DragonBlood472 |
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The gigantic elemental is a fearsome sight to behold. Rain sizzles on the electrified being, and the smell of ozone is all around. Unbridled rage exudes from the creature of lightning that was trapped within the khyber-matrix of the airship. Swinging an arm-like pseudopod, the elemental slams into your chest and sweeps across the deck to catch the other crewman as well. You hear the screams of your kin, but it is muted by the overwhelming pain of electrocution. Stars begin to dance in your vision as your body goes slack. As you crumple towards the deck, the airship is pummeled once more by the draconic assailant. Splinters and timbers go flying, as the airship is losing control. In the haze of your vision, you see several bodies flung over the side of what remains of the railing. You hear Thariv's scream and Ethaniel's thundering order to abandon ship.
As your vision darkens, you know your body is sliding overboard, and you are unable to stop it. As you slip into the sky, you have a moment of weightlessness, and then the stark realization of nothing beneath you but the sea... several miles below. Closing your eyes to let the rain pelt you as you plummet, your body is suddenly jerked as an arm wraps around you. It feels scaly and peculiar, but somehow familiar. You feel your descent somehow slowing, and a hissing whispering voice tells you, "Ddim eto. Mae gennych fwy o stori i'w hadrodd." Not yet. You have more story to tell. Your labored breathing slows and as your body falls, your mind slips away into the unconscious grip of the dying...
DragonBlood472 |
15th Eyre
Con Damage: 1d4 ⇒ 1
Days fatigued: 1d4 ⇒ 3
Slowly your eyes flutter open, you realize that you are in a tent of sorts. Morning light shines through the flaps of canvas. You hear the sounds of commotion around your tent, voices and movement. The smell of the sea is strong in the air, and as you take in a deep breath, you are jolted by the painful realization that you have cracked a few ribs. Your left arm is bound to your side, and a few cautionary twitches of your muscles confirm that the arm is indeed broken.
You gaze about, and realize that the tent is made from several patches of cloth and canvas lashed to various timbers that once belonged to the Roc's Talon. You attempt to sit up with a groan.
"Aye, the lass is coming to," a warm familiar voice says from behind you. Momentarily, Ethaniel kneels into view- several bruises and new cuts upon his person but he seems otherwise shipshape. "Tough as Khyber you are, lass. Welcome back to the waking world. Try not to strain yourself too much, we all took a nasty fall, and not everyone was as fortunate as you." The large khoravar sits on a barrel beside your makeshift bed. "I'm sure you have questions, as do we all. There are few that I can answer though. We are some unnamed island in Shargon's Teeth, or if it has a name it is unknown to us. The battered remains of the airship are serving as our temporary shelter. We are by the beach. The dead that we have found have been buried, markers were erected for those that we could not. It has been three days since the crash. The elemental is gone, likely took to the storm ne'er to be seen by us again. Likewise the dragon... curse its scaly hide. The storms are still present, but we have had a few hours of sun-filled respite." Ethaniel smiles, light-heartedly trying to deal with such a grave situation. You feel a cool compress on your forward as Ethaniel's eyes glance behind you. "The Emissary has hardly left your side. It is beyond thanks to he and the minotaur that those of us that have survived have done so." Slowly he stands and makes for the entrance of your tent. "When you are ready and able, Thariv and Lord ir'Perryn would like to chat with you. Rest easy, lass." With that the gentle giant leaves you.
The Con damage cannot be healed until the fatigued condition clears, the effects of fatigue will remain even with lesser magical healings to represent the broken bones.
K'exik Alezara |
K'exik touches the damp cloth to your forehead again, wiping away the last of your fever. "You have faced an irate dragon and lived, there are many who would disbelieve you, and quite a few who will envy you." As he comes into your field of vision, you recognize the pallid color of the aquatic elf, beset with purple and green bruises, and a deep cut across his face. "By airship, we are still a day from Stormreach, by boat two days." K'exik hobbles to where Ethaniel sat and his right leg, twisted, hangs behind him. "Barnabas the cook is perished, his body was found washed upon the beach, mauled to unrecognizable status if not for his height and girth. Ivello, Greff and Balthazar lost their lives to the elemental and dragon's attack before the plummet, we never found their bodies. Dorien ir'Slate the Mror traveler perished shortly after the crash into the sea. He managed to get the Fire family to safety before drowning. And in grim irony, Irid d'Tharashk- the finder, is missing, presumed dead... it has been a rather costly trip. I and Hath have used our knowledge of healing and herbalism to tend to the wounded. It is good to see you awake."
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva begins to chuckle at the irony of the entire event, but soon finds that it is too painful, and her throat far too dry to indulge her dark humor. "I need water," she manages to choke out in her graveled voice.
DragonBlood472 |
There is movement at the entrance to the tent, looking up to expect K'exik returning, you instead see Alain d'Lyrandar. Battered, but still with a smug grin on his face. "Well, aren't you a sight for sore eye?" He smiles, though his impish grin is split by a cut upon his lip. "It's a shame that to see you in such a state of undress I had to go through all this trouble." It is apparent now, that except for the sheet covering your cot, all you are wearing are the bindings around your chest and arm. Leaning against the pole that supports your tent, the rake continues. "What a week, eh? How are you holding up, cuz?" It is now rather apparent that the half-elves of the Roc's Talon will call any Lyrandar cousin no matter the distance between relation.
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva drinks greedily from the waterskin, not caring that it might not agree with her stomach to take in so much, so quick, after days of nothing. When she has finally had her fill, she coughs and groans. "Thank you, K'exik," She says and it's the first time he's heard her say his actual name instead of simply calling him Emissary. Her eyes study him for a moment, taking in his injuries.
She turns her head to Alain, "I will live... cousin." Unabashed by her state of dress or Alain's one-eyed leering. "Tell me truly, though, how bad are things? Ethaniel talked far more than he ever has before... and he smiled. Surely that can't be a good sign."
DragonBlood472 |
Alain's smile drops. "Things are... well, bad. We lost a few of the family- which is unfortunate but these things happen during storms like this, but we also lost a few passengers, which reflects badly on the House as a whole. We are stranded on some unknown island with no way of knowing where we are, or if the House will send a rescue party... which they might, given the size of some of our passenger's accounts in Kundarak- but even if they do who is to say how long it will be before some other daft captain will brave this storm to find us? So the short and long of it is that we are stuck here and have to make due with minimal supplies and probably attacks from unknown savages or wild monstrosities. Nobody escaped the crash unscathed- Zam is still out cold, the little Fire boy hasn't said a word since it all happened... but we are doing what we can. Slick-skin here and the Horned-Herbalist have been running poor Mia ragged sending her into the jungle to fetch this herb or that plant, but we'd all be worse off without them. Your girlfriend has been asking about you," his wolfish smile returns, "She has been confined to a soarwood cot since a large chunk of the Roc crushed both of her legs. I think Ethaniel wants the remaining finders to go looking for water and food today, Thariv's in no shape to be giving orders at the moment... she and I have a lot more in common these days." He taps his eye-patch. "But it could be worse, I suppose."
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva slowly nods her head, "I see. Thank you. Please tell Evangeline not to worry, I am not dead and she is not free of me. Please tell Thariv and Zain that it might be awhile yet before I'm able to move around but if they cannot wait for me to come to them, they are welcome to come to me."
Kiva waits for Alain to leave before asking K'exik about his own injuries and whether he has been neglecting to care for himself in order to look after her.
K'exik Alezara |
"Most of my injuries are... superficial. You are safe, and that is what matters. The Devourer has taken his fill and spared those who are worthy. My healing magics are limited in how often I can beseech the Devourer for his gifts every day, so I would sooner tend to those that hired me. I have the rest of my life to tend to my own wounds."
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva snorts indelicately, "Yes, I suppose you do. I only hope that the rest of your life doesn't turn out to be far shorter than you imagined because of those wounds. Besides, it will be easier for you to tend to them if you're in proper working order yourself. Suit yourself, though."
"Well, I thought I had need to go to Shargon's Teeth, perhaps this will turn out to be beneficial after all."
What language was the entity that plucked her from the sky speaking, and does she recall the event?
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva tries to settle in to a comfortable position, closing her eyes and shifting her weight slightly until she finds a spot that at least mimics comfort for the time being. After a quiet moment she opens her eyes and says, "Why try so hard to save me?"
