Dantia/Logs/20210314 Log

[Kygar's Pub, Common Room]
Long tables lined with matching benches fill the roomy pub, standing over a sawdust-covered floor swept clean every day. Bunches of drying herbs hanging from rafters add spicy scents that mingle with the aromas of meats roasting on spits and the freshly-popped corn kernels that fill wooden bowls. A small stage has been set up in one corner for minstrels, storytellers and other entertainers. Contrasting shouts of glee and groans of dismay come from rooms set off to the east and the west.
You also see a small plump cat (calmed), an enormous chaotic fissure, a Prydaen assistant (calmed), a black panther (calmed), a shadowy black teddy bear with fiery crimson eyes and wickedly sharp claws (calmed), a majestic snow white mountain lynx with glowing sapphire eyes (calmed), some burly marines surveying the room (calmed), a ghostly white banner, a large sign, a handwritten menuboard, a waitress (calmed), Rog (calmed), a serving counter and a swinging door.
Also here: a calmed Arcane World Ender Voranos, a calmed Devotee Emryn, a calmed Court Historian Erieck, a calmed Art Historian Zymi, a calmed Newswoman Navesi, a calmed Consecrated Voice Hashi, a calmed Treasure Seeker Fariden, a calmed Navigator Evivere , a calmed Pack Brother Atvus, a calmed Emerald Knight Grymmlen, a calmed Crusader Nanakii, a calmed Kintryn, a calmed Spectre Drayden, a calmed Cleric Kealitai, a calmed Storm Lord Jeruliath, a calmed Sir Madigan, a calmed Din of Destruction Derivan, a calmed Caretaker Ysilda, a calmed Agent Nyrhin, a calmed Wild Card Enthal, a calmed Maraisel, a calmed Boltproof Brisknite, a calmed Tempest Knight Saragos, a calmed Stargazer Kystrk, a calmed Malice Selithius, a calmed Vision Sage Miskton, a calmed Maunderer Aislynn, a calmed Dawnsworn Briaen, a calmed Dancer Mendira , a calmed Battle Lion Kenamer, a calmed Mountain Lord Ezerak, a calmed Lady of Elamiri Ayrell, a calmed Eyst, a calmed Commodore Khoheke, a calmed Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, a calmed Leshya Vesa Ikevindy, a calmed Mazrian and a calmed Protector of the Innocent Khearkrash.
Obvious exits: north.

Atvus yells, "What do you call a pirate with two arms, two legs, and two eyes?"

Atvus yells, "A beginner. Come at us, you bastards!"

[Local] Srinoja thinks, "Good joke, Rakash. I'm going to write that one down and steal it."

Saragos says to Khoheke, "Good morning, Commodore."

Khoheke gravely says, "Good morning."

Saragos says, "Everyone, while this is not a private event, please give the folks who were negotiating with Captain Srinoja a chance to speak. If you want to put something in one of our ears but not say it aloud, please feel free to join up with me and whisper to the group."

Khoheke asks, "Shall we head north to the courtyard then?"

Commodore Khoheke strides north.

[Kygar's Pub, Courtyard]
Feathery ferns and seasonal flowers grow abundantly in beds that circle the courtyard, surrounding numerous tables, each with its own canvas umbrella to shelter customers from inclement weather. A half dozen tall torchieres are imbedded in the ground giving off light and warmth. Bowls of crunchy popped corn, a longtime tradition of Kygar's Pub, sit on each table.
You also see a small plump cat (calmed), a Prydaen assistant (calmed), a black panther (calmed), a majestic snow white mountain lynx with glowing sapphire eyes (calmed), a shadowy black teddy bear with fiery crimson eyes and wickedly sharp claws (calmed), a snifter, a chaotic fissure, a ghostly white banner and a sturdy oak cask filled with Rissan brandy.
Also here: a calmed Stargazer Kystrk, a calmed Slum Lord Fiasko, a calmed Scalper Arinar, a calmed Leshya Vesa Ikevindy, a calmed Court Historian Erieck, a calmed Navigator Evivere , a calmed Arcane World Ender Voranos, a calmed Protector of the Innocent Khearkrash, a calmed Wild Card Enthal, a calmed Agent Nyrhin, a calmed Caretaker Ysilda, a calmed Maraisel, a calmed Storm Lord Jeruliath, a calmed Cleric Kealitai, a calmed Kintryn, a calmed Crusader Nanakii, a calmed Emerald Knight Grymmlen, a calmed Pack Brother Atvus, a calmed Sir Madigan, a calmed Vision Sage Miskton, a calmed Eyst, a calmed Mazrian, a calmed Hodierna's Fist Kaelie, a calmed Lady of Elamiri Ayrell, a calmed Mountain Lord Ezerak, a calmed Battle Lion Kenamer, a calmed Dancer Mendira , a calmed Dawnsworn Briaen, a calmed Maunderer Aislynn, a calmed Malice Selithius, a calmed Boltproof Brisknite, a calmed Din of Destruction Derivan, a calmed Treasure Seeker Fariden, a calmed Consecrated Voice Hashi, a calmed Newswoman Navesi, a calmed Art Historian Zymi, a calmed Devotee Emryn, a calmed Tempest Knight Saragos and a calmed Commodore Khoheke.
Obvious exits: south.

