1. Skyway Robbery - Rise

[Interovegas]

Four of the remaining crew made their final exit down the boarding ramp. Knormick turned to look back up at the ship one last time. The gaping wound where her left eye should have been was a silent statement of disappointment pointed at her old captain. Satisfied with her indignant display, the woman of Green River disappeared into the crowd. Any moment to contemplate the loss of half the surviving crew was interrupted by the sloshing of water. Aredfln emptied a quarter of the water barrel onto the deck and was scrubbing the torn cloth from some late crewman's top covering in an effort to leech out the abundant bloodstains.

Aredfln-[Imperial]: "Haugh! t'were it that we couldst lay rush to thine deck. T'will require an enchanter's arts to banish these crimson remnants. Mayhaps Orkan's down serve two purposes eh Captain?"

Aredfln pauses and gives a second look to the magnitude of the stains.

Aredfln-[Imperial]: "Nay, assuredly they are not plentiful enough to suffice this task ..."

A great majority of the crew had to be involuntarily evacuated mid flight just days ago. The members of the Espiegel have few requirements placed upon them but there was no negotiating around the need for a still beating heart. An encounter with a ship had gone awry and the causalties of this misfortune were great and many. It was thanks to Orkan that they even managed to send their supposed prey sinking up into the lightless jungle.

Few words were exchanged among the survivors on their way back. Eight souls crewed a vessel intended for as many as thirty. The three days of hard labour and constant steering helped keep the silent calm. Even without words it was clear that most of the crew abandoned all faith in their captain.

Now there is adequate water and rations down below in the Espiegel for several days. The sun and moon have just reached the darkening equinox of the day and the cool early spring night will begin to set in. The ship is docked in Temming's Rise, the third largest city after the capital and the Free City of the coast and the nearest hub of civilization where Captain Finchroscuma can muster new souls to man the Espiegel.

A rotund woman hollering the way of the captain catches his attention. He cannot make out what she is yelling on about but he already knows what to expect. Before the harbor master completes her addled march up to the Espiegel the captain has produced his writ of privateering. She gives a nod and a grunt and leaves the crew to consider their next steps.

[Zwiche]

Ornvinge hears Aredfln's complaints and shakes his head. "Calm thy weeping tongue, Aredfln," he responds kindly. "The scouring sun and pouring rains shall bleach our deck of these foul remnants, just as a fresh breeze clears out the dust and mold of a clos'd room. As a fortnight shall pass, so shall our misery, until we ride high on the currents of fate once more."

Ornvinge then turns away from the cleaning crewman and approaches Captain Finchroscuma. He stands nearly six and a half feet tall, his whole body appearing stretched as if he has spent too long in an inquisitor's rack. He makes sure to keep his long wings, feathered white as a swan, behind his back, and tucks his arms behind as well. A keen eye might be able to spot a hook where his left hand once ended, but he does his best to disguise it amongst the feathers and his long sleeves.

"Oy, Captain, me-mate," he calls out in Ob-Lob as he gets closer. "What do you reckon now that we’ve reached our lowest hour?" [I'll edit this into whatever vernacular we decide Ob-Lob will sound like.]

[Dekaru]

Captain Finch rolls up his writ after showing the document to the dock master and, ignoring Aredfln's attempts tolighten the mood for the moment, looks down at his hands rubbed raw by his ceaseless grip on the Espiegels wheel for the entirety of the journey back. Barkov, Finch's loyal hound, utters a whimper snapping the Captain from his thoughts and gives Finch a sad look. Mustering a half smile at his loyal companion, Finch pats Barkov on his head and turns away his attention from his recent blunder towards the future.

[Imperial]-"Mayhaps such an enchantment would keep the Espiegel as prim and proper as a Dindavaran galleon? Can't you both see it now, Orkan and Aredfln? A shining deck and all those bright colors making the Espiegel gleam in the light?" Finch utters a chuckle "We'd be spotted a hundred miles away and our quarries smell our perfume from across the continent!"

Finch rests his right hand on the ruby in the pommel of his saber and raises his other hand as a clenched fist up to Orkan. Opening his hand he reveals a bloodied wooden talisman with a string looped through a hole in it. The talisman, a spiral symbol representing the Ob-Lob faith similar to the same one Finch wears dangling from his neck, belonged to the former first mate of the Espiegel, Shanaglilgo, whose viscera now paints the decks of the vessel.

