><div fgid="93938" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyZ-FlKY4nh75fulgkBcDI46zgOvm2gVgKV0uvwP3zlvDJyo6g3NTs3_-1sH7ltjGBhv15iVxmrgWzTi6nPhwy5apqerK-SfEqDWi-HWVQbjsW-qwCco5vhp1a1TY1WjIV31sKZdh5AV5RtEAHJcEt39kscuq6Q96rPrHveejHODxnuA_GDth5Jscm_KC/s256/Bro%20Bob.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyZ-FlKY4nh75fulgkBcDI46zgOvm2gVgKV0uvwP3zlvDJyo6g3NTs3_-1sH7ltjGBhv15iVxmrgWzTi6nPhwy5apqerK-SfEqDWi-HWVQbjsW-qwCco5vhp1a1TY1WjIV31sKZdh5AV5RtEAHJcEt39kscuq6Q96rPrHveejHODxnuA_GDth5Jscm_KC/s1600/Bro%20Bob.png" width="256" /></a></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob stands up, still looking at the door as he turns</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob swears under his breath, downs his drink and throws the cup at the door. "Okay, yeah"</div><div fgid="93938">The voice in the distance calls out quietly, "Is that you guys? Are you ok? Please, I really could use some help up here, food, I am starving! Water! I haven't had anything to drink for days!"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Yeah, we're coming Liam, any sign of that hag yet?"</div><div fgid="93938">"The hag is back? Do you see her?" Liam calls out, the panic is clear in his voice.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob heads over and begins climbing down</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I'll swim over to Liam, then Jens. Bob, cover us with your bow"</div><div fgid="93938">The group manages to climb down easily enough, walk across the shallow pool, then start the swim across the Hag's pool.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas brings the light with them</div><div fgid="93938">The Hag does not show herself this time as the group crosses her pool.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Liam, we are coming to get you and bring you to shore with us"</div><div fgid="93938">Once again the group stands on the rocky shores of the large underground pool. Liam's head and hands can be seen peeking out over the edge of the little ledge he is stuck on.</div><div fgid="93938">"To shore, you mean back up above? I don't think I can make the swim. I am weak. I haven't eaten in days. I'll try though," he says. "I don't want to stay here any longer."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas calls out, “no for now just get over here with us so we can help you regain your strength.”</div><div fgid="93938">A weak chuckle comes from Liam. "You don't seem to understand the situation I'm in here, I don't think I can climb down, but I'll try, I guess."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Jens, do you think that you can help me get up to the ledge he is on?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko shakes his head. "I will carry you. Just need to lash you to me and we will get you down."</div><div fgid="93938">Everyone does notice that the beach is a lot less present and Liam's cliff is not nearly as high as it was earlier. Tide is rising.</div><div fgid="93938">The rocks and stalagmites in the water are much less visible now. Jens estimates the water is at lease 3 feet higher than it was earlier in the day.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob calls out, "I don't have anything to eat, but I've got some water at least"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, '"If Bob can cover us we can swim over and get Liam"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "So we get over there and climb up to him and then I can heal him and we can try to get him to the tomb room"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob looks at the others, "We'll either need to go back to the Kittiwake or hole up where we just were until the tide goes back out"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says I can help you climb up."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, '"Liam, we found a room with a brass door and stone snakes. do you know anything about this?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko swims over and climbs up to Liam</div><div fgid="93938">"A room? Down here? Brass door? No, I haven't been beyond this grotto," Liam says weakly.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "what about your map? how did you find this place?"</div><div fgid="93938">"No no map, just found it. Im an oyster diver, always looking for new places to find my catch. The island up above has been a pretty good spot for me. One day I got bored and a wild hair up my ass, like my da says, and went diving into the blowhole. Did a couple of dives into this pool and found some good oysters, but then, over there," he points to the far corner, "down in that grotto, I spotted what looked like some treasure. Some sunken pirate loot maybe, on some ledges. It's a pretty deep hole, haven't been all the way down, but I think its worth a look." he explains</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas assures him, “well after we take care of this hag and heal you up, we will find that treasure.”</div><div fgid="93938">Liam groans, "Yea, that's fair enough. But I don't know nothing bout no brass door."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "If we can get oysters or something, we can feed him, we have water, so that's not an issue"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Jens helps him lower into the water and Jens & Nilas can help him swim, Bob covers us from danger</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob stands watch with bow ready, arrow notched</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens and Nilas carefully help Liam down from his ledge while Bob watches with his bow ready. Bob wonders if getting the bow and string wet is going to damage them. Unfortunately, Liam is quite a bit of dead weight in the water and he and Jens both manage to take in some water. Both are dragged out onto the rocky beach, coughing and spurting. The exertion has caused Liam to fall unconscious again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YC-EiaSlvl9OINYM2b3IG8Y1ktvxXmQICG9urLZiF9YXxzMYzy6_qxnmB4xrJx1SXs9fCsIVH3VSNElg7qp7Adru__YcO-gCl5H1CGRSC5ZpUDn53nZS5_26P1i_o3KK9fX3xY1c5weXYkUoIqy4C61Vb_RGstrz3Q-j61HUkowl5zTwIgOBxHIve9Zt/s256/Ragnar.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9YC-EiaSlvl9OINYM2b3IG8Y1ktvxXmQICG9urLZiF9YXxzMYzy6_qxnmB4xrJx1SXs9fCsIVH3VSNElg7qp7Adru__YcO-gCl5H1CGRSC5ZpUDn53nZS5_26P1i_o3KK9fX3xY1c5weXYkUoIqy4C61Vb_RGstrz3Q-j61HUkowl5zTwIgOBxHIve9Zt/s1600/Ragnar.png" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93988" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div fgid="93994" style="text-align: right;"></div><br fgid="94000" /><div fgid="94006"></div><div fgid="94012" style="text-align: right;"></div><br fgid="94018" /><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>Battled the stone statue snakes but then they could not get through the metal doorway beyond. Decided they needed to go back and help the stranded oyster diver before he died of starvation. Missing a player again tonight. It's so much better with everyone present, but real life comes first!<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><strike><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K</strike><br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-43721139387132933672023-10-15T17:51:00.005-05:002023-11-01T18:00:28.774-05:00Mysterious Tides #7 - Nilas<p><span fgid="94189"><span fgid="94195"><i style="font-family: times;">A retelling of Bay of Spirits #7 from Callast Nilas Orkan's point of view. </i></span></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Bay of Spirits</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 007 - Nilas</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">The Rocky Mountain and Underwater Rope....</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231004</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><div fgid="93938">Callast Nilas Orkan and his companions, Jens Marko, Ragnar the Ranger, Brother Robert D'Nagien, and sister Carmel of Enibria had made their way through Middle Bay on a hunt to chase down a couple of assassins that they encountered in Piper's Quay. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Their path led them to a small rocky mound of an island with an abandoned row boat and camp. Looking at a rope that was tied off on the rocks, the rope went down a blow hole in the reef and was clearly anchored deep inside a pathway down the rocks.The companions were planning their descent into the unknown. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Callast Nilas, a priest of Calla, goddess of the sea and storms, called upon his mighty deity to allow him and his companions to have the power to breathe water. After a few attempts, Nilas got the hang of it and himself, Jens Marko and Brother Robert began their descent down the hole.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The passage was interesting. The dark passage through the blowhole and reef was about three feet wide and laden with all sorts of muscles, shell fish and urchins. The three travelers made their way down and about 25 feet down, the rope bent off to a side passage. The companions followed it while underwater and able to breathe thanks to Nilas's powers. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The passage led to an underground grotto. The rope led up and the area opened up into a cavern that had air in it as well as several ledges and rocky outcroppings. Nilas and Brother Robert made their way to the one 'shoreline" ledge and Jens climbed up to a higher ledge about 15 feet up on the other side of the grotto. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas and Robert pulled themselves up on the rocky shoreline and noticed some debris and several bleached bones, including some that looked human! This was a cause for alarm. From across the grotto, Jens called out that he had found a body upon the ledge, but it was a person who was still alive. Jens was able to rouse the man and the 20-something year old sailer ended up being Liam, the man that Maddie had told Nilas about the sunken treasure. It seemed to Nilas that Liam must have tried to go after the treasure himself and got into trouble. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Liam woke up long enough to yell, "Oh no, the Hag!" just as Brother Bob noticed a shape coming up the slope towards he and Nilas on the rocky shoreline. It was in fact a hideous Sea Hag! Nilas and Bob drew their weapons and looked to engage the creature. The Hag was trying to use some horrifying magic of it's "Evil Eye" and make Nilas and Bob weak in their knees and spirit.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas saw Brother Bob waiver and he called upon Callas to make Bob "Mighty" and brave. Nilas then tried to strike at the Hag with his spear, but the darkness made fighting difficult. Nilas then tried to call upon Calla for light. The magical light would not be a lot, but better that fighting in the dark grotto lit by a few bioluminescent algae. Nilas failed several times trying to cast light. Brother Bob was able to chase the Hag off with some well placed dart throws. The Hag dove into a pool behind the shoreline. Nilas and Bob closed in once the light spell was active. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens made his way over while poor Liam was still stranded on the ledge, but still alive and safe for the moment. Nilas kept concentrating and moving his light around, which was now looking to be more effective than Nilas had thought. As they looked around for the Hag, they were yelling back and forth with Liam. Indeed it was Liam's row boat that they found and he was the young man that Maddie has spoken of. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">As Nilas and Jens and Brother Bob moved around they saw another pool, a deep pool followed by a third pool that was much more shallow, like a spillway beyond the deep pool. Nilas had moved his light underwater, and they had spotted the Hag. Nilas came up with an idea to burst a Thunderclap spell under the water, hoping that it would deafen and scare off the hag or flush her up and out so that they could fight her again. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The muffled underwater sound explosion was impressive, and the water churned and bubbled and some dead fish and other stuff floated up from the bottom. There was no sign of the Hag. Nilas hoped that this at least would be enough to chase her away from them for the time being. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">As Nilas and his friends made their way past the third pool, the cavern opened up to another area with some stairs carved out of the rock. Nilas and his friends climbed the stairs about 10-15 feet up to a wall and they stopped. The shear wall was littered with rocks and rubble. They then noticed an opening above them, what appeared to be a passageway that went straight up!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko was amazing and skilled at rock climbing. Brother Bob was not at all bad, especially with Jen's support. Nilas on the other hand, had a difficult time and clambered about and slipped and fell a few times, hurting himself in the process. He did heal himself, but then doffed his armor and eventually made his way up top again. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The vertical shaft led to a rectangular room. Clearly man-made. The room featured a metal door in the far wall that was flanked by two carved stone snakes. Nilas observed a colorful but dusty mosaic behind each snake. The symbols did appear similar to those that would be used by priests of Calla. There were images of anchors, and storms, waves and lightning. The doors had no handles, and several piles of bones, some human and some not, lay upon the floor and in some shallow pools of water. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Eventually Nilas, Jens and Bob were situated at the top chamber and Nilas was back in his armor. Liam could still be heard calling out from the distance, asking for water and a snack. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens was warning everyone to be careful. Nilas felt like this was a place of Calla. He approached the door and put his hand up to it. At that point there was a crackling and the two stone snakes shifted and came to life and broke off from the door and wall and moved to attack! </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas dropped back in a defensive stance, his three-pronged spear at the ready, Brother Bob with his sword and buckler and Jens Marko with his axe….What would happen next????</div><div><br /></div><div fgid="94006"></div><div fgid="94012" style="text-align: right;"></div><br fgid="94018" /><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>Here is an in-character retelling of the events from our 7th session of the campaign. I offer players bonus points for writing up in-character session logs and Nilas' player, Mike, takes advantage of this. I definitely enjoy the retelling from the point of view of the players! Thanks Mike!<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-78121329407793748562023-10-15T17:42:00.003-05:002023-11-01T18:00:45.313-05:00Mysterious Tides #7<p><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195">Three of the heroes dive down into a blowhole and discover an underground grotto containing a missing local and a Sea Hag. After driving the Hag off, the group explores further ruins. </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Bay of Spirits</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 007</span></b><div fgid="93938"><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8hT3oDDf6c" target="_blank">Down In A Hole</a></span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231001</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><div fgid="93938">When we last left our intrepid adventurers, they were sailing the Kittiwake along the coast heading to the Middle Bay but spotted a rowboat pulled up on the narrow beach of a small rocky island. Thinking it might have been the escaping assassins, they stopped to investigate. A small abandoned campsite and rowboat with fishing cages and nets were all that was discovered. Nilas led the group to a strange blowhole at the far end of the beach and discovered a taut rope tied off leading straight down into the blowhole.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar remains on the Kittiwake, vomiting and not feeling too good about being a sailor.</div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob thinks the moon was waxing gibbous, but isn’t too knowledgeable about it, one of the sailors might know better</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "Down we go then?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas nods his head in agreement.</div><div fgid="93938">"Do you want me to call on Calla to give us the ability to breath underwater?</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko nods. "We'll hit water long before we hit bottom, I'm thinkin'. If Calla can do that, sure."</div><div fgid="93938">As the group stands around talking about it, the water in the blowhole again lowers several feet, then with a boom, sends a jet of water shooting into the air.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods, "Seems like a wise precaution"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas prepares by casting the spell first on Jens but fails.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"Blast it," Nilas fumes. "Let me try again."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"Ahh, there we go," the young Callast smiles. "Now for you Bro Bob."</div><div fgid="93938">Bro Bob can now breathe underwater.</div><div fgid="93938">"And for myself," Nilas says. He smiles, proud of himself and his successful spells.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas offers the honor of going first to one of his companions.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko nods. "Okay, er, right then." Jens crosses himself, then grabs the robe and heads down</div><div fgid="93938">"This spell only lasts for a minute, but I can extend it if needed," Nilas explains.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens hops in the water and starts swimming down, using the rope as a guide. It gets dark pretty quick, but there is just enough light to see, and following the rope, hand over hand helps.</div><div fgid="93938">The narrow passage, only about 3 feet across, is lined with all sorts of interesting sea life. Clams and mussels, urchins, and other types of underwater flora.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yVBlAXrouE1MdLwUjmIQhmH8AwQG2yam3gituTlXggx3LBQ0gQn9MSRbz_GwuLDI0ejOdTV_jK1-P0X_YdUbVfRcu1xd3EIuBj1G6wkYmXhXMiReQwrnxF2bcNG-NPAKVJ1-RVRBounlxajI-fkBlqG7DVVveAJuU_GRnu_ZJX5HKmChvyclPSil39m9/s1280/20100128_0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yVBlAXrouE1MdLwUjmIQhmH8AwQG2yam3gituTlXggx3LBQ0gQn9MSRbz_GwuLDI0ejOdTV_jK1-P0X_YdUbVfRcu1xd3EIuBj1G6wkYmXhXMiReQwrnxF2bcNG-NPAKVJ1-RVRBounlxajI-fkBlqG7DVVveAJuU_GRnu_ZJX5HKmChvyclPSil39m9/w640-h458/20100128_0120.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Fortunately everyone is able to avoid being hurt by any of the urchins or sharp corals on the way down.</div><div fgid="93938">After descending about 25 feet, Jens feels that the rope leads off to the side, down a hard to see side passage, while the main blowhole continues further down, albeit at a bit of an angle now.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko follows the side passage</div><div fgid="93938">Though everyone seems to be turned around a bit from the downward swim, Jens is sure that the passage is leading back toward the bulk of the island.</div><div fgid="93938">After another 15-20 feet of swimming along an equally narrow tunnel, the passage opens up into a much wider area, there is open water above, below, and to all sides. Jens sees a faint light from above, and the rope angles back up as well.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko heads to the surface</div><div fgid="93938">Jens leads the way up and everyone surfaces in an underwater grotto. There are some glowing patches along the ceiling and walls of this large chamber, though from this distance it is hard to tell what exactly it is.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko looks around to see if anyone is here</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">There does not appear to be anyone in the grotto, but there are several places where someone could be hiding. A dark ledge can be seen about 15 feet up on the right side, and a wide rocky shoreline is directly above where everyone has surfaced, and where the rope leads up to.</div><div fgid="93938">In the southern end of the watery room, the ceiling comes down very low while up at the other end of the area, the chamber spreads out quite a bit.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko climbs up to the ledge</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens swims over to the other side of the chamber and starts climbing up to the high ledge while Bro Bob tries and fails to pull himself up onto the rocky shoreline.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens pulls himself up and finds a small pool of water trapped up on the ledge. possibly leftover from high tide or dripping in from an outside crack.</div><div fgid="93938">In the pool of water, Jens sees a body.</div><div fgid="93938">Laying mostly in the water, with head and one hand out, it appears to be a human male.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says, a little shakily, "Uh, my friends, there is a dead body up here."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko examines the body</div><div fgid="93938">The body is, in fact, not dead. It looks like a fisherman of some sort. A young fellow, early 20s. He is unconscious.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko crosses himself again. "He is not dead. Brother Nillas, we need you!"</div><div fgid="93938">"Uh, I just made it up here. Not sure I can make it up over there. Hold on." he calls.</div><div fgid="93938">"Hey, wait, I hear something moving around back here in the dark," Nilas calls out. Bob hears it as well. A scrabbling sound, like something moving over loose rocks.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko tries to wake the fellow</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bob and Nilas see the chamber leads down a shallow slope. It looks like more water may be further on in the area. It is very rocky and Bob notices several bleached bones among the rocks. Some of them look distinctly human!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bob sees a dark shape moving up the slope toward him. From the distance and the darkness, it is difficult to determine what it is.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens gently shakes the unconscious form and the man stirs.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob draws his sword</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"Huh, wha?" he looks around and his eyes get big when he sees Jens. "Who are you?</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA65aM19iWoW_RUtndvmlfWR8hyiwcGhLsboLlHWR_S7d8HyxnyB-YiAx5pEf8yT3arXT_AIN7YqUmeVuBZ-C8cjT1JEQJmajc3keW2JsIswZbGCixVOYgOrOv7iK1QT7BQNZhPjAKasuxYdifl-lh0JdN0yFRtQ3ApOXHPsJb0pdvaZJPpvZbEDuLXALq/s827/Liam%20Oyster%20Diver.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="714" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA65aM19iWoW_RUtndvmlfWR8hyiwcGhLsboLlHWR_S7d8HyxnyB-YiAx5pEf8yT3arXT_AIN7YqUmeVuBZ-C8cjT1JEQJmajc3keW2JsIswZbGCixVOYgOrOv7iK1QT7BQNZhPjAKasuxYdifl-lh0JdN0yFRtQ3ApOXHPsJb0pdvaZJPpvZbEDuLXALq/w173-h200/Liam%20Oyster%20Diver.png" width="173" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liam the Oyster Diver</td></tr></tbody></table><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "Wake up, mate. You've got yourself in a fix here, ain't ya?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko nods, "Cap'n Jens Marko of the Kittiwake"</div><div fgid="93938">The fisher says, "Oh, hey, I'm Liam. Where are we?" He shakes his head in confusion.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko explains "Down a blowhole on Small Rocky Island. What's the last thing you remember?"</div><div fgid="93938">"Oh no, the HAG!" he shouts, remembering his current plight!</div><div fgid="93938">As the dark shape approaches, Nilas and Bro Bob get a better look at it, a Sea Hag!</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas cries out, “A hag???!!!!”</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDArOphzlhQjQQb176_BSr-toyGo5VAOUN68ad-g5nn8bcb1LWOgK_STahy8Syf-ZjAhV828uSK8NYLYMPO25aHihULwLS9WQB2FyNFG1oPSY8lsOyYSxHNOhyphenhyphenvZJVHxOTRVQgFLwq6ZszMilLICJGfltUlz4-joPKxiLebYrhyMxYXFsSr3zFZSGkCmE/s1024/Sea%20Hag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="950" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZDArOphzlhQjQQb176_BSr-toyGo5VAOUN68ad-g5nn8bcb1LWOgK_STahy8Syf-ZjAhV828uSK8NYLYMPO25aHihULwLS9WQB2FyNFG1oPSY8lsOyYSxHNOhyphenhyphenvZJVHxOTRVQgFLwq6ZszMilLICJGfltUlz4-joPKxiLebYrhyMxYXFsSr3zFZSGkCmE/w371-h400/Sea%20Hag.jpg" width="371" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hag!</td></tr></tbody></table><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "Stay put - I'll be right back!" Jens dives off the ledge and swims to join his friends!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob stands ready and calls out, "Good afternoon Ma'am. We're sorry to intrude, but we're searching for a couple of assassins who attacked us two nights ago. A man and a woman, both in red cloaks. Have you by any chance seen them?"</div><div fgid="93938">As the Hag approaches, Nilas and Bob see that she is hideous, so horrifyingly ugly that it makes them feel weak in the knees!</div><div fgid="93938">Bro Bob feels his legs weaken.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas calls upon Calla for the power of Bravery for Brother Bob! "Calla, make my friend as dauntless as a hurricane!"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The Sea Hag moves up and glares at Nilas, giving him the Evil Eye!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko swims</div><div fgid="93938">Liam shouts, "Watch out for her Evil Eye! She's a right bitch, that one!"</div><div fgid="93938">The Sea Hag hisses and vocalizes something in response to Liam's insult that sounds like trying to talk while gargling a mouthful of water.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob drops his buckler and snatches a throwing spike from his harness and throws it at her</div><div fgid="93938">She tries to dodge but fails to do so</div><div fgid="93938">The metal dart hits her and sinks in deeply. She lets out a garbled cry of pain.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas thrusts as the Hag with his spear</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas' attack misses its mark</div><div fgid="93938">The Sea Hag backs off and again tries to Glare at Nilas.</div><div fgid="93938">Bob is again weakened by the horrific visage of the Hag!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob grabs and hurls another spike at her</div><div fgid="93938">The second dart hits her in the shoulder but falls to the ground, failing to penetrate her green, warty flesh.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas attempts to cast a LIGHT spell, "Calla, giv os lys" focusing on the spot between Nilas and the Hag</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Darn it! Must be too wet and dark down here"</div><div fgid="93938">She turns and dives into a pool of water behind her, disappearing into the watery gloom.</div><div fgid="93938">'Did you get her?" Liam cries out weakly from the ledge across the way.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Who was that?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob calls back, "Drove her off is all"</div><div fgid="93938">"She might come back! Be careful!" Liam suggests.