One day, while you are in your room, crying over the broken mirror, you look behind and Tiadora is there.
"I do not have to read you mind to know what you are thinking dearest." she then says using your voice "Is it worth? To lose my body to gain this power? Will it ever ends? How ugly and wasted will I become before Asmodeus is satisfied?" then she continues in her normal voice ”it’s written in your face. Sometime you regret your power, sometime your faith waver.” she will walk in the room, looking at other places and then sit in your bed. ”The dark one is a generous father. Do you know that if you serve him well, that what waste your body, may be remove, or if you prefers it may be used to strength you even more?” she then disappears, but you still hear her saying in your mind The path you choose to walk on in a most difficult one dearest, but its rewards… makes it worth.
In the same night you talked with Grumblejack in his natural tongue, he answer you to you.
ஆ, கண்கள் இரண்டு நிற. படுக்கை, உண்மையில் சுவையான உணவு மிகவும் நன்றாக இருக்கிறது ஆனால் Grumblejack வெளியில் மிஸ். , நிலவு கீழ் தூங்கி சிறிய மனித வேட்டை ... ஆனால் இந்த வாழ்க்கை இப்போது உள்ளது. இந்த இடத்தில் போர், அழிவுகளையும் கொண்டு. சரி, போர் வேடிக்கையாக உள்ளது.
Nahia will smile at Trik and say "I can't imagine why you would of heard of me as dangerous... I think I'm rather agreeable. And thank you for being so warm and welcoming! It is very much appreciated considering the kind of treatment I've been given for the last few weeks."
At first, Nahia will be confused by what she is feeling around Trik. While it isn't unusual for her to feel those things towards someone undeservingly arrogant or narcissistic, she has never really felt this way towards someone who was kind to her.
Maybe this is just because of my new found feelings for our Dark Prince? Maybe I'm just getting inspired and redirecting my feelings to my teacher. I'll have to try something and find out.
Nahia will, at one point after a lesson, approach Trik and say "You know, I was thinking, since we're all going to be working for Cardinal Thorn, that maybe we should get to know each other better. Would you care to join me for dinner one night?"
- - - - -
Nahia will grin widely at Elise, amidst some giggles, and reply "I'll take that as a compliment! I'm not sure I deserve such a fearsome or... delectable reputation though. And isn't it arguable that you were the one that seduced me?"
Once Nahia sees Elise's response to questions about her training, she will avoid the subject, though Nahia may, assuming it doesn't trigger the same response from Elise, speak of her own training from time to time.
And Nahia will enjoy a few good laughs over Trak's plight, telling Elise about the times she has pushed him, though noting the one time it probably went too far. Still finding it entertaining, Nahia will say that she is going to try and leave him alone for the betterment of the group as a whole.
And when Nahia notices the concerned look about Trik, she will wonder a bit what that was about, if she did see it correctly. Though, after that Nahia will be careful not to mention any more about Trik in front of Elise.
Nahia will frequently entice Elise with exotic foods and liquors, trying to help her experience a vast array of new things. She does this somewhat as a way to share her own taste, and somewhat as a thank you. However, Nahia will find it odd that she doesn't care more for clothes, telling her "You have a beautiful body and I don't see why you wouldn't show it off a bit. I mean, you're the Queen of Winter, you've got the crown, why not dress the part?"
One morning, when meeting up up at Nahias room before an outdoor lunch, Nahia will be seem rather excited, and after a bit of chatting, will tell Elise "Ok, before we go, I have a present for you. I was thinking about one of our conversation the other day, and I had this made for you."
Nahia will hand Elise a wooden box. Inside is a lovely ankle-length skirt of white silk, thickly embroidered along the hem with blue silk and white lace in patterns of ice and snow. The top is form fitting white and blue silk cut to Elise's size and similarly decorated. There is also a long shawl made of intricate, sheer white lace intertwined with blue thread and edged with blue and white silk.
Nahia will smile at Elise as she looks at the items and say "I know it isn't classically your style, and I know it doesn't seem practical, but practical is for warriors! Trust me, nothing makes you feel better than walking over the toppled body of an enemy knowing that they were in full armor and you defeated them in little more than gorgeous silk and lace."
- - - - -
Nahia will smile at Grumblejack, enjoying speaking to him in this tongue. And she will reply with:
நான் இந்த மாதிரி போர் என்னை பிடிக்காது. நான் விஷயங்களை எப்போதும் போல் இருக்க முடியாது என்று நான் நம்புகிறேன். சில நேரத்தில் நாம் வெல்வோம் மற்றும் நாம் அரசர்கள் மற்றும் ராணிகள் போல் வாழ முடியும்.
எப்படி இது பற்றி. எங்களுக்கு இரண்டு ஒரு நல்ல நிலவு கீழ் முற்றத்தில் ஒரு இரவு முகாமில் ... நாம் வெளியே அனுப்ப வரை குடிக்க?
