Game: Blades of Git'riban : Primal State

Ii'jyka'vaar sets herself to the task of finding out who's who in the Black Fleet. Lehr'Asj'tor the Onyx is convinced he is in dept to Ii, for Master Pale would be well within his rights to claim him as a deserter (which he is, having fled Pale soon after the Queen's fall). As a member of the Black Fleet himself, Lehr knows much about the other crew, and about recent developments.

Styrrn left with most of his core officers, about a dozen githyanki. The crews of the ships are mostly graith, with squads of githyanki enforcing Styrrn's orders. Since he fled, the graith crews are going to be sizing up the remaining githyanki even more than usual. More blades, whether from Sigil, the Astral, the Underdark, or Baator itself will be welcome.

Still, Styrrn, and through him githyanki rule, has been beneficial to the pirates; the wealth of sacked cities and the githyanki fleets' dominance of the sea lanes have conspired to make the pirates of the inner seas, masters of their world rather than the hunted wolves they were, when strong navies sought to protect the trade routes. Styrrn was shrewd, for a graith not to mention a githyanki, and read others well, whether it be allies or enemies. The graith captains of the five best sloops-of-war can be counted on (after a fashion) as can Styrrn's First Mate, the graith pirate Red Dread.

Red Dread was captain of the Pride before the incursion. Styrrn defeated her in single combat, but spared her (alone of the entire ship's crew, it is said) making her his right hand when it came to running the ship. Though she has been openly contentious with Styrrn, she has carried out every order. There might be a danger of her wanting the captaincy back, but she has learned to fear and respect githyanki blades.

Of githyanki blades, only a few remain after Styrrn's departure.

There are only two Duthka'gith; Khem the Sharp (very dragonish looking, very skilled in battle), and Av'dra the Dun, a mind-warrior fond of daggers and having a reputation for ... consorting with graith too closely. Indeed, there are three graith half-dragons among the crew who are loyal to the half-gith-half-dragons.

The most prominent of the pure-blood githyanki is Varsh-Mil. It is said he "held a dagger" for Styrrn, and is likely feeling rather betrayed right now. As a Varsh-caste teacher of the young, he is skilled in all three arts; mind, magic, and blade. He has the habit of speaking to others as if they were children, especially the younger githyanki, but his skill and knowledge cannot be denied. He is band of turquoise and worked at many Varsh'isk connected to Githmir and other major cities on the Astral, and is very well-traveled and cultured. Varsh-Mil is especially disdainful of the graith, and there is mutual dislike between him and the duthka'gith.

Another Turquoise from Githmir is Gav'jji the Swift. He is the most able sailor and navigator among the githyanki, rivaling the best the gaith have to offer. Why Styrrn left him behind is anyone's guess, but it is fortunate for the fleet. It is known that Gav'jji had turned renegade and joined a crew of gith pirates well before the incursion, but had proved himself true githyanki when Toril was invaded.

Shar'shau is more interested in money than most githyanki. He has the best rapport with the graith pirates than any other githyanki, understanding them on a level other gith cannot. He was a smuggler in Git'riban for a time, but also joined the incursion when it was launched.

Xailen the Brewer has a tea house in Starmantle, and may be reluctant to join the fleet in this endeavor. Lehr is confidant that Ii'jyka'vaar can convince him, though.

Mlar-Kav'natch is a master artificer. She is quiet and interacts seldom with Lehr'Asj'tor, so he knows only a little about her. She was not fond of Styrrn, especially his advances, and Lehr believes she chose to stay instead of accompany Styrrn.

There are six Swordwraiths aboard the Sloop Raven's Claw. As undead, they no longer have their mind-powers, and cannot dimension-door.

A psion, K'rr'jakak of the Voidwalkers, is a psychoportation specialist who transports the swordwraith into battle. His personality is very intense, even manic, and Lehr avoids him as much as he can (which isn't enough, as a teleporter, K'rr can be anywhere he wants, antagonizing whomever he wants)

There are a few younger warriors, rank-and-file githwarriors whose officers were slain. They amount to twenty or so. They tend to follow the lead of whatever ranking githyanki is present at the time.

Gy-Nath greets Xer'mun briefly but very formally. He introduces himself as Kith'rak of the Blades of Git'riban, and introduces the other members of the war-party. Githees Ii'jyka'vaar, he mentions last. Already she is talking to a Black Fleet githyanki she met their first day at the Customs House.

Ya'shenn hears his mind send to hers ~ I don't know that this honor was bestowed truly to honor Na'rai, Ii'jyka'vaar, and Kirath. Still, 'Boots wander the battlefield where they may.' and this course of action may prove itself.[i]

Gy-Nath notices Xer'mun's tattoos, "It is an honor to meet a stalker and slayer of The Enemy such as yourself"

Na'rai wears a mask, half jade and half silver, so her expression is hidden. She greets Xer'mun and introduces her second, Sthar. Welcomes his blade and praises the band of Silver.

