Tarkin’s Point, Prancing Pirate Tavern

You find yourself in a tavern staring at a old man wearing a captain’s hat. You know him from years past for whatever reason, and have followed his instructions in a race to win his slightly famous ship. His demeanor is that of a good natured man as he laughs loudly while lifting up a mug of a strong smelling ale. He leans forward tapping on a pipe smoking with a bitter smelling tobacco inside. “SO you all made it here at the same time. You were all the first to arrive of the forty letters I sent out. I can’t give it to one of you and not the rest so I guess. You all get the ship!” He laughs louder and slaps the table with a loud clap as he stands up. “Congratulations to all eight of ya. I guess you folk need to start figuring out who’s in charge eh?” He starts to walk away limping and causing the huge falchion on his hip to slap against his thigh.

The rest of the tavern was a hustle and bustle of activity as sailors moved around getting their drinks wenches brought people steaming bowls of stew and plates of bread. Smoke from pipes filled the ceiling with a fog that made the ceiling almost invisible. A serving wench approaches and sets a plate of bread and cheese on the table. “So Captain Ragbeard just told me you’re in quite a pickle. He said no ale for you all, seeing as it might turn into a sword fight over here we don’t need to add anything else into the mix.” A paper sit in the middle of the table a deed for a ship with all eight of your names written on the bottom and Captain Ragbeard’s swooshing signature beneath them indicating the ship now belongs to all eight of you.

The choices lie before you a deed claiming you all as owners of a single ship. Will you accept this generous gift or will you spurn it?

Zargosh didn't expect this, but didn't mind that much either. He looked at the other seven who owned the ship together with him and talked in his deep, grumbling voice.
"I can say this from the start, I ain't letting go off of this ship. If any of you don't want it, feel free to walk away."

He leaned back and thought for a short moment. There is space for only one captain on a ship, and that one shouldn't be him, so he gave words to his thoughts.

"I don't give a damn if you want the ship or not, but I do care about who gives me orders. The most experienced of us should lead the ship."
With that he took the food in front of him and took a big bite of both the bread and the cheese.

Smash stood at the table and looked over the other seven. Looking them over there was nothing overly obvious linking them together, a couple half orcs, humans, and elves; but they all had Captain Ragbeard in common. Smash had grown up on the decks of Capt. Ragbeard's ships starting out as a cabin boy and working his way up to a deckhand. His last voyage he set sail as a bombardier's apprentice. Studying the craft of siege engineering and the art of firing catapults and balistas. He received Ragbeard's letter when his ship pulled into port. He traveled back on an elven craft due to it's smaller size and better speed. He was surprised to see the seven others there as well, and couldn't believe old Ragbeard sent it to forty people. I guess he figured as dangerous as sailing was it was better to over prepare.

He looked at the paper on the table and then sat down. "Look we are here because we want the ship. and eight of us can't be captains, it would be all captains and no deckhands. I think we should sit and talk and figure out what we are going to do. Whether or not I'm a captain this title has my name on it now, and by Gruumsh I will be on her when she sails. I do not wish to be a captain, but I do wish to be able to have a say in where she goes or what she does."

Kreoss Stepped into the... well dingy was the best word to describe the state of the building he supposed. A far cry from the clean and kept hallways of the Cabal fortress. The man who invited him wasn;t necessarily a good friend of Kreoss personally. In fact he couldn't recall speaking much more than a handful of words to the man.

He only spent a close to a year aboard his ship as part of an agreement between the Cabal leaders and Him. With the Location of the Stormwind Fortress Learning the art of sailing was a necessity and all Illumian's regardless of chosen path had to learn something about ships. Whether their construction and repair or how to properly crew and fight aboard them. In Aquarianus it was simply a necessity to know such things. And Despite the Cabal's relative newness to the Region they would rise to the challenge of this Naval business and Continue with their mission of gathering whatever knowledge of the craft they could, and anything else of value for the great library.

