The Knotty Pine

Morris enters the bar, dragging behind him the corpse of an ex-barbarian. "God. damn it." the poor undead struggles to drag his mark into the bar while keeping the door open. After struggling for a while, and noticing a belt was hooked to a plank, he managed to bring the mark to the bar-keep for his reward.

"Alright, this guy's... meat-cleaver? clipper? fucked if i know, this guy had a bounty." Morris hands the clerk the wanted poster.
"Here's the guy" Morris drops the corpse and points at it with his hand "So, the bounty" Morris extends his hand to the bar-keep, who looks at him rather perplexed.

"Uh... yeah, have 25 pieces of copper... leave the body at the back" the bar-keep hands Morris his money and he starts dragging the mark away.
"Thanks for the money, easy work."

After dragging the mark into the nearby woods, Morris is startled by a loud sound coming from deep within.
"Well, not doing anything relevant anymore... maybe it's an airship, heard those have alot of money on 'em."
Morris moves towards the point he heard the sound coming from. Not willing to test his luck, he crouches and moves close to the ground. The dark colors of his armor serving as cammouflage to prevent being spotted.

After a long time of prowling in a general direction, he sees what must have been the cause of the sound.
A young-looking girl. He quickly stands up and jumps at her.

"Hmm... Seems sort of alive... Maybe she's edible... naw, people pay alot for slaves, and this will serve as a good one..."
Morris pokes her with his feet a few times.
"Yep, full on unconscious."
Morris draws out one of his swords from his back and keeps poking at the girl. Mostly at her now ragged robes, trying to see if she has any valuables. As well as inspecting her her body for damages. Hopefully, providing more than "Sexy rags"
"Well... she's certainly not a princess."
Morris grabs her and turns her on her stomach, facing to a side. On closer look, her rags are bloodied and has openings on her back. She has bloody stubs in these openings... She had wings?
"Naw... An Aasimar? is it? fresh from the oven too... Boy, these things fetch a high-price on the slave markets."

Morris continues inspecting her for valuables, while checking every few seconds to see if she's awake. Looks like she hit herself hard, nary a sound comes from her.

"Well, no valuables. Only bloody rags. Aasimar. Looks like i hit the jackpot for poverty. Fuck me..."

About a week had passed since the last battle, bringing the story to the present. The Seishaw had docked up in port with a large amount of upgrades added to it, this includes a reinforced hull, an extra mast, and the addition of a ram and front facing cannons. Being the end of the month, the crew had been granted their pay and allowed a day off. Bringing Patraeko to enter this tavern, along with his right had man, 'Bigman'. Patraeko was wearing his normal formal clothing, with his waistcoat covering all flintlock pistols and his sword being held by Bigman, under his long trenchcoat. This time, Patraeko wasn't wearing his mask, but had it closeby in his satchel, just in case. He had no need to wear his mask, for all the normal people know, he's Patraeko Payemyndii, a well dressed commoner. Even his enemies wouldn't recognise him due to his change in clothing and the addition of his mask when in battle, as Captain 56.

The two reached the bar; sitting on the barstools, Patraeko made his order. "Hey, two bottles of rum." He placed the right amount of coins on the counter for the Barman to take after placing the bottles on the counter. "Thanks."

"So, Sir. About the fountain, why do you need it? I mean, your Shadonian. Don't Shadonians have an infinite lifespan?" Bigman questioned, attempting to make a conversation.
"No, no. Haven't you heard of our tradition? It's not really a tradition though; On a Shadonian's 21st birthday, they don't celebrate turning 21. They celebrate surviving that day. Why? Because there is some strange curse-like thing in our body, where there is a 50% chance of simply dropping dead for no reason on the 21st birthday. If you're lucky, then the body stops ageing completely and then lives with an unlimited lifespan." Patraeko explained, taking a sip of his rum after every sentence.
"Sooo... that doesn't answer.."
"Basically, I don't want the risk. I want a 100% chance of living. That's all."
"Ah, I get it now!" Bigman slapped his fist down onto his palm while giving an agreeing nod.
"Good good... We're setting off tomorrow to Isger. If I knew where it was..." Patraeko turned to the barman, calling him over with a whistle, "Hey, do you know where Isger is?"
"Ah... That's o'er... Uhm... Northeast from 'ere. It's not far inland, bu' I doubt a boat would get you there." The barman replied, confused as to why he was asked.
"Thanks! That's enough information!" Patraeko placed a coin in the barman's mouth as a little tip. "Yer a good help, buddy." He tapped the barman's face a little before dismissing him.

