Jammers Summary: Chapter 1, Turn 14

----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere...
*********** = Later...

A large mahogany desk centers the room, but it is the steel-grey haired lady sitting behind it who dominates. Her hair flows free, fashionably, and even in her fifties she is quite a looker. A magnificent rapier with a well-worn hilt leans against the desk within easy reach. Captain Wilhelmina stands behind her, watching the company enter impassively.

As the last of the group shuffles in she rises and says, formally "Welcome, friends." She then breaks the formal mask of ice with an impish grin. "I am Lady Tarilia Moune, founder of this house." she nods her head to each of you graciously.

"The good Captain has already spoken to you concerning my proposition, I take it? The situation is certainly better then I had expected. The Whirlwind is an excellent vessel, and her status as a prize would grant me a huge, unexpected bonus regarding my intention to invest within an adventuring group." She glances around the room as she speaks, seeming to catch the eye of everyone for at least a moment.

"The proposal is simple. The Whirlwind is turned over to you as a group, to operate as your own vessel. I will continue to own 50% of the vessel, however, and will be entitled to 50% of any profits made by the ship. You will be responsible for the vessels care and upkeep. And, if House Moune does need someone with your particular talents you will perform our commissions before making any others." She smiles, this woman was a real knock out when younger. "Any questions?"

Italapate crosses his arms over his chest in a relaxed (not confrontational) manner, and looks unconcerned about the proceedings.

Holland clears his throat and says, "Lady, I have two questions. Is this sponsorship to be official or unofficial? Also, will we be allowed to resupply at House colonies?"

"I will be an official investor in your company, I have the documents already drawn up. You will be permitted to purchase supplies from House Moune, just as most other ships may, but otherwise you will be a separate entity." She smiles, "perhaps I should have my scribe show you the documents." She rings a small bell, and a thin, balding man in wire-rim glasses comes in and places a small stack of papers on her desk. Dividing the stack in half he hands Holland one stack and then picks up a page from the desk.

"Please explain the particulars, Standish." Lady Moune says.

"With pleasure, madam." Standish glances through the stack saying, "Most of this is standard paperwork, a disposition of the Whirlwind as a prize taken by pirates and awarded to House Moune, a breakdown of the vessel's relative value in Sembian gold coins, a Royal Bralian Charter founding your company (name of the company and its members still blank of course), and a nautical registry from establishing Bral as the Whirlwind's home port."

He holds up the last two forms, "These are of course the most important documents." He then reads a Certificate of Ownership concerning the eelship.

He places that form down and looks at the second one, "The second is the actual contract between House Moune and yourselves." He reads it quickly through, aloud. Standish looks up, "The only thing missing is your signatures. I must point out that this last document is a Contract of Nepthas, a magical document that will strike its signers deaf, dumb, and blind if they break any of its clauses. Lady Tarilia will sign it for House Moune, and each of you will sign it for yourselves."

Lady Tarilia says "Does that sound acceptable to you?"

Raken walks over to Lady Moune's desk, bowing deeply when he reaches it. "My lady," he starts, "I find your contract acceptable, but I do have a few questions, if you don't mind. First, how much freedom are you giving us? May we leave the sphere, for whatever reason, or is this not acceptable? Second, how strict is the yearly-return policy? If circumstances prohibit us from making the dead-line, can we return when we can, or do we start looking over our shoulders for bounty hunters? Third, do you intent to loan us the capital we need until we, as they say, 'get on our feet'?" He again bows deeply and waits for her answer.

"I don't think you folks understand. I will not own you", she looks annoyed "You will be your own business, your own adventuring group. I don't care what you do as long as its not piracy, or now that it occurs to me, the slave trade. As far as staying away over a year, well, I don't want you disappearing always intending to return and pay me when you decide. We can add a clause concerning consultation with my representative or some such, but I don't want you going so far away from Bral that you're gone more then a year. I want to keep track of my investment, its risky enough as it is. And no, I don't intend to loan you any more capital. I am having the ship fully repaired, you will receive it in good condition."

"Lady Tarilia Moune," Deigatt booms abruptly. "His hit satisfactory that we take a moment to hourselves to discuss the hoffer you have put to hus?"

"Of course. The guard will show you back to the waiting chamber, where you may discuss the offer. Take your time, this is not a choice entered into lightly." She grins, "I hope you understand that I will be affected by the curse of the scroll if I break the agreement as well. That is why I will be signing it myself. And, if some of you wish to decline the offer, and others wish to accept it that is acceptable to me. Provided I feel those who wish to accept retain the ability to make the venture profitable."

