Recess Summary

[Maeve]

We have another Super Synch. What that entails you can read here. I realize that for the Eastern Empire it is a bit early to jump, but it is as it is.

You are allowed to finish current threads, but no more. Please use your Recess write up to cover for the days and weeks ahead. Any new threads must be timestamped at 30th of Jygust 1225 AD and further.

What happened to the Eastern Empire? That is the story you might read below. There is one cravat. Nobody can assume to have left the Eastern Empire during Recess. If you wish to do so you must work towards it in character (for instance by having access to a boat or to a portal). Future Recesses might well be different as there might be more widespread contact with the rest of Tazlure established. That said, there is little that I won't allow in the Recess and remember you might seek to gain an advantage that is too cumbersome to attain during the season. Just balance every advantage with a disadvantage

Now, lets have fun with this!

[Maeve]

Chyril

Rioja de Valdepenas, once Court Chronicler of the Empire of Seven Isles returned home to the Eastern Empire, where she took her place as one of the Sojen. Two warnings did she take home. The master mindcrafter warned her native country of the threats to the dragonkin, to which the Eastern Empire felt a bond so strong it touched its very fundamentals. Old lore was forgotten and the dragonkin was often hunted as beasts.

The other was more metaphysical in nature. Due to the rest of Tazlure rarely being in touch with their ancestors and their traditions, they had forgotten about the power of the Kami and the spirits in every element. As such ceremonies and ways to bring balance after the awful, just prevented breach of the nether, were not practised and the globe seemed out of touch with harmony. Such simple things as tying lords to the land they governed seemed a thing of the past. Such knowledge was lost. It carried with it a risk to all races. For the Nether would always test the boundaries and break through at the weakest point.

These two warnings caused opposition. The wheels are every slow in the Eastern part of Tazlure. Rioja's plea to return to the public arena in Tazlure and cease the policy of isolation was met with resistance and scepticism. It is however the water that slowly grinds down the rock, with time and patience.

Meanwhile it was not just Rioja that caused the culture shock at the Eastern Court of the four Empresses. A shipwreck just off the coast of Long Dahn in Long Bay, the pirate ship known as Harpy, washed ashore several passengers and crewmembers, though mysteriously, not all of them, not even their bodies washing up shore. The foreigners were quickly taken up in the fisher community, the rules of hospitality giving them some immunity from the suspicious minds of the rulers of the Eastern Empire. Not in 200 yahren had there been any strangers in the Eastern Empire and the little group called attention to themselves just by being. Soon enough the rulers called them to Court to view this new danger to their way of life.

Jyam

During the months of spring and summer the Eastern Empire send envoys to all parts of the globe, grudgingly yet surely, trying to determine if the words of caution were warranted. To the Citadel to inquire further into the life of Lagnora Tal Alkeen and offering a bride to the enthusiastic new Caesar. To Dort where there had been sightings of a dragon. To Sabata, home to the People of the Sands whose lives were entertwined with the dragonkin. To Kings Court and World's Mouth to observe the Church of Dominicus and gain a trade foothold. To Dragonskeep to gather information on the infamous dragonhunt and decide if further action was necessary. The time that the Eastern Empire turned its back to the rest of the world was slowly coming to an end.

Even as the Eastern Empire started to look outside her borders, she was forced to return her attention inside her borders. The Typhoon season wrecked havoc. The Floating city suffered much damaging from the extra flooding, ships being wrecked by the strong currents and debris in the river. It was ironically the fishing community rather than the rice paddies that suffered the damage. More though than Long Dahn it was the North that suffered, several mines flooded and rendered useless and mud lawines taking out several smaller villages. Poverty in the area peaked, bringing new tensions to the Empire.

As if the flooding wasn't enough the North was then hit by a serious earthquake, causing several mines to collapse. The North came to feel resentful as to the lack of help from the rest of the Empire.

Jygust

On the wave of recently send Envoys, the first inquiries into trade were made on all sides. Especially now that the North needed more support, the Eastern Empire's jade was pushed, and all other mineral and gems that could be found. A secondary source of trade would be rice and noodles, that alternative to grain, as well as many rare exotic products.

The Fisher community of the Floating city was slowly recovering. With it grew the resentment at the lack of help in dire times from the country's leaders and their attempts to repress the freedoms of the fishermen. A rebellion was slowly brewing.

