[ArsGM] --------------- half hour behind schedule, but that's normal ----------- ---------- *** Segev (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has quit IRC [SVSKilled: GHOST command used by Awaymancer] *** Awaymancer is now known as Segev Quick question. What's the full roster of ships and captains with us, not including the Rajni, the Pride of Gohiong, or the gnome airship? *** Dicesuke (akodomakot@ip68-13-166-245.om.om.cox.net) has joined #highseas *** Mode change [+v Dicesuke] on #highseas by ChanServ *** Awaymancer (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has joined #highseas *** Segev (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has quit IRC [Read error: Connection reset by peer] *** Awaymancer is now known as Segev [ArsGM] I lost the log that had all that; but there's Keegis's ship _Lina Inverse_; Vengeance Drake's ship _Rage of Darkness_; Duras's ship _Cold Steel_, a Northern Raider Clan longship, and a few others I can't remember offhand... 8 ships in all, plus a gnome airship "Okay. If Sylvia gets them to go along with it, I'll take the _Pride of Gohiong_ itself. There might be evidence, there might not, and anyway I'm not as sure as they are about there being no one on board at all that had a grudge against the captain. What ships do y'all want to cover?" "There aren't eight of us around. I'm skilled at gathering information though, tell me where I would be best put." Anyone watching the ocean might notice a person swiming toward your ship. "You know Neil, I think you and the Raiders would get along swimmingly. Try them?" * Neil nods. "I was thinking along the same lines." "To start with, anyway. We'll have to rotate around ships unless we find more people we can trust. Not bloody likely, in my opinion." * Che-Cen approaches the ship, then calls out in Caere. "A-hoy!" * Bourne blinks, looks over the side. "Hello." "Doesn't a man overboard usually get helped onto the ship?" "Or do I have to climb?" * Che-Cen grins. * Che-Cen seems perfectly comfortable tredding water in the ocean. * Bourne whistles at a sailor to throw a ladder over the side. * Che-Cen waits for the ladder and then makes his way up. [ArsGM] The ladder is unrolled, inches from Che's hands * Che-Cen climbs up and over onto the deck. * Arianna is spotted talking to someone. That someone looks and points at Bourne. She nods. * Che-Cen looks around and nods several times. "Nice ship. What'ser name?" "_Rajni Natesa_. To what do we owe the pleasure, Mr....?" [ArsGM] ( lessee here... a yacht, a warship, a dwarven ironclad, a sailing ship [yours], a longship, a junk, and two Man-o-Wars) "Che-Cen. No mister." *Che-Cen winks and offers his wet hand* * Bourne shakes. ((A yacht?)) * Arianna turns away from the guy she was talking to, then turns toward Bourne, and begins walking. * Che-Cen 's expression turns downcast for a bit. "The funeral is at sunset, so I can't stay long." [ArsGM] (Neil: remember that ship you passed, and which turned and followed you, *way* back when?) * Che-Cen turns to the woman walking this way and smirks slightly, his mood suddenly shifting back to jovial. [ArsGM] (Renaissance-level yachts are different from todays) "Is there something we can do for you, Che-Cen?" * Che-Cen shakes his head again and runs a hand through his hair. As soon as it dries, it starts floating about his head. * Arianna finally reaches Bourne. "Oh. I was just curious. I heard this was the ship that eagle came from. Plus I'm one of the only ones on the Pride of Gohoing that speaks Caere." "Erm... excuse me." "No pardon necessary" *** Dicesuke (akodomakot@ip68-13-166-245.om.om.cox.net) has quit IRC [Ping timeout] * Che-Cen bows and backs away from Bourne. * Bourne turns to Arianna. "Yes?" * Bourne signals Che-Cen to stay, there's something he wants to talk about in a bit. * Arianna is a rather stunning woman, with seemingly perfect skin. Her long, silvery hair waves a bit in the wind, and her piercing blue gaze looks down at Bourne. "I