• PM To Join • Sure as Shore Can Be

[Rorom]

12th of Vhalar 720

”Chrien’s Inky Backside, boy! It’s a gift, fer you and yer good gal there…” Rorom began, standing next to the gangplank that led onto the Lucky Bird, his sloop that he’d commissioned all those arcs ago in Rharne.

He was, of course, talking to Eairok, and by association also to Noille. They had eloped earlier in the prior season. Rorom only heard about it by proxy, which made him near enough to angry at first. But then he remembered himself, and felt calmed by the fact that they’d be looking after each other from here on in. ”Besides, I’ve no use for it anymore. I’m getting meself a new ship soon…”

Eairok quirked a brow at the old sailor, ”But… you have the Asylum, and the Bed of Nels? What do you need another for…”

Rorom chuckled hollowly at that response, ”I can’t handle being around so many salts at once. It’s been too long since I felt the struggle against the sea on my own, in isolation. A sloop I can sail on me own. An Immortals damned Tall Ship? A Schooner? Chrien take them!”

Eairok stood stunned, and Noille clung to his arm beside him, smiling fondly at Captain Rorom. She spoke then, ”Thank yeh Cap’n. We’ll think o’yeh everytime we weigh anchor…”

”Bah! Enough sentiment. I’m glad ye both have each other, it’s enough for me. Now get on and get out!” Rorom clapped Eairok on the back, and walked down the pier, followed closely by his pet Albatross, Fortuna.

The bird was the only constant in his life, these many arcs since sailing from Ne’haer. Yet it would know no other master, and had stuck to him like glue since the kindly doctor Doran had fixed her up.

”Well Fortuna… I figure we’ll wait till them Isonomia people come and claim the big ships… It’ll be just you and me in the little shack on the shore for the time bein’.”

So Rorom waited, watching for any sign of this woman who was said to be claiming the ship for charity. Idly, the sailor thought and wondered how Chamadarst would take this act of charity. Perhaps he wouldn’t mind. He hardly seemed the type to get caught up in the minor doings of his followers. At least he thought he wouldn’t mind.

Rather, he hoped he wouldn’t. If so, he could bloody well dedicate the next boat to the Coin Lord. He would have to be satisfied with that!

[Faith Augustin]

It was a fleeting visit to Scalvoris, for Faith. There were some things in terms of Isonomia which needed dealing with and she wanted to make sure that the relief effort was going full pace. So, she was visiting for a few trials. When Trudi walked in to the kitchen where Faith was working, the young Champion of Famula was kneeling on the floor and staring, resolutely, into the oven. She was experimenting with the temperature of the oven in terms of pastry. "I think I can do it, you know," she said to Trudi, who nodded. "If I can control the temperature well enough, then I think that I'll be able to make the paper-thing pastry even thinner." Trudi nodded her head and smiled. "There's a man making a donation to us, of a boat," she said and Faith's eyebrow raised. "What kind of boat?"" she asked. Trudi shrugged.

So, Faith held on for the next few moments, then opened the oven and pulled out a small tray with a selection of bite-sized parcels. "Let them cool, and then pass them around?" Faith asked Trudi, who grinned and nodded. "They should hopefully be sufficient for a lot longer than they seem to be. Let me know." And with that, she got details of who she was meeting and where, and off she went.

Of course, her bodyguard, Alyssia, was with her. It drove Faith to distraction, but she understood the need for it. So, the slightly incongruous pairing of a short, dark haired human woman with pale skin and tattoos and a tall biqaj female with blonde hair approached Rorom. Both of the women wore swords, but it was the dark-haired one who stepped forward to speak. "Hello, good trial," she said, her silver eyes regarding the man. She held out a hand, offering to shake it if he wished. Her black nails seemed to match the tattoos at her wrists and neck, but she smiled a cheery smile. "My name is Faith Augustin, and I'm here on behalf of Isonomia," she explained. Faith never expected people to have heard of her, although she recognised that she was - as she put it - quite famous now.

"I understand," she continued, with a friendly expression. Her bodyguard, too, seemed friendly enough, but the biqaj woman had her eyes open and was watching for trouble. "Or, at least, I've been told that you have a donation to make to us? Thank you so much, if so." She waited, then, to hear what his response would be.

