003. The sea-elf, Tynave!

[Corwin]

[22:02] <Shamal> "Ahhh, all in a day's work, isn't it?" Shamal smiles, stretching out her arms. "Anyone have any plans for the next few days? Record-keeping aside, that is."
[22:04] <Seira> "Only training to improve my skills," Seira responds.
[22:05] <Lyselle> "Getting around to buying myself some potions..." Lyselle muses, nodding a bit and relaxing. This really isn't something she was tightly involved with!
[22:06] <Shamal> "Mmm. I think I'll be stopping by the harbour tomorrow - you remember that 'sea elf' we might have seen yesterday, Lyselle?" she asks the fallen noblewoman. "I'm curious enough to go looking, I think."
[22:07] <Lyselle> "Mm? Oh, yeah," the blonde nods, glancing over at Shamal. "Think it'll still be lurking under the pier?"
[22:08] * Seira blinks. "Sea elf?" she asks slowly, turning to face Shamal fully.
[22:08] <Shamal> "I doubt it, to be honest, but I'm curious enough to look into it," Shamal smiles in reply. "Not even sure if it was an elf to begin with, but still..."
[22:08] <Seira> "This would be the first I hear of elves that live in the sea," Seira muses out loud.
[22:09] <Shamal> Shamal blushes at the half-elf's scrutiny. "That's what that young guardsman called it - he apparently saw it before we arrived, but we could only see it at a depth, so it was hard to tell exactly what it was."
[22:09] <Seira> "So there was an elf-sized creature that existed below the water's surface?" she asks in a bid to clarify matters. "For how long at a time?"
[22:11] * Berlioz whistles, shaking his head at the conversation and serenely considering. "If, somehow, you manage to get confirmation on that, pull me by the arm and drag me there. I'd give a couple limbs to see a fairytale like that with my own eyes."
[22:11] <Shamal> "Who can say?" Shamal shrugs lightly. "More likely it was a porpoise, although they too are rare in harbours, so it could still warrant looking into."
[22:12] <Seira> "I agree," Seira muses. "I would like to impose on you and join in on the search."
[22:14] <Shamal> "By all means, I surely won't mind the company," Shamal smiles. "How about we meet at the harbour tomorrow around midafternoon? That was when we saw it before."
[22:14] * Seira nods curtly. "Affirmative."
[22:16] <Berlioz> "For all that it'd be interesting to see what the fuss is all about, I'd probably do best to remain on my record-keeping. If you somehow confirm the existance of the half-elf and need me, fetch me there. Otherwise, I'll decline this adventure", Berlioz deadpans, fixing his monocle.
[22:17] <Berlioz> *sea elf
[22:17] <Dungeon_Kotono> ---
[22:18] <Dungeon_Kotono> It's a cloudy but not too dark day. Cool and windy is how the party meets at the pier, ships being build and coming and going. A loud Priest of Gond has ten workers hauling large planks of wood about, as the party gathers.
[22:20] * Seira stands at the harbor, foregoing her usual suit of armor. A navy blue cloak keeps her features mostly hidden, though its hood it down.
[22:21] * Lyselle (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Relocating to work. -=SysReset 2.53=-)
[22:21] <Shamal> Not being on duty, Shamal is dressed in less flashy clothes than normal, wearing a simple blue peasant dress with a white shawl over to keep the wind off. Flopsy is along today as well, being kept safe in his owner's arms as she joins Seira, idly glancing into the water by the side as she walks along the dock towards her half-elf friend.
[22:23] <Shamal> "Good afternoon, Seira," Shamal smiles warmly to the other woman. "Don't suppose you've seen anything yet, no?"
[22:23] <Dungeon_Kotono> The water is deep green and uneventful, deep depths hinted at already.As you walk by, you can hear the noise, "Hurry up, you lazy dogs! Between this and the ruins excavations you're note ven making good time!" The noise of the harbor surrounds you, loud and in time with the lapping of the water against the docks.
[22:24] <Seira> "Unfortunately, no," Seira responds. "Can you tell me more about the circumstances of that sighting?"
[22:25] <Shamal> "Of course," the blonde nods. "It was over here," she starts towards where they met Colonel Khardon the other day, "And I saw it about sixty feet deep - it swam around and went under the pier, and then of course I was distracted by the arrival of our distinguished guest so lost track..."
[22:27] <Seira> "Was it swimming on any particular route?"
[22:29] * Shamal shakes her head. "Not particularly, although I didn't see it for long," she admits, starting to continue along the harbour and towards the barrier wall so she can head out closer to sea.
[22:29] <Dungeon_Kotono> The way is filled with people, passed by. Loud people, quiet people, sailors. A few whisles come as you pass by, but nothing too serious.
[22:29] <Dungeon_Kotono> The sea is moving a bit today with the wind, a soft but steady prechurning to it. Perhaps a storm brews, or the water is impatient?
[22:30] * Shamal pauses, licking her finger and holding it up as she gauges the wind, also looking to the horizon as she tries to get an idea of how the weather will turn.
[22:30] <Seira> "Did it come near enough to any vessel to warrant us searching said ship for clues, or questioning its crew?" Seira asks, looking around attentively.
[22:31] <Shamal> roll 1d20+11
[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+11 and gets 12."12 [1d20=1]
[22:31] <Dungeon_Kotono> The wind is blowing from the land toward towards the ocean. It's slightly chilly. But no idea on how the weather is going to turn.