Trying to remember his father's advice on how best to act in situations like this, Kain gives a rusty bow to Lady Tarilia. Adding a, "Thank you, ma'am," as he follows the others from the chamber, there's a slight blush to his cheeks.

Deigatt gently prods Radick toward the waiting chamber and encourages the rest of the group there as well. "We should resolve a certain hissue hamongst hourselves before committing to hany hagreement with this Lady hof Bral."

The Standish opens the door and the guard leads you back to the guard room to discuss the offer. As you all walk silently into the room you can see the traffic of Grand street moving back and forth through the windows.

In the waiting chamber, Deigatt continues, "Hif we har to haccept this woman's hoffer, we must present a united crew to her, hor hany harrangement will not be hequitable. I do not hask hagain that we select a captain, because I have come to realize that being a leader his what humans fear most, but I do hinsist that hif we har to henter hinto this hagreement has han horganized unit, then we must first become horganized."

"Agreed Deigatt, we need to organize," Kain says. "To be honest, I, ah...I don't have any problems signing the contract, as long as we, ah, that is all of us as a group and Lady Moune, can come to an agreement upon the ah... wording of the contract."

A lively discussion concerning various clauses in the contract begins, Deigatt listens to his comrades comments with growing irritation. "I can see that this discussion his going to be has productive has hour discussion hof who should serve has captain," he grumbles loudly. "Does the human woman need to create hanother deception to hengender some coordinated haction here?"

Leera bats an eyelash at Deigatt and asks "Would you prefer an eelship or a scavver? Or perhaps..." Seeing that Deigatt does not appear to understand that she is not serious, she stops and smiles, "Just kidding."

Italapate turns on Deigatt angrily, "Look, Deigatt, this discussion is a little more important than some mythical Captaincy. We are discussing signing our names to a deadly contract, and we must ensure that that contract is favorable. We cannot go in blind and just sign our name to anything she offers." He shakes his head vigorously, "We have made progress here. We agree with you that we need to be organized, and we agreed that the contract as it stands is unacceptable. Now, I am listening to ideas as to ways to improve that contract so that it is acceptable to us all. If you are not helping with the solution, you are part of the problem. And if you mention Leera's special 'gifts' like that again, you may find yourself on the business end of a catapult!" 'Pate takes some scrap parchment and a writing utensil off a desk in the corner so that he may keep track of ideas and requests for alterations to the contract. "What we really need, is a list of what we want... and a list of what we will accept..."

Deigatt snorts in amusement. "Hit hoccurs to me that you should identify the problem before you hattempt to solve hit. We have hall been brought together has a crew through chance. You have halready hassumed that we will remain together has a crew, when you, Hitalapate, have hexpressed hinterest hin remaining hin Bral hinstead hof returning to wildspace. You think the problem consists hof how you can gain the hupper hand hin dealing with Lady Moune without considering hif that his even something you want. This group consists hof capable, skilled members, but hif we har to become a permanent hassociation, we should first determine the nature hof that hassociation before we henter hinto hany negotiations hon hits behalf."

Radick rolls his eyes upwards. "We are a group of individuals. We don't have a captain, but each one of us has an equal say. There that is our organization, now let's get back to the contract that has been tendered."

"Hif this were truly han hassociation hof equals," Deigatt replies flatly, "then my concerns habout hour rashness would not be responded to with flippancy."

Italapate's mouth curves in a wry twist that would not properly be called a smile, but approaches it. "Deigatt... as I stated, your concerns were not ignored. We are a group of equals, that is only right. Your concerns were not met with flippancy, your incessant comments about the lovely Leera were. There is no cause for dissension, remember, we must present a unified front. So kindly shelve your dislike of subtlety and misdirection, or at least not direct them so obviously at an individual."

Leera blushes "Thank you Italapate."

Deigatt joins Kain near the window and stares outside quietly. "I wonder, Mate Kain," Deigatt says without turning away from the window. "I wonder how my hassociation with this group hof equal hand hindependent hindividuals differs from my hassociation with those strangers walking past the window."

Kain continues to look out the window for a few more moments, before speaking to Deigatt. When he does speak, it is low enough that only the tall minotaur hears his words. Deigatt replies just as softly.

As Italapate gathers something to take notes with Radick waits, and then continues. Radick and Holland discuss the various clauses in depth. As the contract is discussed, Leera sits back and watches, listening intently.

