Lucina did as she always did on these long trips. She found a quiet space to read. However, this time sometime was distracting her. Muroni and her damn notebook. What is she writing about us? Is it notes on our weakness for our enemies...or is she really a prophet. Does she know something about our future but isn't telling us? After spending far too long re-reading the same page, again and again. Lucina finally slammed her book shut and approached Muroni.
"What do you keep writing down!" she demanded. She looked to the others, "I think if she is taking notes on us, we deserve to know what she is writing!"
Action 3
The distant sound of drums could be heard, drifting over the canopy of leaves.
"Query. Captain Chinxero, is there a wandering entertainment troupe camping in the wilderness?" Palisade asked as the sound of beating drums reached them. "This one believes they have great need for the practice, as the melody sounds quite repetitive."
Action 1:
Muroni asked Bronwyn exactly what she liked which was to talk about herself. "My dragonmark manifested when I was twelve. Which is interesting because I studied at the Twelve. Not a lot happened out of the ordinary when I was younger. There was a lot of calligraphy, dance lessons, some needlepoint. I guess I did nearly burn down our family home but my parents quickly rebuilt so it was no big deal. Then my father died which is how I met Squeak and Palisade. Should I keep going?"
Action 2:
In fact, you are all passengers and will do as commanded by the captain. That’s me.”
"Now who's being a diva?", Bronwyn muttered.
Action 3:
Bronwyn bemoaned the fact that they were traveling in cramped quarters, again. But the variety of exotic creatures kept her focus off their meager quarters, at least for now.
Action 3:
"It could be a dance club." Squeak suggested "Distance may attenuate the other sounds until only the heavy bass reaches us." Suddenly the Warforged gripped the rail "Either way; this is a disaster. We cannot let Bronwyn hear this noise."
Squeak nodded "That is a relief. Far better than the alternatives, I should think."
Squeak nodded "That is a relief. Far better than the alternatives, I should think."
"Query. Unit Squeak, can you explain your reasoning? This one sees music as a relatively benign form of a hobby for Lady d'Deneith," Palisade asked, turning to look at Squeak. "Even though this particular example is not good, a brief exposure should not be an issue, and we could always steer her towards more gifted artists at a later date to learn from and emulate. However, from the tone of your voice this one believes you have grasped some important fact this one has missed in its ignorance."
"Music implies dancing. Dancing implies socialising. Socialising implies the necessity to prepare to go out; and that can take some time." Squeak looked out into the jungle "A fight, however, takes only a few minutes."
Action 1:
Bronwyn's expression was a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Does it say whether the dragon is friendly? It would be absolutely amazing to meet a dragon! But not so much if they try to eat me."
Action 3:
Bronwyn tapped her foot agitatedly. She hated when the 'forged discussed her in front of her as if she wasn't there. Tapping her foot was meant to show her displeasure as well as give her time to think about whether to mention it - again. Soon she realized that she was tapping her foot in time with the drumming. Maybe some dancing wouldn't be so bad after all.
“Those are dinner drums. They call the native tribes to present their dinner offerings. Mainly humanoids.”
Bronwyn looked aghast, "But that's awful. Where do they get the humanoids? Obviously they don't have good taste if that's the kind of meat they want to eat." She dramatically shivers at the thought of it all. "Maybe if they used their drums for dancing and having fun, they wouldn't have to resort to such behavior."
Action 1:
"It's none of your business whether or not I have anything to hide!" Lucina snapped back, "I just want you do be careful about the notes you are taking! You haven't earned our trust yet!"
Action 2:
"Cannibalism is not all that uncommon in native societies. There are a variety of religious traditions that call for it. Some just eat the dead. They few it as not being wasteful. Others eat the living for...well often not quite so noble reasons...perhaps noble to them.." Lucina mused. "Do they target outside ship like this?" she asked the captain.
"Such a strong focus on the culinary arts suggests that it would make a good place for a new restaurant." Squeak notes "Though obviously the menu would need to be adapted. The tribes are themselves humanoids?"
"Such a strong focus on the culinary arts suggests that it would make a good place for a new restaurant." Squeak notes "Though obviously the menu would need to be adapted. The tribes are themselves humanoids?"
A dwarven sailor spoke up as the half-elf continued with his duties, "Yeah, yee can say that. They be dark-skinned elves, drow. They be a degenerate species worshiping a giant scorpion or some such thing."
He chomped down near the women, "careful 'cause they bite!" and then laughed out loud while he went on fixing a thick rope on deck.