[Rorom]

But no, Chamadarst was an uncaring deity, if he could be called a deity. And Rorom wasn't exactly a worshipper. More a beneficiary of his attentions. Rorom did his part to devote his acts of isolation, commerce, and neutrality to the Coin Lord, and in turn Rorom found himself with more wealth than he ever knew what to do with. All told, it was something of a burden, having so much wealth. Honey drew flies, so they said, and it was the same with gold and vagabonds. Rorom's good-for-nothing cousin Mirq had convinced him to buy some fancy armor, weapons, and a ship of the line to impress a group of hapless sailors into service. All the while, Rorom hated it. He missed his years of struggle, of isolation and fishing alone on the sea. Just him, the Crag Dodger, and Fortuna.

Speaking of whom, just as Faith was arriving at the harbor, Fortuna saw fit to bless the meeting with her presence. She flapped her wings, strutting all about as Faith asked about the donation.

"Aye, yes... Don't mind the bird, she's mine." Rorom said, smiling, "Yes, the ships, you're here for them yes? I trust you know what to do with them, or someone who does? Well it won't be my problem once they're out of me hands."

Rorom waved for her to follow down the pier, where the ships were moored, on either side of the pier. It took about a few bits to get to where the ships were, but once there, Faith would be treated by the sight of a huge Scalvorian Ship of the Line to the left. It was a floating fortress, to be sure. With elaborate carvings, freshly painted. He'd only given her a maiden voyage last season, when he transported the lass Yeva to Immortal's Tongue. It was that voyage that had convinced him that big ships with overcrowded crews were not his thing.

To the right of them, a much smaller but no less impressively crafted schooner, with similar details and carvings decorating its hull. Rorom waved toward the Ship of the Line, and said, "The Gray Asylum." Then he pivoted and turned toward the schooner, and said, "The Bed of Nels."

She might've been shocked to be receiving such a grand gift for her charity works, but he would shake off any such insistence that he think it over, "I've made up me mind. These need to go to people who can use them. I can't use them. I prefer smaller boats... These huge hives attract all manner of layabouts and fools, and I have neither wherewithal nor inclination to manage them all." He sighed, looking at the ships, "But they are beautiful, are they not? I trust you'll find people who can man them, good people. I wish you better luck than I did, anyway."

Here, Rorom's curiosity was piqued, as he wondered what Isonomia would do with such a grand grant. "So... What're your plans for them, not that it's any of my business. I just would enjoy knowing what they're up to after they change hands, if only given an idea."

[Faith Augustin]

Did she know what they were going to do with the ships? "Personally, no," she said with a smile. "But we have people who do. They'll be used to transport good between places, transporting sick and injured people to the most appropriate facility for them, things like that. " She followed him down, walking side by side towards where the boats were harboured. It had to be said she hadn't been expecting what she saw when they got there. She hadn't been expecting that at all. "They are beautiful," she said and she looked at Rorum with surprise and delight in her eyes. Many people would have simply said a fast thanks and made sure that he was certain that the transaction had taken place, but Faith was not many people. "This is a very generous gift ," she said and she smiled at him as she did so." I assure you that they will be put excellent use and I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

He asked her what it was they were going to do with the ships and explained that his curiosity would be sated if he knew ~ that made total sense to her and she would feel the same. Faith breathed in slightly, and considered her answer for just a moment before she gave it." I hadn't expected them to be so … Well I mean they are larger than I thought they would be and of a much better quality." She glanced at him, and was quick to reassure him, “people are not usually so generous but I promise you we will use them wisely and well" A slight frown creased who forehead as an idea began to form.

"Perhaps,", she mused, "we could use the Grey Asylum as a sort of sea travelling Order outpost?" The thoughts were coming to her as she spoke and so she sounded thoughtful and as though she was considering things. "That way", she said, "we could provide care and healing to more remote places. Maybe both boats actually could do the same. "

It was a very generous gift and Faith was frankly a little overwhelmed. However, she was also who she was and so she said, most earnestly, "If you wish I can have you kept informed of what we are doing and how we are using them. Would you like that?

If he would, then she would make sure it was done without question or hesitation.

[Rorom]

”Ahh, good! That sounds like a worthy use for them, better than hauling whale oil and hunting leviathans…” Rorom said, sighing. He gave another look toward the Asylum, and nodded, ”Aye that she is. I’m glad they’re going to good hands. My cousin Mirq has been trying to frustrate me into commissioning them under him, but he’s an unreliable rascal. Hardly worth risking these ships over. And you are very welcome, I know they will be in good hands with you.”