@Nahia
You invite Trik to your room, for a dinner. You eat, you chat about various things. He tells you about his days before he joined the Ravens, he was a priest in a great city, outside the Talingard island. During the night, you talk about everything, except Asmodeus. And more than ever you fell yourself flushed when you are with him.
When the night is about to end, he says to you.
”Thanks for the dinner Nahia. I can see now why Elise and Trak are so obsessed about you.” and then smiling, he left the room.
==/==
Elise seems surprised with your offer, but she accepts.
She still on use her clothes on most of occasions, but you see her with the dress you got her, mostly at night, walking around the manor.
Grumblejack will laugh about your proposal, and join you in a drinking ‘competition’.
”Grumblejack will show you!” he laughs.
No need to say you lost.
You wake up the next day, a terrible hangover in your bed, covered against the cold.
Grumblejack brought you here? Maybe, yes. However, it does not seems likely the ogre would pay attention to such details.
Before Timeon can speak another word, Eric unshackles Timeon from the torture rack. "Trust in me. Trust in Asmodeus. Trust in yourself. Do this, and you will not die. Do this, and you will see the wrong that Mitra and those that blindly follow that damning god have commited onto those such as us. We will live and persevere. When the time comes, we will find the justice we deserve. Follow us, and I shall protect you until the time in which you can protect yourself unaided. Before we can seek that justice, we will need our own army to fight against Mitran's warriors. I know that this will not be an easy war. The Knights of Alerion are powerful, but the power of Asmodeus is stronger. Help me find and create our own order. One dedicated to Asmodeus. You and I will lead this army of knights to bring down those fools. When you are ready to stand on your own, you will be an equal to my companions and I. Once you have proven yourself, I will not expect you to serve me, but rather, with me."
Eric gathers the gear left on the floor and motions for Timeon to follow. He shows him no distrust, expecting him to obey. Eric hopes this sign of good faith will give Timeon reason enough to follow.
Training is simple at first. Eric has to learn of Timeon potential. Though the two are near in age with Eric three years his elder, Timeon and Eric are far from similar. Eric is strong of presence and might; whereas Timeon is strong for his age but no where near as strong as Eric. What Timeon lacks in strength he makes up for with his increased agility, higher endurance, and his knack for learning. Timeon handles his sword with a higher level of skill and technique than Eric; his prior training with the knights included swordplay.
Whenever Zerik was available, Eric took each opportunity to spar with him. Eric realized that though he would never be as graceful or enduring as Zerik, he could hold his own by alternating between focusing on his defense and unleash powerful counter-attacks when the opportunity presented himself. Many times, Timeon would join in with the two in order to learn how they each fought in turn. On occasions, Eric and Timeon would spar with the overwhelmingly powerful Jack. Eric stayed true to his promise to keep the squire alive. It was in these sessions with Jack, that Eric and Timeon worked on combining their defenses; creating a near impenetrable wall of steel.
When the master was around, Eric and Timeon spent their time learning all that he had to teach them about the ways of Asmodeus. The master also taught them what he could of commanding the battlefields. Whenever the master was not around, Eric would spend this time telling Timeon all he had learned about the Fallen and how he found his faith. Timeon in turn would tell Eric what he knew of the knights and nobles in the city.
There were times when the master took the group for much harsher, more grueling tasks. Eric held fast to the faith in his god to keep himself from breaking under the pressure. Eric could see that Timeon's faith in himself as well as all the gods was lacking and his will to to keep on often failed him. Eric took this as a sign to protect Timeon from the worst of assaults. In time, the two perfected their wall of steel. As Timeon's faith in himself grew stronger, he began to realize his potential. Timeon was a fast learning, and had a knack for seeing the full picture of battle. His mind was well suited for uncovering innovative ways of solving issues. With Eric's commanding, intimidating presence, the two each found their own way to come out on top of what was thrown at them and their companions.
During the down times, as rare as they present themselves, Eric asks around the mansion trying to find someone to adjust both sets of armor. One for himself, the other for Timeon. If unable to get both altered, he will seek to alter only the fullplate, for Timeon. Eric and Timeon discuss the details of their order they wish to create. During this time, they do not seek out new members because their intent is to become strong enough to later garner those followers.
Nahia will blush at Trik's compliment and say "Aww, thank you. And I can see why Elise would choose to travel with such a wise individual as yourself."
After Trik leaves Nahia will spend some time thinking about the evening:
I was really not expecting to feel that way tonight. What does this mean? First Elise and now Trik... But I didn't get this way around Elise initially. Am I falling for the same tricks I use or is this something different? ... Ok, I'm getting too deep into this. I still don't know if Elise is just using me or not and now I find myself falling for a priest called 'Trik'. No, I've got to put some distance here. Maybe, once our goals are accomplished and he shouldn't be trying to lay one over on me, I'll take action, but until then, I need to not get any further under their sway.
After that night Nahia will continue to learn from Trik, continue to be just as friendly and interested in the subject, and continue to ponder of what she is experiencing, sometimes fighting it and sometimes reveling in it (in private). However, she will try to not let herself get left alone with Trik too much. Time for a question or two here and there after class, sure, but she will definitely not invite him again for dinner.
