Lucius Cypher

Keratia: Blade Maiden’s Exploits

@Expolar

Well there’s obviously the captain and his first mate, Ashbrand and Azure Wainwright. Ashbrand mainly focuses on operating his ship, so its Azure you’ve mostly been talking to in regards to your passage here. There’s also the ships quartermaster and chef Buggsy, a bugbear of all things with a knack for cooking. Nice enough guy but he’s got no time for picky eaters. Than there’s the master-at-arms aka the guy who makes sure everyone’s gear is ready if there’s trouble. You can go to him to buy and trade weapons and such. And lastly there’s the cabin boy Sticky, some kid who you’re pretty sure has a crush on you. At the very least he’s very open to sharing his meals with you, considering that everyone usually gets an equal portion of ration during meal times.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“Ha ha! Glad ya like it. Feel free to take it if you’d like. I have a few more in stock, not quite as fine as this one, but for you I’ll let you take what you can carry! Considering it the reward me wife promised you. Originally she was just going to give you some extra coin, but I felt for what you’ve done, you deserve something more personal.” Andras examined you up and down, getting some ideas for what to make next. “From my understanding, you’re a traveler too, yeah? Though we stock general goods, I can help make you something for the trip. Anything you’d want, weapons, armor, or tools, and I’ll make the best you’ll ever lay eyes on.”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Just down the street was Iola’s shop, already busy with activity as men and women came to do business there. It seemed that the thief was currently tasked to do heavy lifting for the customers, hauling sacks of goods for them or carrying heavy tools. Iola herself was watching over him to ensure his compliance, too busy keeping a watchful eye on him as you enter the shop. It would seem however she had other family members to mind the place, including an older gentleman who presumably may be her husband, and a younger one who might be her son.

When the older gentleman spots you he waves you over. “Ah, you must be the newcomer my wife told me about. My name is Andras, Iola’s husband. I’m very thankful for what you’ve done for her, especially getting her father’s sword back. Truth be told if it had just been money she wouldn’t be so ornery right now.” He reaches behind the counter and brought out a long harpoon. “I’m the village smith. My pa before me taught me how to shape steel, and he’s the one who made that sword. Nowadays I mostly just make tools, but even I can make a weapon worth the crowns too! This harpoon is a Cassari specialty, light enough to throw a fair bit, but sharp and sturdy enough to slay even sharks! This one in particular is my best work yet.”

The harpoon had a mirror finish and the handle was made of a sanded, polished white hardwood. It was fairly long, almost as long as that skeleton’s Spear, yet when you pick it up it’s surprisingly light and very well balanced even for you.

Cassari Harpoon

Simple Melee Weapon
2 lbs
1d8 Piercing Damage
Properties: Thrown (30/120)

A Cassari specialty. Designed to be able to pierce the thick blubbery hides of all manner of sea creatures, and equally as effective against landlubbers as well.

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

It would take a bit of getting used to, but this outfit was oddly accommodating to the rigors of martial arts. The only real issue came from the boots, which needed some time to break in, as they were still rather stiff and inflexible right now. Aestella called for one of her girls to come and take your outfit to get repaired as she bowed to you once more.

“It should take us a few hours to finish your outfit. I wish we could start right now, however we still have many orders from the day before we need to work on. But I promise you your outfit will be done before the afternoon bell. Now then, is there anything else I can help you with “

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Aestella seemed actually surprised that you choose to buy the outfit. However she quickly accepted your money with a bow, clapping her hands together. “Of course! Here, allow me to help you put it on. I made this outfit just a few months ago, using the finest silks and linens I had. Functional yet beautiful.” It took a bit of time, but soon Aestella was able to help you into your new outfit. She almost seem tearful.

“Oh my... How wonderful! You are breathtaking.” Holding your bloodied outfit from before, Aestella Bowes her head. “For buying my masterpiece, would you like me to launder your clothes here? I can clean, men’s, and refit them for you, whenever you need a spare outfit and don’t wish to tatter this new one.”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

“Of course, I’ll be more than happy to help. Would you like to purchase something we already have, or have something custom ordered?” Aestella guides you to a different part of the shop, one that was far less cluttered, where she had various outfits on display. Many were rustic and simple, designed for labor, just she also had formal dresses and outfits fit for nobility. One outfit that stood out in particular was something that might appeal to your Japanese sensibilities.

