Jammers Summary: Chapter 2, Turn 3

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

On the Silent Star:

Nilaroo spends the time pottering about with his tools, securing Ferric's chest and beginning work on the bunks.

After spending some time up on deck becoming familiar with the new rigging, Grigree goes down to where Nilaroo is working. "Hrr, need help with bunks?" he asks the groman.

Nilaroo gladly welcomes the help, and the two simians quickly finish the remaining bunks.

Leera remains closeted in her quarters during this time.

Meanwhile, in the city:

Billy leads Kain, Raken, and Deigatt to a rooming house in the Burrows where he picks his gear up. Then they head across town to the Library of the Spheres.

At the Library they find Estriss is available, he meets them in the same room as previously. *How may I help you today, friends?* He "says".

Kain, seeing that no one else volunteers, clears his throat before speaking. Once Kain starts, his words come out in a rush. "Ah.. Estriss.. we're leaving the Rock much earlier than expected. Tomorrow, in fact. We.. err.. aren't sure how long we'll be gone, but I hope that we will return in time to speak with you again. If you wish to.. ah.. leave a message for us, sir, we deal with House Moune.. so you could leave one there and we'll get it."

*I plan on remaining here for at least a month. If I am not here when you return you may leave a message here and I will get it.* His tentacles wave in what could be either amusement or excitement, *I might very well have a job for your group when you return. Where did you say you are going, if I may ask?*

After an inquiring look to his companions, Kain answers. "Well, we're bound for Shipwrecker," he says with a nod. "Hope to do a little trading at Wrighters, maybe search for the Chalice, I think." Deigatt grunts at the mention of the Chalice.

Estriss nods, *A worthy endeavor. I'm afraid I can offer you no advice or aid in that search, having little knowledge of the area myself. Good luck then.* Estriss nods towards the door politely, clearly wanting to get back to the stack of books he was examining.

"Thank you," Kain says as he backs through the door.

As the quartet makes its way back to the ship, Kain stops long enough to visit an equipment shop, coming back out with a fairly large sea chest thrown over his shoulder. "No lock though," he snorts. "They.. ah.. wanted an extra forty gold for one of the locked chests. 'Twas the least expensive, and it looked like a child could force it open".

Billy also stops at a nearby shop coming out with a handful of quarrels. "OK? Anyone else need to shop or should we head on to the Star?"

Kain shakes his head, "I don't need to go anywhere else, so I'm ready to get back to the ship."

As the four continue their way toward the docks, Deigatt speaks to his comrades: "There his something that I must hask you, comrades. I confess that I have had great difficulty dealing with Comrade Leera since we hall came together, hand I ham still hunable to hunderstand how I should deal with her. I was wrong, I realize, to be critical hof her style hof combat, halthough I ham still hangered that she targeted her hallies has well. I have tried very hard to put these hactions behind me hand give Comrade Leera the benefit hof the doubt. But each time I hextend a gesture hof trust to her, she haccuses me hof duplicity."

"I was furious," the minotaur continues, "when we stood before Lady Moune hand were forced to hanswer has a unit when we har far from unified. Yet, when I clearly suggested that Comrade Leera, who, having spent more time with Jamila than hany hother, speak hon behalf hof the company, she believed I was trying to trap her hinto some... some situation I cannot fathom. Comrades, I would be grateful for hany hadvice from you. How should I deal with Comrade Leera? I stand by my hearlier statement that trust his what we need to hold this company together, but I find myself more ready to trust the relatively hunknown Comrade Jamila than Comrade Leera, who refuses time hand hagain to trust me."

Raken lets out a quite chuckle. "Don't worry, Deigatt, your reaction to Leera is common. My mentor told me that warrior types are quick to trust each other, but slow to trust those who master the Art. From what I have learned, what people do not understand they fear or hate. And magic is very difficult to understand. Please don't judge her do harshly; she is just starting down the path of magic, and has not yet mastered her Art. She is bound to make mistakes. As she learns more, she will gain greater control over her Art, and such mistakes will become rarer."