So it was arranged for his apprenticship for lack of a better word. In Exchange for A few select services provided by the Cabal. Even during those eight or so months aboard the vessel he never spoke to the man much. He liked to think he served his time aboard well and obeyed his orders with distinction and pride. He learned much from the exchange of information. The many tomes and Various military manuals of various races adn empires Granted by the great library to the Stormwind Cabal were helpful but not nearly as much as the hands on experience was. While maybe he was not an expert of the craft he was capable enough and learned a few valuable skills that would serve him on other vessels that he would undoubedtly find his way onto during his time in Aquarianus.

But maybe he felt beholden to Kreoss after the magic he used during that particular pirate raid? Setting that main Sail ablaze definatly helped the Lillian's Tear make it's escape with its crew and valued cargo intact. Who could say? A part of him felt touched that the man would remember him and offer him such a valuable prize as his own beloved ship. Sailors and captains in particular usually sailed the seas until they died at the helm or from a pirates blade to the gullet. For him of all people to retire was.... surprising.

But He could not turn down such a valuable offer. To bring back a ship such as the Tear to the Cabal would be a great boon to both the defence and expansion of the Cabal's influence. What he wasn't expecting was the seven other people gathered around the table with the Captain. Were they his crew? He only recognized one of the half-orcs at the table from his time of service. One of the regular crew if he recalled. Had been with the Lillina's Tear for a number of years. It was an strange collection of people by all accounts. 'But then again', he thought as he looked around the room and at the various faces starring blankly with naked or poorly disguised curiosity at the Arcane runes floating in and endless loop around his head. To these humans he imagined he looked quite strange indeed.

He went ahead and sat carefully down at the table and eyed the Captain carefully as he delivered his message. It was even more of a surprise than the invitation to this little ceremony in the first place. Eight people to own one ship? That was Unheard of to say the least. And to top it all off he simply walked up without any further words and left them to sort out their own hierarchy on their own. This could end badly very quickly. Even the Serving girl refused to bring them alcohol in the hopes of avoiding a tussle.

Kreoss kept the Expression on his face neutral as he looked around the table at the assembled faces. This decision was going to need to be sorted out quickly, before even a decision on what to do with the damned ship. The Half-orcs all were prioritizing this point above anything else. At least they weren't letting their innate aggression come to blows, or all claiming the ships rights to themselves. He would need to consider his options and his vote carefully. He wanted to remain with the ship, such a valuable resource was far to scarce to simply pass up despite these unorthodox circumstances.

He tried to gauge which of these faces seemed the most trustworthy with the position of captain. He could fufill the roll himself He reasoned. He had good experience and combat skills to defend the ship if necessary. But the role of captain especially drew much attention, some good, some unwanted. He decided to stay silent for now, Seeing the reactions of the other people at the table would go a long way in making his decision. Those who pushed to hard for the position were the last option in his mind. Ambition he could respect and understand, But there was such a thing as too eager. He needed to sit on the facts and let his mind whirl the the possibilities and Problems that could arrive from that title and this current situation.

Gerald listened to the others, his own arms folded across his chest, leaning back in his chair as they spoke in turn. This Captain Ragbeard's offer had piqued his interest, and he had more cause than most to get off the land again for awhile. Captaining wasn't something he had considered before, but from what the folks have said so far, he figured it was at least worth the offer. He didn't know their past experience at sea, if any, so he might as well offer his own services in such a role, even if it proved to be merely advisory. He politely waited for each person to finish that had spoken so far before breaking his own silence, keeping polite until he got a grasp on who each of these people were, in turn.