- - - - -
Nahia will smile when she sees Elise wearing the dress and makes sure to always fawn over her when she does. And while she will not ask about it, she has to wonder what Trak thinks of her in the dress, if he liked it and asked her what made her change her outfit, if she told him that Nahia had bought it for her, and what that did to him and how he would feel when he sees her in that dress. And the thought of both given Elise something nice and that same innocent gift causing Trak distress just brings a smile to Nahias face.
- - - - -
Nahia, after waking up, having a nice breakfast full of life-giving meat () and taking a bit of time to recover, will go and look for Gumblejack.
Nahia will walk up to him, smiling, pat him on the shoulder and say "Hey Big'un! Last night was fun huh? I never expected to win that contest but I figured it would be a lot of fun trying. And honestly, I've never been around a drunk Ogre! But if I may ask, what did I do that you decided to take me back in instead of sleeping outside? My memory of the night gets real fuzzy real fast..."
He eyes you for some time then says "Grumblejack may appear to be dumb, but Grumblejack is not." still looking at you he says ”Last night had Grumblejack left you here in the open, Elfy would be no more. Not with that priest with murder in his eyes.”
Training is at an end and it is time to unleash the two newest knots upon the world. First, Thorn summons Elise Zadaria, head of the seventh knot, into his private chambers for a secret consultation. He is setting her upon a mission of murder in the north. It will be her assignment to carry out the targeted disgrace and assassination of key members of the nobility and military. She will ensure that Talingarde is ill prepared for an invasion. Elise accepts her mission eager to prove herself to her new master.
Then Cardinal Thorn summons his ninth knot. Since you lack so clear a leader, he summons you all.
“Welcome, my children,” he says in a deep resonant voice that has an almost inhuman quality to it.
“Training is at an end. You have proven yourself worthy. Now, it is time for you to use that training and take on your first mission. Your mission is war, my children. You will bring war to Talingarde.”
“You have two objectives. First, you will see a shipment of munitions delivered to a bugbear chieftain named Sakkarot Fire-Axe. He makes his camp on the northern coast of Lake Tarik beyond the Watch Wall. With this shipment, the Fire-Axe will have resources enough to unite the barbarous humanoid tribes of the north and light the fire of war.”
“Sitting on the dock as we speak is the longship Frosthamar captained by Kargeld Odenkirk. Tomorrow when the ship is resupplied it will be your transport. The captain is a ruthless mercenary and not to be trusted. He knows nothing of the specifics of our mission and you should keep it that way. He knows he is smuggling cargo to the north beyond the Watch Wall. That is all he need know.”
“Once the cargo is safely delivered, he will take you just south across the lake under cover of darkness and land you near the town of Aldencross. There our contract with Captain Odenkirk will be concluded.”
“It is shame how greedy he has proven. I had hoped to let the captain serve me again but it seems he is too much of a liability. Kill him. Kill his crew. Burn his ship and leave no survivors. It is crucial that no one suspects our involvement and that loose ends are taken care of. Be sure to reclaim the coin I gave him. Best not to be wasteful.”
“That done, you will begin your second task. We will do more still to aid our ally the Fire-axe. The bugbears are mighty warriors but poor siege engineers. You will infiltrate the tower Balentyne, keystone of the Watch Wall, kill its commander and open the gate for Sakkarot’s horde.”
“Once the shaggy monstrosities pierce the Watch Wall, the bugbears will pillage and lay waste to the townships of the north and the local garrisons will have no choice but to meet the Fire-Axe in the open field. Sakkarot is the most brilliant, gifted and murderous bugbear of his generation. I expect these battles will go poorly for the knights and yeoman of fair Talingarde.”
“Do all of this and then when your task is done, break this clay seal.” He hands you a delicately carved clay seal adorned with a tangled knot of thorns surrounding the holy symbol of Asmodeus. “I will have more instructions then. Succeed and I will see you rewarded handsomely. Fail or betray me and you will pray for the comfort of Hell before I am done with you.”
“The mission you start upon today is a holy mission. The people of Talingarde think they have seen the last of the mighty Asmodeus. Soon enough we will remind them that there is no escaping the grasp of Hell. Let us toast our success.”
He pours one glass of deep red wine for each of you and then finally pours one for himself. He raises the glass and offers a toast.
“To war.”
The Frosthamar is a single-masted knarr with a square sail. It is similar to a Viking longship but wider and with a deeper hull better suited to carrying cargo. And the Frosthamar is obviously loaded with cargo. Sitting heavy in the water, she holds twenty four tons of weaponry, arrows and shields emblazoned with a flaming axe. The captain is a grizzled north-man with a wiry beard, pale blonde hair and countless scars. This is Kargeld Odenkirk and he is, as promised, a ruthless mercenary with little thought of anyone but himself. His crew consists of a half dozen grim sailors who speak little of the common Talirean tongue.