[Imperial]-"Rebuild the Espiegels crew, naturally. Gunner Ornvinge I understand that you and Shanaglilgo did not sign onto this vessel together but the two of you were compatriots. We Ob-Lob are not sentimental but this may provide you some solace. In any case, your recent services have been invaluable and I am prepared to offer you the position of Master Gunner in recognition of those services."

[Zwiche]

Orkan bows low, his wings sweeping behind him like a cloak.

[Imperial]-“As you say, Captain, so shall it be. Thy wisdom shines as a lighthouse in these troubled times. I only that I may use this office to serve thee as best suits the Espiegel. Pray, shall we leave these soaked decks for a nonce and begin seeking those brave souls with whom we might re-establish our previous eminence? I am ready to follow you, Captain Finchroscuma.”

[Dekaru]

Finch glances at Aredfln and responds obviously perturbed by Orkans gesture.

[Imperial]- "Errr, yes that would be the best course of action. Though do keep such displays of grandeur to Imperial courts where they belong."

[Interovegas]

Aredfln yields to Orkan's highborn manner of speech with a shrug.

Aredfln-[Imperial]: "I knowest not his meaning Captain. T'is though Orkan's feathered transformation did warp his tongue as well as his shell."

[Zwiche]

Orkan nods as he rises. [Imperial]-“As you say, Captain. Though may my wings be torn from me before I enter an Imperial court. By your leave, I shall prepare for our shore leave.” He quickly goes to his cabin where he straps on his cavalry pants and then heads back to the deck.

“Whenever you are ready, sir.”

[Dekaru]

After Orkan runs off to fetch his trousers Finch waits for his return somewhat flabbergasted by Orkans manner of speech. Though Orkan has served on the Espiegel for some time Finch has never gotten used to his lofty way of speaking.

Speaking to Aredfln [Imperial]-"Mayhaps a few feathers formed in his arse when he got his wings. His sky magic must tickle his insides leaving him giddy."

Once Orkan returns Finch nods to Aredfln and says [Imperial]- "You have the deck, Aredfln. Mind that the worst gore is cleaned up but leave the bloodstains for the rain to remove; you'd rub yer fingers to nubs by the time the stains are gone. And grab yerself a drink and rest from below deck when you are done"

Looking at Barkov, Finch snaps his fingers and says "Ro". Following which the dog lies down in some shade on the deck.

[Imperial]-"This way Orkan. After that journey I need a drink."

[Interovegas]

Barkov offers a weak snarl as a token resistance to his master's command and then simply trots off to lay down by the stairwell.

Aredfln reponds with a nod.

Orkan and Finch sally forth into the swarm or merchantfolk and city dwellers that populate the taverns as the yellow sun wanes. The folk of Broadland are plain. Their feudal lifestyles afford them few extraneous comforts. Towards the end of winter they retire their thick braided overcoats for color tinted tunics. Simple, hard lives means simple hard celebrations. In Temming's Rise the end of winter is welcomed with powerful spirits.

Finch and Orkan take empty seats between two large gatherings in a traditional Broadland ale hall. The stares of every man and woman snap to Orkan and his powerful wings. The tense moment breaks into hearty laughter that echoes from wall to wall.

Indiscernable Stranger - [Imperial]: "Sumbuddy fetch da pheasant 'nd iz company sum Groskum!"

Two tankards slide into Finch and Orkan's grasps. The black brew inside them bubbles and pops and spits up an unappetizing aroma. The woman directly in front of the two casts a smug grin.

Smug woman - [Imperial]: "Bottoms up feathered friend. Nex' round comes from yer coffers."

She finishes her words with a chuckle.

[Dekaru]

Finch offers the bar maiden a smile and raises the mug in thanks. Once she leaves he offers a toast to Orkan.

[Ob-Lob]-"Ta' those who lived free among the clouds! May we be found lacking in pu for future quarries!"

[Zwiche]

[Ob-lob]-“Better dead in the sky than live on the ground, eh, Cap’n me Cap’n! Ta’ more merry feasting n’ fighting on da winds.”

Despite Orkan’s vehement and emotional words, he is still careful as he clinks his mug and swings it back. He takes care not to spill anything on his fine clothes. Like any self-respecting Uld, he uses his finely embroidered clothes to show off his wealth and merit. It wouldn’t do to stain it with ‘Groskum.’