"I am in agreement with our friend here, we can hardly afford having an ill equipped captain in charge, I've seen that happen once too many times. I've spent most of my life at sea, done a variety of jobs. Its certainly not a sterling record, but if no one else here desires such a position, I can take up such a mantle of Captain, in transit, until either proven or someone else proves themselves a better fit to the mold." No lies, only omissions of his past there, but that was many a tale for another day, another drunken night mayhaps. But he spoke truth, having spent only a scant few years in total on the land, more familiar with a scrap at sea than at land, though he could handle both, and he left his offer alone at that, not attempting to push the matter or force it, letting it naturally work itself out, however it might become, for good or ill.

The next member of the group, whom had been entirely silent up until this point, looked around at the other seven owners. My, my, what a lot we have this time around. And already, most are trying to be captain. Not surprising really, who wouldn't want to be at the top? he thought to himself. He reached over to the plate and took a bit of cheese, chewing on it thoughtfully, Can't say I trust the Orcs, they're destructive and we'll likely get killed following them. The Elves, while they understand nature and respect it, they might unintentionally turn the ship into a trade vessel, and I know none of us signed up for that. The Humans, excluding myself, seem to want to be captain, even if they're not being obvious about it. he thought as he finished his piece of cheese. At that moment, the female Elf caught his attention when she pointed at the Human who had spoken previously. Alex recalled the man's words, He makes a solid case, and he also seems to be the most levelheaded one here, excluding myself. My only concern is someone with little to no experience getting the position of navigator, they could wind up leading us in circles. he thought, his eyes finally drifting to the man across from him. He cleared his throat, "You make a good case, sir, a fair proposition if I ever heard one. I will give you my support, however, it comes with a price. If you can ensure that I will have the position of navigator on the ship, then you have my vote. However, don't misunderstand, this has nothing to do with loyalty or anything like that. I am doing what is right for the ship, nothing more, nothing less. And, of course, this deal applies to the others who wish to be captain." he said, looking at all of them again.

Valeas was quite confused at the proceedings as they went on. He stood apart from the others bare to the waist as he usually was having been informed he was required to wear pants in this city he had fashioned his bandoleer and ropes in a satisfactory fashion. Now directly behind Naevys whom he had recognized earlier and followed this way it struck him as the others talked where he remembered the old man from. He was a bit older looking now but as usual Valeas had forgotten the ways humans age so rapidly. The old man was the captain whom he had secured passage with to leave his fellow iskar and try to find what had happened with Naevys. It had been a fun time sailing with the human, he had taught him how to climb ropes as if they were trees, to use a pistol, to secure resources for travel and various other things of the outside world. He had been a good man and Valeas had thanked Jayros for setting him on his path to sail under him for surely Jayros approved of men such as Ragbeard as he had called himself.

As always Jayros had greatly blessed Valeas granting him both a stake in this vessel as well as at last allowing him to find his old friend Naevys for despite her strange clothing and distinctly human mannerisms he knew no other like her and thus it could only be her and as such silently thanked Jayros for aiding him once more. Such blessings must be given true thanks by following Jayros's true teachings ever more. As Jayros was first deity to the Iskar it was clear that he intended an iskar to captain this ship for there could be little reason besides such that he would be here not at this specific moment.

Bellowing out in his traitional manner he cast his vote, "As I am here now it must be the will of Jayros that Naevys be captain of this ship and therefore I cast my vote for her. She clearly knows information in regards to vessels and travels among you non-Iskar for long enough she no doubt now knows your ways well enough to be captain."

His argument done, he thanked Jayros in his mind once more and stood there arms crossed over his bare chest once again.

It seemed a couple of people already got voted on: a human and an elf. The human definitely looked more rugged and more fit to be a captain and he also seemed to have experience. Zargosh's biggest dilemma now was if he should vote on the human, some other Half-orc, or himself. He needed this ship and a crew for only one reason, to kill the orcs who killed his father. He needed a captain that not only would agree to help him, but also manage to convince a large part of the crew as well. None of the people here seemed like they'd risk their lives for little to no gain though.

This shouldn't have happened this way. He should've gotten the ship, found a captain and a crew, and then given the ship to them in exchange of helping him kill the Orcs. But no, he was now stuck with other seven who owned the ship as much as he did.