Kealitai offers Khoheke a dram of warm Elothean rice wine.

Khoheke says to Kealitai, "Thank you for the offer, but I believe the matter calls for a sober and alert mind."

Khoheke declines Kealitai's offer.

Khoheke asks Saragos, "Reports say that you had some news to share about your attempted parley with the cur called Srinoja?"

Saragos nods to Khoheke.

Saragos says, "Indeed. And the sort of news that, while potentially promising for our overall mission, you'll likely not be best pleased to hear some of it. Bitter medicine, if you will."

Saragos says, "To some up, we met with Captain Srinoja. We walked away with two potential options for peace."

Saragos says, "The first would be, essentially, a truce. Nobody attacks anybody until we get the Isle If we do actually manage to get the Isle, we make sure that it's not used to put the boot on their throats."

Saragos says, "The second, which I think is potentially promising, is the more bitter drink."

Khoheke says, "Well, might as well be out with it. Delaying the news will not sweeten its taste."

Saragos says, "Srinoja had a raft of demands for such a thing, which I can get into in a moment. You won't like them, but they would consider working as privateers."

Khoheke says, "I'm curious what they think they can offer. Ordinarily, they would not even qualify as deckhands on one of my vessels."

Saragos says, "Which, I think, would be a potential boon for your house, and for the mission. More ships, you'll outmaneuver Odalva in getting them on your side, and you won't be as weakened after an assault."

Saragos says, "Potentially all upside, other than the demands. Also, getting them paid and in a beneficial situation helps to keep something more fragile, like a truce, from dissolving under the first stress."

Saragos says, "Let me read the demands from my notes. I want to stress, that this will all likely be unacceptable. But perhaps the things that are possible can be the start of a negotiation. A bit of coin could smooth over the rest."

Saragos clears his throat.

Khoheke asks, "Are they actually offering their ships against the lich? If not, what are they offering to weigh on the scales against the history of their treachery and bloodshed?"

Saragos recites:

"Srinoja says, "Full pardon for all current, past, and future charges of piracy, 'stortin', stealin', or otherwise hustlin' for folk in Qi. Anyone set ta a nubbin' o' deadly dangle goes home, 'stead.""

Saragos recites:

"Srinoja says, "No taxes levied on independent merchants, and no port fees for ships that don't got the flags of Rathan houses. All ships hereby confiscated be returned. An' the Rathan Houses agree to muck out of the business of Hara'jaal, Tref Bain, an' any other independent-minded islands or flash ken I aren't thinking 'bout.""

Khoheke says, "Such a small demand. Full pardons and a license to commit whatever crimes they want, and Moglin abandons the ports to them."

Saragos says, "Like I said, outrageous demands. But do you think there's room to work on a middle ground? I should add that we've asked her to hold off on raiding while negotiations are ongoing, but that will only hold on for so long, as we've so far offered nothing in return for it."

Khoheke asks, "Did she present any reasonable offers, or is this all seaglow?"

Ayrell says, "When I inquired of what she would offer in return, she did offer they would go straight."

Khoheke asks, "Does she plan to abandon her truce with the lich, or does she intend to continue scavenging on his leavings?"

Saragos asks Khoheke, "Can you elaborate on 'scavenging on his leavings'?"