After he takes his first swallow, Orkan Ornvinge grimaces and wipes his mouth with the back of his right hand. [Ob-Lob]-“Eh, Cap’n you thinking there’re a drop o’ wine in these old pub?”

[Dekaru]

[Ob-Lob]-"For one like you the ground must feel a prison?"

Finch sloshes his grog in its cup and wafts its repugnant odor. Though the gemmed rings on his fingers more than adequately indicate his wealth Finch spent most of his life drinking grog like this and knows fully well how best to drink it. Repulsed by the beverage, Finch nonetheless throws his head back and downs the grog in several gulps before slamming the empty cup to the table with a thud and exhaling forcefully as his throat continues to burn long after the liquid is into his stomach.

[Ob-Lob]-"Wine would be a tremendous improvement!"

Raising his gemmed hand Finch snaps and hollers towards the barmaid [Imperial]-"Barmaid! A bottle of wine for the table!" Finch then stands up and puts his foot on the chair to look out over those at the hall. Putting two fingers to his mouth Finch gives a deafening whistle and shouts "And a round for every Confederate here! Tis more drink to any fortune seeking souls looking to sign up with the Espiegel!"

[Interovegas]

[Body+Vigor results for Finch: 10,6,3,3,6 Result: Pass]
[Body+Vigor results for Orkan: 6,9,7,3,2,5 Result: Fail]

The sizzling brew goes down fast. It has the flavors of a strange mixture of hot, sour cider and enough distilled ale to knock a young horse on its ass. Drinking down the brew imbues the duo with a feeling of warmth from head to toe.

Perhaps Orkan's serving was especially potent, or perhaps Orkan is just leaning in to the feeling but nevertheless the spirits affect his faculties of reason and perception. His vision twists and the subtle tinted colors of these common folk's tunics gain an otherworldly contrast and their faces blur together into an amalgam of black as dark as the night sky. Looking down at his own fine threads he sees a dizzying whirlpool of color.

Orkan is buzzed and experiencing minor hallucinations. This effect will increase in intensity for three hours, before coming down over the course of the following five.

The woman sitting across from Finch gives him a disapproving scowl while the others relish in the blundering and free drinks of their new guest.

Nearby Commonwoman-[Imperial]: "HwahHwahHwah Doze you 'ere dat! BARMAID! Hwah! Well go git ye new patron sum ~fine wine~ willn't ya! HWAHHwahHwah."

Her laughter and the others is peculiar for close it sounds to the squawking of very large bird.

Commonwoman sitting opposite of you-[Imperial]: "I doze not be knowin what dese 'Barmaids' be new friend but ye 'ave ta git yurself yur nex' swig o' Groskum. Rejoice! Yur a lucky lot comin when ya did. We dunt be drinkin Groskum e'eryday nah do we?"

Several of the souls at the table already rise to get their round at Finch's expense. The man to Finch's right nudges him with his elbow.

Neighboring Commonman-[Imperial]: "Wha be da reason fer 'n Ob-Lob ta be dis far up? You got a big caravan of goods to tempt sum noble lords or sumtin?"

The woman sitting across and to the left of Orkan-[Imperial]: "Doze feathers are a bit funny, you an enchanter or wuz yur mother a hen! Hwah?"

She pounds the table with amusement at her own quip. It's apparent to Finch (but perhaps not Orkan in his addled state) that souls at the longtable well into their drinking.

[Zwiche]

Orkan turns to the kaleidoscopic figure next to him and looks very intently at the dark face shaped blob. He tries to aim for her eyes, but might miss.

[Imperial]-“Well, O maiden fair as the summer dew, it appears you have hit your head right on it’s very nail!! An enchanter I am, one of the many arts in which I show my skills.” He leans closer and tries to wink.

[Interovegas]

Orkan's condition is clear to the remaining few lucid souls at the table, however is table companion is not among them.

Kaleidoscopic Commonwoman-[Imperial]: "Yous got the tongue uv a commoner you do! So quaint ta meet an enchanter dat comes from da people. Whad sorts uv en..." (belches softly) "entantmens doze you peform?"

[Zwiche]

Torn between flirting with a potentially beautiful woman and completing the job they’re currently on, Orkan decides to split the difference. [Imperial]-“Perchance you’d like to sign on for our crew, sweet flower. You could see all the magic you desire.”

He leans over to Finchroscuma and whispers, [Ob-Lob]-“Crikey Captain! I’ve hooked us a pretty little i’a all right!”