was instructed to ask you for help as to how to go about work on this vessel?" * Che-Cen nods to Bourne and leans against the rail, looking overboard and into the sea. * Arianna speaks with somewhat of an exotic accent. You're unlikely to have ever heard it before. "Ah. Um... sure. Give me a few minutes to do some stuff with these guys, and I'll get to you." * Arianna seems to be human. Sort of. "Certainly." * Bourne tells most of the group to keep an eye out for the eagle coming back to ask Sylvia if everything went as planned, and if so, to pick a ship and start investigations. * Neil attempts to get to the ship that the northern raiders are on * Arianna takes out a book, and begins to read while waiting for Bourne. * Bourne ticks his opinion of Arianna up a notch, and heads over to Che-Cen. * Bourne attempts to speak to Che-Cen in Gohiong... 3d6 [ArsGM] bot PTOd Ah. * Che-Cen takes his eyes off Arianna as Bourne approaches once more. [ArsGM] (realdice will suffice) Pass, 7. "At any rate, I've got good news, hopefully. Our priest went over there with a resurrection scroll; your captain may not end up very healthy for a bit, but it if works, he'll at least be alive." * Che-Cen blinks. "You speak Hong?" d20+4 ((Right rihgt)) [ArsGM] dicebot PTOd "Yeah. My teacher in magic knew it. Thought a sailor should know a bit about more than his home country." "..interesting." [ArsGM] Che: You sense he's holding something back, but can't get a better impression than that. *** Received DCC Send request from Arianna (demota@c-24-6-131- 192.client.comcast.net) [24.6.131.192:65338, Slang.txt (2590 bytes)] "So... what are you hiding?" *is all big grins and smiles* "We've offered our services to investigate the attempt on your captain's life, whether it works or not. We know nothing and no one left the _Rajni Natesa_ before the attempt." "Hiding? Well, we don't want to be *too* obvious about the whole affair." "No, I mean from me. It was my captain, afterall." * Bourne pauses, feels like a heel but has to stick with it. "Sorry, maybe something didn't translate quite right." * Bourne switches to Caere. "Once I get to the _Pride_, would you be able to show me around a bit?" *switches as well* "Funny. Your Hong was so good." * Che-Cen nods. "Great. I have something I need to do over here until the eagle gets back. I'll meet you there when I can." is the eagle named Hedwig? [ArsGM] no. * Bourne spends the time waiting until the eagle gets back instructing Arianna in the basics of Seamanship/TL5. "...so when the sail is dropped at an angle opposite the rudder, you see, you need to make sure the far end of the rigging is especially..." "Aye, you're a real blood. Not like some real addle-coves I used to know back home." "Thanks. I think..." [ArsGM] A different eagle swings past, and comes in for a landing. "Most ships move cargo, you guys move people. And messages." The rider dismounts, and approaches Che, talking softly in Hong. * Bourne attempts to place the slang as he continues teachingl. -l * Che-Cen eyes Bourne and moves away with the messenger. * Che-Cen nods to the messenger. * Che-Cen heads over to Bourne. * Che-Cen speaks in Caere. "Looks like I'm supposed to help you find the lowlife that did this to my captain." * Che-Cen switches to Hong. "Can't be much help if things are hidden from me." "Hold on a second, Arianna." "Eh? Sure." *switches to Gohiong* "Well, before I wasn't planning to tell anyone who didn't need to know. I guess the mate has let you in on the details, then?" * Neil takes the Eagle over to the raider ship, then sends it back to the Ranji [ArsGM] Neil: the longship is filled with orcs, half-orcs, and orc-blooded humans, half of which are currently rowing; the other half are sleeping in their seats. Three officers are up and about; two half-orcs and a human; the human is at the rear of the ship, steering * Che-Cen shakes his head. "I've just been told to aid you in your investigation." * Neil interviews the officers about their