The Unknown: A Game of Fear, Ignorance, and Adventure

[Dragonearl]

Alexis stroked his beard carefully in thought. The kid made sense, in a convoluted yet logical manner, but he wasn't sure. Dwarves weren't the most patient of people with deep thought especially when there was no nourishment around.

"I suppose it was just coincidence then that those men in black cloaks abducted a member of this expedition, threatened everyone with explosives and nearly set ablaze the entire port because they wanted someone by the name of Keil" he narrowed his eyes in eyes but the effect was barely visible over his thick eyebrows. "A coincidence then, yes" he mumbled and fell silent for a minute.

"What, oh the mage?" he spoke again after pondering on some inner thought. "Well I dare say that some of those bruises on you were caused by him in the first place. I heard he dropped you through several decks of the ship in a crazy escape attempt." Alexis said with a hearty laugh. "All I know is that when I found him, he had you pretty well protected but at the risk at his own life. Damn wizard nearly got himself killed too if it wasn't for me" Alexis flexed his muscles in pride at the tale he was spinning. "There he was all surrounded by these no-gooders as I calls 'em, weak as a baby sapling and all out of his magic stuff. I see one no-gooder making his way quietly towards the wizard but I intervene heroically by shooting a bolt in the baddies face. Saved the day for you, the wizard and that bloke with no arm. All's good, aye?"

Alexis suddenly coughed deeply. "Blast I had forgotten!. I should be off to the galley now. This is a sailing ship!. There has to be grog somewhere." he turned to leave but paused half way out the cabin.

"The expedition is fine by the way. A few cuts and scratched but most of us made it through the night. I just hope, for your sake, that we won't run into those no-gooders again. If we do and they ask for a Keil again, I doubt that the crew or the expedition will take to your aid so quickly." he nodded politely before heading to the galley.

 

[Khedive Rex]

"Yes, I would expect the water to be cool at this time of year. My name is San, by the way."

"It's a pleasure San." Tiber said. "I must ask though, didn't you hear the explosions and see the fires eminating from the Cepolada last night? The state of the ship this morning should give some indication as to how thoroughly someone wants someone here dead. I would be surprised if only two or three people jumped ship, astounded if no one did and, as is actually the case, flabergasted that we've gained more crew members."

Tiber wiped some of the water out of his hair. He enjoyed the breeze on deck, it made him moderately colder than the swim would have alone.

"I guess what I'm asking is, what brings you to the Unknown?"

 

[MasterSqueak]

Marneus was beginning to doubt the sailor who had given him directions, when he climbed up on the top deck and noticed Nexaddo looking around. He walked over and nodded in greetings.

"I came to inform you that the injured boy, Keil, is awake. He also requested some reading material, to help him pass the time."

 

[Fingerprint]

"I guess what I'm asking is, what brings you to the Unknown?"

San paused, choosing his word carefully he replied, "Elf, if I were to ask you the same question would you give me an honest answer giving me all the details of why you're here, your ulterior motives, and various reasons for joining, or would you say the same as everyone else would and just give an answer about how you're seeking fame, fortune and opportunity?"

He paused for a moment before continuing, "And as for the fire and explosions, no, I did not see or hear anything first hand as I was... busy last night, though I did happen to hear a few tales about some trouble in the harbour when I was in the taverns in the early hours this morning. But now I've seen the repairs taking place and after what I have heard I too am surprised that no-one has turned tale and abandoned ship; though to me all that says is that everyone here has a good reason to stay. So when it comes to my reasons for wanting to go to the Unknown all I can say is: ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies."

 

[Khedive Rex]

"Elf, if I were to ask you the same question would you give me an honest answer giving me all the details of why you're here, your ulterior motives, and various reasons for joining, or would you say the same as everyone else would and just give an answer about how you're seeking fame, fortune and opportunity?"