Italapate begins to write quickly, altering various aspects of the contract according to Talus, Holland, and Radick's suggestions. Italapate shuffles several pieces of parchment around, organizing his, and everyone else's thoughts.

"We still have not heard from some of you... Leera? Billy? But, this is how I see things so far...." He then reads his notes, Holland comments on aspects as he reads. When he's finished, "This is still a work in progress... any suggestions?" Italapate looks out over the group again.

Holland replies, "Other than my few points, I think that is a good counter-proposal."

Talus listens to Italapate read out the revisions, nodding in agreement with his distaste to the magical contract. "I still don't like the idea of this magical contract. It seems to me we are being geased into the Lady's service. I don't know about the rest of you but this worries me."

The half-elf continues, "We also need to define how we can terminate this arrangement. What happens if one of us decides to settle down somewhere, or leave the company for other reasons. Is he still affected? Also, what happens if we capture another vessel? Do we have to pay up half the ship? As someone commented earlier that may not include an enchanted helm, but a ship is still a sizable investment, and another ship may be our ticket out of this arrangement."

Holland then rubs his temples and says, "However, that leads us to another major issue. We need to once and for all decide upon an organization for our group, as well as a group name, before we return to speak with the Lady."

Radick moves to return to the chamber where the Lady awaits, "Any other input or are we ready now?"

Leera nods at the hulking minotaur "Deigatt is correct; we should have an understanding of what our relationship and obligation to each entails before we jointly sign a contract. I'm not sure we need something formal, but we don't need any misunderstandings. As to the nature of our group, I wish it to be a loose alliance, where we each have our freedom, but where we can count on each other's support. If I'm captured by pirates, I want to know if I can count on you for a rescue attempt. For that matter, if you're captured, I want to know if you would rescue me in a similar situation before I risk my life for yours. Here's what I suggest: we each pledge loyalty to each other. If one is in trouble, the others will attempt to aid her. We will support each other in times of need, and act as a group in times of crisis, but at all times retain our freedom and autonomy. No one here can give me orders that I must obey."

A short discussion occurs, the name Silent Star is chosen for the eelship, and Company of the Silent Star for the group.

Radick looks to Leera, "You suggest our organization be a loose alliance with individual freedom's. I can accept that. Each of us should make their own decisions and should be under the command of any other, although all should be responsible to the group and its members. As for a pledge of allegiance, I will openly pledge my word to do what I can to aid the Company of the Silent Star in accomplishing its goals and to all members thereof in regards to their health and safety." He holds forth his battle axe with the edges pointing out to the side and the flat facing upwards. "Will any join me?"

Italapate looks to Leera, then stares intently at Deigatt and Kain. He draws his tomahawk, and slides it across his hand. He clenches his fist until blood runs from the wound. "I pledge on my blood, that none of you need ever fear life or capture while I have life to prevent it. Those that share my blood, will be as family to me. I know you think me a liar most of the time, but in this, in my culture, this is bond, and will never be broken even by the most callous koyemshi." He holds out his hand, blood covering his palm.

Grigree watches as Italapate cuts his hand on the little axe of his. He pulls out one of the swords on his back and grasps its blade near the hilt, holding it up. "To victory in our ventures," he says as a small trickle of blood runs along the edge.

As Italapate cuts himself with his crude axe, Raken lets out a rueful smile. "Blood Oaths. What next?" he mutters. He draws his own blade, with his off hand, and grabs the blade with his sword hand. "By Celestrian's endless journey, I pledge, with my blood, that I will defend your lives and honor with my own." Blood drips from his hand as he slides it across the blade. "To our alliance and friendship, may Celestrian guide us to greatness. May it be as eternal as the stars." He then takes Italapate's bloody hand in his own. "Oh, for the record, Italapate, I don't consider you a liar, though you may play with the truth occasionally," he says with a smile.

Kain turns from the window as the various pledges are spoken. With a thoughtful look on his face, Kain draws his dagger with his left hand as he approaches. Placing the tip of his blade at the base of his right index finger and drawing it back to his wrist, Kain's blood begins to flow. "In the name of my father, upon whose dagger my essence flows, I do swear to protect and aid my companions." After taking the hands of those who are pledging, Kain clenches his fist. Concentrating for a few moments, Kain mutters an oath as the blood still drips down his wrist. Closing his eyes, Kain again makes a fist with his right hand. The flow of blood slows and comes to a stop, and Kain opens his eyes. No evidence of the cut remains on his hand as he wipes the drying blood from his palm.