“You will guard our boat all the way north, yes?” he asks Eric
After the training is finished, Adrastus pronounces you ready and holds a great banquet in your honor. He awards you the title of the Nessian Knot in an infernal ritual involving blood and fire. During the ritual he summons forth a barbed devil and offers to it one of the slaves of the your choosing. The devil gleeful rips the slave apart and feasts on the blood. Adrastus then draws forth some of the devil’s blood with a silver athame. Adrastus traces the unholy symbol of Asmodeus on the forehead of each of you in the mingled blood of devil and sacrifice.
Behold he proclaims, “The Nessian Knot is forged. Just in time,” Cardinal Thorn remarks. “My ship has arrived.” On the river dock behind the manor under cover of darkness, a square-sailed longship sails into the slip. It sits heavily in the water, laden with a substantial cargo.
Eric bows to Cardinal Thorn. Placing the silver headband upon his head, Eric takes on a new appearance. His hair grows longer and shaggy. A scar appears over his right eye. Stuble covers his chin and cheeks as he imagines himself looking like a rugged, carefree mercenary.
Upon meeting Captain Odenkirk, Eric looks about the ship before responding.
"Yeah, we've been hired to watch over your ship. Don't take any unnecessary risks; we'd prefer to not have to do too much work as the pay isn't too great."
No one can know the cost. Seren succumbs to her own insecurity and is physically disguised as an angelically beautiful woman with piercing blue eyes gazing out from behind a black veil.
She saunters onto the longship, her breastplate hugging her like a second skin, the polished metal glinting in the sun. Her crossbow can be seen peaking out below the hem of the short black skirt that flows from the breastplate's edge. her shiny heeled ankle boots a gorgeous black matching the colour of her skirt.
She flicks her amber hair over her shoulder, it falling neatly at her back, falling lazily over a beautiful black silken cloak.
"Its a pleasure to meet you Captain Odenkirk. Your ship is safe while we're on it." Seren greets, an unsettling wicked glint in her eyes.
"Come let us gather our things and the others. I am sure Jack is itching to get out of this manor. I shall also be bringing along young Timeon. We shall see what that boy is made of," says Eric. "Oh, and I think it would be wise not only for us to take on a physical disguise, but perhaps disguise our entire intent. If Cardinal Thorn is hiring mercenaries, then mercenaries we should be."
Nahia looks at herself in the fell-length mirror in her room, planning out her disguise.
Remember, this magic is easily undone if things are too far from reality. Focus on fine, but important, details; Skin color, hair color, and, most importantly, facial features.
As she focuses her form begins to change. Firstly, her skin tone changes from a porcelain white to more of an olive coloring. Then her hair changes from it’s deep black to a bright auburn. It still retains it’s long length though she does make it appear with a little more volume, seeming a little bushier. Her eyes, previously bi-colored sapphire blue and emerald green, change to be more of a hazel coloring. Her face, before almost unnaturally smooth and clean, now has a few more creases around the eyes and a thick sprinkling of freckles that even trickle down to her chest and shoulders. Other little changes, such as reducing the sharpness of the cheek bones, thinning her face and mouth, a slight flattening her nose, thickening her eyebrows, and changing how her teeth fit together, provide lots of subtle changes that should be difficult to defeat without close inspection. And, of course, she is sure to hide the brand on her forearm, as she always does.
Nahia will also examine her clothes. She is still wearing the same red outfit that she has started to favor, though with the addition of a thickly lined charcoal gray cloak and hood for warmth in the cold north. Like with hiding her appearance, she thinks about how little, subtle changes are the best way to go. The first thing she does is change the color scheme and remove some of the intricacies. As she concentrates, her clothes change from red, black, and white, to dark green with hints of brown. The intricately stitched patterns mostly disappear, though a little bit of the plant patterns are left, just made much simpler. The beads in her clothes change from glass to varnished wood: something far more in line with what a common craftsman might have. Her leather boots, previously black, are now brown leather and appear more worn and weathered than before. Her circlet, previously appearing as an intricate piece of bejeweled silver material, she tips further back on the crown of her head and it to now appear as a plain silver hairband used to keep her hair out of her face. The biggest divergence to her actual appearance is that she makes her top and skirt appear is a single piece of material, a solid dress, instead of baring her midriff.
Looking herself over in the mirror, Nahia nods at the new look, and repeats in her head:
Remember, you’re a traveling herbalist and fortune teller. You’re heading north with this band to help them get along in the north and using them as protection during travel so as to be able to gather winter plants. You’re descended from wood elves and use that contact with nature to work your spells. You don’t care what the mercenaries do, you’re just looking to get where you’re going and get paid. You took this job because you were tired of the pittance you got selling poultices and reading palms, deciding to put your skill and flexible ethics to a more profitable bend.
- - - - -
Nahia, in her new disguise, will approach the knarr, struggling to carry a heavy chest of materials to the boat. When the captain introduces himself, Nahia will nod at him, smile, and say ”Ah yes, Captain Odenkirk, nice to finally meet you.” After taking a moment to examine the ship, Nahia will also to him ”This is a fine vessel you have here, but if I may ask, what are the lodging arrangements on this ship?”