Zargosh put the last bit of food in his mouth, which was quite a large bit. He paused to glare at the shorter man.
"Hpf... Fine. I vote for that human as well. He seems to be the fittest for this kind of task. I'd be too busy fighting instead of leading the ship anyways." He said, nodding at the same man the woman pointed at earlier.

At least their lives will be in good hands. Zargosh could always just take his part of the money they will make and buy himself his own crew one day.

Kreoss looked around the table. One by one people were either standing up or speaking their opinions or both. Some of them were quite vocal about their opinions. Others only stood up to state that they did not desire Command. This was fair, Some do not seek the hassle and pressure of such a position. So far only one of the humans seemed actually interested in the role. And the fact he spoke up about it was a sign. But good or bad. His play at modest was either honest and if so admirable. Or it was a perfectly delivered line to convince the others around the table that he was simply the reluctant hero who wouldn't say no to captaincy being thrust upon him. Either way he was to be lauded for his delivery.

As for the, well he presumed the male elf was drunk when he cast his vote for the other elf when she herself did not want to be captain. He was certainly not going to vote for either of them. And with three four votes already swung in the way of this human he decided that it was the best option. Or at least the least likely to leave them all aground or sunk within the week.

The pale blue runes above his head seemed to be reflecting the state of his mind. As it whirled and calculated and debated the runes seemed to circle just that little bit faster and when he moved his hands down onto the table they slowed to their original pace. “I will vote for the Human as well.” he decided. That should swing enough votes for a majority in his favour and put this ugly matter to and end. “Whats more I will offer my services to this ship as both a mage and book-keeper.” He looked around the room to see peoples reactions to his vote.

Smash listened to the conversation unfold so far there had been two people voted on, one human wanted the position and the girl seemed reluctant to be the captain. Smash crossed his arms over his chest and flexed his biceps as he began talking. "As it stands we have been voting for 2 people unless there are no more nomina ahh whatever that word is, anyway unless no one else wants to be cap'n let's just vote and have beer. I say we let the bar wench count the votes so it's far and let's get this over with. There's gold to be made, and women to be pulled into er I mean ports, ports to be visited."

After saying his piece Smash reached to the food tray and finished off what was left of the cheese.

For the most part Valeas ignored all the non-Iskar. He had cast his vote and it was now in the hands of Jayros and his will would be done regardless of the interfering of mortals while he also cared little for such things as who kept the ships books, he rarely read anyway. Despite that he did decide to butt in slightly even as Naevys looked at him in all his glory. "I agree with the mage and that orc," he pointed Smash as the orc devoured the remains of the food they had been brought. He agreed with Kreoss as the man had said he was a mage and in Valeas's experience it was a good idea to agree with a mage until you had the element of surprise. The orc he agreed with because he could go for an ale himself and it annoyed him to be denied drink until the issue was decided.

That settled now in his mind he turned back to Naevys, it was clear she was having difficulty containing her emotions after not seeing him for so long. He had learned early on that the females of the outside world always had strong reactions to his presence and she had been away from the Iskar for some time now so it could only be expected, particularly after factoring in their previous relationship. Spreading his arms wide he bellowed his greetings to her, "Naevys, it has been too long! I came searching for you because I was bored. None can spar with me like you could and it is not as fun to raid the Jeveli without you there beside me. So I followed your trail, this world is ver different from our home. They have better drinks though, i like their ales, they bring out real fire in a warrior. The women in these lands are so exotic as well, and so many different kinds! Did you know there were so many kinds of women in these outside lands!? I could spend a lifetime travelling just for the women and the drinks. Of course the food does not hurt either, I will always love Iskar food and it is so hard to find good food like home out in these lands but they make up with it with so many other kinds. I had no idea that there was so many meats to try. i can see why you never came back with so many things to see and do,"

At this point he seemed to stall in his long winded rant for a moment to truly look her up and down, "You look funny now though, your clothes are weird. Did you lose your traditional Iskar clothing? I understand in these outer lands we must wear something for some reason but surely you could pick something better than that? You look like one of the humans we sell Jeveli slaves to in that outfit. No matter, as we are together again I have no doubt that I will help you acquire traditional garments once more so that Jayros may look down on us and recognize you as one of his own within this myriad of strange beings."

