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Yusef #6


It is the morning after the second night of flight on the Wanderer. This night's flight will take you to Kaff, the major city in a collection of islands called the Djinni’s Claws. The islands of the Djinni’s Claws are thick with jungle and abundant with wildlife. Exotic plants are plentiful and thrive in the hot, constant wetness. The slopes of the mountainous islands are heavily forested. Trees reach to heights of one hundred feet or more, forming a thick canopy overhead. The forest floor lies in perpetual shadow where little by little strange and sometimes gigantic fungus grows. The animal life is no less diverse, with thousands of different species and sizes running free. Insects, lizards, and colorful birds proliferate, as well as many larger and more dangerous creatures.

The hunt will bear some of the common tropical fruit.

Later in the evening, Khalid will offer his next tale. It is one that he learned in the Steaming Isles, another chain of islands in the Crowed Sea. It’s called the “The Children of Nog”.

“Let the man who knows his fate call me a liar; otherwise listen to the tale that I have for you. In the long ago and in the far away before men knew what we know now there were the great lands of Nog and Kadar. They were mighty, but they were also evil, for they had heard and rejected the Law. The gods were sorrowed when they saw this, for the people of these lands were once their children.

“We must punish these wicked folk who have turned their backs upon us,” argued some of the gods, for their anger was great.

“These are our children, for did we not plant their seed here?” spoke the others. “Since when does the Law allow the father to slay his child? Let us send them a warning so that they can return once more to our household.”

Thus it was agreed, and a minor power assumed the disguise of mortal flesh. In this way, he traveled from city to city, warning the foolish of Nog and Kadar that the gods were angry with them, but the people ridiculed him and cast stones his way.

With this, the gods could abide no more. The greater powers again debated. “How can we slay our blood? It this not against the Law?” Finally, the wisest of them said, “Let us appoint the Lords of the Four Quarters to be our generals that they may carry out our will.” The other powers heard of this with favor and so it was agreed.

So did the gods say unto their kin, the genies, “Go you now into the land of men and punish them for forgetting us.” Thus the genies were released into the world and the great Nog and Kadar were humbled.

But not everyone was punished, for one of their own walked among the unbelievers. “Take your followers and flee,” the power warned, “for this land must be cleansed.” So heeding the warning of his brothers, the minor power took his followers (for Fate had not been unkind to him) and boarded ships to cross the sea, loading their holds with marvelous treasures. Never again were these ships seen, but it said that the children of their children still reign, supported in great luxury, somewhere in the Crowded Sea on an island hidden by the gods from the eyes of men.

That evening the Wanderer flies the last leg of the journey to Kaff. A safe looking lagoon is spotted and the Wanderer comes to rest there. The town of Kaff is close by, if you wish to move closer to dock. A small fortress is noted higher up in the hills, overlooking the lagoon.


Now what?

Yusef:

Before going to bed in the morning, Yusef takes a trip onto one of the islands in search of food. Though he fails to bag any animals worth eating, he does return with some exotic fruit from the trees that blanket the island. If nothing else, it should add some more variety to their diet.

That evening, Khalid shares with them a wondrous tale. Yusef listens closely to the story and dreams of strange people and places that may yet not be so very far away. When the tale ends, Yusef thanks Khalid. "Thank you for sharing that story, Khalid! I truly enjoyed hearing of these strange people and the gods' handling of them. Mayhap one day their descendents will return."

Late that evening, they fly the last leg of the trip to Kaff. Setting down not long before sunrise, they land in a sheltered lagoon. Looking out across the lagoon to the town, Yusef shouts up to the Rat's nest. "Cap'n Rat! What see you? Does anything bar our passage to the town?"

If not, Yusef will proceed to sail in and dock.

Post Continued:

The Wanderer has set down near the port of Kaff in the islands known as the Djinni’s Claws.

Yusef wrote:Looking out across the lagoon to the town, Yusef shouts up to the Rat's nest. "Cap'n Rat! What see you? Does anything bar our passage to the town?"

“It looks clear to me,” Rat will call back down from the Rat’s Nest.

At Yusef’s urging, the Wanderer moves closer and slips up beside an open dock. There are a couple of old and leaking ships in port a few docks down. A few crewmen are spotted in the distance, but most disappear below decks as the sun begins to come up.

The port of Kaff itself is quiet in the pre-dawn hours. No one seems to be out in the streets. But as the morning comes a few folks emerge to begin their day. Most are lightly dressed, while a few are seen completely concealed in heavy robes moving away from the town.


What do you wish to do in Kaff?

Yusef:

Rat wrote:“It looks clear to me,” Rat will call back down from the Rat’s Nest.

"Prepare for docking!" Yusef calls out as he guides the ship in toward the dock. The few ships here look old and battered, even to Yusef's untrained eye. Perhaps there won't be much of interest here, as there may be little trade traffic.

Since there's no one really about when they first dock, Yusef figures they should wait a while before going ashore. Only when people start to emerge and move about does he proceed to leave the ship. "Haji, you're in charge of the ship while I'm ashore." Yusef will leave it up to Rat and Khalid whether they want to stay with the ship or join him ashore.

Yusef will begin to move about the town, looking for any supplies they might have use for that Sams Bandar wasn't able to supply them with. He also just wants to experience the town and get a feel for life in these islands, so he will nose about for most of the day.

