Action 1:
Bronwyn figured that Squeak wanted Lucina to go with him to the University alone so Bronwyn excused herself to pick up some scrolls. "Lucina, can you pick me up a book at the library with spells that I can study during our trip? Preferably something about dealing with undead. I'll leave it up to your discretion."
The wizard tossed her ponytail over her shoulder. "To save time, I'll go and pick up some scrolls. I already have an idea of what I'd like. Lucina, if you tell me what you want then I pick them up for you."
Action 2:
“It is called an undersea ship, for it travels secretly beneath the waves..."
Bronwyn looked crestfallen. "I was hoping we'd be traveling by airship, maybe piloted by a certain Captain." After a moment or two of pouting, Bronwyn quickly recovered. The thought of transport under the water was intriguing. She took the letter of passage from Lady E, "Byam, got it. Do we have to be there at a specific time or is this undersea ship all ours?"
Action 3:
She handed them some notes, “Here is the clue from Kedran’s notes to finding the site once you reach that stretch of the river: At the turn in the Rachi River, where the land rises and
the hands of stone reach for the sky, look toward the giant’s left hand for guidance to the schema’s resting place.”
Bronwyn sniffed, "That sounds awfully abstract and vague." She sighed, "I guess that's so not just anyone will find it." She brightened considerably and exclaimed, "It'll be a worthy challenge for us!"
Action 1:
Lucina gave Bronwyn a nod. "I am not as familiar with the arcane section of the library, but I have perused it from time for research. I can think of a few books that sound like what you are looking for..." With that she followed Squeak into the city and towards the library.
When a group of gnomes suddenly burst into song, Lucina's first reaction was annoyance. Don't they know this is a library! Why do they have to violate the peace and quiet of everyone here for their pathetic adolescent romances...Why, I should... However, Lucina's increasingly violent train of thought was abruptly derailed by a horrifying revelation. Are they...getting closer? Are they...singing to me?!? Squeak had seen Lucina fight vampires and jump from an airship that was rapidly crashing to the ground. However, he had never seen her look quite so terrified. Why is this happening! Everyone is staring! Can I just run? She looked around eyeing the exit, but a crowd seemed to have formed to watch the show. Before she could plan an escape, she found herself covered in glitter and box of chocolates thrust into her hands.
She stood in a stupor for a few moments, until it was broken by Squeak's admirer comment. Suddenly her eyes narrowed and her head turned to him. Of course. Who else? Her eyes dangerous, she responded sarcastically, "Oh...and I guess you had NOTHING to do with this! Tell me, is this part of some stupid crusade to make me 'happy'...or do you just enjoy mocking and tormenting me!" She thrust the chocolate box at him so roughly that small chocolates exploded out of the box and onto the floor. "I'm going to go get Bronwyn her books! You know...for our mission that we should be focusing on!" She began to storm off, but not before notices that quite a few decorations adorned the area. Continuing her dramatic exit, she shouted back, "Gods! How much time did you waste on this stupid prank!"
As Squeak was left alone, a few of the students gave him sympathetic looks. "I thought it was really sweet!" said one girl reassuringly. "Women, eh?" said another young man jokingly as he patted Squeak on the back as he headed back to his studies. Even the librarian, stopped by, "Is there anything I can get for you?" she said, her voice full of sympathy. Clearly the expectation was that Squeak must be heartbroken from this apparent rejection.
Squeak sighed - and was proud that he'd thought to do it. "Do you happen to have a spell that would let me go back and undo the last two minutes?" he asked, carefully lowering his tone as humans did when upset.
'How? How did she know it was me? Did I push it too hard?' "Would you like some chocolates?" he asked the librarian, handing her the remainder of the box. "I made them myself, but be careful when eating them as each has a small chocolate jigsaw piece inside the fondue centre. If you collect the pieces and assemble them they have the song lyrics on them. Not that you would want to, of course." I was so careful! How?' Squeak sighed again, and then, unsure how often to repeat the sound, waited two seconds and sighed again.
"Do you happen to have a spellbook that a Fire mage would like? Something to read on a trip? Her hobbies include... Fire. Dresses. Shopping. Chocolate." Squeak pulled out the last of his funds "I can afford to purchase it." he paused for a moment and added brightly "And a book of jokes. Everyone likes jokes."
Has Squeak got enough cash for the book? 900gp.
He'd also like enough ingredients to knock up some silver weapon blanch, antitoxin and vermin repellent.