There are no graith even on the fringes of the githyanki crowd (they know better), but plenty of unfamiliar githyanki, some without obvious warband insignia, abound.

The Commanders are getting their fleets in order and briefly concurring with each other. Lahar's forces get set to move out quickly. It is now known that he can transport three thousand githyanki, but currently has only three pilots for every two ships. The Ruby and Garnet forces are the largest, but will likely be ready to move before the Black Fleet. The Silver have several small, fast ships in addition to an Astral Brig and a few Astral skiffs. His forces are likely to reach Urmlaspyr first.

The wyvern understands that githyanki are not food (he will also never eat a snake or snake-like being due to his conditioning.) Lehr'Asj'tor was in training to be a dragonrider, and is fearless around the beast (which is good). Due to Mist-of-the-Mind, Nah'Mizh'Aar is more intelligent than a typical wyvern now.

(back to that later)

The Githyankis' business proceeds apace. Lahar's forces move as one to a point a couple of miles out to sea, leaving him his personal Brig to catch up in. The gesture is intended to allow Pale to move out first.

The Silver fleet githyanki prepare to move quickly. It is not lost on the other githyanki, though none of the other Silvers bid Xer'mun farewell, he is obviously not hurried to leave with them. Indeed, as Gish Lis turns to the new commanders and the Git'ribani, he lets them know that since Xer'mun is "well known" to their own Psion, they can send important messages through him. He then consults for the last time with Lahar, Raa-shiis, and Gish Zjaa. Other Silvers similarly join with the other commanders' forces.

*Kirath*

A duthka'gith steps up and introduces himself to Kirath & Ar'dru {DM: Come Back Az!} He is extremely dragon-ish, and could as easily be taken for half-human or half-lizardfolk as for half-gith. He speaks in perfect githyanki, though. He is Khem Brun'ally the Sharp, of the Black Fleet. He is joined quickly by another duthka'gith. She is very different, and instead of Khem's red scales, her skin is ashen grey. She has large swept-back horns over her dreadlocked hair. Her face is not dragon-ish, but her teeth are very sharp. She is Av'dra the Dun, a mind-warrior.

They politely inform them that the githyanki of the Black Fleet are holding their own conclave about their next moves. Many of the highest ranking remaining are meeting at a local githyanki tea-house.

*Ii'jyka'vaar*

Gy-Nath intercepts the Knight before she can leave. "You are already taking your charge, I see. I still believe we must return to Sigil as soon as possible, and joining this Black Fleet seems the best option to find the portals we seek.

{DM: If Ii'jyka'vaar wants to go to Xailen's tea-house, Gy-Nath and most of the party will accompany her. Players are free to accompany too. We just got the party back together, wouldn't want to split it again now}

*Ya'shenn*

Ya'shenn sees Gy-Nath intercept the knight as soon as the black fleet githyanki she spoke with left her. Ya'shenn's instincts tell her something is going on, and evolving quickly. Kirath and Ar'dru are speaking with two strange duthka'gith. Az'thri stands eagerly sketching insignia.

*Xer'mun*

Still sensing happenings on the periphery of the group as well as the groups of commanders, Xer'mun Sees Gish Lis plant a Silver in each of the fleets to help coordinate their efforts. The Silver are the smallest fleet, the fastest, and the most ready to depart immediately. They will undoubtedly arrive in The Dead Stones first.

Meanwhile, several more "black" gith slip down the street and disappear into an alley a couple of blocks to the west.

The Crowd of Githyanki is beginning to break up, and Lahar bids the Git'ribani farewell for now. The Garnet and Ruby forces of the red fleet are the most numerous, but thanks to Ya'shenn's and Ii'jyka'vaar's early warning, ready to take to the sea.

Ii'jyka'vaar leads the way to the teahouse, having been informed by Leyr'Asj'tor where it can be found. Kirath and Ar-dru are similarly led by the duthka'gith, trailing the rest of the party. It is a walk along the warf for a good distance before turning up the hill at a small cross-street between warehouses. Up the hill a short distance, the street splits, going around a small promontory of bedrock. Along the right-hand fork, built right up to rock, is a large stone building of the same material. It may have been an inn at one point, but now it is roofless and partially ruined. A wooden door still stands at the ground floor, but it is hacked-at and burned, and currently wide open. In the doorway a small knot of four githyanki are present. The party is walking up the hill, and the githyanki duck inside before they arrive.

