Jammers Summary: Chapter 3, Turn 5

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

Ferric steps forward bowing low. "Your majesty, I am Ferric Gundson in the employ of House Moune. My companions are members of the Company of the Silent Star a recently formed adventuring party sponsored by House Moune. The Company shall be the recipient of the reward if it pleases you."

"It pleases me very much." the Prince says, smiling. He turns to one of his dark robed companions, "Zopyrus, please give them the reward."

The figure pulls back his hood, revealing a blond young man with rather strange, reptile-like blue iris for eyes. He advances and hands a small bag to Ferric, who opens it and reveals 5 large, perfectly cut emeralds.

"This should be easier to carry then coins." Zopyrus says, smiling.

"Would you consider doing other, more direct jobs for me, Company of the SILENT STAR?" Prince Aric asks.

Ferric smiles, "I would be honored Your Highness but I am merely Lady Moune's representative on board the ship. Though I run the sails and do as much of the fighting as anyone it would not be proper for me to accept for them." Looking at Leera he says "Leera, would you care to speak on the Company's behalf in this matter?"

The lovely illusionist smiles at Ferric before responding to the Prince's question. "Indeed, sir, we would be interested. I am afraid though, that there are one or two complications. We are bound by our contract with House Moune to give first priority to any jobs they offer us. We have not yet checked with the Lady since arriving on Bral." Leera grins, glancing at the Chalice. "We thought it most important to return your property first." Becoming more serious, Leera concludes, "I can not speak for the entire Company, my Lord, but if you could but give us an idea of the nature of these jobs, I assure you that we will provide you with our answer without delay."

"You misunderstand me," the Prince says, "I am not offering you a job now, but asking if you would accept one when offered. If so, I will arrange that any such job shall not interfere with your relationship with House Moune."

Ferric says respectfully, "Majesty, I believe there are very few things that House Moune would object to were you to ask the Company to serve you."

Leera says, regretfully, "I'm afraid that would depend on the job, Your Highness. We do not comprise our full group, and we should not speak for them."

"Quite right." the Prince says pleasantly, "That attitude is admirable. If such a job is available I will send you the details and you may decide then. For now, good day and my thanks."

As the party is dismissed from their audience with Aric Ferric bows and says, "Highness, I would be honored if you would grant me but a single minute more of your time."

To Leera and the others Ferric says, "I must needs speak of a private matter. I will meet you in the main hall in just a couple of minutes."

Ferric and the prince speak alone for a moment before Ferric turns and leaves with the others. They then split to go about their other errands.

--------------

Ferric has no trouble reaching the Council of Captains, and Ferric's knowledge of Bral's laws makes filing the needed prize forms a relatively simple affair. After thirty minutes or so of paper work the group is finished, and the FLOW GHOST's sale notice is posted.

As the group turns from the post a tall, strong looking man with long, flowing golden hair and light blue eyes approaches. Dressed in the traditional grey of a Bral native he looks over the newly posted notice then glance back and calls. "Are you the Company of the Silent Star?"

"Yes, we would indeed. I am Ferric Gundson, House Moune's representative onboard the Silent Star." Ferric says in a friendly voice while holding his hand out to shake with the man.

"Good, I am Captain Iacot of House Eirenfezt. I would like to look over the ship you are selling, perhaps House Eirenfezt will purchase it. How does tomorrow morning sound? Which dock slip?" he asks.

Ferric suggests that Iacot come at 9 am and gives him the berth number. The man smiles a departs.

**********

Late in the afternoon, Talus returns to the ships, he gathers everyone around and speaks in a low voice. "As I was leaving this morning, and again when I returned I noticed one of the crew from the RESPLENDENT watching our vessels. They may not be as trusting as we first thought, or they may just be protecting their investment."

Talus continues, "I also made the rounds and found out some news." He looks at Holland, "The Barre Sinister is a famous "pirates' bar" located on a tiny asteroid somewhere in the sphere. It's well known as a meeting place for pirates, slavers, and worse scum. It seems unlikely it is the pirate haven the Company raided on Shipwrecker."