Rorom was glad she was willing to indulge him, but then again, being granted such a gift was no small matter. They were worth a Duke’s seasonal allowance, and then some. It was a grand gift, and he was glad. ”Oh by reputation, I’m sure that’s the case, madam.” he said of her putting them to wise use. Everyone knew Faith Augustin, if not for her founding of an entire town, but extinguishing the Coven in a single season… She was certainly impressive. And he imagined she’d be, less demure and more commanding than she seemed now, in truth. It was perhaps that exact mask that made her seem like a easy target to the Coven. Their mistake.

”A traveling outpost! Amazing. That sounds like it’d indeed be a good way to help far flung places, and maybe even set footholds to territories where the Order has yet to land?” Rorom whistled at the idea. He hadn’t considered that he might try and take over the world. Truth was, he was satisfied with a small patch of dirt or a hammock to lay his head, and the isolation of the open ocean.

”Yes, please do keep us informed of your major doings… Although I’m sure I’ll hear about them everytime I sail into port anyways… But yes, a message in a bottle would be appreciated from time to time.”

Rorom waited a few moments, giving the Asylum and Bed of Nels another once over, and then nodding to Faith. He handed her the deeds to the ships, their documentation and such, which were kept in a small leather binder. ”These are the ownership papers, to prove that it’s yers. You can see to it that they are in line with wherever you make berth.”

Handing them over, he would wait for further questions and concerns, if there were any. ”Do yer have a captain in mind to sail ‘em? Or is that gonna be something yer work out later on?”

[Faith Augustin]

Faith smiled at him as she realised just what an enormous gift this was. They were huge, and they were good quality. No matter what, she thought, they owed him a debt of gratitude. There were a hundred ideas going through her mind and she was just beginning to realise the potential of what he had given them. He had mentioned her reputation and, from that, Faith figured he'd heard of her. More and more, it was the case that people had of course but Faith was always pleased, and rather surprised. Still, he talked about her reputation in a positive light and she was pleased with that.

"Yes, I think that's what I'm thinking," Faith said when he asked about the travelling outpost. "I have to admit, I really hadn't expected you to be donating vessels of this size. So, I'm rather thinking on my feet," which was fine and something she was used to doing. Looking at the vessels, Faith realised that she still didn't know the difference between a boat and a ship. One was always the other, but the other wasn't always one, she just didn't know which one was - or was not - which. "And it occurs to me," she said, thoughtfully. "It's more than just what I was thinking. There are ... seafarers are a community in their own right, and rather than forcing them to be on land, we can go to them."

Faith had worked with a number of seafarers, and she was well aware of their preference for being aboard ship. "Also, there are communities of Mer, and... yes, this could be so much more." She beamed at Rorom. "I think we might be looking at buying more ships, in a while. Really, I can't thank you enough." She could make it happen, she could organise and make things change but if this man had not made this donation now, then it was entirely possible that she simply would not have thought of it. So, it was a whole new vista of ways in which they could help people and it was thanks to him. "Do you have any advice, suggestions for how we can make contacts here?"

That would be important, Faith knew. In order to be able to help a society, they would need to understand it - to function within it. Faith knew that, if they were going to help people on the seas then they would have to change things, change the way they worked in order to fit in with the needs of the patients. And to do that, they had to understand so, here and now was as good a place to start as anywhere.

But did she have in mind a captain or crew? Faith looked at the ships and answered, honestly. "I did. But I'm not sure now. I think we need to have a more joined-up approach. I think I might need to reconsider who, to be honest." Faith was thinking that they'd need a captain of a fleet - someone who could be more focused on logistics. But also someone who was part of the society - or who at least knew it. Someone who would be accepted by the people they were trying to help. "Any thoughts?"

[Rorom]

At Faith's suggestion that the ship go to where seamen were, rather than expect them to wait for aid on land, he hummed in appreciative thoughtfulness. "Hmm yes, I gave a thought to getting into rescue and salvage myself. Trouble is, seamen are a mixed lot. Some are more suspicious toward 'helpers' than others, and may expect that your salvage operation is just a cover for piracy, intent on absconding with your goods. That said, there are signals available to us that can assure them of intent." Rorom nodded to himself more than anyone, "There's honor among seamen, but some of us are less so. There's a clever genius born every minute so they say, and pirates often fancy themselves for operating outside the ordinary etiquette..."

