Sandy

Ellaria got swept away by the events, and sooner than she noticed, she was back to her normal size with gold being poured on her hands. Glad that the children were finally alright, Ellaria bid farewell to the Szalinski family.

That morning, Anwyl Smokebeard woke up from his room behind the smithy. He reached out to wrap his arm around the woman who had shared his bed last night, but he grasped only empty sheets. The woman was gone, without a word or a note. But Anwyl was used to this, as it had happened many times before. Even without going out he knew that he would not find the rickety wagon standing on the paving anymore. The faux dwarf smelled the sheets and caught a whisk of that herbal scent he had come to adore. "Elphie..." he murmured before he got up, got dressed and got back to his daily work. ~Elphaba's Magic Wagon has left the Marketplace. Who knows when it will return, stocked with new mysterious items...~

You can blame me. I've had some personal issues lately (nothing major, though), plus a busy schedule, so I haven't had much time to dedicate to this game lately. But I hope both of my quests will continue full-speed either today or tomorrow.

The party digs the sand, but they find nothing. Instead, someone in the shack hears the sounds of the shovels, and opens the door. "Holler! Is there someone out there?" the figure on the doorway shouts. Will the party respond, and if so, what will they say?

"Yay! You won't be disappointed, Miss!" BLUTO ZIEGFRIED JOINS THE PARTY! Party: Bartholomew Docken (played by Brickdoctor) Level 13½ Ranger *scary* Power: 18 Health: 19/19 Gold: 289 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP:5), Dread Hat (lower level enemies won't attack directly), Potion, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Cinna the Dark (played by darkdragon) *Party Leader* Level 11 Mage Power: 16 Health: 15/15 Ether: 15/15 Gold: 0 Inventory: Nimbus Broomstick (WP:5, ranged), Pongcanis Mage Staff (WP:5), Shadeaux Staff (WP:4), Quarterstaff (WP:3), Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, Tonic, Remedy, Phoenix Essence, 2 Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel Thormanil Nihai (played by swils) Level 11 Barbarian Power: 18 Health: 18/18 Gold: 25 Inventory: Thundering Shadeaux Axes (WP:6, lightning-elemental), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss>Aim), Dull Greataxe (WP:3), Potion, Pickaxe Thothwick (played by Professor Flitwick) Level 4 Rogue Power: 10 Health: 10/10 Gold: 72 Inventory: Whip Chain (WP:6), Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Potion, Remedy Venom, Fire Bomb, Bedroll Bluto Ziegfried (NPC) Level 5 Dream Sailor Power: 8 Health: 5/5 Ether: 5/5 Gold: 0 Inventory: Harpoon (WP:3, ranged), Aquamarine (Water) The Flouncy Phoenix continues it's journey towards Salmanda. OoC: There will be a short pause in the quest, but I expect it to continue tomorrow.

"Yes! Since my weapon does not work on the golem, I too will attack the Engineer from the front row."

"I see sarcasm is wasted on you, ranger. *gurgle* *splat* I won't take responsibility of the boy for no price. Buy me a ship of my own and we'll negotiate, haha! *gulp*"

"How much do you have? *splurt*" "I've already got Jaws to do the mopping, the boy would only be in the way. *gulp*" "Hey, don't blow me off like that! Listen, I can be of use to you guys. I'm not a Ziegfried for nothing, you see?" Bluto takes a glimmering Aquamarine out of his pocket and casts a ball of water on Jaws, who gets soaking wet. "Please, can I come with you guys? I promise I'll be quiet as a mouse!" "Hahaha, fat chance! *slurp *gulp* The boy must have followed you from the manor, so he's all yours."

"Ha! *splat* *slurp* Once we reach Salmanda, the kid's your problem. I'm not paid for babysitting. *gurgle* Unless you want to pay me for that, but it won't be cheap. The boy's a real pain. *gulp* "

The party looks for a log to bar the shack's door, but since the shack is so simple they don't find anything that would effectively do the trick. They cannot remove the stairs either without causing a racket, since the stairs are sunken to the sand and bolted on the wall. The party can either enter the shack, go to the door of the fortress or explore the thick forest next to the beach.