{ DM note: party now consists of; Ii, Ya'shenn, Azthri, Kirath, Ar'dru, Du'minh, Na'rai & Sthar, Gy-Nath, K'tch, Sark'ja, Ha'kanaa, and Kitiir }

The party enters the partly ruined building. The rubble has been cleaned up so that there is a large empty space, turning what was the interior into a walled courtyard of sorts. There is a small door down a flight of steps to one side that seems to lead into the rock itself. There are a few githyanki here in the front parlor. Indeed there are a few tables and benches, as well as an abused bar counter. A pair of githyanki step out and share drinks with a couple of those out here.

The githyanki here are githwarriors from the Pride. Varsh-Mil is one of those who came out to serve the others, and he will dominate any conversation. He can tell the caliber of those he deals with very quickly, complementing their gear, their order, or their warband, in such a way as to let it be known that he has a sharp eye and a quick mind.

Another githyanki steps out of the cellar with a tray of beverages. He is Xailen the tea-brewer. He introduces himself to the newcomers, and invites them to come below and get a cup before he quickly goes back in himself. He will return in a few minutes with another tray, and Varsh-Mil will inform anyone who is inclined to follow him below that there is no need.

Mil knows the actions of the commanders, and who Na'rai, Ii'jyka'vaar, and Kirath are.

"The Black Fleet's Commander ... " Varsh-Mil frowns and grinds his teeth, "Styrrn ... he's nothing but a low down ... double-dealing ... back-stabbing ... larcenous ... perverted ... worm!"

*Ii'Jyka'vaar*

With that, he disappears, teleporting away suddenly.

Xailen enlists a githwarrior to help him pour two more trays of tea-mugs. He also gives another pair a couple of smaller kettles to take outside. He tells any remaining to also go out and join the meeting in the bar-room.

Soon, he is alone in the tea-cellar with Ii'Jyka'vaar.

*Party*

Varsh-Mil seems to dominate the group of mostly rank-and-file githwarriors, and his cursing of Styrrn's name echoes among those present. These are githyanki betrayed by Styrrn, left behind because they were considered unimportant, unwanted, or simply unliked, by Styrrn or one of his closer cronies.

The Duthka'gith are given a wide berth by other githwarriors, though the look of awe is hard to mistake in some. Among themselves, the female warrior is the more extroverted personality, and speaks eagerly with Kirath and Ar'dru.

There is also a female githyanki sitting alone on a stool near one end of the high bar, observing the gathering.

Ya'shenn sees another githyanki; short, with white hair like a lion's mane, appear suddenly on the roofless second floor. It acts as a kind of balcony over the 'bar room'.

Two more groups of gith soon arrive. The first group is seven gith sailors led by Gav'jji the Swift. They are dressed in pirate fashion, with light or minimal armor and swift blades. Soon behind them are a similar group of nine githwarriors in rich gear lead by Shar'shau. Lehr'Asj'tor, Ii's contact in the fleet, is also with this second group.

Generally, the greetings and conversation are friendly, but light. Varsh-Mil helps make introductions. He speaks mostly with Na'rai of Jade. Her sarth, Sthar, fetches the rest of her squad; six elite githwarriors with heavy gear. The Varsh is particularly complementary to the Jade, and Ya'shenn senses the political undertones.

Mil asks questions about other locales, and shares some tactical information himself. "The Pirate Isles are our playground. There is little trade in the West, but swift and bold graith ships increasingly run from Sembia. Cormyr's Navy guards The Neck, a straight east of here into their own smaller sea. They have not ventured forth ... yet! Styrrn, I'm sure, saw no profit in going that way, if they were to try to break out and attack The Dead Stones."

"I too see little profit in the west. The Dead Stones are largely looted. There is nothing there but rebels and refugees. The Eastern lands on the Sea were hardly touched by the Incursion. Plenty of trade that way. " Shar'shau replies.

"The west holds little profit, maybe, but how much Honor? Would you leave your siblings trapped in a profitless passage, if you could save their blades for a better battle? I may hold the Firebringer in less regard than some others here, but his words, at least, were true in that regard, as were yours Na'rai of Jade. Let us save as many blades for the ENEMY as we can."

Varsh-Mil gives Ya'shenn a smile. "Our sister speaks true. Have we been among the graith so long that we hold gold more valuable than Honor? More valuable than the lives of our people? Remember Gith's teachings, siblings!"

Shar'shau looks unconvinced, and gives a smirk in Mil's direction. Gav'jji, on the other hand, seems to be in serious thought.

Shar'shau sneers, "Yes, yes. We've heard more than enough pontification about honor and duty from the Varsh already, without the newcomers piling it on too."