Post Continued:

The Wanderer has docked at Kaff. The town is much larger than Sams Bandar, perhaps almost five times bigger. It is eerily quiet in the pre-dawn hours, but once Celestian has risen so do the people. They emerge from their homes and go about their daily lives. Fishing boats depart to try their luck on the seas. Merchants and street vendors ply their wares.

Both Rat and Khalid will accompany Yusef on shore.

Unlike Sams Bandar, there are facilities to repair ships here. Provisions can be easily had by bartering some of the goods you have. (Provided you want to do so, of course.) The goods that are available here are not really all that different from Sams Bandar. There are just more quantities which leads to some items having better quality than others.

The folks are friendly for the most part. However, they don’t say much about the ships in the harbor. Likewise any talk about the fortress higher up in the hills is politely sidestepped.

The day will pass pleasantly enough. As the sun starts to set, the number of people on the streets will thin out once more. Passersby will warn you that you don’t want to be out at night.


Now what?

Yusef:

Yusef leads Rat and Khalid into the town. It is fair sized, if not really large. Having lived in Elcadan, this town is still small in comparison. Yusef spends the better part of the day wandering about looking at the people, the town and the merchandise and chatting with people. He isn't particularly shopping, though if he finds something of particular quality, he has a few things with him that he can trade with. Mostly, he's just interested in learning about and experiencing the town in the manner encouraged by his patron.

After a while, Yusef begins to notice a pattern; no matter how subtle or direct his questions, he cannot learn anything significant about the fortress, or the ships, either. Additionally, warnings about being out at night cause him some degree of consternation. Yusef finds this whole situation very curious and decides to look into it.

Retreating back to the ship as soon as the crowds start to dissipate, Yusef addresses the others. "I don't know if either of you noticed," Yusef says to Rat and Khalid, "but it seemed like people were very hedgy towards any talk about the fortress or the other ships. Did either of you pick up anything? I'm pretty curious about what is going on, and I'm inclined to pay a visit to one or more of the other ships this evening. Any thoughts? Did you note anything of interest while we were out, Haji?"

Post Continued:

After a day of exploring Kaff, the crew returns to the Wanderer.

Yusef wrote:Retreating back to the ship as soon as the crowds start to dissipate, Yusef addresses the others. "I don't know if either of you noticed," Yusef says to Rat and Khalid, "but it seemed like people were very hedgy towards any talk about the fortress or the other ships. Did either of you pick up anything? I'm pretty curious about what is going on, and I'm inclined to pay a visit to one or more of the other ships this evening. Any thoughts? Did you note anything of interest while we were out, Haji?"

“I noticed it as well,” Khalid states. “Most curious. I can only assume that they are fearful of the pirates that are known to infest these waters. I made arrangements to meet a certain young lady I met this afternoon this evening. Perhaps I can learn more from her.”

“The only thing I noticed was the smell that came from those other ships,” Rat says, wrinkling his face in displeasure. “It was the smell of death.”

Haji adds that he found it strange that there was no activity on those ships at all during the day. “In fact, no one even approached them. You wound think that given the poor condition of those ships they would at least have been doing maintenance.”


Before any further discussion can take place, you note a pair of women approaching the Wanderer. The leader is a physically stunning half-elf with long brown hair and matching eyes. Her features are nearly flawless. The lady wears a sea green silk garment with matching slippers. She is adorned with numerous pieces of jewelry, including anklets, bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings. A jeweled scabbard holding a shortsword hangs from the woman’s waist. The woman’s jewelry jingles as she walks. Her face is exposed.

Trailing behind the half-elf is another woman of similar size. A heavy white hooded robe covers her body and a veil conceals most of her face. Only her blue eyes can be seen, although you can briefly see her bare feet as she walks. The second woman is clearly subordinate to the first woman, given her behavior. She remains silent.

“Welcome, most honorable and noble and handsome travelers,” the half-elfin woman loudly states. “My honored father has sent me to invite you all to our estate for an evening of good food, good drink, and good conversation. Please do accept the invitiation, as it can be most dangerous during the night.”


Now what?

Yusef:

Khalid wrote:“I noticed it as well,” Khalid states. “Most curious. I can only assume that they are fearful of the pirates that are known to infest these waters. I made arrangements to meet a certain young lady I met this afternoon this evening. Perhaps I can learn more from her.”

Yusef smiles. "Perhaps you can. Still, be careful, as there is something strange going on here."

“The only thing I noticed was the smell that came from those other ships,” Rat says, wrinkling his face in displeasure. “It was the smell of death.”

Haji adds that he found it strange that there was no activity on those ships at all during the day. “In fact, no one even approached them. You would think that given the poor condition of those ships they would at least have been doing maintenance.”

"Death. I like not the sound of that," Yusef says. Perhaps they are slave ships - or something more sinister...

Just then, a pair of women approach and make themselves known. Yusef's eyes are immediately drawn to the beautiful half-elf. It is all he can do to maintain his composure and not make a fool of himself. He notes the second woman and her posture, wondering if she is a servant or slave.

Half-elfen Woman wrote:“Welcome, most honorable and noble and handsome travelers,” the half-elfin woman loudly states. “My honored father has sent me to invite you all to our estate for an evening of good food, good drink, and good conversation. Please do accept the invitiation, as it can be most dangerous during the night.”