He chomped down near the women, "careful 'cause they bite!" and then laughed out loud while he went on fixing a thick rope on deck.
Palisade watched the sailor walk away to busy himself in some maritime activity no doubt vital to the efficient operation of the ship. ”Perplexed. This one believes a scorpion is known better for its sting, not its bite,” the ‘forged wondered aloud. ”Perhaps a local sub-species had developed prominent mandibles? Nevertheless, these locals should be deemed a threat to be avoided if possible, as defeatin them is not currently a primary objective.”
Vi raised her eyebrows at the dark-skinned half-elf. "Drow, you say? I thought they lived mostly subterranian?"
Lucina mused. "Do they target outside ship like this?" she asked the captain.
"Yes," Vi added, "How careful do we need to be of them? Do they attack adventurers on sight? Do they hunt humanoids for food, or only feast on those they slay in combat?"
The cannith Enclave would have just sent you to the river boat captain so no loss there.
The University Expedition can give you some info so we can retcon that if you want.
Common items (like the ones you listed are available) so let me know if you want them.
Questions?
Game on!
Lucina looked mildly interested when he described the clawed fauna. "So the greater threat is the wildlife...Elaborate on these unusual specimen...er...please..."
Action 2
Palisade stood guard through the night, standing still as a statue at the bow of the ship, its enchanted greatsword’s tip digging into the deck while the ‘forged kept town hands on the hilt, constantly ready to move into guard or swing the blade, if an enemy were to make his presence known to it. At some point during the evening, a colourful large-beaked bird had flown in and sat on the ‘forged’s head, perhaps mistaking the immobile form for a statue. For a brief moment, violence had been thick in the air as Bastion had emerged from his nest under Palisade’s beartplate to defend his territory, but this time the intruder had proven too strong to oppose – the bird’s beak had flashed down to trap the tiny construct rodent, but apparently he had proved unpalatable as the bird had let go after a few quick shakes of its head that had left Bastion sufficiently humbled. Palisade had considered defending its elder brother’s honour by squashing the offending avian to fine paste under the heel of its armoured foot, but as the bird proved disinterested in extending the conflict Palisade had decided to allow its presence. After all, conflict was essential to growth, and it had been some time since Bastion had last faced an enemy that would push him past his limits.
They still had a few hours to kill, and Vi didn't like heading into the jungle with such a paucity of information. "Let's check out the University while we can - maybe they'll have info that will help?"
It was easy to get directions, and soon the changeling was standing at the University Expedition. "Is there somebody we can talk to for information?" she asked.
Action 2
Vi was already exhausted from the long trip and the nightmares, and the cramped quarters, river voyage, and damn drums weren't helping her sleep. She tossed and turned, dreaming of ice, and snow, and cold, and death.
Action 1:
Muroni shook her head, “I can not tell as much but meeting a dragon is something that not everyone gets a chance to do. Who knows, you may have already met a dragon and not been aware of it.”
Bronwyn leaned in extremely interested in what Muroni was sharing. "How would I have met a dragon and not known it?"
Action 2:
“Nah, we good here. I’ve been up and down the river, and none have ever attacked us while we are out here. We be more likely in danger from fauna, big fauna with sharp teeth and claws than the dark elves.”
Bronwyn took a step back from the railing, moving herself closer to Palisade. "Do these big fauna stay in the water or can they climb?"
“Yeah, but they are very territorial so I would steer
clear from them.”
Bronwyn peered out into the darkness and resisted the urge to cover her ears with her hands. "So they'll leave us alone if we stay out of their territory? How long do the dinner drums last? Surely everyone who is going to eat would have heard them by now."
Lucina also appeared annoyed by the incessant drums. "Right." She said in agreement with Bronwyn. "How long does this ceremony last?"
"After some thought, I believe we could make friends with the tribe. I suggest we build them a drum machine." Squeak suggested.
I intend to move things along later today
Action 1:
“You could have. I know my first time I met a dragon that it was not a giant lizard-like creature…”
"Oooooh! What did your first dragon look like? I mean, I know there are rumors that dragons take human form. But how can you tell dragon-humans from humans?"
Action 2:
Action 3:
"Aha! It's a form of communication. A drum based language!" Squeak announced. "An excellent idea. I suspect the language is in the beat of the drum, rather than the sound. I should record it,"
Action 3:
"It may be prudent to disable the air skiff, and have the captain wait some distance away." Squeak suggested "But this would cost us the element of surprise."