Action 1:
Bronwyn sighed dramatically and crossed her arms. "Lady Elaydren made it sound very important that we find Byam and leave as quickly as possible. I find it hard to believe that she was mistaken and yet here we tarry. Captain Morgis wouldn't keep me waiting."
Action 2:
Bronwyn's stomach churned at the sight of all the water. Her face was an odd shade of green as she had second thoughts. "The vessel is fascinating, it really is...but I'm not sure I can do this. The core of my being doesn't like being surrounded by such opposition."
Bronwyn's stomach churned at the sight of all the water. Her face was an odd shade of green as she had second thoughts. "The vessel is fascinating, it really is...but I'm not sure I can do this. The core of my being doesn't like being surrounded by such opposition."
Both Palisade and Bastion examined the intentionally-sinking boat with deep interest. Despite the unorthodox nature of the transport, Palisade was quick to see its advantages. It had never before heard of such a device, which would mean employing it in battle would give the faction owning it a great surprise advantage. If it was as quick as its above-waves and above-clouds cousins, the elemental-powered ship woud likely be an excellent at scouting enemy movements and striking at transport fleets at sea, employing hit and run tactics. A quick strike against a single ship, then vanish without sight. Either it would drive the enemy from the sea lanes, forcing them to use longer overland routes for supplies and troop movements or it would divert resources into watching for another undersea attack - and with luck, it might take more than one successful strike before the enemy even realized the nature of the threat.
Indeed, a magnificient tool. Palisade approved, and judging by the chittering coming from the rident sitting on its shoulder its elder brother agreed. It would be an interesting experience to travel in it. Lady d'Deneith's reluctance was a worry, though.
"Your distress is understandable, Lady d'Deneith," Palisade agreed, nodding its head. "The pressure at the bottom of a sea is likely enough to crush a human body subjected to it," it reasoned, basing its theory on the weight of water it had personally experienced when it had been part of a troop of 'forged ordered to hit an enemy unit from behind by crossing a deep lake by walking along its bottom. Even some of the less-well-maintained 'forged had been damaged by the trek. "Other hazards would include drowning, suffocation, dehydration or starvation if the ship were to get stranded on the bottom of the sea while still maintaining some or all of its hull integrity. And freezing to death, if this ship's heating will fail. Also, asphyxiation if the ship employs a source of fire to regulate temperature but fails to expell the smoke properly."
Palisade was getting more and more curious by the moment, as it tallied the list of health hazards and wondered just how the ship's designers had tackled each challenge.
"Here." Lucina grumpily, as she handed Bronwyn the books and scrolls she'd acquired from the library. The events that had transpired there had left he in an impressively bad mood. "So I guess we have to ride in this stupid water boat thing...that's probably going to get a hole in it an drown us, knowing our luck." She continued to scowl as the crew mostly ignored them to play a game. "Seriously? Are we leaving or not?" she said irritably.
Vi was fascinated in spite of herself. She had spent a fair amount of time in the Grayflood district, both as Arleth (guiding foreigners to and from their ships) and as Jorlyn (plenty of warehouses to loot). But she'd never really paid much attention to the ships themselves. Her recent trip on the airships gave her a new appreciation for different types of travel, and she thought she'd rather enjoy a sea voyage.
"Here." Lucina grumpily, as she handed Bronwyn the books and scrolls she'd acquired from the library. The events that had transpired there had left he in an impressively bad mood. "So I guess we have to ride in this stupid water boat thing...that's probably going to get a hole in it an drown us, knowing our luck." She continued to scowl as the crew mostly ignored them to play a game. "Seriously? Are we leaving or not?" she said irritably.
Vi hadn't noticed Lucina's foul mood, as she was no more or less silent than usual when feeling grumpy. Surprised, she turned to the druid and said, "What's up? You okay?"
Action 2
Staring at the Sea Dart, Vi felt mixed wonder and horror. As Palisade began to itemize the horrible ways they could die, she turned to him and barely restrained herself from smacking him. Instead, she drew Ice and thunked him soundly with the pommel. "Hey! Stop it! Us fleshy mortals don't like to be reminded of our vulnerabilities. Say something comforting instead!"
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
"Hey! Stop it! Us fleshy mortals don't like to be reminded of our vulnerabilities. Say something comforting instead!"