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob retrieves his second dart and buckler</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Can she go somewhere else from that pool?"</div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob keeps his broadswrod drawn</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas attempts to look around more. Once again calling for light</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Yeah, I'm thinking we need a torch"</div><div fgid="93938">Calla's light does not want to shine down here.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko climbs out of the water</div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko readies his hatchet</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Jens, watch it, I wonder if she can come out from behind us here?</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "Did you guys say you saw a hag?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas readies a javelin</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob calls out, "Is that your rowboat on the beach?""</div><div fgid="93938">"Yes, my boat up on the small rocky island above." Liam says.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Liam? Isn't that the guy that Maddie was telling us about? with the sunken treasure?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko asks "How did you end up there unconscious? Did you fight the hag too?"</div><div fgid="93938">"Awww, shit. She doesn't know how to keep her mouth shut, I never should have told her about that. No, there's no treasure," he says.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says'So this has nothing to do with the assassins. We need to settle this quickly and rescue this guy and get back on our mission"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob says to the others, "No point in hanging around then." He then shouts out the pool, "You could have just said they haven't been here!"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Maddie said that you were looking for a crew to help you find this treasure. If we find it and rescue you, we would want a fair share...but if there is no treasure here, we can just go back on our way...."</div><div fgid="93938">"Who? What? Yes I fought the Hag, not much of a fight, though, she weakened me and I fled across the pool. She chased me and I climbed up here. Apparently she can't climb or something. She left me along. I've been stuck here for several days. Do you have any food? I am really hungry," Liam says.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas starts making his way cautiously to the pool where the hag dove in.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "Hold fast. We'll be back in a moment."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas sees more bones around and in the second pool. He can see a third pool, just beyond the 2nd one.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Hmm, I have an idea.......</div><div fgid="93938">"</div><div fgid="93938">The third pool stretches out around the corner to the right, out of sight.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Hey guys there is another pool back here"</div><div fgid="93938">A small bit of water can be seen dribbling over a tiny waterfall to the third pool.</div><div fgid="93938">The second pool is frothy and ebbing up and down. It is clearly also connected with the sea outside.</div><div fgid="93938">The damp smell of sea water and death fills this room.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko looks into the pool in front of him</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob looks around to see if there's any gear or anything from the dead, or just bones</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "Hey, Nillas, can you send that light ahead? Maybe we can see something before we get there."</div><div fgid="93938">Bob finds what looks like old, corroded metal tools. Shovel and pick heads. They are VERY old and useless.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "Er, sorry, never mind..."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"I can't seem to get the light to work down here"</div><div fgid="93938">'I can try one more time, but it is not very bright"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko shakes his head. "No doubt the eveil hag has cursed this place to darkness. Makes sense..."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"Um, hey, where are you going? Please don't leave me here. Yes there is treasure here, but I can't get to it! I will show you and share with you though, please, give me some food, I'm starving!" Liam pleads</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Just relax Liam, we can't do anything until this Hag is dealt with. Calla's will brought us here no doubt to purge this foul creature from this area so it would not harm any more"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob says to his companions, "Let's get back to our mission. We can come back again, better prepared next time"</div><div fgid="93938">"You can't give me some food until the hag is gone?" he says, defeated.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Third time's a charm!"</div><div fgid="93938">The entire chamber is filled with Calla's light!</div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob calls back to him. "We have to get you to the ship"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"I have an idea, maybe a way to flush her out...or at least mess with her"</div><div fgid="93938">"Ok, I am too weak to climb down from here, though, will you help me, at least?" he asks.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob replies, "Yes, we'll get you out of here, just sit tight"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says,"We can bring Liam here and I can maybe heal him a tad to help stabilze him"</div><div fgid="93938">"I can make a big boom sound in the water and maybe that will flush her out or at least possibly deafen her"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks for a way to get around the pool</div><div fgid="93938">There is no real ledge around the pool, but one might be able to climb around.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas probes the pool with his spear to feel how deep it is</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "Ooo - can your light go underwater? Maybe drive her away?"</div><div fgid="93938">The sides of the pool seem to be fairly steep, it seems the pool is quite deep, at least deeper than his spear.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says,"Yes, I can move the light"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas concentrates to move the light into the water</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says,"Hmm, this pool may be very deep"</div><div fgid="93938">"Let's see if I can flush her out"</div><div fgid="93938">The light dips down beneath the surface. It illuminates the pool quite a bit, showing that it is a deep fissure leading down. You see the Hag, about 20' down but when the light submerges, she quickly swims away, further down around an outcropping of rock. There are numerous openings in the sides of the pool.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says,"Everyone, plug your ears, just in case"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko plugs his ears</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob sheaths his sword and plugs his ears</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas points his spear at the water and calls out</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas shouts,”Torden!", and calls upon Calla for a Thunderclap spell to burst under the water</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas grunts. Tries again,</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "TORDEN!"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas' spell goes off, creating a muffled boom beneath the water. Almost immediately, several small, dead fish, a few crustaceans, and other debris fills the small pool, making it difficult to see. The Hag does not reveal herself again, though.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Well, if nothing else, maybe it scared her away that we can go through to the next pool?"</div><div fgid="93938">"What in the heck was that?" Liam calls out from the ledge in the main chamber.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "A Kiss from Calla, Thunderclap"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas concentrates to move the light back to the surface area and between the two pools</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Liam can be heard quietly "ooohhhh"-ing from the other room.</div><div fgid="93938">The third pool, which is a few inches lower than the other pool, seems much calmer than the 2nd pool, which continues to ebb and flow quite a bit.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, 'Bob and Jens, Watch my back"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas attempts to swim to the other pool</div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko dives in to join nillas</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens and Nilas swim over to the third pool.</div><div fgid="93938">This pool seems much shallower, only 4 feet deep at the center.</div><div fgid="93938">Mostly just an overflow for the 2nd pool.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas slides over the wall</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas brings the light over</div><div fgid="93938">Off to the right, a set of stairs are carved into the rock wall, about 3 feet above the waterline.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, 'Well that's different.."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "bob you should join us"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko wades over to the tunnel to the north and up the stairs. "Let's go, Nillas!"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob calls back, "Once you're both out, I'll cross too"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob calls, "Hey, one of you should be on overwatch as I cross"</div><div fgid="93938">NIlas turns around to watch Bob cross the 2nd pool.</div><div fgid="93938">Bob manages to cross the pool.</div><div fgid="93938">The Hag still does not reveal herself.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas climbs the stairs</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas brings the light over</div><div fgid="93938">Jens clambers up easily.</div><div fgid="93938">The stairs climb steeply, cut directly into the stone. After a few steps up, they are no longer wet and slippery but another 10 feet or so and it ends in a steep rock wall. There is a bit of rock debris at the base of the rock wall. Looking up, it appears that the passage continues on upward, though it is nearly 15 feet up.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, “Interesting.....a way out?”</div><div fgid="93938">There is no light shining from up there, but it looks to go .... somewhere...</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas brings the light up</div><div fgid="93938">From way back in the main cavern, you hear Liam's voice echoing quietly, "Hey, where did you go... go... go..."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Maybe we should bring LIam with us?"</div><div fgid="93938">Jens says that he appeared to be too weak to do so. He is safer up on the ledge.</div><div fgid="93938">"That looks like a tough climb. Straight up. Not too much of a fall, but 15 feet onto stone, that'll hurt!" Jens ponders.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I can watch you and be prepared to slow you if you would fall"</div><div fgid="93938">"or if more strength would aid you, I can try that"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob replies, "No, just spot me."</div><div fgid="93938">Jens tries to help everyone else climb with his superior climbing skills.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens shouts out suggestions for handholds while Bob makes his way up.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas makes it about halfway up then loses his grip and falls.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens keeps Nilas from falling down the stairs after he falls trying to climb. </div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, “ouch, ugh.....mmaybe I will wait here until you get some rope or something”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bob, at the top of the wall, sees there are few more steps up then it opens up into a wider space, The light from Nilas' candle light casts some light up here but not much.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "C;;mon, Callast, I know you can make it!"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas tries again after healing himself.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">This time, after falling, Nilas is unhurt at least.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas starts dropping armor and javelins</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob calls down, "Can you send the light up for a minute? I'll see if there's anything up here that might help"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas sends the light up</div><div fgid="93938">The light floats up revealing an interesting and completely unexpected sight.</div><div fgid="93938">This rectangular room has a metal portal/door in the far wall flanked by two carved stone snakes. A colorful, but dusty, mosaic lines the wall behind the each snake. There is no visible handle on the oval metal door. Several piles of bones, some human, some not, lie on the floor amid several shallow pools of water.</div><div fgid="93938">Bob relays what he is seeing up above.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Now that's something I would not want to go into without my armor or other stuff. Oh boy, what did we get ourselves into?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob calls down, "Hang on, I've found a bit of rope"</div><div fgid="93938">After some more trying, Nilas and Jens make it to the top of the climb with all of Nilas' gear as well. The group then sees what Bob had described. The door is made of some old, corroded metal, but still looks stout.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas suits back up in armor</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Up on the upper level, everyone looks at the door and carved stone snakes.</div><div fgid="93938">once dressed up again, Nilas probes the pools with his spear</div><div fgid="93938">In the mosaic around the snakes, Nilas sees some imagery that might be referring to Calla: waves, lightning, anchors, etc.</div><div fgid="93938">The pools are merely puddles formed from dripping water from the ceiling above. At this point, Jens and Nilas agree that they are still just slightly below sea level.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas walks up to the doors, puts his hand upon it</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko shows fear in his eyes at the dangerous spooky nature of this room.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "Brother ,are you sure we will not anger the spirits if we mess with this place?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, 'These markings, look like it is a symbol to Calla"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv3TskRYjVblRGBuFFAx5DSZIga3uGAt6bIfZzW4mZIepeR71IH45ZsTUB8yFmy91JYhUALMuda33cvIgro5proUmaUnoeTe6mXcQqiaoa7j-TzS_qNTWbAPlO8GV_hvpL0KRXp52e9pS5UvXksq2rJhaFCVrV7PSKzGUCk6-4pZIUNOD5qJ4eFsjdk6h/s996/maksim-bugrimov-f89535b89aeb39c521d2fa7145e0fd8f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="840" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibv3TskRYjVblRGBuFFAx5DSZIga3uGAt6bIfZzW4mZIepeR71IH45ZsTUB8yFmy91JYhUALMuda33cvIgro5proUmaUnoeTe6mXcQqiaoa7j-TzS_qNTWbAPlO8GV_hvpL0KRXp52e9pS5UvXksq2rJhaFCVrV7PSKzGUCk6-4pZIUNOD5qJ4eFsjdk6h/w169-h200/maksim-bugrimov-f89535b89aeb39c521d2fa7145e0fd8f.jpg" width="169" /></a></div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qFkMgcAxzia1WdYowDtxGHBvfyYu_orm8KhvjTFXmKHBizqGUQXCMUjjqCtcSMkjPgip33upthXZcoKe4Tdwmhw6eCCu28akD3hwAkf8ozOlnTBjXfNq9K4dzpL9dRfKO-FNyv9Btid2ssU7bj2iBT6VE5LeIA2fFcODWXXOg7qqbBoV-4T67OaPQi_u/s996/maksim-bugrimov-f89535b89aeb39c521d2fa7145e0fd8f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="996" data-original-width="840" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qFkMgcAxzia1WdYowDtxGHBvfyYu_orm8KhvjTFXmKHBizqGUQXCMUjjqCtcSMkjPgip33upthXZcoKe4Tdwmhw6eCCu28akD3hwAkf8ozOlnTBjXfNq9K4dzpL9dRfKO-FNyv9Btid2ssU7bj2iBT6VE5LeIA2fFcODWXXOg7qqbBoV-4T67OaPQi_u/w169-h200/maksim-bugrimov-f89535b89aeb39c521d2fa7145e0fd8f.jpg" width="169" /></a>As Nilas touches the door, the two snakes crackle and shake and burst forth from the walls, ready to attack!</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas steps back in a defensive stance while Bro' Bob readies his buckler.</div><div><br /></div><div fgid="94006"></div><div fgid="94012" style="text-align: right;"></div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><br fgid="94018" /><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>The characters head down the blowhole, find a missing local, battle a Sea Hag, and explore some unexpected areas! We were missing Stephen/ Ragnar again<span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><strike><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K</strike><br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-33657352181376458112023-10-15T17:30:00.000-05:002023-11-09T00:31:47.887-06:00Mysterious Tides #6 - Nilas<p><span style="font-family: times;"><span fgid="94189"><i fgid="94195"><i>A retelling of Mysterious Tides #6 from Callast Nilas Orkan's point of view.</i> </i></span><span fgid="94176"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><p><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Mysterious Tides</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 006 - Nilas</span></b></p><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">From Nilas' Point of View</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">231016</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><div fgid="93938">Nilas and his companions, Ragnar the Ranger, Brother Robert D'Nagien of Enibria, his friend Jens Marko and the new friend Carmel of Enibria gather together at the docks by Jen's sloop, the Kittiwake. Elias Sinann, the younger brother of Taber Sinann was overlooking everything for the crew with his ledger as supplies were being gathered and planned for the trip to hunt down some assassins.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">It took a few hours for the Laird's men to load up all of the supplies that including food and drink medical supplies as well as a few other needed items for the young group of adventurers to get under way on their mission. Nilas was nervous yet excited as the people of the town took note of the activities. Nilas felt important and that he was actually doing something purposeful and good. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">He was glad that their meeting with Master Taber went well. The lord was intimidating and Nilas is still very new to diplomatic issues. The lady Sabeen definitely made an impression on the young Callast, and thoughts of her made him smile and made lord Taber seem less indomitable. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Elias made a nice map for the crew and handed it to Nilas for safe keeping. Elias also warned Nilas and his companions of a place called Merchant's Gut, a nasty harbor and place to find oneself in, and a dangerous reef and rocky area called Wyrm Cove. Jens made sure to make notes of it. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">After securing all of the supplies the group decided it would be best to get a good night's rest and get moving early in the morning. Hopes of catching a good wind and having a full day to travel would help them avoid Merchant's Gut and also give Nilas some more time to replenish his powers he used back when fighting the assassin. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">As the group prepared to head out, they had double checked things with Elias about their journey. Brother Bob asked Elias about anything that they should keep an eye out for and report. Nilas couldn't resist to ask about Lady Sabeen and her interests. Elias mentioned that she liked old books, grimoires and items of ancient value. Nilas made a mental note to keep his eye out for such things to help gain favor with the Sinanns, but more importantly Lady Sabeen. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Brother Bob retrieved Lady Carmel in the morning and Nilas and his friends set sail on the Kittiwake on what was a wonderful, wind-filled day, perfect for a journey by sea. Nilas praised Calla and enjoyed the wind and sea spray as they made great time leaving Piper's Quay. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">It wasn't very long into their journey that Captain Jens Marko spotted a small craft hidden from view by a small rocky island. The companions were hopeful that this could be the craft that they were looking for of the two mysterious hooded figures that rowed out in haste the day before from Piper's Quay. As they got closer, Jens could see a small camp and camp fire on the shore, but no signs of anyone there.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The group decided to investigate and Captain Jens got the Kittiwake close to shore, but had to anchor off a bit due to the treacherous rocks that lined the shore. In the wavy shallows, Nilas and his friends disembarked the craft to investigate. Nilas cursed his luck as he slipped overboard and fell into the water, but was able to get his bearings and swim to shore. Once there, Nilas remembered that he had the map in his belt pouch and pulled it out, securing it out with some rocks to dry.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar stayed on the boat with Carmel, though he was a little sick and trying to recover from his motion sickness. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas and his friends approached the campsite and carefully checked around the area. There was nothing noteworthy in the boat or around the camp. As they looked around, they noted that the rocky island was pretty much a 100 foot tall rocky mound. Nilas then spotted a rope, tied off to the rocks and going down a blow-hole in the reef. Water would spray up as the waves rocked and crashed with the tide. Pulling on the rope, it was clear that it was secured and attached to something down below. The group would consider their options on this matter, thinking that their quarry may have going into cavern, probably during low-tide.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The group would plan their descent.........</div><div><br /></div><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>Here is an in-character retelling of the events from our 6th session of the campaign. I offer players bonus points for writing up in-character session logs and Nilas' player, Mike, takes advantage of this. I definitely enjoy the retelling from the point of view of the players! Thanks Mike!<br fgid="94037" /><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-47146275807991730172023-10-15T17:12:00.005-05:002023-11-01T18:01:05.459-05:00Mysterious Tides #6<p><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195">The young heroes continue their discussion with the Laird's son then embark on their journey, stopping at a lonely rock off the coast when they see a suspicious beached rowboat. </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Bay of Spirits</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 006</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWMyo62MWoA" target="_blank">Come Sail Away</a></span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">230917</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks to his friends once more. “What say you Jens? We can try tonight or give me one more night's rest and let me replenish some energy so I can focus on my powers from Calla for our prayers for wind in the morning.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens says it would be best to wait 'til morning, "The tide'll turn about an hour after first light. Best to catch it early to speed us on our way. "</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I agree. Let us all get a good night's rest and be ready to sail at morning's light. "</div><div fgid="93938">Eilas Sinann comes back around and checks in to see if all the necessary supplies were loaded onto the Kittiwake.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas thanks Eilas for his assistance</div><div fgid="93938">"Well good evening to you, as well, Brother Bob," Elias says</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods in greeting and asks, "Is there anything in particular you'd like logged on this trip - particular interests?</div><div fgid="93938">The young Sinann furrows his brow, "No, nothing in particular, just where you go, supplies used along the way. If you are familiar with weather tracking, that could be useful information. Tides, things like that. Information will someday be more valuable than gold, I plan to make sure Clan Sinann is ready when that happens."</div><div fgid="93938">The young man leans in close to Bro Bob, "Feel free to keep tabs on any other ships you see, which banners they are flying, and what not. Greybschyr is a port under the Starling Lords, feel free to describe their port and what boats are moored there. And if you do stop in at Merchant's Gut, which I suggest not doing, feel free to track the same as well." He straightens up and heads back toward the Sinann lodge.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I somewhat know a bit about weather, though I can also pray to Calla for the forecast"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods and lifts his glass in agreement and asks, "You and your sister seem a lot more studious than your eldest brother. Do you have any particular areas of study or research?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob looks at the Callast and laughs, "I can just have you log the weather that we're going to have!"</div><div fgid="93938">Jens says, "I'll report back with my logbook when we return, milord"</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1CZ3lW9c7P725ZrcI37a1DCcjyQzSbnd0qK08sntGuRcIqMGOQOsj__c3z_RRiGslqHiE2ytqG96a3wKYNw0nb9QkKxuEjROrOmWqoKjv9uL0V055ww8fMFywdznVefwXYXU_uw6li0GCpmfYEcPVhDNrfwwWyTSU13phTvK-OtwRP0awes2lXQkziEV/s1017/Elias%20Sinann.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1017" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig1CZ3lW9c7P725ZrcI37a1DCcjyQzSbnd0qK08sntGuRcIqMGOQOsj__c3z_RRiGslqHiE2ytqG96a3wKYNw0nb9QkKxuEjROrOmWqoKjv9uL0V055ww8fMFywdznVefwXYXU_uw6li0GCpmfYEcPVhDNrfwwWyTSU13phTvK-OtwRP0awes2lXQkziEV/s320/Elias%20Sinann.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elias Sinann</td></tr></tbody></table><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Elias raises an eyebrow at Bob's question. "You mean Sabeen? Well, we're not that much alike, she likes reading and studying about all those fanciful stories, me, I like numbers, data, keeping the books straight. The columns all need to play well together, if not, the family suffers. By keeping the accounting above deck, I keep the family prosperous and safe. Now my younger siblings, all they seem to want to do is make father mad and cause a ruckus all through-out the Bay!" He snorts in derision.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Yes Sabeeen seems, very.....uhm.....very nice indeed."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas blushes</div><div fgid="93938">Elias merely raises an eyebrow in Nilas' direction.