Yusef gives a sweeping bow, welcoming them aboard his ship. "Noble lady, we would be honored to accept such a gracious invitation. Perhaps your father will consent to answer some of the questions we have."

Turning, Yusef looks at his friends. "I believe we should all go. Any thoughts?"
_________________________________________________________________________
If Khalid is set on visiting the young woman, Yusef will acceed and urge him to do as the locals do and stay indoors until morning, then meet them at the ship. Once any questions have been resolved and they have debarked the ship, Yusef will command it to sail out into the middle of the harbor and then rise well up into the sky. That way, it should be reasonably safe from pirates and anyone else.

Post Continued:

After spending the day in Kaff, the crew of the Wanderer returns to their vessel.

Yusef wrote:"Death. I like not the sound of that," Yusef says. “Perhaps they are slave ships - or something more sinister...”

“One way to find out!” Rat will say. “I’ll just go take a look...”

Yusef wrote:Yusef gives a sweeping bow, welcoming them aboard his ship. "Noble lady, we would be honored to accept such a gracious invitation. Perhaps your father will consent to answer some of the questions we have."

“I am sure that my father will answer all your questions to the best of his ability, good sir.”

Yusef wrote:Turning, Yusef looks at his friends. "I believe we should all go. Any thoughts?"

No one disagrees, and so you’re all off.

The half-elf lady will put her arm in Yusef’s arm as you walk along. The trail leads you to the fortress outside and above the town.

“I am Melisende”, she’ll say. “Father and I hailed from Hudid of the Pantheons before we came here. It was a long time ago and I really don’t remember much about this. Kaff has been my home.”

“And what of you, my handsome new friend? Who are you and where do you come from?”

Melisende makes no attempt to introduce her silent companion.

Now what?

Yusef:

Rat wrote:“One way to find out!” Rat will say. “I’ll just go take a look...”

"Hold up a moment, Master Finder," Yusef says just as the women arrive and announce their presence.

Melisende wrote:“I am sure that my father will answer all your questions to the best of his ability, good sir.”

"I look forward to meeting him," Yusef says with a smile.

Melisende wrote:“I am Melisende”, she’ll say. “Father and I hailed from Hudid of the Pantheons before we came here. It was a long time ago and I really don’t remember much about this. Kaff has been my home.”

“And what of you, my handsome new friend? Who are you and where do you come from?”

"My name is Yusef, and I was born in Cynalon, though my home is Jazirat al-Qraidis. My companions are Master Finder Rat, a friend whom I've travelled with off and on; Khalid, a teller of stories; and Haji, a corsair from my homeland.

"I am not familiar with this Hudid of the Pantheons. Would you tell me of this place? And who is your companion?" Yusef asks, gesturing to the quiet woman.

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Personally, I don't trust these women at all, but Yusef is kind of naive...

Post Continued:

[quote='Rat"]"Hold up a moment, Master Finder," Yusef says just as the women arrive and announce their presence.[/quote]

“But, but,” Rat sputters. “Just a quick look and we’ll know for sure!”

Yusef wrote:"My name is Yusef, and I was born in Cynalon, though my home is Jazirat al-Qraidis. My companions are Master Finder Rat, a friend whom I've travelled with off and on; Khalid, a teller of stories; and Haji, a corsair from my homeland.”

“Welcome all”, Melisende states.

“You are a story teller?” She’ll say to Khalid. “How grand! It’s been a long time since I’ve heard a good story.”

Yusef wrote:"I am not familiar with this Hudid of the Pantheons. Would you tell me of this place? And who is your companion?" Yusef asks, gesturing to the quiet woman.

“I know very little of the place myself,” Melisende answers. “I was little more than a baby when we left.”

“The Pantheons is a region encompassing six cities that all follow a very strict moral code,” Khalid speaks up. “Pantheonists only recognize five gods. All citizens are heavily clothed, so as to not temp the other gender. The women are all dressed like our silent friend here, but in Hudid even her eyes would be obscured.”

“Hudid is known as the City of Humility. It is said to be among the more tolerant of the Pantheon cities. I believe the current caliph is a woman.”

“You have been to Hudid before?” Melisende will ask.

“Not personally, good lady”, Khalid answers. “In my profession you hear many stories.”


When pressed about the identity of the heavily covered woman, Melisende will matter of factually state that, “That is our house slave Shajar.”


Once out of Kaff, the group quickly moves through the darkening jungle. Your destination is the fortress spotted earlier. It is a fine walled compound of polished stone set in the depths of the jungle. The building is resplendent of wealth and magical power.

As you enter no guards or servants are spotted. However, trays carrying food are spotted, but you cannot see anyone carrying them!

Melisende will explain that the servants are her father’s creation. They tend to their every need and are invisible. The only beings living here are Melisende, her father and Shajar.

As you move through the fortress you cannot help but notice curious items from other lands and other cultures. There is statuary, furniture and other small knick-knacks hailing from other distant lands. There are some from Cynalon as well.

Melisende leads you to the garden where the evening’s repast has been set out. Melisende’s father and master of this fortress is there to greet you. He is Alim Baybars, a full-blooded elf of very advanced years. Given that he is an elf and his appearance, you have no doubt that he is many centuries old. It is clear that his old body is wracked by pain by the way he moves.

Alim Baybars greets everyone warmly and comes across as a polite and gracious host.