"They look the same to Grumblejack. But he was in priest clothes."
"Ehh, this will be a good journey! Two such beautiful women for we see all day!" he laughs ” Lodging arrangements?” he eyes Nahia and Seren lustily ”We do things here in the freedom way! Ye are free to sleep under the stars, relieve yourselves over the railing. Just be careful to not stain ‘The Frosthamar’. This will be a good journey indeed!” he laughs even more.
- - - - -
Nahia will blush at the statements and the... stares of the seemingly lecherous captain. First she begins to think about the openness of the conditions.
I had really hoped for some more comfort than this. What if it rains? And where am I to change? To bathe? Am I to sleep next to these… flea ridden mongrels? And the way the captain is looking at me and Seren... I'll have to be on my guard this entire journey.
And then Nahia realizes what the captain said about the railing and her face reddens as she blushes even harder. Her mind starts racing with the implications.
Oh no, no no no no no. This has to be a joke. There’s got to be a more private privy… somewhere… please…
Nahia will bury her blushing face in her hand and start rubbing her eyes while letting out an exasperated sigh.
Just remember Nahia, you could be in prison right now. This is better than prison was. Things will get better in the long run. Just get through it for now, and later you can take all this out on some other poor soul. And remember, we get to kill the captain and burn his ship... we get to kill the captain and burn his ship... we get to kill the captain and burn his ship...
Nahia will force a smile at the captain and say "Yes, this will be... splendid..."
Seren joins in with the captain as he laughs. Oh captain you have no idea what you're getting yourself into.
"I do hope so good captain. This will be my first trip to the North." Seren responds innocently.
These accommodations won't work though.
Seren smiles beautifully.
I can't imagine Nahia is too pleased with this ludicrous over the railing thing either, but once on the open water they can't escape us. I think some alterations will be in order.
Is that why Elise had that look in her face before? And he only kills women, eh? Hmm, I'll have to ponder over that. But one thing is for sure, I definitely need to be on my guard with him and Trak.
Nahia will come out of her thoughts, smile at Grumblejack, and say "Don't worry, I won't tell Rotten un'. And thanks again for looking out for me. I really do appreciate it. Really, it looks like you might be the wisest of all of us."
Zerik doesn't change his attire too much. He plays the part of a mercenary. This average gear and dark clothing fit the part. He ensures that his brand is not visible and goes to lengths to ensure that it is well covered.
"This is your boat and so we follow your rules, captain. Just remember, these are our goods and it would be well if you and your kept their thoughts and getting us where we mean to go. I am no sailor and I would rather not be forced to take up such duties. Our holy knight here has his code, I am here because I am not constrained by such... beliefs." he says after boarding the ship.
"It's best to keep be straight forward about such things. Better to have them fear and hate us than try to slit our throats and steal our cargo in the middle of the knight."
"Hey, ugly un'. Both of them are mine..." says Jack the 9ft tall un as he hears the captain comments, then he let his earthbreaker fall to the ground before picking it up again "you know,they like 'big' un's like me." and with a laugh he will enter the boat.
"Rovagug breath! Me mother be dammed! Look at the size of that fella! Here boys, look at him!" says the captain as Jack enter the boat "No problem big fella"he says to Jack.
Then look at Zerik, a calculating look "So, he have a 'holy' knight smuggling cargo up north yes? Sure if you say so..." then he walks closer to Zerik and with blazing raging eyes whisper Do not ever threaten me again, lassy.
“Let us sail then and I will take you to the cursed north past hope and life.” says Kargeld.
The Frosthamar is a single-masted knarr with a square sail. It is similar to a Viking longship but wider and with a deeper hull better suited to carrying cargo. And the Frosthamar is obviously loaded with cargo. Sitting heavy in the water, she holds twenty four tons of weaponry, arrows and shields emblazoned with a flaming axe.
For all Kargeld’s grimness, the Frosthamar is a fine ship, seaworthy and strong hulled. Its clinker-built hull is resilient but flexible and well suited to surviving the rough icy seas of the northern ocean. It is smartly rigged and lovingly maintained. Kargeld, it seems, loves nothing save for this ship.
The first leg of the journey is placid and peaceful. Everyone has plenty of time to gain their sealegs and get acclimated to shipboard life. The Frosthamar may be a fine ship but it is not a ship that caters to delicate sensibilities. It has no cabins and every one of you must sleep under the stars with the rest of the crew. There are no garderobes or chamber pots. The crew simply relieve themselves over the railing. The rations are hardtack and small beer, though Kargeld does stop a couple of times to hunt deer along the wilder part of the coasts.
It takes half a day to sail down the Varnyn River and out into the open ocean. The Frosthamar hugs the coast and from the ship you can see countless farming communities and fishing villages go by. More than a few fishermen wave at the Frosthamar. Kargeld is always sure to wave back. “Wouldn’t want ‘em to get suspicious, eh?” he says with a glower.