relation to the Gohoing ship, masking the events that took place when he does so, trying to avoid suspicion. * Che-Cen shrugs. "Just don't see how I can be much help if I've not a clue as to whats really going on." "...oops. There goes my shot at the Ogion prize this year." * Bourne fills in Che-Cen on the ruse and his suggestion for finding the assassin making a second attempt. * Che-Cen nods through it all. * Che-Cen smirks when Bourne is finished. "Is that all?" *in Gohiong* "Well, the mate must trust your loyalty. That's good; I'd have stuck out over there. Look, this may be really rude to say, but you may have to very quietly see if anybody on your ship, especially someone that handled the food, had it in for your captain. Also, I'd like to ask you to look for physical evidence -- if you can find the delivery method either in the Captain's mouth, or in his cabin." "I mean, if I bit something sharp, I'd spit it out. So it might be on the floor." [ArsGM] Neil: "We haven't sent anything to any ships. We barely have enough to spare for us." "enough to spare? * Che-Cen nods. "I can leave for the Pride right now." [ArsGM] Neil: "All that cargo's food and supplies, right? Nothing's come our way, and nothing's left us." "Have a spare rowboat?" *in Caere* "Okay. Keep me posted." * Bourne sighs, rubs his neck. "Too many ships and not enough people." He eyes Arianna. *in ceare* ".. You mean I can't take her with me?" "...so, if you weren't a sailor before you came aboard, what is your thing?" * Che-Cen winks. [ArsGM] Neil: "Hells no! But hold on, I'll swing you over to that other ship." [ArsGM] those looking out see the square sail of the raider clan longship shift, and it start heading for one of the warships. Who's bourne talking to? ((You)) Arianna with that last one. * Neil thanks the captain of the raider's ship, hopping onto the warship and interviewing the crew [ArsGM] Neil: gimme a Gather Info check. * Arianna rubs her chin. "JUst a wandering warrior fighting for the cause of good in this world, really." 1d20+12 ((Oh, yeah, realdice?()) ((18+12=30)) [ArsGM] (realdice is good enough) * Bourne lifts an eyebrow. "Mmkay." * Che-Cen 's jovial expression drops. "Hm. Serious one aren't you." "Anyway, I'll check up with you later." * Che-Cen nods to Bourne. * Che-Cen takes a running leap off the side of the deck and dives into the water. "Me? Nah. I've got duties, but I enjoy my life like anyone else." "Boy, he sure didn't take that well." * Arianna looks over the edge "Heh. You sound like a decent candidate. And anyone from the Rajni that can swing a blade is going to fit the basic requirements for an investigator, anyway. How's your acting?" [ArsGM] Neil: after an hour of interviewing the crew, you find that no one there seemed to have it in for the Hong ship. * Che-Cen backstrokes away, waving at Arianna. * Neil tries to make it to yet another ship some kinda way [ArsGM] Ari: he seems quite at home in the water. * Che-Cen winks before turning and diving under the waves. [ArsGM] Neil: Gimme a spot check first. * Che-Cen doesn't really come into view in any amount of time that would be healthy. "Huh. Not bad." ((16)) "Allright. Well, I need people. Here's the deal..." *runs through the plan for like the sixth time today* "You feel up to it?" "Sure." "Okay. ... You know, I think they'd absolutely love you on the _Cold Steel_." He grins. "Don't let Captain Duras give you any guff." * Arianna raisses an eyebrow. "Why, exactly?" "Oh, he'd want to love you even more." [ArsGM] Neil: you see what looks to be a vial partially filled with something laying on the floor of the warship's galley, under one of the cabinets." [ArsGM] -" "And in case they don't tell you, that's the ship with the gorgon below decks. We think she's a decent sort, but try not to get stoned by accident." [ArsGM] (medusa, not gorgon) Check. "Get stoned? Nah. Never while on duty." * Neil leans against the cabinet, using prestidigitation to coax the vial into a gauntleted