The group moves on from the Starling Lords' camp and makes their way to the Sinker, a halfway house and inn of ill reputation. On-going GURPS adventures set in the beautiful and evocative Bay of Spirits setting by Randy M. at Roan Studios.
GURPS: Tides and TribulationsSession 010
Hook, Line, and Sinker
231112The 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.
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.
Nilas wishes to chat more with the gent by the fire.
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.
Food and drink are made available as dinner time approaches, but none of the Starling Lords men say much to anyone.
Nilas will start moving around like he is helping around the camp. He will attempt to 'wander" near that fellow.
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.
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?"
Bro' Bob looks around curiously, assessing how efficient and disciplined the crews are
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.
Bob feels that the camp is maintained in a fairly orderly fashion.
Nilas walks back to camp, hoping to engage Villip in conversation more
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.
Ragnar sits by the fire and watches and listens to see if he can learn anything
Bro' Bob turns to Villip, nodding, "You've got some good crews here"
Nilas says a general prayer of blessing from Calla over the camp
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.
Villip nods at Bob. "Thank you, they are well trained sailors and marines."
Turning to Jens, the monk asks, "Do you wan't to get underway again, or wait til monring?"
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."
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!"
Ragnar nods. "Aye, take the safety wher you can get it, I say."
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.
Nilas says, "I agree, it would be good to rest safely for a night. Then we can get moving onto our first lead"
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.
Nilas just lets the man go, not to draw any more attention to him
Nilas thinks he might be enticing him to a romantic rendezvous out in the woods.
Nilas just shakes his head. Looking to speak more to Villip.
Villip makes his way back around to the group.
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?"
"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.
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"
"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.
Nilas chuckles at the joke
Nilas says, "What about Starlington? Is that safe for us to visit?"
"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.
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?"
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?"
Ragnar nods in understanding
Nilas says, "So sad. But I understand."
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. . .. "
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."
He nods to you and excuses himself, off to order his crew around some more.
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' "
Jens nods, "Yea, that one place, gotcha," he says with a wink.
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.
Everyone except Bro' Bob gets a good nights sleep.
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
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.
Ragnar empties his bladder and eats a hearty breakfast to prepare for the day
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.
Nilas has to remember that in the end, all fluid flows through and from Calla.
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.
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!"
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?"
"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.
Nilas says, "Well who are they? We could act as if performing a morning ceremony to the sea if that would help?"
"then no one will be suspicious"
"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.
Nilas says, "and what is your name my friend?
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.
Nilas walks the man through a morning prayer and a prayer of safe keeping over his family
Ragnar says to the others, "We should help him if we can"
"I am Irlen." he says. He is young, just a few years younger than Nilas. Maybe 17 or 18.
He thanks Nilas then rushes back off to his duty.
Jens says "But what about the curse the town is under?"
Ragnar shrugs. "We've got a priest. And maybe that's just a rumor."
Once the ritual is over, Nilas rejoins his friends.
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
Jens looks unsure
Nilas says, "We can speak more on the Kittewake"
Jens nods and leads them group back to the ship
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.
Nilas says, "What if we sailed out under some cloud cover?"
"After the Sinker was Larkton or Merchant's Gut. We could go there, if we think we had out-run the assassins?"
Jens frowns. "I think the Sinker is just over that hill. If we are looking for places to check, it's the closest.
Ragnar shrugs. "I'll go with whatever we think is best."
Nilas says, "Sorry my friends, I was disoriented. Let's go to the Sinker first."
Jens nods. "Okay, so we go there and see what we can learn?"
Nilas says, "Jens, if you need me to, I can ask Calla to give us some cover and call up some clouds"
Bro' Bob agrees, "Since they're so close, we may be able to learn a little about the town in the Sinker"
Nilas says, "sail us down a bit, out of view of the sentries....and we can walk in a bit if needed"
Bro' Bob shadows Jen and secures the ropes once he's set them.
Nilas will help with the sails and riggings
Ragnar sits and watches, trying to learn something helpful for the future
Nilas says, "No, your other left"
"No....i mean my left, your right, oh dear..."
Bro' Bob says, "I shouldn't be better at this than you, you know."
Ragnar chimes in, "Everyone has an off day now and then."
Jens skillfully takes the Kittiwake out and away from the Starling Lords camp.
Watching for the hidden inlet that Villip described will no doubt take a keen eye.
Ragnar, Nilas, and Bro Bob all spot it at the same time.
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.
Nilas says, "Do we have a plan on what to do or say when we go to this place?"
"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"
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....
Bro' Bob suggests, "Say we're looking for work? Looking to hire someone? Looking for cargo that requires discretion?"
Nilas says, "We can let that one up to the Captain, but yes, that is a good plan"
"or not say anything, thinking we are already on our own trek. I never dealt with someone like this before"
Nilas says, "What if we see the Crimson Talons here?"
Jens shrugs. "I guess we can ask. I'm always looking for jobs."
Nilas says, "I'm still trying to figure out what was the big deal about finding the coin?"
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.
Ragnar mods, "Me too, they are a key to this mystery."
Nilas says, "Alright, just pull in closer to one of the big ones, but not too close......sail casually"
Jens sails casually
No one on the other boats makes any sort of wave or greeting as the Kittiwake ties off. They just stand stoically watching.
Nilas says, "Just nod and act like we have been here before"
A narrow dirt path leads away from the shoreline up a rocky and wooded hill.
