Jammers Summary: Chapter 2, Turn 14

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

Holland asks Leera, "Do you think it would be possible to cloak the entire ship with an illusion making it appear invisible or alter it in some shape/form to allow the Star to approach the cove undetected, or undetected in it's normal form?"

Leera looks thoughtful. "Hmm... possible, but the effect would be ruined soon as one of us was visible. I might be able to disguise the Star, but not her crew."

Holland smiles at Leera and says, "Disguising the Star should suffice."

She looks over at Periander. "I do have an idea on how to effect our escape with the chalice, though. Periander, how large is the cave mouth?"

"It's perhaps 100 yards wide and 100 feet tall." Periander answers.

Nilaroo stares intently at the map, memorizing what details it offers.

Seguld chirps up, "Not intending any disrespect here, but if you think that us in the star can take out this Flow Ghost with a pirate crew then you must be having some special plans, because the way I see it, if the ship takes off then we become the pirates and without proof that the Flow Ghost is a pirate ship then we would be in a heap of trouble if anyone should find out. Not to mention the fact that from his description we probably couldn't do it anyway."

"Oh, I think with our advantage in spellcasters we could handle the Flow Ghost without.. ah.. too much difficulty," Kain comments. "But, our contract with House Moune doesn't allow for piratical activities on our part, and.. well.. without a letter of marque, I think the only pirate we could actively hunt would be.. ah.. Laocoon, because the Council of Captains has a bounty on his head." Kain sends an inquiring look about the bridge. "Do I.. ah.. have my facts straight?" he asks.

Holland says, "Not exactly, though a bounty would be paid if we captured Laocoon technically according to Bralian law we are not permitted to pursue any pirates without letters of marque. This is designed to force privateers to purchase the letters, and add money to Bral's coffers though it also helps keep down random attacks on "pirates"." Holland smiles, "In practice, it's very difficult to get tried and convicted of piracy on Bral, somehow the sentence only seems to fall on those who can't bribe the judge, unless the accuser is as powerful as Lady Moune and can keep the judge honest. In any case I think we'll be safe enough legally and contractually as long as we recover the Chalice, Prince Aric should have enough pull for that and he's said to be an honorable man. And we'd technically be acting as repossession agents rather then pirates."

After taking a look at the offered map, Leera purses her lips as she thinks things over. Finally, she speaks: "I think Kain is right. We will need to bring the Star into the cove. Here's what I propose.... We set down in the water at a distance from the cave. Holland, Kain, or I investigate the cave itself to see how occupied it is. Holland and both have access to a spell that allows us to make it to and from the cave through the water. Kain could fly in, especially if he was first rendered invisible. This is probably the better option. If the coast is reasonably clear, we bring the Star in hard and fast, board the Flow Ghost, take care of its crew, and find the Chalice. I'll help us escape by throwing up an illusionary wall of stone across the cave mouth as we go through it. Any objections?"

"No, only clarifications," Kain smiles. "My.. ah.. ability to flay takes a lot out of me. I don't even know how long I can maintain my assumed wings," he shrugs. "It's difficult to explain.. but.. if I try to do too much for too long, after a while I just can't do it anymore." Kain sighs, exasperation evident in the set of his jaw at another failed attempt to detail what he can do and how it works. "But we can't leave right away anyway, having to arrange our departure with the.. ah.. office of the Harbor master, so I could see how long I can hold the change, to give us.. ah.. a general idea, at least, if it'd work. Oh, but, by.. ah.. invisible, did you mean by magic Leera?" Kain asks, remembering his question after a moment's pause.

Leera nods. "Either Holland or I can render you invisible." She smiles. "Sort of like how Holland made Gantius disappear."

"Good," Kain nods. "I was hoping you were.. ah.. speaking of the invisibility spell because I couldn't keep the camouflage and wings active long enough to.. well.. be of any use.

Raken studies the map intently as when it is passed to him. "A series of caves, you say? Would it be possible to use a smaller cave to sneak in, as they say, the 'back door'?"

Periander frowns, "I was never permitted to go into the caves, from the other sailors comments I believe it housed a bar, a brothel, and few shops for outfitting vessels especially with food. I think from their comments there are openings into the caves from the surface of the island. I only saw one cave entrance to the harbor."

