Jammers Summary: Chapter 1, Turn 18

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

The newcomer is dressed in fashionable attire comprising a white shirt and black pants, it's the electric blue riding boots that stand out, that and the two cutlasses. Noticing the looks that she is receiving, she makes her way towards the bar nodding and smiling to those that catch her attention. Catching a passing waitress, "I'll have a Hot Rum, thanks," while making her way through the tables.

Ignoring the newcomer for the moment, Holland says, "The Lady does not have any employment for us at this time. However, she does intend to be present when we take control of the Silent Star after its repairs. Probably some ceremony or the like."

Taking a sip of his light ale Holland continues, "However, Leera and I, mostly Leera," he adds with a smile, "found out about a bounty being offered by," his voice lowers, "the Prince Aric." His voice returns to a normal level, "the bounty is 5000 gp for the return of the Chalice of Storms that he had the priests of Ptah on Shipwrecker make for the big founding day festivities. There is a 2000 gp bonus if the chalice is returned by founding day."

Holland says with a wink towards Leera, "Apparently, a Wasp ship was supposed to ferry the Chalice to a chartered Sindiath Line Man-o-war waiting in orbit, but never reached the rendezvous. People seem to think that pirates were involved. The Wasp ship itself was later found smashed on the rocks near Wrighters."

Holland concludes, "If we accept a commission that takes us to that area, I would recommend that we look into the matter. An extra 7000 gp is nothing to sneeze at."

As Holland finishes, Leera speaks up "Today is the 17th of the fourth month. Founder's day, as I have come to understand, is the first day of the sixth month. That gives us nearly a month and a half to find the chalice and get the 2000gp bonus. Of course, the 5000gp base isn't bad either!" Her eyes twinkle as she mentions these large sums of money.

As Holland finishes talking, Raken finally snaps back into reality. "What? Oh ya, how we did. Seems that you did better than we did. Our ship is too small to haul any cargo worth our time. No one seems interested in hiring us. However, the guild said that their branch office on Shipwrecker might have some smaller shipments that we might be interested in. So it would seem that our best bet is Shipwrecker at this time. If we manage to get this bounty and some extra cash from hauling cargo, we should seriously look into purchasing some Letters of Marque so that if we encounter some pirates, we can haul them in for the price on their head. Cleaning the spaceways of their scum would be a pleasure, but I realise the human drive for money." He then sits back and his eyes again glazes over, again lost in though.

Leera continues "As you know, I'm not very familiar with life outside of Realmspace. I know nothing of these priests of Ptah or of their faith. Are they good aligned? The name of their creation 'The Chalice of Storms' sounds foreboding."

Grigree's eyebrow slowly raises up. "Good aligned?" he asks. "You're starting to sound like a priest yourself." He takes a look at the others around the table before asking, "You don't really believe in all that 'good and evil' stuff, do you Leera?"

Italapate looks toward Grigree a moment, a puzzled, incredulous look on his face. "Of course there is good and evil... there is good and bad. That is simply the nature of the world." He shrugs. Then looks back at his drink.

Deigatt snorts unapologetically, adding, "Each world has a nature of its own."

"Yes, yes. You're right," Grigree responds to the pair. "Leera's question just seemed odd at the time."

"As for the priests of Ptah," Grigree continues, "well... they're priests. I guess they're good. Never done anything bad to me." He finishes with a shrug.

Italapate leans back in his chair, putting his feet up on the table where his plate had just been. "I went to see an elf friend of mine," he smiles picking at his teeth. "He says that the elves don't have any jobs for us, but he would pass the word. If they have anything for us, they would look us up. Seems like a good time to take a stab at this bounty..."

Holland interjects, "It would probably be for the best if we found a definite commission and looked into the Chalice as a secondary. That way, if we don't find the Chalice we will still receive some funds from our primary job. The problem is finding a job that will take us near Shipwrecker."

Holland adds as an afterthought, "Oh. The little pug-fellow Standish, you remember, the fellow who explained the contacts to us. He mentioned that we might check the temples for employment."

Leera interjects, "We could just head for Wrighters and see if we can find someone there to pay us to haul cargo. While we're there we can investigate the chalice's disappearance. Of course, there's no guarantee that it's anywhere near Shipwrecker anymore. Pirates *do* move around." Leera looks up and down the table "Did anyone else find any leads?"