</div><div fgid="93938">Not wanting to let an opportunity slip, Nilas dares to ask. "Um, is there anything that the good lady Sabeen is fond of, that we may possibly come across on our journey?"</div><div fgid="93938">Before casting off, Jens will spend some time making obiescences to the gods. They are a bit more elaborate than most ships might do.</div><div fgid="93938">Elias chuckles, "Books, artifacts, the older and moldier the better. If no one can read it or figure out what it is, even better," the young Sinann says.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas makes a mental note of that and thanks Eilas again for his assistance.</div><div fgid="93938">"Books, maps, books about maps, maps to books, stuff like that. Sure our history is important, but living in the present is more important and planning for the future, that is where it's at," Elias adds.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob asks, "Maps for you, or your sister? Or either, depending on old or current?"</div><div fgid="93938">Elias ponders for a moment, then smiles, "Yes, I do like a good, modern chart, especially if it shows shipping lanes or fishing grounds cross referenced with time of year and weather patterns!" Elias seems almost giddy considering it.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods, "Alright, I'll keep my eyes open"</div><div fgid="93938">With that, Elias heads back toward the Sinann lodge.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Well my friends, if we are all loaded, let's get ready for an early morning sailing, shall we?"</div><div fgid="93938">Jens says, "Aye, well, we best be settin sail, friends. "</div><div fgid="93938">The group beds down for the night so they can wake early and be out with the morning tide.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I will once again stay at the Shrine, Ragnar can join me again"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob asks, "Shall we invite Mother Carmel along for this one?"</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar nods in absent agreement.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Oh yes, of course! We should let her know to prepare to leave with us in the morning"</div><div fgid="93938">The uplands ranger's mind is clearly somewhere else at the moment.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods, "I'll go see if she's working"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I'll join you if you don't mind."</div><div fgid="93938">Carmel is working at the Windbreak and is very happy to hear about the voyage.</div><div fgid="93938">After confirming that Carmel is joining the "Fongs of Fate", Nilas and Ragnar head to the shrine</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob tells here that they're leaving early, then gets some supper before heading back down to the kittiwake for the night</div><div fgid="93938">Dinner is eaten, Carmel tells Maricia she will be leaving town. Everyone gets a good, full night's sleep with no interruptions. The morning is cool and windy and Jens gets the Kittiwake ready to go!</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens expertly pilots his small craft out of the protected harbor of Piper's Quay as the sun is coming up over the eastern horizon. Quite a few other boats are making their way out into the Bay as well.</div><div fgid="93938">Once Jens has the ship underway, Nilas will ask him how best to aid with the wind and such for better sailing, be it speed, direction or what he needs</div><div fgid="93938">Jens sticks a finger up and grins. "Actually, the wind is just right to take us out. Might need an assist when we get around the headland there. "</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Fair enough my friend, Calla will bless us once we are out in the open waters"</div><div fgid="93938">The Kittiwake cuts through the whitecapped waves of the Bay as Jens masterfully pilots it. Ragnar, who is clearly more used to life on land, seems to get a little ill at the motion on deck. He spends much of the time below in the small cabin, his head between his knees. Everyone else enjoys the salty spray and the wind in their hair.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I could help Ragnar, but it would only last for about ten minutes or so, but if needed I can attempt to relieve his sickness symptoms"</div><div fgid="93938">The ranger merely grunts, overhearing this.</div><div fgid="93938">The coastline is rocky and rough in many places and there are numerous hidden reefs, rocks, and sea stacks that make following the coastline dangerous.</div><div fgid="93938">Carmel asks what the final destination is? Grebeschyr or trying to find the fleeing assassins from the other night?</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks at her and comments. "Yes"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas enjoys the spray of sea and the journey. Praising Calla for such a great day</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob shakes his head, "Assassins first, the Grebeschyrf</div><div fgid="93938">Jens uses his spyglass to scan the shore for and ships anchored there.</div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob relaxes, and chats with Carmel</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas will assist and enjoy the weather and ride, keeping an eye out for anything, boats, marine life, ect.</div><div fgid="93938">When needed NIlas will cast Wind spell to assist with speed or direction</div><div fgid="93938">Jens sees plenty of ships out plying the waters of the wider bay, not any near the rocky shore. There are quite a few rocks and hidden reefs but Jens manages to pilot around them, though there are several close calls and at one point everyone hears as the Kittiwake narrowly scratches by a submerged rock, just barely grazing it.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens notes that rock in his log book, as well as the ships that he can identify.</div><div fgid="93938">A couple of miles out, Jens notices a small boat tied up against a small, rocky island. The boat is on the shore-side of the island, and would be nearly impossible to spot by any of the other boats in the area that are further out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSPylvczJAXO8fyu4aV0UDSkQqyGlNkOifW3MCuSCMhsxTJTEXs4bFaNbCeBbG52WI2qsEtMZkesSZyrRTF9Mw5FSA9mxlFahJ4O-ppYHfop8XVL47dTdtQQmvUQwLn2ghsKLJGb_IzjkhA100PW3SHguKljgn4VGFiGcBwakUJE4l_BNwIovrMs-aofJ/s720/Small%20rocky%20island%20near%20Piper's%20Quay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicSPylvczJAXO8fyu4aV0UDSkQqyGlNkOifW3MCuSCMhsxTJTEXs4bFaNbCeBbG52WI2qsEtMZkesSZyrRTF9Mw5FSA9mxlFahJ4O-ppYHfop8XVL47dTdtQQmvUQwLn2ghsKLJGb_IzjkhA100PW3SHguKljgn4VGFiGcBwakUJE4l_BNwIovrMs-aofJ/w640-h480/Small%20rocky%20island%20near%20Piper's%20Quay.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens says, "Well well well. What have we there? Do you see it, friends?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Could that be the little boat we are looking for?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods, "Looks like someone doesn't want to be seen.. We should warn them that there hiding place isn't very good."</div><div fgid="93938">Jens shrugs. "Could be. You want me head that way?"</div><div fgid="93938">Jens pulls on a few lines, and with a spin of the wheel the Kittiwake comes about, heading toward the island.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I think we should, it does match the type of boat they scooted off in, doesn't it?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob bows to jens and readies his bow in the bow in case of trouble</div><div fgid="93938">As Jens brings his boat around, the remains of a small campsite can be seen on the narrow beach, but no one is present.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens is unable to bring the Kittiwake all the way up to the shore and has to drop anchor about 20 feet from land. There are plenty of rocks and the water is not too deep but everyone is going to get wet on the way in. Ragnar offers to remain on the boat for now.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens thinks Ragnar just doesn't want to move. He looks quite pale.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens nods. "Aye. Take good care of the ship and Lady Margo. "</div><div fgid="93938">Lady Margo responds, "meow"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, 'This makes sense, I can't imagine that they would go very far by rowing"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas slips over the side and plunges into a deeper part of water than he thought, but is able to maintain himself by swimming</div><div fgid="93938">Carmel follows Nilas over the side and ends up over her head as well.</div><div fgid="93938">She quickly makes her way up to the rocks and pulls herself out. "phew, that was deeper than I thought!"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas follows her to the shore line. "yes, indeed, must be a hole on that side of the ship"</div><div fgid="93938">Jens makes his way easily from the boat to shore with only his pant legs getting wet.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob trips on the gunwale as he hops over, pitching headfirst into the water with a giant splash, and comes up a few yards away, spluttering, before swimming to shore</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Well that went a little lopsided, didn't it?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas tries to make sure all equipment is accounted for and sorted</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas grunts, “ugh”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas immediately pulls out the parchment Eilas gave him and sees if he can dry it out</div><div fgid="93938">The narrow beach is about 20 yards wide and only about 10 yards deep in the middle, tapering to nothing along each side. The majority of the island is straight up and rocky. The island is about 100 or so feet high, one would guess.</div><div fgid="93938">The small boat is pulled up on the rocks to the right and there is a small campsite up against the rocky wall where a slight overhang gives some protection from the weather.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens hangs back and watches for any ambush.</div><div fgid="93938">Carmel moves slowly up the beach toward the boat, her driftwood club in her hand, her head moving back and forth watching for trouble.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas tries to look around, calling to Calla for the vision of the Hawk</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob draws his sword and readies his buckler</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas scans the small, rocky beach. He sees the boat, the abandoned camp with burnt out fire. Looks like whoever camped here was eating oysters as there are a lot of opened shells around.</div><div fgid="93938">Off to the far left side of the island, a loud sound draws everyone's attention as water and spray come shooting out a blowhole in the rock, despite this side of the island being quite calm.</div><div fgid="93938">Bro Bob sees Carmel smile as the mist sprinkles down, creating a rainbow in the air.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas walks up to see if there is anything of interest in the boat</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas sees that there is no movement on the beach at all. There are lots of birds nesting on the upper levels of the rock though.</div><div fgid="93938">The boat is a wide, flat bottomed rowboat. It is filled with wooden cages and lots of oyster shells. There are some ropes and small nets, as well as a couple of oars.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "is this the same type of boat that the assailants fled in?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Well, let's get looking, its not like this island is very large"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko shrugs. "They said a rowboat. It would fit. "</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Maybe we should check out by that blowhole area first?"</div><div fgid="93938">Carmel nods her head and follows Nilas to the blowhole area.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens can see Ragnar moving around back on the Kittiwake. Seems the ranger is finally getting his sea-legs. Nope, he leans over the side and vomits into the churning water below.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas walks, always spear at the ready</div><div fgid="93938">The blowhole is about 5 feet across. The water in it seems to surge up and down, but mostly staying about 3 feet below the surface of the island. He sees a rope wrapped around a stout rock just next to the blowhole. The rope goes right down into the water.</div><div fgid="93938">All sorts of clams and mussels and starfish and urchins cling to the sides of the blowhole.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks around again and stops. Turns and points back with his spear. "Hey, do you all see that? It looks like a rope"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas heads over to said rope</div><div fgid="93938">The rope is tied off on a rock and goes directly into the watery hole. As Nilas bends to look, the surface of the water recedes about 2 feet, Nilas quickly turns as he knows what is coming next.</div><div fgid="93938">A loud popping sound followed by a spray of water shooting up about 15 feet into the air. Looking back, Nilas checks the rope, it is taut, tied or stuck on something down below the water.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas pulls on the rope, seeing if he can pull anything up</div><div fgid="93938">The rope is taut and Nilas cannot pull it up at all. It is stuck or tied very tight to whatever is at the other end.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks down the hole after the water sprays to see if it is open at all or full of water</div><div fgid="93938">The hole is full of water and sea creatures clinging to the edges.</div><div><br /></div><div fgid="94006"></div><div fgid="94012" style="text-align: right;"></div><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>I expected the group to get on with sailing right away, but they decided to stay and question and converse with some NPCs before heading out. I am always ok with some of that kind of RP! We left off at the end in a bit of a cliff hanger, I like that too!<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-80532058813203215262023-09-06T17:27:00.001-05:002023-11-01T18:01:23.652-05:00Mysterious Tides #5.5<p><span style="font-family: times;"><span fgid="94189"><i fgid="94195">The group learns more about the Bay from one of the Laird's sons. </i></span><span fgid="94176"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Bay of Spirits</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 005.5</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">Prepping For a Voyage</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">230902-230917</b></span></div><div fgid="93938"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9269863f-7fff-58f4-4a50-003730654f40"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 172px; overflow: hidden; width: 415px;"><img height="166" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/EOZWIsqIqq5dNCklEE7ssBgi8SqdryYLh8HXwkj9IvKXZsWrsf8Ns5PWMErpvvc8LIQDSYWfQOoArUVYGFjRXrFXmjZ80rCEYDDMmr-ySGaaPSUhAj6qI2gbtyjtlNrTqHzP2qAQqjaRjn5MEFW88_0=w400-h166" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></span></span></span><b><br fgid="93976" /></b><div fgid="93938">The conversation with Taber Sinann over, the group heads back outside where the guards sheepishly return all of the confiscated weapons. Taber’s younger brother, Elias Sinann, follows everyone out. “My brother has instructed me to outfit you and your ship with supplies for several days? Where is it you are going and what will you need?” he asks, holding his ledger book open with a pen ready to take down some notes.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">“Now we’re getting somewhere” Nilas comments with a slight grin. He is pleased to see that their meeting with Taber Sinann went well and now they have some (minor) level of respect. He looks around at his companions. “Well friends, tell the good man what supplies we will need.” He looks over at Jens Marko, “Jens, it is your ship, make sure we are outfitted properly so that we can catch these scamps.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938"><span id="docs-internal-guid-78749ce0-7fff-e9b2-52b1-7fdde1fb85c4"></span></div><div fgid="93938"><span style="border: none; clear: right; display: inline-block; float: right; height: 382px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 220px;"><img height="382.00000000000017" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Y9n_xxOdZBPIzQFMzqT8uqqQDG0Ih-yuVZ2HwUD-cWo_6T2mzsNWdi-FYWXunMyeqhViyOpvTkQv3rkn4MUN13_Ogu-ZuPuAH1clrB3UMk4ci_L5pPW1tLO498xPSPoxNk9YE_ozXWryFBfWWRghbmk" style="margin-left: -36.666666666666664px; margin-top: -6.701909260749589e-14px;" width="277.95698924731187" /></span>Nilas then turns to Elias and adds, “We are definitely going to need enough supplies as far as food and provisions, water, and," taking a look over at Brother Bob, "some suitable beverages for our patrons of Enibria as well. Since we are looking to be in danger, a medical kit or first aid bag along with any possible antidotes or salves for poison treatment would also be useful. I would also like to add, any assistance with possibly healing potions and if there is something that could help with replacing magical and spiritual energies would be most useful in the event we run into a prolonged fight again. As for me, that is all I can offer, but my companions will surely have other needs and requests.``</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar shrugs and adds, “I just need food and water. Better to have more than we think we’ll need too, if that can be done.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens nods. “I will be a busy man, but I will have her ready by the turn of the tide.” He thinks for a moment. “Maybe a barrel of fish from Ingmar and her mother, up the way there. Can’t be too prepared, now, can we?”</div><div fgid="93938">He ponders their destination. Two, three days, although Callas Nilas says he can help with that. I wonder what that’ll look like. I know a lot of the bigger merchant ships travel with a Callast on board.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The monk shrugs, “Not much that I need, but if you have a spare journal I’ll copy my notes from today for you, and try to log anything of significance during the trip. Let me know if there’s anything of particular interest to you.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Elias Sinann makes arrangements for about a journal and a week’s worth of food and supplies to be loaded on to the Kittiwake, which nearly overloads the small dory, but Jens is confident that his little ship can handle it. It takes several hours to round up all the supplies and get them loaded onboard, and many of the locals watch with narrowed eyes as the Laird’s men load so much valuable stock onto the stranger’s vessel. </div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas observes the transition of supplies and is very pleased with their progress. He then turns to Elias and adds, “Would it be too much to request some form of letter of marque or parchment authenticating our operations under the Laird Sinann and his son? I was just thinking about something to mark that we are on official business should we run into any more guards or patrols, that we do not get slowed up at all.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas then looks to his friends and says, “I’m going to double check back at the Shrine to make sure that I have everything and leave a message for Callast Zale, should he return. Once we are loaded, I will make a prayer to Calla and we can get underway if that suits all of you?”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Elias gives Nilas a side-eyed smirk, “Mmmm, that’s not really a thing. And if it were, Greybschyr is clearly under the fief of the Starling Lords. A letter from da’ would probably hamper you, at best.” The young man shakes his head and makes some more notes in his journal as the remainder of the supplies are loaded. He looks up at the sky and then out to the water with a mater-of-fact countenance on his face. “Hmmm, you should be able to make it to the Gut by nightfall if you pull anchor soon. Not sure if you’ve been to the Gut before, but watch out, they will bleed you dry with taxes and fees and whatnot, and it is their right. The Merchant Barons make the rules there, just watch yourself. There are not a lot of good places to make land between here and Merchant’s Gut, so beware. If you waited to leave until morning, you could probably make it all the way to Larkton on the other side of the Middle Bay, that might be a more reasonable port.” </div><div class="separator" fgid="93988" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div fgid="93994" style="text-align: right;"></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-1d72ae69-7fff-30f4-ec38-81d5d5e8fb6f"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 233px; overflow: hidden; width: 648px;"><img height="233" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/wwK5p5m1gSOzNjLVnzBhn2jv1LQUYEqvbs7rvcrgFVCgvr0VnSnjhgIUNAn2pJXd1yw2rDEt0Y1-n9iY_JhHhKGaZZo7TFjSnrOiTecaWeZTfJXYTtC2RcxeVespFivRX2xEf42EhcEcHwIPmkOjDXc" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="648" /></span></span></span><br fgid="94000" /><div fgid="94006"></div><div fgid="94012" style="text-align: right;"></div><div fgid="93938">He sketches a rough outline of the Middle Bay, showing where Piper’s Quay and the other locations of note are. He rips the page from his journal and hands it to Nilas. “Whatever you do, watch out for Wyrm Cove, its about 5 miles to the west, not quite halfway to the Gut. Give it a wide berth. Lots of rocks and reefs just ‘neath the waves, they say. Too many ships gone down in that area piloted by a Captain that thought himself too good, if you catch my drift.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas accepts the parchment from Elias and puts it neatly in his belt pouch. “Thank you for your assistance Elias, we will do our best to settle this matter.” Nilas turns to his friends. “Well my friends, it seems as we have one more decision to make. We can leave now and take chances in the ‘Gut’ or wait until morning and push through the day. With Calla’s blessings, I should be able to help boost our sailing speed and wind power, should she favor us, and I have no reason to think that she will not.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar shrugs. “I’m fine with whatever you all think best, but just know that for me, the sooner we figure this out, the better for me.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The monk simply looks at Jens and says, “I think that’s really up to you.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks to his friends once more. “What say you Jens? We can try tonight or give me one more night's rest and let me replenish some energy so I can focus on my powers from Calla for our prayers for wind in the morning.”</div><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>A conversation with the Laird's son regarding supplies and sailing in the Bay.<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div><p> </p>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-60243250986491287362023-09-04T13:42:00.003-05:002023-11-01T18:01:48.491-05:00Mysterious Tides #5 - Nilas<p><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195">A retelling of Bay of Spirits #5 from Callast Nilas Orkan's point of view. </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><b fgid="94145" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Mysterious Tides</a></b><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 005 - Nilas</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">Meeting with Master Taber Sinann</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">230821</b></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-efc9c096-7fff-29a3-f3a5-ce7eb8d77bba"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3qVXx1QUOTS6dJbd4eygLDjzmbDIcdM2hWZMAyQHQaQ0WO3AUErFzTS9-Uk3K6aHPdxvQclkfnQvkuYqapXRb2Wk2L1fx7ufO9MxtH3rR786FVvZPzEi6H_i833tdog-XYfMdSoIgOfZltcZ2LIHNzgjFalTnSAC7dMg6n8y2zeX3XFqZH6oQFlRnBxF/s256/Nilas.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3qVXx1QUOTS6dJbd4eygLDjzmbDIcdM2hWZMAyQHQaQ0WO3AUErFzTS9-Uk3K6aHPdxvQclkfnQvkuYqapXRb2Wk2L1fx7ufO9MxtH3rR786FVvZPzEi6H_i833tdog-XYfMdSoIgOfZltcZ2LIHNzgjFalTnSAC7dMg6n8y2zeX3XFqZH6oQFlRnBxF/s1600/Nilas.png" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The events over the past day were starting to catch up to young Nilas Orkan. The young priest, just around 21 years of age, had never encountered situations like this before. A fight with zombified people turned monsters, and then an assassin trying to take his life. The thrill and rush of it all energized the young Callast, and he wasn't sure if he should be excited while fighting for his life, but the thrill of adventure was something he was finding that he enjoyed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nilas was fortunate enough to take out the assailant that was in Callast Zale's abode. He had healed her with his powers gifted from Calla and the Laird's son, Taber Sinann and his guards took her into custody. Nilas was furious, for not only did the attacker, who was a woman, violate the Shrine of the Sea, but she was blatantly lying and sneering while in captivity. She also had poison upon her person, and in Nilas's eyes, you can't get much lower than that. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Two other assailants attacked his friends on Jens Marko's ship, the Kittiwake, but they had managed to escape. After grabbing a meal and a brief discussion, the companions all agreed that they should stick together at least in pairs until this matter was resolved. Jens and Brother Bob would stay on the Kittiwake and Ragnar would join Nilas at the Shrine to the Sea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thankfully the evening passed quietly and the group congregated at the Shrine in the morning. The companions all agreed that they would talk to the young priestess of Enibria, Carmel, who works at the Inn about joining them in their next adventure when they leave Piper's Quay. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nilas explained to the group that he has difficulty lying to people, and that was drilled into him by both his father and Callast Xern in his training. This was mainly because Brother Robert expressed distrust of the Lords and Nobles, and that he did not want their only item or clue, the token coin, to be taken from them. Brother Bob and Nilas came to an agreement, so long as Nilas didn't know where it was, he couldn not tell anyone, and thus avoid lying. He did intend to describe the token to the Taber Sinann, as Nilas has no reason to not trust him and he is also a follower of Calla. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Having resolved the issue with the token, the group again agreed unanimously that they would extend the invitation to young Carmel to join them in their trip once they leave Piper's Quay. After morning rituals and prayers to Calla, Nilas and his friends made their way back to the Breakwater Inn for breakfast. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The place was abuzz and the smell of smoked fish and bread and coffee filled the air. Of course Brother Bob was first to the table, lest anyone receive a good 'fonging' if he didn't fill his belly first thing in the morning. This made Nilas chuckle a bit. He was really starting to take to this new band of fellows he had met. All of them were in their own way, on their own like himself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While at the Inn they had inquired about Maddie the pirate/privateer woman that had told Nilas of the sunken treasure story with Liam. No one knew where she had been since Nilas last spoke with her, and possibly she may have left port. Nilas was just concerned if Maddie was tied in with the assassins or the tokens or the murder of Ragnar's father. So far signs were showing that she was not involved, which made Nilas a little more at ease. Carmel was giddy at the offer to join NIlas and his companions, so that also was a boon, since they would have another capable person with them who also possessed powers of healing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finishing up at the Inn, Nilas and his friends made their way to the Laird's cottage, which was easy to find as it was the largest building in Piper's Quay. Nilas was a bit put off at first however, when they approached the Lodge, the guards held them back at spear point and demanded that they disarm their weapons. Nilas felt offended, as if they were brigands or prisoners. Why, just the night before he had helped save the town and Master Taber was praising him on the shore line. How did things change so much? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nilas compiled but was not happy to lay down his spear and weapons. He tried to get some information from the guards but they said that they were just following orders and that 'something' had happened. Ragnar, Jens and Brother Bob followed suit and the group was led inside where Master Taber Sinann was waiting for them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was not the greeting that Nilas had expected. Taber Sinann was belligerent and clearly upset. He questioned Nilas and his companions as if they were prisoners themselves. There was also an attractive woman in another room who made comments about Nilas and his friends' answers, and it quickly dawned on Nilas that she must have been some type of Diviner who was using magic to detect lies from them. Thankfully, Nilas and his friends were all truthful. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Taber was grilling Nilas and his friends about their whereabouts this past evening, as it seems that the assassin that Nilas captured had died overnight in captivity. Nilas was suspect that it was poison on the prisoner's person, but it could be one of their companions killed her off too, but who knows for sure. Either way about it, Master Taber Sinann was furious about the whole matter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The woman had made a comment about "wasting her time with these, these, people". Between Taber Sinann's accusations and the woman's comments, it was enough to set Nilas's temper off. First the Lord was accusing them of wrongdoing, and then this woman was talking down upon Nilas and his friends. Lord Sinann grew more upset and challenged Nilas, yelling to him about disrespecting his sister. Well this caught the young Callast off guard and he instantly stepped back in fear, realizing his breach of etiquette. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nilas apologized and the woman, Lady Sabeen Sinann, stood up from the table and then walked over to Nilas and put her hand upon his chest and leaned into him and smiled. She smelled like flowers and oils he had never smelled before, it was entrancing. She whispered to Nilas, "Keep riling him up, this is actually amusing and I might stick around for a bit"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nilas looked back at the woman with a side glance. She winked at him and he smiled. A wave of energy and confidence grew in him and the woman put her arm around his neck. Well, he figured, let's rile the Lord up, it is the Lady's wishes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nilas fired back comments to Lord Sinann about treating them like prisoners and attempting to arrest them. His bravado was not enough to fire up the lord, as he seemed upset and confused and realized that Nilas and his friends were a good lot of folk. Lady Sabeen grew bored and then kissed Nilas on the cheek before pushing past the guards and leaving her brother. Nilas blushed. This made him feel even more confident, but he turned to watch the lady Sabeen leave, like a saddened child. Nilas shook his head and tried to get himself back into the discussion at hand about the death of the prisoner.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The group shared their information with Taber Sinann and his guards. Nilas told them about the token and described it quite well, but no one could figure out what it meant. Lord Sinann agreed that the death of two men named Rogan was too coincidental for this to be by accident. Lord Sinann was informed that two cloaked figures were seen rowing away in a small boat away from shore. Jens Marko said that they may be able to catch up to them. Nilas and Ragnar Agreed. Brother Bob was busy examining the body of the assassin, make notes of any markings and tattoos and trying to determine how she died. After all of this, Nilas asked Taber Sinann for some supplies for their crew as they would head out and try to capture the fleeing assailants. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Taber agreed to send supplies with them. Their next moves are to get ready to load up the Kittiwake and pick up Carmel and make their way after these assassins. </div></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></span><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>Here is an in-character retelling of the events from our 5th session of the campaign. I offer players bonus points for writing up in-character session logs and Nilas' player, Mike, takes advantage of this. I definitely enjoy the retelling from the point of view of the players! Thanks Mike!<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div><p> </p>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-8501690052111801212023-08-27T16:11:00.004-05:002023-11-01T18:02:07.939-05:00Mysterious Tides #5<p><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195">The group of companions spend the morning conversing with the leader of Piper's Quay, the Laird's son, Taber Sinann. </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Mysterious Tides</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 005</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iwF7tNS3O4" target="_blank">Laird Have Mercy</a></span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">230820</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><div fgid="93938">The night passes with no further incident, though there are some dark clouds coming in from the east on a brisk wind, causing the Bay to rock and roll its dark waves.</div><div fgid="93938">Jens and Bro Bob head up the shoreline to the Shrine of the Sea and meet Nilas and Ragnar.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas goes through his morning prayers and rituals, thanking Calla for a wonderful day and awaits the arrival of his friends</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens waits patiently, head bowed, for the rites to complete</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob sips his morning wine gratefully</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar watches Vilas with curiosity</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas greets everyone, "good morning friends. I hope that everyone is rested and recovered?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens says "Aye, I got a fair bit o' sleep."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar me adds, "Aye, me we well thanks to your kindness."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas inquires, "Jens, was anything damaged or out of place on your ship? The assailant that attacked me asked about the token."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "Nay, I battened things down tight last night. She weren't touched"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas suggests, "We should talk about a few things as a group before we meet with Taber Sinann"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko nods in agreement. "You seem to talk well to him, so maybe you should take the helm for this?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar nods as well, "Aye, I dunna do well with words and people."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I'm willing to, Callast Xern had instructed me a bit on diplomacy. My concern is that I am not comfortable lying to him. Especially since I have no reason not to trust the man. Brother Bob feels that we should not disclose the information we have regarding the token. However, I can not think that all of this is connected.....the token, the assassins, the Rogans, and perhaps the death-crabs. It's all too coincidental"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob shrugs, "I understand your reluctance, but, as I said last night, once it's mentioned he'll demand to see it, and once seen, he will refuse to return it. It's the only lead that we have right now and I'm not willing to relinquish it."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas speaks, "I suggest that Brother Bob, that you hide it or put it away somewhere I don't know where it is, so I can rest better with my conscience about it. I don't want to jeopardize any relations we have with lords"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods, "It's nowhere that you will see or find."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas chuckle</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas responds, "Fair enough. I still think that Taber will be useful for us. We also need to see if they were able to gain any information from the assassin. Someone was watching us, clearly and they will probably attack us again"</div><div fgid="93938">"I also think we should consider inviting Carmel to join us. She was a help with the beach zombies, she has skills in healing and wishes to travel and leave this area. It is also pretty evident that Taber had some kind of history with her that was no positive in nature"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar "I agree, if Carmel is willing. and yes to keeping our only clue a secret for now. I'm doubtful the spy said anything but one can hope."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas offers, "I can at least describe it to Taber. Maybe he or someone may know of its heraldry? I just want us all to be on the same page. I still wanted to find out about the guy with the sunken treasure, if that was a thing. LIam? I would think that Mattie was a genuine pirate-type of lass, but maybe we should see if the assassin has a similar tatoo on her neck? Could be that Mattie was a spy/scout?"</div><div fgid="93938">The Piper's Quay shoreline is already busy despite the fact that the sun has been up less than an hour. There are many locals going about their business working and many visitors and Come From Aways moving here and there taking care of their own business. Many folk that pass near the Shrine to the Sea nod or make a familiar hand gesture to give thanks or send prayers to Calla the Sea Goddess. No one really pays much attention to the four standing around talking.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Let's get some food and then meet with Taber and get this day started. Then we can figure out what our next move is"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob agrees, "Breakfast, without interruptions, sounds good to me."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas agrees, "great.....food it is."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar nods as well, punctuated with a stomach growl</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">The group heads to the Windbreak for some breakfast. As expected, Maricia and Carmel are there serving up hot fish and other typical breakfast foods. Hot coffee is also brewing.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas and his friends make way to the Breakwater Inn for food</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks at his friends as they take an open table. "What should be plan to discuss with Taber? We need to figure out the clues as to what these assassins wanted. Perhaps where they are from or who sent them?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob says, "If we can talk to her, I think we should just flat out ask why they were ransacking the ship and the shrine. What the hell did we do to them?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar looks unsure. "I somehow doubt she'll say anything useful to us judging by her actions."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Well, we already know nothing, so we have nothing to lose and only stand to gain"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas asks Carmel or Maricia if they had seen Mattie in the past couple of days</div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko adds, "So can we find out what he knows as part of this? Taber might know something is afoot, but might not have connected it to this yet."</div><div fgid="93938">Maricia says she hasn't seen her since the other night when she was talking to Nilas and Jens here in the Windbreak.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "like I said, no harm in trying. Maybe he knows something too, we may be able to pool our information together"</div><div fgid="93938">"She may have shipped out, you know, she didn't live here, just around occasionally," the Elf barkeep adds.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar squints at the news. "Well, that's true. Just there's been a lot of strange stuff happening. Has anyone checked her room where she was staying?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas recalls she said she was staying at a boarding house on the other side of town, over near the Laird's Lodge</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "We can inquire at the boarding house on our way to the Laird's Lodge when we go to meet with Taber"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar nods. "I'd feel better if we did, just to be safe."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas suggests for his friends to all casually glance around to see if anyone may be watching them more intently than they should be</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar and Bro Bob both feel that there are some locals eyeing them while Jens and Nilas feel that everyone is just going about their business eating breakfast.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar looks back at Nilas with a slow nod.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob shrugs, "I can't see a connection, we just started looking into things yesterday, and you met her the night before. Timing wouldn't make sense. . ."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas adds, "true, she seemed to be 'known' around here. Well my friends, now that we have eaten, shall we go see the Laird?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar wipes his plate clean then suppresses a burp. "Aye, sounds good."</div><div fgid="93938">The group pays their bill and heads out of the Windbreak.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob stands up and raises his cup to the rest of the room in toast/blessing, then drains it before leaving</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "we are going to have to find this Liam fellow with this sunken treasure at these prices"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko grins. "Well all right then!"</div><div fgid="93938">Carmel slides up near Nilas and the rest as they prepare to leave, "So, were you serious about possibly getting a ride out of town when you go? I have already spoken to Maricia, she understands and I am ready when you are! Don't leave with out me, ok?" she says, giving Nilas a wink and a bit of a hip bump.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas blushes. "eerrr....yes, we were serious and uh....we will be back for you"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas and his companions start making their way to Laird Sinann's Lodge</div><div fgid="93938">It only takes a few minutes to cross the small settlement of Piper's Quay to the Laird's Lodge. It is easy to see, being the largest building around. There are a few smaller buildings at this end of the town, all separated by a low stone wall, from the rest of the town proper. Two armed men stand near the stone archway, both bear the insignia of the Sinann Clan</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas shouts, "'Gooday men. We are here for an audience with Laird Taber"</div><div fgid="93938">"Hold right there," one of them calls, leveling his spear at the group. "The Laird, err, Lord Taber said you might be coming, we're to take you to him immediately."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says"Really? lowering your spear at us?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"Throw down your weapons and come with us!" the guard commands.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas rebukes, "I'm not throwing anything. But I will set it down nicely"</div><div fgid="93938">The guard shrugs in acceptance of Nilas' compromise.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas protests, "What I object to is that you are talking to us like we are prisoners. We are the ones who fought the zombies on the beach and captured the assassin"</div><div fgid="93938">"And the rest of you," he calls out, looking at Ragnar and Bro' Bob most intently.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob rolls his eyes and surrenders his weapons</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar looks at the others. "Is this a normal thing for seeing the Laird?"</div><div fgid="93938">The guard just grits his teeth and waits for Ragnar to comply.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Funny, the Laird didn't ask me to disarm myself when we were on the beach together"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar shrugs. "I don't get to town much so I dunna know about these things."</div><div fgid="93938">The guard shrugs at Nilas' comment and waits for the rest of the group to relinquish their obvious weapons.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob chuckles ruefully and replies softly to Ragnar, primarily, "The ‘highborn’ don't trust the likes of us around their august personages.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar heaves a heavy sigh then lays down his axes.</div><div fgid="93938">Two more Sinann guards start walking toward the group from the main lodge. They stop about 10 yards away, spears up but watching closely.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas asks, "Did something happen recently to the Laird? Why such hostility?"</div><div fgid="93938">The second gate guard starts gathering up the gathered weapons. He looks at Jens and glances at the hatchet and knife.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas suggests, "Jens, just give up your arms for now. We need to meet with Taber"</div><div fgid="93938">"You'll have to speak to the Laird, umm, I mean to Master Taber. I am sure he'll let you know," the guard says.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas warns, "Please be careful with our belongings. Calla would be most displeased"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko shrigs and hands over his weapons</div><div fgid="93938">The guard nods uncomfortably and gives Nilas a bit of a smirk, "Yea, yea, we're not here to mess your stuff up, just Master's orders. He didn't say anything about binding your hands or nothing, just said to disarm you."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks at the guard. "we mean no ill will my friend, just rather confused since Master Taber was literally just patting me on the back and shaking my hand yesterday"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar looks thoughtful. "Maybe it has something to do with the prisoner. Maybe she's been telling lies."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas does notice a couple more guards nearby with crossbows ready and trained on the group.</div><div fgid="93938">The second guard snorts at Ragnar's comment and just shakes his head.</div><div fgid="93938">"This way," the first guard says, "follow me, no messing around, ok?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob laughs, "Of course she's been telling lies. She was ransacking the shrine; she's not going to tell the truth - she needs a good excuse. . ."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas follows. still keeping eyes open in cae of trouble</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar shrugs and goes along</div><div fgid="93938">The two new guards fall in behind the group as they are lead toward the main lodge but they then turn and head to another building to the right. This one is just a single story, though still a good size and very stoutly built. He opens the door and leads the group inside where they are met by Taber Sinann.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas speaks, "Greetings again Master Sinann"</div><div fgid="93938"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLv46Q9tmKvAAL-HwACqhxFsJ8f38WlgwaQAwgwBqNjB2dTGcPLzhizhqQ1PbkJX0NW5dHQ9tBqT61aGN9M09hUOROvpyfv-1siz5UeB05VMSvgRSJzR6FIdvpJAd6EuH5J8igpp6jxGM7GNedyPt5ykjRHfZ5lt1RSk7l-iZShIprlnhdte76nhg_hjb/s1183/Screenshot%202023-08-27%20161031.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="845" data-original-width="1183" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLv46Q9tmKvAAL-HwACqhxFsJ8f38WlgwaQAwgwBqNjB2dTGcPLzhizhqQ1PbkJX0NW5dHQ9tBqT61aGN9M09hUOROvpyfv-1siz5UeB05VMSvgRSJzR6FIdvpJAd6EuH5J8igpp6jxGM7GNedyPt5ykjRHfZ5lt1RSk7l-iZShIprlnhdte76nhg_hjb/w640-h458/Screenshot%202023-08-27%20161031.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div fgid="93938">The Laird’s son replies, "A blessed morning to you, thank you for joining me. I will ask this straight outright, I feel you are good folk, Nilas, you are of the Wave, and Robert is it, you are of the Vine, though I did learn that you are also a D'Nagien, curious," he pauses for a moment and takes a big breath.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob chuckles</div><div fgid="93938">Master Sinann asks, "Were any of you here on the grounds of the lodge last night or this morning? Did you come here to, ummm, interact with the woman I took into custody after the events on the waterfront?" He crosses his large, sinewy arms across his chest and narrows his eyes.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko shakes his head emphatically.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Nay my lord. Ragnar and myself stayed at the Shine to the Sea and Jens and Bob on the Kittiwake. We felt is best in our own safety to stay together in pairs"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob raises his eyebrows, "Very curious. No, we doubled down on the ship and in the shrine in case they came back. I take it you were, um, burgled?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Master Sinann says, "No, not burgled, but we most definitely had a visitor," he turns to Jens and Ragnar, "Is this true? Did you both stay where Nilas and Robert have stated?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar nods</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas reminds, '"I did warn you my lord that they would come back"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob 's face turns very serious, "That sounds ominous. Is your prisoner still alive this morning?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko says "I spent the night on my ship, yer lordship, as was said."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Taber listens to everyone and then turns and looks back further in the room. In a dark corner, you all now notice a woman sitting at a table. She is mostly in the dark and hasn't moved or said a word. She nods slightly toward Taber, though does glare at the group momentarily.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens feels that the woman in the dark was glaring directly at him and feels that maybe there was something magical happening.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas queries, "My lord, what is all of this about? "</div><div fgid="93938">Master Sinann says, "Well, this morning, when Hogarth went in to give the woman some breakfast, he found her dead. She was still locked in her room, there were no signs of HOW she died, she was just dead."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko crosses his fingers in front of himself to ward off bad magic.</div><div fgid="93938">The woman at the table chuckles.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob swears softly</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas offers, "She probably had more poison upon her personage"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar nods.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob asks, "So there was no sign of anyone entering or leaving?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas asks, "Does she have any markings or tatoos or anything of that nature?"</div><div fgid="93938">"Am I done here, Taber? I can't believe you asked me here to listen to these, these, people. I am sure they are all fine folk, but I have things to attend to," the woman says as she stands, putting her hands on her hips and looking quite put out.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob rolls his eyes</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas replies, "These people? Lady, I don't know who you are, but we risked ourselves to help this town out. We don't have an audience with you, we have one with Master Taber."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob holds his tankard in both hands, staring intently into it.</div><div fgid="93938">Taber frowns and looks at the woman, "Yes, Sabeen, thank you." He then looks back to Nilas and slams his fist into his other hand, "You will not speak to my sister as such, boy. As far as I know, you are all wrapped up in this, I am trying to figure it out. I did NOT send my men to arrest you this morning, giving you the benefit of the doubt, but do not try my patience by disrespecting her in her own house!"</div><div fgid="93938">One of the nearby guards does a double take on Bro Bob, looking at the drink he is holding.</div><div fgid="93938">Sabeen smiles, her worn, creased face looking almost youthful as Taber yells at Nilas. She steps toward Nilas and puts her hand on his shoulder. She leans in and whispers to him. The woman smells good, though Nilas cannot identify what the smell is, "Keep riling him up, this is actually amusing and I might stick around for a bit."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas Nilas takes a step back. "my apologies Master Taber. Disrespect not meant. "</div><div fgid="93938">The woman stands next to Nilas, putting her arm around his neck and leaning in on him. She is several inches taller than the young Callast. She smiles playfully at her brother.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas turns and gives Lady Sabeen a side eye glance with a hind of surprise. A small smile creases his face while he is looking away from Lord Taber</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas asks, "Master Taber.....why would you arrest us? We risked our lives on the shore with the zombies and death crabs, and then we handled the assassins. I even handed you one that I " down single handedly</div><div fgid="93938">"Perhaps your guards should arrest themselves since they couldn't keep the prisoner safe"</div><div fgid="93938">"I have not arrested anyone, though that is probably part of the problem," Taber says. Several of his guards shuffle uncomfortably at Nilas' remark.