Raken pauses a moment. "This is difficult on all of us. Many of this group have a hard time to trusting others, myself included. In time, we will learn to work together. Give Leera time; she will learn to trust you, as you will learn to trust her. Just avoid any conversation concerning certain topics when around her. I've noticed that she is particularly sensitive when people talk about her family and her control over her Art. It would be best if we all avoid talking with her on such topics. I suggest that if she starts getting angry, it is best to politely excuse yourself and walk away from the conversation, thus avoiding an argument."

"Perhaps," Deigatt answers Raken, "you har hunaware that I too ham a practitioner hof what you call the 'Hart,' halbeit not nearly has hadept has some hof hour comrades. Hand hit has not been my perception that she has become hangry hover hanything I have said. I cannot see that havoiding harguments with her will halleviate the problem. Perhaps the best course his to speak to her directly, but not haround hothers so she won't feel she has to perform for them."

"Sometimes the direct route is the best way," Kain says in agreement. "And speaking with her alone is another good idea."

Also in the City:

After leaving the Silent STAR Holland heads to the Pantheon of the Olympians (#68) and inquires about the competitions that are to take place. He finds this large temple complex is devoted to a pantheon of twelve "Olympian" gods, a fairly standard pantheon which has enough followers to support this temple, but none others within the sphere. Holland quickly learns far more then he ever intended concerning the pantheon from an enthusiastic young acolyte who seems oblivious to Holland's polite attempts to stay on the topic. He soon learns that while priests must devote themselves to individual deities in the pantheon, lay worshippers are expected to give deference to all. Finally, after a bewildering story concerning the birth of the acolyte's patron goddess Athena, Holland manages to get a flyer describing the events of the upcoming festival, or "Olympics".

According to the flyer, on each day there will be competitions as follows: 1st Day: Chariot Races 2nd Day: Poetry 3rd Day: Wrestling 4th Day: Foot races 5th Day: Singing 6th Day: Boxing (unarmed combat, really. Kicking is allowed) 7th Day: Dancing 8th Day: Archery 9th Day: Spell crafting (best "new" spell wins the prize) 10th Day: Javelin Throwing 11th Day: Horse races 12th Day: Fencing 13th Day: Spellcasting ("combat" casting against illusionary foes) 14th Day: Spelljammer Regatta (through an "asteroid" course)

There is a five gold piece entrance fee for each event, contestants can enter up until midnight of the night prior to the event. Each night as well the church will host a festival to the Arena of Frun with illusionary shows, plays, music, dancing etc. Culminating with a Grand Ball on the 14th day of the games. (only open to the city upper crust, and event winners).

Holland reads the flyer as he heads back across town towards the office of the Master of the Docks (#100). There Hoe gets the ship assigned a time of departure (11:00 am the next day), pays the 20sp dock fee for one day (Moune had apparently paid up till today but tomorrow's "partial" day is considered a full day for dock fees) and sees two interesting notices on the "outgoing ship needed" board. Holland takes the two notices down and heads back down the docks towards the Silent STAR.

Meanwhile, also in the city:

Italapate and Ferric leave the Silent STAR and head into the city looking for trade goods to purchase for their trip to Shipwrecker. As they walk Italapate explains to Ferric they will be looking for tools and such, then regales him with improbable stories of talking animals and wise shamans.

Sticking to Low Town, as the area he knows best, Italapate checks at Marshall's Smithy (#104), at the various shops in the Dwarven District (#88), in the Lesser Market (#101), the Iron Works (#141), and the Keep of Gond (#138). The hunt is unfruitful, Marshall's Smithy is booked up for wholesale for several weeks, same with the dwarven smiths. The Keep of Gond doesn't sell in quantities large enough or prices low enough for the company to turn a profit, the Lesser Market is a bust as well. Frustrated, 'Pate stops at a several booths in the Lesser Market and purchases a couple live chickens and maybe a dozen large melons of some sort.

