A Mutiny in Murvos - IC

[Fialova]

"We could also evoke heroes of the past if we want intimidation without it being purely based in terror," Telwari responds, as she mindlessly strums a simple melody on her lute. "I recall a tale from Gleios of a famed swordsman who made his name as a feared mercenary. The 'wind dancer,' they called him. There is also the most classic hero of Gleisian legend, Pharon, too. Perhaps something based on him?"

"I don't really see why we gotta change it, the Pelican seems fine to me, but you do what you want," Ernst responds, taking a seat against a nearby barrel now that the vote has finished. "More importantly, what's our new heading, if we ain't going to Murvos? Best we get the sails adjusted and the ship on its way before we do too much else."

OOC/Mechanics

Sea travel in this game will utilize a hex map version of the Voreld map we have had for years, with each hex on the map representing 10 miles of travel. All ships have a speed of miles/day in multiples of ten, so removing one 0 at the end will give the number of hexes each can move per day in normal circumstances. The Pelican's base speed is 130 miles/day, or 13 hexes.

Currently you are still on course for Murvos, about 35-40 miles from the coast. It is night time still, and the initial plan was to make port in the early morning, shortly before sunrise. If changing course, you will have to decide which way to go. I've included a zoomed in version of the map, showing your current position and your immediate surroundings with your nearest alternate ports visible. While these are not the only options you may choose from, they offer the quickest route to a new landing where you'll be free to make alterations to the ship and try to recruit more crew.

Map

Hex Map, Post-Mutiny.PNG

[Chanchabruhh]

Kairon listens to Telwari's suggestion, nodding thoughtfully. "Evoking heroes of the past could give us a name with both respect and a touch of intimidation," he agrees. "The 'Wind Dancer' carries a sense of deadly grace, and Pharon embodies classic heroism."

He then turns to Ernst, considering his point. "The Pelican is a fine name, but perhaps a change is symbolic of our new beginning. We need to unite under a name that reflects our strength and purpose."

Kairon looks around at the crew, then back to Danelos. "I think 'Pharon's Fury' would be a strong name."
 
"As for our heading," he continues, "we need to decide quickly. Perhaps a port that’s less frequented, where we can lay low and resupply while we plan our next move. Any suggestions?"

[BartNL]

Can't have anything now, lich is a good name. Better than some Gleiosian legend.

[Scratcherclaw]

"Pharon is hardly a god known for his fury," Castor corrects, not expecting Kairon to be familiar with the Gleiosian pantheon. "But something cheeky, like Pharon's Folly might work. And I quite like Wind Dancer."

[Namelessjake]

Sébastien replies to Danelos' congratulations with a nod. I doubt my leadership will go unchallenged, but for now we are all aligned at least he thinks, glad that the close vote doesn't appear to have caused a permanent rift in the remaining mutineers.

"Harbinger's Approach sounds like a fine name to me," he says, weighing up the suggestions. "It also allows us to easily go by the Approach when making port or passing vessels that outclass us. Revealing our true name as one raises the black to strike fear into a prize and force their surrender," he elaborates.

"As for a heading, we will make for Talguta," he continues, eyeing Kairon for a moment as he note's the man's words referring to a collective decision. "We'll avoid Wastrel's Wharf for now, but Talguta itself will provide ample opportunities for us and its only two or threes days away. Castor, plot us a course," he explains before turning to the young navigator.

[ratwizard]

Sebastien prefers my suggestion, Danelos considers. An attempt to placate me, or the simple truth?

"The Approach," he repeats, nodding contentedly.

"Talguta is a wise choice. We should part ways with our cargo there, where few questions will be asked. Besides, there is no sense in holding onto goods that may connect us to that old fool."

[BartNL]

"The approach." Terzo repeats, shaking his head. "I'll be up in the crow's nest."

[Scratcherclaw]

"I suppose that's a good name then," Castor says with a weak smile, somewhat disappointed that all of his suggestions weren't given much recognition. They were good names... It's fine. These men just feel the need to compensate for something is all.

"Oh," he adds, surprised at Sebastian's instruction. "Right away, Captain." He ducks into the former navigator's room, seeking out the logs and charts so he might plot their heading.

[Namelessjake]

"Shout if you see any sails," Sébastien says to Terzo as the man takes his leave. If he's going to sulk every time I don't heed his suggestions he may be better off atop the mast.

