Cool and/or Explanatory Names Are Overrated - In Character

[rweird]

The sun rises above the Black Island, casting its rays through the mist on the bay, as the morning mists start to burn away, promising the beginning of a hot day. Nighttime fishermen are returning with their catches, as other fishermen head out for the day. At the docks, there is the normal hustle and bustle, and in town square, people are beginning to open their booths for market day.

For whatever reason, you all find yourselves in the market square.

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I'm unclear on whether you know each other already or not, in case you don't, this is a chance for you to get acquainted or look for plot hooks.

Out of Character Thread

[Archmage1]

Aeris, looking more than a bit out of place in the small village, wanders through the market, talking to the fishermen there, trying to find one willing to take him out to the lighthouse, as it seemed quite intriguing.

[rweird]

"Its a dangerous voyage, the last few hundred yards at least. I'd be pretty sure docking at that side of the island would be impossible, but if you fancy a swim…"

Another fisherman approaches with his catch. "Rumor has it, of a secret path to a dock. Jackson Treader says he reckons he found some path to the island at least, but Jack is always making stuff up, claimed he killed the Kraken just the other day."

"Still", interjects the first "I wouldn't go out there, if whoever runs it doesn't want to come out, thats his business, and if no-one is running it, messing with old magic has never done anyone any good."

[Archmage1]

Aeris frowns at this.
"I would prefer to avoid a swim, but I don't need to go to any specific side of the island. If I can get to it, I can walk to the lighthouse. However, if this Jack is telling the truth, then his help would be invaluable. If he isn't, he may still take the risk. Do you know where I might find him?"

Aeris is polite, but perhaps a bit formal.

As the fishermen continue, Aeris responds.
"What if the magic could be learned, and then repeated? It would make lighthouses more reliable, which could help a lot of people. For any sensible risk, there is the potential for gain as well."

[rweird]

"This is the only magical lighthouse I know of, and mark my words, normal folks who learn magic always regret it."

The first sailor cuts off the second at this point, "Jack probably is down by the docks getting his boat ready."

[Archmage1]

Aeris nods, and smiles at the fishermen.
"Thank you. You were most helpful."
He starts heading down towards the docks.

[drack]

Keeping astride, Hellen helpfully adds. "He's right you know, wizardry is so bad for your skin... and eyes... and ... well most parts of you that you want to keep. If you want magic you know you want a sorcerer. One with a dimpled smile, and those deep knowing eyes, that unfathomably silky skin, and one who's chosen not to age."

[Archmage1]

Aeris just shakes his head. Sorcerers... just dabblers. Always thinking that they owned the world.

[rweird]

The docks are busy, fisherman hustling to and fro with various tasks.

A group of men are gathered by a boat at the end of a pier. "… Great big ships I tell you, bearing no flag. Pirates! It was misty, I was lucky they didn't see me or I'd be a deadman." A voice says.

"Deadman? You killed the Kraken just last week, but you're scared of a couple pirates?" Jeers another. Others chuckle.

"I tell you," says the first "Great big ships they were, bigger than any sea monster."

[Archmage1]

Making his way down the docks, trying not to get in anyone's way, Aeris soon spies the group of men at the end of the pier, near what sounded like a boaster. He approaches, getting into the circle, and looking to the man in the center.
"Pardon me, but would you be Jack?"

[Tjallen]

Riding on his dog Sperr speaks up at Hellen, sounding like a particularly annoying bird talking: "Alright I'll take it, but how do I know your skin is as silky as you say?"

[ben-zayb]

"Oh, that's Jack, alright! I'd recognize that braggart anywhere", whispered Magnus ahead, who had uncharacteristically been quiet today. Far from the energetic brash motormouth, stands a hunched sickly gnome in place.

[rweird]

"Yes sir, Jackson Treader. Who may you be?"

[Archmage1]

Aeris looks up at the braggart, wondering internally if he would be willing to back up his claims, but he gives no outward signs of his fears.
"I'm Aeris. I heard that you have a way to the lighthouse. Would you be willing to take me there and back?"

[rweird]

"To the island. Theres no way anyone could sail close to the lighthouse. I do, however, know a way to get close to the island."

[Archmage1]

Aeris smiles, glad to see that he has a way to get there.
"Since I have legs, the island will be sufficient. When will you be able to leave?"

[drack]

Hellen, tilting her head inquisitively asks "Since you don't have gills, shouldn't you be more afraid of the water then the land anyways?"

[rweird]

"After I unload this catch, but I couldn't just wait all day for you at the island. I'll be going out fishing again, though the island is on my way out. How about I swing back around sunset to pick you up?"

[drack]

Hellen smiles pleasantly. "That should work wonderfully, and in return we'll give you some advice. While you fish perhaps you can clean up that ugly beard, I think that'd help you as much as fishing."

[Archmage1]

Aeris considers Jacks offer for a moment. While it wasn't quite what he wanted, it was also much better than having no way there.
"That seems acceptable, although I would be most annoyed if you didn't return."

He turns to the woman who had been following him.
"Are you planning on visiting the lighthouse as well?"

[drack]

Hellen turns to the man who had been following her. "Wasn't that why we came all this way?" Hellen wrinkles her brow. Perhaps old Aeris had already lost his mind to the lighthouse if he was forgetting little things like that. Suddenly remembering she adds "I invited some new friends I made at the bar last night to join us, hope you don't mind. It's amazing how friendly everyone is, isn't it?"

[rweird]

Ignoring the abnormally tall woman with a grimace, Jack addresses Aeris. "I'll return tonight all right. Mark my words. But what if you don't show up tonight? And is your… 'friend' coming?" Hearing the last comment, Jack continues "And how many others will be coming along. My boat only is so big."

[Archmage1]

Aeris, the 5'3 elf, looks back at the woman.
"I figured that your offer last night wasn't serious. I wasn't expecting to actually see you here. Do you know if the others are coming as well?"
He turns to Jack after he finishes asking if his friend was going to come.
"We might have a few more coming as well."

[drack]

"I never lie to a newly made friend, that'd just be starting everything off wrong now wouldn't it?" She replies casually but with a smile.

[rweird]

Jack shakes his head and goes back to unloading his catch, the rest of the crowd dispersing, talking and laughing as they go back to work.

[Archmage1]

"Most people don't agree to come along on a random journey with someone that they just met in a tavern. So, I wasn't expecting you. Although, why you think I'm a maid is quite beyond me."

[drack]

"A maid? I never said you were." Hellen replies quite befuddled

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maid, made, pronounced the same, so my typo works out. =p

[Archmage1]

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Close, but not quite.

"It doesn't really matter. I suppose we wait now, to see who else shows up."

Aeris sits at the edge of the docks, content to wait.

[drack]

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close enough to just be a dialect or a slur.

Hellen, not content with just waiting, begins talking immediately about that arabian bandit she'd made up to steel her away when she'd accompanied her father through the deserts.

[Archmage1]

Aeris listens, being unable to get a word in edgewise.