Khoheke says, "She benefits greatly from her arrangement with him. She has free passage through his waters, and she capitalizes on any chaos or weakness he causes."

Saragos says, "Perhaps a start for a middle ground I was thinking of - a pardon for past crimes of the pirates who choose to work for you, and honest pay as privateers working for Moglin. A chance to leave that life behind for a respectable one, if they're up for it. Perhaps if some of their ships are in your hands, those could be returned to service. An exchange of crew to work together and learn each others' ways."

Saragos says, "The better a taste of a real change, the more likely this is to stick, and benefit House Moglin as well as them."

Saragos says, "They don't represent all of the pirates - they're an independent branch. But their numbers are significant."

Khoheke says, "Respectfully, I do not see this as a three-way standoff. Srinoja and the lich are allies, with House Moglin as the sole forces standing against them at present."

Saragos says to Khoheke, "She does, however, see it this way. And let me put the situation as I see it bluntly."

Khoheke says, "If they are willing to sail with us against the lich and forsake that allegiance, they would find us very accommodating. But I do not think that is an offer Srinoja will take."

Saragos says to Khoheke, "She was very clear that she's not in league with the Lich. Only standing aside. I believed her. Many of us have faced the demonic before, and it's brutal. Absolutely brutal. We're going to leave a lot of dead bodies and broken ships in this attempt, even without the Pirates standing against us."

Khoheke says to Saragos, "And you believed this fairytale? Your reputation would cast you wiser than that."

Saragos says to Khoheke, "If the Pirates are attacking us besides? I don't know what kind of secret weapon you think you have, but we're going to need absolutely everything to bring to bear against someone as powerful as the Lich. Or we're all going to die, horribly."

Saragos says, "That's what I believe. That's what I'm wise enough to know. This fight would be hard enough on dry land without having to handle a naval assault on a defensible positions. We have few options. We either put ourselves out there and take a chance or we'll likely all be shambling around as zombies."

Khoheke says, "We would obviously prefer not to fight two enemies at the same time. But I do not believe the pirates will stop pointing their swords at us. If anything, they will likely be drawn to the carnage as vultures to the battlefield."

Ayrell says, "Any option that could potentially increase our numbers is worth at least considering."

Saragos says to Khoheke, "That's the current situation anyway, is it not? That's what's absolutely going to happen. But if we make an attempt at peace... maybe it's different."

Erieck says, "Then give them better pickings.."

Saragos says to Khoheke, "You can try to make an arrangement with them. If it seems impossible... ok, we tried. We're back where we started."

Saragos says, "And we end up fighting her crew. And we're all behind you on that."

Khoheke says, "Though our priority is the growing power of the lich, House Moglin cannot simply ignore the sharks drawn to its blood in the water."

Saragos says, "But I want to get every mortal we can possibly get to land on that Isle and assault the Perverse and Demonic, and not waste them dying at sea to other mortals."

Saragos says to Khoheke, "Maybe they become your..."

Saragos furrows his brow.

Saragos says to Khoheke, "I was raised on dry land. Wolves try to steal our sheep, right? How do we stop them? We get our wolfhounds."

Ayrell says to Khoheke, "There is also the possibility of offering a partial deal now, and the potential to sweeten that deal, should they help us against the lich and we succeed."

Eyst hoarsely says, "Any arrangement could be more dangerous than the current situation. Strengthen them by returning their ships and fellows, call them ally and let them close. All you've done is taken a dagger pointed at you and drawn it closer to your neck."

Khoheke asks, "How do you think to turn the wolves into our 'wolfhounds'?"

Saragos asks Khoheke, "If Srinoja's crew could be tamed, just a little, they might be able to help you against the others. Because I'm going to ask you, what do you think your fleet is going to look like after this assault? Are Redthorne and Odalva going to be kind in your weakened state? Is Var'Quel going to just say, "Let's leave them alone, they did good."?"

Freebooter Srinoja just arrived.

Srinoja asks Khoheke, "'lo there, cur. One moment. But first --" She pauses, her eyes cast about the room with a concerned look and a dramatic pose. "'Fore I begin, might I ask if I'm in the presence of the artis' who done the drawin' in the Herald? Aislynn, I fink?"

You frown.

Srinoja casually observes the area.

