audio, un: strange

[rehandle]

I've just spoken with the Hawking's captains. The use of magic is strictly limited amongst the crew and I wanted to understand why.

It's because they have a benefactor. Lady Spiertower, regent of Kellir. Her money lets them pirate exclusively for knowledge without needing to worry about the costs of running a ship, and in return they're seeking out the treasure she desires, the finding of which they believe will benefit everyone. Unveil truth.

[ Given what Natasha's shared about Spiertower already, and all the rumour there is about Dracness and the riches and secrets it might hold - answers to questions that have been buried deep - it isn't difficult to assume what Spiertower's got the twins hunting for. Or why they're so willing to pursue it. ]

Bess herself has magic. Its use is only restricted aboard the Hawking to avoid doing anything that might jeopardise their financial situation and freedom to continue as they are. Lady Spiertower isn't a fan of pirates or power, and while she seems willing to overlook the first from those she's commissioned, the captains believe there's a risk she'll withdraw her support if crewmates are seen freely wielding extraordinary abilities.

We'll need to keep an eye on her and her people once we get close to the orb.

[ It's a quick drop of information shared in an earpiece-amplified murmur from his corner of the sleeping quarters on board the Hawking, ending abruptly when somebody else is heard greeting him at a distance as they wander in in search of a book. ]

Comments

[drawsblood]

Hm, good point.

[ And even though he comes from a land that has literally no ocean based (or air-based for that matter) trade, he knows enough from his travels to know what merchant ships are. ]

If they could find a better way to organize all their books and artifacts out of the way, they can do what ships are meant to do and transport goods to make money to operate.

[rehandle]

They could, but I doubt they would. They're only out here because it gives them the means and freedom to spend all of their time on their real work. Which isn't our problem, exactly, but I can't imagine we're going to convince them to help us by telling them they can make their own money.

[ If they'd wanted to, they would've done it already. On top of that... ]

And I'd guess the ship also belongs to Spiertower.

[ Sorry Joric. It's not that he loves playing Negative Nancy, it's just that some situations don't have the budget to cast any other characters. ]

We may have to go direct. Make them understand what it is they're looking for, and hope that they decide to prioritise the safety of their home over their own personal pursuits. I don't think they're thrilled with their affiliation with Spiertower - the loyalty seems to be to her money - so it's not an impossible angle.

[drawsblood]

I suppose that's the best plan, considering everything else. What's the point of hoarding this knowledge if it leads to their world falling to chaos, right?

[rehandle]

Right. They're invested in uncovering their world's truth. I assume they'll want to protect it.

[drawsblood]

I'll leave it to someone who knows them better to try and convince them of that rather than someone who has just come onboard like me.