Action 3
"It may be prudent to disable the air skiff, and have the captain wait some distance away." Squeak suggested "But this would cost us the element of surprise."
”Admission. Considering the heavy undergrowth and terrain, this one doubts it will be able to get very close without attracting the attention of sentries in any case,” Palisade said as it surveyed the terrain. The trees would help block visibility and give the heavily-armed ‘forged at least a chance to avoid being seen, but moving around in the jungle would be loud… and the using the terrain to hide worked for the enemy just as well as it did for them.
Lucina gave Palisade and appraising look and shook her head, "No. I don't think we can sneak up on them as a group. Vi, do you think you could get close enough and sabotage the ship? They might not notice until they tried to leave. Or are there too many of them for you to get away without being seen?" She considered, "I could spot check you from the skies as a bird...but I'd be of no use trying to do anything to that contraption."
Vi nodded along as Lucina set up her plan. "Yes, best if I try to go alone. And once I'm close enough to get a good look at a guard, I can take them out and replace them. Don't know if I can disable the ship, but I can certainly try."
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Action 1
Vi snuck up behind Bronwyn, then leapt out with a scream and wrapped her arms around her. Roaring at top volume, she screamed, "I admit it! I am a mighty dragon! And I have to come to carry you away, fair princess!" She lifted the sorceress off her feet and attempted to carry her away.
As the monoliths came into view, Bronwyn murmured in appreciation. "Amazing. Such impressive structures and yet so old. They've almost been forgotten by time."
Action 1:
Squeak stood frozen "Is it real? Mind Control? If she was mind controlled then why would she announce herself?" Logic sparked "I should have moved! Of course! A preparedness drill! There was no warning as that would counteract the need. She has not shapechanged to a dragon so we will not be confused." Squeak nodded to himself as he started to move "She has highlighted a weakness in our preparedness. She is an excellent scout."
"Put down the Princess and back away." Squeak announced, a vial of incendiary appearing in his hand. "Failure to comply will be met with lethal force." Inexperienced at acting, Squeak added "Have a nice day."
Action 1
"Put down the Princess and back away." Squeak announced, a vial of incendiary appearing in his hand. "Failure to comply will be met with lethal force." Inexperienced at acting, Squeak added "Have a nice day."
Palisade stood frozen for a moment at the stunning revelation before taking its cue from unit Squeak, stepping forward, its greatsword emerging from the scabbard with a screech of metal on metal. ”Query. Individual Vi Olaro. This one has on the 19th day of Therendor requested advance warning, in case you decide to be “funny” in the future. Would it be that you have forgotten the request? Declaration. Answering ‘no’ will signify intent to harm Lady d’Deneith and will lead to the removal of your arms from the shoulder.”
Action 1:
Lucina let out a deep groan. "Yes. She is obviously trying to be funny. Put your weapons down! Yeesh. How do the pair of you make it through the day without decapitating someone for accidently sneezing on Bronwyn!"
Action 2:
Lucina gave Vi a concerned look, a feat that might almost be considered flattering from the usually detached druid. "Be careful. I wouldn't try to start taking people out...not unless you are sure they are along and that you can bring them down before they can call for help. Perhaps just gathering intel would be best...sabotaging the ship secretly would also be useful, because then if they beat us in...at least they can't get away with whatever they want." Though, she tried to fight the urge, Lucina's eyes flickered worriedly towards the dagger at Vi's hip. "I am sure once we find the main group, there will be more than enough conflict."
Turn 345 – I am a Mighty Dragon
Read the OOC.
Questions, comments, and/or suggestions?
Game on!
Action 1:
Bronwyn squealed as she was grabbed from behind. The squeal quickly dissolved into a fit of giggles as Vi's overacting became comical. "Put me down!" she demanded even though she was still laughing.
How do the pair of you make it through the day without decapitating someone for accidently sneezing on Bronwyn!”
Bronwyn's nose wrinkled, "Ewwww. Why would anyone sneeze on another person? Were they raised by monkeys? It may not deserve a decapitation but I wouldn't object to some sort of punishment."
Action 2:
Bronwyn watched anxiously from the riverboat as Vi made her way to the airship. She couldn't see the changeling and she didn't like them being so far away. "How quickly can we get to her if she needs our help? Maybe we shouldn't have waited. Do we even know how she's going to signal us?"
