EliteCommander

Elder Scrolls: Terror of the Padomaic

Sharee would of course want the best gear they could get for the crew, but the situation wouldn't allow for him to make said gear. She isn't really expecting him to make anything. They have to make due with what they have, so he could use them in the way you suggested, or save them for when they are in a better position, or a bit of both. After their first job, when they have a bit of capital to spare, the ship's situation could start to change. They could afford some actual upgrades, like a forge for Malakaus (not quite as good as one you would find on shore, but workable), Noelle's garden, better armor, better weapons (though they wouldn't have enough for all of the above). The ship will get better over time, just not all at once.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

The pack knew the location of their destination this time, but even so, they aired on the side of caution and kept up a slow pace, moving carefully and quietly through the ominously dark swamp. It took a few hours for them to grow close to the xanmeer. As they traveled, Meesei could not help but to feel that the darkness around her was growing stronger. She wondered in the back of her mind if these feelings she was experiencing were not just brought on by caution or fear, but something more...substantial. It had been quite a long time since she had been near one, but she could liken the feeling to being around an Ayleid ruin. The powerful and ancient magics they used were woven into the stones themselves, which left a lasting impression that any mage could feel. For the Ayleids, the magic they used was often tainted with darkness, but in this place, the darkness was more akin to a flood. Even though it should have been around noon, between the thick canopy of trees and sea of fog, it felt like the sun had never fully risen. By the time they were within sight of the ruin, Meesei did not question that there was something fundamentally different about this place; she just wondered if the cultists had selected it because of the corruption, or if they had created it themselves.

As they came upon the xanmeer, the pack could see it more clearly than the previous night, as the light level was at least a small measure brighter than before. There were a few ruined structures in the area, but the primary structure was the xanmeer itself: a large, stepped pyramid with four stairways leading to the top from all sides. It was difficult to see at the distance they were observing from, but most of the structure was engraved with carvings from the first Argonian civilization. Most were pictograms, or symbols with meanings Meesei could only guess at. Time had taken its toll on the xanmeer, as a few of the steps were partially crumbling and only two of the stairways seemed climbable, but it appeared structurally sound. From what Meesei could remember, most xanmeer actually had entrances to underground tunnels at the very top of the pyramid, but Meesei certainly did not intend to enter through the front door of their lair without being invited.

Where as the xanmeer had seemed completely dead the previous night, this time, there was some activity in the form of two individuals standing at the base of one of the intact stairways. Meesei stopped the pack a fair distance away to observe from afar, but, quite conveniently, the two individuals started walking away from the pyramid mere moments after the pack ceased moving. They were not heading directly for the pack, but they were moving in their general direction. The closer they drew, the more detail Meesei became able to see. One was an Argonian male in a hooded black robe, while the other was an Altmer man, also in a hooded robe. His skin did not have the golden hue as was common among Altmer, but rather it was unusually pale. Given the context of who these cultists served, he was likely a vampire. Meesei and the others remained perfectly quiet out of their line of sight, but she could not help but to feel that something was wrong.

"So, what is the progress on the Master's orders?" The Altmer asked, their conversation becoming more clear as the pair moved closer to the pack.

"It should not be long now. I have to say, this is starting to form into a rather interesting situation. Imagine the possibilities if the master is correct; it will be a fantastic opportunity." The Argonian responded. The two walked a short distance farther, not seeming to care that they were wading through ankle-high water. They finally stopped when the Argonian leaned up against a particularly large tree not too far from the pack's hiding place and continued his conversation with the Altmer. Though still nervous about the situation, Meesei reasoned they could learn more about the cult by listening in to what the pair had to say.

Elder Scrolls: Terror of the Padomaic

Going based on the processes actual blacksmiths used, they would have a team of people that would do different jobs. The basic forging actually took a lot less time than the grinding process, which took a week or two. Without that, though, the blade is useless. A master blacksmith could make better blades, but not really all that faster, like how a chef can't just make food cook faster. To speed it up, you need modern tools. In the long run, beyond just the first job, it would be more beneficial to take his time and make them quality, since there is no real way to have them in time for the first score.

Though, if you start talking about Japanese forging for Katanas, you're looking at 7+ months.