“Please, sit and enjoy our food,” Alim will say. “I am anxious to hear news of the outside world. We hear very little down here in Kaff.”

The meal consists of small birds stewed with coconut, exotic fruits, and palm wine. Shajar will act as the server and does not eat herself. Both Alim and Melisende will eat lightly.

Rat seems rather put off by the meal, but will try it and eat a little bit not to seem rude. Khalid and Haji will eat normally.

At the end of the meal and as the conversation dies down, Alim will offer salt to Yusef.

GM Notes:

Alim is offering Yusef the Bond of Salt. You might want to refer to the write up on it in the Arabian Adventures book. I believe it was part of the allowed reading we talked about before. In short if you accept you’ll be Alim’s guest for 3 days and he will allow no harm to come to you. Likewise, you cannot do any harm to Alim during this time as well. As per the custom, you are to leave first thing the morning after the third day. The book goes into greater detail.

Now what?

Yusef:

Rat wrote:“But, but,” Rat sputters. “Just a quick look and we’ll know for sure!”

"All in good time, my friend," Yusef says. "Besides, we have guests and mustn't be rude."

Yusef listens as Khalid fills them in on this city of Hudid. It sounds a strange place indeed. If it is truly among the more tolerant cities, Yusef can hardly fathom what the others must be like.

Melisende wrote:When pressed about the identity of the heavily covered woman, Melisende will matter of factually state that, “That is our house slave Shajar.”

"Slave." Yusef says icily. "I have been one myself, and that word does not rest comfortably in my ear."

"Welcome, Shajar," he says, turning to the other woman. "I am pleased to meet you."


They leave the ship and pass through the jungle. It is quickly apparent that their destination is the fortress on the hill. As they draw near, Yusef can sense that the building reeks of magic and wealth. Whoever lives here is powerful indeed.

Once inside, the image of wealth doesn't fade. There are items from all over the world, many of them expensive and rare even where they originate. The invisible magic servants indicate the magical power available to the owner, whom they soon meet.

Entering the garden, they finally encounter their host: Alim Baybars, an elf of advanced years.

Alim wrote:“Please, sit and enjoy our food,” Alim will say. “I am anxious to hear news of the outside world. We hear very little down here in Kaff.”

"Thank you," Yusef replies, sitting with the others. The food is good, but Yusef is unsure of the situation here so he eats lightly. "We are only just beginning our travels, but you may be interested to know that the king of Cynalon has stepped down and his son has stepped up to take his place."

Once they have chatted a while, Yusef moves to the less delicate questions. "I don't mean to be rude, but the people of Kaff seem very concerned by your presence and quite fearful. Could you help us to understand what transpires in this town and why the people are so afraid?"
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Based on what you said, the offer of salt won't come until the end of the discussion, and I figure that will take a while. Yusef's response may depend greatly on what he hears.

BTW, I haven't really done much of that reading, and don't know if I have a copy of Arabian Adventures. Is it considered and insult to refuse the offer of salt?

Post Continued:

Yusef wrote:"Slave." Yusef says icily. "I have been one myself, and that word does not rest comfortably in my ear."

“It is a common practice in Zakhara,” Khalid states diplomatically.

“You must have had a kind master to have been released,” Melisende adds with a sly smile. “I don’t think I would have made that choice with such a pretty slave.”

Yusef wrote:"Welcome, Shajar," he says, turning to the other woman. "I am pleased to meet you."

Shajar will bow in response, and doing so Yusef can’t help but notice her blue eyes. A fire burns within them and a strength of will that few others possess. There is also sadness in those lovely blue orbs.


Upon reaching the fortress and after a small tour, the group settles down for the evening meal with the master, an old elf by the name of Alim Baybars.

Yusef wrote:"Thank you," Yusef replies, sitting with the others. The food is good, but Yusef is unsure of the situation here so he eats lightly. "We are only just beginning our travels, but you may be interested to know that the king of Cynalon has stepped down and his son has stepped up to take his place."

“So soon?” Alim answers. “Let me think? I was there a three or four hundred years ago. Or was it five? I remember a small kingdom being carved out of the wilderness. It wasn’t very civilized.”

Yusef wrote:Once they have chatted a while, Yusef moves to the less delicate questions. "I don't mean to be rude, but the people of Kaff seem very concerned by your presence and quite fearful. Could you help us to understand what transpires in this town and why the people are so afraid?"

“People are fearful of what they don’t understand,” Alim counters. “My daughter and I are different from them, so they fear us in spite of my attempts to earn their trust. They think that we are responsible for the pirates that plague these islands. As you can see from my home, there are no pirates here.”

“The Pirates of Kaff,” Melisende speaks up, “are creatures known as ghouls and ghasts. They do not sail the seas for treasure, but for warm bodies to sustain themselves. The pirates hide in the jungle during the day and then come out at night.”

“My daughter speaks truthfully,” Alim continues. “Night as fallen and it is too dangerous for you to venture outside these walls. Please accept my hospitality as my guest.”

Alim will clap his hands, summoning Shajar. “Shajar, prepare a chamber for our guests. They will be staying with us for a few days.

Shajar bows silently, turns, and then moves off to carry out her task.

GM Notes:

Based on what you said, the offer of salt won't come until the end of the discussion, and I figure that will take a while. Yusef's response may depend greatly on what he hears.

