Chapter 2: Terrors of the Void

After a bit of examination, there doesn't appear to be anything special about the creature that causes it to be nearly invisible aside from its inky black body. If it's eye didn't glow red, it would be nearly impossible to see in the void of space.

Once you drag the creature onto the deck of the Second Wind, Mister Flinch hands over a knife so you can cut the beast open. Inside, you find the remains of a partially digested dwarf wearing a fish suit.

"That's very useful, for anyone of us who wants to launch into wild space. Come, let's get back to Topolah."

This One wonders about the inventor of the fish suit. Its a supply for a demand he never had.

Right, we are on a schedule

Imti watches the butchering of Big Momma and the reveal of the suit; however, her immediate thought is on finishing the task and seeing to a proper meal of the scavver. In an effort to further that desire, the druid checks if the flesh is poisonous or unsafe for consumption, using her starlight to reveal the presence of toxins. Should the carcass prove edible, Imti consults with the galley cook on preparation and preservation.

It's not long after reporting to Topolah that she helps you get the orrery onto the ship, a device used to determine your position in wildspace with amazing accuracy. Very helpful for navigation into unknown territory.

Once it's settled into place, Topolah conjures herself a chair and sits down, "Let's get going, then," she says.

You are coming with?
This One is surprised, but if it helps with the mission, then he doen't see a problem.

Equally surprised, Quaxiver didn't make a deal out of it. Perhaps this was Topolah's chance to finally see the reaches of wildspace rather than observe it from a distance through her orrery.

They now had to use the orrery to figure out how to reach their next destination.

"Oh you're coming, luv? Far out!" Ziggy fusses over Topolah, helping her and the orrery get situated on the ship. Eager to learn to use the device, the astral elf appoints himself as her assistant.

"Good thing we got a lot of meat," says Imti, acknowledging the additional mouths to feed. "But it'll spoil quick, so I hope you all have big appetites."

The fish suit seemed ungainly and hard to manoeuvre in, but Quaxiver figured that of the four of them, he was most likely to put in to good use given his propensity for gliding into combat.

Topolah nods, "Indeed I am," she says, gaze shifting to Krux, "Assuming that's alright?"

Krux grins widely, "Happy to have ya on board!" he says, dropping a massive hand onto her shoulder, causing her to nearly be knocked over.

She winces and smiles faintly, "I do know of another who may want to join us if you don't mind taking a slight detour," she suggests, "An old flame of mine named Grimzod Gargenhale has had more than a few tussles with the elves. He leads a not-insignificant band of pirates and it's worth the time to speak with him."

Krux rubs his chin then turns to your group, silently asking your opinion.

Imti takes a sniff of the freshly-grilled scavver skewer before taking a large bite. "I mean," she says with her mouth full, "I ain't opposed to learning more. I should ask, though, did you separate on good terms? Like, is he gonna be lovey-dovey and welcoming, or is he going to not think twice about making us take a long jump off a short plank?"

This One nods in agreement with Imti. He still distrusts Topolah but going along with her joining the crew for now.

Topolah laughs out loud, "We get along fine. There was just no spark. You know how it is," she says, waving a hand dismissively, "He owes me a favor anyway. It's up to you if you want to go see him. I just figured I'd offer to introduce you."

"I'm all for it," says Imti. "The more we know about these elves, the better we can manage them. It feels like we're going in blind."

"Maybe he's a good catch for somebody else," Quaxiver winked at Imti, single, successful and attractive pirates were hard to come by.

With that agreed upon, you set out on your way, Topolah herself piloting the Second Wind. After a few days of travel, you see a cloud of debris that appears to be the drifting wreckage of several ships. Krux shouts, "To arms!" Peering through his spyglass, he adds, "Looks like three flying fishes, three lampreys, two squid ships, and two star moths."

Before you get too far, Topolah steps out and pulls her own spyglass, "Some of those are Grimzod's," she says, recognizing the flag. None of the ships move and it seems the aftermath of a nasty fight.

This time, Imti leaves operation of the ballistae to the crew of the Second Wind. Instead she remains by the deck rail, eyes trained upon the black for any lurking threat. "Star moths probably mean the elves," she says. "Can we tell who was the victor of this battle?"

"Do you see Grimzod's ship among them?" Topolah had counted the wreckage, but she did not immediately call out, as Quaxiver thought she would have had she spotted her erstwhile lover's own ship. The pirate must be alive and nearby then.