Talus speaks up, "I agree with Holland there. A ship travelling empty makes no profit." The young half-elf continues, "I did not have any luck finding leads for work either. I did find out some information about Laocoon. He has something of a reputation here. He is a member of the Shipwrecker's Fellows, a loose pirate brotherhood with a secret base somewhere on that planet in Bralspace. The Captain's Council of Bral has placed a 5,bounty on his head, dead or alive. So keep that in mind people, his body is worth 5,000gp to us if we catch him. If we are really lucky Laocoon is also involved in the Chalice that could get us 12,000gp." Talus looks sombre for a minute, "Or dead for that matter. Laocoon is probably a bit unhappy about us taking one of his ships."

Kain's eyes follow the black-haired woman through her first few steps into the inn. He then shifts his view back to his companions and takes a drink of his water. He coughs lightly, and puts his mug down. "Well, we, ah, heard much o' the same," Kain begins. "The Chalice seems... to be...well, the talk of the Rock. That and some... hmm... festival of games that the Pantheon of the Olympians'll be hosting at the Arena beginnin' the first of the fifth. Not to ah, change the subject, but I had a thought today when we passed Gaspar's Reclamations (#45). Oh... is that the same Gaspar of whom you spoke Radick?" Kain asks. "But anyway ...well, it seems that this place deals in magic items." Kain smiles and shakes his head at the thought, then continues. "And well, ah, I thought that if we weren't going to ah, use the... ah... items we got from the pirates, we could... ah... sell them." Kain blanches as he finishes, but then adds, "Well, if I... ah...remember correctly, we found, a pair of black leather bracers with silver buckles, a bandoleer with slots for 8 darts, but it only...ah... has seven darts now." Kain grins and looks at Italapate. "There's also a spellbook, which I don't know if we'd want to sell," Kain continues, looking to Holland and Leera. "Then we've the longsword and a... ah... cutlass. It might help if we had a bit o' spare... ah... coin in case we come across trouble," Kain says as he looks back down to his bowl and goes back to his soup.

Radick chimes in as he sips gently from his mug of mead. "As for where we go next, the Chalice seems to be the only hot topic on this rock, so we can expect some competition for it. Odds are Gaspar's got a team already on it, as he certainly needs to improve his rep on this rock. Why don't we see if we can pick up a cargo job, and I'll check out what Gaspar's boy Nolan knows about the deal. At the same time I can check and see if they have any interest in the darts, spellbook, long sword and cutlass. I have no intention of passing on these bracers. But before I check with them, I would suggest we review if any of our company would desire the items. Once you sell an item to Gaspar, you can expect to pay quite a bit more to get it back." After a quick sip from his mug he adds, "Yes Kain, that is the same Gaspar. Although he probably isn't in town at this time, his local boy is Nolan DeVries. Keep on his good side and give him a profit and he's a good enough guy -but from what I have heard say - his temper resembles his stature - short and explosive. I'll see what he can tell me."

Kain looks up from his soup, shrugs and says, "Whatever."

Holland says, "It would behove us to determine the properties of these items before we determine what to do with them; whether we are going to let individuals use them or if we are going to sell them. As for the spell-book, I would like to keep that for the Company as a whole, it is worth more with us than can be made by selling it."

Kain cocks his head to the side as he listens to Holland. "That's a... uh... fine idea Holland. Does anyone, well, know of someone we can trust to do the examinations?"

Taking advantage of a lull in the discussion, Billy states, "I may or may not have some work for us... I'll have to see and wait for now. I'd rather not leave the Rock for the next couple of days if possible until I hear some more news. Kain and I also have something to consider, there may be a certain illithid that we may want to talk too... Deigatt, you are welcome to come along if we do decide to go." Billy looks towards Kainfor a reaction before continuing.

Kain nods when Billy looks over. "I was hoping to go search for him in the morning," he states.

When Billy Two-Thumbs suggests a meeting with an illithid, Deigatt says, "Comrade Two-Thumbs, I would very much like to meet this fearsome hillithid has you suggest. I'm confident hit would be more hinteresting than touring temples hor searching for drinking cups hon distant planets!"

"The Chalice does seem to be a profitable hunt, but I agree with Holland, unless we get any definite leads, it should remain secondary." Billy turns to Nilaroo and asks, "Any idea when the 'Star will be ready?"

"It will be a few days yet, I believe." Nilaroo answers between sips of ale.

"I think we should go after the Chalice," Grigree adds. "Haven't gone had any adventures on the ground since I was a kid. It would be a good break."

Talus watches the human woman with two cutlasses, who entered the tavern and comments, "We should also think about hiring a few for hands, especially if we are going pirate hunting."

Billy listens to everyone as he gulps down his supper. He doesn't notice the newcomer initially as his back is turned to the door. But noticing everyone's quick glances in her direction, Billy turns around, a fork in his right hand, his flagon in his left and looks at the newcomer. After a few seconds of staring, he takes a sip and, if noticed by the human, he salutes her with his flagon and then turns back to the conversation.