Aislynn raises her hand.

Saragos says to Khoheke, "A lot of those pirates have few options in life. I mean, this is your city, and look around. It's built on tiers. Maybe you give them a bit of a chance for a different life and they'll surprise you."

Aislynn quietly asks, "Terribly sorry. Did I get it wrong?"

Srinoja says to Aislynn, "Yer work's sublime. Ya got my good side, too. Might have ta talk more later 'bout a commission -- I'm finkin' a big ol' portrait, maybe five hands high? But, that's fer 'nother time."

Mazrian says to Saragos, "I think negotiations just entered a different phase."

Khoheke says to Saragos, "Your would-be wolfhounds have arrived. Let's see what she would say."

Srinoja says to Khoheke, "So. I believe the deal is, a full pardon for all past, present, an' future charges, real and imagined, you leavin' all ports 'lone, an' me not swingin' on you while ya go fer Jeihrem. An', I'm flattered. Glad to hear you sayin' I'm a shark."

Navesi says to Srinoja, "Captain, a pleasure to see you again. If you wouldn't mind, my husband is currently negotiating on your behalf."

Khoheke says to Srinoja, "If you think that a compliment, that is on you."

Srinoja says to Navesi, "A pleasure, thank ya."

Srinoja says to Khoheke, "Sharks're the sea's most majestic'n noble sort, I reckon."

Saragos says to Khoheke, "She's here now. Maybe we could come to some sort of agreement that would give her and her people a chance at a better life. At an honest coin earned. And make everyone stronger, wealthier."

Srinoja says to Khoheke, "Unlike 'em whales."

Srinoja smirks.

Khoheke asks Srinoja, "So what does House Moglin get for the small price of a perpetual license to raid my ports and otherwise engage in the lowly profession of piracy?"

Saragos says to Srinoja, "Captain, I've been arguing strongly in favor of your people. Please, let's see if we can really, truly make a change for you and yours. This is not an opportunity that is likely to come again."

Srinoja nods at Saragos, obviously agreeing with his views.

Srinoja says, "You folk like th' gift? I noticed th' menu don't got nothin' good. Help yerself."

Srinoja gestures at a sturdy oak cask filled with Rissan brandy.

Saragos says to Srinoja, "You know that your demands were impossible for them to outlay in full. Perhaps we can find a middle ground that would work for you."

You whisper to Drayden, Jeruliath, Kealitai, Kintryn, Nanakii, Grymmlen, Atvus, and Madigan, "Do NOT drink what she offers."

Atvus whispers to your group, "Awwww."

You glance at Atvus. His features are hard to make out.

Erieck says, "Oh drinks...excellent..thank you."

Grinning, Aislynn pulls a swig from a wee wooden thimble o' whiskey.

Srinoja asks, "Ah, yes. 'Pologize. No good if I don' drink if first, right? How d'you folk know it's safe?"

Zymi examines a snifter of Rissan brandy.

Srinoja guzzles down some of her brandy and then smacks her lips and wipes them with her sleeve.

Lasaia taps a sturdy oak cask filled with Rissan brandy on the ground.

Lasaia looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.

Erieck nods to Srinoja.

Srinoja says, "Ere we go. All safe-like. Good, local brandy."

Saragos says to Srinoja, "This is what I expressed to the Commodore, as a possible start for negotations: A pardon for past crimes of the pirates who choose to work with Moglin, and honest pay as privateers. A chance to leave that life behind for a respectable one, if they're up for it. Perhaps if some of your ships are in their hands, those could be returned to service. An exchange of crew to work together and learn each others' ways."

Saragos asks Srinoja, "Think on it for a moment. Real pay. The chance not to look over your shoulder for the rest of your life. Is this a point we can start from?"

Kenamer whispers, "stolen from Riverhaven or Crossing docks?"

You whisper to Kenamer, "No kidding."

Srinoja says, "My folk're used ta gettin' paid a lot more'n 'er folks, 'm'fraid. We work on share, not fer coppers."

Srinoja says, "Though, yer right. Th' thing missin' from my life is an honest wage."

Mazrian says, "Lots of share to be had that doesn't come from Moglin's shipping, I'd imagine."

Srinoja says, "Nah, I'm good on th' pay front."