Tiber smiled. He considered clapping the man on his shoulder, but that could be interpretted as violent and it was best to ere on the side of caution. So he merely smiled. "I wouldn't dream of either option. If we're going to exchange mistruths I would choose to be original about it. 'A voice from the heavens ordered me to board this ship and I, a humble servant, obeyed. I still don't know why I'm here but I won't leave until my lord allows it.' Thats fascinating and just colorful enough to be true. I like it."

"When it comes to my reasons for wanting to go to the Unknown all I can say is: ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies."

"Well, its nice of you to forewarn me. Most don't go through the formality."

 

[MintyNinja]

Rokya walked away from his conversation with the Gnome a little more somber than he expected. Ticky, for he had not given an alternative nickname, had told Rokya of the troubles this expedition had endured so far.

The murder, the pirate attack, the mistrust brewing just below the surface, and the attack last night. Rokya was amazed that he hadn't heard anything about it. He had stayed in the Merchant's District that night, and hadn't questioned the myriad of carpenters and guards until now. Maybe I'd be better off with that silent pursuer, he thought.

Dodging the carpenters and sailors Rokya took up a position along the rails, observing the expedition members talking amongst themselves. Who is the murderer? More importantly, who can one trust?

 

[Captainguy42]

Shortly after Ko'el greeted Nexxado, the knight came by aswell.

"I came to inform you that the injured boy, Keil, is awake."

"Ah, yes that boy you were valiantly defending, good to know he's alright, would be a shame if we found out that entire nightmare was for nothing. "

"He also requested some reading material, to help him pass the time."

"Well no need to bother the Doctor with that, I have a few books among my possessions that I have finished and could lend the boy."

 

[Fingerprint]

San knew a little about the habits of ice elves so he knew that when the elf smiled at his remark it had nothing to do with humour, merely an appreciation of honesty - not one of San's usual strong points.

"Well, its nice of you to forewarn me. Most don't go through the formality."

"It is no formality elf, it's just I don't like to discuss my business."

San felt a shift of unease within himself, it was not so much due to the conversation, more just the fact that San was never one of conversing with others.

"Tiber, I must go now, I feel that our conversation is at an end for now; though I would be grateful if we were to speak again at a later time."

 

[Zemalac]

"Greatings, Doctor. I imagine you've been had a busy night?"

"That I have," said Nexaddo, "as well as suspenseful, terrifying, and life threatening. It made for quite the pleasant evening." Mild sarcasm rolled off the doctor?s tongue as he turned to face Ko'el. "The adventures of last night I suppose spread my name rather..."

The doctor stopped talking when he saw who had spoken to him. "One moment," he muttered, reaching for his notebook. He started sketching, drawing the old ice elf's face in dark charcoal.

The conversation died for a moment before the Doctor looked up again and realized that he'd gotten distracted in the middle of a conversation again. He stammered for a moment, and said, "Sorry about that. You are simply an amazing specimen..." He paused. "That didn?t come out right."

He spent a moment organizing his thoughts. "I have only seen one other ice elf in my entire life--you're not exactly common, you know. I have read so much about your race...it is a wonder to observe you up close." The Doctor beamed at the bemused elf. "As you seem to have gathered, my name is Doctor Jemalkin Nexaddo. May I ask as to what you, good elf, like to go by?"

He recorded the elf's response at the top of the sheet and tucked the notebook back into his pocket. He heard from the left a rather loud clunking sound as Marneus climbed onto the deck, armor rattling as he moved.

"I came to inform you that the injured boy, Keil, is awake. He also requested some reading material, to help him pass the time."

Nexaddo looked back to the elf. "Well, Ko?el, it has been a pleasure to meet you--but if what the armored fellow says is true, it is probably best I see to the recovering patient. I will see you later, with a veritable storm of questions. It would also be of great interest to me if at some time during our journey I might be able to give you a full examination--if you are amiable, of course."

To Marneus: "Would you be so gracious as to lead me to Keil?" On the way to the hatch he continued, "You seem to know who I am, but other than your exceptional fighting ability I have no idea who you are, sir knight. What is your name?"

