The Turning Wheel - a Zeitgeist PbP

Game Master karlprosek

PCs are members of the Royal Homeland Constabulary in Flint, protecting king and country from threats foreign and domestic during a time of rampant technological upheaval.

Map of Current Scene: No current tactical map.
The City of Flint

Campaign site
Seized Evidence Tracker

Zeitgeist Player's Guide


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Male Human Vitalist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 26/26 (0 NL) | TW 7/7 | PP 17/17 | CM: 4/4 | AC 17; T 12; FF 15 | CMD 13 | Fort +5 | Ref +3 | Will +9 | Init +2 | Status: Focused

Noting how the man reacted to the two of them, Ralfael stayed quiet to let Aziel drive the conversation.

Slippery Sort (as Perception): 1d20 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 4 + 2 = 21


Female High-Elf (Lightbringer) Arcanist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 12/12 | AR 7/9 | AC 11/15*; T 11; FF 10/14* | CMD 12 | Fort +0 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | Init +3 | Perception +8/+11
karlprosek wrote:

Jaelynn, Duchess/Sokana

Sokana looked more closely at Jaelynn and gave the constable a small nod of acknowledgement. It wasn't a gesture of universal sisterhood or anything, but the other elf did seem mildly less guarded.

*****

The Duchess laughed at Jaelynn's denial. It was a pleasant laugh, genuine and warm. She grinned at Jaelynn. "No, dear, that wasn't what I meant. But it is good to know that Lee's predilection to pretty young things like yourself is well known. We wouldn't want his hobby to be too easy."

She shook her head, still smiling, and leaned in toward Jaelynn. "I meant that you're spying for him. Reporting back to him on possible malcontents, if you don't like the term spying. Have you overheard anything interesting yet?"

Jaelynn quirked an eyebrow. "I am with the RHC, Your Grace," she said, "I do not report to the Minister. I am sure he would have clearance to read our reports, but somehow, I doubt he would be terribly interested. We are a bit far down the ladder, here in Flint. On the other hand, being here does allow one to keep an eye on the technologists - hopefully do what one can to keep the country from entirely abandoning the Old W-" Jaelynn stopped suddenly, her eyes going a little wide.

"I am sorry, Your Grace, I shouldn't be saying such things. Baronetess Jaelynn Vance, she could say such things. Shishaku Jaelynn Saerpheni, she could say such things. Constable Jaelynn Vance-Saerpheni, she needs to keep her thoughts on policy to herself. I have no excuse, other than to admit that the former women have existed for much longer than the latter." She gave the Duchess an apologetic bow of the head.

As a mage, and trained by High Elves with strong Old-World connections, she's not lying, but if the Duchess were to think Jae is a bit more sympathetic to her cause than she actually is, well, Jaelynn won't be saddened by that turn of events. If you need a Diplo check... BoE/KiP as Diplomacy, using Student of Philosophy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19


Jaelynn Vance-Saerpheni wrote:

She shook her head, still smiling, and leaned in toward Jaelynn. "I meant that you're spying for him. Reporting back to him on possible malcontents, if you don't like the term spying. Have you overheard anything interesting yet?"

Jaelynn quirked an eyebrow. "I am with the RHC, Your Grace," she said, "I do not report to the Minister. I am sure he would have clearance to read our reports, but somehow, I doubt he would be terribly interested. We are a bit far down the ladder, here in Flint. On the other hand, being here does allow one to keep an eye on the technologists - hopefully do what one can to keep the country from entirely abandoning the Old W-" Jaelynn stopped suddenly, her eyes going a little wide.

The Duchess shrugged. "Of course, dear. It was gauche of me to bring it up."

Jaelynn Vance-Saerpheni wrote:


"I am sorry, Your Grace, I shouldn't be saying such things. Baronetess Jaelynn Vance, she could say such things. Shishaku Jaelynn Saerpheni, she could say such things. Constable Jaelynn Vance-Saerpheni, she needs to keep her thoughts on policy to herself. I have no excuse, other than to admit that the former women have existed for much longer than the latter." She gave the Duchess an apologetic bow of the head.

The Duchess nodded appreciatively, and even Sokana seemed to thaw a little. "I'm surprised you're here in Flint, Baronetess. It's so dirty here, the sky full of smoke and the smell of burning metal. I'd think you would be more at home in Shale. We have a better understanding of the proper balance of things there."

1d20 ⇒ 9

Jaelynn had heard that the Duchess's city of Shale, in spite of having almost fallen to Danor in the last war, was nearly a paradise on earth compared to Flint. The duchess believed strongly in the Old Ways, and her druids and shamans kept a tight rein on the amount of industry in the city.

The Duchess lifted a pomander to her nose and sniffed, frowning a little and glancing up at the smokestacks belching black smoke into the air. "Speaking of which." She shook her head and looked back at Jaelynn. "Baronetess, would you be a dear and see if you can arrange a room for me to gather myself? The stench up here is unbearable, and the noise from those engines is setting my teeth on edge."


Female High-Elf (Lightbringer) Arcanist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 12/12 | AR 7/9 | AC 11/15*; T 11; FF 10/14* | CMD 12 | Fort +0 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | Init +3 | Perception +8/+11

Jaelynn bowed. "I am sure something can be arranged, Your Grace. Please excuse me, while I see to it."

Backing away the regulation three steps, Jaelynn then turned and looked for someone in a uniform that indicated they worked here.

If/when she spots someone like that, she'll use Message to get their attention and summon them to her, without having to let the Duchess out of her sight, if possible.

BoE as Active Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12

If that's not good enough, she'll get grumpy, and go hunt someone down - as quickly as possible, without being rude.


Male Human Monk (Kata Master) 4 / Rogue (Roof Runner) 2 HP TBD AC 19 T 19 FF 16 F 4 R 10 W 5 Perc 8 Init 3
karlprosek wrote:

Shane pushed his way through the crowd, accidentally knocking the drink out of a Naval officer's hand as he tried to get back to Masarde. On further inspection, Shane realized the man wore the same number of stripes as the William Miller-quoting Captain Smith, though he looked older than the enlightened captain philosopher.

The captain glowered at Shane. "You need to watch where you're going, boy."

Shane gritted his teeth for a moment, biting back a nasty crack, trying to treat the moment as he would in combat, keeping his focus on the moment and not the mistakes of the past or the possible outcomes of his next action. "I beg your pardon, Captain," Shane said, keeping his eyes down and searching the deck for the fallen glass, hoping it had not shattered. 1d10 ⇒ 1

He spotted the drink tumbler smashed to pieces near his feet. Damn my luck, he thought and moved to stand over the worst of the broken glass and looked for a server to attend to the hazard. So much for my plan to shadow Masarde, he thought. He kept an eye on the offended Captain to see if he was waiting for Shane to get him another drink or required some other form of apology.

Unbidden, he found a refrain from his satiric song coming to mind. Realizing he was letting his emotions cloud his judgment, he quashed the bawdy verse from his thoughts and recentered his awareness on the moment. His meditation instructor was right to make him spend so much time sitting in meditation when he thought he should be in combat drills. A focused mind is indeed hard to maintain. Never thought it would be used to keep his cool at a party, but Shane was used to insights that stole up on him like a ninja in the night. In fact, it was his preferred mode of learning.


Aziel is having trouble accessing the board so I'm posting this for her.

karlprosek wrote:

Aziel/Ralf, Belowdecks

He reached up and pulled up his goggles, staring at Aziel. "Uh, hello? Did you folks want a tour of the engine room? You're pretty lost if not." The young man grinned at Aziel, sparing a quick glance for Ralf.