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas feels bold and strong with the lady sabeen hanging on him. Feelilng that he is 'safe', or if nothing else, something tingling inside of him inspiring him to be braver than normal</div><div fgid="93938">"Ahh, nevermind, I am bored again," Sabeen says. She gives Nilas a little kiss on the cheek, then turns and shoves her way past the guards blocking the door out.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas blushes and watches the Lady Sabeen leave like a lost puppy watching his favorite toy being taken away</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob takes a drink of his ale and rubs his temples with his thumb and middle finger sighing. He shakes his head, "This doesn't make sense. Yesterday we were asking the Rogan's widow about her husband's murder, and tt doesn't seem to be coincidence but the only thing that I can think of is that they're linked to the murders"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas shakes his head, getting clear thought and back to the conversation after Sabeen leaves</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob looks up and adds, "And we still have no idea why they were killed."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas explains, "My lord, again. we heard through rumors that cloaked figures were poking around the area. Both Ragnar's father Rogan and now the widow's husband, Rogan ar both killed. Both places were ransacked. "</div><div fgid="93938">Taber sits down. "I am sorry you were disarmed, but I just didn't know what your connection to this was. I just wish there were some clues. Yes, Robert, the murder of two men named Rogan and then assassins attacking the group that one of the Rogan's was in. Most definitely connected. With you all in the middle. Can you see my dilemma here? None of you are locals, though some have ties to the Quay."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, “We spoke with the widow yesterday. After that, these assassins came after us.”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob continues, "But both houses were ransacked. Then the shrine and the kittiwake were likewise searched."</div><div fgid="93938">Taber shakes his head in frustration. "And you say you have no idea what they were searching for? That is so odd. Could you have something that belongs to them? Why would they target you, that has to be the link."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas continues, “The assassin kept asking me about a token. We did see something, but I do not have it. I can describe it”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"A token? They did want something from you? Yes, tell me about it. Where is it now? Did they take it?" Master Taber asks.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob asks thoughtfully, "As I understand it, Rogan and his wife only came here a couple of years ago. Do you know anything at all about their past?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas explains, “We have a stake in this because Ragnar is our friend and his father was killed over this mess and we promised him that we would help him"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar nods</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas continues to explain, "The assassin asked me for it, but I do not have it or know where it is any more. But it was a thick coin-like object with red ink and design upon it. The token was circular, like a thick coin Red and gold or off white, with an eagle upon it, on a red field with a red gem upon its breast, the wings were spread out wide. I am certain that is what they were looking for."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Taber nods at Nilas' statement. He turns to Bob, "I only knew them in passing, seemed like a nice, happy couple. They were both regarded well here in the Quay, but I can't say I knew much about their past. Hail from somewhere in Middle Bay I believe." He looks to one of the guards, and the guard nods back at him. "Yes, Middle Bay."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"As for the sea serpent washing up, the death-crabs and the zombies, well, Brother Bob, Carmel and myself were at the Inn when people yelled for help," Nilas adds.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Master Sinann says, "Interesting. Might be some sort of badge or identification. Some guilds and associations use such challenge coins. Why did you not tell me last night?" He cocks his head to the side, narrowing his eyes.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods. "The widow Naaj said they came from Grebeschyr. We were talking about sailing there to see if we could find out anything about them."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Honestly we were just trying to help Ragnar find his father's attacker and then maybe go look for some sunken treasure. Not get wrapped up in a murder and then be attacked ourselves"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob is clearly fixated on his train of thought, trying to connect the dots, almost like a bloodhound on a faint scent</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas shrugs and explains, "I thought I did my lord, though with the battle of zombies and then an assassin in Callast Zale's home, I was a bit out of sorts. This was the first time I had to fight for my life"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Master Sinann says, "You think that their past in Grebschyr could be connected? They have been here several years, but yes, maybe," Taber also is obviously trying to sort things out in his head.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar looks back and forth, following the conversation but wisely keeping quiet</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas feels bad for not being honest.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob shrugs, making momentary eye contact, "It's the only thing I can think of so far. Someone else said they saw a couple of dark cloaked people comeing down from the ridge, so Ragnar went up in the afternoon to look around. He said he found a camp, and boot prints that could have been there's, but couldn't be certain of the identification"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas explains, "I am sorry my lord for not coming forth about all of this before. Just as you were not trusting of us, so it was also with us. We were just attacked by zombies and assassins. We did not know if they could have been agents linked with you as well"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob adds, "By theirs, I mean these red cloaked assassins or whatever they are."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Just then, young man with looks similar to Taber and his sister, Sabeen, enters. "Brother, I have some, um, news." He pauses as he looks around at the group. Taber motions for him to continue, "Some fishers said they saw two people in a rowboat this morning, as the sun rose up, rowing hard west, away from town!"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "I would wager that those would be the two assailants that got away. Again, Lord Taber, did the prisoner have any markings or tattoos or anything upon her person?</div><div fgid="93938">"In a rowboat" Bob adds</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"Hmm, yes, sounds likely," Taber agrees with Nilas.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar looks hopeful at the news. "Jens, do you think we could catch them?"</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas states, "I can call to Calla for wind to make sure that we do"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko looks thoughtful. "We might, if we can leave immediately"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob asks jens, "Do you think the Kittiwake can catch them with a long lead - assuming we take the right heading?"</div><div fgid="93938">"I did not fully examine her, we saw no markings but again, I did not examine her," Taber said.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas asks, "Is her body still here?"</div><div fgid="93938">Yes, in the other room, still locked and guarded," Master Taber says.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob asks, "would you mind if I did?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Sure, let's go. She is dead, I'm sure it won't bother her," Taber says as he leads the way further into the building. He stops at a stout oaken door with a heavy steel lock and opens it. The body of the assassin woman is laying on the floor in the middle of the room. She looks like she flopped onto the floor without any regard for her own comfort.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "She had poison on her when she attacked me. I would no doubt that she took her own life if these people are as nefarious as they seem"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"I know my men searched her, though these other two may have secreted it to her somehow," he says, perplexed.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "My lord, would you be able to provide us with any extra supplies or provisions as we attempt to go after the other two assailants?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob kneels down and straightens her body out, then begins examining her head and hair carefully</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Taber Sinann gives Nilas a side-eye glare. "Let us keep to the task at hand, shall we?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro Bob takes about 10 minutes examining the body of the assassin.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob seems oblivious of the conversation as he continues his examination, moving to her hands and forearms</div><div fgid="93938">Ragnar stands stoically near the door, arms crossed and staring straight ahead.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas will continue to speak with Taber and see if they can get their weapons back. And then maybe see if he can speak with Sabeen more.</div><div fgid="93938">Bob starts removing the woman's clothing. Some guards look away, embarrassed, while some others smile and watch intently.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob works his way carefully and methodically, looking for scars, tattoos, anything odd on her skin</div><div fgid="93938">Master Sinann says, "Yes, I never intended to keep your weapons, the guards will return them to you, they are probably just outside somewhere nearby. As for speaking to my sister, good luck. I am surprised I was able to pull her away from her studies to sit in this morning. She doesn't have much time for me, it seems."</div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob takes out his writing instruments and begins taking notes, drawing the tattoos and scars</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas asks, "My lord, so do we think that the death-crabs or the serpent are linked to any of this?"</div><div fgid="93938">"Also, do you have any archives or records of any other 'Rogans' around the area?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob does pause for a moment as Taber's words penetrate his concentration. "Studies? What subjects does she pursue?"</div><div fgid="93938">Master Sinann says, "I don't know, if they are, HOW are they connected. You again were at the center of that business as well. Though I have heard tell recently of a large serpent-like creature in the Bay, I guess I assumed that was this, this thing that showed up yesterday." Taber seems so frustrated.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas asks, "Master Taber, I was sent here to find Callast Zale. I was told that he left a few days ago. Do you have any idea where he may have gone? Maybe he may have insight into this?"</div><div fgid="93938">"What? My sister, Sabeen? She is a scholar and a bit of a mage. She studies History, and texts and is always reading something flowery and boring," Taber shares. He laughs at Nilas' comment about Callast Zale. "Where's he gone? That scoundrel musta got his hands on some Rum. He likes to row out as far as he can go, down his drink and fall asleep. Calla loves him so much, she typically washes him ashore somewhere nearby, sometimes face down in the surf. He'll be back in a day or so."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas continues, "The way I see it my lord, Calla brought me here and all of us together, so perhaps Calla guided us to be here to help you here and now"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Jens Marko chuckles at the story of Callast Zale</div><div fgid="93938">Taber mouths something quietly and then nods his head in Nilas' direction. "Well, I am ready for some help. I will keep my men on high alert and keep the majority of them out on the streets. As for other Rogans, I suppose we could look at the logs at the boarding house and Inn, but I don't think there are any other Rogans in the area," Taber admits.</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas observesTaber speak a quiet prayer to Calla.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob nods absentmindedly at Taber's reply, still intent on what he's doing. He murmer's a soft, "Sorry," as he performs a cavity search before rolling the body over to examine her backside</div><div fgid="93938">Bob finishes his search of her, he does find a small blade hidden in the cuff of her pants, but it was sewn in and does not look as if she took it out. There is blackness around the inside of her mouth, and her nail beds are very red. No signs of poison on her person though.</div><div fgid="93938">As he is looking over her back, Bro Bob looks up for a moment and asks the room in general, "Would anyone please get me a basin of water and a towel? And soap if any is available"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">She has quite a few tattoos, though many around the Bay share a love for tattoos. She has several noticeable scars, but none of her body markings seem to have any clue about her.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro Bob gets cleaned up after concluding his very thorough search of the dead assassin.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas asks, "Do any of her symbols match the eagle I described?"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bob shakes his head, none of her tattoos seemed to be related to the symbol on the token.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Well this just keeps getting more confusing”</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob shakes his head, "Nothing to go on yet." He looks over his notes and adds a couple more, touching up a drawing or two, then rolls them carefully and slides them into a scroll case on his belt. He says to Taber, "I don't know if they'll be of any use or not in the future, but If you like I'll make you a copy for reference."</div><div fgid="93938">Nilas says, "Our next step now is to pack up our supplies, get Carmel and get underway!"</div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob offers, "Or for your sister," he adds, "if they would be of any interest to her"</div><div fgid="93938">Taber nods, "Yes, that would be good, thank you. Eilas would no doubt like that for his files. The other young man, that had brought the news of the rowboat, is still standing nearby, listening to the conversation. "Yes, please, anything written or drawn you have would be much appreciated. I am trying to keep records of everything. Before me, no one in the entire family seemed to care about the past, records, bahh, what good is it to know what happened before. I am trying to modernize this Clan and maybe we can earn some more respect in Baron's Court." He wrinkles his nose up in Taber's direction. "But, yes, please, copies are appreciated!"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas turns to Taber one more time. "My lord, about those supplies, if you wish us to get on this, we will go after those assassins"</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Bro' Bob looks at the boy carefully for a moment, the nods, smiling, "I'll be glad to. I probably won't be able to before we set sail, but I will send them as soon as I am able."</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">"Ok, ok, what do you need, then? I am sure we can scrounge something up for you," Master Sinann says.</div><div fgid="93938"><br /></div><div fgid="93938">Nilas looks to Jens. "Well? Food, water, and what else?"</div><div><br /></div><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>Another great fully RP session. No fighting, very little in the way of skill rolls, just some good old talking between the characters and the NPCs!<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-81863853569557116502023-08-26T13:30:00.001-05:002023-11-01T18:02:28.395-05:00Mysterious Tides #4.5<p><i>The group discusses what their next moves should be in this PbP style Continuing Story segment.</i><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195"> </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><span fgid="94139" style="font-family: times, times new roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b fgid="94145"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Mysterious Tides</a></b></span><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 004.5</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">What Did They Want?</span></h3><b>230725-230820</b><br fgid="93976" /><span id="docs-internal-guid-c4502d72-7fff-842b-ddee-c523eef921d4"><h2 dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="border: none; clear: right; display: inline-block; float: right; height: 219px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 155px;"><img height="273.1882115916225" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/9O7J9UDjMmwQnuuwRQy0e7vVZPt1eWFr7rev26gEzMVN6vo67xoouzpu9dGqmM5DvqnqonQ_hR76QDKqivjNCK4dUDDeYLPNnH3CM4HeWMg_cRviL7xHmopgXleLWvzaPv3VuF79ljlT-8ayTBNy0TM" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="155" /></span><span face="Voltaire, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Near the Docks, Piper’s Quay</span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After the fight with the three red-hooded foes, Taber Sinann and his men take the remaining assailant into their custody. A quick search reveals several weapons and some small vials and packets that are believed to be poisons. The woman refuses to speak at all as she is bound by the town guards. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“What is going on here? This is no common tavern brawl, what did these attackers want from you? I am responsible for the safety of this fief and we’ve already got this huge, dead eel thing that apparently spews out zombie-making swarms. Now I’ve got poison toting assassins running around?”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> A mix of anger, exasperation, and exhaustion flashes across the Laird’s son’s face. He puts his hand on his forehead, covering his eyes, then lowers it and looks at the assembled group. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Well…?”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> he asks.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A small group of locals have gathered down near the docks, though none of them get too close, just close enough to listen in for gossip and rumors. Up the hill at the Windbreak, Carmel can be seen watching from the open doorway, backlit by the fire and lanterns inside. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The Enibrian sips his beer as he shrugs, then replies, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Best guess, it has something to do with the two murdered Rogans - your townsman, and shortly after, the Old Bear, Rogan Rocht. Some of the townsfolk would have known him; he and his son here”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> he says as he</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">nods toward Ragnar, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“were hunting cotters out in the woods who traded in town for supplies. Ragnar’s an old friend of mine who arrived in town yesterday on the trail of the killers of his father and told us about it, so we’ve been asking around a bit once we realized that two people with the same name have been murdered in the space of a little over a week. Seems like more than mere coincidence.”</span><span style="border: none; clear: left; display: inline-block; float: left; height: 207px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 160px;"><img height="207" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/RE7put9wf06hsl13o_GViKNzgAZmxeQK748pxG_kLAlfgfa3ag3zVrenh2qWdUYEyXrfHcRvGmhRlvJFWyI5F22LvSA6YcG0s5PU55K6Lh1EbyZlKmFpDZvw6-EavzfTt9Zofx-wdUyzTGyceEOMdOU" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="160" /></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Two dead Rogans you say? I was aware of young Rogan Naaj’s death, but had not heard of the Old Bear also being killed. I knew him in passing, a good man for sure,</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” he says, nodding his head in Ragnar’s direction. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Go lock her up,”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Taber commands his men, then turns back. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“So two dead men, and now these three red-cloaked strangers are searching through your stuff? That makes no sense. What do you have that they could want?”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas looks around at everyone.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> “I don’t know what exactly is going on around here, as I am new to this area. However, the death of two men by the same name and the sudden appearance of these cloaked figures seems too suspicious to me. The attacker did say something to me, but I could not make sense of it. She asked me to give her something, a token of some sorts. I don’t know of any tokens in the Shrine to the Sea, unless there is something that Callast Zale would happen to have that she is after. She knows something. Who were the other attackers?”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas looks around again and then says to Taber,</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> “Before you take her away my lord, may I have a better look at my attacker and maybe a word or two? Perhaps she will answer better to Calla?”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro’ Bob rubs his chin thoughtfully, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“They searched a shrine of Calla, and a ship for it. Something nautical maybe?”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> He looks at Taber, “Have any other craft been ransacked recently?”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar chimes in saying, “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I don’t know about what they could be looking for, but they also ransacked my cabin and the cabin of the other Rogan.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” He pauses, scratching his beard. “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Well, there’s another possibility, that there are two groups of outsiders, one looking for something associated with a Rogan and another looking for something else.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” Ragnar shrugs. “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I donna know. Seems a bit far-fetched for two different groups to be noodlin’ about the town causing trouble and killing folk along with that dead eel thing and walking dead and what not.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” Casting his eye back to the shore he adds, “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I may look at their tracks, see if the boot prints look something like what I saw around our cabin.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas walks over to the assailant and removes her hood.He pulls her to look him in the eyes.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> “Now, tell me, by Calla’s Wrath, who you are and who do you work for?!”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The captured woman’s face drops and her lower lip begins quivering. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I… I… I’m sorry, milords, I’m just a poor vagrant, was lookin for some food, me was. I didn’t realize I was poking around in such a mighty warrior such as you. I just needed some bread and maybe a bit’o ale.”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> She lowers her head, looking at the ground. Nilas is quite sure that he can see her mouth twist into a sneer, out of sight of Sinann and his men. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Don’t know nothin bout no Rogans or dead men nor nothing of that sort, no sir, not me. I’m just a poor beggar girl.” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Taber Sinann eyes her fine red cloak and leather armor, and shakes his head in disbelief. He mutters a gruff, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Mmmm hmmm,”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> but does not say anything else. He turns his gaze toward Nilas and the others.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas shakes his head in disgust. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I highly doubt that you are some poor vagrant. You moved like you were trained to fight, you carried poison and other vile tools, and had the audacity to try and ransack the Shrine to Calla? You are a criminal and liar! Calla may have shown you mercy today, but cross me again, and I shall not.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas looks to his companions.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> “Do any of you have further use for this would-be assassin?” </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Waving his hand away at her, he looks to Taber Sinann, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Her quality weapons, cloak and armor betray her comments. My lord, I hope that you find suitable punishment for this foul woman. I don’t know what means that you may have, but we need to find a way to make her talk.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas turns away so that the woman can not see him and he winks at Taber</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">. “Maybe we can kill two birds with one stone. Maybe we can analyze those death-crabs while at the same time seeing how they work by letting them inside this assassin’s body?”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Listening to the exchange, Ragnar finally turns away in frustration to go examine the tracks. Then he stops and goes to look around the prisoner to see her tracks first. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The orange glow over the rise at the edge of town says that the townsfolk are busy at the firebuilding around the dead eel-serpent-thing. The prisoner merely shrugs at Nilas’ comments about her gear and potential torture. Taber Sinann shakes his head, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“No, I don’t think we’ll be doing any of that, young Callast Nilas, but I will see what I can do. We will hold her in a secure room at my fathers lodge,”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> he says, nodding his head toward the largest building in Piper’s Quay, Laird Erskine Sinann’s lodge. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“If she won’t talk, I think I feel good enough sending her off to Hawkstone to let her rot in the Baron’s dungeons. If you come by in the morning, I will let you know if she has changed her tune any. Otherwise, if you don’t need anything else, I think I shall see to her proper confinement then get back over to the beach and see how things are progressing with the burn.”