Raken nods "We may be able to use the caves to slip in, neutralize a few guards, and make our sneak attack on the Flow Ghost. I seriously doubt that we could just sail in and attack her. The Fellows would definitely guard the main entrance to the cave, probably with a ballista. If we sail in, we would likely be shot to pieces. Swimming in may be impossible as well; the waters leading to the cave are probably infested with some monster or another. They are treacherous, in any case."

Talus sighs in relief, "Finally some sense. Don't you think the pirates have defenses in place for just this sort of attack? Instead of fighting pitched battles with an unknown number of opponents in the caves, why do we go with the original idea of landing nearby and hiding the ship, then searching on foot for a way in and to scout the area. And if possible, sneak in and steal the chalice from under their noses."

Holland nods his head and says, "I agree. I think that we need more information. How about we sail as close as we can to the cove without being detected and then send in Kain under the spell of invisibility. Kain is good at memorization. He can survey the area, finding out where the defenses are, the layout of the cave and if there are any smaller connecting caves that house further defenses or might allow us to slip in without going through the main entrance."

"I never saw any such ballistae but I can't guarantee they don't exist. I think they count most on their illusions to keep them safe. During the day the cave mouth looks just like the rest of the cliff, at night it's visible but the darkness and shadow makes it only apparent if you are docked directly in front of it." Periander says.

Holland frowns and says, "I doubt if there are any other ways into the harbor but it can't hurt to look. We can formulate a full plan of attack after we have the added information.".

"Honestly, I'mnotreallymuchofasneak, but.... as a merchant I know the best way to slip something into a contract is to do it in small print, but if you want it to go unnoticed you put something obvious that the other party would not enjoy." smiles Seguld. "Of course, my deals do not normally include such clauses, but I am aware of them." Seguld then jumps off the stool and moves about the room settling near Deigatt. He pauses and waves his hand and makes a face as if a smell is bothering him. He then continues, "Perhaps a team of 3-4 sneak in after the chalice, and then the rest of us make a commotion and draw some attention to ourselves. The sneaks get the chalice and we all beat a speedy withdrawal."

Holland turns his gaze on Periander and asks, "How close can we get to the harbor without running the risk of detection?"

"I don't really know." Periander answers, "I didn't map the defenses, just what it looked like from the air."

"Well, I'll see about how long I can sustain my wings," Kain says as he takes off his vest and shirt. A moment of concentration, and the brown and white feathered wings begin to grow from Kain's back, slowly at first before springing to full growth in a short breath.

"Now for the timing," Kain adds as he takes up a slow count. He looks fine up until he reaches seven hundred-fifty, when the slight perspiration on his brow becomes more pronounced. By seven-sixty Kain's breathing harder, and between seven-eighty and seven-ninety, Kain shakes his head and the wings shrink and disappear.

"I'm afraid that's about as long as I could maintain the.. ah.. necessary concentration. Should it be long enough?" Kain asks as he mops his forehead with the sleeve of his shirt. "If it appears to be enough time, I'm willing to scout out the pirates cove," he adds.

Leera speaks up. "Well, are we decided? We'll drop into the water about half a mile from the cave. Holland will render Kain invisible and he'll go reconnoiter. When he gets back (Kain... you'll have to tell us when you're back. You'll be invisible, after all) he can tell us if the situation is one that permits a frontal assault. If it is, we go in fast. Holland, Talus, and I let loose with spells. Italapate, maybe you too? After that volley, the fighting types board. Jamila and maybe Nilaroo go after the captain. The rest subdue the crew. We take the chalice and get the heck out. On the way out I throw up some sort of illusionary barrier over the cave mouth. I'm thinking of maybe a wall of fire rising out of the water? What do you think?"

Holland, who had been staring at Leera the entire time, blinks several times after Leera asks her question and with a wry smile says, "Kain, perhaps for your reconnaissance, you could land somewhere within the cove and retract your wings once you have surveyed everything from your point of view, you can grow your wings again, fly to a new position and then retract them again. This should give you longer to look around.."

Italapate paces impatiently. Finally, he points to his face. "Hey, this stuff itches y'know.... Are we going to attack the pirates or what? We aren't getting any younger...."

