That night Odi gets along famously with the innkeeper Elba . He inquires who might be best to talk to in town in regards to your broken boat to which Elba mentions the name "Roland".
The group meets up in the lobby of the inn the next morning and decides to head down to the docks after checking in. Ioanna leads the group towards the town market, hoping to sell some of the Sharpscale Ore , and on the way runs into the family she met when she first arrived in this world.
After a quick chat, the group heads down to the docks, noticing the large trading ship that had not been docked when they arrived. A crowd has formed with several people angrily shouting towards an Elven man who seems to be a trader. Confidence and Ioanna make their way through the crowd to make a deal and after a bit of haggling manage to make a deal that earns you 125 Katspr (silver). When attempting to sweeten the deal they show the trader inside the chest of ore where they hid two hand cannons and the Elf's demeanor turns cold. He tells you not to show them to the Dragonborn who are now approaching and lifts his voice as they get closer. "-and remember to praise the Azhira Empire !"
Heading further towards the port you find Roland who informs you that purchasing a new mast or a ship would be pricey and time consuming, with few to no prospects willing to buy your boat. Ioanna shows him the curse mark on her chest which leads Roland to offer to fix up their boat while you are on your way to Crandlewood, but doesn't have any way to help with a ride.
Ferron takes out his spyglass and checks out the boat on the horizon, recognizing it's flag as the purple emblem of Stormfair , whom Ferron knows operate in Crandlewood . A single person on a rowboat heads your way from the larger vessel. As they approach she introduces herself as Shera and explains that she is looking for recruits for a year long service aboard the ship. Though she insists that they are not interested in simply ferrying people, she notices Confidence and begins to change her tone. You take turns proving a case for you to come aboard and eventually she accepts to take you to Crandlewood as long as you prove your worth on board. While you are thankful for the opportunity, Shera's tone makes you incredibly suspicious. She asks you to come back at noon to set sail.
You split up the katspr that you have (25 each) and the group splits up to take care of your remaining business in Lade while you're here. Ioanna settles the tab at Elba's Inn and gives Roland a few silver to thank him for his kindness. Ioanna also covertly shows Roland the hand cannons which he remarks look like eastern technology, perhaps from Tariel. She gives him two of the hand cannons, in the hope that he might be able to defend himself, and the town should trouble arise.
Odi makes his way over to an apothecary. He asks the eccentric shopkeep about sharpscale ore and she tells him that the stone stores whispers. Odi also asks about the Isoxu Enzu , who she explains guides the spirits to the cities of the underworld, and how best to summon an Isoxu, which she advises to learn a bit of the ancient Atharian language. Odi buys some Clove Oil and some Kota Fruit Oil . Confidence and Firn busk in the market for awhile and manage to pull in a bit of Emmis (copper).
You meet back up with Shera, who has gathered a few more recruits and three at a time she brings you aboard her rowboat to board the ship. After everyone is aboard Shera gives a speech to the crew.
"You have the honor to be sailing on the Erinyes one of the finest ships in Kamard . We sail under the banner of Stormfair but more importantly, under the command of Captain Atawolf Elison . Some of your journeys will be shorter than others, but for your time on your ship, Captain's rule is law, no exceptions. You will man this ship, you will care for this ship, and if unfavorable circumstances arise, you will die for this ship. But of course we do have healthcare; compensation for any limbs lost. Make yourself at home, report for stations in one hour.
You all find space in the crew's quarters and Odi decides to look around for someone to talk to. Odi finds a teenage boy named Gallo who describes himself as the "best powder monkey in the business", who seems a bit standoffish but warms up to Odi after he shares some malted milk.
You report upstairs to receive your stations. Odi offers his services to Shera as a scribe and to assist Creo the Sailing Master. Ferron is volunteered as an ABS (Able Bodied Seaman), Firn as a deckhand, Ioanna as a rigger, Imarra as a swabbie, and Confidence is told she should report to the bow for a special assignment.
Shera speaks to Confidence and it becomes quickly apparent that she believes Confidence to be an Isoxuatua , descended from the Isoxu. She asks Confidence to perch herself above the masthead and much to her reluctance, she complies. Ioanna's familiar Tundi keeps Confidence company.
As you head out to sea, your voyage is fairly calm. A fog slowly rolls in. Confidence and Ferron spot wreckage floating about and eventually see a body floating in the water which the crew quickly pull up. The man is dead, but bears a mark branded on his torso. The Captain Atawolf appears and looks disappointed at the dead man.
As you continue forward you all can feel the boat lurching to one side. Creo the sailing master struggles with the wheel and says there might be something caught on the rudder. Shera looks off the stern and summons the six of you forward as a sentient ooze can be seen making its way up the side of the ship.
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