Jammers Summary: Chapter 2, Turn 7

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

After the discussion about trade and money, Holland says, "Deigatt and I have learned that a local pirate group, that has connections with some mountain goblin tribes, may be responsible for the hijacking of the Chalice. I propose that we take the STAR and investigate these tribes in search for the pirate's base."

Italapate heads belowdecks... muttering something about "ridiculously provincial spacer communities...." but you don't catch the whole thing.

"But we've the Chalice already," Kain gives a small smile. "Billy bought it today in the market. Ah, yes, the goblins look to be the way to more information, all we could find were rumors," Kain says as he shakes his head.

Holland says, "Seguld, would you please purchase some cargo for our Company tonight, and then stop by the harbormaster and inform them we will be leaving tomorrow."

"We won't be able to pick it up tomorrow, unless we are very lucky." Seguld says, "but don't need to till we leave the planet, yes?"

After Seguld's response, Holland nods and turns to the rest of the group, "Everyone that still needs to take care of some personal business here in Wrighters should do so this evening. We should disembark before noon tomorrow," looking over at the other ship at the dock Holland says, "The sooner we leave, the better."

"Seguld," Kain says as he looks to the gnome. "We have about 150 gp gold to work with for the Star's Merchant Fund. I.. ah.. don't have the exact numbers on hand," Kain takes a drink of water. "But the papers are by the nav' charts. I can get them if you like," he adds as an afterthought. "And.. ah.. speaking of papers, my supply of unbound paper is almost gone" Kain clears his throat. "My.. err.. sketchbook, I'd rather not use that, so I'd like to purchase a ledger once we manage to come into a bit of money. Until then, I'll make do with.. uh.. what I've got."

Holland frowns and says, "Kain, you shouldn't have to use your own personal stock of paper. Why don't you use some of the monies and purchase an official ledger. The price would be worth the investment."

"I.. ah.. can look into it, but with the... err... outrageous price of most everything here... I don't know," Kain shakes his head. Sketching a rectangle in the air about twelve by fifteen inches, Kain adds, "That's about the size of my book. It cost me five hundred gold in Westgate, well, not me, my father and mother bought it a long time ago," he smiles sadly. "Anyway, parchment and paper are so damned expensive.. Oh! Beg pardon," Kain starts when he realizes he swore aloud. "That same tome would cost over one thousand gold here or on Bral. Of course, we don't need such a large book, something smaller to keep numbers would be alright." He shrugs, "I'll see what I can find."

Striking his the heel of his hand against his forehead, Holland says, "Maps! What was I thinking.. Kain, would you please secure us a map of Shipwrecker, how are we to know where to look if we don't have a map? Maybe Seguld here knows where you can find a good, accurate source."

"I'll... see what I can find Holland," Kain nods. "Seguld, do you know of any decent cartographers in Wrighters? And if.. ah.. you do, could you lead me to the shop?"

Holland interjects, "Deigatt brought up a good point earlier about flying to the mountains. He said that the winds might be too strong. Kain, would you please check with the cartographer to evaluate the amount of danger we would be in by attempting to fly over the mountains? After all, the planet is called Shipwrecker. In the worst care, hopefully we can do some sort of aerial reconnaissance to get an idea of where to look before we are forced to travel by foot."

"Hoom, my friends, I have some small talent as a shipwright," Nilaroo inserts into the conversation. "But I cannot build a ship from splinters, nor replace a helm. Low altitude flying on this planet, with the winds we encountered on our approach, would be suicide," he concludes flatly.

Holland asks, "How low is low? Is it possible to fly at higher altitudes? If not, then we will have to investigate the mountains on foot, a lengthy endeavor but a possible one. Unless, of course, someone has a better suggestion."

"Storms, Hoom, spring up here very suddenly," Nilaroo replies. "We might be alright for an hour, then suddenly get caught in a gale." Everyone recalls the sudden winds which occasionally whistled through town throughout the day.

"Perhaps we could charter a small rowboat to take up the river?" Raken asks. "The trip would be faster than on foot, and it would be easier than trekking several miles through rough terrain on foot. Just a suggestion, anyway."

Holland nods and says, "We would have to leave some people here to guard the STAR, but it is a good idea," Holland asks the group, "Any other suggestions?"

"We could sail the STAR up the river, with a helmsmen we would move reasonably swiftly, and by remaining afloat we could avoid the dangerous winds, yet still have the ship if needed. At sea, the waves might be just as dangerous as the storms, but on the river..." Ferric shrugs.

"Let's reconsider this then in the morning." Holland then asks Seguld, "Would you please try to sell off the extra weapons that we are carrying as well? They are just extra weight."

Seguld nods affirmatively.

Kain stands, wiping his hands on the front of his pant legs. "Ah.. Talus, would you like to go with me?" Kain asks his half-elven friend. "Anyone else?"