Leera continues, "I suggest we leave at first light. If we lose our chance at our cargo, so be it. We'll make a lot more money if we get the chalice back to Bral by Founder's Day. It's about eleven days back, I think. We've got a month left, but I think we'd be best off hurrying.... especially after the incident in the temple." She shoots Holland a mock glare.

Holland raises his hands and eyebrows in a typical, 'Who Me?' expression and says, "Actually, I think it would be best if we waited until the cargo was loaded and then acted as if we were leaving off planet. Suspicions might arise if we leave before the cargo, which we have already paid for, is delivered. The time will also allow Kain to conduct a thorough reconnaissance."

Holland continues, "The question then is when should we strike, immediately after loading the goods or should we take our time with loading the cargo and resupplying the ship and depart around this time tomorrow? I favor the later. Striking at night is our best bet."

"Hoom... We need to find out where the island is first." Nilaroo grumbles. "Need light for that. Fine cave first then wait till dark."

"2 medium ballistae on the quarterdeck." Jamila asks, "What type of ship is the Flow Ghost, there might be two ships at this haven? It wouldn't be to mistake which ship we're searching and have to repeat our attempt, aywa."

Periander replies, "She's a small galleon."

Holland sees how long Kain was able to maintain his wings, nods to himself and says, "Okay, does anyone see a reason why we can't shove off around noon, after the cargo is loaded?"

Grigree leans back in the too-small chair. "Holland right," he says. "We attack next night."

Italapate frowns pronouncedly, then begins to wipe off the war paint from his face. "Fine, fine, whatever." He turns and trounces dejectedly to his cabin.

Ferric nods his head, "Sounds goods to me. Besides, if we've any luck at all some of them will be passed out drunk on the ship or with a lady of the evening somewhere. If Deigatt helps lead the assault on the ship could he not also helm it after the battle is decided? I know you have said it is not spaceworthy Periander but that would give the rest of us time to search for the chalice without worrying about every pirate in the cove trying to kill us. Might buy us enough time to make a clean get-away. I would suggest procuring half a dozen rope ladders to hang from the Star though so those aboard could get off the Flow Ghost quickly and without too much worry of falling should we need to escape with haste."

Talus stares at Italapate retreating back for a long moment, "Now there is an idea! If we could lure the pirates of their ship, of if there are not onboard, all we need to do is throw off the lines and get a spellcaster into the helm. Then we can fly the ship away and pillage it at our leisure."

From where Jamila is standing, she asks "What if there's another storm like the last two nights? Could make it harder."

Holland frowns at Ferric's words and says, "I am not too comfortable with the idea of using the pirates' Helm. We are going to recover the Chalice and," Holland adds with a smile, "anything of worth that isn't bolted down, but the objective is speed. We need to hit, get what we are looking for, and get out."

Holland taps his chin for a second and says, "Actually, I think that the boarding party, once they have recovered the Chalice, should start a fire aboard the ship and perhaps toss a few flaming oils or flame spells at other nearby ships and even the harbor itself. That would give the other pirates something to think about."

Realizing further talk is pointless until more information is available the group breaks up as everyone goes about their business.

Periander is shown to his bunk, where he stows his gear before heading down to the galley where he sits enjoy a quiet glass of ale and talking quietly about inconsequential things with crewmembers as they pass in and out.

Around 11 pm or so Jamila heads into town, those on watch see she's spent a lot of time primping and gussying up. She's gone for a little less then an hour, returning to the ship all smiles and giggles and just in time to stand her midnight watch.

The morning dawns bright and sunny, the first such day since you've arrived at Wrighters. Ferric and Raken stop by the harbormaster's office to schedule an afternoon departure time. Just after breakfast the ship's cargo arrives, loads of lumber for both Seguld's business and the company's smaller affair.

The loading goes off without a hitch, and shortly after noon the Silent Star lifts dripping from the harbor and heads north as if leaving the planet. Once out of sight of Wrighters the ship banks left and begins to skirt the coastline looking for an island whose outlines match those of Periander's map.

The search doesn't take long, after just a little more then an hour the island is spotted. It lies just across the strait from a spot marked as "Harpy's Point" on the map of the countryside purchased earlier.

Date/time: 2:23 pm 2nd day of the 5th Month, 5049 OC