OOC: All Foreigners may assume to have gained sufficient knowledge of factions by Jygust to take advantage of a situation. All locals of course will have that advantage from the get go.

[Gerrard MacKaree]

Eastern Empire

Late Chyril

During the last week and a half of Chyril Gerrard spent with Kazumi and her daughter. Mainly to have her do her healing things, since they seemed to keep his mind free from the voice for a tide and sometimes two at least. He helped her and her daughter around the house and in the garden to repay her for what she did to him. He also taught the young girl more of his own language, so she could understand what he and the healer were talking about, having no secrets for either of them. The time he had left he spent talking to the inhabitants of Long Danh to learn more about the culture and, more specifically, their language. Often he was accompanied by Kazumi to have her translate since most of the Easterners didn't speak the trade language. Of course by gestures, context and learning words from Kazumi he could guess quite some words and do simple conversations with them himself. At any time he would take into account their customs towards one another, as the healer woman had taught him too. Some people he regarded almost as friends, but knew that one day he had to leave them again.

Jyam

In the following month he resumed his visits to Kazumi and the people in the village. The typhoon however made stuff a bit of a problem. Everyone seemed consumed with the fact they lost their houses and what else. He had been treated kindly and as a guest all the time since he washed ashore. For this, he felt he needed to repay them. He helped them rebuild their homes, do some simple jobs for them where needed. He hoped that by helping them they would show him some of their secrets of their cooking, because he had noted it was quite different from what he had known from his own culture. While it tasted quite different, he did develope quite a love for it. Sure it was different, but it was good. Definately something that he could make money out of when he got back home to the Citadel someday. Same went for the clothing of the upper class civilians here. The pajama's the workers wore weren't really something to write home about, but the tight fitting dresses were real opportunities, quite unlike the dresses he had known for years now.

Jygust

He had talked a lot to Elvira about leaving the Empire and they seemed to be close to be doing so. There were some thing though that he would need to do before that. One of them being to see the Lady if she'd let him. In that meeting he would ask her if he could hold a lone trade agreement for jewellery, silk, jade, clothes, food and beverages between the Eastern Empire and the rest of the world. Of course, he knew a lot about the Empire by now, of their customs and language, and would take care of matters in a fitting way, always trying to do business in their mind... with a bit of more profit for himself of course, after all he was a businessman, but they wouldn't have to know about those differences. He hoped that the Empresses would approve of this after all he had done to integrate into the Eastern society. Of course he had already drafted a contract which gave him a trade monopoly for the goods mentioned, to be signed by the representative of the Empresses. Hoping Elvira wouldn't mind this business venture at least, since he was developing a good bond with her, even though they bickered more than he had ever done before. He liked her, yet could not show it to her. Or he didn't know how to at least.

Roque d'Ancourt

Jygust

Upon return to his parental home things got really grim. The caretaker of the building, Dieter Angelos, who settled in as to make sure the property wasn't taken by the city, notified Gerrard of the death of his parents. His mother, terminally ill, was left without a cure after his old man got killed by one of the criminals he worked for. No one knew the exact facts, but that is how it was rumored to be. After that, his sister had left, "searching for her brother" as she had proclaimed. However, never had she sent a letter or what else.

Trying to leave this grim part of his recent history behind as best he could, he opted for a small two story house in the merchant quarter. The ground floor would become his visitor's area as well as his office, living space on the second floor. He took Dieter in to take care of the house and paid the man enough to take care of his family.

It was then that Gerrard started writing his first drafts for the letters he'd have to send to various people in the Citadel and Roque. Every change of the plans in his head would, however, change some of the letters too. It took him long, but finally, at Jygust 30th he could send them by portal to their respectful recipients.

He made sure Elvira would have his address and told her she would always be welcome for a drink and something to eat.

Citadel

Jygust

Gerrard, knowing that for his plans to succeed he would need more money than only that of the Long family, made a few travels to the Citadel in the first week of his return into the world that he knew best. He visited some of his former employers, asking if they could give him any names as to who would be a good idea to talk to about partially funding a business that would change the world as it was. He never had any problems with them and had done his work the best he could, so he had good hopes of getting one or maybe even a few names. He also sold his house, now that he had started his new life back in Roque. He would leave all behind to start afresh, again.