[22:32] * Lyselle (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) has joined #dunes
[22:32] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Lyselle Lyselle
[22:32] <Shamal> "Not that I saw," Shamal shakes her head, continuing onto the sea barrier and towards the harbour mouth. "I expect asking people would only get us strange looks, truthfully." As she walks she keeps an eye on the water, looking for anything unusual, or even something mundane like a sealion or somesuch.
[22:33] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Spot check.
[22:34] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 20."12 [1d20=17]
[22:34] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+9 and gets 12."12 [1d20=3]
[22:34] <Shamal> OOC: I'll take my Alertness reroll. Thanks, Flopsy!
[22:34] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+9 and gets 19."12 [1d20=10]
[22:34] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Okay.
[22:36] <Dungeon_Kotono> Shamal sees that the water is green and mostly clear. A few fish can be seen squirting about deeper down. A blessing of the natural harbor and the pure water, but Seira sees a little more. A few larger fish and the like after a few minutes of looking...OOC - You can keep going, move and look or do whatever.
[22:37] <Seira> "We should keep on the move and try examining the sea from different directions," Seira proposes. "Should that fail to bring results, we could ask the sailors for any accounts of this sea elf."
[22:38] <Shamal> "Yes," Shamal nods. "I've prepared a spell that will let me ask the animals as well, though I would prefer not to use it on a fish if I can help it. They make poor conversationalists," she shakes her head sadly, reaching the end of the barrier and taking a look around before starting back the way she came.
[22:38] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Go ahead and make another round fo spot checks, I think.
[22:38] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+9 and gets 24."12 [1d20=15]
[22:38] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 I can't beat that!
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 I can't beat that! and gets 23."12 [1d20=20]
[22:40] <Dungeon_Kotono> For a half hour you walk around, seeing the wavesa nd the ocean! It's only at the end of it does any luck come! AT the end of aharbor you pass by an unloading ship. Sailosr take off trade goods, while rich dressed merchants step off. You can hear chatter about the Desert Fiefdoms being beastly hot as Seira and Shamal see it. About 80 feet down, as far as they can make out - the faintest hint of something blue in the green water...
[22:42] <Seira> "Do you see it, too?" Seira mumurs, observing the phenomenon.
[22:44] <Shamal> "Oh, I think I see something!" Shamal exclaims, settling Flopsy into the crook of her arm while she uses the other to gesture as she incants, "Playful swimmer of Thalasia, heed my call! Go and say hello to the swimmer down below!"
[22:45] <Shamal> OOC: casting Summon Monster I to summon a Celestial Porpoise - it's only around for one round, but I'm sending it down to hopefully get the thing's attention and swim back up. Celestial creatures have int scores and can speak, if it matters.
[22:51] <Dungeon_Kotono> A purpoise with a slghtly golden, metallic hint appears in the water! "Yes, mistress!" It calls in a slippery sea voice as you see it plunge down into the water! Down it goes, swimming rapidly in the time it has! You can just make it out, getting to the bottom and to the mark of blue! You can see the blue turn, almost making out a face in the deep water! But then, having moved it's share and ran out of time, the dolphin vanishes!
[22:52] * Shamal leans over the pier and waves down into the water, hoping whatever's down there at least got the message.
[22:54] <Dungeon_Kotono> It comes up just a little more, perhaps ten feet up. You can just make out the outline of a face. Smooth but nice features on slightly green tinted skin (Is it the water?), but you can't see it's ears. It's wearing some sort of clothes, a near green that blends into the water well. It's hand goes up - a wave?
[22:56] <Shamal> Deciding that speaking to a sea elf in the middle of the busy harbour might be too attention getting, Shamal does a bit of pantomining, pointing over towards the barrier wall, which is away from any ships and foot traffic. Then, hopefully, she speaks in Aquan, hoping the tongue of water elementals will be understood through the water if she speaks, "Meet us over by the wall? We'd like to talk to you!"
[22:58] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Mmm. Diplomacy check, since I need a good tiebreaker here.
[22:58] <Shamal> roll 1d20+6
[22:58] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+6 and gets 12."12 [1d20=6]
[22:59] <Dungeon_Kotono> You see it wave again, hesitantly, and slowly descend down at your words.
[23:00] * Seira approaches Shamal, and discreetly hands her a small pearl. "Call your dolphin again, while we have a chance," she tells her quietly.
[23:01] * Shamal hopes the message got through, explaining for Seira's benefit, "I asked her to meet us over by the wall where I pointed. I don't need to get her attention again - come on, let's go!" she exclaims giddily, practically skipping as she starts around to the designated spot.
[23:03] <Seira> Not understanding Aquan, Seira follows with a final glance at the sea creature.
[23:04] <Dungeon_Kotono> So off you walk. The air is chilly as you go to your out of the way spot, coming to the water. A few minutes pass, as you wait...
[23:05] * Shamal does start to look a bit put out at the lack of sea elves. Did she not understand? Or maybe she did but doesn't want to talk... Still hopeful, the young witch waits a bit longer.
[23:06] <Dungeon_Kotono> OOC - Spot checks, you two.
[23:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 5."12 [1d20=2]
[23:06] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[23:06] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 and gets 22."12 [1d20=15]
[23:07] <Shamal> OOC: +9, so 24
[23:08] <Dungeon_Kotono> After about ten minutes, Shamal catches a glimpse of blue hair deep, deep underwater! Just at the very edge of her vision again, not coming any closer.
