Tales from Tabletop

Session 2.4: Voyage to Syndramire

Chapter IV: A Night Ashore

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Drastè Wharf was the largest port between Izan'Larai and Lendrig's Hollow. All that really meant was the town was slightly bigger than other towns. Still, the crew spoke about this port for weeks. They always planned stops here so they docked right before some major festival. They called it Drastè's Cradle, and people from all across the region came together and celebrated the harvests from both land and sea.

This time around, the festivities would begin the day they docked after all work for the day was done. The town was stuffed to the gills with all the novelties, food, and fine drink you could ever want. Excitement was palpable.

The crew followed the usual routine for docking, so Selene and Hamish were left to themselves below deck. Hamish leaned casually against the wall, while Selene rummaged through her packs. She took stock of everything she owned frequently, but especially before they docked.

I don't think anyone would steal from me, Selene reasoned, but...can't be too careful.

"My friend, do you have plans for the night?" Hamish asked.

"Yeah." Selene responded absentmindedly, "Shopping, mostly. Gotta find some stuff I'll need for Syndramire."

"Oh? What you need?"

Selene shrugged, "You know, just a couple things here and there. Rope, short sword, maybe some knives?"

Hamish crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, "Knives?"

"Yeah, I figured it would be good to have a couple ranged weapons. Plus it sounds perfect for an adventurer like myself."

Hamish chuckled, "I wish you luck in the shopping, but be careful."

Satisfied everything was still there, she gathered up what remained and put it back in her pack, "What about you?"

He smiled, "I will be joining crew in the 'night on town!' I am looking forward to it."

Selene did not respond. He often drank and sang with them on the ship, why not on land as well?

"Well, I hope you have a good time." Hamish continued, his tone growing slightly concerned, "And watch out for thieves and pickpockets. We are not in big city, but I am sure they will be looking for easy targets tonight."

Selene snorted. "Yeah. I'll do my best. And you watch out, too. A town this small might confuse you for a giant attacking the village."

That got a hearty laugh from Hamish, "Haha, yes! I should walk on knees. Do not want to cause trouble for good captain."

They both had a good laugh as they went above deck once the crew finished their duties. Selene was the first to leave the ship. There were still a few hours until dark, but most shops carrying adventurer supplies would close after the festival began. Selene waved a final goodbye to Hamish, then she leapt off the ship platform onto the docks. Without stopping, she scurried past the dock workers and obstacles in her path.

The town was sizable, but not massive. She managed to find the shops with ease, and by sunset, she had everything she needed. Starting with climbing rope, Selene had trouble determining how much was needed. Eventually she decided to only get as much as she could carry comfortably in her pack.

The short sword and knives were harder, as the weaponsmith wanted to haggle. Probably paid twice the normal amount. She thought dourly as she put her coin purse away, now much lighter. By her estimates, she still had enough to pay the captain, but not much after that.