Snippet #2539303

Join the crew or pay and stay below deck? Despite the twinge of elation at having found a quick path to Cheliax, Neth found himself somewhat distressed by the odd decision before him. This Patraeko, the apparent captain of the vessel, was an unorthodox person to say the least. Why not just allow passengers? What kind of ship was he running here?

“I...suppose that I can stay below decks for the duration of the journey.” not seeing the ocean while on a sea-faring vessel would be a shame, but Neth would endure if it meant he could see the end of the ritual. With more conviction steeling his heart now, the mage nodded. “As long as I can heave overboard in the case of sea-sickness, these parameters are acceptable.”

At the mention of a quest, Neth's eyes lit with excitement.

“A quest? For magic? Power? Wealth?” suddenly pensive, the wizard stared at Patraeko over steepled fingers. “Maybe our paths are not mutually exclusive. Maybe the two intertwine. Magic is woven into the very fabric of our reality, making coincidence a very unlikely circumstance.” he smirked. “Hells, the odds of my own travel being delayed by a beast attack so that I would end up four days behind scheudle--here, at the very same bar as you, just in time to overhear and correct your supposed expedition to Isger...it's...

“Well, the odds are astronomical to say the least.” Neth waved a hand dismissively before rummaging through his satchel. After a few moments of muttered curses and the sound of clinking metal and crinkling parchment, Neth withdrew an ornate silver ring engraved with golden feathers.

“The majority of the loot from my last venture has already been used to pay off my expenses or sent back home, but I did manage to keep this.” the ring was set onto the counter by Patraeko's hand. “I've identified it as an item displaying the properties of both a Feather Fall spell and a Lightness spell. It'll save you from any sort of dangerous drop, and prevent your from sinking in water.

“It's easily worth my weight in gold. Hopefully that will be enough to secure passage with your ship, saer Payemyndii.” Neth shrugged. “If not, we can always bargain the remainder of my debt on the Chelaxian mainland.”

Neth flashed a winning smile.

“Nice to meet you, captain Payemyndii. And you as well, Bigman. I have a feeling we shall become quite invaluable to one another in the days to come.”