Jammers:Chapter 3, Turn 2 Summary

Comments, criticism, and flames always welcome and in fact are requested. I
crave feedback:)

Past turns and further information (such as whose who) can be found at the
Jammer's webpage:
http://lucas.dfl.doc.ca/emoo/jammers.htm

IC:
Once everyone is together Holland relates the items that were found to be
magical and then says, "We should try to redeem the IOU, probably send
Talus since he is an elf, and then we could just sell off the rest of the
weapondry and armour unless anyone here wants them."

Leera moves forward to look over the loot. Picking up four of the blank
scrolls, she inserts them into empty scroll cases from her pack. She then
stows the now full cases back in her pack.

Talus grimaces at Holland's comment, "That is not a good idea.  I am not a
full blooded elf.  I have heard stories of the IEN, a lot of them regard my
existence as an abomination."

In response to Talus' comment, Italapate grins, "Hey, I'll go talk to
them.. I have lots of friends in the Fleet."

Ferric stands on the opposite side of the gathering than Italapate. "Must
not have dumped many of them to their deaths then,"  Ferric mutters just
loud enough for those next to him to hear

"I would haccompany Comrade Hitalapate hon this mission, Comrade Holland,"
Deigatt says while gripping the spear and testing its weight.

"P'haps a merchantwit'anote'd be more acceptable-like...." suggests Seguld.
"Begladta hobbleitoverwitya. Ya'know, kindalike backup."

Italapate grabs the gold dice.  "I'll take these, and my cut of the sales...
call that even."

Holland frowns at Deigatt and Italapate, as they pick up the dice and
spear, and says, "The idea is to wait for all possible items to be brought
forward before making any claims."

Deigatt hastily tosses the spear back with the other treasure. "I was only
checking hit hout," he says. "I was not making a claim to hit."

Holland replies as he rubs his temples, "Sorry Deigatt, I didn't mean to be
snappish."

Deigatt pauses for a moment, then, as Ferric nods encouragement, the
minotaur retrieves the spear. He looks around to his comrades to see if
anyone else is interested in the weapon.

Italapate drops the dice into his pouch with a grin.  "Well, y'know,
Captain Holland, sir, I think I will keep the dice anyway...  First claim
and religious
freedom and all, Coyote insists that I have them.  They aren't magical, as
you said, so there shouldn't be any problem. Hey, if it offends you so, I
will take
the cost of the dice out of my cut... though I never claimed anything from our
adventures before."

Holland says to Leera and Seguld, "Please put those two magic items down
with the rest of the loot, "

Leera removes the acorn from its poition around her neck. She then
withdraws a scroll case from her pack and opens it. Removing the scroll
inside, she lays it beside the acorn. She notes as she does so "This scroll
emanates illusion magic. I haven't yet been able to understand its
function, but I do have a feeling that it could prove useful. If there are
no objections, I'll hang on to it... at least until we find out what
purpose it serves."

Motioning toward the acorn, she continues "This recent battle proved how
vulnerable we all are in a fight. In the first few moments I was hit and
had a spell that might have allowed us to escape ruined. Later, I was
rendered unconscious while attempting to head to the bridge to help 'Pate.
Holland and I have determined that this necklace is imbued with protective
magics. I'd like the opportunity to use it." She looks hopefully around the
room.

Holland says with a grin, "Funny, I had the same thoughts."

"Sure thing boss." responds Seguld as he tosses the mace back into the
pile. "Justmakin'sureitdidn'tdisappearwhenthem collectorscame'board.
Can'ttrust'em." says Seguld with a pronounced negative head shake. Seguld
then pulls gently on Holland's sleeve and in a loud whisper, "Whenya
decides whogitswhat, 'memberthe mace'd dowellf'rme."

"Well, Seguld, since you suffered so much from participating in our little
battle I think you have as good or better a claim than most to the weapon."
Ferric replies to Seguld's not-so-subtle hint.

Holland continues, "Now, before we start placing claims on the other items,
we need to get the box and crate open to see what is in them." Looking at
Talus, Billy and Kain, Holland says, "Could one of you disarm the traps and
open the box?  It probably would be smart to check the crate for traps as
well before using a bit of brute strength to open it."

"Sure," Billy answers. "I'm curious to know what's inside, too."

The young half-elf shakes his head, "While everyone decides what to do, I
will have a look at the crate we found, so if it is trapped in any way, and
try to open it." Talus looks around the group, "Regarding the chalice,
should I try to open its case?  Or should we just give the whole lot to the
temple and let them
worry about it?"

