Beyond the Horizon.

[GameMaster]

In the dimly lit kitchen of the Silver Hook Tavern, Ghar, the young kobold, found himself standing anxiously before the Taskmaster, a burly figure known among the crew as Grimjaw for his no-nonsense approach. The kitchen buzzed with activity, yet in this corner, it felt as though time had slowed, the clanging of pots and sizzling of pans fading into the background.

Grimjaw eyed Ghar with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism, his arms folded across his chest. "So, you're here for the posting, eh? What can a kobold do aboard a ship in the fleet of the Yellow Whale?"

Ghar swallowed hard, his mind racing. He had decided against revealing his sorcerous abilities, fearing mistrust or worse, exploitation. "I'm quick and nimble, sir. Good for tight spaces and...and I learn fast. I can tie knots, swab decks, anything you need."

The Taskmaster scrutinized Ghar, his gaze piercing. "Hmph. You do look like you could scurry about. Ever been at sea before, kobold?"

"No, sir, but I'm eager to learn and work hard," Ghar replied, hoping his enthusiasm would mask his inexperience.

Grimjaw stroked his beard, mulling it over. "We're short-handed, and the journey to Suldolphor ain't for the faint-hearted. It's a tough route, with storms and pirates. You sure you're up for it?"

Ghar nodded vigorously. "Yes, sir. More than anything. I need to... see new places." His voice trailed off, hinting at a deeper need to escape the confines of Lantan, but stopping short of actually mentioning the reason.

The Taskmaster let out a grunt that might have been a chuckle. "Alright then, deckhand Ghar, welcome aboard. But let me be clear; the sea doesn't care for your size or where you come from. You pull your weight, follow orders, and maybe you'll make it through."

"Thank you, sir. I won't let you down," Ghar said, a mix of relief and excitement in his voice.

Grimjaw waved him off. "Report to the docks at dawn. Look for the flag of the Yellow Whale on a pale green ship. And be ready; the sea's a harsh mistress."

As Ghar stepped out of the kitchen, the tavern's raucous atmosphere enveloped him once more. Yet, his heart was alight with the prospect of the open sea and the adventures that awaited on the journey to Suldolphor and beyond.

***

As the first light of dawn crept over the bustling docks of Lantan, Ghar, the young kobold, made his cautious approach towards the Yellow Whale Fleet, his heart thumping in his chest. The docks were a cacophony of shouts, the creaking of wood, and the slap of waves against hulls, but amidst this, the vibrant yellow of the ship he sought stood out like a beacon.

As he neared the ship, a group of sailors, rugged and weather-beaten, paused in their work to stare at the diminutive figure approaching them. Their expressions were a mix of disbelief and annoyance, their gaze heavy upon Ghar.

"What's this? A stowaway's pet?" one sneered, his voice laced with disdain.

Ghar's throat tightened, but he answered quietly, "I'm here for the posting. Grimjaw sent me."

The sailors exchanged incredulous looks, their skepticism evident. "Grimjaw's gone soft, sending us a kobold," another muttered, shaking his head in disbelief.

The first sailor gruffly grabbed Ghar by the arm, leading him onto the deck, where the scrutiny of the crew intensified. "Look what we've got here, lads! Our newest deckhand," he announced, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

A man with a stern face, likely the bosun, stepped forward, his gaze fixed on Ghar with a mix of curiosity and disappointment. "A kobold, eh? Grimjaw must be desperate. You better work twice as hard to prove you're worth feeding, little one," he grumbled.

Ghar felt the weight of their gazes, each one like a physical blow to his confidence. "I will, I'll work hard," he replied.

The bosun pointed to a pile of ropes and a bucket. "Start by coiling those ropes and then swab the deck. And keep out of the way," he ordered, turning his back on Ghar dismissively.

As Ghar picked up the bucket and mop, his small hands trembling slightly, he could feel the continued stares and hear the murmurs of disbelief among the crew. The task was menial, yet it felt monumental in the face of their skepticism.  It was really nothing new to him, everyone always underestimated him.  So long as he got to where he wanted to go, it didn't really matter.

***

The journey from Lantan to Suldolphor aboard the Emerald Phoenix proved to be an arduous test of endurance for Ghar, the young kobold deckhand. The days at sea melded into one another, each marked by the relentless rhythm of hard labor under the watchful eyes of the gruff and often unforgiving crew.

The work was monotonous and grueling. Ghar spent his hours swabbing the deck until the planks shone, coiling and uncoiling heavy ropes that chafed his small hands, and running errands for the sailors, who seldom offered a word of thanks. The initial curiosity and skepticism about his presence on the ship had faded, replaced by a tacit acceptance, as long as he did his share of the work.

The vast expanse of the open sea, with its endless horizon and towering waves, lost its novelty quickly. Ghar found little time to marvel at the beauty of the ocean or the playfulness of the dolphins that sometimes raced alongside the ship. His every waking moment was consumed by his duties, and his nights were spent in a cramped, shared quarters below deck, where the only respite was the brief escape into sleep.

Conversations among the crew were sparse and functional, centered around the tasks at hand. Ghar, with his limited experience at sea, had little to contribute and found himself often on the fringes, listening more than speaking. The isolation, both physical and emotional, weighed heavily on him, but it also strengthened his resolve to prove his worth, not for their approval but for his own sense of accomplishment.

As the Emerald Phoenix approached the bustling port of Suldolphor, the pace of work intensified. The crew prepared for docking, and Ghar was swept up in the flurry of activity, his muscles aching and his hands raw from the effort.

When the ship finally moored at Suldolphor, the relief Ghar felt was tinged with a profound exhaustion. He had completed the journey, survived the relentless toil, and stood on the deck as the cargo was unloaded, his eyes heavy but his spirit unbowed.

The ship's taskmaster, an old grizzled man who when by the name Harl, slowly approached Ghar as the crew began to disperse, a rare nod of acknowledgment in his eyes. "You've done your part, kobold. Not many would've stuck it out," he grunted, extending a small pouch that clinked with the sound of coins.  "You coming with us to Tashalar?"

Ghar shook his head, which prompted the man to toss him the pouch of coins.  "Well, like I said then, you've earned it.  You want employ again with the Yellow Wale, there's a writ in the pouch with my name on it, any of our vessels will hire you."  And with that, he turned and walked back into the ship, inspecting ropes and knots.

***

Ghar stepped off the ship in the port of Suldolphor in Calimshan, his legs wobbly from the long voyage, he was immediately engulfed by the vibrant chaos of Suldolphor's bustling port. The air was thick with the scent of exotic spices and salt from the sea, a stark contrast to the mechanical and arcane scents of Lantan he was used to. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a golden hue over the city, its rays reflecting off the white stone buildings and colorful market stalls that lined the crowded streets.

The port was alive with a cacophony of sounds: merchants haggling in a myriad of languages, sailors shouting orders, animals braying, and the constant thud and creak of cargo being loaded and unloaded. The architecture was a dazzling array of Calimshan style, with domed roofs, intricate mosaics, and slender minarets that pierced the skyline, hinting at the city's rich history and cultural melting pot.

Ghar watched in awe as people of all races and walks of life moved around him, from elegantly robed mages and stern-faced warriors to nimble thieves darting through the crowd. The air was filled with the aroma of street food: skewered meats, fresh fruits, and an array of sweets that tempted his senses, a far cry from the ship's hardtack and salted fish.

The colors around him were a vivid tapestry; fabrics of every hue fluttered in the breeze, glinting jewelry adorned the necks and wrists of passersby, and the stalls overflowed with goods from across the realms: fine silks, gleaming metals, and mysterious artifacts.

And most importantly, the road to his destination, the Ruins of Castle Tethyr.

[You were paid 100 silver, which is a healthy sum for a three tendays of sailing.  Now would be a good time to rest and obtain any supplies you may need before contiuning the journey.]

Today is the final day of Tarsakh (The Claw of Storms) and tomorrow is Greengrass, the annual celebration of the coming of Spring through most of Faerun, so much of the city is preparing for festivals and parties-- and of course, profit!

[Complex_Assault]

Ghar, tired of sailing but in no shortage of energy, looks for a grocers market. He is unsure of civilizations traditions, but "celebrate" could hurt his limited coffers. In typical kobold fashion, he looks for low priced goods, that may hold him over until he decides where to go next.

[GameMaster]

[For the sake of not roleplaying your shopping experience, here is a list of what you can find within a couple of hours, openly and easily in the street markets.  Remember you are in Suldaphor on the Eve of Greengrass!]



Cinnamon: 5 silver pieces
Saffron: 10 gold pieces
Pepper: 2 silver pieces

Silk: 15 gold pieces
Cotton: 2 silver pieces
Wool: 5 silver pieces

Wheat: 1 silver piece
Rice: 2 silver pieces
Barley: 8 copper pieces

Apples: 3 silver pieces
Oranges: 4 silver pieces
Bananas: 2 silver pieces

Potatoes: 1 silver piece
Carrots: 8 copper pieces
Tomatoes: 2 silver pieces

Beef: 2 silver pieces
Chicken: 1 silver piece
Pork: 1 silver piece

Trout: 1 silver piece
Salmon: 3 silver pieces
Cod: 2 silver pieces

Ale (per gallon): 2 silver pieces
Wine (per bottle): 5 silver pieces
Whiskey (per bottle): 10 silver pieces

Chickens: 5 silver pieces each
Goats: 1 gold piece each
Cows: 10 gold pieces each

Wooden toys: 5 silver pieces
Pottery: 3 silver pieces per piece
Jewelry: Varies widely

Simple tunic: 5 silver pieces
Leather boots: 1 gold piece
Traveler's cloak: 8 silver pieces
Silk gown: 25 gold pieces
Festive hat: 2 silver pieces

Small firecracker: 5 silver pieces
Display rocket: 1 gold piece
Sparkler bundle (10): 3 silver pieces

Backpack: 2 gold pieces
Map of the region: 5 silver pieces
Rope (50 feet): 1 gold piece
Traveler's rations (per day): 5 silver pieces
Waterskin: 2 silver pieces

Handcrafted jewelry: 10 gold pieces
Wooden carved figurine: 3 silver pieces
Decorative vase: 5 gold pieces
Book of local lore: 2 gold pieces
Perfume (small bottle): 10 silver pieces
Room and Board

Common inn room (per night): 5 silver pieces
Comfortable inn room (per night): 1 gold piece
Luxurious suite (per night): 5 gold pieces
Meal at an inn: 3 silver pieces
Stabling for a horse (per night): 2 silver pieces

Dried Beef Jerky - 5 silver pieces per pound
Salted Pork - 4 silver pieces per pound
Cured Mutton Strips - 4 silver pieces per pound
Dried Fish - 3 silver pieces per pound
Salted Venison - 6 silver pieces per pound
Exotic Dried Pheasant - 8 silver pieces per pound
"Mystery" Meat Jerky - 1 silver piece per pound (notoriously of dubious origin)

[Complex_Assault]

As a kobold, clothing and spice serve no purpose. Bananas of the tropical climate he loves are tempting enough to indulge a little. No fish for a while- sea fairing is much different from the mines. For some real food, hell take some chicken- one of the only farm animals small enough for his kind to handle. Though he wishes for some rope, perhaps it is best to wait for Greengrass, and watch the price carefully. He also take some of the Mystery meat for- unwanted- visitors.

[GameMaster]

Do you plan to get a room for the night, or brave the city streets?

[Complex_Assault]

Ghar will stay at a common inn room.

[GameMaster]

Your sleep is gently nudged aside by the mingling scents wafting into the common room from the bustling streets of Suldolphor and the tavern below. The distinct aroma of freshly baked bread, a staple of the Greengrass festival, mingled with the sweetmeats so popular in this part of the world all fills the air, its warm, comforting scent intermingling with the tangy zest of citrus fruits being prepared for the day's festivities. Overlaying these is the sweet, spicy fragrance of cinnamon and nutmeg, likely emanating from festive pastries and pies that adorn the celebratory tables.

As Ghar's senses sharpen, the sounds from the tavern below begin to seep into his awareness. The clattering of pots and pans speaks of a busy kitchen in full swing, preparing an array of dishes for the early risers and festival goers. Laughter and chatter rise up like a lively melody, punctuated by the occasional cheer or toast, hinting at the jovial mood that the Greengrass festival instills in the townsfolk and visitors alike.

The unmistakable clink of glasses and the soft thud of tankards being set down on wooden tables suggest that the tavern's patrons are already indulging in the first sips of their morning brews, perhaps flavored with a hint of the local harvest. In the background, a minstrel tunes his lute, preparing to serenade the crowd with songs celebrating the end of winter and the onset of spring, a core tradition of the Greengrass festival.

This symphony of scents and sounds, rich with the promise of celebration and community is all broken by the shout of a man who seems to have somehow already had too much mead.

"QUIET!  You'll wake our guests!" he admonishes those around him, and several ladies burst out in barely contained laughter.

[Complex_Assault]

While the coming of fertile, warmer months is great cause for celebration, this is rather unusual for Ghar. The clanging, banging, and loud drunkards disturbs him deeply in his desire for sleep. In wait for the buzzing night to calm, he decides to check himself and Ash. Loose skin, dulled claws, in need of a bath, or anything else of the sort.