hand "That puts you up one on some sailors I know. Take the next eagle out, keep me posted, and we'll pick up on the sailing lesson later." *** Zegone is now known as Zegon *** Syzix (zegon@c-24-15-245-98.client.comcast.net) has joined #HighSeas *** Syzix is now known as Veshengo *** Mode change [+o Veshengo] on #highseas by ArsGM "Sure, cutter." [ArsGM] Neil: it starts to slide slowly towards you, but stops after an inch. * Bourne heads forward a bit, still trying to place that sland and shouting at some goblins to fix the mess somebody has made of the forward mizzensail rigging. [ArsGM] (oi, Vesh) s/sland/slang/ * Neil hmms ((magical grease dissapears, right? would it hinder fingerprints?)) *** Segev (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has quit IRC [Read error: Connection reset by peer] *** Segev (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has joined #highseas *** Awaymancer (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has joined #highseas *** Segev (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has quit IRC [SVSKilled: GHOST command used by Awaymancer] *** Awaymancer is now known as Segev [ArsGM] (yes, and yes) But at this historical period, fingerprints were't widely known anyway. * Neil starts to walk away, pretending to fall. While he's down, he'll take a look at what the vial got caught on and grab it if possible [ArsGM] Neil: it didn't get caught, but you can feel that it's heavier than Prestidigitation can handle; it's about 2 pounds. * Neil reaches and grabs the vial subtly as he gets up, embarassingly excusing himself and asking if he can get to another ship from here [ArsGM] Neil: the next eagle ain't due for a half hour * Neil grumbles. "And no rowboats?" [ArsGM] Ari: you're flown over to the _Cold Steel_. The first thing you notice is a tall, redheaded elf lounging in a string bikini on the top deck. The second thing you notice is that the crew itself is 99.44% dwarf (an alignment in its own right). Ooh * Arianna has a look around. [ArsGM] Ari: the elf has turned over, and is talking with what looks like the captain. At least, you *think* the stars on his uniform's shoulder indicate he's the captain. turned over? [ArsGM] onto her stomach "Erm, hello." [ArsGM] the ship itself is laid out much like a warship, with steel plating on the sides. Three ballistae are on each side of the deck, with metal guards. [ArsGM] "Stab my eyes out, now *this* is a sight to see! Welcome, lassie, aboard me ship!" He wiggles his eyebrows. [ArsGM] (damn, I wish Sylvia was here; Duras is *her* creation) "Ah, hi. I'm kinda new around here. Could you tell me a history of what's been going on lately? It sounds dangerous. I hear one of the captains was assassinated lately. Good thing they had a ressurection scroll..." [ArsGM] Duras chuckles; the elf (you later discover her name is Deri) rolls her eyes at him, and smiles pleasantly at you. "Well," he states, "I'm sure you'll hear all you want from that crew you're with; a bright bunch they are. What's this about an assassination?" "Well, someone put some nasty magical curse on him, I heard." *** Awaymancer (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has joined #highseas *** Segev (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has quit IRC [Read error: Connection reset by peer] [ArsGM] He gets serious. "What kind of curse?" *** Awaymancer is now known as Segev "Some sort of reverese healing spells poison [ArsGM] "Sounds like something my brother would use to get rid of someone." "Thankfully we left him in his cell in Ered-Dum." "Your brother?" [ArsGM] "Fred. Tall, blond, arrogant, wizard, and prefers to spend his time in other planes." * Arianna raises an eyebrow. "Huh. I spent most of my childhood in the Outer ones. Where did he usually hang out?" [ArsGM] "Gloom Hollow, most likely." "huh." [ArsGM] "Actually, he claimed to have reached beyond those to another Material plane." [ArsGM] Gloom Hollow being the realm of the dark gods in the