[23:09] * Shamal pouts a little, before abusing Seira's pearl to refresh her memory of the spell to summon monsters. "Playful swimmer of Thalasia, I call you once again! Go tell that sea elf we'd really like to meet her!"
[23:09] <Shamal> OOC: same spell as before
[23:10] <Dungeon_Kotono> Another golden dolphin appears! It goes into the water and swims down fiercely! It just reaches the elf again, communicating deep in the water! OOC - Reroll your diplomancy, druidgrrl.
[23:10] <Shamal> roll 1d20+6 diplomacy by proxy!
[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+6 diplomacy by proxy! and gets 18."12 [1d20=12]

[Corwin]

[17:43] <Kotono> Very slowly it starts to arise. Five feet up and then ten, coming out from the emerald depths of the bay! A being with sharp blue hair, like the natural ocean's proud plumage. It's seen through a haze of green ocean water, arising, arising...stopping. It stops cold, , perhaps 50 feet down or so. It looks down at it's leg, something dark wrapped around it! It begins to descend again, being lowered!
[17:44] * Hotaru (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
[17:49] <Shamal> 'Oh, make up your mind!' Shamal thinks despairingly, before noticing that something appears to have grabbed the aquatic maiden. "Wait a minute... it looks like something just grabbed her!" Once again she casts yet another summoning spell, although this one only conjures a normal porpoise rather than the celestial equivalent. "Go help her, my cetecean friend!"
[17:53] * Seira looks worried, and casts a spell of swift travel about herself, swirls of air appearing at her ankles for a brief moment before dissipating into harmless clouds.
[17:56] <Kotono> The dolphin appears deep in the water, racing downward to the melee! OOC - What is it's action going to be?
[17:58] <Shamal> OOC: If it sees anything grabbing onto the sea elf or whatever she is, it'll but heads with it in a charge in an attempt to persuade it to bugger off. If that fails it'll use aid another to help her grapple/escape artist check in the last round before it vanishes.
[18:01] <Kotono> The dolphin sees a slightly large octopus trying to drag the elf down! The elf is shouting those strange words humans and other land creatures speak at it, looking annoyed and irritated.
[18:03] <Shamal> The brave summoned porpoise charges through the water, slamming itself bodily into the octopus in an attempt to persuade it to seek easier prey!
[18:03] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[18:03] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 18."12 [1d20=10]
[18:03] <Shamal> roll 2d4+2
[18:03] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 2d4+2 and gets 9."12 [2d4=3, 4]
[18:04] <Kotono> SLAM! The octopus is bodychecked and hard, losing it's gripa s it sprays a few stray jets of ink! The sea creature it was holding looks shocked a moment, going to try and grab it when it's knocked down! OOC - LIsten check, Shamal. You can as well, Seira, if you speak Aquan. If not, there's no huge point.
[18:05] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9
[18:05] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+9 and gets 18."12 [1d20=9]
[18:06] <Kotono> Through the water you can hear a few words of Aquan: "Tendrils! Go away, dolphin, that's my clan's pet!" The creature sounds angry.
[18:08] <Shamal> "Oh, bother!" Shamal suddenly looks distraught, immediately dismissing the dolphin. Leaning over the edge, she calls down in Aquan, "I'm sorry, I thought you were being attacked! If you come near the surface I can heal it!"
[18:10] <Kotono> Down below you can see the creature holding it's pet, looking up and thinking...
[18:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[18:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 17."12 [1d20=17]
[18:11] <Kotono> But slowly it begins to rise! Quickly rising up, a creature clad in green like sea weeds. It's ears are very slightly pointed, skin white with a green tint to it. It's eyes are the same deep blue as it's hair, cradling it's pet as more ink continuest o leak out around it.  With a quick, desperate move it breaks the surface, gagging a few times. "Dirty...!" it wheezes, voice very light.
[18:12] * Seira glances at Shamal. "They are friends?" she asks the druid.
[18:14] <Shamal> "I don't know yet," Shamal replies to Seira, quickly scrambling down a nearby ladder after setting Flopsy down and taking out her wand from her belt. "Here, I can use this to heal your pet," she tells the elf in Aquan, leaning off the ladder with one hand to hold on.
[18:16] * Seira comes near the edge of the dock, observing the proceedings silently.
[18:16] <Kotono> Hesitantly it swims over, looking distrought. But it does come over, withint touching range.
[18:17] * Shamal leans over to tap her wand onto the stricken invertebrate, a brief glimmer of blue light signifying the magic taking effect.
[18:17] <Shamal> roll 1d8+1
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d8+1 and gets 6."12 [1d8=5]
[18:20] <Kotono> To this the elf watches as the octopus stirs, moving. "...Oh...it worked?" it sighs, "Who are you and why did you attack him?"
[18:23] <Shamal> "I'm really sorry about that," Shamal looks honestly distraught as she puts the wand away, "I thought you were being attacked... Um, my name is Shamal Velka, and this is my friend Seira," she gestures up at the half-elf above. "We're guards in this city."
[18:23] * Seira waves at the strange sea elf.
[18:24] <Kotono> "Land dweller city? Then, which one of you is going to the Forbidden Whirlpools and doing mysterious things there?" The elf puffs up, looking at both of them.