Leera draws her dagger, and pulls it along her palm. She holds out her hand, palm up and declares "I pledge my life to protect the safety and well-being of our company. May our friendship grow deeper and our profits grow larger!"

Radick nods his agreement as he draws back his axe. He moves to run his hand on the blade, but hesitates. His eyes scan the others as they watch him. "I guess it is necessary." he grumbles as he slowly cuts his palm. He squeezes tightly and manages to get only a drop or two out. As he opens his hand it is clear that the cut is so small as to barely be visible at all.

Watching the other slash themselves open and making fearsome oaths, Talus looks a little sick. As everyone turns to the half-elf he draws his dagger. Holding the blade in his hand with the pommel down, he touches the tip to his chest over his heart, and then to his forehead, "I pledge myself to this company, to protect and help its members." The ruby mounted on the pommel catches the rooms light and seems to glow as the young half-elf utters those simple words. When he finishes speaking he kisses the blade then sheaths the dagger.

Billy winces as he sees everyone draw blood and make their pledge. "What they say about bloodthirsty humans seems to be true," he says winking. "I'll draw blood if you really insist, but a Halfling's Pledge is as binding to me as pledging over blood is to you." Billy clears his throat and places his hands on his ample belly. "I pledge my heart and my strength to my friends, that I may do them good and help them to the best of my ability and according to their needs. May all drink turn to water and all food turn rancid at the touch of my lips if these words prove false!"

Deigatt has listened attentively to the others' pledges, frowning as some of them were spoken. He takes a deep breath. "By the vast seas hof Geb hand the silent moons hof far Krynn," he begins, "I vow my loyalty to this company. To each member I will be honest hand forthright, so long has I ham treated hin equal fashion." The minotaur makes no effort to cut himself with his axe.

Holland looking around the room and seeing that it is his turn says softly, "On the graves of Brigor, Jilpan and Hilfast, I swear to succor and defend the Company against all enemies and in all things."

A single tear forms at the edge of Holland's right eye and begins its journey down his cheek as he turns to face the window.

Nilaroo emerges from the shadows by the door. "I bear good news for myself, and hopefully for you, my companions. Lady Moune has arranged for me to be released from my term with the Guild, so that I may join you if you will have me. I would be honored to join your newly founded company."

Kain nods and smiles, "You've done ah, much to help us already Nilaroo. I'd be glad to hmm...have you amongst my companions." Kain looks around to see if there are any who wish to voice a different opinion.

"Then I pledge my loyalty and life to this company and the souls that make it up, by the breath in my body and the honor in my life." Nilaroo steps into the pledge group.

Italapate takes the point as the group enters the chambers of The Lady Moune, his papers clutched possessively in his hands. He studies the face of the Lady, a smile, natural and honest, on his face. "Milady Moune," he says bowing his head slightly. "Our party, Company of the Silent Star, has been honored by your interest in investing in our group. We knew each other not at all before being hired onto the Flowfish, but have now become an organized group. We, each of us, has expressed great interest in remaining together as a force against evil. To do so, may require us to own transportation, and your generous offer, is appreciated. In addition to any personal thanks, I or any member of Company of the Silent Star may owe you." He bows his head again. "I would, however, take this time to express concerns about the contract we are to sign. Concerns intensified by the dangerous nature of the magick of said document. Should I not mention a clause, there has been no concern noted in our impromptu meeting. I hastened to add, that much of our concerns revolve solely around syntax... though we have other concerns as well, reflected in the addition of two clauses."

Italapate the presents the company's proposal. Lady Moune makes a counter proposal which the company can live with, everyone steps forward and begins signing their name or mark to the contract, including Lady Moune.

Holland says, "Lady Moune, we have talked about naming ourselves 'The Company of the Silent Star', and renaming the Whirlwind to the Silent Star. We thought it would be wise to rename the ship, since it would make it more difficult for the Captain of the other eelship to track us down. Since you are still the full owner of the ship until we sign a contract, would you allow us to make this change? I think that the name would have to be changed in the contract as well.."

"I'm not sure if "Silent" is an accurate appellation for your group from what captain Wilhelmina has told me, " She glances back at the giff officer, who has been observing quietly from the back of the room. Lady Moune finishes "But that is fine with me, it'll be your ship." She motions to Standish, "Make the appropriate changes." Standish quickly scribes the new names into the contract at the appropriate places.

"Before you leave," Lady Moune says, after everyone has signed the contract, "I need to pay you for your previous services." Standish walks around the room, handing everyone a small sack with 1/2 months pay. "The extra few days pay is a bonus for the battle."