Jens hmms. "Tough crowd."
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?"
Nilas says, "That's probably not a bad idea. But do you think that you would be safe enough by yourself?"
Bro' Bob looks clearly uncomfortable at the idea of leaving Carmel alone here. "Today, we're all thieves and cutthroats"
She nods at Bro' Bob.
Ragnar chimes in, "Feels dangerous no matter what we do."
Then she nods at Ragnar.
Jens looks nervous about leaving the Kittiwake unguarded.
Jens says "I'm not sure what to do here, folks."
Ragnar shruigs. "Either we all go or at least two stay."
"You need to hire a ship's boy or guard or something like that, Jens. I'm happy to stay," she says.
Nilas says, "I can stay with Carmel and protect the ship.....no one would mess with a Callast"
At that, rain begins to fall, pushing in off the lake. It is a cold, hard rain.
Jens shrugs. "Okay, I guess. Take care of Lady Margo."
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.
Ragnar thinks. "Maybe we could put the ship out a bit and use a rowboat to get to port."
Bro' Bob shuffles his feet, "Are you sure you can handle things is someone tries to board, Mothere?"
Bro' Bob adds, "Or do you have some way of summoning us if there's trouble?"
"I can yell pretty loud!" she says, smiling.
Jens grins. "Well, that sounds good enough for me."
Bro' Bob shakes his head worriedly, "Well, don't hesitate then. . ."
Nilas prays to Calla for protection from the rain..."Calla in all of your wundaaaa....cover us with your umbrellaaaa"
Bro' Bob chimes in, "And protect us with your thundaaaaa!"
Nilas casts Umbrella on Brother bob
Bro' Bob wraps his cloak around him and pulls hup his hood against the cold
Nilas says, "Okay Jens and Ragnar, double up and snug in, I can't do this all day for everyone"
Jens grins. 'I'm not averse to a little water, Brother."
Ragnar shrugs. "I'm good with whatever."
The group leaves Carmel down at the Kittiwake and begin the trek up the path. It gets pretty muddy pretty quickly.
Nilas says, "be ready for anything my friends"
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.
Ragnar nods his agreement
Jens says "Looks like a nice place."
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.
Nilas says, "who wants to take the lead on this?"
Ragnar shakes his head. "I'm not good with talking and such."
Bro' Bob shrugs, "Let's look for a table and figure it out from there"
Nilas says, "sounds good"
Jens says "I can drink and ask around for work, just to give us a reason to be there, too."
Nilas says, "A drink would be nice right now"
Bro' Bob nods over his cup, "Definitely"
Jens grins. "Now we're talking."
Nilas walks up to the building
Nilas looks to see if there is any activity going on around the building right now
Ragnar checks out the place and people, careful not to stare."
approaching the building, you see an outhouse off to the left, and double doors leading into the building
Jens goes up and tries the double doors
You enter a good sized main room, there are lots of tables and chairs, though only a few of them are occupied.
Off to the right is a raised area with several tables, no one is sitting in this area surrounded by a highly polished bannister.
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.
"Big building. That fire may feel a bit better for you guys after that rain"
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.
Bro' Bob nods, and heads over to warm himself
Jens heads to the bar
Nilas notices the books, makes a note to check on them later
Nilas decides to look at the books first
Ragnar moves to the fire as well, watching casually.
The bartender says, "Aye, stranger, what can I get ya?"
Nilas starts looking for anything that could be old or ancient
Jens nods. "Well, I'll have an ale, and if you have summin ta eat, I'd be obliged."
A tall, burly man stands at the end of the bar, near the bartender and Jens. He watches Jens but says nothing.
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."
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."
Nilas sees some books on mythology, agriculture, some poetry books, some romance novels, and a few dusty game boards and pieces.
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
The bartender raises an eyebrow at Jens and moves away down the bar.
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.
His back to the fire, Ragnor watches and listens while warming up.
A giant appears!
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!"
"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
"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.
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.'
Nilas walks over to the Jens.
"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.
Jens asks, "So, who're your friends? Know what sort of help they might need?"
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."
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.
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.
Ragnar stays by the fire to watch his friends' backs as they chat with the man.
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.
Nilas turns to the man talking with Jens. Are any of these books available to read? And what about purchase?
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.
"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.
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."
Nilas walks over to the bar
Bob is surprised to taste what he believes to be Blind Owl.
Nilas orders a drink. "Something light and sweet there bartender"
Borris the bartender looks Nlas up and down. "Callast, ehh? Guess you'll be wantin some o'that Skulpin Rum them?"
Nilas says, "Hmmm, I think that's what Callast Zale preferred. Skulpin, yes, that would be fine”
Nilas takes his drink and wanders back over to the books
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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
Ragnar nods to the man in a friendly manner. "Bit past morning sommat, but close enough. Good day to you as well"
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."
Bro' Bob reaches out has hand to shake, "Robert D'Nagian, Jr."
"Ahh, of course its Blind Owl, but I can't be selling that to just anyone, its not a Barony Branded bottle, you know."
Bro' Bob nods, "We was brewin ‘n stillin’ before there was a baron herebouts to sell his stamp on it"
Session Notes
Cast of Characters:
Brother Robert (Bro Bob) D'Nagien, a young Enibrian monk and archer - played by Amergin KCallast Nilas Orkan, a young priest of Calla the Storm Goddess - played by Mike B
No comments:
Post a Comment