Italapate then heads towards Giff-town (#94), leading Ferric through a maze of side streets and alleys with a sureness that could only come from being a native. Finally, 'Pate heads up a rickety outside staircase in the heart of Giff-town, climbing to the roof of a five floor building. There, above the noise and smokepowder stench of the Giff barrio, Ferric sees a strange sight, a small building built on the roof made from what appears to be mud and branches. 'Pate smiles, motions for Ferric to stay outside then crouches down and enters through the low door. He stays within for may be ten minutes, then crawls back out without the chickens and melons he carried within. 'Pate then heads back down the stairs as he starts another story.

Before retiring to the ship, Italapate leads Ferric up to the Middle City, specifically Barduk's Smithy (#71). There he and Ferric engage in a short, but pleasant negotiation with the dwarven matriarch herself. She agrees to sell them 200 wood axe heads for 300gps, no hafts included but since wood is far cheaper on Shipwrecker that should not be a problem.

'Pate and Ferric then head to the Offices of the Master of the Docks (#100) which Ferric knows is also the headquarters of the Longshoreman's guild. A short but less pleasant negotiation there arranges to have the 20 heavy crates moved from Barduk's smithy down to the Silent STAR and loaded aboard for a mere 5gp. Feeling satisfied they then head back towards the ship. Once there Italapate throws what little he has onto a bunk and proceeds to take a nap.

Meanwhile, Back at the Silent STAR:

Holland returns to the ship around 1300 hours and gathers those aboard for a quick conference. He says, "We are set to depart at 1100 tomorrow morning. Also, I have found two possibilities for shipping cargo. I don't know that much about cargo rates, would anyone like to come with me to the potential clients?"

"I'll come with you ajami Holland." says Jamila from where she's admiring the ship, "It's not that I know much about cargo, but I'd like one last walk on solid ground before being back on the Star."

Holland then around the advertisements of the two clients:

"NOTICE! Are you traveling to the Town of Wrighters? Do you have room for one more? How about some cargo space? If you said Yes to all of the above, please leave word at the White Galleon for Seguld."(#62)

and

"8 Crates of trade goods to Wrighters; See Granulf at The Sign of the Black Bull."(#107)

"The first mentions a passenger, does anyone object to that?" Holland asks. Everyone shrugs, no one able to think of a reason why a passenger would be a bad idea. "We wanted to make some coin, so long as he pays and realizes this isn't a luxury whaleship it sounds fine." Talus answers. Satisfied with his mandate Holland prepares to leave.

Holland arches an eyebrow, and says "'Ajami'?" to Jamila as they get ready to depart on the two errands.

"Hmm?" Jamila replies "An ajami is one who uses magic in ways different than back home. If it's improper, please let me know."

Holland says, "Oh no, I just haven't heard the term before, shall we be off?"

"Yes, lets be off" Jamila replies and leads Holland down the dock and into the city.

Upon entering the White Galleon and being directed by the halfling tavern owner, Bardilac, Holland and Jamila see a very small gnome sitting at a bar stool, near one of the regular tables. The image is somewhat humorous as the stool almost appears as a high chair for an infant. The gnome is no more than 3 feet in height. and appears very thin for his kind. His face is round and full, with a rather embarrassingly small bulbous nose. He wears his reddish-brown hair nicely cropped and all the same length with little curl. His beard curls under about 1-2" from his jaw line from ear to ear, but he wears no moustache. He simply wears a pair of brown leggings with a light green top. The top has a small patch of a black rock sewn into it. Upon closer inspection the rock can be seen to be a lump of coal. Strapped to his back is an arquebus, and hanging down from his belt can be seen an odd looking mace. The head of the mace is painted black and appears to look like a giant lump of coal. He appears to be deeply involved in a number of sheets of paper which sit on the table in front of him. As you approach he is clearly trying to perform some mathematics as he scribbles on the edge of his paper, then counts his fingers, and then scribbles again.

