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Post by Grimnir Gurnison on Dec 15, 2015 19:05:23 GMT -5
Gardrak whispers to Licios, "Or we threaten to escape her grasp. Turn her husband's flesh to stone and trap his spirit and dump him so deep in Deepshaft Hall she'll never see him again not even in the afterlife. Even should she pay her debt she'll never know his touch or happiness with him ever again. However, I'm curious to know how much she owes."
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Post by DOT on Dec 15, 2015 19:44:39 GMT -5
Licios turns to motion to nearby deckhand: "Go find sir Albayati and request his presence on the deck."He then turns back towards captain Mellkabbar while waiting for Ahmed to arrive, for a moment letting his gaze wander to gauge mentality of his crew."Perhaps. There's no reason for us to be enemies, lady Mellkabbar, and I'm always willing to be reasonable. I've sent for owner of our little expedition, I've no doubt he wishes to hear your words as well.Now then. Let us talk business. What is it that you propose?"Despite her 'unnatural' condition and undead nature, Licios seems to be treating her just like any other person. "Now that you know this, I believe you have a few options. I propose that you trade your two ships for other ships. Your tribute for another tribute. You help me plunder two wealthy Amnian merchant vessels that I am expecting in the next couple of days. You may keep a share and shall have good winds for ten days, and no pirates shall attack you near Nelanther or Lantan." She holds up two fingers. "A second, more generous option is that you give me an equal share, a third, of whatever you and your companion captain in the other ship intend to fill your now empty cargo hold with on this expedition you mentioned. If you are so heavily armed on an empty cargo ship, you must be after something valuable. The Bitch Queen would prefer a personal sacrifice. In return you shall have good winds for ten days, and no pirates shall attack you near Nelanther or Lantan." She holds up a third finger. "Or you can help us with something we cannot do, a weakness that greatly delays payment of the debt. We cannot step ashore. I propose you raid the Lantan city of Sundrah. Plunder it and take all they have worth and sacrifice it to the Bitch Queen. One city's worth of plunder might just be enough to break the curse. For this, you shall have good winds until you reach your destination. Should this sacrifice break the curse, you shall have all of my most valued belongings; my spellbook, my hat, my parrot and my ship to do with as you wish. Not to mention, there might be enough treasure for you as well. If what you say is true of your mages and clerics, you should have enough power to summon and animate an army, taking the city by surprise and returning to the sea before they can muster any proper defences." The undead parrot squawks and Captain Mellkabbar is quiet for a moment, as if that was all. She then holds up a broken fourth finger. "Or you can attack me and try to escape in the chaos, hoping that you won't accidentally kill me or sink my ship, or that I won't sink your or your friend's ship. I chose this option, and I lost more than just half my finger for it." She holds up all five fingers. "Fifth, a most generous choice. You can leave and let me plunder the ship behind me. Just one other ship for yours." She closes her hand to a fist. "What do you say, captain Licios Varith? How reasonable are you?"
Ahmed would ever so slightly lean in and speak murmurs to Licios.
"Though I find the plundering of vessels of Amn to be of favor, I doubt the Tethys will participate. Per Captain Blake, I do not believe it is a possibility. We lose his ship, we lose protection and cargo space."
"The second option of a share of our findings might be feasible. Though it would hurt our overall profits, we can still overload our cargo capacity to partially offset the Bitch Queen's take. It would then be imperative to make our findings of great value less they be tossed aside."
"The plundering of a city of Lantan might not be favorable for two reasons. One of which is Captain Blake once again, the other is we trade one foe for another in terms of pirates and the like."
"Attacking her crew and vessel is certainly an option. With our strengths we are guaranteed a win. With victory, we are also guaranteed her fate. That option is not advisable." He would glance to Gardrak slightly with a nod.
"Giving over the Tethys, would only serve to weaken our current strength and capacity."
"I would recommend offering a share of our take then... though I leave the final decision to your judgement. The unanswered question that remains, is once all is said and done... can we afford to trust her."
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Post by FORSETIS on Dec 15, 2015 20:14:36 GMT -5
Elith, looking rather calm and standing easy, scans the Jewel, looking for favorable targets, and the fastest route from the crows nest to the deck of the Jewel. He then starts looking at the waters around the ships. Looking for any movement on the flanks.
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Post by demolicious on Dec 15, 2015 21:21:39 GMT -5
After listening to Ahmed's suggestions, Licios turns back towards Black Jewel. "If you will grant me a moment lady Mellkabbar, to converse with few others. Not everyone on our two ships agrees to your offer, but I may have a solution that will be acceptable to both sides. Before that though, I must ask. Can your ship carry the living, or are any who step aboard placed under your curse?"
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Post by fisheyes on Dec 16, 2015 5:59:29 GMT -5
"I have time and patience, I can wait a moment." Captain Mellkabbar says. "My ship can carry the living. I have exchanged hostages before."