BTW, I haven't really done much of that reading, and don't know if I have a copy of Arabian Adventures. Is it considered and insult to refuse the offer of salt?

I sent a link to a page that very nicely sums up what the book says in a mail to Kylie. It doesn’t come right out and say that refusing is an insult, but given how big this area is on hospitality, it does seem like it would be considered an insult.

Now what?

Yusef:

Melisande wrote:“You must have had a kind master to have been released,” Melisende adds with a sly smile. “I don’t think I would have made that choice with such a pretty slave.”

"Not exactly," Yusef replies. "I escaped."

Yusef gazes into Shajar's eyes for but a moment as she bows, and finds there a woman of strength and beauty. Mayhap he will get an opportunity to speak with her later.

Alim wrote:“So soon?” Alim answers. “Let me think? I was there a three or four hundred years ago. Or was it five? I remember a small kingdom being carved out of the wilderness. It wasn’t very civilized.”

Yusef chuckles. "It still isn't, but that is the only real news I bear. If you have questions, we could try to answer them..."

Alim wrote:“People are fearful of what they don’t understand,” Alim counters. “My daughter and I are different from them, so they fear us in spite of my attempts to earn their trust. They think that we are responsible for the pirates that plague these islands. As you can see from my home, there are no pirates here.”

Yusef nods, though it occurs to him that he probably hasn't seen anywhere near all of this elf's home. Still, he won't contradict the man to his face.

Melisande wrote:“The Pirates of Kaff,” Melisende speaks up, “are creatures known as ghouls and ghasts. They do not sail the seas for treasure, but for warm bodies to sustain themselves. The pirates hide in the jungle during the day and then come out at night.”

"Hmm..." Yusef murmurs. "What then can you tell me of those ships at the docks? They look terrible and smell even worse. If these pirates spend their time in the jungle, who or what is on those ships?"

Alim wrote:“My daughter speaks truthfully,” Alim continues. “Night as fallen and it is too dangerous for you to venture outside these walls. Please accept my hospitality as my guest.”

Alim will clap his hands, summoning Shajar. “Shajar, prepare a chamber for our guests. They will be staying with us for a few days.

"As you wish, Master Alim," Yusef says. "We accept your hospitality. Perhaps we should hunt some pirates in the morning, eh?" Yusef glances around at his companions to see if any of them are similarly inclined.

Post Continued:

Yusef wrote:"Not exactly," Yusef replies. "I escaped."

“It is a foolish master who mistreats his slaves so that they wish to escape,” Melisende responds. “Such a master does not deserve to have slaves.”

Yusef wrote:Yusef chuckles. "It still isn't, but that is the only real news I bear. If you have questions, we could try to answer them..."

“No questions,” Alim states. “I wasn’t particularly impressed with the area. There are other, far more interesting places in the world.”

Yusef wrote:"Hmm..." Yusef murmurs. "What then can you tell me of those ships at the docks? They look terrible and smell even worse. If these pirates spend their time in the jungle, who or what is on those ships?"

“More of their kind,” Melisende answers. “Some stay on the ships, others in the jungle. Who can comprehend just how the mind of undead monsters work?”

Yusef wrote:"As you wish, Master Alim," Yusef says. "We accept your hospitality. Perhaps we should hunt some pirates in the morning, eh?" Yusef glances around at his companions to see if any of them are similarly inclined.

The crew doesn’t seem that eager to tangle with undead, but will do so if you desire.

“I am pleased,” Alim says. “A pleasant evening to you, gentlemen. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

As Alim departs for the evening, Melisende will escort you to the guest room. It is a large room with open windows to let in the evening breeze. Several sleeping mats are arranged on the floor. A pitcher of water sits on a table, along with a bowl filled with tropical fruits. The chamber, like most of the rooms in the fortress, does not have a door to it. A curtain is used for privacy.

Shajar is at the door; her head down waiting for you to arrive. As Yusef passes her, he could have sworn that Shajar whispered something in a voice as loud as she dared.

“They are evil,” Shajar whispers. “Do not trust them.”

“You are dismissed, Shajar,” Melisende says to the house slave. You cannot be sure if the half-elf heard what was said or not. “I want the kitchen cleaned to perfection. Spend all night on the task if you must.”

Shajar bows her understanding and moves off to carry out her task.

Turning back to her guests, Melisende adds, “I am sure that you will find this most comfortable. A pleasant evening to you.”

As she moves past Yusef, Melisende will stop and say in a low voice, “Will you join me in the garden in a hour, my handsome guest? There is much we should discuss.”


Now what?

Yusef:

Melisande wrote:“It is a foolish master who mistreats his slaves so that they wish to escape,” Melisende responds. “Such a master does not deserve to have slaves.”

Yusef nods but holds his tongue. Despite the attempt at pretty words, it is clear that the woman doesn't understand the difference between lack of mistreatment and true freedom.

Alim wrote:“No questions,” Alim states. “I wasn’t particularly impressed with the area. There are other, far more interesting places in the world.”

"I would love to hear more," Yusef says. "It is my mission in life to explore and see all the fascinating things this world has to offer. Any guidance in that direction would be greatly appreciated."

Melisande wrote:“More of their kind,” Melisende answers. “Some stay on the ships, others in the jungle. Who can comprehend just how the mind of undead monsters work?”

