Sapphire:Sessions:20170114
Chalker proposes searching for dark mithril starting on the island of Mistral, to which the group can travel via portal.
Spirit of Many is being laden with cargo and will soon sail for the Coastal Kingdoms.
Ahn-Lee asks Chalker to introduce him to the renowned dwarven blacksmith, Tron Ironsinger.
Branamin goes out and purchases a Robe of Protection +2 and a Bag of Carrying.
Short Days 3 at 7:30am - While walking to the temple of Asseraah, Chalker addresses his minions. He releases Sung from his service on one condition -- "Do not harm me or mine" or a woman named Aliana ("Strange woman, you'll recognize her"). Sung says she plans to return to the Troubled Lands.
Sybonne will be paid 1sp per week as Chalker's employee. She is permitted to open her own business in Sapphire, of which Chalker will claim 10%. Chalker wants her to learn healing, offense, and identify spells, and to identify the black sword being held by Trace.
Jeeves gets a raise to 1sp 2cp per week and will continue to manage Chalker's home in Sapphire.
Chalker leads an observance to Asseraah, then leaves Sybonne and Sung seated on a bench as he begins walking around the sanctuary. "Lord Father, we last spoke in anger, and I have come to speak in more normal terms. I came here because I have a question. I beseech you -- your child of Chaos has come home." During his 13th lap, a mid-level priest (who had silently observed him since his 8th lap) joins him.
Priest: "You have a question, or you wish conversation?" Chalker (speaking as though to Asseraah): "When did you lead the First Chosen? In what Age did you close your fist?" Priest: "He will not answer... You show wisdom." Chalker: "I am piecing together this puzzle. He was unduly upset last time we spoke." Priest: "He considers you an opportunity, and a problem. He will not manifest today." Chalker: "I will leave before I kill you. From one child of Chaos to another, goodbye."
Chalker approaches the altar, says "Thank you for your wisdom," then shoots the finger.
Chalker and Ahn-Lee rendezvous at Ironsinger's shop. Ahn-Lee requests that Ironsinger put off repairing his dagger in order to craft two new "fine daggers of dwarven craftsmanship." Ironsinger replies, "My production schedule is quite full, but I can make room for a friend of Shawna."
A young woman, the daughter of a merchant, catches Ahn-Lee's attention and gives a guild recognition sign. He remembers her from the recent vampire hunt. He follows her to a nearby tavern. "Your warning saved my life," she tells him, giving him 3gp "in gratitude from those you saved." "You could go far in the guild," she adds, while signalling that the two of them are being watched. Ahn-Lee mentions, "I'll be taking a little vacation."
As they separately leave the tavern, two people follow the woman and one tails Ahn-Lee. Ahn-Lee ducks into an alley and the tail stops following him.
Ahn-Lee visits a poison shop and buys five doses of powerful, fast-acting poison. He is assured that one dose will take down an animal the size of a bear in one or two seconds.
Shawna had spent the night visiting with her friend Lady Thire. The latter says that since the recent takedown of a "nest" that the city is being swept for vampires. Also, dark elves are discorporating and their souls are going "elsewhere," suggesting necromantic work. In the morning she visits the temple of Yasseph.
At noon Ahn-Lee, Branamin, Chalker, and Shawna meet Trace at the portal. Trace directs the placement of the crystals, and Shawna steps through into a small meeting room. Trace constructs a ramp to an opening at the surface that can be concealed with an earthen plug. Chalker peers through into a forest near a game trail; by the sun's angle it appears to be 9:00am.
The group walks two miles to the small town of Fisher Bay. Branamin casts Seek Earth and reports a mass of dark mithril some twenty miles directly to the west, over the sea.
Chalker approaches the harbormaster to charter a boat and crew to sail to the island to the west. The harbormaster avers that there is no such island. Nevertheless, Chalker rents the schooner Tam's Joy for two days. The captain agrees to sail due west as Chalker directs, but he too says there is no island there.
Around noon, Ahn-Lee's sense of direction lets him know that the ship is heading NNW instead of due west. Branamin casts his detection spell again but something is warding it slightly. Chalker checks the ship's compass and tells the captain to turn back to true west; the captain says they haven't changed course, but adjusts their heading as Chalker insists. Peering out at the horizon, Shawna says she can just make out land, and Chalker can see it through the ship's spyglass.
Branamin warns that they're changing course again. Chalker takes the wheel from the helmsman. Suddenly a couple of crewmen faint and others start to tremble. Branamin almost panics -- he's sure there's a sea monster below, about to capsize the ship -- and he casts Sense Life as he leans over the rail, searching frantically. Chalker uses his metal TK on Branamin's ring to bring the mage's hand up and smack his forehead.
Shawna describes the island to Chalker as he brings the schooner alongside a quay. The captain passes out. Shawna goes scouting while Chalker and Ahn-Lee secure the boat and its crew.