"The rest of us should get to cleaning up the ship," he says as Castor also leaves. "Talguta may be a few days away, but there's about four different navies that could spot us between then and now."

[ratwizard]

Danelos watches Terzo as he leaves, his placid eyes betraying none of the judgment he feels. Quick to kill, yet slow to clean up afterwards. And here again I regret not keeping that fool Charles about.

He nods at Sebastien's directive. "The bodies should be dealt with first, then the blood. We need as much distance between us and them as possible — as you said, any ship could come across us. Also, any soap the mates might have lorded away should be collected, else we may find ourselves scrubbing the planks and our palms raw," the Gleiosian suggests as he heads below to haul the dead.

[Chanchabruhh]

"Aye i agree let me help take care of the dead and clean up the ship."
Kairon says as he follows Danelos.

[Fialova]

It takes hours - until the sun has risen for the day - but the small group remaining onboard is able to dispose of the corpses overboard and clear the deck of blood. It is tough work, made tougher by the meager light provided by the torches and lanterns of the ship, but once done you are able to finally feel some modicum of relief. The only remaining tasks are to make it to Talguta safely, and to decide on shifts for the difficult days of sailing to come.

Sea Travel

58 Krymikos, Y82 - the mutiny takes place late at night, decks are scrubbed and bodies disposed of

59 Krymikos, Y82 - Course redirected to Talguta from Murvos after the nighttime cleaning, no events of note occur

60 Krymikos, Y82 - Sailing towards Talguta continues, no events of note occur

61 Krymikos, Y82 - Sailing towards Talguta continues, no events of note occur. Landfall is made in Talguta shortly after high noon.

The next few days go by without issue, no other ships crossing your path as you sail through clear, open seas with good wind. As you approach the city from the south, the decision then arises of which docks to moor in. The southern docks were your typical port of call, as Demos had ties with the Agrypno merchants that frequent this area, which makes them the most dangerous for you now. That leaves you the Maluhi-controlled southeastern docks, the royal docks of Talguta's navy and finest merchants, the Blood Lion-controlled western docks, and the Magisters-controlled Northern Docks. 

[ratwizard]

Danelos commits himself to the grueling labor of hauling the bodies, scrubbing the decks, and preparing for their arrival into Talguta. It is hard work, and it is beneath him, but it will have to be so until they can hire new crew.

On the fourth day as they approach Talguta, Danelos grows both relieved and annoyed. Ah, the Isle of Bastards, come to cut my purse once more. I wonder where my father's armor has made it these days.

The Gleiosian finds himself convening with the others at their fledgling captain's call. "We are coin heavy and body short, so regardless where we stop, we will need to keep a tight grip on the Approach — else we may find ourselves strong-armed out of more than just our recent earnings."

"As for where we stop, I suggest we only do so long enough to off-load enough cargo to paint the hull and take on a few hands. Beyond that, the royal docks will likely see us better opportunities for both cargo and crew."

[Namelessjake]

Despite his newly elevated status, Sébastien joins the others in the backbreaking work of cleaning the ship. As the corpses are committed to the deep, he says a few words for their fellow mutineers who fell in battle and for a couple of the other fallen crew who were neither mutineers nor staunch Demos' loyalists.

He moves his scant few belongings into Demos' old quarters, settling in to the captain's cabin, leaving the others to take over the other cabins as they please.

We made it, he thinks as the isle comes into view on the horizon, glad that the hard sailing with a skeleton crew is nearly over and their journey was uneventful. If more of us had survived the munity, taking a prize quickly would have been a quick way to cement my captaincy. With so few of us, it is perhaps best we didn't encounter any other ships.

"Aye, the Royal Docks might be the best bet there. The Talguta city guard operates more like the gangs than they'd admit, but stealing a merchant ship would be go beyond their usual shakedowns," Sébastien agrees with Danelos, having spent many a shore leave in the city. "We may have to go further afield to find the sort of crew we're after, but the Approach will be safest in the Royal Docks."

[Chanchabruhh]

Kairon nods and takes a deep breathe with a wicked smile

"Aye, royal docks it be anything we are looking for in perticullar or are we just looking to make some coin?. Either way im for anything this crew needs and maybe to find some info on a few things."

[Namelessjake]

"We'll offload the cargo we inherited and crew up the Approach to a better level," Sébastien explains to Kairon. "From there we'll reassess. We're going to need guns if we want to take anything worth a damn."

"Everyone should also keep their ears open for any leads on a good prize or score to be had," he adds.

