Kayla you enter your Cabin and you find Bertha is asleep already, snoring softly but loud enough that you know it's going to irritate Hani. Hani is still awake and when you come through the door she whispers,
"About time you showed up, these two hounds won't go to bed without you here. They just keep passing and sniffing at the door. Get them under control and put them to sleep."
Agathon and Cimbrian pad over to you and lick your face and almost knock you over. They make a bit of a ruckus and they whine a bit. Bertha doesn't wake up but she rolls over in her bed.
"Get them to sleep" Hani hisses, She straightens up in a self important fashion "I need to be up early tomorrow to make sure her Ladyship's new dress is ready and waiting. It's special you know made special for the voyage. It's got fur's on, it I think mink, finer furs than you'll ever see. Made special to keep the cold air out. I get to lay it out for her Ladyship" She sniffs.
Used to Hani's fussiness by now, Kayla pays it little head as she pets the dogs and says soothing words to them. Leading them over to the corner of the room she sleeps in, Kayla orders them to lay down and then sits down beside them with her blanket on her lap and very quietly sings a lullaby to them.
After they are asleep, she leans back on one as a pillow and pulls her blanket over her and falls asleep as she thinks about the new people she met today. They all seemed quite nice, especially Lucanus and I think they're all about my age. I hope I run into them often on the ship, it'd be nice to have other people to talk to that don't order me around.
"Hmmm... It'd probably be alright for him to have an 'occasional' apple." He nods his thanks to Matei. "Well, not everyone working for nobility is full of themselves. Sometimes, the nobles themselves aren't, but..." He sighs, "That's a bit more of a rarity."
Nemius grins as he manages to locate an apple. "Ahhh... there we go." He retrieves a knife from drawer and starts to cut the apple into several slices. "I can't say I disagree with you." He looks to Atlas for a moment. "Although, I won't be voicing that loudly, mind you. Honestly though, I've found more meaning in the words of other deities, ones often considered foes to the Archfiend, although they're still worshiped in grand old Cheliax." He stops cutting for a moment and pushes a couple of slices of apple towards the two others. "Do you want any? Thunder can be greedy at times, but I figure he'll not mind if I don't make a point of letting him know." He grins and pops a slice of apple in his mouth before going back to slicing the remaining portion of the apple.
Thank you. Fresh fruit is going to be a rarity on board, that's for sure. He takes a piece of apple and starts to eat.
They've got me working with the slaves rowing the ship. Pharasma hasn't granted me any spells that will help much with morale or fatigue, but I can conjure water for them to drink and purify their food, that's something. What duties do you have as a squire, besides sneaking apples to Thunder? Is he yours or Ser Cortain's?
"Maintaining armor and weapons, most specifically Ser Cortain's, running messages and errands, and various such other tasks. We've been drilling some, but there's been no time for sparring matches. It's been frustrating. How am I to improve my skill at arms if I cannot fight?" He sighs.
"I also take care of the horses. Thunder, Frenzy, Pantheon, and three others, but yes, Thunder is mine." He smiles for a moment, "I've helped raise him since he was a foal, so he's kind of like a little brother to me. He's pretty easy to recognize, too. Look for a dark bay destrier that thinks he's the best. He'll be looking for food too. I keep trying to tell him that eating more will just make him fat." He sighs and shakes his head. "He's such a demanding horse." He smiles slightly.
"Thank you," Matei immediately eats the apple, "Personally I don't care about gods that much. My family are all non-believers and to me Brigh is more a mentor and teacher than an object of worship." Matei starts rummaging around where the squire found the apple. If there were more it wouldn't hurt to pocket some for later consumption.
When the squire speaks he turns around, "At least you have something to do. I'm probably bound to just sit on my behind all day and then work it off when we reach shore. I'm bound to be bored." If only he had some of the old workshop with him, he could make something. The clockwork rabbit he had been working on just before he was sent away had been a failure but with what he had learned from it he could make a working one now, if all his supplies and his tools weren't back in Dustpawn.
Lucanus nods as Master Krase speaks about justice, as they walk he comments "Justice is in my blood, otherwise I would have wandered off when my parents died." He places a hand on his bastard sword, remembering his mother.
After helping the Master with his preparations for bed, Lucanus heads over to his bunk for the night and removes his sword belt and his over clothes. He washes up for the night and gets into his bunk.