Skill updates:
Language [Noi Long] +**** to Basic ~ ****
Business Perception + **** to Basic ~ ****
Bartering / Haggling + ** to Basic ~ **

[Phuong Quang Huu]

For the rest of Chyril, Huu devoted himself to his studies and worked hard to unlearn his former life. His respect for the Kami grew and Huu learned the power that came with humility. When the wise Rioja came to speak of the imbalance of the Tether, Huu could not help but be moved by her sincerity. He wished her well in her endeavors and espoused her arguments when called upon in debate. Yet, he did nothing himself. After all, he was a student. These were matters for his betters.

Then came the flood and the earthquake. Huu came to believe that the Kami punished them for their indolence and unconcern of the wider world. Huu worked hard in the fishing villages. He repaired huts and boats, said prayers for the dead, and placated the Kami to be merciful on the living. He sought out the shipwrecked strangers and practiced their strange tongue. He sought out Rioja and proclaimed his intention to travel into the world as she did. In conversations with her, Huu recoiled in horror as she described the practice of the Dragon Hunt in the Western Kingdom. Surely, that was where they had to start.

The month of Jygust was spent aboard ships the plied the wide sea and then the bays and rivers of the Western Kingdom. Then a dusty trek overland brought Huu to his destination. He tried to speak to the Kami of these distant lands as he traveled. Huu arrived at Dragon's Keep just a day before this Hunt was to begin. Hopefully, he would find those that had come here before him and together they would show these wayward children the errors of their way.

Stats:

Four stars to Manipulation of Energy:Faith to Basic ****
Four stars to Language [Human] to Basic ****
Two stars to Meditation to Apprentice

I also ask that my Wealth be reduced to Basic to reflect his distance from family monies and reduced desire for material possessions.

[Maeve]

OOC: Waiting on three more write ups which I expect in the coming days. Please note that I will give full cooperation on setting all of you guys up with a tie to EE to explore in other locations (but there is a limit )

[Ly Binh Hue]

Change. It continued for months, leaving Hue restless and troubled. What did all of this mean? Rioja wished for her to leave; Phu warned her not to learn only from her teachers. Furthermore, foreigners had appeared on their lands.

Rioja had spoken of knowing much that Hue did not. Aside from the obvious, the young Sojen wondered at what she could mean. She was older and wiser, yes, yet she had spent much of her life on foreign soil. She spoke of new ideals, new ways, new discoveries. More and more, Hue found herself staring quietly out at the ocean, torturing herself with imaginings and possibilities.

Yet the land had been as troubled as she, with typhoons and earthquakes reflecting her distraught state. Were the Kami trying to speak to them? Out of both fear and respect, Hue did not try to speak with them on her own. Her ancestors, as well as her magic, were not something to be called upon at one’s convenience or upon a whim, and so Hue simply accepted her due and spent much of her free time helping wherever she could.

But when she wasn't helping or obeying her teachers, Hue spent her time practicing martial arts with all of her being. She did not even so much practice attacking, so much as throwing her body about in flips and cartwheels, dodging invisible blows and unseen weapons. It was her goal to expel as much energy as possible, for much of it was pent up within her, howling like the wind through a cavern. It was after a particularly grueling session, when Hue was left sweating and panting, the world reeling, that a sudden moment of clarity came upon her:

She had to leave.

Despite all her self-discipline and inner peace, Hue had been thrown into turmoil by the sudden new occurrences in her life. Her teachers had noticed as well, until finally Phu had pulled her aside and spoken to her on the matter, advising her to find her center once more. Hue chose to take the opportunity to drill Rioja on all the places she knew of in the Western world, and one place in particular had caught her attention: T'aquar. It was a natural place of Elves and trees, and the idea of learning from Elves excited Hue. Despite all her efforts, Hue could concentrate on nothing but learning the Adhiel language, unable even to release enough energy through practicing martial arts any more. Further advancements in her skills were entirely minimal; she had become like a little fool, wandering through the monastery daydreaming about new places and trees filled with Elves.

So it was with quiet resolve that Hue left her Eastern home and found a ship that would take her to T'aquar. The journey by sea was terribly exciting to her, both because she had never been on a ship and because she adored the water so. Yet Hue began to collect herself more and more as she got closer to T'aquar, her restless winds calming themselves until she no longer ran about the ship like a little girl. When she reached T'aquar she was once more Ly Binh Hue, and was fully convinced that this was the place the Kami had meant for her to go. After all, what else could explain the strange change in her behavior and subsequent return to normality?