[18:25] <Shamal> "Forbidden whirlpools?" Shamal blinks, "Ah, neither of us have been out to sea lately... oh, and pardon my asking, but Seira doesn't speak Aquan - I don't suppose you speak Common, do you?"
[18:28] <Kotono> "Don't know what it is." Slowly the elf pets the poor, stirring octopus, "I just know one of you humans is doing something to the whirlpools.  You all know each other, don't you? Tell them to stop!"
[18:30] <Shamal> "Er... there's an awful lot of us..." Shamal blushes. "Oh, let me do a bit more, I think the poor thing's still a bit dazed," she leans over and casts cure minor wounds on the octopus to aid its recovery. "Seira, she's saying that a human is doing something mysterious to the forbidden whirlpools," she explains for her colleague's benefit. "So where are these whirlpools?" she asks, switching back to Aquan.
[18:30] * Hotaru (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) has joined #dunes
[18:30] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Hotaru Hotaru
[18:31] <Shamal> roll 1d20+12
[18:31] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+12 and gets 25."12 [1d20=13]
[18:32] <Seira> "Ask her why they're forbidden?" Seira suggests out loud.
[18:33] <Seira> roll 1d20+9
[18:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 and gets 18."12 [1d20=9]
[18:33] * Lyselle (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) has joined #dunes
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[18:34] <Shamal> "I think I've heard of them..." Shamal murmurs in common, before going back to Aquan again. "Wait, aren't they deep below the surface? How would any human even get there?"
[18:35] * Hotaru-chan (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
[18:36] * Hotaru (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
[18:36] <Kotono> The octopus stirs a little more, ink leaking stopped. "This one can, and they're dangerous! Our clan says that anyone that goes there will probably die. So no one goes there, but this human's been seen going there a lot."
[18:37] <Kotono> "I don't know how it gets there, but it can breath underwater somehow."
[18:38] <Shamal> "That takes better magic than I'm capable of..." Shamal pouts a bit. "So you came here to try and find out about this human? Do you know what mysterious things he or she's been doing?"
[18:46] * Lyselle (dragomirst@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (-=SysReset 2.53=-)
[18:47] * Seira (cor@p11811112.orange.net.il) Quit (-=SysReset 2.53=-)
[18:55] * CC is now known as Seira
[19:00] <Kotono> "No one is sure...but we're worried." The elf looks just that - worried.
[19:01] <Shamal> "Well, we can try asking around Balmuria - it's not like there are *that* many magic users here, after all," Shamal offers. "Is there anything else you could tell us that might help?"
[19:15] <Kotono> "Red hair - it's someone with long red hair. Just be careful - the elders say that anyone that gets sucked into those pools doesn't come back out,a nd it leads to underground." With that the elf nods visibly, a clear sign.
[19:16] <Shamal> "And yet this human has been coming and going as they please? I don't suppose you could tell if it was a man or a woman, could you?" Shamal asks thoughtfully.
[19:18] <Kotono> "I think a woman, but I'm not sure. Just...don't tell anyone I was here? We're not supposed to get this close..."
[19:18] <Shamal> roll 1d20+12
[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+12 and gets 15."12 [1d20=3]
[19:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[19:18] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 19."12 [1d20=15]
[19:19] <Shamal> "Of course - it's not like I could tell any others of your kind unless they too came this close, no?" Shamal giggles slightly. "That said, though, how will we find you if we find anything out?"
[19:20] <Kotono> It considers, thinking, "Oh! I'll sneak back in a week. Same place?"
[19:23] * Shamal nods. "That works," she agrees. "Oh, I never did get your name... And I suppose it wouldn't hurt to know, but where exactly are these whirlpools?"
[19:25] <Kotono> "My name is Tynave!" It's voice is indeed light as it speaks, bobbing it's head. "They're a little to the west and really far down. Near the continental shelf and land. I see a lot of humans going there on occasion now!"
[19:25] <Kotono> *on the surface there
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[19:27] <Shamal> "Well, we'll look into it for you, Tynave, and hopefully see you here in a week?" Shamal smiles, giving a wave before she climbs back up the ladder.
[19:28] * Seira offers Shamal a hand as she rises.
[19:30] <Kotono> Tynave smiles and waves, before dipping down and away in the cool, green water.
[19:31] <Shamal> Picking up Flopsy once she's back on solid ground, Shamal reiterates the pertinent points of the conversation for Seira's benefit. "I suppose it couldn't hurt for us to investigate this on her behalf," she concludes.
[19:32] * Seira nods thoughtfully. "We should attempt to see what we can pick up on before attempting to actually ask questions about this red-headed woman, I believe," she says at last.
[19:34] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[19:34] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 19."12 [1d20=11]
[19:37] <Shamal> "Honestly, the description makes me think of Countess Stronger," Shamal admits. "She's certainly a more capable mage than I, so the spells required are probably within her realm of expertise."
[19:38] * Seira nods in agreement. "The spells of water breathing would certainly fall under her purview."
[19:41] <Shamal> "Well, lets do a bit of investigating before speaking to her directly, shall we?" Shamal suggests nicely. "We can ask the harbourmaster if he's heard of her chartering any ships recently."
[19:41] <Kotono> OOC - Wanna move on a bit, then?
[19:41] <Seira> "It is a solid plan."