Radick sees that the newcomer is still alone, so he sits up straight and lets one of his best smiles shine forth as his eyes admire her lovely pair of... cutlasses...

Italapate grins, as he puts his feet down and leans closer. "She's way outta your class, Radick. A gold piece says she won't even give you the time of day!" He leans back with his firewater to study Radick's reaction.

Grigree looks around at everybody as they turn to look towards the bar. He looks over, and not noticing anything out of the ordinary, looks back. He thinks a moment before asking, "What's everybo--" Looking once more towards the bar, Grigree's eyes light up in understanding. "Aha," he finishes with smile.

Feeling several sets of eyes staring at her, the new comer turns and notices the halfling in the corner. Making eye contact, She flashes a big grin and makes a comment in a foreign language. While not being close enough to hear what Italapate says, she does notice Radick's smile and look. She heads over to the party's table, "Excuse me gentlepersons, and horned one." to the Company, and then directly to Radick, with a big grin in reply, "Hi smiley, so are you going to introduce me to your friend." Turning to Italapate with the biggest cheesy grin possible, "I just adore bald men! Don't you?"

It seems that Jamila's timing was perfect. For just as she said that Billy was taking a pull of his drink. The end result of trying to laugh and swallow at the same time was obvious: most of his ale ended up in his lap instead of down his throat. Billy coughs for a few seconds, wiping his mouth on his sleeve and then in a choked voice, orders a replacement for his spilt drink. Looking closely at him, you can't tell if it is more ale on his face or if they are tears....

Italapate matches the grin in goofiness. "Well, I certainly would! If I were interested in bald men that is... Hello, my name is Italapate, and we are the Company of the Silent Star. The woge wearing his ale is Billy, and 'grins' there is Radick. The only bright spot at the table is the lady-in-red, Leera. Horns there, is Deigatt. Holland. Raken. Kain. Talus. Nilaroo and Grigree (can't miss them. Though, if you're like bald, they ain't it). And you are?"

As her name is called, Leera looks up and smiles at the newcomer. She then lowers her head into her hands and chuckles softly. She looks up, glances at Radick and Italapate, shakes her head, and again chuckles softly.

When Italapate mentions his name, Kain looks up slightly from his bowl. With a polite "Hello", he quickly delves back into his soup.

"Jamila bint Setara, sailor and adventurer. Pleased to meet you all, especially you baldy!" wink, wink.

Holland rubs his chin for a moment as he hears her name but quickly returns to his passive observation.

Italapate stands, bowing slightly at the waist in a fair approximation of a Shou-Town greeting. "You're charmed, I'm sure," he grins. "Where are you from? Some desert on Toril perhaps? Sorry, that planet seems to be a theme here..."

Before Jamila can answer, Radick settles back in his seat shaking his head from side to side. He reaches into his pocket and tosses a gold coin to Italapate commenting, "There is no accounting for taste." Radick then stands up and stretches his arms letting his jerkin of leather strips slap lightly against his tight abs, and then he stretches the legs of his black leather pants. "I'm going for a refill, anyone else interested?"

Radick waves off the waitress as she comes to take his request, "I'll get it myself - thanks anyway." As he starts to move to the bar he turns back, "That was a hot rum, right? Use my chair if you'd like, no reason to stand there waving your... uh... cutlasses in everyone's face." Radick then moves to the bar and picks up the drink order (including a refill for Billy).

Jamila smiles her thanks and takes Radick's seat.

Returning to the table Radick stands off to the side against the wall, allowing Jamila to remain seated. He leans against the wall with his axe at his side, and his eyes scanning the other guests of the inn.

As the humans stare attentively at the newcomer and Billy Two-Thumbs wipes the ale off his face, Deigatt looks to the halfling and asks, "Can you tell me more habout this hillithid fellow we will meet hon the morrow?"

Billy turns to Deigatt, replying to his query. "There isn't much to know, really. Kain and I are looking for a tutor so that we may learn a little more about our... umm... habilities." Billy winks. "We heard that an illithid called Estriss is currently staying at the Seeker's Library of the Spheres (#16), where he is conducting research of some sort. Stories of the Illithid's powers seem in some ways similar to the sort of training Kain and I seek. Some people say that none in their right mind would seek out an illithid for such. But Estriss is said to be different. He sails on non- illithid vessels by preference and is a member of the Seekers, the only illithid member on Bral in fact. We think that he might be a potential teacher."

"Great," Grigree comments. "Not only a mind flayer, but a crazy one too. It's been nice knowing you," he says to the pair.

Leera turns her attention away from the distraction and says "Deigatt! Be careful that tentacle-head doesn't decide that your horns would make good straws for sucking out your brains. We'd miss you!"