Not to say that he thought Faith was just such a one. He was more than sure she would put it to altruistic use. She just needed to find the right man for the job. And Rorom was willing to help as far as he could. Although he was rather new to Scalvoris himself.

"Yer want a good core command crew, for sure." He glanced at Faith thougthfully, and nodded, "Yer used to commanding in wartime yea? There's a different sort of hierarchy to a marine operation... Men expect a say in the way their ship is run, at least in so far as when things aren't going to plan. Some captains are more disciplinarian than others... I fer my part couldn't condone the use of the cat on poor sailors. No matter how stubborn an ass they become. Perhaps thats why I'm looking to downsize..."

"Aye I gots plenty o'thoughts. But if yer eyein' me fer commodore, hah!" He smiled good naturedly at her, "I'm not much o' one for command myself. But my door is always open if yer wanna introduction to worthy officer material, or if'n yer want me to assess them."

"I'm gonna be in Halvardr for the next little while, helpin' with the fishing community, getting their operation up and running again... It's what I know. Fish are easier to understand than men sometimes..."

He sighed, "But as fer contacts, I'm just gettin' used to the lay of the land myself. Yer seem like a good judge of character, and I 'ave every confidence ye'll find someone to fit the bill. But again, if'n yer need someone to size a man up, and make sure he isn't in it for a cozy position, yer just holler at me in Halvardr. I'm gonna be tryin' my best to fit in there... being new and all, they expect yer to be useful for the first long while. But I intend to be useful to my ending days."

[Faith Augustin]

Those who made their lives on the sea were, at times, untrusting of others and more likely to be suspicious of anyone who wanted to help them. Faith couldn't argue with that, she knew that it was true from a number of sources - and not all of them because of the Order of the Adunih. When she had been searching for Padraig, the first time he'd gone to the Barriers, and she'd thought he was lost, Faith had met a very salty sea-dog who had helped her no end. But there was no doubting it, there was a very definite "us" and "them" involved, as far as land-dwellers and ocean-travellers were concerned.

And so, she'd have to choose people carefully. She nodded her understanding as Rorom explained why things were often more tricky and her expression showed that she was thinking carefully. "I wouldn't go so far as to say I'm used to it," Faith said, of commanding in war. She had been Famula's General, after all, in the War against Ellasin, but while Faith had found it something that she was good at - equally, "I'm not sure I ever would be, to be frank with you. It's very much .... well, I help people, not hurt them." With a slight shrug, she regarded Rorom with serious silver eyes. "As much as I understand the need, I'm very grateful that I don't have to spend my trials planning violence."

But he was absolutely right. She'd need a good command crew. Faith, as always, was thinking ahead. Yet something he said made her stop short and she smiled at him. "Moseke healed my scars," she said, quietly. Her gaze was serious and her voice low. "There were a lot of them. Not being able to use the cat on a mortal soul is not a bad thing. Not at all."Faith understood physical punishment and what it did. "To harm people like that is not to be a disciplinarian," it was rare that she was so direct with someone on a first meeting, but this was important. "It's abuse. Thank you, truly, from someone who has felt it, and who now helps to heal those who have experienced it."

As for what she was going to do ? Faith realised that she knew, now. The idea had been there in her mind from the outset.

"I'm going to make these the flagships of a fleet," she said. "Every evil has a good, and every ill an antidote. I firmly believe it and people who make their lives and livelihoods on the water deserve access to the same as everyone else." After all, she thought, there were slaver ships all over the place and often the water was a lawless place. Well, she decided. No more.

"I'm going to give it to them. Thank you. Without you, I would never have thought of this, and without your donation, it would never have begun." To begin something was to give it potential to exist, and as of this moment, Faith decided, this was going to happen. "I'll be in touch. Without a doubt. If you can think of any names who might be willing to work for us, that would be incredibly helpful but, here, " she rummaged a moment and handed him a small pin. "It's an Isonomia pin. Any Order of the Adunih branch will recognise it - and recognise you as a friend."

Nodding her head she looked at the ships and smiled. "Time to branch out to the seas, I think."

