Chapter 3: Silver Isle, Floating Market

I will go now fast to market and have two casks of lamp oil sent here. She thrusts her hand with the coins back into the pouch so the coins are back where they belong.

A case would be great. I will come later and get it when you let me know it is done. She bypasses the question about Kitty. She again appears not to be hurrying you at all. I am a shifter. We are very rare on the water. She doesn't indulge on trying to describe what a shifter is. Perhaps all shifters are like her? She does however look more wolf like. Werewolf that is. And if you get some info about the last battles with the hags then you will also know she is shape shifter as Moonbeam well roasted her, but then again she is a druid too and obviously can wild shape. And a high priestess no less with the accords that she has said.

Severn, the deck hand, comes looking for any of the officers, or anyone who can speak with some authority. It seems the Dockmaster has come calling, and Captain Valrakas isn't in his cabin, nor anywhere on the ship.

Dockmaster Safford Stampes is well-mannered and well dressed -- almost aristocratic. In other words, he looks completely out of place on this rough-and-tumble, raggedy raft of flotsam and jetsam.

The man clears his throat. "Permission to come aboard?"

Jack pokes his head up from his deck chores, glancing around trying to find anyone in proper authority. Not seeing anyone immediately to hand, he waves to the man.

Aye, I suppose it's granted. he says, wiping the sweat from his grips as he stands up to crack his back.

"Forgive me for not coming sooner. I had other business to attend to. This is your vessel's first visit to our little community, correct? It's time to enter her into the registry." The dockmaster opens a heavy, leather-bound log and writes "Kestrel" in a flowy hand. "Done. Now I understand some purchases have been made at some of our merchant establishments. Good, good. Ahem. Now there is just the matter of the docking fee, so if I could speak with the captain, please?"

Captain is ashore. Im Ian the first mate. how can I help ye sir?

Astrias quietly turns her attention to the Dockmaster, her eyes seem to pierce into him. Might his intent be to swindle or to bully?

"As I said, the docking fee." Stampes sweeps an appraising gaze over the ship, runs a finger fastidiously along a gunwale, wrinkles his nose as he flicks imaginary dirt away.

It's definitely some sort of con. Whether the man has an official sinecure as nominal dockmaster, or the title is completely made up, he's definitely looking to make some quick coin, either by pocketing these so-called fees, or extracting a bribe. Judging by their body language, several men on the dock who "just happen to be there, minding their own business" are actually this man's lackeys.

"And then there's the customs duties on the human merchandise you offloaded this morning." The man consults his ledger. "I have on record 8 men, 10 women, 7 children, sundry livestock. Scrawny folk, but I'm confident you'll find buyers. This port levies 15% on human stock."

Astrias comes to stand before the Dockmaster with all the courtly authority she can muster. "I am Astrias, herald to the Triton King - Kholnos. This vessel travels under my protection, and so by extension his jurisdiction. We shall submit no fees unless you produce an official document stating your tariffs. The whole thing sounds preposterous, shouldn't all these fees be declared BEFORE we disembark and conduct our business?" Her eyes glow with a white-hot supernatural fire as she speaks.

The man is taken aback, but recovers, and stands his ground. "It is customary to register one's vessel and secure the necessary permits before conducting business. This is highly irregular!" Growing increasingly pompous as he gains steam, Stampes adds, "This vessel has the look of a privateer! The captain doesn't even have the decorum to show his face and treat with the port authorities! Why would King Crowl-noss select it for a diplomatic mission?"

"Perhaps we have made a mistake then. We shall take our business elsewhere as soon as the captain returns. I will be sure to inform the King of the kind of protocol used at this floating market, so others can avoid it in future. With all the fees and taxes you deduct, it's a wonder this place is still in the state it is in now."

The man's tone changes, and his hand strays near the hilt of his cutlass. "No one leaves until you've paid what's due. In fact, I think we should seize your merchandise."

Out of the corners of your eyes you note the pretend-bystanders tensing up, preparing for trouble. There's a metallic clink in the water as a boom chain is raised into position, blocking the Kestrel's escape route.

"As you can see," Stampes sneers, "our funds are put to very good use indeed! And may I remind you, this is the SURFACE -- your king has no jurisdiction here!"

Astrias' eyes glow white hot. Her voice booms both verbally and telepathically as she speaks one last time. "This is your last chance.....release the chain."

Hearing the commotion on the deck Pelner will don his chainmail and grab his crossbow and shield. He doesn't emerge all the way onto the deck but waits at the door to see how Ian and Astrias handle the negotiations with the obvious strong arm.

Nela stops well short (30') of the ships gang plank as she notes things are a miss. Not liking the situation that has formed. She has the casks of oil coming soon as she just arrange delivery. She thinks to herself, This isn't right. She summons up clouds and prepares for things getting messy.

Nela draws the forces of nature causing it to draw water from about. It is suddenly more a like rainy day as clouds form in the sky above, but suspiciously only above the ship and immediate dock area only. Great time for some lighting as the sun is sheltered away some. Even the fresh scent of a storm coming in the air. It is a greater indication of problems soon. Let the gods speak.

She gives a loud howl that only a wolf could make. She yells out in very loud volume, What is going on here! A bolt of lightning strike down near the dock. Not hitting anyone but surely enough to gather immediate attention as part of the dock smolders.

WOOT.. Nela INIT.. threw one for Kitty too.

Nela looks over the mess. She waits for the first scallywag to start crossing the gang plank. She screams at them To the Deep six if you come aboard. and lightning bolts the one on the gang plank for added intimidation and perhaps roasts the gang plank too. She will step back and let Kitty do her next talking.