 

[Dragonearl]

Alexis bumped his way through the waves of carpenters and crew clogging the pathway to the ship's galley. Lunch wasn't served yet despite passing high noon but the dwarf grunted in disgruntled acceptance.

There was a lot of repairs to be done and with everyone busy or weary from the events of the last few days it might take a while for things to get back to their old routine. A barrel of apples suddenly caught his eye.

Alexis scurried into his quarters surreptitiously holding a bag full of moist apples. "It's not stealing" he reasoned. "I am part of the expedition so I am entitled to the food. I am merely making taking the share of apples from those who don't like fruits" he thought while taking a large bite from the fruit.

The voices of the new crew suddenly wafted down to his ears. Alexis didn't particularly like the newcomers but he didn't much care for existing crew as well. Especially that grumpy old man with a hatred for dwarves. He sighed before looking at the position of the sun.

"Should be leaving port soon. I wonder what lies out there for us?" he pondered before settling down in his bunk next to his ill gotten apples.

 

[MasterSqueak]

Marneus considered the question before answering.

"Marneus Calgar."

Retracing his steps, the knight arrived back at Keil's cabin.

"The boy is in here."

 

[MintyNinja]

Setting aside his fears and doubts, Rokya stepped away from the railing and followed the armored knight and the gnome below decks, stopping at his own room. "The boy is in here." The boy? He must be referring to the one that was attacked. What in the world would Tikoloshe want with a kid?

Practicing once again what he suspected to become a habit in no time, he pushed the thoughts from his mind and retreated to the temporary sanctuary of his room.

 

[ThePuzzldPirate]

The door closed tightly and a smile stretched across Rhee's face glad to get the dead weight off her shoulders. She had a small fit with one of the sailors when she started chucking the old occupant stuff in to the halls, they just didn't understand he wasn't coming back. Her deed was done and wanted to get out of the now cramping halls forcing herself not to pet the armor as she went by. She wanted to stay and gather the information that was likely to part from their mouths but once again it was in that beautiful dialect.
She found herself in the dining hall sitting on the tables listening to the noises her compass made as she fidgeted with it glad to have something that would never lie to her.

 

[Zemalac]

"Thank you, my armored friend," said Doctor Nexaddo, nodding to the knight. "Let's see how the lad is doing, shall we?" He opened the door--with the knob set uncomfortable high, as was usual with human construction--and skipped over the threshold.

The floor in Keil's cabin was now an oddly-colored patchwork, with fresh wood almost glowing when set against the darker aged boards. The blood had stained other boards even darker, and there were still particles of metal buried in places that hadn't been damaged enough to be replaced. A fragment of Jacien Criver's jawbone shone starkly white from where it was embedded in the wall above the bed, too deep to be pried out: someone with a questionable sense of humor had given it a quick polish during the repairs. The Doctor avoided stepping on the fresh wood as much as he could, unconsciously distrusting the sturdiness of such fast work.

"Hello there," he said, beaming at Keil. "You're looking much better now, if I do say so myself. Of course, that's not saying much, now is it?"

He took a flourishing bow. "I don't believe we've met in a situation where you were particularly conscious, so allow me to introduce myself. I am Doctor Jemalkin Nexaddo--though I do have a fascination with nicknames, and if you should come up with any good ones feel free to tell me--and I was able to use my dubious skills to keep you alive last night." He straightened, smiling. "I do hope you appreciate the effort."

________________________​

Inspector Felkin smoothed his overcoat, trying to keep it straight despite the efforts of the sea breeze. The guardsman standing at attention nearby waited patiently for his superior to speak.

"You are certain it was DuPont?" the Inspector asked.

"Yes, sir," said the guardsman.

"And this damn circus somehow managed to subdue and capture her," Felkin marveled. "I'm astonished."

"Yes sir," said the guardsman noncommittally. "At least she didn't kill anyone this time, sir."

"Perhaps," said the Inspector, "though not, I suspect, for lack of trying. I have a report that says she shot someone in the city yesterday--one Jacien Criver, in fact, who was reported as dead on the scene. His clothes were stolen by nearby beggars, I believe. How he turned up again here I will never know." He sighed deeply. "Why does she always pick my district for these little excursions of hers? Never mind. Rhetorical question. Tell me, has Hal kept in practice with that little Illarym crossbow of his?"