Talus continues, "Speaking of piracy, at least five vessels have failed to turn up as expected or arrived damaged after being attacked in the last month, piracy seems to be on the rise and the Council of Captains are said to be debating what to do." Talus starts listing missing or damaged vessels, "VERGEDAIN'S HAMMER, a hammership owned and operated by the Smith's Coster pulled into Bral showing a great deal of damage. They were travelling from Greyspace to Bral with a cargo of smokepowder, wheellocks, and shortswords. Soon after entering Bralspace they were attacked by a Monarch-class Armada. The 'HAMMER suffered moderate damage, but was able to lose its attacker in a small asteroid field nearby. Doin Fireaxe, captain of the 'HAMMER, has said the attacking vessel was crewed by elves or humans, judging from their size. The dragonfly FREEBOOTER, a system ship which carried light cargoes between the Grainfields and Bral is five days late returning from its last voyage. The tradesman SCULPIN is ten days overdue, it was returning from a trip to Ironpiece and left that port on time, as vessels which left after her have already arrived on Bral. The STARBRIGHT, a galleon expected from Anadia in Realmspace, is 10 days overdue as well. The INEVITABLE, a gnomish sidewheeler out of Ironpiece, arrived yesterday badly damaged after barely surviving a battle with what are assumed to be pirates, though the gnomes descriptions of their foe or foes are garbled and difficult to pin down."

Holland listens carefully and interjects, "It would seem that Ironpiece is a common element that keeps cropping up when talking of piracy. Perhaps there would be a good place to start our search?"

Talus frowns, "I found out little concerning the statue, just a few old stories about Iron golems and gnomes. The Red Masks and Yakuza guilds are rumoured to be taking a bath on the Olympics. Running numbers on the various events, their "fixes" have all seemed to fail and those they've given the worst odds seem to keep winning. Some point to the smug faces of a sect of the Olympians devoted to a god called "Hermes" as the cause of this. It's said both guilds are certain to be looking for opportunities to refresh their depleted coffers in the near future."

"A pair of Dragonships fresh from Toril have recently arrived, their captains are ensconced with the Shou ambassador." Talus continues, "The Elven adventurer Elrohir Amroth and his vessel, HANALI'S SWORD arrived from Toril yesterday. Amroth is a known member of the Seekers and is famous for his daring thefts of artwork."

After he has delivered his report, Talus turns to Kain, "I spent five gold lubricating tongues to gather this information. I believe that this would come as one of the company's expenses before we split the profits with Lady Moune. Do you see a problem with that?"

Just as Talus says this he bends over grasping his stomach. After a moment he stands, apparently alright.

Deigatt lifts his axe as he sees the half-elf suddenly bent over in agony, but then the minotaur realizes its source and stands still and quiet, waiting for Talus's pain to end.

Kain scrambles to his feet and makes his way to Talus' side. He helps his friend stand upright when the pain begins to fade.

Wincing from the pains in his stomach, Talus grins weekly at Kain, "Well, I guess that answers that question." He looks sternly at the others, "But I do expect the company to reimburse me, I am not made of gold."

"I guess so," Kain smiles in return. "Maybe we should look to hire a barrister," he chuckles. "Of course.. ah.. then we wouldn't have *any* money at all."

Holland smiles and says, "I think your information gathering is a justifiable Company expense, after Moune's cut, of course."

"Should we call you our.. ah.. official company spymaster Talus," Kain grins. "If you need anything now, I.. ah.. have some coins that you could.. ah.. have."

Talus smiles weakly at his friend, "I do seem to be getting into that line of work, look what you got me into with your request back in Westgate."

Kain shrugs, looking to Talus somewhat sheepishly. "Well... You know, I never thought it would be that difficult a task," he sighs. "But this is where my ill-planned revenge has led," Kain says, matching Talus' smile.

Following Talus's report, Deigatt suggests that the company investigate these ships' disappearances as soon as their current business is complete. "Perhaps hif Patron Seguld were to speak with the gnomes hof the HINEVITABLE then we might be able to learn more habout these pirates," he adds.

"I'llspeaktathe'Nevitablegang, an' I'mgonnacheckwit'theHammercrewaswell. P'hapsI mightgetsomemerch'ntbusinessdone." responds Seguld with a mocked attention stance as he faces Deigatt.

Holland says, "Excellent Seguld, try to find out if there is a history of piracy revolving around Ironpiece," turning to Talus Holland adds, "Perhaps you could look into that as well? You seem to have a knack of picking up useful information."

Holland adds, "Perhaps we can drum up some business.. From what you say Talus, the Council is trying to decide a course of action. As far as they know, we have proven capable of taking out a pirate vessel. We might be able to get them to give us sanction to look into the pirate-matter, and deal with it."

"Sanction to hunt pirates, hoom, involves the privateer's fee, here on Bral. Once we repair the STAR, we should be able to afford the cost." Nilaroo interjects.