Palisade looked down at Vi, cocking its head to a side in thought. "Hesitant. Many of the possible fatalities are relatively painless, this one has been told, and in the case of the others, you can rely on this one and unit Squeak to end you quickly and efficiently once the possibility of rescue or recovery has been ruled out."
Has Squeak got enough cash for the book? 900gp.
He'd also like enough ingredients to knock up some silver weapon blanch, antitoxin and vermin repellent.
All the above is doable.
I'll get on the trip on tomorrow's recap where we can start talking about Xen'drik.
Questions?
Game on!
Here." Lucina grumpily, as she handed Bronwyn the books and scrolls she'd acquired from the library. The events that had transpired there had left he in an impressively bad mood...
"Thanks!" Bronwyn dug through her scrollcase. "And these...are yours." She handed the scrolls she'd purchased over to the druid. "Use them wisely." Since the druid was normally grumpy, Bronwyn didn't recognize her augmented grouchiness.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Palisade looked down at Vi, cocking its head to a side in thought. "Hesitant. Many of the possible fatalities are relatively painless, this one has been told, and in the case of the others, you can rely on this one and unit Squeak to end you quickly and efficiently once the possibility of rescue or recovery has been ruled out."
'They will continue to attempt the journey. Excess fear about something they can control will simply degrade performance.' Squeak engaged his new hardware and prepared to do something he had once thought impossible.
"The chance of death approaches zero." he lied "Everything will be fine. I'm sure this prototype employs only the finest engineering and everything has been tested to conform with quality assurance. Further, both Palisade and I are quite capable of maintaining or piloting the vessel as required."
Bronwyn gave Squeak a concerned look. "Are you ok, Squeak? That statement ranks up there with 'Palisade can repair pipes.' Even though I'm quite confident in the abilities of you and Palisade, I'm doubtful you can pilot a machine you've never encountered before."
The wizard couldn't help but think, Why did Squeak feel the need to lie about something like this?
"Are you ok, Squeak? That statement ranks up there with 'Palisade can repair pipes.' Even though I'm quite confident in the abilities of you and Palisade, I'm doubtful you can pilot a machine you've never encountered before."
"Confused. Lady d'Deneith, this one assures you this one is a competent blacksmith. It is more than capable of repairing pipes of all kinds," Palisade replied, hesitantly, wondering how the conversation had turned from intentionally-sinking ships to household metalworking.
"I just don't want you to feel afraid. Whatever happens, I'm sure we'll all be fine." Squeak reassured Bronwyn - or attempted to reassure Bronwyn.
Lucina took the scrolls from Bronwyn and stored them in a safe place. At Vi's question, Lucina just stared at her and thought for a minute. Maybe if I told her she could stop him from doing something like that again. But what if she knew? What if they were all making fun of me? The thought upset her more than she liked to admit. So instead, she shook her head and continued looking sulky. "I just don't see why their damn card game is so important..."
Her attention drawn back and forth between the 'forged, and Bronwyn, Vi couldn't help breaking into a laugh. "Okay, thanks for the reassurance. Either the ship will be fine, or it won't be, and if it isn't, you'll save us, or mercy-kill us. You know, that's good enough for me."
"Once we have embarked, I have a present for you Bronwyn." Squeak saw no reason that a technique observed in Bronwyn's relatives when they first met wouldn't continue to work now.
Squeak knocked diffidently at the cabin doorway. Carefully he withdrew a hastily wrapped package from his satchel - wrapped in silver foil and tied with a red ribbon - and handed it over. "Open it." he urged.
The package proved to contain a large book. The leather wrapping was of an indeterminate type, and gave off a faint and unpleasant scent, as of charred meat. The writing inside was in a jagged hand, and many notes on the ash-smudged pages indicate its previous owner sought ever more damaging magic. A glittering rune in the cover’s center takes the form of a stylised golden fire embossed over a silver skull. Embossed jagged silver letters had tarnished to black as if warped with heat.
"The Book of Harms." Squeak translated "First edition - now referred to as the Little Book of Harms. Created by the war mage Elise de'Gideon two hundred years ago. The librarian seemed reluctant to part with it, but when I saw it I realised it would be perfect for you. I'm not sure why she let me buy it."
Preparation Ritual
Harmful Surge (Su) You can maximize a spell, but doing so damages you. Spend this boon effect as a free action when you cast a wizard evocation spell. When you do, you can treat that spell as if it were cast with the Maximize Spell metamagic feat, but you take 1d4 points of damage × the level of the spell that you are maximizing. The damage you take cannot be reduced in any way.