OoC: Blame heteronormativity. Results of Round One of the Siren Battle: >Cinna (Darkness) vs. Siren (Blue) - Great Spell >Thothwick vs. Siren (Green) - Damage >Thormanil rests >Bartholomew rests The battle against the singing enchantresses begins. Cinna casts a spell that is true to her name, and the great orb of darkness damages the blue-feathered siren for 40 damage, instantly taking her out. Enraged by her friend's demise, the other siren attacks Thothwick and razes 4 health from the Metasimian. The other two party members just oggle at the remaining siren. One enemy remains, so the battle will continue automatically. Enemies: Siren (Green) Type: Humanoid, Flying Level: 7 Health: 35/35 Special: Love Hurts – Causes 7 damage to all enamored combatants. Drops: Remedy Note: All heroes that are attracted to women are automatically enamored for the duration of the battle, being unable to target the sirens Party: Bartholomew Docken (played by Brickdoctor) Level 13 Ranger *scary* *enamored* Power: 18 Health: 19/19 Gold: 289 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP:5), Dread Hat (lower level enemies won't attack directly), Potion, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Cinna the Dark (played by darkdragon) *Party Leader* Level 10½ Mage Power: 15 Health: 14/14 Ether: 13/14 Gold: 0 Inventory: Nimbus Broomstick (WP:5, ranged), Pongcanis Mage Staff (WP:5), Shadeaux Staff (WP:4), Quarterstaff (WP:3), Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, Tonic, Phoenix Essence, 2 Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel Thormanil Nihai (played by swils) Level 10½ Barbarian *enamored* Power: 17 Health: 17/17 Gold: 25 Inventory: Thundering Shadeaux Axes (WP:6, lightning-elemental), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss>Aim), Dull Greataxe (WP:3), Potion, Pickaxe Thothwick (played by Professor Flitwick) Level 3 Rogue Power: 9 Health: 5/9 Gold: 72 Inventory: Whip Chain (WP:6), Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Potion, Venom, Fire Bomb, Bedroll Results of Round Two of the Siren Battle: >Cinna (Darkness) vs. Siren (Green) - Shield: Magic Burst (Darkness) >Thothwick vs. Siren (Green) - Miss >Thormanil rests >Bartholomew rests The battle continues, and the fulminating darkness inside Cinna erupts and deals 30 damage to the remaining siren. The male heroes are helpless against the enemy, though. One enemy still remains. Enemies: Siren (Green) Type: Humanoid, Flying Level: 7 Health: 5/35 Special: Love Hurts – Causes 7 damage to all enamored combatants. Drops: Remedy Note: All heroes that are attracted to women are automatically enamored for the duration of the battle, being unable to target the sirens Party: Bartholomew Docken (played by Brickdoctor) Level 13 Ranger *scary* *enamored* Power: 18 Health: 19/19 Gold: 289 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP:5), Dread Hat (lower level enemies won't attack directly), Potion, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Cinna the Dark (played by darkdragon) *Party Leader* Level 10½ Mage Power: 15 Health: 14/14 Ether: 13/14 Gold: 0 Inventory: Nimbus Broomstick (WP:5, ranged), Pongcanis Mage Staff (WP:5), Shadeaux Staff (WP:4), Quarterstaff (WP:3), Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, Tonic, Phoenix Essence, 2 Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel Thormanil Nihai (played by swils) Level 10½ Barbarian *enamored* Power: 17 Health: 17/17 Gold: 25 Inventory: Thundering Shadeaux Axes (WP:6, lightning-elemental), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss>Aim), Dull Greataxe (WP:3), Potion, Pickaxe Thothwick (played by Professor Flitwick) Level 3 Rogue Power: 9 Health: 5/9 Gold: 72 Inventory: Whip Chain (WP:6), Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Potion, Venom, Fire Bomb, Bedroll Results of Round Three of the Siren Battle: >Cinna (Darkness) vs. Siren (Green) - Great Spell >Thothwick vs. Siren (Green) - Critical Hit >Thormanil rests >Bartholomew rests The battle goes on, but not for long as Cinna's great spell lays the siren to waste. THE BATTLE IS VICTORIOUS! Thothwick gain a level of experience, while the others gain half of a level. The enemies drop two remedies. Party: Bartholomew Docken (played by Brickdoctor) Level 13½ Ranger *scary* Power: 18 Health: 19/19 Gold: 289 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP:5), Dread Hat (lower level enemies won't attack directly), Potion, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Cinna the Dark (played by darkdragon) *Party Leader* Level 11 Mage Power: 16 Health: 15/15 Ether: 13/15 Gold: 0 Inventory: Nimbus Broomstick (WP:5, ranged), Pongcanis Mage Staff (WP:5), Shadeaux Staff (WP:4), Quarterstaff (WP:3), Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, Tonic, Phoenix Essence, 2 Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel Thormanil Nihai (played by swils) Level 11 Barbarian Power: 18 Health: 18/18 Gold: 25 Inventory: Thundering Shadeaux Axes (WP:6, lightning-elemental), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss>Aim), Dull Greataxe (WP:3), Potion, Pickaxe Thothwick (played by Professor Flitwick) Level 4 Rogue Power: 10 Health: 6/10 Gold: 72 Inventory: Whip Chain (WP:6), Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Potion, Venom, Fire Bomb, Bedroll Party leader, how will the spoils of the battle be divided? 2x Remedy – Removes all negative effects from the target during a battle. With the sirens defeated, Cinna rushes back to the steering wheel. The ship leaves the strait safely, and Captain Squidraken emerges from below the deck with the trusty Jaws. When he sees the boy, he gurgles in horror. "*splat* *gulp* *slurp* Young Master Bluto, what by the salty waters are you doing here?!" "I wanted to finally go on an adventure, and boy what fun it has been so far! I've been stealing portions of your food every day and you haven't noticed a thing, haha! Am I really going to see Salmanda?! Aunt Chesterine will be so jealous when she hears about it." "Just think about how mad your parents will be when we get you back! *gurgle*" the captain spits in disdain. "I don't care! I'm here now and there's nothing you can do about it. Ha!" The captain turns to the party, rubbing the back of his head. "I think we've caught ourselves a stowaway. *slurp* Meet Bluto, son of Goldraum and Mabel Ziegfried. *gulp* We'll arrive to Salmanda in just a few days. What do you want to do with this young rascal?"

The party rushes to the boy who is already leaning over the railing, forgetting about the steering wheel. Bartholomew and Thormanil cannot help the stupid grin spreading on their faces. The two singing sirens standing on the cliff spread their wings and glide down to the deck. They bare their razor-sharp claws and attack the party. The boy tries to stand in the party's way, but the heroes push him aside. "No, please don't hurt these nice ladies!" PREPARE FOR BATTLE! Enemies: Siren (Blue) Type: Humanoid, Flying Level: 7 Health: 35/35 Special: Love Hurts – Causes 7 damage to all enamored combatants. Drops: Remedy Note: All heroes that are attracted to women are automatically enamored for the duration of the battle, being unable to target the sirens Siren (Green) Type: Humanoid, Flying Level: 7 Health: 35/35 Special: Love Hurts – Causes 7 damage to all enamored combatants. Drops: Remedy Note: All heroes that are attracted to women are automatically enamored for the duration of the battle, being unable to target the sirens Party: Bartholomew Docken (played by Brickdoctor) Level 13 Ranger *scary* *enamored* Power: 18 Health: 19/19 Gold: 289 Inventory: Mockthril Longbow (WP:5), Dread Hat (lower level enemies won't attack directly), Potion, Phoenix Essence, Mead, Smoke Bomb, Bedroll Cinna the Dark (played by darkdragon) *Party Leader* Level 10½ Mage Power: 15 Health: 14/14 Ether: 14/14 Gold: 0 Inventory: Nimbus Broomstick (WP:5, ranged), Pongcanis Mage Staff (WP:5), Shadeaux Staff (WP:4), Quarterstaff (WP:3), Amethyst (Darkness), Scroll of Sleep, 6 Grand Potions, Tonic, Phoenix Essence, 2 Smelling Salts, Bedroll, Shovel Thormanil Nihai (played by swils) Level 10½ Barbarian *enamored* Power: 17 Health: 17/17 Gold: 25 Inventory: Thundering Shadeaux Axes (WP:6, lightning-elemental), Tongue on a Stick (WP:1, Miss>Aim), Dull Greataxe (WP:3), Potion, Pickaxe Thothwick (played by Professor Flitwick) Level 3 Rogue Power: 9 Health: 9/9 Gold: 72 Inventory: Whip Chain (WP:6), Shuriken (WP:5, ranged), Potion, Venom, Fire Bomb, Bedroll Party Leader, choose the order of action. All of you, choose your targets and the row you want to fight in. Also mention if you want to try to flee, heal or cast a magic spell, or if you want to use an item instead of attacking. Any enemy not targeted will get a Free Hit on the party after everyone have acted.