Holland replies to Nilaroo, "We could afford to purchase a letter of marque; however, our reputation--with the recovery of the Chalice and notifying the Council of the pirate cove on Shipwrecker--as well as the increased pirate activity, we might be able to squeeze a free letter as well as a contact out of the Council." Holland shrugs, "Regardless of what we can get from the Council, we can afford to repair the STAR, upgrade our ballista and purchase a letter of marque, all of which would be essential if we were to go pirate-hunting."

Billy laughs, "We haven't notified anyone, and it's been nine days since then. I doubt we'll get much of a reputation from that! Besides, Nilaroo knows what he's talking about, the Council won't give us a letter, they always want a piece of the action. " Billy smiles at Holland, "But like you said, we could afford one anyway. "

Talus frowns at the others, "As far as they know, that may be true, but we know better. Without the help from the RESPLENDENT, we would have surely failed. And look at the condition of the Star, we don't have the numbers or the resources to take up pirate hunting." The young-half elf looks at the others in disgust, "They way you lot go charging head first into battle will just get us all killed."

Holland shrugs, "With the monies we will gain, we could upgrade our weaponry, like a dual ballista. If we intend to pursue such an endeavor, I am sure we could do it. It all depends on whether we want to do it or not."

Holland asks everyone, "Does pirate-hunting sound an acceptable course? Any objections if we look into it?"

"Not more pirates!" Italapate sighs loudly. "Look, if we are going to continue to throw ourselves into harm's way, we really should make a decision. I am the one that is supposed to be crazy, to not know what he wants to do with his life. I really never expected all of you to follow me! Are you planning to be merchants or mercenaries? We all saw what happened when we tried to be both.... We got massacred. We all owe the spirits more than we can repay that as many of us survived as did."

Seguld looks over at Italapate with a surprised look. "Gee 'Pate, even a merch' gotta defendh'mself. Now, huntin'piratesain't merc work. It'skeepin'business lanesopen. Mythinkin'sifwecanclearthelanes, thenwecangitthehighpayin' merch' jobs. Heck, whowouldn'ttrust somemerch'swhoproved themselvesbykickin' somepiratetail." Seguld sticks out his chest proudly, then looks back at Italapate more seriously, "AsferSpirits - onlyone'sIcare'bouts is Jamila's - mayherspiritsoar."

Raken takes a few minutes to catch up with Seguld's rapid speech. "Seguld is right. The most appropriate course to take is to try to rid this sphere of pirates. Merchant work isn't too profitable, and none of us seem to want to work for Lady Moune for fifty cycles to pay off our debt to her, so I say we should seriously consider pirate hunting. We eliminate a few more ships of that scum, and we'll be both in a fair position financially and politically. Many would be glad that the spacelanes are safer."

"We would hof course wait huntil hour ship was repaired," Deigatt says calmly. "Hand we do not need to charge head first hinto battle, Comrade Talus. Nonetheless, we har likely to receive some renown for having returned the Chalice, but hit his equally likely that the crew hof the RESPLENDENT will tell that hit was not hour skills but rather hour hineptness that won hus the prize. Putting han hend to the current pirate menace will himprove hour reputations hand demonstrate to hour patroness that she was wise to trust hus by giving hus this hopportunity." The minotaur continues, "Hon Geb, a charioteer who has fallen in the races his not hallowed to leave the harena huntil he races hagain. Hit his himportant for hus not to havoid battles but hinstead to seek them hout hand prove to hourselves that we har has strong hand capable has we truly har."

Holland nods and says, "We could take on a few new hands and go prepared this time. It is up to the group as a whole to decide. I, for one, am for the idea."

"Give wizard sword, he thinks he can take every 'jetatin pirate," Grigree says as he nudges Holland with his elbow.

Holland grins and then shakes the sword at his side as he gives his "war face"

Holland adds, "With Seguld here to worry about our mercantile interests, we are free to set our aims elsewhere. Perhaps, after we have repaired the STAR, we should take another trip to Shipwrecker and investigate the Pirate Haven we found. By now, I am sure that the pirates have abandoned it, but we might find some clues or information.."

Billy says, "Besides, they must have seen us when we flew around their island all day. Of course they were on the alert. We flew into an ambush, had to face two prepared warships at once. I don't think that disqualifies us from trying to take on individual pirate ships." Billy frowns, "Take that galley we fought in the cave. One on one I bet we could've matched them pretty even. Though taking on more hands might be okay, I think we should bring them into the Company. Things are already complicated enough with Seguld and Ferric. Heck, why not bring Seguld into the Company?"

Holland frowns and says, "I thought Seguld already turned down an offer to join the Company. Though I agree that if we take on more hands, they should be signed on. That might help get us the kind of help that we are looking for."

