" More like courier service. That is why we are aboard the Swallow." Adds Zjaa, "She is essentially a fast cargo ship, rather than a raider."
"Though she does well in the pinch."
"Indeed. And her crew is exceptional. I am well pleased with our ally. I'm sure we can find room for your siblings here on board, Ya'shenn the Double-Edged Mind." Ya'shenn is surprised. She is a psion, that much an observant githyanki could note, but she had not mentioned her Order. Ya'shenn knows now that Zjaa is very shrewd, and she likely noted Ya'shenn's dagger on their first meeting. "You would be safer here than in quarters in the town of Starmantle itself. The graith here fear us, some few even respect us, in their barbarian conception of it. Yet they are graith. Pirates, murderers, thieves, backstabbers, weaklings, and cowards. Those not bold enough to face our blades, still know that we too must sleep. The situation is far worse in Westgate. Here, at least, Ib'm and her platoon keep fear of githyanki steel fresh in the barbarians' minds."
The Warlock smiles "Should we encourage this? Keep some pressure on them ... "
"Such strategies can be discussed in a little while, sister." Zjaa replies "For now you should relay to the other Captains that little has changed. We await possible attack, get into defensive formation. Styrrn and D'aynn now have three days to get their ships in order."
Raa-Shiis does so, one scroll for each.
"Come below, sisters. You are our guests." Zjaa speaks warmly to Ya'shenn and Ii, "Or return to your fellows, if you wish."
"Perhaps accomodations could be arranged for my siblings who are currently aboard Pale's vessels? I am certain that they would be happy to be away from the necromancer for a few days." For far longer, actually...
Speaking of which... Ya'shenn contacts Sark'ja and informs her of the existing situation... as well as inviting her and the rest of the rrakkma band to leave Pale's undesirable company for a while, should they wish to do so. To Kirath: ~Commander Kirath... thank you. It was you who convinced Mist-of-the-Mind to tell us what her destination was, and what she planned for the githyanki of Starmantle. As I would not have wished to be used to conscript other siblings of mine, I am grateful. Now...
The psion happily provides Kirath with the knowledge she has concerning Starmantle's layout. It will not be difficult for the Cultist to find either herself or Ii'Jyka'Vaar.
~Commander, if you could tell me more about how either your Cultists or Tar'geel's Apocalytes have dealt previously with the githyanki of this port? Any hostilities that I will need to smooth over, or unpleasant duels I will have to prevent?
"There are certain weapons I would not mind seeking out, actually." Being who she is, Ya'shenn is more focused on the minds of the others -- getting her siblings settled, dealing with the captains, pondering what Mist-of-the-Mind must be planning at this very moment -- than on the acquisition of physical blades. "A weaponsmith, then, and..." She looks to Raa-Shiis. "Perhaps Starmantle is home to an alchemist of note?"
Ii inquires about items, and Raa-Shiis seems interested in helping.. She is a dealer in magic items, of sorts, being a pirate and a mage. "Starmantle is a trading hub, not as big as Westgate, but still, we may be able to find what you are looking for, between the town itself and the fleets here." Indeed it was to unload some booty that we are here ourselves."
"Indeed? A lucrative raid of some sort?"
[Simultaneous post here, but I don't think it conflicts too much with the most recent posts.]
BoGr Guide to Missile Combat:
1) Equip a bow or crossbow.
2) Roll a natural 1 on d20.
3) ?????
4) Profit!