CH. 04 - Freedom

[GravityEmblem]

“What? But we aren’t-“ Johannes says quietly, before realizing Senilip’s intentions and cutting himself off.

[GreyWolfVT]

Jaeron decides it's best to remain quiet in the present situation.

[Daos]

Kalana (Enott Orphanage)
"On the contrary, Draska has quite the law enforcement force, but up here in Enott things are a little different," Raven explains.  "The Bloody Chains and Crimson Wolves have enough coin to bribe them to keep their distance and look the other way when they do things against the law.  But some of us don't have those kind of resources.  In any case, the town's jail is on the south end of town."  He gives her explicit directions to get there.

Senllip, Jaeron, Johannas and Imrich (Aboard the Blackmoon)
The woman looks between Johannas and Senllip more than a little suspiciously.  "Deyren is in deep debt to the Bloody Chain.  And this ship was not his to give.  It is Bloody Chain property.  But perhaps we can work out a deal.  You seem a competent enough crew.  Perhaps you'd like to work for us?  I can assure you, it's far more profitable than anything else you might be considering."

[Rax]

Imrich observes the exchange between Senllip and the woman impassively. Colourful chap, this halfling. I wouldn't be surprised if his mouth gets him into as much trouble as it gets him out of. Let's see how this goes. In the meantime, forewarned is forearmed.

OOC: Imrich uses one of his daily uses of detect magic. It's an innate ability, so he can activate using a mental command. He first targets the woman and then turns to check the three party members.

[HorizonsDream]

"Hmm, right," Kalana says. "Well, thanks for the tip. We'll see what we can do." With that said, she excuses herself and leads Bayla out of the orphanage and back on the street to head towards the brothel. "I'm not sure if that boy is safer with law enforcement or at the orphanage," she comments.

[GravityEmblem]

"Profit isn't everything," Johannes says, eyeing the woman anxiously.

[GreyWolfVT]

Jaeron speaks up "Well what about the Crimson Wolves we had been told they were rather good employers."

[Daos]

Kalana (Blue Flower Brothel)

Kalana's next stop is the local brothel, which unlike the Golden Tooth or the orphanage, is in excellent repair.  There's a fresh coat of paint on the exterior, the roof is in good condition, and even the lawn is well-maintained.  Stepping inside, she finds the floor of the lounge is carpeted, gentle music is being played by a band of minstrels, and the place smells faintly of lavender.

A scantly clad elven woman with blonde hair approaches after Kalana enters.  "Welcome to the Blue Flower.  What are you looking for today?  Male?  Female?  Human?  Elven?  If you have the coin, nothing is off the table."

Senllip, Jaeron, Johannas and Imrich (Aboard the Blackmoon)

"Profit is, in fact, everything," the woman argues.  "Without gold, you cannot eat, cannot even live.  That's just how society works."

To Jaeron, she says, "The Crimson Wolves?  Ha!  They're on the way out.  They can't compete with us, and I heard that someone took out their strongest wizard not too long ago.  We'll crush them under our heel soon enough."

She crosses her arms.  "It's a good deal, and I'd advise you to take it.  But either way, Deyren's debt must be paid.  You can either work for us to pay it off...or you can turn over his ship.  Honestly, the first one is far more advantageous to yourselves.  But I'll be happy either way."

Imrich uses Detect Magic.

The woman is radiating all kinds of powerful magic.  She's like some kind of mage herself.  The rings on both hands radiate magic, as do her robes, her bracers, and even the pistol tucked under her belt.

Turning his gaze to the others, the halfling's armor and one (but not both) of his sabres radiate magic.  The gnome's armor is also magical, as is his helmet.  As for the human, his coral armor is magic, as is the harpoon he has strapped to his back.

[Rax]

"Madam," Imrich interrupts in a slightly bored voice, "I am not part of this crew and know nothing of Captain Deyren or their dealings with him, but if you lay claim to this vessel on behalf of the Bloody Chains, it surely won't trouble you to provide proof of ownership? And further, I have not yet heard you say what work it is you are offering them?"

[GreyWolfVT]

Jaeron "If it's anything like a prior offer I'm not taking it. As a man of Gonto I will not go around catching people to sell as slaves."

[GravityEmblem]

Jun 14, 2019 16:55:47 GMT -8 GreyWolfVT said:

Jaeron "If it's anything like a prior offer I'm not taking it. As a man of Gonto I will not go around catching people to sell as slaves."

"I, too, share that sentiment," Johannes agrees. "I could not enslave someone for you and still call myself a follower of Octhanus."

[HorizonsDream]

"While a nice roll in the hay, so the speak, sounds amazing right about now, we are here looking for work,"Kalana says. "We were sent in your direction."

[Daos]

Kalana (Blue Flower Brothel)
"Oh, you're an adventurer then?  Finally, I thought nobody was ever going to respond to that ad," the elf says.  "Yes, one of our girls was kidnapped recently.  I suppose one of her patrons became a little too fond of her and made off with her.  We've been monitoring the docks closely, and no sign of her or her kidnapper...so I believe they are still on the island.  Possibly in the jungles somewhere south of town, but I don't know where exactly.  You any kind of a tracker by any chance?"

Senllip, Jaeron, Johannas and Imrich (Aboard the Blackmoon)

The woman shoots Imrich an annoyed look.  "If you aren't involved, then why do you care?"  She pulls out a scroll.  "Here, this is a copy of Deyren's contract.  His ship is on loan to him until he pays off his debt.  If he is dead or has run off, then the ship defaults back to our possession.  As for work...is that not obvious?  We're slavers.  We capture and sell slaves.  What else would I hire them to do, landscaping?"

She scoffs at Jaeron's and Johannas' response.  "You're clearly fools then, but so be it.  Then depart from my vessel at once."

[HorizonsDream]

"I'm afraid I'm not a tracker, but I'll certainly help you find your lost girl," Kalana says. "What does she look like, and do you have an idea as to which client kidnapped her?" she asks. "We will probably need to investigate where she lives to see if there were any clues left behind."

[GreyWolfVT]

Jaeron "We await the return of OUR captain so you can discuss it with her if you'd like."