Jammers Summary: Chapter 1, Turn 19

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

"My business on Bral?" Jamila replies with sorrow in her voice. "I'm here on Bral to find..." a pause, "Let's see if I can translate it properly," she replies with a slight smile. "Ride to the Rock of the Heavens, there you must seek out the Axe and the Wild Dog. They will lead you to the end of your quest."

"I cannot be sure about some of the words, as you may have noticed. Common isn't my native language." Jamila shrugs. "I'm not sure what it or they are. I did ask on my trip here if it was the name of an establishment but none of the sailors had heard of it. So perhaps its not an it but a person."

Shrugging off her sombre mood, Jamila smiles back at Italapate. "I'm from, as you guessed, Realmspace. But home, home is Bahr Al-Izdiham. Or at least that's where I grew up."

Italapate grins, then looks at Jamila uncertainly. "Hmmm. A quest with strange wording. As the High Shaman of Coyote on this Rock, I am well versed in such things." He takes a pull on his drink, "You have already reached, presumably, the Rock of the Heavens. This is the only place to be! There is no place called Axe or Wild Dog. That is for sure. But, that guy in leather, Radick, has a nickname..." Suddenly, Italapate leans forward. "Spirits! Wild Dog? Does Coyote sound familiar? It looks like there might be a reason you like bald men (interestingly enough, if your quest had started earlier, you might have found in yourself a passion for Purple haired individuals.... Don't ask). Tell me more about your quest, and the words used to describe it. Anything relating to Whirlwinds? Silent Stars? Big cow people or women in red? Oh, what about Moon or Moune?" Italapate listens....

Raken listens to Italapate's interpretation with some interest. "I wouldn't jump the crossbow on this one, Italapate. Unfortunately, the wording of this riddle is such that it can be interpreted a thousand ways. For instance, Bral is NOT, despite local opinion, the only asteroid city in known space. She could also be describing Dragon's Rest, which is in her own home sphere and most certainly within 'her heavens,' as it were. Axe and Wild Dog are also extremely vague; thousands use axes for weapons and as tools to cut wood. Wild Dog could very well be referring to a pirate or even a wild animal. While your interpretation is fairly decent, I believe that you are making the situation fit the words. Unless there is more, she could never be sure what the quest truly is. And please, don't lead the poor woman by putting words in her mouth. Let her tell her tale in her own way."

"I am not putting words in her mouth, Raken," Italapate says, his enthusiasm deflating slightly. "And, no, this is not the only asteroid with a population ... just the most famous one. However, you have to admit that this is a very, very good fit... better than one usually gets from these types of quests.... I am interested in hearing more, to see if anything else fits. I am sure you will let me know if I am reaching...."

"Err, what's a coyote?" asks Jamila wondering. "That's the exact word used in the riddle. It's a wild dog, yes?"

"A dog-like scavenger," Raken replies. "However, Italapate is referring to his patron spirit, Coyote, a minor trickster deity. He's not well known outside of Realmspace; actually, he's not well known even there. Though some people worship him on Oerth; the Flan, I believe. His worshippers are often considered 'savage' by those dwelling in cities, but they see themselves a free to do as they please and wild as the wind."

His own answer drowned out by Raken, Italapate looks at the traveller of Celestian. "Okay, that was harsh. And Coyote is more widespread than you would lead Jamila to believe. Nevertheless, a coyote is a wild dog."

"Sorry, didn't mean to be," Raken apologises. "But I personally can't think of too many spheres that worship the Trickster. Though he could easily be worshipped under a dozen different names; after all, he IS a trickster," Raken says with a smile.

As the discussion continues, Italapate leans back, rubbing his chin in thought. "Jump the crossbow?"

Jamila's head moves back and forth, between the two whilst they exchange words. With a smile and laughter in her eyes, Jamila finishes off her drink, catches the waitress eye and gives a quick point to her now empty glass. "Another" she mouths silently. "Priests, how can one live with so many, I will never know." she comments to the others at the table. "You've finished? Are you sure?" Jamila asks Italapate and Radick with a big grin. "Anyway the full wording of what Noble Ashram, Djinn of the Many Winds is... ahem, I'll add coyote instead of wild dog. It does sound better." in a slightly deeper voice

"In the City of Delights seek the flying fish. Ride it to the Rock of the Heavens, there you must seek out the Axe and the Coyote. They will lead you to the end of your quest."