"Could take a fly off a wall, sir."

"Good. Get him and meet me at the brig," said Felkin. "I'd like to have a word with our elusive Miss DuPont."

"Sir," said the guardsman, saluting. "Do you want me to find that wizard, too? The one who asked to attend the interrogation?"

Felkin spent a moment staring across the harbor, watching the bustle on the docks and the sunlight sparking from a million different glints in the waves. "That won't be necessary, I think," he said. "Let's keep this one between ourselves."

"Sir."

________________________​

Crack

Crack crack crack

The ice expanded, forcing the wood apart and cracking the wall just enough for a slender man to slip through...

________________________​

Felkin knew something was wrong as soon as he reached the brig. An open door where there is supposed to be a locked one will do that. He drew a thin pistol from his coat and motioned his men ahead of him. The man called Hal cocked his crossbow with one smooth movement and went in first, scanning the room for whatever might be waiting. It quickly became clear, however, that there was nothing there. The cell door stood open, the key in the lock and the prisoner noticeably absent. On the floor was a battered pitcher now empty of water, rimmed with frost, and the wall opposite was cracked and twisted by a thick sheen of ice, almost completely melted now. The crack forced by the ice was large enough for a slender man--or a woman, perhaps--to escape. Which is what they'd done, apparently.

Inspector Felkin was silent for a while, examining the scene with narrowed eyes.

"Damn," he said, finally lowering his pistol. "Gentlemen, we have a problem. Again."

________________________​

"No," said Deslock.

"Sir, I represent the Provost in this matter," said Felkin. "And I require a search of your ship in order to find the escaped prisoner."

"Weren't your men supposed to be guarding her?" said Deslock, with a wicked glint in his eye.

"In theory, yes," said Felkin. "However, I did not have enough men to perform every necessary duty, and furthermore I did not know that your prisoner might be an escape risk."

"My prisoner?" Deslock raised his hands. "Hardly mine, I should think. You're the law in this city, as you keep reminding me. She's your problem, Inspector."

"I don't think you understand--" began Felkin, only to be interrupted by Deslock.

"Now listen here," the explorer hissed, thrusting his face close to Felkin's. "Your Provost--face to face, and in his own words--gave me until four o'clock to get out of Tyb. It is now four o'clock. I want this ***** in irons as much as you do--she shot at my men, you smug bastard--but I can't hold the ship any longer. By order of your fucking Provost."

He settled back onto his heels, still glaring. "Besides, do you really think she's still on the ship? I can't even spit for fear of hitting one of your guardsmen. She's not going to stick around in a place where there are more guardsmen than regular citizens."

Felkin stared at Deslock, moustache bristling and eye twitching slightly. "I won't forget your lack of cooperation, Mister Deslock," he said. "Rest assured I won't."

"Take it up with the Provost," said Deslock. "And get the hell off my ship, unless you want to come with us."

"No," said Felkin, turning and gesturing to his men. "I think I'll stay here, thank you all the same." The Provost's Guard formed up behind the Inspector and filed off the ship in good order, leaving only the crew and the Expedition on the Cepolada.

"He didn't look happy," observed Grummond, coming up behind Deslock.

"He wasn't," said the explorer. "His prisoner escaped."

"Hell," said Grummond. "That's not good. With a bit of luck we won't see any more of her, though, right?"

"Because we have that sort of luck, eh?" said Deslock, chuckling wryly. "No matter. It's your show now, Captain. Let's get out of here."

"On it," said Grummond, and turned away, stalking off to roar at his crew. "Cast off lines!"

"Sir?" said a sailor who's face Grummond didn't recognize.

"Who are you, and what are you doing on my ship?" asked the captain, glaring.

"David Kurier, sir," said the sailor. "Most people call me Cutter Dave. You hired me last night, to replace someone called...uh...Feron, I think?"