world's cosmology * Arianna raises an eyebrow. "Another one? Hadn't heard of that." "Probably just rattling off his bone-box." [ArsGM] "He's a braggart, that Fred. But, enough about him. What brings ye over here, lassie?" "Just wondering what's been happening on the ships so far, really." [ArsGM] "Use your head for something more than a hat rack, Duras. She's here to see if we have any link with the dead guy." She looks at Ari. "Which ship? Not the _Natesa_?" * Arianna blinks. What ship? [ArsGM] Which ship is the dead guy on... _Rajni Natesa_; your ship "Yeah, I'm on the Natesa.... why?" [ArsGM] "What I meant was, which ship had its captain assassinated? Hopefully it wasn't the _Natesa_." Okay, so which is it? The _Pride of Gohiong_ "I think it was the Pride of Gohiong" [ArsGM] "I knew when I laid eyes on that thing that it was a piece of junk!" He gets a good laugh out of his pun, then seriouses up. "You said they managed to resurrect him?" "Yep. Spare scroll. Pretty lucky, too. Those things are pretty rare. I didn't think they'd have one..." [ArsGM] "Damn lucky, actually. I think there's only like five in the fleet, if that." "Yeah... still, it's a good thing they had one." [ArsGM] "So, anything else I can do for you. Or more to the point, to you...HEY!" he cries out as Deri hits him, hard, but playfully. "Hm... well, I don't suppose I could have a tour of the ship, meet the crew? [ArsGM] Deri stands; she's about your height, maybe an inch or two taller. "I'd be glad to give you the tour." "Sure, thanks!" [ArsGM] Deri gives Aris the grand tour, stopping every so often for you to chat with the crew. One door she refuses to open, saying, "Our passenger requires privacy." [ArsGM] -s [ArsGM] s/Aris/Ari/ "Huh. Why?" [ArsGM] sense motive and spot check? [ArsGM] "Well, she's actually pretty social... if either she or you are wearing a blindfold." ( 8 and 13 ) [ArsGM] The crew you meet seem gruff, but none of them really have any stated opinion about the Hong ship or her captain. [ArsGM] and... Vesh, what're you up to? [ArsGM] or you, Che? ((I'm swimming)) ( 14. >_< ) ((Toward my ship)) ( Even with a+10 bonus) [ArsGM] you learn nothing important. the ship has sent supplies to the junk, but also to about 3 other ships, including the Natesa. [ArsGM] Che: you get there * Che-Cen climbs up onto the deck like he usually does after fishing. * Che-Cen inquires about the whereabouts of the first mate, assuming he can't be readily seen. [ArsGM] Che: "Standing guard by the captain's quarters." * Che-Cen nods to the fellow and heads in that direction. * Che-Cen bows to the first mate as is custom of his people. "I recieved your message" * Neil waits for his ride back, then flies back to the ranji to show Bourne the flask [ArsGM] The mate is there. "What have you learned so far?" *vial "Not much. They felt I could best serve the investigation by looking at our own crew first. I didn't know the captain, but someone among us might have chaffed under his command." [ArsGM] He nods. "They're not ruling out mutiny. Smart. You may proceed with that plan." * Che-Cen nods. "Any suggestions? Noted anyone looking more jittery than usual?" *** Awaymancer (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has joined #highseas *** Segev (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has quit IRC [Read error: Connection reset by peer] *** Awaymancer is now known as Segev [ArsGM] Che: he shakes his head. "Syn looked worried, but she's known about the this from the start." "Let's keep that in mind if the assassin doesn't take the bait..." "I will go about my duties now." [ArsGM] He nods. * Che-Cen bows and leaves. [ArsGM] Che: standard routine: gather info and spot checks. *** Awaymancer (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has joined #highseas ((GI: 12 Spot: 14)) [ArsGM] Three of your crewmates appear nervous around you, but you can't tell if they're nervous because you're questioning them or because of you mentioning a ressurection of the