ProfPotts |
‘Batten that hatch, mister, or it’ll be my boot up your behind!’ the strong voice of Alton Devers, first mate, rings out across the deck of the Jenivere, the Wyvern-class merchant ship you’re travelling on, as she rolls beneath your feet in the increasingly rough tropical seas of the area known as Desperation Bay on the last leg of her journey, due to make port in Eleder in a handful of days. A confident, friendly, athletic man in his early thirties Devers casts a watchful eye over both the crew and the worsening weather, shouting the occasional command as he strides here and there, his black hair and white shirt (worn under a weathered but finely made and maintained jerkin of studded leather) both whipping in the steadily increasing winds.
Running a work-calloused hand over his neatly trimmed beard you notice Devers glance at the darkening clouds on the horizon, then towards the upper deck where Captain Kovack is, once again, locked into some hushed conversation with the rather bookish Varisian scholar Ieana, one of the ship’s passengers. Captain Kovack is a big bear of a middle-aged man, with a beard that would make a dwarf proud, distinct in his long oilskin coat and tricorn hat, whose bulk tends to indicate strength more than portliness; whilst in stark contrast Ieana is a willow-thin wisp of a woman clad in a fine silk gown with both scroll cases and potion bottles slung from a belt across her slender hips, quite beautiful in a rather ephemeral way, who’s every move seems pure grace, even here on the roiling high seas: it’s hard to imagine the ship-wide rumours that the two are secretly lovers could actually be true without picturing the poor scholar being accidently snapped in two like a brittle twig! Maybe the counter-rumours that she’s a Chelish agent, or perhaps secretly the Jenivere’s owner, are more likely... in any case, the Captain seems to have been spending more and more time with the woman lately – and she spends time with no-one else, instead seeming intent on her studies (whatever they may be) when she’s not with the Captain.
As the motion of the ship increases, the timbers creak, and the salty spray of seawater begins to reach further across the deck, Devers fingers the hilt of his well-crafted shortsword (only officers and passengers being allowed to carry weapons – other than knives and other tools – on board) his glance once again shifting from the horizon to the Captain and back again, then finally strides up the stairs to the upper deck... only to almost immediately fall into what looks to be a rather heated argument with the Captain (himself armed, as always, with his trusty rapier). Various crewmen exchange worried glances, but all prudently keep their heads down and get on with their work, letting the officers sort out their issues between them.
Of your fellow passengers only two more are on deck at the moment. One, a rugged-looking Tian man with greying hair in a ponytail and a scruffy beard, is called Ishirou and has been somewhat aloof and taciturn throughout the journey. His clothing and the chain shirt he wears are well kept and clean, but obviously of low quality, although the Tian-style sword (known as a ‘katana’) he constantly carries across his back has the look of a beautifully crafted masterpiece. He appears to take little interest in the argument, instead standing at the rail and staring out across the sea. In stark contrast is Sasha Nevah, a slender and athletic young woman with tousled red hair and mischievous green eyes, clad in a billowing shirt of blue cotton (which carelessly reveals a scandalous amount of cleavage), tight britches, and thigh-high boots, with a rapier and a curved dagger slung from her belt, and a single gauntlet of black leather covering her left hand. Although sombre when she first boarded the ship, she’s become increasing boisterous and optimistic as the journey has continued, happily sharing both grog and lewd stories with crew and passengers alike, her easy laugh at times almost bordering on the manic. Grinning ear to ear she points a thumb towards the arguing Captain and first mate and quips (to anyone who cares to listen),
‘What do you think, lovers tiff? I’ve heard all sorts of stories about what sailors get up to, and that Alton is a handsome lad... mayhap he’s jealous of the Captain’s new “cabin boy”?’
Of we go!
Bandlewick Sealegs Weathervane |
"Perhaps," Bandy replies, his eyes ever watching the sea that the Jenivere ploughs through. As the navigator on board the Jenivere, it is important that Bandy maintains a good lookout for storms and other weather phenomenon that Gozreh might deem to throw their way.
"In truth, I suspect that the Captain is sleeping with our scholarly passenger, but I pay little notice," he continues, "Some of the older men think it's bad luck to have a woman aboard. Likely because it drives them mad with lust."
ProfPotts |
Can we have an in-thread description of our navigator please?