Action 2:
I have a present for you Bronwyn.
Bronwyn clapped her hands together delightedly and her eyes sparkled. "A present? For me? Squeak, that's so sweet." Visions of some of Squeak's past presents flashed through the wizard's head which gave her pause; however, she didn't want to discourage the 'forged in their personal growth. So she hoped for the best.
“Now I hope it don’t come to it but I’m bettin’ that you can help put down any attempted sahuagin piracy. That right?”
Bronwyn had no idea how she'd fight pirates under the sea but she had every confidence in the others. "My companions are very capable. But I thought the Sea Dart was a super secret vessel where there were only three in existence. How would pirates even know to look for you under the water. They're not the bright, are they?"
Action 3:
Bronwyn looked around the tiny quarters. "I thought our proving ourselves would elevate our standing and our living comforts but we seem to be moving backwards. Forget sleeping on the floor, if all of us are in here then we're practically sitting in each other's laps." The wizard wistfully thought back to their first train ride and how much luxury and the space that they had had. This was definitely their smallest accommodations to date.
Bronwyn was feeling anxious about journeying surrounded by water, knowing that any fire at all could put them all in danger. This also didn't help her mood which was already slightly depressed because of their traveling conditions - it was not what she deserved. But then Squeak reminded her about her gift.
Carefully he withdrew a hastily wrapped package from his satchel - wrapped in silver foil and tied with a red ribbon - and handed it over. "Open it." he urged.
The wizard snatched the present from Squeak with a squeal but resisted the urge to rip off the wrapping. "You wrapped it this time. That's so adorable." Bronwyn slowly unwrapped the package and took the time to tie the ribbon around her ponytail.
When she opened the foil, her senses were assaulted by a strange smell emanating from the book. It took all her will to not wrinkle her nose. The book definitely wasn't pretty and she couldn't help but wonder briefly the source of the leather but quickly pushed that thought aside. "Thanks Squeak. It's very...thoughtful."
"The Book of Harms." Squeak translated "First edition - now referred to as the Little Book of Harms. Created by the war mage Elise de'Gideon two hundred years ago. The librarian seemed reluctant to part with it, but when I saw it I realised it would be perfect for you. I'm not sure why she let me buy it."
Bronwyn wondered what made Squeak think that a smelly book about harms made him think it was perfect for her but she chided herself for such thoughts. At least he was trying. She tentatively opened the cover to see what was written inside. "I'll have a lot of time on this trip to study it. Any part of it in particular that I should start with?"
Action 2
As was becoming the norm, Vi put her hand on Ice's pommel as she contemplated violence. "That's right, captain. Any creatures try and stop us, we'll be there."
Action 3
Vi sighed as she saw the quarters. "Nothing like a claustrophobic cabin inside a claustrophobic ship. At least we don't need to worry about that fifth bed."
Dropping her bag, she said, "I'm going to hang out in the observation deck. I bet there's all sorts of cool things to see as we take off out of here."
The changeling made her way back to the front of the ship, and busied herself sharpening her blades and watching the crew and the view.
Action 3:
Lucina's mood didn't improve any when she saw their quarters. She let out a loud, intentional sigh of dissatisfaction before dramatically plopping on a nearby bed and taking about her book. She mostly ignored everyone, until Vi mentioned that she going to the observation deck. Looking up from her book, she thought, Damn...I've been waiting for a chance to speak to her alone...But I am not in the mood right now...Ugh...I guess I've got to say something...
"I'm going to...look at the ship..." she mumbled grumpily to the others and made her own way to the observation deck.
When she saw Vi, she mumbled, "Hey. Um...Vi..." She tried to get the rogue's attention. "There's something we need to talk about. It's about Ice." Lucina breathed deeply, she knew the dagger was a touchy subject. "I stumbled upon something while researching Lucan's sword. It was a weapon that, well...it sounded a lot like ice. It could take on the form of any weapon and it would just one that would be most natural for it wielder. It had an intense bloodlust...It's goal is pretty much death...of everyone.." she sighed deeply. She was dangerously close to the subject of one of her most shameful secrets, but Vi needed the information. "How much do you know about the Children of Winter? Because the book said they forged this weapon...and they...they are very dangerous people."