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> He nods to everyone present, a thin smile on his lips.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar, having examined the woman’s boots and the prints all around the area is certain enough that these boot prints look at least similar to the boot prints he found up at the little camp in the woods above town. There are no distinct marks to positively identify them as the same boots, but definitely could be the same boots. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas shrugs. He never intentionally planned to torture the woman, that would be totally unethical to him. In his rage and anger at the moment, the threat of torture was enough. He wanted to vent and scare the woman into telling him who they are and what they are up to. They were at the Shrine to the Sea, she attacked him, she kicked him in the ‘buried treasure’, they were on his friend Jens’s boat and attacked his new friends as well; not to mention that these assassins may be responsible for the death of Ragnar’s father. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">All of these things combined together are building a rage inside of Nilas and he wants answers and he wants vengeance. He looks to Taber and agrees, but his tone denotes his displeasure. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“As you wish my lord, this is your area of expertise. I just want proper justice and answers for these wretches that dare attack myself and my friends. I WILL be by in the morning. I shall pray to Calla tonight for answers, perhaps the Lady of the Sea will guide me better.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I shall speak my words of prayer to the Tempest, as well. I look forward to seeing you in the morning,</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” Taber says before leading the prisoner away.</span></p><br /><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas watches as Taber and his guards escort the prisoner. He scowls. Nilas is still angry and knows he needs guidance. He turns to his newfound companions. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I’m sorry my friends that I lost my temper. I am beside myself on this matter. The attacker was in Callast Zale’s home and then came after me. Now I hear that they were on Jens’ boat and came after you as well. We need to figure out our next step. I must admit I am new to these things and not really sure what to do.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas then looks around one more time at his friends, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Well, at least we have an audience with lord Taber Sinann in the morning, that gives us some time to prepare I suppose.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The monk holds out his cup to Nilas (who can clearly smell the rum), </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“It’s not Skullpin, but go ahead and finish it; you could use a stiff drink. I’m heading back to the inn, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">where I am going to eat my damn breakfast!!!!</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> And I swear on the vine, I will fong anyone who interrupts me a fourth time!”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> he concludes with a touch of real menace in his voice as he stalks off toward the Windbreak.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar watches Brother Bob vent his spleen and stalk off. After a pause he shakes his head saying, “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Can’t fault the man for wanting breakfast in peace. Normally I’d be there with him but this whole mess is unsettling. Her boot prints match fair enough to the ones at the camp above town. Something mighty strange is going on and I think we need to figure it out quick. Somebody is looking for something and based on this day’s events, they’ll stop at nothing to get it. Our village itself is in danger, I fear.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bob makes his way back to the Windbreak. It is filling up again, as more and more townsfolk are returning from the burn area down the beach. Everyone is tired and soot-covered. Several folk give thankful nods and some pat Bob on the shoulder, which is not much welcomed. Several full mugs of drink and a plate of food are delivered by Carmel. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“You looked hungry,”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> she says. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“And several locals are keen to buy you drinks for what you and your friends did earlier.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Back outside, Nilas, Ragnar, and Jens stand around in the cool night air, looking at each other. Jens confirms that nothing seems to be missing from the Kittiwake, though Lady Margo is quite perturbed from being bothered with all the running, shoving and fighting on deck. Captain Jens tries to soothe her and quickly gets things stowed away nice and tidy in no time. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas just stands there for a moment and then quaffs down the rum that Brother Bob gave him. Nilas shakes his head. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bob is right. This is all a mess and I can’t process anything more right now. Food and drink it is. The death-crabs are vanquished, the Laird’s son is in charge of all of that now and the assassins were thwarted.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> Nilas heads back to the Windbreak Inn to rest and recover. He used a lot of his magical power recently and has not felt drained like this before. Time to refuel his body and get some rest. He will need a clear mind to speak with Taber Sinann in the morning.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The monk thanks her and nods in thanks to those around him and replies (loudly enough to be heard at the nearby tables. . .), </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I hope then that they’re tipping you well, Mother Carmel. You did as much as the Callast and I; and, I believe, at greater risk to yourself.” </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Then, with a pained expression, he adds quietly to her, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“and </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">please</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> tell me that you have some sort of distance weapon or spell to fight from further away than a zombie crab can jump.”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> With that, he tucks into his food like a man who hasn’t eaten all day. Seeing Nilas enter, he waves him over to the table and holds out one of the mugs, nodding wordlessly and still chewing.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel smiles kindly at Bro’ Bob. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Well, I can use a sling fairly well, I suppose, though I have not picked one up. I suppose I should do that if I’m heading back out into the world.”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> She lets out a heavy sigh, looking around at the busy room, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“And yes, the people of Piper’s Quay have been taking care of me well enough. Not quite enough to fund another expedition around the Bay, but if you’re offering me a ride, I think I’m ready to sail,”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> she says with a wink that Bob completely misses.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas makes his way over to Brother Robert’s table. He is definitely craving that drink now after this entire debacle of the Giant sea serpent, the death-crabs, and now the attack from the red-cloaked assassins. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Brother Robert, I’m here to take you up on that offer and give our regards and thanks to Enibria. I’m going to need a few stiff drinks after this day. I am just overwhelmed and ready for this day to be over.” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas takes his seat and starts drinking from the mug Brother Bob places before him. He holds it up and gives his toast and thanks to Enibria and starts drinking. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I hope Jens and Ragnar join us, though I know that Jens was going over his ship, making sure that everything is in place.” </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas then continues on with drink and food.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar makes one more lap around the area looking for tracks or signs he might have missed then heads over the Windbreak. Looking around he sees the others and joins them at their table after stopping a server to request some water and a hot meal. Nodding a manly greeting he takes a seat and leans back, looking at the others. Shaking his head he says, </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I’ve never seen or heard of the like. It’s a mess that keeps getting messier. Murders, more bold attacks, strange monsters and undead or whatever those were … it’s a nightmare. I’m not giving up, though. It’s got to be all tied up together, somehow. I couldna find anything else out there, not a clue, but I’m not giving up on this. Someone will answer.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” When his food arrives he digs in with gusto. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens remains outside at his ship, too worried to let it out of his sight. Piper’s Quay has certainly not been the safest port this trip. Back inside, the others finish their dinner and decide to call it a day after all the excitement of the day.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">When he sees she has a moment, Bro’ Bob waves Carmel over and asks if there are any rooms available and how much they are for the night.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel tells Bro’ Bob that there are a couple of cots in a small room beneath the stairs that he can snag for 10 silver per cot. She looks at Ragnar to see if he is interested in the second cot.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas finishes his meal. Looking at his friends, he comments. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“If you are both okay with it, I want to get back to the Shrine of the Sea and make sure that nothing is damaged or out of place. You are both welcome to stay there with me if needed, there is another cot there.”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas then looks at Carmel walking off and leans back over to his two companions. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“You know…..she has mentioned that she wants to get out of town and go on an adventure and she proved very helpful to us. Maybe we should invite her to come along with us, at least for a little bit to get her into another town. Clearly Taber doesn’t support her being here, and we can offer her some help. Having another person along with healing abilities will help too if we run into any more trouble.”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Sleep on it and we can discuss this more in the morning. We have a meeting with Taber and hopefully he has some answers as to where we can start looking. We may also want to consider showing him the token that we found, since this could be linked to the death’s of both Rogans”. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">With that, Nilas bids his friends a good evening and heads back to the Shrine of the Sea.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar nods at Nilas’ comments. “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Aye, if we can help the lass out and keep her out of danger that’d be fine. I was gonna sleep outside; I like to when the weather permits. But given what all has happened, it might be good to stick together. And a cot sounds nice, so I’ll take you up on the offer.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” Looking around at the small group he adds, “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I want you all to know I’m grateful for you sticking your foot in the noose for me with this. You dinna have help but you have, and I’m grateful.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The monk checks his purse, then shakes his head ruefully. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I’m afraid that would be nearly all I have,”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> he sighs. “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It may be wiser, in terms of both finances and everyone’s safety, if one of us joins Nilas in the shrine and the other bunks on the Kittiwake with Jens. I’m used to the rocking, so I’d suggest you take the shrine.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” He looks across the room at Carmel and says, “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I agree about Mother Carmel, and she was saying that she’d like to get traveling again.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” He then leans over and says softly, “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But I don’t think we should say a word to Taber about the only possible clue that we’ve found, much less show it to him. We’ll never see it again, and as soon as we’re out of town, he’ll never give another thought to your Pa. As far as I’m concerned, there is no medallion and I have no idea what that woman was talking about.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas frowns at Bob’s comment </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“It is not in my nature to lie about things. I have no reason not to trust Taber on this matter. He did rally his guards and help us quell and finish off the death-necro-crabs and secure the prisoner that I managed to defeat.” </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Shaking his head, Nilas continues. </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“I understand your point, and while I will not lie about things, I can choose not to discuss it if that would suit. I still think we should have an audience with Taber and get more information about these attackers and maybe some answers from the one we captured. I would like to think that Taber could be of use and support for us. Perhaps we will know more in the morning after we speak with him. Brother Bob, if you wish to take the lead on this, I will be more than happy to let you. If you want me to try my skills at diplomacy, I shall, but then I would ask that you put the medallion somewhere and hide it out of my knowledge, so that I am not lying to a nobel on this matter.”</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Finishing up his drink, Nilas concludes: </span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“....Bob, you are also correct, we should all at least not be alone in the event that those assailants return. Someone is watching us and we now have attention from Calla-Knows-What. You should hang out with Jens and Ragnar and I shall stay at the shrine. We will all met up in the morning at the Windbreak and from there hopefully get some answers from Taber. Sound fair enough to you my friends?”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas then gestures for Ragnar to follow him to Callast Zale’s home. They inspect the home to find that the assailant did not get to do too much damage or disarray. Things were thrown about but nothing appeared to be damaged Nilas must have startled the assassin before she could get too involved her search he concluded and once the shrine was secured, he and Ragnar would bed down for the evening. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Ragnar, I am sorry again about your father. I told you that I would help you and I will continue to do so. It seems we are all wrapped up in this mess together, much like a fisherman’s net in a storm, collecting all manner of oddities, so too are we all linked together. Calla will watch over us and we will avenge your father in due time.”</span></p><br /><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro’ Bob finishes his meal and thanks Carmel. “</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Given the trouble tonight, we’ll pass on the cots. I’m heading down to the Kittiwake for the night, and Ragnar is joining the Callast in the shrine. We’ll keep you informed if anything develops, and I’m sure there’ll be a free berth on the Kittiwake whenever we set sail once more.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">” He thanks the townspeople for the food and drink, then heads out cautiously down to the docks and joins Jens to bunk down for the night.</span></span><br fgid="93982" /><div class="separator" fgid="93988" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div fgid="93994" style="text-align: right;"></div><br fgid="94000" /><div fgid="94006"></div><div fgid="94012" style="text-align: right;"></div><br fgid="94018" /><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>Another PbP Continuing Story session between live Roll20 sessions. I really like these interludes as we can dive deep into the setting and personality of the characters and NPCs.<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-54372561975616287242023-08-08T17:26:00.004-05:002023-08-08T17:38:19.865-05:00GenCon 2023 Recap<div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTk98MUSOq-vkD1sLbPMQ0ZcOAEpfPw-AYtN_Zm9e_QUguNR6no8iFrOyvVTksraKZCAZy-TnGpN44ZtCsOQoiEUUunOMYMv5hvR3szlQ6D0Gz5JrPDsIzML-Yz83A0n61jKl4VS22l6CX80nuhCXvRntvxw-kMJuq0EQ58Qgnb2u6NV4YZc0-8a76KXqq/s4624/IMG20230805141238.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTk98MUSOq-vkD1sLbPMQ0ZcOAEpfPw-AYtN_Zm9e_QUguNR6no8iFrOyvVTksraKZCAZy-TnGpN44ZtCsOQoiEUUunOMYMv5hvR3szlQ6D0Gz5JrPDsIzML-Yz83A0n61jKl4VS22l6CX80nuhCXvRntvxw-kMJuq0EQ58Qgnb2u6NV4YZc0-8a76KXqq/w240-h320/IMG20230805141238.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have arrived at the promised land!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><span style="background-color: #fcff01;">(<b>Disclaimer</b>: <i>I don't get jack from any links posted on this site. Just wanted to help people find some stuff I thought was cool!</i>)</span><div><br /></div><div>I survived Gencon, not sure how, really. It was just SO MUCH! After waiting well over half of my life (and I'm nearly 50 these days) I can say it was worth it! I had SO MUCH FUN and played SO MANY GAMES during the <b>Best Four Days in Gaming</b>! Was so excited to be one of the over 70,000 attendees at this record breaking event and look forward to returning year after year!<div><br /></div><div>So here is a rundown of my GenCon23 stats:</div><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Slept </b>17 hours (wed-sat night)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Drove </b>about 9 hours</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Attended</b> 15 con game events (was signed up for 16 but one host did not show!)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Played</b> over 40 hours of actual gaming at a table</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Played</b> 3 more games at the hotel</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Participated </b>in my first LARP - a 1930s Call of Cthulhu game</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I <b>met </b>one of the players from a game I play in for the first time in real life (He was running the LARP above.. Hey Randy!)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I <b>met </b>one of my PbP players for the first time in real life. (Hey Rudolf! Thanks for the Con tips!)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I actually <b>WON </b>one game at the Con (Redwood!)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Scored </b>three free games, all from playing in the Catalyst Games room</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Stood </b>in lines less than 1 hour (food, will call, bathroom, merch, etc)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">W<b>alked </b>almost 80,000 steps Thursday to Sunday! (I'm quite impressed by this stat!)</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lost </b>one driver-side windshield wiper when it FLEW off my car while driving through a rainstorm in the middle of IL before sunrise. Had to limp along to 3 different exits until I found a gas station that had some Rain-X! Sheesh!</span></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8boVNbvrhnHdqEtsCniBuOAxcZ22wRzBbL-e8-KVzXR0wZMwzSwg9rPwMiFBTLrl576hAi-fOBHm0LD2goXNecqf8yGwVDwpq4BX2gQlKpYt9aAbs1sf557GjynxTpGtX7nwkpZHRhsXA56FYnZDmKTh50vCgekuUBusj19hsvc7XTMqrlVRuNl9pYxI/s4624/IMG20230803061146.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU8boVNbvrhnHdqEtsCniBuOAxcZ22wRzBbL-e8-KVzXR0wZMwzSwg9rPwMiFBTLrl576hAi-fOBHm0LD2goXNecqf8yGwVDwpq4BX2gQlKpYt9aAbs1sf557GjynxTpGtX7nwkpZHRhsXA56FYnZDmKTh50vCgekuUBusj19hsvc7XTMqrlVRuNl9pYxI/w200-h150/IMG20230803061146.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun rises over GenCon 2023</td></tr></tbody></table>Overall, GenCon is just HUGE. Initially overwhelming, but quickly I got the hang of it. I brought food and mostly just ate my own stuff, though I did partake in the refillable GenCon rCup. That got me 1$ refills from anywhere in the facility. I had planned to NOT even go into the Vendor Hall, but apparently that isn't really possible. I bought a couple of games and a GenCon23 shirt. I bought Habitats and <a href="https://www.allplay.com/board-games/kabuto-sumo/" target="_blank">Kubuto Sumo</a> (both by <a href="https://www.allplay.com/" target="_blank">AllPlay</a>) and I bought Bigfoot: Roll and Smash. I played Habitats and Bigfoot during the con and liked them both so much that I had to get them. Kubuto Sumo I head some folks talking about at the AllPlay area and I looked it over and had to snag it (we've already played it twice since I've been home. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9zJi_8k8CX-THxH6d2aaSjvL1UErEVzKOjAAokOIi80N_sKjaDj7pxhXbAkom7TAax-BhrjBq4089Ft91DPT13iTAptB5nvEmS4Po0GpN-A20tmdwdosUZReQ1R-b_ZkxElTbwe1OFBKVT1SqRUgdh6HQp2UWYdH7uifrRFFNyiXHeI1HPdsJpJBX__7/s4624/IMG20230803171104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv9zJi_8k8CX-THxH6d2aaSjvL1UErEVzKOjAAokOIi80N_sKjaDj7pxhXbAkom7TAax-BhrjBq4089Ft91DPT13iTAptB5nvEmS4Po0GpN-A20tmdwdosUZReQ1R-b_ZkxElTbwe1OFBKVT1SqRUgdh6HQp2UWYdH7uifrRFFNyiXHeI1HPdsJpJBX__7/w640-h480/IMG20230803171104.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first look into the Exhibition Hall. That's a LOT of games, you can only see about 25% of the room here!</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div>So, here's the complete list of Con games I played:</div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Thursday </u></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUly7UCiXp3nWE5mAbfrlR9NbqVPBnG8uCOEgUdskwzO3rDuZOyYTNelxjPEQz5iDykZIp1vgLeuUbBDr3REMRnOg8XCpCIUGllAsG7uPz47VIFQN0wGHN2SXWeN-KHom2LpBg2cmcnuMSQ6zc_7Ghz3zFFG8A79yXESaI0-5aoLFtnu9DHiV_V14ni4L/s4624/IMG20230803101622.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVUly7UCiXp3nWE5mAbfrlR9NbqVPBnG8uCOEgUdskwzO3rDuZOyYTNelxjPEQz5iDykZIp1vgLeuUbBDr3REMRnOg8XCpCIUGllAsG7uPz47VIFQN0wGHN2SXWeN-KHom2LpBg2cmcnuMSQ6zc_7Ghz3zFFG8A79yXESaI0-5aoLFtnu9DHiV_V14ni4L/w150-h200/IMG20230803101622.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Genotype</td></tr></tbody></table>10a-12p <b><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/252752/genotype-mendelian-genetics-game" target="_blank">Genotype - A Mendelian Genetics Game</a>. </b><i>Was invited to this by a player in one of my PbP games. Thanks, Rudolf! In this one, you are trying to grow new variations of plants by genetically modifying them by crossbreeding. Historical, strategic, and fun!</i></li><li>1-5p <b><a href="http://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" target="_blank">GURPS</a>: Six Guns & Sorcery</b> hosted by Nick and Nose. <i>A Deadlands style GURPS session. I took the role of Aric the Sorcerer and the group went out looking to solve some supernatural issues in the Old West. Nick and Nose were awesome GMs!</i></li><li>6-10p <b><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/258164/zombie-world" target="_blank">Zombie World</a>: Blood in the Streets</b>. <i>Narrative card-based RPG. The premise was cool, surviors in an abandoned prison trying to stay away from zombies. Got to sit with my guy Don (from my home game group) and play. The GM was a bit over the top and the style of play was not my prefered, but it was entertaining.</i></li><li>10p-12a <b><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/228660/betrayal-baldurs-gate" target="_blank">Betrayal at Baldur's Gate</a></b>. <i>A cool re-skin of one of my favorites.. Betrayal at the House on the Hill. Played with a really fun couple, they were really nice and the game was cool. I was NOT the traitor and me and the husband got to gang up on his wife when she turned into the Queen of Goblins and tried to take us out! We were victorious. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9l57w7F90Qtrx8xx1n4-sVl5xCye1lD2jdYZmGbT6zgD9sMF3CX5S4N-44qRLzWApfefMFlOGhWBlp26o_O_Ew0ov6yPySkfKz5SneblwOjmyrSzX4eRHgfnrY3t2D1NiCh1gXpH2Y3EUT-gRnhbkDFiVn7t0Aa3Si_F5rNSwez6viMVa7MVtPffMJBQ/s4624/IMG20230803140217.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn9l57w7F90Qtrx8xx1n4-sVl5xCye1lD2jdYZmGbT6zgD9sMF3CX5S4N-44qRLzWApfefMFlOGhWBlp26o_O_Ew0ov6yPySkfKz5SneblwOjmyrSzX4eRHgfnrY3t2D1NiCh1gXpH2Y3EUT-gRnhbkDFiVn7t0Aa3Si_F5rNSwez6viMVa7MVtPffMJBQ/w640-h480/IMG20230803140217.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GURPS: Six Guns and Sorcery</td></tr></tbody></table></i></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Friday</u></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>8-10a <b><a href="https://www.shadowrunsixthworld.com/" target="_blank">Shadow Run</a>: First Taste</b>. <i>A quick Shadowrun scenario to get into the game. I've always loved the idea of the setting, just never actually PLAYED the game. Now I have!</i></li><li>10-11a <b><a href="https://www.allplay.com/board-games/sail/" target="_blank">Sail</a></b>. <i>A cool little 2-player cooperative game by AllPlay (which I realize is one of my favorite game companies, since I own 10 of their games and 2 game bags! Formerly BoardGameTables.com) Ive got Sail (and some others) coming from a recent Kickstarter so I thought I'd have a shot at playing first!</i></li><li>11a-12p <b><a href="https://www.allplay.com/board-games/habitats/" target="_blank">Habitats</a></b>. <i>Awesome AllPlay game. This was convenient, I just moved over a table from the Sail game! I went to the Vendor Hall and bought this one after playing.</i></li><li>1-3p more <b><a href="https://www.shadowrunsixthworld.com/" target="_blank">Shadowrun </a></b>fun! <i>Just working on building my own character. Quite a complicated system, didn't even get done with the character in 2 hours!</i></li><li><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUbQOZPPtPf7EjcpN-GhuW4mJqwKohm9uVAi7lGId_ko2NsXYxO0sfENdT5y_V2RdYbeWo45Necv60tWfoNb7Y8PfsEom_RwAuRzwdmJM5Rf4XfwqahtHrUhCczh_MPLlQfeJuIJaNGsSHSW6yMnwYcABVfhiHWlSeOzLCsEUUZgr4qJMiteBd20Z_hJj/s4624/IMG20230804230638.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUbQOZPPtPf7EjcpN-GhuW4mJqwKohm9uVAi7lGId_ko2NsXYxO0sfENdT5y_V2RdYbeWo45Necv60tWfoNb7Y8PfsEom_RwAuRzwdmJM5Rf4XfwqahtHrUhCczh_MPLlQfeJuIJaNGsSHSW6yMnwYcABVfhiHWlSeOzLCsEUUZgr4qJMiteBd20Z_hJj/w150-h200/IMG20230804230638.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Thing</td></tr></tbody></table>6-11p <b>CoC LARP: Now Happy Days Are Here Again</b> by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/groups/136236276720" target="_blank">Elder Entertainment</a>. <i>This one was something. A 5 hour LARP. I've never played anything like this before. There were close to 30 people in this event. I was a reporter attending an even where the Governor said he could turn lead into gold in 19302 Louisiana. It was a lot of fun, though I am not sure I did a very good job. Quite a few people died, I "smoked" a lot of candy cigarettes and ate invisible hors d'oeuvres. A portal opened to the dreamlands, there were sacrifices just wild! But a lot of fun! This one was run by a fellow player from an online Pulp Cthulhu game I'm in. Was great to put a face with a voice.