"I don't think we should mess with it. The priests probably put a curse on
it or something if we open it up." Billy shudders at the thought of a
curse.

Grigree adds from the wall he's leaning against, "We be, hrr, embarassed if
priests find no chalice in box.  We open and check."

Seguld shakes his head and grins. "Hey, ifwedidthatbefore
wecould'vesavedalotoftime..." He  jokingly approaches Raken, holding out
his hands as if a box was there. "Here you go mister priest man, here's the
chalice, now give me my money." Seguld mockingly holds one hand palm up,
then looking shocked he continues, "Whatyoutalkin'bout?!?
Thechalicehastobeinthere... wetookitfromthatpirateship!"  Seguld plops down
on the floor holding his stomach as he laughs aloud, his act clearly over.

Ferric speaks up, "Actually I have a couple of thoughts.  First, Seguld
should probably go with the IOU expedition because he does have a knack for
negotiation.  He should go ahead and take the mace with him.  I'd hate to
have it lying here if they get mugged or some such.  Second, we are looking
long term as far as this company are we not?  Since this is the case I
would recomend keeping the daggers, arrows, longbow, one set of the leather
armour, and one of the shortswords on board as a sort of ship's armory
unless, of course, someone wishes to claim them.  As it is hard to obtain
such things in space it's always nice to have a few pieces of spare weapons
and armor on board as long as we have the room to stow them.   Lastly I
would recommend one of our priests pray for healing or poison neutralizing
spells before we open the chest.  I will volunteer to do the actual opening
after our more shady brethren convince themselves that they have defeated
the traps."  He looks around the room, "I think I have a better chance of
surviving a warding spell than any here save Nilaroo or Diegatt and since
these wards often trigger fiery explosions I would fare better than our fur
covered friends."

Seguld springs up from his spot on the floor, and raises one arm in the air
pointing at Ferric. "Smart Man!! Yessirree, smartman smartman...
IknewtherewasareasonIlikedya. Smart Man!   Yaknowwhat   I'llevengive
myveryown maceintoyourarmory ifI git the new one." Seguld then begins to
reach to exchange the maces, but stops as he glances towards Holland. "I
can wait... no problem - I can wait."  His fingers seem to dance as he eyes
drool over the mace.

Italapate laughs out loud following Ferric's statement.  "Negotiate?" he
shakes his head smiling.  "You don't negotiate an IOU that clearly says 200
gold... What would you have us do?"  He mimicks handing the paper to an
imaginary elf.  "Here you go Captain Leafbower, we found this.... It must
be worth 350 gold to the right people.....Hhehehehehhh," he grins.  "I am
going to see my friend, make certain of its authenticity, then turn it in
for the reward.  There is no room for negotiation."

Ferric's expression darkens as Italapate speaks and his hand balls into a
fist next to his waist.

Holland nods his head and says, "I agree with Italapate, Representative
Ferric.  He and Deigatt can take care of the IOU."

Speaking in a calm voice and ignoring Italapate's existence Ferric says,
"If you trust that priest of a wild dog to do something without screwing it
up go ahead.  Just thought it'd be easier for Seguld to handle transactions
than the antagonizer there."

Holland says just as calmly, "That is why Deigatt is going as well."
Holland continues, "As for starting an armory, I disagree.  I don't think
we need extra weapons and the like.  I say we sell them like we did with
the items we collected earlier after, of course, anyone has taken from it
what they want; however, I will defer to the Company if that is the common
wish."

"I.. ah.. think we should keep most of the weapons and armor," Kain says as
he looks over the inventory list.  "Most of it can be used by somebody,
and.. well.. who knows when we'll lose a weapon overboard in a fight or
somewhat.  The only one I don't know about is the morningstar, and, ah, if
we're to keep everything else, why not keep that too," he shrugs.

Pulling out his lockpicks from his left boot, Billy and Talus examine the chest.

Billy asks, "Find any traps?" Talus shakes his head in the nagative. The
crate appears to be simply nailed shut, no hinges or locks.

Billy holds his ear to the crate and listens. After 30 seconds of this, he
knocks on the chest and asks, "Is anyone in there?"

There is no response. After a few minutes Talus and Billy glance at each
other, shrug, and take a pair of crowbars to the crate's lid.  It pops off
easily enough.