Resuming her normal voice, "I know it isn't much more than what I spoke before, but it hasn't lead me wrong as of yet."

Radick finishes off his mug with one long swallow. "Despite our critical companion, it is clear that the coyote and the axe are the two of us." Radick points with his axe to Italapate and himself. "As for endings to quests, I don't planning on ending anything any time soon, but we are beginning a new company. Can't say much more, but if you think you might want to join our number I certainly hope your skill with those blades is better than your taste in men." He shakes his head as he looks at Italapate's hairless look.

"My skill with these blades," Jamila replies while touching the hilts of her cutlass's "as my brother used to say, is easily better than my taste in men." Jamila gives a wink to Italapate. "Joining a company, such as yourself might make my quest easier to complete."

Italapate rubs his bald head, and grins. "You know... there are lots of cultures and peoples for whom shave heads is customary.... Mine just happens to be one." He wags his finger at Radick, imitating a warning posture; "It would not be good for a new company to go insulting so many prospective customers!"

Radick laughs. "Well then, if I have offended the two of you, let me buy you breakfast in the morning." He slaps Italapate on the back in a friendly manner.

Grigree watches the exchange with interest, checking Jamila's reaction occasionally.

"Hmmm. Interesting," Raken begins after Radick and 'Pate have finished. "I am unfamiliar with the term City of Delights, but I assume it is a large and popular city of your homeland. The 'Rock of the Heavens' can be either a large asteroid city, or may lie in the Planes. The 'flying fish' sounds like a common class of spelljammer. Radick and Italapate certainly fit the 'Axe and the coyote,' Italapate especially. He is completely undisciplined, wild, and slightly insane, making him a perfect 'jammer. I have a few questions of my own, which will help us understand this riddle better. First, how did you get here, the Rock of Bral? What was the ship type you arrived in? Second, what is the word for 'Heaven' in your language? This might be important. Thirdly, what is your quest?"

"Hmm, more questions. Always more questions." Jamila says, "How did I get to the Rock? I came by ship. The squidship 'Blue Sky Wanderer'. It might even be still down at the docks if you want to go look." Jamila takes a quick sip of her drink and continues "There are many words for 'Heaven' in Midani, the one that Noble Ashram used would translate more closely as 'place beyond the stars'. As to the nature of my quest..." Jamila studied the faces of those at the table for a few seconds before continuing. "I'm attempting to find members of my family that vanished."

"'Vanished'?" Grigree asks. "Do you mean slavers?"

"All I know," replies Jamila. "is that I came across their ship floating in the middle of nowhere, and everyone was missing."

Raken listens with great interest. "You stole the words out of my mouth, Grigree. This does sound like the work of slavers. Notice how the crew was missing and the ship itself was not taken. Pirates would take the ship or scuttle it. Leaving it floating and only taking the crew is the often a tactic of spelljamming slavers. Of course, it could point to a number of possibilities. Monster attack, wild magic, or even the act of a powerful spellcaster. However, when the pieces of this puzzle are put together and the whole is looked at, I would have to say that indeed, you are on the right track. For example, you said that the term means 'beyond the stars,' implying a place beyond Realmspace's shell, and thus beyond the stars. The Rock of Bral is a good place to start strictly because of its strategic trading position. Here you will find representatives of virtually every known race. A cornucopia of knowledge is available to you. A great place to find clues." He pauses long enough to take a long drink of water, parched from talking so much. He sets down his glass and continues. "In fact, I would even suggest joining us in meeting this so-called pleasant illithid. If he is what he claims, then he could led you to some contacts in slaving circles, that might eventually led to your family. His people are notorious slavers; pray that they are not the ones that took your family."

Grigree stares wide-eyed at Raken as he speaks. "Your knowledge amazes me. Every time you speak," he comments as the druid finishes.