[Rorom]

Well I…” Rorom was struck silent by Faith’s admission that she’d been victim to the cat. ”I didn’t mean to dredge up any bad memories. Sorry Miss.” Then she continued to relate how Moseke had healed her wounds, and gave her the ability or knowhow to cure those wounds in others. ”And er… Yer welcome!” Rorom felt it best to leave it at that, although he respected Faith for telling him about the abuse she suffered. It took a sort of courage to admit to such vulnerability. He was grateful for her trust.


Rorom nodded as she said what she would do with the ships, and couldn’t suppress a grin at the thought of his nels and ships being used to flagship a fleet of champions for the good of all. It was then that Rorom had a thought, about some of those who served on slaver or pirate vessels. ”Just… Mind that not all who sail on pirate vessels and slavers are all horrible people. Some are honest sailors, roped and netted into service by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, or pushed by fear and need.” Rorom’s face twisted apologetically, though he knew her heart was in the right place, ”It’s the captains and their lieutenants and some of their enforcers who are to blame. The sailors, although they might fight before the threat of a cat on their back, will soon enough turn on their masters if given reason to hope that they will be offered amnesty.”

That bit out of the way, Rorom sighed, and nodded to her. They were about to settle up here, and Rorom was glad to be rid of the burden of those ships, but more the idea that they would be put to a noble cause. The sooner they were underway, the sooner Rorom could resume his simple fisherman’s existence. Then, Faith did something that surprised him. Very nonchalantly, she offered him a small pin, which he took in hand. The symbol of Isonomia, recognizeable to any sailor was on it. Then she went on to say that any Order member would recognize him as a friend if he wore it. He knew the order, had been treated by one of their number. Fixing his noggin when he had gotten a concussion during a fishing trip, ambushed by Bayward privateers.

They were good friends to have, surely.

Rorom nodded once more, and said, ”I will wear it proudly then! I’ve never received an accolade before… cept maybe some citations for bountys pursued in Rharne…” He murmured half to himself. Then nodded in farewell to Faith. ”We’ll be in touch, I’m sure. If’n yer need anything in Scalvoris, or hereabouts, I will answer the call.”

So saying, they parted ways. Faith left to her new ships, and Rorom left to resume the simple life of a Harvardr fisherman.

[Bumblebee]

Sweet! A review!

Rorom
Jumping in to your first post, you treat each story like its own, and whether I knew who Rorom was or not, his story felt accessible. You give all the information I need without bogging down the post with exposition. You show his personality, hint at his religion, his goals, his successes, all in his first impression. The rest of the story is just a wonderful chance to dive deeper. Keep it up.

Knowledge:
Negotiation: x 4
Intelligence: x 4
Leadership: x 2

Renown: +20, I know. That's a lot, right? Per the review guide, I would have awarded him +25, for doing a major good deed (these ships were a massive donation to a well known and positive charity), Rorom also met very, very famous person, not to mention joining a new faction and the fact that his friends will be telling stories of him. Unfortunately, since enormous rewards are only given during modded threads, you'll have to settle. :P
Loot/Consequence: Rorom lost his Masterwork Scalvoran Ship of the Line "The Gray Asylum", 1 Masterwork Schooner "The Bed of Nels". Gained an Isonomia pin and membership in Isonomia. Should he speak to a member of this faction, they may refer to him as the 'captain who took Isonomia to the seas'. Nice.


Faith
Faith doing what Faith does! I enjoyed the brief view into her baking interests. What was it that I heard before? Cooking is an art, baking is a science? It's been awhile since I reviewed [a Faith thread] and I'm happy to see her still pursuing her culinary interests. Moving on, she's such a professional, well controlled PC. After Rorom presents his (very, very fancy) gifts, she's overwhelmed by such generosity and doesn't show it. Very well restrained and a solid portrayal of a master (and higher) in discipline and logistics. I'd wish you luck in finding suitable crews, but really, does she even need it? :P

Knowledge:
None, per request.

Renown: +10, While I wouldn't normally grant renown for someone receiving freely given gifts, Insomnia is going to be catching some attention from seafaring folk, and Faith is the face of it.
Loot/Consequence: Isonomia will now have access to the Masterwork "The Gray Asylum" and Masterwork Schooner, "The Bed of Nels". She'll need to find a crew to properly man them, but I have no doubt in her abilities. She's the Faith Augustin, after all!