Inside lies a coppery, metal statue resembling a human but with bland,
neutral facial features. It's about 5' tall, and proportional in girth.
The figure appears to be non-sexed.  The figure shows no sign of clothing
either actual or carved, but its chest is marked with an owl.
Interestingly, the statue has no base.  The joints look to be carefully
made, almost as if they were expected to work.

Talus shrugs at the sight of the statue, "Another owl," he comments with a
glance at the necklace around Leera's neck.  "It must be some sort of
religious symbol, does anyone know what faith it represents?" The half-elf
looks at Holland and asks, "Is it magical?"

Holland shrugs and says, "I do not have a spell of magical detection
memorized right now.  I will study one while everyone is out doing things
and check it out."

Billy shudders as he recalls, "I remember stories my mum used to tell me
about an evil mage that had a metalman that came and ate you if you didn't
eat your peas. It looks just like the guy in the story. But the story says
that once the mage didn't eat *his* peas and the metalman ate the mage! The
moral was strange: If you have a metalman, make sure you have his key
around your neck. I never understood the meaning until now. Be careful of
what you think of when you wear that thing Holland." Billy exaggeratedly
takes a big step away from Holland and the statue.

Grigree says, "Magic words maybe on back.  We turn statue over and see?"

Holland nods and says, "I had thought the same," as he examines the statue
all over.

Stamped on the back Holland finds the words "Veneficus Aenus Imago Struo"
stamped in small letters.

Holland asks Kain, "Would you please make a few sketches of that.  More than
likely it is stolen, if we can determine who the rightful owner is, we can
return it.  If we can not find a rightful owner, than we will sell it
without any adverse affects."

Nodding, Kain opens the rucksack at his feet.  Taking a piece of paper from
one of his map cases, Kain lays his inkwell at one end and a small wooden
case at the other to hold it flat.  He nibbles at the end of his quill as
he studies the statue, paying close attention to the owl on its chest.
"Articulated limbs, that's.. ah.. odd," Kain shakes his head as he
continues to examine the statue.
"Oh, well, let's begin," Kain smiles.  As the meeting continues, he buries
himself in his work, looking up frequently as his hands go between the
inkwell and the paper.

Leera turns to Italapate and motions toward the now-open crate. "Does this
look familiar? I'm wondering if it's something to do with the animal
spirits you speak of so often?"

He studies the statue.  "Yeah, I think I recognize it, but it has little to do
with Owl if I am correct.  It is more likely to be a holy talisman in
reverence to an Olympian goddess, it slips the mind right now whether that
is Artemis goddess of the hunt, or Athena goddess of wisdom and war.  Owl
the great spirit
was known as both wise and a great hunter so you can understand my
confusion there. Although, I believe that the priests of Athena are really
into this Olympics idea... we might have a prototype for one of the
trophy's for the races."  Pate smiles broadly to himself at the
unlikeliness of that statement. "No, really... the dust?  That's just a
diversionary tactic!  But, seriously, either the Artemis or Athena
priesthoods might like to get this back... if only I could remember which
was tight with Owl....."

Kain grumbles, "Hey, ah, get out of my light!" as he looks up from his
sketch.  "Italapate, isn't it.. ah.. a bit big to be lugging around the
Rock," he grins.  "Besides.. ah.. we can always take this drawing to the
Pantheon to see if it.. ah.. is theirs."  Sighing contentedly, Kain
sprinkles a light dusting of sand over the completed sketch.

Holland asks, "Billy, Talus..  Do you think you can disarm the traps on the
box?  We need to verify if the Chalice is indeed in there."

Dismissing the statue Talus turns to the steel box that the group suspects
contains the chalice, looking up at the others he remarks, "I will try and
disable this trap now.  I suspect it is poisoned, so if I fail you may need
to act fast."  He then proceeds to try and disable the traps.

"Remember the warding." Ferric says quietly as Talus works.  "Just disable
that thing then let me do the opening.  Someone should probably get a
couple of blankets just in case we set something else alight with a
firetrap."

While others are investigating the box which is supposed to hold the cursed
Chalice, Deigatt says to Italapate: "Comrade, you know I ham not
well-versed hin demihuman haffairs, but I was thinking that hinstead hof
redeeming this marker that we should simply return hit to the helven
warriors. Hif hit was held by pirates, then hit was probably hobtained
through deceit, hand the helven navy hofficers may receive hit has a token
hof goodwill. Mentor Parthan has told me that the helven navy his very
powerful, hand hit would be good for hus to have hallies hamong  them. Does
this sound reasonable to you? His hit hacceptable?"

Italapate sighs while he scratches his head.  "Well of course it was gotten
through deceit, probably stolen.  Of course, if my friend has heard a story
of the FLOW GHOST forcing the issue than we will return it as good will.
Tho I admit it makes me giggly inside imagining a group of cutthroat
pirates attacking a Fleet or Sindiath vessel and leaving happy with a scrap
of paper with "I" "O" "U" written on it." to emphasize, he giggles out loud
briefly.  "To tell the truth tho, I had similar thoughts, thats why I want
to present it to my friend first... just to make sure it is valid.  I don't
want to give it to an officer and have him think we are the pirates, stupid
pirates. On the other hand, if it is valid, and it was only stolen... there
is no way to trace it, we might as well spend it... hmmmm, but, maybe you
do have a point. Captain Holland, sir, Mate Deigatt has a question," he
calls out, "Would you approve of us returning the IOU without redeeming it,
as a gesture of good will, and all?  'Course, whoever earned the original
good will certainly would have rather had that than the promise of coin
when the pirates attacked...."

Holland rubs his temples, with more vigor than before and says, "Italapate I
told you not... oh... nevermind," after taking a deep breath and pausing to
think Holland replies, "I have heard of the IEN and I wouldn't put it past
them to give an IOU to a bunch of pirates.  Try to verify the legitimacy of
the IOU, there might be some sort of secret elven code on it that indicates
the originator."

Seguld's eyes light up. "Hey! Igotanidea! How'saboutyoutell'em I gotit
whenwe soldsomegearonShipwrecker.  If'n itslegit, thentheypayus, elseyou
laughatme and sayI'm a foolf'rtrading axeheadsf'rnuttin,
nuttin'butascrapofpaper.  Ifits a stolenthing, thenthey kick some
Shipwrecker butt an'we ain't nuttin' but dupes."

Italapate rolls his eyes and smiles at Seguld's suggestions.  "Look,
weaving a clever story makes me as tingly as the next guy, but c'mon.. lets
not be amateurish.  I will tell my friend the truth, get his advice and
knowledge... then figure out how to approach a proper Fleet authority from
what he tells me.  This guy is straight, if it wasn't for him, I would
never have met you guys.... you can figure for yourselves how much you owe
him...."

Raken listens to the discussion about the IEN with some interest.  "Funny.
I've heard many stories about the Elvish Fleet.  Some hail them as heroes,
especially in my home sphere.  Others curse their existance.  I have had no
bad experiences with them personally, but I have heard too many stories to
be anything but cautious."

Holland continues, "If the IOU is authentic then, Italapate...hrmm,"
Holland turns his head to look at Deigatt, "Deigatt, use your best
judgment.  We do not need 200gps badly enough to turn down the 'goodwill'
of the IEN."

Talus finally steps away from the box, "Okay, the traps disabled.  I can't
do anything about the spelltrap.  You sure about this, Ferric?"

"Yes," says Ferric as he removes his shirt.  "Hold this for me would you
please, I do so hate scorched clothing."

Everyone steps a safe distance back as  Ferric opens the boz. There is a
quick flash and bang as a small explosion swallows Ferric. The smoke clears
quickly, and the tall human is staring down into the box, seemingly
unharmed.  he reaches in and pulls out the Chalice of Storms.  It's
beautiful, gold inlaid with goldstones and emeralds and worked with sea
creatures and waves.

Ferric smiles as he turns around, "Looks like I was right though it must
not have been a very powerful priest to cast a dweomer that didn't even
scorch me."

"This... this has to go in the book, not just on some scrap from my pack,"
Kain breathes as he looks wide-eyed at the Chalice. He scrambles up from
where he was watching the opening, and hurries to his rucksack.  "No, no,
this is something I have to take my time on," Kain says mostly to himself.
"We don't have to have
the Chalice back until the 1st of the 6th, right," he smiles.  "I'd like to
spend most of a.. ah.. day working on a few drawings of the Chalice," Kain
explains. "Though now," Kain looks at the Chalice again, shaking his head
in wonderment, "what's say we.. ah.. keep a permanent watch up until we
return the.. ah.. Chalice."

Holland shakes his head and says, "I don't think we should keep the Chalice
for longer than we need to.  We should contact Prince Aric immediately and
unload the Chalice before someone learns about it and tries to take it.
The entire crew of the RESPLENDENT knows about it, that is too many to keep
a secret."