[19:41] <Seira> OOC: Yep
[19:43] <Kotono> The harbor master is found sitting in a small tavern near the water's edge. It's a nice place, sailor themed and bred. Off duty sailors and longshoremen carol and play here, drunken banter pausing as two women enter. You can just feel the eyes on you, but the harbor master is easy to see. He wears a military uniform of gray and green, stiff and proper even as he takes a long drink from a mug of ale.
[19:47] * Shamal pauses a moment at the door, before she locates her target and makes a beeline for the harbourmaster. "Harbourmaster Rossman?" she addresses him quietly after drawing alongside.
[19:50] <Kotono> He turns, face a sea worn mesh of sunburned-red pale skin. "Yeah? Something important to drag you into here, misses?" He just puts his mug down, raising his voice enough so that the general din of the bar quiets a little bit.
[19:52] <Shamal> "Only a minor enquiry," the young witch demurs, taking a seat next to him. "You would know of all the ships that come and go from the harbour, yes?"
[19:53] * Seira quietly takes a seat on the man's other side, regarding him.
[19:54] <Kotono> "Yeah." He looks to both women, "Digging for information? I can't just give that out freely, you know."
[19:56] <Seira> "Then you would share it freely for money?" Seira asks him bluntly.
[19:58] <Kotono> "...so you're trying to bribe me in front of about two dozen witnesses?" he asks, looking around at the various sailors and seamen meaningfully. "I'd be a fool to take money from you now." A turn back, drinking his booze thoughtfully. "Though...I just had an idea. C'mon." He gets up quickly, heading for the door out.
[19:58] * Seira shrugs, and follows the man.
[19:58] * Shamal would rather not make this official. On the other hand, she has no money... Oh, and so much for that after all. Blinking, she stands up and follows the harbourmaster.
[20:01] <Kotono> So outside you go. A few people are around, mostly sailors finishing up for the day. High masted ships tower here as he crosses his arms. "Alright, what's so important that you're willing to risk that? I dont' really want to have to throw two laides in the stoackaide."
[20:03] * Shamal coughs. "Forgive my colleague," she glances sidelong at Seira, "Sublety was never her strong suit. That said, we would prefer not to make this official - quite simply we only wish to know if Countess Stronger has chartered any ships here, recently."
[20:04] <Kotono> "..mmm." He considers a moment, "I'll tell you on a few conditions. First off, what are your names?"
[20:05] <Shamal> "Very well - but understand we are asking as private citizens, not in any official capacity," Shamal nods agreeably, before gesturing to herself, "Shamal Velka."
[20:06] <Kotono> He blinks at this, a little surprised as he looks over your cloaks and plain dresses worn. "Official capacity?"
[20:07] <Seira> "Unofficial," Seira interjects. "We intend to keep it that way."
[20:07] <Shamal> "We're both members of the Balmuria Guard," Shamal affirms, nodding. "But this is a private matter."
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[20:08] <Kotono> "Alright. Fine." He considers half a moment, "Must be somethin' to have..heh. Fine, you'll just owe me a favor, Shamal Velka. No, I haven't seen her doing anything ship bound. At least not in her name, but it doesn't mean she couldn't be on a ship recently as a passenger. I'd have to check manifestos for that."
[20:10] <Shamal> "Would it be possible to check?" Shamal asks hopefully. "Of course I will return the favour should you ever require my help."
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[20:11] <Kotono> "Yeah, won't even take long." Rossman goes off at that, heading away. "C'mon."
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[20:12] <Shamal> "I am in your debt, kind sir," Shamal bows her head graciously, following along.
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[20:14] <Kotono> Within a few minutes, you find out that Countess Stronger has not been on any ships. Looking up from his desk, the harbormaster shakes his head. "Sorry, not a thing on her."
[20:15] <Seira> "Do you have the declared routes for the ships in your records?" Seira asks.
[20:15] <Kotono> "Yes, why?" Rossman nods curtly, waiting.
[20:17] <Seira> "Which dates are we looking for?" Seira questions, glancing at Shamal.
[20:17] <Shamal> "She never specified any, only that it's been happening recently," Shamal shrugs apologetically.
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[20:19] <Seira> "Did any ships pass by the ruins recently?" Seira asks, back to being blunt. "Or, at the very least, close enough to swim over to them or take a lifeboat?"
[20:20] <Kotono> "THOSE ruins?" Rossman raises an eyebrow, checking again. "Mmm, mmm...two did. Both are currently out of port. It's not quite a normal route to take, most ships head straight out of the harbor."
[20:20] <Kotono> *bay
[20:21] <Seira> "Their dates of departure and personnel manifests would be a great help."
[20:22] <Kotono> "January 28th and Feburary 2nd. As for the rest...eh." He frowns at that, "You mean like who's on the ship?"
[20:23] * Seira nosd at the man. "Yes. We do not need your copy of the records, of course, but merely glancing at them would be helpful, as I said."
[20:24] <Kotono> "Here," A beaten peace of parchment is handed over, then another. "Knock yourself out."
[20:25] * Seira commits the names to memory, before cross-referencing them for any repetitions between the two parchments.
[20:25] <Kotono> None whatsoever. They're all generally bland and innocent names.
[20:26] <Seira> "A wild goose chase, perhaps," Seira muses, returning the parchments.
[20:27] <Shamal> "Perhaps we are on the wrong track, after all..." Shamal frets, biting her lip. "Thank you for your time, Harbourmaster," she bows to the older man, making to leave.