Gerald was quiet as the various people discussed matters among themselves, while taking note of several key moments, well, more note than he would have taken of other events that he was keeping track of, mainly, who opposed his position of Captain, or at the very least did not support it. The female elf flat out cast her vote in his favor, keeping short and to the point. An interesting, if blunt, thing. Short an to the point he could work with, as could the others he would hope. The man who spoke next was human, like himself, though it appeared he took a far different path in life than himself, which was respectable enough. His offer to support, in return for the role of Navigator, made him think, rather than just blindly accept the extra support and move on. The man seemed capable and level headed, but his talents as a navigator were unknown. Then again, so were his as a captain, so it was only fair to trust in return. He nodded after those moments of quiet thought, before the next person spoke. "A fair offer, and if you desire the role of Navigator, I will assume you have some skill in the art. I would see to it you assume the role as navigator, aye."

The half naked elf was going to be a problem, sounding like a religious fanatic of his clan of elves. Other than as fellow crew aboard vessels, such as Ragbeard's own ship at one point, did he deal with them, and he did not terribly like their culture. The will of their god to make this woman, who did not want the role, captain? He did not betray anything on his face, still seated as the elf bellowed out his thing, probably thinking himself clever or the like. He tried not to dislike such beings, of any sort, but he suspected he and this elf may not get along very well. He spoke quietly, in notable contrast to the bellowing, not a man to raise his voice unless circumstance demanded it. "I respect your belief as much as the next man's, but I do not personally feel letting the interpretation of the will of a god, which generally, by their nature, is rarely knowable, decide. If this Jayros would truly make it so, then it will become apparent, despite any actions made by ourselves. Simply my opinion, of course."

Gerald personally put his faith in another being, but he did not go about madly claiming all the others were wrong and would burn in the pits of whatever hellscape they deserved. He didn't like bringing religion into decision making needlessly, zeal could be blinding, after all. A half orc spoke next, casting his vote in his favor as well, granted, he did not seem terribly pleased with the situation. That was something he would have to inquire about in due time, in case it would prove to be a problem of some sort or another to the ship and crew. The next man to speak also cast his vote in Gerald's favor, offering his talents as a book keep and mage, both of which would be welcome additions. He inclined his head to both the half orc and mage as they had spoke in turn, replying to them as well. "The addition of a mage, and one versed in the care of books, would be welcome. And I am sure your ferocity in battle will be most welcome as well." The latter half of his sentence was clearly directed at the half orc, he was simply being polite by not calling him a half blood or some such issue.

The other half orc spoke next, calling for a final vote and tally and be done with the event, so they could go about drinking and being merry. Well, they would, if he made Captain, Gerald would be retiring early to investigate what had changed since he last served upon that old ship, but the half naked elf was seemingly oblivious to the current of events still, blowing them off and focusing on the elf woman who was clearly unhappy with crossing paths with this other elf again, and the very end of his rant caught his clear attention. Slavers, he knew which tribe they hailed from, if his name spouting hadn't given that away. A twitch of his eye, ever so brief, was the only betrayal of his inner thoughts, and his voice remained quiet, but had hardened in tone a bit. "Well, allow me to point out that I shall not be engaging in slave trade of any sort. But I digress." He stood, arms linked behind his back as he faced the other owners of the ship, in agreement with the half orc, though his reasons differed. "If we all have voiced our opinions, a final tally can be made, and those who wish it, may get drunk on ale and be merry. I would request each person give their final opinion, and vote, should no other nominations be made." It would fall in his favor, but once the issue was decided, they would all go about their business for the evening.