It is the duthka'gith Khem who replies first to Shar'shau, "If your desire were to remain here, you should have slunk into the Custom's House and reported to Ib'm. Those who came here are for sailing, wherever the Black Fleet goes. It remains only for us now to choose a new command and a direction." He looks pointedly at Ii, Na'rai, and Kirath. The newcomers begin to realize that their command of the Black Fleet is far from assured, despite what Lahar and the other commanders said. "I for one am for upholding the other Fleets' recommendations. We should sail for The Dead Stones with the other fleets and aid in the evacuation. Of course, if we find anything there worth keeping, then keep it we shall. We sail under the Jade, the Knight, and the Warlock. Or at least we keep this appearance for the graith. It would actually be easier than one of us, who the graith already know, taking command."

"I agree with our cousin," Gav'jji the Swift speaks up, "But in any case the newcomers should join our fellowship officially. Mlar-Kav'natch bring out the skull."

The female githyanki who sat apart silently steps forward. Out of a sack she pulls an illithid skull guilded with fine crystal and metal lines in complex patterns. It is recognizable as a control skull from one of the astral ships.

"Take the skull and swear to serve the interests of the githyanki of the Black Fleet. It is a formality, but an important one to us."

Before anyone can take the skull, however, K'rr'jakak the Voidwalker interjects excitedly, "Wait! Wait! All the githyanki of the fleet should witness this!" He disappears from the 'balcony', and a few moments later reappears surrounded by six figures covered in black cloaks. They are most likely the swordwraiths from the Raven's Claw.

It is Av'dra the Dun who replies to Ya'shenn and Ii'Jyka'vaar, "The primary interest of us in the Black Fleet is survival. We have all taken this oath, despite or personal and political differences, to watch out for each others' lives. Our heading of sail matters not. Our lives matter greatly to us. Whomever we choose to follow, and it will be our choice; though I still have much respect for the Firebringer he does not command the Black Fleet ... whomever we choose to follow as commanders must swear not to squander our lives neither needlessly nor recklessly."

Gav'jji the Swift adds to her words, "Indeed. Each of us will re-affirm our own oaths to the Black Fleet, if necessary, so that all may witness them. Any who refuse will not sail with us. As for the Knight, the Jade Kith'rak, and the Warlock; if you have no interest in even symbolically joining us, why would we consent to have you leading us?"

The words are spoken with pride, and Xailen interjects quickly to try to calm things down, "No one is implying that you are anyone's puppet, Githees. Indeed your rebellion against Master Pale provides more than enough proof that you are not. But you must understand that each child of Gith here is their own person. If you are to command, it is by mandate from the fellowship. I have no doubt you could compel much obedience through violence or the threat thereof, but with all due respect, I think that would be a mistake."

The Black Fleet gith look unhappy about Ii'Jyka'vaar's request. Some merely look annoyed while others frown. Several are about to protest at once, but before they can, Na'rai sweeps in and takes the skull.

"That will not be necessary, for me at least."

She holds the skull aloft wit one hand. With the other, she removes her jade and silver mask. All see that her face is heavily scarred, including tentacle scars from at least one unsuccessful attempt by a mind flayer to remove her brain.

"I, Kith'rak Narai of The Jade Tower, swear my blades to service in The Black Fleet, to defend the lives of my siblings. If I am to lead, then to the best of my ability I will strive for victory. If I am to follow, I will obey any reasonable order. I will do this until the time comes for me to leave this band of githyanki. So I swear."

The Black Fleet githyanki look at each other. It seems they approve, at least enough to be satisfied. Na'rai then passes the skull to her Sarth, S'thar, who also makes an oath before passing it, in turn, to each of Na'rai's elite Jade warriors. The Jade, including S'thar, each specifically include in their oaths a promise to obey Na'rai's orders.

Athri'zahn'kel snaps out of her trance when the skull is taken from her hands. She looks into the face of Sark'ja. The Git'ribani seems genuinely impressed, and looks on the hive-gith with a new respect. She takes the skull.and holds it ahead of her as it to show it around.

"This ain't the first crew I've raided with, berks." Her planar cant accent couldn't be more different from Ya'shenn's flawless Tu'narathi and Azthri's surprisingly unaccented githyanki "I'll join your crew. To slay or be slain, defend or attack, as fortune dictates, so long as I berth with these brethren. I, Sark'ja do swear. Death to The Enemy!"

Among the pirates, Gav'jji smiles at the simple words of a gith pirate. Varsh-Mil shows approval of the more verbose and honorable oaths of the others. He smiles wider with each one up to Azthri's oath, and he looks at her with approval. But when Sark'ja speaks, the Varsh sighs and shakes his head.

The other githyanki pirates seem to approve of each one, though.