Vi listened to Lucina with curiosity. It was pretty much the first time that the druid has sought her out to talk, so it must be important. Her first instinct was to bristle, but she forced herself to take a deep breath and think. "Yeah," she said after a moment, "that does sound pretty much like Ice. Traveler knows the thing loves blood. But...the death of everybody? Who wants that? And the Children of Winter...no...never heard of them. Who are they?"
Vi appreciated the woman's candor, and hoped that they were on their way towards a real friendship. Damn...shouldn't keep secrets from a friend. But maybe I can spin this... "Hey, before you go, I have to tell you something. Squeak and Palisade - I think they're cooking something up for you. Something about a secret admirer. I don't know the details, but when they spring it on you, please don't take it the wrong way. They're just trying to help, in their own strange way. They have their programming, and their purpose, and just can't see outside their own rigid understanding of the world. They honestly do care about you...well, Squeak does anyway. Who knows what Palisade really feels about us. But anyhow, maybe play along with them? I know it would mean a lot to them if they thought that you were pleased."
Acton 2
He looked at them again as if measuring their worth, “Now I hope it don’t come to it but I’m bettin’ that you can help put down any attempted sahuagin piracy. That right?”
"Declaration. You may count on this one doing its utmost to protect Lady d'Deneith and, as is convenient, the rest of your crew, as their survival is likely essential to the successful completion of this journey and Lady d'Deneith's safety," Palisade said, looking down and further down at the gnome. "This one doubt it or unit Squeak could effectively pilot this vessel if you and your crew were to all perish, despite unit Squeak's confidence."
Action 3
Palisade spent a few moments inspecting the tiny cabin, poking the bedding with the business head of its enchanted hammer to ensure it no tiny enemies were lurking under the blankets, ready to jump at Bronwyn the moment they lowered their guard. Once satisfied with the security of their immediate surroundings, the tall 'forged nodded its head. The room might lack in creature comforts, but the single entrance would make it easy to defend.
"Query. In case of exterior hatches failing or being forced open by the Sahuagin raiders mentioned, this one would request one of those emergency potions of water breathing for Lady d'Deneith, to be carried by her on her person for the duration of the voyage," Palisade said to the incessantly smiling gnome girl. "Would this be acceptable?"
Vi listened to Lucina with curiosity. It was pretty much the first time that the druid has sought her out to talk, so it must be important. Her first instinct was to bristle, but she forced herself to take a deep breath and think. "Yeah," she said after a moment, "that does sound pretty much like Ice. Traveler knows the thing loves blood. But...the death of everybody? Who wants that? And the Children of Winter...no...never heard of them. Who are they?"
Lucina shifted uncomfortably. "The Children of Winter are a druidic order. The believe strongly in survival of the fittest and take that to its darkest conclusion. The more active sects will inflict blights and disaster upon the innocent..just to see who makes it through alive..."
Vi appreciated the woman's candor, and hoped that they were on their way towards a real friendship. Damn...shouldn't keep secrets from a friend. But maybe I can spin this... "Hey, before you go, I have to tell you something. Squeak and Palisade - I think they're cooking something up for you. Something about a secret admirer. I don't know the details, but when they spring it on you, please don't take it the wrong way. They're just trying to help, in their own strange way. They have their programming, and their purpose, and just can't see outside their own rigid understanding of the world. They honestly do care about you...well, Squeak does anyway. Who knows what Palisade really feels about us. But anyhow, maybe play along with them? I know it would mean a lot to them if they thought that you were pleased."
Lucina saw red for a moment. She knew! However, she breathed deeply and tried to talk herself down. She was already upset with Squeak...and apparently Palisade too. Which would mean Bronwyn was probably going to be pissed at her too, once she learned she had yelled at Squeak. She didn't want to be fighting with Vi too. Not if she didn't have to. Not if she could explain her side. At least she tried to warn me...I mean it took me this long to get her alone. Perhaps, she wanted to tell me sooner too. "Too late." she grumbled."He already had those awful singers ambush me at the library...and honestly, I don't care that they 'mean well'. It was embarrassing and he needed to be told that it wasn't okay! He's trying to learn, right? Trying to understand human? How can he ever do that if we lie to him?" She tried to explain her case a little bit more with a metaphor. "If you had a child and everyday they went up to strangers and started pulling their pants down, would you let them keep doing so as to not hurt the child's feelings? No. You would tell them to knock it off. Warforged may struggle with human emotions, but they are creatures capable of learning. I know I lose my temper with them...but maybe I am also helping them...in MY strange way..."