[Scratcherclaw]

As the others busy themselves with scrubbing the decks and ridding the hold of corpses, Castor gets to work making sense of the former navigator's messy organization and setting their course. That Sebastian trusts me enough to take on this role... I can't let him down.

He spends the sea days cleaning up his apparent new quarters, devising his own system for organizing the charts and logs. That night, he finds himself looking out his cabin's window at the horizon beyond, a wide smile as he takes in the luxury. The stars above, the sea's breeze, and a space that's his.

He rises early, watching the hazy Talguta gradually take shape. He beams, his navigation leading them true. Thank the gods, we made it. Let's just hope we don't run into any of Demos' old buddies...

He nods along as the captain and Danelos speak. "Smart thinking as always, Dani," the man says with an affectionate smile. "Taverns by the port might get us both, leads and potential crew. I can't think of anywhere else an out-of-work sailor might linger."

[ratwizard]

Danelos smirks at the younger Gleiosian's praise. "It bears repeating that each of us should keep a low profile, even around the checkered shores of Talguta. News travels fast, and few folk respect a mutineer."

[BartNL]

"Sailors always talk when drunk, so I'll be having a drink myself and find out what I can." Terzo replies to his captain.

[Fialova]

With the royal docks decided on, Castor is able to guide the ship around the island to the enclosed harbor that makes up the largest and most 'official' of the city's numerous ports of call. The natural crescent bay the docks reside in are further enclosed by a long jetty, connecting side of the land enclosing the bay to a small island with a lighthouse, which looms over you as you sail in. Once in the harbor, you find dozens upon dozens of ships anchored in the water or moored at once of the handful of deep docks.

Aiming to play it safe, you let down the anchor and lower a rowboat to head to shore, loading it with any wares you deem fit to take with you at the moment. Ernst and Telwari remain aboard the vessel in your absence, with the bulk of you boarding the rowboat and rowing ashore. It is a short row of a quarter hour or so for you to reach the nearest of the smaller, wooden docks along the coast, where you are greeted by one of Talguta's port authority. He is a serious-looking elven man with greying black hair, and taller than is typical for elves. He approaches, glancing over the lot of you and, not seeing an obvious captain, states to no one in particular, "papers?"

[Namelessjake]

"Here," Sébastien says to the agent of the port authority, reaching into his jacket pocket and producing Demos' papers as he steps from the rowboat up onto the wooden dock. We should get our hands on some fresh papers as soon as we can, in case anyone comes looking for Demos.

[ratwizard]

Danelos travels light, preferring to leave any valuable freight or goods on the ship until they've made a decision on where it will be sold. The Royal Docks may be safe from cutpurses, but in their absence lays a greater threat in extorters.

He stays quiet as their captain hands over their former captain's papers. He neither looks nor sounds Gleisoian, Danelos considers. I should be ready to assume Demos' identity should the need arise. He clasps his hands behind his back, posture rigid, an authoritative — if bored — look upon his face.

[Scratcherclaw]

Castor watches the exchange somewhat anxiously. Let's hope no one notices our skeleton crew while we're here. Surely that's a giveaway that something happened here. His eyes flick between Seb and the port authority, remaining hopeful they'll disembark without issue.

 

[Chanchabruhh]

Kairon nods and checks his equipment, He says a small prayer to Whakaruru looking to the ocean praying for guideance he then waits in a state of meditation.

[Fialova]

"Captain... Demos." the man says, as he slowly reads over the paper. "Of the Pelican. That'd be you?" he asks, eyebrow raised, as he gazes back at Sébastian. Several men move hurriedly about behind him as he speaks, hauling crates from another nearby rowboat on the cramped dock. The man makes an effort to shift his position to avoid being in their way, but you can tell from his overall demeanor that he takes no pleasure in being here.

[Namelessjake]

"Me? no," Sébastien scoffs. Maybe I could pull off being a Gleosian in Ghia or Visha, but Talguta sees far too many of their ships come through. He might even speak it, he thinks eying the port authority lackey.

"This is him," he adds, gesturing to Danelos.

[ratwizard]

A keen captain knows when to choose his battles, Danelos thinks, glancing toward the Imardanian.

"Aye," the Gleiosian grunts in disinterested approval, looking past the port authority officer as he scans the docks for other activity.