Saragos says to Srinoja, "Privateers might get a share of ships taken, legitimately. That's something that could be worked out."

Khoheke says to Saragos, "I admire your attempts at diplomacy and your idealism, but consider that you are trying to sell hugs at a brothel."

Ayrell asks Srinoja, "If not all of your demands are able to be met, which ones would you consider the most important to you?"

Saragos says to Srinoja, "Let's be honest. You have complaints about the way things work here. We cannot reform how Ratha works all in one day."

Srinoja says to Khoheke, "Y'know, 'at's the first fing outta yer mouth's right good, if y'ask me."

Saragos says, "But do you both know why we are all here? We're here to risk our lives to make a run at someone we believe is a danger to our entire world. To House Moglin, to the Pirates, to everyone. NONE of us are getting paid in anything other than blood and death."

Srinoja says to Saragos, "Ya considered piracy? It pays pretty well, I gotta say."

Ayrell says, "And if we do not work together, we may all end up dead, and none of this negotiating for anything else will mean anything."

Saragos says, "And what I desperately want is not to be fighting other mortals, but to turn my sword and lightning towards the real foe, those who cavort with Demons and seek to devour our plane."

Khoheke says to Saragos, "These sorts do not care about any skin but their own."

Saragos says to Srinoja, "I've been firm, and now I'm going to ask you openly, honestly. Please, help us find a way to make a deal here. Because I don't want to fight you and your people. But we ARE going to make a run at the Lich."

You glance at Saragos, a male Human.

Saragos says to Srinoja, "I'll get down on a cursed knee, if that's what it takes. Just listen, and make a real attempt to work something out."

Ayrell says to Srinoja, "We would much prefer to have you on our side."

Saragos kneels down before Srinoja.

You observe Saragos with fascination.

Saragos says to Srinoja, "Please. Try to work something out."

Srinoja says, "Look, I aren't pretendin' yer not. But I aren't pretendin' I get, or care, this finger-wagglin' nonsense about demons'n liches. I got mouths to feed, an' pockets ta line."

Saragos stands up.

Saragos sighs.

Madigan says, "Saragos does not kneel to a pirate on behalf of any Therengian in this room."

Fariden says, "The end goal of a lich is dominion over all, land and sea."

Madigan says, "Pardon the interruption."

Erieck says to Madigan, "Easy my friend.."

Saragos says to Srinoja, "That's temporary. They'll come after you, eventually. Or maybe you'll never even see them coming. Maybe one day the world just ends because they achieve their objective, and a demon gets its claws in. This isn't just finger waggling nonsense."

Srinoja says to Madigan, "I aren't want kneein', I 'ssure you. My folk stand, an' have a good voice o' their own 'at I value. I aren't lookin' for no submittin'."

Saragos says to Srinoja, "I'm a proud man, Captain. I don't kneel for nothing."

Ayrell says, "In the end, the lich poses a threat to all of us, Including you and the mouths you feed."

Madigan says to Srinoja, "Talk to the negotiators. I am next if that fails."

Ayrell says, "This is the time where we all need to put our pride aside and work together on a common cause."

Saragos says, "But I'll kneel if that's what it takes to prevent an old, old feud from getting in the way of saving this world."

Saragos slowly empties his lungs.

Khoheke asks Srinoja, "Well, are you willing to 'go straight' for such trivial payoff as honor or freedom from the hangman's noose, or do you prefer your current arrangement with the lich?"

Saragos says to Srinoja, "It's not nonsense. We've killed a demon, you know. Walked right into her soul and scooped out the brain stuff. These things are dangerous, but not unbeatable."

Srinoja says to Khoheke, "I aren't stickin' my neck out for no maybe. Sounds like you just wan' time to get 'at noose ready whiles I risk my life in some fool's game. I weren't born yesterday, an' I aren't gonna be yer fodder just so ya can keep preppin' ta kill me."

Khoheke says to Srinoja, "I understand your skepticism, given that you are mostly accustomed to dealing with scoundrels whose word varies from roisan to roisan, but I am not a liar. If you should prove useful, you would find House Moglin very accommodating."

Srinoja asks Saragos, "Tell me. Ya knocked off ol' Swampy right good, right? Why're ya usin' some merchant fleet with a promise o' a ship with a magic wand to knock off just one lil' Lich?"