Skill allocation:

***** to learn Language (Adhiel) ~ Basic
**** to Acrobatics/Tumbling = Basic+****
* to Martial Arts = Apprentice+*

[Maeve]

Let the quoting continue:

New mod mode is still in effect, leaving me looking at other people's recess posts for 'what to do'. As such, I must now quote Brytan on a note that I had forgotten:

As you may or may not know; You may divide 10 stars for your character to use to upgrade existing skills, or spend 5 to buy an entirely new one at basic level. You can't buy new magical skills, only advance them and all skills can not be raised by more than one level.

Also, these stars and any other advances your character obtains must be accounted for in your recess post. There is still some skilling to be done on a number of threads in our area. I will take this into account when reviewing the added stars, and will start today on skilling what remains to avoid you guys spending stars on things you would have gotten anyway.

Now then.. I still await two write ups and then I'll do the whole lot in one go. Until then you are still allowed to edit as you see fit. Since you are all moving to other areas, please remember to also contact the coordinator of the area you are going to.

[Ly Gia Giang]

Late Chyril & Early Jyam:
Though the political wheels of the Eastern Empire were slow to churn, the rivalry between the great families has never been a mild affair. With the return of Rioja de Valdepenas and all that she had to speak of, the ripples through court reached down even to the lowly daughter of the Ly Gia family, Giang. Her matrons had convened in lengthy discussion. No conclusion was made for some time – but some powers on high were influenced by Rioja’s advice that the Empire turn an eye to the West. The first night Ly Gia Giang was to meet with her nocturnal tutor, she found the old woman (to be addressed as Ly Gia Mai Chu Ba) greeting her with a solemn expression. They bowed, and Mai allowed her to join her on the tatami. Her first words were that the heads of the family had decided to postpone Giang’s training until a consensus had been reached both within the family and by the royal court, but there were still very important tasks to be done. Giang gave her understanding, and Mai informed her that one of her serving girls had to attend her fathers’ funeral far in the North Lands, and many household chores needed performing. For the next couple of months, Giang spent her evening classes at the best of times airing rooms, and at the worst, doing the dirty when night carts and dustmen failed to arrive. All this she suffered in silence, understanding full well that putting voice to her distaste would only worsen the situation – and lower her standing even more.
She continued to train with Thrang in the pre-dawn hour of each day. Given how those who controlled her time had become slightly unwilling to fully dedicate it, these sessions began earlier and earlier, up to a quarter of a mark by Jygust. Though Thrang disappeared afterwards with a skill she herself would aspire to, Giang began to stay behind at the monastery and take part in the greeting of the sun and other daily worships. The sense of tranquillity from these simple times inured her greatly to the toils of the night, lasting all through the tedium of the day. Of the day she had simple chores to perform before learning new ones. As a lady of the household she would need to read fluently, tackle sums, and plan the days’ activities. For hours on end she sat, with instructors, surprisingly few of whom had talent. She learned, but not as much as she could have – or had hoped.

Jygust:
At last action took shape. It was revealed to Giang, officially, that it had not been decided whether she were to stay and work in the Ly Gia household – or accompany madame Ly Gia Mai across the seas to Dort. Their reasoning was thus: the great Ly family was strong in all aspects, save one: iron. Through the scarcity of it in their lands and the unwillingness of other families to trade it to them – for them to patch the chink in their armour – their household had never possessed an abundance of the commodity. Dort, they had learned, was ruled by a ‘goddess’ of wealth. With wealth of their own to spare and goods of such rarity in the West to trade with, Dort may be the key for the Ly family to obtain an agreement with another power in order to obtain iron. And other things, of course, may follow afterwards. Giang would accompany Mai, who would be envoy, to Dort.
That night Mai had elaborated on the indecisiveness of Giang’s orders. Their masters did not know the customs of the West and so the conventional underhand profession – originally intended to be taught to Giang by Mai – was untested there. It was merely a delay that Giang might learn more useful things over the past month, than take up a craft which might only be fully appreciated upon her return to the Empire. ‘Still, there are many things with will not change no matter how far across the world you travel,’ remarked Mai. From there she supplemented Giang’s unarmed combat knowledge by imparting a rudimentary knowledge of weak spots to aim for, and precisely how to attack them. It was, Mai added, imperative, being Giang’s greatest asset after her small frame was considered. Each night she practiced these for a few burns with Mai, and learnt a new gem ever few days.
At long last it was mid-late Jygust and time to leave. Mai, Giang, and a smattering of other servants embarked upon a journey from the Floating City out onto the main, and aimed for the capital of Dort.

