How did I end up here?

I wandered the docks of the Razor Coast, looking for the vessel that bore the same name as my instructions from The Cloister. It was rare that spellcasters of those hallowed halls ended up so far South. The Razor Coast was a destination rarer still, but my patron apparently had several favors stored away with various archmages.

Just my luck.

The Cloister was one of, if not the best, scho for the study of magic in the known world. Built on a gateway to the realms of fae, the students there could learn a great many things both awesome and terrible. Our charge was to use our knowledge to protect this realm and the heroes therein.

So why was I being sent to the Razor Coast - a den of criminals and rogues - to serve a pirate lord? Why had this fate befallen me?

I was so lost in my frustration that I nearly tripped over a sleeping gnoll and tumbled into a scantily dressed sea elf who quoted me a price in silver. As alluring as that sounded I dusted myself off and appologized the large angry looking beast of a being before muttering a small charm and getting away from the commotion.

Another look at the piece of paper. I was to serve at the leisure of the captain and crew of the Argent Tempest. According to rumors muttered as I left, the captain had engendered themselves to The Cloister by liberating relics of immense power that could cause harm in the wrong hands. I was assigned to aid the crew in their collection of additional artifacts and safekeep them until such time they could be returned to the vault.

There were other rumors. That this pirate went through Cloister Mages like a drunkard through wine. That they put them in needless peril. This was the only rumor my mentor assured me was not true. She smiled warmly and promised that on the ship, as long as I took care of the captain, I would be well cared for.

Sighing I looked up and saw my new home. An impressive ship, clearly built for speed. The ornate carvings seemed remarkably intact despite scuff marks in the hull. I noted the protective runes.

I made my way on deck and was struck by the number of women on board. Women from every race of the Southern Seas. A loud voice bellowed out.

"Ah, my new mage. Welcome aboard the Argent Tempest."

I turned and saw the source of my greeting. The captain, my captain, was a woman. A broad grin on her face as her eyes drank in every inch of my being.

Well, this was going to be an interesting adventure...