Mazrian says, "That was sort of a bespoke solution."

Fariden says, "The right key for each lock."

Saragos says to Srinoja, "Because all of the Perverse are a danger to us. Because the Lich is the strongest of them. And because a being known as Sivroch is up to something, working with him somehow. We cannot allow their plans to proceed without opposition. I very much believe that this is a case where we cannot really lose even once, or it's all over."

Saragos says to Srinoja, "We're working with Moglin because they've had the will to work with us."

Srinoja asks Saragos, "An' I'm sure if you'n the temple sees 'em as a big 'nuff threat, one lil' pirate aren't that big a deal, an' you can go clippin' in like you did to Swampy and knock this guy off, eh?"

Srinoja says, "Fact is, I don't care 'bout demons, or liches. Sure, I aren't a fan o' deadmans, but way I see it, I knock 'em apart and make that creep with the weird face pick 'em off the beach. I got profit to make."

Ayrell says to Srinoja, "We would be foolish to turn down any ally we could make."

You take in a great breath of air.

You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.

Srinoja asks Khoheke, "We aren't likin' deadmans, but 'e don't leave 'is island much anywot. Way I sees it, 'e's stuck on 'is island, an' th' only thing y'need from us is not ta sink yer ships on th' way. So, tell ya what. Final offer. We get pardons for all past, present, and future crimes ya might accuse us of. Ya keep yer fleet out of all independent ports. An'we 'gree ta not sink yer magic wand ship on th' way -- pinkie swear. What do ya say? Deal, 'r do ya want to be the one to tell yer new friends yer gonna choose to risk their lives fer yer pride?

Khoheke says to Srinoja, "The lich's influence very much extends beyond his little island. Daily his cultists flock to him like gulls after rotten fish."

Khoheke righteously says to Srinoja, "We cannot offer such a generous pardon -- not for future acts, and not without a suitable act of atonement (that is, joining forces against the lich) -- the blood you have spilled and the lives you have ruined demand no less."

Khoheke folds his arms and lifts his head, a proud gleam in his eye and his tail resting firmly against the ground.

Saragos says to Srinoja, "Come on. You can't ask for pardons on future actions, which is basically free reign to attack him without retaliation."

Voranos says, "Not unreasonable if you intend to go straight."

Ayrell says to Srinoja, "His terms are reasonable."

Khoheke asks Srinoja, "Are you certain of the strength of these adventurers? If they succeed in doing this, and House Moglin is not beholden to anyone for aid, what is to stop us from concentrating our full attention on your little band of bilge rats?"

Ayrell says to Srinoja, "Please, consider them."

Saragos says to Khoheke, "You be respectful towards them too, if you want this to work out."

Saragos glances at Khoheke.

Mazrian asks Khoheke, "Maybe if you could offer the captain some kind of bond? Something they could hold onto that might act as a guarantee?"

Khoheke asks Srinoja, "Are you willing to forsake this convenient little 'arrangement' you have with the lich?"

Khoheke says, "I am a son of House Moglin and a Paladin. My word is my bond. I do not give it lightly."

Srinoja says to Khoheke, "An' that's 'xactly my point. Yer comin' at me pretty hard already. My 'rrangement wit' th' Lich aren't nothin' but an agreement that yer th' bigger prollem, an' the way I see it, once 'e's gone, ya already aimed at me."

Mazrian says to Khoheke, "Sure, but might come a moment when it's not up to you."

Srinoja says to Khoheke, "An' th' only honesty's at the business end o' th' blade, and th' way I see it, yer th' one holdin' that hilt."

Saragos asks Khoheke, "She doesn't know you, doesn't live in that kind of world. Can you offer something more concrete to prove good intentions?"

Khoheke says to Srinoja, "If you do not give us reason to overlook what you have done, then you are absolutely right that we will eventually turn our eye to you once the matter with the lich has been dealt with."

Srinoja says, "An' that's the thing. Everything's conditional. Meanin' it all goes down at yer choice."

Srinoja says, "I gotta trust yer word, and flat up, I don't."

Mazrian says to Khoheke, "She's not wrong."

Ayrell asks Srinoja, "What would it take for you to trust his word?"

[General] Srinoja thinks, "Morit jaalia, this fool's nonsense."