Vi wished she could be shocked by Lucina's revelation, but she was starting to feel rather cynical about most people and their motivations. There's more than that...she seems uncomfortable.... Not wanting to push too much, Vi asked, "So that's why these people would create such a weapon? To see who could survive it? That's pretty messed up." Holding the dagger in her hand, she casually flipped it, watching the light reflect off the blade. "So, what are you suggesting? That I get rid of it? Because I don't want to do that. Bloodlust aside, it's a good knife."
**
Vi considered Lucina's words, then finally nodded. "No, you're right. I should have stopped them. I'm sorry. But on the plus side, I was able to talk them out of making billboards with your face, advertising for suitors." Never mind murdering your parents. Registering what she said, Vi asked, "Singers? Really? I thought maybe you'd get some flowers or cake or something. It didn't occur to me that he'd hire accompaniment. Tell me they weren't gnomes!"
"deGideon was a pioneer in the field of Evocation." Squeak explained "In addition to containing a significant selection of spells to expand your repertoire beyond just fire - useful while under water - it contains the notes he used in his thesis On Amplification of Energy Density Via Thaumic Field Intensification. I know the Thesis was rejected by his peers, but it is reputed to have been successful. Increasing your ability to kill undead should increase your lifespan. Additionally, as something of a rebel and adventure seeker yourself, I thought you might find the warmage's anecdotes interesting."
"deGideon was a pioneer in the field of Evocation." Squeak explained "In addition to containing a significant selection of spells to expand your repertoire beyond just fire - useful while under water - it contains the notes he used in his thesis On Amplification of Energy Density Via Thaumic Field Intensification. I know the Thesis was rejected by his peers, but it is reputed to have been successful. Increasing your ability to kill undead should increase your lifespan. Additionally, as something of a rebel and adventure seeker yourself, I thought you might find the warmage's anecdotes interesting."
Bronwyn took a step towards Squeak and gave him a hug. She smiled up at him and said, "You obviously put a lot of thought into this. Thank you. I guess it wouldn't hurt for me to expand my magical repertoire."
She plopped herself down on one of the bunks and brought her legs under her crosslegged. She gave Squeak a curious look, "You actually think I'm a rebel?" The wizard began paging through the book looking at the recorded spells.
Lucina tensed slightly. Get rid of it? Yes that would be best. Throw it off the damn ship before it makes you do something terrible...or before it makes me do something terrible. She thought this to herself, remembering many a night that she had thought about sneaking up to Vi during the night and taking the blade for her own. For safe keeping? Or for something else? She wasn't sure. Still, she recognized the slightly defensive tone that Vi always got when discussing Ice and decided to tread carefully. "I'm just saying, be careful. The dagger does not have the same goals as you and I suspect it will try to assert itself should those goals come into conflict. If it is the weapon I read about, I doubt it will be satiated long term by just your blood or animal blood." She paused for a moment before adding, "It may even turn on you, should it think you are facing an enemy more deserving of survival...or if it sees the chance at a wielder who would be more in line with it's ambitions." Is that how it sees me? Lucina couldn't help but wonder it with a certain degree of shame. Does it sense my sins?
**
"They were gnomes." Lucina replied drily.
recap tomorrow...
The conversation with Vi took the edge off of Lucina's anger. By the next day, her foul mood had been fully downgraded to her usually mildly grumpy demeanor. However, she spent most of her time quietly alone trying to finish her book and she still greeted Squeak with a particularly hard glower every time he entered the room.
The call to the observation deck was a welcome break from her book. Lucina said very little as she stared out towards the glowing fish floating through the darkness. To an onlooker her expression might have seemed like she was unimpressed. However, she did find herself quite mesmerized by the sight. There was something strangely soothing about the contrast of light and darkness.
Action 2
Immune to boredom, Palisade was content to stand watch inside or outside whatever chamber Bronwyn currently found herself in. Bastion, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with standing guard and instead busied himself pilfering pieces of discarded clothing and anything else soft and light enough for it to drag around to build itself a soft of a nest in a shadowed corner of their assigned room. The tiny rodent put in a disproportionate amount of effort to making his lair and bedding just so, nudging things around one fraction of an inch at a time. And the moment he got one element to its proper place would he find something else awry and in need of fixing.
Action 3
“The Teeth, as seen from a different perspective. Beautiful, don’t you think?”