[Interovegas]

Kaleidoscopic Commonwoman-[Imperial]: "Ohhhh 'fraid I can't. My lot is to ma kids 'nd ma cobblin."

[Zwiche]

[Imperial]-“Nay, my darling dove, thy life is meant for so much more. Those fine, four dimensional hands of yours were not meant to toil at a... cobbling shop. Nay, they were meant to toil high in the sky, soaring between towers of clouds and striking down our foul foes.”

[Interovegas]

The color swirls around the black void arranging into something familiar to a multicolor sunflower. She raises her four hands to where her mouth probably is. Four hands split into eight and one head splits into three. She responds in an off key three part harmony.

Kaleidoscopic Commonwoman-[Imperial]: "O wud a fanciful thought dat is! I wud be dainty and fierce. I couldst let ma matriarchal roar out 'gainst the waves. But ma place is wit ma Sinli, she needs her motherin she does."

[Dekaru]

Finch, ignoring the ramblings of is light weight crew member (probably literally considering his bones are like those of birds), responds to the man who nudged him a moment ago.

[Imperial]-"Aye, the sea be far and my heart aches to hear the waves crashing once more but we be recuperating from a terrible bout days ago. Sent that Imperial sky vessel careening to her doom."

[Interovegas]

The crowd let loose a rowdy cheer at the mention of defeated Imperials and go through the motions of clinking their tankards together.

Tall Commonman-[Imperial]: "Gud ta 'ear another empire peeper been sent crashin. They gettin too big for their britches starin down over our fields up north. If iz mur sky sailors ya lookin fer jus come back 'round in the mornin. A few with naught to do loiter at the pier durin the waxing hours."

[Dekaru]

Finch gives the man a big grin and replies [Imperial]-"Reminding the those peacocks they aren't the deadliest sailors in the world is an old Ob-Lob pastime. If there are courageous enough sailors loitering about I may just have a fortune waiting for them. And fortune I can drink to!!!"

(Finch will be spending his remaining time drinking until the loitering sailors can potentially be recruited)

[Zwiche]

[Orkan will also spend the night drinking and flirting and trying to convince people to join.]

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Entering the ale hall is a woman just over 6 feet tall and broad of shoulder, clad in leathers and an oversized ankle length skirt that looks to be folded in on itself. Her aquiline face is plain, nearly devoid of makeup, and her flaxen hair is cropped close to the scalp. Accompanying her is a redheaded young woman of more slender build bearing a knapsack.

They briskly walk over to where Finch and Orkan are seated, and the taller woman speaks, in a tone slightly softer than her appearance might suggest:
[Imperial] "Good eve'n, gentlefolk. You two are here from yonder sky-vessel, yes?"

[Zwiche]

Ornvinge turns his head slowly and cranes his head back as he traces his wobbly eyes up the figure who now faces him. He blinks to try and clear his vision, but fails.

[Imperial]-“Aye, my gorgeous gargantuan, we are a pair of comrades in arms, of Sky Sailors aboard the Espegiel. And just your luck, this handsome pair of devils is looking for an enchanting crew. Care ye to join our intrepid adventure? I can promise thee voyages beyond imagining, wealth beyond Midas, and skies ever-clear.”

[Corenat Rovarnus]

A smile crosses her face. [Imperial] "Just my luck, indeed! I wouldst fain accept your offer..."
The redhead leans in to whisper into her ear. [Still Imperial]"...but pardon me for a moment."
They turn away from the table.

Show Content

(Imperial, but really quiet)"Are you sure about this milady? You heard what Matyas report'd on the ship's condition."
"What of it? We have seen blood before. Or hast thou turned craven while my gaze was averted?"
"N-no..."
"We cannot afford a few more months' wait. Besides, the call to adventure comes in many forms. We must needs seize this opportunity lest they sober up and give't a second thought."

She turns back to the two. [yep, it's Imperial time] "As I said, we would love to join your crew. I am named Andrea Halsey, knight-errant, and she my squire Vala, at your service." The redhead gives a reluctant smile.

[Dekaru]

Thoroughly intoxicated by this point, Finch stammers out a reply.

[Imperial]-"Quite yer yemmerings Orkan and drink! Idn't order wi*hiccup*ine for you to not drink any of it. Recruitin' ill be done 'morrow"

Finally seeing the woman who entered and that Orval is speaking to, Finch lackadaisically holds up the wine bottle towards the shorter of the two.