"We will head off tomorrow, Bigman."
"Yes sir."

Three Weeks Ago, A Crypt in the Thuvian Mountains

Ashes drifted from the top of the dias, swirling in the faint breeze. The remains of a human lie stretched out upon the stone, draped in rusty chains. This was the fourth temple that the ritual had been performed at, and the fourth time that the ritual had failed. The charred skeleton resting on the upraised platform that dominated the stony cavern stared accusingly at the only two living occupants of the room. Neth heaved a melodramatic sigh, drawing a grunt of annoyance from his companion.

“Wizard.” Neth winced at the half-orc's use of the word, for it meant she was annoyed. Granted, that was most of the time, but Neth did find he enjoyed the few instances in which she addressed him by name. He looked at the burly woman, who continued speaking having grabbed Neth's attention. “You said that it would work this time.”

“Well, Brekka, I did say that but--”

“You also said that the last three times we ventured down into one of these labyrinthine tombs.” Brekka's voice grew louder with each word, and Neth had to remind himself that the mercenary would keep herself in check. Still, it was hard not to draw on what spells he had left in reserve.

“Brekka, i'm sorry.” the dark-skinned mage gingerly rubbed the back of his head. Brekka's visage soften, seeing the sincerity of Neth's words. Neth took advantage of her fondness of him and pointed at the scorch-marks surrounding the skeleton. “I'm sorry, but we have one more tomb to plunder--wait! Before you yell at me again, let me present my case!

“The first crypt's ritual ended with the guardian being encrusted in roots. Where was the next tomb with a wight-lord? An overrun crypt in Mwangi, that's where! The crypt's guardian reacted to the ritual by melting into a patter of rain, and the next tomb we found that contained a wight-lord was in--”

“The Sodden Lands.” Brekka muttered under her breath, cursing as she realized what it all meant. “So the next wight-lord will be somewhere in...?”

Neth stared at the burnt remains. “Chains...and flame. Traps and heat. Security and summer.” his eyes widened as the answer came to him in a burst of inspiration. “Hells and servitude. Brekka...

“Our next mark is in Cheliax's vassal-nation: Isger.”

---

Present Day

A crude amalgam of watered-down alcohol, hops, and some sort of local fruit swirled in the squat glass Neth held in his hands. The spellcaster was more than a little upset. In the trek back to civilized lands, an owlbear had landed a brutal strike that broke Brekka's leg. The local priest said it would be a month at least before she was able to travel again, even longer before she could fight. She told Neth to continue on and she would meet him in Cheliax with the ritual completed and their futures secured.

Catching the tail-end of Patraeko's conversation, Neth nearly guffawed.

“S'cuse me, good saer.” Neth hopped over to a bar stool closer to the one-eyed boy and the hulking man. “But I wouldn't rely on the information provided by a backwater barkeep if I were you.

Neth deftly withdrew a map from his satchel and unfurled the colorful parchment. And pointed towards the southern continent of the two presented.

“We're here, in Garund. And Isger is...” Neth trailed a finger to the north, past an expanse of water and to the southern part of the northern continent. “Here. It lies on the northeastern tip of Cheliax, across the sea.”

Neth shot the pair and inquisitive stare. “Forgive me for prying, but aren't you two seamen? If...if you're heading there anyway, would you mind allowing me passage on your ship? I don't have much left in the way of funds, but I can certainly work my wages during the trip.” as an afterthought, he hastily added: “And after I'm done with my business in the tomb, I can pay you with whatever treasures I unearth.

“So...” the mage extended his hand towards Patraeko, “Would you grant Neth Ruvathi of Rahadhoum safe passage to Cheliax?”

The two Pirates were holding a casual conversation, talking about some of the crewmen on the ship and some sights they had seen in their travels. But then, some random dark skinned being appeared, takling strangely.