Quite an eventfully night and I'm prepared for the backlash from those men at arms. I will lay down my life to protect a lady such as Kayla, and I may need to keep an eye on her in the future...
A small smile forms on his lips as he drifts off to sleep
THE FIRST WEEK AT SEA
Over the next month the ships sail directly west then north to Varisia.
The first place the ships stop is in Corentyn, after a week of slow but steady sailing, on the small peninsula in the south western most point of Cheliax where the Arch of Aroden begins it's epic journey over the mouth of the inner sea, beginning on the continent of Avistan and and stretching to the continent of Garundi.
Now no longer in use, the bridge its self simply stands as a monolith. It's bright white gleaming stone stretching so high through the air one would first mistake it for a rainbow if it wasn't for it's stark white colour which has lasted for thousands of years and the fact that the middle has begun to collapse and crumble and has left a gaping maw in the structure.
Many ships give the middle of the straight a wide berth for fear of giant stones crashing down into the sea below.
The waters here are full of ships from all nations coming and going. Many heading north to Varisia to trade while many head south to the Mawangi expanse braving the pirates of the shackles to try and make their fortune in gold and jems. Some ships travel even south further around the entire continent of Garundi to lands so unfamiliar to most where spices and textiles come from and the strange Vudrani call home.
the arch means many things to most people. To the Chelish it means several things as well, to some it is a reminder of Chelish power, to others it is a reminder that for too long the Chelaxian Empire has fallen into decay, to others it is simply a marvel.
APPROACHING THE ARCH
You each see the Arch and it means something different to each of you I'm sure.
The Braxus sails in the centre of the armada as it approaches Corentyn.
Ships of all nations begin to scatter and flee at the sight of the magnificent armada, unsure of it's intent and unwilling to wait and see. The Armada descends on the port blockading it.
The faster frigates take to the more open water to check vessels and confiscate some supplies.
Soon enough the Braxus makes it's way through the blockade into the port. A small sailing ship with one mast comes slowly and timidly out to meet the giant war galley flying the colours of Paracount Umber, the current lord of Corentyn and the guardian of the Arch.
The ship comes about and prepares to come along the starboard side so a small delegation, visible from the deck above, can climb aboard.
Lucanus and Nemius, you stand with your masters on the deck, armed and ready for the ceremonial greeting. Kayla you stand behind Lady Thrune and her household minding the dogs, while Hani waits attentively behind her with wine ready to be poured for the guests.
The 3rd Regiment of Arquebusiers are deployed in the rigging and some on the deck in parade fashion, muskets on shoulders. Sergeant Lark has snuck Matei on deck with some of the other support staff at the front of the ship to stand with his unit, well away from the Lords and ladies.
Atlas is standing behind the Delegation of the clergy of Asmodeous.
All the generals, the lords and the commanders are standing in their finest clothing with their finest arms and parade armour.
The military band begins to play on the sterncastle as the ropes are lowered to allow the delegation to climb aboard.
Lark, standing next to Matei seems to notice something. He tilts his head and stares out into the bay, he starts to nudge some of the other men around him and a quiet whisper goes through the men.
The officer at the front of the column says under his breath, "keep it down you lot, no talking in the ranks."
You notice that a ship has unfurled it's sails in the harbour and has set sail with full sails behind it and oars out pushing it at full speed away from the dock.
It's not a large ship when compared to the war galley but it does appear to have three masts and has the look of a merchant galley.
You also notice that on the dock several men are fighting hand to hand, and one man appears to have been stabbed and he falls into the water, but it's so far from the ship that you are uncertain.
Alarmingly you notice that the ship coming out of the harbour seems to be coming about and heading straight for the Braxus, full speed and you notice that two bow chaser gun ports have been opened and it appears as though there is a gunnery crew readying the guns.
During the week, Atlas will tend to the slaves' rations, refilling their canteens with his Create Water spell and purifying their likely spoiled rations with Purify Food and Drink. If any slaves get sick, he will use Diagnose Disease on them and treat them accordingly. I will take 10 (for a result of 19) on any Heal checks, unless through the diagnosis I realize that won't be enough.
In his own downtime he will say his prayers someplace relatively secret, polish his axe and doctor's mask, and spend any time he can with any of the other youths he's met.
Atlas, your work goes well, you treat many of the slaves for exhaustion and dehydration and you are able to treat anything that is serious without problem.
Do to your hard work Tursk seems to just leave you alone and that means you only have to talk to Styrian once or twice the entire week.
He does however find you and tell you to get up on deck when the ceremony is to commence but other than that it seems he cares little about where you are or what you do, so long as it doesn't result in him having to do something about it. He prefers to spend his time with the Cardinal and the other Diabolists. He clearly finds you distasteful.
During the past week, Kayla would have made sure to take good care of her mistress's dogs and dutifully attend to any other task assigned to her. The sight of the halfling leading about two dogs that were as tall as she was for walks around the deck was a source of amusement for some of the crew.
In any free time she had, Kayla would explore as much of the ship as she was allowed to, hoping to once again meet up with the other youths that she met in the galley (especially the tall one that escorted her to her cabin). Also she would try to go and visit the horses if possible, not being at all afraid of the large animals.
Kayla observes nothing unusual, most likely because the dogs block her view of anything and she is too intent on making sure they behave.
Lucanus would have gone about his usual chores, assisting the master, clean the horses, making sure the armor is clean with sand bathes. He'd also taken to wearing his black scale mail everywhere he went. He got unusual looks from other servants and men at arms, but he didn't care, Justice needed to be armored.
He would go about looking for the youngsters that he met on the first day, especially the Halfling maiden. He was not sure exactly what it was that she meant to him, but he had an overwhelming desire to make sure she was safe.
Having spent most of the morning making sure the other Hellknights had their armor's properly polished, Lucanus had barely enough time to have his cleans as well. Even though the black scales were rather radiant, he could still see a bit of sand flacks on his gauntlets.
Next time, I wake up earlier. Burn me for staying up late with the others...
Lucanus looks over to the docks and becomes slightly confused. He leans closer to Master Krase and whispers, as much as he can over the fanfare. "Master, there's a boat in dock leaving over there." He briefly indicates with his head. "Riding full sails out of dock is rather foolish and hasty. Could we be causing the fear?"
As expected, the week was pretty boring. Matei would clean the stables on occasion, help out cleaning in the kitchen, wash dishes, all those sort of chores but only when the staff was coming up short for some reason. Most of the days though he'd just sit around and polish his chakrams so they reflected light like mirrors. One day a noble passed by and demanded he'd shine his shoes when he saw him polishing the blades. Matei messed it up on purpose, which got him a slap but also assured him that neither this guy nor any other noble would be coming back for more shoe shining.
The only good times were when Lark would come pick him up. He'd sit with them for dinner, which meant he'd get something other than old bread and stale beer, and talk. On the second day Lark invited him to come over to their quarters. Once there they taught Matei how to play cards and they'd repeat that several times that week. The soldiers' enthusiasm began to wane when Matei starting beating them. Then they switched to dice since it wouldn't be able for him to outsmart them there.
Unable to see anything between all the armed men Matei prods Lark and whispers, "What's going on?"
Nemius spends his time during the week following orders and doing chores as requested and expected. He asks, some what frequently, but trying to be mindful of not annoying the others, about the possibility of sparring more often. He's eager to improve his skill with weapons and it shows.
He'll keep an eye out for the other youths that he met, albeit briefly, in the kitchen that night. He seems to take particular pride in tending to the horses and even talks to them, especially with Thunder.
Nemius will approach Ser Barton and ask if the knight can give him a few pointers about shooting a pistol, remarking that he's not the best shot.
Nemius stood at attention, behind Ser Cortain, trying his best to look fearless. He had mentally run through the preparations earlier this morning, checking that he had cleaned and polished all of his gear to the highest of standards. He could feel the tension in his legs and the unsettled churning of his gut. It almost felt like his knees were going to start knocking together and he imagined the sound they would make when they did. That only made the churning worse. He wished sorely for a visor so that he could hide that grimace that he was sure was on his face. Despite all of this, he managed to keep his face set and stern and his body straight and proper. He hated his reactions to formal events like this, since the intricacies of the interaction amused and intrigued him.
He spots the ship leaving port and raises an eyebrow. He leans near to Ser Cortain and whispers, "Ser, there seems to be a boat leaving port. This is unusual and against protocol, correct?"
Kayla the horses take well to you and you have them eating out of your hands in no time. You do meet Pantheon a black destrier, Nemius introduces you to him, He's by far the most ill tempered of the horses but he still seems to like you more than she does most people.
Kayla and Lucanus both run into each other several times and even have some time one evening to go for a walk while Kayla walks the dog. Lucanus you do not notice any potential threats to her.
Each of you see each other throughout the voyage and have time to talk casually and become somewhat acquainted.
Matei, Lark introduces you to Sern, Higgs, Bannon and "Grease," due to his greased back slick hair and slick moustache. All four of them are crack shots and good scouts.
You manage to win several hands of cards against them in the beginning once you get the hang of the game. you are even up by 7 gold, a full weeks wage for a porter, not as much as being a blacksmith pays of course but its something.
During the final round of cards for the evening...
Nemius, Ser Cotain promises that once the fleet is beyond the Arch and into the open see they will have some time for sparring and training.
Ser Barton is more than willing to teach you the basics of cleaning, loading and arming a pistol. He tells you that there is no point learning to shot if you can't load it properly because your liable to blow your own hand off. You aren't nearly as quick at loading compared to Barton but he's satisfied enough with your ability's to let you take a few shots. He wants you to take 7 shots at targets he sets out on the deck one afternoon. 3 shots at 20 feet, 2 at 40 feet and 1 at 60 feet.
Kayla and Lucanus both run into each other several times and even have some time one evening to go for a walk while Kayla walks the dog.
Each time Kayla manages to run into Lucanus, she always manages a smile and wave for him even if she isn't able to talk to him.
Kayla's more than happy to have his company when she's walking the dogs and in her usual rapid speech, peppers him with questions. "It's really nice to have someone to walk with that can actually talk back. The dogs are really friendly despite their size, but aren't much for conversation." After a little laugh at her own joke, Kayla continues: "So are you excited to see the new land? Have you ever been outside of Cheliax before? Are you really going to be a HellKnight? I've never had a HellKnight for a friend before. Which of the horses belongs belongs to you? I visited down there the other day and they were all really nice. Well, mostly nice. There was that one black mare that seemed a bit ill-tempered, but I didn't think she was anywhere near as bad as I was told."
Kayla the horses take well to you and you have them eating out of your hands in no time. You do meet Pantheon a black destrier, Nemius introduces you to him, He's by far the most ill tempered of the horses but he still seems to like you more than she does most people.
"Thank you so much for taking the time to show me the horses Nemius. They are all just so pretty and so big. I've never ridden on a horse before. Mostly I just walk wherever I gotta go to, though I did get to ride in the back of a wagon on the way over to the ship. I'd offer to help you brush them, but the only parts of them I can reach are their legs. What do you think you'll be doing once we get to Varisia?"
On the deck of the Braxus a low murmur from the men at arms at the bow has gotten some of the generals attention at the stern. Most of the nobles and generals however seem more concerned with the pomp and ceremony than any potential danger.
The marksmen in the crows nest seem to be readying their guns in preparation for something but they don't seem to know what. Their officers seem to be more concerned with decorum at this important meeting than old soldiers and their intuition.
The band plays loudly as the herald for Paracount Umber begins to announce his impending arrival. And the crowd seems completely unaware of any activity around them
----------
Matei
Ignoring the officer trying to quell the ranks, Lark nods to Bannon who quickly beings to climb the rigging and then turns to Matei and says, as he points to the incoming vessel, "Sure to be some ships who make a break for the open water at the sight of the fleet, but none stupid enough to head straight towards it. That ship's not ours and I'm guessing their intentions aren't good. Listen, form up with the men, between Higgs and grease and take this musket, it's loaded and ready to fire, if it comes to it fire on my command in the same direction as Higgs and grease do, you get me?"
----------
Lucanus, Nemius and Kayla
Krase, who has been watching the generals and the nobles intently turns his head only slightly to hear Lucanus speak.
His eyes quickly turn to the open vessel and he squints for a second before turning swiftly towards Lucanus and the other two Hellknights behind him.
"Ready yourselves but wait to draw your weapons, they will be of no use until they close with us and board but but only a mad men would board the us..." He turns to Lady Thrune and the captain of the Ship standing near the Paracountess, Captain Grachus.
Ser Cortain has come to the same conclusion, that there is danger, after being alerted by Nemius, he speaks before Krase can M'Lady, please go below to the port side. There is a ship coming and I believe they mean violence of some kind.
Lady Thrune looks aghast, "I will not, this is an important meeting and I will not have it interrupted by...
CRACK!
She stops mid sentence and ducks slightly before standing tall again.
Bannon in rigging has taken a shot at the other ship and is yelling out.
"Enemy vessel to Starboard, gun ports open!"
The few ladies, some of the lords and even some of the officers begin to scramble and run in the midst of all the chaos that follows. some of them look confused many of them look fearful, some scream at the gun shot while one of lady Thrune's younger maids begins to cry.
Some of the band members continue to play while others stop mid note.
Lady Thrunes hunting Dogs begin to bark and it's all Kayla can do to avoid being knocked over, Lady Thrune stands stunned for a moment, the captain is even more stunned and seems completely unprepared to act.
It is utter mayhem on the deck.
Cortain steps up and yells below decks, "Gunnery crews target that vessel, starboard side. Black Hearts to Arms. Arquebusiers ready for action. All hands prepare for combat."
Esmara moves up to her ladyships side, tugs at her arm and speak into her ear.
Lady Thrune can be heard saying "I will not cower below decks, Captain have you're ship ready to fire.
"But m'lady, Paracount Umber, his vessel is docked on that side! if we fire they'll rip through his ship as well!" The captain says in a shocked voice.
The enemy ships intentions appear clearer, it appears to be on a ramming course for the Braxus, full sail with oars pushing it through the water at top speed. Cannons ready and waiting to fire at close range.
The two guns appear aimed directly at the stern castle where the lords and ladies have been waiting and the paracountess is standing.
"Fire Captain, that's an order." She yells.
"Lucanus with me, Cortain you protect Lady Thrune." Krase says as he and the other two Hellknights lower their visors.
Cortain is pleading with Lady Thrune, "M'lady..
BOOM..time seems to stop...
"Ummm... That was terrible, I'll try again."
"Much better!"
"That was a good one, right?"
"Woo hoo!" He bounces up and down a bit before regaining his composure and coughing slightly, and obviously fakely, out of embarrassment.
Nemius whistles, quite proud of that shot.
"Wait. Where did that one even go?"
Nemius hands her a brush and smiles slightly. "It'd probably be easier for you to reach there than me anyways. I'm sure you'll get a chance to ride one, though, but if not, let me know and I'll let you ride Thunder. He's a bit of a priss, but he should mind that much." He stops to think for a moment. "I'm not sure, but I imagine there'll be much fighting... and dying. I'm excited by the prospect, but also very afraid. I worry about screwing up, but more than that, letting someone else die." He goes quiet for a bit.
That evening resulted in a very fun game, but it was tedious. Matei had only better 3 G and 5 S, not wanting to loss too much of his money.
"Yes sir. I have never fired one before though, I tend to rely on my blades." He had held guns several times over the last week but that had been more out of curiosity and to figure out if he'd be capable of making one. His conclusion so far was that he could probably make the barrel for a new gun but the rest would take more time to figure out.
Then something exploded and the world shifted.
Nowing that there is potential danger with you firing the pistol there is nodoy standing anywhere near the targets.
Your first shot misses the target by a few feet and sails out into the water.
Your next two shots are good enough to hit the taret so the target is moved back to forty feet. Now you seem to have the hang of it and even get a bullseye.
Felling pretty good by know the target is moved back to 60 feet, you aim, CRACK!
The shot goes very wide and takes a chunk of ornate gold painted wood off the trim of the ship.
"Ah! that should be good for today I think." Barton says as he takes the pistol from you. "Good work, you should be able to fire one in battle and get your target most of the time, if they are standing still. We'll have to have you fire from horse back when we are on land again."
On the aft section of the deck The world erupts in smoke, shrapnel and large splinters of wood, some the size of a fist.
Nemius and Atlas, in that quick second between the sound of thunder from the two guns and the impact of the hundreds tiny rounds of shrapnel shot,you where able to get your heads down and hit the deck and most of the deadly ammunition and debris sailed over you. Atlas you get a small splinter in your hand that shields your face but are not significantly injured. Nemius, your armour takes the brunt of what little does manage to impact you.
Kayla, nearly unaware of what is going on, being sandwiched between the two huge dogs you are completely caught by surprise and knocked to the floor, your skin pierced by splinters. Cimbrian it seems has fallen on top of you from the blast and he isn't moving.
You take damage from the wood shrapnel.
Lucanus, you are unable to get out of the way fast enough, you are very nearly caught in the middle of the blast and you are knocked backwards several feet. The air is knocked from your chest as you collapse to the ground. Your armour took some of the brunt but not all of it.
You take damage from the wood shrapnel and cannon shot.
Matei from your vantage point you can see that the enemy ship has been closing fast, very fast and as soon as it got within range it fired both cannons which shredded the aft deck. Blood, smoke and debris is everywhere at that end of the ship.
Despite delivering the deadly shots the enemy ship doesn't appear to be slowing its head long charge.
"Fire, fire, fire!! You can all hear Captain Grachus yelling. BOOM, BA BOOM, BOOM...BOOM BOOM The Braxus rocks as it returns fire, Cannon balls surely shredding through the small sailing ship docked on it's starboard and on into the approaching enemy vessel.
"Looks like your blades may come in handy after all...Men to me, form a firing line!! Lark yells as his men prepare a line along the deck ready to send a small arms volley into the enemy.
The Braxus rocks again as the enemy vessel plows through Paracount Umbers tiny ship and on into the Braxus. Most people in the aft section are knocked from their feet as the ship is rammed hard.
In mere seconds men yelling war cries can be seen through the haze and the smoke clambering up and out of the enemy ship, and leaping to the braxus with swords and axes and and pole arms.
"FIRE! Lark yells.
Kayla cries out in pain as she's showered with splinters. Looking about, she tries to figure out what's going on as she wiggles out from under Cimbrian.
Lucanus gets up from being knocked on his feet and clears away some of the debris from his armour. He see's Kayla struggling to get up and comes over and assists her by moving the rather large dog. He is slightly sad to see that the dog is quite possibly dead. Lucanus draws his sword and shield. "Stay behind me, we will get through this together!" He rallies back to Master Krase, making sure Kayla will stay safe behind him.
"Master Krase, what are your orders?"
Lucanus also takes a quick look around for any immediate danger.
Nemius stands up from where he hit the deck, his ears ringing from the cacophony of sound. As the battle rages, he pauses for a moment, breathing slightly in and out. Calm, remain calm. Fear is death. He grabs up his polearm and looks around for Ser Cortain and Lady Thrune.
Atlas sees Kayla running toward Lucanus, and heads that way as well , and seeing that they are injured, he will channel positive energy , healing everyone within 30 feet of me for 2 damage.
Atlas as you run you manage to send a wave of healing energy into the crowd. Some of the nobles who are scrambling look relieved to see some of their minor wounds seal shut, others are beyond your help.
Kayla you huddle in behind Lucanus as he strides across the deck and you notice a great deal even through the smoke. You see the captain bloodied but standing trying desperately to get a handle on the situation, you see several of the generals hastily trying to don their helms.
Many of the minor functionaries are walking around in a shocked daze some are injured and wounded others are lying on the ground with limps shattered and lost. few members of the band are left standing, some are moving but many must be dead. Their instruments nothing but twisted metal and shattered wood.
You look back but are unable to see Lady Thrune. Agathon nudges and Cimbrian and whimpers, the other dog lays still on the deck.
Through the smoke you notice Hani who had been standing near Lady Thrune on the deck. You notice that where her left arm had been there appears to be just blood and shattered bone and her right hand is bloody and mangled. She stands shocked and screaming, eyes wide in disbelief and terror, the bottle of wine she had been carried shattered and gone just like her limb.
Lucanus you find Krase in the smoke but are unable to see much more, he is ready with weapon drawn Jaran and Davian at his side.
He yells to you over the roar of the Braxus' return volley.
"Good Lucanus you are alive. Fall in we must give the nobles time to get below decks and the troops time to rally. Take courage, stick next to me and watch each other's flanks." Krase says.
He pauses for a moment looking at the halfling and the dwarf following you but says nothing before he lowers his visor on his horned helm. You notice he has a large piece of shrapnel embedded in his armour but he seems not to notice.
The earth shakes and quacks and wood splinters and breaks as the enemy ship rams and the Braxus and the enemy begins to spill up out of the vessel. Leaping from their deck to yours crying "For Varisia, Death to the Diabolists!"
The three Hellknights and their aspirant are the first line of defence and ready themselves for the charge. As the first wave of attackers land on the deck they are dropped by the volley from The Arquebusiers at the front of the ship. The second wave lands, ignoring their fallen comrades and rush headlong at the four imposing warriors and the halfling and dwarf behind them.
The enemy warriors, all in an assortment of clothes and armour, with various weapons come charging towards you.
Nemius you see Ser Cortain getting up off of Lady Thrune and her maid Esmara. He appears to have shielded them from the blast with his armour, which looks battered and scathed but he seems un-injured. there is blood on it but it appears to have come from someone else, one of the unlucky band memvers above or one of the nobles scatterd across the deck.
Cortain turns to you. "Nemius, take the ladies below, let nothing happen to them, guard them with your life!"
Broaching no further argument from Lady Thrune he pushes her towards the stairs on the port side of the ship away from the attackers.
You here him yelling "Black Hearts to me, rally, we can't let these damned Hellknights have all the fun." The black hearts pull their swords and pistols and run across the open deck towards the Hellknights who are just now engaging the enemy in hand to hand combat.
Lockerbee whoops and cheers as he draws a pistol and fires it CRACK! dropping an attacking fanatic in the first wave, He drops the pistol as he runs and pulls a second one CRACK! a second Fanatic leaping through the air is shot mid flight and crumbles to the deck. "Common Faulk! I'll have this thing finished before you get here." The Black Hearts, fifteen in total crash into the enemy in a hail of close ranged bullets and swinging longswords.
Lady Thrune is ushered to the Stairs and the beautiful maid Esmara catches Nemius attention. "Common, she hisses, protect the Countess!" She jerks her head indicating you should follow before she follows the countess below.
Kayla yells at Agathon to come to her as she followed Lucanus. Then she casts Grease under the enemy that is rushing them.
"No need to tell me twice." Matei was happy he had decided to wear his gauntlet already, he figured it would make him look more official but now it was actually useful.
He stepped in line with the arquebusiers, but while they shot their guns he flung a chakram at their enemies.
Lucanus moves into formation with the rest of the Hellknights. He braces up with his shield and hits the first enemy to come near him.
Atlas will draw his dagger but knowing he is not especially accurate or deadly with it, he will ready to Feint the first enemy that comes into range.
Nemius follows behind the countess and her maid, keeping an eye out for any that might break through the defenses and chase them. He keeps his halberd ready and light in his hands, prepared to attack should assailants show themselves.
Kayla casts her spell and a dark slick cover coats the surface as the enemy charge. Two fanatical attackers are caught in it.
Attacker (a) vs Lucanus, Falls
Attacker vs Krase, Falls
Just as the attackers get within range they begin to slip and fall but not before Lucanus nearly hacks the arm off one of them. The man falls to the ground, still alive but severally wounded, his charge stopped dead in its path. Master Krase runs his own attacker through with his blade while simply grabbing his other attackers arm with his free hand and head butting him with his steal helm.
Two more enemies (b+c) have landed on the deck and are running towards the three of you, the first (b) runs straight at Lucanus but has to slow down to make it through the slick, but he falls flat on the ground a few feet from him, the second (c) runs past it on the side towards Atlas and Kayla.
Atlas feints left and then goes right completely fooling his assailant.
Your Chakram spins through the air, a huge distance, clipping an attacker in the shoulder causing a wide gash, just then the Black Hearts come rushing up to the enemies in the distance and attack them in a massive charge. The man you hit is gunned down by a Chelish Knight while he still recovers from your blow.
Lark and his men prepare their weapons for another volley. Grease says "huh, that's what those things are for?" Before going back to loading his gun.
You follow the Lady and her maid into the ship and they let you pass in front. "Perhaps the armoury in very aft section would be safest." Esmara says as she points down the stairs into cargo hold which has all the horses stables. The two woman let you pass on ahead.
The horses are restless, sensing the battle up top but unable to get out of their stalls.
As you make your way into the hold you realize quickly that the ship that rammed you has also torn through this deck as well and some of the enemy soldiers have come through a small breach in their ship into your's. you are stuck between the stalls the armoury wall in a make shift hallway. The door to the armoury is just a 20 ft. ahead on your left, but standing in your way are two Fanatical attackers, weapons drawn and looking for a fight.
They turn and see you just as you see them.
Nemius Init
Attackers Init
With a shout, Nemius charges the invaders, driving his halberd forward.
"For Cheliax! For the Black Hearts!"
He sends a feint down towards the man's foot, quickly retracting the weapon and plunging the spear point towards the man's abdomen.
Atlas thrusts his dagger at his would-be assailant.