"Two groups of them then. Must be quite a few in all." Yusef grimaces at the thought of so many of these abominations.

Alim wrote:“I am pleased,” Alim says. “A pleasant evening to you, gentlemen. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

"And to you, Master Alim. Thank you for your gracious hospitality."

They are led to a large room where they are to spend the night. It appears more than sufficient to accomodate them all and is well appointed, including even fruit for a snack.

Shajar wrote:“They are evil,” Shajar whispers. “Do not trust them.”

One thing Yusef learned in his time in his father's house was how to communicate subtly. He catches Shajar's eye for just a second and gives just the smallest nod to indicate his understanding.

Ordered off to work, Shajar begins to leave. Yusef bows to her, saying, "Thank you for preparing our room."

Melisande wrote:As she moves past Yusef, Melisende will stop and say in a low voice, “Will you join me in the garden in a hour, my handsome guest? There is much we should discuss.”

"I could not refuse so beautiful a hostess," he replies with a smile and a bow.

Once she has left, he will have a piece of fruit and set about preparing for bed, making idle conversation with the others. After about half an hour, he will step out into the hall and look in both directions to check for anyone spying on them. He gestures to Rat to check the window at the same time.

Post Continued:

The repast with the master of the fortress overlooking Kaff continues.

Yusef wrote:"I would love to hear more," Yusef says. "It is my mission in life to explore and see all the fascinating things this world has to offer. Any guidance in that direction would be greatly appreciated."

“The world is a wide and wondrous place,” Alim will say. “There is much beauty and much terror as well. There are many different cultures and many different peoples.”

“At the head of the list is mighty Alphatia, a nation forged by magic. To take a walk in their capital is to see wonders that you will not see anywhere else. They are constantly harassed by the armies of the Thyatians, an empire forged by the escaped slaves of the Alphatians.”

“Further to the east of the Thyatian lands are the Steppes of Jen, where a nomadic culture centered around horses has arisen. Even Brun here has much to offer. Between the Lands of Enlightenment and uncivilized Cynalon lie the remains of Hule, a land on the decline due to wars. They are more like Zakhara than Cynalon, but truly unlike either place. Further north is the foul land of the Witch-King Zhengyi, a place you would be wise to avoid. A new land is rising on the north-eastern coast, land carved from the wilderness called Norwold.”

“Last, but not least is the dark continent of Davina. Cultures and beings unlike any other in the world live here. The most dangerous is the nation of Celestia where magic itself is outlawed and the ruling family has strange and dangerous powers. There is the fabled Shadowlands, created by a giant floating island that hovers miles overhead. It is said that creatures the favor the darkness live underneath the island on the surface. Then there are more primitive cultures of the Savages, places where people live in a simpler style untouched by civilization.”

“That just scratches the surface for any would be explorer.” Alim concludes. “There is much to be found by those who would seek it.”

Yusef wrote:"Two groups of them then. Must be quite a few in all." Yusef grimaces at the thought of so many of these abominations.

“It is said that those slain by these monsters will rise to become one,” Melisende offers. “Or so I have heard. From a few will come many.”

Yusef wrote:"I could not refuse so beautiful a hostess," he replies with a smile and a bow.

Once she has left, he will have a piece of fruit and set about preparing for bed, making idle conversation with the others. After about half an hour, he will step out into the hall and look in both directions to check for anyone spying on them. He gestures to Rat to check the window at the same time.

The area seems to be clear. No guards or beings spying on you.


Now what?

Yusef:

Yusef listens as Alim talks about strange and distant lands. It is hard for Yusef to even visualize such places, as they are so far beyond his limited experience. Clearly, there is much for him to see and do in the world. "Thank you, master Alim," Yusef says after his host finishes speaking. "Hopefully one day I will get to visit some of those places."

Melisande wrote:“It is said that those slain by these monsters will rise to become one,” Melisende offers. “Or so I have heard. From a few will come many.”

Yusef takes on a grim countenance at this news. "That is dire news indeed, Melisande. All the more reason that something must be done."

Later, in their room after their hosts leave, Yusef and Rat check the hall and window for spies. All appears to be clear. Yusef gestures for his companions to gather around, then addresses them softly. "Something is not right here and we need to be on guard every moment. We will take turns on watch throughout the night. In a little while, I will leave to talk with Melisande in the garden at her invitation. I suspect it may be a trap of some kind, though whether for you or for me, I don't know. Rat, I'd like you to take the first watch, as I doubt many could get past you when you're alert. Any questions?"

Post Continued:

“Someone get passed me on guard duty?” Rat retorts. “Why such a thing is unthinkable! None will get passed my eagle eye gaze when I’m on duty!”


Yusef slips away from the guest quarters and makes his way back to the garden. It’s much darker there this time, as most of the lights have been extinguished. Looking around, the garden seems to be deserted.

The delicate jingling of jewelry reaches Yusef’s ears. A moment later, Melisende sweeps into the garden. Her attire has changed considerably. She wears a soft pink diaphanous garment with matching soft pink undergarments. The look is both stunning and suggestive. Rushing forwards, Melisende throws herself into Yusef’s arms and passionately kisses him fully on the mouth.

“Thank the fates that you came into my life,” Melisende gratefully whispers into Yusef’s ear. “You are not safe here, neither am I for that matter. My father is a very dangerous and vile man. He is a necromancer and those beings now called the Pirates of Kaff were his creations originally. He lost control of them and now they plague the area like a scourge.”