[20:27] <Kotono> "Those ruins are popular," Rossman deadpans. "Some clerics are going excited over them and lots of people in fancy clothes thing there's something worthwhile there. Heh, bet the old bastards in Malmuth never realised they might be sitting on a treasure trove there."
[20:28] <Seira> "And are we?" Seira queries.
[20:30] <Kotono> "Sure. Lord Salman'll get some good men to bring up what's in there, and our nation should continue to prosper! Show them that we deserve all this, not a bunch of old imperials!"
[20:35] <Seira> "Any idea when the next ship will go past the ruins?" Seira asks the man, then.
[20:36] <Kotono> "Nothing's scheduled. It's not a common run." He shrugs, "All the supplies tend to make the last trip inland, or they're domestic I imagine."
[20:44] <Seira> "There is that route to check, then, as well," Seira muses, nodding.
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[20:54] <Kotono> A little while later...
[20:57] <Kotono> The party so gathers where they wish to discuss and plan. A meeting room in the barracks is convienet for all as they gather near dinnertime.
[20:59] <Seira> "So," Seira announces without preamble, once they have reasonable secrecy. "Sea elves actually exist."
[20:59] <Shamal> "We already knew that..." Shamal mutters quietly. "The important thing is that one of them came here looking for help."
[21:00] * Berlioz blinks lightly as he acommodates on his chair. "So, against all odds, you were right about that. What happened down in the harbor?"
[21:02] <Shamal> "Well, after a few small misunderstandings..." Shamal has the good grace to blush, "She explained that she's here because a human has been doing mysterious things around their forbidden whirpools, and it has the sea elves all in a tizzy."
[21:03] <Seira> "Apparently, it is Countess Stronger who has been meddling with them in an area next to the ruins," Seira adds.
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[21:04] <Shamal> "We don't know that for sure," Shamal interjects quickly. "But the description does fit."
[21:04] * Hotaru is now known as Lyselle
[21:04] <Seira> "That is where the apparently comes in, yes," Seira agrees.
[21:05] * Berlioz knocks his fingers over the table, idling. "Do you intend to do anything about this? At a first glance, this has little to nothing to do with our affairs."
[21:06] <Seira> "The ruins are Balmuria's treasure," Seira interjects. "If there is a chance someone is tampering with them...."
[21:06] <Shamal> "The sea elves are our neighbours, and it does not hurt to engender good relations with them," Shamal adds. "While this may not be an official mission, it would be to Balmuria's benefit."
[21:08] <Seira> "The sea elves may also know something that we do not, even if this person is operating with the full knowledge and approval of the government," she muses out loud. "In that case, we should determine whether this endeavor is safe."
[21:08] <Berlioz> "I see. On the other hand, if we engage on such an endeavor, I expect little to no support from our employers. Ragging about sea elves in a military office is a good way to get laughed at, so, if we're doing this, it'll be at our sole expenses."
[21:08] * Lyselle raises an eyebrow. "You plan on undertaking action without discussing such with our superiors?"
[21:09] <Seira> "There is nothing wrong with gathering information in our free time," Seira says, flushing lightly.
[21:10] * Berlioz shrugs. "If we do, we're getting laughed out of the room. We're not going to receive any official support one way or another."
[21:10] <Shamal> "All we are doing is investigating, Lyselle," Shamal points out gently. "This isn't like traipsing into the wilderness for a week to hunt and kill some goblin raiders, we're just going to make a few discreet enquiries."
[21:12] <Lyselle> "If it is just gathering information, then..." Lyselle does just shrug, offering a wry smile. "The idea sounded a bit more like a minor expedition into the blue depths."
[21:13] <Shamal> "Not hardly," Shamal frowns. "While Countess Stronger can be free with the water breathing spells, I'm afraid I have no such luxuries."
[21:13] * Berlioz snickers. "It may well develop into that. And, really, if it does, I doubt we'd have either the resources or the raw strength to make it relatively unscathed."
[21:19] <Shamal> "Anyway, the harbourmaster was of no help, not knowing if she has taken any boats out of Balmuria recently - of course, she could have easily left via magic or some other means. So the next step would be to determine if she has left town at all, recently," Shamal proposes. "It may be best to check with her acquaintances and habitual haunts rather than going to her directly, for the time being."
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[21:21] * Hotaru-chan is now known as Lyselle
[21:27] <Lyselle> "Either may be equally suspicious on examination, but the former could easily not be discovered, or only be discovered after a time," Lyselle nods in agreement.
[21:28] <Berlioz> "Regardless, we should take these matters in a cautious step. We have no idea of what we're stepping into, nor the motives of the sides involved."
[21:32] <Shamal> "A few discreet enquiries here and there shouldn't prove too problematic," the blonde opines hopefully. "Besides, her reasons for going to those whirlpools could be perfectly innocent, and that should be enough to set the sea elves' minds at ease."
[21:33] <Seira> "We could also confirm for good whether she is the one going there," Seira reminds them. "After all, we have not personally seen her do that, and what we have is mostly conjecture at this point."
[21:33] * Shamal nods. "That too. If it turns out not to be her, we will unfortunately be left with no leads, however..."
[21:37] <Berlioz> "If we're doing this investigation at all, we may want to keep eyes on both of the alledged sides so far. And I'm certain nobody will spill the beans automatically if something unusual is going on."