</i></li><li>11p-12a <b><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/226634/thing-infection-outpost-31" target="_blank">The Thing: Infection at Outpost 31</a></b>. <i>Super cool. I've played the newer version of the game (once) but this one was just as cool. Less stuff going on, more social deduction and paranoia! We won, though no thanks to me, I thought the OTHER GUY was the infected one. Good thing I was out-voted before we flame-thrower-ed him!</i></li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b><u>Saturday</u></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg4J8geQpEswHz7gh3-hgBYMS0OzRgue4thJyLcMnaXsN5On_CLMCLVuEQwKME1VvscmQjAvo25To34Wgec4MPFfAuf8mLvKrekc8BChcdiDKEfN4OLyXYkkViGo3RiER8le03WdL0tIgA2A37KPdZiQmEpcRvvW2s0_JezdkWaWZu0Xwe8yoNQB10029/s4624/IMG20230805124632.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRg4J8geQpEswHz7gh3-hgBYMS0OzRgue4thJyLcMnaXsN5On_CLMCLVuEQwKME1VvscmQjAvo25To34Wgec4MPFfAuf8mLvKrekc8BChcdiDKEfN4OLyXYkkViGo3RiER8le03WdL0tIgA2A37KPdZiQmEpcRvvW2s0_JezdkWaWZu0Xwe8yoNQB10029/w300-h400/IMG20230805124632.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">4-way collision in Car Wars</td></tr></tbody></table><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>8a-12p even MORE <b><a href="https://www.shadowrunsixthworld.com/">Shadowrun</a>: Friendships Never Grow Rust</b>. <i>Played in a full-on Shadowrun mission. Super cool. We were successful. I caught on to the game pretty well and fit in fine with some veteran SR players.</i></li><li>12-2p <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/291828/car-wars-sixth-edition" target="_blank"><b>Car Wars 6e</b></a>. <i>Finally got to sit down and play this new Car Wars game. I've been a fan since junior high and have had this new huge set for several years since the Kickstarter, but have yet to play it. Check that off the list! It was fast and fun. One player was hell bent on just pushing the limits and crashing into everyone as fast as he could! At one point, all 4 cars were touching in one big collision in the center of the arena. It was way cool, nothing like the old Deluxe Edition game from way back, but it's the right game for right now, I think. Sadly, I think there are too many other cool car combat games out there (looking at you <a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/291828/car-wars-sixth-edition" target="_blank">Thunder Road: Vendetta</a>) for this to really go anywhere.<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3ZxKCm66Sh03uU6TQV9w6oW3Wzn-Qmn9gJDucHzko2k3QmjvfG3LCKfx-aNirbBI5bFFx6FWz2WfkRiAdyUVUIWoYOSnjE-cY0RhryzSWOKVFAF6fHnvmNomMvSUNFg5DmQh1XRELpMuh1bd1mNlfN4LYej1CdYPu8g8KzLCn5iD_B-UHfSpUfDNjrJP/s4624/IMG20230805121835.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm3ZxKCm66Sh03uU6TQV9w6oW3Wzn-Qmn9gJDucHzko2k3QmjvfG3LCKfx-aNirbBI5bFFx6FWz2WfkRiAdyUVUIWoYOSnjE-cY0RhryzSWOKVFAF6fHnvmNomMvSUNFg5DmQh1XRELpMuh1bd1mNlfN4LYej1CdYPu8g8KzLCn5iD_B-UHfSpUfDNjrJP/w320-h240/IMG20230805121835.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let the Car Wars begin!</td></tr></tbody></table></i></li></ul><div><i><br /></i></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>3-4:30p <b><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/346979/bigfoot-roll-smash" target="_blank">Bigfoot: Roll and Smash</a></b>. <i>Why would you not sit at try this game out. The dice were actually little rubber tires that you roll. Create a drive path and then go out and smash some cars, skid through the mud, and fly off some ramps. I ran out and bought this immediately after playing as well.</i></li><li>5-9p <b><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/35815/touch-evil-supernatural-game" target="_blank">Touch of Evil, The Supernatural Game</a></b> <i>Sadly, the GM didn't show, and after over half an hour, they brought the game over with someone who had never played it and started reading the rule book. The other gathered players all seemed a bit apathetic and uninterested, so I excused myself and caught up with the group I was staying with for dinner and some games back at the hotel. Had more fun doing that!</i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBz6m_DSWqrN6BmXx4KVFg_o8EM6KACcfB4Xlt5Tsu3hUTfDXSjjNv2YVgfb3S02hyEcLz0qEATJN1ODldEKyJ4K_Vtjxqp3_-2NOGQwpH2eLp1o7I38V3qPFm-tTaAyOTRiYpfWY1Sxh2v78AmTG3PsXQT795L5qwFqpC6cjX1MgiJgI_HkGyRvd-useP/s4624/IMG20230805155101.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBz6m_DSWqrN6BmXx4KVFg_o8EM6KACcfB4Xlt5Tsu3hUTfDXSjjNv2YVgfb3S02hyEcLz0qEATJN1ODldEKyJ4K_Vtjxqp3_-2NOGQwpH2eLp1o7I38V3qPFm-tTaAyOTRiYpfWY1Sxh2v78AmTG3PsXQT795L5qwFqpC6cjX1MgiJgI_HkGyRvd-useP/w240-h320/IMG20230805155101.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tire Dice for Bigfoot</td></tr></tbody></table></li></ul></div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gsXAdGCwBZxXI_-nN8t-1qej3GPdF8kOyMHWZVypPZF4SX9GC8HWpx-71N2HkBsPeZiU8wFku8Kavp48L2K9MntvcvZBBixLNSSM3a-BPO2V_Z0lCZ2eOwnpQeyngyaeN1r-FY1n9ohm_NL1JHiX6o0EV0Hv4tNpIoy2PKozvawjEBxJ6TGbHLczloST/s4624/IMG20230803202536.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gsXAdGCwBZxXI_-nN8t-1qej3GPdF8kOyMHWZVypPZF4SX9GC8HWpx-71N2HkBsPeZiU8wFku8Kavp48L2K9MntvcvZBBixLNSSM3a-BPO2V_Z0lCZ2eOwnpQeyngyaeN1r-FY1n9ohm_NL1JHiX6o0EV0Hv4tNpIoy2PKozvawjEBxJ6TGbHLczloST/w320-h240/IMG20230803202536.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gaming in Lucas Oil Stadium</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><b><u><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8Z26JVsZ3okT8oWN-YhOnt0aixD_8ntpH2M2LJmyxMZGMhPbTg_jC6f_WdbTj-r8bi-MH61sRgdsIcPcsSDkdnTZ29AEe1RJAF_CXupmtjISBmzgjp9b0QLIwiH9QaJBrG42d6AD1iOjVsQffOdnoiurcECcWJiBLxwQctMRYVoLW4kAzwOw0fGzeuo5/s4624/IMG20230803121642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvj_WBy6yMkCoqYCIbgnZBIrcLaC21-4R0doREZFFznPReuiJVj00GWFIm4DD0wKdSsXWRqfP_kBMdpiOkpQd5jrEimDwev0jgriaPoelSq1pHR06KGbGUfAVaqNmpITi1V6IBK0Jj9y6aBgjtm5cvj5QbONQ49R1ybIXjfkdaGzy4FqYeiVDzHTlKFim/s4624/IMG20230805181655.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSvj_WBy6yMkCoqYCIbgnZBIrcLaC21-4R0doREZFFznPReuiJVj00GWFIm4DD0wKdSsXWRqfP_kBMdpiOkpQd5jrEimDwev0jgriaPoelSq1pHR06KGbGUfAVaqNmpITi1V6IBK0Jj9y6aBgjtm5cvj5QbONQ49R1ybIXjfkdaGzy4FqYeiVDzHTlKFim/w240-h320/IMG20230805181655.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from our balcony</td></tr></tbody></table>Sunday</u></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>8a-12p <b>Knights of the Dragon #6 Lair of the Liche</b> <i>A <a href="https://www.cbr.com/dungeons-and-dragons-35e-5e-compare-best-edition/" target="_blank">DnD3.5e</a> game in a Living Campaign. This game COULD have been good, but wasn't. There was a good group of players but the GM sucked. He was very rude and off-putting. Often he was straight up adversarial. The adventure was short (4 hour slot, ended after an hour and a half. Nearly a TPK on multiple occasions. There were lots of puzzles but no clues on how to solve them. I was really hoping this one was gonna be good. Alas.</i></li><li>12-2p <b><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/218530/tortuga-1667" target="_blank">Tortuga 1667</a></b> <i>Great game by <a href="https://facadegames.com/" target="_blank">Facade Games</a>. I own this one but had never played it. Glad I did. I was a really neat little game that you can play with a few or a lot of people. </i></li><li>2-3:30p <b><a href="https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/359962/redwood" target="_blank">Redwood </a></b><i>So this one was the sleeper. I picked it because I just didn't want to leave the Con yet. I had seen a few advertisements around and just went with it. This one was my absolute favorite of the Con. Fantastic game play (very unique to me) beautiful artwork, and really interesting game premise. I can't wait to get this game on my shelf. The rules were super simple though the gameplay and scoring will take some figuring out in order to correctly strategize.</i></li></ul></div><div><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8ReswV6EurBbLGJSVxQZ-dGWPmsMELIGhZTUAY65x3fvs3XCeKIOfTHiV3PsBqFbT2fFRmYqAcgqWo-HL9AcPDEpXtaGWmbFgnfWKA8p9CYu9Ln7Nt74QXCH8ktTeTQrjZ99KxOeSXMtvE3-Ag2qsy1vQiha0FZKknqgaMIqybOwJlEHDvIDkmLDq2YJ/s4624/IMG20230806142115.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8ReswV6EurBbLGJSVxQZ-dGWPmsMELIGhZTUAY65x3fvs3XCeKIOfTHiV3PsBqFbT2fFRmYqAcgqWo-HL9AcPDEpXtaGWmbFgnfWKA8p9CYu9Ln7Nt74QXCH8ktTeTQrjZ99KxOeSXMtvE3-Ag2qsy1vQiha0FZKknqgaMIqybOwJlEHDvIDkmLDq2YJ/w640-h480/IMG20230806142115.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redwood</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1AXUGGAxhEsciY1v7d3tYSzAw5zxnmWgWzQZik1_wzoovmGWGcGrwLXmA4BUwuf8b-hB7I47Xqy9ADm5AtXWQqvdkYywjzRAstgy2eACmmvVZ2zWoojWDl4HqICCh3LEt9_-KK_EArF2qfTxlwR1vYt1febW8ocn-r9wpSzj3AoxDa9z4C0K30euQ0fK/s4624/IMG20230804165228.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1AXUGGAxhEsciY1v7d3tYSzAw5zxnmWgWzQZik1_wzoovmGWGcGrwLXmA4BUwuf8b-hB7I47Xqy9ADm5AtXWQqvdkYywjzRAstgy2eACmmvVZ2zWoojWDl4HqICCh3LEt9_-KK_EArF2qfTxlwR1vYt1febW8ocn-r9wpSzj3AoxDa9z4C0K30euQ0fK/w240-h320/IMG20230804165228.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">impromptu lightsaber battle</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcRd1vntxlhULFcYonKwNttCtlbK7uSEXwGKRu3fthtD8G_yxRU_AygCLnSwlINSIFkiOsxJ5tTBzJ4y9uG3yKOVooWiuavzgL84ASZJSXLc5NVQX9hitx5Fq-G1-84pmlqYG5Bg-R9ygQnG3lql510nJEO2nHarOIWG1d4C68-7BunIX7jbDfqCMk9wf/s4624/IMG20230806150945.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcRd1vntxlhULFcYonKwNttCtlbK7uSEXwGKRu3fthtD8G_yxRU_AygCLnSwlINSIFkiOsxJ5tTBzJ4y9uG3yKOVooWiuavzgL84ASZJSXLc5NVQX9hitx5Fq-G1-84pmlqYG5Bg-R9ygQnG3lql510nJEO2nHarOIWG1d4C68-7BunIX7jbDfqCMk9wf/w240-h320/IMG20230806150945.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Redwood</td></tr></tbody></table>The of course, there was all the other amazing stuff to look at. Food was everywhere, though I mostly ate my own food to save a couple bucks. The many cosplay costumes were super interesting. There were thematic musicians and bands on every corridor-corner. I walked past numerous live-recording podcasts, youtube shows, game shows, etc. The card city being constructed was super amazing (they knocked it down for charity Saturday night by having people thrown change at it... sadly I missed seeing that) They were building a really sweet looking moon lander out of balloons. It was very large! While I was eating lunch one day, a lightsaber battle broke out right in front of me, I was almost sliced right in half!<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The guys I stayed with were great, though I didn't see them <i>TOO </i>much. Still had a good time hanging out Saturday afternoon/ evening drinking, eating, and playing some games. <i>I hope I didn't snore too loud, BVH!</i></div><div><br /></div><div>Well, I think that's it. I can't wait to get back to Indy next year for GenCon 2024! I hope to make this a yearly thing, though going forward, I will probably take a (slightly) more relaxed approach, but hell, this was my FIRST TIME and I wanted to get my money's worth!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LWmzwuKghs8N8kAvqfpJ4RZ8b69_2amdteI4NoMW58NHIrjX04PqOA83CSNPm4ujKu5ExM2nP8pzcPDrRM5WKeV90etm49X_AUvB963HZ-wGeQeDQFNQh2RcMndJqF8oiiIjcMKolWa71Q685CsGM1ySqLqDKd-DAg0sGZk1lmX1O3i7Ou2SyHCEhtPh/s4624/IMG20230808165820.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LWmzwuKghs8N8kAvqfpJ4RZ8b69_2amdteI4NoMW58NHIrjX04PqOA83CSNPm4ujKu5ExM2nP8pzcPDrRM5WKeV90etm49X_AUvB963HZ-wGeQeDQFNQh2RcMndJqF8oiiIjcMKolWa71Q685CsGM1ySqLqDKd-DAg0sGZk1lmX1O3i7Ou2SyHCEhtPh/w400-h300/IMG20230808165820.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My GenCon Haul. Several were freebies, the rest I bought.</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGE9jWo_sk7XcjVmy0Hq8MokAIvbNZrEUSgWETKHM6snSPMFeeh3QDBnyxq0O0LO1ql-Surna356quO84enVokTvG70mlXez-84hwyZpEX1yCzB-_h3n4opRAxDm67q67k389vpMDOj4OA4ZNCywfCM6J3UNWotEZzQCVFyMNjcnRl1B-p2MkDW9chrbl/s4624/IMG20230806112912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGE9jWo_sk7XcjVmy0Hq8MokAIvbNZrEUSgWETKHM6snSPMFeeh3QDBnyxq0O0LO1ql-Surna356quO84enVokTvG70mlXez-84hwyZpEX1yCzB-_h3n4opRAxDm67q67k389vpMDOj4OA4ZNCywfCM6J3UNWotEZzQCVFyMNjcnRl1B-p2MkDW9chrbl/w400-h300/IMG20230806112912.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some sort of Robot-Rally</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt2_46pNP7ipRPqPhYE-ZuBzLAmZuEMKcRV47In5ceDF5OnS5-f0hPWlXddMqU5GqMcNxpecdEIEt0YtvNAVq7mQ6E_rhk9qZSzWD4NN-2TxsT3o9-ENv-aIrPWzXnnupAQDor3_rwaWLoXoxN3Vuaw96w_VVXb38HHp2sWWueLYzaD4RYWTQgG3FWsn0/s4624/IMG20230804154114.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzt2_46pNP7ipRPqPhYE-ZuBzLAmZuEMKcRV47In5ceDF5OnS5-f0hPWlXddMqU5GqMcNxpecdEIEt0YtvNAVq7mQ6E_rhk9qZSzWD4NN-2TxsT3o9-ENv-aIrPWzXnnupAQDor3_rwaWLoXoxN3Vuaw96w_VVXb38HHp2sWWueLYzaD4RYWTQgG3FWsn0/w400-h300/IMG20230804154114.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Musicians</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3DyZM7rQ3NX8IvxftmxOyrCSdhvzt7rYaYWiH1q98dUTrxQnB_WbBeJggxAIzX5vdfTC8Uv7cLnDoCVwgz6IqZFJeEyc-R7G6wkvjDBktWF-EIJu0MDnbgDBx2rX9CSuZEHZSSwC_g9skztbLXJiZjZYoIwPSygrea0phlwbtnscAG0-P0i7-kn0M9zO/s4624/IMG20230805140938.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP3DyZM7rQ3NX8IvxftmxOyrCSdhvzt7rYaYWiH1q98dUTrxQnB_WbBeJggxAIzX5vdfTC8Uv7cLnDoCVwgz6IqZFJeEyc-R7G6wkvjDBktWF-EIJu0MDnbgDBx2rX9CSuZEHZSSwC_g9skztbLXJiZjZYoIwPSygrea0phlwbtnscAG0-P0i7-kn0M9zO/w300-h400/IMG20230805140938.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ursula cosplay</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFJkrne8cbWMpItz22JdHKpqvyTpIryU1-IE6jG28L4ESGjonVEKuKiLdlVNus-091p9pFTaFeMX_b63U2QVXKNIHYNWRY1GgBg644AOxFgnXsriJpV03mN_Y38fU82ZWsY2hzfvTs8fnnywzgu7bLsMujXaSonENmaAqbtgaB4HWKRSf01XaCe1nCmwT/s4624/IMG20230804125305.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3468" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAFJkrne8cbWMpItz22JdHKpqvyTpIryU1-IE6jG28L4ESGjonVEKuKiLdlVNus-091p9pFTaFeMX_b63U2QVXKNIHYNWRY1GgBg644AOxFgnXsriJpV03mN_Y38fU82ZWsY2hzfvTs8fnnywzgu7bLsMujXaSonENmaAqbtgaB4HWKRSf01XaCe1nCmwT/w300-h400/IMG20230804125305.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balloon Lander</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LiYgBRnt2ZCD4QJMo4EWEq9RJHivhBxTkISgBc8zG8Gah4vbVcKOUEgTKKhrooiSOuvg3MOMcIGw-YH_pN87MOjoD4KoWJhZuPMxTcYqMq7qEAP9m5thwuzbIbvpnIU70GtYflxSibopqDZJFKC_rsRwX06NQthDGLlWajhQwcJvz0D0p-fnOAJFYyzr/s4624/IMG20230804125238.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3468" data-original-width="4624" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LiYgBRnt2ZCD4QJMo4EWEq9RJHivhBxTkISgBc8zG8Gah4vbVcKOUEgTKKhrooiSOuvg3MOMcIGw-YH_pN87MOjoD4KoWJhZuPMxTcYqMq7qEAP9m5thwuzbIbvpnIU70GtYflxSibopqDZJFKC_rsRwX06NQthDGLlWajhQwcJvz0D0p-fnOAJFYyzr/w400-h300/IMG20230804125238.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main corridor and Balloon Lander</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="background-color: #fcff01;"><span style="text-align: left;">(</span><b style="text-align: left;">Disclaimer</b><span style="text-align: left;">: </span><i style="text-align: left;">I don't get jack from any links posted on this site. Just wanted to help people find some stuff I thought was cool!</i><span style="text-align: left;">)</span></span></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-11073880340381135332023-08-01T12:54:00.003-05:002023-08-01T12:54:32.090-05:00GMjasoN! goes to GenCon<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh-TczKC-_ACWKjfIyYo8IjMY0WJH1jIO6UuuES_tvzRE5MSmasP7K3bVPF5xDYbEq-kIcSS0c-dfjLZWmsD4wZ_xmw-yynOUYhJdjlKIX81yS4PzFwZili6iJi9bJtpi2ipsLcMpk6maEMl3rsZg_HX0k8norC2v4Gbq0itKcowujJgoYfQDoVWdtyLbs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh-TczKC-_ACWKjfIyYo8IjMY0WJH1jIO6UuuES_tvzRE5MSmasP7K3bVPF5xDYbEq-kIcSS0c-dfjLZWmsD4wZ_xmw-yynOUYhJdjlKIX81yS4PzFwZili6iJi9bJtpi2ipsLcMpk6maEMl3rsZg_HX0k8norC2v4Gbq0itKcowujJgoYfQDoVWdtyLbs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiekUuguA7GAyLpdkl9M5KFVrEIc_ByFsmKsiJArqz-5Oy6adjvZ02yeXmJw-J0UI8vjKyGO7iURuIOTIITEK1iPPCRM9l8G6N4Ay5G3nGd8ND5fXH10IuphZxEy6vYjdXeLY4SAlRJnwgKbuXMopP02NfECy7onSwhBeN3Q39619UTnquiguWhiGMecUK4" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="616" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiekUuguA7GAyLpdkl9M5KFVrEIc_ByFsmKsiJArqz-5Oy6adjvZ02yeXmJw-J0UI8vjKyGO7iURuIOTIITEK1iPPCRM9l8G6N4Ay5G3nGd8ND5fXH10IuphZxEy6vYjdXeLY4SAlRJnwgKbuXMopP02NfECy7onSwhBeN3Q39619UTnquiguWhiGMecUK4=w265-h320" width="265" /></a></div></div>In a very rare moment, I make a non-session report blogpost to celebrate my eminent departure for Indianapolis, Indiana. For the first time in my life, I will be attending GenCon! I have wanted to go to this event since I was about 10 years old and learned about it from an ad in Dragon Magazine. Every year, my cousin and I talked about it and dreamed of going when we were older. Then we got older and it just seemed that so many excuses and reasons appeared to NOT go. I drifted out of gaming for many years, being busy with life, music, work, and building a family. Finally, I got back into gaming and the GenCon dream was reignited. Still, year after year, excused and reasons for not going popped up. Eventually, I said no more excuses and bought myself a ticket, booked a place to stay, and got really excited.... then Covid happened. GenCon was cancelled and when it came back, I wasn't ready to attend for a couple more years. But THIS YEAR, I AM GOING! I have a packed schedule, staying with a good group of guys (boardgamers, not RPGers, sadly) I have 1 GURPS game on my schedule, get to do a couple of games with some of my never before met in real life online gamer friends, and participating in a Cthulhu LARP game. I am so excited! I hope you're going to GenCon, too, maybe I'll see ya there!<img alt="" data-original-height="149" data-original-width="339" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh-TczKC-_ACWKjfIyYo8IjMY0WJH1jIO6UuuES_tvzRE5MSmasP7K3bVPF5xDYbEq-kIcSS0c-dfjLZWmsD4wZ_xmw-yynOUYhJdjlKIX81yS4PzFwZili6iJi9bJtpi2ipsLcMpk6maEMl3rsZg_HX0k8norC2v4Gbq0itKcowujJgoYfQDoVWdtyLbs=w640-h282" width="640" /><p></p><p><br /><br /></p>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-28038505080816885632023-07-27T10:56:00.004-05:002023-11-01T18:02:47.012-05:00Mysterious Tides #4 - Nilas<p><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195">A retelling of Bay of Spirits #4 from Callast Nilas Orkan's point of view. </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><b fgid="94145" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Mysterious Tides</a></b><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 004 - Nilas</span></b><div fgid="93938"><br fgid="93944" /><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">A Bump In The Night</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">230724</b></span><span id="docs-internal-guid-efc9c096-7fff-29a3-f3a5-ce7eb8d77bba"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3qVXx1QUOTS6dJbd4eygLDjzmbDIcdM2hWZMAyQHQaQ0WO3AUErFzTS9-Uk3K6aHPdxvQclkfnQvkuYqapXRb2Wk2L1fx7ufO9MxtH3rR786FVvZPzEi6H_i833tdog-XYfMdSoIgOfZltcZ2LIHNzgjFalTnSAC7dMg6n8y2zeX3XFqZH6oQFlRnBxF/s256/Nilas.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3qVXx1QUOTS6dJbd4eygLDjzmbDIcdM2hWZMAyQHQaQ0WO3AUErFzTS9-Uk3K6aHPdxvQclkfnQvkuYqapXRb2Wk2L1fx7ufO9MxtH3rR786FVvZPzEi6H_i833tdog-XYfMdSoIgOfZltcZ2LIHNzgjFalTnSAC7dMg6n8y2zeX3XFqZH6oQFlRnBxF/s1600/Nilas.png" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Callast Nilas Orkan, Brother Robert the monk of Enibria and the young cleric Carmel of Enibria had just thwarted a minor attack of sea-zombies created by some crab-like swarming critters that came from the dead giant sea serpent that washed ashore. After taking down the zombies and trying to scatter the swarming death-crabs, Nilas and his companions rushed back into the village of Piper's Quay calling for help in the form of torches, oil and other means to quell the problem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As the villagers were assembling, a more astute man stood above the rest in the crowd and he was calling out directions for everyone to follow. The man is the son of the Laird of the area, Taber Sinann. Taber introduced himself to Nilas and his friends and thanked them for their service for Piper's Quay. They filled Taber in on more of what was actually happening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was evident to Nilas that Brother Bob dislikes the nobles. It also seemed that Taber had some previous interaction with Carmel and either looks down upon her, or in Nila's thoughts, perhaps more like they may have had an affair at one point and he no longer has "use" of her. Nilas just played the diplomatic role and noticed that Taber also is a follower of Calla. Nilas asked him for an audience later once this death-crab situation was settled. It was also at this time that Carmel of Enibria was able to heal his wounds suffered from the battle with the zombies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While Taber and his men were handling the rest of the situation around the shoreline with the dead serpent, Nllas and Brother Bob had reunited with Ragnar and Jens. The group was making their way back to the Windbreak Inn when Nilas had caught movement out of the corner of his eye in the area of the Shirne to the Sea. He told his friends he was heading over to the shrine, thinking that Callast Zale may have returned and that he would meet them at the Inn later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nilas was curious though, because things have been a bit unusual lately. He started to approach with caution and whatever light was being used inside, a candle or lantern, was suddenly extinguished. Nilas was on alert and cautiously moved to the entrance when a red-hooded assailant came at him with a knife! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Surprised, Nilas jumped back into a defensive stance and put his spear out before him. The attacker was definitely not a servant of Calla. Nilas pointed his spear at the hovel and called to Calla for a Thunderclap (spell). The blast echoed out of the doorway and though deafening, did not seem to phase his attacker. As the hood shifted, Nilas caught the glimpse of a sneer as his attacker smiled.....and was a woman. The attacker also asked him for the token, and where it was. Nilas could only assume the attacker was referring to the metal coin that Brother Bob found back at the Widow's place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She lunged at him again and kicked him right in the groin and the pain radiated into his spine, causing him to cough, but he stood his ground. Very upset and angered at such a cheap-shot, Nilas lost his temper and let the fury carry him. He charged down after the attacker and ran his spear into her back, impaling her hard. The assailant gasped for breath as Nilas's three-pronged spear struck her and she continued to try to get away, squeezing between two buildings close together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nilas stepped up again and this time threw his spear. His anger made his aim true and again the hooded assailant was struck. As the attacker tried to get away, Nila's spear fell, and then collapsed on the other side of the structures. Nilas was prepared to stop her with a Command spell,, but when she succumbed to her injuries, he restrained himself. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As people started coming around, the Laird's son Taber and his guards arrived. Nilas had knelt down to his attacker and called upon Calla to heal her wounds so that she would not die. Calla must have favored this moment, because Nilas's hands flashed a blue-white light and the woman's injuries were completely healed. Before the assailant could even think about trying to attack or escape, the Laird's guards took her into custody. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nila's companions showed up. Apparently there were more assailants waiting for them on Jen's ship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is much to ponder here and Nilas wants to get a good look at his attacker before they take her away. He just hopes it wasn't Maddie the Pirate booty girl from the Windbreak Inn. </div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></span><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>Here is an in-character retelling of the events from our 4th session of the campaign. I offer players bonus points for writing up in-character session logs, and here is the first one of the campaign! Thanks Mike!<br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div><p> </p>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-758334506162828330.post-13974548961738389442023-07-26T10:16:00.004-05:002023-11-01T18:06:23.855-05:00Mysterious Tides #4<p><span fgid="94189" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94195">After dealing with the eel/swarm/zombie problem, the group heads back to town only to be ambushed by some searching assailants. </i></span><span fgid="94176" style="font-family: times;"><i fgid="94182">On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by <a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" target="_blank">Randy M.</a> at <a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" target="_blank">Roan Studios</a>.</i></span></p><div fgid="94158"><span fgid="94164" style="font-family: trebuchet;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><b fgid="94145" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://darkpathsandwanderedroads.blogspot.com/p/bay-of-spirits.html">GURPS: Bay of Spirits</a></b><br fgid="94133" /><b fgid="94120"><span fgid="94126" style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Session 004</span></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div fgid="93938"><h3 fgid="93950"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93956">Red Cloaked Assailants</span></h3><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif" fgid="93963"><b fgid="93969">230723</b></span><br fgid="93976" /><span id="docs-internal-guid-aebc3748-7fff-be57-071e-1b8b45feaea0"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Callast Nilas and Bro Bob retreat back to the town with Carmel the Enibrian. Calls for fire and fuel go up across the docks. Captain Jens Marko has already moved toward the incident to see what was going on when he runs into Nilas, Bob, and Carmel. The young Enibrian smiles shyly at Jens and looks down at her feet.</span></p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzKClinwJxJ8AY-UsfZ9wxBrODXVWpE0Y4GF3cwwCIVPOU8KcxK-JrMdlm3QPiIL-RdMgh5dQDPeMquGOxAtRLP9DWymMgYSGhVIsLxMlHqyZy8yjcT7nIgP0N9Qi71u21-jdu8PtlZ7EwLPpgRshNfSEalINsuFK9LVKAy72E80k9-WROTSDeHHLokq2/s1461/pipers%20quay%20closeup.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1461" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSzKClinwJxJ8AY-UsfZ9wxBrODXVWpE0Y4GF3cwwCIVPOU8KcxK-JrMdlm3QPiIL-RdMgh5dQDPeMquGOxAtRLP9DWymMgYSGhVIsLxMlHqyZy8yjcT7nIgP0N9Qi71u21-jdu8PtlZ7EwLPpgRshNfSEalINsuFK9LVKAy72E80k9-WROTSDeHHLokq2/w640-h362/pipers%20quay%20closeup.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Piper's Quay</td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">“Hey, Bro Bob! What all was going down over there? Looked like some sort of mixup?” Jens asks.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob waves as he approaches and replies, "Nasty business, Jens. The carcass of a serpent washed ashore that's infested with some sort of crab-like things. They swarmed over three of the townsmen and killed them somehow, turning them into zombies in the process." He takes a long drink from his mug and wipes his mouth before continuing, "I've never heard of anything like it. We managed to take care of the zombies, but there's a lot of those things coming out of the carcass. I hope that fire will kill them."