[Imperial]-"I dun take knights on my ship. And nobody gunna make CAPTAIN FINCHROSCUMA KOKADAMURINSAPANTUHENO's take a pa*hiccup*air of silver spooned knights inta the sky!"

As he exclaims his name (which takes an awfully long time) he turns back towards those at the table and waves the bottle about like a trophy.

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea is taken aback, not just by the revelation that the other man is the captain, but by his vehement rejection. She exclaims[in flustered Imperial] "H-hah?! Why not?"
"He's in his cups," Vala remarks[in Imperial], shrugging.

[Dekaru]

[Imperial]-"Cups? Tis a bottle chienne."

Waving his hands at the two in a shooing motion Finch continues [Imperial]-"Run along Kn*hiccup*ight. Maybe ur parents will buy you a job. One with a title like latrine digger!"

[Zwiche]

[Imperial]-“As joyous this may make thee, it shall cast a brighter light upon myself and our fine ship, thy new home. Such a... colorful and mutable pair have ne’er graced our deck.“ He turns to Captain Finch, and informs him, [Imperial]”O Captain, my Captain! True north as thou art, I have found another who wishes to join thy course. Feast your eyes upon their intrepid beauty and be amazed.”

[Dekaru]

Finch sips from his flask and leans back in his chair without looking at the two women. Between sips he glances at Orkan and says

[Imperial]-"If you're so keen on em joi*hiccup*ning then you're in charge of them. Git your nostovial over with and then real sailors can be hired."

[Zwiche]

Ornvinge whips his head back around. He takes a moment to find Andrea and Vala again. [Imperial] - "Dost thou hear the Captain's blessed words? For they are smooth as honey and riper than a sweet spiral. We shall find compatriots beyond compare in our journey, together, to the clouds."

[Corenat Rovarnus]

"Aye! To the clouds! I thank thee, stormtongue, for giving us this chance." She turns to Vala. "Fetch Matyas and start packing. We are Sky Sailors now!" Vala scurries off while Andrea takes a seat nearby. "Now, what is there to drink around here..."

[Interovegas]

The three embrace the evening revelry wholeheartedly. Colors multiply and collide as Andrea, Orkan and Finch endure the full effects of the hallucinogenic liquors. For Orkan the night is not one he remembers.
 

------

The golden rays of the waxing sun peacefully pull Orkan to consciousness. He brushes stray black hair from his face and winces from the splitting hangover coming onto him. He scans his surroundings for anything to trigger his memory. From the hustle and bustle outside and the straw mat covered slates on the floor Orkan concludes he is still somewhere in Temming's Rise. Knowing not much but regret will come spewing from his partner's mouth after she wakes, Orkan scrams out of the bed and slides on his garments as he returns to the Espiegel. On his way out his hostess's abode he gets a few sour looks from the old souls passing a pipe about outside last night's tavern. He pays the old and repressed no mind and continues towards the Sky Dock. He arrives at the back end of a small crowd of young men and women gathered around the docking station of the Espiegel.
 
Andrea is towering over the railing of the Espiegel's deck listening to the last Aredfln's instruction on working the steering ropes. Throughout the lesson he's been all too excited to give Andrea hands on demonstrations.
 
Finch stands down below at the front of crowd delivering his regular half-truths and promises of grandeur to recruit fresh souls. By Andrea and Orkan's estimation, Finch has converted all the willing from the audience already, a sum total of ten new members.

One of the more eager recruits already wandered up the boarding ramp with her bag of belongings. At the top of the ramp she gets the full view of the bloodstained deck. She pivots around and yells down:

Agrina-[Imperial]: "What all dis be about eh! D'you give a cow a right propah butcherin up 'ere or sumt'in?"

Before she can rattle off any more remarks that might shoo away the recruits an unseen man barks out:

Unseen Man-[Imperial]: "THE CAPTAIN! Conjure thy captain to exchange words at once!"
 
The voice is shaky but radiates a good distance. When those present look to locate the source of the voice they see a man of chocolate skin tone in a mid brown lace up shirt, black trousers secured by a braided cord and decomposing boots of a make typically for sailors. His hair is a mess down to his ears and the left half of his face is swollen with purple and red and all his attire is smeared with dirt and spots of blood. The crowd makes way for his passage and watch with all their attention as he limps towards Finch.
 
