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[GiglameshDespair]

"Troubling, but we don't have an alternative."
Konicek flicks a finger against the potion, hearing a dull chime.
"Didn't tell us what this is either. Well, we must be wary, but we still have to go down to the lower deck.

[freeformschooler]

"Durham, I'm no man of the sword, but this looks to be something of uncommon craftsmanship. Do you think you could put this to better use than I could?"

Durham nodded, a large smile coming across his face. Too large.

"There's a reason they call blades of this quality Masterwork, Morazin." He snatches up the Cat's Paw while his friend reads through the parchment. "What's wrong? What's it say?

[tryrar]

"Well, from the note I'm assuming some sort of cephalopod, maybe a dire squid or a fiendish octopus? Regardless, you're correct that we still need to go down, but hold up a second while I check on our crew and task them to clean up the deck we just cleared. I'll be behind you in a minute!"

Morazin goes back topside to check on the dwarf family, and task them to start cleanup while they clear the second deck

[Dwarmin]

The industrious Dwarves have already finished most of the work topside by the time you return. They seem to be in higher spirits now that they believe you're not going to toss them overboard.

You indicate the second deck is safe and clear, and true to their nature, they get to work-not terribly hard work, since the cabin has a load of Prestidigitation wands that replace the need for conventional scrubbing.

As Morazin heads back down to the rest of the group, he finds the cute little Dwarf girl tugging on his pants. The one with the tiny flute-her eyes are bright green, and her hair is bright canary yellow, striped into long quadruple braids. She pipes three times, before speaking to you.

"Sir Human? Thank you. For letting my family live here. We're just Dwarves, and I know we don't belong anywhere, but...do you think this is our home now? This ship?"

[tryrar]

Morazin smiles warmly, remembering Tempus is not a place that anyone can really call home. "I can only speak for myself, but I for one say welcome home. Now be a good little girl and run back and help your parents clean up." He continues back downstairs and regroups with the others after making sure she runs back to the rest of her family.

[Dwarmin]

She your leg gives one of those charming little hugs, and skips off playing her flute in happy high notes, day no doubt improved.

[GiglameshDespair]

Konicek waits by the stairs leading to the lower deck. Idly, he scratches at the scabs already forming on his face. He grimaces as it cracks, letting another ooze of blood flow forth. Seeing Morazin coming down the stairs, he shifts the glaive off his shoulder. Konicek thrusts a thumb over his shoulder towards the way down.
"We ready?"

[tryrar]

Morazin smiles mischievously. "Yes, let's go slay the Kraken!" Well, I HOPE it isn't a Kraken, we'd be screwed if it is!

[freeformschooler]

Durham thought for a minute. No need to be so hasty.

"Is there not something we could use to give a situational advantage?" He looked once more toward the looted areas. "Perhaps not. Still, why don't you all give me your key or keys? We know there's something down there. If it's big enough to take all four of us out, there's no sense in jumping all in together. Hate to sound grim, but if I don't hear back soon, I'm going and getting help elsewhere."

Durham stood where he was - above the lower, dangerous level - and waited.

[GiglameshDespair]

Konicek grinned humourlessly.
"Scared, halfblood? You said you were a fighter. Did you lie? If there's something there as powerful as you fear, you may be needed."
He thudded the haft of the glaive down on the deck. "Don't back out on us now, halfblood."

[freeformschooler]

Konicek grinned humourlessly.
"Scared, halfblood? You said you were a fighter. Did you lie? If there's something there as powerful as you fear, you may be needed."
He thudded the haft of the glaive down on the deck. "Don't back out on us now, halfblood."

"'Fighter' does not mean 'dimwit,' Human. I know how to choose my battles." Durham smirks at Konicek - though with a drop of sweat running down his cheek. "Unlike you who feels an overwhelming desire to step into harm's way at a moment's notice."

[GiglameshDespair]

Konicek maintained his 'grin'. "Then it would be wise to choose this one."
His loose hand flexed. "Be careful, halfblood. Your elven roots are showing."

[freeformschooler]

"Mmmmm. Nah. Still just not feeling it, you know?" Durham wrapped his arms around the back of his neck and stretched. "Have fun, of course. I'll send someone to retrieve your bodies in the 'morrow."

He looked in the direction of the ship's entrance.

[GiglameshDespair]

Konicek took a step closer. "Why, halfblood? Letter got you spooked and so you're afraid of a monster, waiting in the dark? Why such fear of going down there? "

[freeformschooler]

"Let me put it simply so your simple warrior brain may understand." Durham frowned. This was the first time he'd actually frowned since the two met.

"I waited all my life for an opportunity like this. Venture through Tempus? Affordably? It's my dream come true. Of course, I have to share it with you lot of ragtag ruffians. Even that's bearable, though, because when we set foot on the ship, I felt the same sense of adventure I had as a child."

I'm being more honest to some random warrior than I've been to myself, he thought.

"I'd be fine dying to the claws of a prismatic dragon in some floating Outerwhere. I'd be fine dying in some nefarious villain's a pool of acid, shouting heroic taunts up to the very moment my chest cavity dissolves. But out here? Before we've even LIFT OFF? Hah. No. Combat is not a thing of glory or pride. It is a wasteful nuisance. If you lot slice up whatever's down there, fine. Feel good about yourselves for doing this. I, on the other hand, want to get off this godforsaken floating island. The last thing I want is to die to an eldritch tentacle monster while my allies live to explore Tempus."

Durham shrugged.

"Unlike you, I use my blade in self-defense, Konicek. I'm a thinking man, not a killing man. Once again: have fun."