captain. You, too, spot a small, filled vial in the junk's galley, hidden under a cabinet. * Che-Cen picks it up. *** Segev (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has quit IRC [Ping timeout] *** Awaymancer is now known as Segev * Che-Cen pockets it and returns to the first mate. [ArsGM] it feels to be about 2 lbs ((Isn't that heavy for a small vial?)) [ArsGM] for a vial, yes. ((Can I see inside it?)) ((Like, is it glass?)) [ArsGM] yes, but the fluid inside is milky and black. ((Shiny at all?)) [ArsGM] no. * Che-Cen returns to the first mate. * Che-Cen bows. "Sir. I may have found something." [ArsGM] Che: He cocks an eyebrow. [ArsGM] Neil and Ari arrive back at the Natesa about this time. * Che-Cen produces the vial. "It is heavier than it appears as well." "So have I." * Neil produces the vial as well ((I'm not on the Natesa)) [ArsGM] Neil: Che is on his ship, you're on yours ((I'm on the Pride)) "Also, three members of the crew seemed nervous, but that could have just been their reaction to such strong magic being about." [ArsGM] Che: the mate looks at the vial, and reaches for it. Which do we want to run first, Pride or Rajni? Pride then [ArsGM] why not both at once? * Che-Cen hands it over. Okay. * Bourne looks at it. "What you got?" * Neil shows his vial to the cap'n then. [ArsGM] the mate looks at it, and pockets it. "This is likely the cursed poison that prevented our captain from being healed. I will hold onto it for now. You may return to the other ship to let them know of it." * Arianna returns to the Natesa after her tour *** Veshengo (zegon@c-24-15-245-98.client.comcast.net) has quit IRC [Quit:] *** Zegon (zegon@c-24-15-245-98.client.comcast.net) has left #HighSeas * Che-Cen nods. "I also intended on searching the captain's quarters for any clues about the delivery method." * Bourne waits to hear from Neil when he's done with the captain, looks over and asks Ari how it went. [ArsGM] Che: he hesitates slightly, and lets you in. (Search check; you may take 10 or take 20 for it; taking 20 will take you 40 minutes) "Couldn't figure out the dark. Either there's nothing wrong with the crew of that ship, or we got peeled but good." "...planar!" * Arianna blinks. "What about it?" "Sorry. I've been trying to recall where that slang was from all day." ((Take 20, got 20)) [ArsGM] Neil: you're told to talk with Bourne about it, as he's the one running the investigation. ((Wait)) ((23)) "HUh. Where'd you learn the chant from?" "Haven't. At least, not to speak of. Just a few words here and there." "Huh. OKay." * Neil moves to Bourne, in that case. "Anyway, that sounds about right. I wouldn't have thought Captain Duras or many among his crew would have had much to do with assassination." ( Er, cant. ) Not that Bourne would know the difference. ;^) "But, you never know." "Mentioned something about some evil brother, though. Some prime berk spending his days at the Gloomy Hollow." O_o "Er, no offense to you primes meant, of course." "He's not with the ship, is he?" "Oh, no." [ArsGM] (chained to a dungeon, most likely) "He and his cell are supposedly locked up far away from here. Powers know what they got scragged for." "Okay. Because necromantic poison is right about up that alley." "Well, we've still got a bunch of ships to search. Good work so far. Neil, how'd yours go?" "I found this vial on board that unmarked warship. Don't know the contents, I happened upon it by accident.)) " [ArsGM] Che: you find nothing out of place * Bourne gingerly takes the vial, making sure not to touch any drops that may be on its sides. [ArsGM] The vial description is identical to the one I gave Che * Bourne examines the thing. Ars, Thaumatology roll? I'd like to see if I can figure whether it's magical. * Che-Cen exits the captain's quarters, bows to the first mate, heads up to the deck, and proptly dives into the ocean. [ArsGM] Yes. also, I recommend Neil casting Detect Magic * Neil does so 11, bare pass. [ArsGM] It's magical, but