Palisade had to admit to itself that the vista had a strange effect on it. Unlike unit Squeak whose interest in life and the living had always been personal and first-hand, Palisade’s own interest was largely academic. Life was something that happened around it, that often led to problems it was tasked to taking care of, quite often by ending the troublesome life in question. Thus it had studied the biology of living creatures, to better know how to end the life of an enemy or, later, to prolong the life of an ally. It had learned that life was often tenacious, stubborn beyond all reason to maintain itself, to eke out a few more minutes of continued existence.
Thus it realized it perhaps shouldn’t have been surprised to find such a wealth of life in the bottom of the sea, despite the crushing pressures, the eternal darkness, the extreme cold. If there was no light, life would create its own. Life would find the places where Eberron’s own breath brought heat to the freezing depths. And life would adapt to the pressures – indeed, Palisade recalled a story it had once heard, a conversation between fishers, that fish caught from the depths of the sea often died before ever lifted aboard the boat, flat like a deflated bladder. Killed by an environment alien to the one that gave them birth.
”Perspective… Statement. Captain Byam. This one agrees with you.”
Action 2:
It wasn't overly characteristic of Bronwyn but she spent her travel time sequestered in their cramped cabin, sprawled on her bunk, surrounded by books and papers. It was the only way she could keep herself sane - to immerse herself in studying to get her mind off of the fact that she was literally surrounded by water. She didn't like how vulnerable it made her feel.
The upside of her studies is that she blew through both the Book of Harms as well as materials that Lucina had brought for her. She had also managed to scribe some more scrolls that would hopefully be helpful for when they encountered the Emerald Claw again.
Action 3:
Bronwyn was extremely reluctant to go to the observation blister but she had become a lot more compliant while imprisoned in the Sea Dart. She had definitely lost her sparkle as she trudged along behind Palisade.
From behind Palisade, she waited to find out what the captain wanted of them. She really didn't like this room because it was the most vulnerable part of the ship and she knew there were lots of hazards within the Thunder Sea. She was a little irritated that Byam wanted to show them the scenery until the full wonder came into view. She took a small step forward and a twinkle reappeared in her eyes. Almost reverently she said, "It's like underwater fire."
"deGideon was a pioneer in the field of Evocation." Squeak explained "In addition to containing a significant selection of spells to expand your repertoire beyond just fire - useful while under water - it contains the notes he used in his thesis On Amplification of Energy Density Via Thaumic Field Intensification. I know the Thesis was rejected by his peers, but it is reputed to have been successful. Increasing your ability to kill undead should increase your lifespan. Additionally, as something of a rebel and adventure seeker yourself, I thought you might find the warmage's anecdotes interesting."Bronwyn took a step towards Squeak and gave him a hug. She smiled up at him and said, "You obviously put a lot of thought into this. Thank you. I guess it wouldn't hurt for me to expand my magical repertoire."
She plopped herself down on one of the bunks and brought her legs under her crosslegged. She gave Squeak a curious look, "You actually think I'm a rebel?" The wizard began paging through the book looking at the recorded spells.
"Yes. You have moved away from your expected role to find a new purpose. You are an adventurer, in the true sense of the word. While you still like dresses, and shopping, and - I gather - recreational replication preparation, you are not defined by them. They are a thing that you do, not your purpose. Your magical ability has developed far past where your tuition took you. I wonder if you are aware of how far you have come." Squeak agreed "I suggest you diversify. Learn some of the high order non-fire destructive spells in the book. Possibly learn something that does not involve destruction at all. I believe there is a water spell in there somewhere - I know it is your least favourite element, but perhaps it is time to stop letting yourself be defined by the speciality you chose as a child."
"Yes. You have moved away from your expected role to find a new purpose. You are an adventurer, in the true sense of the word. While you still like dresses, and shopping, and - I gather - recreational replication preparation, you are not defined by them. They are a thing that you do, not your purpose. Your magical ability has developed far past where your tuition took you. I wonder if you are aware of how far you have come." Squeak agreed "I suggest you diversify. Learn some of the high order non-fire destructive spells in the book. Possibly learn something that does not involve destruction at all. I believe there is a water spell in there somewhere - I know it is your least favourite element, but perhaps it is time to stop letting yourself be defined by the speciality you chose as a child."
Bronwyn stared at Squeak for a moment, her mouth had dropped open slightly in surprise. She had asked the question almost flippantly but the depth of his answer and the specificity meant he had drawn concrete conclusions based on his observations. "And what, dear Squeak, do you see as my purpose?" Surely he must believe she had one or else he would have been trying to find one for her like Lucina. The wizard was very curious to hear it because she wasn't too sure about it herself.