"Some of the older men think it's bad luck to have a woman aboard. Likely because it drives them mad with lust."
Stepping quickly over to the halfling navigator's side, her long-legged stride dealing with the rolling deck as if she were a seasoned sailor herself, Sasha drops to one knee to ruffle Bandy's hair as she retorts with an exaggerated breathy voice,
'So, do I drive you mad with lust, Master Weathervane?'
Shisa |
Shisa climbs the ladderwell from below and steps out onto the deck, ducking her head as she exits to keep from bumping into the low overhang.. again.
Her long black hair is tied back behind pointed ears, into a loose pony tail that blows slightly in the stiff breeze. Olive skin hint at either Kelish or Varisian lineage. Her almond shaped hazel eyes sweep briefly over the deck noting detail without lingering long in one spot.
She is wearing a white linen shirt beneath her black leather armor. Loose fit, dark blue canvas leggings are tucked neatly into calf-length soft leather boots.
Her rapier swings at her side as she strides over to the railing to look out over the sea, ever present mug in her hand. She smiles as she catches the young red-head ruffle the navigator's hair.
This should be interesting, she thinks to herself.
Ah, what a fine morning it is.
She lifts her mug in silent toast and takes a sip.
ProfPotts |
Sasha boarded the ship in Ilizmagorti, after Shisa was already a passenger, but while rather brooding to begin with has, in the weeks since, become quite friendly towards the half-elf (and anyone else who isn't 'too serious'). Spotting Shisa coming up on deck she grins and winks as she gently teases the halfling navigator.
Marik Whiterose |
"Damned scholars, always making a sea voyage seem romantic. This is as far from romantic as one can get" Marik thought as a gust of breeze tousled his long blonde hair, almost pulling it from the ponytail he wore it in.
Upon hearing the cheerful greeting Marik turned his emerald green eyes, now bloodshot from the constant feeling of nausea, upon the young woman "It is a morning, I'll give you that, but fine would be if the sea was as smooth as glass and my stomach wasn't trying to climb it's way out of my throat."
His pale skin, a product of many days spent in the libraries of Magnimar, reddens slightly as he catches a snippet of the byplay between the navigator and the scholar on the breeze.
Bandlewick Sealegs Weathervane |
Bandy looks up at the redhead and barks a laugh, surprisingly loud for one so short.
"You might have the height advantage, lass, but I've the advantage of endurance. I dare say I'd teach you a thing or two," the halfling says with a light tone in his voice. His blond hair, still ruffled slightly from her tousling, begins to settle itself whilst his blond goatee moves still from his words. A loose-fitting traveler's outfit sits over his frame, and a flint sickle is tucked into his rope belt. He has also been known to carry a quarterstaff, although it is tucked away in his cabin while they are at sea. Three holy symbols, dedicated to Sarenrae, Gozreh and Erastil, hang around his neck and sometimes thud together in a wooden musical cacophony.
In truth, most of the crew know Bandy to be an easy-going sort. Unlike most druids, he doesn't seem to take life too seriously and has often been known to be the last one standing after a night at port. However, he takes his job seriously and refuses to touch a drop of alcohol whilst onboard. Given that his navigational skills are what keeps the men from a watery grave, few of them tease him about his dry spells aboard the Jenivere.
Shisa |
Shisa looks over at the human, with a grin. Why, if the sea were as glass as you wished, we'd be sitting here baking in the sun making no headway. I must say, this sure beats Corenyn at any rate.
She takes another sip from her mug. Care for some? I'm sure I can scrounge more below deck. Her knees stay slightly flexed as she sways with the rocking of the ship.
ProfPotts |
... catches a snippet of the byplay between the navigator and the scholar on the breeze.
Whatever she may be, few would peg the rapier-armed Sasha as a 'scholar'... that distinction would fall to Ieana, talking to the Captain, not the navigator.
"You might have the height advantage, lass, but I've the advantage of endurance. I dare say I'd teach you a thing or two,"
'I dare say you would, Master Weathervane,' Sasha replies as she stands and stretches in a rather feline manner, 'play your cards right, and mayhap we'll find out once this voyage is done...'