"Err, let's just say I had a lot of time on my hands on a lonely asteroid with a stack of books and scrolls that could fill the Silent Stars to her rafters," Raken comments. "My master was sorta a private man that taught me all I know, but would disappear for months at a time."

After arranging a meeting time with Billy, Kain, and Raken for the visit to the illithid on the morrow, Deigatt retires to his room.

"Sleep well, O horned one," offers Jamila as a retiring word.

Italapate raises his nearly empty glass in salute as Deigatt rises to retire. "G'night, big guy," he says.

After listening to the conversation for a few minutes, Kain gets up abruptly. Rubbing his eyes, he says, "My head hurts, I'm going to bed." Finishing his water, Kain sets the mug down on the table and climbs the stairs to the second floor.

Nilaroo silently raises his empty ale mug, and then returns to watch the interplay between the humans.

Seeing Deigatt and Kain leave for bed, Billy stretches and says, "Well, I have a long walk ahead of me, so if you'll excuse me." Billy stands up and bows low to all at the table, doffing an invisible hat as he does so. "I'm off..."

Before heading up to bed, Leera takes a seat beside Holland and has a quiet conversation.

After speaking to Holland, Leera stands up and says (loudly enough that those near her can hear) "I'll go see about those bracers."

She walks over to Radick and asks "Friend Radick... Holland and I are going to visit the Mages' Guild in the morning. If you permit, we'll take the bracers and see what we can learn about them."

"Sorry Miss, won't be necessary. I'll take care of the bracers." smiles back Radick as he sips again from his mug. His eyes then look back over the inn. They never seem to settle upon any one person or location, simply scanning the area.

Holland stands as well and says, "Italapate, would you mind if we checked with the 'guild to determine the properties of the items? We can always sell them later once we learn what they are."

Italapate shrugs blandly. "I could care less if you check on the magic of the items. I didn't snag anything from that ship...." Italapate bows his head quietly, stifling a yawn. "I don't know why everyone is going to bed so soon... It's still early." He pushes away from the table, a distant look on his face. He wanders out into the central area of the tavern. For the rest of the night, he flirts with the serving girls and dances the night away with any and all comers.

Turning back to the group Holland says, "Speaking of which, who has the cutlass and sword? I would like to borrow them for the morning to have them examined as well."

Grigree says, "I've been carrying those blades around in a sack, I'd completely forgotten about them!" He looks sheepish, "Stop by my room before you hit the straw, Holland, and I'll give them to you for the morrow."

Radick makes a quiet response, "I guess you two are pretty powerful in the arena of magic. Anytime I have ever seen someone ask the mage's guild to i.d. an item for them; it cost them a pretty penny. I don't know the process but I do know that it took quite a bit of mage's time. Now we don't have the money so you two must think you can get those mages to help out for free. I don't know what the push to sell the stuff for is anyway - maybe you mage types feel threatened by a magical weapon being around." Radick continues to nurse his drink as he speaks.

Holland replies civilly, "I personally think it wise to determine the properties of magical items. As for the selling of them, I believe someone else brought that up. In response, I had suggested that before anyone made plans to sell things that we find out what they are." Having learned the disposition of the blades Holland says, "I have some 'mage work' to do, I will see you all tomorrow." Turning to Jamila he says with a smile and wink, "Saie'da, I leave you in these men's capable hands." Holland then heads upstairs.

"Afwan, and saheeda" Jamila calls after Holland as he makes his way towards the stairs.

After hearing Radick's reply Leera asks, "Does anyone else want to accompany us? Talus?"

"If it's not intruding to much." Jamila asks, while looking from Leera to Talus, with glances to the others. "I did hear you mention something about visiting the Temple district after you'd been to the Mage's Guild. As I'd like to go and see a holy one, if it's not to much trouble, could I tag along?" asks Jamila with a questioning look. "I promise not to get in your way." and then adding with a big smile, "or at least not to much."

Leera pauses, and then replies "Of course...we'll meet down here at about 9 am."

"9 am it is then. I'd better go and book and room then." Finishing off what's left of her hot rum, Jamila asks "So while I'm over getting a bed for the night, who'd like another drink? My shout" Jamila motions over to the waitress.