Holland walks over and then politely clears his throat to get the gnome's attention. He then says, "Excuse me, my name is Holland Wellhouse. I represent the Silent STAR, an eelship, that is leaving on the morrow for Wrighters. I saw your message posted at the Master of the Docks' office."

Seguld scratches his ear and looks to Holland as he speaks. Suddenly his eyes light up and he quickly looks back down at his papers. "Yes. That is it. Now it makes sense." With a smile on his face he quickly rolls up his paper, slips it inside his shirt and adjusts his clothing to make himself presentable.

Turning back to Holland Seguld smiles. "Welcome friends,.... you were saying.... oh yes, yes, yes. You are here about my advertisement seeking transport for some cargo and myself. Wonderful!" He jumps off the stool and draws two chairs to the table. First, he allows Jamila to be seated, and then Holland. Then he draws his fingers to his mouth and whistles and cheerful whistle, which catches the attention of Bardilac. "When you have a moment!" he calls out to Bardilac, then takes his seat again. Despite his sitting on a much taller stool, he is still no taller than Jamila or Holland.

"Good friends, it is indeed a wonderful thing that you have come, let's just get the formalities out of the way." Seguld says with a carefree attitude. "Now, I have 6 crates of dwarven mining axes, which I intend to sell to the miners on Shipwrecker. I will also need accommodations for myself and my gear, but if you have someone who can string up a hammock in the cargo hold, then that is OK with me. I don't take up much space. Now my crates will take up just a little more than half a ton cargo space, and myself, I take up far less. Why don't we just say 10 gold for the entire package, and I'll throw in my services in defense of the ship should you be attacked." He holds his arms as if firing a ballistae, "I hope you have a ballistae there, because I can sure shoot one of those things." he smiles proudly.

Holland says, "Hmm, perhaps we can accommodate you in that manner; however, the cost for your cargo and yourself will be 35gp. Payment will be half upon departure and half upon arrival at Wrighters."

"You drive a hard bargain friend, and since I like you I will agree to your terms. Now of course, for those rates I will not be expected to engage in combat and I will be given a cabin of my own. For 30 gold, I will gladly share a cabin and be more than happy to break any knee caps belonging to pirates." Seguld responds with a definitively cheerful look on his face, clearly showing that the rejection of his first offer was fully expected and no offense was taken.

Holland lets out a few 'tsk'ing sounds and says, "For a merchant, you don't keep up with prices. It is 25gp for your cargo and 10gp for you to bunk in the cargo hold. If you wish a cabin, then the price jumps considerably."

Holland shrugs his shoulders and says, "I will be truthful, I am not much of a merchant. Let me give you my final offer: For 35gp you will, at a minimum, get a hammock in the hold and room for your trading goods. You will receive free meals and will be expected to contribute to ship defense. Take it or leave it."

Seguld scratches his beard as he reviews the offer in his mind. "I will agree on one condition. I will pay 15 gold now, and after arrival and I sell my cargo, then I pay you the balance. Unfortunately, I do not have enough coin to guarantee you the total sum until after my goods are sold. I would be willing to sign any kind of agreement you wish if necessary to guarantee my payment." Seguld seems somewhat disheartened by the deal, especially as he admits that he can not make the payment until his goods are sold.

Holland smiles, "Agreed, however, we keep your cargo until the second payment is made."

Seguld jumps back down from the stool with a big smile upon his face "OK, enough business for today. Lets celebrate our new relationship with some food and drink." Waving his hand towards Bardilac, Seguld gives up and calls out, "Bardilac! Honey mead for my friends and I, and some of your delicious rhubarb pie. By the way, I will be checking out in the morning. Time to return to the old life of a merchant." Seguld then offers his hand towards Jamila, then Holland. "So, when do we leave?"