The Frosthamar is not swift so heavily-laden and averages about forty eight miles a day. It takes a week for the ship to pass along the settled coast of Talingarde passing the great city of Daveryn, the largest center of civilization along the western coast. Kargeld is quick to squash any talk of stopping there. “This is no pleasure cruise. Besides, I won’t get our cargo within a mile of a Talirean harbormaster.”
It is only when the ship gets into the far north just abound beyond the Watch Wall that the seas get dangerous.
Perception:
Close to the Watch Wall, Zerik and Jack see that a single small patrol ship spots the Frosthamar and sails towards her to investigate.
Kargeld grimly pairs down their options, “She’s seen us, sure as damnation. And there is no way the ‘Frosthamar’ will outrun her loaded like this. One look at our cargo and they’ll know us for exactly what we are – weapon smugglers.”
Eric plays up the lazy knight schtick. He lends an occasional hand, but never enough to be too helpful. When the normal ship's crew tries to tell him anything or give him dirty looks, Eric returns in kind with dark scowls of his own. Beyond his "help", Eric keeps a close watch on his friends and an even closer watch on Kargeld and his crew.
When the patrol ship is called out, Eric waves Nahia and Seren over to him. "Care to lend me a hand? I think the three of us can handle this. Nahia, your way with words is beyond that of the rest of us. And Seren, both yours and Nahia's skills at seduction can catch the patrolmen off guard. My plan is simple. I will pretend to be from Balentyne. Timeon is my squire that will soon be graduating and obtaining his own knighthood. We are traveling north to trade furs. Nahia, you wouldn't happen to have a fur or two in your 'wardrobe' would you?"
"Captain, do you have any of those deer skin's left?" shouts Eric.
Then under his breath, Eric thinks outloud, "Hmm... what would the knights need from the north?" Eric turns to Timeon while he ponders his own question.
The first couple of days were the most exciting of the trip. Seren could not imagine physical intimacy after the last couple of months, and the idea of someone discovering her true body a horrifying reality in the confined space of the ship but that did little to stop the sailors from trying.
The sailors attempts at seduction in the beginning were comical, and provided reasonable entertainment to pass the time. The attempts were cordial, Grumblejack presence providing a necessary barrier to their attempts.
Perhaps its just being confined with us, but these sailors are asking for it.
As the trip progressed the attempts became more forceful, requiring at first the inclusion of Jack in conversations, and finally some more insidious manipulation to stem their advances (A couple well placed Cause Fears). It was in one of these attempts that Seren finally created the space she desired, creating such horrible terrors in the one sailor that he decided the water was a safer then the Frosthamar. It did not take long for the sailors to connect Seren with the plunge of one of their fellow sailors and she was finally left in peace, rumors between the sailors whispering of her powers.
From there on, the trip held little of interest to Seren as she spent most of her days staring out over the water, lost in her own thoughts and insecurities.
"As good a plan as any I suppose." Seren responds
"Though my skills don't exactly lie in being nice to people..." She adds in a whisper.
Nahia will giggle at Grumblejacks comment to the captain, and whisper ”Thanks…” to him when they walk away from the captain and his men.
- - - - -
Nahia seems to very frequently shift between good and irritated moods while on the ship. She is, generally speaking, willing to talk with the crew and the captain, usually just ignoring or smiling at any flirtatious comments they may make, being very willing to let Seren and Grumblejack be the ones to keep them at bay. She does her best to try and keep calm, to keep the warm, positive face on, to avoid being hostile.
Ugh, how long will I have to suffer these fools? Well, at least Grumblejack seems to be keeping them from being too forward. And Seren seems to be having some ‘fun’ with them too. Maybe I should have picked a more… intimidating alias. No, better to let them continue to think that I am harmless…
And just when Nahia doesn’t think that she can stand the attentions of the crew any longer, one of them leaps overboard due to his fear of Seren, and Nahia just can not keep herself from laughing at the sight. The advances seem to settle down after that, which makes the trip far more tolerable.
Now if they’d just install a privy…
Nahia generally doesn’t stray very far from the supplies that she brought on the ship (), carefully watching any sailors that might go near them. When she isn’t staring out at the sea she can be found reading one of her books or mixing together some herbs to help settle her stomach. Nahia will not continue her moon rituals, not on the ship with the crew watching, though she does meditate during the new and full moons. And each night, before bed, she will have a small drink, just a little bit of comfort on this journey.
- - - - -
Nahia will look at the others and say, ”I have no problems being the diplomat, and yes, I do have a bit of fur, but I’m not sure that story is going to cut it. This ship is very obviously carrying heavy cargo, and I doubt that they will believe that it is all furs. It also doesn’t explain the presence of our Mitran knight here. What about saying that we devout nuns have been sent with our Sir Knight here, his squire, and his servant, to the north to help quell unsettling rumors that have arisen amongst the townsfolk since the news of the fall of Brandescar has spread? If they ask about the crates we tell them that they are supplies sent to help the churches and as a good faith gesture to the people.”