[21:40] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, people, let's start with a round of gather info checks, yes.
[21:41] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 whee~
[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 whee~ and gets 19."12 [1d20=13]
[21:41] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+10
[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+10 and gets 18."12 [1d20=8]
[21:43] <Shamal> roll 1d20+1 if I beat 10 then Seira gets +2
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+1 if I beat 10 then Seira gets +2 and gets 10."12 [1d20=9]
[21:43] <Seira> OOC: 21, hilarity!
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[21:44] * Hotaru-chan is now known as Lyselle
[21:45] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+2
[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
[21:47] * Seira attempts to gather information on the Countess's actions recently, and in present time, including any traveling she might've done!
[21:51] <Kotono> The next day brings a few hours of information gathering! It takes some time, but not too much. Countess Stronger has a habit of being as flashy as her red hair! She's made noise about wanting to open a 'mystical shop' and 'bring culture' to the Border City. She's been seen at her favorite tavern within the past two weeks or so - but not within the past week. Been a little quiet lately if anything.
[21:53] <Kotono> She galavants around in catchy red dresses, speaking of too much gold to waste. She's energetic and quite pretty, too. She tends to command obedience in a very divaish like way is the general vibe you get.
[21:53] <Kotono> Her favorite tavern is the Dragon.
[22:05] <Kotono> The day draws on as the chosen ones approach the tavern. It sits nestles in the back of Balmuria, out of place with much of the city. Wealth more bespeaking a fine Malmuth city resides here, money flowing freely. The Dragon is a beautiful tavern of solid wood and homey panels, a freshly pained gren wyrm on it's callsign.
[22:10] * Berlioz dusts off his clothes, this time more befitting of a noble place. Being a merchant's son does have its perks. He looks around, not exactly fazed by the inebriating environments, as if they failed to entertain him much. He looks around, searching for the red-haired diva as he heads towards the counter.
[22:12] <Kotono> Inside it's clean and smells of perfumes that would likely feed a peasant for a tenyear.  The very tiny rich elite of Balmuria gathers here, mostly merchants rich off iron. The counter is actually polished and entirely clean, glasses without any obvious stains on them waiting. Real clear glass, too! The servants wear nice clothes and don't reek of sweat and body oil, a sharp contrast. The man at the counter is small and plain, bowing a bright
[22:13] <Kotono> plain, bowing a bright red nose and middle aged, wrinkled face full of forehead lines.
[22:16] <Kotono> Berlioz doesn't see the Countess Stronger immediately visible to his basic searches.
[22:17] * Berlioz sits down in front of the counter, slightly nodding to the bartender. "Good evening, sir", he remarks curteously. He stops for a moment, paying more attention to the environments themselves, the Countess out of sight... in hindsight, this is a comfortable environment, much unlike the typical Balmurian hellholes.
[22:23] <Kotono> "Would you like something," he asks, voice inoffensive and blending into the low grade noise. A few people look at you, but most are lost in their own conversations and not really caring much. Very low key right now, quiet.
[22:25] * Berlioz nods. "I'd appreciate just a glass of wine for now", he says as he pensively rests his chin over folded hands.
[22:27] <Kotono> Down he goes, pulling out a fine glass bottle and winecup. It's poured swiftly and held in his hand, but he doesn't hand it over. He just waits.

[Corwin]

[06:12] * Berlioz takes his pouch out of a pocket, subtly counting his gold reserves. "How much does it cost, my good man?"
[06:15] <Anastasia> "1 gold."
[06:16] <Anastasia> OOC - Gah.
[06:16] <Anastasia> "1 gold." He waits after, eyes staying level.
[06:17] * Berlioz lands the gold piece over the counter, putting his pouch back from where he took it, eyes sharpened. "Here you go."
[06:19] <Anastasia> "Thank you." The wine is passed over, the gold vanishing away via quick hand grab.
[06:22] * Berlioz sighs, and takes a sip out of his drink while glossing over the tavern's environment once again. "Quite an elegant ambiance in here. Seems a bit quiet today."
[06:23] <Anastasia> "Indeed." A mute, measured reply, a glass polished with a clean rag as you wait. "Several people are not here today yet."
[06:26] <Berlioz> "Hm. Several people? I figure a tavern such as this must be frequented by Balmuria's finest, at the very least, but anyone of note you might be referring to?"
[06:27] <Anastasia> "Several..." With a maddening vagueness he smiles slightly, inclining his head. "Sir is most inquisitive."
[06:32] * Berlioz snickers. "Just a possibly habit from my academic backgrounds, sir - and it kicks in most often when I'm just discovering an environment. It's just the curiosity of a storymonger", he finishes in a fancy tone, fixating his eyes on the bartender with an ambiguously vague glare.
[06:33] <Anastasia> The barkeep's hand casually rests knuckles down on the bar, open palmed. "Aaah. Well learned, sir?"
[06:38] * Berlioz quickly glances at the hand, then raising his eyes to the bartender, nodding. "You could say so, yes. Mostly interested on the making of history, as of now. And Balmuria is ripe for the unfolding of legendary tales, I'd say."
[06:39] <Anastasia> "I suppose it is. Do you think so, sir?" The hand stays in place, as casual, easy conversation follows.