"I don't think the two of you quite got what I meant. *gulp* If you have any sort of romantic feelings towards women, those sirens will get you good. *gurgle* But very well, you've made your choice. Jaws and myself will now head below the deck. Take care of my baby, you hear?" As the Merfolk headed below the deck, the Flouncy Phoenix slid into the dreaded Strait of Seirenes. With Cinna on the steering wheel and the men standing around her, the party listened to the sounds echoing from the cliffs on both sides of the ship. It was not long before they heard an eerie song eminating from ahead. The sound trawled through the air like an intoxicating scent. Cinna and Thothwick stood unaffected, but Bartholomew and Thormanil felt their ears tingle and throat turn dry. Suddenly someone bounces out of one of the large barrels on the deck. "Ah, that song! It reminds me of Aunt Beth's bosom... That warm, soft bosom..." The boy in sailor's clothes runs to the railing. At the same time, the party sees two figures appearing on top of the nearby cliff. The sirens have noticed them! What will the party do?

"Good, we're all back to fighting condition! Let's finish this already!" Ellaria targets the Maa'ri Hound from the back row, since her elemental weapon will cause double damage to it anyway.

The shack is indeed built on poles because of the tides. There is one door on the shack with a ladder leading up to it, and one window on the other side with closed shutters. The party sneaks below the shack to eavesdrop. "- utterly bored. There's been no action for days." "Yeah, it's like Roger is suddenly afraid of those Bonebeards or whazzacallem." "I don't get it! With the ships and machinery that we've got, we should be ruling the Crystalline Sea by now!" "Don't sweat it, matey, have a swig of rum instead!" Then the crowd inside the shack burst into a booming laughter that was cut short by a hushing voice. "Morons! We're supposed to be keeping guard out here. So stay quiet and gimme that bottle, will ya?" What will the party do next?

"Thank you, fair mage. *gulp* Oh yes, if the sirens spot the ship they will surely attack you in a fit of jealousy. *gurgle* Let us hope it will not come to that. Does anyone of you menfolk want to stay behind as well? *slurp*"

The party sneaks up to the shack and hear voices speaking in a low tone. There seems to be at least half a dozen people huddled up inside. What will the party do?

"Let's see... *slurp* If we don't encounter any pirates in the Crystal Sea, we only have to worry about the seadragons of the Fang Coast, the giant crabs residing north of Pyr and the sirens nesting at the strait. Other than those, I expect this to be an uneventful trip. *splat*" And unexpectedly uneventful it was. No pirates, seadragons or giant crabs attacked The Flouncy Phoenix as it sailed east for a week and a half. Only when they started to approach the Strait of Seirenes, the captain called everyone on deck. "Listen up, landlubbers! *gurgle* We've gotten off easy so far, but the nests of the voracious sirens are ahead of us. *slurp* *splat* Sirens - half birds, half women - are known to lure lovelorn sailors into a razor-sharp death with their enchanting song, but for some reason it only works on those who have romantic feelings towards women in general. Now, me and Jaws here are known lovers of the ladyfolk *gulp*, so it is not safe for us to remain on deck. I need someone to steer this wheel, though, so anybody who does not fancy women should confess up now. Do not worry, I will not judge you. *slurp*" How will each party member respond? Do they wish to stay on deck, or hide under it as the ship passes the strait? At least one person will need to stay on the deck to steer the wheel, though.

OoC: Fixed! Bets: Erdathcath - 10 gold on Light Eric - 7 gold on Water Rolls: "These results mean that Eric gets his money back, while Erdathcath loses 10 gold. Any more bets? No? That's too bad. I almost got enough money for a ship of my own, you see." The dismayed party did not even speak to the elven First Mate for the remainder of the journey. Party: Ad-Hoh (played by ADHO15) Level 10½ Mage *resistant to magic* Power: 15 Health: 14/14 Ether: 14/14 Gold: 10 Inventory: Rhabdomance Staff (WP:5), Robe of Spell Resistance, Emerald (Wood), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire) 4 Potions, 3 Tonics, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel Sir Christopher Daggerfall (Fred Fred Burger) Level 9 Knight Power: 17 Defence: 4 Health: 18/18 Gold: 10 Inventory: Great Sword (WP:7), Mockthril Shield (WP:4), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, Remedy, Mead, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bone Erdathcath Madilinas (played by The_Customizer) Level 9 Ranger Power: 14 Health: 15/15 Gold: 85 Inventory: Longbow (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrify), Potion, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, 2 Smoke Bombs, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope Eric (played by Khorne) *Party Leader* Level 12½ Barbarian Power: 20 Health: 20/20 Gold: 22 Inventory: Godricsleif (WP:8, ice-elemental), Potion, Mead, Venom, Bedroll, Bone Hybros (played by JimButcher) Level 10 Rogue Power: 20 Health: 18/18 Gold: 86 Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:10), Shuriken of Mercutio (WP:5), Throwing Knife (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, 2 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, 3 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, Shovel, Bone, Bedroll Maurice Ratibor (played by Etzel) Level 9 Cleric Power: 13 Health: 18/18 Ether: 13/13 Gold: 25 Inventory: Diamond Mace (WP:4, light-elemental), Helmet (+1 max. health), Scroll of Sleep, 2 Potions, 2 Tonics, 2 Nostrum, Phoenix Essence, Venom The fleet sailed onwards for a whole night and day, until it arrived to Jolly Roger's Grotto as the sun set on the horizon. The other ships stayed behind as The Sunflower continued towards the island with its lights out. There were several cannons as well as a great galleon guarding the front of the island, but The Sunflower's destination laid behind the imposing fortress. "This is it. It's been smooth sailing so far, but the hardest part is in front of you", Attina Bonaparte said sternly. "Remember, you must locate Jolly Roger and deliver justice to him, and if you can find my uncle Reno alive then all the better. But from what we've seen, that place is absolutely packed with pirates, so try to use your wits as well or you will quickly be overwhelmed. The other ships are moving in to create a diversion as we speak, but The Sunflower will stay here to wait for you. Give us a signal by hoisting down one of those flags when Jolly Roger is dead, that way we will know to keep on waiting for you. Otherwise we will leave at the crack of dawn and you will have to find your own way out if you still live. Good luck, heroes of Heroica, and may justice be with you!" The party embarked on a rowboat and made their way to the beach in the back of the island. There is a small shack built on the beach, and the party also sees a wooden door leading inside the rock. Next to the beach is a thick forest. What will the party do now?

Why do people keep misusing the Ji Pei family name? I've already PM'd several people about the issue... Peppermint, you better hurry up with that list of NPCs, since it will clear a lot of the mystery that surrounds the different factions.