From the Tethys crows-nest, Elith does not see any movements in the water, and no ropes that could be used to swing far enough that he might jump to the Jewel. The Jewel looks easy to climb however, with its seaweed, barnacles and more traditional decorations. While the deck is crowded by undead, most are facing away from the Tethys toward the Tub. A few stand by the wheel, and some, like their own outlooks keep an eye on the Tethys. A stealthy swimmer might be able to reach the ship and climb it without anyone noticing.
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Post by demolicious on Dec 16, 2015 6:37:41 GMT -5
Receiving his response, Licios turns towards Ahmed, and after brief consideration, to Kathy and motions them to step away from the crew for a moment, beginning quiet conversation.
((In order to prevent possible metagaming (and because I like to make people guess what's going on) I'll send the conversation to involved parties and Fisheyes as PM.
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Post by lucesi on Dec 16, 2015 14:04:39 GMT -5
Watching the ensuing exchange between the Tub and the Black Jewel, Yarrick sidles up to his Captain.
"Ye trust the Captain o' the Tub, Skipper? We don't want to be sold up th' river if the Thayans do some kind o' deal with 'er"
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Post by mkable on Dec 16, 2015 14:15:37 GMT -5
Elith, looking rather calm and standing easy, scans the Jewel, looking for favorable targets, and the fastest route from the crows nest to the deck of the Jewel. He then starts looking at the waters around the ships. Looking for any movement on the flanks. Dain gives a slight grin as he notices his actions and those of the Elfs to be mirrored in each others
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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 16, 2015 15:28:40 GMT -5
Watching the ensuing exchange between the Tub and the Black Jewel, Yarrick sidles up to his Captain. "Ye trust the Captain o' the Tub, Skipper? We don't want to be sold up th' river if the Thayans do some kind o' deal with 'er" The Zakharan Captain gives Yarrick an inscrutable look. "There is an old tale from my homeland of a scorpion and a lion who share a cave, they exist in peace for most of the time but the lion does not forget the scorpion still has a sting, Mister Yarrick, not once...we shall wait on what their Captain says but I shall not offer our backs to be knifed." He looks up at the flag on the main mast before turning his gaze back to the Jewel. "Crew first, ship second, then Valkur."
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Post by DOT on Dec 16, 2015 19:20:12 GMT -5
Ahmed would partake in a private conversation.
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Post by timenewton on Dec 16, 2015 19:22:50 GMT -5
*Rumus now awake from his napping runs up the stairs with pants half down dragging his shield by one arm and pulling his scimitar out, he arrives at the top seeing all the commotion he begins sayin prayers silent prayers preparing himself for the worst. He then runs from rail to rail raising his fists at the opposing ship*Ye smash me ship im on me kill ye... I ain be swimmin.
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Post by demolicious on Dec 16, 2015 21:04:36 GMT -5
Licios, having finished his conversation with Kathy and Ahmed, walks back to ship's railing, looking across to Black Jewel and utters possibly shocking request. "Captain Mellkabbar, I have proposal that I believe will be agreeable to all of us. I request permission to come aboard."
With these words, he calmly waits for response from the undead captain.
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Post by Rane on Dec 16, 2015 22:27:10 GMT -5
Argorn casts a stern gaze upon Licios.
"Just what the hells do you think you're doing bub? This dwarf will not be making deals with the undead!"
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Post by DOT on Dec 17, 2015 4:06:51 GMT -5
Ahmed would look away from Captain Licios to the stonekin.
"Mind yourself, he risks his life for all our sakes."
Leaning in towards Kathy, Ahmed would speak softly.
"Kathy, please notify Captain Blake prior to your departure, to make quick for Lantan... once Captain Licios and his party are aboard that accursed vessel, obtain the third quickly and be on your way. I will be following the Tethys and will need her captain's guidance in the seas."
Ahmed would have made way to the wheelhouse, with hands at the ready, gripping the wheel, he appears most eager for a quick getaway.
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Post by fisheyes on Dec 17, 2015 5:34:34 GMT -5
Licios, having finished his conversation with Kathy and Ahmed, walks back to ship's railing, looking across to Black Jewel and utters possibly shocking request."Captain Mellkabbar, I have proposal that I believe will be agreeable to all of us. I request permission to come aboard." With these words, he calmly waits for response from the undead captain. Captain Mellkabbar lets out a hoarse laughter that can be clearly heard from the Tethys. "Ah, such bartering brings back memories of Athkatla. I would have thought you would have accepted my second option. Step aboard, necromancer, but you will leave any symbols of your gods behind. Should you try anything, a single gesture or word uttered wrong, you will not just watch as I sink your ships. You will help us sink your former ships." The parrot squawks. "Ships! Sink ships! Sink sink!"
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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 17, 2015 6:25:37 GMT -5
Captain Blake tilts his head listening to the laughter coming from the Jewel with a cold expression, echoed among his crew.
"Hold fast, await word."
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Post by demolicious on Dec 17, 2015 6:35:36 GMT -5
Grinning at Ahmed's choice of words, Licios turns to hand his holy symbol to Kathy, responding to Ahmed in passing. "Planning to sail off before I have confirmation she'll agree to our offer, hmm? I'll be sure to let you know if she accepts or not."