“S'cuse me, good saer.” Neth hopped over to a bar stool closer to the one-eyed boy and the hulking man. “But I wouldn't rely on the information provided by a backwater barkeep if I were you."
Patraeko replied with the raise of an eyebrow above the eyepatch as he slowly turned his body to the person, "As long as I have a general idea, I'll do it." He replied as the man pulled out a map and placed it on the bar, pointing out a route and explaining the places;
“We're here, in Garund. And Isger is...” Neth trailed a finger to the north, past an expanse of water and to the southern part of the northern continent. “Here. It lies on the northeastern tip of Cheliax, across the sea.”
Patraeko was watching intently, nodding his head slightly after some important words in agreement, he was holding his hand on his stubbed chin as he thought some random stuff while the an continued;

Neth shot the pair and inquisitive stare. “Forgive me for prying, but aren't you two seamen? If...if you're heading there anyway, would you mind allowing me passage on your ship? I don't have much left in the way of funds, but I can certainly work my wages during the trip.” as an afterthought, he hastily added: “And after I'm done with my business in the tomb, I can pay you with whatever treasures I unearth.

“So...” the mage extended his hand towards Patraeko, “Would you grant Neth Ruvathi of Rahadhoum safe passage to Cheliax?”
Patraeko opened his eye and raised his head, bringing his bright red, psychotic gaze into the man's own eyes. "Aye, we are... 'seamen'... And we are heading towards Isger, just on a little quest or something." He smiled a little, listening more to the man's words. "I don't usually allow people on my vessel unless they are part of my crew. If you want to hitch a ride, it's either become part of my crew, or pay the wages and stay below deck." Patraeko explained, he can't allow this man to learn of Patraeko's true person, if the ship were to get into a brawl, Patraeko would have to change into his battle clothing and wear his mask. He can't really do that when an outsider is watching.
"Wait... Tomb? Treasures? I'm interested in this already. I might have to make it a side quest as I need to learn more information on my goal. Maybe you could help me? An eye for an ey-" Patraeko paused, remembering that this saying was used literally in his past. "Anyway, I can help you. Just remember the two choices I've given... Neth."
He held his hand out to shake hands, "Payemyndii, Patraeko Payemyndii. This guy is my right hand man, Bigman."

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.”

“I...suppose that I can stay below decks for the duration of the journey.” Neth replied, he didn't seem too happy with this rule... But, Patraeko can't afford to have his identity as Captain 56 discovered by some random dark skinned man who wanted to find some treasure. “As long as I can heave overboard in the case of sea-sickness, these parameters are acceptable.”

Patraeko gave off yet another sigh, there was a good deal he could give this man; "Alright alright, I'll let you stay in the Captain's quarters. There're windows where you can throw up into the waters. Just make sure you stay there and fight the urge to mess with my stuff." His eye narrowed, "If you do manage to mess with my stuff, I'm afraid a forced recruitment will have to take place. But don't worry, my crew are greatful and are happy to have me as their captain."
Patraeko motioned to Bigman, signalling him to head off and inform the crew of the hitch hiker. Gotta make the ship seem less... Pirate.

“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.”

"I don't believe in that shit..." Patraeko replied, annoyed, "Well, I know and acknowledge it's existence. I just hate it. Being Shadonian and all, it's understandable, I guess..." He looked away, his red eye staring at the satchel in which Neth was rummaging through. He seemed to be looking for something... It wasn't long until he had found what he needed, “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."
Patraeko replied by pushing the ring back towards Neth, a small smile on his face, "Again, me and magic don't mix. Let me come with you to your destination, and we can split the treasure. 60:40."

He leaned forward a little towards Neth, a new idea coming into his head. "You do seem like someone with a good head on his shoulders, unlike me..." He held his hand to his head making rings around the ear with his finger, confessing his 'small' mental problems. "I don't see why you don't join me? You could even join the crew with a high rank, you could be my left hand man, -where Bigman is obviously my right hand man-. Then, you would gain permission around my whole vessel, along with a secure monthly payment. A new life! And my own quest would pay you a nice sum, as long as you hold enough information. I pay my crew depending on their usefulness."