"Right," said Grummond after a moment. "You. The guy who keeps his stuff in a messenger case. I remember you now. Bunks are below--find one and get to work. Move fast now, we're in a hurry."

"Yes sir," said Cutter Dave, shouldering his leather messenger case and offering a lazy smile.

"And watch your step," said Grummond, more quietly as the sailor walked away. "Because you've just joined the ship of the godsdamned madmen, alongside us unfortunate enough to work for them."

Spoiler: Cutter Dave

 

[Captainguy42]

"if you are amiable, of course."

Ko'el let them go without speaking another word, the last few lines were brewing in his head, amiable. This man's ignorance of his kind was supremely hilarious, Ko'el laughed for the first time in half a century. It wasn't a kind hearted chortle, it was a terrifying sound the mixed the cracking of a glacier with the "holy shit this geezer is having a heart attack" laugh. It made the children in the homes on the docks cry and the Provost gaurds who were walking away turn around and ready their arms, only to see him and begin to back away, slowly. Ko'el proved the saying, To hear an Ice-elf laugh, is to know why they don't tell jokes.

Ko'el finished, his lungs actually hurt from doing that, not to mention his wound. Still he felt merry. This Nexxado will probably make me die from laughter next time we meet he thought. He stood straight looked at all the terrified sailors staring back at him.

"What? Have you never heard an Ice Elf laugh before?" Ko'el asked. His response was a sea of heads shaking from side to side.

"Enough of this." Ko'el said, suddenly very uncomfortable with all of the attention. He went below deck and to evade everyone as they went back to work. He walked around the corridors until he came upon the dining hall with Rhee in it.

"The Illyram speaking girl, seems I've walked in on you again." The ancient Ice elf said as he walked forward and took a seat across from her.

"" He asked in Illarym. "<Fool must be to explore on this quest." He sighed.

 

[Caimekaze]

"You're looking much better now, if I do say so myself."

Keil couldn't help but chuckle. The gnome's cheerful demeanour was infectious and Keil was looking for any excuse to be happy.

"I don't believe we've met in a situation where you were particularly conscious, so allow me to introduce myself. I am Doctor Jemalkin Nexaddo--though I do have a fascination with nicknames, and if you should come up with any good ones feel free to tell me--and I was able to use my dubious skills to keep you alive last night. I do hope you appreciate the effort."

He kept chuckling. "Oh, oh ow. Haha. It is a pleasure to meet you, Doctor Nexaddo. I shall try to think of a suitable nickname for the person who saved my life. Thank you, so much. Are you feeling alright? I heard you were injured while trying to save me. Nothing permanent, I hope?"

Keil extended his right hand towards the noble doctor.

 

[ThePuzzldPirate]

"The Illyram speaking girl, seems I've walked in on you again." Rhee jumped at the words completely unaware of her surroundings. She quickly pocketed her treasure, partly due to greed but mostly because she wanted to give Ko'el her full attention.
"
""
She shrugged,
"", She laughed at the line, it was hard to tell if he was being serious or not but she couldn't ignore that fact that he's an ice elf.
""

 

[Captainguy42]

" Ko'el" the wrinkled elf said plainly while pointing to himself.

""

"" He said in much more flunt Illarym then he had used before.

""

Breer responded, he didn't know the Illarym word for warship, or sailor, but a trick he had discovered is that if you don't know a word in a foreign language, just substitute a swear-word and use the same emphasis,usually the locals will pick it up. He took the deck from Rhee and began to shuffle.

He asked as he delt out the cards.

 

[ThePuzzldPirate]

""



, Ko'el's shuffling was impressive, or at least to Rhee, it was. His movements were still fluent and quick as if age hadn't caught up yet. But maybe the problem was measuring it to a human.



Out of instinct, Rhee's hand landed on her cards, she also shook her head to the question.

 

[Captainguy42]

With that he dealed five more cards into the center face down and overlapping, then played one face up on the end, it was the Dwarf Knight, Ko'el then and took up his hand.