The Clockwork Skies

Sophie clings to one of Gavin's arms, shivering, visibly scared.

Sophie: Yes, just keep it.

Gavin: *walking down the boardwalk* Y'know, I'm surprised you decided to join us out here.

Sophie: I'm actually surprised as well, but I do want to explore the world through its spices and food.

Gavin: Spices, eh? Well the only spice you'll find here is salt. Sea salt, to be exact. Oh, you could also find strange exotic spices for sale here, along with other strange and exotic things from other cultures that reavers stole and brought back to sell here.

Catherine: Well hopefully we'll find something. And don't worry Sophie, I'll keep ya safe; and I suppose Gavin here would keep you safe too.

Gavin: Don't look at me, I'm counting on Vix to keep me safe. *chuckles* Just kidding, I can handle myself. Though I'd rather not test that. Let's go in here. *opens the door to a small pub and steps inside*
Inside, many dark-looking pirates and reavers are drinking and conversing, but they all stop when Gavin and his crew walks in

Sophie: Huh. I wonder if they do that any time someone arrives? *cocks her head to the side*

The bartender, an old fishman** with blue scales, welcomes them warmly.
bartender: Welcome to the Salty Slug, travelers! What can I do ye for?
Gavin: *approaches the bar* Well, I was wondering if you could give us some information.
bartender: Ah. Well yer in luck, I sell both ale and information here.
Gavin: Well, I spent our last bit of pittance mooring our boat. So how about you give me the info and I won't have my cook serve fish fillet to my crew tonight?
The other bar patrons all stand up, staring down the crew in defense of their bartender.

**Tremmain's Bestiary, Fishfolk: The Central Seas are home to a peculiar race of intelligent and aquatic people. They have the magic calamity ages ago to thank for their very existence. They can breathe underwater, talk to fish, and swim quite fast! They can breathe air though, but they still require almost constant moisture, so you'll only find them on or around water. Good luck trying to court any fair fishmaidens though, they procreate like any other fish! That is, they lay eggs!

**Challenge accepted

Sophie: Seems the patrons are quite taken with the...Handsome bartender.

Mark:Hold that fellows. *pulls out a coin purse* How much for info and how much for a good ale?

bartender: Good ale? Ain't got none o' that round here. But I do have some info. What do you want to know?

Mark: We're searching for a friend of ours. A Dr. Fox.

bartender: Dunno names, sonny.
Gavin: Old man, short, long white beard and bald head. Artificer from Carricus, possibly came here against his will.
bartender: Hmm...Old Starney might know what yer talkin' about. He runs his business down by the fin.
Gavin: Thanks. Well Sophie, looks like uh...we won't be having fish tonight...

Sophie: We can always go fishing in the open sea.

Mark: Not wise to say that in present company.

bartender: What? Fish eat fish. Just nature. Now get out!
Gavin: Right, right. Thanks for the info then. *saunters out*

Mark follows out after he pays the fishman.

Sophie: See? It's fine to say things like that in front of fish people.

Mark: Sorry I've never dealt with fish people before.

Gavin: Don't test that theory on the inhabitants here. I feel like the bartender was just nice. Watch your backs here. And more importantly, watch your coin purses.

Mark gives them Locks for the coin purses.

Sophie: Oh you don't need to tell me that twice, Gavin.

Mark:We know Gavin we know. Lets head to the fin.

Catherine: Did you really need to threaten the bartender like that, Gavin? I mean, seriously, telling the fish man bartender that Sophie will be cooking fish if he doesn't give us information?

Sophie: Well it's not like I'd be the one to kill him.