[Chanchabruhh]

Kairon will open his eyes and stand's a few feet off to the side from Danelos, watching the exchange between them trying to stay close incase something is needed

[Scratcherclaw]

I guess those two already have an understanding. But it's smart. No one could pass for a Gleiosian captain quite like my dashing Dani. As the exchange is ongoing, Castor looks to the docks, curious what goods are being hauled and whether the crates name their contents. It wouldn't hurt to know what's in demand, right?

[BartNL]

"Ándale, Capitan! The crew is thirsty. Invite your friend over to the tavern if it's gonna take any longer." Terzo shouts to the officer and Danelos.

[ratwizard]

"I heard you already!" Danelos barks over his shoulder in a thick Gleiosian accent. "Speak out of line again and you can drink the bilgewater."

He turns back to the port authority, giving him an apologetic smirk. "Sorry. Impatient bastards. Need anything more, officer, or may we proceed?"

[Fialova]

"Guess that makes you first mate," the man responds to Sébastien, before immediately turning his attention to Danelos. "Welcome to our city then, Captain," the man says. "Mooring fees are fifty silver pieces today, an additional twenty-five each subsequent day, paid by midday," he continues, reaching his hand out to accept the coin from whoever, but aiming his outstretched hand specifically towards Danelos. You can tell from his posture and tone that he cares very little for your crew or this process, and is simply going about the motions expected of him of his position.

OOC/Mechanics

Apologies for the long hiatus, which should hopefully be the last. As an update/reminder, your new crew of outlaws has a few goals to accomplish in the immediate future. Not all need be accomplished at the same time, or even while in Talguta, but some of the key goals are:

* decide amongst yourselves what exactly your next step will be
* hire more crew, whose interests and skills are in line with your decided goals
* find a way to offload the cargo you have that would've been sold off by Demos in Murvos
* repaint/rename/refit the Pelican to suit your goals
* forge proof of ownership documents with the new ship name
* obtain weapons for the ship, either for piracy or for defense
* any other goals you may come up with as the players

Now in Talguta, in port at the royal docks, you are free to move about the city. A rough layout of the city as-is, and its gang control zones, can be found in Jake's old Talguta Syndicate OOC thread here. You are free to remain in this port, or future ports, as long as the powers that be allow. In this case, you will be able to stay moored in the Royal Docks as long as you continue to pay the necessary docking fees, as mentioned by the port authority member.

[ratwizard]

"Fetch this man fifty silver pieces," Danelos commands over his shoulder at whoever, possibly too content to play the role of Captain for the spare moment. "And thank you for the welcome," he says, offering the port officer a nod as he looks beyond him toward the rest of the Royal Docks, already considering their next steps.

We should offload most if not all of our cargo, even at a markdown. We will need to find someone to repaint and refit the Approach with her new colors. And we need bodies. Preferably those loyal to me.

[Namelessjake]

Séb hands over the mooring fee. Outrageous theft, he thinks.

First steps should be to offload our cargo and find some new crew - those willing to tread the path we intend to go down might be somewhat harder to find, but this city is full of people willing to risk anything to improve their lot, the freshly minted captain thinks, eager to get to work.

[Fialova]

The man takes the coin and places it at a pouch on his belt, before stepping over to a nearby crate with a large ledger splayed out on it. There you see him scribble some things with a quill into the ledger, before he returns to your group and hands the papers back, this time to your faux 'Demos.' He nods to Danelos, offering the weakest of smiles in response to his thanks.

"Enjoy your time in our city, captain. Nearest tavern's just up the road there," he says, motioning with his hand to a street that terminates not far from where you are standing. "Though the better ones are further in, if you prefer nicer company," he continues. With a nod, he turns and returns to his duties, mostly involving ordering around the dockworkers unloading other vessels nearby, leaving the rest of you to your own devices.

[Namelessjake]

"Well that wasn't too hard, but how long we can get away with that I don't know," Séb says once the man is out of earshot.

"Let's see about offloading our cargo. That should put us in touch with the right sort of people for solving our other problems too," he says, turning to his crew. "Let's find a tavern and start asking around - unless anyone has had dealings here in the past?"

[Scratcherclaw]

Castor shakes his head at Seb's question, having barely left the shores of Gleios before joining the Pelican. "Not me, so a tavern's probably a good idea. Maybe one of those better ones he mentioned?" the young navigator says, casting a glance toward the new sights and sounds of the strange city around him. "Nicer company would be more honest to trade with, right?" At least they wouldn't try to swindle you.
 