Grigree turns to the group and says, "Now let's go and celebrate! Anybody know any good taverns? I'm new to this rock..."

"Well, if you want a really wild time," Italapate grins wickedly, "We could go drink at the Rock Rat."

Lady Moune frowns in distaste, "The shipyard expects the repairs on your vessels bridge will take at least 2 days. Until then you'll need a place to stay. May I recommend the Broken Tankard? It's nearby, reasonably priced, and serves the best roast fih on Bral." She smiles at the looks on several faces, "I don't own it. I simply spent a great deal of time there when I was just a simple swordslinger."

"At least two days until the ships repaired," Kain sighs. "Oh well. Is it quiet," Kain asks. "I mean, the Broken Tankard, is it a quiet place?"

"Most often, yes. It is a place more given to conversation then brawls or dancing." Lady Moune answers.

Radick looks to Grigree, Italapate, and Lady Moune as the Company leaves the House Moune offices. In response to the Lady, he looks at his two companions, "Well, then the Rock Rat it is." He smiles as he moves to join them, "Oh, Billy... will you be joining us, I believe you said something about buying the first round."

"Sure thing! That is if you're implying that there will be more rounds than the first!" Billy laughs.

Radick then smiles, "Certainly! And since we are a company now, I believe we should try out this Broken Tankard, if we wish to journey out later for our own little entertainment we can do so later. And actually, it would be very nice of the helmsmen to pitch in and pay for our first meal together, seeing as they did get paid a lot more then the rest of us even though we are all equals." Radick smiles again and watches Holland for a reaction.

Holland doesn't react because he doesn't seem to be listening. He is staring out at a prominent star, an odd expression on his face.

Although Holland fails to react, Leera doesn't. She speaks up "Of course, we'll pay for the meal... as long as you pay for the drinks!" She laughs.

Italapate playfully waves his hand in front of Holland's eyes. "Helloooo? Is anyone there?" He laughs. "Are you all right? Come on, lets go get blitzed..."

Holland blinks his eyes several times and sighs as he turns towards the party. Seeing Italapate, his eyes glance briefly upward and a smile comes to his lips, "Lead the way my colorful friend."

"I have been to the Tankard before. I would be glad to lead us there, if that is where we wish to go." Nilaroo volunteers.

"Well... ah... we'll need rooms, right," Kain says. "So if we get some ah... at the Tankard, there... well... won't be anything keeping anyone from going to the Rat for a drink or five." He shrugs and states, "It's just that I... uh... don't like crowds and I don't like being around people I don't know. Besides," he adds with a small smile as he pats the rucksack at his side, "I've seen much today that I'd like to put down on paper."

Italapate chuckles to himself. "I should state, before someone gets hurt, I was just kidding about the Rock Rat. Only Deigatt would enjoy that bar... Cause only Deigatt would survive. We will all be much happier at the Tankard or its like."

As the party gathers in the street outside of the House Moune's office building, Holland hikes his backpack a little higher on his back and breathes in a deep breath. He stands quietly in the back of the group, listening to them talk amongst themselves, "A new beginning," he quietly says. Quickly wiping his face, his smile returns and he heads out with the group on their celebration.

"Comrade Nilaroo," Deigatt booms, "please lead hus to this Broken Tankard." More at ease now that he has formally become part of the group, Nilaroo leads the company towards the Broken Tankard.

It's only about two blocks from House Moune's offices, off the main thorough fares and in the Middle City (though very near the border with the Low City). It's a sturdy looking three story building, with brick walls and many windows. The inn has a comfortable lobby where you can hang cloaks or weapons. The tap room is to the left and the inn keepers' desk is straight ahead on your left.

The tap room has 8 tables where patrons eat and drink and warm themselves by the fireplace. The long bar promises quick delivery of all kinds of drinks (a doorway behind it seems to lead to the kitchen). Stairs lead to rooms on the second floor. A welcoming fire is in the fire place, kept low to conserve fuel.

The tavern doesn't look to be very crowded. A human male, looking to be in his fifties, very short, black hair and wearing a white apron over brown trousers is working behind the bar. Three women, they look like sisters with their wavy brown hair, move about through the place carrying drinks here and there. A very old dwarf sits at the table next to the fire, every once and a while a snore can be heard from his corner. Another table holds a young looking orc sitting with two older human females. They all seem engrossed in their meal. A trio of human shopkeepers sit at another table, not eating but drinking a great deal. One of them looks like he might be a priest of Ptah.

End of turn date/time: 10:00 pm 15th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC