FLUFF: Jammers: Turn 52 Chapter 7

The Adventures of my Jammers PBEM game.

I hope folks are enjoying these, if there is a consensus that they suck
I will be happy to stop posting them. Let me know what you folks think.
(My players should feel free to comment as well:))

Website: http://lost.spelljammer.org/Jammers/

----------- = Meanwhile, elsewhere...
*********** = Later...
{} = Actions and descriptions within these brackets take place within
the psionic mindscape and are OOC knowledge for all accept the parties
directly involved.

IC:

Holland says, "Well met Argonui.  We didn't know it was you at the
temple, we hid until you left and then climbed the volcano wall."
Holland asks, "Does Billy live?"

Talus leans up against the railing and watches.

"At the temple?  I'm not sure what you mean." Argonui cocks an eyebrow,
"I haven't seen him since the natives attacked.  I could not change
without destroying your ship."

Holland asks, "Did you secure his body?"

"No, I didn't know he was dead." Argonui says, "When I reverted to my true form your ship was long gone."

Argonui looks at the group with curious eyes.  "You had entered the
temple,  I needed to feed. So, I hunted and when I returned you were
gone."

Holland says, "Maybe I am missing something," looking over at Kain and
Oquid, "Kain, I thought when you were mind-talking with Oquid she said that
Billy and Argonui's throats were cut and they were tossed overboard.  Is
that correct?"

Kain nods, "I'm not sure, let me think, um, I remember Oquid saying they
were both stabbed many times and then tossed overboard but, um, Grigree was
not so sure, and Argonui is not dead, obviously. It would be better to ask
Oquid what she saw now she is free. Her panic while she was a prisoner may
have clouded her memory."

Holland looks over at Oquid, "Oquid, there seems to be a misunderstanding.
Please clarify for us."

Argonui says, "If you were stabbed many times, would you know all that
was going on around you?  Two of those kopru attacked me with their
minds as the natives attacked Billy and I physically.  I never saw how
Billy fared in the fight.  I was knocked unconscious and awoke lying
alone on the bank of the lake with my human body badly wounded.  I
reverted to my true form, but the ship was gone. I had not fed enough
for months, so I went hunting: for food, the Cutlass, and the ship.  I
now seem to have found two of the three."

Holland then says, "We did secure the Cutlass from the temple."
Pointing over at It he continues, "According to our agreement with you,
we agreed to give you the Cutlass as your price for leading us to this
sphere.  However, we also told the Cutlass that we would talk with you
about It.  From our examinations the Cutlass is not evil; and it has
knowledge that could be very useful.  So, we ask that you listen to the
Cutlass present its case before you decide to do something drastic to
it."

Allagan steps away from the lines and watches Argonui's reaction to Holland's words.

Sekeht stands nonchalantly at the trigger of the loaded ballista. It's aimed to port, slightly forward.

Raken holds his position at the forward ballista, although he is quite
relaxed.  He can barely keep his 'I was right' grin from showing.

Argonui faces transform into a savage smile, "You've got the old knife, eh?  Where?"

Before anyone can answer, the Cutlass says, "Now, matey,  ye should nae
hold a grudge!  Just a tool in that pirate's hand I was, and lucky he
was to escape yer wrath."

Argonui growls, "You tasted my blood, knife.  Was it sweet?"

Cutlass coughs, "Umm... nay, I do not seek blood."

"Really? A blade that doesn't seek use?" Argonui says.  "What promises did you make these young ones?" 

"All me knowledge, both about the hoard and anything else I've learned
over the years." Cutlass answers, "I could be good for these lads and
lasses."

Argonui snorts and looks around the group.  "What do you think?"

Holland replies, "To be truthful, we could use Its help in ridding Bralsphere
of the Shipwrecker Fellowship and any other pirates we can find.  That is
what we would use It for."  Holland continues, "But you have first claim, as
per our agreement."

Freneth stepped away from the triggering mechanism of the midship ballista,
and began to uncock the device.

Kain looks across, "That is what we would try to use it for. We can not know
what would actually happen. But it does not seem right to destroy a sword
simply because it is too sharp."

Raken says, "To be honest, I find Cutlass to be a spirited, even
enjoyable 'fellow', if I may use such a term for a talking sword, but as
Holland stated, he is rightfully yours."

Ferric steps forward, "I have heard that blades such as this with a mind
of their own can control or warp the character of their bearers over
time and the log entries we read seem to support this.  This blade seems
to have a great deal of useful knowledge and formidable combat abilities
but I would be loathe for one of us to bear it unless we could be
certain it would not dominate its bearer and be a danger to our group.
Of those present you would surely be the foremost authority on such an
issue.  Though it is your right to do with it as you will if you decide
to spare the blade's existence you would be responsible for finding a
bearer who's will not easily be subverted."

"I will not accept such responsibility." Argonui says, "If I grant you
the Cutlass, you shall have to choose its wielder yourselves."

Talus says, "I don't know who has the strongest will but I know that
Holland has been through things that would break a lesser man.  I think
he would be the best choice."

"Leera's been wielding it, and it hasn't subverted her," Sekeht says.
"It's probably got more useful information in it, and I don't think it
poses us any
real danger."

"And you are a mindbender who can determine that her will is still her
own at any given moment?  Thus the danger of subversion.  We might not
discover it until a critical moment when our lives might be in
jeopardy." Ferric replies.  "Of course this may all be overly cautious
prattle but if you recall the writings of the former wielder of the
cutlass the entries reflected a gradually shifting attitude, especially
when times got tough."

Allagan replies, "I think the Cutlass would be a great ally."

Allagan addresses Ferric saying, "I agree with Talus, Holland would be a
good choice to wield the Cutlass. Either him, or maybe yourself Ferric."

"I claim no such ability, Ferric," Sekeht says gently. "I know only what
I have seen with my eyes." Turning to the illusionist, Sekeht asks,
"Leera, can you tell us truly that you have not been affected by
possessing the Cutlass?"

Leera's only answer is a sardonically raised eyebrow.

Allagan says to the Cutlass, "There is concern about how you might
affect your wielder.  Other than your knowledge, what else can you
provide?  We saw you cast
darkness, what else can you do?"

"Shiver me timbers! I'm a BLADE, matey." the Cutlass replies, "What
purpose do ye think folks have for me? One who uses me will cut and
thrust with the best.  I know centuries of secrets, I can plot a good
course, and I know how to handle a jammer well.  Aye, and a crew.  Them
who sail the stars will follow a manjack carrying Cutlass, that they
will.  But, lovely as Lady Leera be, she has no skill with a blade.  I
require a strong swordarm."

Allagan replies, "What do you think Ferric?  Would you be willing to wield it?"

"I doubt," Argonui says with a smile, "That Ferric would have the
proper... point of view to wield that knife."

Holland replies, "Wouldn't that be the most suited person?  One who
doesn't have that particular point of view?"

"Likely the Cutlass would soon tire of a proper orderly shipboard life
in my care and long to have a more freebooting, chaotic wielder."
Ferric replies. "Not to mention that I vastly prefer the lighter, more
controlled rapier. If we are to keep it Ives or one of the other
strongarms in the group might prefer it."

Argonui nods in approval, then looks askance at Holland.  "I would have
thought that you, as a mage, would know that such weapons must be
compatible with their wielders."

Holland replies, "I thought the intent in this case was for someone
contrary in order to reduce the fear of a changing personality."

Argonui shakes his head, "No,  you cannot expect the blade to serve
against his nature.  If you want him, use him to effect."

Allagan replies, "Cutlass, you have seen all of us in action.  Who would you choose?"

"Which of ye are good with a blade, and seek freedom and adventure,
matey?" the Cutlas answers, ""I like a free-booting life, sailing the
starry main. 'Pon my soul, ifin I had me the choice, me wielder be swift
of hand and mind and adventuresome in spirit. They'd have to love the
stars and flow as well, I canna be a dirt-lover!"

Holland replies, "You would have loved Italapate then."

After listening quietly while the others discuss who should wield the
cutlass Kain interrupts, "Um, Cutlass, why is it you require a strong
sword arm if you do not seek blood? I think the Lady Leera would be fine
fit as your wielder; you seek an adventurer and someone who will value
your knowledge, why not a mage? And neither of you is always as they
first appear, you should do well together. Or is it really blood you
seek, and so a strong arm and malleable will is all you care for?"

"Matey, if you want me at full sail, I need a wielder." Cutlass says.
"I care not if me wielder can cast spells.  I like Lady Leera, she be a
fine lass.  If she would learn to fence, I be ready to serve her."

Talus says, "I have been meaning to learn a new weapon, I could learn to use the Cutlass."

Argonui says, "If I grant you the Cutlass, the boon is to you, not the
blade. His doom is merely postponed for as long as he proves useful."

Cutlass says, "I'll be useful all me days, Gundishiburguulgoth."

"For when that usefulness ends you know I shall come for you with tooth
and claw." Argonui relies grimly, "But if they would have you, they must
offer me something in return." Argonui looks at everyone's faces, one at
a time, "Not baubles, for I grant you no bauble but service,  just as I
served you in guiding you here.  So a service should be repaid.  The
service of Vais, to start.  And a service later, from you all.  A
service that will require you to break no oaths, nor laws, nor do no
evil. But a service you must agree to perform as if it were your own."

Sekeht frowns and knits his brow.

"Vais is sentient and therefore we may not speak for him as though he were a
mere piece of property.  He has served well and been a most agreeable
companion since we discovered and activated him.  If he agrees to the
service you ask of him we will have no objections."  Ferric says.
"Likewise I cannot speak for these others but, boon or no boon, unless
something changes drastically in our relationship you have but to ask
and I will aid you in whatever way I am able."

Holland replies, "Under the conditions you stated, I would agree.  But
as Ferric says, Vais can make his own decision.  Especially if it
involves leaving the NIGHTWIND."

Allagan replies, "As long as it wasn't immoral or evil, I would have no objections."

Freneth states, as he finishes manning down the  ballista, "This one is
willing to offer a service, in exchange for the service granted us."

Kain looks across to Argonui, "I am happy to perform a favour of your
asking, you guided us to this sphere, and for that you deserve your due,
even if the Cutlass is destroyed I would still fell myself in your
debt."

"Nay." Argonui says, "My payment was to be the Cutlass, we simply now
negotiate a replacement deal.  Either way we shall stand even."

"Um, there is a difference between being even and feeling even," Kain
replies, "I would not want to see the Cutlass destroyed to avenge the
actions of its previous owner, but nor do I want the responsibility of
owning it. Either way I would do you a favour if you asked."

"To keep you we must bind ourselves to this dragon," Sekeht says to the
Cutlass. "You know something more of him than we do. What sort of task
is he likely to
give us?"

Allagan interrupts, "Sekeht, they battled once.  That doesn't make the
Cutlass an authority on Argonui. Argonui says that the single task would
break no laws,
oaths or be evil.  I don't see that as 'binding'."

"Yes, my good friend," Sekeht says. "But I suspect you and I are using
different pairs of eyes. And my experience has been that a being's enemy
is likely to
know more about that being than his closest comrades. It's just good strategy."

"If we fear the Cutlass's response to my question, then I will certainly
withdraw it," Sekeht adds. "I don't mean to cause any trouble."

"It pains me to say it," Cutlass say, "But ye can trust the old wyrm.  He keeps his promises."

"Hoom, our bargain was sealed and we have the means to fulfill our
word!" Nilaroo calls out from the catapult.  "The blade, we have
recovered and it belongs to the dragon.  We have lost comrades to this
quest that is apparently meaningless to Argonui.  Did Billy and Italpate
die so that we could gain a magic trinket and ensnare us further?  Let
him have his vengeance and be done with it."

"I keep thinking about the episode with Bosil and its repetition here.
Frankly I'd rather see the Cutlass destroyed than muck about trying to
get more out of it."  Ives booms out.  "Besides every pirate and
freebooter out there will be gunning for us once they here we have the
Cutlass.  Those of you who belong to the Golden Brotherhood will likely
be constantly challenged for the cutlass if you wield it."

Ives adds  "However I have no objection to Argonui's favour if everyone else wants to keep the Cutlass." 

"I agree with Nilarro and Ives," adds Grigree.  "The trouble the blade brings will outweigh its benefits."

Lellyn's brows knit as Ives speaks. Turning to him Lellyn replies "You
are right to consider what will occur when we return to Bral. There are
things going on here that I still do not understand, but this much I do
know. Cartan and his crew will return to Bral. When they do, he faces
the loss of much status within his house. He will return empty handed
and with a damaged ship. I would wager that out of spite for this
company he will see the word spread that Blackjammer's cutlass has been
recovered and by whom."

"There is a way to combat this, no matter what fate is decided for the
sword. It will however require some complicity on the part of this
gentleman" Lellyn continues, indicating Argonui.

Holland walks over to the voice tube and quickly explains the situation
and Argonui's deal to Vais, "So, what do you think Vais?"

"About what?" Vais calls back up the tube.

Before Holland can answer Argonui says, "There is no need to decide this
moment.  If we choose to destroy the knife throwing him into this
sphere's sun would be the proper method.  If we leave the atmosphere you
could rest, eat, and make choices as a group.  I could present my task
to Vais then, as well."

"Let's leave this sphere" Kain says, "No doubt any other sun will do as
well as this one, and we have wasted to much time to hunt for the other
Spelljammer."

Holland pauses and then replies, "There is another matter we are looking
at as well.  The other Jammer attacked us and killed one of our crew.
We fought it off and damaged it severely but it got away while we were
slaying summoned creatures.  Now, several want to hunt it down and
destroy it.  The reasoning ranges from plain revenge to preventing the
fish creatures from getting their hands on a viable spelljamming helm.
This would preclude us departing the sphere immediately."
 
"Cartan's witch and crew, yes?" Argonui growls, "How will you find them?"

Holland shrugs, "That would be the hard part, we would have to try to
track them down.  We know the direction they fled from the fight."

Argonui adds, "I would not worry overly much about the kopru.  I doubt
they would get Delmaria's ship from her, and even if they did, it would
be but one vessel.  They are too few to threaten the spheres."

Holland asks, "What do you know of the Kopru?"

"Could that tale wait until we are Bralward, Holland?" Sekeht asks. "It
is a long journey and we will have quite a bit of time to kill, when
we're not counting our newly acquired booty."

Allagan adds, "While it might make a good voyage story, I'm curious how you know the fishies' race name."

Argonui answers, "I spoke with some of the Island's inhabitants, that
was they name they gave for the creatures.  They seem to be highly
intelligent, and they have mind powers.  But they seem much fallen from
former glory."

Date/Time: 2:50 pm, 12th day of the 11th Month, 5049 OC


-- 
"Check it out -- I'm a FUNCTIONAL ILLITERATE!  Don't know why I didn't
think of it before.  That's one sweet quirk.  HEH...  I'm immune to
books! What I can't read can't hurt me!"  Dave Boswell, _Knights of the
Dinner Table_

Paul Westermeyer, westermeyer@????????.net