Aziel noticed a pair of large men on the far side of the engine, attired in much the same protective wear as the young man talking to them.

The heat didn't bother Aziel; she simply unbuttoned her collar. She smiled back at the little man, though it didn't reach her eyes.

"Yes, please do show us the engine," she purred, stalling for time to judge whether this man, or the two others, were potential saboteurs. "You all work down here?"

Professional soldier as Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25

The little man gulped as Aziel unbuttoned her collar. He even ran a hand through his grimy hair, though the gesture did nothing to tame its unruliness. "Yeah! Yeah. I mean, um, yes. We all work down here."

"I'm Fitz! Um, machinery mate first class Luckshore. I helped install the engine. Worked with Mr. Masarde himself and the ship's engineer Mr. Bolgeo during the construction process." He gestured at the engine and in the general direction of the other two men.

The other two men- significantly larger than Fitz- were getting shovels from a rack, presumably to shovel firegems into the gaping maw of the engine. They were dressed in the same protective gear as Fitz but weren't nearly as dirty yet.

"The whole ship is a custom build, obviously, but we had to redesign after the first shakedown cruise because the engine vibrations were doing a number on the hull below it. The Danorans have better materials at their disposal; we can't just take their designs and run with them because we don't have the industry to support it." Fitz pointed at some indistinguishable things on the underside of the huge engine. "See those dampers? I came up with those! Based them off the springs in a carriage I saw drive past. Mr. Masarde said he wished he'd thought of it himself.

The young engineer beamed at the remembered glory of the ship designer's praise.

Fitz has more to say but I wanted to break in case one of you wants to say something.


Jaelynn, Duchess

Jaelynn Vance-Saerpheni wrote:

Jaelynn bowed. "I am sure something can be arranged, Your Grace. Please excuse me, while I see to it."

Backing away the regulation three steps, Jaelynn then turned and looked for someone in a uniform that indicated they worked here.

Jaelynn quickly spotted a young man in full naval dress uniform with a small notebook talking to a noble couple. He had only one stripe and very few ribbons, marking him as the lowest rank of officer. From the looks of things he was dealing with some minor issue the guests had with the party. The perfect person to arrange a room for the Duchess.

He practically jumped out of his shoes when Jaelynn messaged him, but he kept nodding to the noble couple and only turned toward Jaelynn when they seemed to be satisfied. The young ensign made a beeline for the two elves and the Duchess.

The ensign gave the Duchess and her two companions a crisp salute. "Ma'am. Ensign Aughtbrook." He barely looked old enough to be out of his parents' house and couldn't have been more than a few weeks out of school. "How can I help you?"


Shane, Main Deck

Shane Sangster wrote:
He spotted the drink tumbler smashed to pieces near his feet. Damn my luck, he thought and moved to stand over the worst of the broken glass and looked for a server to attend to the hazard. So much for my plan to shadow Masarde, he thought. He kept an eye on the offended Captain to see if he was waiting for Shane to get him another drink or required some other form of apology.

The captain kept glowering at Shane and he looked Shane up and down, taking in the not-quite military RHC uniform. "What kind of uniform is that? Are you a militia officer?"


Male Human Monk (Kata Master) 4 / Rogue (Roof Runner) 2 HP TBD AC 19 T 19 FF 16 F 4 R 10 W 5 Perc 8 Init 3

Shane caught the eye of a server carrying a tray of drinks, plucked a glass off the tray, snapped a finger in front of the server's face and then directed her attention to the broken glass on the floor. She nodded and called another server over with hands free to begin to clear the deck of the broken glass.

As this was going on, Shane answered the captain, "I am a member of the Royal Homeland Constabulary." By this point, he had a fresh drink in hand, which he offered to the captain. "Minister Lee asked us to help with security tonight." Shane reflected that before this evening, he had never heard of Minister Lee, but he figured he might as well drop the name and see if it improved the captain's opinion of him after getting off on the wrong foot.

None of my backgrounds applies to party schmoozing, so this is just a default diplomacy check, if needed.
Charisma/lvl: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (19) + 3 = 22


Male Human Vitalist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 26/26 (0 NL) | TW 7/7 | PP 17/17 | CM: 4/4 | AC 17; T 12; FF 15 | CMD 13 | Fort +5 | Ref +3 | Will +9 | Init +2 | Status: Focused

Belowdecks

A subtle amused smile flitted briefly across Ralf's face as he watched Aziel "work" the man. Despite lacking the social skills necessary for such maneuvers -- and preferring a direct approach besides -- he could still appreciate her talent in action.

He is seeming legitimate, Ralf thought as his gaze roved over the man and then the rest of the Engine Deck.


Female High-Elf (Lightbringer) Arcanist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 12/12 | AR 7/9 | AC 11/15*; T 11; FF 10/14* | CMD 12 | Fort +0 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | Init +3 | Perception +8/+11
karlprosek wrote:
The ensign gave the Duchess and her two companions a crisp salute. "Ma'am. Ensign Aughtbrook." He barely looked old enough to be out of his parents' house and couldn't have been more than a few weeks out of school. "How can I help you?"

"Well, Ensign Aughtbrook," Jaelynn said, her voice pitched pleasantly, but with authority in it, "The Duchess needs a quiet place, a room - preferably one that hasn't yet been filled with smoke - where she will not be disturbed. You can make that happen for her now, right, Ensign Aughtbrook?" Jaelynn gave the young officer a radiant smile. "Show us that you're the competent, take-charge, dependable man that your uniform makes you look to be. We'll follow you."


Fighter (Armor Master) 2
Quick Stats:
AC:22; Touch: 13; Flat 20 | Hp 28/28 | Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +0 | Scrapper

Anthony was having little luck finding any sort of trouble and was both worried and glad for it. It either meant there wasn't any to find or he wasn't looking hard enough. Considering the implications of the former were far less severe then the latter, he decided to try and look harder just in case. The crowd was large, but not the largest he had seen. This had been kept mostly to the upper crust. It made it harder to fit in but easier to stay out of, meaning that he was at least successful, so far, in remaining hidden from those he would wish to avoid the attention of.

Tech Invest as perception/Int: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

Anthony's meticulous scanning eventually let him come across Masarde, and even from this distance a thought burned in Tony's mind from his youth. An image of blue prints so complex it had hurt to look at for too long, which had slowly been unraveling in his brain since he had first seen them long a giant puzzle. The image faded and Tony found himself staring and quickly looked away, lest he draw unwanted attention from either the tiefling. Everything seemed to be in order here and if it wasn't he trusted Shane and Jaelynn to keep it so long enough for him to return, Anthony decides to take a stroll down the steps to see if he might find trouble elsewhere.

Sometimes his job depressed him. He was actively looking for trouble, a thing any sane man would avoid. Still, he had a job to do. He hardly even noticed the light clicking sound of Scrapper following behind him, though the construct was definitely on his mind. Those blue prints he had seen, pure technological blueprints, had inspired the magic lacking Anthony to create Scrapper... and something more. He tried not to let his musings over come him right now, he had all the time in the world on his days off after all.

Tech Invest as perception/Int: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

I think we're on the Main Deck right? Anthony will be going one floor down to the Gun deck and continue looking for any sign of trouble.


Shane, Main Deck

Shane Sangster wrote:
As this was going on, Shane answered the captain, "I am a member of the Royal Homeland Constabulary." By this point, he had a fresh drink in hand, which he offered to the captain. "Minister Lee asked us to help with security tonight." Shane reflected that before this evening, he had never heard of Minister Lee, but he figured he might as well drop the name and see if it improved the captain's opinion of him after getting off on the wrong foot.

The replacement drink and the response seemed to mollify the captain. He nodded at Shane as he took the drink. "Well, go help with security by not knocking drinks out of peoples' hands, then, constable." The naval officer gestured with his new glass, a clear dismissal. "Back to work."


Jaelynn/Anthony, Gun Deck

Jaelynn Vance-Saerpheni wrote:
"Well, Ensign Aughtbrook," Jaelynn said, her voice pitched pleasantly, but with authority in it, "The Duchess needs a quiet place, a room - preferably one that hasn't yet been filled with smoke - where she will not be disturbed. You can make that happen for her now, right, Ensign Aughtbrook?" Jaelynn gave the young officer a radiant smile. "Show us that you're the competent, take-charge, dependable man that your uniform makes you look to be. We'll follow you."

The ensign gave Jaelynn a crisp salute. "Yes, ma'am! I know just the place, ma'am." The Duchess gave the young officer a fond, grandmotherly smile but said nothing, letting Jaelynn take the lead. Sokana remained silent and aloof.

Ensign Aughtbrook led the trio to the passage belowdecks, a steeply angled set of stairs more properly called a ladder than staircase. One of Jaelynn's fellow Constables was already there, waiting for his mechanical companion to traverse the difficult descent.

Aughtbrook frowned at Anthony. "Excuse me, sir? Passage belowdecks is restricted without an escort." The young man was trying hard to project the competent, take-charge, dependable air of an experienced naval officer. No doubt the Duchess's presence gave him a little extra encouragement to assert his minimal authority.


Female High-Elf (Lightbringer) Arcanist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 12/12 | AR 7/9 | AC 11/15*; T 11; FF 10/14* | CMD 12 | Fort +0 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | Init +3 | Perception +8/+11
karlprosek wrote:

Jaelynn/Anthony, Gun Deck

Ensign Aughtbrook led the trio to the passage belowdecks, a steeply angled set of stairs more properly called a ladder than staircase. One of Jaelynn's fellow Constables was already there, waiting for his mechanical companion to traverse the difficult descent.

Aughtbrook frowned at Anthony. "Excuse me, sir? Passage belowdecks is restricted without an escort." The young man was trying hard to project the competent, take-charge, dependable air of an experienced naval officer. No doubt the Duchess's presence gave him a little extra encouragement to assert his minimal authority.

Jaelynn quirked an eyebrow. "Ensign Aughtbrook," she suggested, gently, "while we can appreciate your dedication to duty, surely the Duchess' needs are more pressing than your desire to interrogate a Royal Homeland Constable in the course of his security sweep? If you wish, I'm sure constable Zeitlin will agree to answer your questions after you've seen to the Duchess." She gave Anthony a questioning look, "Or perhaps the constable has the time to accompany us - which would effectively end his un-escorted condition, whilst not delaying the Duchess needlessly."


Fighter (Armor Master) 2
Quick Stats:
AC:22; Touch: 13; Flat 20 | Hp 28/28 | Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +0 | Scrapper

Anthony considered the situation for only a moment. He could probably wave his credentials and get on by, but there was the distinct possibility that someone in this group would be annoyed by this. Jaelynn's offer had several benefits to it, outweighing the con's of the situation she proposed.

He dips her head to the woman, as if she were someone he turned to for orders, and replied concisely, "Of course, ma'am." He immediately steps out of the way of the group and has scrapper do the same, then waits for them to move forward in front of him so that he might take up the rear. It would be a small detour, but he was less likely to piss someone off with an argument, and if the Dutchess thought him Jaelynn's subordinate she might be willing to overlook his device and perhaps even him.

Tech Invest/Bluff/Int: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

As they moved through the deck to wherever their destination was, Anthony would use his vantage point in the back as an excuse to 'keep an eye out', looking for anything suspicious or dangerous. Something as small as a tool lying around to something as big as wire's that seemed to be doing something they shouldn't. Again, Anthony relied on his quick mind rather the sharp eyes, simply glancing over everything and letting his subconscious sort through what was proper and what was not.

Scrapper had made himself scarce on a gestured order from the engineer, climbing onto Anthony's belt and folding himself up into a very small square somehow. The less the Duchess, a woman of the old ways, saw of the device the better.

Tech Invest/Perception/Int: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24


Male Human Monk (Kata Master) 4 / Rogue (Roof Runner) 2 HP TBD AC 19 T 19 FF 16 F 4 R 10 W 5 Perc 8 Init 3
karlprosec wrote:
The replacement drink and the response seemed to mollify the captain. He nodded at Shane as he took the drink. "Well, go help with security by not knocking drinks out of peoples' hands, then, constable." The naval officer gestured with his new glass, a clear dismissal. "Back to work."

"Yes, sir," Shane heard himself say as the captain drifted away. He knew the officer's dismissal was meant as a kind of insult, but Shane never aspired to a life in the military, so the fact that this man thought him inferior for not being a soldier or sailor did not cut his ego. True, as an RHC agent, he took orders from Delft, yet beyond that, he had not regimented duties and enjoyed the autonomy afforded him in his assignments.

Shane instead focused again on the party and continued his migration toward the tiefling engineer, Masarde. This time, he hovered initially at the edge of the crowd listening to Masarde describing some technology or other. As he did so, Shane noticed Anthony heading down to the middle deck. Just as well, Shane thought. Not much going on up here so far.

Shane quietly slipped closer to Masarde each time someone stepped away to refresh his drink or to powder her nose. He pretended to listen but watched instead for anyone in the crowd, trying to read body language to detect anger or aggression.
Streetwise/wis/lvl: 1d20 + 3 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 3 + 3 + 1 = 16


tiefling fighter 2/gunslinger 1, HPs: 28/28 - AC: 17|14|13 - For:+5 | Ref:+6 | Wil:+0 (+1 vs fear) - Init:+4

Sorry for the slow response, I'm spending a lot of time at the hospital.

karlprosek wrote:

The little man gulped as Aziel unbuttoned her collar. He even ran a hand through his grimy hair, though the gesture did nothing to tame its unruliness. "Yeah! Yeah. I mean, um, yes. We all work down here."

"I'm Fitz! Um, machinery mate first class Luckshore. I helped install the engine. Worked with Mr. Masarde himself and the ship's engineer Mr. Bolgeo during the construction process." He gestured at the engine and in the general direction of the other two men.

Aziel made suitably impressed noises as she regarded Luckshore, then the other men, and finally looked about for anything that seemed out of place.

karlprosek wrote:

The other two men- significantly larger than Fitz- were getting shovels from a rack, presumably to shovel firegems into the gaping maw of the engine. They were dressed in the same protective gear as Fitz but weren't nearly as dirty yet.

"The whole ship is a custom build, obviously, but we had to redesign after the first shakedown cruise because the engine vibrations were doing a number on the hull below it. The Danorans have better materials at their disposal; we can't just take their designs and run with them because we don't have the industry to support it." Fitz pointed at some indistinguishable things on the underside of the huge engine. "See those dampers? I came up with those! Based them off the springs in a carriage I saw drive past. Mr. Masarde said he wished he'd thought of it himself."

The young engineer beamed at the remembered glory of the ship designer's praise.

Having come to the same conclusion about Fitz Luckshore as Ralf, Aziel offered the engineer a more genuine smile. "You certainly seem to have the pulse of this ship in your hands, monsieur Luckshore! Please, show us your work. It is very interesting." She walked about, looking around for anything that appeared suspicious, "coincidentally" separating from Ralf so that they couldn't both be followed about.


Jaelynn/Anthony, Gun Deck
"A constable?" The young man's voice squeaked as he realized he'd been badgering a member of the RHC. He nodded eagerly at Jaelynn, grabbing onto her suggestion like a drowning man would a life preserver. "Yes, um, sir. Please follow along behind, if you wouldn't mind. I can show you belowdecks once we have the Duchess settled."

The Duchess hadn't shied away from Scrapper, but Sokana had. The King's sister watched as Scrapper folded itself onto Anthony's belt, her face unreadable. Her elven handmaiden had a look somewhere between horror and disgust on her face.

Ensign Aughtbrook coughed. "If you'll follow me, ma'am." He slid down the ladder with just his hands on the rails, thumping down to the deck below and turning to look back up. The Duchess gave him a small, amused smile, then turned around and climbed down it like the ladder it was. Aughtbrook was ready to help, but she needed none. Sokana climbed down gracefully, also needing no help.

Once everyone was down on the Gun Deck, the ensign led them aftward, then into the observation room. The shutters were closed and the map table bare, and the young officer turned to open a door into a small room with a narrow cot and a locked trunk. "No one will bother you in here, ma'am."

The Duchess looked around the tiny space and nodded. "I've been in worse. Thank you, ensign." She turned to smile at Jaelynn. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Baronetess. I hope we have the chance to speak again in the future."

1d20 ⇒ 11
1d20 ⇒ 13


Aziel/Ralf, Engine Deck
Fitz eagerly showed Aziel all around the engine, pointing out this or that piece of machinery. He gushed about Mr. Masarde's genius and seemed just as excited now as he was then whenever he recounted a small bit of praise he'd received from the Danoran engineer.

1d20 ⇒ 11
1d20 ⇒ 18

Ralf noticed that the two large men were either actively trying to avoid Aziel and Fitz as they moved around the room or their duties were very coincidentally timed to take them to the other side of the engine whenever Aziel and her escort moved.


Male Human Vitalist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 26/26 (0 NL) | TW 7/7 | PP 17/17 | CM: 4/4 | AC 17; T 12; FF 15 | CMD 13 | Fort +5 | Ref +3 | Will +9 | Init +2 | Status: Focused

Belowdecks

One eyebrow went up as Ralf watched the movements of the two men versus those of Aziel and Fitz. "Choreographed dance not so perfect," he muttered as he walked towards the men, trying to look both casual and bored.

"Well met, gentlemen," he said as he reached them. "What it is you are doing, please? Have not been on such vessel before, am curious."

I so desperately wanted to say "nuclear wessel"...

Ralf watched their reactions carefully, in particular looking for any nervousness or furtive actions.

Slippery Sort (as Perception): 1d20 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 4 + 2 = 12


Female High-Elf (Lightbringer) Arcanist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 12/12 | AR 7/9 | AC 11/15*; T 11; FF 10/14* | CMD 12 | Fort +0 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | Init +3 | Perception +8/+11
karlprosek wrote:

Jaelynn/Anthony, Gun Deck

Once everyone was down on the Gun Deck, the ensign led them aftward, then into the observation room. The shutters were closed and the map table bare, and the young officer turned to open a door into a small room with a narrow cot and a locked trunk. "No one will bother you in here, ma'am."

The Duchess looked around the tiny space and nodded. "I've been in worse. Thank you, ensign." She turned to smile at Jaelynn. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Baronetess. I hope we have the chance to speak again in the future."

Jaelynn gave the Duchess a deep curtsey, and Sokana a nod. "It was an honor, Your Grace, and I will look forward to such an opportunity, should it occur. It is our pleasure to serve."

Then she took the regulation 3 steps back, and waited for the door to close.

VM as Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 3 + 2 + 1 = 24 Trying to determine whether the Duchess and/or Sokana actually plan to stay in the room.

Not sure how to break this. If the door closes, Jae's going to start giving...suggestions to the Ensign. If it doesn't, well, I guess she'll be caught standing there, awkwardly.


Fighter (Armor Master) 2
Quick Stats:
AC:22; Touch: 13; Flat 20 | Hp 28/28 | Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +0 | Scrapper

Anthony tries to pretend he hadn't noticed either the unreadable look or the horrified expression. He had seen both enough times before from people of rank to know what both meant without much need for trying to read the ones making the expressions. By the time they got to the door, Anthony was doing a lot of not looking at the pair, and only did so to give them a formal and very practiced bow.

If the Door Shuts

Once the door was shut, Anthony would relax a little and gesture for both the ensign and Jaelynn to follow him a little ways away, glancing at the door as if to suggest any conversation around it might bother those within. As he walked, he would tap the box on his hip a couple times and the construct, the size of a halfling, would open up and climb back down from his belt, following them.

Anthony would stop when he was about twenty to thirty feet away from the door and turn back to the two. He spared Jaelynn a glance, then turned to look down at the young man. "I appreciate that you have rules to follow, but if we run into any danger or trouble, your first job is to go alert the necessary officers. No heroics. You understand?"

If the Door does not Shut:
Anthony would politely suggest to the others, "Let us leave them to their privacy." And would then gesture for them to follow. (The rest would be the same as above.)


Ralf/Aziel, Engine Deck

Ralf Tergsvor wrote:
"Well met, gentlemen," he said as he reached them. "What it is you are doing, please? Have not been on such vessel before, am curious." Ralf watched their reactions carefully, in particular looking for any nervousness or furtive actions.

1d20 ⇒ 9

The men looked at each other and one jerked his head in the direction of the firegems. "We shovel firegems in the engine, the engine goes." He shrugged. "Otherwise we do what the brainiac- excuse me, the machinery mate tells us to do."

It seemed to Ralf that someone whose job this actually was might be able to tell him more about the work. He guessed that if he dug a little bit it might turn out this man wasn't entirely clear on what the job entailed.


Jaelynn/Anthony, Gun Deck

Jaelynn Vance-Saerpheni wrote:


Jaelynn gave the Duchess a deep curtsey, and Sokana a nod. "It was an honor, Your Grace, and I will look forward to such an opportunity, should it occur. It is our pleasure to serve."

Then she took the regulation 3 steps back, and waited for the door to close.

As the door shut, Jaelynn was quite sure the Duchess and her handmaiden intended to stay inside.

Anthony Dawson Zeitlin wrote:


Anthony would stop when he was about twenty to thirty feet away from the door and turn back to the two. He spared Jaelynn a glance, then turned to look down at the young man. "I appreciate that you have rules to follow, but if we run into any danger or trouble, your first job is to go alert the necessary officers. No heroics. You understand?"

Ensign Aughtbrook looked confused. "Sir? I... understand?" It sounded as if he understood his duty- which was as Anthony had described- but couldn't for the life of him understand why Anthony was laying it out for him.


Shane, Main Deck

Shane Sangster wrote:
Shane quietly slipped closer to Masarde each time someone stepped away to refresh his drink or to powder her nose. He pretended to listen but watched instead for anyone in the crowd, trying to read body language to detect anger or aggression.

Shane didn't see anything untoward in the crowd, unless you counted more than one guest making advances on the catering staff. As he got close enough to hear over the general din, Masarde was telling a story about the time he'd been on a boat that sank.

If you took him at his word, the tiefling had constructed a perfectly functioning rowboat out of flotsam while treading water in the middle of the ocean. He was a good storyteller; Masarde had the small crowd around him riveted.

As Shane watched, Masarde traded yet another empty glass for a full one from a passing caterer. That was at least the third Shane had seen him drink in the span of the few minutes he'd been watching the engineer. Masarde was already tipsy; if he kept going at this pace he would be completely drunk before ship even reached its mooring spot in the harbor.


Female High-Elf (Lightbringer) Arcanist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 12/12 | AR 7/9 | AC 11/15*; T 11; FF 10/14* | CMD 12 | Fort +0 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | Init +3 | Perception +8/+11
karlprosek wrote:

Jaelynn/Anthony, Gun Deck

As the door shut, Jaelynn was quite sure the Duchess and her handmaiden intended to stay inside.

Anthony Dawson Zeitlin wrote:


Anthony would stop when he was about twenty to thirty feet away from the door and turn back to the two. He spared Jaelynn a glance, then turned to look down at the young man. "I appreciate that you have rules to follow, but if we run into any danger or trouble, your first job is to go alert the necessary officers. No heroics. You understand?"
Ensign Aughtbrook looked confused. "Sir? I... understand?" It sounded as if he understood his duty- which was as Anthony had described- but couldn't for the life of him understand why Anthony was laying it out for him.

Jaelynn smiled, gently.

"There is no need for alarm, Ensign. Constable Zeitlin is just being extra careful. But I would like to make sure no one disturbs the Duchess, and that someone is available in case she should need anything. I know you are probably much too important - and busy - to be tasked with waiting here, and Constable Zeitlin and I cannot do it ourselves, as we have security work to do. Can you send someone down here to relieve me?"

Once Aughtbrook is gone (or has made it clear that he's staying), Jae will want to have a chat with Anthony, but she'll wait to see what Aughtbrook does, first.


Male Human Vitalist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 26/26 (0 NL) | TW 7/7 | PP 17/17 | CM: 4/4 | AC 17; T 12; FF 15 | CMD 13 | Fort +5 | Ref +3 | Will +9 | Init +2 | Status: Focused

Suspicious, Ralf decided to try forcing the issue. "Is interesting, am wanting to know more. Aziel! Luckshore!" he calls to the pair loudly. "Come see, is fascinating!"

He tried to convey a look just "off" enough to signal Aziel he felt something was amiss, while not alerting Luckshore.

Which he did by smiling. Broadly.

He subtly shifted his grip on the hanbo he'd been treating as a walking stick in preparation of swinging it if necessary while, from the corner of his eye, focusing on the men's reaction to his invitation.

Slippery Sort (as Sense Motive, I suppose): 1d20 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 1 + 4 + 2 = 21


Male Human Monk (Kata Master) 4 / Rogue (Roof Runner) 2 HP TBD AC 19 T 19 FF 16 F 4 R 10 W 5 Perc 8 Init 3
karlprosek wrote:
As Shane watched, Masarde traded yet another empty glass for a full one from a passing caterer. That was at least the third Shane had seen him drink in the span of the few minutes he'd been watching the engineer. Masarde was already tipsy; if he kept going at this pace he would be completely drunk before ship even reached its mooring spot in the harbor.

Shane sighed as he saw Masarde take yet another drink. He tried to think if Tiefling physiology afforded them any special tolerance for alcohol, but nothing came to mind. Shane had been worried one of the guests might try something against Masarde, but it looked as if Marsarde need protecting from his own bad habits. A part of him was inclined to let the tiefling broil in his own inebriated juices, but what was it PM Lee had said? "There are a few guests who might need... monitoring during the King's speech after the banquet." What if he meant Marsarde?

Shane considered his options. If Masarde embarrassed himself by becoming falling down drunk, it would reflect badly on the whole enterprise. Masarde probably wouldn't welcome advice from him, so he decided he would need to improvise and perhaps find some allies.

Marsarde was standing next to the starboard railing facing his small audience, most of them with smiles on their faces, either amused by Masarde's absurd tales or laughing at the man's eccentricities. Shane stepped in between Masarde and the others, looking over the engineer as if he had spotted something sinister in the night cloaked waters.

"Engineer Masarde, please step away from the railing!" Shane said sternly. As Masarde looked at him puzzled, Shane made a move similar to one he sometimes used in combat, pulling the man toward him and then deftly sliding around him to change places with him. As he did so, he attempted to tip the drink in Masarde's hand so that the contents spilled out toward the waters, making it look like an accident as he moved the man to safety.

Going to treat this like a combat maneuver: CMB: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 = 21

Shane peered into the dark for a dozen heartbeats or so. Then he turned back and said, "I'm sorry to interrupt your story, but I thought I saw a ship running without lights out there. Hopefully I was mistaken, but better a spilled drink and safety than ..." Shane let the alternative hang to be filled in with the listeners' imaginations.

Before Masarde could say anything, Shane said, "I'll replace your drink. Excuse me."

Shane took the engineer's glass if he did not drop it and went in search of the person in charge of the catering and service staff, whom he had identified early on.


tiefling fighter 2/gunslinger 1, HPs: 28/28 - AC: 17|14|13 - For:+5 | Ref:+6 | Wil:+0 (+1 vs fear) - Init:+4
Ralf Tergsvor wrote:

Suspicious, Ralf decided to try forcing the issue. "Is interesting, am wanting to know more. Aziel! Luckshore!" he calls to the pair loudly. "Come see, is fascinating!"

He tried to convey a look just "off" enough to signal Aziel he felt something was amiss, while not alerting Luckshore.

Which he did by smiling. Broadly.

Aziel didn't know Ralf well enough to know if it was odd for him to wear such an expression, but since they were down here looking for trouble, trouble was what she was prepared for.

All but dragging Luckshore with her, she joined Ralf and the two burly men. Smiling herself, she peered with interest at whatever it was the two men had been doing. "Wonderful! What is it you are doing here?" She kept an eye on the three engineers from the corner of her eye, positioning herself so that she could see them all. With her hands clasped behind her back (coincidentally close to her hidden pistol), she regarded the engine with a look of pure ignorance.

"Monsieur Luckshore, can you explain?"


Ralf/Aziel, Engine Deck

Ralf Tergsvor wrote:

Suspicious, Ralf decided to try forcing the issue. "Is interesting, am wanting to know more. Aziel! Luckshore!" he calls to the pair loudly. "Come see, is fascinating!"

He subtly shifted his grip on the hanbo he'd been treating as a walking stick in preparation of swinging it if necessary while, from the corner of his eye, focusing on the men's reaction to his invitation.

1d20 ⇒ 8

1d20 ⇒ 20

The man who'd spoken up frowned at Ralf. "Look, as..." The other man stepped up suddenly and thumped his friend on the shoulder. He shook his head at Ralf.

"Look, uh, sir. Ma'am. We're friggin' shovelers." He nodded in the direction of Machinery Mate Luckshore. "I can tell you that this thing here gets hot, it makes steam," he gestured vaguely at the machinery attached to the huge furnace, "and that somehow makes the ship go. Sometimes you need to open a valve to let off excess steam or the whole works could blow up. You want to know any more than that and you'll have to talk to the Machinery Mate." This man sounded perfectly sincere to Ralf, though the first man still glowered at the curious constable over his companion's shoulder. It didn't take an astute observer to realize he was upset with Ralf's probing.

Aziel Charbonneau wrote:

All but dragging Luckshore with her, she joined Ralf and the two burly men. Smiling herself, she peered with interest at whatever it was the two men had been doing. "Wonderful! What is it you are doing here?" She kept an eye on the three engineers from the corner of her eye, positioning herself so that she could see them all. With her hands clasped behind her back (coincidentally close to her hidden pistol), she regarded the engine with a look of pure ignorance.

"Monsieur Luckshore, can you explain?"

Fitz was positively effervescent at being asked to explain how the engine worked. "It's amazing, really. You see, the firegems burn at a temperature far hotter and for longer than wood..." The young man went on to describe in great detail how the steam powered engine worked. He was clearly in the right place.

It was plausible that two men who were nothing more than manual laborers would have a limited understanding of the workings of a brand new technology. But something still felt off about the one, to Ralf.


Shane, Main Deck

Shane Sangster wrote:
"Engineer Masarde, please step away from the railing!" Shane said sternly. As Masarde looked at him puzzled, Shane made a move similar to one he sometimes used in combat, pulling the man toward him and then deftly sliding around him to change places with him. As he did so, he attempted to tip the drink in Masarde's hand so that the contents spilled out toward the waters, making it look like an accident as he moved the man to safety....

1d20 ⇒ 20

While he'd only meant to pretend that he saw something in the water, Shane actually did see something out there. For just a moment, he saw a huge, dark silhouette gliding just under the surface, easily keeping up with the Coaltongue. After the briefest glimpse, it was gone.

1d20 ⇒ 12

Shane managed to tip the drink and in his inebriated state Masarde dropped the glass over the railing. The tiefling engineer stared at Shane as the constable explained about the ship he thought he'd seen. "That's... quite all right. Uh, sir." He nodded at Shane's offer to get him another glass. "Thank you."


Jaelynn/Anthony, Gun Deck

Jaelynn Vance-Saerpheni wrote:


"There is no need for alarm, Ensign. Constable Zeitlin is just being extra careful. But I would like to make sure no one disturbs the Duchess, and that someone is available in case she should need anything. I know you are probably much too important - and busy - to be tasked with waiting here, and Constable Zeitlin and I cannot do it ourselves, as we have security work to do. Can you send someone down here to relieve me?"

Aughtbrook nodded, his expression clearing at the direct order. "Yes, ma'am. I'll arrange for it." After a moment of waiting for more orders, he nodded decisively. "I'll be back with someone in a moment, ma'am." With that, he turned and left to find somebody to watch the door.


tiefling fighter 2/gunslinger 1, HPs: 28/28 - AC: 17|14|13 - For:+5 | Ref:+6 | Wil:+0 (+1 vs fear) - Init:+4

Aziel nodded absently as Luckshore explained the function of the engines, making appropriate "ah" and "ooh" noises when anything seemed necessary to spur him on. She had more or less decided that if anything was amiss, it wasn't due to the charmingly enthusiastic little machinery mate. He seemed too proud of his work to want to sabotage it.

But was anything amiss? She hadn't been able to locate anything odd, with her limited knowledge of the ship.

She glanced at Ralf questioningly as Luckshore chattered in the background.

Since you didn't call out Aziel, I'm assuming she didn't notice anything.


Male Human Monk (Kata Master) 4 / Rogue (Roof Runner) 2 HP TBD AC 19 T 19 FF 16 F 4 R 10 W 5 Perc 8 Init 3
karlprosek wrote:
While he'd only meant to pretend that he saw something in the water, Shane actually did see something out there. For just a moment, he saw a huge, dark silhouette gliding just under the surface, easily keeping up with the Coaltongue. After the briefest glimpse, it was gone.

Based on this information, Shane would change his tactic.

Shane peered into the dark for a dozen heartbeats or so. Then he turned back and said, "I'm sorry to interrupt your story, but I thought I saw a ship running without lights out there. Hopefully I was mistaken, but better a spilled drink and safety than ..." Shane let the alternative hang to be filled in with the listeners' imaginations.

Shane gestured toward the command tower."Might I have a word with you in private? I have an important security question to ask you." To the guests listening, Shane said, "I'll not detain Engineer Masarde for long. Excuse us."

Shane walked close enough to Masarde that he could steady him should the tipsy engineer have trouble keeping his balance.

Once inside the command tower, Shane said, "I did not want to alarm the guests for nothing, but I saw a huge shape gliding just under the surface. Does the royal navy have submersible ships escorting the Coaltongue? Shane felt his heartbeat begin to race. If the answer was 'no,' things might go very, very wrong, very quickly.


Female High-Elf (Lightbringer) Arcanist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 12/12 | AR 7/9 | AC 11/15*; T 11; FF 10/14* | CMD 12 | Fort +0 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | Init +3 | Perception +8/+11
karlprosek wrote:

Jaelynn/Anthony, Gun Deck

Aughtbrook nodded, his expression clearing at the direct order. "Yes, ma'am. I'll arrange for it." After a moment of waiting for more orders, he nodded decisively. "I'll be back with someone in a moment, ma'am." With that, he turned and left to find somebody to watch the door.

Jaelynn thanked the Ensign, and watched him leave. As soon as he was gone, she turned to Anthony.

"They do not like you - mostly your 'Scrapper,' - and they do not like this ship." She spoke softly to the big man. "I think they plan to stay in there, but if someone does plan trouble, it would be very easy to blame - or credit - the Duchess, unless there is someone who can verify her alibi. We need to make sure her whereabouts - and those of her handmaid - can be verified, but if they see us standing out here, they may think we are spying on them. The Duchess already indicated as much. And besides, if we are watching them, we will not be available to find the real trouble-makers."


Fighter (Armor Master) 2
Quick Stats:
AC:22; Touch: 13; Flat 20 | Hp 28/28 | Fort +6, Ref +2, Will +0 | Scrapper

Anthony was surprised that she had ruled the Duchess out as a trouble maker. As far as he was concerned, it didn't matter where anyone on this ship resided if trouble came up. "You realize in circles as high as hers, they often have proxies and hired guns do their work for them right? Why dirty their hands?"

Anthony sighs, thinking that if trouble did start up, the Duchess retreating to her room would only look more suspicious. What better place to hide then behind a locked door? Still, he wasn't focusing on the woman. The man wasn't willing to let any detail slide until the night went by and proved uneventful. It meant more stress for him, but it also meant if something did happen he might be more prepared. "I know them and their like... dealt with them before. They won't be happy until we're back to lighting candles in the streets and praying to magic users and old legends. Either way, while that Aughtbrook is about, we should start our search of this deck. Shall we stick together?"

Already, Anthony was setting Scrapper down on the ground again, the device quickly unfolding into the halfling sized construct.


Male Human Vitalist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 26/26 (0 NL) | TW 7/7 | PP 17/17 | CM: 4/4 | AC 17; T 12; FF 15 | CMD 13 | Fort +5 | Ref +3 | Will +9 | Init +2 | Status: Focused

Ralf studied the man in back while responding to the other's self-deprecating job description. "Nonsense! You are both having very important job! Not shoveling fast enough means vessel has not enough power, goes slow. No shoveling at all, is dead in water at mercy of tide and current, da?"

He made a show of gazing over the piping while subtly keeping an eye on the questionable one.

"And you are not opening valves at proper time, engine explodes. Maybe entire ship!"

"Machinery Mate Luckshore, where are you discovering such fine men as these two? And please to tell their names. Would like to put all three of you up for commendation for excellent work."

Slippery Sort (as Diplomacy): 1d20 + 1 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 1 + 4 + 2 = 24

Let's see if Luckshore actually knows these two. He's the flighty all-about-technology sort that may not have even noticed these aren't his regular "friggin' shovelers." This should nudge him into looking at, and actually seeing, them.

Ralf cleared his throat. "Am also wondering, Machinery Mate Luckshore, why engine has no pressure safety release. Is seeming foolish for engine to be destroyed if valve is not turned in time."

Liking several aspects of this less and less.


Shane, Main Deck

Shane Sangster wrote:

Shane gestured toward the command tower."Might I have a word with you in private? I have an important security question to ask you." To the guests listening, Shane said, "I'll not detain Engineer Masarde for long. Excuse us."

Shane walked close enough to Masarde that he could steady him should the tipsy engineer have trouble keeping his balance.

Shane said, "I did not want to alarm the guests for nothing, but I saw a huge shape gliding just under the surface. Does the royal navy have submersible ships escorting the Coaltongue? Shane felt his heartbeat begin to race. If the answer was 'no,' things might go very, very wrong, very quickly.

Shane did have to steady Masarde. The engineer let himself be led off, a bemused smile on his face as he nodded goodbyes to the already breaking-up crowd. The marine standing watch at the door to the command tower shook his head as Shane and Masarde approached. "Sorry, sir, crew only."

Once they were in a quiet place away from the party, Shane asked his question. Masarde peered curiously at him. "A what? A ship that can submerge? How would the crew..." Masarde looked away as he started to mumble to himself. "Enclose the deck, obviously, but how do they breathe? Some magic to generate air? And where does the smoke go? What happens to smoke when you pump it into water? And how do you pump it out without letting water in?"

The tiefling was clearly taken with the idea, but from his rambling questions to himself Shane could tell he'd never even considered the idea before.


Ralf/Aziel, Engine Deck

Ralf Tergsvor wrote:


"Machinery Mate Luckshore, where are you discovering such fine men as these two? And please to tell their names. Would like to put all three of you up for commendation for excellent work."

Ralf cleared his throat. "Am also wondering, Machinery Mate Luckshore, why engine has no pressure safety release. Is seeming foolish for engine to be destroyed if valve is not turned in time."

Luckshore shook his head at Ralf. "Of course there is. What kind of military ship isn't planned for emergency damage control?" He gestured at the engine in general. "There are two, one on each side of the boiler, for redundancy."

The young machinery mate shook his head again. "What a question!" Luckshore chuckled. "What was your other question? Oh, yes, that would be great! They're, uh..." he looked at the two men and cocked his head. "What did you say your names were again?"

The man who seemed less upset cleared his throat. "Seaman Rost and Seaman Natick, sir." He looked at Luckshore. "Delk and Teard were reassigned to day watch, sir, remember?

1d20 ⇒ 6
1d20 ⇒ 5

The young machinery mate nodded and looked back at Ralf. "Right. Crew rotation for ordinary seamen, you know. Need to see what people are good at. It's how I became a machinery mate."

1d20 ⇒ 17
1d20 ⇒ 16

Aziel and Ralf were both certain the man- Rost?- was lying.


Female High-Elf (Lightbringer) Arcanist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 12/12 | AR 7/9 | AC 11/15*; T 11; FF 10/14* | CMD 12 | Fort +0 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | Init +3 | Perception +8/+11
Anthony Dawson Zeitlin wrote:

Anthony was surprised that she had ruled the Duchess out as a trouble maker. As far as he was concerned, it didn't matter where anyone on this ship resided if trouble came up. "You realize in circles as high as hers, they often have proxies and hired guns do their work for them right? Why dirty their hands?"

Anthony sighs, thinking that if trouble did start up, the Duchess retreating to her room would only look more suspicious. What better place to hide then behind a locked door? Still, he wasn't focusing on the woman. The man wasn't willing to let any detail slide until the night went by and proved uneventful. It meant more stress for him, but it also meant if something did happen he might be more prepared. "I know them and their like... dealt with them before. They won't be happy until we're back to lighting candles in the streets and praying to magic users and old legends. Either way, while that Aughtbrook is about, we should start our search of this deck. Shall we stick together?"

Already, Anthony was setting Scrapper down on the ground again, the device quickly unfolding into the halfling sized construct.

Aughtbrook just left, to find us a door-watcher

"As soon as a relief gets here, yes," Jaelynn agreed with Anthony's suggestion of searching the deck together.


Male Human Monk (Kata Master) 4 / Rogue (Roof Runner) 2 HP TBD AC 19 T 19 FF 16 F 4 R 10 W 5 Perc 8 Init 3

Shane cursed his own ignorance of technology and magic. Had he imagined the shape? Did such ships exist? Or might it be some sea creature? How fast to whales travel? Might the elves be using whales to carry them close to the ship to attempt to damage it or attack someone on board.

If Espionage Training would not provide insight into any of these questions, then ignore the +4 and call it an general intelligence check.
Espionage Training/Int/Lvl: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 4 + 1 = 24

Whatever he saw, he felt he should tell someone other than Masarde. Before he left the man to ponder submersible craft, he interrupted him long enough to say, "If I may be so bold as to give you advice, you'll think more clearly if you don't have anything more to drink for a while. Don't embarrass the king by getting drunk, okay. I'm going to tell someone about this thing. Maybe it's not a craft, but a creature, but someone ought to be on the lookout for it. Thank you for your help."

Shane returned to the control tower entrance and pointed out his RHC badge to the sentry. "I'm an RHC agent stationed on board to be on the lookout for anything suspicious. I saw something in the water off the starboard side of the ship a minute ago. Take me to an officer or bring an officer to me. This is urgent!" Shane tried to sound like an officer in charge rather than the fish out of water that he felt himself to be in this strange event.

This is a kind of diplomacy check to motivate the sentry to take him seriously.
Streetwise/Wis/Lvl: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (15) + 3 + 1 = 19


Shane, Main Deck

Shane Sangster wrote:
Shane cursed his own ignorance of technology and magic. Had he imagined the shape? Did such ships exist? Or might it be some sea creature? How fast to whales travel? Might the elves be using whales to carry them close to the ship to attempt to damage it or attack someone on board.

Shane didn't really know enough about animals to know how fast a whale could swim, and he'd never heard anything about anyone using submersible ships. He guessed that elves might be able to charm animals into working with them, but his magical training was minimal and he couldn't think of a way to keep from drowning while riding one- it seemed an impractical way to introduce an assault squad, without some ability to breathe underwater.

Shane Sangster wrote:


Whatever he saw, he felt he should tell someone other than Masarde. Before he left the man to ponder submersible craft, he interrupted him long enough to say, "If I may be so bold as to give you advice, you'll think more clearly if you don't have anything more to drink for a while. Don't embarrass the king by getting drunk, okay. I'm going to tell someone about this thing. Maybe it's not a craft, but a creature, but someone ought to be on the lookout for it. Thank you for your help."

Masarde frowned at Shane, broken out of his reverie about submersible ships. "Now look here, young man! I'm the designer and chief engineer of this vessel. I've spent the better part of the last five years creating this ship out of nothing but my ideas and the severely lacking industry you Risuris think is going to catch you up to Danor! If I want to have a little drink on her first cruise, I'm going to have a drink!" Of course, he was more than a little drunk, so his words came out a little less biting and incisive than the engineer might have liked.

Shane Sangster wrote:


Shane returned to the control tower entrance and pointed out his RHC badge to the sentry. "I'm an RHC agent stationed on board to be on the lookout for anything suspicious. I saw something in the water off the starboard side of the ship a minute ago. Take me to an officer or bring an officer to me. This is urgent!" Shane tried to sound like an officer in charge rather than the fish out of water that he felt himself to be in this strange event.

The marine clearly took Shane for an officer of some stripe, because he leaned over and spoke into the end of a brass tube fitted into a protected niche by the door. "Conn, this is the door. There's a, uh, Constable down here who thinks he saw something in the water off the starboard side. He wants to come up."

Shane clearly heard the reply through the tube. "Send him up, corporal."

"Aye aye, sir." The marine nodded at Shane. "I'll have to check you for weapons, sir."


tiefling fighter 2/gunslinger 1, HPs: 28/28 - AC: 17|14|13 - For:+5 | Ref:+6 | Wil:+0 (+1 vs fear) - Init:+4
karlprosek wrote:

Ralf/Aziel, Engine Deck

The man who seemed less upset cleared his throat. "Seaman Rost and Seaman Natick, sir." He looked at Luckshore. "Delk and Teard were reassigned to day watch, sir, remember?

The young machinery mate nodded and looked back at Ralf. "Right. Crew rotation for ordinary seamen, you know. Need to see what people are good at. It's how I became a machinery mate."

Aziel and Ralf were both certain the man- Rost?- was lying.

Patience was not Aziel's strongest suit. If the man was lying about something so simple, chances were there were other things wrong as well.

If not, well... she would have a very interesting conversation with CI Delft.

She drew her gun with one hand, her rapier with the other, all pretense of affability gone. "Monsieur Luckshore, please step outside. Constable Ralf and I have questions for your seamen. You, Rost and Natick. Please sit on the floor, with your hands in sight."

Ready action to shoot anyone who makes a wrong move.

In case: gun: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6 Oh dear... and at point-blank range, no less. Very sad.
dmg: 1d8 ⇒ 3


Male Human Monk (Kata Master) 4 / Rogue (Roof Runner) 2 HP TBD AC 19 T 19 FF 16 F 4 R 10 W 5 Perc 8 Init 3
karlprosek wrote:
Masarde frowned at Shane, broken out of his reverie about submersible ships. "Now look here, young man! I'm the designer and chief engineer of this vessel. I've spent the better part of the last five years creating this ship out of nothing but my ideas and the severely lacking industry you Risuris think is going to catch you up to Danor! If I want to have a little drink on her first cruise, I'm going to have a drink!" Of course, he was more than a little drunk, so his words came out a little less biting and incisive than the engineer might have liked.

Shane did not respond to Masarde's retort. He knew to suggestion was likely to rankle, but he hoped the engineer would recognize the truth of his words and moderate his drinking. He was more concerned about what he saw off the side of the ship.

karlprosek wrote:
"Aye aye, sir." The marine nodded at Shane. "I'll have to check you for weapons, sir."

Shane shrugged and extracted five shurikans hidden in secret pockets of his coat and vest. Next he pulled a knife from his boot. He left his sling hidden under the waistband of his trousers. The bullets for the sling were disguised as buttons on his high-top boots. After handing these over to the marine, Shane raised his arms to allow himself to be frisked if the security protocol required it. His most effective weapons were his hands. He only kept the other weapons for special circumstances.


Male Human Vitalist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 26/26 (0 NL) | TW 7/7 | PP 17/17 | CM: 4/4 | AC 17; T 12; FF 15 | CMD 13 | Fort +5 | Ref +3 | Will +9 | Init +2 | Status: Focused

Wow... okay... O_o

Aziel Charbonneau wrote:
She drew her gun with one hand, her rapier with the other, all pretense of affability gone. "You, Rost and Natick. Please sit on the floor, with your hands in sight."

One eyebrow went up as Aziel took the lead. "And they are calling me short-tempered," he remarked to her as he shifted his hanbo to readiness. He hoped Aziel realized he wouldn't be particularly helpful if it came to fisticuffs... or worse.

"Gentleman, am suggesting you do as lady says. Is very dangerous around her when unhappy."

"Machinery Mate Luckshore," he said over his shoulder, his eyes locked on the two men, "is something wrong here. Constable Charbonneau's request is for your own safety. Please to advise another RHC agent or marine guard, is... 'situation' down here."


Aziel/Ralf, Engine Deck

Aziel Charbonneau wrote:
She drew her gun with one hand, her rapier with the other, all pretense of affability gone. "Monsieur Luckshore, please step outside. Constable Ralf and I have questions for your seamen. You, Rost and Natick. Please sit on the floor, with your hands in sight."

Initiative: Aziel: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9

Initiative: Ralf: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 24
Initiative: Rost: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (9) + 2 = 11
Initiative: Natick: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Rost turned to run for cover behind the engine and Aziel fired, ricocheting her shot off the massive engine. The sound of the shot was loud, even with the chugging of the engine, and Luckshore screamed and ducked.

1d20 ⇒ 17

Instead of running to get help, Luckshore froze like a rabbit who'd just seen a fox.

Ralf is up. Map is updated; please use letter/number designations for movement. Link is here and linked on the main campaign tab. Ignore what look like walls separating the gold and silver parts of the engine. Travel is possible from one side of the engine to the other in columns 1-5.

To be clear, no other PCs know what is going on in the Engine Room right now.


Shane, Main Deck

Shane Sangster wrote:


Shane shrugged and extracted five shurikans hidden in secret pockets of his coat and vest. Next he pulled a knife from his boot. He left his sling hidden under the waistband of his trousers. The bullets for the sling were disguised as buttons on his high-top boots. After handing these over to the marine, Shane raised his arms to allow himself to be frisked if the security protocol required it. His most effective weapons were his hands. He only kept the other weapons for special circumstances.

The marine grunted appreciatively at the knife and throwing stars, then patted Shane down quickly, not finding the sling or noticing the sling bullets.

1d20 ⇒ 14

Once the search was completed, the marine stepped aside to open the door. There was a passageway that had a couple of closed doors leading off it and a steep ladder up. "Conn is up, sir." The marine prudently kept watching Shane until the constable climbed the ladder, then closed the door and went back to his sentry once Shane was halfway into the command center.

Shane emerged into a wheelhouse enclosed in glass, giving a commanding view of the dark ocean. There was a wheel, a map table, three sets of oversized binoculars on head-high posts, and a tall, wide compass bowl with numbers all around the ring, all of which he recognized, and a tall stand with a lever, which he didn't.

The lights up here were tinted a dim red, giving everything a sinister cast.

1d20 ⇒ 10

A middle-aged man with a salt-and-pepper beard looked critically at Shane. Three other crewmen stayed concentrated on their work of navigating the ship.

"Yes, constable?"


Jaelynn Vance-Saerpheni wrote:


"As soon as a relief gets here, yes," Jaelynn agreed with Anthony's suggestion of searching the deck together.

Eventually a young midshipman knocked and entered the room. He was even younger than Aughtbrook- the boy couldn't have been more than 15. He saluted Jaelynn smartly. "Ma'am? Ensign Aughtbrook said I should report here."


Female High-Elf (Lightbringer) Arcanist 3
Quick Stats:
HP 12/12 | AR 7/9 | AC 11/15*; T 11; FF 10/14* | CMD 12 | Fort +0 | Ref +2 | Will +5 | Init +3 | Perception +8/+11

Jaelynn didn't smile at the kid, but she managed not to let her concern over the potential lack of competency show. She thought.

"Yes, Midshipman...?"

Once she had his name, she continued. "Very well, Midshipman. The Duchess and her handmaiden are in that cabin, there. Watch that door, and make sure no one bothers them. If they go anywhere, or send you to get them anything, come get me, so that I can help you. I will be on this deck, most likely. I will let you know if I leave."

Then she nodded to Anthony, and followed her fellow Constable in searching the gun deck.

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