His point made, Talogan politely stepped to one side to facilitate the departure of the guardsmen. "Good day to you, sir." Talogan said to the lead guard as he led the retreat.

"Honestly.... They should stick to bothering tavern wrenches and shaking down merchants." Talogan heard Nyx opine.

"I cannot say I'm of the same mind." Talogan replied. "One should always keep ones skills sharp. And bothersome guards are always good practice for hard glares and legal knowledge."

"T-That's nice work ya did there, captain." A voice spoke up, causing Talogan to turn and face the speaker, an elderly shaved halfling. One of the four he saved from the orc ship. "Men like them... Seen their type before. Back when we were chattel. Wish I had that sort of courage me self." The halfling cleared his throat. "Spoke to your first mate. Me and the others want to join your crew, if you don't mind us asking a favor of you."

Talogan raised an eyebrow at this. He had delivered them from slavery and shielded them from the law, and yet the halflings presumed to ask for more. Talogan contemplated putting the halflings in their place, but the captain refrained. Although presumptuous, the old halfling seemed by no means ungrateful. And when he spoke, he spoke with respect and fear. He would hear the halfling out.

"Our friends were taken to be slaves by the orcs. Some young men... And women. We want to free them, if you're willing to do that. We know where the orcs got a base at where the other slaves are probably at." The old halfling continued as the other halflings joined him. "W-We're not much fighters, but we know we gotta work to earn our keep. We're a decent shot with bows and slings, light on our feet too. If you'll have us."

Talogan regarded the halflings with his usual look of cold stoicism. Despite their presumption, Talogan was considering the halflings' request. His abiding hatred for the orcish race meant he relished any chance to do battle with them. It would also further indebt the halflings to him, as well as any other slaves he freed. He still wasn't entirely sure about hiring the halflings on as permanent crewmen, but he could think of some good uses for temporary ranged combatants.

"We'd also like to join forces." One of the three dwarves spoke up as they also approached. "I've been speaking to the others and while their priorities aren't set yet, we want to give what-for to those orcs too. Give us some axes and hammers and we'll show you want we're made of."

Talogan regarded the dwarves with the same look he regarded the halflings. He had intended to see if he could could convince the dwarves to sign on with the Kraken, and it seemed that helping with the orcs would further ingratiate himself with the dwarves and help set their priorities in Talogan's favor. Another reason to assist.

Talogan then cast a glance towards the gnomes. The six of them seemed to be hanging back to watch how things played out, similar to how Talogan had decided to handle them. Tayang had mentioned that the gnomes were tinkerers, though they refrained from going into detail. Hopefully they be willing to share a little more with a little persuasion.

"Let us discuss matters over breakfast." Talogan said to the halflings and dwarves. "My helmsman is currently preparing fish soup on the Kraken. I give it a hearty recommendation. It should be ready soon, so make your way over and I will join you once I have concluded some other business I have on the docks." Talogan then turned toward the gnomes. "I also extend this invitation to you." Talogan added. "There are questions I have that I would like you to answer if you are willing to do so."