Skills:
Martial Arts: +++
Dodge Blow: ++
Inner Calm: +
Literacy: +
Logical Analysis : +
Yoga: +
Maths: +

[Maeve]

Thank you! Waiting for Elvira

[Maeve]

Elvira is AFK for longer than we anticipated though she shared some of her plans with me, specifically going to Roque with Gerrard. I shall be doing all recess write ups safe hers for now, but allow some room for adding a paragraph for Elvira should that come to pass.

[Maeve]

Gerrard

Perhaps it was the relative quiet in his head which allowed Gerrard to think so much, to see the opportunities that seemed endless. With every turn he saw a new product that would make him rich, in his mind he was the greatest Merchantprince of them all.

The Eastern Empire was no stranger to trade, though it was an activity that took place solely within their own borders. Now this stranger wanted the exclusive rights to spread the pride of a nation outside its borders, a place that was considered barbaric and dangerous, the big unknown safe for the Sojen that had travelled there.

There was of course no way that any stranger, Gerrard included, would ever see the Four Empresses face to face, however he was granted an audience with their lady representative. A shrewd woman Long Nhu Lien was not fooled by Gerrards glib words, his flattery and his profitable suggestions. She knew not if he amounted to anything back home. After all he had been just a shipwrecked poor man just months ago. That was not to say that Lien was not interested in his words.

She denied Gerrard the monopoly he sought. However, in a gracious move she allowed Gerrard to export the exotic products in the first place, without further impediment, provided he arranged for the shipping himself, and of course paid the usual fee. Lien even alluded to the fact that if he made it profitable for the Long Family, she would consider delaying competitors from gaining a similar foothold in the Empire. "I trust you shall make the most of this," she smiled as she ended the audience.

Recess approved and skills granted. You can assume shipping to be arranged through Elvira's contacts. Through his contacts in the Eastern Empire, where he's required to take a partner, he will be able to arrange funding, hence Wealth at apprentice. Please let us know who your local partner will be.

[Maeve]

Phuong Quang Huu

Huu took to his studies diligently, which earned him the respect of his teachers, though such praise was seldom spoken. That would after all only encourage vanity. Instead they were of the opinion that Huu would find accomplishment and completeness from succeeding in the little tasks they set him, which had an increasing difficulty.

Many missions were send out all over the globe, the Eastern Empire taking a renewed interest, against their own inclination, in Tazlure. Huu requested and was granted, leave to join the envoy to Dragonskeep. It was a small delegation, just the elderly Sojen Ly An Duc , himself, two minor Sojen scribes and six well trained warriors.

Recess approved and skills granted. They appeared to have been edited in already. If not, please let me know.

[Maeve]

Ly Binh Hue

Change. It was all around her. The strangers that she had met were gaining ground in the Eastern Empire, as did the opinions of the very charismatic Rioja, who did not fail to spread her words in the Sojen community and beyond. Rioja herself was change, for she had become during her decennia long stay in the Empire of Seven Isles become a hybrid of all cultures she had encountered, staying just short of losing touch with the Eastern Empire as a whole.

Martial Arts were not helping Hue getting to grips with this. Something else was needed and her teachers acknowledged this need as well in their long soft talks with the young apprentice. It was Phu that helped her finalize her decision.

In the past it would have been impossible to find ships destined for the parts beyond the Eastern Empire. There simply was no need. However, with all the change in the air, that changed too. Envoys were send all over the globe, secret workings that Hue mostly remained ignorant off.

She might have wished to go it alone, but Hue was not left to the dangers of the outside. Such would have been callous treatment for one not fully trained in the magick arts of calling the Kami. So, Hue found herself as part of the very small delegation to T'aquar. It was just herself, and the elderly Sojen An, who refused to claim any family, being part of the ancient ones of the Shato Kai. He was an old and wise teacher, of adhiel descent, that taught her the language before they arrived.

Recess approved and skills granted. No change to wealth. May the Kami be with you!

[Maeve]

Ly Gia Giang

If anything Giang learned patience and persistence in the face of all the turmoil that change wrought upon the Eastern Empire and her family in particular.

The family Ly Gia was wise in the way of things, and so, upon the wide flood of envoys send all over the globe, it was Lia Gia Mia and her lowly family member, together with some lowly retainers that was send to Dort, officially to investigate the rumours regarding the sighting of a dragon on that isle. Yet it was understood that other, more personal matters may be arranged.

So it was that they set out. Before she left Thrang bid her farewell, uncharacteristically talkative, almost as if he lingered a moment too long against his better judgment. Then suddenly, he disappeared in the night, leaving Giang for the last time, leaving uncertain if they would ever meet again.

Recess Approved and Skills Granted. No change in the Wealth skill.

[Elvira Rodriguez]

Forced to be on her best behavior in this strange land and at the mercy of the mighty lady they were brought before, Elvira had no qualms about trading away the cargo and knowledge that was not hers in the first place in order to get ahead herself. Tales of the lands she visited and of the places where she was were penny a piece and despite the urge to embellish, the impish girl actually kept her telling as close to the truth as she could, seeing how even the truth was to look fantastic to the exotic people of the Eastern Empire. And she was insistent on leeching as much as possible from them.

The primary thing to do was to see if there was anything aboard the Harpy that could be salvaged and she went on board with the first batch of fishermen that the Dragon Empress granted her and was quite happy to see that the ship itself could be salvaged, even though the powder and most of the cargo was destroyed. With Gerrard working on getting a trade contract, she focused on repairing the ship, and replacing the lost crew with locals, and was surprised to see that there was no lack of volunteers for such assignment. East was an orderly paradise on surface only, and commoners were not too happy with their lot in life and soon the ship had a crew. The only problem being that the crew she had was inexperienced and knew little to nothing about the type of vessel they were to serve aboard.

So she used the next couple of weeks taking her inexperienced crew through the steps needed to keep her ship running and she actually started slow which was quite a feat for a girl of her personality. A few circles around the harbor and then some shore runs, with the crew being show hat to do by their female Captain. Slowly they became better and Elvira became harsher, or rather stricter. If there was anything she learned from Joseph it was the need for a discipline, even aboard a pirate vessel. It took her a while to pick worthy men amongst the crew, but after a while she had both a first mate and a bosun, with the position of second mate being held open so the crew-members would have something to aspire to.

To some it may seem surprising but being a woman herself, Elvira picked a woman for the position of first mate and announced that from that day forth the word of a thirty five year old Ton Ly Anh was law aboard the ship just as Elvira’s has been. Bosun was a man and there was a slight trouble when the most obvious leader amongst the crew was not picked, but the new Captain found the young Truong Tuan Trung to embody the qualities she needed in the leader of her crew. She pondered sending the burly Le Trong Vuong away, fearing he might cause trouble once they were underway, but chose to have a talk with him and explain that the position of bosun was not such an important one and that once she needed second and third mate he could be one of her choices. All he needed to do was show her he deserved such a position.

When the time to leave came, she actually consulted Gerrard and agreed with him that Roque would be a good destination on their way to what she no longer considered civilization as Eastern Empire was also civilized in its own way, but rather a familiar surrounding. With the Harpy renamed into Flower of the East and the figurehead replaced with an image of a eastern lady wearing a loose robe of the Eastern make, her shoulders bare and her smile such that it could be either friendly or inviting, they loaded the ship with Gerrard’s goods and with the promise that she would get fifteen percent of the profit, ten of which was to be divided amongst the crew and the remaining five to be hers. With that done, they sailed and with good fortune reached Roque without much trouble.



Now skills:
Leadership - Basic (new skill)
Navigation - Basic (new skill)

[Maeve]

Elvira

Elvira found herself to be one of the rising stars in the rebellious fishing community, especially since being a foreigner made her well known even to people who had not met her before. Talk and whispers go fast in the Eastern Empire.

Normally easterners would be resistant to the lure of the exotic and the new, being a very traditional and xenophobic people. However, these were trying times. Some of the crewmembers Elvira recruited needed to leave urgently as the leading lady of Long Dahn started to crack down on the potential rebellion. Others were lured in by the promise of riches.

So it was that Elvira and Gerrard sailed into the harbour of Roque d'Ancourt after a reasonably pleasant trip, with the only minor delay being when they had to persuade a ship from Nether's Gate that they really did not want to part with their wealth.

Recess Granted, but changed leadership to Persuasion as per our PM. You are now on Wealth skill apprentice.

You may pick a pirate ship of your own choosing to have met on your way to Roque, so please PM that to Gutter Rat. Oh, and you have not met any of the Dragon Empresses but the leading lady of the Long family, who thinks that amounts to the same at any rate