[Namelessjake]

"Honest likely means questions about where the cargo came from - I think we'll have to deal with some more unsavoury characters," Sébastien replies to Castor.

[ratwizard]

"I'm afraid Sebastien's right," Danelos agrees. With nonchalant pace, he drags a boot across the wooden planks beneath him, before glancing down at the unsullied patina: free from moss or dirt. "If they're scrubbing the docks this well here, we're aiming too high. I suggest we plunge deeper into this Isle of Bastards to find a fence willing to cooperate."

The Gleiosian clears his throat, continuing. "I lived here some time before hiring onto the P— before the Approach," he explains, quickly correcting himself. "I wonder if might be able to dredge up an old contact or two."

OOC

Danelos had previously sold his ancestral armor, family jewelry, and a few other luxuries in Talguta after being ran out of Gleios. Is there somebody that he might know that could, at the very least, point us in the right direction to fence our cargo? Or, mechanically speaking, give a circumstantial bonus to a connect roll? (No training in it)

[Fialova]

Danelos

The man you sold your family heirlooms to was a well-known merchant in Arcturus, known to collect all manner of items from Gleios - especially from its influential families. While you cannot say for sure, you did get the sense at the time that the merchant might have ties to Ágrypno, or even be a member himself. You can make a Connect/Int roll to try to recall the location of his shop on your own, or a Connect/Cha roll to ask around for information on who he might be and how to find him again. Either roll could have a situational +1 bonus, since you've already interacted with the man before. Others may also try to make a roll to locate him based on your descriptions of what you saw before (assuming you tell them), though they would not get the same situational bonus.

[Namelessjake]

"Perfect. I've been here many times on shore leave, but seen little that wasn't the docks or the inside of a tavern," Sébastien says.

[ratwizard]

"I've dealt with a merchant here, a collector of all-things Gleiosian," Danelos explains. "My instinct was that he may have ties to Agrypno, if not been part of their rank. I admit, I can't recall the man's name — if I ever knew it at all — but I'm sure I could identify him should we come across him."

"Castor," he says, turning toward the younger Gleiosian. "You've a handsome face, a kind voice. Why don't you help me ask around?"

OOC

Can I aid Scratch's skill check? I roll Connect/Int, he roll Connect/Cha?

[Scratcherclaw]

"Oh," Castor says, his pale cheeks flushing a light pink at Danelos' words. "And you have the sweetness of honey for such kind words, Dani." He beams at the other man for a moment before awkwardly clearing his throat, realizing others might be watching.

"S-sure, I mean, I can try. I'm not very familiar with this city and its customs, but there's no way to learn without meeting the locals." A fascinating city, from what I've heard. So many cultures, working and living together.

Mechanics

Connect/Cha: [url=https://www.unseenservant.com/index.php ... 14&macid=0][2d6+2]=3+2=5[/url
oof

[ratwizard]

Mechanics

Int/Connect: [2d6+1]=4+1=5

Aiding Scratch's roll, but I also fail!

[BartNL]

"We're the unsavoury characters Seb." Terzo chimes in, laughing with a crooked smile.

[Namelessjake]

"Then we'll be in good company," Sébastien replies to Terzo with a grin.

[Fialova]

Castor

Unfortunately, no one in the immediate vicinity seems to recognize the merchant you refer to. However, you do know that Arcturus is not far from the Royal Docks you now find yourselves in, being an adjacent district. You might have better luck asking someone from that area. 

[Scratcherclaw]

"No luck here, Dani," Castor says back to his paramour with a dissatisfied frown. "Maybe we'd have a better chance in Arcturus? Maybe your contact doesn't get to these docks much." So many people, so many factions. It's still a wonder this city has prospered as it has. Fascinating, really.
 

[Namelessjake]

"It's worth a shot, it's a big city and most using these docks are legitimate traders," Sébastien says, not wholly surprised they've yet to track down Danelos' contact.

[ratwizard]

Danelos pouts, unsure which current annoyance is greater: coming up short or being called a pet name in public.

"It's no surprise the man's name hardly rings out, even this close to his haunt. Shady merchants such as him are akin to alley-rats in this damnable city. Each step here may bring your boot upon one." He beckons the others. "We should move. Arcturus awaits. But not for too long," he suggests.

Telwari's too unfocused to design such a plan, but I wouldn't put it past that dullard Ernst to take our new prize and set sail the moment we leave sight.