"Actually.... I just wasn't readyyet. Andsince you done gone an'brought itup, I'dlike to pointoutsom'tin. 'Case yadidn'tnotice ourhold wasoverfill lasttrip. This'ere shipain't meantferhaulingcargoferprofit. Thereain't much profit init fer me asa bystander, an' I want a pieceof thepie. So, if'n y'll haveme, I'd liketa signon." Seguld pauses to salute Holland, with a big grin on his face. "Nows, sinceIain't verygood wit'theropes orthe helm, I'llbe lookin' to serve as Nilaroo's 'ssistant in carpentry'work. I'm actually not toobad, and ways'I seeit, 'elpinghim, and actingas buyer'andsalesman ferthe cargo I can justify my presence aboard this ship."

Seguld looks around for approval, then suddenly his eyes light up. "Darnnear, almost fergot. Here ya'go Holland. Here's yercut," Seguld produces a small sack that had been in his backpack. He draws out 6 merchant trading bars clearly marked 50 on the end, then he counts out 9 gold coins from his pouch. "Here'sthe investment, plusyer 30percent oftheprofits." He then places the remaining 2 bars and the coins in his pack.

Seguld then looks at Ferric, "Where'doI signup?" He says with his cheerful smile.

"Come with me to the House offices tomorrow and we can get you on the contract," Ferric says, "provided the Company here votes you in."

"Welcome aboard Seguld.. Er...again," Kain says as he raises his mug of water to the gnome.

Taking a deep breath Holland continues, "Speaking of new hands. I think, in light of our past adventures, we definitely are short on healing abilities. I think that we should try to hire on a priestly-type, perhaps even two of them. I think we are well-rounded in all the other areas." Holland looks around, "How does that sound?"

"Mentor Parthan told me there har potions which can be used to provide healing," Deigatt says. "Perhaps we should try to hobtain some hof those hinstead hof hincreasing hour crew. We barely fit hon the SILENT STAR has hit his."

Holland says, "Potions would definitely be a worthwhile investment, though," Holland continues slowly, "We do have an empty billet."

Holland asks, "Ferric, could you check with the Moune House. They probably have a list of applicants that have applied for work at the House, that might make our job easier."

Holland says to the group, "How does this sound for the next month or so: We sell the GHOST; pay off the RESPLENDENT; repair as much of the STAR ourselves as possible, have the Guild repair the rest; pay off Moune; purchase supplies/equipment, including an 'excellent' lock for our loot chest, a dual ballista and a letter of Marque; set aside some gold for future repairs and expenses; split the remainder of the loot up equally amongst the Company; and then hire some new hands."

Holland adds, "We should also be looking into possible jobs, be it escort-duty, pirate-hunting, or the like. Is that acceptable to everyone?"

"Sure Holland," Kain says quietly. "Repairs will.. ah.. take the most time, but it'll be.. ah.. better than paying the Guild to repair everything for us."

"I'm for pirate-hunting," Deigatt grunts.

"Hoom, remember, though, some merchant ships are not attacked by single pirate vessels. I would suggest we become more experienced working together and on the STAR before trying to chase pirates on our own. Working as escort vessels could be an excellent way to do so." Nilaroo replies

Holland replies, "One could easily lead to the other. Plus with escort duties, we are assured of payment."

"If Lady Moune requires us I am sure she will bring it up, though I will ask just to make sure." Nodding slightly to himself Ferric says, "Speaking of such I believe I will stroll over to the RESPLENDENT and let them know what is happening with the FLOW. Wouldn't want anyone getting anxious and doing something rash. I will most likely return later tonight after dinner with Lady Moune unless she has something to which I must attend. Have a nice evening and do try to keep the ships in one piece until I get back."

Holland adds, "Ferric, you might check to see if the House Moune will have any escort jobs or the like in a months time."

Billy nods, "I think we should transfer all the valuables, including this statue, to the STAR. We wouldn't want prospective buyers thinking they are getting more then we want them too."

Ferric replies, "Better do it tonight, we have our potential buyers coming tomorrow morning." Ferric then leaves for his dinner at House Moune.

Holland nods, "Yes, that would be for the best. Let's do so."

Everything of value, especially the strange copper statue, is carried to the STAR, there's not much so the job doesn't take long.

Holland then says, "Let us have tomorrow for day of relax and rest. We will start the repairs the day after. That will allow Seguld and Nilaroo the time to purchase the needed wood to effect repairs. I bid you all good night."

The evening passes uneventfully, and the artificial dawn arcs across the STAR the next morning.

Date/time: 6:00 am 13th day of the 5th Month, 5049 OC