The Savage Tide [IC]

[lostsole31]

Hefestus Smithson

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Hefestus, you are the classic "dropped on the doorstep" orphan, taken in by Hildred and Shanon Smithson. One of Fort Blackwell's two blacksmithing families, the Smithson's were the poorer of the two as they would not engage in underhanded dealings with what outsiders might be Scarlet Brotherhood or Crimson Tide pirates ... unlike the hereditary Audley family blacksmiths, armors, and weaponsmiths.

Though Hefestus was treated as a son, it was still the Smithson legacy that went to their own children, and their children, and finally to Meredith, the last of that old line. With that, Hefestus was bequeathed the smithy for himself. Unfortunately, within 13 days of Meredith's death and his legally getting the title to Smithson Smithy .... the shop burned down.

It would be a comfort to Hefestus were he able to blame this tragedy on the part of the newest leader of the Audley clan. Hefestus called for the guard and they investigated. It wasn't the Audley clan. It was Hefestus, who in a moment of his normal frenetic movement on a particularly distracted day, kicked some straw towards the starter with the bellows grate open. One spark while Hefestus was watching the sunset at the sea gate was all it took. It didn't take much for the lead investigator to note this. The only thing worth salvaging was the safe (not portable) with a large cache of money (used to purchase equipment) and a text on the Smithson family secrets. You only ever focused on blacksmithing, but if you learned the secrets in this book, you might at least learn the rudiments of the rest of ironmongery.

It was over. They smithy was gone. The town notary would not allow him to secure any real estate, and his reputation was ruined. He had no enemy but himself to blame. He was in his own fiery hell. The only he could see was to wait for the next ship from Sasserine.

Of course, there were these two Sasserine ships that just pulled into port: the Blue Nixie, the larger of the two caravels and the flagship; and the Sea Wyvern, the smaller of the two but reputed to be partly crewed by a handful of heroes. It is said that after only 13 days at sea, some of the colonists realized they would not be able to withstand a longer sea voyage, so the Farshore Expedition were looking for colonists with skills that could help sustain a small community far to the south at a place called Farshore on the ominously named Isle of Dread. It's your chance to start anew somewhere else. Besides, you've been stuck at Fort Blackwell for nearly a century. Maybe you stayed out of a sense of duty to your adopted family, but they, the smithy, your reputation, and your patience being stuck in one place are gone. Far, far gone.

You make your way down to Fishman street where they are seeking anybody brave enough for a 1000-mile-plus sea voyage to an island to set up a colony, rich with resources, to begin a trade expedition. Hmmm, a trade route ... you've always been interested in trying to beat the Audleys at their own game. Perhaps if you created your own trade venue as a blacksmith (or even purveyor of other goods), you might find yourself quite successful after all. Maybe return to Fort Blackwell as a fat-cat businessman with things to sell.

Or not. Time will tell.

There are two tables set on each side at the street end of the pier. As you walk down, this dashingly handsome man in very fine clothing trots past with a magnificent white steed that advances disdainfully down the middle of the street, forcing people to move for him.

You look at the two tables, and you go for the one which has more 'normal' persons that represent the Blue Nixie, the larger ship. The first is a stunningly beautiful amazon woman who reaches two inches higher than yourself. Hazel-green eyes, honey-colored hair. She is armed with a very fine rapier and pieces of jewelry along with very fine clothing, better than anyone else in Ft. Blackwell wears. The murmurs in the crowd mention that she is Lady Lavinia Vanderboren. While not the captain of the Nixie, she is the master of both vessels and of the expedition.

The man beside her is just as tall, and likely her bodyguard. He has a classic "hero build" for a trim swordsman. He is strapped with two high quality short swords and a bow that you assess to be comparable to your own strong arms. He is simply dressed, and wears a chain shirt.

They tell the crowd at their table that picks for colonists for the Blue Nixie are now closed, but they can still check with the Sea Wyvern. Considering the strangeness of the two at the Wyvern's table, the crowd begins to quickly disperse except for a few who sign in and then go to gather their belongings.

You get up to the table as only two potential colonists are left, you and ...