Wounded Warrior-[Imperial]: “The luxury of time doth elude me. I contend that man and woman alike do place their leader at the pedestal of their attentions and so do conclude by the manner of this gathering that thou be'est the monument to their ambitions.”
 
He takes several more painful steps and comes face to face with Finch.
 
Wounded Warrior-[Imperial]: “Ascend to the skies with mine companionship quick as the gods doth allow and this wounded warrior shall enlighten thee to whereabouts of great treasure guarded by treachery two fold as severe. To weave this golden thread two demands must thou satisfy. Firstly, the treasure must be cleaved, one part to thy pocket and the other to the crown. Secondly, apply dagger, hex or black hearted wit, whatever thou must do, but swear on thine soul to carve the way for mine hand and steel to the throat of a villain fives times the likes of ye.”

[Dekaru]

Finch gives the wounded warrior a grin and replies half to him and the crowd of would be sky sailors

[Imperial]-"Aye, you speak to Captain Finchroscuma of the Espiegel with decks bloodied from bout with would be oppressors but sails and bellows aching for fortune. Do you hear that men and women? When sailing the skies fortune and opportunity find you but only if you have the courage to take it!"

Fully turning is attention to the man who approached him and gesturing up the ramp to the Espiegel

[Imperial]-"Let us weave the threads of bargain and with mine ears hear tale of of quarry and villain. By coin and crew I will deliver your vengeance due."

As the man limps his way up onto the ship Finch notices Orkan wandering his way into the gathered crowd. Finch narrows his eyes and lowers his gaze to meet Orkans and shouts at him

[Imperial]-"Master Gunner! You're shirking your duties already! Aredfln be handling your charge but don't let me catch you shirking again!"

Finch leads the man to his cabin (or whatever passes for such on the ship) to discuss the details of the venture. Before he disappears with the warrior he shouts to his newly christened First Mate Edmond who was promoted from Quartermaster just this morning.

[Imperial]-"Edmond get the new linguee tasked to their positions and get this vessel ready to sail. First task to the crew is scrub the decks clean! Let it remind them the cost of failed diligence!"

[Interovegas]

The wounded warrior follows Finch to his cabin, a room about 15 feet in length and 10 feet across with a large fur covering most of each side wall. There is a small booth with cupboard hanging over the table. The pair take their seats.

Wounded Warrior-[Imperial]: "If thy deck be scrubbed, linens laundered and tea boiled then our quarry will hast absconded to Imperial embrace."

He slams his fist on the table, only to recoil from disturbing his fresh injuries.

Wounded Warrior-[Imperial]: "Set sail and in turn I shall detail for thee the trappings of the vessel fat with ill gotten gold."

-----

The new recruits stand about lost with expressions of wonder. They await direction to the basic implements for their task: Scrubs and water. Agrina turns to Andrea to continue her impromptu investigation.

Agrina-[Imperial]: "What sorts of Imperials spill dis much blood dis far beyond our borders eh? Our new 'Captain' gunna 'ave us paintin stains on dis deck wit our blood next?"

[Zwiche]

He addresses those assembled. [Imperial]-“Fear not, my newfound fellows. Your future is bright, your fortunes ripe. Soon we shall set sail, we merry band of brothers, we few, we happy few. Men shall sing of us in ages to come. But for now, we must settle to the everyday tasks. First Mate Edmond, show these men to their swabs. We must bring Espegiel back up to her former glory.”

He supervises the cleaning.

[Dekaru]

Finch leans back in his chair with one hand scratching Barkov behind his ears and the other picking at dead skin around his fingernails. He waits for the man to get comfortable and ease his wounds before responding.

[Imperial]-"You will provide for me the details of your quarry before my vessel sails the skies. Can't be having a chase with a man o' war and sailing into a storm without mine knowing. The very least I ought know the name of the one who aims to hire my services and what demands I must satisfy."

--------------------------

Edmond, a carob colored broadlander sailor, begins shouting orders to the recruits from the upper deck. He begins to organize them into the necessary roles that need to be filled and names a few of the more capable individuals boatswains (low ranking officers). Some of the new crew are set to scrubbing the deck though the worst of the stains will have to be removed by the sun.

[Interovegas]

Wounded Warrior-[Imperial]: "By birth I am known to many as Tuwan of Mazzenmorte, yet by the fruits of mine own endeavors and to mine taste it was once knight. Though I am undeserving and damnably unsuited to such title now."