barely. * Che-Cen swims at 72,000 feet per hour. ((x4 running. ^_^)) 20 feet per second? Wow. ((Crap.)) ((Probably calculated wrong.)) ( What, that'snot fast enough? ((No wait...)) [ArsGM] convert that to mph? ((30 x 4, is 120. per 6 seconds)) ( yeah. 20 feet per second)) "It's magical. Not by much but it's magical." About 6 or 7 meters per second, a sort-of-fast GURPS running speed. "Yeah, that's the impression I'd get." "do you know what it is?" [ArsGM] Bourne: you are able to determine what it does, too... But then, you can prolly put that piece to the puzzle in yourself ((How many feet are in a mile?)) "Fits the description of that Yuan-Ti poison Sylvia described." "Where'd you find it?" [ArsGM] Che gets to the Natesa's ladder about now. * Bourne eyes the thing wrathfully, ponders purifying the hell out of it, resists the urge to destroy evidence until they find the culprit. * Che-Cen can swim at 13.63 mph. And is doing so now. "Under a cabinet in that warship." * Neil points [ArsGM] the warship is one of the ones that had a Marach flag flying while in port. *mutters* "Bastards." "Anybody over there look suspicious to you?" * Arianna frowns. "How'd those snakemen get involved in this? Tha'ts what I'd like to know..." "At the moment, I suspect their only involvement was cash for poison. I didn't see any in port." "no." * Bourne looks over at Che, waves him over. [ArsGM] Che: you notice them looking at a vial of whatever that is identical to the one the mate pocketed. * Che-Cen climbs up the ladder. Hey, how did you get one of those? "Neil got one on that warship. You've seen this?" There was one on the Pride. In the galley. I gave it to the first mate. Which one is Neil? "In the galley. That sounds right." "hello. That's me." * Che-Cen shakes his head dry and runs a hand through it, and it floats around his head as if under water. "Nice to meet you. Name's Che-Cen." *** Awaymancer (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has joined #highseas *** Segev (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has quit IRC [Read error: Connection reset by peer] * Neil shakes his with a gauntleted hand, his left one "Che-Cen, do you recognize that warship or known anyone from it?" *** Arianna (demota@c-24-6-131-192.client.comcast.net) has quit IRC [Read error: Connection reset by peer] * Che-Cen awkwardly changes his offered hand to better accomodate Neil. "Sorry, didn't know you were a lefty." * Che-Cen looks over and squints. Nope. "Nope" *** Arianna (demota@c-24-6-131-192.client.comcast.net) has joined #highseas *** Mode change [+o Arianna] on #highseas by ArsGM "Okay. Okay. Lemme think." "I'd like to know if any *person* came from that warship to the _Pride_, or if anybody from the _Pride_ went to that warship. Heading back right now would be too suspicious, though..." "It..it changes." "...Ooh. Ask the Eagle Riders." * Bourne looks at Neil. "What?" "The hand I use primarily has changed from right to left." "Ah. Yeah." "Amphibious, eh? Me too," *winks* "Y'all go check with the Eagle Riders. See if there was any traffic of persons between those two ships. Put our heads together with the people you saw there and see if you can identify anyone." "Anything you want me to do?" * Neil gets to doing it, since he's not officially an officer again just yet "Well I don't remember any visitors to the Pride, cept for supplies by eagle riders." "Keep checking other ships. This may be a dead end." "If anyone was on the ship, it was by secret." *to Che-Cen* "Did anyone leave the Pride and come back?" * Che-Cen thinks for a moment. "Nope." "." "You know who I suddenly suspect?" "Who?" 