He then adresses Kathy. "If you'd be so kind to teleport me aboard. After that, wait here until further instructions."
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Post by Rane on Dec 17, 2015 7:03:11 GMT -5
"I say we leave the fool" Argorn grumpily comments.
"You can't trust a Necromancer. Maybe in the old days when there was a healers touch to em."
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Post by demolicious on Dec 17, 2015 7:59:38 GMT -5
"I say we leave the fool" Argorn grumpily comments. "You can't trust a Necromancer. Maybe in the old days when there was a healers touch to em." Without even turning to look at the complaining dwarf, Licios notes: "We shall address your mutinal attitude when I return, mister Argorn."
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Post by Rane on Dec 17, 2015 8:30:55 GMT -5
*argorn snorts*
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Post by offduty on Dec 17, 2015 9:42:29 GMT -5
Kathy would take the holy symbol from Licios. Her eyes filled with concern, as she looks over to the Black Jewel, and back to Licios. Promise me you wont let anything happen to you while you are over there. Suddenly her arms wrap around Licios waist. Softly whispers in his ear so none can hear.
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Post by demolicious on Dec 17, 2015 10:19:27 GMT -5
Licios listens to Kathy's whisper, responding with a short nod. "Yes, I will be fine, you have my word. Now, send me over."
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Post by offduty on Dec 17, 2015 10:59:28 GMT -5
Letting Licios go, she nods. As you wish Captain Licios.
The tiny mage glance one last time to the Black Jewel. Mentally marking the spot she will port him to. She mutters a few words quietly. Watching him disappear, her eyes quickly go to the spot she marked as his landing point. Please be safe my darling.
Once she's sure he made it to the ship safely, she turns and looks towards Ahmed. A simple nod of her head. Kathy turns back to the railing. Griping it her knuckles turn white, as her body stiffens. Her eyes never leave Licios again as she waits.
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Post by demolicious on Dec 17, 2015 11:08:02 GMT -5
Appearing on deck of Black Jewel, Licios moves slowly, making no sudden movements and keeping his hands still, staying in sight from Tub. He turns towards captain Mellkabbar, addressing her with voice too low to be heard from Tub or Tethys.
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Post by offduty on Dec 17, 2015 11:23:02 GMT -5
First Mate Julia Star would lower the telescope Captain I don't know what's going on over there, but the Thayan Captain was just teleported over to the Black Jewel. He either really has a big set of mithril male bits, or he is insane. Handing the telescope over to Captain Blake. Take a look for yourself.
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Post by fisheyes on Dec 17, 2015 11:24:04 GMT -5
Captain Mellkabbar watches the exchange between Licios and Kathy, her head tilting to the side.
The air ripples as Licios appears on the Black Jewel, and all heads on deck turn towards him for a brief moment. Seashells, cockles, fishbones and other bones litter the deck, and it is covered by large patches of seaweed. It smells strongly of the sea.
With a shuffling and clattering of feet, boots and bones, clinking of metal and a few groans and hisses, the undead crew circle around Licios, pointing their sabres, tridents, harpoons and other weapons at him. One ghoulish creature licks its rotten teeth, poking him with the end of its spear. A skeleton with an eyepatch over one eyesocket bangs its rusty scimitar against its round shield, ready to leap upon the living visitor.
"No one does anything until we have spoken!" shouts Captain Mellkabbar, her voice loud enough for all to hear. "No one moves on any ship!"
Captain Mellkabbar turns to Licios and walks up close to him. "Make your proposition."
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Post by Defunct Fiddlesticks on Dec 17, 2015 11:26:14 GMT -5
First Mate Julia Star would lower the telescope Captain I don't know what's going on over there, but the Thayan Captain was just teleported over to the Black Jewel. He either really has a big set of mithril male bits, or he is insane. Handing the telescope over to Captain Blake. Take a look for yourself. The Captain looks at her and takes the telescope, looking over. "He left his ship?" He looks again. "He has, he's left his ship. Damn me. JASPER!" The mage jumps out of his skin "Sir?" "Send a message to Kathy, ask her what the hells is going on." He manages to hear the undead Captain's shout and growls under his breath. "I should summon every Valkuran priest I can in a thousand leagues, Tempurans too..." He breaks off his muttering and eyes the vessel.
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Post by demolicious on Dec 17, 2015 11:41:20 GMT -5
Aboard Black Jewel, captain Licios can be seen speaking with captain Mellkabbar. At one point of their quiet conversation, very briefly, Licios can be seen motioning towards Tethys.
((Proposition sent as PM. You guys just have to keep guessing.
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Post by fisheyes on Dec 17, 2015 12:05:40 GMT -5
As the conversation continues, Mellkabbar leans close and gently caresses Licios' cheek.
// PM sent.
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Post by offduty on Dec 17, 2015 12:25:40 GMT -5
Julia eyes the captain, then bust out in laughter. Now that would be a party, that would live on in infamy.
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