She then addresses the group as a whole, glancing once or twice at Holland. "Well... Billy and Deigatt are going to feed themselves to that Illithid tomorrow. What about the rest of you? Any ideas on how to drum up more work? If not, are any of you interested in attending a play? I've heard that two good ones are being performed on alternate nights. The lead actor in one of them has supposedly been getting really friendly," Leera grins wickedly, "with Prince Frun's widow." She looks at Italapate and Jamila, "I don't think he's bald, but he's supposed to be very good, and very attractive."

Leera looks around the table "So, what say you? What'll it be on the 'morrow: work, play, or some combination of the two?"

Holland listens to Leera and a small smile comes across his face. Once Leera is finished he says, "Leera, I had hoped that you would join me in visiting the Mages' Guild for information and a few of the local Temples in a search for employment tomorrow. However, we could do that earlier in the day, if the play is not till later I would be happy to accompany you."

Italapate looks at Leera for a moment. "I have a meeting in the afternoon, but if the play is in the evening, perhaps a little culture will be a pleasant change of pace..."

Not looking up from his bowl, Kain says, "Well, if you're speaking of the Royal Theatrical Company's play, that's... ah... where I'd planned on going later tomorrow. That is, well, after we'd spoken with Estriss."

Deigatt is silent following Billy's description of what he knows about the illithid. Then he grunts and turns his head toward the conversation between Leera and Holland. "What exactly is a 'play'?" he asks.

Still smiling Holland says, "A 'play' is an event where people, called 'actors', assume a role and re-enact an old event or create a fictitious event from the past, present or even the future. For example, someone somewhere could write a play where the actors were dressed up to look like us and the pirates and then the 'play' would be the re-enactment of our initial voyage and battle. The audience needs to have a sense of imagination to fully appreciate the play. Every land has its own favourite plays of historical and fictional events. It is official called, 'theatre' and is considered in some lands to be a form of art. In some lands groups of actors travel around from town to town putting on their plays and spreading news similar to bards. A common theme of plays is a parody of the local ruler, something that sometimes doesn't sit very well with the ruling class." Stopping to take a drink of ale to whet his throat, Holland says, "Hmm... Sorry about that, I tend to ramble from time to time. Why don't you come tomorrow evening Deigatt? You might enjoy it."

"Hin my land," Deigatt replies, "but perhaps I should say 'hon my world...' those hof the clerical horder perform henactments hof the great hexodus hof my kind from far Krynn to Geb. These rituals remind hus hof hour history, but more hoften than not they halso serve to further the political aims hof the horder providing the show. They halso serve to convince their watchers to believe hin the horder's religious nonsense." Deigatt pauses briefly, as if he's suddenly remembered something that he doesn't want to, then his eyes focus again on Holland. "Hit seems this play must be similar, halthough I cannot fathom how such a thing would be hentertaining without hinvolving some measure hof competition."

Holland nods and says, "I see what you are saying," shrugging his shoulders Holland says, "You can always leave if you don't like it, perhaps it would be good to see how other cultures practice their religious and political indoctrination."

"Yes," Deigatt agrees. "I ham hinterested hin seeing this masquerade. I'm finding humans' preoccupation with non-realities to be confusing but halso hintriguing. I will plan to come to this play hif we have returned from visiting this hillithid hin sufficient time."

Holland nods to Deigatt. Holland signals the barmaid and orders some more stew.

"Hmm, I haven't seen a street play since," Raken says with a shrug. "Anyway, Deigatt, I'll join you to meet this Illithid. I too seek knowledge. However, my interest in going is not in knowledge; someone's got to watch your back," Raken says darkly.

Holland says softly, "Did anyone learn of any solid job opportunities?"

Kain rubs the back of his neck as he mumbles, "Well, no, it really doesn't sound like it."

Billy turns from his staring and rejoins the discussion. "As I mentioned, I may or may not have something... I don't know what it may be yet, but if you give me a couple of days, I'm sure that I can provide you with more information."

"If anyone cares I will be hitting Gaspar's place tomorrow," Radick smiles and chuckles, "actually I will be visiting that establishment inquiring as to work opportunities and values for some of our extraneous magic. Let me know what no one wants in the morning so I can take it with me. I'll catch up with you guys outside the playhouse after the show."

"I'll take another one of these," Grigree points to the barmaid, and tosses some silver pieces to her. "I'll join you tomorrow too, if you don't mind. Plays aren't my thing," he adds to the rest of the group.

Leera looks at Jamila, whose been following the conversation with interest, and asks "So... what's your business on Bral?"

Date/time: 6:30 pm 16th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC