Refyx looked up as Grog'tial entered and gave him a nod, turning back to take an oil and carefully pour it into the vial and put it away, then checking off another order from the list before turning back. "Grog'tial," he acknowledges. When Grog'tial ordered the set of 5 Explosive Bolts, Refyx grabbed his list to write down the order and nodded. "They should be very handy I think." Then the old gnome turned and shook his finger at Grog'tial in a manner that reminded him somewhat of his grandmother. "However, and this is important, you DO NOT use them within 6' of Crew, got it? So these are not for targeting an enemy that Crew is already engaged with. I've been very adamant on that with customers and the Captain. I've told him anyone I catch doing that and he won't have to keelhaul them because I'll be sticking one up their arse! So consider yourself warned." The gnome looked at his list again and considered. "I've got a few orders ahead of yours but I can probably get them to you in a couple days."

On the subject of the stun bolts into the sea Refyx paused to think about it a minute or two then turned around and did some quick math. "It should work, but I'm not sure how much further the pressure would carry, so don't depend on it ... but yes, they should work underwater. Good thought. I'll try to do more experimental calculations and get back to you on possible range affected, but I can't promise anything." He wrote down a few more figures, then pulled down a book.

Wanting to get his real questions out before Refyx got too involved in the math of the thing, Grog'tial worked his way toward regaling Refyx with Aeshma's completely unwarranted reaction to the vial. He admitted to knowing little about necromancy, but it stands to reason that something powerful like this can be diluted into a lot more of something merely dangerous, doesn't it? Let us use the weapon of the enemy against him!.

"Oh, no no no, Youngster. The airhead was completely right about that one. You don't want to deal with those necromancy poisons or you end up undead, enslaved or with your brain as mush and parts of yourself missing." Refyx told him, not bothering to turn around or stop his calculations. "Diluting it would have just probably made it take longer and be more painful on both subjects, or called in something nasty you really didn't want. You see," he pulled down another book, "it's like this here, if I get the math wrong, dilute something the wrong way, I've got a different reaction on my hands. So I have to carefully balance that. Get that wrong in magickal stuff? No thank you! It takes most magickal alchemists decades to learn to get those balances right and I for one have no intention of ending up a spider on the bottom of somebody's shoe. No, not me."

Since Refyx didn't seem to mind talking and is still distracted with whatever he is figuring, Grog'tial tried to casually inquire about what Refyx thought about the new captain and Polly's transformation into Clíodhna. Did Refyx know that she was a phoenix? What's a phoenix anyway?

Refyx stopped, put down his figures and turned around. He leaned against his table and looked at Grog'tial for a long moment. "Close the door." When Grog'tial had closed the door and turned back around, Refyx smiled with a sly look in his eye. "Why should I tell you? The last time was a freebie, because I owed you, and you didn't listen. You got in trouble for it too, didn't you? Didn't I tell you right about trying stuff with her? Yeah, well, this time I don't owe you." Refyx turned his back on Grog'tial then paused and turned back again, stroking his beard a bit. He nodded, once. "Yes, I knew Clíodhna long before she became Polly. I even know the story of how she became Polly, and it involves your shadowy mysterious figure. I know a lot about Polly and what you do and don't do around a phoenix." Refyx paused. "Now, what's in it for me if I tell you?"

Clíodhna looked over at Count Karnstein, and then posed in an amusing fashion against Aylar's hair. "Me? I be thinking I be a matching fashion accessory for the Captain here. It be truly amazing what some will do to be getting one." She winked. "Arrr, but I be forgetting ye be not partial to red feathered females, aye?"

Aeshma turned around at the comment, then tossed her own gold red locks and looked at the Count mischievously. "On second thought, you are correct. You just might need that Earl Grey."

Clíodhna took a more serious view of his question though. "Merfolk don't mind the cold, but the Chuul do, so aye, the frost may indeed discourage them and with their natural chitin ye may still be able to hear them through any fog ye blow, if that idea of ye and Aeshma's be what ye be thinking about. We be a few days out yet and the weather in the Triangle be notorious for freak storms and sudden changes (RL truth), so best not to trust it and be prepared for anything."

Aeshma noticed Captain Baldbeard admiring his ring again and walked over smiling at him. "It really did turn out quite nice, and it suits you well." Then her eyes lit up seeing the tiny bell tied to his harmonica and she asked if he could play her another tune while the others chose their loot.

"Ma'am, at this point we can as well all let our 'eads rust fer what I know 'n care. Yet we're still sailin' strong 'n sound, but look what happened last time I left this ship. Or each time some of us left this ship."

-----

Count gives piece of his shirt, which got damaged during previous mission, to Baldbeard.

On occasion he will ask Aeshma if she knows any methods of keeping raw meat fresh, and confess to her his craving for bloody treat every time he is wounded or weakened. During last visit in mesa before mission, he will snatch himself a raw meat sandwich, in case he'd get hungry later.

[error]

Pugwash staggers into the great cabin after having spent days passed out in the hold. He had stumbled upon a case of sleeping potions and mistaking them for drinking water, imbibed far more than he should.

After inspecting the remaining loot, Pugwash first asks for a Bloodstone, to be attached to his crossbow. This he believes to be particularly effective against the corrupted Merrow. As they are fast moving creatures in water, reliable kill shots may be challenging, so wounding them is the best Pugwash can hope for. Knowing that sharks are attracted to blood in the water, this could increase the effectiveness of Baldbeard's shark pack.

Pugwash also requests an Orange Spice tea. Although not a tea drinker, Pugwash is concerned about the possibility of being affected by the corruption afflicting the Dragon Turtle.

For his final choice, Pugwash requests the loan of the music box. Pugwash's phobia is salt water, and he is terrified of being lured into it by Sirens. Although reassured that the musical talents the rest of the crew posses would be enough to defeat the siren song, Pugwash prefers the additional certainty the loan item provides. After all, what better way to prevent siren-induced lust than a heart shaped music box.

With these choices, Pugwash splashes cold (fresh) water on himself to finish waking up, before readying himself for the mission.

Out of character: Apologies for the absence. I'm back on deck for the remainder of the mission

Aylar considers Grog'tial's theatrical proclamation, then nods curtly with an easing gesture; with dangerous potion and a source of friction among the select Crew be taken care of, that be enough, and everyone need be having their head in the game. His attention thus moves towards Aeshma's implication that there be something tampering with the supplies; with a frown, he be reminded about the mushroom hold infestation of the early days. That be something to look into, he thinks.

Out of the loot, he be taking a Bandage, and a Book of Dancing on loan. Furthermore, he will place his Potion of Mental Resistance on the table, adding it to the loot selection fer Crew.

To Cap'n Baldbeard and his sharks, he be giving a piece of cloth off his ascot.

Gilius enters the room and listens for the briefing. He's pleased to see that the tensions between Grog'tial and the crew are being solved.
After all that, he gladly receives the Quartz pendant from Aeshma. He also decides to take the Acolyte's Orb of Druidcraft and the blowgun with its 12 needles imbued with sleep.

Then, he gets himself ready to go with Aeshma on the island-turtle.

Kyp replies
"There are several different types of mer-folk like Nagas, Murlocs, and Mermen/maids.
Most types of mer-folk that I am aware of aren't affected by low temps because most mer-folk's body temperature have a large range it can be unlike humans. Of course some prefer tropical waters and some like artic water."

Kyp realizing his important role in bringing balance to the oceans and soothing the dragon turtle plans on trying to communicate properly with the upcoming dragon turtle.
Knowing this Kyp takes the music box to protect against any mental attacks or siren songs while trying to befriend the turtle.
Kyp will also take 1 repel zombie potions so as he tries to communicate if there are zombies nearby he can use the potion to keep them from approaching him.

Cracker notices subtle nod of Clíodhna toward Potion of Mental Resistance. Cracker flew to the table and picked it up for Mighy, and thanked Clíodhna with friendly squawk.

Glancing at Clíodhna, Aeshma considers and smiles. "I believe I might, that is if you don't mind your red cravings preserved by red-haired females." (Just before the mission Aeshma will hand him a red handkerchief made of a tight weave silk and some unknown other substance woven in, just big enough for a sandwich.)

The music box has been previously chosen and as Half-Mer. Kyp has a natural 50% resistance to Sirens. Kyp has also been told Clíodhna will add a portion of her own mental strength to his natural ability ... Phoenix are immune to all Mental Influences, so for this one time, he's covered. ;) Please choose another item.

Oh epic!

I'll take a read of the Sword-fighting technique book then to refresh and be prepared for battles then

Refyx considers a moment, narrowing his eyes slightly as if gauging if the offer was real and could be trusted. Grog'tial begins to sense a certain canniness in the gnome. Finally he nods, once. "Not now. Too many might stop by and I have orders to complete. Come back tonight. You're helping me with figuring the underwater possibilities for the Explosive Bolts if anyone asks. Oh, bring the dirk, leave the shell in your cabin or I won't tell ye a darn thing."

As she listened to the mission briefing, Bellandra admired Clíodhna's new phoenix form. A new form, a new name - life gained, life restored. These, she was all happy to see.

In turn, she heard with concern Aeshma and Aylar's discussion of the necromantic venom. Enslavement even onto undeath - she stood strongly against such acts. She had no wish to see such tools used even as a weapon against foes.

From the loot, she chose a repel zombie potion in case they were swarmed by the Drowned Ones. She also chose the magical handmirror in case it helped discover the source of the ancient turtle's corruption or any hidden secrets at the magickal grove and its spring, or at the underwater temple. Lastly, she chose the Book of Puzzles and Treasures, in case it helped solve traps left by the sea hags or the merrow, or even to help Aeshma cleanse the corruption if the ritual needed were to be uncertain.