Zerik keeps to himself avoid the Captain after their initial encounter. He spends most of the voyage in silence, carefully observing the crew, their tasks, their duties. He notices who is quick, who is strong, who is lazy and diligent. Zerik learns a good deal about how the ship is run but still only has a very rudimentary idea of things.
--------------------
Zerik informs the others of the Patrol ship as soon as he spots it. He listens carefully to their advice adding, "A noble knight of Mitran will have great influence over a mere patrol boat, but any diligent inspection will quickly reveal our true purpose. It is likely we shall have fight with them. Finding a way to disable the patrol boat will be critical. If we engage and they withdrawn to call for reinforcements will not be able to prevent them. Captain, how are these patrol ships usually crewed?"
"I agree with Nahia Sir." says Timeon.
"I can't think of any business a holy knight would have with merchants. And your motive seems weak even for me. There are rumors about gathering in the north, ogres, hobgolins, bugbears and much more. I think if you say something in those lines it'll be better and also, I would like to be left out of this. I do not know if I can lie as you do."
==/===
The captain look at Zerik and say:
"How the hell should me know? Me looks like a soldier to you?" he spats but then he says "Me would expect a lot of then in that ship. Ye don’t go into the sea searching for pirates if ye don't believe ye capable of handling then in any forms..."
"I'm certain you have heard something Captain, I'm sure you're not an honest merchant trader on every journey and you would have heard something. What of their tactics, do they fight from range or will they close and board?"
"We may be able to use rope and grappling hooks to lock them into so that we can close for hand to hand combat which will favour us, rather than fighting a ranged battle."
Clearly feeling this will come to a fight Zerik begins to check his bow, weapons and armour, seeing that everything seems to be in order.
Seeing Zerik prepare for battle, Seren's spirits rise.
Finally! Something to do! She stretches lightly, but keeps her weapons sheathed for the moment.
"Let's go with Nahia's plan Eric. It's just better. If it doesn't work we get to kill some patrolmen, which I'm also surprisingly okay with." Seren exclaims excitedly. Okay probably not that surprising
”Since I’m not hearing any objections I need to go get ready to play my part.” Nahia will say before walking over to her belongings, pull out her blanket, and throw it over herself and her things.
After some fumbling around under the blanket Nahia will emerge wearing a blue nuns habit in the Mitran style: blue with silver trim and modest stylings, though Nahias version of the robes are cut to show off the curves of her hips and bust far more than a nun’s would, and she does not wear a coif and card, instead her silver hairband now has a silver and sapphire symbol of Mitra on it that mirrors the one that Eric wears now.
Nahia will then turn and say, with just a bit of amusement, ”Sister Mary present and in your service.”
Seren waits curiously to see what outfit Nahia comes out with.
Let her make the decision on this one, she seems to have a flair for clothing.
Eyeing Nahia's outfit Seren reaches down and fiddles with the bracelets on her wrists then stands still for a couple of moment in concentration. The only change apparent to the others is the alteration of her circlet to display the holy symbol of Mitra.
Seren attaches her veil to the circlet around her forehead, ensuring it fully covers her face. Confident her face is obscured, Seren lets the magic fade from her disguise.
Seren smirks slightly before her clothing alters in a slow wisp of blurred edges. Her current attire changing to more similarly match Nahia's. No need to hide. Let the sailors realize the power in their midst.
Some small differences can be seen between the two, with Seren's blue nun habit reaching fully to the deck of the ship and her hands covered with a set of slim white gloves. Where Nahia has chosen to keep her hair with a hairband, Seren has opted for a blue hood that ends just before the circlet that still shines with Mitra's holy symbol. Attached to the circlet is the veil, still fully covering her face.
You're covered. No one can tell.
"And Sister Margaret." Seren adds with a bow.
"Let's have some fun." Seren mentions, removing the veil and placing it within her pack.
The other ship is smaller than the Frosthamar, a single masted fully-rigged pinnace 70 feet long. Its name you can see now is “The Blade of St. Martius”.
There are thirteen men aboard the ship – a dozen sailors and the captain.
As soon as the ship gets close enough, the Talirean sailors begin shouting “Heave to in the name of the king!” Kargeld and his men comply, slowing the ship and awaiting the approach. Captain Sambryl and four armed sailors brandishing spears board the “Frosthamar”.
"I am Captain Sambryl and I demand to speak to whoever is in charge!" says the captain.
The captain wears a brestplate, a very well made longsword, a shortsword, a dagger, a heavy steel shield and a shortbow.
The sailors you can see uses a leather armor, a longspear, a shortsword, a dagger and a shortbow.
Nahia will walk up before Captain Sambryl and take a knee, curtseying but continuing to kneel before him. She then looks up at him and smiles, saying "Greetings Captain Sambryl. While the good captain there is in charge of this ship, I, Sister Mary, am the appointed representative of this mission. Please let me know how I may be of your service." Nahia will look into Captain Sambryl's eyes with a smile as she rises from kneeling.