K'exik Alezara |
K'exik looks at you for a long moment. "Mae'n rhaid i mi gredu bod rhywun yn ddigon cryf i uno ein bod alltudion. Rwyf am i gredu ei fod yn chi." I have to believe that there is someone strong enough to unite we outcasts. I want to believe that it is you. He continues, reverting to the Common tongue. "You do not hold much stock in destiny or prophecy, but there are many in the world who do- to them there are locations and people that resonate with aspects of the Draconic Prophecy that draw attention like minnows to an angler fish. In the few days I have known you, there have been more 'coincidences' than would seem logical. I have escorted many ships across the Thunder Sea, never have any of them encountered shapechangers, dragons, and unbound elementals all within a span of days. Throw a pebble into a lake and the lake will ripple... but the stone may not even be aware of its effect upon the waters. You are that stone, you are the Eye of the Storm as it were."
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva shifts around uncomfortably for a moment before finally saying, "You misunderstand me, Emissary. It is not that I disregard destiny and prophecy but rather that I think that foolish, vain people like Evangeline who go out of their way to try to make destiny and prophecies happen... who lie and manipulate, hoping to cause events to unfold a certain way, are doing more to throw obstacles in the way of destiny and prophecy."
"When something is destined to happen, it does not need nor want their help for it to happen. That is what destiny is, something that will happen with or without their interference. If they are needed to trigger some other event, they will do it without conscious effort or thought, it will be what they are destined to do. It's not some diplomatic effort that they can rally together and persuade nor intimidate into going a certain way. They overestimate their significance and their importance to the gods."
"Even you, Emissary, to save my life solely for the sake of prophecy. What if I am important in this prophecy, but it is in my death that my purpose is served? Now destiny still must kill me, and likely soon. Do not misunderstand, I am grateful that you saved my life. I just hope that next time, should my life lay in your hands, there is something more there and you decide to save my life for my life's sake."
K'exik Alezara |
The Emissary smiles. "Oh trust me. I like you, but had it been the Devourer's will to claim you, my efforts to save you would have been in vain. The dragonmarks represent a living aspect of the Prophecy... an unexpected turn of events. It is easy to study a draconic symbol upon a mountain face or wrought in coral, but when the mark can change and its wearer can change the very nature of the world... that becomes more complicated. Have you seen the metal wonders that House Cannith has constructed? Through their marks they have created an entire race of beings. Even your dragonmark allows you to control an elemental bound within a ship that soars through the air. Some aspects of the Prophecy need obstacles to overcome..." K'exik shrugs. "Interpret destiny how you will..."
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva groans and closes her eyes. She's quiet for a long moment and then she says, "I haven't a damn clue how to control those elementals. You know what I get to do with my dragonmark? Make fog. I can make fog to hide myself in. A parlor trick at best. For now."
She opens her eyes again and looks back at him. "Well, I'm glad you believe that I'm special enough to put forth the effort. I'll do my best to keep you believing that since you have a knack for keeping me alive. If not on my feet," she adds with a weak smile and a wink.
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva starts to chuckle again but it swiftly turns into a groan. After a minute she says, "Help me up? I might as well suck it up and go speak to Thariv and the others. I don't think I can sleep again and laying here doing nothing is going to drive me mad."
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva growls and curses vehemently as pain shoots through her body. She begins to strike out at K'exik because of the pain but catches herself and instead clutches onto his clothing instead. She accepts the crutch from him and takes a few deep breaths to steady herself, watching the aquatic elf as she does. She looks down at herself, recalling her state of undress. "Perhaps clothing of some sort would be more appropriate?"
Once she is is able, she begins to limp her way slowly to find Thariv.
DragonBlood472 |
With the Emissary's assistance you are able to get on some pants and drape a shirt over your shoulders. As you exit your tent, you see the survivors of the Roc's Talon going about a beach that borders a luscious jungle. The view seems to be lost on the remaining crew as passengers, however, and there is an air of somberness as water and fruit is gathered and timbers remaining from the airship are added to temporary structures and signal fires. Against a small rock outcropping, there has been a larger tent erected, supported by the shattered remains of the elemental struts. Large rips mar the canvas, and you hear voices coming from within. As you enter the pavilion, you see Captain Thariv, Zain ir'Perryn, and the remains of Gild. Thariv's head is bound in bandages, covering her right eye. The dwarf seems a bit bruised but otherwise no worse for wear. The light glints off of his silver Aurum rings. Gild rests atop a barrel, the golden soldier in a state of dismantlement, but the warforged turns his head towards you as you enter, so there is still a spark of life within the automaton. Before the captain and the noble there are a few barrels with maps and charts unfurled on top of them. Thariv looks up, and the focus of her single eyes falls to you and K'exik. Her dour expression turns into a smile. "Kiva. It is good to see you awake. Emissary, I am glad you are with her. Zain and I were just looking over what maps we have left trying to figure out which island we are on. Please come closer." The old dwarf also smiles. "Tough as mithril. Welcome back, lass."