The most eye catching thing was the yellow jacket of sorts, with elongated sleeves big enough to carry a sword in. It also came with what appeared to be an almost kimono-like top and a long black skirt. Nearby was something seen nowhere else on the shop: brown, laced, knee-high leather boots. Both sturdy and fashionable. The entire set was 10 GP. Compared to the other attire this was obvious one that Aestella put the most work into.

“Are you interested in something simple and sturdy, or perhaps more eye-catching? I have many to choose from!”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

It wasn’t long before the townspeople were out and going about their businesses. Shops were opening, or people getting to work processing grains and fish. Even the children were out doing minor chores like sweeping or taking out their pets. Wouldn’t be long before you find Aestella’s Weavers. There was wall-to-wall rolls of cloth and textiles, with outfits and decorative bags all around. Near the center were sets of looms with a few girls setting them up to use.

A rather young woman, perhaps slightly older than you, spots you. She smiles and walks over. “Hello, welcome to Aestella’s Weavers. I am Aestella, is there something I can help you with?”

Keratia: Tales of the Arisen One

Pylia scratched her chin thinking. “Well, honestly, with what little information I know about you I wouldn’t know where to start either. Someone mysteriously showing up in the woods with no idea how they got there... I mean, I’ve heard of fey who’d pull pranks like that with villagers, but you? Someone who... Doesn’t even come from this world? That’s something else.” Pylia shook her head. “I mean I guess you could try talking to the people at the temple up there.”

On the highest hill, one of the tallest buildings appeared to be some sort of church with a sim ol that was either a pair of wings or two hands holding something between them. It’s possible it’s meant to be both. “I don’t like the temple, but they tend to know more about strange going ins like this. Just... Don’t accept any deals with them. Unlike the townsfolk they don’t need your help, but I’m sure they’d gladly make you do their dirty work for them. And...” Pylia shook her head and started walking away. “Nevermind. Just come find me if you have any more questions or you’re about to leave town. You’re not a bad fighter but you need my knowledge if you want to make your way around here.”

Keratia: Blade Maiden’s Exploits

@Expolar

It has been six months since you had left home, driven by these strange urges from your gauntlet. You left your home town, Bayrest, to travel east. You have no idea where specifically you must go but the gauntlet you’ve so far been unable to remove has given you the vague notion that you need to go eastward by any means necessary. And so you’ve made arrangements to board The Sea Wolf, a merchant vessel heading across the vast seas towards the Majadan Empire, one of the largest continents to the east.

Your journey has been far from comfortable, but neither has it been bad either. There have been a few scares of sickness but nothing that affected you, and rough weather was a constant issue, but the crew of The Sea Wolf were hearty and strong. However there has been whispers of a new threat that concerns the sailors. A superstition that roaming these waters was a mighty ghost ship, The Green Tide. An ancient orcish warship had that terrified the entire ocean many eons ago before a coalition of nearly all of the nation’s gathered their navies to crush The Green Tide And it’s fleet. Many say they now traverse its graveyard, and despite its defeat the crew and captain are more than eager to add new ships to their graveyard.

Rumors and gossip of course. The real danger was simply that riptides are common in this area, but avoiding this route would add another month to their journey. This wasn’t the first time the Sea Wolf has crossed these treacherous waters however and the captain was more than confident in his ships ability to withstand the waves.

As for you, you find yourself in your cabin. It was a small but private room with a porthole to see the ocean outside, a hammock for you to sleep, and a chest to store your belongings. No locks, but at least you don’t gave to worry about stepping on your backpack. You have a door to your room at least, with a lock to boot. It was early morning right now and many sailors were up and about changing shifts. The night crew were going to rest for a while as the day crew grabbed their meager meals, grog, and their morning orders. You were free to do whatever you wish so long as you did not disrupt operations.

Rumors of ghosts and other fairy tales were often spread by these salty sailors not because they were true, but because they were bored. Those who didn’t have work often tried to pass the time with gambling or games, occasionally a friendly scrap or too as well. Truly, your worse enemy on this ship was no man or beast of nature, but all the goddamn free time with nothing to do.

So what do you do?

Keratia: Blade Maiden’s Exploits

OoC here!