Elder Scrolls: Terror of the Padomaic

I'm not keen on using all of Skyrim's measurements. How much malachite and moonstone was in that chest? Also, keep in mind that in reality, it takes weeks to make a single sword. If he had a team helping him, it wouldn't really speed up the time required to make the blades, but he could make more at once. He won't really be able to make anything in the few days he'll have, but he could get the process started.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

As the rest of the pack finished their breakfast and gathered their equipment, Ahnasha grabbed the pack containing her supplies, then walked over to Sabine, carrying Rhazii in her arms. "Okay Sabine, it looks like we are about to go. Now, are you sure you remember everything we taught you? It took a lot of effort, but we managed to get enough milk to last at least a few days. We should be back much sooner than that, but you have it, just in case. Also, remember how I taught you to hold him if he starts crying. He likes to be rocked slowly, close to your heart. I'm hoping your heartbeat will sooth him as well as mine. Oh, and be sure to keep him clean. His fur tends to get dirty, especially around..." Ahnasha interrupted herself briefly when she saw that most of the others were getting ready to go. Her protective instincts were certainly showing at this point. It was difficult for her to part from her child, but the logical part of her mind knew that it made the most sense for Sabine to be the one to care for him. She just wished that rational part of her mind could overpower the emotional part. "I...am sure you will be fine. After all, you'll have Leaps to help you keep watch. Stay safe." Ahnasha said, finally handing Rhazii over to Sabine.

Seeing that everyone had gathered their belongings, Meesei stepped to the edge of camp and addressed the pack. "Is everyone ready? We shouldn't be gone for more than a day, but be prepared for more just in case."

Elder Scrolls: Terror of the Padomaic

I was thinking of having a few days to get us to the point where we are about to leave to follow the ship, to get to something exciting. As for the glass equipment, though, just make sure not to make too many for what he could realistically have.

The Depths of Deception

I believe I need to make a list of who is still here. You still talk to Hail, Lightbox? I'm assuming he is unable to get on often, he sounded very busy last time we spoke.

Elder Scrolls: Terror of the Padomaic

I'll do a timeskip once everyone gets back to the ship and has done what they wanted to do for now.

Elder Scrolls: Terror of the Padomaic

Sharee crossed her arms and gave a mild glare to Three-Horn. "We'll spar when I say we're sparring...but yes, we have more important things to do at the moment, and I don't want to end up injuring any of you before the attack. Oh, and it's not the Miriam we are hitting yet, it's a different ship. The harder target can come later, once this crew proves itself, and once we get a few upgrades for the ship. You all can get back to work. Remember, you have my interest, not my favor. Don't start thinking you're something special, not until you can back that up. Now get out of here."

After shepherding Malakaus' men out of her cabin, Sharee laid herself down on her bed and let out a yawn. She of course had no real plans of promoting the "Typhoon Warriors" at this point, but it was good to give them something to work for. At present, none of them were really cut out for anything more than following orders. If they managed to become more skilled, then she could give them more responsibilities. Not to mention if any of her officers ended up dying, then they might eventually become decent replacements.

It was hard to say how many more days it would be before their target left port, but after today, they would be pretty much ready. Sharee planned to send the Khajiit former slave back to his master the next morning with a warming gift in the form of a crate of skooma. If they were lucky, it would be enough to put the Khajiit back into his good graces, allowing him to poison their food once out at sea. Otherwise, they would just kill the boy and they would end up having to take the ship the normal way. In any case, there wasn't anything left to do for the night, so she dropped her potion bag on her table, undressed and packed away her weapons and other equipment, then laid down under the warm fur blanket on her bed.

Call of the Hunt [EliteCommander and Muttonhawk]

Kaleeth shook her head to Janius "No...I can't stay behind. That would not be a good idea. I know I'm not as good at fighting as any of you, but I can't take care of Rhazii. It hasn't been too long since I turned, but...I would not want to be with him alone with him alone when I start needing to. I would have to turn, but that would leave him alone. Or worse, I could...eat him like I did the Human. I need to be with you." She answered as she ate the meal Meesei had prepared for her. Everything about the place they had made camp in felt wrong, so instead of undressing for the night, Kaleeth had remained in her wamasu scale armor. As such, she was essentially ready to go whenever everyone else was prepared.

"I believe appealing to their self-interest would be best." Meesei answered. Having already eaten, she was doing a last minute check on the supplies they would be taking. "We need to show them both that we are strong, and we are willing to work with them. As such, we might need to accept some task from them. It may not be...pleasant, but it is what we must do. For today, though, I am mostly planning on just observing them. We need to get a good sense of how many people they have, and how we might contact them. Most xanmeer have underground catacombs, and since we did not see anyone outside when we found it, I can only assume that is where they are staying. However, they would have to send people out at times for supplies, so that is likely our best bet to make the first contact. I would like to be able to outnumber the cultist we first reveal ourselves to, just to make sure they do not attack on sight."