The young half-elf stretches his fingers, relaxing them after the tense
efforts of disabling the traps, "We should deliver the chalice as soon as
possible, if one of the crew from the RESPLENDANT let slip that we have it,
all and sundry will be swarming the ships." Talus hides a yawn, "While you
lot take care of that, I will stay and guard the ship."

Turning to Leera, Holland says, "Maybe you could go by his manor and alert
him that we have the Chalice and find out how he wishes to make the
exchange."

Leera nods in reply. "Sure. Anyone want to come with?"

"Well.. ah.. if you.. ah.. want to wait an hour or two, I could give you a
few diagrams of the Chalice to show to them," Kain says as he pats the tome
holding most of his art.  "Maybe.. er.. they'll be more kindly disposed
toward.. ah.. you if you can show them you've actually seen what.. umm..
the Chalice looks like.  Or.. um.. if no one else wants to go, I'll make
the trip with.. ah.. you, Leera."

Holland says, "Also, I had thought to minimize expenses, we would repair as
much of the STAR as we can ourselves and then let the Guild finish the
rest," he then turns his head to the three other mages and asks, "Do any of
you have Mending in your books?  It would greatly speed up the process if
we were to help out with our spells as well as our sweat."

Leera shakes her head. "I'm afraid not. I'm not sure how helpful I'll be
with the manual labor, either."

Turning to Ferric, Holland says, "Would you be willing to speak with
Standish and see if the House of Moune would like to purchase the GHOST?
It seems proper that we give them the first dibs.  If Moune doesn't want
it, would you please pass the word to the appropriate people that the GHOST
is for sale?  Also, would you please let them know that we will be making
our prescribed payment to them after the GHOST's sale and after repairs to
the STAR."

"Yes, I was going to suggest the same actually.  I am planning to the Moune
office soon to catch up on current events around here.  I'll inquire as to
the purchase of the GHOST when I do so." Ferric answers.

Holland continues with his requests, "Kain, Talus, would the two of you be
willing to show the sketches around and see what you can learn about the
copper statue?  Maybe the Moune House would be a good start."

Talus nods, "I will show it to some people in the marketplace, but we
should wait until Italapate has talked to the people in the temple.  That
may save a lot of time."

"Hoom. Should we not discover it's purpose first? Priest's bound to say it
belongs to them, whether it does or not." Nilaroo says.

Holland concludes, "Once we have liquidated all of our assets and set aside
the monies for repairs and taxes, we can pay off House Moune and divide up
the rest.  Does this sound acceptable to everyone?"

Looking questioningly at Kain and Talus Ferric says, "Yes, does anyone else
desire to join me when I leave?  I'm going in a few minutes after I change
my clothing."

"I.. ah.. think we should just go to the Pantheon of Olympus and.. uh.. see
if it.. ah.. belongs to one of their priesthoods," Kain says slowly.  "That
is, ah, if no one else minds," he clarifies.  "It, well, just seems like
our best lead."

Holland adds, "On another note.  I plan to attempt to gain an audience with
Bianca Micharle and tell her about the port Barre Sinister.  I believe that
she would be quite interested in knowing its location.  That combined with
the returning of the Chalice is bound to improve our standing here on
Bral."

Holland says, "I think that everyone else should probably stay aboard ship
to guard the Chalice and this statue until we can get rid of them.  Sound
good?  If so, then good luck to all you disembarking.."

"Now, I think I will take the note and my entourage, and retreat to the
elven forests.  Coming?" Italapate pauses as Deigatt and Seguld finish
their treasure business.

Seguld sees Italapate  about to leave, so he quickly tosses his mace on the
ground and scoops up the magical mace. "Itakecare ofit.... honestly!!"
With his crutch under his arm and arquebus across his back he quickly
straps the mace to his belt and then hobbles after Italapate. "Big Guy!
Gimmealift! Please!"

Date/time: 1:00 pm 11th day of the 5th Month, 5049 OC


"We look on the same stars,  the sky is common,  the same world surrounds
us.  What difference does it make by what pains each seeks the truth?  We
can not attain to so great a secret by one road..."
Symmachus,  "Memorial on the Occasion of the Removal of the Altar of
Victory from the Senate House" (392 AD)

Paul Westermeyer,  westermeyer.3@???.edu
Phd Candidate, History, Ohio State
Adjunct Faculty, Humanities Department, Columbus State Community College