"Colleaue Palisade. I believe Scout Vi was engaging in preparedness drills. It is my opinion that our response was suboptimal. I suggest we engage in a series of random preparedness drills to test our unit's ability to cope with situations." Squeak gave an example "For instance, in a jungle such as this it is important to check shoes and sleeping bags for scorpions. Perhaps we could capture some scorpions, remove the stinger, suffocate them and put them in these locations. Alternatively, we could awaken our comrades in the early hours of the morning with a fire drill."
Bronwyn's nose wrinkled, "Ewwww. Why would anyone sneeze on another person? Were they raised by monkeys? It may not deserve a decapitation but I wouldn't object to some sort of punishment."
Lucina glared at Bronwyn. "Good god. Do you really want to encourage them?"
Bronwyn watched anxiously from the riverboat as Vi made her way to the airship. She couldn't see the changeling and she didn't like them being so far away. "How quickly can we get to her if she needs our help? Maybe we shouldn't have waited. Do we even know how she's going to signal us?"
Lucina scratched at her arm nervously. "No. We didn't discuss it enough. I should have gone too. I could have watched from the skies."
"I could always fly up. I'm not sure that wouldn't have attracted attention, though. Would you like me to go now." Squeak pointed to the skiff.
Lucina glared at Bronwyn. "Good god. Do you really want to encourage them?"
Bronwyn smiled innocently, "I'm not encouraging them but I'm also not discouraging them."
"I could always fly up. I'm not sure that wouldn't have attracted attention, though. Would you like me to go now."
Bronwyn considered Squeak's offer. "I think we should give her a bit more time but be ready to go immediately if we hear sounds of distress. And can you take Palisade or me?"
Squeak looked over the stolid, solid form of Palisade. "I can take you." he offered. "Palisade... answer unknown."
"Colleague Palisade. I believe Scout Vi was engaging in preparedness drills. It is my opinion that our response was suboptimal. I suggest we engage in a series of random preparedness drills to test our unit's ability to cope with situations." Squeak gave an example "For instance, in a jungle such as this it is important to check shoes and sleeping bags for scorpions. Perhaps we could capture some scorpions, remove the stinger, suffocate them and put them in these locations. Alternatively, we could awaken our comrades in the early hours of the morning with a fire drill."
”Considering. This would be an acceptable explanation of companion Vi Olaro’s intent,” Palisade answered. ”We have neglected our duties to assist our companions, since they lack basic military training. This one believes your suggestion to amend this lack is worthwhile. Increased preparedness will decrease risk to Lady d’Deneith, after all. We should begin preparations immediately.”
"I agree. I suggest we coordinate in order to ensure we are both readied for a drill." Squeak considered "I'm sure comrade Vi will ensure drills for our own preparedness."
"We can expect no less. Recollection. This one remembers Corporal Grymsson once mentioning how his old drill sergeant occasionally slipped long slivers of bark between their toes while they were asleep after a long day of field exercises and setting them alight. This one believes the lesson was meant to teach the troopers how to react to unexpected dangers, as well as how to sleep lightly in hostile terrain."
"We should definitely give her some time, before blowing her cover. If a fight breaks out, we may be able to hear it from here." Lucina pondered aloud, trying to calm her own nerves.
Action 1:
Bronwyn squealed as she was grabbed from behind. The squeal quickly dissolved into a fit of giggles as Vi's overacting became comical. "Put me down!" she demanded even though she was still laughing.
Vi didn't even flinch at Palisade's demand. She didn't believe that the 'forged would actually harm her, despite its words. "That's the problem with humour, Palisade. The best kind is never planned. It just happens. But see, you're getting better! You recognized it for what it was, and didn't smite me. Of course, if you'd tried, you would have found your greatsword stricken in twain, with my mighty dragon claws!"
She "swooped" over to Squeak, shook the hand not holding the bomb, and laughed, "I am having a WONDERFUL day!"
Action 2
Taking in Lucina's gaze, Vi tried to reassure her. "I won't do anything rash, I promise." Her constant touching of the dagger at her hip belied her words, however.
With a surprising eagerness, Vi hopped off the boat and slid silently through the jungle, towards the ship.
Action 3
Vi knew she'd need to get closer to get any useful information. She needed to see what the guards were, and what they were wearing, and if there were any signs of a trail or track that the others might have taken.
Vi cursed her ineptitude. Some scout I am. Palisade would chuck me in the river.
Well, if stealth was out, guile would have to do. Trying to channel Bronwyn's smile and charming attitude, Vi looked up at the lookouts and said, "Oh, thank the Host! Yes! My party got themselves captured and cooked up, and I've been running for two days! Please, let me up, get me out of this wretched jungle!"