Zerik watches the boarding crew and captain carefully, looking for any sign of aggression or discovery of the weapons the smuggle. He stays back for now but close enough to quickly intervene.
"Enough talking." Zerik draws his greatsword and attacks the other captain.
The captain looks at you, Seren and Eric. Then he bows to you and says
”Greetings Sister Mary. I am Captain Sambryl, nominated by the Order of the Knights of Alerion as keeper and protector of this area. I would know what your business in this part are and what your cargo is. To grant you safe passage in these waters.”
The soldiers that came aboard drop their offensive stance and adopt a more formal one.
Then he see Jack and in a surprise he says
”Mitra be praised! What is that?!”
Nahia will again curtsey to Captain Sambryl after he announces his title. She will then wave a hand towards Grumblejack and say "He is a man of unfortunate birth taken in by the church that he might find peace in Mitra's service. Do not worry about him, he is quite the gentle soul dedicated to serving our Lord." Bringing her hands back in front of her, clasping them in a prayer position, she will say to Captain Sambryl, "We have been sent by the church to the north to help the populace find some peace of their own in these unusual times. I am not sure how often you get to shore, but by now you must have heard of the events at Brandescar? Well, rumors have been circulating, especially amongst the north, that there are evil things lurking everywhere now and that our Lord Mitra and his followers are doing little to nothing to stop it. We have been appointed to travel to these people of the north to help calm these poor souls, to show that those in our Lords service are still there for them, and that Mitra still protects and provides for them." Nahia then traces the holy symbol of Mitra in the air and bows her head as if in prayer. Waving towards the crates she will then say, "And our cargo are supplies meant for the northern churches and other sundries meant as a good will gesture towards the scared populace. Food, medicine, vestments, fixtures, holy texts and such." Nahia will smile very warmly towards Captain Sambryl.
”I see. Glad to hear he finds peace in the Shinning Lord light!” he says when you talk about Jack. He then listen to your history.
”I understand sacred sister. I will delay you no further. Do you need any assistance of me?”
Well that worked out as well as I had hoped it would, though better than I had expected. Better not to keep him lest he get suspicious.
Nahia will shake her head at Captain Sambryl and say "No most gracious Captain Sambryl, we have been adequately prepared for this endeavor and I wouldn't want to deny you any supplies that you might need for your task of protecting these waters."
Nahia waits for the soldiers to disembark and once their ship begins to leave she will smile and wave a happy goodbye while whispering to the others "Get us the hell out of here..."
"Yea ma'am" says kargeld.
The captain Sambryl waves you good by and bless you in the Mitra name.
==//==
You continue your journey to North; it’s getting colder by the Day.
In a calm night, several days after the battle with ‘The Blade’, you are preparing to go to sleep.
One of the Kargeld crew man is relieving when a small water creature appears and push him into the ice waters. But not only one, four more appears and try to push you into the water, but fortunately no one else falls.
Seren is quick to identify the monster as a small water elemental. You are still surprised by this when one more appears, soon surprised shouts of pain can be heard from the fallen sailor. Whatever is happening to him is not a pleasing thing. Seeing as the elementals were trying to push you into the unknown danger in the water, make a stand far away from the railing.
From the darkness in the water bolts began to dart in your direction, and still more elementals keep appearing.
It’s a gruesome battle, Kargeld took several hits, as did Eric and Seren and Zerik. Nahia was not swift enough to evade most of the blows and fell almost dying. But thanks to Seren magic she did not died. Grumblejack was targeted the most, and in his size was really difficult for him to evate, but he still was able to take most of it, one more sailor was lost.
It took a long time, but with a concentrated effort, you were able to kill the elementals, and then focus on the monsters in the water that Seren identified as Triton Warriors.
You were able to see Dolphins around the ship, ready to attack anyone that dared to enter the dark waters.
Taking cover in the railing, you used this strategy against the new enemies.
Some you were able to kill, others were driven away, except for a monster that boarded the ship while you were focused on the Triton Warriors and Dolphins.
Cleary this Triton was no warrior, in a desperate attempt he throws himself against you, but is swift deal with.
You hear in his dying breath whisper “The shining sun has seen the wickedness you hide in hearts. And thus it will be the son who brings your doom.” then he dies.
Combat Gear: +1 trident, sea shell and pearl holy symbol of Mitra (worth 100 gp)
Other Gear: Sea-shell armor (as a bone breastplate; fragile – it shatters on a confirmed critical hit)
Seren pick up the sea shell holy symbol with a look of disgust.
Even here that vile church has its hold. Glad to know that Mitra is at least aware of us, let him watch as we dismantle his damn church.
"Well that was eventful. Have you had encounters like this before dear Captain? Would have been nice to be aware of such risks..." Seren accuses the captain.
Not waiting for a response Seren stalks off to a corner of the ship and sits down, trying to recover some of her energy lost during the battle.
"I can't wait to be off this forsaken ship. Back on land, with my own room, some privacy, oh and no crazy underwater ambushes." She grumbles to herself.