DragonBlood472 |
The maps show a few islands of Shargon's Teeth, but as you can see even from the remnants of the charts, there are many many islands in this stretch. Thariv looks back down, "If we could just figure out how close we are to Korthos, we could be saved." The dwarf replies, "Yes but until we actually get to see the sun peeking through it is difficult to determine just quite where we are, and with the storms I doubt we will be that lucky, especially if a thrice-damned dragon is manipulating the weather..."
K'exik Alezara |
Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Knowledge (geography): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Approaching slowly, K'exik looks over the maps. "If I were to toss a guess, I would say that we are on an island named 'Black-Shell' by the Sahuagin- so named for the large dark carapaced crabs that linger near the shoals of this island... but I could be wrong."
DragonBlood472 |
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You should have everything except maybe an outfit, since most stuff was on your person.
The former airship captain looks up at you, "Less than I would have preferred. Much of the cargo hold was scattered to the sea, unexpected offerings for your Devourer I suppose, Emissary. Most of the crew have the weapons they had on them when we fell, a few of the passengers were able to reclaim some possessions... but most of the ship remains lost at sea, though with fortune on our side a few items have washed ashore or been found on the beach. K'exik has an uncanny knack for pulling another lost item from the flotsam."
DragonBlood472 |
"The crew and I have been together far too long for them to mutiny now. The passengers have been deferring to myself and Ethaniel for decision making... all but that brat Denovan." She gives a weak smile. "We've taken a hit, we lost some good sailors and the House lost a few passengers... but by the Host we'll get out of this. The Talon is gone, but I will fly again."
DragonBlood472 |
With the remaining half of her gaze, Thariv stares intently at you. "Heal faster." Then her mask of sternness melts into a smile. "Whatever you wish to assist. Gather supplies, scout, scrimshaw... I am used to ordering a vessel, this is a little outside of my expertise."
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva nods once, pleased with the captain's response. She was not looking forward to trying to placate the captain's whims while recovering and trying to figure out whether this particular island, whatever it's name might be, held any of the answers she sought. "I shall do my best to heal faster, Thariv, without question."
If no one else has need of her at that moment, she will make her way back to there area she woke up at and try to rest. She'll stay there, as much as possible, until the fatigue has passed and it's not as painful to move around.
K'exik Alezara |
The Emissary follows you and helps you to get relaxed once more. "Tomorrow morning I will begin to brew a few remedies that will dull your pain. Is there anything else you need of me?" As he looks over your wounds, he touches the golden bracelet he put upon your wrist. "Do not take this off."
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
"Yes, Emissary, I need you to take care of yourself, too. How will you save me next time if you can't catch me?" She tries for a smile but it comes across more closely resembling a grimace with her pain. Glancing at the bracelet she says, "I hadn't planned on it, yet."
DragonBlood472 |
There is a strange eerie calm about the beach, knowing that it is one of many within the Eye of the Storm, kept safe for some unknown reason. Between gusts of light wind you can see the sea, and see how the hurricane is just at the edge of where the under-tow would kick in.
DragonBlood472 |
Thariv is sitting outside her tent, staring out to see with her remaining eye. Her head has been dressed in new bandages, and she has a tankard of spirits in her hand. He gaze shifts to you as you approach. "Good morning, cuz. The sea really is beautiful, even with the threat of that abominable storm just past reach. I believe K'exik was right, this is Black-Shell, or if it's not, I would hate to see the size of the crabs on the other islands. The twins managed to bring one down, so everyone is enjoying some fresh meat... Alain has mentioned capturing one to sell to House Vadalis as a new mount. The damn crabs are larger than ponies. Deeper in the jungle, Ethaniel reported strange chanting and the sound of conch horns... so that probably isn't a good sign."
Kiva d'Lyrandar |
Kiva settles in next to Thariv for a moment. "I think I can understand that. These people need you, though. For better or worse, you are the symbol of authority and they are going to turn to you to keep things under control and give them a semblance of civilization until they all die or are rescued. Or, they could mutiny, of course and find someone else to follow or simply let things fall into utter chaos," Kiva says the last part with an idle shrug. "I swear though, I'm going to hunt that dog fu#%er down and slit his throat for this."