Tuwan gestures towards his broken body.

Tuwan-[Imperial]: "The foul bird is green in the body and takes wind by two girding caged Ozcrows. I am loathe to know five and a score and one vile and most sinful inhabit the deck. Dost thou needst yet daylight to ruminate? Each moment passing shortens the reach of mine arm, as well as thine."

[Dekaru]

[Imperial]-"Nay I require no time to deliberate. The vessel shall be taken and your quarry gifted to you. Though I cannot promise they be delivered unbroken in body."

[Interovegas]

The agreement brings immediate relief to Tuwan. He instinctively reclines against the wall and Finch notices that both leg and arm along Tuwan's left half must be shattered in multiple places. He has seen these sorts of injuries before, usually in Sky Sailors that fell overboard. The fate of the few that survive the impact has typically been dim. Finch knows that the vital sanguine fluids may become too potent in the major organs of the body. The other vital fluids will become scarce and the victim slips into death. (Medieval fantasy beliefs about medicine woo)

[The Espiegel is ready for takeoff]

[Corenat Rovarnus]

Andrea looks over Agrina, sizing her up. [Imperial] "Art thou suggesting he would send us to our deaths? Nay, though I must be as ignorant of the circumstances as ye, if they died on the deck 'twas surely in defense of the ship."

By this time her possessions have been carried onto the Espiegel by Vala and a shorter, quiet man who is introduced as Andrea's sworn servant Matyas Guester.

[Dekaru]

Having concluded the agreement Finch stands up from his chair and whistles for Barkov to follow. As he leaves the cabin he pauses for a moment at the door to remark to the dying man

[Imperial]-"Make yourself comfortable in my cabin for the journey. I'll not leave a man in your condition to wallow bellow decks."

Entering onto the deck Finch is happy to see the Espiegel being put back into motion. Edmond approaches him and mentions something to Finch inaudible to those working the ship and his smile turns to a scowl. Looking at Orkan he shouts,

[Imperial]-"Master Gunner down here at once! I require a word with you!"

[Zwiche]

Orkan flutters down from the 7 foot tall smokestack, where was apparently crammed in a tight corner just under the balloon.

[Imperial]-“Aye, Cap’n my Cap’n, what can I do thee for on this fair morn. The sun shines bright and I would we were off. What words didst thou exchange with yon ragged and bloodsoaked form?”

[Interovegas]

Agrina can tell she is going against the mood of the crowd. Rather than confront the giantess before her she mutters her retort to herself and goes to claim a corner for her few possessions down below.

Aredfln-[Imperial]: "Thine strength of soul towers thrice as high as thine magnificent sun kissed strands. Thou shall grace our crew with great fortune by merely the virtue of thy presence."

Two of the nearby crew join Andrea and Aredfln's conversation.

Enthusiastic Crewmember-[Imperial]: "Ought we ta call ye by any title? Tis be'est officer or lieutenant?"

[Dekaru]

Finch turns his attention from Edmond to his newly promoted master gunner.

[Imperial]-"We have quarry and the Espiegel is to be sky bound as soon as possible. How this vessel is to soar when her officers don't obey the chain of command is a more immediate concern."

Finch does not wait for Orkan to respond and continues to reprimand the bird man in front of the entire new crew.

[Imperial]-"Giving orders and tasks to higher officers that aught be delegated to you is directly questioning their authority and MY authority. For steppin' out of line as such you will have the duty of scrubbin' the deck alone added to yer duties."

[Interovegas]

The crew is unsure what to make of the commotion but they rest their hands when it is mentioned that Orkan will have to pick up after them.

[Zwiche]

Orkan shakes his head, utterly confused as to his recent actions. “Vat could haff inspired me to do such a thing?” he mutters to himself in Uldish. He responds to Finch, [Imperial]-“Aye Cap’n my Cap’n, thou art wholly correct. I can claim no excuse, no explanation beyond the foul grog which still poisons my veins. I shall take my punishment as docilely as any sailor should. I must beg forgiveness from thee.”

[Dekaru]

[Imperial]-"Ye have forgiveness when the bloodstains are out."

Finch will turn his attention to the remaining crew (who are now liberated from any cleaning duties, hooray for them!) and see that the vessel is sent skyward

[Zwiche]

Even bent over a swab, Orkan is happier in the open air. He takes a moment to breathe in the fresh sky breeze before leaning back into his work.