“That is why we have been exiled to this gods forsaken island! He wanted privacy to continue his dark experiments. You and your friends are next on his list! But maybe, just maybe if we work together we might we can defeat my father and free all of us from his tyranny.”

“Will you join with me to fight this evil?” Melisende finishes with a hopeful look.


Now what?

Yusef:

Assured that Rat has things well in hand, Yusef heads off for his rendevous with the beautiful lady of the house. Reaching the garden, it appears deserted. However, he has not long to wait as Melisande appears soon, dressed to entice. Considering the decadent nature of Yusef's patriarchal family, such things are nothing mild compared to what he has seen in the past. Still, she is an extraordinarily beautiful woman, and when she throws herself into his arms, he cannot resist becoming aroused. For a moment, he gives in to passion, but the words of the slave woman, Shajar, return to him and Yusef represses those feelings with hard thoughts of the very real danger this woman represents.

Melisande wrote:“Thank the fates that you came into my life,” Melisende gratefully whispers into Yusef’s ear. “You are not safe here, neither am I for that matter. My father is a very dangerous and vile man. He is a necromancer and those beings now called the Pirates of Kaff were his creations originally. He lost control of them and now they plague the area like a scourge.”

“That is why we have been exiled to this gods forsaken island! He wanted privacy to continue his dark experiments. You and your friends are next on his list! But maybe, just maybe if we work together we might we can defeat my father and free all of us from his tyranny.”

“Will you join with me to fight this evil?” Melisende finishes with a hopeful look.

Yusef listens to Melisande's story. If what she says is true, her father is truly dangerous. However, he cannot help but wonder if she simply seeks to use him to supplant her father. That would be no better a result.

"I will certainly do all I can to rid this island of the danger that infests it, wherever it comes from. However, I have accepted your father's hospitality and will not fight him directly until that hospitality ends. Nevertheless, these creatures must be destroyed as the first step in freeing these islands, and that is a task we shall start on come morning. Will you be coming to assist in the effort?"

Post Continued:

Yusef wrote:"I will certainly do all I can to rid this island of the danger that infests it, wherever it comes from. However, I have accepted your father's hospitality and will not fight him directly until that hospitality ends. Nevertheless, these creatures must be destroyed as the first step in freeing these islands, and that is a task we shall start on come morning. Will you be coming to assist in the effort?"

“Father believes the same as you do,” Melisende answers. “Likewise, he will not break the Bond of Salt. And I am tasked to keep an eye on you, so yes I can come along to assist. You’ll find that I am not without means.”

“But that is a matter for tomorrow. Tonight remains and I think we should consummate our partnership. I have some delightful wine in my quarters just waiting to be had. Will you join me?”

Yusef:

Yusef nods, pleased that Melisande will join them. Of course, this also means that they can keep an eye on her...

Melisande wrote:“But that is a matter for tomorrow. Tonight remains and I think we should consummate our partnership. I have some delightful wine in my quarters just waiting to be had. Will you join me?”

Yusef pauses for a moment, only somewhat surprised by the invitation. "That is a most tempting offer, my beautiful Melisande. However, I think it best if we keep things discreet for now; it might prove dangerous if your father were to learn of our partnership. Once his plan is defeated, then we can... celebrate." A slow smile crosses Yusef's face.

Post Continued:

Yusef wrote:Yusef pauses for a moment, only somewhat surprised by the invitation. "That is a most tempting offer, my beautiful Melisende. However, I think it best if we keep things discreet for now; it might prove dangerous if your father were to learn of our partnership. Once his plan is defeated, then we can... celebrate." A slow smile crosses Yusef's face.

“There is wisdom to your words,” Melisende will reluctantly agree. “Until tomorrow them.”

With that, Melisende will steal one more kiss and then sweep out of the garden, much like she entered, leaving Yusef alone.

Now what?

Yusef:

Yusef accepts with final kiss with some relish, then watches Melisande depart. He considers exploring the grounds a bit, but chooses instead to return to check on his companions. If they are okay, he may consider exploring further.
_________________________________________________________________
It seems I lost track of whose turn it was to post. I blame it on being sick.

Post Continued:

After meeting with Melisende, Yusef returns to the guest quarters without incident. His companions are there sleeping, including Rat who was supposed to be on guard. All is quiet.

Now what?

Yusef:

Returning to their quarters, Yusef is disappointed to find Rat snoring like a nest full of bees. Better let him sleep, he thinks to himself. Instead, Yusef takes the first watch himself, and wakes Haji when it is time for the next watch.

"Wake Khalid in a few hours to take over. I'm gonna get a little rest."

Post Continued:

The night at the fort passes without incident. Next morning, you are summoned for a pleasant breakfast consistently mostly of fruits, nuts, fresh bread, and honey. Afterwards, the planned trek into town is put into motion.

Melisende greets you at the front gate when you are ready to depart. Her style of dress is more geared towards action this day. She wears a pair of leather pants that lace up the sides of the legs for a snug fit and matching top. She wears soft leather boots instead of slippers this day. Metallic bracers are upon her wrists and she carries a shortsword with her and only minimal jewelry.

Shajar is present as well wearing her white robe that completely covers her.