'The Eagle Riders." "Damn. They were on *all* the ships." * Che-Cen switches to Hong. "Can I speak with you in private for a moment?" *Cen's features shift from carefree to deadly serious so fast, it's almost as if he isn't the same person. *Hong* "'Sup?" [ArsGM] .... that's wrong [ArsGM] (on *soo* many levels) "It might just be the situation... looking for clues you start seeing them when there are none.." "Yeah, you could be right. You think I'm being paranoid about the Eagle Riders?" "But I'm begining to suspect my first mate. The way he reached for the vial when I showed it to him. And he hesitated to let me search the captain's quarters. Now this... that no one knows about anyone comming or going... I might just be imagining things." "Have you foudn any other info concerning them?{ "Yow. And the mate knows about everything we're doing." "Let's keep that in mind if the assassin doesn't take the bait." *Hong* "I think you should air this with everyone. More heads to think about the possibility." "Let's also keep in mind that I made the same suggestion to him about someone "in" on it acting nervous." * Che-Cen nods. * Che-Cen puts a grin on his face that seems as if it had always been there. So.. everyone is at a dead end, concerning the commings and goins of people to the Pride, right? * Che-Cen gives a helpless shrug. "I think we should begin suspecting the first mate..." "Now, don't go jumping to conclusions. It's just a hunch I have." *** Awaymancer is now known as Sleepmancer "The mate's in on the ruse, so it would mean that plan was compromised if true." "Any other ideas?" "Did you give him a vial?" "If there is no second strike, it may indicate that someone 'in the know' knows it's a ruse." "Yes. And he seemed a bit too eager to have it, which is why I'm beginning to suspect." "Almost as if he recognized it, you get me?" "The mate's in charge of the _Pride_ now, right?" * Che-Cen nods. "That's certainly motive." "Augh. Nothing I can't stand more than someone who's turned stag." "I don't want to jump to any conclusions. We really need to come up with a way to confirm or disprove the suspicion." "Right. All we have against him right now is my perception." "True..." * Arianna frowns "Well, I've got a way to help determine alignment, but that doesn't prove anything *** Sleepmancer (Segev_Stor@adsl-66-137-212-56.dsl.stlsmo.swbell.net) has left #highseas "What do you mean, alignment?" "Good, evil, that sorta thing." "All I really know are combat spells and cantrips." "Ah. How's it work?" * Arianna shrugs. "I just look at a person, concentrate, and if they've got a wicked heart, I can tell." "But, like I said, it doesn't prove anything." * Che-Cen nods. "After all, aren't we all pirates in one form or another?" "...whoa. Still, I imagine someone with a wicked heart would be more likely to commit murder upon their captain. Maybe I wouldn't use it as proof in a courtroom, but it could help us see if we're on the right track." * Che-Cen grins. "And besides, I've love to show you around my ship." [ArsGM] Eagles only carry one passenger ((I can swim with her. :P)) "Sure" Cen's grin seems to twitch slightly. "Okay. Get a good look at her; it'll at least be circumstantial evidence." "Okay" * Bourne points at Neil. "And even if it does pan out, it still leaves the question of what a vial of the stuff was doing on the other ship. Why would she send the poison off ship? And how, if no one but the Riders left the ship?" "So how do want to do this, miss? I could help you swim to my ship." "Um... sure." "You ever take swimming lessons?" "Well, back in Sk-... erm, where I was raised, there was a lake. I used to swim, but... well, I know how. That's about it, really "Okay then, at least I won't have to put you on my back." "Whenever you're ready we can get going." * Arianna nods. "I'm ready..." * Che-Cen grins. "Might wanna take the armor off, miss. Tends to help with the not sinking." "erm... okay." [ArsGM] (is she wearing armor?) * Arianna goes to change into normal clothes [ArsGM] and... the GM is about ready to crash... :/ ( She has a mithril shirt ) [ArsGM] ( 'k ) ( That's armor. ) ( While not knowing that at the time, Che still suggests she takes it off.) I'm good to pause here. ((So'm I)) * Arianna returns. ( Sounds okay, I guess. ) [ArsGM] --------------- Smoke on the Water -----------------