The redhead offers another conspiratorial wink to Shisa, then strides over to clap Marik squarely on the back (making sure to stay behind and to the side of him as she does so),
'Master Whiterose,' she says as way of greeting, 'how fair you today? Does the motion of our travels still disagree with you... or is this interesting shade you've turned simply the result of partaking too much of the cook's latest broth?'
Even as Sasha gently torments Marik, Alton Devers curses loudly, then stalks down the steps to the mid-deck, an expression of exasperated fury on his face. For a few moments he paces back and forth, before stopping next to Bandy,
'Damn it all to the nine hells and back!' he declares in no uncertain terms, causing several of the more pious crewmembers within earshot to make signs against evil as they scurry away from the first mate's uncharacteristically foul mood. Looking at Bandy, Alton shakes his head, 'It's no use, the Captain's not of a mind to listen; just insists that the course we set is his responsibility. I swear, at this rate we'll be broken on the Shiv before we ever lay eyes on Eleder again...'
Stepping to the rail, Alton pounds his fist against the top of it, then glances yet again towards the Captain, before letting out a deep sigh. To Bandy he says,
'I suppose I'll try to talk to Captain Kovack again tonight, before supper... once we've both calmed a little. He knows better than this... we all do...' Shaking his head, he sighs again then, seeming to force himself to a lighter tone of voice, says to Bandy, 'Since the Captain's not open to navigational advice right now, maybe you'd see the cook and take the prisoner in the brig his meal?' Voiced as a request, it is, of course, an order.
Stepping to the passengers Alton manages a friendly smile,
'Ladies, gentlemen... Sorry for the poor weather, but,' he shrugs, 'some things a simple sailor can't be held responsible for. I assure you we'll be making dock in Eleder in a few days, safe and sound... no need to worry on that score.'
Shisa |
Shisa turns as Sasha walks over to Marik and laughs softly as the poor human is ribbed yet again.
Here I thought he was just trying to make his skin blend with his robes.. although.. the color is a bit off, don't you think? Perhaps a bit more green?
Hearing the commotion from Alton, she raises an eyebrow and listens intently. When Alton has finished, Shisa shrugs and reaches up to pull a strand of wind-blown hair from her eyes. Sounds like the crew is not entirely happy at present. At least we'll be docked in a few days.
Bandlewick Sealegs Weathervane |
"Aye aye, First Mate," Bandy replies, tugging his forelock as he does so. With a slight nod to the passengers, he takes his leave and heads towards the galley. He nods to the other crewmen that he passes, and then sticks his head in the galley entrance.
"Cook, the First Mate has sent me to see that the prisoner is given his rations," Bandy says, stepping into the galley.
Aerodus Whiteblade |
Upon hearing the litany of curses, a young lad of no more than twenty summers erupts from below decks, in britches, boots, a linen shirt halfway unlaced and a tooth necklace on his wrist; he asks 'Are we taking on water? Are we sinking!?, Women and children first!'
Despite his frantic pacing of the deck, his left hand never strays from the holy symbol of Iomedae dangling from his throat. The crew pays him no mind, as this is the dozenth time he has thought that the ship was doomed from one disaster or another. Of particular note, was when he spent his first night patrolling the deck; in full armor no less, sure that a kraken was looking to ambush them the moment he went to sleep.
Seeing no immediate danger, he visibily relaxes with a sigh, 'By the Inheritor's blade, I hate boats.'
Sorry I couldn't help myself
Shisa |
Shisa watches the half-dressed Aerodus looking around frantically then visibly relax. She laughs softly as she pushes that annoying wisp of hair back behind her ear yet again.
Seems we're still afloat, for which I am most grateful. She holds out her mug in offering. Would you care for a sip of ale? Perhaps it will settle your nerves a bit. Her hazel eyes dance with mirth at the young man's repeated trips to the deck.
ProfPotts |
The galley...
"Cook, the First Mate has sent me to see that the prisoner is given his rations,"
Rambar Terillo, the ship's bald, sweaty, portly and generally tactiturn cook, snorts, wiping the back of one greasy hand across his nose, then across the front of his filthy apron, and proceeds to ladel watery soup into a shallow wooden bowl. Chucking in one of the more worm-ridden of the ship's biscuits, he hands the bowl to Bandy with a scowl,
'Not right wastin' good food on th' likes of that Jask Derindi fella',' he states... you're not sure if he means that it is good food and it's a waste, or that it's not good food because it would be a waste if it were... in either case, Rambar's food has always all pretty much seemed the same to you anyway: bad and worse...
Back on deck...
Sounds like the crew is not entirely happy at present. At least we'll be docked in a few days.
'Aye,' Alton nods, 'nothing for you to worry your pretty head about Miss, please don't pay too much attention to...' he trails off as Aerodus dashes on deck and takes a few seconds to appreciate the young man's antics, his smile growing warmer as he watches.
'By the Inheritor's blade, I hate boats.'
'And that,' Alton states as he steps over to clap Aerodus on the shoulder, 'is why they hate you, Master Whiteblade! A boat is like a woman, see, you have to...' once more the first mate trails off as he glances at Shisa and Sasha and blushes slightly, '... that is to say... um... we'll dock in a few days, I'm sure we'll be fine for this last leg of the journey.' Alton hurries off to see to ship's business, leaving Sasha laughing loudly at the antics of both Aerodus and the first mate,
'Men!' she states between guffaws, as if that were enough explaination on its' own. Holding one hand to her side and nearly doubled over she steadies herself on Marik whilst she waits for the manic attack of laugher to subside.
The silent Ishirou does little more than glance at the scene, eyes narrowing slightly at Aerodus's antics in particular, before he turns back to the sea with just a slight shake of his head.
Shisa |
Sharing a good laugh with Sasha at Alton's flustered blush, Shisa looks over at the red-head. What's so hard about saying 'you just have to follow their lead and enjoy the ride'? Honestly, with all the green faces around, you'd think we were sailing with a goblin horde.
Peering into her mug, Shisa mutters, Well, time for a refill. Anyone else?
Mundin IronHand |
"of all the blasted.....last time I ever......Torag.....curse" can be heard coming from below deck followed by a loud THUD and a littany of dwarven curses. Emerging from below deck is a dwarf dressed for battle. His long beard and hair are flame orange and they wildly cascade down over his Breast plate. His armor is clearly dwarven made, and a few runes can be seen through the tangle of beard and hair. A thick dark leather belt hangs about his waist addorned with all manner of weapons. Hammers, axes, with the most exotic being a solid iron ball at the end of long chain hanging on his right hip. Even more unusual is the large iron belt buckle with the insignia of a clentched fist. Circling the insignia are dwarven letters
Shisa |
Shisa looks at her own empty mug and sets it down on the deck reaching for the one offered by the dwarf. "Thank you. You saved me a trip below.} She takes a sip from the mug. "I must admit, this stuff gets no better as the journey wears on."
She looks at Mundin with a raised eyebrow. "Expecting trouble, or did the young knight's outburst raise your guard? I fear there are still no kraken or even large fish threatening the ship." She chuckles a bit and flips the hair from her face.
Setting the near-full mug down on the rolling deck, Shisa reaches back and pulls loose her hair and begins to re-tie it. "I swear, some days I think I should cut this.." she mutters under her breath.
Once done, she retrieves her mug and takes another sip.
Aerodus Whiteblade |
The imminent threat of disaster now over, Aerodus quickly fixes his disheveled appearance. With a nod towards Shisa he adds "If you're offering, gladly my lady." Taking a long pull; 'Ah, now with that out of the way, I believe I'll do another patrol, just.... in case." That said, Aerodus proceeds to wander off, muttering to himself about how he could've sworn he heard a kraken, breach, or some other deadly pitfall.
Shisa |
Shisa lets out a hearty laugh as Aerodus wanders off with her mug. "Well, I DID offer." Still laughing she retrieves the empty mug at her feet and nods to the dwarf. "I guess it's below decks for me. Care for a refill Mundin?"
She waits for the dwarf's reply before heading down to refill her mug. As she passes Sasha, she shakes her head and grins. "Men.."she says with a wink as if all the wisdom of the universe is wrapped up into that one single word.
ProfPotts |
Below decks:
"Grub's up, man,"
Bandy knows that the prisoner - a middle-aged Garundi man with ebony skin, dreadlocked hair of greying black and a full beard, and ragged clothes - is called Jask Derindi, but the Captain's standing orders not to fraternise with the brig's soul occupant means he knows little else. Jask looks up with tired eyes at Bandy's words, then reaches out manacled hands to take the bowl offered through the bars,
'Blessings of Nethys upon you, friend.' he mutters, but a sharp look from the crewman on guard quickly shuts the prisoner up as he retreats to the far corner of the brig to slowly begin his meal.