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The locals are quickly gathering oil, torches, and as much firewood as they can manage.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A stout, good looking young man carrying a shield with the symbol of the Sinann Clan quickly takes charge in directing the locals on what to do. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">After talking to some of the locals, he heads over to talk to the group.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Ho there, Old Garbarend there says some of you were out at the beach when all hell broke loose, says you were trying to deal with the situation and were able to put down some dead walkers that were somehow infected or something of that nature," he says with a firm voice of authority.</span></p><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhMIrpahdT4HYreM3rYWMflNKqqRNVjcY1X85pz190MCrSwiqeAP7znpNdwlPqNEdX530eNTvlIj7xAgI_vxsRrt1gdOG5S51yQISKgTDcQFEzzx_IxVq-BPpYSNyY3hJMeFckMa5yW5gc4r9p3hOv9dmadmP7EkAbzr9vnQKa6p4sNt4XGTerD7Bs5vr/s758/Taber%20Sinann.png" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="758" data-original-width="574" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWhMIrpahdT4HYreM3rYWMflNKqqRNVjcY1X85pz190MCrSwiqeAP7znpNdwlPqNEdX530eNTvlIj7xAgI_vxsRrt1gdOG5S51yQISKgTDcQFEzzx_IxVq-BPpYSNyY3hJMeFckMa5yW5gc4r9p3hOv9dmadmP7EkAbzr9vnQKa6p4sNt4XGTerD7Bs5vr/s320/Taber%20Sinann.png" width="242" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taber Sinann</td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods, replying, "That pretty much sums it up. Some kind of crab-like things swarming out of a dead serpent that washed up. I don't know if fire will kill them or not, but it seems the best thing to try first."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Yes, fire. Thank you for your service to Piper's Quay. If you give me your names, I will make sure my father hears of this." he says. "Oh, my apologies, I am Taber Sinann, my father is Laird Sinann."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob smiles slightly, "I know," and holds out his hand, "Brother Robert D'Nagian. um, Junior, of Enibria" As he reaches to shake Taber's hand, he locks eyes with him in a strange, rather unsettling stare.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Taber Sinann shakes Bro' Bob's hand very firmly then looks at Nilas and extends his hand to him as well.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Taber Sinann does not seem to recognize Bob or his clan relations. Bob remembers Taber from his youth. Taber is a good 7 or 8 years older, so the two did not run around together as children.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "Well met Taber, Callast Nilas at your service.” Nilas nods to the noble. "The large sea serpent washed ashore. Unfortunately three of the fishermen became infected. I blasted one with Calla's power of lightning and these crab-like bugs swarmed out of the men. They were on them earlier and turned them into sea zombies. I was able to scatter the initial swarms with some lightning and air jets that I called down from Calla. But there are many more coming out. We need to purge the shore.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As the group interacts with Taber Sinann, Ragnar returns to town. He sees the chaos going on and immediately goes on alert.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas shakes his hand</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Taber nods at Nilas and gives him a slight smile. "Callast, your work here is appreciated."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas sees the Wellborn man adjust his jerkin, revealing a small pin on his collar bearing some symbols of Calla. It looks like the symbol that a Ranger of Calla would wear.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob gestures to Carmel, "Sister Carmel here also put one of them down with us."</span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyIB_GncIqHWO2d1COqpVAIYEUOuRk3z_B4Zyy6CZpidBXERZAll5Yvi-zWTkCb79lyulVmpIUzeXxxB_ReIGarxlTf7Bqmbx34BwaKkNfKExf2vVzEtVcGJBs6L-hGKDPhMt8sbQh3FGMYs-R_muSnj5GozLFD4HmwFbsu2_sL5k23ZwyhLAdOWRQ60P/s285/Carmel%20Montfort.png" style="clear: right; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: collapse;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="170" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyIB_GncIqHWO2d1COqpVAIYEUOuRk3z_B4Zyy6CZpidBXERZAll5Yvi-zWTkCb79lyulVmpIUzeXxxB_ReIGarxlTf7Bqmbx34BwaKkNfKExf2vVzEtVcGJBs6L-hGKDPhMt8sbQh3FGMYs-R_muSnj5GozLFD4HmwFbsu2_sL5k23ZwyhLAdOWRQ60P/s1600/Carmel%20Montfort.png" width="170" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carmel Montfort</td></tr></tbody></table><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Ahh, Carmel, yes, thank you. I did not realize you were still here in town. I assumed you'd have pushed off by now, off in search of your precious wines." It almost seems like he is speaking condescendingly to the young Enibrian, but maybe not. Maybe he is just a young Wellborn leader of a town in the middle of a crisis.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas says, "You are most welcome. We are very concerned for the people here in Piper’s Quay. We are also looking into some other problems around here, while we have your attention, perhaps once this immediate threat is settled we can have an audience with you?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas then adds, “Yes, if it wasn't from Brother Robert here and Sister Carmel, the threat would have gotten worse."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas then looks himself over, "I must first see if I can get my wounds cleaned up and tended to, one of the zombies laid into me pretty tough."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar asks, "Is everything OK here?”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel purses her lips and, keeping her eyes down, looks away a bit. "No, Laird Sinann, I have not yet saved up enough Marks yet to leave," she responds</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Carmel, realizing that Nilas is wounded, grabs his arm and looks at it. "I can help you, Nilas. I am sorry I did not realize you were thus wounded."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">She speaks a quiet word to Enibria and lays her hands on Nilas, healing his wound almost completely.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas blushes a bit. "Yes, Lady Carmel, I must admit, I do not have much combat experience outside of training. This was really my first actual battle with life-threatening consequences"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Taber nods at Nilas' request, "Yes, after this has been dealt with, we can talk, of course. " He puts his hand firmly on Nilas' shoulder and excuses himself to get back to leading the village in this time of crisis.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas adds, "And a thanks to you and Enibria"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob tacitly ignores the man, but gives Carmel's arm a slight, encouraging squeeze as he answers Ragnar, "Well enough for church work. There's a situation down the beach - Laird's boy is handling it now." Bro' Bob looks at Carmel and bows slightly, "And I apologize, Mother Carmel"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Quickly, they fill Ragnar in on what had happened.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar shakes his head. "I've never heard of such ... tis truly strange."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas will continue to help the people. Nilas will take up a torch and also use any air jets if needed. He will help try to earn favor with Tabor</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar heads down to ask if he can help somehow.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob asks Carmel, "Are you going back to the inn?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas quickly gets involved, using his torch and Air Jets to disperse any approaching swarms of the zombie-making crabs while Ragnar meanders around asking how he can help. The Quayians rush back and forth making stacks of firewood and pouring oil on them as near to the dead eel as they can, hoping to set up a burning perimeter before attempting to burn the creature.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"No, I will stay here and help these good people with their problem," Carmel responds to Bob.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods, "Roll up our sleeves and get dirty then. Coming Jens?"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar helps fetching firewood</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob pitches in wherever he sees is needed. He's familiar enough with the rhythm of the wharf and townsfolk to be unobtrusive and just help out.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens stands around for a while, then joins in with helping to transport firewood.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It takes several hours to set up the burn perimeter but luckily no more people are infected. The creature seems more difficult to burn, though Taber Sinann sets up groups of townsfolk to take turns fueling the fires built directly up against the creatures head. This goes on for some time, with pretty much all of the firewood, driftwood, and spare planks are used to build the conflagration. Most of the townsfolk are sent back to their homes and the group of new friends are dismissed back to town as well.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar shakes his head in disbelief. "That was right odd, it was. And more than a bit scary."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods. "I don't know what to make of it. But I do know - I still haven't had breakfast! Let's head back to the Windbreak. I'm starved"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As the group heads back to town, it is now approaching dinner time and everyone can hear Bro' Bob's stomach growling.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob pours the rest of his mug down his throat, "And parched"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As the group heads back to the Windbreak Inn, he sees movement over in the Shrine of the Sea, where he has been staying since arriving in Piper's Quay yesterday.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas puts a hand on Bob's shoulder. "Agreed my friend, I think we earned some of Enibria's finest after this mess"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas pauses, "A minute my friends, I think I see someone over by the shrine, perhaps Callast Zale is returned"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas starts heading over to the Shrine of the Sea</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar stops and watches</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob nods, "If he has, give my regards. We'll save you a seat"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob looks at Carmel as he starts toward the inn, "Well Mother, I hope Maricia doesn't put you back to work after all that. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty exhausted."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"Me too, but there's gonna be a lot of thirsty folk, and she can't do it all herself, so back to work for me," Carmel says, shrugging.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">A few moments after Nilas heads off, a young boy comes in, looks around and sidles up to Captain Jens. He indicates he has something to tell him, so Jens leans down and the boy whispers in his ear. "What?" Jen'</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">"What?" Jens roars and jumps up. "Someone's on my boat!" he cries and rushes out the door.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas heads over to the shrine.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob looks upward, shaking his head in disbelief, "If I have to leave again before I've eaten I'm going to break someone. . ."</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar immediately pushes back his chair and rushes off after Jens</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas is being careful though, as it is getting dark and they were just fighting zombies</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As Nilas approaches the abode of Callast Zale, he sees lantern light from inside the small hovel.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob sighs in exasperation, "It's fongin time" and drops his backpack on his chair calling over to Carmel with a shrug, "We'll be back"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens leads the way down to the pier, Ragnar and Bro' Bob follow.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas approaches the home portion of the shrine cautiously.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As Nilas approaches, the light suddenly goes out.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas stops. That's suspicious. He ducks down and moves quietly towards the door.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As Jens charges down toward the Kittiwake, he no longer sees whoever it was on the boat. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko runs to the Kittiwake, looking around. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob notices a figure shadowing the group off in the trees. </span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjo91Hc4YPISCZ7mWQq0xAjwGkNodI4mzkPRCT9489MekjqKdvfgvd6E3lm5aRS-E8bGUoKOT9ZAK9-5IpuISj9P2rSPgIyBaC80ZLEbrjA27DdAO6NO1Tfq1fjPWfDTb4KLYEnqoM0upfIBGU9yj4BCL02KkFKgviAeeVIvZhix1Tb3luP3VWUCKX5hl/s1024/The%20Kittiwake.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsjo91Hc4YPISCZ7mWQq0xAjwGkNodI4mzkPRCT9489MekjqKdvfgvd6E3lm5aRS-E8bGUoKOT9ZAK9-5IpuISj9P2rSPgIyBaC80ZLEbrjA27DdAO6NO1Tfq1fjPWfDTb4KLYEnqoM0upfIBGU9yj4BCL02KkFKgviAeeVIvZhix1Tb3luP3VWUCKX5hl/w640-h640/The%20Kittiwake.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Kittiwake, Captain Jens' boat</td></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens sees that the contents on the front deck have been rummaged through, though he cannot see into the cabin or on the back deck from his current vantage point.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTogu13WnuU0Rcvfo0vygWkC4kXOnBS3tuCmsEPFFmAvM_OzFEKudxdWVJE1XVysryIzsaTYpoJ4IKwTe4iZwQn-WqMiqaperAk179Nb8RgnsXo0BzEOJRh_jnWvVQKdNHZvgGRi6NtfQg5wyklGgO1xdVmLBQFSiIQtVNNEHEpFjgdinXy6K1qw-0hpkm/s256/Red%20Assassin%203.png" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: 14.6667px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTogu13WnuU0Rcvfo0vygWkC4kXOnBS3tuCmsEPFFmAvM_OzFEKudxdWVJE1XVysryIzsaTYpoJ4IKwTe4iZwQn-WqMiqaperAk179Nb8RgnsXo0BzEOJRh_jnWvVQKdNHZvgGRi6NtfQg5wyklGgO1xdVmLBQFSiIQtVNNEHEpFjgdinXy6K1qw-0hpkm/w200-h200/Red%20Assassin%203.png" width="200" /></a><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas creeps up to the door of the shrine, it is dark and quiet inside. Outside it is not dark yet, but the sun is going down quickly.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas tries to poke his head inside the door, looking to see who was in there.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As Nilas puts his head in, he sees the flash of steel as a hand and knife come out of the darkness, directly at his throat!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas backs up to dodge the attack!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob steps toward the rise, drawing his broadsword and says clearly, "Step down into the damn light - I do NOT have the patience left for stupid games tonight!!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The hooded assailant follows up.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens sees some movement from the back of the boat as something small whizzes just past his face!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko draws his hatchet and steps aboard. As part of stepping aboard, he gives the gunwale a good downward push. <i>Let's see if you're a sailor or not.</i></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar moves forward and looks to see who might be in the boat</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">As Ragnar charges down the pier, he sees a red hooded figure crouching at the rear of the boat.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-ZnR2H1Hemgpdbgvy5OsvWkKdwY8M27pc5Rbr_gRnN4rWVChXrpOykxWJyKbUovhWhh0RZcFTUSiruILWvPQylBNqBQKf-aLM90hPf7qspoMM_1cidy7mlyBzz_klJzDFuHXg3Spl3aBy_6QU8WR8vxJAI9KmvecsQZBZhjPUmkx1LcWBITTm0xDPvMj/s256/Red%20Assassin%202.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-ZnR2H1Hemgpdbgvy5OsvWkKdwY8M27pc5Rbr_gRnN4rWVChXrpOykxWJyKbUovhWhh0RZcFTUSiruILWvPQylBNqBQKf-aLM90hPf7qspoMM_1cidy7mlyBzz_klJzDFuHXg3Spl3aBy_6QU8WR8vxJAI9KmvecsQZBZhjPUmkx1LcWBITTm0xDPvMj/w200-h200/Red%20Assassin%202.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr></tr></tbody></table><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob quickly drops his dagger, point down into the sand at his feet, and readies his buckler, "Seriously. I'm tired, I'm hungry, and I'm going to have my period in a couple of days. Do you have any idea how angry that makes me?"</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas takes a step back, points his spear at the assailant and yells "Torden!".....Unleashing a Thunderclap targeted right inside the doorway of the home. A loud crash of thunder erupts from the area at Callast Zale's home</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The red-hooded assailant shakes her head and gives Nilas a sinister grin.</span></p><div fgid="93938"><span><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob says, "Oh, and it sounds like my friend is even angrier"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">She steps up and kicks Nilas right in the buried treasure!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas fails to dodge the attack</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The hooded foe on the boat leaps up and shoves Ragnar, trying to push him off the pier.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas feels the pain between his legs but manages to keep his feet.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas' attacker then runs off!</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas shouts, "Fighting dirty, you coward???!!!"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The third hooded figure raises an eyebrow at Bob then turns and runs toward the shoreline.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNXUMeSG7LHjCm6iFOX8DYKMEbPNQIeEihYse2Qq2uDFgJyC6KhU_J85iqDJNRrEY8Fs8MtXScRJobGsbZZP96eYIL4UUOys5a-XSYiV3VMS5BZiFGh3M3VH6xCPZhZUy367w3BE-wZbEGr_KFwbkkma01oNXVBRThqJn5WWBA8dAYDhmJ60ZEYnx572R/s256/Red%20Assassin%201.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNXUMeSG7LHjCm6iFOX8DYKMEbPNQIeEihYse2Qq2uDFgJyC6KhU_J85iqDJNRrEY8Fs8MtXScRJobGsbZZP96eYIL4UUOys5a-XSYiV3VMS5BZiFGh3M3VH6xCPZhZUy367w3BE-wZbEGr_KFwbkkma01oNXVBRThqJn5WWBA8dAYDhmJ60ZEYnx572R/w200-h200/Red%20Assassin%201.png" width="200" /></a></div><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar, surprised at the attack, stumbles back and falls into the surf as his attacker runs down the pier.</span><p></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "You better not have hurt my cat..." and dodges</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar falls into the water, landing on his back!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob shakes his head as he turns and steps toward the pier, smiling at the figure running toward him, "Looks like your friend abandoned you. Do you think you can climb that little bluff before I cut your legs off?"</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">She looks back at Bob, "With what?" she snarls with a laugh.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas starts running after his assailant, yelling at him the entire time. "Get back here you coward! Face Calla's Wrath!"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The fleeing foe tries to twist out of the way but fails, and Nilas spear hits her in the back!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas chases after the attacker and attempts to stab her with his three-pronged spear as she runs away</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The fleeing woman gasps as Nilas spear impales her.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">She staggers away from Nilas, moving to squeeze between the narrow gap between two buildings.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The male hooded figure moves over to a short rise and readies a bow, looking in Bob's direction.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While the female on the dock leaps across the gap and hits the rocky point just beyond a beached canoe.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">She scrambles but manages to find some foot and handholds.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko says "Wait up! Where you going?" and moves to go up the slope at a less steep spot</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar tries to stand up as quickly as he can</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Bro' Bob tells Jen, "'Ware the fool on the hill," then calls out, "You'll get your archery duel in a moment..." He then charges the climber and cuts at her leg</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas steps up and yells to the female assailant. "Surrender and I will spare your life...run and face Calla's Wrath". Nilas then hurls his spear at her. The spear strikes the woman in the back.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas aims true, his spear impaling the assailant once again.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The spear hits her hard, causing her to lurch forward, but she keeps her feet somehow and continues forward. Nilas’ spear falls to the ground.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The climbing attacker moves around the point so Bro' can no longer see her as she starts her ascent.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">While the foe with the bow sends an arrow in Jens' direction!</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jens Marko scrambles up the rise and pelts after the strange foe! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Ragnar starts to pull himself out of the water, back up onto the dock</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas gives chase again, closing in on the female assailant. He points his finger at the woman and yells "WAIT!" Calling on Calla for the power of a Command Spell.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas sighs, ......."ohhhh" Nilas says as he was about to cast the command spell and his quarry falls unconscious.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">The two uninjured foes prove to be quick, sneaky and hard to catch. They somehow slip into the shadows and elude detection. The one Nilas skewered passes out as she tries to slip between the two buildings. Taber Sinann and some of his men show up after a few minutes to find out what happened. Someone spots a rowboat moving out past the breakers as the sun sets and everyone assumes that it is the fleeing assailants.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas kneels down to heal the assailant and stabilize her injuries.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Taber Sinann instructs his men to disarm her and take her into custody.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas mutters, "Oh grap!"</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Nilas shakes his head. "Calla's will, I suppose........." then turns around mumbling "Kick me in the family jewels.....lucky I didn't use my lightning bolt right up your womb...."</span></p><div><br /></div></span><h3 fgid="94024"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94030">Session Notes</span></h3>Got off to a bit of a late start due to some players being late, but it was a good, full session. Discussion with the town leader, helping out with protecting the village, then some shadowy figures snooping through their stuff lead to a spread out fight on the waterfront. Fun times! Sadly due to my other Sunday night game and me going to GenCon, we won't get to play again for about a month, but I will set up a <b><i>Continuing Story</i></b> (PbP document) to keep up with things. <br fgid="94037" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94043"><br fgid="94049" /></span><br fgid="94055" /><h3 fgid="94061"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94067">Cast of Characters:</span></h3><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94074"><b>Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien</b>, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin K</span></div><div fgid="93938"><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94100"><b>Jens Marko</b>, a young Captain sailing his dory all over the bay - played by Arne J</span><br fgid="94107" /><span face=""helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="94113"><b>Callast Nilas Orkan</b>, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B</span></div><div fgid="93805"><b>Ragnar Rocht</b>, avenging ranger - played by Stephen K<br fgid="93811" /><br fgid="93817" /><div fgid="93823"><span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" fgid="93829">and GMJasonGURPS as the <b>DM</b></span><br fgid="93836" /><br fgid="93842" /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif" fgid="93848" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br fgid="93854" /></span><br fgid="93860" /><div class="separator" fgid="93866" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93872" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" fgid="93878" height="109" src="http://www.sjgames.com/banners/img/gurps4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.drivethrurpg.com/browse/pub/8657/Roan-Studio" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2200" data-original-width="3400" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEkzBFCzzr93D69BKi4dbg3rHpniQUL07RkWG_joOtHxE2qzScNHcoVJsadzjhYd01D9uRGoFHM6115IKi-ikM4Nz70tKWASo3ZRYFBSGZGBrQ6u0IJ2bXm7tjxJoBWGnSe5X7GN5QU86hduF4KymdFiob9LSidwHMQc0W-zg-HOF6ZyRMRK080S_Dw/w640-h414/The%20Bay%20Map.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93884" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" fgid="93908" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a fgid="93914" href="https://www.sjgames.com/gurps/" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="1125" fgid="93920" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie6GmMog3tlJAGDkGtaR0H79fYesn5AvIPgCnyVmD1G_JC9rhpyk4OJfvIs5GButgbZlxiNP3sFQuYO4GLw3YY9_1ezrxcO5fLftTzqNSL5hXHxauWqcO4Rh58PUpJbQUxgb7LpeCy1AqX/s640/zpee7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" fgid="93926" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br fgid="93932" /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.patreon.com/randy_m/posts" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="192" data-original-width="954" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDpsBmLYJTVUzL8afsg3zV0Afb4IbwuCQcttlcdtkHqUcudRLcEQMV3zTAzsRS2T7Z60UuyT2YcVgfWQ5lde9uJDI_fh9fXP37pxkAme4XaZK4ghN5qMegQMSRXwWMemXjUVlMT5Hx_cIqCNZ2RbMZsRm_5tm20K-S9xp6gwuQApnDmQXi5KJxboAI9A/w640-h128/header.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" fgid="93787" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div fgid="93775"><br fgid="93781" /></div>GMJasonGURPShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04831558500989047010noreply@blogger.com0