Talus shrugs and replies, "Sure, why not."

"I will go has well," Deigatt says flatly. "Will this hinclude a visit to the harbormaster?"

"That's.. um.. probably a good idea," Kain nods. "If we can find a map, then.. ah.. perhaps the harbormaster can check it's validity. And then you can take care of business with the 'master also, Deigatt," Kain bobs his head.

Kain, Talus, and Deigatt follow Seguld back into the city, hoping to sell the weapons in the bizarre and purchase some paper and a map.

Leera and Jamilla explain they were unable to get to the Temple earlier and head off in that direction now, still hoping to get some new information.

Holland opts to lean against the rail and rub his temples with his fingers as Seguld and the others leave on their errands.

Italapate comes back up on deck, his tomahawk is now intricately carved with runes... rawhide straps wrapped around the primitive axe are tied to colorful beads and a few dyed feathers. He leans against the gunwales, looking out over the bay.

In the Bazaar:

Seguld then leads those who are joining him back towards the market. "Last time I was here there was an man by the name of Mikil who ran a map shop. He was the best mapmaker in town, but being the best is not tough when you are the only one. Anyway, he did have a place here in the market, but I don't know if he is still here or not. Either way we can sell off the weaponry in the market pretty easily."

"I'm sure you'll be able to... ah... get a decent price for the weapons Seguld," Kain says. Awkwardly carrying a bundle of weapons, Kain follows Seguld, Talus, and Deigatt through the marketplace.

Kain's confidence in Seguld's abilities is well placed, he soon secures 95 gp for the 3 broadswords, 2 shortswords, longsword and battleaxe the company had decided to sell. It takes Seguld a bit to secure some cargo, but soon that is handled as well, though it won't be available for loading til the day after next.

The map they find seems relatively accurate, though it doesn't show much of the planet. Mikil explains that the dangerous winds and storms make mapping a difficult, dangerous, tedious affair. His map does show most of the surrounding countryside, and only cost 10 gp. He also sells Kain a small, 10 parchment booklet for 15 gp, Kain expects he can keep Company records for at least a year in this.

Heading up to the large, grey stone Harbormaster's office they see a sign which says "Closed" in several different languages and writing scripts. Disappointed, they head back to the ship.

Meanwhile:

Leera and Jamilla head off toward the temple. On the way, Leera moves gracefully (or as gracefully as possible) through the muddy streets.

Noticing Leera's efforts to avoid most of the mud, Jamilla stomps along, occasionally attempting to playfully kick a bit of mud Leera's way.

When they arrive at the temple, "It's not like the ma'bad's I've seen before." Jamilla says to Leera while waiting. "Do you know much about Ptah?"

Shaking her head no, Leera leads Jamilla into the temple and finds an acolyte. "Excuse me. We're interested in acquiring information about the disappearance of the 'Chalice of Storms'. Is there someone we could speak to in order to get some information?"

Jamilla offers a bright and cheerful smile at the acolyte and attempts to hide her muddy feet behind Leera.

The acolyte smiles and introduces himself as Lewsawm, priest of Ptah. He quickly and efficiently ushers the two ladies into a small office. Taking a seat behind a desk, he looks over the two comrades before asking, "Now, what was it that you wanted to know?"

Leera glances at Jamilla before replying, "We're members of a company that is interested in attempting the recovery of the 'Chalice of Storms'. As I understand that it was crafted in this temple, I thought that you might be able to provide us with information. For instance, I understand that the 'Chalice' is a powerful holy item, but am not aware of its precise powers. Is it dangerous? Also, is there a way in which we could identify it if we were to find it? Finally, do you know of anyone who might have coveted it?"

Lewsawm smiles and opens his hands in a gesture of helplessness. "I'm afraid that I'm not going to be much help to you. I know very little about the 'Chalice', and still less about who would steal it." He pauses. "I may, however, be able to lead you to someone who can answer your questions. As you said, the 'Chalice' was created here, and it happens that the priest who crafted it, Piet of Brom, is still in residence."

After about an hour's wait, Leera and Jamilla are led in to see Piet. He is gruff and terse in his answers to Leera's questions, but is able to provide a drawing of the Chalice for 1 sp. When asked about the Chalice's powers, he is slow to answer. Leera, paying for the drawing, offers a gold (rather than a silver) piece.

Piet smiles, "Ptah thanks your for your generosity." Taking the coin he slides it into an offering box and hands over the drawing, sighs, and says "It's well known that the Shipwrecker's Fellows keep spies in town, considering the groups name I wouldn't be surprised if those spies lived in Shipwrecker's Shrine(#16)." With that, Piet ushers the ladies out.

Discussing his info between them quietly, they head back towards the ship.

Date/time: 8:00 pm 30th day of the 4th Month, 5049 OC