Accepting Seguld's hand lightly, Jamila turns her head slightly towards Holland and with a smile that she just can't seem to hide, asks "Yes, Holland, when do we leave?" Taking her hand back, Jamila scratches her nose in a bad attempt to hide her growing smile.

Holland says, "As much as we would love to stay and celebrate with you, we have other business to conduct. As I mentioned before, we depart in the morning at 1100 sharp. You need to have your cargo brought down to the _Silent Star_ this afternoon so it can be stowed appropriately. It was good to meet you.." Holland pauses, "You never did introduce yourself, did you?"

"Oh yes! My name is Seguld Guilderholme, originally of Ironpiece, but now traveler of the stars and merchant of sorts, with a merry mace, and a happy laugh." Seguld laughs to himself as he bows deeply to his two new friends.

Holland says, "We will see you at the _Star_," motioning to Jamila he says, "One more stop.." and the two of them move to leave and head to the Sign of the Black Bull.

Seguld sees them turn to leave, and scampers ahead of them blocking the door. "Mind if I join you? I can send word to the docks for the loading, and Bardilac can hold the pie and mead for my dinner. I am just sitting here anyway, and I could use a walk about town, but a guy my size doesn't travel without escort, and if you don't mind me saying so, it appears that Miss Jamila is certainly able to take care of herself. I wouldn't be any trouble, honest. I'll even be quiet, I mean it, you won't even know I am there, not one bit, not even a peep from me. I'll just be standing in the background minding my own business. Can I come? Please! Please!"

Holland frowns for a second but makes an effort to be jovial, "Of course you can come. Though, not a word when we are talking with other clients, mind you," Holland ends with a smile.

Seguld whistles again as Bardilac comes out from the back with the order. "Save it for later please, I'll be going out for a while. Please also send word for my cargo to be loaded upon the _Silent Star_ this afternoon. I will stop by the docks later to confirm the job. Ta Ta!" He happily trots along after them as they travel on.

While on route to the Sign of the Black Bull, Jamila asks Seguld "Your cargo is axes? Are axes something that you specialize in?"

"Specialization preempts opportunity." Seguld says grandiosely, then laughs and says, "Sorry, no I buy what I think the market will be best able to turn a profit on."

The Sign of the Black Bull is a very quiet tavern and inn. Moving into its shadowy interior Holland, Jamila, and Seguld see that shields hang from the rafters adorned with the heraldry devices of several dozen (likely long-vanished) groundling kingdoms. On the walls hang various exotic weapons, broken and useless now for the most part. Perhaps a dozen men sit at various tables and booths around the taproom, mostly human but 2 lizardmen and a trio of dwarves grace the establishment as well. Everyone within has the look of competent hired steel.

Moving to the bar Holland asks for Granulf, and is pointed to a graying old human warrior in battered leather sitting in a booth alone near the fireplace. A crossbow lies on the table and the man appears to be whetting his bolts.

"Grandulf?" Holland says as the trio walk up, "I understand you have some cargo for shipment to Shipwrecker?"

The grizzled old warrior looks up at Holland and shakes his head, "Had, but no longer. Just a few hours ago I found a packet for that job. Sorry."

Disappointed, Holland and Jamila show their new gnomish passenger back to the Silent STAR where they cheer up a little after discovering Italapate's success in finding some trade goods. The little gnome returns to his inn for one last night, and the company relaxes around the ship, arranging living quarters and drawing up a watch schedule that all can work with.

The next morning the 20 crates of axe heads and the 6 crates of pick axes belonging to Seguld are delivered, the gnome is also there bright and early, checking to make sure his cargo is secured well. The Silent STAR is ready to sail on schedule, and promptly slips or moorings at 11:00 am and slides along the Rocks gravity plane, then moves out into wildspace as Bral swiftly becomes a vanishing speck behind her.

Date/time: 11:00 am 19th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC