Orion needs nothing more from this place. He'll get on the boat.
I'm good. I don't have any money, so not much shopping.
Nisk, eager to get to the tournament, tended to his wounds and trained for strength and agility by carrying rocks along the cliffs the whole day, annoyed at missing all the fun the day before in the city. He boards the boat when time comes with a smile.
The day passing easily without any further want for diversion the night soon comes again and Gond returns to the caravan just as the sun dips below the dunes. He is stony faced and does not tarry to speak to anyone, instead retiring to his wagon. If any of the masters ken his mind, they do not speak it - especially not to aspirants such as yourselves.
Upon the day for sailing you are escorted through the city on a direct path in convoy. A few of the initiates remain with the wagons to return to the monastery while the rest of you move forward. The ship that you come to is a sturdy trade-ship in Taldan style. Despite the speed and magic involved with your Southern passage in the wagons, it seems entirely mundane. Most of the group tends to supplies, but Mtumbo beckons you to board immediately.
Atop the gangplank you are greeted by a jovial halfling stripped to the waist and deeply tanned. He carries a leather logbook open halfway through as he gives a nod then requests "Names if you please?"
To the halfling: Frakdar
Frakdar looks at the boat with disdain. Dwarves were not meant to be on the ocean.
Checking the list "Aye ye're here - bunk down below and foredecks." before looking to the others.
"Nisk, Son-of-None. And a very fine vessel you have here. What year was she built?" Nisk steps onto the boat with joy. He had ridden in boats on occasion with friends, and once in a while as a stowaway, but never as an honored guest.
Again after briefly checking the manifest "Aye, same as your talkative friend. The Merry Widow has been afloat for a few good years now... though most of the timber ain't original. Had a sketchy run in one trip through the Shackles." ushering Nisk aboard.
Never having spent any times around ships, Javi is as wide-eyed as you've seen him yet, nearly missing his chance to give his name. "Oh... Javi. So how long is out trip again
"Cassadar and Javi... yep gotcha. Below and fore, other side from your friends. Trip should take a couple of weeks, so if you're not used to the sea you will be by the time we get there." he then looks expectantly at the final two members of your party....
"Of course you know who I am....." Torgus says with a big smile that starts to fade as the halfling looks a little clueless to the name.
"Well you might not be one to go to the fights BUT I AM THE MASTER OF THE ORKEN SHEILD, THE CHAMPION OF BALLENWOOD, I AM TORGUS "THE BRAWLING BEAR" VOSS! I KNOW ITS A GREAT HONOR FOR YOU TO MEET ME." Torgus shouts and ends with a large smile on his face.
Nisk shakes his head lightly with a chuckle. "He's never letting the orken shield thing go is he?" He whispered to his new friends.
Shrugging his shoulders at Torgus he checks the manifest "Hold on now, your name's here - but the Cap'n wants to see you sharpish. Head up to his quarters at the stern... best shake a leg, he's not patient..."
Shouldering his small pack and heading to his assigned bunk with Cassadar, Javi can't help but toss a comment back at Torgus. "Another of your 'fans', Torgus?" His voice drops to a roaring imitation of Torgus's, "THE BRAWLING BEAR OF BALLENWOOD! BRAAAAAAR!"
"I am Gorak the beast." the tattoo'd half orc says simply.
Checking the final name "Right, same place as the others and that's all of you - best get your gear stowed." and he makes down the gangplank to talk to Gond and the others leaving you alone on deck. Around you there are a smattering of halfling and gnomish sailors making the ship ready.
"AAAHHH THE CAPTAIN'S A FAN! NOT SUPRISING SEEING THAT I AM THE CHAMPION OF BALLENWOOD! BWUAHAHHA" He laughs even harder hearing Javi's impression of him. He slaps the young theif on the back, "WELL MAKE A YOU A PROPER PIT FIGHER YET, BWAHAHAH!"
Torgus makes his way to the captain's chambers and knocks on the human sized door. It is solid and there are not any windows to show what lies within, though there is a peephole for looking from within to without. After a few moments you hear a shuffling within that then stops, and there is a few moments pause.
The door is then violently thrown open to slam against the wall and a big burly man sized form bursts out. A booming voice issues from his mouth as he grasps Torgus in a massive bear hug and starts squeezing the breath out of your lungs.
Gorak has never experienced the sea. He plans to help out however he can, but he also want's to spend some time as a dolphin and an albatross as time permits.
After storing his gear, Frakdar goes back up on the deck and talks with some of the gnomes and halflings. Frakdar asks about the safety of the ship and frequently looks at the ropes. While he knows that he would have no trouble climbing in the mainsails, he will offer to help with the work on deck to keep in shape.
Frakdar will also train on the deck when there is time.
As the consummate student, Javi is fascinated in the workings of the ship and its mini mariners. In the beginning he does a lot of watching, but is eager to learn how they can safely move about the rigging, tie such effective knots, as well as the one million other useful things these diminutive deckhands have mastered in their profession. He also looks for opportunities to pick up fighting tips from his teammates as well as these stunted ship-men.
He also goes out of his way to let the captain tell all his wild stories of his days as champion of Ballenwood. Jumping in when he can to talk Torgar up (not that the Brawling Bear needs anyone else to boast for him).
Shortly after you find your bunks below the remainder of the group board the good ship and she gets underway. Captain Morthar does not seem to do much of the sailing, instead spending time berating Torgus with stories of how back in his day the pits were much tougher and how easy the pit champions of today had it. The bos'un and his crew of diminiutive sailors busy themselves with issues of sail and wave - and you are soon pulling out of the harbour.
Fair weather and a steady wind for the first few days mean that progress is reasonably swift and untroubled. Master Gond is ensconced within the guest quarters and is not seen on deck much at all, apart from watching the rise and set of the sun each day. The rest of the Masters and the initiates join you in the sweaty and damp dank of the ship's hold. You find the crew of the ship quite amicable, and those inclined discover that they have a fair store of Vudran Fire-water that they get a two-finger ration of each day.
Training continues for the Initiates and Masters both, with creativity reducing the confines of the ship. The ropes, masts and different ship decks make for a reasonable obstacle course; and the ready availability of cannon balls and rope serve for weight training. Morthar often watches the proceedings with a somewhat wistful look in his eye - though does not join in.
It is morning on the fifth day out when the wind is suddenly becalmed and sails drop limp in their ropes. The ship is gradually slowing and you can see no current in the sea.
Torgus tries to struggle againist the retired champion and soon gives up trying, "I see.....you still....are.. as strong.. as...ever. BWA..HAHA." Torgus struggles out those words as he gives up trying to break the hold. The Brawling exchanges stories with the former champion.
Nisk spends his days swapping stories he had heard on the docks of home, all of which he learned from sailors themselves. He enjoys his ration of drink, and trains only when necessary, but learns much about shipcraft. He does, however, seem to be getting a bit stir crazy.
"Why's that ship still moving?" Nisk asks one of the more experienced men
Nisk accosts a gnome nearby and points out the ship at sails. All he can do is shrug as he scurrys off to inform the Cap'n.
Javi is only seconds behind his fellow half-elf in noticing the other ship's continued movement. "How can one ship have a full sail while ours is empty?" He looks over at Nisk, "You think that's natural?"
Percep
Javi can't help but smirk, "Hey, Torgus, can the sailors borrow some of your hot air?"
Javi is only seconds behind his fellow half-elf in noticing the other ship's continued movement. "How can one ship have a full sail while ours is empty?" He looks over at Nisk, "You think that's natural?"
Gorak motions his sparring partner (anyone feel free to insert yourself here) to pause as he moves next to Javi to stare at the ship on the horizon.
"I do not know, but I am curious as to what the captain will say."
Torgus looks at there sails and takes a huge breath. Then unleashes the massive breath onto sail and hitting the crew with his ale soaked breath. Then looks to Javi, "DID IT WORK? BWAHAHAHA!"
Perception:
Not noticing the ship at first, Frakdar finally spots it when the others start to discuss it.
Can't be good. We are traveling past Nex and Geb down here. Magic lands with a known evil slant. We shall have to be prepared should it come this way.
Nisk checks his weapons uneasily. "I don't suppose it's natural at all. Hoping it's not any undead or... whatever Nex might have. Living boats?" The lanky half-elf laughed at Torgus' breathing. "Save the ale breath for the bad guys big guy."
Torgus' attempts to propel the vessel solely upon the wings of his own breath are a spectacular non-success. From your position gathered on the main deck you see Morthar come out of his quarters, rushes down the length of the deck and then places a spyglass to his from atop the fo'castle. He mutters and shakes his head.
Mtumbo and the Harrower emerger from below decks and move to have a conversation with him.
In the distance the ship at sail turns and looks to be moving directly towards you. It is still distant and it will be an hour or more before it reaches you... but it is coming nonetheless.
Nisk's gut is never wrong and he uncurls his rope dart from his belt. "Trouble?" The warrior asks Mtumbo, his voice pitched low.
Sense Motive:
Rubbing his hands together. Yup, whatever it is, they certainly do not like that ship.
Gorak, any chance you could do your bird thing and fly up over that ship and see what is there?
Torgus moves up to the Fo'Castle of the ship and barks "Seems like there either fans or challengers for the Champion of Ballenwood, either way I'm ready for them." After his comments the big Kellid cracks his knuckles.
Morthar scratches at his chin with an idle hand "Heh, if only little one. Any of you have good eyes? - have look from on top?" gesturing at the crow's nest.
Javi hikes a thumb towards Nisk and Cassadar, "Those two seem to have the sharpest." He can't help but look at the crew busily trying to make the most of their predicament, "If worse comes to worse, can these guys take care of themselves? I don't know what this is all about, but if we lose our crew, we're screwed. I don't know that I can swim back to shore... that's a long way."
Sense Motive: 1d20+9
Rubbing his hands together. Yup, whatever it is, they certainly do not like that ship.
Gorak, any chance you could do your bird thing and fly up over that ship and see what is there?
"I was just thinking the same thing. "Looking to Javi Gorak looks introspective for a moment. He's obviously considering something. " Javi, You're small and I could use a second set of eyes. Would you like to go for a ride?"
Gorak will still try in eagle form to carry Javi, but if it does not work he'll figure it out quickly enough to deposit Javi back on the ship and fly off alone.
In humanoid form Gorak looks for a piece of rope and canvas. Gorak ties the canvas and rope in a rough figure 8 with rope making one small loop and canvas making a somewhat larger. Then Gorka ties two slightly longer ropes from the outer edges of the canvas circle to the outer edges of the small rope loop. Gorak then experiments with the knots to make sure they are scure as well as asking advice from one of the more competent seamen about knot tying. Once he is satisfied with his creation he loops the canvas loosely over his neck and puts his arms through the outer loops. The end result being the small loop should be resting loosely across his back the other ropes strapping over his arms like a backpack and the canvas across his neck. Gorak has been an eagle many times, so he knows fairly well where everrything will end up.
Gorak Crouches and spreads his arms. As he moves to this position his form wavers and shifts into that of an oversized eagle (medium sized). The canvas part of the figure 8 should now be snug, but not tight over his elongated neck. The straps that were over his arms now are strung under his wings to the small loop now resting high between his wings. The eagle turns it's head 180 degrees to look at Javi and motion for him to climb on between his wings. The eagle then lifts the small loop with his beak beconing Javi to grab hold.
Presumably Javi complies and after a few moments of experimentaiton on the deck...
If it is determined that javi can ride gorak;
... Eagle-Gorak with javi hanging onto the jury-rigged handle experimentally attempts to take off and fly a tight circle around the ship to make sure everything will hold together. If it does Eagle-Gorak and Rider-Javi gain altitude and head toward the enemy vessle.
If it is determined that Javi cannot ride Gorak
... Eagle-Gorak with javi hanging onto the jury-rigged handle experimentally attempt to take off and fly a tight circle around the ship to make sure everything will hold together. The "flight" never makes it off the deck. Apparently havingn even a small rider is too ungainly to facilitate flight. Gorak folds his wings and indicates that Javi should get off. He then starts biting at the middle knot in an attempt to sever it with his beak. If the task proves difficult Gorak will look at Javi, then the closest edged weapon he sees, then at the knot. The general message conveyed is to cut the rope off him. Once this is done Gorak-eagle flies off toward the ship alone but gains enough altitude to be well out of arrow or cannonfire range.
Perception from a high vantage