Alex simply nodded his head once the man had spoken and assured him his navigation position, "You have my vote then." he said. He leaned back in his chair and continued to listen to the others around him, his attention quickly shifting to the pair of elves that seemed to know each other, now this was interesting. He noticed the female, whose name appeared to be Naevys if he heard correctly, was clearly upset with the male, whom he found out to be Valeas in name. Alex kept his eyes adverted, though his attention was clearly on the most interesting pair so far out of their little group. It's clear they know each other, some way or another, but I feel as if she came here intentionally. Perhaps trying to run away from something? Someone? Perhaps the stupid one calling himself Valeas? I don't blame her if that's the case, he's not exactly bright, he made that quite perfectly clear. But honestly, I wonder where Naevys would've gone if it were just her ship alone and none of us were here? Also makes me wonder if that brashness of hers got her into trouble? Regardless of how dangerous she is or not, she may prove to be a useful ally on the seas. he thought to himself, slowly standing. "That is enough you two. We're not here to stir up the past, we are owners of a ship now, this means we all need to work together. You have an issue with each other, deal with them on your own time, not everyone else's." he said, both hands on the table and leaning forward.

Jayros stood there as the votes were tallied well in favor of the human, it was strange, he was so sure that Jayros would have wanted an Iskar in charge as such was their rightful place in the world afterall. His thoughts were interrupted when Naevys stood up and took a step towards him, it was clear she had truly missed him much from the look on her face she was doing her best to hold back her pent up emotions. Taking a step towards her he opened his arms to embrace her, he noticed her fist ball up and her shoulder tense the moment before she swung at him. Dueling her for years back in their homeland he knew her movements well despite their time apart and easily dodged the blow before coming in to embrace her in a hug. laughing he spoke, "Ahaha, you have gotten slow among these humans without someone like me to duel Naevys," only as he closed his arms to hug her she was no longer there and then she spoke to him.

"Why? Were we not the best of friends back in our lands, how many hours, how many days did we spend adventuring, dueling, and slaving together? We were the best, there has not been two like us in a thousand years, the day you were born Jayros smiled and they say I laughed when I heard your cries echo in the village. Nobody knows why you left, I know, I know because you and I have been together. You want freedom, freedom is something you know I understand, I came here because I am not me without you, and you are not you without me. I am not such a dark shadow in your life weighing you down am I?"

"When you think of times before, back home, Naevys, what comes to your mind. What memories do you recall and what emotions do you feel of hose days? I recall our days of dueling , of learning two swords and making them move back and forth, darting, slashing. I remember who we learned faster than any others to where soon only you and i could face one another. I remember those days joyously for there was not greater happiness in my life, what was in your life then Naevys and was is in it now?"

"I think its time to take a look at the ship."
Zargosh stood up, towering above all the sitting figures, and started strapping his sword and bow back on his back.

"I'll go take a look at the ship, and carry my things up."
Its been a while since Zargosh last saw Captain Ragbeard's ship, but he remembered it more or less from the time he was part of the crew. He remembered fighting against pirates while Ragbeard's laugh thundered in the background.
Zargosh liked the old man. Especially because, just as the half-orc, he felt the thrill of a good battle. Even though Zargosh liked hunting mighty beasts more, a good hustle with pirates was always something to keep him in good shape, and get the adrenalin running through his veins.

"I'm Zargosh, born amongst the hunter orcs of Khagra."
Said Zargosh while pulling a strap to fasten the sheath of his sword onto his back. He thought this was enough to introduce himself. No one else said anything about themselves anyways, and giving details of his past wasn't something the half-orc ever did.

"I need that paper, otherwise the crew won't let me up the ship."
He said gesturing towards the document lieing on the centre of the table.
"I'll keep it safe."
He reached towards the paper to take it.