[06:42] <Berlioz> "It's a rather new country, and the tension between Malmuth and the United Baronies that settled the atmosphere of these lands in the past hasn't quite settled yet. Politically, we're in a razor's edge position, trying to establish ourselves not only as a country, but as a force. And history is not something that happens overnight - there's an intriguing process between obscurity and the bard's tale, and I'd rather follow such a thread."
[06:46] <Anastasia> "Mmm-hmm. Are you saying that there's a lot of opportunity in these places?" The barkeep looks about, everyone lost in their own worlds and no one new coming in right now.
[06:47] * Hotaru is now known as Loligoth|AFK
[06:49] <Berlioz> "Opportunities, dangers... I'd say a more precise word would be 'possibilities', I think", Berlioz rubs his chin pensively for a moment before continuing. "We're in a blank slate, mostly, as of now, in a rather strategic geographic position, and a tense background behind our creation. Basically, there is much yet to happen, and I want to see them firsthand when they do. No matter what they mean to Balmuria."
[06:53] <Anastasia> "Yes sir," The barkeep nods again, "I wish you well in these difficult endevours."
[06:55] * Berlioz sighs. "You know, I can't help but feel I'm somewhat bothering you with my endless banter", he deadpans with a slight smile as he sips his wine again.
[06:58] <Anastasia> "I wouldn't dream of such." He smiles discreetly, raising his hand up and letting it slide beneath the bar. "Is sir lonely?"
[07:00] * Berlioz raises an eyebrow and shakes his head with a cynical snicker. "I never really cared much about about company one way or another. I admit I just enjoy talking about a subject that few would be interested in. To the point that it diverts me from other tasks, or even sights."
[07:02] <Anastasia> "Yes sir." The barkeep nods sagaciously, going back to polishing a glass. "I suppose that is evident."
[07:05] <Berlioz> "Although you seem fairly bright yourself, off a glance. It's pleasing to actually let these out once in a while, and I guess I got carried away", the historian nods, his semblant light and calm. He turns around to see the environments once more, in search of new faces, not losing track of the bartender.
[07:08] <Anastasia> "Thank you, sir." The barkeep smiles a tiny bit, but also sighs. Meanwhile you look about. No one new has entered quite yet. It's very quiet and peaceful right now.
[07:11] * Berlioz ponders for a moment, folds and unfolds his arms in a somewhat restless motion. The historian then sighs and takes yet another sip from his glass of wine. "Makes me wonder the kinds of stories people around here have to tell. Aren't there a few... interesting costumers around here, so to speak?"
[07:16] <Anastasia> "There are," The barkeep says most blandly. "Is sir interested in the various personages?"
[07:17] <Berlioz> "I'd like to say that... yes, eventually, and probably sooner than later. My current interest right now, however, dwells on someone in particular. A... rather eccentric personage, at that."
[07:19] <Anastasia> "I see. Would sir like help with this?" The 'keep's hand goes back to the bar, palm open and waiting.
[07:27] * Berlioz takes a fast glance at his open hand and smirks. "Hm, I see. I certainly would have a much easier time finding a few things out with a little push, yes. How much are you willing to let out, and at what price?"
[07:30] <Anastasia> "Five gold," he says very quietly, voice barely even reaching the bard.
[07:33] * Berlioz nods. "I see. I hope the information is worth it", he says while reaching for the gold pieces in his pouch.
[07:39] <Anastasia> The money vanishes into his hand and away, fileda way. "It shall be. Who are you looking for?"
[07:39] <Berlioz> "Countess Stronger, more specifically", Berlioz whispers.
[07:40] <Anastasia> "Aaaah! She has not been in the past week. She mentioned some 'grand plan' to usurp everyone else's efforts the last night she was here. She seemed most...excited."
[07:41] <Berlioz> "Everyone else's efforts? I know from casual lore that the Countess is somewhat eccentric, but what could she have in mind with that?"
[07:44] <Anastasia> "Something that's popular and getting attention. Trade, history, something grabbing. She likes her attention very much." Another pause, thinking. "I do not know when she will return."
[07:45] <Berlioz> "Hm. Do you have any idea of what might have triggered such? That seems like quite a strange stretch of events", Berlioz chimes in idly.
[07:49] <Anastasia> "The lady keeps her own council at the strangest times. I know not what has her excited, but she is a mage. Such matters may be beyond me in any event." The barkeep bows a little at this, apologetic.
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[08:12] <Anastasia> "The lady keeps her own council at the strangest times. I know not what has her excited, but she is a mage. Such matters may be beyond me in any event." The barkeep bows a little at this, apologetic.
[08:14] * Berlioz sighs resignedly, folding his arms and nodding sternly. "I would expect no less from your typical oddball spellcaster, especially in Balmuria. Regardless, this shred was enlightening somewhat. Might be something to look out for."
[08:18] <Anastasia> "Yes. She takes visitors if you wish to visit...I do not know if you'll be able to get in, though."
[08:20] <Berlioz> "Well, couldn't hurt to try. And, hey, at least I might get farther than your average street bum. I know I look noticeably better than one", Berlioz replies, letting out a musing grin as he finishes.
[08:21] <Anastasia> "Very good, sir," the barkeep murmurs respectfully.
[08:22] * Berlioz begins to stand up, fixing his monocle as he prepares to leave. "Thanks for your time, mister. I expected to see a few more scenes on this place, but that might have to wait for another opportunity. Good night."
[08:24] <Anastasia> "A good night to you, sir," the barkeep bows deeply as Berlioz leaves.