On deck:
What's so hard about saying 'you just have to follow their lead and enjoy the ride'?..
Sasha's manic laugh rings out once more at Shisa's observation... she's still drying tears of laughter as Mundin makes an appearance, and chuckling to herself as Shisa heads below decks.
Galley:
Heading into the galley in search of more ale, Shisa nearly bumps into Aerys Mavato, a trim and athletic half-elven woman of rare beauty with short dark hair, tan skin and fierce blue eyes, clad as usual in her tight-fitting dark metal-reinforced leather armour and tricorn hat. She got into a fist-fight (which she won with ease) with one of the crew who made... romantic... overtures when she first came on board three stops back, and has hardly been out of her foreward cabin since - except to occassionally restock with rum (as she seems to be doing now, since she's leaving the galley with a bottle in hand). Scowling at Shisa she swears in Elven (something about Shisa's mother and a hobgoblin... it's not pleasant), then shoves her aside as she heads back to her cabin once more.
Shisa |
Shisa rocks back with the shove smacking her shoulder against the narrow corridor. Hearing the insult, her eyes narrow slightly. "Then we must be sisters for we would then share the same father, but at least I took after mother," she replies in Elvish then turns and enters the galley in search of more ale.
Bandlewick Sealegs Weathervane |
"You want to be careful which god you invoke on the open sea, cleric," Bandy replied, before heading back towards the deck. It would be nearing the time for the service of Gozreh; in addition to being the ship's navigator, Bandy was also the ship's holy man. Sailors were a superstitious lot and whilst they may not adhere to any particular faith on dry land, when on the open sea most of them at least paid lip service to Gozreh. Bandy headed for aft of the ship, where he usually held the service, as it was near the steering wheel and rudder.
"Come, faithful of Gozreh," he called out, while heading for the aft.
ProfPotts |
"Then we must be sisters for we would then share the same father, but at least I took after mother,"
Aerys flips Shisa a rather offensive gesture over her shoulder without turning round as she enters her cabin and slams the door shut behind her.
'Ah,' comes the cultured voice of the well-dressed gnome passenger Gelik Aberwhinge from about waist height behind Shisa, 'the middle digit... the most expressive of digits...'
Turning, Shisa sees that the spry, energetic gnome is dressed, as always, in fine clothes befitting nobility - today a matching set of britches and jacket doublet in pastel pink silk with gold trim. His blond hair and goatee are neatly trimmed, and only the ink stains on his fingers mar his overall cleanliness. Indeed, he claps a leather bound journal and long quill pen in hands and chuckles to himself as with quick, confident, strokes of the pen he appears to be recording the incident which just occured between the two half-elven ladies. Gelik was already on board when Shisa joined the ship, and she's noted that while he's a quick witted and talented speaker, he tends towards snide comments and scathing remarks at the expense of others.
The brig:
"You want to be careful which god you invoke on the open sea, cleric,"
'You think he's a cleric?' Asks the crewman on guard with a slightly worried look on his face, 'Why? Just because he mentioned the gods? We all do that. Or... has the Captain told you something? I... I wouldn't want to offend a servant of the gods... that Nethys is one of the smite-prone ones isn't he?'
Later, on deck and to the aft...
"Come, faithful of Gozreh,"
Several sailors who's duties can spare them for a few minutes hustle to join the congregation... after all, you can never been too blessed! Not to mention the look of those clouds on the horizon...
The Tian man, Ishirou, quietly joins the small throng, as he has each service since he boarded, although he generally seems to just keep quiet with a bowed head throughout.
Sasha snorts at the mere suggestion of a service, her happy mood quickly turning dark as she stalks below decks before the preacher really gets into it.
Shisa |
"Ah, comes the cultured voice of the well-dressed gnome passenger Gelik Aberwhinge from about waist height behind Shisa, 'the middle digit... the most expressive of digits..."
Shisa turns with a start as she had not heard Gelik apporach. Watching him write, she smiles and her eyes gleam a bit mischieviously.
"Why master Gelik, so good to see you. If you are looking for interesting things to write about, I have some information about yon maiden of the expressive digits that you'll just LOVE to hear. Did you know that when she was a little girl.."
Shisa rests her hand on Gelik's shoulder and guides him to one of the tables toward the back of the galley, spinning a tale worthy of Gelik's skills.
Bandlewick Sealegs Weathervane |
Just before leaving the brig, Bandy spares a moment for the worried sailor.
"It's rare for a regular prisoner to offer blessings, and Nethys is the god of magic. He's either a practitioner of arcane arts, or a cleric. Given the blessings, I'd wager a cleric," the Halfling Druid said with a smile.
"And I wouldn't worry too much about being smote, Harkins, he's only one man, and one who isn't in any particular position to ask for divine aid," Bandy continues. He isn't averse to the other gods, but he holds the Green Faith, and Gozreh, Erastil and Sarenrae in much higher esteem than the 'mere' god of magic, Nethys.
Back on the deck, Bandy holds his hands out towards the sky as he makes his intonations.
"Oh blessed and holy Gozreh, please bless this ship and those who sail on her. Keep us safe from harm, and see us safely to port. In your name, the humble and faithful ask this," Bandy's voice is quite powerful for a Halfling, "Amen."
Marik Whiterose |
"Ya look greener than goblin, lad"
"One would think that since boarding this ship in Magnimar I would be used to the rocking of the deck by now. he looks down at the Dwarf next to him "But, alas, no. Every time the deck heaves under a violent wave my stomach and it's contents threaten to heave along with it." he sighs "with the coming storm I'm afraid I'll be having my head in bucket more often than not."He looks out at the rolling ocean as he hears the navigator conclude his sermon "Amen' Mariks whispers, then grins "Hey, every little bit helps." he says "It's not quite the service I'm used to, much less pomp and mystery than your typical Nethys mass, but I hope the message gets through."
Shisa |
Shisa burns the poor gnome's ear for a few minutes weaving a tale of a childhood spent in the company of little furry creatures and other assorted anecdotes. "..and that, master Gelik is definitely worthy of your fine writings. Please feel free to verify with the lady of expressive digits. I'm sure she'd love to verify it for you."
She gives a smile and a wink then looks down at the table and notices the two empty mugs.
"Ack! Mundin's refill!. Sorry, I must be off. You know how dwarves can be when they're kept waiting on their ale."
She hurriedly gathers the mugs and with a ruffle of Gelik's hair, heads to refill them.
Aerodus Whiteblade |
Alone in his bunk, Aerodus meditates on the day's trials, the imaginary dangers avoided, and gives thanks to Iomedae for her guidance, and for protecting him from the terrors that commonly affect the sea bound. Ending the prayer asking for '... the wisdom to know what to do, the will and strength to perform the same. And may the Inheritor continue to keep this wooden death-trap together until we dock in Sargava.'
Finishing his reverie, stands, and promptly loses his balances, landing sprawled across the floor; uttering a curse 'Thrice Blasted BOAT! One day you will meet your end!'. Regaining his wits and spying the pilfered mug upon the floor, picks himself off the splintering wood and proceeds to hunt for its owner.
Mundin IronHand |
As he makes his way below deck, Munidn remembers the cargo and his job to make sure it makes it to port. Taking a detour before heading to the galley, he enters the hold and inspects the cargo.
If nothing seems out of place, Mundin will make his way back to the galley "How can I raise a glass to the gods if it's empty?"
ProfPotts |
The Galley:
"..and that, master Gelik is definitely worthy of your fine writings. Please feel free to verify with the lady of expressive digits. I'm sure she'd love to verify it for you."
Shisa notices that during her tale Gelik deliberatly stops writing and puts down his pen, his expression one somewhere between disappointment and disdain. When she's finished he shakes his head,
'Young lady,' he says, his tone similar to a parent scolding a child, 'if you can't even lie with a straight face no one will take your stories seriously - and they'd be right not to!'
The gnome scowls as Shisa ruffles his hair, and as she heads off she can hear him incanting a quick cantrip to repair the 'damage'.
The Hold:
Making a thorough inspection of the fine dwarven mining gear he's been employed to guard, Mundin's pleased to find it all accounted for and still securely in place.
Heading into the galley the dwarf bumps into Shisa coming out with the promised beverage.
Shisa |
'Young lady,' he says, his tone similar to a parent scolding a child, 'if you can't even lie with a straight face no one will take your stories seriously - and they'd be right not to!'
As she heads out of the galley with two full mugs in her hand, she laugsh and says over her shoulder, "I shall work on that master Gelik. I do thank you for your time. It was most entertaining.. for me at least." She throws Gelik a wink as he utters something she doesn't understand.
Heading into the galley the dwarf bumps into Shisa coming out with the promised beverage.
"Mundin, I'm sorry it took so long. I was sidetracked by a story of a little half-elf girl and fuzzy animals. She hands Mundin his mug trying not to notice the scowl on his face.
Mundin IronHand |
"well it's about time!" taking a long deep pull from the mug, mundin shake shis head. "Being cooped up on this ship is getting to me lass, I need to strech my legs on ground that doesn't move, perhaps find a good fight" If shisha hos any knowledge of dwarven society or culture, she might recognize this as an apology for mis bad mood.
ProfPotts |
The Galley:
Seeing Aerodus, Shisa, and Mundin settling in for a serious drinking session, the well-dressed gnome Gelik steps over to join them at their table, journal out and quill poised,
'The young lady's efforts at tale telling fell disappointingly flat,' he states, pointing towards Shisa with the feathered end of his pen, 'and though one feels that my mere presence must double the intellect at the table, I'm willing to risk boredom to see if any of you can spin a more convincing yarn... who knows, maybe even the truth? So,' he continues, pausing just long enough to - with arcane words and a quick mystical gesture - cause the tankard of ale he left on his previous table to levitate across the room and into his waiting hand, 'why not enlighten us as to how you found your various ways to this fine... I use the term sarcastically, of course... vessel and company?'
The Deck:
After the service Ishirou simply returns to his place at the rail, peering out across the waves. The ship's crew get on with the business of sailing the ship, although one thoughtful soul pauses long enough to pass Marik the bucket he's so often been in need of the past long weeks, with the curt advice,
'Over the side up here, lad... use the bucket if ya' go below...'
Shisa |
Shisa hands Mundin his mug of ale as Aerodus walks up, an empty mug in his outstretched hand.
' Just what I was looking for! Handing Shisa her mug, 'I believe this to be yours.'Shisa takes the offered cup with a raised eyebrow, and scowls at the cup.
"Well it's about time!" taking a long deep pull from the mug, mundin shake shis head. "Being cooped up on this ship is getting to me lass, I need to strech my legs on ground that doesn't move, perhaps find a good fight"
Shisa blushes at the apparent chastisement not realizing it was meant as an apology. Before she can recover her composure, Aerodus and Mundin walk past her into the galley to grab a seat.
Shisa follows and has barely sat down when Gelkin’s voice sounds at her elbow.
'The young lady's efforts at tale telling fell disappointingly flat,' he states, pointing towards Shisa with the feathered end of his pen, 'and though one feels that my mere presence must double the intellect at the table, I'm willing to risk boredom to see if any of you can spin a more convincing yarn... who knows, maybe even the truth? So..
Shisa’s face turns a deeper shade of red. Apparently, this is not her day.. She mutters, ”Well.. I thought it was a good story..”
'why not enlighten us as to how you found your various ways to this fine... I use the term sarcastically, of course... vessel and company?'
Looking up with a smile, she says, ”Would you believe if I told you it involved rutting nobles and scary inquisitors?” She gives a short laugh and takes a long sip of her ale draining the mug, hoping her previous attempt at tale spinning will cause Gelkin to dismiss her out of hand. ”Excuse me, I need a refill.” She grabs both empty mugs and walks over to refill them.
ProfPotts |
”Would you believe if I told you it involved rutting nobles and scary inquisitors?”
Gelik raises one well-groomed blond eyebrow,
'Actually,' he retorts, 'I rather think I may. I'd like to say the Pathfinder Society wouldn't be interested in such gossip... but to tell the truth I know at least a half-dozen members who would be, so please, do tell...'
Shisa |
Shisa stands for a minute in silence as the other look at her, the gnome's quill perched above the parchment of his book.
"Master Gelkin," she begins. Her eyes grow hard as she stares down at the gnome's face. "I am afraid I will have to decline to speak. I have seen the slave blocks in Corentyn and, I assure you, I have no intention of being a part of them. My story is unimportant and unworthy of your skills."
She looks over at the others, a slight haunted look comes over her. She drains her refilled mug and sets it down a bit harder than required. "Please excuse me," she says. Her normally jovial demeanor now serious. She turns and walks to her bunk with a slight stagger.
Mundin IronHand |
"Well now, not sure what that's about" as Mundin watches Sisha leave the room. Oh well he thinks, it's either a woman thing or and elf thing and either way not somehting he's bound to udnerstand. But if it's a story ya be needing, have ya heard of Koldukar, ancestral home of my Clan?"
Tony Nedraid |
Hanging onto the rigging against the gentle roll of the ship, Tony Nedraid paused and let the sea breeze flow over him; it's delicious scent tasting of the exotic stories he always loved as a child. Raising his cup and finding it empty, he goes below to get a refill.
A youngish man, not yet grown fully, he is unable to grow more than a thin moustache; carefully trimmed in the latest fashion. He has lines on his face that speak of grief; but with a drink in him he becomes garroulous and friendly, with a brilliant smile.
Reaching the galley for a refill, he paused a moment as Aerys rudely shoved past Shisa. Despite her rudity, he felt some sympathy for her; imagining a similar hurt in her past as he has...
He is about to offer sympathy to Shisa when she leaves. Ah well...
Shisa |
Shisa heads into the berthing area, going past a young man she'd not seen until this moment. Her thoughts are elsewhere as she pulls a whetstone from her things and dropps cross-legged to the deck leaning against the bulkhead. Pulling out her blades, she begins to work them with a focused caress of the stone. "Why did I have to open my mouth,"she thinks to herself. "Must.. stay.. focused. I've no desire to end up in some Chelaxian noble's den of slaves. Riza, you better not sell me out!"
As her thoughts race, her strokes with the whetstone become more and more forceful as her self-anger drives her hands. As she works, she becomes more and more oblivious to everything except stone and metal.
Aerodus Whiteblade |
'A scribe I see; well... let if a dwarven tale isn't for your liking. I may have one more to your tastes...' A young crusader on patrol receives word from a messenger that a supply caravan is in distress, signaling his fellow patrolmen, they head out with a small detachment of men eager to rescue those in need and claim glory. As they reached the area, it turns out it was a trap set by bandits hoping to loot their corpses for armor and weapons! In short work they were surrounded, out manned and out manuevered, it looked grim for our young crusader... when from their own ranks a man stepped forward, Bu'Tau; a savage man from a savageland. He was not a holy warrior like the others, but never the less a righteous man fighting for the cause of mendev. He was a quiet man, speaking only a few words in broken common, but still a fierce warrior. With a primal howl he charged alone against the enemy line, like a tiger he leapt amongst them, striking with his spear and shield with the fury of a raging beast; no matter how many arrows struck, nor how many blows they struck against him he continued his assault. Even when his spear was shattered, impaling the bandit captain; he tore at them with tooth and claw!
At this point in the story, Aerodus is making the tiger claws with his hands, and slashing the air.
'Led by his example; the survivors of the patrol joined in the melee with reneweed vigor, soon breaking the bandit's moral. Unfortunately, Bu' Tau's wounds left him beyond the help of those were left, and would expire before they could bring him to the healers. With his last words, he asked that the story of his death be told to his kin, and to give them his tiger necklace; that it may impart its strength to the next generation of his family's warriors. And then... he was gone, his spirit off to commune with whatever deity he worshipped.
Aerodus heaves a heavy sigh; takes a long drink, and continues the story. 'Out of the survivors, the young crusader accepted the task. And soon set off to deliver the story, and the necklace to Bu'taus family. '
'And that Sir Scribe, is the tale of Bu'Tau, the fiercest, bravest, most inspiring warrior I have ever known. He may not have been a man of Iomedae, but he was a good righteous man'
Perform (oratory) 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Sorry that took me so long, YAY at the roll!
Bandlewick Sealegs Weathervane |
Bandy kept his reservations to himself; the First Mate knew of the dangers and while the men were busy, they were distracted. Bandy didn't know why the Captain was taking such risks although he wagered that the scholar was involved. Regardless, his shift would soon be over. Higgins, the assistant navigator, was green but competent, and Bandy wouldn't be far if assistance was needed.