Talus opens his mouth to answer but shuts it again as Jamila answers. After that discussion Talus speaks up, "If you are still going to the mages guild I would like to come along."

Raken listens to Jamila asking to tag along to the local temples and softly chuckles. "What is it you seek? Perhaps I might be of service; though I am not exactly a high ranking member of Celestrian's faithful, I do listen well and know a great deal. And I'm here; most people never get to see their high priest outside of services," he says, and takes a drink of water.

"Hmmm, Celestrian. Is that one of the local gods?" Jamila asks. Continuing on without waiting for a response, "I'm seeking.... an understanding of what I'm doing... if what I'm doing is what Fate has in store for me. I seek familiarity in this city far from home." Jamila shrugs. "I know it isn't what you might have wanted to hear, but it is the best I can say."

Raken waits patiently for Jamila to finish. "Hmmm, the simple question that has confounded priests and scholars for ages. 'What am I doing?' Many people have asked this question, and some very similar to it. I cannot say for sure if indeed you are following the path set before you by your god, but I will pray to mine tonight and ask Celestrian for guidance. What I can tell you is look into your heart. Ask yourself if what you are doing is right. If it feels right, then your course is probably proper and true. When you are not sure, let your heart and soul be your guide, no matter the course. Sometimes, the most unlikely course will be the one that runs true." A pause, "As for understanding of the city, be very careful. Illithids, beholders, slavers and pirates all walk the streets openly, without fear or hesitation. The law is non-existent unless you somehow offended one of the major nobles or the Prince's 'friends.' Justice is at the point of a sword. If you want a more in-depth guide to the city, ask Italapate; he was born and raised in the city. If you want more proof of the insanity of the city, just look how he turned out," Raken says, barely containing his laughter. "Sorry Italapate, no offence, please."

Italapate laughs heartily at the comment.... "C'mon, Raken, you know me! Nothing offends me... I wasn't even offended by your assessment of Coyote." He turns back to Jamila. "Of course, any questions you have about the Rock, I would be glad to answer."

Radick then flips his axe over his shoulder and begins to walk for the door. "Anyone for an evening stroll?"

"Thanks for the offer," Grigree answers, "but I'm in no mood for a stroll." He then goes back to listening to the conversation at the table.

Eventually, everyone drifts back to his or her rooms to sleep.

Deigatt rises early the next day, as he did the day before, and heads to the alley alongside the 'Tankard' to practice with his axe and whips. Wet and warm from his exertion, he comes in later, as his comrades are having their breakfasts, and downs some bread and honeyed cornmeal.

Holland heads downstairs and has a light breakfast while waiting for Leera. Once Leera comes downstairs Holland stands and smiles. He says, "I was thinking of hitting four places today Leera; the first is the House Lianin. I have heard that they often hire adventuring groups for missions. The second is the Temple of Ptah. I think they may have some more information concerning the Chalice. The third is a tavern called the Laughing Beholder. I have heard that the owner, a beholder named Luigi, is a vast fountain of information, though he requests a song or the like in return for the information. The last is the Mage's Guild to see about these magical items. They might not help us since we are not members, but it is worth a look."

When Jamila and Talus arrive downstairs they find Holland and Leera already talking. Jamila waves at Holland and Leera as she descends the stairs just before 9am. Today she's all in a light shade of blue, including the studded leather she has on. Although none of her outfit matches the colour of her electric blue boots. Strapping her second cutlass around her waist, she calls out "Saheeda!"

Holland turns his head and nods acknowledging Jamila, "Sabaah Al'khair Jamila," and then falls silent as Leera speaks.

Leera explains Holland's plan, "They might not all help us, but I agree with Holland that it is worth a look."

Holland smiles at Leera and then turns to the other two and says, "While we are at the temple, we can also make inquiries about any job opportunities, killing two scavvers with one bolt."

"That would be a good shot" Jamila laughs, "Even I'm not that good a shot. It sounds interesting though."

Kain, Nilaroo, Grigree, Raken, and Radick also drift down into the bar for breakfast, Italapate remains in bed, waving off attempts to wake him.