At his mention of water, Bronwyn adamantly shook her head. "I appreciate your faith in me Squeak but that's something I simply can't do. There's a war within me every time I even contemplate a water spell that makes me feel physically ill. And I didn't choose fire, fire chose me. But I will look into learning non-destructive spells." She pouted prettily, "But they definitely aren't as much fun."
Vi pointed Ice at an octopus, and a ray of icy frost froze the creature in place. With glee, Vi shot ice at fish, jellyfish, shark, and squid. The ocean became littered with blood-stained ice, corpses bobbing to the surface in gory ice cubes. Only the fastest and meanest escaped her slaughter, and she laughed with delight as the weak died.
Vi awoke with cruel laughter still ringing in her ears. She was covered in sweat. She checked her hands, and was relieved to find that she wasn't holding the blade she'd dreamed of. I hope pirates DO attack, before I do something stupid and bloody. Finally, she fell back into a fitful sleep.
Action 3
Vi smiled in delight as she watched the underwater scenery. "Incredible. You could make a fortune taking tourists from Sharn here for the view. Maybe expand the quarters a bit, and the menu....luxury Tours of the Teeth."
Let's say two of each.
Squeak's certainty vanished, and his speech was littered with pauses and changes in tone "I'm... I'm not sure. I used to think your purpose was simply to become another replaceable cog in your family. Mother to the next magically talented Dragonmarked. You have risked all, however, for little gain. Been prepared to have all your companions killed to stop those you dislike gaining power. I can deduce you do have a Purpose by your actions, and I can start to reason out the... the shape of it from your decisions. 'Save the world', perhaps? Do you know what your Purpose is?"
Vi nimbly kept her feet as the boat lurched underwater, but that didn't prevent one of the Warforged's arms from knocking her across the head as it flailed slightly. Cursing, she held her head and tried to figure out what had happened. "What was that?!"
Action 3
Vi felt her body tense in response to the crew's palpable tension. Staying out of the way, she was ready to run or fight should something happen, but she knew that for now the best thing to do was stay out of the way.
Action 1:
Bronwyn giggled, "Save the world sounds a little glib but I guess that's pretty close. It's more like we can't let the bad things win. But more than that, my purpose is to guide you and Palisade. You need my help to navigate the world."
Action 2:
Bronwyn screamed in terror as the Sea Dart lurched violently under her feet.
The movement threw her across the room and she landed heavily which elicited another cry of pain.
The sudden jolt toppled Palisade over like a tree, throwing it against the wall on its way down to the deck in a mighty clattter of weapons and armor.
"Status request. Captain, are we under attack?" Palisade stated even as it started getting back on its feet.
Lucina saw the creature coming and grabbed a nearby railing for support. Still, the force of the impact left with an aching wrist. "What the hell? Did you guys see that thing? " Why does this crap always happen to our vehicles?
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
, fail
"How much cutting are we talking about?" Lucina asked. "If I turned into a large shark...though not one nearly so large as a dire shark...would I be able to gnaw through it?"
Action 2
Vi felt her blood run cold at the sight of the huge shark, and very nearly peed her pants. She'd never been afraid of sharks before, but she'd never been faced with their terrifying reality before. When it swam out of view, she spun around, peering through all the windows. "Is it still out there? Will it attack the ship? Can it bite through these windows?"
Action 3
Vi backed up until she bumped against a table. "You want us to go...out there? With that shark? You're crazy!"
Action 2
Action 3
“All right, crew,” Byam shouted above the increasingly louder sound of dripping water, “we’re going to have to take a swim and cut the Sea Dart free.” He turned to the adventurers. “Any help you can provide will be much appreciated.”
”Honest admission. Captain Byam. This one will not be able to assist – it would simply sink,” Palisade said, inviting the gnome to consider it’s metallic frame and closer to two hundred pounds worth of steel in armour and weapons strapped to its body. ”Perhaps it can provide covering fire instead,” it continued, taking out its heavy crossbow and a box of quarrels.
"How much cutting are we talking about?" Lucina asked. "If I turned into a large shark...though not one nearly so large as a dire shark...would I be able to gnaw through it?"
The captain was impressed, even amidst the chaos, "Yeah, that would help. My boys and girls here are just gonna cut through the netting with daggers so shark teeth, big shark teeth should help."