OoC: The others are right, Khorne. I feel like being fair to you, so I will only count one of your bets. Bets: Eric - 5 gold on Water Hybros - 10 gold on Darkness Christopher - 12 gold on Light Erdathcath - 5 gold on Wind Rolls: "Darkness came up twice, which means Hybros gets 20 gold back, while the others lose their gold. Want to bet some more?" Party: Ad-Hoh (played by ADHO15) Level 10½ Mage *resistant to magic* Power: 15 Health: 14/14 Ether: 14/14 Gold: 10 Inventory: Rhabdomance Staff (WP:5), Robe of Spell Resistance, Emerald (Wood), Amethyst (Darkness), Ruby (Fire) 4 Potions, 3 Tonics, 2 Lightning Bombs, Bedroll, Shovel Sir Christopher Daggerfall (Fred Fred Burger) Level 9 Knight Power: 17 Defence: 4 Health: 18/18 Gold: 10 Inventory: Great Sword (WP:7), Mockthril Shield (WP:4), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, Remedy, Mead, Smoke Bomb, Fire Bomb, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Bone Erdathcath Madilinas (played by The_Customizer) Level 9 Ranger Power: 14 Health: 15/15 Gold: 95 Inventory: Longbow (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), Snake Eye Charm (protects from petrify), Potion, Grand Potion, Phoenix Essence, 2 Smoke Bombs, Fire Bomb, 2 Ice Bombs, Lightning Bomb, Water Bomb, Holy Bomb, Bedroll, Shovel, Pickaxe, Telescope Eric (played by Khorne) *Party Leader* Level 12½ Barbarian Power: 20 Health: 20/20 Gold: 22 Inventory: Godricsleif (WP:8, ice-elemental), Potion, Mead, Venom, Bedroll, Bone Hybros (played by JimButcher) Level 10 Rogue Power: 20 Health: 18/18 Gold: 86 Inventory: Zoot's Reaper (WP:10), Shuriken of Mercutio (WP:5), Throwing Knife (WP:5), Helmet (+1 max. health), 3 Potions, Grand Potion, 2 Remedies, Smoke Bomb, 3 Nostrums, 3 Meads, 3 Smelling Salts, Shovel, Bone, Bedroll Maurice Ratibor (played by Etzel) Level 9 Cleric Power: 13 Health: 18/18 Ether: 13/13 Gold: 25 Inventory: Diamond Mace (WP:4, light-elemental), Helmet (+1 max. health), Scroll of Sleep, 2 Potions, 2 Tonics, 2 Nostrum, Phoenix Essence, Venom

Haha, you really don't! Neither of them is actually complete, both of them are missing the rear. So the pictures contain pretty much everything there is to see.

As soon as you stop gambling. Truth be told, I added the dice game to your quest because it will be very battle-heavy once you reach the Grotto. So let's just say this is the calm before the storm.

"Very well. I shall send a message to Captain Squidraken to prepare the ship for a long voyage. Good luck finding all the ingredients, and please return with haste." The party bid farewell to the family of mages, and made their way to the harbour. It was not hard to find The Flouncy Phoenix, thanks to it's elaborate figurehead. The ship had two masts as well as oars, but the party could only see two figures on the deck. And what sort of figures they were! The other had dark red skin and had a squid-like head, while the other was some sort of a man-fish. Merfolk were not a common sight even in the "melting pot" of Eubric Freeport. "You lot! *gurgle* What are you staring at? Are you the landlubbers I'm supposed to ferry off to Salmanda? Then get on board already! *slurp* *gurgle*" Captain Squidraken introduced himself and the only other sailor on the ship. "This is Jaws, my aide. *gurgle* He's a real fishhead, so I can't trust him with any other task than mopping the decks, but that does not matter *slurp* since The Flouncy Phoenix runs by magic. That's right, in this ship the oars do row themselves, and the sails always have wind in them. We will reach Salmanda in no time at all. *gurgle*" The party witnessed the power of the ship themselves as it took off and sped out of the harbour. The Free Islands were soon behind them, and ahead the glittering Crystalline Sea. Squidraken showed them a map that described the route from Eubric to Salmanda. "We will sail east all the way past the Fang Coast and the north coast of Pyr *slurp*, then through the Strait of Seirenes, *gulp* and from there it will only be a while until the golden domes of Salmanda will glisten in front of us. *gurgle* Do you lot have any questions about our trip or the destination? I've been there many times, so I am sure I can answer whatever you think of asking. *gulp* *slurp* "

I understand your frustration. If Capt. JohnPaul does not return by the end of this month, I will terminate the quest personally. Naturally this long absence also makes me consider twice if I let Capt. JohnPaul host another quest again.