“A fine day for a hunt, don’t you think?” Melisende says mischievously as you approach. “Where shall we begin?”


Now what?

Yusef:

Rising early the next morning, Yusef spends some time praying, meditating and stretching. Soon, they are summoned to a delicious breakfast; Yusef partakes with restraint, not wanting to overfill himself before what promises to be an active day.

When everyone is fed and ready, they proceed to the front gate. There, they are met by Melisande and Shajar - though Yusef is a bit surprised by Shajar's presence, she doesn't mention it.

"A pleasure to see you both," Yusef says, bowing to each of the women in turn.

Melisande wrote:“A fine day for a hunt, don’t you think?” Melisende says mischievously as you approach. “Where shall we begin?”

"Indeed," Yusef replies, glancing up at the sky. "Hmm... Are there likely to be any living people aboard those ships, or just the undead?"
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I will probably post a revised spell list once I get a chance to review his options.

Post Continued:

"Indeed," Yusef replies, glancing up at the sky. "Hmm... Are there likely to be any living people aboard those ships, or just the undead?"

“I wouldn’t count on anyone being alive on those ships,” Melisende will simply say. “I can set them ablaze if you wish. Fire magic is one of my specialties.”

“That might be dangerous,” Khalid will advise. “Older ships like those can be waterlogged, meaning that they may not burn well if at all. Plus there is the danger of the fire spreading to the dock and into the town.”

“Cut the lines holding it to the dock, let it drift out, and then burn it,” Melisende counters in annoyance. “We then pick off the stragglers. It seems simple enough to me.”

Now what?

Yusef:

Melisande wrote:“I wouldn’t count on anyone being alive on those ships,” Melisende will simply say. “I can set them ablaze if you wish. Fire magic is one of my specialties.”

"That is good to know," Yusef replies. "Thank you."

Yusef listens to Khalid's and Melisande's competing ideas, then pauses for a moment to consider. "You both bring up good points. I do think that burning the ships is a good approach, but I was planning to do a bit more to help them burn. We have most of the day available to us, so my thought is to scour the town and buy up as much lamp oil and other flammable materials as possible. Then, we load up the ships with as much of that stuff as we can and drag them out into the harbor with our ship. Once they are well away from the dock, then Melisande can do the honors with her magic.

"Any thoughts on this approach?"
_________________________________________________________________________
One question (it may have been answered before, but if so I've forgotten): Exactly how many of these ghoul ships are there?

GM Notes:

There are two ghoul pirate ships in port. I should also note that while the ghouls tend to operate at night, they are not harmed in anyway by daylight.

Post Continued:

Yusef wrote:Yusef listens to Khalid's and Melisende’s competing ideas, then pauses for a moment to consider. "You both bring up good points. I do think that burning the ships is a good approach, but I was planning to do a bit more to help them burn. We have most of the day available to us, so my thought is to scour the town and buy up as much lamp oil and other flammable materials as possible. Then, we load up the ships with as much of that stuff as we can and drag them out into the harbor with our ship. Once they are well away from the dock, then Melisende can do the honors with her magic.

"Any thoughts on this approach?"

“The only problem I can see,” Haji chimes in, “is that old ships like that are noisy. The planks are worn and loose. Moving quietly on such a ship is nearly impossible. Unless the crew is asleep, they are going to notice something happening. If you are on a ship long enough, you become accustom to the environment and will notice when it changes suddenly. Be it someone up on deck or the ship drifting on the water. Once you start this operation, you will not have much time until it is discovered. Especially since there are two ships to deal with.”

“Assuming that ghouls even need to sleep,” Melisende adds.

“Bah! A few loose timbers aren’t going to make noise under my feet!” Rat boasts.

“Are you not a priest of some sorts, Yusef?” Khalid questions. “Can you not repel undead?”


GM Notes:

Lamp oil is plentiful in Kaff and is fairly inexpensive. After some haggling you can get a flask for a mere 5 cp.

Now what?

Yusef:

Haji points out the difficulties with moving about on the deck of such a ship. It will be risky, but so will any plan.

"You're right that we'll have to work fast and do our best to be very quiet to maximise what time we do have. Rat and I are both pretty skilled at being quiet, so we'll be the ones to go aboard, with the rest of you as backup. We'll may need to do one ship at a time, so we'll have to hope that those on the second ship don't realize what's going on with the first.

"I know this is a risky plan, but I cannot think of any better or safer way to do it."

“Are you not a priest of some sorts, Yusef?” Khalid questions. “Can you not repel undead?”

"I am, Khalid, but my order of warrior-monks were not trained in that discipline. Our bodies are our weapons." Yusef shrugs. "That would make it easier, though."

Yusef will pull out a handful of gold coins. "We can use this to buy the things we need - don't forget some strong rope for pulling the ships. Melisande, do you have any that you can contribute to the cause?"

After she responds, he will continue. "Okay, lets split into two teams to get this shopping done quickly. Melisande and Shajar know the town, so we'll need one of you on each team." Yusef hands about half of the money to Khalid. "Khalid, you take Haji and Shajar and scour that end of town," he says, gesturing. "Melisande, Rat and I will take the other half of the town. Meet back here when you're done. Oh, and if you can enlist anyone to help - all the better."
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They'll buy up a goodly amount of the lamp oil and whatever ship-grade rope they need.

Post Closed